First Selectman's Column from October 2023

As we enter the beautiful fall season, it is important to remind everyone that September is Hurricane Preparedness month.  Please be sure to stock up on batteries, water, pet food, medications, and other supplies in the event we do have a weather emergency.  Always be attentive to local weather updates.

With public health in mind, please note the COVID-19 virus infection rate has been steadily rising lately.  It is essential that our residents get vaccinated, especially those who are most vulnerable.  To meet this need, the Human Services Department will host four vaccine clinics this fall in the Center Building gymnasium.  They have already hosted one clinic and there will be two flu vaccine only clinics and one more clinic with 5 vaccines available including:  (newly formulated) COVID 19, RSV, Shingrix, Prevnar 20- the new pneumonia vaccine, and regular and high dose flu vaccine.  Thank you and congratulations to this department for seeking and receiving a federal grant to provide better access to vaccines for our community.  This $10,000 grant from the National Council on Aging will support the Human Services Department’s work in making it as easy as possible for older adults and people with disabilities to get their updated vaccinations and protect their health.  Please call the Human Services Department (203-389-3429) for further information, or to schedule an appointment.

The 5th Annual Living Treasure event at the Woodbridge Center honoring standout Woodbridge residents Mary Lee Barker, Joe Crisco, Matt Giglietti, and Lynn Piascyk was a lovely event and a very successful fundraiser for The Woodbridge Center.  Congratulations to all involved with this great community-building event!

I hope you will add the 3rd Annual Woodbridge Like Me Day to your calendars.  This event is hosted by the Woodbridge Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  The free event was created to bring residents together to celebrate the vibrant and diverse Woodbridge community.  No matter how long you have lived in Town, there are great reasons for everyone to attend this event on Saturday, September 30^th.  Further information is available on the Town Website.

We will hold a dedication and naming ceremony for The Karen A. Lombardi Woodbridge Regional Animal Shelter on Friday, October 13.  The event is scheduled for 1:30 pm at the shelter at 135 Bradley Road in Woodbridge; kindly RSVP to Gerry Shaw at gshaw@woodbridgect.org or 203-389-3401.

Woodbridge road maintenance is expected to take place soon.  The current start date for road milling is October 12 on Downs Road.  As part of the 2023 Road Paving Program, the following roads will be milled and paved:  Downs Road, Walker Lane, Buttonball Lane, Wepawaug Road, and a section of Johnson Road (an approximate 300’ long segment near #1087).  Paving will begin once milling has been completed for all roads.  Road work schedules are contingent upon weather conditions.  Downs Road may be closed during road work hours for two days.  Contact the Department of Public Works with questions at 203-389-3420.

We received several responses from the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the former Country Club of Woodbridge property, for land use consultants, which was sent out this past summer.  If you recall, this came as one recommendation first, from the Strategic Plan subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen, made up of Selectmen McCreven and Vogel.  This plan was unanimously approved by the full Board.  Following that approval, the RFP was developed by Selectmen Kuriakose, Vogel, and me, with input from Administrative Officer Tony Genovese (and approved unanimously by this Board, prior to its distribution.  I believe it is not appropriate for this board to review, discuss, or decide on the proposals at this time, as four out of six of us will not be returning to the Board of Selectmen, it seems much more suitable for the new board to take up this matter with their vision for the future of that property.  Hopefully, should the new Board choose to use a consultant, this new person will take input from all stakeholders including residents and businesses.  I believe this effort will build consensus while providing positive ideas for the Town.

The Woodbridge Police Department will host the DEA National Drug Take Back Day from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 28.  For more information, please see the Police Department article in this newspaper.

Each year, the Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Association hosts the Truck or Treat event on Halloween (October 31^st) at the Firehouse.  It is a fun, safe way for families to enjoy the festive holiday.  We look forward to this fun night and thank the volunteers once again for their efforts on behalf of all Woodbridge residents!

As a reminder, the Town of Woodbridge Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7^th. Absentee ballot applications are available now and may be obtained from the Town Clerk's office and are also on the Town website.  Absentee ballots will be available on October 6 and can be completed by mail or in-person.  Contact the Town Clerk’'s office at 203-389-3424 for more information.

And just one more reminder for your calendars.  Please do not forget that Veteran’s Day will be commemorated on November 10 in the Center Building Gymnasium at 11 am.  We will have further updates on this ceremony as it comes closer.

As always, my door remains open to you.  If you need to reach me, please call 203-389-3401 or email me at bheller@woodbridgect.org to chat or to request an appointment.