Last Days of Early Voting & Funding for Heublein Tower

November 1, 2024

 

Connecticut continues to turn up for early voting across the state. Please read below to find out how much longer you have to cast an early vote.

I have great news for low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut! The state is making a big investment to make it easier for people to buy a house. I'll break down how you can take advantage of the "Time To Own" program.

Our state is spending $30 million to improve our wonderful parks and forests. Please keep scrolling to learn how Simsbury is benefiting from this huge investment.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Last Days of Early Voting
  • 'Time To Own' Program Reopens
  • Upgrades Coming to Simsbury State Park
  • Open Burning Ban
  • Simsbury Police Request Feedback
  • Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
  • Community Events
 
Last Days of Early Voting
Time is running out to take part in early voting. Registered voters may cast an early ballot in person through Sunday, November 3 from 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. in the Tariffville Room of the Simsbury Public Library. According to the Secretary of the State's Office, more than 533,000 people in Connecticut have voted early in-person and approximately 78,000 absentee ballots have been returned.

If you choose to vote on Election Day, polls will be open from 6 A.M. – 8 P.M. at regular voting locations:

  • District 1: Henry James Memorial School
  • District 2: Latimer Lane School
  • District 3: Tootin Hills School
  • District 4: Tariffville School

Note that Latimer Lane voters are returning to Latimer Lane to vote on Election Day now that construction is near completion!
Click here to find your poll location
Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if, in your judgment, an absence from your town on Election Day prevents you from appearing at your polling place, or you are prevented from appearing at your assigned polling place on Election Day.
 
‘Time To Own’ Program Reopens

The State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.

Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of home ownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.

To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn.
 
Upgrades Coming to Simsbury State Park

Governor Lamont has announced $30 million in state bonding will go toward improving our state parks and forests. The funding will support much-needed infrastructure repairs and renovations across Connecticut, including $6.2 million for renovations and preservation of the Heublein Tower and another $150,000 for observation deck replacement windows. Crews have completed that work.

$3 million of that statewide investment will fund urgent repairs at state parks that were damaged in historic floods in August. The storm caused significant damage to:
This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is an historic effort by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to address the backlog of needed repairs. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.
List of state park projects including in Simsbury
Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone in the state. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by providing opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, and so much more. The outdoors also helps to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together. Ultimately, this investment will increase the quality of life while preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty.
 
Open Burning Ban

The Town of Simsbury and the Simsbury Fire District have temporary banned all outdoor burning in Simsbury. This ban includes, but is not limited to:

  • campfires
  • fire pits
  • charcoal grilling
  • yard debris
The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has also banned these activities in state parks and other lands it oversees because the forest fire danger remains high, very high, or extreme. If you have any questions, you can contact Fire Marshal and Open Burning Official Patrick Tourville at (860) 658-1973.
 
Simsbury Police Request Feedback

The Simsbury Police Department invites all of us to take a short survey to provide feedback on our officers. The goal is to measure:

  • overall agency performance
  • overall competency of agency employees
  • citizens’ perception of officers’ attitudes and behaviors
  • levels of community concerns for safety and security
Simsbury Police welcomes any input the public can provide to help improve the organization. Your participation in this survey will help police identify the needs of the community and areas for potential improvement.
Click here to provide feedback to police
You can take the survey through November 24.
 
Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
If your college student is interested in getting a hands-on experience with our state government, then please encourage them to apply now for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program! It allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learning about how the legislative process works, taking part in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more.

Here are some of the requirements:

  • 18 years of age or older by start of program
  • Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
  • Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
  • Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
  • Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA

The application deadline is TODAY. CLICK HERE to learn more about the internship program.
How to apply
 
Community Events
The International Skating Center of Connecticut invites the kids for some high-energy skills and drills for $25 per player on Tuesday, November 5. 

U8-U10: 12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
U12-U14: 1:40 P.M. - 2:40 P.M.
Click here to register
 
 
Join the Theatre Guild of Simsbury for a vibrant and energetic production of Legally Blonde from November 8 - 17 at the Simsbury High School auditorium. With catchy songs, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message, this show promises an unforgettable night of entertainment for all ages. CLICK HERE for tickets.
 
Come learn to navigate the health care options for seniors on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 P.M. at Simsbury Public Library. During this presentation, organizers will discuss the different care options and services available for seniors and their family members.
 
The Simsbury Celebrates Gingerbread House Competition is back for 2024!  Space is limited so only the first 30 entries are guaranteed acceptance.  Late entries will be admitted as space permits. The registration deadline is Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and registrations may be completed online or by mail. CLICK HERE to learn more.