Dear Neighbor,
Tonight marks the start of one of Southington’s most beloved traditions—the Apple Harvest Festival! Over the next two weekends, the festival will bring together friends and neighbors to enjoy the annual parade, the entertainment lineup, the arts and crafts show, and of course, Zion Lutheran Church’s famous apple fritters. The Apple Harvest is a celebration that truly highlights the spirit of our community. |
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| This year, for the first time in many years, I’ll be missing the opening weekend of events. While I’ll be away at Parents Weekend visiting my daughter, who just started college, I’ll make sure to send a virtual wave your way on parade day. Please cheer extra loud for Grand Marshal Cheryl Lounsbury and for all the runners and walkers in the road race! |
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The good news is that I’ll be back in full force the next weekend and can’t wait to see many of you at the arts and crafts show and while volunteering at the UNICO sausage and peppers booth. Coming together as a community makes the festival such a special experience year after year.
Whether you’re running in the road race, braving the rides, dancing to the music, or simply enjoying a crisp fall evening on the Town Green, I hope you make wonderful memories with family and friends. I look forward to joining in the fun and catching up with you all next weekend. |
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Be sure to check the Apple Harvest Website and official event Facebook Page for up-to-date information on the festival.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Celebrating Our Teacher of the Year |
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| It was an honor to present an official state citation to Southington’s Teacher of the Year, Kim Padroff, at last week’s Board of Education meeting. |
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| A dedicated educator for 16 years, Kim teaches 4th grade at Hatton Elementary where she goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. From launching a global postcard project to earning a grant for professional development in Spain, her passion for learning and community is inspiring. |
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| Congratulations, Kim—and thank you to all of our teachers for the incredible work you do every day! |
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STEPS Youth Council
Honored with State Award |
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Congratulations to the STEPS Youth Council, recipients of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Prevention Impact Award at the Connecticut Prevention Summit!
Last session, STEPS (Southington's Town-wide Effort to Promote Success) invited me to a meeting to share their proposal on regulating Kratom — an unregulated, addictive, and potentially harmful substance. The students later came to the Capitol to advocate for their cause, and I was proud to support their efforts as the bill passed both chambers of the legislature and the governor signed it into law. |
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I look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting their advocacy as these remarkable students raise their voices on important prevention issues.
CLICK HERE to read more about the STEPS Youth Council’s accomplishment. |
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| Last weekend, I stopped by the STEAM for All event, hosted by the SHS CyberKnights Robotics Team. From liquid nitrogen experiments to bottle rockets and robot demos, it was great seeing so many families enjoying hands-on science and technology together. A big thank you to Team 195 for bringing this engaging program to our community. |
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| At this week’s Southington Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event, I visited Infinite Growth Club on Center Street and met co-owners Alicia Diaz and Brandi Nik. I was impressed by their unique mix of fitness and mindfulness, and even after just one month, they’re already making a positive impact by helping people build balance, reduce stress, and live with more energy and confidence. I wish them the best of luck in their endeavor. |
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| New Laws Effective October 1 |
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| With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws that we passed during the 2025 legislative session taking effect on October 1. Below, you will find a brief overview of some of the important changes. |
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Safety Updates on E-Bikes and Motorcycles
In a continued effort to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads, motorcycle and e-bike laws have been updated.
A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
The state introduced new regulations for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles. |
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Empowering Police to Tackle Street Takeovers
New rules have taken effect allowing police to increase penalties and fines for street racing and takeovers. Towns will be empowered to destroy confiscated vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles. Additionally, anyone with at least three violations could get their license suspended for two years. |
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Protecting Our Seniors
New legislation protects our seniors by improving safety and transparency for those who are taking care of our loved ones. Long-term care facilities are now required to run background checks on criminal history and patient abuse for employees and volunteers. Residential care homes must provide more information in notices to residents before an involuntary transfer or discharge. |
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| Please click on the link below for the complete list of new laws, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. |
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| Knowing CPR Can Save Lives! |
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| It is important to know the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so that you can help in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency. |
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CLICK HERE to learn about child and infant CPR.
CLICK HERE Find CPR and First Aid classes online or in-person. |
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The South Central Health District is sponsoring a community vaccine clinic on Tuesday, October 14 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Southington Calendar House at 388 Pleasant Street.
You must be at least 19 years old to participate in the clinic. Please look at the graphic below to see which vaccines are available. |
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| Bread for Life’s Soup Night Returns |
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One of Southington’s most popular events of the year is approaching! I’m looking forward to attending Soup Night on Wednesday, October 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Southington High School. Enjoy delicious soups from local restaurants while supporting the important work and mission of Bread for Life.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 8, with a limit of 400 tickets available. Tickets are only available online—don’t miss out!
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and support a great cause. |
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| Lions Club Pancake Breakfast |
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You don't want to miss an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast to support the community! The Southington Lions are hosting the 60th annual event on Sunday, October 11 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Southington Calendar House at 388 Pleasant Street.
It costs $10 per person, but seniors get in for $7 and it's free for children under the age of 5. The Lions Club asks that you pay at the door. Proceeds support Lions eye research, community service projects, and scholarships. |
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| You're invited to a bring your pets and stuffed animals to a worship service as pastors lead a blessing of the animals. It's taking place on Sunday, October 12 at 10:15 a.m. at YMCA Camp Sloper at 1000 East Street. Pastor Ron and Pastor Laura, from the First Congregational Church of Southington, will lead the worship. |
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| The Final Farewell Reminder |
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Reminder- The Barnes Museum presents The Final Farewell: Victorian Funeral Traditions, an immersive tour that brings 19th-century mourning customs to life. Step into a recreated Victorian viewing room and explore the rituals and artifacts that defined this solemn era.
45-minute tours will be offered tomorrow, October 4 at 1:00 p.m., October 10 at 3:00 p.m., and October 11 at 1:00 p.m. Regular admission applies ($10 for adults). Parking is available in the rear off Merrell Avenue.
Registration is required—reserve your spot at The Barnes Museum Calendar. For questions, call 860-628-5426. |
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| Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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| Standing with survivors, honoring those we’ve lost and fighting for a cure.💗 |
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| As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates! |
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Sincerely,
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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