Chris Poulos

It was great to swing by the Southington Farmers Market today on the Town Green and visit with the local vendors and spend some time talking with old friends and making new ones while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. I can't wait to enjoy the cherries I purchased from Gresczyk Farms.

Having the Farmers Market in the center of our town is fantastic because after you purchase fresh, delicious goodies, you can visit other local businesses and help support the fabric of our community.

The Farmers Market runs Fridays from 3-6 p.m. through September 20, so make sure you come down at point!

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

Another heat wave is expected to hit Connecticut, so the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol will be activated at noon on Sunday and remain in effect through 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
High temperatures combined with high dew points can be very dangerous for certain populations. State, local, and nonprofit partners are coordinating on the necessary operations for cooling centers to open and. anyone who needs some relief can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to get directed their nearest cooling center. Additionally, 2-1-1 can connect anyone in need with the transportation necessary to get to a cooling center.

Southington cooling locations are as follows:

• Southington Calendar House, 388 Pleasant Street: Sunday-Closed; Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Southington Public Library, 255 Main Street: Sunday-Closed; Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Southington Police Department, 69 Lazy Lane: All hours when the Library or Calendar House are closed

Please stay cool and safe!

Next week is Southington Restaurant Week, and it is officially the biggest in the state with 35 eateries!

The list of participants includes (with links to Restaurant Week menus):

1. Anthony Jack’s Wood Fired Grill Lunch Special | Dinner Special
2. Bird Dog BBQ
3. Blend Healthy Spot
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
5. Cadillac Ranch Restaurant
6. Close Harbour Seafood Restaurant & Market
7. Craft Kitchen – Southington
8. Dial 9 Prohibition Lounge
9. Domenic’s & Vinnie’s Pizza
10. DQ Grill & Chill
11. El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
12. Flair Restaurant & Bar
13. Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant
14. Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Grill
15. Hop Haus Craft Eatery and Taproom
16. Ideal Tavern
17. Kettle Bagels & Grill
18. La Catrina Bar & Restaurant
19. Loteria Mexican Restaurant
20. Long View Ciderhouse
21. Morava Restaurant & Bar
22. Outback Steakhouse
23. Perkatory Coffee Roasters
24. PolishPlate
25. Praline’s Cafe
26. Renaldo’s Apizza & Catering
27. Rogers Orchards
28. Sauced @ Kinsmen
29. Smoke & Muddle Bar & Restaurant
30. Southington Coffee House
31. Sweet Mia’s Bakery
32. The Groggy Frogg
33. The Manhattan Restaurant & Tapas Bar
34. The Manor Inn
35. The Salty Dog Tavern

 Eat well, and support local businesses!

YMCA Camp Sloper plans to commemorate 75 years of operation with two events next week. The first event is an Alumni Camp Tours and Happy Hour on Friday, July 19 from noon to 3 p.m. At noon Sloper alumni, past campers, staff, volunteers and donors are welcome for a tour of YMCA Camp Sloper, with a special LOGs presentation at Amphitheater from 1-1:45 p.m. Following the tour will be a private alumni celebration at the Sloper House for attendees 21 years old and older. 

On Saturday, July 20 from 11 a.m-3 p.m. is the 75th Anniversary Celebration Picnic. This is a family friendly event open to all Sloper families, alumni and anyone connected to the camp through the years. 

To RSVP, please click on the corresponding buttons or scan the QR codes below.

Camp Sloper is one of Southington’s gems. In my youth, as a camper, I spent hot summer days swimming in the pond – and as an adult I have enjoyed hiking with my family on the numerous trails the outdoor center offers to the public. Camp Sloper serves more than 4,500 children each summer and over 10,000 additional visitors in the offseason. It is a significant local force helping kids live happier and healthier lives. Camp Sloper strengthens the foundation of this community, so it should be celebrated!

Tomorrow at 11 a.m., discover the fascinating stories of the historic buildings and monuments near the Barnes Museum and explore Southington's heritage through the eyes of the Bradley, Barnes, and adjacent family members. This guided walking tour will take you from Merrell Avenue to just past Berlin Avenue, unveiling the history of North Main Street's structures, monuments, and more. The tour begins at the museum. Cost is a $10 suggested donation at the door and registration is optional.

The 15th season for the Southington Drive-In as a community owned and volunteer-operated venue is in full swing! All proceeds are distributed to host nonprofit and civic organizations at the end of the season. To date, the Southington Drive-In has distributed approximately $350,000 to host groups.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and movies start at dark, approximately 30 minutes after sunset. This Saturday, go "Back to the Future" as the United Way of Southington hosts a screening of the classic '80s comedy. For more information, check out the graphic or visit facebook.com/OfficialSouthingtonDriveIn.

Southington's 30th annual "Music on the Green" outdoor concert series is up and running Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. through September 4 at the Town Green. Admission and parking are free. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating and enjoy the shows!

For more information, including the full concert schedule, please visit southington.org/departments/recreation/music.php