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GREENWICH, Conn. Put on your party hats and get to Greenwich Avenue on Sunday for the Greenwich Police Departments Silver Shield Association annual Block Party, an event retired Lt. Thomas Keegan said could not be done by any other town entity.
We look at it as our gift to the community. If theres a charity that needs financial support, this is going to be our way to help that charity, in kind of a unique way, said Keegan. Besides, were the only ones who can pull this off, he added, referring the cost of hiring police for such a big event.
The lower part of Greenwich Avenue will be closed Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. so residents can come out for music from local bands including The Short Bus and Billy and the Showman as well as food and drinks from restaurants Macduffs, Thataway Café and the Sundown Saloon.
Its food and drink-driven," said Keegan. "The restaurants have really embraced the idea. They like the idea of a block party. They really enjoy it.
The suggested donation is $10 for adults to benefit Sheila Uhl, Keegans cousin and the daughter of former Police Chief Thomas Keegan. She suffered a serious stroke last Christmas. Uhl has small children and needs help to pay for rehabilitation. I asked my co-workers if they thought we could do it for Sheila, and they said certainly, said Keegan. In years past, the block party has benefitted Officer Antonio Rivera and Sgt. Roger Petrone.
When you put on an event like this various agencies are involved, whether it be Parks and Recreation, garbage collection, all sorts of things come into play that people dont think of, said Keegan. The cooperative spirit amongst agencies is really unique to our community.
Keegan complimented the cooperation of the town, especially the board of selectmen, in allowing the Silver Shield Association to hold the party. We want the block party to continue to grow, to take on a life of its own, improve every year, and get bigger, said Keegan.
Heading out to the block party? Send your photos to ahelhoski@thedailygreenwich.com.
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