The Vernon Board of Education on Tuesday honored Mayor Dan Champagne for his receipt of the Friend of Adult Learners award from the national professional organization of adult educators.
Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski congratulated the mayor at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.
Melissa Iles, the director of Vernon Regional Adult Based Education, nominated Mayor Champagne for the award because of the mayor’s support of adult education and his sincerity when speaking at the annual VRABE graduation.
“He genuinely enjoys attending VRABE graduation and honoring the hard work of the graduates who often have to overcome barriers to complete their education,” Iles said. “It’s a joyous night for the graduates and their families, and Mayor Champagne gets that and appreciates it. His support for these students and other adult learners is palpable and we are grateful for that.”
Each year, Mayor Champagne tells the graduates that VRABE graduation is one of his favorite events of the year because of what they have achieved, what it represents, and what it means for their lives going forward.”
“It’s a big decision to go back to school,” Mayor Champagne said. “Each student in that program had an obstacle in front of them, and each student overcame that obstacle. That is pretty special.”
He also praised the teachers and staff who support the students through competition of their degrees.
“The teachers and the entire staff support them and keep them going and motivate them,” he said. “That is critically important. The teachers and staff are the heroes in this process.”
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said Mayor Champagne’s enthusiasm for adult education matches his commitment to the Vernon Public Schools.
“It shows the type of community we have in Vernon when the mayor is recognized as a friend of adult learning,” Dr. Macary said. “We truly have a community that embraces the value of learning for all ages. Dan Champagne is an advocate for all learners, including adults.”
Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski congratulated the mayor at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.
Melissa Iles, the director of Vernon Regional Adult Based Education, nominated Mayor Champagne for the award because of the mayor’s support of adult education and his sincerity when speaking at the annual VRABE graduation.
“He genuinely enjoys attending VRABE graduation and honoring the hard work of the graduates who often have to overcome barriers to complete their education,” Iles said. “It’s a joyous night for the graduates and their families, and Mayor Champagne gets that and appreciates it. His support for these students and other adult learners is palpable and we are grateful for that.”
Each year, Mayor Champagne tells the graduates that VRABE graduation is one of his favorite events of the year because of what they have achieved, what it represents, and what it means for their lives going forward.”
“It’s a big decision to go back to school,” Mayor Champagne said. “Each student in that program had an obstacle in front of them, and each student overcame that obstacle. That is pretty special.”
He also praised the teachers and staff who support the students through competition of their degrees.
“The teachers and the entire staff support them and keep them going and motivate them,” he said. “That is critically important. The teachers and staff are the heroes in this process.”
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said Mayor Champagne’s enthusiasm for adult education matches his commitment to the Vernon Public Schools.
“It shows the type of community we have in Vernon when the mayor is recognized as a friend of adult learning,” Dr. Macary said. “We truly have a community that embraces the value of learning for all ages. Dan Champagne is an advocate for all learners, including adults.”
Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne joined by members of the Town Council recently welcomed two new businesses to 927 Hartford Turnpike.
Dr. Deborah Griffin, an orthodontist, and her husband, Chris Griffin, constructed a building to house “Smiles by Griffin” and Chris’ “The Mindfulness Studio.”
Dr. Griffin has been in practice since 2008 and has owned her practice since 2015. The new building gives her modern facility to treat and serve her orthodontia patients.
Chris has experience as a licensed professional counselor, and through is business will offer coaching, wellness workshops, counseling, and have studios for yoga, tai chi and mediation. He said massage, acupuncture and reiki will also be offered.
“When I walked in here and I saw this new location I was blown away,” Mayor Champagne said. “It’s beautiful. Congratulations to both of you.”
The mayor then read proclamations for each business and led ribbon cuttings in both spaces.
Mayor Champagne said it was the first time he could remember delivering two proclamations and carrying out two ribbon cuttings for two businesses owned by a husband and wife team.
Dr. Deborah Griffin, an orthodontist, and her husband, Chris Griffin, constructed a building to house “Smiles by Griffin” and Chris’ “The Mindfulness Studio.”
Dr. Griffin has been in practice since 2008 and has owned her practice since 2015. The new building gives her modern facility to treat and serve her orthodontia patients.
Chris has experience as a licensed professional counselor, and through is business will offer coaching, wellness workshops, counseling, and have studios for yoga, tai chi and mediation. He said massage, acupuncture and reiki will also be offered.
“When I walked in here and I saw this new location I was blown away,” Mayor Champagne said. “It’s beautiful. Congratulations to both of you.”
The mayor then read proclamations for each business and led ribbon cuttings in both spaces.
Mayor Champagne said it was the first time he could remember delivering two proclamations and carrying out two ribbon cuttings for two businesses owned by a husband and wife team.
Town offices are closed Monday, Oct. 13.
There will be no refuse or recycling collection on Monday.
Monday's refuse routes will be collected on Tuesday along with that day's collection.
Vernon Public Schools are open.
The Town of Vernon is hosting a blood drive this Thursday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each donor will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter TOV to schedule an appointment.
Each donor will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter TOV to schedule an appointment.
Congratulations to Coach Art Wheelock for his induction into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
The Rockville baseball posted the following tribute to Coach Wheelock:
Congratulations to Coach Wheelock on his official induction into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Hall of Fame this past weekend during halftime of the UConn football game.
As so many that have played with and for him here will tell you, there is no Rockville High School Baseball without Coach Wheelock. Even now he is still a trusted advisor to Coach Matt Woodtke and his staff.
Beyond the games, championships, and awards he has stacked up across multiple sports, it was the impact that he made on so many young lives over more than 60 years of Rockville athletes that will be forever remembered!
The Rockville baseball posted the following tribute to Coach Wheelock:
Congratulations to Coach Wheelock on his official induction into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Hall of Fame this past weekend during halftime of the UConn football game.
As so many that have played with and for him here will tell you, there is no Rockville High School Baseball without Coach Wheelock. Even now he is still a trusted advisor to Coach Matt Woodtke and his staff.
Beyond the games, championships, and awards he has stacked up across multiple sports, it was the impact that he made on so many young lives over more than 60 years of Rockville athletes that will be forever remembered!
Vernon Parks and Recreation's annual drive-thru Trunk or Treat is Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Henry Park, 120 South Street.
This is a drive-thru event only and everyone must stay in their vehicle.
Open to Vernon residents only.
There will be treats for the first 500 children.
All vehicles must enter from South Street and follow the one-way pattern out of the park.
This is a drive-thru event only and everyone must stay in their vehicle.
Open to Vernon residents only.
There will be treats for the first 500 children.
All vehicles must enter from South Street and follow the one-way pattern out of the park.
For more information on the Live Here – Love Trees program, visit
https://www.vernon-ct.gov/page/urban-forest-equity-grant.
Funding for the Live Here - Love Trees program is provided by the USDA, Forest Service Forestry Equity Grants, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
https://www.vernon-ct.gov/page/urban-forest-equity-grant.
Funding for the Live Here - Love Trees program is provided by the USDA, Forest Service Forestry Equity Grants, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Town of Vernon celebrated the opening of the renovated Citizens Block Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon cutting and open house. Mayor Dan Champagne and others guided visitors through the building at 30 Park Place.
Mayor Champagne saw the historic building as a solution to pressing space needs the town faced and developed a plan to stabilize, save and renovate the building.
The new building will serve Vernon for generations to come.
Town departments that will occupy the building include fire marshal, building, planning and development, engineering, and youth services. The regional probate court will also move into the new building and occupy space that will allow it to better serve the community.
Mayor Champagne saw the historic building as a solution to pressing space needs the town faced and developed a plan to stabilize, save and renovate the building.
The new building will serve Vernon for generations to come.
Town departments that will occupy the building include fire marshal, building, planning and development, engineering, and youth services. The regional probate court will also move into the new building and occupy space that will allow it to better serve the community.
The Vernon Model Train Show returns for a third year at a new location - Rockville High School. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, contact secretary@vernon-ct.gov
The Town of Vernon is hiring. Please visit https://www.vernon-ct.gov/o/tov/page/human-resources for open positions.
The Town of Vernon is hosting a public information session for people interested in learning about the program to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between the Vernon rail trail on Vernon Avenue and Pitney Park.
The town is the recipient of a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant for the project.
The public information session is at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the council chambers on the third floor of town hall. All are welcome.
The town is the recipient of a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant for the project.
The public information session is at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the council chambers on the third floor of town hall. All are welcome.
Please join us to celebrate the reconstruction of Citizens Block building and centralizing Town offices to Park Place row.
Vernon town offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
As a result, there will not be refuse collection on Monday.
Refuse and recycling will be collected on Tuesday, Sept. 2, along with that day’s collection.
If your refuse is not picked up Tuesday, please leave your bin at the curb for collection on Wednesday.
As a result, there will not be refuse collection on Monday.
Refuse and recycling will be collected on Tuesday, Sept. 2, along with that day’s collection.
If your refuse is not picked up Tuesday, please leave your bin at the curb for collection on Wednesday.
The Town of Vernon Sewer Department is transitioning to a new online payment system. As a result, the system will not be available beginning Thursday, Aug. 28. Payments can be made in person or by mail to the tax office, 8 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066.
NOTICE OF BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS HEARINGS – MOTOR VEHICLES
The Vernon Board of Assessment Appeals will convene on September 15, 16, and 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM, for the sole purpose of hearing appeals on motor vehicle assessments from the October 1, 2024 Grand List.
Hearings will be held in person only at the Assessor’s Office, located in the Annex Building next to the Vernon Town Hall, 8 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. Remote hearings will not be available.
Appeals will be heard on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be scheduled.
A completed appeal application is required at the time of appearance. Forms are available at the Assessor’s Office or may be downloaded from the Town of Vernon website at www.vernon-ct.gov.
The Vernon Board of Assessment Appeals will convene on September 15, 16, and 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM, for the sole purpose of hearing appeals on motor vehicle assessments from the October 1, 2024 Grand List.
Hearings will be held in person only at the Assessor’s Office, located in the Annex Building next to the Vernon Town Hall, 8 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. Remote hearings will not be available.
Appeals will be heard on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be scheduled.
A completed appeal application is required at the time of appearance. Forms are available at the Assessor’s Office or may be downloaded from the Town of Vernon website at www.vernon-ct.gov.
In observance of the Independence Day holiday, there will be no refuse collection on Friday, July 4.
Refuse and recycling normally collected on Friday will be collected on Monday, along with that day's route. If your refuse is not collected Monday, please leave it at the curb for collection on Tuesday.
Also, Vernon town offices will close at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.
Refuse and recycling normally collected on Friday will be collected on Monday, along with that day's route. If your refuse is not collected Monday, please leave it at the curb for collection on Tuesday.
Also, Vernon town offices will close at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.
A fire in the building that houses Vernon Youth Services had temporarily displaced the town agency. Vernon Youth Services employees are now working out of Vernon Center Middle School.
Anyone who needs to reach the Youth Services Bureau or its staff can email ysbsupport@vernon-ct.gov. Town staff are working to redirect the department's phone lines to the middle school.
The Vernon Youth Services Bureau, the Vernon Police Department and the Town of Vernon Fire Department are conducting a "mock crash" on Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m. in front of Rockville High School.
The goal is to highlight the dangers of drunk, drugged and distracted driving and to encourage safe decision making.
Loveland Hill Road from Route 83 to the high school will be closed from 7:30-11 a.m.
Monday is Memorial Day.
Town offices are closed and there will be no refuse or recycling collection on the holiday.
Crews will collect Monday's and Tuesday's refuse and recycling routes on Tuesday. If at the end of Tuesday, your refuse has not been collected, please leave your bin at the curb for Wednesday.
For Memorial Day observances in Vernon, please visit www.vernon-ct.gov
Monday is Memorial Day.
Town offices are closed and there will be no refuse or recycling collection on the holiday.
Crews will collect Monday's and Tuesday's refuse and recycling routes on Tuesday. If at the end of Tuesday, your refuse has not been collected, please leave your bin at the curb for Wednesday.
For Memorial Day observances in Vernon, please visit www.vernon-ct.gov
