First Selectman's Report - August 11, 2014
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
August 11, 2014
Social Services Adds New 14 Passenger DIAL-A-RIDE Van
Thanks to the generous donations of Simsbury residents, the Town’s Social Services Department has been able to add a new 14 passenger DIAL-A-RIDE vehicle to support transportation of Simsbury seniors and persons with disabilities. This is one of two vehicles owned by the Town. The Dial-A-Ride program provides approximately 180 rides per week which makes a real difference to those in need of transportation for medical care and much more. I would like to thank Mickey Lecours-Beck and the staff at Eno Hall for everything they do to make these programs possible.
Social Services Sponsors BACK TO SCHOOL Assistance to Simsbury Families
The Social Service Department is once again providing BACK TO SCHOOL assistance to Simsbury families. Eligible families are required to be receiving assistance from ANY state or local social service program. As we all know, there are many expenses involved in preparing your kids for school and I would encourage you to take advantage of this assistance if you are eligible. For more information, please call the Social Service Department at (860) 658-3283.
Support Completion of the Greenway with a Bicycle Ride on September 13th
The East Coast Greenway and the Farmington Valley Trails Council are sponsoring a ride on Saturday, September 13 with Connecticut Tourism to build support for closing the two gaps on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and promoting the trail as a venue for bicycle tourism here in Connecticut. The ride is ideal for those that want to support this initiative at any mileage. The trip will begin at 8 a.m. from the New Haven Green and will end in Southwick Massachusetts at about 2 p.m. The ride pace will be leisurely (10-12 mph) with 3 stops. The first stop will be in Cheshire, the second stop will be in Plainville and third stop – for lunch – will be in Simsbury (Simsbury Meadows mm.12.5-North) – Connecticut’s first bicycle friendly community. There is a $20 donation for participants to cover costs. For more information, please contact the First Selectman’s Office at 860-658-3230. [Link to site: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fcht-ride-september-13-2014-new-haven-to-southwick-bussag-supported-tickets-11777445657 ]
Aging and Disability Commission Sponsors “Picnic in the Park” for Simsbury Residents with Disabilities and Their Friends – Saturday, August 23, 2014
Please spread the word about the Aging and Disability Commission’s “Picnic in the Park” for Simsbury residents with disabilities and their friends, and don’t forget to come! The picnic will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road on Saturday, August 23rd. Food will be served from 12:15 to 1:15 and dancing to the music of Sponge Pummels will be continuous from 11:30 to 2:30. To top it all off, the event is free! If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by tomorrow at (860) 658-3273.
Simsbury Named a Top 10 Fan-Favorite Town! as Part of Connecticut’s Still Revolutionary Fan-Favorite Campaign
We have been informed by the Connecticut Office of Tourism that Simsbury and the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge have been selected as one of the top 10 Connecticut still revolutionary Fan-Favorite Towns and Destinations of 2014! I want to thank all of you who voted to support Simsbury – and more importantly, I want to thank you all for everything you do to showcase why Simsbury embodies the spirit of the state’s brand, Connecticut still revolutionary.
The Office of Tourism will be taking steps to promote Connecticut’s top 10 towns and will highlight Simsbury and the Flower Bridge in public relations and social media efforts. Each of the top 10 towns and destinations will be receiving not only placement in the Office’s press release, but also will be highlighted on social media channels and on CTvisit.com throughout the next several weeks.
Simsbury – Once Again – Is Recognized as Among Best Places for Home Ownership in Connecticut
Nerdwallet – an organization dedicated to providing people with unbiased information about the best possible values – has identified Simsbury as one of the top ten places for home ownership in Connecticut. Using criteria such as the availability of homes and the cost of living, Simsbury Center placed fifth and was recognized for preservation of its heritage, its bicycle friendly status, its commitment to trail preservation and its three state forests. As the announcement states, “no description of Simsbury would be adequate if it didn’t mention the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, whose guests have included the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Willie Nelson and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Recognition like this reinforces that we are doing the right thing by promoting our existing assets and making the best possible use of them. I want to thank our residents who are the best promoters Simsbury could ever hope to have.