A Message from First Selectman Vicki A. Tesoro

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Please read below about the return of our Main Street Dollars program! I encourage everyone to visit and support our small businesses by shopping local this holiday season!

As you may know the Hillcrest Middle School referendum question on the November ballot passed overwhelmingly! This allows the Hillcrest Building Committee to begin its work. All the building committee meetings are open to the public. You can find agendas and minutes of these meetings in the Agenda and Minutes Center on the town website.

There is also a button with a link to a dedicated site for the Hillcrest Middle School project on the homepage of the Town website which will be updated frequently with important information for the public.

We continue to work on many other Town initiatives and infrastructure projects including the various improvements around the Long Hill Green area. The traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Whitney Avenue will go live before the end of this month!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and a very happy and safe New Year!

Town News

Holiday Tree Lighting on December 6!

The Trumbull Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m.!

Come to hear the Madison Middle School Band and Harmony on the Sound Chorus delight us with holiday songs. Enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes thanks to Maefair Center for Health & Rehabilitation, and cookies from Icing on the Top.

DJ Tyler Cohen will be our MC for the evening, and after the tree is lit, Long Hill Volunteer Fire Co. #1 will arrive, bringing a very special guest--Santa!

Main Street Dollars Program Is Back!

For the fourth year, Trumbull will offer the Main Street Dollars program, providing a minimum of 250 certificates to Trumbull residents to be used from December 4, 2024 – January 31, 2025. The program is designed to promote locally run businesses that offer gift, entertainment, or personal wellness options for families to take advantage of during the holidays and winter months.

Each certificate is worth $15 dollars, and a customer must spend a minimum of $30 dollars at one of the participating businesses to apply the certificate. Certificates can be applied toward any services, goods, or merchandise at Plasko’s Farm, Pure Poetry, Next Chapter Bookstore, City Line Florist, Xperiment VR, and Naturally U, which is a new business in the Trumbull Mall. Up to two certificates per household will be offered this year. Residents can pick up certificates at the Economic and Community Development Office at Trumbull Town Hall, or at the Trumbull Senior Center on Priscilla Place beginning Wednesday, December 4th.

This effort is part of the Trumbull Celebrates Local initiative designed to support local Trumbull businesses. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the certificates and to visit and support our other small businesses in Town. For a list of many Trumbull small, locally operated businesses, please visit www.trumbull-ct.gov/895/Locally-Owned-Businesses. 

This program is made possible by the generosity of The Mustard Seed Foundation and Trumbull Rotary Club. For more information about the Main Street Dollars certificates contact Rina Bakalar at 203-452-5043 or rbakalar@trumbull-ct.gov or Michele Jakab at 203-452-5199 or mjakab@trumbull-ct.gov.

Townwide Leaf Pick-Up is Underway!

Trumbull Public Works crews began the process of picking up leaves throughout town on November 4. This year, the starting point was in the southeast quadrant, generally south of Strobel Road. From there, the crews have been proceeding clockwise, completing the southeast and southwest quadrants and continuing on to the northwest and then northeast quadrants. They will overlap the starting point once to ensure pick-up of leaves that may not have fallen yet at the time the process started.

Residents can track the leaf collection progress by viewing the Leaf Pickup Progress Map, which is updated daily during the progam.

GBT Connect Microtransit Program in Trumbull

Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) offers a micro-transit program within the Town of Trumbull. This program offers affordable ride sharing services within Trumbull, helping residents, patrons, and local workforce reach their destinations. Users can download the app, request a ride, and a vehicle will pick them up and take them to their destination within Town for $4. The service is available seven days a week from 6:00AM to 8:00PM. There is also an online booking website or you can call 203-916-9355 to get a ride. Find out more at gbtconnect.org .

The Trumbull Library Wants to Hear from You!

The Trumbull Library is planning for the future and wants your help. Whether you attend programs a lot or a little, for kids, teens or adults, at either library branch -- they want to hear from you. Help them serve you better by taking a two minute program survey.

Burn Ban Lifted

The burn ban that had been in effect due to the dry, windy conditions has been lifted in Trumbull as of November 27, 2024. Thank you to all who cooperated to make Trumbull safe!

Economic & Community Development News

Financial Management Workshop Held

On November 14, a workshop was held at the Trumbull Library on "Financial Management and Cost Containment in Changing Times." It was presented in collaboration with the Trumbull Economic & Community Development Department, the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce, and SCORE. The speaker was Peter Tallian, a Fairfield County SCORE mentor.

New Restaurant Coming to Trumbull Center

Antonio's Bistro is coming soon to the former location of Parker. Steaks & Scotch in Trumbull Center. Antonio's has another location in Darien. Join us in welcoming them to Trumbull!

Health Department News

Trumbull Health Department Teen Advisory Group

The Trumbull Health Department Teen Advisory Group has been busy providing joy to so many residents. On October 19, teens gathered at Nichols Congregational Church to help make more than 150 blankets for Binky Patrol to give to those in need. Following this event, they assisted the YMCA in their Trunk r Treat event. Decorated cars filled the parking lot with many volunteers handing out goodies to the more than 200 trick or treaters. On November 21, 2024, 15 teens gathered at the senior center to help decorate for the holidays. The lunchroom was filled with snowflakes and candy canes, and the office doors were covered in gnomes, snowmen, and Santa Claus.

The Teen Advisory Group consists of 35 teens from Fairchild Wheeler, Hillcrest Middle School, Madison Middle School, St. Joseph High School, and Trumbull High School. If you are interested in joining the Trumbull Health Department Teen Advisory Group visit our website (www.trumbull-ct.gov) to download the volunteer form and submit it to the sjacozzi@trumbull-ct.gov.

Flu and Covid Vaccines Available at the Trumbull Health Department

It is not too late to get your flu and Covid vaccines before the holidays. Call the Trumbull Health Department for an appointment at 203-452-1030 extension 0. The Trumbull Health Department is located at 335 White Plains Road.

School News

Agriscience Holiday Shop

The annual Holiday Shop will take place on Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Agriscience & Biotechnology Center, 536 Daniels Farm Road. Come for student-made and grown wreaths, swags, poinsettias, and a craft fair on Saturday!

State Department of Education Accountability Index

The State of Connecticut has released its performance accountability ratings, and Trumbull Superintendent of Schools Dr. Martin Semmel is proud to announce that we have moved up from #7 to #6 in the rankings, with every elementary school recognized as a School of Distinction. This success is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding educators, families, and the Board of Education, all of whom play a crucial role in supporting our students' learning. Congratulations!

US News and World Report School Rankings

US News and World Report has released its rankings of school districts. Three Trumbull schools were in the top 25 of their respective levels in the State of CT. Daniels Farm was listed at #7 out of 838! Hillcrest Middle School was listed at #10 out of 558! And Trumbull High School was ranked #16 out of 204!

You can read about the rankings at the following links: Elementary School Rankings, Middle School Rankings, High School Rankings.

Daniels Farm School Students Raised Money for the Trumbull Food Pantry

Daniels Farm School Student Council representatives and students from Ms. Sullivan’s kindergarten class presented a $2,045.21 check to First Selectman Tesoro for the Trumbull Food Pantry. The proceeds were collected during the annual DFS “Dolphins for Turkeys” fund raising event. Thank you to the Daniels Farm School students for the generous gift to the Trumbull Food Pantry!

Sustainable Trumbull

Glass Recycling

Holidays inevitably involve cooking and entertaining, which means lots of empty glass to dispose. Reminder that the Town of Trumbull has a separate ‘GLASS ONLY’ recycling container at the Trumbull Transfer Station which collects 2 to 2.5 tons of glass monthly.

Under a pilot program designed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), residents can voluntarily bring their glass recyclables to deposit in the GLASS ONLY recycling container.

Accepted glass includes: rinsed glass bottles (redeemable and non-redeemable, food jars, and wine and liquor bottles.

Unaccepted items: Do not drop off mirrors; window glass; drinking glasses; glass, ceramic, or clay plates, cups, pots or bakeware; lightbulbs

Reminders: No bags, boxes, lids, caps, tops, or corks. Glass only.

Why Recycle Glass Separately?

While it is convenient to put glass into the blue bin, contamination from non-recyclables can occur. This can compromise the quality of our recycling/ When you separate glass from mixed recycling, each recycling stream is freed from contamination. The clean, separated glass can be sold and recycled into new bottles and jars or other products such as industrial filler for cement, and the higher quality mixed recycling commodities become more marketable.

Tips on How to Have a Sustainable Holiday

Consider regifting. Keeping items in circulation and out of landfills. Shop at local consignment stores for great gift finds at a fraction of the price tag.

Paper wrapping paper is not recyclable. Reduce gift wrapping waste by wrapping gifts in reusable bags, scarves, fabric, totes, or other reusable containers. If you use paper wrapping, consider saving it for future gift wrapping.

Gift experiences such as memberships, gift cards, and tickets to performances. Try a new restaurant, spa, kid’s activities, concert, theater, mall, and more.

Reduce food waste by meal planning, make a shopping list, and only buying what you need. And set your table with washable/reusable plates and napkins vs disposable paper plates and utensils.

For more sustainable tips, follow Sustainable Trumbull on Facebook and Instagram!

Human Services Department News

Coping Strategies for Teens

Trumbull Teens: Learn strategies to de-stress and calm yourself to help you successfully navigate challenging circumstances. Whatever may be the source of your challenges or stressful circumstances, you can learn skills to improve how you cope and how you interact with others. Flyer with More Information.

The upcoming 6 week session begins on Thursday, January 9, 2025 ending February 13, 2025

Upcoming Events

Coastal Mix Holiday Concert at the Trumbull Library

It's the holiday season! Come to the Trumbull Library on December 8 at 2:00 p.m. and enjoy some festive music with Coastal Mix. They will sing songs of the season and more. https://trumbull.libcal.com/event/12371349

Coastal Mix is an a cappella, mixed voice chorus dedicated to bringing family-friendly entertainment to the community. Formerly known as "The Coastal Chordsmen," they are now a mixed-voice chorus, welcoming all singers regardless of gender. Officially the Bridgeport, CT chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society International, they have been entertaining audiences in Southern Connecticut and beyond for over 75 years!

Holiday Cookie Decorating

Icing on Top is hosting cookie decorating workshops! Participants will be introduced to the basics of cookie decorating; including how to outline, flood, and add details using royal icing. Each participant will decorate a set of cookies, applying the techniques learned during the class. Then, participants will take home their decorated cookies as a delightful keepsake or gift! No prior experience in cookie decorating needed. However, these workshops are also suitable for intermediate decorators looking to refine their skills.

Date: December 14, 2024

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: The Center at Pricilla Place, 23 Priscilla Place, Trumbull, CT 06611

Register online at https://trumbullct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29926#0_144937

New Muse Productions Presents: A Christmas Carol

Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol.

This 1-hour adaptation shows Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a grumpy, selfish misanthrope to a generous, wise and kindly man, full of the spirit of Christmas. With Stephen playing Scrooge and Poornima swiftly changing between the other characters, this fast-paced, playful adaptation keeps the beauty and humor of Dickens’ original text, interspersed with melodious Christmas carols, and even a lively English folk dance.

Come warm your heart and ring in the holiday season with this refreshing take on a familiar tale! At the Trumbull Library on December 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Friday Roller Skating

Trumbull Parks & Recreation announces the return of Friday night roller skating! Pre-registration by session is required. You can borrow a pair of sanitized skates! Sizes and availability are limited and soft-wheel skates are mandatory.

Register now for December and/or January sessions here.

Li-Garden Dance Company -- Chinese Dance Performance

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Li-Garden Dance Company!

Join us for a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year! This festive program will feature traditional Chinese folk dance performances by Li-Garden Dance Company, showcasing four unique and captivating dance pieces. Between each performance, we’ll have a special Chinese calligraphy demonstration to introduce you to the beauty and artistry of Chinese characters. After the performances, stay for an interactive session where you can ask questions about Chinese culture, take photos with colorful props, and let young children experience the fun firsthand! This event offers a wonderful way to celebrate Chinese New Year and learn more about the rich traditions behind it.

Don’t miss this chance to welcome the Lunar New Year with us! Perfect for families, children, and all ages interested in experiencing the magic of Chinese dance and culture.

At the Trumbull Library on January 11 at 2:00 p.m.

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Watch Town Meetings Live or Recorded

Did you know that Town meetings that are held in Council Chambers at Town Hall are live streamed so you can watch at home? To watch, go to the TCTV YouTube channel and click on LIVE.

Most Town meetings are recorded so you can watch them any time. Go to www.trumbullps.tv and click on "Watch Now" and then "On Demand", or go right to the On Demand Page.

In addition, TCTV is available to the following cable customers:
* All new and existing Spectrum customers on channel 194
* All existing Frontier customers on channel 6019

News from the First Selectman - November 2024