News

Southbury 350th Quilt Display

The Southbury 350th commemorative quilt is now permanently displayed in Room 205 of Southbury Town Hall. The quilt includes panels representing local schools, churches, civic organizations, businesses, public safety departments, and other important parts of the community all created by local community members.

The display serves as a lasting reminder of Southbury’s 350th anniversary celebration and reflects the strong community involvement that helped make the event successful. Residents visiting Town Hall are encouraged to view the displayed quilt but please refrain from touching.

FOIA Training

We recently hosted training by the Freedom of Information Commission for Town employees and Board and Commission members. The training was streamed for convenience and future references.

State Dairy Relief Funding

Governor Ned Lamont recently announced $22.5 million in state aid to support Connecticut dairy farmers facing rising operating costs and ongoing market pressures. The funding is intended to help stabilize family-owned dairy farms and preserve an important part of Connecticut’s agricultural economy.

Modern Vein Care of Connecticut Ribbon Cutting

(David Huck/Southbury Chamber photo)

On May 7th a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Southbury Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Modern Vein Care of Connecticut at 800 Main Street South. The event welcomed Dr. Prashanth Atluri and his team to the community and recognized continued investment in local healthcare services and business growth. Welcome to Southbury, Dr. Atluri and your team!

Tour of Southbury Training School Crawford Hall

On May 11th a delegation of individuals toured Sarah Crawford Hall at Southbury Training School: representatives of Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments Brownfield team, Land Use Administrator Jordan Marcinko, Emergency Management Director Steve Schnell, Fire Marshal Derrek Guertin and members of the Southbury Planning Commission’s Affordable Housing Sub-committee. Crawford Hall is one of the iconic brick buildings that has been unoccupied. The tour allowed us to inspect the current conditions and assess the structure. The State has offered to pay for a feasibility study and to mitigate hazardous materials to convert this building into Affordable Housing. RFQ’s have been issued for both the study and mitigation.

Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon

Southbury First Selectman Tim O'Neil with Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr,

On May 14th I attended the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce (which includes the Southbury Chamber) Annual Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon. The annual address focused on regional economic growth, infrastructure investment, housing development, public safety improvements, and long-term financial stability throughout the greater Waterbury area. The event also provided an opportunity to meet with regional leaders, businesses, and towns to strengthen partnerships and discuss shared priorities affecting the area.

A Toast to the Watershed Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition Fundraiser

Along with other representatives from the region, on May 16th I attended A Toast to the Watershed, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition’s annual benefit event. The event took place at Winvian Farm in Morris and celebrated clean water initiatives, environmental conservation, and partnerships supporting the protection of regional watershed resources.

B’nai Israel Brotherhood Event with Michael Shanbrom

(Brotherhood at B'nai Israel Southbury photo)

On May 17th I attended the first B’nai Israel Southbury Brotherhood meeting, which featured a presentation by retired FBI Special Agent Michael Shanbrom. The presentation focused on community safety, situational awareness, and ways organizations and residents can respond to rising security concerns and antisemitism. Michael Shanbrom, who serves as a Regional Security Advisor for the Secure Community Network and the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, received the Brotherhood’s Community Hero Award in recognition of his work supporting safety initiatives and helping strengthen community preparedness throughout Connecticut.

Southbury Tennis Courts Ribbon Cutting

On May 18th we cut the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of the Community Park tennis courts. We were joined by the President of the United States Tennis Association Connecticut Miyako Kinoshita, Parks and Recreation Director Meghan Lennon, Recreation Supervisor Tara McCauley, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Charlie Rosa, Commission member Jim Tornatore, and Finance Director Dan Colton. The tennis courts were closed following severe damage caused by the August 2024 flood. Over the past 20 months, the Town worked to restore the courts and improve their long-term resiliency.

A grant from the United States Tennis Association helped fund upgraded post-tension courts designed to better resist shifting soil and reduce future maintenance needs. The project represents continued investment in recreation, public spaces, and flood recovery efforts that directly benefit residents. More photos.

Library’s 20th Anniversary

Southbury Public Library’s building at 100 Poverty Road is turning 20 and everybody is invited to the Birthday Party on Saturday, May 30th. There will be special things at various points throughout the day, like a photobooth, food trucks, and music, as well as specific events. Details are posted on the library website.

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Compost bins and rain barrels are on sale through the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. Orders must be placed by June 11, with pickup locations scheduled for June 13 in Seymour and Thomaston. The program supports water conservation, recycling, and environmentally friendly practices while helping residents reduce runoff and improve sustainability efforts at home.

Southbury Land Trust/Southbury America 250 Commission Commemorative Walk

On Saturday, June 6th, the Southbury Land Trust and Southbury America 250 Commission will be hosting a commemorative walk to commemorate the journey French General Rochambeau and 5000 French troops took during the American Revolution. The walk involves a six-mile traverse across Southbury with guest speaker Town historian John Dwyer. Registration is required through trailsday.org.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Southbury Police Chief Chris Grillo will be speaking at World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 at Quinnipiac University. Senior Services Director Andrea Corcoran and Social Services Director Mary Silverman will also be attending. The Town of Southbury is proud to help raise awareness of and work to prevent abuse and neglect of elderly residents.

Listen to Our Veterans’ Voices Fundraiser

I will be attending and speaking at the Listen to Our Veterans’ Voices fundraiser on June 5th at the George Newton VFW Post 1607, 150 Lee Farm Drive. The event will be from 7 pm to 10 pm and feature live entertainment.

Vietnam Veteran Peter “Pete” D’Amato

I want to recognize a local Vietnam veteran who has done so much for this community and his fellow brotherhood. Originally from the Bronx, Pete D’Amato served our country during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army as an E-4 Specialist 4th class. His military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was a radio operator. Following his Army career he spent 26 years at IBM and 10 years working for the Waterbury Board of Education supporting 10 elementary schools. He has been an active member of our community for the past 20+ years and for those past 20+ years every Memorial Day weekend, Pete and others have honored our deceased veterans, buried in eight cemeteries in town, by placing American flags at the base of each gravestone. He has also volunteered his time coordinating laying wreaths on those same graves during the holiday season. He serves on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and is a standout member of Local George Newton VFW Hall Post 1607.

Pete and many other area veterans will be at the Listen to Our Veteran’s Voices fundraiser at the VFW on June 5th 7-10pm. If you have the time, please come join us. It’s a great opportunity to show your respect, honor our veterans, and raise funds for those that gave all and those that gave some for the freedoms we have today.