Committee work getting underway

January 24, 2025
 
 
The state’s severe cold weather protocol has been extended through Saturday, January 25 at 12:00P.M.
 
Anyone who needs shelter or a warming center is urged to call 
2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to get connected to vital services and read a list of available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Keep reading for some tips to stay safe in these frigid temperatures.
The cold snap in Connecticut may lead some to use portable heaters in their homes to help stave off Jack Frost.  Using these heaters come with some risks, however, as they are the leading cause of home fires in January and February.

Here are some precautions you should take, according to FEMA, if you use portable heaters:
  • Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Keep anything that can burn – i.e. bedding, clothing, mattresses, furniture, paper products -- at least three feet away from portable heaters.
  • Plug in portable heaters directly into outlets; do NOT plug them into extension cords or power strips.
  • Inspect and replace damaged cords, broken outlets or loose connections.
  • Use portable heaters with automatic shutoffs so, if they tip over, they turn off.
  • Only use portable heaters approved by a recognized testing lab.

It's extremely important to stay warm, but it's also important to stay fire safe this winter.
 
Committee Meetings
This month our committee work is getting started.  On Thursday I took part in the Housing Committee Meeting.  You can subscribe for updates from committees you are interested in on the Connecticut General Assembly website. Click on Committees, choose the Committee of interest, and click on Subscribe. 
 
 
CT Paid Leave
CT Paid Leave claims continue to be filed in every area of the state. The Authority's Usage Map shows the number of cumulative claims per town as of November 30, 2024. 

Click here to view the map and learn how many paid leave claims have been filed in your district as well as the application rates on a per 10,000 person basis
How CT Paid Leave is Helping Your District
 
 
           Know the Difference: CT Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave

Reminder: CT Paid Leave and paid sick leave are similar but different policies that provide support to workers. Workers utilize CT Paid Leave to recover from or care for a loved one with a serious health condition, such as cancer treatment or surgery.  To assist in navigating the differences, see the resource below or linked here.
 
Community Events
On Sunday, February 2nd from 1:00-3:00P.M. at Star Hill Athletic Center in Tolland, spend a few hours improving your hitting, fielding, and pitching.
 
There will be specialized instruction with local baseball & softball coaches, including Jim Penders, Head Coach of UCONN Baseball and Rob Dibble two-time All-Star Pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.
 
Click here to register, the cost is $40.00.
 
 
The Rink is free of charge and will be open daily from 9:00AM-10:00PM until weather or ice conditions require closure.  Just bring your own skates!

Please check the Town of Vernon Facebook PAGE for updates.