Dear Neighbor,
The ongoing federal government shutdown is having real and immediate impacts on families across Connecticut. This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced $3 million in emergency state funding for the nonprofit organization Connecticut Foodshare. This funding will provide roughly two weeks of temporary assistance to the estimated 360,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1, 2025. |
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Here in Southington, more than 2,000 residents could be affected. To help ensure that everyone in our community continues to have access to nutritious food, I am hosting a special food drive on Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Southington Community Services.
If you are able, I hope you will join me in this effort—whether by donating non-perishable food items or spreading the word to others who may wish to help. Together, we can make a real difference for our friends and neighbors during this challenging time. |
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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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| Supporting Our Veterans and Military Families |
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This week, the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee held an informational forum where we heard from leaders from the CT Departments of Veterans Affairs, Public Health, and Social Services, as well as the National Guard Association, Veterans Legal Center, American Legion, and VFW.
I appreciated the valuable insights shared on how we can better support Connecticut’s veterans, service members, and their families, especially during this time of federal uncertainty.
As always, I remain committed to advocating for policies and funding that honor the service of those who protect our nation and ensure every veteran in Connecticut receives the benefits they’ve earned. |
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| Thank You for Your Service |
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On Monday, I attended the Southington Town Council meeting to congratulate and thank Councilors Jack Perry, Bill Dziedzic, and Val DePaolo (who joined remotely) for their years of service and dedication to our community. At their final meeting as Councilors, I was honored to present official state citations to Jack and Bill on behalf of the Southington legislative delegation in recognition of their contributions.
Later in the week, former Democratic Town Committee Chair Tony D’Angelo and former Vice-Chair John Barry presented Val with her citation during an event honoring her as Southington’s Democrat of the Year. Congratulations and thank you, Jack, Bill, and Val, for your outstanding service to Southington |
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| Working Together for a Safer Southington |
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| Thank you to everyone who joined us for last weekend’s Community Drug Awareness Event at the Southington Police Department. |
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| In partnership with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership and Southington STEPS, the event focused on ways to keep medications secure at home and prevent misuse. Attendees learned about proper storage and disposal methods and received free drug disposal pouches — a simple, effective tool that helps protect our youth, families, and environment. |
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| This initiative coincided with the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide effort to safely remove unused or expired medications from homes. For those who couldn’t attend, residents can safely dispose of medications year-round at the Southington Police Department’s drop box or visit MyOldMeds.com for additional disposal options. |
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| Working together, we can continue to promote safety, awareness, and prevention throughout our community. 💊💙 |
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| Celebrating Music of the Knight at SHS |
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| I had a great time attending the 32nd Annual Music of the Knight Marching Band Competition at Southington High School last weekend and was honored to help present several awards. |
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| While I was there, it was a fun and inspiring to cheer on talented young performers from nearly 20 bands as they showcased their hard work, creativity, and dedication to the marching arts. Congratulations to the Southington High School Marching Band and everyone else involved in making this year’s event such a success. |
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| Southington Shines at CyberKnights Invitational |
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| It was a pleasure to attend the CyberKnights Invitational event hosted by Team 195 at Southington High School last weekend. I was honored to welcome robotics teams from across New England to our town and highlight the importance of strengthening the pipeline from high school robotics to careers in manufacturing— an effort I’ve been proud to champion as a State Representative. |
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Over the course of just 32 hours, Team 195 and volunteers completed a full field build, competition, and tear-down, demonstrating an impressive display of teamwork, technical skill, and dedication.
A big congratulations to Team 195 and their alliance partners on their win. I am always proud to support the CyberKnights. |
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| Halloween Fun Across Southington |
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| Last weekend, I had a great time volunteering at Halloween Fest at the Southington Drive-In. I helped park cars as families arrived for what turned out to be a full house! It was wonderful to see so many residents come together to enjoy trunk-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and other fun activities before settling in for the evening movie. The energy and community spirit made for a really nice family event. |
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| I also stopped by Halloween in the Village in downtown Plantsville, where I had the chance to visit with residents and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. The streets were filled with creative costumes, smiling families, and festive music—another great example of the Southington community coming together to celebrate the season. |
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Supporting Enhanced Safety
on the UConn Campus |
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As a member of the Public Safety Committee, I am proud to have supported PA 25-56, An Act Concerning a Supplemental Paramedic, during the 2025 legislative session. This important legislation is already making a difference: the UConn Fire Department has received certification from the Department of Public Health to provide supplemental paramedic services on the Storrs campus under specific circumstances.
This new capability strengthens emergency response and ensures the safety of students, employees, and visitors on the main campus. It’s a step forward in protecting our university community and enhancing public safety. |
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| Fire Safety Alert: Lithium-Ion Battery Risks |
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged or misused. These batteries power everyday devices like phones, laptops, tools, and toys.
Stay Safe with NFPA’s 3-Step Plan:
- Buy Smart: Choose products with safety certifications (UL, ETL, or CSA).
- Charge Safely: Use only approved chargers, follow manufacturer instructions, charge on a hard surface, and unplug once fully charged.
- Recycle Properly: Never toss batteries in the trash—CLICK HERE to find a recycling location.
Know where these batteries are in your home, review safe use and charging tips, and be prepared in case of an emergency.
CLICK HERE for more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home.
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| Emergency Energy Assistance Available |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, opens on Sunday, November 2, and will run through Monday, November 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each recipient of a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:
- November 2-10, 2025
- January 2-10, 2026
- March 2-10, 2026
Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
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| Access Health CT Open Enrollment |
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Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, November 1 and end Monday, December 15 for plans beginning at the start of the year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, January 15 for plans beginning in February.
You may have received a letter in the mail warning of health care premium price increases starting January 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.
As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved. |
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Please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:
- Dates of Birth
- Social Security Numbers
- Visa, green card, or immigration documents
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| The annual Field of Flags returns to honor veterans with a special kickoff event tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy historic tours of the memorial and a chance for children to meet Betsy Ross. Information on Veterans benefits and programs offered by the VA will also be available. The Field of 1,000 Flags will be on display from November 1 through November 15, offering families a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to veterans. |
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| Join the Southington Symphonic Band for their Fall Concert on Monday, November 3 at 7 p.m. at Kennedy Middle School. The special guest will be the Infinity Saxophone Quartet. No tickets are required, but donations are welcome. |
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Southington Historical Society
Celebrates 60 Years |
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Your family has an opportunity to uncover our town's past as we celebrate 60 years of the Southington Historical Society. This free event will take a place on Saturday, November 8 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Explore the world's first photo booth, made in Southington in 1907
- Listen to a 125 year-old hand cranked record player
- Ask local experts questions about our town's history
- Decipher 200 year-old legal documents
- Enter prize drawings
You can park for free at Southington Public Library and walk across the street to the Southington Historical Society (239 Main Street). I hope to see you there!
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Please consider participating the Scouting For Food Drive to help those in need in Southington. Volunteers are asked to collect and drop off groceries from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 at the Southington Drive-In Pavilion (995 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike).
If you receive a bag at your home, please leave it outside by 9 a.m. on November 8. |
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| Sharing the Spirit of Thanksgiving |
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| REMINDER- 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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Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day!
Visit the Southington Registrar of Voters & Elections website for information on polling locations and the 2025 municipal ballot.
Early Voting will continue from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. until November 2 at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St.
The polls will be open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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| Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2. Remember to set your clocks back one hour. |
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| Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween! May your evening be filled with enjoyable celebrations, festive cheer, a few tricks and many treats |
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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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