Dear Neighbor,
Today, I had the honor of participating at several Connecticut Veterans Stand Down events. The day began in Rocky Hill, where I was grateful for the opportunity to thank our Veterans directly for their service at the statewide kickoff. Later, I joined my father, Chris Poulos, Sr. (LTC, Ret. and member of the Southington Veterans Committee) and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, at the Southington Armory for our local event. |
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This annual gathering brings together federal, state, local, and community organizations to provide one-stop access to vital services for Veterans, their families, active-duty service members, the National Guard, and reservists.
It was inspiring to see so many partners under one roof—working together to connect our Veterans with health care, housing support, legal assistance, employment services, and more. The turnout at the Southington Armory was strong, a clear reflection of both the need for and the impact of this event. |
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| Speaking with Veterans and their families reminded me why events like Stand Down are so important. Our service members give so much, and it is our duty to make sure they have access to the resources, care, and community they have earned. |
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I want to thank all the organizations, volunteers, and local leaders who made this year’s events a success. Most importantly, I want to thank our Veterans and military families for their service and sacrifice.
Together, we can ensure that Connecticut continues to step up for those who have stepped forward to serve.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Weeks |
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| I had the honor of joining the Connecticut Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Foundation and the family of Esther Harvey to present an official proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont recognizing September 28 – October 4 as Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Weeks in Connecticut. |
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FTD is a rare, incurable brain disorder that affects people under 60, often causing changes in behavior, language, or movement while memory remains intact. The Connecticut FTD Foundation was established in memory of Kevin Harvey, who was diagnosed in 2007 and passed away in 2012 at the age of 57.
In Kevin’s honor, Esther and her family have built a foundation dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, supporting families and caregivers, educating health professionals, and advocating for better services for those impacted by FTD. |
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| I am grateful to the Harvey family and the Foundation for their leadership and compassion in shining a light on this devastating disease and creating a community of support for those who need it most. |
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| Expect Overnight Delays on I-691 |
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Drivers in Southington and surrounding areas should prepare for overnight delays as crews begin a large-scale tree removal project on I-691 and Route 66 in both directions.
Here's what you need to know:
- Start date: Monday, September 29
- End date: Friday, December 5
- Work hours: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m., Monday through Friday
- Location: From I-84 to Route 147 in Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, and Middlefield
During work hours, traffic will be detoured to ensure safety.
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation calls this project a forest mowing operation. It involves removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees, as well as overgrown vegetation encroaching into the roadway’s clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the road. This work aims to save lives when crashes take place on I-691 and Route 66. |
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Connecticut is taking steps to ensure that residents who wish to receive a COVID-19 booster continue to have access to vaccines, and that coverage remains uninterrupted under state-regulated health insurance policies. These steps include allowing:
- Pharmacists to order, prescribe, and administer the vaccine.
- Adults of all ages to receive vaccines at pharmacies and medical practices, while children between 6 months and 18 years of age can receive them through pediatric providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP).
These measures ensure that residents and doctors continue to have the option to access and administer COVID-19 vaccines.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
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| Free Flu Shots for Seniors |
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The South Central Health District is making it easier for our seniors to stay healthy this flu season. A limited supply of FREE High Dose Fluzone influenza vaccines is available for Southington residents aged 65 and older who cannot leaver their homes due to health or mobility challenges.
This service ensures our most vulnerable neighbors can protect themselves from the flu without the worry of traveling. To check eligibility and schedule a visit from our Public Health Nurse, please call 860-276-6275. |
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| Maximizing Social Security |
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The community is invited to participate in a seminar for a complete breakdown on Social Security benefits. The Council of Financial Educators will present "Maximizing Social Security" to teach you important rules, options, and strategies to help you maximize your benefits, minimize your taxes, and make the right choices for your situation.
The educational class will take place on Wednesday, September 24 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Southington Public Library. |
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Musical Bingo Fundraiser
for Alzheimer's Research |
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Join the community for a special musical bingo competition to raise money for Team Summit at Plantsville Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Part of the sales will go Team Summit's campaign to Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Smoke & Muddle restaurant at 15 Liberty Street will host the event tonight (Friday, September 19) from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Here's what you need to know about the bingo game:
- It's FREE to play!
- Instead of calling numbers, players will hear songs with the title and artist on video display.
- Four rounds of play with a variety of patterns and categories.
- Prizes are awarded to all winners, for all rounds!
- First round starts at 7:00 p.m.
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Ditch your subscriptions and enjoy e-books, audiobooks, and magazines as well a great variety of new and older movies for FREE with your Southington library card and one of our fab apps. CLICK HERE to check them out.
Don't have a library card? Southington residents can apply for a new card or renew an existing, expired card ONLINE. Click here to apply or renew.
Questions about your library card? Call the Circulation Desk at 860-628-0947 x2 |
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| Seed Saving Gardening Tips |
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| Want to save seeds from flowers or vegetables growing in your garden, but don't how to get started? Learn the basics of seed saving during this program presented by New Britain ROOTS on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Southington Public Library! Experts will also provide fall gardening tips and advice. |
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Join Friends of Southington Community Services for an afternoon of fun, community, and great finds! You will get to browse a wide selection of new and gently used clothing, footwear, handbags, and more at amazing prices on Saturday, September 27 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church (581 Meriden Avenue).
You will also receive free drinks while you shop. Every purchase helps support Southington neighbors in need, so come shop, connect, and make a difference! |
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The Final Farewell:
Victorian Funeral Traditions |
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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.
Tours will be offered on select dates and times in October, with the first tours scheduled on October 3 at 3:00 p.m. and October 4 at 1:00 pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes. 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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Join me today in pausing to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.
As a legislator, and a fellow American, I carry deep gratitude for the families who live with uncertainty every day. Your strength reminds us of the cost of freedom and the promise we owe: to never forget.
Here in Connecticut, we join the nation in remembering the names, the stories, and the faces behind the uniform. Their absence is felt, their service remembered, and their return always hoped for.
To every Connecticut family who bears this burden: always remember that you are seen, you are honored, and we will always keep the light on. 🎗️ |
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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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