Home Care In Newtown, CT

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed potential pool enhancements, Teen Center facility needs and the town’s proposed 2026–27 budget during its Dec. 9 meeting, while also approving prior minutes and receiving departmental updates.

Chairman Clinton DePaolo opened the meeting at 6:06 p.m. at the Newtown Teen Center.

Commissioners discussed the possible return of an “Aquazip'N” feature at Treadwell Pool for summer 2026. Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold said the feature was removed from the current budget but could be reconsidered after the budget process is completed, when updated pricing and additional information are available.

Commissioners also reviewed updates at the Teen Center, where Assistant Director Carl Samuelson said staff are awaiting word from the Facilities Department on installing coverage for a new furnace. If furnace costs are covered elsewhere, remaining funds could be redirected to improvements such as siding or accessibility ramps.

In other business, the commission noted that the town’s capital improvement plan has passed without changes. Officials also discussed a request from the Newtown Youth Basketball Association for a new basketball hoop, determining that Middle Gate School cannot accommodate the request, but Reed Intermediate School may be able to do so.

Mangold reported that the proposed 2026–27 Parks and Recreation budget is currently under review by the First Selectman’s office and the Finance Department, with meetings planned to discuss next steps.

The commission received correspondence thanking staff for repairs to lighting at the town dog park and acknowledged a $1,000 donation from the Borough of Newtown toward the Ram’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Luminaria Display. Mangold also reported staffing shortages affecting snow removal and vehicle maintenance, noting that contracted assistance may be required this winter.

Several upcoming programs and events were highlighted, including winter recreation offerings, Teen Center activities for middle school students, and seasonal community events. Commissioners approved the Nov. 18 meeting minutes with an amendment and adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

The next special meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.

DANBURY — ShopRite will become the anchor store at a Newtown Road shopping center – taking over the vacant former Stop & Shop.

Farley Santos, the city’s economic and community development advisor, confirmed Cingari Family Markets have reached an agreement to lease the 59,000-square-foot space, which has sat vacant since October 2024, in the Nutmeg Square shopping plaza. City officials and shopping center owners had been fielding significant interest over the space since Stop & Shop vacated the site.

“We’re bringing in an upscale grocery store ... this means more jobs, more opportunities in the city,” said Santos.

Santos said the Cingari family plans to invest more than $20 million in the location, with interior renovations, creation of a new entryway and structural modifications to allow for deliveries at the rear of the building. The plans will go before Planning and Zoning.

Mayor Roberto Alves announced the Shop Rite move during his state of the city address Friday.

“The Cingari family has been a steadfast partner to Danbury, and their decision to make another major investment in our city is extraordinary,” said Alves. “This new ShopRite will transform a critical commercial area, bringing renewed energy, good jobs and outstanding grocery options to our residents.”

This move builds on the family’s $20 million investment currently underway at their Padanaram Road ShopRite. This represents a combined investment exceeding $40 million in Danbury — one of the most significant retail investments in the region.

“We look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with the Cingaris as we bring this project to life together,” Alves said. “Their belief in Danbury, and in the future of this region, speaks volumes. Danbury continues to shine as the economic engine of Western Connecticut, and this project is another clear sign that businesses see our city as the place to grow and invest.”

When Stop & Shop announced the Newtown Road location would be closing, Santos said the city worked with the shopping center owners, Hawley Companies, to help find a major supermarket to anchor the site.

Santos said the 59,000-square-foot supermarket had attracted steady tenant inquiries for months, including interest from Cingari Family Markets, a family-owned chain of 10 ShopRite stores based in Norwalk that recently remodeled its Connecticut locations, including its Padanaram Road location, north of downtown Danbury.

Newtown Road is one of the busiest commercial corridors on Danbury's east end.

“Working closely with the Cingari family has been incredibly rewarding,” said Santos. “Their commitment to Danbury is reflected not just in the scale of their investment, but in the care they put into offering high-quality services to our residents.”

Santos also praised the property owners, Hawley Companies, for their efforts and investments in bringing ShopRite to the shopping center.

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Finance elected new leadership, heard budget and grant updates, and reviewed proposed revisions to contractor insurance requirements during its Dec. 8 meeting at the Municipal Center.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak opened the meeting at 7:31 p.m. by noting he had been in office for six days and was still acclimating to ongoing projects. He invited board members to share topics they would like included in his monthly reports.

James Gaston moved to nominate John Fletcher as board chair, a motion that was seconded and approved unanimously. Fletcher then supported a motion to nominate Steve Goodridge as vice chair, which also passed unanimously.

The board also appointed Nicole Kullgren as clerk following a unanimous vote.

Walczak reported on several ongoing initiatives, including:

No voter comments were submitted during the meeting.

Finance Director Glenys Salas clarified that the recent $50,000 Board of Education grant would follow the school district’s established approval process, as the BOE initiated and secured the funding.

She also reported that the Employee Medical Benefits Board approved an 11 percent increase in medical premiums and a 3 percent increase in dental premiums for employees. In addition, Salas reviewed general, proprietary and fund balance reports.

Goodridge reported that the CIP/Facilities/Finance Committee had not met since October but planned to resume meetings in January. Walczak said he would reestablish the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee at the next Board of Selectmen meeting and would outline the committee structure and Board of Finance participation.

Fletcher said he would reach out to the superintendent and Legislative Council to gauge interest in continuing a joint budget workshop.

Board member Amybeth Laroche introduced proposed revisions to the town’s Contractor Insurance Requirements and Indemnification Policy, included in the meeting packet. The changes address coverage limits, waiver of subrogation, indemnification language, and exceptions for instructors.

Members agreed Laroche should send her revisions to Salas for legal review before they return for potential approval at a future meeting.

The board unanimously approved the 2026 Board of Finance meeting calendar, with one modification: the Jan. 29, 2026 meeting will instead be held on Jan. 22, aligning with a previously approved schedule. The calendar lists regular meetings and budget sessions throughout the year.

With no further business or public comment, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

NEWTOWN, CT — Veterans Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with several opportunities around the area to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace.

Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to reflect the signing of the armistice ending World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The observance was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Are you planning an event yet this year? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are some upcoming Veterans Day events you shouldn’t miss in the area; the date is Nov. 11, unless otherwise stated:

There will be a Veterans Recognition Ceremony in Newtown, honoring Newtown veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War at the Newtown High School Auditorium on Monday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.

The main Veterans Day event in Danbury is the annual ceremony at the Danbury War Memorial at 1 Memorial Drive on Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m., which includes a march, speeches, and a wreath-laying.

In New Fairfield, the Lions Club is hosting a Veterans Day event at New Fairfield Veterans Park on Nov. 11 at 10:00 a.m.

The Bethel Veterans Day Ceremony, co-hosted by the Bethel Patriotic Association and the America 250 Bethel Committee, ceremony will feature a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event kicks off Nov. 11 at the Bethel Town Green, 1 School Street, at 11 a.m.

In Ridgefield, American Legion Post 78 is organizing an event to honor veterans at Lounsbury House, 316 Main Street, at 11 a.m.

Many national restaurant chains will offer deals or free meals for veterans on Nov. 11, including:

Newtown's composting system will expand under a $1.5M regional grant from the state's Sustainable Materials Management Program.

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown will see its local composting capacity expanded through a $1.54 million state grant awarded to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA), Governor Ned Lamont announced Wednesday.

The grant, part of $7.5 million distributed statewide through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grant Program, will support new and expanded waste reduction programs across 18 municipalities and regional groups.

The HRRA, which serves Newtown and 13 other area towns, will use the funding to expand Newtown’s existing aerated static pile composting system, develop additional food scrap collection sites, and purchase regional support equipment for waste diversion improvements in Bethel, Ridgefield, Kent, and other participating communities.

“With these grants, we’re continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to identify solutions to rising waste disposal costs that work for their communities,” Lamont said in a statement. “The smart and sustainable programs these grants will support give residents and municipalities more control over their disposal costs.”

DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said the state is investing in programs that address local needs while building long-term resilience in waste management. “We are excited to continue making significant investments in our municipal and regional partners who are at the forefront of the waste disposal crisis,” she said.

The SMM program, launched in 2022, aims to help towns reduce dependence on out-of-state waste disposal following the closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) facility in Hartford. That closure left municipalities with fewer in-state disposal options, increasing costs as waste was trucked to out-of-state landfills.

The program funds local efforts such as unit-based pricing systems, food scraps recycling programs, composting facilities, and technical support for waste authorities. The first round of SMM funding diverted more than 1,000 tons of waste from disposal, according to DEEP.

“The SMM grant program helps move our waste management system from outdated models to ones that are fiscally and environmentally sustainable,” said State Sen. Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), co-chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee.

Newtown has been at the forefront of HRRA’s composting initiatives, including its food scraps drop-off program at the transfer station and the regional composting pilot at the Public Works yard. The new funding will expand capacity and allow HRRA to process more material locally, reducing both disposal costs and trucking emissions.

Lamont said the grants reflect Connecticut’s broader goal of “restoring self-sufficiency in waste management” and stabilizing tipping fees across municipalities.