Kevin Brown

Martin Luther King Jr. Day invites us to pause as a community and reflect on the values Dr. King championed. We honor his legacy by embracing empathy, service, and unity, and by renewing our commitment to building a community rooted in justice and compassion.

Congratulations to Vernon Public Schools for being the only Connecticut school district to earn national recognition from the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI).

The organization recognizes innovative programs created by school districts to improve student outcomes, engagement and overall educational excellence.

DALI honored Vernon as a District of Distinction for its program called “Developing District Coherence and Capacity in the Vernon Public Schools: A Pathway Forward using the Blueprint for Success.” The Vernon Public Schools’ Blueprint for Success is a key element of the district’s strategic plan that sets high standards to drive student success and is designed to take the district to the next level of education excellence.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to tour the YMCA Rockville Child Care Center and discuss the positive impact of the Early Childhood Endowment, which was established during the 2025 legislative session, as well as the important work that remains to support child care centers across Connecticut.

Continued investment in our children and families is critical to building a strong foundation—not only for their future, but for the future of our state.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.

C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles for free, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.

Users can explore creators by:

• Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
• Geographic focus
• Audience demographics
• Platform reach and specialties

C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.

Click here to explore what C4 has to offer.

AARP Connecticut invites eligible nonprofits and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge. The program funds quick-action projects that improve community livability, especially for people age 50 and older through enhancements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

The organization will award more than $8 million will be awarded nationwide. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), (4), and (6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant options include:

• Flagship Grants: Support projects in public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to up to $15,000.

• Capacity-Building Microgrants: Support for projects focused on walkability and bikeability, accessible home modifications, and disaster preparedness. Awards of $2,500.

• Demonstration Grants: Fund replicable projects, with a 2026 focus on pedestrian safety, broadband access and adoption, and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. Click here to learn more and apply. 

While many people have questions following changes to federal vaccine guidance, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has not changed its vaccine recommendations. Its guidance continues to be based on the best available science and long-standing public health evidence to help protect individuals, families, and communities.

Vaccines remain a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness across the lifespan. If you’re looking for clear, reliable information, these resources may be helpful:

CT DPH Immunization & Vaccine Info: https://portal.ct.gov/.../individuals-and.../immunizations CT.gov
Access your vaccination record (CT WiZ): https://ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov/ ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov
General vaccine info (disease-based): https://portal.ct.gov/.../public.../vaccine-information CT.gov
Find or schedule a vaccine near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/en/ vaccines.gov

You are encouraged to talk with your health care provider and rely on trusted, evidence-based sources as you make decisions for yourself and your family.

Through the Lens: Photography, this annual exhibit runs from January 17 to February 7 at the Marmer Gallery, Arts Center East (709 Hartford Turnpike). The opening reception is Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Vernon Historical Society Book Sale Is Coming!

VHS is seeking donations of books that are clean and in good condition. Book drop-off will begin on Tuesday, February 3. Volunteers will be available at the side entrance of the Museum (734 Hartford Turnpike) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Museum at 860-875-4326.

Please e-mail your entries to parksandrec@vernon-ct.gov and include the name of sculptor, contact information, and a clear picture of your sculpture.

Sculptures can be classic snowmen or other imaginative creatures/creations.  One entry per sculptor. All entries must be submitted via e-mail by February 28.

Prizes for winners will be awarded in early March.