The City Of Meriden Will Celebrate National Public Works Week May 16-22

From the City of Meriden:

May 10, 2021

The City of Meriden is celebrating its Public Works, Parks, and Public Utilities staff during National Public Works Week happening May 16 - 22, 2021. National Public Works Week (NPWW) honors the staff who provides the City with an infrastructure of services in transportation, water, wastewater, public buildings and spaces, parks, and grounds, emergency management and first response, solid waste, and right-of-way management.

“Public Works Week is a time for us to thank each and every staff member from Public Works, Public Utilities, and Parks and Recreation for their services,” said Mayor Kevin M. Scarpati. “The hard work done by our staff is vital to the quality of life and well-being of the people of Meriden. Their dedicated efforts and hard work does not go unnoticed.”

Since 1960, American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored National Public Works Week across North America and Canada. NPWW assists in educating the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives and community. APWA is proud to announce "Stronger Together" as the theme for the 2021 National Public Works Week poster. This year's theme challenges each community to think about the role public works plays in creating a great place to live.

During NPWW, the City invites residents to learn more about the staff, their roles and join the end of week celebration. The City will be celebrating NPWW by highlighting the below videos, photos and various events:

• May 16th- Fill-A-Truck Food Drive- City Hall/Parks Department/ Transfer Station
• May 17th – Meriden Bridge Lights Up Orange in Honor of NPWW
• May 18th – “Day in the Life” Highway Department
• May 19th - “Day in the Life” Parks and Recreation Department
• May 20th – “Day in the Life” Water Department
• May 22nd – Truck Parade held at the Meriden Green (10 a.m.-noon)

"The City of Meriden Public Works, Parks and Public Utilities Departments are excited to announce a ‘Name a Truck’ contest to celebrate National Public Works Week,” said Director of Public Works Howard Weissberg. “Naming of trucks will help raise awareness to the functions of the Public Works departments in the City of Meriden and all of the work that they do. Increased awareness will help to engage the citizens of Meriden in the need to protect our environment.” At the start of NPWW, Meriden is joining hundreds of Public Works Departments from across New England to collect food and household goods to support the local community food bank. The Fill-A-Truck Food Drive will be occurring during National Public Works Week, from May 17-22, and will support the Meriden Soup Kitchen. The City invites residents and staff to drop off non-perishable items to donation bins located inside: City Hall, the Parks and Recreation building, and the Transfer Station. Visit the Meriden Soup Kitchen website for a list of suggested items. Throughout NPWW, the City will be sharing photos and videos on various social platforms spotlighting various staff members and their roles here in the City. On May 22, the City will be announcing the winners of the “Name a Truck” contest at the Truck Parade by showcasing the winning truck names on Public Works vehicles. Meriden students who are in grades K-2 will receive a coloring book where students can color in a truck, name it and submit it for a chance to win their truck name on a Public Works vehicle. Winners will receive prizes and a photo with the truck. The City of Meriden invites all residents to join in on the various events happening May 16- 22nd! -30-Belen Michelis, Strategic Communications Specialist, bmichelis@meridenct.gov, 203-535-5663

This press release was produced by the City of Meriden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.