Labor Day, and more

August 29, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Labor Day is upon us, and it is a time to reflect on the contributions of workers across every industry. Their dedication, resilience, and continued fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job have shaped our nation and continue to move us forward.

As we celebrate the American labor movement, we honor the hardworking people who have built and strengthened this country.

While we enjoy this well-earned day of rest, let’s also recommit ourselves to advancing policies that uplift working families and ensure every worker is treated with the respect they deserve.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and restful Labor Day.


In this week's eblast, you can read about school bus safety, the Early Childhood Education Endowment, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Stay Safe this Labor Day!

This Labor Day, law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:

  • Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
  • Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
  • Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
  • Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.

 
Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

 
Fire Safe CT

Governor Lamont has officially launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.
This coordinated effort brings together state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts with one shared goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire.
Core Objectives:
  • Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention
  • Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts
To learn more and get involved go to ct.gov/firesafe and for tips on outdoor fire safety, visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.
Together, we can create a safer, more fire-aware Connecticut.
 
CT VA Stand Down 2025 Event

On September 19, from 9am-2pm, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event. This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
 
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day.
 
Stand Down locations are:

  • Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue
  • Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street
  • Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
  • Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
  • Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street
  • Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

Click HERE for more information.  

 
Plainville Events
Plainville Congregational Church 175th Anniversary Celebration
The Congregational Church of Plainville, UCC (130 West Main St., Plainville)
September 7, 3:00pm
Read more here
24th Annual Helen & Danny Coughlin Memorial Walk
Norton Park, South Washington St., Plainville
September 20, 9am
Read more here
 
Farmington Events
Farmington Station's Antique Auto & Classic Car Show
Farmington Station Senior Living (111 Scott Swamp Rd., Farmington)
September 18, 5-7pm
Read more here







From the Porch: Pilobolus
Hill-Stead Museum (35 Mountain Rd., Farmington)
September 3, 6-7pm
Read more here
 
Southington Events
Southington Drive-In
Southington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington)
May 31 - September 13, 6pm
Read more here
Southington Music on the Green Concert Series
Southington Town Green (Route 1/Main St.)
May 28 - September 3, 7-9pm
Read more here
Southington Farmers Market
Southington Town Green
Every Friday, June 20 - Sept. 26, 3-6pm
Read more here
Southington Apple Harvest Festival
Southington Town Green
Weekend 1: Oct. 3 - Oct. 5
Weekend 2: October 10 - Oct. 12
Read more here
 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Martinez
State Representative

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