Dear Neighbor,
This week, I was honored to attend the 2025 Southington High School (SHS) Wall of Honor induction ceremony and celebrate this year’s remarkable honorees and their families. Each year, the Wall of Honor recognizes SHS graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, communities, or through humanitarian and military service. |
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| This year’s inductees, Chris Palmieri and Bill Pesce, exemplify the dedication, leadership, and service that inspire our community and current students. A special thank you to Bob Brown for his leadership in establishing and guiding the Wall of Honor Committee. Congratulations to both honorees and their families on this well-deserved recognition. |
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The Wall of Honor, created in 2007, is proudly displayed between the school’s auditorium and gymnasium, serving as a lasting tribute to alumni whose achievements set an example for future generations.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Join me tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Southington Police Department for a Community Drug Awareness Event with Southington STEPS and the Governor's Prevention Partnership. Learn how to safely store and dispose of medications and pick up a free prescription drug disposal pouch. This event coincides with the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Hope to see you there! |
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| Celebrating Southington’s Leading Ladies |
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I had a wonderful time at the annual Leading Ladies Luncheon held at the Aqua Turf Club last week. It was an honor to participate as a celebrity server for this event, which recognizes women who have made a meaningful impact on Southington.
Congratulations to this year’s honoree, Liz Chubet. Liz’s humble and dedicated service, from leading toy drives to supporting veterans and youth programs, truly embodies the spirit of our community. Her commitment reminds us all of the power of giving back and celebrating those who make a difference every day. |
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| Last week, I was proud to attend the 34th annual Southington Red Ribbon Rally on the Town Green, celebrating Red Ribbon Week and the choice to live drug-free. The event brought together teams, clubs, and organizations to share their inspiring messages under this year’s theme: “Life is a puzzle. Solve it drug-free.” |
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| It was an honor to present an official state citation to Megan Albanese, whose leadership as Southington STEPS Prevention Coordinator has made an incredible and lasting impact on our youth. Through her passion, dedication, and commitment, Megan has empowered students and strengthened healthy decision-making across our community. While she will be greatly missed on the STEPS Team, we are deeply grateful for all she has done and wish her continued success in the next chapter of her journey. |
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| Connecting with Southington’s Hospitality Leaders |
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| It was great to attend another Southington Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours networking event this week at the Courtyard by Marriott on West Street. I enjoyed meeting members of the Marriott leadership team and learning more about what makes Southington an ideal location for their operations, as well as the legislative needs and challenges facing Connecticut’s hotel industry. |
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| Our local hotels play a vital role in supporting Southington’s economy and contribute significantly to our grand list, and I’m proud to support them as valued members of our business community. |
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| Expect Delays on I-84 in Southington |
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| Drivers should expect delays next week on I-84 in Southington as crews survey several bridges over the highway to improve safety. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, there will be lane closures on both sides of I-84 at Exit 31 from Monday, October 27 to Monday, November 3, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
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| Free Dental Services for Veterans |
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| The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for veterans in need. They’re partnering with UConn Health Center and Tunxis Dental Hygiene School, which will be delivering the care. The program is open to Veterans living in the Greater Hartford area. CLICK HERE to sign up for these free dental services. |
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| Temporary Veteran Housing |
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Earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs announced the addition of new temporary supportive housing for veterans and their families at the main campus in Rocky Hill.
This expansion marks the start of a multi-phase enhancement of the state’s Patriot's Landing program. It provides temporary housing for veterans and their families in need, while also connecting them with essential services to help them successfully transition to community living. |
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| The next phase 2 the project will focus on renovating townhouses on the back of the campus. The goal is to expand the number of temporary housing units available for eligible individual veterans. |
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| Important Update on SNAP Benefits |
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The Connecticut Department of Social Services wants SNAP recipients to be aware that you will not lose your EBT balance. However, you may not have access to it until the federal government reopens.
If you need to check your EBT balance you can call 1-888-328-2666 or use MyDSS.ct.gov (WATCH THIS VIDEO on how to set up a MyDSS account for easy online access). It’s important to stay informed and prepared while your benefits remain secure. |
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| Navigating Social Security & Medicare |
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| You have an opportunity to learn about social security benefits and Medicare enrollment coverage options. Two experts will break it all down on Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Southington Public Library. The event is free, and you are encouraged to register here. There is seating for up to 50 people. |
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| Donate Coats To Operation Stay Warm |
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You can help keep families warm this winter in Southington by donating coats to the Operation Stay Warm Shop. The need is great this year, and now is the time to act before the weather gets brutally cold.
You can find exactly what sizes organizers are looking for if you look at the graphic below. Thank you for your generosity! |
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| The Operation Stay Warm Shop invites folks to choose their winter coats and accessories on Tuesday, November 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Calendar House (388 Pleasant Street). There will be music, light refreshments, and a raffle. All clothing is free. |
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| Sharing the Spirit of Thanksgiving |
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| Southington Community Services (SCS) invites the community to make a positive impact and help transform lives. Each year, SCS provides Thanksgiving food baskets to numerous families throughout Southington. Last year, nearly 600 families were served. Donations are being sought to help supply these food baskets, and any contribution supports a local family in need. SCS thanks the community for its continued support |
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Click on the links below for other ways to donate:
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| Bottle & Can Drive Reminder |
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| REMINDER- Bring your recyclables and plastics to a Bottle and Can Drive to support Scouts BSA Troop 32. The event is happening tomorrow, 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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| Halloween Weekend in Southington |
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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 tomorrow, Saturday, 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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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 continue to take place at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St. on:
- Oct. 24 – 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.
Make your plan to vote today!
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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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