Dear Neighbor,
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the 22nd Annual Taste of Southington at the Barnes Museum—a true summer tradition in our community. The event brought together a fantastic lineup of local restaurants and food trucks, with everything from BBQ and tacos to sweets and Polish specialties. |
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Guests enjoyed live music from the Stanley Street Big Band, preview tours of the museum, and a visit from Valentine the Clown—all on the beautiful museum grounds.
Thank you to the Barnes Museum staff, participating vendors, and volunteers for making the event such a success. It's always inspiring to see so many residents come together to celebrate Southington’s food, culture, and community spirit. |
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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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| Wednesday was a great night at Southington’s Music on the Green! The concert featuring Soul Sound Revue was incredible—amazing energy, fantastic music, and a crowd that couldn’t stop dancing and singing along. |
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| It was also a chance to catch up with so many friends and enjoy one of our town’s best summer traditions. If you haven’t made it to a Wednesday night concert yet, don’t miss out—there’s still time to enjoy this great community event! |
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| Big thanks to Southington Recreation Department and this week’s sponsors: Richard Chevrolet, Aqua Turf, and Southington Community YMCA for making the concert possible. If you haven’t been yet, don’t miss out! |
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| This past week, it was a special privilege to be able to present my next-door neighbors, Lance and Alice Flaherty, with an official citation celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Lance, Alice, and their two daughters, Carol and Lynn, have been great friends and neighbors over the years. I wish them the best! |
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New Law Strengthens
Protections for Highway Workers |
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This past legislative session, I was proud to support HB 7160, a new state law that includes stronger protections for highway workers, with several changes taking effect over the next year.
Starting January 1, 2026, anyone with a learner’s permit must complete a Highway Work Zone and Roadside Vehicle Safety Awareness Program before getting a driver’s license. The program will also be required for drivers who violate the state’s “move over” law or endanger highway workers. It will highlight the dangers of unsafe driving near work zones and include testimonials from workers and their families. |
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| Beginning October 1, 2025, fines will increase for violations that result in injury or death: up to $5,000 for injuring an emergency responder and $20,000 for causing a death, with similar penalties for endangering highway workers. I remain committed to keeping our highways and DOT workers safe. |
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Southington 2026 Plan of Conservation
& Development Community Survey |
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The Town of Southington is updating its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and is seeking resident input through a community survey. The POCD, last updated in 2016, is revised every ten years and helps guide the town’s vision for housing, economic growth, parks, historical and natural resources, sustainability, and more.
The 15–20 minute survey includes 25 questions about Southington and up to 10 optional demographic questions. Responses will help shape the town’s future priorities. All individual answers and personal information will remain confidential.
Click HERE for a direct link to the survey.
Visit the POCD website for more information. |
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| On The Mend Medical, a trusted local provider of high-quality medical supplies and equipment, will be offering an informative program at the Calendar House on Thursday, August 14 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Their mission is to support independence, comfort, and healing at home—and they are more than just a store; they are a partner in care. If you have a loved one in need of durable medical equipment, this is a great opportunity to see products in person and speak directly with knowledgeable staff. Family members are welcome to attend and learn more about the resources available to support senior wellness. |
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Join me on Friday, August 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Barnes Museum (85 North Main Street) for a special evening celebrating the museum’s 50th anniversary.
This drop-in style event will showcase the new exhibit, “50 Objects for 50 Years,” featuring fifty unique artifacts that reflect the people, stories, and moments that shaped the Barnes family legacy and the Southington community. You’ll also have the chance to view the incredible work of the museum’s summer interns, who played a key role in crafting this exhibit.
Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a great local event, I hope you’ll stop by to enjoy this celebration of Southington’s past and present. Light refreshments will be provided, no registration is required, and a $10 donation is suggested. I hope to see you there! For questions, please contact the museum at 860-628-5426. |
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| Sales Tax-Free Week is August 17-23 |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or loved ones.
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Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week include:
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
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Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
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This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
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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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