Washington's Birthday: What's Closed, What's Open

Monday, Feb. 21, is considered a federal holiday, and state and local governments, including both Connecticut and the city of Stamford, close most offices. Banks in Connecticut have the option of remaining open, but must announce it well in advance.

The state Labor Department offices are closed Monday with the exception of the TeleBenefits Call Centers. They will remain open for claims filing that day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to a Labor Department news release:

"Although claimants can use the Labor Department’s automated TeleBenefits phone system or the WebBenefits online system to file, the February 21 holiday opening will be especially helpful in assisting individuals that need to speak with a Customer Service Representative to complete an unemployment insurance claim." (To read the news release, a PDF file, click here.)

In federal law, the name is "Washington's Birthday," not "President's Day," and that's how the federal government refers to it, although some states (not Connecticut) and organizations use the other name.

The following are CLOSED Monday:

• Banks and credit unions in New York state and elsewhere outside of Connecticut (and some banks in Connecticut—banks here may remain open if they announce it well in advance)
• The will be closed, however, garbage and recycling services will take place as regularly scheduled
• Both recycling centers, Scale house and the Transfer Station
• Federal government offices.
• Libraries, including and all of its branches. 
• Post offices
• Public schools and elsewhere
• State offices

The following are OPEN Monday:

• Banks and credit unions, perhaps — they may remain open at their discretion in Connecticut
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Other businesses