The category awards were presented during lunch on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Topical Category: Innovation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
Town of Groton
Thrive55+

Thrive55+ has been focusing on supporting persons in the community with dementia and developing programs to include this group and their families in programming and community activities.  Thrive55+ began Discover Connections program for persons with mild to moderate cognitive disorders. This program offers a place for those with any form of dementia to have fun, learn and be with others.

General Entry Award: Population Category 1 (20,000 and under)
Town of Tolland
ADA Accessibility – Grass Mat Project

Tolland has several events on the Town Green each year.  Our goal was to provide accessibility for the entire Town Green.  Working with citizens, business owners, Public Works, the Celebration Commission, and the Disability Commission we were able to gather ideas, and then purchase and install a product called Grass Mat.  This is used by handicapped individuals, people with strollers, small kids in wagons, and others and has made it much easier to navigate around the Town Green.  This has also led to discussions about other areas in the Town with accessibility needs.

General Entry Award: Population Category 2 (20,001 to 40,000)
Town of Trumbull
Local Meals and Main Street Dollar Program

Trumbull is committed to supporting local, small businesses.  We launched two initiatives and worked as a team to implement them.  The Local Meals Program was funded through grants and utilized local restaurants to provide lunch and dinner meals to vulnerable residents who were Covid impacted and/or low and moderate income.  The Main Street Dollars Pilot Program was funded through a grant.  Three small, locally owned businesses with gift shop aspects were selected.  Town residents who spent a minimum of $20 at the establishment were eligible to receive a gift certificate that could be used like cash.  The business then invoiced the gift certificate amount back to the Town.