Dear Neighbor,
This week, I had the opportunity to join Southington Bread for Life on one of their meal delivery routes, helping deliver nutritious meals to local residents who may be homebound or in need of support. Bread for Life’s mission is simple but vital: to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Through daily meal service, outreach, and food distribution programs, they provide nourishment and kindness to hundreds of Southington residents each year. |
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| Later in the week, I had the pleasure of attending Soup Night at Southington High School, one of our community’s most popular annual events. Guests enjoyed delicious soups from local restaurants while coming together to support Bread for Life’s important mission. Special thanks to DePaolo Middle School Principal Chris Palmieri and his students for their volunteer efforts as servers. The event was a wonderful showcase of the strong community spirit that defines Southington. |
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| I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read Bread for Life’s Quarterly Newsletter to learn more about their ongoing efforts, volunteer opportunities, and the difference they’re making in people’s lives. Thank you to Bread for Life for all that you do to feed our neighbors and strengthen our community. |
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| Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| The second weekend of the Apple Harvest Festival was another great success. I spent part of the weekend volunteering at the UNICO Sausage and Peppers booth, serving up one of the festival’s most popular treats while catching up with friends and neighbors who stopped by. |
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| I also took some time to explore the Arts & Crafts Show, where local artisans showcased their creativity and talent, and I enjoyed seeing families having fun on the amusement rides. The festival grounds were full of great energy, with people of all ages out enjoying the festival and all it has to offer. |
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| One highlight was the performance by Studio Two, a Beatles tribute band that had the crowd singing along and dancing to classic hits. |
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| Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and community groups who make the Apple Harvest Festival such a special Southington tradition year after year! |
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| I’m excited to invite Southington residents to a Community Drug Awareness Event at the Southington Police Department on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. –11 a.m. with remarks and demonstrations starting at 10:15 a.m. In partnership with Southington STEPS and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, we will provide free drug pouches and show those in attendance how to use them, share tips on keeping medications safe at home, and highlight Southington’s drop box for safely disposing of old medications. |
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| This event coincides with the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and for year-round disposal options, visit MyOldMeds.com. I hope to see you there! |
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The November 4th municipal election is fast approaching. Visit the Southington Registrar of Voters & Elections website for information on registering to vote, absentee ballots, polling locations, and the 2025 Municipal Ballot.
Early Voting will take place at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St. on:
- Oct. 20 – 27: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Oct. 28 & 30: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Oct. 29: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Oct. 31– Nov. 2: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 and polls will be open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape our community’s future. By casting a ballot, you help decide the leaders, policies, and priorities that impact our daily lives. Take it from me — every vote matters — and when more people participate, our democracy grows stronger.
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| Pancakes, Community, and Giving Back |
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I had a terrific time at the Southington Lions’ 60th annual pancake breakfast last Sunday at the Calendar House. Neighbors and families came together to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting the Lions’ important work, from vision screenings and youth programs to disaster relief and scholarships.
The event was a great reminder of how this dedicated group has been improving our community for decades. A big thank you to the Southington Lions for all you do, and a special shout-out to Boy Scout Troop 32 for volunteering at the event. |
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| Celebrating a Downtown Transformation |
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| I was thrilled to join the Southington business community for the recent grand opening and ribbon cutting of Freedom Property LLC’s newly renovated building at 105 North Main Street (formerly the Wolak’s Guest House). Owners Luke and Jillian Florian, along with their team, did an incredible job transforming this historic property, blending modern upgrades with preserved architectural charm. After the ribbon cutting, Luke shared his vision for Freedom Property in their new main office. Congratulations to Luke and Jillian on this exciting milestone. |
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| Congratulations to Dominic’s and Vinnie’s |
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Connecticut has been named the Pizza Capital of the United States, and recently I was excited to find out that Domenic's and Vinnie's has been rated in the Top 10 on the Connecticut Pizza Trail. This is a great honor and recognition, placing one of Southington’s own alongside the best pizzerias in the state.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Connecticut Pizza Trail, see the rankings, and plan your next visit to one of Connecticut’s fine pizza establishments.
Congratulations to the team down at Dominic’s and Vinnie’s! |
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| Be a Hero and Save a Life |
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Please consider being a hero and saving a life by donating a pint of blood in honor of two local children. Grace United Methodist Church will host a blood drive tomorrow, on Saturday, October 18 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Southington YMCA (29 High Street).
13-year-old Daniela and 9-year-old Matteo were both born with a rare genetic blood disorder called Beta Thalassemia, which causes their bodies not to make enough red blood cells. Daniela needs blood every three weeks to live and manage her condition. She is alive today because of a generous donor.
You must register in advance, and you can CLICK HERE to make an appointment. Use Sponsor Code Daniela.
Organizers will serve breakfast casseroles, pulled pork sliders, pasta, and homemade baked goods for the donors and they'll received a $10 Amazon gift card via email. |
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Join Connecticut historian and author Damien Cregeau on Wednesday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Southington Public Library for a talk on his new book, Portraits of Patriots: Colonel John Trumbull and Five Fellow Patriots from Connecticut in the American Revolution.
Cregeau highlights the courage and service of Connecticut officers who fought beside General George Washington and helped shape our nation’s founding. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is appreciated at southington-ct.whofi.com or by calling 860-628-0947 x5. |
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| Bring your recyclables and plastics to a Bottle and Can Drive to support Scouts BSA Troop 32. The event is happening on Saturday, October 25 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Recreation Park on Maxwell Noble Drive in Plantsville. Please make sure to rinse everything before bringing them in to be recycled. |
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| Upcoming Halloween Events |
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Halloween Fest
The Original Southington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike) is hosting a fun-filled Halloween festival and movie night on October 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Families can enjoy hay rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, and a mini touch-a-truck event.
At 5:00 p.m., costumed children can take part in Trunk or Treating, going vehicle to vehicle to collect candy (parents should bring candy if their child is participating). The movie portion of the evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a surprise Halloween cartoon for kids, followed by the feature film “Hotel Transylvania.”
Admission is $25 per vehicle (cash only), and food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and make the night even more festive. It will certainly be a spooktacular evening of fun for the whole family.
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Halloween in the Village
Join the fun at the annual Halloween in the Village event featuring trick-or-treat stations, pumpkin painting, live music, and dance performances. Bring the kids to downtown Plantsville on Sunday, October 26 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (rain date: Wednesday, October 29). The event is free and open to children of all ages.
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| REMINDER - You're invited to touch, climb, and fill a variety of trucks and other vehicles with food on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Plantsville Congregational Church. The kids will also get a chance to get a face painting and glitter tattoos. Please bring nonperishable food donations to help fill the trucks for Southington Community Services. Please use Oshana Elementary School for parking. In case of rain, this event will take place on Saturday, October 25. |
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REMINDER - Learn about the history and culture of the Anatolian peninsula while enjoying samples of Turkish coffee, along with Turkish tea, and a variety of Turkish refreshments on Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at Southington Public Library.
The event is brought to you by representatives of the Peace Islands Institute, an international organization promoting cross-cultural conversations and friendship. Registration is requested.
CLICK HERE to register online or call the reference desk at 860-628-0947 to reserve a spot. |
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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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