Dear Neighbor,
As a longtime supporter of the arts, I’m pleased to share that Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA) has been awarded a $10,000 state grant to purchase a new kiln for its ceramics studio. Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of visiting SoCCA and meeting with Executive Director Diann Thompson, Board Chair Dawn Miceli, and Ceramics Studio Lead Robert Riggs. |
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SoCCA offers pottery classes for people of all ages, along with exhibits, performances, and creative vocational programs for individuals with disabilities. The new kiln will increase studio capacity, reduce wait times, and support a broader range of ceramic techniques. It will benefit students, local artists, and community programs, while also improving energy efficiency.
This funding, provided through the state’s general fund, is a meaningful investment in the arts and in SoCCA’s mission to make creativity accessible to all. |
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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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| Southington’s Teacher of the Year |
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I’m proud to share that longtime educator Kimberly Padroff has been named the 2025–2026 Southington Teacher of the Year!
Kim has been teaching in Southington for 16 years, starting at Flanders Elementary in 2009 before moving to Hatton Elementary in 2022, where she currently teaches fourth grade. She’s known for her deep dedication to her students, her support for fellow teachers, and her commitment to creating a positive school community. In addition to her classroom work, Kim volunteers on multiple school committees and launched a global postcard exchange project that connects her students with peers around the world. |
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I personally saw Kim’s passion for continuous learning and growth firsthand when I worked with her on her Fund for Teachers grant application for a professional development experience in Spain—an opportunity she pursued with determination and ultimately earned.
Hatton Principal Bob Garry summed it up best: “Kim is a remarkable educator who makes our entire school a better place!”
Kim will be recognized at the district’s Staff Convocation and honored at a Board of Education meeting in September. Congratulations, Kim—Southington is lucky to have you! |
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| Viva l'Italia This Weekend! |
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The Southington Italian-American Festival is tonight through Sunday in downtown Southington.
Thank you to the Sons of Italy, UNICO Club, and Sorelle d’Italia for organizing the upcoming Festival, which will include food, children’s activities, BINGO, an Italian Marketplace, Sunday morning outdoor Italian Mass, a great lineup of music (see the graphic below), and so much more. Viva l'Italia!
For the most up to date information, visit the official Southington Italian-American Festival Facebook page. |
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New Law Expands Cancer
Benefits for Firefighters |
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| This past legislative session, I was proud to co-sponsor SB 1426, now Public Act 25-4, which strengthens support for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. Starting October 1, 2025, the law expands the types of cancers covered by the state’s Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to include skin cancer, ensures benefits are provided as if the cancer were an occupational disease under workers’ compensation, and allows firefighters to appeal benefit denials through workers’ compensation administrative law judges. This important law helps ensure our firefighters receive the care and support they deserve. |
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New Law Protects Drivers from
Unfair Towing Practices |
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This session, I was proud to support HB 7162, now Public Act 25-55, that gives drivers stronger protections against nonconsensual towing and unfair vehicle disposal practices.
Starting October 1, 2025, towing companies must provide written authorization before removing a vehicle from private property and give 14 days’ notice before towing for expired registration. They’ll also be required to release vehicles within four hours of an after-hours request, return personal belongings without charge, and accept credit and debit cards. |
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The law directs the DMV to create a “Towing Bill of Rights” so drivers know their rights, and it sets separate rate schedules for police-ordered and private property towing. It also extends the time garages must hold unclaimed vehicles and gives towns more tools to regulate local towing practices.
This is a big step toward fairness and transparency—and a win for drivers across the state. |
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| Road Improvement Work Underway |
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The Town of Southington began road improvement work this week, including milling and paving. This project is part of the town’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving local infrastructure for the safety and convenience of residents and visitors.
Please see the schedule and list of affected areas below, and plan accordingly for possible traffic delays or detours. For updates or questions, contact the Highway Department at 860-276-9430. |
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You may recall that during the recent legislative session, I proudly supported additional state funding for local infrastructure by voting in favor of HB 7288. This legislation provides a 33% increase in state funding for Southington’s roads—an additional $347,451 over the next two years—to support critical road maintenance and improvements.
Given the town’s limited bonding and budget capacity for road repairs, this funding will help ease the burden on local taxpayers while addressing one of the top concerns I hear from residents: the need for better roads. |
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| Southington Bread For Life Summer B.A.S.H. |
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Southington Bread For Life is hosting its inaugural Summer B.A.S.H. tomorrow, on Saturday, July 25 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at its facility (31 Vermont Avenue). The organization is partnering with Hip Hop for the Homeless and DJ Gameboy to provide a fun atmosphere with vendors and local music artists.
Parking is available in the Bristol Health parking lot and the municipal lot across from Vermont Avenue. |
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| Residents are invited to drop by the Barnes Museum on July 29 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for a special one-day archaeological dig with Dr. Bill Farley and his students. This hands-on excavation will explore everyday artifacts from the property’s past, offering a unique look at local history in action. Inside the museum, visitors can also view a special exhibit featuring projectile points—some dating back thousands of years. The event takes place on the museum grounds and is open to all; no registration is required. A suggested donation of $25 is appreciated. |
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You are invited to take some time to stop, relax, and focus on your health on Wednesday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at The Orchards. An instructor will guide you through a Mind & Heart Morning, which includes a meditation. You will find more information on the graphic below.
There are still several seats open. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Not Too Late for Music on the Green |
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Reminder: Southington's 31st annual "Music on the Green" outdoor concert series -- presented by the Southington Recreation Department – continues each Wednesday through Sept. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Southington Town Green (Route 10/Main St.). Admission is free.
In the event of inclement weather, concerts may be postponed to Thursday evening.
Remaining Lineup
July 30 – RAVE ON
August 6 – SOUL SOUND REVUE
August 13 – THE EDDIE FORMAN ORCHESTRA
August 20 – SPIRIT SHAKER
August 27 – AMERICAN HONEY
September 3 – LOCOMOTION |
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| Summer Lunch Program Continues |
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Southington Bread for Life, with support from Southington Public Schools and South Central Health District, will continue to provide lunches to Southington children five days a week, from through Aug. 15.
Lunches and programming will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the DePaolo Middle School, 385 Pleasant St.
Grab-and-go lunches will be available for pickup at Bread for Life, 31 Vermont Ave., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
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| According to the National Fire Protection Association, 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves. Whether the fire is caused by an appliance, outlet, or your pet, the following tips can help keep them safe during and after a fire. 🚒 🐾 |
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| American Legion Veteran Fund |
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Share with a Vet: The American Legion Soldiers', Sailors' and Marine Fund provides eligible Connecticut veterans or surviving spouses of veterans in need with temporary financial assistance for expenses such as food, clothing, rent, mortgage interest, dental care, medical supplies and burial costs. Legion membership is not required.
For more information, visit alctssmf.org or please call 860-628-9890. |
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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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