Drug takeback day is Saturday in Torrington

Torrington Police taking back unwanted prescription drugs April 29

TORRINGTON >> On Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Torrington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to Torrington Police Department at 576 Main Street. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.

“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, police officials said. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.” For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event on April 29, go to the DEA Diversion website at

www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ drug_disposal/takeback/

Water main cleaning to begin

LITCHFIELD >> Aquarion Water Company will hold a water main cleaning program to ensure that customers in Litchfield continue to receive the highest quality water. The work will begin on Monday, April 24 and continue through Thursday, May 4. While Aquarion crews are cleaning the water mains, customers may notice some discoloration in their water. This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally-occurring minerals that settle in water mains. Customers are encouraged to store tap water in the refrigerator ahead of time for drinking and cooking. If the water is discolored, customers should delay washing clothes until the water is clear.

The schedule is: Monday, April 24, 10 p.m.,-3 a.m.: Gallows Lane, Meadow Street, South Lake Street

Wednesday, April 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Bridle Path, Brook Hill Rd., Goshen Road, Minerva Lane, Norfolk Road, Pumping Station Road, Reservoir Road, Timber Lake Court

Thursday, April 27: 8 a.m.-4 pm.: Beecher Lane, Goshen Road, North Street, Prospect Street, Talmadge Lane

Friday, April 28: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: East Street, Torrington Road, West Street

Additional information about the cleaning schedule, including the street locations where Aquarion crews will be working, may be found by calling 1-800203-7000 or visiting www. aquarionwater.com under alert listings. Customers can contact Aquarion’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-732-9678 with questions.

Registration open for babysitting classes

TORRINGTON >> Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is holding two Babysitting classes in May.

Babysitter Safety 101 will take place on May 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This class is for future babysitters, ages 10-15, and will be held at the Torrington Armory. Instructed by Life Safe Services, this course will enable 10-15 year olds to safely watch over babies and younger children. This is an introductory course intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. The course focuses on safety with emphasis on prevention. Basic first aid and obstructed airway management for a conscious choking adult/child and infant will be covered. Other topics include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interview skills and many more topics.

Babysitter Safety 102 Class will be held May 13, 1:30-4:30 p.m. This course is designed for the older sitter, age 12 to 16+, who has previously attended an introductory class with a sincere interest in advanced concepts and skills of First Aid including CPR certification. Building on the basic skills from Babysitter Safety 101, objectives for this scenario based, expanded course includes additional First Aid concepts, Adult/Child and Infant CPR. Requires written and skills testing to receive 2 year certification. Student receives book and appropriate handouts.

A minimum of 10 participants is required to run each class and a maximum of 16 will be accepted. The fee for each class is $60. Register in advance at the Parks and Recreation Department located at 153 South Main Street. Call 860-489-2274 for more information.