Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This Saturday October, 27th is National Drug Take Back Day. The Take Back Day is part of the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative to safely dispose of unwanted medications. There is an opportunity to dispose of your unwanted medications in Granby’s Police Department. Studies have shown that drug abuse often starts with family members having access to unused opioids, inadvertently left in the family’s medicine cabinet. Please check your medicine storage areas to see if there are any unused or no longer necessary medications and avail yourself of this opportunity for safe disposal.

10am – 2pm

Granby Police Department

15 N. Granby Road

**The service is free and anonymous, no questions will be asked**

No needles or sharps will be accepted.

Examples of sharps include:

Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin

Syringes – devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body Lancets, also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing. Lancets are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes.

Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body

Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body.

Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home hemodialysis.

HARTFORD – On Thursday, October 4^th, Governor Malloy announced a new partnership between the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) and Sandy Hook Promise to offer new training for school administrators, teachers and students on violence prevention.

The partnership is expect to serve 116,00 Connecticut students and has been made possible through $500,000 in federal funding though the STOP School Violence Act of 2018.

Rep. Simanski commented, “I am pleased that Connecticut received a $500,000 federal grant that will be used to address the root cause of school violence, mental health. CT is partnering with Sandy Hook Promise to help train students, educators and school administrators on identifying at-risk behaviors such as potential violence and suicide. The training not only teaches how to identify at-risk behaviors but also how to assess, intervene and get help for individuals exhibiting these behaviors. This is a proactive program that will help prevent schoolroom violence and make our schools safer.”

Read Governor Malloy’s announcement HERE.

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.

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

With the start of school just around the corner, I want to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week” which runs from Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25.

This one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item.

Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price per item is less than $100, the sale is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $100 put on layaway is also tax-free.

Tax Free Week was first enacted in 2000, and applies to most clothing and footwear purchases intended for everyday use.

Goods not covered under the program include, but are not limited to:

• Clothing or footwear specifically designed for athletic activities: football cleats, specialty boots for fishing, hiking, skiing and other activities, as well as wet suits, helmets and headbands, etc.
• Accessories: jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, etc.

Please consult with your local retailer, or contact the Department of Revenue Services for a list of qualifying and non-qualifying items.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tuesday Governor Malloy announced that he is requesting $10 million from the State Bond Commission to study tolling on Connecticut highways. This is an unnecessary and expensive use of the State’s borrowing authority that will take years to pay off.

In the past two years, the legislature has been presented with multiple plans and proposals to study and implement tolls and none of them had enough support to come to the floor for a vote. Outside studies and analysis have shown that the majority of the fees collected by tolls would be paid by Connecticut residents commuting to and from work.  

The House and Senate Republican Caucuses have over the last several years proposed viable alternatives to fund infrastructure in a sustainable way.

Here is how we do it while keeping the budget balanced:

Require the state to:

1) Reserve a set amount of General Obligation Bonds to be used solely for transportation priorities.

2) Preserve Special Tax Obligation bonds dedicated to transportation.

3) Re-establish the Transportation Strategy Board (TSB) to work alongside DOT to assess proposed projects and identify community needs.

Benefits of the plan include:

• An annual transportation funding mechanism guaranteeing over $1 billion annually over the next 30 years
• No tax increases
• No tolls
• A reduction in state bonding compared to recent practices
• Flexibility in setting transportation priorities
• A sustainable and predictable funding plan to support future generations

Everyone benefits from a strong transportation system. However, we must not add to the burdens that face residents and businesses.