April 30, 2011: A Lot Going On

1. The annual Vernon Townwide Tag Sale is today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. The Vernon Little League season begins today.

3. U.S. Rep. Joseph Courtney released the following statement after the U.S. Navy awarded $1.2 billion for the construction of the 14th Virginia-class submarine to General Dynamics Electric Boat:

“Today’s announcement is another tremendous step forward in the long-fought effort to build two submarines per year,” Courtney said. “The talented work force at Electric Boat has routinely demonstrated a unique ability to complete superlative work ahead of schedule and under budget. That exceptional record today produced a tangible reward that will ripple across eastern Connecticut and our entire region.”

4. Governor Dannel P. Malloy today ordered the Connecticut and U.S. flags to fly at half staff in honor of Major Raymond G. Estelle II, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Wednesday. The New Haven native was 40.
 
5. Mayor Jason L. McCoy is encouraging residents to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s drug “take-back” program today. Residents who have unused, unwanted or expired medication can help the community by dropping off their prescription drugs with the DEA and Vernon Police Department.
 
“This is an excellent program that both helps the community and fights against accidental misuse and abuse of prescription drugs,” McCoy said. “I strongly urge residents who have prescription drugs that have expired or are no longer needed to drop them off with the DEA and Police Department. Participating in this program will not only help residents clean-out their medicine cabinets of unwanted or unused prescription drugs, but it will also help to uphold the public safety and health of Vernon’s residents and community.”
 
The Vernon Police Department and officials from the DEA will be stationed at the Vernon public works garage located at 375 Hartford Turnpike, tomorrow. Residents can drop off both pills and liquid medication from 10 a.m. to until 2 p.m., no questions asked. Needles will not be accepted and residents are advised to remove labels containing personal information from any prescription drug container. The program is run through the DEA and there is no cost to the residents of Vernon.