First Selectman's Report - October 16, 2013

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT - October 16, 2013

VFW Post 1926 to Host Open House at Simsbury Public Library – October 23, 2013

I would like to thank VFW Post 1926 for hosting a Veterans Open House from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 23rd at the Simsbury Public Library. Members of the active military, veterans and family members are invited to meet with representatives of the Simsbury VFW as well as Representative John Hampton, representatives from the Town of Simsbury and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s office.

The Open House will give veterans an opportunity to meet Sean Kimball in his new role as Veterans’ Service Contact.  The Connecticut legislature recently passed Public Act 13-42 which created Sean’s new position in order to ensure that towns provide a single “point of contact” for veterans looking to access benefits and services.  In addition to providing an opportunity for veterans to connect with one another, the Open House will give veterans a chance to learn more about organizations that can provide them with the services they need.  Attendees will also be able to learn more about joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The event will be held in the Simsbury Library’s Program Room II. Refreshments will be served.

I would like to thank Sean Kimball for his willingness to take on this new and important position.

Simsbury Public Library Offers Notary Services

 It can be hard to find a notary when you need one, and I’m pleased to report that the Simsbury Public Library is now offering notary services to Town residents.  In addition to its traditional role as a library, our public library continues to develop a wide range of services and has become a real resource for residents and businesses.  I would like to thank our new Library Director, Lisa Karim, for taking the initiative on this project.

Residents interested in taking advantage of this new service should first contact the Library at 860-658-7663, X2200 to make sure that a Notary is available that particular day and time.

Junior Woman’s Club Sponsors Luminary Night – Sunday, December 1, 2013

The Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club is responsible for sponsoring one of the really great philanthropic events that we have here in Simsbury.  On Sunday, December 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you are invited to “light up the night” by placing luminary candles along driveways and walkways in a non-denominational community celebration of the season.  In order to do this, you have to buy a luminary kit from the SJWC by going on-line at www.simsburyjuniors.org and ordering your kit.  While you’re on the website, you can also make a donation.

Proceeds from the sale of the kits will benefit the Simsbury Department of Social Services, the SJWC High School Scholarship and other community programs and projects of the SJWC.  I’m pleased to report that last year close to 10,000 candles were lit on Luminary Night which helped the SJWC to raise more than $12,000 for the Simsbury community.

I would like to thank the Junior Women’s Club and urge you to be a part of this fun, seasonal and charitable event.

Simsbury’s Town-wide Halloween Celebration on October 30 at the Simsbury Public Library

For the past two years Halloween has been all tricks and no treats.  Let’s just hope we can enjoy the end of Fall without a major storm!

Regardless of the weather, the Town of Simsbury will host a free town-wide Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 30 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Library (located at 725 Hopmeadow Street).  Admission is free, and festivities include a magic display, storytelling, trick-or-treating and more.  Wear costumes because there will be a costume parade, decorate your trick or treat bag and celebrate the holiday in the safety of our Library!

The event is open to the public.  Each child wearing a costume will receive a coupon for a free kid’s scoop of ice cream from J. Foster’s, located at 894 Hopmeadow Street.

I would like to thank Gerry Toner and our Culture, Parks and Recreation staff, the Simsbury Public Library Children’s Room and Simsbury Social Services for making this event possible.  If you have questions, please contact Gerry at 860-408-4682.