Rebecca Martinez

This week, the Appropriations Committee held a question and answer session on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits and how it has been affected by HR 1, the major legislative bill passed by the United States Congress that slashes benefits for critical programs.

I asked some important questions about our community, including how many people are being impacted by the cuts in food programs, and the possibility of Foodshare movile trucks. I look forward to getting answers and more data, and I will follow up when I do. You can watch our exchange below.

On Friday, Oct. 31 (Halloween!), I hope you'll join me for the Mega Metacomet Halloween Thriller event! 

This spooky and thrilling night will take place at 62-69 Metacomet Road and will feature performances, food trucks, music, lights, lasers and live performances of the "Thriller" dance every half hour from 6-8:30pm. 

The best part? This event also serves as a food/can drive. Over the past 9 years, over 6,000 pounds of food/cans have been collected in just 3 hours each Halloween night!

This is an amazing event that exemplifies the Plainville spirit, and I hope to see you there. Try to spot me in my three different costumes!

You can click here and watch the video below for more information

Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election.
 
First, are you eligible to vote? Check HERE.
 
While the option to register by mail has passed, registration can be done online by using the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS), which you can find HERE.
 
Same-Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period (Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2), from 10am-6pm.

There are extended hours on October 28 from 8am-8pm. It can also be done at the designated Early Voting location in your town, which you can find HERE.

For Connecticut residents who may not be able to afford regular mammograms, the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program offers free breast cancer screenings. This program is available for low income residents and those with limited or no health insurance. Services will be available at various locations across the state.

Click here for more information to find out if you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. You can also contact the Department of Public Health at 860-509-7804 for more information.

The National Fire Prevention Association is raising awareness about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries because they can overheat, start a fire, or explode if damaged or not used correctly. This is concerning because lithium-ion batteries power many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys.

You can take action and improve your safety by knowing where lithium-ion batteries are located in your home and going over tips to safely buy, charge, and recycle those batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

Click here for more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home.