Vernon News and Information

Rockville High School Student and Teacher Head to Hawaii to Study World War II in the Pacific

VERNON, Connecticut – Rockville High School senior Nic Angeli has long been fascinated with history, especially military history, and has been a regular participant in annual History Day competitions.

His topics have included World War I and the World War II battle for Guadalcanal.

That keen interest in military history helped earn Nic a coveted slot in a summer institute on World War II in the Pacific. He and Regina Lee, his history day advisor and the talented and gifted teacher at Vernon Center Middle School, leave this weekend for an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii for a National History Day program called “Sacrifice for Freedom: World War II in the Pacific Student & Teacher Institute.”

They will meet and speak with scholars of the war and visit historic sites such as Pearl Harbor, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and spend a night aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, the battleship on which the Japanese formally surrendered to the Allies to end World War II.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Nic said. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to go to these historical places. This is where World War II for the U.S. started.”

They will also visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where Nic will read a eulogy for Army Sgt. William G. Fournier, a Norwich native, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic service at Guadalcanal. Fournier is buried at the cemetery.

Nic has been learning all he could about Fournier, visiting veterans’ organizations and museums and scouring records. Nic even tracked down a distant relative of Fournier as he sought information.

Fournier was a 29-year-old Army sergeant when he and another soldier ran to an unmanned machine gun on January 10, 1943. Although a superior Japanese force had overrun their position and they were ordered to retreat, Fournier and his colleague readied the gun and opened fire on the attacking Japanese. They inflicted heavy casualties before they were fatally wounded.

“Their sturdy defensive action was a decisive factor in the following success of the attacking battalion,” Fournier’s Medal of Honor citation reads.

“One of the important things we get to do is honor a veteran from our home state,” Lee said.

Regina Lee, talented and gifted teacher at Vernon Center Middle School and History Day Advisor, and Nic Angeli.

Lee said she and Nic chose to study Fournier, but said it was hard to find information. What they could find was also confusing because his records were mixed with those of another man from Norwich named William Fournier.

They also completed regular assignments designed to help them understand the scope of World War II in the Pacific, from the earliest diplomatic fumbles with Japan to Pearl Harbor to the home front to decisive battles, including Midway and Iwo Jima.

“We became immersed,” Lee said.

Nic’s parents, David and Rose Marie Angeli, say Lee saw something in their son early on and has supported his fascination with history.

“It’s an amazing opportunity and we’re really grateful to Mrs. Lee,” Rose Marie Angeli said. “She’s always been supportive of Nic and his interest in history. She’s an amazing teacher and Vernon is lucky to have her.”

David Angeli said getting involved in History Day opened Nic’s eyes, especially as he learned many people were unaware of important events in U.S. history.

“Nic’s first entry in History Day was on Guadalcanal,” David Angeli said. “He did really well and came in second. The big thing he took away from it was that the three people who came to judge his entry had no idea what Guadalcanal was.” That reinforced Nic’s desire to learn and share what he learns.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said Mrs. Lee’s work with students on History Day projects has been making Vernon proud for years.

“Mrs. Lee inspires her students to explore and learn about fascinating topics, and then helps them produce projects that awe the History Day judges,” Dr. Macary said. “Work on these projects enhances students’ critical thinking skills, makes them better writers, helps develop research skills and boosts their grades in other subjects.”

Nic said he is really looking forward to spending a night on the U.S.S. Missouri and figures that will get him as close as possible to understanding what sailors experienced during World War II in the Pacific.

His dad said Nic is also looking forward to delivering the eulogy for Fournier.

“I think it’s the culmination of a journey for him,” David Angeli said. “It’s in his soul.”

Town of Vernon Partners with Opportunity Works and Next STEP to use Nip Bottle Funds to Beautify Vernon

(VERNON, CT) – The Town of Vernon is allocating money received from the surcharge on nip bottles of liquor to beautify Vernon. The Town Council unanimously approved Mayor Dan Champagne’s plan to use the money.

The Town received more than $19,000 through the program and has contracted with Opportunity Works Connecticut, Inc., a non-profit that provides vocational and other training for people with disabilities, and the Vernon Public Schools Next STEP program, which provides students with disabilities with vocational training and helps them build positive relationships and independent living skills.

Teams from Opportunity Works and Next STEP begin working this week to clean up nip bottles and other refuse at several locations in Vernon, including downtown Rockville, parks and other public places. Cities and towns receive a nickel for each nip bottle sold by a package store in that municipality and state law requires it to be used to fund litter control or refuse reduction efforts.

“Using these funds to keep our community beautiful while at the same time providing work for Opportunity Works and Next STEP is a win for everyone,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said both organizations were obvious choices when town officials were determining how to initially use the nip bottle money.

“This is a great way to start using these nip bottle funds,” Purcaro said. “As additional funds become available we are prepared to expand our efforts.”

In the meantime, Purcaro urged people to dispose of nip bottles and other refuse properly.

”We take great pride in our beautiful parks and community,” Purcaro said. “We provide refuse containers and urge people to use them. As a reminder, littering on public property is against the law and carries a $319 fine.”

The Opportunity Works team is looking forward to getting started, said Rene Lambert, the organization’s Executive Director and Co-founder. “They are super excited and keep asking me ‘when do we start, when do we start?’” One member of the team lives in Rockville and wants to help improve his community, she said.

Students from the Next STEP program will gain vocational skills while at the same time ensuring Vernon remains beautiful, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.

“We require all students to do community service and this program is ideal for that,” Dr. Macary said. “Our students are giving back to our town. They are part of the solution.”

The cleanup teams will work in neighborhoods and parks, including Saxony Dog Park, West Main Street Playground, Talcott Park, Fox Hill Tower, Gene Pitney Memorial Park, Scenic Overlook on Tower Road and Central Park.

The Opportunity Works team is experienced in collecting, sorting and cashing-in bottles and cans. Last year the team raised approximately $8,000 doing that work, Lambert said. They visit several area campgrounds and businesses and also have a monthly redemption day when people drop off bottles and cans, she said.

“Everybody wants to make sure our town and environment is clean and beautiful,” Lambert said. “This is a great way to achieve that goal. And we love working with the Town of Vernon.”

Rockville High School’s Creative Writers Dominate Competitions and Win Acclaim for Their School

VERNON, Connecticut – Great things happen every day in the classrooms, labs and greenhouses at Rockville High School.

But something even more remarkable has been happening in Creative Writing Teacher Victoria Nordlund’s classes. Her students have written and published poetry, fiction and non-fiction, won hundreds of awards, dominated writing competitions, and earned Rockville High School state and national acclaim.

In June, two of Nordlund’s students, Kaylin Maher and Dakota Ouellette, stood on the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City to receive awards and national recognition for their writing portfolios in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Dakota received a Gold Medal and Kaylin and Silver Medal with Distinction.

That level of success is not new. For more than 15 years Rockville High students have won more writing awards than students at any other public or private school in Connecticut.

Maher and Ouellette were joined by 27 fellow Rockville High School students, who together won 49 awards in the 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Students won 10 gold keys, 16 silver keys and 23 honorable mentions – the most of any high school in Connecticut. Muriel Stankeviciute received a 2022 American Voices nomination for best in show.

Rockville High School students also won a record 70 awards in UConn’s 2022 Connecticut Student Writers contest. Rockville High students had 10 Platinum Published pieces, 10 Gold awards, 24 Silver awards, and 26 Honorable Mentions. Students were winners in every category -- fiction, poetry and non-fiction -- and won more awards than any other school in the state. Their work has been published in Connecticut Student Writers magazine, which can be viewed by clicking here.

What’s behind the students’ success is a teacher who is a poet herself, committed to helping her students find their voices and express themselves in various forms of writing, and pushes them to publish and share their writing.

Some of Rockville High School’s creative writing students who were published in the Connecticut Student Writers magazine.

“The creative writing courses build a community where people feel safe to express their feelings and safe to be who they are,” said Nordlund, who has taught at Rockville High School for 32 years and began the Creative Writing program 20 years ago. “There’s not a lot of space for that in places. I think our program thrives because of that community. It lets people develop their own voice.”

Nordlund also brings guest speakers in to talk to students about the craft of writing. Novelists, playwrights, screenwriters, poets, and other writers describe how they got started, their writing process, their frustrations and helps students understand the creative process.

“It gives them a perspective on a real life author,” Nordlund said. “They understand that the frustrations and struggles they experience as writers are not unique. Writing is not easy and requires revision after revision to make it better.”

Students also visit museums, attend a Broadway play and participate in other creative events.

The students take their work far beyond Rockville High School. They represent Vernon at poetry readings and poetry slams, at the Connecticut Literary Festival at Real Art Ways in Hartford, and at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington. They also share their writing closer to home, with students in Vernon’s elementary schools, residents of senior housing and at Arts Center East.

Having students share their writing through readings and contests is important, Nordlund said.

Jason Courtmanche, an assistant professor in residence and Director of the Connecticut Writing Project at UConn, agrees.

“In the field of rhetoric and composition, we talk about audience and purpose,” he said. “The audience is typically the teacher and the purpose is a grade. That is not sufficiently motivating.”

If students do not have a real audience or purpose for their writing, why should they care, he asks.

“When a student realizes people are going to be reading this, that ups the ante a lot,” Courtmanche said. “What Vicky is doing is helping students find subject matter that is important and a genre they feel strong in. They take it seriously because they want to write about it. They care about it and they care what people think about them when they have something to say about it.”

Students gain confidence from the process, he said. “It’s such a validation to be published, to have someone say your words and ideas mean something. That means so much to a kid.”

Kaylin Maher, the Class of 2022 salutatorian and one of Nordlund’s students, said she was still in middle school when she learned about the writing program and decided to participate.

“It seemed like a great way to make friends and see if I would enjoy writing,” she recalled. “I’ve been able to delve into different styles of writing. I really like poetry and short stories. I also feel more comfortable externalizing a lot of emotions. Sharing vulnerable moments with other people has been important to me.”

Kaylin has also strengthened her public speaking skills through readings, and been able to travel thanks to her participation in the program.

And while she does not plan a career as a writer or in the arts, she said the experience she gained at Rockville High School has given her a love of writing that she expects will continue. She also thinks it will help her better communicate with patients as she pursues a career as a physician assistant.

“A lot of STEM people are kind of aloof when it comes to patient care and interacting with patients,” she said.

Nordlund said creative writing is beneficial to students whether they pursue a career in the arts or in business, science or any other field.

“It’s important to be creative and to be an innovator – an idea person – in any field you take on,” Nordlund said. “In any career, it’s important to be a problem solver. Part of problem solving is to be creative and to have a different perspective.”

Town of Vernon Adds Evening Hours at Community Pool to Help Residents Endure Heat Wave

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike will be open an additional two hours each evening this week to help residents trying to beat the heat. Forecasts call for 90 degree temperatures through Sunday.

Community Pool will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 19th, through Sunday, July 24th, so residents can cool off in the evening. Regular pool hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pool will be closed between 5 and 6 p.m. to give pool staff a break.

Daily admission fees will apply.

Town of Vernon Expands Hours at Aquatics Facilities; Offers Season Pass to Vernon Residents

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department is expanding hours at Newhoca Beach and Community Pool.

The Community Pool, at 375 Hartford Turnpike, is now open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 21st. Newhoca Beach at 185 Grief Road is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 12th.

The Town was able to expand hours at both facilities because it was able to hire additional life guards.
The Parks and Recreation Department continues to offer season passes to Vernon residents to Newhoca Beach and Community Pool.

Season passes are $30 for residents 12 and younger and $50 for residents 13 and older. When visiting an aquatic facility anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied at all times by an adult.

A day pass remains available for purchase throughout the season. The cost is $3 for anyone 12 and younger and $5 for anyone 13 and older. Day passes provide access on the date of purchase only.

Season passes can be purchased at either aquatic facility. Proof of residency is REQUIRED in the form of a state issued photo ID or Vernon Public Schools photo ID. Residents younger than 18 years must have a parent or guardian present to purchase a season pass.
For additional information, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department web page: www.vernonrec.org.

Vernon’s July in the Sky fireworks celebration postponed to Wednesday

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The annual July in the Sky fireworks spectacular and community celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Downtown Rockville and Henry Park has been postponed to Wednesday, July 13, which is the advertised rain date.

Due to a forecast of thunderstorms and heavy rain at times Tuesday evening, Town officials, after consulting with their meteorological service, decided to move the event to Wednesday.

Public safety is what is driving the decision to delay July in the Sky by one day. Wednesday’s forecast is for clear, dry weather, which will ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

Town of Vernon Streamlines Land Use Offices and Enhances Fire Department Administration

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town Council unanimously approved a plan to consolidate and reorganize the land use offices to enhance efficiency and increase customer service and responsiveness to the public. Under the plan, all land use offices will be overseen by a new Director of Development.

Shaun Gately, Economic Development Coordinator and Acting Town Planner, will serve in the new position. Gately will oversee the Building, Engineering, Economic Development, and Planning and Zoning offices.

The Town Council also unanimously approved the creation of a part time Fire Administrator. Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski will serve in that role and report to the Town Administrator.

“We are constantly evaluating the roles of town employees with an eye toward getting the best value for our residents,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This reorganization achieves that by assigning two highly capable employees to key roles and ensuring town residents receive the best service possible.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said having Gately oversee what were previously independent departments ensures a greater unity of effort and collaboration, which will provide better customer service and efficiency.

“The result will be a strategic vision focused on enhancing our community’s character and stewardship of our open spaces and natural resources, creating stronger neighborhoods, and increasing commercial vitality,” Purcaro said.

“I look forward to bringing a unified vision to our land use functions as we implement our Plan of Conservation and Development and build Vernon’s future,” Gately said.

In his new role, Wasilewski will work with chief officers and assist the Vernon Fire Department and its Emergency Medical Services division with daily administrative functions, budgeting, human resources-related matters, compliance with state and federal requirements, enhancing training, seeking grants and collaborating with surrounding communities to implement best practices in the delivery of fire and EMS services.

“Our volunteer firefighters provide an incredible value to our community and taxpayers through their selfless and heroic service,” Purcaro said. “The administrative burden is growing only more intense and the Fire Administrator will provide support in that area and allow the department to focus on its primary mission.”

Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said each volunteer chief has a full time job and the new Fire Administrator will take on time-consuming administrative tasks.

“Having a fire administrator on board will allow us to focus on managing the fire department and the emergency services we provide,” Eppler said.

“Recruitment and retention of firefighters and emergency medical technicians is a challenge that all communities face, and I will work closely with Chief Eppler and his team to ensure we are providing our staff with the tools they need to perform their jobs at the highest level,” Wasilewski said.

Gately and Wasilewski start their new positions effective July 1.

Season Passes to Aquatics Facilities Available to Vernon Residents

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department is offering season passes to aquatic facilities to Vernon residents.

The season passes provide access to Newhoca Beach and Community Pool when those facilities are open to the public. Newhoca Beach is located at 185 Grier Road. Community Pool is at 375 Hartford Turnpike.

For the most current facility schedule visit the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department website: www.vernonrec.org.

Facility passes are $30 for residents 12 and younger and $50 for residents 13 and older. When visiting an aquatic facility anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A day pass will remain available for purchase throughout the season. The cost is $3 for anyone 12 and younger and $5 for anyone 13 and older. Day passes provide access on the date of purchase only.

Season passes will be available for purchase beginning Friday July 1, 2022. Passes can be purchased at either aquatic facility. Proof of residency is REQUIRED in the form of a state issued photo ID or Vernon Public Schools photo ID. Residents younger than 18 years must have a parent or guardian present to purchase a season pass.

Town of Vernon Pilots New Office Hours

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is piloting new office hours this summer for certain town departments.

Effective July 5th, employees in the Town Clerk’s office, Finance Department, Building Department, Fire Marshal’s office, Administration and administrative staff in the Water Pollution Control Department will work longer hours Monday through Thursday. Those employees will not work on Fridays.

Employees’ total work hours will not change.

New public office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday. The Social Services Department and Probate Court, both in Town Hall, will remain open Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Opening earlier will increase access to town offices and aligns with an analysis of residents’ use of town services. The move also makes Vernon more competitive in attracting talent for town jobs.

“Enhancing the work-life balance is important, especially when it comes to recruitment and retention of our valued employees,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “A four-day work week is attractive to potential employees and helps us remain competitive with other municipalities that have moved to this schedule.”

Town Administration will continue to analyze and work collaboratively with non-union employees and bargaining units on potential schedule changes as long as any change is consistent with the needs of the public.

FREE Performances of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ Coming to Vernon’s Henry Park
Vernon Kicks Off Its Version of Shakespeare in the Park

(VERNON, Connecticut) –Three family-friendly performances of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” are scheduled for Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16 at 6 p.m. and Sunday July 17 at 2 p.m. at Fox Hill Tower at Henry Park. Each free performance lasts about an hour.

The Town of Vernon and Evergreen Family Theater are presenting the performances, which are funded by a crowd sourcing campaign and several sponsors. Last summer, Evergreen Family Theater’s Shakespeare troupe, Fool in the Forest, presented two well-received performances of “Henry V” at the Rockville Public Library.

“The arts enrich our community and make Vernon an even more special place to live, work and visit,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Expanding arts opportunities and programing is a part of my vision for Vernon.”

“The Tempest” tells the story of Prospero’s magical climb from exile to reclaim his rightful position as the Duke of Milan. Along the way he encounters troublesome spirits, goofy clowns, and his evil brother, Antonio. The play’s themes are family, forgiveness, power and love. To make the play more accessible to those unfamiliar with Shakespeare, there are some musical numbers to help provide the background.

“Our goal is to provide a live, professional performance at little or no cost,” said Terence LaCasse, the producing artistic director. “Not everyone is familiar with Shakespeare, so we are making Shakespeare relatable and fun for the whole family. And we are delighted to be back in Vernon. The response from the community to our performance last summer was spectacular. In fact, we’ve decided to make Vernon our home.”

The play will be performed on the lawn just south of Fox Hill Tower. The iconic tower will loom behind the actors, and the sun will set to the audience’s left.

“Bringing three free performances by professional actors to Henry Park is really special and exciting,” said Amy Watt, Vernon’s Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. “Henry Park is a magnificent venue for this wonderful event.”

People should bring blankets and chairs to sit on during the performance. And they should be prepared to get involved as LaCasse plans some audience participation in the production. (Blankets in the front, chairs in the back.)

The show will go on in light rain, but will be cancelled if the weather is more severe. Check @EvergreenFamilyTheatreCT on Facebook for updates the day of the show.

People can contribute to the production through a crowdsourcing effort by clicking the link below:
https://www.patronicity.com/project/the_tempest_in_downtown_rockville_and_beyond#!/

Sponsors of the performance include: Town of Vernon, Rockville Public Library, Swiss Cleaners, Rockville Downtown Association, ServPro of Manchester, UConn Puppetry and Sustainable CT Community Match Program.

Town of Vernon to be Home of Miracle League Field

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon, the Vernon Public Schools and the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut have entered into a unique partnership to provide a state of the art accessible baseball field, which will serve children and families from throughout the region.

The Miracle League Field will be at Vernon’s Northeast School, just off Route 30 just east of Route 31. The Vernon Town Council unanimously supported and authorized the Town to enter into an agreement with the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut at their June 21st meeting.

“When Miracle League leaders approached us about being home to a fully accessible athletic field to provide athletic opportunities for children with disabilities, we were immediately interested,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne. “With our trail network, athletic fields, parks, ponds and lakes, Vernon is a recreational destination for so many. Adding a field designed specifically so that people with disabilities can join with others to enjoy the outdoors is something we fully embrace. This field is going to be a regional asset and a wonderful place for so many people.”

The Miracle League Field in Vernon will have a synthetic short turf surface and be fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues, said Steven R. Leibowitz, a local accountant and business owner who is President of the Miracle Field of Northern Connecticut and has coached Little League Challenger, a program for children with physical and intellectual challenges.

“We’re excited to bring this field to Vernon and were extremely pleased that Mayor Champagne and his team so readily embraced it,” Leibowitz said. “This field is all about letting kids be kids and have a great time playing baseball.”

In addition to the specially designed turf surface, Miracle League fields have wheelchair-accessible dugouts, and are completely flat and barrier free so that children with visual disabilities can participate. Each player has a buddy who assists them during play. There are about 300 Miracle Fields across the U.S. and two others in Connecticut, in West Hartford and East Lyme.

“Vernon Public Schools are committed to helping all students be successful in life and one of the ways we do that is by building partnerships with our community,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Creating this opportunity for children to experience the joy of sports fits right into our mission and we are delighted to be able to join with the Miracle Field team to bring this project to Vernon.”

Northeast School has extensive field space and because of its strategic location close to I-84 was selected for the Miracle Field. The Vernon Board of Education approved the contract with Miracle League of Northern Connecticut at its meeting Monday evening.

“Children and families from all over Connecticut are going to visit Vernon to play at the Miracle Field,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro. “Those families will get to know what many of us already know – that Vernon is a welcoming community and a great place to live, work and play.”

Town of Vernon Approves Contract with Directors’ Union
Town Council Unanimously Approves 3-Year Agreement

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon and the union representing department directors have reached an agreement on a three-year contract.

Under the terms of the contract, which was approved unanimously by the Town Council on Tuesday, the Town and union agreed to:

• A 2.25% general wage increase in each year of the contract.
• A 1% increase in cost-sharing for medical benefits in the second and third years of the contract.
• A $500 signing bonus for each member in recognition of the fact that lawyers were not needed to reach an agreement, saving the Town from having to pay significant legal fees.
• An additional 2% contribution match by the Town to the retirement plan for union members who contribute at least 7.5% of their pay to the plan.
• New pay scales and wages based on a market analysis to promote recruitment and retention of high quality talent.
• A flexible work schedule.

“This contract is fair for taxpayers and for the department heads we rely on to manage local government operations,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Thanks to the amicable nature of the negotiations between Town Administration and Union President Marty Sitler and his team, the process was completed quickly, efficiently and without the use of attorneys, saving the Town and union considerable time and money.

“Through negotiations, we were able to successfully address wages and benefits as well as enhance work-life balance for employees,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “This contract meets our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers while recognizing the valuable contributions made by our employees.”

Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler, head of the Directors’ Union, said each side came to the table with realistic and reasonable expectations.

“It was a tremendous collaborative effort to provide employees, the town administration and the taxpayers with a fair contract,” Sitler said. “Employees feel valued while at the same time recognizing the financial realities Town leadership must deal with.”

With Hot Weather in the Forecast, Vernon’s Community Pool Will Open a Day Early on Sunday

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department’s aquatics program is set to begin Monday, but Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike will open a day early, on Sunday, June 26, to give Vernon families a respite from temperatures forecast to hit 90 degrees.

Regular aquatics hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The aquatics schedule as of Monday is Community Pool open Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Newhoca Beach at 185 Grier Road open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Admission to Vernon aquatics facilities is $3 for people 12 and younger and $5 for people 13 and older.

Families trying to keep cool on Saturday can visit the Fox Hill Tower fountain in the playground at Henry Park.

June 22, 2022

At the June 21, 2022 Vernon Town Council meeting, Mayor Dan Champagne and Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler briefed the Council on the history and condition of Horowitz Pool at Henry Park. Over the past couple of years and at Mayor Champagne's direction, town officials have been exploring various options to provide aquatic recreation opportunities at Henry Park. At Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Champagne introduced a proposal to install a state of the art splash pad in place of the pool.

View Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler's remarks at the council meeting.

View Mayor Champagne's remarks at the council meeting.

Rockville High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian Plan Careers in Medicine
Class of 2022 Persevered and is Resilient

VERNON, Connecticut – Two “brilliant scholars” are the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Rockville High School Class of 2022 and with their classmates will graduate from Rockville High School Thursday evening.

Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao said 194 students are expected to receive their diplomas.

“Perseverance” is the hallmark of the Class of 2022, Magao said. The class was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, losing spring sports and being forced to learn remotely after schools closed in March 2020. The Class of 2022’s junior year was equally difficult and it began its senior year still having to wear masks to school. Students also experienced the social justice movements that swept the nation.

“These students have endured more than COVID,” Magao said. “It’s been a heavy, heavy four years for these kids.”

My Kim Lai Huyen, Valedictorian

Kaylin Maher, Salutatorian

“We want our students to be resilient, and the Class of 2022 is the very definition of resilience,” Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Whatever was thrown at these students, they adapted. Together with their teachers, they faced something that was unprecedented. Together they worked hard and achieved. These are traits that will serve them well in life.”

The class has also accomplished much – success on the athletic fields, and in the classroom and the creative arts.

Magao said My Kim Lai Huyen, the valedictorian, and Kaylin Maher, the salutatorian, are brilliant and impressive young women who he expects to do well in college, lead impressive lives and contribute to their communities. “Both are brilliant scholars who are determined to make their way in the world and to make the world better,” he said.

Both are headed to college and plan careers in medicine – My Kim as a physician and Kaylin as a physician assistant.

My Kim is headed to Northeastern University and plans to focus on premed and sociology. While interested in specializing in oncology and cancer research, she is also interested in exploring and addressing disparities in healthcare.

“Women have lower health outcomes than men,” My Kim said. “Women feel like their pain is not as serious and are less likely to go to the doctor. People in socioeconomic disadvantaged areas also have lower outcomes. Racism plays a role too.”

By focusing on premed and sociology, My Kim said she hopes to understand and address how different standings in society affect the healthcare people receive.

“When you go to the doctor you think you are going to be treated,” she said. “It is not fair that all people can’t get the best treatment.”

My Kim’s interest in exploring this area of medicine is a result of losing an aunt to a heart attack. She said her aunt had experienced chest pain and went to her doctor, who downplayed it. A week later she died.

“Cardiovascular disease ran in her family,” My Kim said. “The doctor dismissed her comments about how she was feeling. That was alarming to me. I started doing research and realized it was not a one-time thing. This happens to a lot of people in marginalized groups.”

My Kim is realistic that one person can only do so much, but she’s going to try to make things better.

“I can’t do a lot myself, but I’m hoping that by bringing it up it gets people interested,” she said.

It was Rockville High School’s allied health program and a job shadowing experience that helped My Kim realize medicine was what she wanted to pursue.

She also feels like she breaks the mold of valedictorians because, although she was born in the U.S., her family spoke only Vietnamese at home.

“Valedictorians in the movies are perfect students who have never struggled,” she said. “I definitely wasn’t that stereotypical top graduate.”

When My Kim arrived at Center Road School as a kindergartener, she was enrolled in the English as a Second Language program and credits ESL teacher Kim Cheman for playing a key role in her education.

“It was hard to sit in class because I just didn’t understand what was happening half the time,” My Kim said. “I didn’t enjoy school. I felt excluded and didn’t understand.”

But once she started learning English, she had the tools she needed and worked hard in class and at home, and completed the program while still in first grade.

“Learning English made me see how fun learning could be,” she said. “That motivated me into learning the different subjects in elementary school, middle school and high school. Without Ms. Cheman, I would not be where I am today. I felt safe with her, which helped with my learning.”

Salutatorian Kaylin Maher is headed to Wesleyan University in Middletown, where she plans to major in biology. She participated in Rockville High Schools allied health program and opportunities to shadow healthcare workers, which helped her develop her goal of becoming a physician assistant.

“The shadowing experiences really allowed me to find which pathway was best for me,” Kaylin said. “It was important for me to be able to see healthcare workers in their everyday lives and to learn about different fields. I’ve had the opportunity to explore a wide array of things at Rockville, which is something I’m grateful for.”

Kaylin was also active in Rockville High School’s Creating Writing Program, which caught her eye when she was still in middle school.

“Writing has been really important to me,” she said, adding she thinks it will help her in the medical field. “A lot of people in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are kind of aloof when it comes to interacting with patients.” She said she thinks her writing and speaking experience will help her effectively communicate with patients, as well as be helpful in research and publishing.

Rockville High School Graduate to Conduct Vernon Chorale’s June Concert

VERNON, Connecticut – A Vernon native and Rockville High School graduate who went on to study music in college and is now a professional musician and church music director will conduct the Vernon Chorale’s June concert.

Kirby Stalley, a 2013 Rockville High graduate, attended Luther College in Iowa and sang in the school’s lead choral group, The Nordic Choir. After graduation he directed a church choir in Minnesota, and now serves as director of music at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Westborough, Mass.

For the past three years he has been the conducting fellow for the Vernon Chorale and will complete his tenure on Saturday by conducting the Chorale’s June program, titled “A Choral Tapestry: Songs of Peace, Hope, and Love.”

Kirby Stalley

Stalley said conducting the Vernon Chorale has helped gain experience managing a group of musicians, and allowed him to refine his conducting with precise and careful gestures that draw out the nuances of each score.

“I have enjoyed working with such a warm, accepting and engaging group of musicians and people,” Stalley said. “They drive head first into the things I try during rehearsal and even if those ideas do not go exactly as planned, they know and respect that I am learning and understand that failing is part of that process.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said it is always rewarding to see former students continue to develop their skills and gain experience and professional acclaim in whatever pursuit they choose.

“The Vernon Public Schools and Rockville High School strive to bring out the best in each student and set them on a course to success in their chosen field,” Macary said. “It’s great to see a former student whose interest in music was nurtured in our schools build a career in that field and come home to share it with our community.”

Saturday’s program, assembled by Stalley, includes pieces such as “We Remember Them,” by Susan Labarr and “i carry your heart with me” by David Dickau. There will also be songs by the entire chorale, soloists and smaller ensembles of chorale members.

The Vernon Chorale’s concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at St. John’s Episcopal Church 523 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. Tickets are available at Arts Center East, 709 Hartford Turnpike, online through the chorale’s website, https://vernonchorale.org/a-choral-tapestry-2022/, or at the door. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Admission is free for people younger than 18.

Academy of Art & Learning Opens Childcare Center in Town-owned 375 Hartford Turnpike
New Facility Brings Needed Daycare Slots to Vernon

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Academy of Art & Learning has opened a childcare facility serving 108 children in the town-owned building at 375 Hartford Turnpike. The center, which formally opened Monday, is using space once used by a YMCA childcare facility.

Mayor Dan Champagne and other Town leaders joined center staff on Saturday to celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Academy of Art & Learning also held an open house.

“We wanted to put this town-owned space to good use and at the same time knew there was a tremendous need in Vernon for additional childcare,” Mayor Champagne said. “Pauline Fortier of the Academy of Art & Learning contacted the town about leasing 375 Hartford Turnpike. The Town Council unanimously approved a multi-year lease and here we are, with a beautiful and renovated facility to serve local families.”

The Town took on some improvement work, such as installing LED lighting fixtures to save energy. Fortier also had extensive work done, at her expenses, to ready the space.

“Adding new childcare spots to Vernon is really a big deal for families and we are pleased to be able to do it,” Fortier said.

The work to get the facility in shape took about seven weeks and it passed its state inspection last week.
Academy of Arts & Learning occupies more than 8,000 square feet of space in the building that was once Vernon Elementary School.

The building, known as Center 375, also houses park and recreation programs, Vernon’s Public Works Department, the Vernon office of the North Central District Health Department, the Registrars of Voters and an optometrist’s office.

Rockville Downtown Association Seeks Sponsors, Vendors and Volunteers for July in the Sky

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Rockville Downtown Association, which is working with the Town of Vernon to host this year’s July in the Sky Celebration on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, is seeking volunteers, vendors and sponsors for activities in Downtown Rockville. (The rain date is July 13, 2022.)

“July in the Sky is Vernon’s premier summertime event,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Whether you watch the fireworks from Henry Park or beautiful downtown Rockville, you are guaranteed a great time.”

This is the Rockville Downtown Association’s (RDA) first year managing the event in Downtown Rockville. The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department manages the Henry Park portion of July in the Sky. Festivities run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“July in the Sky is a true community event and we look forward to working with the Town and a team of volunteers to make this year’s celebration in downtown Rockville successful and memorable,” RDA President Rene’ Lambert said. “The Rockville Downtown Association is committed to improving our historic downtown and it is great to establish this partnership for an event that is so important to our community.”

To manage the programs and events in Downtown Rockville, the RDA needs volunteers. The RDA is also seeking sponsors for the different attractions, and vendors to sell food, crafts, and other items. Vendors must obtain local permits. Information and downloadable forms can be found on the Rockville Downtown Association’s webpage, www.rdact.com.

“There is no better place to gather to watch the fireworks than Downtown Rockville,” said Jennifer Holt, the RDA’s July in the Sky chairwoman. “As great as the fireworks are, they are the culmination of a terrific evening of family-friendly activities that are guaranteed to delight people of all ages.”

Events include bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, bubble pad and other attractions, and the Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade. Children of all ages are urged to bring their non-motorized vehicles and decorate them for the parade.

For additional information or to reach the RDA, please email info@rdact.com or call 860-805-5610. Additional information and application forms are available on the RDA website, www.rdact.com. Application forms take time to go through the approval process and must be submitted as early as possible.

Town of Vernon Again Attains ‘Sustainable CT’ Silver Certification

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is among five Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this spring for achieving Sustainable CT certification. Vernon attained high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious silver level, the highest certification available.

Vernon first achieved Silver Certification in November 2019 and earlier this year completed the process to continue that certification through 2025.

Sustainable CT is a voluntary program through which municipalities work to build community connections, social equity and long-term resilience. The program and its action tools are useful to cities and towns as they work to build vibrant and healthy communities, thriving local economies, engaging arts and culture, diverse housing and enhance transportation.

Vernon and Coventry achieved silver certification from Sustainable CT. Guilford, Lyme and Southbury attained bronze certification.

Sustainable CT’s evaluators recognized Vernon for its efforts at brownfield redevelopment, which addresses a variety of equity issues; the ongoing “Buy Local Vernon” campaign to assist local businesses; a health impact assessment related to the creation of an arts and culture district in downtown Rockville; creation of an open space plan; and continued support for the arts and creative culture. The broad goals are promoting the health and well-being of the community and protecting natural and cultural resources.

“Earning the Silver Certification again is evidence of our commitment to ensure Vernon is a forward-thinking community where people want to live, work, play and establish businesses,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We continue to work on projects that will keep Vernon moving forward and benefit our residents.”

“There’s a finite amount of land, economic resources and human capital, and carefully managing those resources is the very essence of sustainability,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “Sustainable CT applies that concept across the board to all facets of government operations. It also provides a good framework of best practices to tackle countless issues that municipalities deal with on a day to day basis.”

“While it is town staff who put together the submission to Sustainable CT, it’s a team effort and town residents play a crucial role,” said Shaun Gately, Vernon’s Economic Development Coordinator, Acting Town Planner and Vernon’s Sustainable CT Coordinator. “It’s residents who drove these topics and kept them in the forefront. It’s volunteers and commission members that have woven sustainability into the fabric of the community.”

Certified communities demonstrated significant achievements in at least eleven sustainability impact areas, ranging from community building, thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to enhancing transportation and diverse housing. In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions.

Sustainable CT submissions are rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners. Across Connecticut, 129 municipalities have registered for the program and 64 have earned Sustainable CT certification, which lasts for three years.

“Congratulations to our newest Sustainable CT certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, Executive Director of the program. “They join a growing number of certified towns and cities that are demonstrating municipal practices that make our communities more inclusive, healthy, connected, and strong.”

Vernon and all 2022 certified communities will be recognized later this year at Sustainable CT’s annual certification awards ceremony and celebration scheduled for November. For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.

Vernon Police Honor Officers and Residents for Heroism and Lifesaving

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Police Department on Wednesday honored officers for their good work and residents from the community who went above and beyond to save lives, protect children and assist in criminal investigations.

It was the first time in three years the Vernon Police Department has been able to host its annual awards program, which took place in the Council Chambers at Vernon Town Hall. More than 100 awards and commendations were handed out, and three officers were named Officer of the Year for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

“Day in and day out, the men and women of the Vernon police department, and officers across our state and nation, do exemplary work,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “They save lives. They handle difficult, emotional situations and restore calm. They tenaciously investigate crimes and bring order to disorder.”

Vernon Police Chief John Kelley said the awards handed out Wednesday night were but a representation of the good work Vernon Police Officers do.

“The men and women of this department do extraordinary things every day,” Kelley said. “Almost weekly I hear from grateful residents, and I am regularly stopped by people who praise the professionalism and kindness of our officers. I am proud of our officers and their commitment to our community.”

“Public safety is always our top priority,” Town Administrator and Emergency & Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “These awards illustrate our officers’ willingness to do the utmost to protect and serve the residents of Vernon. I am also struck by the heroic actions of our residents that results in lives being saved and crimes being prevented.”

Officers Ethan Roberge, Danny Macaulay, Kerry Reynolds, Dale Lagace and Jamie Grzegorek were honored for their heroic and life-saving response to a fire at 26 Union Street on Dec. 20, 2020. The officers arrived before the fire department and found flames and heavy smoke pouring from the building. Macaulay, Reynolds and Grzegorek charged into the building from the front and pounded on doors to alert and evacuate residents. Lagace and Roberge went into the burning building through a rear door, but were forced to retreat because of the fire and smoke. They did alert firefighters to residents trapped by fire and smoke and directed firefighters with ladders to rescue them. The officers accounted for every building resident, administered first aid to the injured and then walked through across Union Street to Rockville General Hospital for treatment.

“The actions of every Officer on scene exemplified selflessness and courage and contributed to the successful evacuation of every resident with no loss of life,” the officers’ citations reads.

Vernon Police Chief John Kelley, left, is joined by Officer Andre Lisee, Detective Cody Flanigan and Officer Matthew Guilmette. Lisee and Flanigan were recognized as officers of the year and Guilmette as rookie of the year.

Another team of Vernon officers was honored for its response to a shooting and homicide at a local motel on June 27, 2021. First arriving officers found the victim and began lifesaving measures. They then controlled the scene and began collecting evidence, which led to the recovery of a weapon used in the assault and the quick capture of the man who was ultimately charged in the killing.

“Because of officers’ actions and response, the suspect was contained within the perimeter and apprehended by officers,” the citation reads. “Every police officer and dispatcher involved played an invaluable role in the successful and quick apprehension and arrest of an armed and dangerous suspect.”

Michael Deane, a school crossing guard, was honored for assisting police and saving a child from potential exploitation. In December 2021, police asked Deane to report any unusual activity. Deane did just that, spotting an adult question and call a child over to his vehicle as the child got off a school bus. Deane took photos of the suspect and his vehicle and then provided the information to police which resulted in an arrest and saved the child.

Emily Young was honored for going to the aid of her father, who suffered a heart attack. She began CPR and continued until Vernon officers arrived. The police officers took over, administering CPR and using an AED. Her efforts, along with those by the responding officers, resulted in her father making a full recovery.

Jacob Melia, a lifeguard at Camp Newhoca, and Jayden Thompson, a camper, were honored for saving another a boy who was having trouble in the water. Jayden held the boy and kept his head above the water and Jacob took the boy to shore and cared for him until police and the ambulance arrived. The boy made a full recovery.

Fourteen Vernon officers received lifesaving awards for going to the aid of and saving people who suffered heart attacks, were attempting suicide or suffered gunshot wounds.

Officers selected their colleagues for “Officer of the Year” for their hard work and outstanding performance. Those recognized were Detective Thomas Van Tasel for 2019, Detective Cody Flanigan for 2020 and Officer Andre Lisee for 2021. Each showed exceptional dedication to duty, superior performance and a positive attitude in serving the department and community.

Officer Matthew Guilmette was selected as “Rookie of the Year” for his exceptional dedication to duty, superior performance, motivation and positive attitude in service to the department and community.

Vernon Marks Memorial Day with Parades in Talcottville and Rockville

The Town of Vernon will mark Memorial Day with the traditional parade in Rockville on Monday, and a parade on Sunday morning in Talcottville.

The Talcottville parade steps off at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 29th at the Talcottville Congregational Church and travels from Elm Hill Road to Main Street to Mount Hope Cemetery for a ceremony in front of the Civil War monument, the parade then reverses course and returns to the church. The parade ends about 10 a.m.

The parade will feature local dignitaries, the Colonel John Chester Fife and Drum Corps, the Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes and Drums, and the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Co. G, a group of Civil War reenactors.

On Monday, Vernon’s Memorial Day parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Northeast School and travels first to Grove Hill Cemetery for a ceremony in Lugg Memorial Field. The parade then travels onto Grove Street to East Main Street to Downtown Rockville.

“This is our first parade since 2019 and I am looking forward to joining with residents to honor and remember the men and women of our armed forces who have lost their lives during wartime,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “While many view Memorial Day as the kickoff to summer, I hope people will take a minute to remember the sacrifices so many families have made since our nation’s founding 246 years ago.”

The parade features local veterans, the Rockville High School Marching Band, the Town of Fire Department, the Vernon Police Honor Guard, scouting groups, local dignitaries and others.

Before the parade arrives in Downtown Rockville, the Sphinx Shriners Motor Patrol will entertain the crowd.

A ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Central Park follows the parade. A flyover by a Connecticut Air National Guard aircraft is expected between 10:50 and 11:10 a.m.

The Town of Vernon and the Rockville American Legion Post host the parade.

Rockville Public Library to be Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Effective Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18, the Rockville Public Library will be closed to the public. Curbside pickup will be available 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Vernon library card holders.

If you would like to request books or other materials for curbside pick-up please contact us either:

By phone: Call the library, (860) 875-5892 ext. 1, during our open hours with your list of items and your 14-digit library card barcode number. If the phone is busy or you are calling outside the library's hours of operation, then leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call as soon as we can.

By email: Email library staff at rockvillelibrary@vernon-ct.gov. Make sure to include the title and author of the item, your 14-digit library card barcode number, and your preferred pick up time.

Town of Vernon Obtains $650,000 Grant from U.S. EPA to Advance Daniel’s Mill Cleanup

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue cleanup efforts at the former Daniel’s Mill site, one of the mills the Town is working with a developer to repurpose into housing and commercial space.

The Brownfields Cleanup Grant is one of several the town has received to advance the project.

Daniel’s Mill, at 98 East Main Street, was a former textile mill that has also been used over the years as a machine shop, for the manufacture of fire-resistant paints, pesticides and as office and warehouse space.

The grant application was completed by town staff with assistance from the University of Connecticut.

“This EPA grant to help cover cleanup costs at Daniel’s Mill is another key step forward in our effort to restore the gateway to Rockville, develop housing and commercial space and to get the properties back on the tax rolls,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This is a true example of local, state and federal government working together to move Vernon forward. This combined effort is essential to seeing this project through to a successful completion.”

Last year, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development awarded the town $2 million for the cleanup of Daniel’s Mill. The Town is working with Camden Management Partners of Atlanta, Georgia, to repurpose Daniels and three adjacent properties, the former Amerbelle and Anocoil mills, into housing and commercial space.

“We are excited to see the Town of Vernon being awarded an EPA Brownfield Cleanup grant,” said Nefeli Bompoti, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UConn and Program Manager for the Technical Assistance for Brownfields (TAB) program. “The funding will act as a catalyst for the revitalization of Daniel’s Mill, and will promote economic and community development. At UConn TAB, we are happy to work with communities and support their efforts to transform blighted sites into community assets.”

In addition to the $2 million grant from the state, Vernon has also received $300,000 to study Daniel’s Mill and $4 million to cleanup Amerbelle.

“We have been putting the pieces together for what will be a transformational project for downtown Vernon,” Mayor Champagne said. “This is a spectacular complex of properties with waterfalls and the Hockanum River flowing through. Every grant we obtain moves us closer to our goal. I am especially grateful to Professor Bompoti and UConn for the critical assistance they provided on this grant application.”

Foundation Testing Program Available for Homes Built Between 1983 and 2015 in Vernon, Ellington and Stafford
Testing can Provide Confirmation of Pyrrhotite or Peace of Mind

(VERNON, Connecticut) – A free program that tests foundations for the presence of the mineral pyrrhotite has been extended through February 28th, 2023 and is available to qualifying residents of Vernon, Ellington and Stafford.

The Regional Crumbling Foundations Testing Program covers the cost of testing a foundation for the presence of pyrrhotite, which when exposed to water and air causes the expansion and deterioration of surrounding concrete and can cause structures such as home foundations to fail.

As many as 34,000 homes constructed in northeastern Connecticut between 1983 and 2000 may have concrete foundations containing pyrrhotite and are at risk of cracking or crumbling. The testing program covers the $3,500 cost to test the concrete in a foundation for the presence of pyrrhotite.

“Testing can confirm that you have a problem and allow you to begin the process of correcting it,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “It can also confirm that you do not have a problem and give you both peace of mind and an official determination that your foundation is not affected by pyrrhotite.”

Under the testing program, homeowners receive comprehensive visual and core testing of the foundation and a written report about the results.

Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered through the state Department of Housing through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program. The funding is available as a public service program which requires that 51 percent of the participants be low to moderate income households. A household of four people must have an income of less than $89,400. The income for a three-person household must be less than $80,500, and for a two-person

household it must be less than $71,550. The figure is $62,600 for a single person household.
Households that exceed that income limit can also apply, but can only represent 49 percent of the program’s participants. Vernon currently has a number of such households waiting to receive testing because more low-moderate income households are needed to apply.

“People who are thinking about selling their home are going to have to have their foundation tested and this program is an opportunity to have the grant cover that cost,” said Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Director of Social Services. “Obtaining a negative test result will give you the comfort of knowing this is not an issue you need to worry about and will give you the official determination you can pass on to a person buying your home. With funds only guaranteed through next February, people who want testing should contact us immediately.”

More information about the testing program and an application form can be found by visiting www.vernon-ct.gov/crumblingfoundations.

Information about replacing a foundation with pyrrhotite can be found by visiting the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc., (CFSIC) at www.crumblingfoundations.org. In order to qualify for assistance from the CFSIC, you must first have your foundation tested.

Vernon Agriculture Science and Technology Students Grow Fresh Produce to be Served in Rockville High Cafeteria
You’ve heard of ‘Farm to Table.’ How about ‘Farm to Cafeteria Tray?’

The Vernon Public Schools are taking the “farm to table” movement to a new level. Students in Rockville High School’s Agriculture Science and Technology (ASTE) program are growing cucumbers and lettuce their classmates will enjoy in the school cafeteria.

You might call it farm to cafeteria tray.

Project Homegrown is a partnership between the Vernon Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department and the ASTE program, and in addition to growing fresh produce includes the composting of kitchen scraps from the cafeteria. The compost is added to the soil used to grow the fresh produce.

Rockville High School Senior Jessica Donovan displays the cucumbers she just harvested.

“I have been thinking a lot about the ASTE program and how we could work together,” said Elizabeth Fisher, Director of Food and Nutrition for the Vernon Public Schools. “I reached out to Erika Bahler, who is the director, and asked if they’d be interested in starting a collaboration and Erika said ‘absolutely.’”

The impetus was a grant program through the North Central District Health Department to encourage farm to school programs and to help cover costs, which consisted largely of vegetable seeds, bins for vegetable scraps, and other supplies.

Junior Troy Balsewicz carries a tray of lettuce from the ASTE greenhouse.

On Wednesday (May 4, 2022) Rockville High Senior Jessica Donovan harvested the first cucumbers. Junior Troy Balsewicz made a first cutting of the lettuce he and his teachers and classmates grew.

When the weather gets warmer, the ASTE students will also grow cherry tomatoes in a garden they have prepared. The garden club will continue to grow food through the summer and fall for the Vernon Schools nutrition program.

Rockville High Senior Jessica Donovan cuts cucumbers from a vine in the ASTE greenhouse.

“I can’t think of a better way to reinforce for the Rockville High School community the important contributions of the ASTE program and agriculture in general,” Vernon Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary said. “Our students will be enjoying fresh vegetables grown by their friends just a few hundred feet from where they are eating. This is great for everybody.”

Bahler said students in horticulture classes and the after school garden club are enthusiastic about providing classmates with hyper-locally sourced lunches in the cafeteria and showing off what they do at ASTE.

Rockville High ASTE Teacher Erika Bahler shows students Jessica Donovan and Troy Balsewicz how to harvest lettuce.

“They’re excited about the fact that what they are growing is going to be in their school lunch, that they’re going to find it in the school cafeteria when they get lunch each day,” Bahler said.

“It’s great to have fresh produce that is locally grown,” Donovan said, adding locally-grown food is easier to transport and helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. “You get to see where the food you grow goes and the affect it has on your community. Other students also get to see what we’ve been doing in the ag program.”

Junior Troy Balsewicz carries lettuce he just harvested.

Donovan snipped the cucumbers from their vine, which is growing in an ASTE greenhouse. Teacher Erika Bahler helped her determine which cucumbers were ready to be picked and which need some more growing time.

Bahler showed Balsewicz how to cut the lettuce, also grown in a green house, then he finished the job, placing the mixed greens in a bucket for delivery to the cafeteria.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to be able to do this,” Balsewicz said. “We’re able to provide something for the school and our fellow students get to see what the ag program is doing. Many of the people over there really don’t know what goes on over here.”

And while the Vernon Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department uses locally grown produce as much as possible, the produce grown by the ASTE students takes it a new level.

“You can’t get any fresher than next door,” Bahler said.

Local Veterans Invited to Participate in Vernon’s Memorial Day Parade

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s Memorial Day Parade is returning this year and the Town of Vernon is seeking local veterans who would like to participate.

The annual parade honors the men and women of the armed forces who gave their last full measure in the defense of our nation. Vernon’s Memorial Day parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2019 because of weather.

“Memorial Day is a solemn and important holiday that gives us an opportunity to remember and honor those who have given their lives in the service of freedom,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “I hope Vernon veterans will join us for the parade, and that residents will join us along the parade route and in Central Park after the parade to honor the Vernon and Rockville fighting men and women who died in our nation’s wars.”

This year Memorial Day is on Monday, May 30th. The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. at Northeast School, pause briefly at Grove Hill Cemetery for a ceremony, and then continue on Grove Street onto East Main Street into downtown Vernon.

Another ceremony will take place after the parade ends at the Veterans Memorial in Central Park, which is in front of Town Hall.

Local veterans who would like to participate in the parade are urged to call Mayor Champagne’s office at 860-870-3601. If you are a veteran or know a veteran, please call.

Dart Hill Road Bridge Closure and Replacement Scheduled for June 7; Detour Will Be in Place Until October

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Replacement of the Dart Hill Road bridge over the Hockanum River is scheduled to begin in May and will require a complete closure of the bridge and a detour from about June 7 until late October 2022 so that work on the project can progress safely and efficiently.

When the detour is in place, traffic that normally travels on Dart Hill Road will be detoured to Windsorville Road (Route 74). Eastbound traffic will go north on Skinner Road to Windsorville Road and westbound traffic will go north on Route 83 to Windsorville Road. (Please see the attached map.)

“Vernon has been proactive in maintaining its bridges,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “When the project is complete, this bridge will be up to 21st Century standards. Closing the bridge to complete the project this summer and fall will save a significant amount of taxpayer money and limit the detour to one construction season.”

Once construction begins, Vernon’s emergency service leaders have coordinated with colleagues in South Windsor to ensure a timely response to emergency calls west of the bridge. Vernon Public Schools officials will also reroute school buses. Rockville High School students who live west of the Hockanum River and who now walk to school will be able to ride school buses for the duration of the detour.

“Keeping the bridge open during construction would complicate the project and add to its cost,” Vernon Town Engineer David Smith said. “The contractor would have to build alternating traffic lanes and construction crews would have to dodge vehicle traffic and pedestrians that use the bridge. Complete closure of the bridge will allow the contractor to work more efficiently and keep the public safe.”

When completed in November 2022, the new bridge will be wider, and have better geometry and sight lines, Smith said. The new bridge will also have a protected area for pedestrians, adding to overall safety, Smith said.

During the detour period the bridge will be closed to pedestrians, impacting people who use the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail.

Construction will begin in May. The project went out to bid and a $2.1 million contract was awarded to New England Road Inc. of Clinton.

The project’s $2.5 million cost is being covered mostly by a federal grant through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, which is administered by the Capital Region Council of Governments and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Federal money covers the $2.1 million construction costs while the Town of Vernon is paying about $400,000 for design, construction management and inspection costs.

Town of Vernon, State of Connecticut Partner to Restore Fox Hill Tower

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The bonding package recently approved by the State Bond Commission includes $2.5 million for the restoration of Vernon’s landmark Fox Hill Memorial Tower.

The tower sits at the top of Henry Park and overlooks Rockville and the Connecticut River Valley. It is an iconic symbol of Vernon and is featured in the town seal.

The tower was built in 1937 during the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration project and intended as a memorial to Vernon’s war veterans. The WPA was an employment and infrastructure program created to get Americans back to work.

Mayor Dan Champagne sought funding to restore the tower through the State Bond Commission.

“Fox Hill Tower is a Vernon landmark and a centerpiece of so many activities, such as July in the Sky,” Mayor Champagne said. “I am thankful the Bond Commission shares my view that investing in the tower and preserving a regional landmark is worthwhile for Vernon and Connecticut.”

The Town last year hired an engineering firm to examine the tower and promenade, to recommend a restoration program and develop a budget. Its recommendations include extensive masonry restoration, concrete repair, repainting and adding handicapped access and additional lighting.

Vernon Center Middle School Student Creates Word that is Recognized by New York Times in Vocabulary Challenge
Sixth Grader Blake Lewis Earns Honorable Mention for Word ‘Seath’

Sixth and seventh graders in Regina Lee’s Talented and Gifted classes at Vernon Center Middle School spent several class sessions discussing how words are created and then went to work inventing new words.

Sixth grader Blake Lewis’ word was judged to be so original that it won “honorable mention” from The New York Times in a Vocabulary Challenge for middle and high school students. Read the story here.

Blake Lewis

“When I first gave the kids this assignment some of them were really intimidated,” Lee said. The concept of creating words is difficult. And there’s a tendency for older people to dismiss new words created and spoken by younger generations, she said. “Older people say, ‘that’s not a real word.’”

In fact, new words are created all the time to fill new needs.

“Every word is a real word,” Lee said. “Whether words get into the dictionary depends on how well we decide they meet the needs of our language. And that means how commonly new words are used.”

Lee had her students view a TED talk by lexicographer Erin McKean, who urges students to create new words. Just as people create art and music, they can and should create words, she said.

“You can make a new word right now,” she said. “English has no age limit. Everybody who speaks English decides together what’s a word and what’s not a word. Every language is just a group of people who agree to understand each other.”

Blake Lewis and fellow VCMS students.

New words can be created in a variety of ways – by taking them from other languages, compounding words by putting two words together, or blending by combining two words into one, McKean said.

To create his word, Blake, 11, thought about articles he has read about the health of the world’s oceans.

“There is information about how the seas’ health is getting worse and worse,” Blake said. “So, I thought of a word for it – ‘seath.’ I used “sea” and the last part of ‘health.’”

He said he was “amazed” when he learned the judges at The New York Times listed his word among the top entries they received.

“I’m hoping that someday Blake’s word is used by scientists,” Lee said. She suggested the “seath scale for ocean health” would be a good way for the word to be used. In the submission to The New York Times, Blake suggested this sentence: “Horrible pollution is decreasing our world seath.”

Although Blake’s word was the only one to be recognized by The New York Times, Vernon Center Middle Schools created many interesting and fun words, Lee said.

Some of those words include:

• CollyDrop: a person who drops out of college. – Parker Burns, grade 6
• Sheltooz: a house with a lot of pets and a crazy dynamic. – Storm Berard, grade 7
• Arreltion: when you find something (a book, movie, TV show or song) that puts the emotions you have been feeling into words and makes you feel seen and understood. – Rowan Hodgkins, grade 7
• Knucklepluckle: someone who picks at their fingers, cuticles or nails. – Lucy Powers, grade 7
• Jad: when you feel happy for someone because they got a good opportunity, but also sad because they will be leaving to seize the new opportunity. – Soumil Jain, grade 7
• Snickely: the act of sneezing uncontrollably. – Jacob Brown, grade 6
• Crish or crished: what happens when you drop a glass item and it breaks into many pieces. – Mason Pitkin, grade 6
• Exquizamble or exquizambled: to make someone think they look better than they actually do, or to act as if you look better than you actually do. – Livia Castle, grade 7

Connecticut DPH And DEEP Issue Advisory For Fish Caught In The Hockanum River

HARTFORD, Conn.--The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection today are issuing a consumption advisory for fish caught in the Hockanum
River. This consumption advisory is based on elevated levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl
substances (PFAS) in fish tissue samples collected from the Hockanum River in Vernon.

Based on locations identified by DEEP, DPH recommends NOT eating fish from:

• The Hockanum River starting below the Shenipsit Lake dam (Tolland Ave, Vernon) to the Connecticut River, including the riverine impoundments of Papermill Pond (including Pitney Park, Vernon)
• Union Pond (Manchester)
• Several small impoundments or ponds on the Hockanum River (East Hartford)
• The Tankerhoosen River (from the Hockanum River upstream to the dam at Main Street)

The Hockanum River and its tributaries are located in the towns of Vernon, Manchester, Ellington
and East Hartford.

DPH is working closely with DEEP, which determined the locations where the fish advisory has been
based on their fisheries expertise and knowledge of the case details. Surface water samples
collected with fish tissue in Vernon below Shenipsit Lake met drinking water guidelines.

This advisory does not apply to Shenipsit Lake or affect the public drinking water supply.  The
last drinking water sample collected by Connecticut Water Company showed no PFAS above laboratory
limits.

The fish consumption advisory is based on fish tissue results recently received and validated. Fish
samples were collected in September 2021 in Vernon, between Route 74 and Dart Hill Road.  In total,
30 fish representing three species—American Eel, Fallfish and White Sucker—were analyzed for PFAS
concentrations. Tissue samples showed PFAS at concentrations above levels considered by DPH to be
safe for human consumption. PFAS concentrations in White Sucker were somewhat lower than the other species tested.

This advisory is based on a limited sample size and is issued with an abundance of caution. The
Hockanum River data were collected by a consultant retained by DEEP as part of a large, statewide
study to evaluate the presence of PFAS in the state’s waste receiving waters. The study was
initiated in response to the Governor’s Inter-agency PFAS Action Plan, which recommended evaluating
PFAS levels in fish harvested from Connecticut waters. The study is ongoing, with final results
expected by the end of 2022. DEEP plans to conduct additional monitoring along the Hockanum River
to better understand the water quality conditions and potential sources of the PFAS.

DPH and DEEP would like to emphasize that while fish in the Hockanum River are not safe for
consumption, recreational activities such as fishing (catch and release only) and boating are safe.

DEEP stocked the Hockanum River with 2,059 trout earlier this spring (March 4 and 23) before
receiving the data showing elevated PFAS levels in river fish in the area. Anglers are strongly
encouraged to either strictly practice catch and release fishing in the areas subject to this
advisory, or to fish in other nearby water bodies also stocked with trout. These locations can be
viewed on the DEEP interactive trout stocking map www.ct.gov/deep/troutstockingmaps. No additional
stocking of trout will occur in the Hockanum River or lower Tankerhoosen River this spring.

The Manchester Health Department, North Central Health Department, and the East Hartford Health
Department are posting signs along the Hockanum River and at each of the locations identified above
to remind the public of the current advisory.

It is also important to note that there are other preexisting statewide advisories that are in place including:

• Freshwater fish: The advice for freshwater fish caught in Connecticut for pregnant women and children (high risk groups) is to eat no more than one meal per month. For all other groups, the advice is to eat no more than one meal per week of freshwater fish. This statewide advice is due to mercury contamination found in Connecticut  freshwater  fish.  This  statewide  advisory does  not apply  to  sunfish  or  trout as  there  are  no consumption limits for these fish species.

Long term exposure to PFAS may be associated with increased levels of cholesterol and liver
enzymes, a change in immune  response,  an  increased  chance  of  high  blood  pressure  and/or  
pre-eclampsia  during  pregnancy,  and  an increased chance of thyroid disease, developmental
defects, and cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancers.

Additional information on DPH fish consumption advisories can be found at:
https://portal.ct.gov/fish or by calling a DPH staff person at 1-877-458-FISH (3474).

Vernon Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Town Earns Award for 30th Straight Year

(VERNON, Connecticut) – For the 30th straight year, the Town of Vernon’s Finance Department has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

“It’s critical for government to be open and accountable to residents and taxpayers,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Ensuring our financial reports are in proper order and accessible to those who want to review them is a hallmark of accountability and open government.”

The award followed an examination of Vernon’s annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended June 30, 2020. An impartial panel of judges found the work of Vernon’s Finance Department continued to meet high standards and demonstrate a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” in communicating the Town’s financial condition.

“This continued recognition by GFOA is testimony to Vernon’s ongoing commitment to responsible and transparent financial planning,” said Jeff O’Neill, Vernon’s Finance Officer and Treasurer. “Creating a comprehensive financial report that meets GFOA’s exacting standards is a significant accomplishment and consistent with Vernon’s values, including transparency and accountability. The achievement is also a testament to the work of Vernon Controller Frank Zitkus, who does an exceptional job preparing and presenting the report each year.”

Town Administrator and Emergency & Risk Manager Michael Purcaro said Vernon’s Finance Department plays a crucial role in the daily operation of Town government through careful management of revenue and expenses and the guidance it offers each day on how tax dollars are best utilized.

“Just as important is the continued oversight that comes after the fiscal year ends, through the preparation of financial reports and the annual audit,” Purcaro said. “The excellence demonstrated each day by Jeff, Frank and all of our colleagues in the Finance Department is why Vernon continues to earn this prestigious award.”

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events Open to Vernon Residents
First Disposal Event is this Saturday

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon residents have several opportunities in the coming months to safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous materials they have in their homes.

Household hazardous wastes can be dropped off on the following Saturdays, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the Capitol Region East Hazardous Waste facility, 321 Olcott St., Manchester: April 2, May 14, June 4, August 27, September 24, October 29 and November 12, 2022.

There will be another household hazardous collection day on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stafford Highway Department garage, 210 East Street (Route 19), Stafford. This collection is open to Vernon residents.

Online appointments are now required to drop off items and can be made by visiting: https://mdjdmz.townofmanchester.org/WasteAppointments/

Items that can be disposed of at the event include paints, stains, acids, automotive fluids, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and household cleaning products. For full listings of what materials are and are not acceptable at the household hazardous waste collection events, visit the Town of Vernon's website at www.vernon-ct.gov and search for “hazardous waste.”

Items should be left in their original containers. People should bring a driver’s license, tax bill or car registration to prove they are a Vernon resident.

Used and waste motor oil and antifreeze can be dropped at the Vernon Transfer Station located on Hockanum Boulevard (off Talcottville Road).

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m. there will a collection event for paint products only. To learn what can be dropped at this event, please visit: https://www.paintcare.org/products/

The Capitol Region East Operation Committee (CREOC) serves Vernon, Glastonbury, Hebron, Manchester, Marlborough, Somers, South Windsor and Stafford for the collection of household hazardous waste.  

Town of Vernon Expands FREE Pandemic-Related Mental Health Counseling Services for Residents
New Initiative with KIDSAFE-CT Provides Counseling Services to Children

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon has expanded its use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help residents address mental health needs brought on by the coronavirus pandemic by providing free mental health counseling services to Vernon residents. This use was unanimously approved by the Vernon Town Council.

Children ages 3 to 17 can receive free counseling through a unique partnership with KIDSAFE-CT, an affiliate of The Village for Families & Children. The Town has already established a social worker position using ARPA funds to counsel adult Town residents through the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC). The Town has been recognized for its novel use of ARPA funds to provide mental health assistance to residents.

More than two years of the coronavirus pandemic have taken a toll on many people. Illness, grief, loss, social isolation, job loss, uncertainty, stress, depression, and anxiety and other pandemic-driven stressors have caused an increase in psychological distress on a large scale, according to mental health experts.

The partnerships with HVCC and KIDSAFE-CT are intended to help Vernon residents work through any difficulties they are experiencing.

“Two years into this pandemic, our community is recovering and we are making progress,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We cannot forget that there continues to be uncertainty and that these times have been difficult for so many of our friends and neighbors. That is why the Town of Vernon has devoted these federal dollars to provide direct assistance to those who need mental health services.”

“Throughout the pandemic, we have been focused on meeting our community’s needs,” Town Administrator and Emergency & Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “Addressing mental health needs is just as important to our overall recovery plan as addressing the physical health and wellbeing of Vernon residents. That’s why we have partnered with organizations with a strong record of helping families and individuals – HVCC, The Village for Families & Children and KIDSAFE-CT.”

KIDSAFE-CT will focus on the mental health needs of children and families. Treatment will be offered at KIDSAFE-CT’s office at 19 Elm Street, Vernon, or in homes or community settings, such as parks or schools, as long as the client’s privacy can be protected.

“The pandemic has significantly increased the rate of anxiety and depression in children and stress for families,” said Dr. Sandy Kyriakopoulos, Associate Vice President of Clinical & Community Integration for The Village for Families & Children. “The Village is thrilled to partner with the Town of Vernon to provide expertise and much needed access to local mental health services for children, adolescents and their families.”

Ashley Galica, a social worker, began work at HVCC in February. She is able to give Vernon residents priority access to care through HVCC. Galica is working with individuals referred by the Vernon Social Services Department, Vernon Youth Services, Vernon Public Schools and Vernon-based health and human services organizations. Galica can also be reached through HVCC.

“Vernon’s vision to prioritize the mental health needs of its residents shows that the Town is committed to ensuring that all of its residents have access to care,” said David O’Rourke, CEO of HVCC. “COVID has left many aftereffects, not the least of which are anxiety, depression and isolation. This position is a step towards addressing those needs. The impact of COVID will be felt for some time for many of us. The leadership in Vernon recognized this and proactively developed a plan to address the impact.”

There are two components to the services Galica is offering. First, she is providing clinical and case management services to Vernon residents in the areas of substance abuse, behavioral problems, food insecurity, domestic violence and hoarding, among others. The second involves collaborating with groups that work with or interact with these individuals, such as the Vernon schools, emergency services, law enforcement and courts.

“HVCC is proud to partner with the Town of Vernon to provide behavioral health services, education and advocacy to those struggling with COVID related behavioral health needs,” O’Rourke said.

Initial assessment can take place in the community, while subsequent interactions will occur at HVCC’s offices in Vernon. For people who have difficulty with transportation, assistance is available. For more information, please contact KIDSAFE-CT at (860) 872-1918, HVCC at (860) 872-9825 or the Vernon Department of Social Services at (860) 870-3661.

Author and Vernon Resident Joy Houlder Visits Vernon Elementary Schools to Read Her Children’s Book ‘Calvin Dreams’ to Students

VERNON, Connecticut – Some Vernon elementary school students received a special treat this month when author Joy Houlder visited their classrooms to read from her book “Calvin Dreams: And that he will be bigger than the moon!”

At Vernon’s Skinner Road School, students were enthralled by Calvin and Houlder’s vivid illustrations, which show Calvin exploring his dreams with his stuffed bunny as a sidekick.

Second graders at Vernon’s Skinner Road School listen as Author Joy Houlder reads her book “Calvin Dreams.”

When Houlder finished reading, the students’ arms shot into the air with questions about those illustrations, what it’s like to write a book and about Calvin.

“Can I tell you all something?” Houlder said. “Calvin is a real boy.” The children gasped.

“Calvin is actually my little brother,” Houlder continued. “He was 1 when I wrote this book.”

And then there was one more surprise. Houlder told the children that she is one of them. She grew up in Vernon, attended Vernon Public Schools, then college, where she wrote the book about Calvin, who is now 4. The students saw in her someone they could aspire to be.

“Ms. Houlder is an example of all the great things you can accomplish when you work hard,” Melissa Trantolo, the Director of Teaching and Learning for Vernon Public Schools, told the first graders in Lauren Worsham’s class.

As she stood up to leave, some students gathered around to hug her and ask more questions.

Author Joy Houlder reads to first graders in Lauren Worsham’s class at Vernon’s Skinner Road School.

“I’m going to be dreaming about this,” Houlder said. “It’s incredible and humbling at the same time.”

Houlder, 24, works for Eastern Connecticut Health Network as a Family Resource Specialist at Vernon’s Maple Street School, where teachers and students know her and her book well.

“So many teachers at Maple Street School were telling me about Joy and what a fabulous person she is, what a fantastic author and illustrator she is and about the positive messages she is sending out to our students,” Trantolo said. “I went and met her and absolutely fell in love with her. I asked her if she would be willing to visit all the schools and share her story with them?”

Houlder happily agreed.

“The kids absolutely loved her,” Trantolo said. “They’re able to quickly make connections with her, and her book shows students of color in a positive light and lets all students know they have a place. It’s just amazing.”

Second graders at Vernon’s Skinner Road School listen as Author Joy Houlder reads her book “Calvin Dreams.”

Houlder said she wrote “Calvin Dreams” because she was excited to have a little brother and because she saw a void in books for children of color. In many situations, a Black male protagonist is working for civil rights or in another historical context. She said she wanted to create a book that featured a Black boy in fantasy situations. Those are the types of books she had trouble finding herself in when she was young.

She wrote the book for Calvin so he would have something special, but was encouraged by a college professor to think bigger. She began drawing and then putting together a story as a special course during her senior year at Emmanuel College in Boston. She graduated in May 2019 and the book was published the following December.

On the back cover is a message to the children she is trying to reach: “Dear underrepresented child, believe in yourself and chase your dreams.”

“Calvin Dreams” can be found online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Vernon Firefighters, EMTs and Civilians Honored for Lifesaving and Heroism at Annual Awards Ceremony
Two Firefighters Receive Medal of Valor for Saving People from Burning Building

Volunteers with the Town of Vernon Fire Department on Monday honored their own for heroic and life-saving acts, and honored good Samaritans who stepped up to help when lives were at risk.

Among those honored at the department’s annual awards program at Rockville High School were a woman who saved a toddler choking on a grape, passersby who helped firefighters and police rescue people from a burning Union Street building and teams of rescuers who responded to serious crashes.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne thanked the volunteers for all they do.

“I can’t be any prouder of you and the work you do,” Mayor Champagne said. “Your dedication and commitment to serving our community is appreciated. The people of Vernon are truly fortunate to have you.”

Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro told the department that its performance during an unprecedented year with a record call volume was inspiring.

“You define courage through your daily unselfish and noble acts,” Purcaro said. “Your dedication to serving others and the sacrifices you make to serve are recognized. We are grateful to and your families for all that you do, and all that you are willing to do, in service to Vernon.”

Fire Chief Stephen Eppler reminded his colleagues of the special status they hold in the community, and the responsibilities that come with that. Being a firefighter, he said, is the greatest job in the world.

“We are the last chance for the public when they call us,” Eppler said. “When they need us, they really need us. They love us. They trust us. They count on us.”

It is crucial to respect those with whom they serve and to respect the community, and to avoid the pitfalls of social media, Eppler said. He urged firefighters to use social media wisely and to share the good work they do, but to avoid the negativity that exists on social media networks A poorly thought out comment can reflect on the whole organization and undermine all the good work they do, he said.

Engineer Stan Landry, left, and Lt. Blake St. John were honored with the Medal of Valor for
saving the lives of two people trapped in a burning Union Street building. Photo by Duncan Stewart. 

Firefighter Robert Turkington, the evening’s master of ceremonies, reminded his colleagues that the awards distributed Monday night represented only a small portion of the good work the volunteers performed over the past year.

A video of the television program “Hearts of Heroes”, that highlighted the work of firefighters, police and good Samaritans at the March 29, 2021 fire at 80-82 Union Street fire was also shown at Monday’s awards program at Rockville High School.

Two firefighters, Lt. Blake St. John and Engineer Stan Landry, were awarded the Medal of Valor for their efforts at the Union Street fire. With fire blasting out the windows from the third floor of the building, both men climbed ladders and rescued people hanging from the windows. St. John then climbed back up the ladder and into a second floor apartment to search for a third person. No one was on the second floor.

Firefighters and good Samaritans who worked together to save the lives of two people in a
burning Union Street building are: Engineer Kevin Bowman (second from left),
Engineer Stan Landry, Lt. Blake St. John, Vernon Police Officer Allison Lawrence, Vernon
Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro, Sam Flint and
Brett Rhinehart. They are joined on stage by Assistant Fire Chiefs Alan Arel and Robert
Babcock and Chief Stephen Eppler. Photo by Duncan Stewart.

Engineer Kevin Bowman received a phone call about the fire from his barber, Sam Flint, and headed to the scene before being formally dispatched. On board his pumper was the 24-foot ladder that made the rescues possible.

Other members of the team that assisted St. John, Landry and Bowman that day were honored, including Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro, Vernon Police Officer Allison Lawrence, and civilians Sam Flint, Brett Rhinehart and Nathan Pisani.

“Lives were indeed saved that day,” Lt. Michelle Kerr said. “You all played crucial roles in this incident.”

Lieutenants Jeff Schambach and Brian Johnston, Firefighters Zachary Lopez, Tyler Branon and Danielle Solito, Emergency Medical Technicians Octavio Muniz and Robert Doton, American Medical Response Paramedic Jane Gordon, Rockville Medic Michael Carl, Tolland Firefighters Tim Seitz and Trevor Gantic, Crystal Lake Fire Officer Rob Edwards and Vernon Public Works Mechanic Rick Toper were honored for their response to a serious crash on August 19, 2021. A young man from Tolland, Jonathan Prouty, was seriously injured in the crash. Firefighters removed Prouty from the wreckage and the paramedics and EMTs provided a high level of care that saved his life.

Prouty presented the team with their awards and he and his father, Paul Prouty, attended the ceremony to thank the rescuers.

Assistant Fire Chief Robert Babcock, Lt. Jeff Schambach, Lt. Bert Lessard, Engineer Stan Landry, and Firefighters Dennis LeClair, Kelly Tischbein, Connor Raymond, Ashley Shepard and Ian McMahon were honored for their work at a crash on October 21, 2021 on Route 83 at Merline Road that involved serious injuries.
Lt. Jeff Schambach, Lt. Bert Lessard, Lt. Nick Bartos, Engineer Stan Landry, and Firefighters Kelly Tischbein, Dennis LeClair and Ian McMahon were honored for their efforts at a serious crash on December 2, 2021 on I-84 where they stabilized a truck and rescued the driver.

Zaida Rodriguez Adorno received the Citizen’s Life Saving Award for her acts on November 19, 2021 saving a toddler. Zaida, a guest at Cornerstone's New Hope House in Vernon, went to the aid of a fellow guest who was choking on a grape. She leaped into action and performed abdominal thrusts on the near lifeless child before EMTs arrived. Her quick thinking and prompt action saved the child’s life.

Zaida Rodriguez Adorno received the Citizen’s Life Saving Award for saving a toddler who
was choking on a grape. She is joined by Assistant Chief Alan Arel, left, Assistant Chief
Robert Babcock and Fire Chief Stephen Eppler. Photo by Duncan Stewart.

EMTs Justin Czarnota and Robert Doton were honored for their response on March 2, 2021 to a person experiencing cardiac arrest. The EMTs performed CPR and used a defibrillator to revive a patient, then quickly transported the patient to a hospital. The result was a positive outcome for the patient. Czarnota and Doton received the Pre-Hospital Code Save Award.

Engineer Stan Landry, Lt. Brian Johnston, Engineer Scott McDonald, Lt. Nick Bartos and Lt. Spencer Padget were recognized for their work planning, organizing and constructing a training facility at Fire Station 1 on Hartford Turnpike. They received an Achievement Award.

Jack Yang of Artisan Development received a Citizen’s Award for his contributions to the department for use in the training facility at Fire Station 1 and a structure he donated for training.

Ryan McKinney was recognized as Junior Firefighter of the Year for his initiative, eagerness to learn and drive and dedication to the department.

Junior Firefighter of the Year Ryan McKinney

Kelly Tischbein was honored as Firefighter of the Year. She joined in the fire department in 2020 and embraced training and devoted hundreds of hours to volunteering. She responded to 340 calls in 2021 has gained the respect of fellow firefighters and department leaders.

Firefighter of the Year Kelly Tischbein

Heather Graveline was recognized as EMT of the year for regularly going above and beyond, her work training colleagues and the professional and courteous care she provides to patients.

EMT of the Year Heather Graveline

Lt. Nick Bartos was recognized as Fire Officer of the Year for his devotion of hundreds of hours, response to many calls and leadership by example. He also devoted many hours to developing training programs for his company and played a key role in the fire department’s drone program.

Fire Officer of the Year Nick Bartos

Lt. Ashley Shepard and Lt. Andre Lisee were recognized for being newly elected company officers.

Retired Captain David Maguda and retired Engineer Craig Bowman were recognized for their service to the department. Magda served 42 years and Bowman 28 years.

The following volunteers receive length of service awards:
45 Years
Engineer Bart Blonstein, Capt. Michael Colt and Auxiliary member Dorothy Konarski
35 Years
Engineer Warren Boulette, Department Secretary Diane Carpenter, Engineer David Dube, Engineer Ronald Fischer, Capt. Jack Fisher, Deputy Chief Christopher Hammick, Engineer Larry King, Engineer Stan Landry and EMT Mary Males
30 Years
Engineer Mitchell Dlubac, Fire Chief Stephen Eppler and EMT Jason Hahn
25 Years
Capt. Daniel Robertson
20 Years
Assistant Chief Robert Babcock
15 Years
Engineer Austin Coppinger, Firefighter James Robinson, Lt. Ashley Shepard and Lt. Blake St. John
10 Years
Capt. Chris Prue and Firefighter Reilly Tuttle
5 Years
Auxiliary member Nyla Hadden, Lt. Bert Lessard and EMT Jonathan Towler

Mayor Champagne and Vernon Town Council Move to Create Cultural District in Downtown Rockville
Cultural District Advisory Board Will Bring Arts Events, Performances to Vernon

Mayor Dan Champagne and the Vernon Town Council have taken the first step toward creating a Cultural District in Vernon, specifically in Downtown Rockville, and have established a Cultural District Advisory Board to oversee the development of a district.

The initiative is consistent with Vernon’s recently adopted Plan of Conservation and Development and the Sustainable Connecticut initiative.

“Arts events and cultural attractions in Vernon benefit all of our residents, draw visitors to Vernon and help our dynamic business community” Mayor Champagne said. “We have taken steps to enhance the arts in Vernon, and this new effort will help us position historic Downtown Rockville as the economic, civic, social and cultural center of Tolland County.”

The Town Council approved a resolution Tuesday night establishing the Cultural District and the advisory board. As envisioned by the mayor and town officials, the district would run from Saxony Dog Park in the west to Gene Pitney Memorial Park in the east, Henry Park to the South and Talcott Park to the North.

Part of the Cultural District Advisory Board’s role will be to take an inventory of arts and cultural assets and further define the district’s boundaries.

“Focusing on arts and culture will naturally bring people together, break down barriers, and help us create a more cohesive and engaged community,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

“It’s clear from looking around Rockville that it was once the center of activity in the region,” said Shaun Gately, Vernon’s Economic Development Coordinator. “Look at the architecture, the mills, churches, the library and Town Hall. This is why Rockville is a prime location for this initiative. Rockville was built to be the center of arts and commerce in this region.”

The Rockville Public Library is one of those cultural assets and its staff has been working to bring the arts to Vernon through concerts and by hosting theatric performances. The library’s interior is adorned with the names of great writers and thinkers from history, and its collection contains their works.

“Creating a Cultural District is an opportunity to bring a spotlight to Vernon and Downtown Rockville and what we have to offer,” Library Director Jennifer Johnston-Marius said. “Bringing more arts and cultural activities to Rockville is just the start. It’s exciting to imagine what can happen through this effort.”

The Cultural District Advisory Board will consist of eight members who represent:

• Local cultural/arts council.
• Cultural organizations.
• For-profit creative businesses.
• Local businesses or the chamber of commerce.
• An artist who lives or works in the district.
• Other members can represent tourism, historic preservation, education, economic and community development and the leisure and hospitality industries.

The Cultural District Advisory Board will, among other things, help to:

• Create a cultural district.
• Create an inventory of arts and cultural assets.
• Develop a long-term plan for the visual and performing arts in the district.
• Encourage artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses.
• Highlight the culture and history of Vernon.

“The arts are part of who we are as humans, and it’s how we express ourselves,” Gately said. “Whether it is music, drama, dance or cave drawings, human beings have expressed themselves since the beginning of time. We want to encourage people to come together, to create and to enrich our community. And we want Rockville to be a lively place with all kinds of fun activities and events.”

Vernon Greater Together Community Fund Grants Awarded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dustin Yager, Vernon Greater Together Community Fund
vernoncommunityfund@gmail.com

Local Organizations Receive Grants Through Vernon Greater Together Community Fund

Vernon, CT (January 23, 2022) – The Vernon Greater Together Community Fund is pleased to announce it has awarded its first round of grants totaling $18,500. The Community Fund is supported by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and allows local residents to identify community needs and fund solutions that respond to those needs. The Vernon Greater Together Community Fund is supporting the following organizations and projects:

Vernon Historical Society | $2,500 | To create a community map to promote awareness of Vernon's walking trails and historical markers.
Vernon Arts Center East | $3,000 | To create an exhibit, classes, and talks on the legacy of Vernon Resident Charles Ethan Porter.

UR Community Cares | $2,000 | To connect Vernon's older and physically disabled residents to local volunteers with help for home-based assistance.

RHS Project Graduation, Inc. | $500 | To help cover the cost of Project Graduation, which provides a safe event for high school graduates the night of graduation.

Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Inc. | $2,500 | To provide financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programming for up to 75 students attending Vernon Public Schools.

Interval House | $5,000 | To be used to offer assistance to residents of Vernon experiencing domestic violence.

Bridge Family Center | $3,000 | To purchase furniture and therapeutic toys for the counseling center to help provide a warm and welcoming environment for clients.

Throughout the process, the all-volunteer advisory committee, comprised of town residents, made it clear that they wanted to fund projects that would help bring equity to underserved communities, bolster and support non-profits that are proven to support vulnerable residents, and enhance the lives of Vernon residents overall. Each of the awardees exemplifies the goals of the advisory committee.

The application process began with a request sent to local 501(c)(3)s to submit a letter of in-tent/interest. Organizations were contacted directly by email, with news and updates about the grant process posted on our Hartford Foundation web page and Facebook page. After receiving letters of intent/interest, the committee selected nine applicants to move forward with the application process, and, subsequently, after careful deliberation, selected the seven above awardees.

Dustin Yager, chairperson of the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund advisory commit-tee expressed, "It is our hope that these grants improve the lives of residents in Vernon. We are grateful to have these funds from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in order to make a difference right here in Vernon. All of the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund advisory committee members have put in such hard work to make this first round of grants happen. We look forward to being able to continue to make Vernon a better place to live and visit.

Throughout 2022, the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund advisory committee is looking forward to expanding the committee by adding more members — with the goal of adding members who better represent the diversity of the community it serves. The committee also plans to begin another grant cycle, and continue to support projects that make Vernon great.

The committee is currently soliciting donations to be used to fund future grant requests. For more information and to donate, residents may visit https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/community-funds/vernon.

The Greater Together Community Funds were established in response to feedback received by the Hartford Foundation during its 2018 Listening Tours where town residents expressed the de-sire for a pool of money that residents could use to make funding decisions on projects that would benefit their local community and their fellow residents. The group processes and subsequent grant funds are intended to support the community in taking ownership around the needs in their town, encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement, and anchor the Hartford Foundation in each town. Because the program has been intentionally designed to encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement, every step to get to the distribution of grant dollars has committee members working on how to achieve iinclusiveness in both their decision-making and representation of all their town residents in the committee’s processes.

The Vernon Greater Together Advisory Committee will continue awarding grants through a competitive application and review process. To stay updated on future grant opportunities and other announcements, please visit https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/community-funds/vernon

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The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families, and organizations, the foundation has awarded grants of more than $837 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.

Organizational Meeting for ‘Friends of Saxony Dog Park Committee’ planned for Thursday, January 27
Committee to provide feedback, volunteer to benefit park, raise funds to support park

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an informational meeting for town residents interested in supporting the Saxony Dog Park on West Street. The meeting, via Zoom, is scheduled for Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 6 p.m.

“The Saxony Dog Park has been a great addition to our recreational offerings in Vernon and we have heard a lot of positive comments from dog owners ,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Now we are asking park users to take a role in supporting the dog park and advising the Parks and Recreation Department.”

Topics the Friends of Saxony Dog Park might tackle include park rules, volunteering to benefit the park and raising money to support the park.

“The Vernon Greenways Volunteers play an invaluable role in overseeing Vernon’s trail system and our goal is to have a similar group of people focused on the dog park,” Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler said. “Park users are there just about every day and can help us monitor the park and ensure the best possible experience for visitors.”

To access the Zoom meeting, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447995408?pwd=ZE5YbGxVZ0o2V2cxTHZBc3VydkY3dz09

To dial in, call 1-929-205-6099. The meeting ID is 844 4799 5408 and the passcode is 01272022.

Click here to open the Winter 2022 Vernon Voice.

Town of Vernon Hosts Expanded State-Sponsored COVID-19 PCR Testing
Testing Expanded up to 40 Hours, Four 4 Days per Week

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon, through a creative and innovative public-private-partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Griffin Health, The Jackson Laboratory, North Central District Health Department, and Connecticut National Guard, have greatly expanded COVID-19 PCR testing for the region. There is no out-of-pocket costs for testing.

This state-sponsored testing dramatically increases COVID-19 PCR testing available to eastern Connecticut residents and beyond. All are welcome at the test site, located at 375 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30), Vernon.

“We have offered testing opportunities to local residents for months, but the spike in demand over the past few weeks made it clear more testing was needed,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Now people from Vernon and throughout our region will have easy access to safe and convenient testing here in Vernon.”

“From the start of the pandemic, the Town of Vernon has led efforts to protect and promote the health and well-being of our residents and neighboring communities,” Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “We are grateful to be working with the high performance teams from Griffin Health and The Jackson Laboratory to provide expanded COVID-19 PCR testing for the region.”

People who need testing can make an appointment by visiting the Town of Vernon’s website or clicking here.

Walk-ins are welcome.

The current testing schedule at 375 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon is as follows:

• Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Drive-thru)
• Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The testing schedule may change based on demand. Please check the Town of Vernon website for the most up to date testing schedule. People who sign up for an appointment by 9 p.m. the day before their test will be pre-registered and experience a faster check-in process.

Sunday testing at Rockville High School is discontinued.

Town of Vernon Hosts COVID-19 PCR Testing this Friday and Sunday

The Town of Vernon is hosting COVID-19 PCR testing this Friday, January 14th, and Sunday, January 16th.

FRIDAY, January 14th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon.

Indoor testing is available this Friday by appointment, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 375 Hartford Turnpike. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments take priority. To make an appointment please click here:

SUNDAY, January 16th, 11 a.m., Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon

Drive-thru testing is available Sunday at Rockville High School beginning at 11 a.m. There is limited testing availability and first come will be first served.

For additional information, please check: https://www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/testing
 

Additional COVID-19 Home Test Kits and N-95 Masks to be Distributed to Vernon Residents this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry Park

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon has received an additional limited quantity of COVID-19 home test kits and will distribute the test kits and N-95 masks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at Henry Park. Kits and adult size masks are available to Vernon residents only. Access to the park is from South Street only.

The COVID-19 home test kits are intended for Vernon residents who have an immediate need for testing because they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. We respectfully ask that people who do not fit this criteria allow those who do to obtain the test kits.

The test kits have a finite shelf life and are not intended for residents who want to have one on hand in case they need a test kit later.

Test kits are limited to one to a person and a maximum of two per vehicle, based on need. They will be handed out on a first come, first served basis.

N-95 masks are adult size and will be distributed three to each adult resident in a vehicle.

Anyone seeking a test kit or mask must show identification to prove they are a Vernon resident.

“These test kits are for town residents who have an immediate need for testing because they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Our goal is to halt community spread.”

“We have a very limited supply of test kits and it is essential these get to residents who have symptoms or a known exposure to someone with COVID-19,” Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “If you do not have symptoms or a known exposure, please let those who do have access to the limited number of test kits we have available. We are working hard to expand local testing capacity so those that have a need for testing in the coming days and weeks have easy access to testing.”

Patrice Sulik, Director of the Health for the North Central District Health Department, said testing is one of three tools the community has to address COVID.

“Vaccination, masking and testing are three simple and effective public health interventions,” Sulik said. “These test kits are intended for people who have an immediate need for testing because they have been directly exposed to someone with COVID. Those are the people we need to get these test kits to and I would greatly appreciate the public’s assistance in helping us achieve that.”

Residents must access Henry Park from South Street.

• Distribution of test kits and masks will be drive thru on a first come, first served basis.
• People must remain in their cars and wear masks.
• When asked to show your ID, hold your ID up to the closed window for it to be checked.
• Only Vernon residents can obtain kits and masks.
• The quantity of test kits is limited. One kit per person and a maximum of two per vehicle, based on need.
• Residents are urged to carefully read the test kit directions.
• N-95 masks are adult size and will be distributed three to each adult resident in a vehicle.
• Please monitor the Town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, and Town social media for additional testing and vaccine clinic information.

COVID-19 PCR Testing Available Tuesday at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon
Tickets for Testing will be Given to first 350 People in Line

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is hosting COVID-19 PCR Testing this Tuesday, January 11th, at 3 p.m. at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. State contractor Sema4 Labs is performing the testing.

Testing will be available to the first 350 people in line, who will receive a ticket. First come, first served.

People who receive a ticket will be tested. People who do not receive a ticket will not be tested. People with tickets must remain in line until they are tested. Testing concludes when all available tests have been administered. Testing is open to all.

Heroism at Vernon Apartment Building Fire Featured on National Television Show
‘Hearts of Heroes’ airs on ABC and can be viewed on YouTube

VERNON – As fire swept through a large multi-family home at 80-82 Union Street last March, residents trapped on a third floor were in an extreme danger. Flames were pushing in behind them and smoke was everywhere.

But thanks to brave Vernon firefighters and police officers, a registered nurse from nearby Rockville General Hospital, an Air National Guard sergeant who lived next door, and Vernon’s Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director, the two people trapped on the third floor were rescued.

The selfless acts of bravery that day are now being told in a documentary television series called “Hearts of Heroes,” whose hosts and crew visited Vernon to interview the people who joined together that March afternoon to save the lives of those who were trapped.

“Hearts of Heroes” airs Saturday mornings on ABC television stations and showcases the stories of men and women braving natural disasters with one goal: to rescue the victims and help restore their lives. To view the show featuring Vernon, please click here.

The program’s producers interviewed those involved in the rescue, including Vernon Firefighters Kevin Bowman, Blake St. John and Stan Landry, good Samaritans Brett Rinehart (a nurse at Rockville General Hospital), and Nathan Pisani (an Air National Guard Sergeant), Vernon Police Officer Allison Lawrence and Michael Purcaro, Vernon’s Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director.

Each described what they saw that afternoon on Union Street and what they did after learning people on the third floor needed their help.

“Our first responders can always be counted on to give their all to help our residents,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “For 30 years, I’ve watched the men and women of this town place themselves in harm’s way to help anyone in need. It’s awe inspiring. But it’s not surprising. These folks live to serve.”

Landry and St. John climbed the ladder that came up about three feet short of the window, but despite that plucked the couple from danger. Bowman was the driver of the first truck to arrive at the scene, which carried that ladder that was essential to the rescue, and describes for viewers the unique way he was dispatched.

Rinehart, a former firefighter, grabbed the ladder off Bowman’s truck and began to raise it toward the window where the people were trapped. The others, including Pisani, Lawrence and Purcaro, assisted by helping to move and then steady the ladder, even as hot embers fell on them and broken glass smashed on their heads.

“This was the right group of people in the right place at the right time,” said Fire Chief Stephen Eppler, who is also featured in the program. “Without the selfless response by this group of people, we could have had a tragedy.”

Purcaro, who had just left Town Hall, headed toward Union Street when he heard the fire and police departments get dispatched.

“This was truly an example of neighbors-helping-neighbors,” Purcaro said. “The teamwork demonstrated that day exemplifies the strength and character of our Vernon community. I am grateful and proud of all who answered the call for help, especially our first responders who selflessly protect and serve our residents.”

Hearts of Heroes is sponsored by BELFOR Property Restoration, whose CEO, Sheldon Yellen, travelled to Vernon to meet and interview those involved in the rescues.

COVID-19 PCR Testing Available this Sunday in Vernon at Rockville High School
Tickets to Obtain Test to be Given to First 350 People in Line

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is hosting COVID-19 PCR Testing this Sunday, January 9th, at 11 a.m. at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon.

Testing will be available to the first 350 people in line, who will receive a ticket. First come, first served.

People who receive a ticket will be tested. People who do not receive a ticket will not be tested. People with tickets must remain in line until they are tested. Testing concludes when all available tests have been administered. Testing is open to all.

Town of Vernon to Distribute N-95 Masks to Adult Vernon Residents Thursday Afternoon at Henry Park

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon will hand out N-95 masks to adult town residents from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 6th, 2022 at Henry Park.

The Town has received a supply of N-95 masks from the state that will be distributed to Vernon residents. Masks are for adults only and not for children. Town residents will have to show identification to receive three masks.

Distribution will follow the same format as Tuesday’s home test kit distribution. Town residents will enter Henry Park from South Street and drive to Fox Hill Tower, where masks will be distributed.

“Building off our successful home test kit distribution event Tuesday at Henry Park, we will be distributing masks in a safe, orderly and efficient manner Thursday at Henry Park starting at 3 p.m.,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

“As we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are another important layer of protection for people to consider to keep themselves and their families protected and safe,” Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said.

• Distribution of masks is on a first come, first served basis.
• Only adults can receive masks because they are adult size.
• The distribution is drive-thru only.
• Only Vernon residents can obtain masks.
• Three masks will be given to each adult Vernon resident in the vehicle.
• When asked to show your ID, please hold it up to your closed car window.
• Please remain in your vehicle.
• Please wear masks when interacting with town staff.
• Please check the Town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, and Town social media for updates.

Town of Vernon to Distribute COVID-19 Home Test Kits at Noon Tuesday at Henry Park
Goal is to Provide Kits to People who Have an Immediate Need for Testing

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon will distribute COVID-19 home test kits beginning at noon Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 at Henry Park. Kits are available to Vernon residents only. Access to the park is from South Street only.

Fewer than 2,000 test kits are available. Demand is far in excess of supply.

The COVID-19 home test kits are intended for Vernon residents who have an immediate need for testing because they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. We respectfully ask that people who do not fit these criteria allow those who do to obtain the test kits.

Test kit are limited to one to a person and a maximum of two per vehicle, based on need. They will be handed out on a first come, first served basis.

N-95 masks will be distributed on separate day. This distribution is for home test kits only.

Anyone seeking a test kit must show identification to prove they are a Vernon resident.

“We want these test kits to get to residents who are seeking testing because they are symptomatic or have been exposed to the virus,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We are trying to halt community spread.”

“If you do not have symptoms and do not believe you have been exposed, we urge you to wait until additional testing opportunities become available,” said Michael Purcaro, Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director. “To stop the spread of COVID-19 we need to get these tests kits to people who have an immediate need for testing because they are experiencing symptoms or have a known exposure.”

“There are three simple and effective public health interventions: vaccination, masking and testing,” said Patrice Sulik, Director of the North Central District Health Department. “We encourage folks who have an immediate need for testing, especially people who may have been directly exposed to someone who has COVID, to get one of these tests.”

Residents must access Henry Park from South Street.
• Distribution of test kits will be drive thru on a first come, first served basis.
• People must remain in their cars and wear masks.
• When asked to show your ID, hold your ID up to the closed window for it to be checked.
• Only Vernon residents can obtain kits.
• The number of test kits is limited. One kit per person and a maximum of two per vehicle, based on need.
• Residents are urged to carefully read the test kit directions. Information about the test kits and a video can be found here: https://quickvueathome.com/
• N95 masks will be distributed on a separate day.
• Schools are receiving a separate allocation of test kits.
• Please monitor the Town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, and Town social media for additional testing and vaccine clinic information.

COVID-19 PCR Testing Available this Sunday in Vernon at Rockville High School
Tickets to Obtain Test to be Given to the First 250 People in Line

(VERNON, Connecticut) – COVID-19 PCR testing by state contractor SEMA4 Labs will be available this Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 beginning at 11 a.m. at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon.

Testing will be available to the first 250 people in line, who will receive a ticket. First come will be first served.

People who receive a ticket will be tested. People who do not have a ticket will not be tested. Testing concludes at 2 p.m. or once all tickets are handed out.

Town of Vernon Hosts COVID-19 Booster Shot Clinic
Booster Shots Administered by Priority Urgent Care with No Out-of-Pocket Costs

(VERNON, Connecticut) – To help address difficulties in getting timely appointments for COVID-19 Booster shots, the Town of Vernon is hosting a booster shot clinic with Priority Urgent Care on Wednesday, December 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 375 Hartford Turnpike. Only booster shots will be offered at the clinic, which is open to all eligible people 18 and older.

People who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines more than six months ago and people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago are eligible to receive a booster. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered. People should bring their vaccination card, ID and insurance card to the clinic.

To sign up for the clinic, please visit Vernon’s COVID-19 Vaccination page, www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will receive priority.

Town of Vernon Honors Veterans at Annual Wreaths Across America Observance
Saturday, December 18that 12:00 pm at Grove Hill Cemetery

The Town of Vernon and the Vernon Cemetery Department will join with Wreaths Across America to honor veterans and those who have given their lives in service to our nation. The ceremony will begin promptly at noon this Saturday, December 18th, at the Lugg Memorial Field in the Grove Hill Cemetery located at 22 Cemetery Avenue in Vernon. The public is invited to attend.

Veterans and volunteers will place wreaths on memorials to honor members of the armed forces, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The ceremony will occur at the same time wreathes are being placed on the graves of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and more than 3,000 cemeteries across the nation.

“Grove Hill Cemetery is sacred ground and contains the remains of men and women who have served our nation from the Civil War until today,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne. “Wreaths Across America asks us to remember our fallen service members, to honor those who have served and to teach young people about the value of freedom. We are pleased to do that here in Vernon.”

Lugg Memorial Field is a special section at Grove Hill Cemetery that is set aside for veterans and their spouses.

A team of volunteers, led by former Town Council Member Polly Schaefer, coordinates each year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony.

Wreaths Across America traces its origin to 1992, when Morrill Worcester of the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, had a number of surplus wreaths as the holiday season was drawing to a close. Recalling a boyhood trip to Washington, D.C., which included a visit to the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, Worcester contacted his senator and donated 5,000 wreaths to be placed at headstones in an older section of the cemetery, where visitors were less frequent.

What began as one man’s gesture has grown into a national movement. In 2006 Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit corporation and works with local organizers on wreath-laying events across the nation. The organization’s goal is to show gratitude and appreciation to veterans during the holiday season. For more information, visit: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Lugg Memorial Field at Grove Hill Cemetery was created to accommodate requests from veterans and their families for additional cemetery space. It was named in honor of Harry H. Lugg, a World War II Navy veteran, former state legislator and public servant from Rockville.

Vernon’s Cemetery Department manages five historic cemeteries and encourages people to visit them to take in the history and natural beauty. In addition to Grove Hill Cemetery in the Rockville section of Vernon, the Cemetery Department manages the Old Burial Ground of North Bolton on Bamford Road, Elmwood Cemetery off Cemetery Road, Valley Falls Cemetery off Valley Falls Road and the Southwest Cemetery in the Dobsonville section of Vernon.

“Our cemeteries are not only places for families to memorialize their loved ones, but for all people to find a place of respite,” said Travis Clark, Vernon’s Cemetery Superintendent. “We work hard to make our cemeteries beautiful places where people can find solitude and silence, but also get a sense of the history of our community and those who came before us. We also hope people enjoy the natural environment and appreciate the architecture.”

Town of Vernon Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Clinic
Booster Shots Administered by Priority Urgent Care with No Out-of-Pocket Costs

(VERNON, Connecticut) – To address increasing demand for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, the Town of Vernon is hosting a COVID booster shot clinic with Priority Urgent Care of Ellington this Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. Only booster shots will be offered at the clinic, which is open to all eligible people 18 and older.

People who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines more than six months ago and people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago are eligible to receive a booster. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered at the clinic. People should bring their vaccination card to the clinic.

To sign up for the clinic, please visit the Town of Vernon’s COVID-19 Vaccination page, www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but those who have appointments will receive priority.

Rockville High School Rams Advance to State Championship Game in Class M Football
Vernon and Rockville High are Energized for Big Game

The Rockville High School Rams are headed to the championship game for Class M football this Saturday, December 11th. The Rams (10-2) are the second-seed in the Class M playoffs and will play No. 1 seed Killingly (11-0) for the championship at 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 635 South Main Street, New Britain.

Rockville High School advanced to the championship game by crushing Torrington High School 42-12 Sunday at home in the Class M semifinals. The Rams have not advanced to a championship game since 1995.

“It is clear this is a special group of athletes and under the guidance of Coach Erick Knickerbocker and his assistants they have made us all proud,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “I know everyone in Vernon joins me in wishing the team all the best on Saturday.”

In past playoff appearances the Rockville High Team has not been able to play at home because of field conditions. But this year, thanks to taxpayer’s approval of a new turf field at Rockville High, the Rams could beat Torrington in front of a home crowd.

“This has really energized the high school,” Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Everybody is talking about it in the hallways and classrooms. It’s a great thing. But even more importantly, what do we want our students and graduates to be? We want them to be resilient. The Rockville High School football team is resilient.”

On the first day of school there was a COVID-19 case and half the team was quarantined.

“We had to cancel a scrimmage,” Dr. Macary said. “We had to move our first game. They lost their first game, and here they are going to the Class M finals at Willowbrook Park in New Britain. What’s better than that? These kids are the real deal. They play very, very well, and I think they are hitting their peak at the right time. We bring our ‘A game,’ watch out Killingly.”

A pep rally is scheduled for Friday afternoon at Rockville High and students, staff and faculty are excited, Rockville High School Athletic Director Jeffrey Farrell said.

“There is certainly a buzz in the building,” he said. “We will have a fan bus and are working on getting a large crowd there to support our team. We are all proud of the team and the work they have done. It’s been a very positive thing for our entire school community and town.”

Tickets are only available online at the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference website: http://ciacsports.com/

Mr. Rockville High School Pageant Returns
Annual Event is a Highlight for Senior Class and a Fundraiser for Senior Activities

VERNON, Connecticut – The Mr. Rockville High School Pageant returns this Rockville High School this Friday, December 10th, after a one-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 29th annual pageant features nine senior boys who will perform a talent, participate in a Q&A, perform a group dance, and strut their stuff in swimwear and formal wear.

The annual event is hosted by the Class of 2022 and raises money to help cover the cost of the senior prom and other class activities. This year’s program begins at 7 p.m. in the Rockville High School auditorium and tickets are $10. All are welcome.

“The winner gets a crown, a Mr. RHS sash and bragging rights,” said Amanda Langan, a chemistry teacher and senior class advisor. The winner also gets a free ticket to the senior prom.

“It’s a farcical beauty pageant,” added Paul Courtois, a social studies teacher and activities director. “Every year it’s so different. Sometimes the students are really talented. And sometimes they’re just out there just to have fun.”

On more than one occasion the talent demonstrated by a student has left the audience in awe, Courtois said. “It’s always a lot of fun,” he said.

In between performances by the contestants, the emcees provide entertainment.

The seniors vying for Mr. RHS are Gavin Antonelli, Christopher Cotto, Jaeden Dullivan, Owen Federowicz, Thomas Gearin, William Johns, Ryan Harvey, Leon Moran and Henry Tyus.

For the talent portion, some of the contestants will play a musical instrument, sing or perform a dance routine. Some are still determining what their talent will be.

The Mr. RHS pageant is one of the highlights of the year for seniors and a major fundraiser for the senior class. Money is used to defray the cost of the senior prom and other programs.

Vernon Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Amy Watt Recognized as a ‘Hidden Hero’
Wins Top Award from Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Amy Watt was honored Tuesday by the Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association with its “2021 Hidden Hero Award.”

Watt was recognized for her work overseeing a variety of wildly successful and popular recreation programs during the pandemic, including last year’s reimagined Winterfest and a COVID-safe Trunk-or-Treat program. She was also recognized for the critical role she played managing Vernon’s nationally recognized COVID-19 vaccination program. Watt and Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler oversaw non-medical operations of the program.

Amy Watt

When the vaccination program transitioned from mega-clinics at the Vernon Senior Center to smaller clinics focused on serving hard-to-reach communities, including people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and other challenges, Watt took a leadership role. In partnership with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, she also led a series of highly-specialized clinics custom tailored to people living with disabilities.

“Amy is highly deserving of this award, which recognizes the incredible work she has done on behalf of the residents of Vernon and beyond,” Mayor Dan Champagne. “Amy is a great example of how our staff came together, outside of their regular roles, and did a phenomenal job meeting the needs of our community.”

Last year’s Winterfest was a huge success because it provided a much-needed diversion for a community that had been dealing with the pandemic and the isolation it caused, Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said.

“Under Amy’s leadership, our Parks and Recreation Department created a program that delighted thousands of pandemic-fatigued families and quite literally backed up traffic to I-84,” Purcaro said. “That was an important event for our community and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. As important as Amy’s work on Winterfest was, her role in leading our vaccination program was even more consequential. Amy and her team literally saved lives.”

“This was a big job and it was going to take both of us to do it well,” Sitler said. “Amy knows her job and is good at adapting when there are challenges. She brought that to the vaccination program. She quickly figured out what needed to be done, and then adjusted and improved as we moved forward. It was always about doing our best to serve residents.”

Watt said she was honored to be recognized by her colleagues, but stressed that she could not have achieved anything without the hard work of her colleagues in Vernon. “Without the leadership of the mayor and town administrator, the commitment of the people with whom I work, and the loving support of my family, this could not have happened,” Watt said. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this tremendous team.”

And while the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, Watt said she has come to appreciate the opportunities it presented to serve.

“It was especially rewarding to help people with disabilities receive vaccine,” she said. “Some were not able to speak, but the expression on their faces and the gratitude and relief expressed by their loved ones and caregivers really drove home how important our work was to so many people. It was a gift to be able to help so many people.”

Winterfest Returns to Downtown Vernon
Annual Holiday Event Features Fire Truck Parade, Carol Sing, Tree Lighting
Henry Park Holiday Lights to be Illuminated Day after Thanksgiving

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s annual winter holiday celebration, Winterfest, returns to downtown Vernon on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 6 p.m. and will feature a fire engine parade, tree lighting, illumination of the snowflake on Fox Hill Tower in Henry Park and lighting of the wreath on Town Hall.

“We are looking forward to the kickoff of the holiday season and this wonderful celebration that brings our community together,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Other events planned for Winterfest include the opening of Santa’s House, a carol sing and a performance by the Rockville High School Marching Ram Band. Cookies and candy canes will be available and, of course, Santa will arrive by fire truck.

Henry Park will again be illuminated with thousands of holiday lights, which will be turned on each evening beginning on Friday, November 26th, the day after Thanksgiving. They will remain illuminated through the holiday season for all to enjoy, free of charge.

“Last year’s reimagined Winterfest in Henry Park was a huge success,” Mayor Champagne said. “People really enjoyed the light display and we wanted to continue that part this year. Our Parks and Recreation staff has been working hard preparing the park and stringing lights.” All other Winterfest activities will be downtown.

Firefighters from several area towns will join Vernon firefighters in decorating their trucks for the parade. Trophies will go to the best decorated truck and the best decorated Vernon truck, Parks and Recreations Director Marty Sitler.

“Winterfest is an important tradition in Vernon and we are glad to be able to offer this family-friendly event to our residents,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “These kinds of traditions create sustaining memories about growing up in Vernon, Santa arriving on a fire truck and Henry Park being lit up with thousands of holiday lights. The holidays are a magic time for people of all ages.”

Click here to open the Fall 2021 Vernon Voice.

Walk or Run for Recovery this Saturday at Rockville High School Track
‘Become Part of the Solution’ Works to Help People Struggling with Addiction

(VERNON, Connecticut) – A local organization that works to assist people struggling with addiction is hosting a“Walk or Run for Recovery” Saturday, November 20th, 2021, at the track at Rockville High School.

Organizer Chris Luginbuhl said the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon, is intended to build awareness about people who are struggling with addiction, to offer a hand to those trying to change their lives and to raise money to assist people who are trying to recover.

“What we’re trying to do is get the general public to put a face on recovery,” Luginbuhl said. “We want people to know that they are not alone, that we care about them and can help if they want to get well.”

People can work or run, listen to music and speakers, or enjoy a healthy snack, Luginbuhl said.

“It’s important to let people who are struggling with substance abuse disorder know that there is a support system of people who care,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Director of Youth Services. “It’s OK to come forward and ask for help. We all have people in our lives, in our families who are struggling, and sometimes it is difficult to talk about matters related to addiction. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. We also want to celebrate those who are in recovery.”

All of the money raised will go to “Become Part of the Solution,” an organization co-founded by Luginbuhl that assists people who are working hard to overcome their addiction. Become Part of the Solution gets referrals from churches, counselors and a network of others working to help people. It use the money to help people move forward in recovery by giving them a hand up.

It’s something Luginbuhl said he experienced when he was getting sober, and he wants to pass it on.

“One hundred percent of what we raise goes to help people when they come out of treatment,” Luginbuhl said. “If they don’t have the funds to get into a sober house, that’s where we might step in and help. We are there for people who are really trying. And we do it because people were there to help me.”

For more information about Become Part of the Solution, please visit: http://www.bpsrockville.com/

Vernon Historical Society Produces Video Featuring Letters Home from Rockville Residents Serving in World War II
Rockville High School Drama Club Members Read Letters Describing War Service

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Historical Society has produced a new video that highlights the lives of Rockville residents who served with the Army, Navy and Marine Corps during World War II.

“Boosting Our Morale: Soldiers’ Letters to The Rockville Journal During World War II” is the latest production from the historical society. The video, which is posted to YouTube, features the photos of the service members and their letters, read by members of Rockville High School’s Drama Club.

It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eal7DP2ZYGo&t=1s

The release of the video is keyed to next month’s 80th anniversary of the December 7th, 1941 Japanese attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II.

“These letters, which are in the collection of the Vernon Historical Society, provide a vivid glimpse of what it was like for the young people from Rockville who went off to war,” said Jean Luddy, Director of the Vernon Historical Society’s Museum and the producer of the video. “One talks about training in California and going to Hollywood on leave and rubbing elbows with movie stars. Others describe flying on bombing missions over Germany, the Philippines and Japan. And others describe the horrors they found when they liberated concentration camps.”

And the participation by Rockville High School’s Drama Club members make the words and stories richer, Luddy said.

“We hear these stories through the voices of young people – the people who 80 years ago would have been preparing to go into the service and head off to war,” Luddy said. “The students do a magnificent job bringing these letters and stories to life.”

“Once again, the Vernon Historical Society has taken a momentous time in our town’s and nation’s history, and created a fascinating record that tells today’s generation an important story about sacrifice, commitment and service,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “It takes a lot of work to produce this kind of video and Vernon is lucky to have a Historical Society that works so hard to tell our community’s story.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said he was struck by the sacrifices of those who served.

“All of these service members left their hometown to serve our country,” Purcaro said. “And we learn in the video that some of these individuals whose stories are so engaging made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in combat. It’s a stark reminder of the commitment the members of our armed forces make right up to today, and why we should always be grateful for their service.”

The Rockville High School Drama Club members who help to tell the story are: Garvin Antonelli, Jack Cote, Josh Grisales, William Johns, Libby Johnson, Dylan Keegan, Sean Kelly, Ron Lociero, Samara Mercado, Colin Sullivan, Ross Sutherland and Natalie Tolman.

For more information about the Vernon Historical Society, please visit: https://vernonhistoricalsoc.org/

New School Resource Officer Selected for Rockville High School
Police Officer Allison Lawrence Looks Forward to Building Positive Relationships

(VERNON, Connecticut) – A new School Resource Officer (SRO) is on duty at Rockville High School and she is working to get to know students and staff.

Officer Allison Lawrence is taking over for Officer Greg St. Pierre, who is being promoted to sergeant and will move on to a new assignment with the Vernon Police Department.

Lawrence was inspired to become a School Resource Officer as a result of her own experience as a high school student and the rapport she built with her school’s SRO.

“I have always enjoyed working with youth and being involved in the community,” Lawrence said. “And I had a very good School Resource Officer when I was in high school who I still keep in touch with. When I began my career here, being a School Resource Officer was one of my goals. I was excited to get the opportunity so early in my career.”

School Resource Officer Allison Lawrence outside Rockville High School.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne, a retired Vernon Police Officer, said Lawrence has distinguished herself in her four years with the Police Department, and is moving into an important new role.

“Having a police officer in a school enhances safety and gives parents peace of mind,” Mayor Champagne said. “But more importantly, a School Resource Officer builds relationships with our students and their families.”

As School Resource Officer, Lawrence will work at Rockville High School. She said she will follow the example of the police officer who worked in her high school, who was a regular presence at athletic and other events.

“He was always around and supportive,” Lawrence recalled. “It made an impression on me and my friends. And that’s how I plan to do my job. You have to be there, interacting with the students, letting the kids know you care, and that you are somebody they can trust and who will be supportive if they need something. It’s really important to be involved and to be present.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said that he views the School Resource Officer program as one of the most beneficial for the Vernon Public Schools and the police department.

“The SRO becomes an integral part of the school community during their assignment, following a class for four years,” Dr. Macary said. “They also teach a criminal justice class with a social studies teacher, they participate in school activities like Cupcake Wars, and they get involved in athletics. The School Resource Officer becomes part of our family, a school community member we value and a critical link between police and the schools.”

“That link benefits the school, students and the community,” added Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao. “The ability to build those relationships is what we were looking for in a candidate. Allison’s experience as a coach shows she can connect with students.”

As Rockville High School’s first female School Resource Officer, she’ll also be a role model for young women considering careers in law enforcement, Magao said.

Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency & Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said the Vernon Police Department provides officers with a variety of special assignments that enable them to pursue a special interest and develop an expertise.

“Officer Lawrence’s appointment to this position highlights the diversity of opportunities available to our hard-working and committed police officers,” Purcaro said. “In addition to SRO, these opportunities include working as a community policing officer, bicycle officer, serving in our aviation unit, working in the detective bureau, being K-9 officers, and serving on regional traffic, SWAT and narcotics units.”

Lawrence became interested in a career in law enforcement while serving as a Security Forces Officer with the Massachusetts Air National Guard at Barnes Airport in Westfield, Mass. “I liked that it was something new and different every day,” she said.

As a Vernon Police Officer, Lawrence has distinguished herself, Police Chief John Kelley said. At a structure fire this spring on Union Street, Lawrence and others secured a ground ladder while broken glass fell on and around them as firefighters climbed up to rescue people from the burning building.

“Officer Lawrence was the top candidate for the School Resource Officer position and I have the utmost confidence she will do an outstanding job,” Kelley said. “We have a long tradition of having outstanding SROs at Rockville High School who work hard to build relationships and improve school safety. I fully expect Officer Lawrence to continue that tradition.”

Rockville Public Library Expands Hours
Library now open till 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Rockville Public Library is expanding its hours and will be open Saturdays beginning this week.

“The Rockville Public Library is an important center of knowledge and culture in Vernon and offers so much to enrich our community,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne. “As the pandemic eases and we begin to get back to normal, I am glad we are able to expand the hours during which our residents can take advantage of the library’s collection and the many services it offers.”

The library’s hours are now: Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The library is all about being there to address residents’ needs, and adding Saturday hours makes us that much more accessible to people who may not be able to make it during the work week,” Library Director Jennifer Johnston-Marius said. “Libraries are portals to the world’s knowledge, and the more we can be here available to our community, the better we all are.”

COVID-19 Vaccination, Booster and Flu Shot Clinic this Friday, November 5th, Noon to 7 p.m., at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon
All are Welcome to Receive Vaccinations with No Out of Pocket Cost

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Priority Urgent Care with support from the Town of Vernon is hosting another COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot clinic this Friday, November 5th, from noon to 7 p.m. at 375 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. The clinic is open to all people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

People can receive first or second shots of COVID-19 vaccine or booster shots. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will not be available, however, anyone who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (two or more months ago) can receive a Moderna or Pfizer booster. Those seeking a vaccine are reminded to bring their vaccination card with them to the clinic.

People can also receive a flu shot, and are welcome to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

To make an appointment, please visit the Town of Vernon website: www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, however, people who have scheduled appointments take priority.

“We are glad to be able to provide another opportunity for people to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This clinic is open to anyone that is eligible and who chooses to be vaccinated or receive a booster shot.”

Priority Urgent Care will oversee and operate the clinic. The Town of Vernon will provide logistical support and other assistance.

“By offering COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots with no out of pocket cost, we are making it affordable and convenient for people who would like to receive these vaccines,” Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “A hallmark of our nationally-recognized COVID-19 vaccination program has been breaking down barriers and making access to vaccine as easy as possible for people in our community.”

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19, said Dr. Daksh Rampal of Priority Urgent Care. Getting a flu shot provides protection from a common respiratory illness, Dr. Rampal said.

“The vaccines that are available continue to provide strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but immunity against infection can wane over time, especially with highly contagious variants,” Dr. Rampal said. “Booster shots are a way for us to shore up protection for those who are at-risk and who were vaccinated months ago.”

People who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive booster shots if they were vaccinated more than six months ago and fall into one of four categories:

• 65 years of age and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available as boosters to those who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

People 4 and older can receive a flu shot.

People with insurance will be asked to present their insurance cards, but will not be billed beyond what their insurance pays. People without insurance will not be turned away.

For more information about COVID-19 boosters, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html

Vernon Public Schools Host Job Fair, Seek the Best of the Best to Fill a Variety of Positions
Interviews to be Conducted Onsite at Job Fair

VERNON, Connecticut – The Vernon Public Schools will host a job fair on Thursday, November 4th, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rockville High School library/media center to fill a variety of open positions.

There are multiple positions open, including for special education teachers, nurses, bus drivers, paraeducators, school climate specialists, cafeteria workers and an electrician and custodian. The Vernon Public Schools offer competitive pay and top-notch benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

Vernon Public Schools staff will be on hand to answer questions, discuss career paths in education and conduct immediate on-site interviews with people who attend.

“If you want to work in a great community with dedicated staff and learn and grow as a professional, that is something we offer in Vernon,” said Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Human Resources Director Robert Testa. “We have high expectations of our staff, but also offer a high level of support.”

Testa, who has worked in the Vernon Public Schools for 18 years, said he has stayed because every day he knows he has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to students.

“You want to be in a place where you feel you can make a difference and I believe Vernon offers that opportunity,” he said.

Although in schools much of the focus is on teachers, every employee plays a role in educating Vernon’s children, said Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary.

“Every member of our team contributes to student success,” Macary said. “Teachers, paras, climate specialists, school bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers help make our award winning schools safe, welcoming and dynamic places where students can be and do their best. The Vernon Public Schools are a great place to work because we are building the future.”

Halloween Weekend COVID-19 Booooooster Shot Clinic Set for Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 am to 2 pm, 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Due to the overwhelming and positive response to the COVID-19 booster clinic scheduled for Friday, a special Halloween themed Booooooster shot clinic has been added.
The clinic will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 30th at 375 Hartford Turnpike.
Only booster shots will be available at the clinic, which is being offered by Priority Urgent Care with logistical support from the Town of Vernon.
To make an appointment, please visit the Town of Vernon website: www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, however, people who have scheduled appointments take priority. Bring your vaccination card.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Vernon’s Lake Street School Among Best in Connecticut

Vernon, Connecticut – U.S. News & World Report magazine, long known for ranking colleges and healthcare providers, has listed Vernon’s Lake Street School among the best elementary schools in Connecticut.

The magazine this month released its first ranking of elementary and middle schools nationwide. The magazine used data reported to state and federal agencies to rank more than 80,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country.

Lake Street School was ranked No. 60 out of 560 schools in Connecticut. The magazine’s rankings are based on math and reading proficiency on state assessments as well as how students perform compared to expectations. The data the magazine relied on is from the 2018-2019 school year.

“Our teachers, administrators and staff work hard each day with the goal of challenging students to achieve at the highest level,” said Dr. Joseph Macary, Vernon’s Superintendent of Schools. “Parents play a key role in that effort and the success of our students, and this ranking is recognition of that work.”

Lake Street School, like all Vernon Public Schools, has a culture where students thrive and are challenged to do their best work, Principal Terese Duenzl said.

“This recognition from U.S. News is based on test scores, which are important in assessing our students’ performance and tell part of the story about what makes Lake Street School a wonderful place for children to learn,” Duenzl said. “But Lake Street School is about much more than test scores. We have a strong and supportive family community. Our staff works together to do what’s best for kids. As a result, our students are engaged, challenged each day, immersed in the arts, and taught to think critically and collaboratively as they grow into life-long learners.”

While Lake Street School has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, all Vernon Public Schools are focused on creating an environment where all students can achieve at the highest level, Assistant School Superintendent Robert Testa said.

“In every Vernon school, everything we do each day is designed to move students forward,” Testa said. “We have a high quality curriculum, top-notch educators and high expectations for everyone. We look at each child in our schools and ask, ‘what does this child need to do his or her best,’ and then we do whatever we can for that student. We know that all Vernon children are capable of being top performers and we push them toward that.”

Last year, Vernon’s Northeast School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School. Northeast School’s students, families, teachers, staff and administrators were recognized for overall academic excellence and closing the achievement gap.

“If you have a quality teaching staff and focused interventions in English Language Arts and Mathematics for students who are not yet on grade level, you are moving forward,” Dr. Macary said. “Add in a relevant curriculum and a culture of students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff working as a team, and everyone benefits.”

COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Shot Clinic This Friday, October 29th, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon
All are Welcome to Receive a Vaccination with No Out of Pocket Cost

(VERNON, Connecticut) –Priority Urgent Care of Ellington, with support from the Town of Vernon, will host a COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot clinic this Friday, October 29th, 2021 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at 375 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. The clinic is open to all people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

People can receive first or second shots of COVID-19 vaccine or booster shots. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will not be available, however, anyone who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (two or more months ago) can receive a Moderna or Pfizer booster. Those seeking a vaccine are reminded to bring their vaccination card with them to the clinic.

To make an appointment, please visit the Town of Vernon website: www.vernon-ct.gov/covid-19/clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, however, people who have scheduled appointments take priority.

“After the success of our nationally-recognized community vaccination program, we kept hearing from people asking about booster shots,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This clinic is open to anyone that is eligible and who chooses to be vaccinated or receive a booster shot.”

Priority Urgent Care will oversee and operate the clinic. The Town of Vernon will provide logistical support and other assistance.

“Earlier this year we saw a need to serve our community with COVID-19 vaccine and we stood up a robust vaccination program,” Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “Now that boosters have been authorized for all three COVID-19 vaccines, we are seeing an increased demand for vaccine and are taking steps to once again help meet the needs of the community.”

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19, said Dr. Daksh Rampal of Priority Urgent Care.

“People who are fully vaccinated continue to have strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but immunity against infection can wane over time, especially with highly contagious variants,” Dr. Rampal said. “Booster shots will help us shore up protection for those who are at-risk and who were vaccinated months ago.”

People who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive booster shots if they were vaccinated more than six months ago and fall into one of four categories:

• 65 years of age and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available as boosters to those who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

People with insurance will be asked to present their insurance cards, but will not be billed beyond what their insurance pays. People without insurance will not be turned away.

For more information about COVID-19 boosters, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html

Trunk or Treat Returns to Vernon’s Henry Park
FREE Drive-thru Trick or Treating Open to Vernon Children on Thursday, October 28th

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Henry Park will be transformed into a family-friendly and fun Halloween fright fest for Vernon children who dare to show up for this year’s Trunk or Treat.

There will be a haunted school bus and a touch of Sleepy Hollow as there have been sightings of a horse with a glowing mane and a headless rider walking among the pine trees at Henry Park.

The FREE drive-thru event will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and children will receive treats from Town departments and community organizations that have set up booths. People must remain in their vehicles.

“Last year’s Trunk or Treat was a huge success and children and adults alike said they loved it,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We decided to go it again this year to give Vernon children a special and memorable event.”

Hundreds of cars filled with eager trick or treaters came through Henry Park last year for what proved to be a fun, COVID-safe event organized by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department.

Vernon Police Honor and Say Goodbye to K-9 Thor

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon Police K-9 Thor, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix who served with Officer Bryan Sembersky for seven years, was remembered and honored during a private ceremony Monday at Vernon Police Headquarters.

Officers, police department personnel, town leaders and staff joined by K-9 handlers from other police departments, snapped to attention as Sembersky approached police headquarters carrying a small wooden box containing Thor’s remains. A moment earlier the K-9 handlers escorted Sembersky to police headquarters.

Officer Bryan Sembersky, carries the remains of his police dog Thor, as he walks toward the Vernon Police Station. His wife Lauren is just behind him.

Thor died October 16 after becoming ill with an autoimmune disorder and pneumonia. Sembersky was at his side when Thor passed.

Police Chief John Kelley, himself a former K-9 handler, said police officers and police dogs build an extremely close bond.

“When you’re with a K-9 partner you’re with that dog 24/7, you’re with that dog more than your spouse, your partner,” Kelley said. “And the loss is extremely painful.”

Vernon Police Chief John Kelley speaks at Monday’s memorial as Officer Bryan Sembersky and his wife Lauren look on.

Sembersky was joined by his wife Lauren, who spoke about the role Thor played in their family. She recalled a scene from Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” where the dogs and their owners have similar looks and personalities.

Thor and her husband, she said, were alike, “both with hard exteriors, head strong and unyielding. But once you crack the exterior you find the utmost devotion to work, to play, to one another. Their bond was special – always testing one another, pushing one another.”

Officer Jeff Condon, who is partnered with K-9 Tengo, recounted some of the highlights of Thor’s time as a police K-9, including several instances where he and Sembersky found drugs, an important piece of evidence, or tracked down a suspect.

“While we grieve the loss of K-9 Thor, we are also losing an incredible K-9 handler,” Condon said. “Bryan’s work ethic and dedication as a K-9 handler will be hard to replace.”

A shadowbox created for Officer Sembersky to remember Thor.

The final tribute to Thor came via police radio as a dispatcher noted Thor’s end of watch.

Sembersky did not speak during the ceremony. He was comforted afterward by friends and colleagues.

With the loss of K-9 Thor, Vernon resident Lisa Moody is leading an effort to raise funds to purchase and train a new police dog for the Police Department. She led a previous effort several years ago.

“We know that police dogs add greatly to our police department’s ability to do its job, and to the safety of our community,” Moody said. “While we can never replace Thor, we can help our police department obtain and train a new dog. Vernon residents have a record of generosity and I hope they will consider donating.” Additional information regarding this fundraising effort will be shared in the coming days.

Vernon Mayor and Members of the Town Council Break Ground on Next Phase of Citizens Block Redevelopment

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne and members of the Vernon Town Council have launched the next phase of the redevelopment of the historic Citizens Block building on Park Place.

The building, constructed in 1879, once housed retails stores, offices and apartments. The phased redevelopment is based on Mayor Champagne’s vision to relocate several town offices, the probate court and create a community room for organizations to use as a meeting place.

Mayor Dan Champagne, fifth from left, is joined by town council members and others at a ceremonial ground breaking for the next phase of the redevelopment of the Citizens Block building on Park Place.

“With the redevelopment of Citizens Block we are saving a historic and beautiful building located in the center of our municipal complex,” Mayor Champagne said. “Once this project is complete, it’s going to be a centerpiece of downtown Vernon.” The building is two doors down from Town Hall.

Relocating town offices to Citizens Block will make it easier and more convenient for residents and businesses to access municipal services and conduct their business. Work is expected to begin shortly. This includes the construction of a new accessible entryway and restrooms and an addition to house an elevator and staircase. The overall schedule is dependent on the weather as well as the availability and cost of materials. The cost of this phase is approximately $1.1 million.

Work completed thus far includes restoration of the façade, installation of a new roof, removal of environmental hazards, structural stabilization, enhanced drainage, and concrete and brick repairs.

At the groundbreaking, Mayor Champagne was joined by Town Council members Laura Bush, William Campbell, Linda Gessay, Ann Letendre, Maryann Levesque and James Tedford, Probate Judge Elisa H. Bartlett, project architect Robert Hurd and representatives of the project contractor, Zlotnick Construction, Inc.

Vernon Rocks Coalition and Vernon Police Host Drug Take Back Day at Rockville Walgreens
Unwanted and Unused Prescription Medications, Vapes can be Dropped Off

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Rocks Coalition and Vernon Police are hosting a Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockville Walgreens, 188 Union Street, Vernon.

People can easily and safely drop off unwanted and unused prescription medications, as well as electronic smoking devices. People from Vernon and beyond are welcome to bring these items for free disposal.

Opioid deaths have increased during the pandemic and leftover medications in homes can place young people or those struggling with addiction at risk.

“Leftover and unneeded medications can be misused and pose a real danger,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This free program is a great way to make our homes and community safer.”

Although Vernon Police are co-sponsors of the event, people can dispose of medications no questions asked.
“Taking a few minutes to go through your cabinets and medicine chest and pull out medications you no longer need or use can help prevent addiction and save lives,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Director of Youth Services and Chairperson of Vernon Rocks. “Bring those medications out to Walgreens on Saturday and we will make sure they are disposed of properly and safely.”

For people who cannot make it on Saturday, unneeded prescription medications can always be placed in a drop box in the lobby at the Vernon Police Department, 725 Hartford Turnpike.

In April, Vernon Rocks and Vernon Police collected 205 pounds of unwanted medications.

E-cigarettes and vapes can also be dropped off at the take back event. Batteries should be removed.

Tolland County Chamber of Commerce Honors Town of Vernon with ‘Corporate Citizen’ Award for Nationally-Recognized Vaccination Program

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Tolland County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday honored the Town of Vernon with its “Corporate Citizen” award for the Town’s nationally-recognized COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

The Chamber’s Chris Wardrop described the evolution of the Town’s vaccination program, from small-scale clinics in churches to large clinics at the Vernon Senior Center and then mobile clinics that went into the community to reach people who had a difficult time accessing COVID-19 vaccine.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne, holding certificate, stands with members of the Town of Vernon Vaccination Team and Tolland County Chamber of Commerce officials.

“And then they continued to innovate and moved to something very relevant to the chamber – their Getting Vax to Business campaign,” Wardrop said. “Vernon officials spent so much time and energy with their colleagues coming up with creative and effective ideas that helped to save many lives.”

Mayor Dan Champagne accepted the award on behalf of the Town and praised the staff who carried through on his directive to expand Vernon’s pandemic response plan to include a community vaccination component. “This was a great team effort,” Mayor Champagne said. “From the very beginning, we looked at the problem and we came up with solutions. I have a great team.”

The Town of Vernon joined with Dr. Daksh Rampal of Priority Urgent Care, Vernon Public Schools, the North Central District Health Department, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and an army of volunteers to form its vaccination team. The team engaged churches, businesses and other community institutions to deliver vaccine to those who wanted to receive it, Mayor Champagne said. “We did everything we could to help.”

Thousands of doses of vaccine were delivered to the community through Vernon’s vaccination efforts.

The Town of Vernon’s Community Vaccination program was recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its work to reach at-risk and underserved communities. The effort to reach underserved populations was also featured on the NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. In addition, the Town of Vernon in partnership with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities led a unique statewide program to administer vaccine to people with developmental disabilities.

The Chamber honored the Town of Vernon at its 65th Annual Meeting at the Lodge at Crandall’s Park in Tolland.

Several Vernon businesses were honored by the Chamber Wednesday, including:

• Dipen Shah, the owner of three Subway stores and Lafayette Wine & Liquors, was honored as a “Corporate Citizen” for his community involvement and work to build teamwork and collaboration on the Rockville Downtown Association board.
• Economy Express Car Wash owner Gerry Gallo was honored for “Economic Development” for building a thriving business that has enhanced the community at a former gas station site.
• Jessica Mattson and Diane Cyr of Get Fresh Laundromat were honored for “Economic Development” for investing in downtown Vernon and providing a much-needed service to the community.
• Primitive Renditions and owner Lisa Stevenson were honored as “Best New Business.” The store relocated to the Shops at 30 earlier this year.

Town of Vernon Mourns Passing of Police Dog
Autoimmune Disorder and Pneumonia Claim Police K-9 Named ‘Thor’

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is mourning the passing of Police K-9 Thor, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix who served with Vernon Police Officer Bryan Sembersky for seven years.
Sembersky was at Thor’s side when he died on Saturday.

Thor was born in Slovakia and brought to the United States, where he trained with Sembersky as a patrol and drug detection dog. To be a patrol dog, Thor had to successfully complete training in tracking, building searches, area searching, finding articles and evidence, apprehending criminals and handler protection. As a drug detection dog, Thor consistently and accurately located marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

As a team, Sembersky and Thor were nationally certified.

“The bond formed between a police dog and its handler is very special,” said Mayor Dan Champagne, a former Vernon police officer. “I ask the Vernon community to join me in remembering Thor for his service and offering our condolences to Officer Sembersky and the entire Police Department.”

Police Chief John Kelley said Thor was a valuable member of the Vernon Police Department and that Sembersky and Thor had multiple successes in tracking suspects and finding drugs.

“In February of 2016, Thor found 1,400 bags of heroin in a car after a routine motor vehicle stop turned into a drug investigation,” Kelley said. “Two people were arrested and one received a three-year prison sentence.”

Thor also went into a building and found a burglary suspect hiding in a crawl space, Kelley said. In doing so, Thor kept the responding officers safe and brought the situation to a peaceful resolution.

More recently, Thor played a key role in finding a firearm that was used in a homicide, Kelley said. The gun had been thrown into the Hockanum River. Thor searched the area and alerted at a spot near the river.

“K-9 Thor’s keen abilities were instrumental in helping to recover the weapon,” Kelley said.

Thor was also popular at community events, including National Night Out. Children crowded around Thor and Sembersky to learn about Thor and his work.

“Thor worked tirelessly to protect and serve his fellow officers and the residents of Vernon,” Kelley said.

The Vernon Police Department will honor K-9 Thor for his service at a private ceremony.

Jason Yerke and Distinctive Tree Care do a Good Deed and Save Vernon Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars
Dozens of Dead and Dying Trees Safely Removed from Valley Falls Park

(VERNON, Connecticut) – When Jason Yerke, a Vernon native and the owner of Distinctive Tree Care in South Windsor, purchased a new piece of equipment to take down dead and dying trees along roads and highways across Connecticut he wanted his crews to get some practice operating the machine.

Yerke and his team had been working in Vernon and spotted a cluster of dead and dying oak trees near the entrance to Valley Falls Park. Those trees were also on the radar of Jeff Schambach, Lead Foreman for Vernon Public Works and the Town’s Tree Warden, and Marty Sitler, Director of Parks and Recreation. Both were searching their budgets and working with town administration and the finance department to find funds to hire a contractor to remove the trees.

Jeff Schambach, Vernon Department of Public Works lead foreman and tree warden, inspect the rotted out remains of a tree at Valley Falls Park as Jason Yerke, owner of Distinctive Tree Care, looks on.

Invasive pests such as the emerald ash borer, years of drought, serious storms and age have taken a toll on Connecticut’s trees. Many are dead or dying and municipal staff and budgets struggle to keep up with the demand.

Yerke called Schambach and asked, “Jeff, I want to do something to help the town.” Yerke offered to put his machine and crew to work to remove the dead trees near the entrance of Valley Falls Park at no cost to the Town. With permission from the Town, Yerke and Schambach went to work marking trees that needed to be removed.

Once the trees were marked for removal, Yerke unleashed his brand new, million dollar tree removal machine manufactured by the German company Sennebogen. It’s an impressive piece of equipment that allows Distinctive Tree Care crews to take down a massive oak tree in minutes.

Vernon Department of Public Works Foreman Jeff Schambach surveys the trees taken down by Jason Yerke’s crew and machine from Distinctive Tree Care.

The Sennebogen is a material handler equipped with a large tree grapple and a 32-inch harvester saw. Operator Josh Levesque, also a Vernon native, grabbed a tree with the grapple, then the saw cut the tree. Levesque used the machine to gently lower a section of tree to the ground. The machine and a skilled operator can take down a large tree with only four cuts, and remove as many as 200 trees in a day. It would take weeks for a traditional tree crew using a bucket truck to do that much work.

“This machine is incredible,” Schambach said as he, Sitler and Yerke watched the Sennebogen and Levesque take down one tree after another.

In just a few hours, dozens of trees were removed. Days later Yerke’s crew returned with a large chipper to dispose of the trees.

Jason Yerke’s Sennebogen machine reaches for and cuts a tree at Vernon’s Valley Falls Park earlier this year.

On Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne and the Town Council honored and thanked Yerke for what he and his company did that day.

“I thank and appreciate all Jason Yerke and Distinctive Tree Care did in stepping up and helping our community,” Mayor Champagne said. “His generous contribution and spirit of volunteerism show why Vernon is such a wonderful place to live.”

Sitler was impressed by Yerke’s generosity and the impact of the work at Valley Falls Park.

“Jason saved Vernon taxpayers a lot of money and helped us ensure a safer experience for everyone who uses one of our most popular parks and swimming areas,” Sitler said.

Jason Yerke of Distinctive Tree Care of South Windsor, left, and Sennebogen operator Josh Levesque, survey trees that need to be removed at Vernon’s Valley Falls Park.

For Yerke, the test at Valley Falls confirmed just how useful the Sennebogen will be. “I saw this machine at a trade show about four years ago and I was hooked,” he said. Yerke saw a need for such a machine, especially along Connecticut’s highways and tree-lined rural roads. A lot of trees were going to have to come down and the Sennebogen would allow the work to be done efficiently, economically and safely.

It also makes a hazardous job a lot safer because no one has to work in the “fall zone.”

“The operator is in a well-protected cab with guards and hardened glass, and has tremendous stability, power and control,” Yerke said. “It’s very safe.”

Yerke and Distinctive Tree Care already had four smaller Sennebogens that can reach 44 feet and were adequate for about 80 percent of trees that need to come down. The new machine can reach 68 feet and will get the trees the other machines could not reach, Yerke said.

At Valley Falls Park, Yerke and his crew took down more than two dozen large oak trees in a single afternoon. The estimated cost for the work is over $50,000, but Yerke did it for free.

“I grew up here in Vernon and I learned to swim here at Valley Falls,” Yerke said. “This is a great way for me to give back to my hometown.”

Yerke studied urban forestry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is a Connecticut-licensed arborist.

Town of Vernon to Offer Mental Health Services to Vernon Residents
American Rescue Plan Funding Supports Partnership with
Hockanum Valley Community Council to pay for Social Worker

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon in partnership with the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) is offering free mental health counseling to Vernon residents who are experiencing grief, loss, stress and anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Vernon Town Council unanimously authorized Town Administrator Michael Purcaro to sign a contract with the Vernon-based social services agency for up to $69,000 to fund a social worker who will offer counseling and help connect residents with other services. The position will be paid for with funds provided to the Town of Vernon from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan.

“As our nation, state and local community continue to recover from the pandemic, we know that people are hurting,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Using funds from the American Rescue Plan to provide direct mental health services to Vernon residents is wholly appropriate. We have been focused throughout the pandemic on meeting community needs and mental health is part of our overall recovery plan.”

The counselor will work with people referred by the Vernon Social Services Department, Vernon Youth Services, Vernon Public Schools and Vernon-based health and human service organizations. People can also contact the social worker directly through HVCC.

Mayor Champagne directed Town staff to convene an advisory committee of Vernon-based health and human service organizations to identify pandemic-related needs in the community, and strategies to address them. The committee includes Vernon Social Services, Vernon Youth Services, Vernon Public Schools, Cornerstone Foundation, KidSafe, Opportunity Works, Iglesia Fuente de Salvasicon Misionera, and HVCC.

“For some people, the anxiety and stress they experienced during the pandemic will ease and they will return to the routines of work and visiting with friends and family,” said Town Administrator Michael Purcaro. “Others will face new or worsening stressors. We cannot underestimate the disruption and difficulty so many have experienced through the pandemic. Our goal is for the social worker to help Vernon residents deal with those stressors in a positive and constructive way.”

The pandemic has affected mental health in a variety of ways. More than 40 percent of adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies national health issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports stress caused by the pandemic can cause feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, and frustration that can have a variety of physical impacts, including worsening existing health and mental health conditions.

“At the Hockanum Valley Community Council we have a strong record of feeding the hungry and counseling those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues,” said David M. O’Rourke, CEO of the HVCC. “The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated these issues and we are pleaded to join with the Town of Vernon to work with and assist people in Vernon who are struggling. Working together, we can make things better.”

For more information or to sign up, please call Vernon Social Services at (860) 870-3661.

Town of Vernon Hosts Community Drive-thru and Walk-up Flu Vaccination Clinic this Thursday at St. Bernard Church from 2 to 6 p.m.
All are Welcome to Receive a No Cost To You Vaccination Against Influenza

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon in partnership with Priority Urgent Care of Ellington and Blessed Sacrament Parish will offer a No Cost To You flu vaccination clinic on Thursday, October 14th, 2021 from 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard’s Terrace, Vernon. The clinic is open to everyone.

People with health insurance will be asked to present their insurance card, but will not be billed beyond what their insurance company pays. Those without insurance will not be charged.

A seasonal flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu and reduce the severity of influenza if you become ill.

“We are pleased to offer this opportunity for a convenient flu vaccination,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “All are welcome to attend our clinic.”

Getting a flu shot is worth considering, said Michael Purcaro, Vernon’s Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director.

“Over the past eighteen months the public has been acutely focused on protecting themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19,” Purcaro said. “It’s important to not lose sight of other health priorities, such as eating well, exercising regularly, addressing your emotional health, scheduling routine and preventative medical appointments, and keeping up to date on other vaccinations.”

Flu vaccinations are a simple way to help prevent yourself from getting what can become a serious illness, Dr. Daksh Rampal of Priority Urgent Care said.

“The flu is a dangerous illness, especially to the elderly, children and people who have chronic conditions,” Dr. Rampal said. “A seasonal flu shot offers safe and effective protection against illness and is recommended by medical and public health experts.”

The clinic will take place in the St. Bernard Church parking lot. In the event of inclement weather, the clinic will be moved into the church hall.

“As a parish, we are called to serve our community,” said Father Rick Ricard of St. Bernard Church. “We are delighted to offer our church facilities to help with this important community service and public health initiative.”

For more information about the influenza vaccine, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm

New England Civil War Museum and Research Center Celebrates Grand Reopening
Civil War Reenactors Will Set Up Camp in Central Park\

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The New England Civil War Museum & Research Center will celebrate its grand reopening from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9th, 2021 in Central Park in front of Vernon Town Hall and in the Museum, housed on the second floor of Vernon Town Hall.

“The New England Civil War Museum is a national treasure and we are fortunate to have it here in Vernon,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This grand reopening is a great opportunity for people to learn about the museum and its work preserving and telling the story of a defining time in our nation’s history.”

Civil War reenactors will set up camp in Central Park, recreate camp life, fire muskets and drill just like their predecessors did 155 years ago. The reenactors will have children from the crowd of onlookers join them in their drills, said Daniel Hayden Jr., the Commander of Alden Skinner Camp No. 45 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, which operates the museum. Living historians will demonstrate impressions of infantry, artillery, navy, signal corps, and civilians of the time. The event will even include a cannon and a working model of the ironclad ship U.S.S. Monitor.

“This is an event for families, Civil War historians, history buffs and anyone else fascinated by the stories of the farmers, factory workers, craftsmen and other everyday people who went off to war as ‘citizen soldiers’ during perhaps the most extraordinary time in American history,” Hayden said.

The museum will be open for tours and visitors will be able to see the changes made to the museum and its exhibits during the pandemic.

“We’ve changed the format and setup of the museum so that visitors experience the journey of an average soldier during the Civil War, from their enlistment, through their service during the war and then their time as members of veterans organizations,” Hayden said. “The grand reopening is a celebration of all that work and of the museum and what it represents.”

Aside from the Civil War related features, representatives and vehicles from various Town of Vernon Departments will join the celebration along Park Place, as will representatives from UConn ROTC and other local organizations. There will also be a used book sale and raffles, Hayden said.

The Memorial Building, which houses the museum and Vernon Town Hall, was built in 1890 as a memorial to Civil War Veterans. The second floor was dedicated for use by the veterans and served as the meeting place for the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Civil War Veterans. The national GAR dissolved in 1956, after the death of its last member.

A successor organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, took over the GAR’s work of honoring and remembering all Union soldiers. The local camp was established in 1883 and named in honor of Dr. Alden B. Skinner, a local physician who at age 64 volunteered to serve his country and was commissioned surgeon of the 25th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. He traveled with the regiment to Louisiana, where he became ill and died in 1863.

Every Memorial Day, members of the camp decorate Skinner’s grave and those of 148 Civil War veterans buried at Grove Hill Cemetery in the Rockville section of Vernon. The Camp meets the first Thursday of each month in the museum.

The Grand Reopening Celebration is FREE and all are welcome. Regular museum hours are noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Fire Marshal and Vernon Firefighters Urge Residents to ‘Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety’ for Fire Prevention Week
Vernon Fifth-Grader Chase Kopcza Honored for Winning State Fire Prevention Poster Contest

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors make distinct noises and it’s essential for people to understand what those noises mean. “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” is the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which is October 3rd through the 9th.

Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski and Vernon firefighters will carry that message to kindergarten through second grade students when they visit elementary schools during the month of October.

“Fires are on the decline in Vernon thanks to the prevention work of our Fire Marshal and Fire Department,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to continue that momentum and to learn what can be done to keep yourself and your family safe from fire. And please, make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.”

Also, during Fire Prevention Week, Lake Street School fifth grader Chase Kopcza will be recognized for winning the 2020 State Fire Prevention Poster Contest. His poster, which urges people to prevent forest fires, was judged to be the best in Vernon, Tolland County and the State of Connecticut. Chase’s poster will be on display in the State Legislative Office Building this week during Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Marshal Wasilewski said you should never ignore the sounds emitted by smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “When an alarm makes noise — a beeping sound or a chirping sound — you must take action,” Wasilewski said. “A continuous set of three loud beeps means there is smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.” A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and a fresh battery should be installed, Wasilewski said.

“Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and must be replaced,” Wasilewski said. “All smoke detectors must be replaced after 10 years.”

Fire Chief Stephen Eppler urges families to talk to children about what to do when a smoke or carbon monoxide detector sounds.

“Practicing good fire safety at home saves lives,” Chief Eppler said. “Everyone in the home should understand what the sounds mean, and what to do.”

People who have questions about where to place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are urged to call the Fire Marshal’s office at 860-870-3652.

“My staff and I are always available to answer questions about the proper placement of smoke and CO detectors and will visit your home to conduct an evaluation if need be,” Wasilewski said. “And don’t forget to have smoke and CO detectors that meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.”

Representatives from the Fire Marshal’s office and members of the Town of Vernon Fire Department will visit all of Vernon’s elementary schools during October to give children age appropriate training on fire safety. Children will also have a chance to meet firefighters and check out fire trucks.

Students in third and fourth grades will also be able to participate in the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Chase Kopcza’s hard work on his poster contest entry earned him $900 in prizes and $500 for Lake Street School, in addition to the honor of having his poster displayed at the Legislative Office Building. Chase’s poster will also be the cover of the annual state Fire Prevention Calendar.

Vernon Firefighters Dedicate Two Trucks at ‘Wet Down’ Ceremony this Saturday
Public Invited to Nye Street Fire Station Ceremony

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Members of the Town of Vernon Fire Department will “wet down” two trucks during a ceremony Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station 4, located at 15 Nye Street.

A wet down ceremony is a tradition in the fire service, which dates back to the late 1800s. The horses that pulled steam-powered water pumps to fires were wet down after a call. A new truck is ceremonially sprayed with water. The truck and those who will operate it are then blessed by a member of the clergy. It is also an opportunity for the public to view the new trucks and meet the firefighters who use them to protect the community.

“Vernon is a community of dedicated volunteers, and our volunteer firefighters are among the most active and engaged,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “They train weekly, respond to countless calls and are always there when their fellow residents need them. Ensuring our firefighters have up-to-date equipment serves all of us well.”

The trucks that will be wet down on Saturday are Squad 441, which is assigned to the Nye Street Fire Station, and Engine-Tank 341, which is assigned to the Talcottville Fire Station. Squad 441 is a 2021 Pierce Enforcer and Engine Tank 341 is a 2019 Pierce Enforcer.

Squad 441 represents an innovative and cost-effective consolidation of two trucks into one, Engine-Tank 441 and Rescue 441. Squad 441 carries rescue tools and other specialized equipment, as well as water and a pump. The consolidation of two trucks into one also represents a significant cost savings for taxpayers.

“It’s the combination of a rescue company and an engine company and brings a new level of efficiency to the fire department,” Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said. “With this new truck, firefighters will bring rescue equipment and traditional firefighting equipment to a call. There are instances when you need both, such as a motor vehicle crash. You need the rescue tools to get people out of the vehicle and you need a pumper truck in case there is a fire.”

Engine-Tank 441 was part of the Hockanum Hose Company. The company was established in 1854 in the former Rockville Fire Department when many mill owners sought protection for their industrial properties and the housing where the mill workers lived. Many mill workers joined the Hockanum Hose Company.

Rescue Company 441 was established in 1974 in the Rockville Fire Department and its original vehicle was a retired Vernon Police van. The Rockville and Vernon fire departments combined into the Town of Vernon Fire Department in 1980.

The Town of Vernon Volunteer Fire Department is always recruiting new members. For more information, please visit the department’s webpage at www.vernonfire.com.

Vernon Partners with Rediscovering History, Inc. to Clean and Repair Stones at Historic Burial Ground

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon Cemetery Department and Rediscovering History, a volunteer organization dedicated to cleaning up and restoring historic cemeteries, will gather Saturday, October 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Vernon’s Old Dobsonville Cemetery, 160 Talcottville Road to do restoration work.

Volunteers will clean and straighten monuments as well as provide tours of the cemetery, which is also known as Southwest Cemetery. The volunteers will also discuss how stones are carved and explain the importance of cemeteries in understanding a community’s history.

Vernon has a dedicated Cemetery Department that maintains and manages five town-owned cemeteries. Rediscovering History typically clears overgrowth and debris from cemeteries, but that is not necessary in Vernon because the cemeteries are well maintained. That allows volunteers to focus on the monuments.

“In Vernon we take seriously our commitment to properly care for and maintain our cemeteries,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We want people to visit our cemeteries, to appreciate the history, beauty and sanctity of these places.”

Since his appointment, Vernon Cemetery Superintendent Travis Clark has worked to implement the mayor’s vision by inviting the public into Vernon’s cemeteries. His team works hard to create calm, peaceful and inviting places where people can walk and relax.

“Cemeteries serve an important function as a place for the burial and remembrance of our relatives and friends,” Clark said. “But they can be so much more. We want people to visit our cemeteries to enjoy the horticulture, the history and the calm, relaxing environment. We want people to feel welcome.”

Michael L. Carroll, the president of Rediscovery History, said his team of volunteers spend most of their time cleaning up neglected cemeteries.

“In cemeteries like Vernon’s, where the grounds are well maintained, you sometimes find stones that need to be straightened,” Carroll said. “Over time the ground moves and that can cause stones to lean. We also find stones that have fallen over and have been covered with years-worth of leaves and other debris. So, we dig them out of the ground and reset them.”

People are welcome to observe the work at Old Dobsonville Cemetery on Saturday. For more information about Rediscovering History, please visit: https://rediscovering-history.com/

Parking near the cemetery is limited. People can park on Pleasant View Drive across from the cemetery, then use the crosswalk at Route 83 and Dobson Road to cross Route 83. There is also parking on Miriam Drive, about a quarter mile from the cemetery.

Town of Vernon to Honor Fallen Firefighters
Fox Hill Tower and Vernon Fire Stations to be Illuminated in Red on Friday to Observe the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Light the Night Event

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Fox Hill Tower in Vernon’s Henry Park will be illuminated in red light from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021 to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Vernon fire stations will also be illuminated with red light as the Town of Vernon Fire Department observes the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Light the Night event.

“As we see on a daily basis, our volunteer firefighters are always there when we call and do so much for our community,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Each time they answer a call, they are placing their lives on the line. It’s important to recognize that commitment and to remember those firefighters our nation has lost in the line of duty.”

Last year, Vernon Fire Chief Steve Eppler approached Mayor Champagne and Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro about a plan to illuminate fire stations with red light to honor fallen firefighters and pay tribute to their everyday heroic work. That discussion led to including the landmark Fox Hill Tower in the Light the Night event.

“This year in Connecticut we mourned firefighters who gave their last full measure,” Administrator Purcaro said. “We must always honor our firefighters for what they do, and never forget those who have given their lives in service of others.”

“We work very hard to make what can be dangerous work as safe as possible,” Chief Eppler said. “Everything we do in terms of training and the way we respond to calls is geared toward keeping our firefighters safe.”

Each October the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, marks Firefighter Memorial Day weekend with a memorial service, the Light the Night event and other activities.

“It’s a way to remember and recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Chief Eppler said.

Several landmarks around the nation have been illuminated during Light the Night. Fox Hill Tower is an iconic location in Vernon. It is formally known as the War Memorial Tower and it sits at the summit of Fox Hill. It was modeled after a 1,500-year-old tower near Poitiers, France, and built between 1937 and 1939 with Works Progress Administration and local funds. The 72-foot tower is also the centerpiece of Vernon’s town seal.

Rockville Public Library Kicks Off FREE Fall Concert Series
First Concert this week features Bluegrass Duo Audrey Mae

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Rockville Public Library is hosting three FREE outdoor concerts featuring local bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll and classic country performers.

“The arts enrich our lives and community in so many ways, and this is a great opportunity to experience and enjoy family-friendly live music performances,” said Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne.

The first concert is this Thursday, September 30th, 2021 and features Audrey Mae bluegrass. The second concert is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21st, 2021 and features the Elderly Brothers oldies rock ‘n’ roll. The final concert is Thursday, November 4th and features Rosie Porter and the Neon Moons, a classic country artist. All concerts are at 6:00 p.m. in the library’s upper parking lot. The concerts will be moved inside the library in the event of rain or very cold weather.

Audrey Mae features the duet harmonies of Peter Winne and Joe Delillo backed by a rotating cast of Connecticut bluegrass veterans. Together, despite being a generation apart, Winne and Delillo evoke brother harmony groups such as The Stanley Brothers, The Blue Sky Boys, and The Everly Brothers. Named after Delillo's mother, an Alabama belle named Audrey Mae, the band delivers a brand of bluegrass that is at times high octane and at other times just plain lonesome.

The Elderly Brothers features T-Bone Stankus on guitar and Brian Gillie on keyboards. The pair teamed up as The Elderly Brothers to serve up “mint-condition” oldies rock ‘n’ roll with pitch-perfect harmonies and soulful improvisations as fresh as the originals. Their radiant renditions, audience interaction, dancing groove and dose of mischief make their ‘50s and ‘60s rock-hop repertoire a unique and contagious kind of fun.

Rosie Porter and the Neon Moons are a Massachusetts-based band whose music is inspired by Rosie’s affection for classic country, such as the Bakersfield sound and old fashioned honkytonk. The ensemble features Doug Beaumier on pedal steel guitar and Bob Berry on bass guitar.

All concerts are free and open to all people. The Rockville Public Library asks people to register in advance by visiting www.rockvillepubliclibrary.org/events.

Town of Vernon Launches ‘Buy Local Vernon’ Campaign
‘Buying Local is a Victory for Vernon’

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Mayor Dan Champagne and the Vernon Economic Development Commission have launched a “Buy Local Vernon” campaign intended to educate consumers about the economic and social benefits that come from patronizing local businesses, and to further strengthen Vernon’s economy and business community. The campaign theme is “Buying Local is a Victory for Vernon.”

Thriving local economies make communities stronger and offer a variety of other benefits, Mayor Champagne said.

“Vernon has hundreds of businesses that invest in our community and local economy, offer unique products and services, create and sustain local jobs, pay local taxes, serve local residents and donate to sports teams and local non-profits,” Mayor Champagne said. “Buying local provides a tangible benefit to our community.”

Jeffrey Cohen, Chairman of Vernon’s Economic Development Commission, urged people to consider if a local business can meet their needs, and to consult the Buy Local website, www.vernonbusinessdirectory.com.

“It’s easy to sit home and use your computer or phone to order from an online retailer, or to head to one of the national chains, but there are many local businesses that offer those same products and services at competitive prices,” Cohen said. “When making purchasing decisions, I hope people will pause for a moment to ask themselves, ‘Is this something I can buy locally?’”

A Buy Local website lists local businesses and allows business owners to add or update their listings. The site is linked from the Town website, www.Vernon-ct.gov.

“Small businesses are the largest employers in Connecticut and the nation and create two out of every three new jobs,” Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “Each dollar spent at a local business returns $3 to the local economy. Keeping our hard-earned dollars as close to home as possible has a direct and positive impact on all of us. A community thrives by thinking local first.”

Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said Vernon has a vital and dynamic business community that continually adapts to customers’ needs.

“The pandemic created incredible challenges for businesses and throughout the ordeal Vernon business owners continually adapted to serve customers’ needs,” Gately said. “The Buy Local Vernon campaign is just one way that we can show our local businesses how vital we think they are to our community’s continued success.”

Vernon business owner Drew Crandall played a key role in developing the buy local campaign and its theme, “Buying Local is a Victory for Vernon.”

“Pausing for a moment to think about your spending decision can have a real impact,” Crandall said. “Shifting some of the dollars we spend to local businesses is a victory for the local economy and our community.”

Benefits of buying local include:

• In a world that is more and more homogenized, independent, one-of-a-kind businesses help give a community a distinct identity and a competitive advantage.
• Local businesses, as part of the fabric of the town, typically donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, charitable events and teams when compared to their national counterparts.
• Local ownership ensures decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and will feel the impact of those decisions.
• Local stores sustain vibrant, compact and walkable local shopping districts, which can help reduce sprawl, automobile use and air pollution.
• Local retailers are more likely to carry and feature local products, enhancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Tax Credits Available for Businesses that Donate to Vernon-based Non-Profit Opportunity Works Connecticut, Inc.

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Opportunity Works Connecticut, a Vernon-based non-profit that supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities, has been approved for inclusion in the 2021 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Grant Program, which allows the group to receive monetary grants from businesses in exchange for 60 percent tax credits.

Opportunity Works is seeking to raise $49,418 toward the creation of a sensory room for individuals with autism and behavioral issues. Businesses that contribute a minimum of $250 are eligible for the 60 percent tax credit.

“Anyone who’s been to Opportunity Works has seen the great work they do,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses to make a difference with their charitable giving.”

Opportunity Works endeavors to foster a sense of respect and dignity, which enables individuals to have greater participation in the services the organization offers, said Rene Lambert, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Opportunity Works.

“A sensory room will provide a calming and helpful atmosphere for some of the individuals with whom we work,” Lambert said. “Individuals with autism and other neurosensory disorders need to be in a stimulating environment that offers sensory input to aid them in self-regulation. When our individuals feel safe and secure in their surroundings they can flourish and become the best they can be.”

To contribute to the Opportunity Works project, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Connecticut-Neighborhood-Assistance-Act-Form. Donations must be made via the linked form between September 15th and October 1st, 2021.

Opportunity Works Connecticut has a large service area and works with individuals in most of eastern Connecticut and as far west as Bloomfield, West Hartford, New Britain, Newington and Cromwell. The organization is based in the Rockville section of Vernon, where it offers a variety of services and programs, including vocational skills training, individual employment support, culinary classes, health and wellness training, music therapy, recreation opportunities, community engagement and a bowling league. It also operates a store where people can purchase items produced in the group’s wood shop, greeting cards, jewelry and other crafts produced by participants.

The organization’s Neighborhood Assistance Act proposal was facilitated by Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Youth Services Director and former Interim Social Services Director, and brought forward to the Town Council by Mayor Champagne. The Council unanimously approved the request after a public hearing.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Act grant program is a great way to provide direct benefits to worthy non-profits, while at the same time giving a generous tax credit to businesses that make monetary contributions,” said Matt Hellman, Director of Vernon’s Social Services Department. “The program is good for everybody involved.”

The Vernon Social Services Department locally administers the Neighborhood Assistance Act for non-profits.

For more information about Opportunity Works Connecticut, please visit: https://www.owct.org/

For more information about the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Credit-Programs/Neighborhood-Assistance/Neighborhood-Assistance-Act-Tax-Credit-Program

Town of Vernon and Sema4 Labs Offer ‘No Cost to You’ COVID-19 Testing

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon will offer “No Cost to You” drive-thru COVID-19 testing to area residents beginning this Sunday, September 26th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rockville High School. Testing will continue weekly on Sundays.

The Town will also offer “No Cost to You” testing to employees who face mandatory testing under Executive Order 13G.

The testing will be performed by staff from Sema4 Labs. Private insurance will be billed for those who have coverage, but there will be no out of pocket costs. People who do not have health insurance will not be charged.

Executive Order 13G, issued September 10th, 2021, requires all pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school staff, state employees, and childcare facility staff to receive a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by September 27th, 2021. Those who do not get vaccinated due to certain exemptions must be tested weekly for COVID-19, according to the executive order.

“Because of these new mandatory testing requirements, we wanted to ensure testing was accessible, convenient and affordable for those who need it,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Sunday testing is open to Vernon residents and people from other communities.”

Vernon Town Administrator and Director of Emergency and Risk Management Michael Purcaro said Town leaders are continually assessing the Town’s ongoing pandemic response and recovery strategy.
“Early in the pandemic we saw a need for community-based testing and established multiple testing sites in Vernon,” Purcaro said. “When vaccine became available, we saw a need and established our nationally-recognized vaccination program to reach those who wanted to be vaccinated. This new testing initiative is the next natural step since testing is now mandatory for some in our community.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary said keeping schools safe and open is essential, and testing will be part of what makes that happen.

“Our top priority is always the health and safety of our staff, students and community,” Dr. Macary said. “By creating this testing program, we are working to keep our schools safe so that in-person learning can continue uninterrupted. We want children in school because that is the best place for students to learn. Students need to be face-to-face with teachers, peers and school support staff. That translates into a more engaging and successful learning experience for all students. We will keep searching for innovative and creative solutions so that we can maintain that momentum.”

Testing is an important tool in the battle against COVID-19, said Dr. Daksh Rampal, the medical director of Vernon’s COVID-19 vaccination program and Priority Urgent Care of Ellington. People who have symptoms or a known exposure to COVID-19 should be tested, regardless of vaccination status.

“To control community spread of COVID-19, people have to know whether they are infected,” Rampal said. “Testing also helps health officials track the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.”
The Town has worked closely with Sema4 Labs, which conducted mass testing clinics at Rockville High School during the spring.

“Sema4 is thrilled to again partner with the Town of Vernon to offer COVID-19 testing to the community,” said Lisa Ives, Customer Success Manager for Sema4 Labs. “When we worked with Vernon in the spring, logistics were always well-planned and organized and the testing process was quick and efficient. We look forward to resuming testing and serving the greater Vernon region.”

In addition to testing on Sundays at Rockville High School, COVID-19 testing sites can be found by visiting www.211ct.org. Testing is available locally at the following locations (additional sites may become available):

Priority Urgent Care, 105 West Road, Ellington; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; phone 860-454-0678; www.priorityuc.com.

GoHealth Urgent Care-Vernon, 35 Talcottville Road, Vernon; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; phone 860-787-5774.

AFC Urgent Care, 179 Talcottville Road, Vernon; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; phone 860-986-7600; https://www.afcurgentcarevernon.com/

Quest Diagnostics, 520 and 444 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon; Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, 7 – 11 a.m.; https://patient.questdiagnostics.com/no-cost-covid-test

Walgreens, 188 Union Street, Vernon; appointment must be made through website, www.walgreens.com.

Vernon Police Lt. Lucas Gallant Promoted to Captain

Town Council Unanimously Approves Mayor Champagne’s Appointment of Vernon Native to Serve as Second in Command of Police Department

VERNON, Connecticut – The Vernon Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Mayor Dan Champagne’s appointment of Vernon Police Lieutenant Lucas Gallant as the next Captain of the Vernon Police Department.

Mayor Champagne selected Lt. Gallant for promotion after reviewing his record of service with the Vernon Police Department and interviewing him. The Captain is the second in command of the Vernon Police Department. Effective Wednesday, Lt. Gallant will fill the vacancy created when Chief John Kelley was promoted from Captain to Chief on July 6, 2021.

“Lt. Gallant has served in a variety of leadership positions with the department and played a key role managing COVID-19 vaccine inventory and operations for our nationally-recognized vaccination program,” Mayor Champagne said. “And that was on top of his work overseeing the Police Department’s Patrol Division.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said Lt. Gallant has accrued a record of accomplishment during his 16 years with the Vernon Police Department.

“It’s been gratifying to watch Lt. Gallant advance through the ranks from patrol officer to sergeant and then to lieutenant,” Purcaro said. “During that time, he has taken on additional responsibilities and carried them out with great skill and care. I expect that will continue.”

Lt. Gallant has led the patrol and detective divisions, and brings diverse experience to his new position, Chief Kelley said.

“He’s extremely knowledgeable, well-respected by people in the department as well as the community, and a hard-worker,” Chief Kelley said.

It’s also noteworthy, Chief Kelley said, that both he and Lt. Gallant are Rockville High School graduates.

“Although purely a coincidence, Luke and I do bring to the table decades of relationships with people in town,” Chief Kelley said. “People know us, are comfortable with us and will approach us with their thoughts and concerns. People can also be assured that Vernon is a very important place to both of us.”

Lt. Gallant received a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, and graduated in the top 10 of his class from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy before going to work for the Wells, Maine, Police Department. He served four and a half years as an officer in Wells and during that short tenure was honored as officer of the year in 2003.

He applied to and joined the Vernon Police Department in 2005 and has taken on a variety of leadership and management roles as he has advanced through the ranks. Lt. Gallant has received multiple awards and was honored in 2010 as Vernon Police Officer of the Year.

“Being selected to serve my hometown as Captain is an honor,” Lt. Gallant said. “I look forward to this next phase of my career and working with the Chief to lead an outstanding team of law enforcement professionals.”

Vernon Emergency Service Leaders to Bag Groceries at ShopRite to Help Fight Hunger

Five of Vernon’s emergency service leaders will bag customers’ groceries Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at ShopRite of Tri-City Plaza, 35 Talcottville Road (Route 83) in Vernon as part of the store’s “Help Bag Hunger Day” and to raise awareness about food insecurity.

Police Chief John Kelley, Fire Chief Stephen Eppler, EMS Coordinator Jean Gauthier, Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski and Town Administrator and Director of Emergency and Risk Management Michael Purcaro, will bag groceries from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Under the leadership of Mayor Dan Champagne, the Town of Vernon distributed more than 10 tons of fresh produce to families experiencing food insecurity, and partnered with ShopRite to provide curbside pick-up of essential household supplies and groceries during the pandemic. Thursday’s event is another way the Town is working with community partners to assist individuals and families in need.

“ShopRite of Tri-City Plaza and owner Jordan Coe have been valuable partners to the Town of Vernon in our comprehensive response to COVID-19,” said Purcaro. “We are pleased to participate to not only raise awareness about food insecurity and hunger, but to do something about it.”

Throughout the day Thursday, cashiers will be asking customers to donate to help fill the shelves of local food banks, and local leaders will assist in bagging customers’ groceries.

“This is my second year bagging groceries at ShopRite and I’m looking forward to it,” said Fire Marshal Wasilewski, who along with EMS Coordinator Gauthier got their colleagues involved in the effort. “It’s a great opportunity to meet residents and to help people.”

The local ShopRite has a strong partnership with Cornerstone in Rockville to channel donations to its food pantry.

“The folks at ShopRite have been wonderful to Cornerstone,” said Sharon Redfern, the organization’s Executive Director. “They started a program where they have $5 and $10 bags of food that customers can buy that go to our food pantry. We have received more than 28,000 items through that program. And they lend us a hand in so many other ways. They’re really good people there at ShopRite.”

September is National Hunger Action Month and ShopRite works to raise money through an initiative called Partners in Caring to feed the hungry in the local community, said Coe, President/Owner of Waverly Markets, which operates ShopRite stores in Vernon, Manchester and East Hartford.

“Here at ShopRite helping those who are hungry is always on our minds,” Coe said. “Through our partnership with Cornerstone and the Town of Vernon, we know we are reaching local families and providing them with easy access to good nutritious food.”

Rockville Elks Donate $5,000 Worth of Gift Cards for Back to School Clothing for Vernon Children

VERNON, Connecticut – The Rockville Elks Lodge has donated $5,000 worth of gift cards to the Town of Vernon for distribution to local families to purchase back to school clothing. The cards are distributed by the Vernon Social Services Department.

The Social Services Department has already received donations of $3,500 worth of gift cards from the community and $1,000 worth from the Salvation Army.

For nearly 20 years, the community has generously contributed to assist Vernon families with back to school clothing. In past years donors often helped families shop for clothing. Last year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned to gift cards donated to the Town and then distributed to families.

In 2020, the families of 71 students in kindergarten through eighth grade received nearly $7,000 worth of gift cards.

“Vernon residents can always be counted on to assist those in our community who need a hand. This is who we are,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “The Rockville Elks consistently step up when they see a need and help make Vernon the special place it is.”

With the donation from the Rockville Elks, more children will have new clothes to begin the new school year.
For families already struggling to make ends meet, providing new clothing for the start of school can be a hardship. Children who are dressed well and feel good about themselves have the confidence they need to do well in school.

“Having nearly $10,000 to assist families with back to school clothing will go a long way toward meeting the need,” said Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Director of Social Services. “We often have children on the waiting list and new families arriving in town who need assistance. This generous gift from the Rockville Elks will be a great help to families and to many children in our community.”

“Charity and brotherly love are among the founding principles of the Elks,” said Dennis Cartier, the president of Rockville Elks Lodge No. 1359. “Nationally, the Elks donate $208 million a year to community-minded programs and we are proud to be able to make this contribution to families in Vernon.”

Additional gift card donations are welcome and can be mailed to Vernon Social Services, Town Hall, 14 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. They can also be dropped off at the Social Services office at Town Hall during business hours.

Public Invited to Comment at Hearings on Ordinances to ban Alcohol and Cannabis Use on Town Property
Vaping and Smoking would also be Prohibited

VERNON, Connecticut – The Vernon Town Council will conduct public hearings on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 on two proposed ordinances, one of which would prohibit the use of alcohol and cannabis and ban smoking and vaping on town-owned and town-controlled property.

The first hearing is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall on an ordinance titled “Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor and Cannabis Prohibited in Town-Owned or Town-Leased Property; Smoking and Vaping Prohibited in Town-Owned or Town-Leased Property.”

The second hearing will begin at the conclusion of the first hearing. It concerns an ordinance titled “Possession of Alcoholic Liquor and Cannabis in Public Areas, Highways and Parking Areas.”

“This is a public health issue,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We already ban alcohol and smoking in our parks, at schools and other town properties. It is sensible to expand this public health policy to cannabis. Our residents have the right to expect a healthy, substance-free environment in our parks and town facilities.”

The council will hear comments from residents during the public hearings. The text of each proposed ordinance can be read here.

Rockville Public Library Available as Cooling Center as Temperatures Soar; Town Swimming Areas Also Open

VERNON, Connecticut – The Town of Vernon is opening a cooling center at the Rockville Public Library to help residents who do not have access to air conditioning keep cool. Town swimming areas are also open to help residents beat the heat.

Oppressive heat and humidity is forecast for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Mayor Dan Champagne and the Town Office of Emergency and Risk Management have been monitoring weather forecasts and directed town staff to make the library available as a cooling center.

“Extreme heat can be dangerous and I urge people to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun and avoid exerting themselves,” Mayor Champagne said. “For people who do not have access to air conditioned spaces, the Rockville Public Library is available Wednesday until 6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. The library staff also has water available for patrons.”

People can also keep cool at Vernon’s swimming areas. The schedule is as follows:
• Newhoca Beach, 185 Grier Road, is open Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Community Pool, 375 Hartford Turnpike, is open Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Valley Falls Beach, 300 Valley Falls Road, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“As we endure these few days of oppressive heat, I ask our residents to look out for each other, “ Mayor Champagne said. “Check on your relatives and neighbors, especially those who are older. And please remember not to ever leave children or pets unattended in a hot car.”

Application Deadline Extended for Vernon Non-Profits to Apply for Grants from the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

The deadline for interested non-profit organizations to apply for funding to the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has been extended to August 20th, 2021.

Interested organizations that have been designated a 501(c)3s by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to submit a letter of interest that describes their proposal. The Vernon Community Fund Advisory Committee will review the proposals based on merit. Organizations with proposals selected by the committee will be notified in September to file a formal grant application.

Minimum grants are $250 and maximum grants are $10,000. The actual award will be based on the scope and focus of the proposal.

In 2019 the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving established $100,000 community funds for the 29 towns in its region. The purpose of each fund is to “support residents in taking ownership around the need in their towns, encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement and anchor the Hartford Foundation in each town,” according to the foundation. Non-profits do not have to be based in Vernon, but must serve the residents of Vernon.

In participating communities, grants have been used to make building repairs to a historical society, expand nutritional programs for senior citizens, help immigrants learn to speak and read English, and provide social programs for teens with autism.

Vernon’s Community Fund Advisory Committee is seeking letters of interest for projects that will benefit and serve the residents of Vernon. Additional details about the program can be obtained by visiting www.hfpg.org/vernoncf or by emailing vernoncommunityfund@gmail.com.

Letters of interest can be filed through the website link above or emailed to the address listed above. Additional details and information about how to contribute to the fund can also be found by visiting the link above.

Release from Vernon Community Fund Advisory Committee:

Release from Vernon Community Fund Advisory Committee

Application Deadline Extended for Vernon Greater Together Community Fund Grant

Contact: Vernon Community Fund Advisory Committee at vernoncommunityfund@gmail.com

In 2019, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving established $100,000 community funds for each of the 29 towns in the Foundation’s region, including the town of Vernon.  The purpose of the Greater Together Community Funds is to support residents in taking ownership around the needs in their towns, encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement and anchor the Hartford Foundation in each town.  In 2020, Vernon’s Community Fund Advisory Committee was selected. The list of current members is available at www.hfpg.org/vernoncf.

Vernon’s Community Fund Advisory Committee has released its first open call for Letters of Interest. A minimum of $250 and maximum of $10,000 will be awarded in grant funds to one or more proposals. All projects must benefit and serve the residents of Vernon. For further details on project guidelines and how to apply, please visit: www.hfpg.org/vernoncf.  Letters of interest deadline has been extended to August 20th, 2021. Apply now!

The Greater Together Community Funds create an opportunity for organizations and individuals to make tax-deductible contributions to any of the 29 Community Funds to support their towns.  There have been a number of contributions to other Greater Together Community Funds; and all donations to the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund, both large and small, are welcome!  

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $849 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit https://www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.

Vernon Social Services has Farmers’ Market Vouchers Available for Income-Eligible Vernon Residents 60 or Older

The Vernon Social Services Department has vouchers that will allow people to obtain farm fresh produce for free or at a reduced cost. The coupon books are available to income eligible Vernon residents who are 60 or older.

To be eligible, individuals must have an income of less than $23,828 and married couples must have a combined income of less than $32,227.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture Program that is administered in Connecticut by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Locally, the Vernon Social Services Department distributes the vouchers to eligible seniors.

For information about Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers, please contact the Vernon Social Services Department at 860-870-3661.

“Connecticut grown fruits and vegetables are a great source of healthy nutrition and farmers’ markets are an ideal way to connect our residents to farm-fresh produce,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “It’s also a great way to support our local farmers. I encourage eligible Vernon residents to contact our Social Services Department for a coupon book.”

Qualified residents will receive a coupon book that can be used to purchase fruit, vegetables, fresh cut herbs or honey, according to program guidelines.

“Good nutrition is critical to overall health,” said Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Director of Social Services. “We know that many seniors struggle each month to pay for housing, medication and other expenses. These vouchers help seniors purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.”

Coupons can be used at the following authorized Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program sites:

Coventry-Nathan Hale Homestead
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2299 South Street
coventryfarmersmarket.org

Ellington-Arbor Park
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon
31 Arbor Way
Ellingtonfarmersmarket.com

South Windsor
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
220 Ayers Road

Stafford Springs-Sun Valley
Monday and Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.
51 Old Springfield Road

Manchester MACC
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
766 Hillstown Road

Manchester MACC
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Main and Forest streets

Mansfield-Riverview Farm Stand
Monday and Wednesday - Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m.
185 Stafford Road

Storrs-Mansfield Town Hall
Saturdays, 3 to 5 p.m.
4 South Eagleville Road
storrsfarmersmarket.org

Tolland
Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon
1032 Tolland Stage Road

National Night Out Returns to Downtown Vernon

(VERNON, Connecticut) – National Night Out returns to downtown Vernon on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, and the Rockville Community Alliance, Vernon Community Network, Vernon Police Department and more than 40 local organizations have exciting plans.

The event is scheduled for 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Ladd & Hall parking lot in Rockville. The entire community is invited. There will be FREE food and ice cream, FREE school supplies, FREE amusements including a bounce house and a bubble machine, and other giveaways.

People can also receive a FREE COVID-19 Vaccination from Vernon’s nationally-recognized community vaccination program. All three vaccines will be available.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign intended to promote partnerships between police and residents, foster a sense of community and make neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our police officers to meet our residents in a fun, informal atmosphere,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Partnerships make our community strong, and the partnership between our police officers and our residents is good for everyone.”

Newly appointed Police Chief John Kelley will attend along with a team of officers who are looking forward to meeting with residents.

“National Night Out has always been a big deal for the police department and something we look forward to,” said Chief Kelley, who has served with the department for 25 years. “We get to meet and talk with the people we serve, share information, hear their ideas and concerns, and continue to build relationships.”

In addition to meeting with police, community leaders, and social service organizations, residents can learn about programs that are available to the community.

“Bringing families and children together to get to know their police officers builds a sense of community,” said Tom DiDio of the Rockville Community Alliance.

In the event of rain, National Night Out will be moved to Wednesday, August 4th, 2021.

Vernon firefighters and police will bring equipment for a “touch a truck” event for children. Miss Greater Rockville and her Court will also attend.

FREE Shakespeare Performances Coming to Rockville Public Library in Downtown Vernon

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Shakespeare is coming to downtown Vernon with a one-hour adaptation of “Henry V” that will be performed at the Rockville Public Library on August 7th and 8th.

The performances are FREE and open to all. A crowdfunding campaign is now under way to help cover the cost of the performances. If $7,500 is raised by August 4th, 2021 a matching grant will be provided by Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund. To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, please visit:

https://www.patronicity.com/project/shakespeares_henry_v

“Bringing a strong arts presence to downtown Vernon is part of my vision for our community’s future and something I’ve been focused on,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “The arts enrich us in so many ways, including by fostering a sense of community.”

The performances are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 7th, 2021, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 8th, 2021 and will be outside in the area behind the library. In case of rain, the performances will be moved inside the library.

“Just like fiscally sound government and good schools, arts and culture are essential parts of thriving and sustainable communities,” said Vernon Town Administrator Michael J. Purcaro.

“Henry V” tells the story of King Henry V of England and focuses on events before and after the Battle of Agincourt, fought in 1415 during the Hundred Years’ War.

“This will be a great opportunity for anyone who has never seen Shakespeare before or who has only read it in high school,” said Jennifer Johnston-Marius, Director of the Rockville Public Library. “The idea is to make Shakespeare relatable and fun for the whole family.”

The adaptation, which will be performed by the theater troupe “Fool in the Forest,” is set on the battlefield at Agincourt as a few sick and famished English soldiers take on the vast French army.

“It’s a coming of age story that focuses on Prince Hal and his journey to find his identity as a king and overcome the shadows of his youth,” said Terence LaCasse, the executive producer and leader of the Fool in the Forest troupe.

Matt Chiorini, who is directing the play, said “Henry V” is accessible for audiences not familiar with Shakespeare because it has a narrator who describes everything that is happening on and off stage.

“The narrator calls on the audience to use their imagination right from the beginning,” he said. “It’s as if Shakespeare is telling us not to worry about extravagant costumes, special effects or realism, but to enjoy the ride and embrace and enjoy the play.”

Parking is available behind Vernon Town Hall and on nearby streets. People can bring a picnic or visit one of downtown Vernon’s restaurants.

“Not only do we want to provide our community with a great arts experience, we want to create a more welcoming identity for downtown Vernon and to generate economic development,” said Shaun Gately, Vernon’s Economic Development Coordinator.

Vernon’s Valley Falls Beach Closed; Newhoca Beach Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday for Swimming

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Runoff from recent rains has caused an increased bacteria count in the water at Valley Falls Pond, according to the North Central District Health Department.

As a result, the Town of Vernon Parks and Recreation Department has closed Valley Falls Beach to swimming and posted signs warning residents to stay out of the water. The Town’s Newhoca Beach at 185 Grier Road will be open for swimming Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 16-18, 2021. The hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Additional testing of the water at Valley Falls is scheduled for Monday.

Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission Releases Draft Plan of Conservation and Development for Public Review

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission has released for public review a draft of its 2021 Plan of Conservation and Development.

The Commission is seeking input on the document from residents. The plan is available on the town webpage: www.vernon-ct.gov/POCD. For those without computer access, copies are available at the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall and at the Town Planner’s office, 55 West Main Street.

“The Planning and Zoning Commission has been working diligently to engage the community as it updates this blueprint for Vernon’s future,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “It’s an important planning document that town leaders will regularly consult over the next decade. I urge residents to review it and offer their comments to the commission.”  

The Plan of Conservation and Development is a document that provides a long-term vision for a community and guides land use boards as they make decisions about growth, development, conservation and capital improvements during the coming decade. Cities and towns across Connecticut update their plans of conservation and development every 10 years.

“The Planning and Zoning Commission sought input from residents when it began this process and wants to hear from people again now that a draft is complete,” Town Planner George McGregor said. “The community will also have an opportunity to comment at a public hearing planned for September.”
Written comments can be submitted to the Town Planners office at 55 West Main St., Vernon, CT 06066, or via email: gmcgregor@vernon-ct.gov.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the draft plan on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. The commission will act on the plan at some point after the hearing.

John Kelley, 25-year Veteran of Vernon Police Department, Selected as Next Chief of Police

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town Council Tuesday evening approved Mayor Dan Champagne’s appointment of Vernon Police Captain John Kelley as Vernon’s next chief of police.

Mayor Champagne selected Captain Kelley after an extensive review and interview process.

The Town Council endorsed Mayor Champagne’s recommendation to appoint Captain Kelley, effective July 9th. He replaces outgoing Chief James Kenny, who is retiring after 40 years in law enforcement, the last 15 as chief in Vernon.

“Vernon has a long tradition of excellence in its police department and it was important to find a candidate who would continue and build on that legacy,” Mayor Champagne said. “I am confident Captain Kelley is the right person to do that.”

Captain Kelley has served as second in command of the Vernon Police Department for the past six years. Before that, he served as a sergeant and lieutenant and managed patrol officers and detectives and oversaw investigations into serious incidents.

As captain, he has overseen daily operations at the police department and handled internal investigations and labor complaints. He also assumed command and coordinated major incidents in the chief’s absence, and worked with the chief on budgets. He joined the police department in 1996.

“In Vernon we expect town departments and their leaders to provide a high level of community engagement and service to our residents,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “I look forward to working with John in his new capacity as Chief, and to the contributions he will make to protect and serve our community.”

Captain Kelley grew up in Vernon, graduated from Rockville High School and the University of Connecticut, where he earned degrees in sociology and criminal justice cum laude. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has continued to receive advanced training. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, having attained the rank of sergeant.

“It’s a great honor to be selected as Vernon’s next police chief,” Captain Kelley said. “I have always been proud to be a Vernon police officer and look forward to leading a group of professionals who have devoted their lives to serving and protecting this wonderful community.”

The new chief continues a family tradition of service to Vernon. His father, Robert E. Kelley, served as Vernon Fire Chief for 21 years and as a firefighter for 42 years.

Captain Kelley is married and has two daughters.

Vernon’s July In the Sky is On for Wednesday
Patriotic Parade, Food Vendors, Live Music by the Reminisants and Entertainment Ahead of Spectacular Fireworks Show

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s premier summer event, July in the Sky, rescheduled to Wednesday, July 7th, will feature a massive 75th Anniversary fireworks display and live music at Henry Park.

Town leaders have been meeting with a consulting meteorologist, who provided a hyper-local weather forecast for Wednesday and recommended going forward with the event.

Family-friendly activities, music and other entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. The fireworks show will feature more than 1,500 shells and begins about 9:30 p.m. It will be launched from Fox Hill Tower and be visible from Henry Park and downtown Rockville.

The Reminisants, an oldies cover band from the Boston area, will perform at Henry Park. Local fans of the Reminisants are sponsoring the band’s performance.

The events at Henry Park are organized by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the downtown Rockville activities are organized in partnership with the Rockville Community Alliance. Severe thunderstorms and extreme heat forced the postponement of July in the Sky to the July 7th rain date.

“The pandemic forced us to cancel July in the Sky last year, but we’re coming back strong,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “July in the Sky is a great event that people from all over look forward to. And there’s no better way to kick off the celebration of Independence Day.”

Independence Day invites all people in America to come together and celebrate the birth of our nation and the ideals contained in the Declaration of Independence, the foundation on which this great country was built.

Henry Park will close at 3:00 p.m. so that food vendors and others can move in and set up. The park reopens for the event at 6:00 p.m. There is a fee of $5 per car and $1 per walker to enter the park. There is no charge to enjoy the fireworks from downtown Rockville.

In downtown Rockville, East Main Street from Elm to Court streets, Park Place, St. Bernard’s Terrace and portions of Park and Elm streets will close at 6:00 p.m. so that people can safely view the fireworks from Central Park or the street.

You can also get a FREE COVID-19 vaccination at July in the Sky. Vaccination clinics will be available on the tennis courts at Henry Park and in front of Vernon Town Hall in downtown Rockville. Vernon firefighters will provide FREE Hands Only CPR training in both locations.

The Reminisants will perform from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Henry Park. A DJ will play dance music in Rockville.
There will also be inflatables and other activities for children and families in Henry Park and downtown Rockville. Activities are an extra fee in the park and in Rockville. Activities in downtown Rockville also include Big Jim’s Foam Machine, which fills the air and area with bubbles, and face painting.

In addition to Rockville’s restaurants, food vendors will set up booths to serve fried dough, ice cream, Italian ice, kettle corn and tacos. There will also be booths set up by local businesses and crafters.

In downtown Rockville, a pre-fireworks highlight will be the Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade, where anyone can decorate a bicycle, wagon, stroller, tricycle, skateboard or other non-powered vehicle and then participate. Free decorations will be available for people to dress up their vehicle before the parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. from the Ladd & Hall parking lot. Participants will gather about 6:45 p.m. for judging.

No pets, alcohol, bicycles, skateboards, fireworks or sparklers are permitted in Henry Park. The same goes for downtown Rockville, except for when bicycles and other non-powered vehicles are welcome to join the “Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade.”

“It really is about community, seeing friends and neighbors, seeing kids’ happy faces, and enjoying a traditional Fourth of July celebration,” said Tom DiDio of the Rockville Community Alliance.

Vernon Police Chief James Kenny Honored at Ceremony for 40-year Career in Law Enforcement

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Town leaders, a congressman, friends, family and Vernon police officers honored retiring Police Chief James Kenny at a ceremony Thursday evening at Vernon Center Middle School.

Chief Kenny, 61, spent the final 15 years of his 40-year career in Vernon. He served first as captain, the department’s second in command, then ascended to chief six months later, when Chief Rudolf Rossmy retired.

He is leaving a police department that Mayor Dan Champagne said is one that all Vernon residents can be proud of. The mayor served 22 years as a Vernon police officer, some of that under Chief Kenny.

“The Vernon Police Department is an excellent group of men and women who serve our community with distinction,” Mayor Champagne said. “I think it’s one of the best in the nation and it keeps getting better and better. And the chief is a big part of that.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro commended and also ribbed Chief Kenny a bit, recounting some highlights of Chief Kenny’s time in Vernon, describing him as honest, full of good ideas and a chief who led from the front.

“It’s been said that a career in law enforcement is not about self-enrichment as measured in a paycheck, but rather about self-fulfillment as measured in one’s soul,” Purcaro said. “To be successful like you Jim, you have to be committed to the community and its residents. It’s also been said that ‘only a life lived in service to others is worth living.’ I couldn’t agree more and this is the essence of your soul and what your legacy is here in Vernon – service to others.”

Chief Kenny’s daughters offered another side of his life as a cop, describing life with a police officer dad and wishing him a quiet retirement.

The chief’s oldest daughter, Lexie Attebery, described how as a boy her dad stood up to a bully, marking the beginning of his devotion to service and protecting others.

“As you step into retirement, we can only hope to be surrounded by ‘happy chief,’ day in and day out, said daughter Jacqueline Kenny. “In retirement we hope you find rest and tranquility, even if it’s just for a little while before you go running into a burning house … again.”

Jamie Kenny joked that their plan was to roast their father and show YouTube videos by some of his fans, but their mother told them “no way.”

Retiring Vernon Police Chief James Kenny stands with his family. Left to right, son-in-law Alex Attebery, daughter Lexie Attebery, wife Theresa Kenny, Chief Kenny, and daughters Jacqueline Kenny and Jamie Kenny.

Congressman Joe Courtney, a Vernon resident, thanked the chief for his guidance and advice on policies and legislation related to policing. Congressman Courtney read details of Chief Kenny’s career into the Congressional Record and gave Chief Kenny a copy of that statement. “The Jim Kenny story is now part of the Congressional Record which is part of America’s story,” Congressman Courtney said.

Son-in-in law, Alex Attebery, said it was also appropriate to honor Theresa Kenny, the chief’s wife.

“Chief, you have been able to reach this position of leadership because of your hard work and dedication, but also because of the support and encouragement of your wife,” he said. “Theresa, you’ve sacrificed just as much, if not more. Thank you both for your sacrifice, your service and your love for each other.”

Without the support of family and friends, Chief Kenny said he does not think he would have made it 40 years.

“The biggest thanks goes to my family,” Chief Kenney said. “They put up with a tremendous amount from me.”

He also thanked the mayor, town administrator and town council for their support and said “through team work and partnership with our residents, we were able to get through trying times and make this a community we can be proud of.”

As for the men and women he will lead until his last day on Friday, Chief Kenny said, ”I was surrounded by good people who made me look good [and that] it’s been an honor to serve this department and this community as chief.”

Captain John Kelley presented the chief with a shadow box of badges, rank insignia and the handcuffs the chief carried his whole career. “It truly has been an honor and a pleasure serving as a sergeant, a lieutenant and then as your second in command,” Kelley said. “And I am going to miss you immensely.”

Town of Vernon Receives $2 million State Grant to Cleanup Daniel’s Mill, Advancing Plans for Gateway to Downtown Vernon

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne announced that the Town of Vernon has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for cleanup of the Daniel’s Mill at 98 East Main Street.

Mayor Champagne directed town staff to apply for the grant earlier this year as part of his ongoing program to breathe new life into the mills and repurpose them for Vernon’s future. The Town is working with Camden Management Partners of Atlanta, Georgia to redevelop three adjoining mills in downtown Vernon, including Daniel’s Mill, Amerbelle and Anocoil.

“We have been putting the pieces together in what will be a transformational redevelopment project for Rockville,” Mayor Champagne said. “This $2 million grant is a key step in this ongoing process and will help us cleanup Daniel’s Mill and create an attractive gateway to downtown Vernon.”

Vernon has already received $4 million in grants to cleanup the Amerbelle site and $300,000 to study the Daniel’s Mill. The new grant will allow the Town to move forward on cleanup at the Daniel’s Mill.

The site plan for the mill complex calls for 110,000 square feet of residential units, 20,000 square feet of commercial space and associated parking. A restaurant and event space is planned for the commercial space.  

“This is a spectacular piece of property with waterfalls and the Hockanum River flowing through it,” Mayor Champagne said. “Every grant we obtain moves us closer to meaningfully repurposing these mills, which are historically and esthetically connected.”

Last week the Town of Vernon formally took control of the Daniel’s Mill through a tax sale, and also obtained liability relief for the contamination through a state program.

The $2 million grant allocated for Vernon was included in a $19 million package of grants to remediate blighted properties that Governor Ned Lamont announced this week.

“Cleaning up blighted properties that have been vacant for decades and putting them into productive use will ultimately generate back many more times the amount of these grants through private investments,” Governor Lamont said. “If we remediate these properties now, we can turn an eyesore into an asset, revitalize neighborhoods, and transform otherwise unusable property into new space for businesses and residents.”

The state funding through the Brownfield Remediation Program is expected to leverage approximately $156 million in private funding and help in the investigation and cleanup of approximately 418 acres of land.

“These investments in the remediation and assessment of contaminated sites are unlocking economic development opportunities all across Connecticut,” Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. “They will create jobs, foster small business growth, allow for new recreational spaces, and expand housing options for our residents – all critical to building more vibrant communities and neighborhoods.”

The grant funds will be used to address underground tanks at the Daniel’s Mill and other contamination discovered during the previous study.

“Brownfield redevelopment has been one of my top priorities and I appreciate the state’s support, which is key in helping our community continue to move forward with this project,” Mayor Champagne said. “These mills are an important part of Vernon’s history, and my goal is to make them an important part of our future too.”

Shaun Gately, Vernon’s Economic Development Coordinator, said remediating environmental issues at Daniel’s Mill is an important step in furthering the town’s partnership with the developers.  

Mill redevelopment projects completed in Vernon include the transformation of Roosevelt Mill into Loom City Lofts, the Talcott Brothers Mill into the Old Talcott Mill Apartments, and the Hockanum Mills complex into Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum. A brownfield on Grove Street was recently transformed into the Gene Pitney Memorial Park.

About the Town of Vernon

The Town of Vernon is a celebrated place to live, work and visit. From its beautiful parks and lakes, to its vast trails and historic homes and buildings, Vernon is a resilient and thriving community that promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents and values the natural environment. With a resident population of approximately 30,000 and occupying 18.03 square miles, Vernon combines a balanced appreciation of history, and a strong economic base for growth, both residential and commercial. Located 15 minutes east of the Connecticut capital of Hartford, and 25 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Town of Vernon is strategically located in “New England's Knowledge Corridor” with close proximity to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.

Designated a certified Sustainable Community, the Town of Vernon offers a wide range of benefits and services to its residents. The Town of Vernon is a full-service municipality that practices a management philosophy of continuous quality improvement. To learn more about the Town of Vernon, please call (860) 870- 3670 or visit www.vernon-ct.gov.
 

Vernon’s July in the Sky is Back Patriotic Parade, Food Vendors, Live Music and Entertainment Ahead of Spectacular Fireworks Show

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s premier summer event, July in the Sky, is back Wednesday, June 30th with a massive 75th Anniversary fireworks display. The rain date is July 7th.

Family-friendly activities, music and other entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. The fireworks show will feature more than 1,500 shells and begins about 9:30 p.m. It will be launched from Fox Hill Tower and be visible from Henry Park and downtown Rockville.

The events at Henry Park are organized by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the downtown Rockville activities are organized in partnership with the Rockville Community Alliance.

“The pandemic forced us to cancel July in the Sky last year, but we’re coming back strong,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “July in the Sky is a great event that people from all over look forward to. And there’s no better way to kick off the celebration of Independence Day.”

Independence Day invites all people in America to come together and celebrate the birth of our nation and the ideals contained in the Declaration of Independence, the foundation on which this great country was built.

Henry Park will close at 3:00 p.m. so that food vendors and others can move in and set up. The park reopens for the event at 6:00 p.m. There is a fee of $5 per car and $1 per walker to enter the park. There is no charge to enjoy the fireworks from downtown Rockville.

In downtown Rockville, East Main Street from Elm to Court streets, Park Place, St. Bernard’s Terrace and portions of Park and Elm streets will close at 6:00 p.m. so that people can safely view the fireworks from Central Park or the street.

You can also get a FREE COVID-19 vaccination at July in the Sky. Vaccination clinics will be available on the tennis courts at Henry Park and in front of Vernon Town Hall in downtown Rockville. Vernon firefighters will provide FREE Hands-Only CPR training in both locations.

The Reminisants, an oldies cover band, will perform from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Henry Park. A DJ will play dance music in downtown Rockville.

There will also be inflatables and other activities for children and families in Henry Park and downtown Rockville. Activities are an extra fee in the park and in Rockville. Activities in downtown Rockville also include Big Jim’s Foam Machine, which fills the air and area with bubbles, and face painting.

In addition to Rockville’s restaurants, food vendors will set up booths to serve fried dough, ice cream, Italian ice, kettle corn and tacos. There will also be booths set up by local businesses and crafters.

In downtown Rockville, a pre-fireworks highlight will be the Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade, where anyone can decorate a bicycle, wagon, stroller, tricycle, skateboard or other non-powered vehicle and then participate. Free decorations will be available for people to dress up their vehicle before the parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. from the Ladd & Hall parking lot. Participants will gather about 6:45 p.m. for judging.

No pets, alcohol, bicycles, skateboards, fireworks or sparklers are permitted in Henry Park. The same goes for downtown Rockville, except for when bicycles and other non-powered vehicles are welcome to join the “Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade.”

“It really is about community, seeing friends and neighbors, seeing kids’ happy faces, and enjoying a traditional Fourth of July celebration,” said Tom DiDio of the Rockville Community Alliance.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities available in Rockville and Henry Park. For Henry Park, contact the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department at parksandrec@vernon-ct.gov. For downtown Rockville, contact Tom DiDio at thomas.didio@snet.net. Volunteers are also needed for activities in Rockville.

Rockville Public Library and Vernon Senior Center Expand Hours and Services as Pandemic Eases

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Rockville Public Library and the Vernon Senior Center expanded hours and services effective this week.

The Rockville Public Library, including the children’s department and mezzanine, is open to patrons Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekend hours are expected to resume shortly. Curbside pickup of library materials continues to be available for patrons during regular library hours. Patrons are able to reserve computers for up to an hour.

The Vernon Senior Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Senior Center members have to preregister for all activities and programs. Some programs will continue virtually.

“The Rockville Public Library and the Vernon Senior Center are important community institutions that enrich the lives of so many of our residents,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “As the pandemic eases, people are ready to resume the rhythms of everyday life. We are ready to help them do that while at the same time ensuring the health and safety of our residents and staff.”

The Town of Vernon continues to follow state guidance and recommends that all visitors to town buildings wear face masks and practice social distancing.

About the Town of Vernon

The Town of Vernon is a celebrated place to live, work and visit. From its beautiful parks and lakes, to its vast trails and historic homes and buildings, Vernon is a resilient and thriving community that promotes the health and well-being of its residents and values the natural environment. With a resident population of approximately 30,000 and occupying 18.03 square miles, Vernon combines a balanced appreciation of history, and a strong economic base for growth, both residential and commercial. Located 15 minutes east of the Connecticut capital of Hartford, and 25 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Town of Vernon is strategically located in “New England's Knowledge Corridor” with close proximity to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.

Designated a certified Sustainable Community, the Town of Vernon offers a wide range of benefits and services to its residents. The Town of Vernon is a full-service municipality that practices a management philosophy of continuous quality improvement. To learn more about the Town of Vernon, please call (860) 870- 3670 or visit www.vernon-ct.gov.

Town of Vernon to Open Community Pool and Swimming Areas for the Summer

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon’s summer aquatics program kicks off later this month on schedule and three swimming areas will be open to residents FREE of charge.

The Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike, and the swimming areas at Camp Newhoca Park, 185 Grier Road, and Valley Falls Park, 300 Valley Falls Road, will open the week of June 21st, 2021.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne has directed town administration to waive all fees at the pool and swimming areas this summer.

“People are ready to get back out into the community and to use our beautiful recreation facilities,” Mayor Champagne said. “People have been cooped up for more than a year and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy our spectacular open spaces here in Vernon.”

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro and Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler inspected Newhoca Park on Monday. Crews have expanded the beach area and have been prepping the swimming areas for the summer.

The swimming schedule is:
Newhoca Beach, Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Pool, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Valley Falls Beach, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sitler and his staff have already hired a team of lifeguards and continue to seek additional lifeguards and staff to safely expand swimming area schedules. Information about available positions is on the Town website at www.vernon-ct.gov.

Purcaro and Sitler said the Town is committed to providing a safe summer swimming program for Vernon residents. The public is directed to stay out of the water when no lifeguard is on duty.
 

Town of Vernon Partners with State of Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities to Expand Access to COVID-19 Vaccine for People with Disabilities

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon and the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities will work together to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Connecticut residents with developmental disabilities.

People with disabilities can face unique challenges at mass vaccination clinics and other locations where vaccine is administered, said Walter Glomb, Director of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. “To reach this community, a more creative approach is needed.”

Key goals of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities are to enable individuals who live with developmental disabilities to “live great lives in their own homes in their own communities” and to “to enter the workforce in meaningful, gratifying employment.” Central to achieving that is providing access to the COVID-19 vaccine to the people we serve, Glomb said.

Glomb contacted the Town of Vernon because of its success reaching deep into the community to vaccinate the hardest to reach people. “Breaking down barriers to reach people has been a hallmark of our nationally-recognized community vaccination program,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Partnering with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities fits right in to our mission.”

“We will provide a clinical operation that is custom tailored to serve this community efficiently and effectively,” Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “And we can deploy immediately. Our trained and experienced team is ready to get to work providing life-saving vaccine.”

Vernon will partner with a variety of organizations to expand access to COVID-19 vaccine for people with disabilities, said Vernon Police Lt. William Meier, director of Vernon’s vaccination program.

“We plan to conduct clinics at strategic locations statewide with special accommodations to serve this community,” Meier said. Vernon will also develop a “tool kit” that will provide a blue print for vaccination clinics intended to accommodate individuals with disabilities, and best practices for clinics and outreach, now and in the future.

Among those partners is Opportunity Works Connecticut, Inc. of Vernon, which supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities to find employment in the community, and brings subject matter expertise to the effort to serve people living with disabilities.

“We bring a wealth of expertise, experience and knowledge of best practices for serving people with disabilities,” said Rene Lambert, Executive Director of Opportunity Works. “We look forward to working with the Town of Vernon in creating sensory appropriate clinics that will ensure the people we serve receive the best care possible.”

The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities is one of several organizations that have received federal funding to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for individuals with disabilities. The others are the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Connecticut, the Centers for Independent Living, and the Area Agencies on Aging.

For 50 years, the Council has served individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with advocacy, capacity building, systemic change activities that contribute to a comprehensive, coordinated, and self-determined system of individualized services and supports that is centered on and directed by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To learn more, please visit portal.ct.gov/CTCDD.

Town of Vernon Offers Support to Help Residents Cope with Pandemic Grief, Loss and Anxiety

(VERNON, Connecticut) – As part of its recovery strategy from the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Vernon is offering mental health support to residents.

Grief, loss, anxiety, depression and other feelings are natural responses to the stresses of the pandemic. The Town is offering support groups, led by a trained facilitator, for residents who would like an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns or to listen to others.

“The Town of Vernon has offered safe access to groceries and other essential supplies, COVID-19 testing and established a nationally-recognized vaccination program to help people get through the pandemic,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “As part of our ongoing local recovery effort we are now offering free support groups for our residents.”

Vernon’s Department of Social Services is offering the groups through public-private and community partnerships. Solstice Healthcare, Priority Urgent Care and the Vernon Community Network, will organize the support groups for adults. Support groups for children featuring Gizmo, Vernon’s Comfort Canine and a member of the C.E.R.T. team, will also be offered. Children will receive a copy of Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health, which helps children better understand mental health.

“This has been a stressful time for many in our community,” said Michael Purcaro, Vernon’s Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director. “Some are struggling with the loss of loved ones or friends, loss of a job and general uncertainty about the pandemic and the reopening of society. Our goal is to help people positively address those stressors.”

The pandemic has affected mental health in a variety of ways. More than 40 percent of adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies national health issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports stress caused by the pandemic can cause feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, and frustration that can have a variety of physical impacts, including worsening existing health and mental health conditions.

“Joining with a small group to talk or listen can help people begin to move forward,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Acting Director of Social Services. “This is an important part of the recovery process. Mind, body and spirit -- they’re all connected.”

Discussion topics will include:

• Loneliness and Isolation Resulting in Grief and Loss
• Strengthening Your Relationships Post-Pandemic
• Transitioning Back to ‘Normal’
• Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Post-pandemic Life
• Youth Social and Emotional Learning Sessions with Gizmo the Dog

For more information or to sign up, please call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661.

Vernon Board of Education Appoints William Meier III as Vernon Schools Director of Business and Finance

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Board of Education Monday evening unanimously appointed William Meier III as the school system’s new Director of Business and Finance.

Meier, 42, is a lieutenant with the Vernon Police Department and leads the detective bureau and serves as the department public information officer. His 19-year career with the police department will end July 3, 2021. He will begin work with the Vernon Public Schools on July 7, 2021.

Meier earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut with a concentration in public finance. He is also a state certified school business manager.

“Lt. Meier has served the residents of Vernon with distinction during his time as a police officer and I expect he will continue to do so in his new role at Vernon Public Schools,” said Mayor Dan Champagne.

In addition to his duties in the Vernon Police Department, Meier has served as co-incident commander of Vernon’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and has been director of the nationally-recognized Vernon Regional Vaccination Program.

“Congratulations to Lt. William Meier on his recent appointment by the Vernon Board of Education,” said Michael Purcaro, Vernon’s Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director. “It has been said that leadership is action, not a title. Bill is all about action, integrity, hard work, and professionalism. He is filling a key leadership position in our community and on the Superintendent’s executive cabinet. We look forward to working with him in his new role and his continued contributions to effectively and efficiently provide high quality government services for the benefit of all students.”

In a note to his colleagues at the police department, Meier said he is looking forward to his new career and is grateful to be able to remain in Vernon.

“As a child I dreamed of becoming a police officer and my career with the Vernon Police Department certainly fulfilled that dream,” Meier said. “It also presented me with the opportunity to work with some amazing people at the department and in the community. I look forward to continuing that work.”

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary Appointed to State School Safety Infrastructure Council

VERNON, Connecticut – Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary has been appointed to the School Safety Infrastructure Council, a state board that works to ensure school facilities foster learning but are also safe and secure.

The council was formed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School tragedy to develop standards for school building safety.

“The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority,” Dr. Macary said. “School buildings must be safe. Schools must also be places that are conducive to learning, so it’s important that we balance those needs and create safe environments that bring out the best in our students.”

Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, the state did not have uniform standards for assessing and addressing school safety infrastructure design. Decisions were made at the local level, leading to uneven standards throughout the state.

The council created standards, and continues to evaluate and revise them.

Dr. Macary was appointed to the council by State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk, who noted that Macary’s “knowledge and experience will be of great value to the council.” Dr. Macary has worked on school design and safety issues.

Dr. Macary, who has served as Vernon Superintendent of Schools since October 2015, said he is honored to be appointed to the council and looks forward to ensuring school children across Connecticut have safe and nurturing places to learn.

Before his arrival in Vernon, Dr. Macary was superintendent in his hometown of Wolcott. He also served in a variety of administrative positions in Wolcott and the Waterbury public schools. He began his education career as a high school social studies teacher and coach.

In Vernon, Dr. Macary oversees a school system of 3,500 students, seven schools and a regional adult education program.

Vernon Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personnel Honored at Annual Awards Ceremony; Three Receive Medal of Valor

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Volunteers with the Town of Vernon Fire Department honored their own Monday and three firefighters received the Medal of Valor for their rescues of people trapped on the upper floors of the burning Fitch Block back on December 20th, 2020.

Firefighters Matthew Kenzior, Nicholas Bush and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Babcock each rescued a person who was trapped on the upper floor of the burning building.

“These trapped occupants are alive because of your actions that day,” Lieutenant Michelle Kerr said.

What made Monday night’s ceremony all the more special was that the two people who were rescued that cold winter morning presented the firefighters with their plaques and medals.

Mayor Dan Champagne told fire fighters and medical responders that he could not be prouder of them, especially in light of the pandemic. He also highlighted new equipment the department has received and will receive in coming months.

“The support that we can give you is small when compared to what you give to the Town,” Mayor Champagne said.

Fire Chief Stephen Eppler praised department members for their service during an especially difficult year. Although the world was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Vernon residents continued to count on their fire department.

“During all of this our calls for service did not stop,” Chief Eppler said. “We adapted and learned how to be our best.” And while the pandemic is beginning to ebb, Chief Eppler urged firefighters not to let their guard down. “Protocols will remain in place to protect members, their families and our community.”

Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro told fire department members that the town is grateful to them for their service.

“We see and appreciate what you do for our community each day, and, equally as important, we recognize what you are willing to do each and every day.” Purcaro said.

Several other firefighters were honored for their efforts on December 20th at the Fitch Block. Captain Jon-Paul Lucas and Firefighters Zachary Lopez and Walter “Joe” Hampton were honored for their quick work controlling the fire; Firefighter James Barrows and Emergency Medical Responder Luis Muniz and Emergency Medical Technician Jared Galica were honored for deploying and raising ground ladders their colleagues used to reach the trapped people.

Captains Thomas McKinney, William Solito, Lieutenants Peter Blume, Bertrand Lessard and Michelle Kerr, Engineers Robert Turkington and Warren Boulette and Firefighter William Kerr were honored for their actions on April 25, 2020 while rescuing a man who was stranded 60 feet in the air in the bucket of his disabled work truck on Sutton Drive.

Lieutenants David Dube, Timothy Moore and Michelle Kerr were honored for their performance on November 10, 2020 rescuing a person on the sixth floor of 21 Court Street who’d suffered a heart attack. The building’s elevators were not functioning so the firefighters used a ladder truck to retrieve the person from the sixth floor and lower them to a waiting ambulance.

Adam Bowman, the fourth generation of his family to serve in the Fire Department, was honored as the Junior Firefighter of the Year for his hard work at school and in the fire department, and for his eagerness to learn and volunteer.

Captain Jon-Paul Lucas was selected as the Officer of the Year for his dedication to serving the Fire Department and community. He responded to 190 incidents and volunteered more than 500 hours in 2020.

“You consistently lead by example on scene and in the fire station,” Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said of Lucas.

Firefighter Matthew Kenzior has only been a member of the department since 2019, but in that time has distinguished himself and shown a deep commitment to professionalism, positivity and integrity, Assistant Chief Robert Babcock said. Kenzior has attended training and responded to calls to gain experience, Babcock said. In 2020 he responded to “an astounding 279 calls” and volunteered more than 350 hours.

“It’s truly been a pleasure to see Firefighter Kenzior grow within our organization and we hope to continue to see that for many years to come,” Babcock said.

Engineer Mitchell Dlubac and EMTs Octavio Muniz and Jonathan Towler were honored for live-saving efforts.

Captains Octavio Muniz and Cory Lafountaine and Lieutenant Bert Lessard were recognized for their selection as company officers.

The following volunteers were recognized for length of service:

45 Years
Firefighter Edgar Jackson

40 Years
EMT Laurie Galley, Engineer Scott McDonald, Captain Thomas McKinney and Fire Police Member Mark Pugliese.

25 Years
Captains Steven Landry, Octavio Muniz and William Solito.

20 Years
Lieutenant Steven Augustus, Engineer Jonathan Bush, Lieutenant Todd Cascario, Tami Hahn, Junior Advisor Linda Lukas and Engineer Donald Westcott.

15 Years
Assistant Chief Alan Arel.
10 Years Photographer Patrick Dooley, Engineer Walter Hampton, Firefighter Zachary Lopez and Ladies Auxiliary member Carol Muniz.

5 Years
Fire Police Lieutenants Todd Black and Pete Blume, EMT Heather Graveline, Engineer Andre Lisee, Firefighters Josh Lisk and Danielle Solito and Lieutenant Spencer Padget.

Follow progress on the bridge project at this link.

Vernon’s Talcottville is Getting a New Old Bridge

(VERNON, Connecticut) – Vernon’s Main Street is getting a new bridge over the Tankerhoosen River.

The historic 58-foot long elliptical truss bridge, constructed in 1891 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, is being replaced. The historic trusses, however, will be preserved and the new bridge will pass between them.

“This new bridge will provide safe passage for people travelling Main Street, while also preserving an important and interesting historic element in the Talcottville Historic District,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Crews with NJR Construction of Torrington have begun working on the project. GM2 of Glastonbury designed the new bridge.

Vernon Town Engineer David Smith said the Main Street bridge is an example of what was once a common bridge constructed to replace wooden bridges. Vernon’s is one of few Berlin Iron bridges still bring used.

“This ingenious design became popular throughout New England and the Midwest as steel began to replace wood as the material of choice for bridges,” Smith said. “Ours is one of the few remaining in service.”

Preserving the historic bridge was important because it serves a historic section of Vernon, Smith said.

“For nearly a century and a half, the Berlin iron works elliptical trusses have provided this community with a safe and secure way to cross the Tankerhoosen River as Main Street connected Talcottville with Vernon,” Smith said. “When I-84 turned Main Street into a cul-de-sac, this bridge continued to link homes and families to their neighbors.”

Twenty five years ago the trusses were retired and a new bridge deck was installed. The trusses, however, were preserved and will be preserved again as the bridge is replaced under the current project.

In addition to the modern bridge elements that will be installed, a new foundation will be poured to carry the load. The original stonework and the iron bridge will be preserved and the old iron work will be cleaned and painted to provide more years of service. A single traffic lane and an area for pedestrians are included in the new bridge.

Access to homes on the northern side of the bridge will be via a temporary access drive built from Hartford Turnpike to Main Street. Access is for residents, contractors and emergency vehicles. The public is asked not due to lack of space for unauthorized vehicles and to keep the construction zone safe.

The project cost is $1.7 million. Design, construction and inspection is covered 80 percent by the federal/state Local Bridge Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The remaining 20 percent is paid for by the Town of Vernon.

The project is scheduled to be completed in mid-October.

Town of Vernon Hosts Virtual Public Workshop on Plan of Conservation & Development

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon is hosting its second virtual public workshop to seek comments from the public for its once a decade update of a key planning document.

The workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 29th, 2021 and will be conducted via Zoom.

The Planning & Zoning Commission began work to update the Plan of Conservation & Development during the fall and winter and is now offering a public workshop to review the progress to date.

“This session will focus on the Future Land Use Map, as well as the draft Goals and Objectives,” said George McGregor, Vernon’s Town Planner. “Both elements are designed to help steer development and conservation efforts for the next 10 years. A key step is hearing from residents, business owners and property owners.”

The workshop is the latest step in an ongoing effort to engage town residents in the process of updating the plan. The Planning & Zoning Commission previously conducted an online survey of residents, business owners and property owners that generated more than 1,000 responses for the Commission to consider. The initial public workshop took place in January.

The Plan of Conservation and Development is a document that provides a long-term vision for a community and guides land use boards as they make decisions about growth, development, conservation and capital improvements during the coming decade. Cities and towns across Connecticut update the documents every 10 years.

A link to the public workshop as well as the related documents can be found on the Town of Vernon’s website: www.vernon-ct.gov.

Vernon ROCKS Coalition, Vernon Police and Walgreens Pharmacy Host Drug Take Back Event Saturday at Rockville Walgreens Store

(VERNON, Connecticut) – People from Vernon and beyond can safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription and over the counter medications during a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 188 Union Street in the Rockville section of Vernon.

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is hosted by the Vernon Rocks Coalition, Vernon Police and Walgreens.

Unused and unwanted prescription drugs can be misused, and properly disposing of them can prevent people from becoming addicted or overdosing. Opioid deaths have increased during the pandemic and getting rid of unneeded medications is a way to cut into that grievous toll.

“This is a great way for people to get these unwanted medications out of their homes,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon’s Youth Services Director. “By going through your cabinets and finding medications you no longer need or use, we can potentially save lives and prevent addiction.”

Emily Guerrero, a recent Rockville High School graduate and Vernon ROCKS member, said the take back event also accepts vapes and e-cigarettes.

“These devices are used by some of peers and are not healthy,” Guerrero said. “Drug Take Back Day is a chance for young adults to take that important first step toward quitting vaping.”

During the past four years, there has been a 59 percent increase in the amount of unwanted prescription medications collected in Vernon, said Cassandra Schend, program coordinator for the Village for Families and Children and Vernon Rocks.

“We really want to continue to see this number grow,” Schend said. “The more prescription medications we collect, the more we do to prevent prescription misuse.”

Although Vernon police are co-sponsors of the event, people can drop off medications no questions asked.

“Our goal is keep our community safe and one way to do that is to give people the opportunity to properly and safely dispose of these unneeded medications,” said police Lt. William Meier. “And if people cannot make it Saturday, unwanted medications can be placed in the drop off box inside the lobby of police headquarters at any time.”

In addition to prescription and over the counter drugs, people can dispose of vapes at the event. Batteries should be removed first.

About the Vernon Rocks Coalition

Vernon ROCKS is a collaboration of community stakeholders, parents, youth, and volunteers, whose focus is to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol in Vernon’s youth by promoting protective factors and decreasing risk factors that contribute to substance use.

About the Town of Vernon

The Town of Vernon is a celebrated place to live, work and visit. From its beautiful parks and lakes, to its vast trails and historic homes and buildings, Vernon is a resilient and thriving community that promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents and values the natural environment. With a resident population of approximately 30,000 and occupying 18.03 square miles, Vernon combines a balanced appreciation of history, and a strong economic base for growth, both residential and commercial. Located 15 minutes east of the Connecticut capital of Hartford, and 25 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Town of Vernon is strategically located in “New England's Knowledge Corridor” with close proximity to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.

Recently designated as a certified Sustainable Community, the Town of Vernon offers a wide range of benefits and services to its residents. The Town of Vernon is a full-service municipality that practices a management philosophy of continuous quality improvement. To learn more about the Town of Vernon, please call (860) 870- 3670 or visit www.vernon-ct.gov.

Vernon Public Schools Join CT Teacher Residency Program with Goal of Increasing Diversity in the Teaching Ranks

VERNON, Connecticut – The Vernon Public Schools announced this week that the district will participate in the CT Teacher Residency Program beginning in the 2021-2022 school year.

The CT Teacher Residency Program began in 2019 and is an alternative route to certification program designed to recruit, train, certify and retain elementary school teachers of color. The 18-month long program includes intensive course work during the summer, on some weekends and at night. The centerpiece of the program is a year working in the classroom, side by side with an experienced mentor teacher. Teacher trainees, who are referred to as residents, receive a salary and benefits during the school year.

Residents who successfully complete the program and earn state certification are guaranteed a teaching position in the district in which they received training with a starting salary of about $47,000.

“The Teacher Residency Program is an innovative way for schools to bring people of color into the teaching ranks,” said Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary. “We know that having a diverse teaching staff is good for our schools and our students.”

Candidates have to meet a variety of standards for admission to the program, including having a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

“About a third of Vernon’s students are members of minority groups and research shows that having more teachers who are members of minority groups is a way to close the achievement gap,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said. “We want and expect all students to achieve at a high level and our teachers and principals focus on that every day. We think the teacher residency program is another way for us to achieve our goal of increasing minority representation in our teaching ranks and helping all of our students meet or exceed state standards.”

Teachers of color can be role models for students, and can help inspire students to pursue careers in education, Testa said. “We want our students to see themselves as teachers, leading and inspiring students to do their best and to learn,” Testa said.

Vernon’s resident teacher will work at Lake Street School with a “strong and capable teacher who will set the resident teacher on a path to success,” Lake Street School Principal Terese Duenzl said.

Duenzl said she would love to see a Vernon resident be picked as Vernon’s first resident teacher. “The position is open to all people, but it would be great to have someone from our community join our school system and become a role model for our students,” Duenzl said.

“Recruiting, hiring and retaining educators of color in our district will make us better by increasing diversity and inclusion in the Vernon Public Schools,” Duenzl said.

The teacher residency program begins with a six-week intensive summer course to prepare residents for their year in the classroom. They continue to take classes through the school year, the following summer and into the fall.

The Capital Region Education Council said its goals with the program are to focus on minority candidates and their potential to work with diverse students, provide quality training and minimize barriers to traditional teacher certification programs.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring this model to Vernon,” said Marlene Megos, the Director of the program for CREC. “We have had 26 teacher residents go through the program and look forward to doubling that number in the coming year.”

CREC and the participating districts hope to help the state reach its goal of increasing the number of teachers of color across Connecticut by 1,000 in the next year. The program eliminates barriers to certification for teachers of color, such as the high cost of graduate school tuition, standardized test requirements, and inadequate preparation for candidates.

“Embracing diverse teacher candidates with existing connections to students and their community is the key to stronger, more welcoming schools,” said Miguel A. Cardona, Connecticut’s former Commissioner of Education and now the U.S. Secretary of Education. “Case in point is CREC's innovative ‘grow your own’ Teacher Residency Program that provides mentorship and support to school staff on their path to certification.”

Vernon’s commitment to increasing staff diversity is in line with the state’s commitment to increasing racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of Connecticut’s teaching workforce, Testa said.

More information about the CT Teacher Residency Program can be found at www.crec.org/c/trp.

Vernon’s Mother’s Day Dash Road Race to be Virtual

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The 47th annual Mother’s Day Dash 5K road race is going virtual in 2021.

The 5,000-meter road race is a longtime tradition in Vernon and honors and focuses on moms while at the same time encouraging health and fitness. It also raises money for Vernon’s Send-a-Kid Fund and the Vernon Police Explorers. Last year’s race was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Just like we’ve done with other activities such as Winterfest, we are reimagining the Mother’s Day Dash,” Vernon Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler said. “These long-time traditions are important to people, and it’s up to us to find creative and innovative ways to keep our community engaged.”

By going virtual, runners will choose their own route and when they run the race. They’ll then upload their times. Sitler urged all participants to closely follow COVID-19 guidelines to stay safe. The race averages 300 runners each year and organizers are hoping even more participate because of the flexibility of running the race virtually.

People who would like to run should visit the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department website, www.vernonrec.org for registration information. Registered runners will have between May 7th and May 9th to run their 5K and then upload their time. Multiple divisions will be available, including favorites “Mother/Son” and “Mother/Daughter.”

“While running the virtual race, be sure to run in areas that are safe for pedestrians and be sure to obey all traffic laws,” Sitler said.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and anyone interested is asked to email parksandrec@vernon-ct.gov for information.

The Send-a-Kid Fund provides scholarships for Vernon children to attend Vernon Parks and Recreation activities. For information about scholarships, please contact the email address above. The Vernon Police Explorers, who help police direct traffic and keep runners safe during the race, provide a scholarship to a member to attend a police explorer camp each summer.

“The race provides explorers with an opportunity to work with and learn from officers while carrying out the very important task of protecting runners,” said Police Lt. Lucas Gallant, who helps lead the Police Explorers. “The financial gift to the explorer post that funds the scholarship is greatly appreciated.”

Town of Vernon and North Central District Health Department Partner to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic this Friday at the Vernon Senior Center

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon and the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) are partnering to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Friday, January 22, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Vernon Senior Center, 135 Bolton Road.

Vaccinations are by appointment only for eligible recipients. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Following current public health guidelines, vaccinations for the general public are only approved for people age 75 and older.

People can sign up for an appointment via the state’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) by visiting https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine.

“As part of our ongoing response to the pandemic, the Town of Vernon is committed to making COVID-19 vaccination convenient and accessible for residents of Vernon and surrounding communities,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Through our partnership with Eastern Connecticut Health Network we are operating five vaccination clinics a week at Rockville General Hospital. This additional clinic this week with the Health District will provide a boost to our vaccination program.”

The clinic will be staffed by employees of the Local Health District and the Town of Vernon.

“Our goal at the Health District is to get this live-saving vaccine to people as quickly and safely as we can,” said Patrice Sulik, the Director of Health for the North Central District Health Department. “Thanks to our municipal partners in the district’s member-towns, we have been able to rapidly ramp up our vaccination efforts.”

Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said town leaders are continuously looking for ways to increase vaccination capacity in Vernon.

“Following the current public health guidance is critical to protecting yourself and your family, however, getting the vaccine into peoples’ arms is what will ultimately help us control this pandemic,” Purcaro said. “We are well positioned and ready to administer additional vaccine as soon as the supply increases.”

Town of Vernon and Eastern Connecticut Health Network Partner to Host Daily COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics at Rockville General Hospital

(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon and Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) will host daily COVID-19 vaccination clinics beginning Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Rockville General Hospital.

Vaccinations are by appointment only for eligible recipients. No walk-ins will be accepted.

The clinic will be open Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thereafter, the clinics will be open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Following current public health guidelines, vaccinations for the general public are only approved for people age 75 and older.

People can sign up for an appointment via the state’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) by visiting https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine.

“Since the pandemic began, the Town of Vernon has worked diligently to provide solutions that increase access and break down barriers to health services such as testing,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Having a vaccination clinic at Rockville General Hospital is a crucial step in our ongoing response and furthers the goal of making the vaccine accessible to eligible people from Vernon and neighboring communities.”

ECHN has been running a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Manchester Memorial Hospital for employees, community healthcare workers and first responders and is delighted to be able to expand the service to community members at Rockville General Hospital, ECHN CEO Deborah Weymouth said.

“ECHN is proud to work with the Town of Vernon to provide protection to the region with a vaccination clinic at Rockville General Hospital,” Weymouth said. “When a municipality like Vernon combines forces with a healthcare system like ECHN, the beneficiaries are the people we collectively serve. We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Vernon and the leadership provided by Mayor Champagne and his team, and are glad to join them in getting this life-saving vaccine to our community.”

Access to the clinic will be through the hospital’s main entrance. People will be screened for eligibility and should bring photo ID and their insurance card to their appointment. An appointment for the second dose of the vaccine will be made at the clinic.

The Town of Vernon is working with ECHN and providing staff for the clinic as a cooperative effort utilizing shared resources.

“Having the vaccine conveniently available to the people of our region is a significant step forward in our comprehensive and strategic response to the pandemic,” said Michael Purcaro, Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director. “And we are ready to do more. As we wait for the State to expand the eligibility list, we are building capacity here in Vernon to vaccinate more people.”

About the Town of Vernon

The Town of Vernon is a celebrated place to live, work and visit. From its beautiful parks and lakes, to its vast trails and historic homes and buildings, Vernon is a resilient and thriving community that promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents and values the natural environment. With a resident population of approximately 30,000 and occupying 18.03 square miles, Vernon combines a balanced appreciation of history, and a strong economic base for growth, both residential and commercial. Located 15 minutes east of the Connecticut capital of Hartford, and 25 miles from the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Town of Vernon is strategically located in “New England's Knowledge Corridor” with close proximity to some of the top colleges and universities in the country.
Recently designated as a certified Sustainable Community, the Town of Vernon offers a wide range of benefits and services to its residents. The Town of Vernon is a full-service municipality that practices a management philosophy of continuous quality improvement. To learn more about the Town of Vernon, please call (860) 870- 3670 or visit www.vernon-ct.gov.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN)

ECHN is a community healthcare system serving 19 towns in eastern Connecticut. Its network of affiliates includes Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital, Woodlake at Tolland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, ECHN Medical Group, Women’s Center for Wellness, Visiting Nurse & Health Services of CT, Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute, and more. Visit our website at www.echn.org for more detailed information about the health system.

Please click the headline to see the students' award-winning posters.

Vernon Students Win Local Fire Prevention Poster Contest

VERNON, Connecticut – Two Vernon Public Schools students were honored this week for their artistic efforts and fire prevention messages.

Shawn Parrot, 8, a third-grader at Skinner Road School, and Chase Kopcza, 9, a fourth-grader at Lake Street School, were the Vernon winners in the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest.

Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski and Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox presented each winner with a certificate and a gift card during visits to their schools.

Shawn said his poster is intended to help children understand that “you should not play with lighters and matches.”

Shawn also said he wanted people to understand that firefighters “help people when there is a fire.” Shawn is a student in Carol Chatterton’s class.

Chase’s poster show’s an elaborate forest scene with a tent, pine trees and a camp fire. He said he wanted people to know “how dangerous it is to leave your campfire unattended if you go to bed” and that “It could start a forest fire.”

Chase said his mom, an artist, explained to him how to create a realistic scene, and how to draw pine trees. “It’s very tiring for your fingers,” he said. Chase is a student in Stephanie Schipper’s class.

All Vernon Public Schools third- and fourth-graders were eligible to enter the contest and Wasilewski and Wilcox judged the entries. Chase’s poster will move on to the Tolland County poster contest.

“We have a lot of creative and artistic students in Vernon and they did such a great job with their posters it was really difficult to choose winners,” Wasilewski said. “Ultimately, Chris and I thought Shawn’s and Chase’s posters best illustrated this year’s theme of “Fire Prevention, Everyone, Every Day.”

The annual poster contest is sponsored by the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the State Fire Marshal, the Connecticut Department of Education Connecticut Fair Plan, an insurance provider.

Drought Communications Plan

LINK: What can you do in the event of drought?

Town Of Vernon
Drought Communications Plan
Annex to the Local Emergency Operations Plan
Adopted April 2019

Introduction

Vernon property owners receive their water through private wells and water provided by the ConnecticutWater Company. The Town’s communication policy regarding water levels and drought conditions is guided by best practices for private well users and guidelines provided by the CT Water Company. The Vernon Drought Communications Policy is designed to keep the community apprised of low water levels and drought conditions, and to educate property owners on water conservation best practices.

Drought Definition

Drought is defined as a period of dryness, especially when prolonged, resulting in a shortage of water and damage to crops. Drought is typically the result of abnormally low rainfall and can prevent the successful growth of vegetation. 1

Objectives

1. Maintain effective and timely communications with the Vernon community as it pertains to water supply and drought conditions, including both voluntary and mandatory restrictions.
2. Ensure local residents and businesses are informed of low water volumes and drought conditions in the local drinking water bodies.
3. Promote and advocate water conservation activities among Vernon property owners.
4. Leverage effective platforms to relay water supply levels, drought conditions, water conservation resources, and Town water conservation efforts to the public.

Process and Players

Public drinking water sources in Vernon are managed by the CT Water Company who evaluatesand reportson their respective water volume and conditions on an ongoing basis. When water levels are low, the water company relays the information to the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local governments.The following information outlines the CT Water Company’s Stages and procedure during drought conditions.

CT Water Company –Drought Stages and Response Actions

Stage I –Drought Advisory

Response Actions:

• Contact local and state agencies, including the DPH, concerning the initiation of a Drought Advisory.
• Develop media messages for customers summarizing the situation. Customers will be cautioned to avoid wasting water and advised on sprinkling wisely.
• Voluntary conservation will be promoted in residential, commercial and industrial facilities to reduce demand from previous non-drought projected usage for the appropriate month.

Stage II –Drought Watch

Response Actions:

• Contact local and state agencies, including the DPH, concerning the initiation of a Drought Watch.
• The media will be contacted to promote voluntary conservation in residential, commercial and industrial facilities to reduce demand from previous non-drought projected usage for the appropriate month.  Messages will be prepared for distribution to customers appealing for stringent voluntary conservation measures.  Preparation for mandatory conservation, including necessary enforcement mechanisms, will be initiated.

Stage III –Drought Warning

Response Actions:

• Contact local and state agencies, including the DPH, concerning initiation of the drought warning plan.  This is the first phase of mandatory conservation.  At this level, the Company will ban all unnecessary water usage.  No outside hose usage will be allowed, nor are in-ground sprinkler systems to be used.
• The media and all customers will be notified on the implementation of the first phase of mandatory conservation.
• A plan will be formulated in concert with state and local officials for rationing of water if a drought emergency should be reached.  The needs of high priority customers, homes, commerce and fire protection will be established and prioritized.  Plans will be made for emergency service of drinking and cooking water by tanker to any areas where normal water service must be terminated.
• Coordination with local officials concerning alternative facilities for obtaining water will be initiated, as required.

Stage IV –Drought Emergency

Response Actions:

• The pre-arranged drought hazard rationing plan described above will be initiated in cooperation with appropriate local and state officials, including the DPH. The details of the rationing program will depend upon the nature of the individual emergency but will provide for the bare essentials of life sustenance for as long as possible.  The plan will consider needs of high priority customers, homes, commerce and fire protection.  Non-essential commercial and industrial use would be cut off in accordance with the established priorities. It may be necessary to set a storage minimum to be held for extinguishing fires, the amount needed depending upon the nature of the emergency and structures in the service area.  Provision for emergency services for bathing will be coordinated with local officials, and arrangements will be instituted for emergency service of drinking and cooking water by tanker to any areas where normal water service must be cut off.  Mandatory rationing of water will be strictly enforced.

Recovery from Emergency Conditions - As recovery from the emergency conditions is achieved, the level of emergency measures will descend as the appropriate trigger levels are met in the reverse order.

Communications Platforms

• Town website –homepage
• Local Media Outlets –The Journal
• Mailers and Public Reports
• Direct mailers (drought conditions only) – For use in emergency situations only

Municipal Water Conservation Practices

The Vernon Parks & Recreation Department has developed a Responsible Irrigation Policy that is used on several public parks, green spaces and competition-level athletic fields in Town Of Vernon. This policy describes the procedures and information used for programmable irrigation systemsthat are programmed to conserve the natural water resources for these various parks, fields, and green spaces.

Subsequently, these irrigation systems may be completely turned off during drought conditions, if required by the Town Of Vernon Administration Office.

1 Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drought