Correction: CRCOG Meetings and Events updated - Discover Windsor, Help Shape Our Region, Join Our Team + More News

September 17, 2026 | Issue 9

The CRCOG Connection

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Get to Know the Town of Windsor, CT

The Bean @226 is a cozy neighborhood coffee shop tucked into Broad Street in downtown Windsor. A local favorite where regulars are greeted by name, and every drink is poured with care.

Did you know Windsor was Connecticut's first English settlement, established in 1633? Long before that, the area served as important hunting grounds, farmland, and a trade corridor for Indigenous communities.

Today, Windsor blends historic New England charm with a strong and diverse economy, driven by industries such as:

Insurance and financial services
Precision manufacturing
Distribution and logistics
Data management and technology
Hospitality

Windsor operates under a council-manager form of government. The town's nine-member bipartisan council elects a mayor from among its members and appoints a town manager to oversee daily operations.

Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke is the town’s first Black/African American woman to serve as its chief elected official and is also Treasurer of CRCOG’s Policy Board. Peter Souza, Windsor’s Town Manager since 2004, also serves as Chair of CRCOG’s Municipal Services Committee.

This newsletter is an 11-minute read. Thank you for reading!

Today, Windsor blends historic New England charm with a strong and diverse economy, driven by industries such as:

Insurance and financial services
Precision manufacturing
Distribution and logistics
Data management and technology
Hospitality

Windsor operates under a council-manager form of government. The town's nine-member bipartisan council elects a mayor from among its members and appoints a town manager to oversee daily operations.

Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke is the town’s first Black/African American woman to serve as and is also Treasurer of CRCOG’s Policy Board. Peter Souza, Windsor’s Town Manager since 2004, also serves as Chair of CRCOG’s Municipal Services Committee.

This newsletter is an 11-minute read. Thank you for reading!

Reminder: You Still Have Time to Take CRCOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan Survey

We're still looking for public feedback as CRCOG updates the region's long-range transportation plan. Your input will help shape transportation priorities for the next 20+ years.

Whether you travel by foot, bike, scooter, car, or public transit, we want to hear from you. Tell us what's working, what needs improvement, and what ideas you have for the future.

Take the survey .

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) identifies the region's highest transportation priorities and outlines projects and investments to meet future needs. Updated every four years, the plan reflects completed projects and evolving regional priorities.

Stay involved: Visit https://crcogct.gov/mtp/ for project updates, meeting dates, and information on joining the MTP mailing list.

Join the CRCOG Team as our Next Finance Officer

CRCOG is seeking a skilled and motivated Finance Officer to join our team and help support the important work we do across the Capitol Region. This key position plays a vital role in managing the organization's financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, grant oversight, and fiscal planning.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about using sound financial management to support programs and initiatives that make a positive impact in our communities. As Finance Officer, you'll work closely with staff and leadership to ensure financial accountability, transparency, and long-term organizational success.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of our region through sound financial leadership.

Two Communities, Two Conversations: Manchester & West Hartford Community Emergency Response Time (CERT) Profiles

“It's neighbors helping neighbors." That's how Don Janelle sums up two decades of CERT leadership in Connecticut. Connecticut's CERT teams aren't just about training manuals and worst-case scenarios. They're ordinary people showing up for their neighbors when it matters most; snowstorms, fundraisers, community events and, at times, tragedies.

Meet Don Janelle (Manchester) and Bob McCue (West Hartford), two incredible CERT leaders dedicated to safety, support and service. They discuss what it takes to lead a team and what they hope the next chapter of CERT looks like across our state.

What first drew you to CERT leadership, and what are some ways you have helped your community?

Don: I originally was in New Britain and started a CERT team over there. And then I retired and came over to Manchester, and the CERT team was already in existence here. My goal became to constantly be adjusting and tweaking. Some of the most notable activations we had were the HDI mass murder incident, the Kleen Energy explosion in Middletown, numerous snowstorms, and blizzards where the team supported the Emergency Operations Center and supported the emergency shelter operations, supported the COVID test kit distribution POD, and emergency food distribution PODs.

Bob: When COVID came, we really wanted to set up a group in West Hartford to help. Since its inception, West Hartford CERT volunteers have contributed nearly 14,000 hours of community service. Team members have distributed PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported vaccination clinics, assisted the town's Food Pantry, worked community parades and major events, and stand ready to assist during emergencies.

How would you describe your team's role in the community to someone who has never heard of you?

Bob: The advantage to CERT teams is that they're really like the Swiss Army knife of volunteers. You have a core group of volunteers that are very flexible, that we've already been able to train, that we know the strengths and weaknesses, and you can call them up when you need them.

Don: The thought process of CERT is if I taught you how to take care of your house, your family, and maybe your neighbor's family, make sure they're okay during a disaster; we create a network of neighbors helping neighbors.

What are the biggest challenges you face right now in your work?

Don and Bob: The biggest challenges are recruitment and retention. At times, you may have a small pool of people, and after 20 years, I've really saturated that market. It can be hard to get more people to take our trainings. We have to consider sustainability and legacy planning.

5. What advice would you give to a newer CERT team or to a town thinking about strengthening or restarting its CERT program?

Don: A CERT team must be affiliated with either an emergency management office, fire department, or police department. It's just a way to connect with your community, a way to just get a group of volunteers because sooner or later, you're going to need a group.

Bob McCue joined the Town of West Hartford Office of Emergency Management in 2019 after being hired by Fire Chief Greg Priest as Deputy Emergency Management Director. One of Chief Priest's primary goals was to establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for the town. Although planning was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, West Hartford CERT was launched in March 2021 to support the town's response efforts. The first CERT Basic Training class graduated with 29 volunteers in June 2021. Today, the team has grown to 210 active members, with 384 residents completing the program.

Don Janelle served 33 years as a firefighter with the New Britain Fire Department, retiring as Deputy Emergency Manager, Safety Officer, and LEPC Chair. After retiring, he joined Manchester Emergency Management as Deputy Emergency Management Director and Coordinator of Manchester CERT. He was charged with expanding the existing team and to keep the team well trained and ready to respond to any request to assist the town’s agencies.

Climate Preparedness Week: Small Actions, Big Impact

Did you know Connecticut residents generate millions of tons of trash each year? The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. When we think about preparing for climate challenges, we often focus on big solutions. But some of the most effective actions start at home.

During Climate Preparedness Week (September 21-30, 2026), it's a great reminder that reducing waste not only conserves resources, but also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce landfill use, and build more sustainable communities.

8 Easy Ways to Reduce Waste

1. Take a Waste Audit - Track what you throw away for a week. Identifying your biggest sources of waste is the first step toward reducing it.

2. Cut Food Waste with composting - Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers. Better yet, compost food scraps to keep them out of landfills and turn them into a valuable resource.

3. Choose Reusables - Swap single-use items for reusable alternatives like water bottles, coffee mugs, shopping bags, and food containers.

4. Reduce Packaging and Paper - Buy in bulk when possible, bring reusable containers, use paperless billing, and print only when necessary.

5. Reuse and Repurpose - Before throwing something away, consider donating, repairing, repurposing, or buying secondhand. Even textiles such as clothing, shoes, and linens can often be recycled. Check out CRCOG’s Textile Recycling Program through Bay State Textiles for more information.

6. Recycle Right - Many items can be recycled beyond your curbside bin, including mattresses, batteries, tires, gas cylinders, and more. Check the RecycleCT Wizard or contact your local public works department for guidance.

7. Redeem Beverage Containers - Return eligible bottles and cans for a deposit refund. You'll save money while keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream.

8. Give Building Materials a Second Life - Donate or purchase reusable building materials such as doors, windows, lighting fixtures, and other household items to reduce waste and save resources.

Building a More Resilient Connecticut

Climate preparedness isn't just about responding to future challenges. It's about making everyday choices that strengthen our communities today. By reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling correctly, each of us can play a role in creating a cleaner, more resilient Connecticut.

CRCOG's regional waste authority, the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA), works with municipalities to develop regional waste management and diversion solutions that support a more sustainable future. For more information about CCSWA, contact Robyn Nichols at CRCOG.

A New Face at CRCOG: Meet Alessandra

We're excited to welcome Alessandra Ballestas as our new UConn Public Policy intern. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Connecticut. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science, with a minor in Spanish, from Eastern Connecticut State University. Proud of her Guatemalan and Colombian heritage, Alessandra considers her culture a fundamental part of who she is and a driving force behind her commitment to learning, public service, and community engagement.

Professionally, Alessandra has interned with the Connecticut Department of Education, where she conducted research on social studies curriculum, and has also worked for Hartford 311 with the City of Hartford. These experiences have strengthened her interest in public administration and community-focused problem-solving.

Having seen firsthand the important role that funding plays in advancing community priorities, she looks forward to exploring grant opportunities, learning how an Annual Report is developed from the ground up, and creating clear, effective communications that connect with the public.

Outside of work and academics, Alessandra's favorite book is The Hunger Games. She admires Katniss Everdeen's unwavering dedication to protecting her sister in the face of extraordinary challenges, a quality that resonates with Alessandra's own strong commitment to family and the values that guide both her personal and professional life.

Policy's Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) Leadership October Workshop

The UConn School of Public Policy's Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) is pleased to announce its Fall 2026-Spring 2027 lineup of professional development workshops designed for public sector, nonprofit, and community leaders. Need help with grant writing and management? Don't miss Essential Skills for Grant-Writing & Grant Management.

Join Alyssa Goduti, President & CEO of Ädelbrook, and UConn SPP Adjunct Professor; Anne McIntyre-Lahner, CEO, Action 2 Outcomes, and UConn SPP Adjunct Professor for this impactful session.

Date: October 16, 2026

Time: 9 am – 4 pm (with 30-minute break)

Location: Hartford Times Building, UConn Hartford Campus

Don't forget CRCOG members and staff are eligible for a discounted partner registration rate of $149 per participant. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your employees, colleagues, and members. Organizations registering five or more participants qualify for a special group rate of $99 per person.

In addition, PSELC workshops are now eligible for Certified Connecticut Municipal Officia (CCMO) certification credit. For more information, please contact Danielle Walker at DWalker@CCM-CT.ORG.

CRCOG Anniversaries

28 years. What an incredible milestone!

Today we're celebrating Erik and recognizing nearly three decades of dedication, service, and commitment. Thank you for the impact you've made and the many contributions you've brought to our team and region over the years.

CRCOG Funding Opportunities

State and Federal Funding Opportunities

Have you read the latest funding newsletter ? Sign up to receive future issues or view the archives. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or for help applying for a grant. Here are some featured opportunities:

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration announced nearly $800 million in funding available through the PROTECT grant program, which funds planning and implementation projects that will make surface transportation assets more resilient. For ideas, see the State Resilience Improvement Plan and CRCOG’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan. Apply online by October 9, 2026.
CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) funding opportunities:
Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA), due November 6, 2026. Learn more.
Urban Green and Community Garden (UGCG), due December 4, 2026. Learn more.
Brownfield Funding Opportunities:
DECD Office of Brownfield Remediation & Development – Round 24 – financial assistance is available through four programs. Apply by September 9. Learn more.
CRCOG’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF) - CRCOG has issued a Request for Applications to fund brownfield cleanup projects. Loans and subgrants are available. Applications will be accepted until funds are obligated. Learn mor e .
Coming soon – Financial assistance from U.S. EPA for assessment and cleanup projects is expected to be announced in September. CRCOG is seeking funding to enter into a Cooperative Agreement for assessment projects.