Rally to Save the Tariffville Post Office Set for July 12

All residents are invited to a rally to save the Tariffville Post Office on Tuesday, July 12.

Deputy First Selectman John K. Hampton and the Tariffville Village Association are organizing the event; the demonstration is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Everyone is asked to gather at the Tariffville Village Green Gazebo for this public assembly and march.

“Our campaign to keep a post office open in Tariffville continues and grows stronger; this rally will show state and federal postal officials just how united villagers are and how committed we are to this effort,” said Hampton.

The event will include statements and remarks by federal, state and local leaders as well as citizens and Tariffville Village Association board members.

Hampton has engaged U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy in the fight and continues to be in contact with postal representatives.

“It’s critical that we don’t back down and that residents keep on calling, emailing and writing to postal leaders as well as to their congressmen,” said Hampton.

At the June 13 meeting of the board of selectmen, Hampton introduced a town resolution officially decrying the closure of the Tariffville branch.

“We appreciate your efforts,” said Chet Matczak, past president of the Tariffville Village Association at that meeting.

Those who plan on attending the rally are encouraged to make and bring with them signs and placards stating their opposition.

After an emergency suspension in February, the U.S. Postal Service has not reopened a branch in Tariffville. The Postal Service is still seeking customer feedback until July 17 on the issue.

A 35-page proposal to close the suspended Tariffville Post Office is available at the Simsbury Post Office. An optional comment form is available for residents and customers of the post office to fill out.

Christine Dugas, spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service, said there is no email address to make a comment. Residents need to go to the main post office, 932 Hopmeadow Street, or mail their comments there.

She said there is no update on the situation.

“The process will just continue,” she said, adding reading the comments is part of that process.

“It is key that people continue to write letters,” said Hampton.

Since the closing of the Tariffville branch, village residents have been traveling into the center of town for their postal needs. At the June 13 selectmen’s meeting Matczak commented that there have been issues with mail delivery. He said if bills don’t show up on time that can have an affect on your credit rating.

For more information, contact Hampton at 860-803-4072 or at jhampton@simsbury-ct.gov or Wanda Colman at 860-651-8971 or at wandacolman@hotmail.com.

Visit the Tariffville Village Association web site for details and up-to-date information at http://www.tariffville.org/.