From left to right: Sen. Paul Doyle, Rockfall Foundation Executive Director Claire Rusowicz, Sen. Len Suzio, Rep. Joseph Serra.

In a May 17 ceremony at Dekoven House Community Center, area legislators presented an official citation to The Rockfall Foundation (www.rockfallfoundation.org) in honor of the 40th anniversary of the foundation’s granting program.

The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, conservation and planning initiatives in Middlesex County.

“The Rockfall Foundation is one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations,” Sen. Len Suzio said. “For decades, this organization has brought people together to conserve and enhance the county’s natural environment. We are all so proud of the great work they do, and they are deserving of this honor to mark a major milestone.”

Senator Markley talks with Larry Rifkin

Senator Markley talks with Larry Rifkin

Senator Markley talks with Larry Rifkin

Meriden resident Dr. Robert Bertolli (left) talks to Sen. Len Suzio (right) about the technology he uses in his optometry practice. On May 11, Suzio visited Bertolli’s Sears Optical office location in Westfield Mall and presented him with an official citation. Bertolli has been named Optometrist of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Optometrists.

On May 11, State Sen. Len Suzio presented an official citation to Meriden resident Dr. Robert Bertolli on being named Optometrist of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Optometrists.

Bertolli, an optometrist for 28 years, has an office location in the Westfield Mall at Sears Optical.

“Dr. Bertolli deserves this honor not just for his skills as an optometrist but also for the effort he makes to give back to the profession and to the community,” Sen. Suzio said during a tour of Sears Optical. “He truly cares about residents of Meriden and we are so proud of his accomplishment.”

Suzio (www.senatorsuzio.com) represents Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown and Rockfall. He can be reached at Len.Suzio@cga.ct.gov or at 800 842 1421.

On May 16, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that several Connecticut small businesses have qualified for assistance through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP).

The program was created as a part of the bipartisan Jobs Bill passed during last year’s jobs special session, to encourage business expansion and job growth.

“Small businesses need access to capital to reach new customers,” Governor Malloy said. “The Small Business Express Program is giving these already-successful businesses a path to obtain the funding they need to retain and grow jobs.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

Among the businesses is MacNaughton Builders, LLC of East Granby.
The company is receiving a $100,000 matching grant. The company will invest a total of $200,000 in leasehold improvements, capital equipment, and employee training, enabling MacNaughton’s expansion into the home energy retrofit trade.

The company will hire 15 new positions.

“Our goal is to pave the way for job creation in East Granby,” State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) said. “We need to do all we can to help growing small businesses like MacNaughton Builders. These 15 new jobs will boost the local economy and pay big dividends for East Granby.”

“This grant is a positive development for both MacNaughton Builders, LLC and for East Granby,” State Representative Elaine O’Brien (D-East Granby, Suffield, Windsor) said. “We are still facing an economy that continues to be a challenge. It’s important that we continue to invest in our businesses and this investment in MacNaughton will lead to the hiring of 15 new employees and job creation must continue to be our goal.”

This year’s session was the “short” session because it was only three months long. Much was packed into that time frame, and I decided that hosting a series of Town Hall meetings would allow me to share information about the legislation that was discussed and passed into law with you. From Sunday sales of alcohol to education reform, budget adjustments to storm response, the General Assembly tackled many issues over the past three months.

However you feel about these issues, I encourage you to come out and join me to learn more about the legislation and ask me any questions that you may have. Some of these events will be hosted by me while others will be hosted by my colleagues in the House of Representatives. Please see the following schedule of Town Hall meetings in our district:

New Hartford — Town Hall, Senior Center Meeting Room, 530 Main Street
Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Torrington — Town Hall Auditorium, 140 Main Street
Wednesday, May 16th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Granby — Town Hall, Meeting Room, 15 North Granby Road
Thursday, May 17th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Avon — Town Hall, Selectman’s Chamber, 60 West Street
Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Simsbury — Eno Memorial Hall, Youth Room, 754 Hopmeadow Street
Thursday, May 24th at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Canton — Community Center, Room F, 40 Dyer Avenue
Wednesday, May 30th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

If you cannot make one in your town, I encourage you to attend another nearby. The meetings are a good opportunity to discuss the laws that were passed and any other thoughts or concerns that you may have. For up-to-date information about these meetings and other issues, please visit my website at www.SenatorWitkos.com where you can sign up to receive email updates. It is my hope that you will come out and join me at one of these events. I look forward to seeing you there!