Chris Poulos

On Wednesday night, I proudly presented Southington Deputy Police Chief William Palmieri with an Official Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly as he was honored by the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA as its Person of the Year at the Aqua Turf Club.

A 37-year veteran of the police department and lifelong Southington resident, Palmieri is a well-known volunteer and vital part of our community beyond his day job.

I am glad he can be recognized and thanked for all he has done, and continues to do, for Southington!

Veterans Coffee Hour

Save the date! On March 20 from 10-11 a.m., Commissioner Thomas Saadi from the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs and I will host a Veterans Coffee Hour at Calendar House Senior Center presented by the Town of Southington Veterans Service Office. We hope to see you for coffee and conversation!

Rogers’ Orchards Awarded Grant

Rogers' Orchards in Southington has been awarded $49,850 as part of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm Transition Grants program. The grant is in the Innovation and Diversification category for hard cider kegging equipment, a cider concession truck with custom bar, and a tasting area.

A total of $549,649 is going to 30 projects to assist Connecticut agricultural producers and cooperatives seeking to expand, diversify, and improve their existing operation. The grant program strengthens the economic viability of Connecticut farmers through four dynamic categories (New Farmer Micro Grant, Infrastructure Investment, Research and Development, and Innovation and Diversification).to address gaps in funding to support them in times of growth and change.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the dangers and warning signs of dating violence to help protect our youth.  

Data shows 26% of high school students in Connecticut have experienced verbally or emotionally abusive relationships, 9% have experienced physical abuse, and 11% have experienced sexual abuse. At the same time, 82% of parents nationwide are unaware that teen dating violence is an issue.  

We must continue educating parents, guardians, community leaders, and friends on understanding what constitutes dating violence and what we can do to protect our young people against this kind of abuse. 58% of parents cannot correctly identify all the warning signs of dating violence. Please click here to learn more about dating violence early warnings.

If you believe your teen or one of their friends is in danger, help is available. Individuals and families can contact CT Safe Connect from anywhere 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, to receive a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning and options. Contact them by calling or texting 888-774-2900, send a confidential email to safeconnect@ctcadv.org or use their web chat. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary.