North Stonington Weekly Update 9/17/2021- School and Emergency Services Open House; COVID-19 Updates; West Nile Virus Mosquitos and more…

Happy Friday North Stonington!

Another busy week comes to a close as we start to see the temperature slowly dropping as we enter the autumn season.

We have a couple of exciting open houses coming up. Last year we had a ribbon cutting at the new Elementary School, but due to COVID restrictions we did not have the building open to tour. We have now scheduled an “open house” for anyone who would like to see our new State of the Art Elementary School. It will be held on Saturday, September 25th from 9am-1pm. Stop by and see this beautiful facility at your convenience that day! 

Our North Stonington Volunteer Fire Company his hosting an open house on October 10th from 10am-2pm. Truck and equipment demos will be given, as well as tours of the building. You can also find out how you can become a member of the team! 

We are in that time of year where West Nile Virus and EEE mosquitoes can turn up. We have had two incidents, but due to the types of mosquitos (some non-human biting, some not considered a major vector) there are not any major changes being recommended. Please see the press release below from Ledge Light Health District on recommendations and actions you can take to reduce chances of mosquito bites and activity.

Ledge Light Health District announced today those mosquitoes collected in North Stonington on August 31, 2021, have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The positive mosquito, psorophora ferox, which is known to bite birds and mammals, is not considered a major vector for the transmission of WNV. Positive WNV mosquitoes are normally expected during the summer months, and their presence serves as a reminder for residents to take standard precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

• Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• While outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or      Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure. When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home:

• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Clean clogged roof gutters.
• Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and cover pools when not in use.
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
• Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional resources for information on West Nile Virus and Mosquito Management can be found at http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp

If you need assistance or advice treating standing water on your property, a member of our Environmental Health staff can help. An Environmental Technician will visit your property and provide educational tips on how to prevent and eliminate mosquitoes. Contact Kara Allen at (860) 448-4882 ext. 1308 (towns east of the Thames River) or Patti Myers at (860) 434-1605, ext. 214 (towns west of the Thames River) for more information.

In Highway News this week, the crew was busy last Saturday helping at the SCRRRA event collecting and disposing of hazardous waste. Trees were cut around the Educational Center and along Hewitt Road. Brush was collected from the village green and school. The running trail from the rec field to the school was graded. Trees and weeds behind the Town Hall were cut back. Boombridge, Dennison Hill, and Putker roads were mowed along with town properties. Next week we will continue to cut and chip trees and branches along roads. More waterways will be cleaned out. The Senior Center will be prepped for a new paint job. Mowing will continue throughout town.

This week the Eastern Regional Tourism District held an info session for our area. It covered best practices and information on how Connecticut is and will be supporting tourism and economic growth in the coming years. Thanks to the District for putting on this event! 

Finally, we are hearing about more cases of COVID-19 now more than previously with kids. Please remember masks and vaccines are our protection from the virus. Transmission is generally not occurring in schools (because masks are required in school) it is happening in most cases because masks are not being worn and this virus is highly contagious. While there is not a mandate for masks it is highly encouraged that they are worn indoors. If everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated could do so that would help tremendously.

We hope everyone has a great week!

Mike Urgo

First Selectman