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First Selectman's Report - January 11, 2016

Posted on: January 12, 2016 - 11:47am

First Selectman’s Report
January 11, 2016

Teen Space Opened at Simsbury Public Library
Congratulations to the Library Board, Lisa Karim and Library Staff on the opening of the teen space at the Library.  The space includes areas for computer work, group projects, media and gathering areas. Thank you to the investor angels and Jewel Gutman who helped fund this project.  Thanks also to our Public Works Department and Engineering for their assistance as well.  If you haven’t seen the space, please stop by to check it out.

Story Time at Public Works
Last week the Simsbury Public Library held story time at the Public Works facility in the truck bay.  A great time was had by all.  Thanks to Lisa Karim, Joanne Moody who coordinated the event, Library staff, Tom Roy, Jimmy Berg and Public Works staff for making this such a successful event with over 40 children participating.

Town of Simsbury Co-Sponsors Workshop to Help Small Businesses Obtain “Small Business” Certification from State of Connecticut
The State of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services will be conducting a workshop at the Simsbury Public Library’s Programming Room from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on January 28, 2016 to help small businesses receive their state certification as “small businesses.”  The program presenters will discuss the state certification process to be eligible for Set-Aside Access to certain Government contracts and actually help businesses to apply for certification. State statutes mandate a percentage of the agency/municipal available budget be set aside for certified Connecticut Small/Minority Business Enterprises. Certification allows for increased contracting opportunities and Requests for Proposal’s (RFPs) will have additional weighted values if your company is certified.  Additionally, businesses will be informed and invited to many statewide events allowing for marketing of businesses and the potential to meet customers.  To register for this free event, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (860) 651-7307.  If you have questions about the program itself, contact the Department of Administrative Services Supplier Diversity Program at (860) 713-5228.

The seminar is part of an economic development initiative being co-sponsored by the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Supplier Diversity Program, The Town of Simsbury, The Simsbury Public Library, the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Representative John Hampton and Senator Kevin Witkos.

Visit the Town of Simsbury’s New Town Website
If you haven’t already, please go online and check out the Town of Simsbury’s new website.  It is easier to read and access information about the town.  You can sign up for town news, agendas for upcoming meetings, and emergency alerts.  Residents can explore all that the town offers and can register for programs, pay taxes online, or apply for building permits through our online permitting portal under the Building Department. Thank you to Rick Bazzano, Sean Kimball, town staff, Main Street Partnership, the Economic Development Task Force, and residents who gave thoughtful input and suggestions.

Join the Simsbury Celebrates! Volunteer Team!
Thank you to all the volunteers, town staff, the fire department, the many talented performers, local businesses, sponsors and attendees who helped make this year’s Simsbury Celebrates a huge success.  Simsbury Celebrates is organized entirely by volunteers who come together for our community.  But, they can’t do it alone and welcome your help – large or small.  If you are interested in being part of next year’s organization team, drop in at the Simsbury Library on Wednesday, January 20 at 6:30 pm, Program Room 2, to find out how you can contribute to this great event.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what is involved and we can accommodate any amount of time you have to offer.  If you can’t make the meeting, please  contact Taryn Rea at (860) 408-4684.  Hope to see you there!

6th Annual Martin Luther King in Simsbury Celebration
We hope you will join us as we honor Martin Luther King’s life and legacy, including his time spent in Simsbury as a young man, on Monday, January 18, 2016 at First Church of Christ, 698 Hopmeadow Street, at 2:00 pm.  The 6th Annual MLK in Simsbury Celebration will feature inspirational readings from Dr. King’s speeches, inspirational prayers, musical performances by The Henry James Memorial School Select Choir and the Simsbury Intonations Chorus, and a special keynote address by Linda Kelly, President of Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. For more information and/or to RSVP, please contact State Representative John Hampton at 860.803.4072 or at jkhampton@hotmail.com.  Our thanks to Representative Hampton, the MLK in Simsbury Celebration Committee, in partnership the First Church of Christ, the Simsbury Historical Society and the Simsbury Public Schools’ Music & Performing Arts Department (under the incredible direction of Angela Griffin)and the many others who have put in the time and effort to make this a wonderful event.