First Selectman's Report - September 22, 2014

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

September 22, 2014

Bring Your Kids to Simsbury’s “Touch a Truck” Event – Saturday, September 27, 2014

On Saturday, September 27 the Departments of Public Works and Culture, Parks and Recreation will bring their snow plows, front-end loaders, a backhoe, excavator, street sweeper and more to Boy Scout Hall, 695 Hopmeadow Street, so that you and your children can see what it is like to be at the wheel!  The event, which runs from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, is being co-sponsored with the Simsbury Public Library, which will provide books related to trucks, construction and engineering as part of the event.  There will also be an activity where kids will get prizes for answering questions about the trucks.  I would like to thank Tom Roy, Gerry Toner, Lisa Karim and their staffs for putting on this fun and educational event! 

Veterans Appreciation Luncheon – September 30, 2014 at Eno Memorial Hall

The Town of Simsbury’s Senior Center will be honoring all of the Town’s resident veterans with a special luncheon on Tuesday, September 30 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm in the Eno Memorial Hall Auditorium.  Veterans and a guest are invited to attend free of charge.  Please make reservations in advance by calling the Simsbury Senior Center at (860) 658-3273.  I would like to thank the Senior Center staff for their part in helping us to recognize these heroic individuals and to keep their sacrifices in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.

Paint Recycling Begins on October 1 – Town of Simsbury’s Bulky Waste/Recycling Facility

If you are a Simsbury resident, and you have a valid permit for the bulky waste/recycling facility at 74 Wolcott Road, and you have cans of old paint sitting in your garage, and you want to get rid of those cans, then you’re in luck!  Beginning on October 1, 2014 Simsbury residents with valid permits will be able to bring old cans of paints, primers, stains, sealers and clear coatings (such as shellac and varnish) to the bulky waste facility for recycling.  The products must be in their original containers (with the original label and a secured lid) and cannot be larger than 5 gallons in size.  Open or leaking containers cannot be accepted.

The program is a partnership between PaintCare, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and the Town of Simsbury.  Paine’s Inc. has agreed to participate in the program at no additional cost to the Town.  This is a terrific initiative that addresses the needs of residents at the same time it helps to protect the environment.  For more information about the program, please visit www.paintcare.org.

Lisa Gray Appointed Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce

I am pleased to welcome Lisa Gray as the new Executive Director of The Simsbury Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate her on her appointment which was effective on September 12, 2014.  Lisa, who many of us know through her service to the Town as a Clerk to some of our Boards and Commissions, is a terrific choice for the position – her travel consulting business, Travel Talent, has been served Simsbury residents for over eight years, and Lisa herself has been a Simsbury resident for fourteen years.  She is also married to one of the Town of Simsbury’s finest – Officer Gary Gray.  Please take a moment to reach out to Lisa and welcome her on board!

 Solarize Simsbury Program Ends Tomorrow, September 23, 2014 – Submit Your Contracts Today

Simsbury homeowners have until tomorrow – September 23 – to submit their contracts for a solar installation through the Solarize Simsbury program.  I’m pleased to report that to date about 60 Simsbury homeowners have signed contracts for solar panels.  I want to remind those of you who are considering the program that it includes a set, discounted price which is 20 percent below market rate; there are financing options offered by Energize Connecticut that make installation more affordable; and, of course, you will lower your monthly electric bills by moving forward with the program.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to save money, save energy and protect the environment!  For more information about the program, please visit http://solarizect.com/our-towns/solarize-simsbury.

Town of Simsbury, CCM Prescription Discount Card Program Continues to Provide Savings

I am pleased to report that since its introduction in 2012, the Town of Simsbury’s partnership with CCM’s Prescription Discount Card Program has resulted in savings of over $108,000 for Simsbury residents and the processing of more than 1,900 claims. The Program gives Simsbury residents who are without health insurance, who do not have a traditional pharmacy benefit plan or who have prescriptions which are not covered by insurance, the opportunity to purchase medications at reduced rates.  The Program is providing an average savings of 50% off the retail price of prescriptions.  The card may also be used to reduce the cost of vision care, LASIK and hearing services.

Cards may be obtained at Town Hall or at Eno Memorial Hall.  You can also go on line and print a card, which will become effective immediately upon printing.  The website address is: http://www.ctrxdiscountcard.com/