To the Editor:
Where does the time go?
My first six months in office have flown by and I have enjoyed every minute. It is particularly rewarding when residents call my office and I have the opportunity to personally help.
Most recently, the budget has been the primary focus of my time and effort. Working with the town departments, Board of Education and various outside agencies has been a learning experience. I appreciate all of their efforts. Please accept my personal thanks to all the citizens for supporting the Town’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. While no budget is ever perfect, it will meet the needs of our citizens and our community. No programs were cut and no layoffs were required.
The storm clean-up continues on the Rails to Trails, in all our parks and on all town-owned properties. We appreciate the support and patience of our residents as we continue to strive to make our facilities the best in Connecticut. Storm reimbursement is still in the works and we are confident that we will receive it soon.
Going forward with spring projects, Hany Lane is presently being redone, as promised last fall. West Main Street Bridge is under design, the Phoenix Street Bridge will be completed later this month and the Fox Hill Tower will undergo repairs in the coming weeks.
The Memorial Day Parade, co-sponsored by the American Legion Post 14 and the Town of Vernon will step off at 10:00 AM from Grove Hill Cemetery on Monday, May 28, 2012. Ceremonies in St. Bernard’s and Grove Hill cemeteries will take place earlier in the morning. The parade will conclude with a ceremony in Central Park around 11:30 AM. All are welcome, and if you have some time to volunteer we can always use residents with that good old volunteer spirit.
Special for this Memorial Day, we are inviting ALL Veterans to join us in the parade. Please contact my office 860-870-3601 if you would like to join the parade. For those Veterans interested but unable to march, Langan Volkswagen, Bundy Motors and Suburban Subaru are lending vehicles for transportation in honor of our veterans. I look forward to meeting each and every Veteran!
We are still looking for volunteers for board and commission seats. Please submit a resume and include your particular interests. The resume form for appointment is located on our Web site - www.vernon-ct.gov.
The Town Council and I have found many opportunities to work together to promote Vernon. We may not always agree, but, our goal is always the same - to make Vernon the best it can be!
Wishing a warm and happy summer, 2012 to all!
George F. Apel
