Stories
<p>Flanders is holding two bluebird nest box-building workshops this year. The first will take place on Saturday, February 15, and the second on Saturday, February 22. Both sessions are starting at 1:30 PM in the Flanders Studio<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> located at the corner of Flanders and Church Hill Road in Woodbury.</span></p><p>The program begins with a presentation which touches on the history of the Eastern Bluebird and discusses the role of the bluebird nest box initiative in helping to increase the populations of these beautiful birds to sustainable levels. Following the slideshow presentation, participants will build their very own nest box using the kits provided.</p><p>Once common throughout Connecticut, the Eastern Bluebird, the only bluebird species found in New England, has declined in numbers. One significant contributing factor to this decline is the lack of suitable nesting spots needed by the bluebird to successfully raise young. The construction of nest boxes and their establishment in appropriate habitat is helping the bluebird make a comeback. Flanders’s ongoing bluebird program has helped bring dozens of Eastern bluebirds back to the area.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wanting to encourage others to also provide appropriate nesting spots for the birds, all the materials needed to build a bluebird box will be provided at the programs and participants will be constructing a nest box to take home with them. </span>Information and tips needed for installing and maintaining a successful bluebird nest box to <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">encourage bluebirds to your property will also be covered.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This program is wonderful for families as well as adults. The cost for each bluebird nest box kit is $31. Preregistration is required, space is limited and fills quickly so early registration is recommended. </span>Those interested may register online at <a href="https://flandersnaturecenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://flandersnaturecenter.org/</a> or call 203-263-3711 for more information.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p>
<h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Love is all we need!</span></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">All gift cards are not alike so give the best…let them choose with an</span><a href="https://www.adambroderick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> adam broderick salon & spa</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> (ab) beauty and wellness gift card. For every $175 in ab gift cards you purchase, receive an additional $25 gift card through Valentine’s Day, February 14th. </span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The ab Boutique</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Your Valentine’s Day just got a little easier. The beauty, wellness and grooming experts at ab are on hand to help you select the perfect gift. Complimentary gift wrap.</span></p>
<p>The Town of Southbury is hosting a Public Informational Meeting regarding the replacement of Bridge No. 130-009, which carries Old Field Road over Bullet Hill Brook in the Town of Southbury.</p><p>The project is currently in the design phase. Bids will be solicited for complete replacement of the existing bridge. The project was approved under the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program, which will reimburse the Town for 50% of the project’s eligible costs.</p><p>A presentation by the Town will be held on <strong>Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Room 205A</strong> of Town Hall, 501 Main Street South, Southbury, CT. The public is invited to attend the presentation. The presentation and meeting minutes will be made available after the meeting.</p><p>The meeting will be streamed at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC7xcF6-Lw2W3VDl6sJVNUA/live" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>.</p><p>It is the Town’s policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its feedback to assist in the project’s development. Anyone interested in obtaining further information or providing input may do so by attending the Public Informational Meeting or by contacting Gary Giroux, P.E., of Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. at <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">gary@cardinal-engineering.com</span>.</p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Maple sugaring time, a New England tradition, will be starting soon at Flanders! Each year hundreds of trees are tapped at the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary, Fleming Preserve, and around Woodbury. Tree tapping day, weather permitting is scheduled for Saturday, February 1. No experience is needed and all ages and families are welcome to come help out. For coordination purposes, we are requesting that those planning on coming that day preregister for one of two times, 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM. Tree-tapping volunteers will meet at the Flanders Sugar House, which is located at 48 Church Hill Road in Woodbury. Volunteers are asked to bring on Tapping Day a cordless drill, twist drill bits (correct size is 7/16”), extra batteries (make sure they are fully charged), a hammer, and to dress for the weather (warm layers and sturdy waterproof boots/shoes)!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tree tapping is just the start of the busy maple season for Flanders! Volunteers are also needed to collect sap and help out at maple sugaring activities such as weekend syrup-making demonstrations and the annual pancake breakfast on March 2 where Flanders syrup will be served!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Interested parties can register for the tapping day online on the Flanders website </span><a href="http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: green;"><strong>www.flandersnaturecenter.org</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or by calling the office at 203-263-3711. If you are interested in volunteering during the maple season, but have questions please call and we will be happy to answer all questions.</span></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Community Roller Skating Party</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">1/23/2025 | 5:30-7:30pm</span></p><p>Pomperaug end of season community skating event at Roller Magic. Organizer: Pomperaug Youth Football and Cheerleading.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9615" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><p><strong>ONGOING</strong></p><p><strong>Snow Sculpture Contest</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Submit by March 17, 2025</span></p><p>Once we get a little snow that sticks, go outside and build a snowman, fort, or anything your creativity thinks of! Then submit a picture of your snowy creation to Parks and Recreation Department. Organizers: Southbury Parks and Recreation.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9581" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><p><strong>Guess the Toys in the Jar Contest</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Submit by March 28, 2025</span></p><p>Stop by the Southbury Parks and Recreation office and guess the total number of toys in the jar. All ages are welcome to participate. Organizers: Southbury Parks and Recreation.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://southburyct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29897" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><p><strong>Southbury Garden Club Scholarship</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Submit by March 31, 2025</span></p><p>A scholarship for graduating seniors who live in Southbury and are planning to study horticulture or a related field at an accredited institution. Organizers: Southbury Garden Club.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9641" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><p><strong>COMING SOON</strong></p><p>2/02/2025 - <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9636" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Keeping Our Kids Safer</a></p><p>2/02/2025 - <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9597" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EyeRecycle Bottle and Can Redemption Popup</a></p><p>View more future events: <a href="http://www.southbury-ct.org/events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Upcoming Events Listing</a></p><p>Submit your organization's event to the Town of Southbury listing: <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/submitevent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Submit Event</a></p>
<p>Governor Ned Lamont recently announced the induction of 14 distinguished veterans into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, highlighting the contributions of local heroes, including Southbury resident Stanley J. Prybylski, who will be honored posthumously.</p><p>The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates veterans who have not only served the nation but also made remarkable impacts on their communities. The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill.</p><p>“There are so many veterans from Connecticut who have continued their generosity even after leaving military service by volunteering in their communities and providing leadership that has improved the lives of others in many ways,” Governor Lamont said. “The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates these individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and made a lasting impact. I congratulate the 14 veterans being inducted this year and thank them for all they’ve done for our nation and the State of Connecticut.”</p><h3>Southbury’s Stanley Prybylski: A Life of Courage and Community Dedication</h3><p>Stanley J. Prybylski, who will be honored posthumously, exemplified courage and commitment. Born in Danbury, Prybylski served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1969, where he suffered severe injuries in Vietnam, earning him a Purple Heart. After recovering, he dedicated his professional life to criminal justice, holding roles as a police officer, corrections officer, and probation officer.</p><p>Prybylski’s service extended into his personal life, where he became an active Southbury community volunteer. He contributed to organizations like the Beautification Committee, the VFW, and local school events. He passed away on February 17, 2024, at 79, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and devotion to family and community.</p><p>These local honorees are a testament to the extraordinary impact veterans can have, not just during military service but in all facets of community life. Their stories and contributions serve as an inspiration to Connecticut residents and beyond.</p>
<h3>Southbury VFW Post 1607 Hosts Blood Drive</h3><h3><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">1/10/2025 | 12:00-5:00pm</span></h3><p>Give blood and be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Organizer: Southbury VFW Post 1607 and American Red Cross.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9596" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><h3>ONGOING</h3><h3>Snow Sculpture Contest</h3><h3><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Submit by March 17, 2025</span></h3><p>Once we get a little snow that sticks, go outside and build a snowman, fort, or anything your creativity thinks of! Then submit a picture of your snowy creation to Parks and Recreation Department. Organizers: Southbury Parks and Recreation.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9581" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><h3>Guess the Toys in the Jar Contest</h3><h3><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Submit by March 28, 2025</span></h3><p>Stop by the Southbury Parks and Recreation office and guess the total number of toys in the jar. All ages are welcome to participate. Organizers: Southbury Parks and Recreation.</p><p>Click for <a href="https://southburyct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29897" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the event's details.</a></p><h3>COMING SOON</h3><p>1/23/2025 - <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9615" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Community Roller Skating Party</a></p><p>2/02/2025 - <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=9597" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EyeRecycle Bottle and Can Redemption Popup</a></p><p>View more future events: <a href="http://www.southbury-ct.org/events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Upcoming Events Listing</a></p><p>Submit your organization's event to the Town of Southbury listing: <a href="https://www.southbury-ct.org/submitevent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Submit Event</a></p>