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Happy Friday!
Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South, but was unknown to others from the rest of the country. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.
Contrary to popular belief, the Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. It also did not end at the conclusion of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, 2 months after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.
Although Juneteenth celebrates a momentous event in our history, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and its lingering effects on our society. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that will make Connecticut a better state for all. If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about upcoming roadway construction in Plainville, avoiding a text scam involving the DMV, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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This Father's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures who play such an important role in our families and our community.
Being a father is not just about providing -- it's about showing up. It's about guidance, patience, and unconditional love. Whether it's helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being there to listen -- your presence matters deeply.
Here in Plainville, Farmington, and Southington, I've seen firsthand the dedication of so many hardworking dads who do everything they can to support their children and strengthen our neighborhoods. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.
To those who are remembering a father today, or spending this day without your children, please know my thoughts are with you as well.
Wishing all the incredible fathers and father figures in our community a peaceful, joyful, and well-deserved Father's Day.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced two upcoming roadway construction projects that will impact Plainville drivers:
Demolition work will begin on the bridge that carries Route 72 westbound over Route 372 in Plainville resulting in a closure of Route 372 in this location starting Friday, June 20 at 6pm through Monday, June 23 at 6am.
Route 372/New Britain Avenue between Burnham Street and Hooker Street will be closed to all traffic the full weekend of Friday, June 20 from 6pm to Monday, June 23 at 6am.
Traffic control signing patterns and the Plainville Police during peak hours Saturday and Sunday will guide motorists through the detour.
In addition, a wrong way detection activation will take place on I-84 westbound at Exit 34 in Plainville on Monday, June 23 and will be completed on Thursday, June 26.
Motorists can expect a closure of I-84 westbound at Exit 34 in Plainville starting Monday, June 23.
Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
Please always maintain a safe speed and respect for construction workers when driving through these areas.
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Great news for Southington residents: our state bonding bill delivered a 33% increase in state funding for Southington roads - an additional $347,451 over the next two years to maintain and improve the roads we all rely on.
I know the condition of our roads has been a major point of concern for Southington residents, so I was proud to fight for these improvements for you! |
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Connecticut State Police are warning all of us of a new text message scam involving a phony traffic ticket. The criminals pretend to be with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and claim the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket that must be paid immediately.
If you receive a text like the one below, DO NOT click on the link. It leads to a fraudulent website where your personal and financial information can be stolen.
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Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid being a victim of these types of scams:
- Do not respond to the text or click any links. State DMVs would not ask for your information or money by text.
- If you think the message might be real, contact your state's DMV using a trusted phone number or website.
- Copy the text message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
- Report the text on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
- Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
If you did click the link and experienced a financial loss, please contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.
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Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 21st year, is set to take place on Saturday, June 14. Held annually on the second Saturday of June, this statewide event invites residents to explore Connecticut’s rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions right in their own backyard. The hope is that this event will convert CT residents into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences by enhancing awareness and interest in the state's tourism to other visitors.
By offering free or reduced admission and exclusive access to rarely opened sites, Connecticut hopes that this event will spark something in its residents and convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. There is a lot to offer and Connecticut tourism is open for all to enjoy!
Click here to find the list of businesses taking part.
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Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels.
The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
Click here to access the list.
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Plainville's 3rd Annual Juneteenth CelebrationVeteran's Memorial Park, on the corner of Maple St. and Whiting St., PlainvilleJune 19, 11am-2pmRead more here
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Summer Concert Series: Eight to the BarNorton Park Rd., PlainvilleJune 19, 6:30pmRead more here
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Summer Concert Series: Nzinga's DaughtersNorton Park Rd., PlainvilleJune 26, 6:30pmRead more here
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Farmington 2025 Concert SeriesStaples House Green (2 Monteith Dr., Farmington)June 12 - August 21, 6:30-8:30pmRead more here
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From the Porch: FriendZWorldMusicHill-Stead Museum (35 Mountain Rd., Farmington) June 20, 6-7:30pmRead more here
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2025 Summer Lunch ProgramMondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: DePaolo Middle School (385 Pleasant St., Southington)Tuesdays and Thursdays: Southington Bread for Life (31 Vermont Ave., Southington)June 23 - Aug. 15, 11:30am-12:30pmRead more here
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Downtown Southington Historic Walking TourBarnes Museum (85 N. Main St., Southington)June 21 11am-noonRead more here
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Southington Drive-InSouthington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington) May 31 - September 13, 6pmRead more here
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Southington Music on the Green Concert SeriesSouthington Town Green (Route 1/Main St.) May 28 - September 3, 7-9pmRead more here
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Rabies ClinicSouthington Calendar House (388 Pleasant St., Southington) June 14, 2-4pmRead more here
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Southington Farmers MarketSouthington Town GreenEvery Friday, June 20 - Sept. 26, 3-6pmRead more here
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Books & BrewsWitchdoctor Brewing Company (168 Center St.. Unit 107, Southington) June 18, 6-7pmRead more here
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Books & BagelsSouthington Public Library (255 Main St., Southington) June 19, 10-11amRead more here
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Southington Apple Harvest FestivalSouthington Town GreenWeekend 1: Oct. 3 - Oct. 5Weekend 2: October 10 - Oct. 12Read more here
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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