Hi, Redding! Please find the latest Redding community update from First Selectwoman, Julia Pemberton
Today, January 15, 2025 marks the 96th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his commitment to nonviolent social change and his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. In a time of growing economic inequality and social division, let his legacy inspire us to build a peaceful, sustainable, tolerant, and more equitable world.
On Monday, January 20th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Town of Redding offices and the Transfer Station will be closed. Redding, Easton, and Region 9 schools (Joel Barlow High School) are also closed.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to read on, get to know a little bit about our new Board of Selectmen member, find background information about the upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, January 20th at 6:30 PM at Town Hall, and discover the latest updates on recycling. I recently learned that I shouldn't place my regular batteries in the household trash!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
- Julia Pemberton
Visit the Town of Redding website for a calendar of Board/Commission meetings.
Welcome Diana Carlino
The Board of Selectmen welcomed Diana Carlino last week, appointing her to fill the vacancy created by Peg O'Donnell's departure. Diana was sworn in by Town Clerk Michele Grande.
Please join me in congratulating Diana Carlino. We are fortunate to have her bring her character, experience, and capabilities to this important role.
A Redding resident since 2016, Diana has served as an elected member of the Zoning Commission, as a Trail Tender for the Redding Land Trust, and on the Mark Twain Library Programming Committee. Before moving to Redding, she lived in Bethel, where she was elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals and served as Secretary of the Insurance and Pension Committee.
Diana has also been the Chair of the Redding Democratic Town Committee and worked on committees to elect Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, Steven DeMoura, and Candace Faye to the State Assembly.
Professionally, Diana is an attorney and Partner at Newfield, Biondo & Carlino, LLC in Norwalk, where she represents healthcare providers in litigation and licensing matters.
Diana enjoys volunteering as a Coach with Vermont Adaptive, teaching people with disabilities to ski, and serving as a “Judge” for the Civics First Mock Trial Competition.
Town Budget 2025-2026
The Board of Selectmen's first budget workshop took place last Friday at Town Hall, where each department head presented their proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. Diana was present from the beginning of this process, gaining valuable insights into our local government's operations.
As we continue to work on the budget to present to voters in May, we encourage your participation. Please attend future meetings and share your thoughts during the public comment portion.
Special Town Meeting
On Tuesday, January 21st, a Special Town Meeting will be held at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall Hearing Room. The meeting will discuss a request by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for an easement over the Town's Bruzelius Trail to provide access to the 100-acre Granskog property.
Background
The Town of Redding has historically partnered with TNC to protect lands of conservation concern. TNC now seeks an easement to provide public access to a previously undeveloped 100-acre parcel.
A State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection grant of $1.1 million will fund the purchase of this land, conditioned on securing public access via the Bruzelius Trail.
The Granskog property is part of a contiguous 15,300-acre network of protected open space and forest. It will help preserve vital resources and habitats while preventing future development in the area.
Recycling: What's In, What's Out?
Start the new year by recycling correctly! Check out the HRRA website for the latest updates on acceptable materials.
- Mark Your Calendars: The 6 Household Hazardous Waste events in 2025
- Download the “What’s In/What’s Out” recycling guide to stick in your kitchen.
- Use the Recycle CT app to find quick answers.
- Join a Food Scrap Recycling program in your town!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. I hope to see you at the Special Town Meeting and to hear your thoughts on these important matters.