Woodbridge News For February 2023

Information via First Selectman Beth Heller, Town of Woodbridge

Dear Woodbridge Friends and Neighbors,

February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, reminding me of what Maya Angelou once said: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Let us all try to share some kindness with one another- not just on the 17th but every day.

At our recent Board of Selectmen meeting, the Community and Cultural Center Building Committee Chairman, Sandy Stein, along with other committee members, and David Stein, principal architect from Silver Petrucelli and Associates, presented a request for funding phase one of this project to the Board of Selectmen. The motion to proceed with construction documents passed unanimously and we anticipate next steps will include finalizing design and construction costs following receipt of construction bids. Funding for this project is from a $2 million State grant.

The Ad Hoc 2030 Task Force continues to work on taking a Big Picture look at the changes the town should consider to diversify and broaden our Grand List. The Task Force is concentrating on connectivity in the business district in order to maximize opportunities for grant dollars to offset expenditures. At our recent Board of Selectmen meeting Committee Co-Chair Susan Jacobs, along with SLR Consultants' Jason Williams, provided a significant update. We are moving ahead, unanimously accepting the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendation, and authorizing the Director of Finance to seek State and Federal grants. We believe federal grants are available through President Biden's bipartisan Build Back Better Infrastructure Law.

I believe the Beecher Road School Pool is an asset to our community. It provides a vast range of programs for development of community swimmers - a vital life skill for our children - including the learn to swim program through the school, and swim lessons through the Recreation Department. It also acts as a feeder system for the Amity High School Swim Team and the Woodbridge Aquatic Club. The pool provides a recreational outlet and opportunity for the continued health and well-being for all community members, from youngest to the oldest of our residents. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the request for replacement of the pool's filtration system and associated equipment and will recommend to the Board of Finance the transfer of Recreation Department funds to cover this cost.

During the months ahead, residents are encouraged to ask budget questions or to make suggestions. Budget meetings can be watched live on Channel 79, and the WGATV YouTube page- please see the homepage of the Town’s website or use this link to YouTube. The most effective way for residents to share their opinion and/or ask questions is at the Monday, April 24 Preliminary Budget Hearing when the Board of Finance presents its proposed budget. This meeting will take place at 7:30 pm at the Amity High School Auditorium. Following this hearing the Board of Finance may make changes to its proposed budget which will then be presented at the Annual Town Meeting on May 15 at Amity High School Auditorium at 7:30 pm.

Other news:

Although the Town has no standing in this, I am letting you know that notice was provided to my office of a special permit application to the New Haven City Plan Commission for a Hybrid Cannabis retail facility at 130 Amity Road in New Haven. This location is within 500 feet of the Woodbridge line. The business name is Affinity Health & Wellness.

After hearing from several concerned residents about wire cuttings and other remnants littered on neighborhood lawns during Optimum upgrade installations in Town, and after our police were dispatched to speak with Optimum sub-contractors to clean up after themselves, I asked our Blight Officer Mike Marganski to speak with the company to arrange better handling of the cable debris. Optimum will now take responsibility for proper cleanup at each work site. Residents who experience any further unsatisfactory clean-up should call my office at 203-389-3401 and so we can address this with Optimum.

As always, my door remains open to you. If you need to reach me please call
203-389-3401 or email me at bheller@woodbridgect.org. to chat or ask for an appointment. Please stay safe!

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Recreation News:

Youth Program Registration
Spring Registration for Woodbridge Recreation Youth Programs will begin on Wed., Feb. 22. Most programs begin the week of Mar. 27. Programs include bowling, basketball, ultimate team sports, chess, Clay Date, gymnastics, Kids Dig Farms—Massaro Farms program, field hockey, flag football, Kumon, Little Scientists, running club, tennis, and taekwondo. For registration information, call 203-389-3446 or register online at woodbridgect.org beginning Feb. 22. Visit the website at https://www.woodbridgect.org/512/Current-Programs for a complete listing of the program schedules.

Adult Programs
T’ai-chi: Thurs. evenings 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with ongoing registration. The new session begins on Mar. 2.
Yoga: gentle, with Diane King, Mon. and Wed. classes 10:30 am to 11:45 am, and Mon. evening classes, 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm with ongoing registration.
Yoga: with Bill Banick, daily 8:30 am to 9:45 am, and Tues., 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm with ongoing registration. New session begins on March 1.
Badminton: Wed., 7 pm to 9 pm with ongoing registration. Drop in or memberships available.

Summer Concert Sponsor: Each year, the Town seeks corporate sponsors to help defray the costs of the concerts. If you would like to donate, contact the Recreation Department for the available sponsorships. Sponsors will be recognized at the concerts and will be listed on the Town website.

WRD Wellness & Health Center expands its hours: The Wellness & Health Center (formerly the Fitness Center) is now open Mon. through Fri. 9 am to 12 pm. These new hours were added to the existing hours of Sat. and Sun. 8 am to 12 pm as well as Mon., Wed., and Fri. 4 pm to 9 pm and Tues. and Thurs. at 6 pm to 8:45 pm. The Wellness & Health Center is located in the Center Building.

Human Services News and Services:

Masks available: Contact Woodbridge Human Services at 203-389-3429 if you would like to pick up medical or KN95 masks. Please no walk-ins.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Tuesdays, 9 am - 12 pm. VITA is a free tax preparation service available to low-income individuals, people who have a disability, and to those who speak limited English. For required documents and to schedule an appointment call 203-389-3429.The program is in full swing and will continue through Apr. 11.

Food Pantry: Residents in need may call for access to non-perishable food each month. If interested in donating, the food pantry is in need of coffee, canola and olive oil, jams/jellies, canned chicken, laundry soap and personal hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, razors, and shampoo.

The Woodbridge Center - for everyone 55+
Call 203-389-3430 or email kmoriarty@woodbridgect.org to sign up or for more information. Please be sure The Center has your email to be kept up to date on current programming. Follow us on Facebook for updates and local information.

Free Aerobics Classes for National Heart Awareness Month
Tuesdays in Feb. from 10-11 am in the Center Building Gymnasium
Start or continue a healthy heart habit by participating in weekly aerobics classes. According to the National Institute of Health, as little as 60 minutes of moderate intensity, weekly aerobic exercise may help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve blood flow, and give you more stamina and the ability to cope with stress. Thursday classes are also available for a $3 drop-in fee. Preregistration is not required.

Lunch & Learn: Problem at the Pump: How atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure compromise the heart’s ability to pump, and what can be done to fix it
Fri., Feb. 24 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Library Meeting Room
Join Becket Greten-Harrison, cardiology PA and founder of Hearts at Home, for a special presentation for National Heart Awareness Month. Please RSVP by Feb. 17. No charge. Lunch will be provided.

Immersive Ireland Experience
Fri., Mar. 10 from 11 am – 12 pm in the Library Meeting Room
Join Deb Urso of Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center to experience Ireland through a virtual tour, trivia, and tastings. This educational and entertaining workshop will meet Mar. 10 from 11 am – 12 pm in the Library Meeting Room. No cost.

St. Patrick’s Day Drive-thru Lunch for Woodbridge residents over the age of 60
Thurs., Mar. 16 from 12-1 pm
Enjoy a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef and cabbage at this annual event. Lunch is generously sponsored by Coachman Square at Woodbridge and Southern Connecticut Gas/United Illuminating. An additional treat will be provided by Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Please RSVP by Mar. 9.

Woodbridge Youth Services News:

Call 203-389-3429 or email npfund@woodbridgect.org for information or to sign up for programs.

Sign up for Youth Services Notifications: https://www.woodbridgect.org/list.aspx
See Youth Services’ Website: https://www.woodbridgect.org/160/Youth-Services
Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/WoodbridgeYouthServices.CT

Bethwood 6th Grade Meet and Greet- Postponed- stay tuned for new date. This event is an evening program for Bethany and Woodbridge 6th grade residents to get to know one another before they transition to middle school. Refreshments, raffle, DJ, and inflatable obstacle course. Fee is $7. To register for the event, call 203-389-3449. Adult volunteers and mature high school volunteers needed.

Woodbridge First Selectman’s Youth Award-Nominations Sought-
If you know a Woodbridge youth (18 or under) who has worked to improve the Town of Woodbridge or has assisted its residents, please nominate that deserving youth for the First Selectman’s Youth Award. Parents and family members may not nominate relatives. Nominations are due by April 3. Find the nomination form at the Town website . Call Youth Services for more information.

Library

Reminder of Library Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am to 8 pm
Friday & Saturdays: 10 am to 5 pm
Website: https://woodbridgetownlibrary.org/

Adult Programs
Saturday Morning Meditation, Saturdays at 10:15 am
Join us each Saturday morning for one hour of silent Vipassana (mindfulness) mediation hosted by experienced meditation instructors. Beginners and experienced meditators alike are welcome. Open to registration, but walk-ins are welcome too! For more information and registration.

Library Skywatch, Monday & Tuesday Evenings
Drop-in around 6:30 pm (Weather Permitting)
Join us on the library lawn to use our new Zhumell 1114mm refracting telescope to view and identify celestial objects! Reservation not needed; walk-ins welcome. Contact Bill with questions, warmstrong@woodbridgetownlibrary.org

4 Critical Components to a Successful Retirement, Wed., Mar. 8 at 6 pm
Learn how to get the most out of retirement with these 4 critical components: Inflation, Social Security, Taxes Now & In Retirement, and Market Volatility & Income Needs. This workshop is presented by USA Financial. Please register online or at the library.

Author Talk: Dr. Siegfried Kra, Wed., Mar. 15 at 2 pm
Come and join us for a talk with local author and retired cardiologist Dr. Siegfried Kra. He will be discussing his newest book, Dancer in the Garden, which is a collection of vivid stories from Dr. Kra's life. Please register online or at the library.

Woodbridge Town Library Plant Swap! Sat., Mar. 18 from 11 am – 1 pm
Have plants that don't spark joy anymore? Extra pots laying around the house? Seeds you don't plan on planting? Drop them off at the library 3/16-3/17. Then return on Saturday to find new (to you) items! There will also be a potting station. All ages welcome! Please register online or at the library.

Children’s Programs
Graphic Novel Club, Tues., Feb. 28 at 6:30 pm
Ages 9+. Come discuss the graphic novel Manu and do a fun activity relating to the book! Please register.

Tiger Storytime, Wed., Mar. 8 at 4:30 pm
Ages 3+. Join us for songs, movement, tiger themed books, and a visit with a cat named Tiger. Online registration required.

Board and Commission meetings are listed on the Town Calendar. Most boards and commission meetings follow a regular schedule, but they may call a special meeting outside of that schedule or cancel a scheduled meeting. Meeting agendas are posted in the Agenda Center at the Town website.