Updates from State Rep. Chris Poulos - October 4, 2024

October 4, 2024

 
 
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Dear Neighbor, 

This week I attended Comptroller Sean Scanlon’s ArrayRx information session at the Calendar House. ArrayRx, the state’s prescription drug discount program, is a user-friendly way for seniors and families to save money and tackle the high cost of health care. No one should have to decide between paying for essentials like rent or food and paying for the prescription they need to live.  

At the event, Comptroller Scanlon and his team explained the benefits of ArrayRx, which launched last year. After a brief question-and-answer session, his team met with residents and walked them through the online registration process. Since its launch, thousands of Connecticut residents have signed up and many prescriptions have been filled, which means big savings at the pharmacy counter. If you were unable to attend, more information on how the ArrayRx discount card works, including a list of frequently asked questions and a drug price lookup tool, can be found at arrayrxcard.com.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!

Library Update

On Thursday, I was invited to tour the new library, meet with project leads, and receive an update on the construction timeline. Impressive progress has been made since my last visit as both the exterior facade and interior design features are coming along nicely.

Some highlights include: flooring, interior painting, light fixtures in place, and the installation of circulation desks, counters, and cabinets. The new library is set to open the first week in December with an official ribbon cutting tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 7.

Griffin Child Development Center
50th Anniversary Celebration

Last week, State Senator Rob Sampson, State Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco and I joined staff, families, and local officials at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Margaret C. Griffin Child Development Center. The event was held on the back field of Derynoski Elementary School and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate their brand-new playground. My legislative colleagues and I presented an official congratulatory state citation. After the formal program, all in attendance visited and enjoyed a casual pizza and salad dinner together. Best wishes to the Margaret C. Griffin Child Development Center for this milestone accomplishment.

Apple Harvest Festival
 

The Apple Harvest festival begins today and will run through October 13. Highlights this weekend include the opening ceremonies (today at 5:30 p.m.), the Apple Harvest Road Race (Sunday at 8:30 a.m.), the Parade featuring Grand Marshall Mark Sciota (Sunday at 2 p.m.), and of course … Apple Fritters sold daily throughout the entire festival. 

For the most up-to-date information, check out the official Apple Harvest Facebook page or the Town website

Hope to see you there!

Annual Pancake Breakfast

Join me between the Apple Harvest Road Race and the Parade for the 59th Annual Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Southington Lions on Sunday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Calendar House. All the pancakes you can eat for $7 or $5 for seniors 65 and older. Children under 5 eat free!

New Laws

Effective this week, some new laws hitting the books in Connecticut that may impact you, your family, or your business.

  • Tax relief for veterans with a disability
  • Increased data privacy protections
  • Support for K9 police officers
  • Improved nursing home standards for seniors and more

You can visit cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp for the full list.

Oak Hill Cemetery Walking Tour

Explore history in a unique way on Saturday, October 5 and 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. during a guided walking tour with The Barnes Museum through Oak Hill Cemetery. Discover fascinating stories, local legends, and the beauty of this historic resting place.
 
No registration required! A $10 donation to the museum, however, helps them continue doing these educational programs.
 
Wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather. All ages are welcome!

History Pints at Long View Cider House

The Barnes Museum, Southington’s Open Space Commission and Long View Cider House are partnering to bring History Pints to the orchards on Thursday, October 10 from 6-8 p.m. This program will highlight the fascinating history of the Rogers Family and the Shuttle Meadow area of Southington, showcasing the importance of open space and farming heritage here.

This is a perfect outing for history lovers and those who care about preserving Southington’s natural spaces. Have a cider and enjoy an engaging dive into local history!
 
There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door and proceeds go toward the museum’s ongoing restoration efforts.

Manufacturing Day

Today is Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing has long been the mainstay of Connecticut's economy, and we are committed to helping manufacturers thrive as you can see below.

  • Connecticut Manufacturing Assistance Act: Provides low-interest loans for projects that have strong economic development potential. Funds can be used for machinery, construction, inventory, training, and more.
  • Manufacturing Innovation Fund: Provides financial support for job training and apprenticeships, education for small companies in new manufacturing technology and grants of up to $100,000 toward equipment purchases.
  • Manufacturing Strategic Plan: Includes programs to support small and medium manufacturers, such as the DECD Manufacturing Innovation Fund. This program offers matching grants of up to $100,000 to eligible manufacturers under 100 employees.
  • CONNEX Connecticut: An online platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers and suppliers with a single, accurate, and searchable supply-chain solution. It’s not just another platform: it’s a revolutionary new way for you to find, be found, connect, and contract directly with each other.

Learn more about these programs and many more resources through Connecticut’s Office of Manufacturing at manufacturing.ct.gov.

Fall Foliage

Save the dates! There’s nothing like fall in Connecticut.