Tolland Reopening And Primary Election Updates

Press release from the Town of Tolland:

June 23, 2020

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but those over 50 years of age are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

The Red Cross offers the following tips for staying cool and safe this season:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00AM and 7:00AM.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is crucial to know what to do if an emergency arises.

The Town of Tolland is beginning to roll out eased restrictions under the next phase of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Town Hall:
Town Hall remains closed to the public at this time. All in-person public meetings and public hearings continue to take place remotely using video conferencing software. If a meeting is taking place virtually, the agenda will have instructions on how to access the meeting remotely.
Effective Monday, June 29, Town Hall will return to being fully staffed with all employees reporting to work during normal business hours. Town offices are staffed Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Please call the office you need to determine if your request can be obtained via mail or email. The Town departments’ contact information can be located via our website www.tolland.org/departments.
Tolland Parks, Playgrounds and Open Space:

All Town playgrounds and tennis courts have reopened to the public. Basketball courts are set to reopen on or about July 6. As a reminder, please follow the executive orders set forth by the Governor. The executive orders can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Governors-Actions/Executive-Orders
Tolland Recreation has decided to cancel Crandall Park Summer Camp for the summer of 2020. This decision was difficult, but the safety of our participants and staff are our utmost concern.

Animal Control:
The Tolland Animal Control is hosting a drive-through rabies clinic on July 11, 2020 from 10:00AM – 12:00PM at Tolland High School, One Eagle Hill, Tolland. The costs is $10.00 in exact change. All persons must wear a mask and remain in their vehicles until instructed. Please refer to Tolland’s Animal Control Facebook page for additional information. Call Animal Control at 860-871-3676 should you need more information or additional accommodations.

Library:
The Tolland Public Library continues to offer curbside pick-up, Monday through Thursday, 10:00AM - 7:45PM and Friday and Saturday 10:00AM - 4:45PM. Holds can still be placed on Tolland items only. We encourage patrons to use our book drop.
The 2020 Summer Reading Program is ready to go! The theme is Imagine Your Story. The program will run from Monday, June 22 through Friday, August 14 for kids (entering Grades K-5th) and tweens/teens (entering Grades 6th -12th). Online registration can be found at http://tollandlibrary.readsquared.com. If you do not have access to a computer, call the library (860 871-3620) and we will provide you with a written log. Prizes will be awarded until August 24 and have been funded by the Friends of the Tolland Public Library. The more you read the more prizes you will receive!

For our Tolland Community:

• The Presidential Preference Primaries originally scheduled for April 26, 2020 will be held on August 11, 2020.Polling locations at the Senior Center and Tolland Recreation Center will be open from 6:00AM – 8:00PM.A Republican Primary to determine the candidate for the 2nd Congressional District will also take place at the same time.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by executive order, every registered Republican and Democratic Party member will receive an absentee ballot application for those who prefer to vote by mail.
• Tolland Senior Center will remain closed to the public until further notice.We are working on proactive measures and assistance programs to aid our seniors and high-risk populations.While the Town develops these programs, we encourage those most at-risk to call a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend to help with tasks if needed.
• Willimantic Waste has reinstated curbside monthly bulky waste/metal collection. Reservations are required.Curbside pick-ups are done on the first full week of each month at a cost of $32 per pick-up for up to (4) reasonable sized items. You can call Willimantic Waste at (800) 286-5335 or schedule on-line.
• The Mid-NEROC Household Chemical Waste Drop-Off Facility at 57 Hancock Road in Willington is scheduled to reopen on July 18, 2020.The drop-off facility is located off Ruby Road/Route 320 or Exit 71 off I-84, and is open the first and third Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, from mid-April through early November except holiday weekends.
• The next Electronics recycling event is scheduled for October 24, 2020, 8:00AM – 12:00PM at Tolland High School.

This press release was produced by the Town of Tolland. The views expressed here are the author's own.