JAN2026-PARTTWO_9-18home copy.qxp_NCN new template 1/6/26 8:24 AM Page 17
Ellington State Representative Round-up
Seeking feedback from constituents HARTFORD — This time of year, my fellow legislators and I go Jaime Foster into “pre-session crunch time” as we prepare for the start of a short session (even years are short sessions, running from February to May). In a short session, the state Constitution and the legislative rules limit the introduction of proposed bills to budgetary, revenue, and financial matters. This is my third term (six years in office), and I’m looking to you — constituents of the 57th District — to share feedback and ideas on “there ought to be a law” that you’d like to see. What;s important to you, your neighbors, your friends, your town? Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email anytime. My office can be reached at 860-240-8585, and my email is jaime.foster@cga.ct.gov. We are also planning listening sessions in each of the towns as another option for expressing your ideas and opinions, as well as office hours. I’ll be sure to make those dates known on Facebook, my website, and through my e-newsletters.
One of the things I’ve been working on is the concept of “Troops to Trades.” The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee has been looking at other state examples to help facilitate pathways from military service to the trades to help address shortages in the trade fields and to fill highpaying positions. You’re welcome to reach out to me if you would like to employ members of the military leaving the service, or if you have transitioned out of the military and into a new career, and have suggestions we should know about. I’ll also be working closely with the National Guard Association of CT, which helped champion this concept. Community-wise, we’ll be working to ensure that children living on the income cusp have access to as much food as possible, including at school. Districts should have all-school eligibility. If a family moves from one part of town to another, or from elementary to middle or high school, they should still have access to free/reduced meal options. I’ll also continue working on well water quality issues, energy affordability, and more.
Rep. Jaime Foster speaking in the House Chamber during the 2025 Legislative session. Photo courtesy of Rep. Foster’s Office
Mini-golf planned at library on Jan. 31 ELLINGTON — Break the monotony of winter by joining the Friends of the Hall Memorial Library for the annual mini-golf event at Hall Memorial Library on Saturday, Jan. 31, with a snow-date for Sunday, Feb. 1. This event features an 18-hole minigolf course set up throughout the library — in and out of the stacks and down the stairs. The library will open at 9 a.m., closing at 5 p.m.; last tee time is 4 p.m. face painting, a teacup raffle andeach child will receive a free book from the Friends of the Library Book Cellar. Family-friendly pricing.
Library news Continued from page 8
Hall Memorial Library will turn into a mini-golf course on Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Hall Memorial Library
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January 2026 North Central News
Local Licensed Electrician — Helping Homeowners With Small Electrical Jobs. No Job Too Small!
Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Join for knitting/needlework, talking, and laughing time. All levels welcome. Instruction offered. Tories, Spies, and Traitors!: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.Which side are you on? That’s the question every person in Connecticut had to answer in 1775, as the 13 colonies began a rebellion against British rule. This presentation reveals stories – some well-known, some obscure – of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side.
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