Vernon residents are invited to the Vernon Public Works Department’s Community Day this Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at 375 Hartford Turnpike.
You can learn about the variety of jobs public works employees perform, kids can check out a variety of trucks and heavy equipment, and Vernon residents can drop off up to two boxes of personal documents for shredding.
“Our public works department does so much more than pave and plow our roads,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “They carry out major construction projects, such as the Vernon Senior Center, Windermere Fields and Horowitz Pool bath house, handle refuse and recycling, maintain town-owned buildings and infrastructure and so much more. I encourage residents to come out on Saturday and show your support.”
In addition to Vernon Public Works vehicles and equipment, visitors will be able to check out Connecticut Department of Transportation equipment, Vernon police and fire vehicles, Vernon Parks and Recreation and Water Pollution Control vehicles, and paving equipment.
“Community Day is a chance for our residents to learn more about what we do,” Public Works Director Dwight Ryniewicz said. “We also want our taxpayers to see the equipment their tax dollars purchase and how we use it to carry out our work. We want them to know what public works is all about.”
In addition to the more visible jobs of road maintenance, Vernon Public Works also maintains all town vehicles, operates a sign shop, conducts fall leaf collection, maintains guardrails, repairs and maintains sidewalks, maintains and removes trees, maintains grounds and builds parks and buildings. The department also works with the Vernon Public Schools to maintain school buildings and other facilities.
Other features of Public Works Community Day include:
The Hartsprings Foundation will collect from Vernon residents clothing, small appliances, shoes, household items, linens, DVDs and other media. (No furniture or large appliances).
InfoShred will accept from Vernon residents up to two boxes of personal record for shredding.
A non-perishable food drive for the Hockanum Valley Community Council.
Information booths from Vernon Social Services and Youth Services.
The Registrars of Voters will be on hand to answer questions and help people register to vote.
Earthlight of Ellington will have information about solar power.