The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Department of Consumer Protection have recently released a notice urging homeowners to ‘make an assessment of risky dead trees’ while they still have leaves.

DEEP and DCP advise homeowners to look for the following:

Signs you have a risky dead tree

Most healthy hardwood trees would have retained their leaves until the end of September, while unhealthy or dead trees would have already shed or may have never produced leaves this growing season.  The lack of greenery during the growing season is clear indication a tree is dead and should be removed if it is a threat to property.

What you should do before hiring a contractor

• Shop around: Get multiple quotes to ensure you are hiring the best person to work on your property.
• Verify a contractor has the proper credential: Anyone making changes to your property, including removing trees, must have a home improvement contractor registration. If someone is doing more detailed work such as correctively pruning a tree, or doing other work associated with prolonging a tree’s life, they must have an Arborist’s license from DEEP.
• Have a contract: Home improvement contractors are required to have a written contract with you before work may begin.

** It will be helpful to know how long the work is anticipated to take, the costs, the final outcome and what responsibilities you may have in the process**

• Ask for references: Ask your potential contractor for references from homeowners who have had that contractor do tree removal work on their property.
• Be aware of scams: Avoid contractors who display signs of being a scammer.

**If you have a complaint regarding a home improvement contractor that you haven’t been able to resolve by contacting that individual or business, you are encouraged to file a complaint with DCP by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov**

According to DEEP and DCP, starting in 2015, Connecticut experienced three consecutive years of expanding Gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation caused by dry springs.  This drought inhibited a moisture dependent soil fungus that solely impacts gypsy moth caterpillar from emerging. In addition, the statewide establishment of Emerald ash borer is causing extensive ash mortality.

Connecticut has been long recognized as having the highest WUI indices in the United States. WUI otherwise known as the Wildland-Urban Interface, is a term that recognizes the proximity of peoples’ homes to forests, wetlands and grasslands. A common term used in fire prone areas of the US, many are surprised at Connecticut’s WUI ranking which is caused by a high percentage of tree canopy cover over a densely populated area. WUI helps explain why so many Connecticut residents are impacted by forest pest outbreaks and severe storms.

(L-R) Commander Sweeney, Sen. Witkos, Rep. Simanski

RIVERTON – On Saturday, September 22^nd, State Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) participated in a ceremony to unveil a new government white marble headstone for deceased World War One veteran Leon Starr Bunnell. Previously, the gravesite at the Riverside Cemetery in Pleasant Valley had been unmarked since Bunnell’s death in 1959. Riverton American Legion Post 159 worked with Bunnell’s descendants for 4 years to track down the appropriate documentation and apply for the headstone.

Rep. Simanski remarked, “With this headstone, Post 159 not only honors the memory of a comrade who is deceased, but also keeps alive the memory of World War One. As Americans, we must never forget the wars that were fought for our freedom.”

The ceremony was organized by Riverton American Legion Post 159 and Post Commander Ted Sweeney led the dedication. The headstone was unveiled by Vice-Commander Ed Tibbets, the memorial wreath was placed by Girl Scout Troops #40181 and #40085, Taps was played by Post 159 Bugler Robert Angus and Amazing Grace was played by Post 159 Piper Leah Ward. Guest speakers included Barkhamsted Selectman Ray Pech, State representative Bill Simanski, State Senator Kevin Witkos, American Legion National Executive Committeeman Joseph Jackson and Commander of the American Legion Department of Connecticut Tom Flowers.

On Friday, September 21st, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting the 2018 Stand Down event at the Rocky Hill Veterans’ Home from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Connecticut’s veterans deserve the services that they have earned.

Many community providers will have booths set up at the event with specialists to help veterans receive and learn about their earned service benefits, employment opportunities, medical screenings, and legal services.

Additional details are below:

• Gates open at 8:00 a.m. Please arrive no later than 12:00 p.m.
• No pre-registration required! Attendees are encouraged to bring documentation verifying military service
• Recovery Based Services
• Medical Screenings, Dental Services, Eye Care
• Veteran Benefit Information (State and Federal)
• Legal and Motor Vehicle Assistance
• Employment and Educational Assistance
• Housing Resources and Information
• Free Bus Transportation provided at designated areas
• Go to www.portal.ct.gov/DVA and click on “Stand Down 2018” or call 860-616-3803 for general information and the transportation schedule

Dear Neighbors,

Last week, the State of Connecticut launched a new Text-to-911 capability as part of the state’s new Next Generation 9-1-1 Emergency Telecommunications System. Text-to-911 provides residents with the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from a handheld device in emergency situations when it is either unsafe or they are unable to place a voice call. The system, which is available statewide, is now in effect.

How does it work?

1. Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field
2. Text the exact location of the emergency
3. Briefly describe what kind of help you need
4. Push the “Send” button
5. Respond to any questions
6. Follow instructions
7. If you’re driving, pull over when it’s safe. Do not text and drive!

As mentioned in the Governor’s announcement, public safety officials are cautioning residents that voice calls to 9-1-1 remain the best and fastest way to contact emergency services whenever it is feasible to do so. Text-to-911 is only intended to be used when absolutely necessary or needed, which is why the new system’s theme is: Call if you can, text if you can’t.

For more information, please visit www.text911ct.org.

(L-R) Sen. Kevin Witkos, Rick Swenson, Gary Hath, Rep. Bill Simanski

RIVERTON – State Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) and State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) presented a congratulatory citation form the Connecticut General Assembly to Hitchcock Chair Company to mark their 200 year anniversary. Founded by Lambert Hitchcock in 1818, the company became world famous for their designs and stencil decorations. Today, that tradition is carried on by owners Rick Swenson and Gary Hath who manufacture hand crafted wood furniture and chairs using classic designs from their long history. For more information about the Riverton based company visit www.hitchcockchair.com.