SOUTHBURY LIBRARY RESTORATION 100% FUNDED
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved $350,000 in state funding to assist with flood repairs and restoration of the Southbury Public Library. The allocation was approved unanimously at an August 1, 2025 special commission meeting in Hartford. This additional grant will cover the balance of the costs after FEMA reimbursement.
I would like to recognize and thank State Representative Jason Buchsbaum, State Representative Arnie Jensen and State Senator Eric Berthel for their support and advocacy at the state level for this funding.
At the August 14th Board of Selectman meeting, First Selectman Manville also announced the Southbury Public Library will reopen on September 2, 2025, two months ahead of schedule. More information to come!
SOUTHBURY ANIMAL CONTROL IMPLEMENTS NEW TECHNOLOGY
Southbury Animal Control has upgraded their computer software system from Microsoft Access to Comcate, a specialized animal control software. The use of Comcate enables animal control officers to complete and print their reports, notices and quarantine paperwork from the road. ACO Kristin Cedor said it will allow more of their time spent in the field which means shorter response times and more interaction with residents.
ANNUAL MEETING WITH CCM COORDINATOR
On July 31, 2025, I met with Danielle Walker, Southbury’s dedicated coordinator from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), for our annual meeting.
Southbury utilizes many of our CCM membership benefits such as employee continuing education and professional development, an online job board specifically for Connecticut municipal job postings, low cost printing services, advocacy on state and local levels, and so much more.
CCM recently launched a program dedicated to women in government. My assistant, Bonnie Rado, is a member of the eight person Women in Government Advisory Board who work together to provide webinars, a monthly newsletter, and an annual Women in Government Summit. This year’s summit attracted over 200 attendees. The mission of CCM’s Women in Government is to empower women to lead with confidence and effectiveness in their professional and personal lives. I am pleased to have Southbury represented in this important initiative.
VETERINARY WELLNESS CLINIC
The Senior Center partnered with Southbury Animal Control and Veterinary Care Everywhere (VCE) to host a low cost veterinary wellness clinic for seniors and veterans on Friday, July 18th. The wellness clinic helped provide essential exams and vaccines, ensuring every pet gets the care they deserve to stay healthy. VCE will be returning for a wellness clinic in January.
PARKS AND RECREATION HOSTS TOUCH A TRUCK FOR SUMMER CAMPERS
During the last week of summer camp, town campers had the unique opportunity to explore fire trucks, police cars and construction vehicles thanks to the collaboration of various town departments: Parks and Recreation, Fire Department, Fire Marshal, Police Department, Public Works, and the Office of Emergency Management. Children not only loved turning on sirens, climbing into trucks and sitting in the driver’s seat of emergency vehicles; they also learned about emergency preparedness and fire safety. Station Dog Luke was there and was just as happy to participate as the campers.
SENIOR CENTER HOSTS FIRST PIG ROAST
On Thursday, July 24 from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the Southbury Senior Center held its First Annual Honky Tonk BBQ. It was a picture perfect evening spent outside with friends; eating great food, laughing, talking, and listening to live country music.
Those who attended were impressed with the food, hospitality, and the music provided by the Honky Tonk Jones Band. Many joined in the spirit of the evening by dressing in western-themed clothing accented with a red bandanna provided by the Senior Center. The southern-style menu included: roast pork, homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, hot dogs, cornbread, beans, sweet tea, and a variety of desserts.
Thank you to event sponsors Lutheran Home of Southbury, Full Bloom Catering and Well Care.
This very popular, sold-out event will be back again next year. We hope to see you there!