First Selectman's Column from September 2023

Dear Woodbridge Friends and Neighbors,

Each year I hold onto the lovely final summer days for the last few weeks before fall and winter.  Let us try to take time to enjoy these final weeks of summer.  Soon Woodbridge will be transformed once again into the beautiful colors of autumn.

The 5^th annual Living Treasure event is planned for September 14^th at the Woodbridge Center.  It is exciting to announce this year’s winners:  Mary Lee Barker, Joseph Crisco, Matthew Giglietti, and Lynn Piascyk.  This event raises funds for The Woodbridge Center.  Please contact Human Services at 203-389-3429 to support this worthy event.

I hope you will add the 3^rd Annual Woodbridge Like Me Day to your calendars.  This event will be held on September 30^th and 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.  New residents: get to know more about your new home and all that it offers--with both public services and local groups.  Longtime residents: see what has changed around Town, get reacquainted with old friends, and try something new.  Everyone can find out how to volunteer and how to get more involved with Woodbridge while enjoying free dance and musical performances, creating their own art, shopping for “like new” Halloween costumes and more!  Food trucks mean you don’t have to leave for lunch--make it a day out on the Green.  For further details, contact Assistant Library Director Jen Sullivan:  jsullivan@woodbridgetownlibrary.org or 203-389-3487.

September is National Emergency Preparedness month.  Our first responders remind us of some basic safety measures during hurricane season.  To prepare for a weather emergency or power outage, elderly residents and those with disabilities are encouraged to register for the Emergency Call List through the Human Services Department at 203-389-3429.

When operating a generator: 

• always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents;
• never use a generator inside a home, basement, garage, crawlspace, tent, shed, or any other indoor or enclosed area;
• carbon monoxide is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours.

It is suggested that residents put together a disaster supply kit containing basic items you, and others in your household, might need in the event of an emergency including food, medications, eyeglasses, flashlights, batteries, and water.  Don’t forget extra supplies for your pets or service animals.

We will have a dedication and naming ceremony for The Karen Lombardi Animal Shelter and the new memorial garden to honor the donors on Friday, October 13^th - in case of inclement weather it is scheduled for Wednesday October 18^th.  Stay tuned for further information about this upcoming exciting event.

Many of you have inquired about the plans for the renovation of the Center Building gymnasium.  The building committee has been working with architects and engineers from Silver, Petrucelli + Associates in developing bid documents.  We expect to finalize the construction documents and be ready for bids on the project in late October.  Bids will then be submitted and a selection by the building committee will go for approval to an upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting.  Stayed tuned for updates on the project.

The municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 7^th.  In-person voting will be held at the Center Building gymnasium from 6 am to 8 pm.  Absentee ballot applications are available now and may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s office and at the Town website.  Absentee Ballots will be available on October 6^th and can be completed by mail or in-person.  Contact the Clerk’s office at 203-389-3424 for more information.

Our annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be held this year at 11 am on Friday, November 10^th in the Center Building gymnasium.  More information will be available on our Town website and in future Woodbridge Town News editions.

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 schedule an appointment.