Press Releases and News
Popular Dial-A-Ride Trip Resumes with Expanded Service
March 11, 2010
Beginning on Monday, March 15, the Windham Region Transit District will operate a weekly bus trip from several senior residences in Mansfield to the Mansfield Public Library, Big Y, the Eastbrook Mall, the Willimantic Food Co-op and Walmart. The van will pick up riders at the Glen Ridge Retirement Community at 1:00 PM, and will then proceed to Juniper Hill and the Mansfield Senior Center to pick up additional passengers. The return trip will leave Walmart at approximately 2:45 and should reach the library by 3:15.
This trip is an expansion of a popular route that was discontinued last year when the funding was temporarily suspended. It is supported by a municipal grant from the State of CT Department of Transportation to the Town of Mansfield to expand transportation options for seniors and residents with disabilities. This grant is also used to fund rides to medical appointments that are located outside of the 10-town Dial-A-Ride region.
There is no cost for this trip, but donations to the Town of Mansfield are appreciated to subsidize the cost of this service. Individuals who are interested in this trip should contact Dial-A-Ride at 456-1462. Additional information regarding transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities can also be obtained by contacting either the Town of Mansfield Human Service Department at 429-3315, or the Mansfield Senior Center at 429-0262.
Town Council Meetings Now Live on Cable Channel 13
February 16, 2010
The Town of Mansfield Town Council meetings are now available for viewing by Mansfield residents live on cable channel 13!
Regular Town Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 PM and can now be viewed in real-time by Mansfield residents on cable channel 13.
Each regular meeting of the council will still be available for viewing the day after the meeting is held and will continue to play until the next regularly scheduled meeting is held. The viewing schedule is:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday .12:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday . 7:00 PM
Changes in Mansfield Recycling
July 15, 2009
Plastics recycling expansion
All Mansfield residents can now recycle all their plastic containers. Examples of acceptable plastic containers include buckets, take-out containers, yogurt containers and cups. Please remove all food and rinse out containers. The plastics that are not included are garden hoses, plastic bags and any kind of Styrofoam.
Paper and cardboard no longer separate from cans and bottles
With an advancement in the way that Willimantic Waste Paper sorts all the recyclable material that comes to their plant, paper and cardboard can now be combined with cans, plastic containers and glass bottles. Where residents once had to put paper and cardboard items in a paper bag to keep it separate from the cans and bottles in the blue recycling bin (dual stream recycling), residents with collection service can now place all recyclable material in one container. Using one container for all recyclables is referred to as single stream recycling. Recyclables still need to be kept separate from household trash (non-recyclable items).
For Mansfield residents who have trash collection service, mixed paper, cardboard, cans, bottles can be placed together loosely in the blue recycle bin or some other durable container. PLEASE, DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS. To prevent litter, cover the container. If recyclables are not secured with a cover, then place paper items in a cardboard box (20"x14"x12"), paper bag or tie them with string. A small trashcan (no larger than 30 gallons) is acceptable to use for the recyclables. Make sure the container is clearly labeled "Recycle" for the collector.
For Mansfield residents who use the transfer station, cans and bottles are still being kept separate from mixed paper and from cardboard.
Virginia Walton, Recycling Coordinator
429-3333
School Readiness Funding Available in Mansfield
July 7, 2009
The Town of Mansfield continues to accept applications for participation in the State of Connecticut's School Readiness Grant. This grant has made funding available for childcare to residents of the Town of Mansfield at one of four licensed and nationally accredited early care and education centers since 1997. The funding is available to Mansfield families for children ages 3 and 4. The Centers participating in this grant are: Community Children's Center, Mansfield Discovery Depot, University of Connecticut Child Labs, and Willow House Early Learning Center. Eligibility and a family contribution are based on income and family size. Income verification is required.
The School Readiness Grant Program helps support the cost of early childhood education for 3 and 4 year olds. The care is available for full or part time enrollment (Monday thru Friday). This funding is available starting July 1, 2009 until June 30, 2010.
High quality childcare programs help children learn how to be inquisitive and self confident. Our programs improve children?s development in socialization, sharing and working together. This adds up to a good start in school and life.
For more information, please contact: Sandy Baxter, Mansfield School Readiness Coordinator, at 860-429-3338 or Baxtersp@mansfieldct.org
Space is limited, so please act now!