Melissa Osborne

With hundreds of our residents facing uncertainty around federal food assistance, many people have asked what they can do to help their neighbors right here in town. I'll break down how you can help in this time of national crisis to try to prevent anyone from going hungry.

The legislature is stepping up to address this crisis, and the House of Representatives will meet in a special legislative session next Wednesday, November 12, in part due to those federal budget cuts. Please keep scrolling to find out what we will be up for debate next week.

Here at home in Simsbury, we are taking our first significant steps to expand the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center! I’m grateful for the significant state funds we received to help our Town bring this project to fruition. I'll dig deeper into what improvements you can expect to see at the venue next year.

We all have an opportunity to thank our veterans in the coming days. Please read below to see when and where you can honor our heroes in town.

All that and so much more below!

Here are the sections in this email:

• Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center Expansion
• Food Assistance Needed
• Special Session in November
• Thanking Our Veterans
• Alzheimer's Awareness Month
• 2025 Public Acts
• New Bike Repair Stand
• Restoration Work at Historical Society
• Simsbury Pond Reopens
• Simsbury's U.S. Presidential Scholar
• Community Events

 

Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center Expansion

We celebrated an exciting milestone as we broke ground on the long-awaited expansion of the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center! This transformative project will help attract larger acts, boost local economic growth, and create new jobs right here in our community.

The expansion will deliver new dressing rooms, a green room, staff offices, accessible public restrooms, and much-needed storage space — all designed to enhance the experience for performers and guests alike and increase the facilities availability for expanded programming throughout the season..

I’m proud to have secured $900,000 in state funding to help make this vision a reality. My sincere thanks to Governor Ned Lamont, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, House Chair of the State Bond Commission Rep. Ron Napoli Jr., Deputy Director of Policy Zoë Gluck, the Town of Simsbury, and everyone whose hard work and partnership helped bring these valuable funds to our community.

Food Assistance Needed

Many constituents in Simsbury and beyond are concerned about federal cuts to food assistance programs stemming from the ongoing government shutdown. Local food pantries across the state are providing critical support to those in need, but many are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand. Please take a look at the graphic below for more information.

If you are able, the food pantry in Simsbury is asking for help restocking its shelves. You can drop off donations in the large metal collection bin located behind the First Church of Christ at 689 Hopmeadow Street. The pantry itself is located in Palmer Hall, at the back of the church's main building. Also needed are grocery store gift cards in small denominations for help purchasing perishable items we cannot store in our food pantry. The pantry accepts non-perishable, unexpired food items, toiletries, household cleaning products, and paper goods. Please note the pantry cannot accept opened items and clothing. You will find a list of the most needed items below.

Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community goes without the essentials during this difficult time. Your generosity and compassion can make a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need.

Special Session in November

My colleagues and I are preparing for a special legislative session in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 12 at the State Capitol. We will debate several issues, but one of the most significant will be approving state funds to offset potential federal budget cuts that are impacting key programs and services across Connecticut. You can tune in live on CT-N, YouTube, or Roku.

Thanking Our Veterans

The community has an opportunity to honor and thank those who served on Veterans Day. You are invited to a special ceremony on Tuesday, November 11 at 10:45 a.m. at the Simsbury Veterans Memorial located at the driveway entrance to the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street (Route 10). There will be seating on Eaglewood Drive adjacent to the Simsbury Veterans Memorial. If it rains, the ceremony will be held inside Eno Memorial Hall Auditorium.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, VFW Post 1926 will hold its semi-annual Poppy Drive in front of Fitzgerald Grocery Store’s from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9. Money raised will support its Veterans’ Relief Fund to assist veterans in need. CLICK HERE for more information.

It’s important that we continue to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and recognize their lasting contributions to our nation.  Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and upheld the values that define our country. We are profoundly grateful for their service and unwavering commitment. May we always remember that those who live in freedom owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought to protect it.

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Governor Ned Lamont proclaimed November 2025 as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Connecticut to highlight the impact of the disease and related dementias while recognizing the thousands of Connecticut residents living with the condition and the many caregivers who support them. The state also released a new Connecticut guide for navigating dementia care designed to help: Residents and families locate local dementia care resources Health care providers and agencies connect patients with appropriate services Caregivers find community support and education

Click here to download a copy in English or Spanish

Alongside this proclamation, House Bill 6771, signed into law as part of Public Act 25-16, introduces several major initiatives to strengthen dementia and Alzheimer’s care statewide: Creates an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force, to guide policy, improve coordination, and recommend strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and care. Requires insurance coverage for biomarker testing, ensuring residents have access to diagnostic tools that can detect Alzheimer’s and related dementias earlier. Adds new measures for improved care access and coordination that support patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. With greater support, education, and investment, we can move closer to a future where every family facing Alzheimer’s receives the care, understanding, and dignity they deserve.

2025 Public Acts

The 2025 Office of Legislative Research Public Act Summary Book is now available. The Public Act Summary Book contains concise summaries of all the legislation we passed so far in 2025. It is fully searchable by key word, hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation, and organized by committee.  👉 Click here to access a digital copy of the book.

New Bike Repair Stand

There is a new resource for anyone who experiences bicycle trouble along the Farmington River Trail. The Public Works Department installed a new bike repair stand, equipped with tools and a pump, outside its headquarters on Town Forest Road. A Connecticut Department of Transportation Active Microgrant helped pay for the repair stand.

Restoration Work at Historical Society

Crews will restore historic windows at the Capt. Elisha Phelps House, also known as Phelps Tavern! The funding comes from a $10,000 grant from Preservation Connecticut and matching funds from the Simsbury Historical Society. CLICK HERE for more information.

Simsbury Pond Reopens

How it started How it's going

Town Forest Pond is open once again after crews removed 2,000 cubic yards of sediment and debris! The iconic Simsbury swimming hole is cleaner and safer for recreational activities. Thanks to the Simsbury Public Works Department for all the hard work to improve our community!

Simbury's U.S. Presidential Scholar

Congratulations to Simsbury High School's Eli Max Gold for being named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars. This prestigious award only went to four students in Connecticut for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. These remarkable students exemplify the very best of Connecticut, and we take great pride in celebrating their success.

Community Events

The Simsbury Children’s Resource Expo is a family-focused event designed to connect residents with local businesses and organizations that provide services, programs, or resources for children and families. The event will be held Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. at Simsbury Public Library. Families will get to explore extracurricular activities, after school options, art studios, preschool programs, playgroups, and more in a fun, kid-friendly setting.

Experience the hilarity of "Something Rotten!" with the Theatre Guild of Simsbury. This musical comedy follows two brothers as they strive to outshine the bard himself, William Shakespeare, by creating the world’s first musical. Tickets are available for shows on November 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23.

Buy your tickets here

You do not want to miss the Founders Cup Jamboree at the International Skating Center of Connecticut. Eight elite boys' hockey teams from New England and New York will play head-to-head on Wednesday, November 19 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Admission is free!

The Simsbury Meadows will host a Walk and Talk for Hope on Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. It's an initiative to promote mental wellness through movement and conversation. The annual walk brings together community members to foster support, connection, and open dialogue around mental health. CLICK HERE to sign up for free and reserve your toolkit and perks!