Chris Poulos

It was a special privilege to present an official state citation to Town Manager Mark Sciota in recognition of his retirement and 29 years of service to Southington. In the early 1990s, Mark began his career as the Assistant Town Attorney. He went on to be appointed Town Attorney and Deputy Town Manager until ascending to the position of Town Manager in 2017. His dedication to public service and commitment to the community has earned him the distinction of being held in high esteem by all residents. May all that he has sent into the lives of so many come back into his own a hundredfold. Congratulations Mark!

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

Can’t wait to attend the upcoming Southington Italian-American Festival on July 26-28 in downtown Southington!

Thank you to the Sons of Italy, UNICO Club, and Sorelle d’Italia for organizing the upcoming Festival, which will include an entertainment lineup of music, food, children’s activities, BINGO, an Italian Marketplace, Sunday morning outdoor Italian Mass, and so much more. Viva l'Italia!

As a former camper - 41 years ago, see the picture below! - I am a proud supporter of the YMCA’s Camp Sloper. This week, I was honored to join members of our legislative delegation to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Camp Sloper has become a true Southington gem since Cornelia Sloper Neal bestowed the land to our community in 1949. Since that time the camp has grown from hosting 50 campers to currently welcoming 4,500 campers each year, helping to make a positive impact on the lives of countless youths, teens, and families. Camp Sloper is open to Southington residents on Sundays and hosts numerous community public events throughout the year. 

I am proud to earn a 100% rating from the CT Business and Industry Association for my voting record in support of Connecticut's and Southington's small businesses. According to the CBIA, my voting record during the last session supported solutions designed to address the state’s labor shortage crisis, lower the cost of living, develop and provide more housing options, remove workforce barriers, and ease the tax and regulatory burden on small businesses.

Read more at cbia.com/resources/issues-policies/2024-state-house-voting-records.

The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) released the June labor situation report showing that employers added an estimated 3,300 jobs last month, bringing private sector job numbers to a new high. Additionally, the unemployment rate dropped 0.4% to 3.9%, its lowest level since August 2023.

The state’s economy remains steady and stable with sustainable growth across a broad range of industries, a low unemployment rate, and good opportunities for job seekers. Please see the graphic below for more positive numbers!

The 21st annual Taste of Southington is set for August 7 from 4:30-7 p.m. at The Barnes Museum.

This mouthwatering food festival features:

• Live musical entertainment by the Stanley Street Big Band 
• Special guest Valentine the Clown will be there! 
• A wide range of local foodie favorites, including food trucks in our new parking lot! 
• Shady tented seating for your comfort

Parking for the event is at the municipal lot at 1 Riccio Way, which is just a short walk to the grounds! 

The fun doesn't stop at 7 p.m. Stroll from the museum to the town green, where you can groove to the weekly Music on the Green concert series.

Questions? Call 860-628-5426 or email thebarnesmuseum@southington.org