Gary Turco

I'd like to pay tribute to Nancy Wyman, a remarkable public servant whose decades of leadership left an enduring mark on Connecticut. She passed away last week at the age of 80.

Nancy always understood that public service was ultimately about people. Whether serving as Connecticut’s Comptroller, Lieutenant Governor, or in countless other roles supporting our communities and our state, she brought intelligence, integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to making government work for everyone.

What has always stood out to me was Nancy’s ability to combine strong principles with a genuine willingness to listen. She was a mentor and an example to generations of public servants, particularly to women -- demonstrating that you can fight hard for what you believe in while treating everyone with respect.

Her contributions to Connecticut extended far beyond any one office or accomplishment. Nancy helped strengthen our state, championed working families, and showed what dedicated and honorable public service looks like.

In addition to her leadership and the example she set for all of us, I am grateful to have known her.

Connecticut is a better place because of her remarkable commitment to service.

That legislation comes in handy right now, as there is still one more day after today to take advantage of Sales Tax Free Week. The week -- from Aug. 16 to 22 -- has provided a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

During this week, sales or purchases of certain clothing or footwear items costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax. This exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers. There are, however, certain items that are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption. The following items are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption:

• Any special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for the athletic activity or protective use for which it was designed; and
• Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar items carried on or about the human body but not worn on the body in the manner characteristic of clothing.
• Click here for a list of items that ARE EXEMPT from sales tax and a list of items STILL TAXABLE.

Click here for more information on Connecticut's Sales Tax Free Week and frequently asked questions.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a series of open houses to solicit feedback on the 2027-2030 State Rail Plan, to be held throughout September.

All meeting locations are ADA-accessible and conveniently located near local and regional transit services.

The Connecticut State Rail Plan is a federally required planning document that establishes a vision for passenger and freight rail transportation throughout the state and identifies strategies, policies, and potential investments to support Connecticut's rail network.

The plan helps guide future rail priorities and investments, supports economic activity and mobility, and informs transportation-related decisions across Connecticut and the broader Northeast region.

Click HERE for more information about the open houses and ways to provide comments and ask questions.  

Mid-August means that the annual Dream Ride Experience will be rolling into Farmington. This year's event takes place today through Sunday at the Farmington Polo Grounds. Tickets for various events can be purchased here.

The Dream Ride Experience is a multi-day fundraiser organized by The Hometown Foundation, honoring "Dream Riders" — individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — focusing on inclusion, community, and raising funds for charitable causes. Last year's Dream Ride raised $7.75 million.

The event does impact local traffic, notably on Route 4 (Farmington Avenue). Please take notice of town messaging on the days of the event for those traveling in the area.

NOTE FROM THE EVENT'S WEBSITE:

There is no public on-site parking except for those participating in the Dream Ride (motorcycles), Dream Cruise, or Dream Show. Unless you have been issued an on-site parking pass, please utilize our off-site shuttle lots.

Shuttles run continuously from the parking lots during event hours. Please note that shuttles will stop running during the Dream Ride on Saturday morning and during the Dream Cruise on Saturday afternoon.

• Handicap parking is available on-site for those with a valid handicap placard.
• VIP parking is available on-site for those with a valid Dream Ride 2026 parking pass.

Pine Grove School (151 Scoville Road, Avon):

• Friday, Aug. 21 - 4:30 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22 - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thompson Brook School (150 Thompson Road, Avon):

• Friday, Aug. 21 - 4:30 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22 - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

99 Thompson Rd., Avon:

• Friday, Aug. 21 - 4:30 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22 - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Avon High School (510 W. Avon Road, Avon):

This lot will be used as an overflow lot should Pine Grove, Thompson Brook & 99 Thompson reach capacity.

11 South Road, Farmington: Sunday Only – Parking Lot

• Sunday, Aug. 23 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a public information meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Newington Council Chambers at Town Hall (200 Garfield St.) to discuss a future sidewalk installation project along Cedar Street from Maple Hill Ave/Old Farms Drive to Vincent Drive

Newington has received a a state LOTCIP grant to install sidewalks along this stretch of roadway. Residents of Vincent Drive, Nutmeg Lane, Bushy Hill Drive and Cinnamon Road are "landlocked," with no defined pedestrian access from their neighborhood to the rest of town.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide details about the project and solicit feedback on design proposals. The project will be east of the end of the sidewalk installation that the DOT is currently working on along Cedar Street from Fenn Road to Maple Hill Ave/Old Farms Drive.

The meeting will be both in-person and streamed via Zoom.

Information on how to attend will be posted on the Town website here.

If you cannot attend this meeting, or would like to discuss the project with Town personnel individually, email at czibbideo@newingtonct.gov or call 860-665-8572.