Ice Age Relief: Several Sand Bins Strategically Placed In Vernon

VERNON, CT — To help alleviate the residential consternation over the latest supply chain casualty — winter sidewalk and driveway treatment — Vernon's Department of Public Works has placed bins and barrels full of sand at strategic points in town.

Friday was a good example. As rain pelted the town, every store in the western half of town was either sold out of the treatment or hadn't see it for weeks. The temperature kept dropping the residents began worrying about icy conditions on their properties.

"We haven't had any for two weeks," a staffer at Ocean State Job Lot said about the treatment.

Alas, less than a mile up Route 30, in the community pool parking lot at 375 Hartford Turnpike, a large sand bin was full and waiting for residents with buckets and shovels.

After heavy usage last weekend, the bin was topped off just after noon on Monday.

DPW crews were checking other locations Monday as well.

The town maintains a large sand pile at the Nye Street DPW lot. Sand barrels are located at tricky roads like Maiden Lane, Pine Street and Cherry Street.

Residents can fill buckets free of charge.