Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for Feb. 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

Last weekend's Valentine’s Day Celebrity Gala for specially-abled adults was an absolute blast! I was honored to welcome such a wonderful crowd and loved seeing everyone dressed to impress, dancing their hearts out, and sharing so much joy.

A huge THANK YOU to all who attended, as well as the incredible organizers, volunteers, and everyone else who made this event a success. Your energy, smiles, and amazing dance moves truly lit up the night!

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

Select Committee
on Special Education Update

The Select Committee on Special Education has heard great input from educators and families on our statewide listening tour. We visited Norwich, Winchester (virtual due to snow), Bridgeport, and concluded in Hartford.

Our focus now is to turn the stakeholder testimony into draft bills to be presented at public hearings. As a teacher and Vice Chair of this committee, it is a priority for me to support school districts in their efforts to meet the needs of all learners.

YMCA Person of the Year

A huge congratulations to Melissa Sheffy, the YMCA Person of the Year. Melissa’s dedication to Southington is nothing short of inspiring. From championing the trades to leading a successful YMCA Capital Campaign, she continues to make a lasting impact on our community.

A successful businesswoman, passionate volunteer, and all-around amazing person — thank you, Melissa, for all you do!

Listening Tour at Southington Coffee House

I enjoyed many one-on-one conversations at the second stop on my 2025 Legislative Session Listening Tour. I'd like to offer a special shout out to the Southington Coffee House for hosting and to their excellent staff for top notch hospitality.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming Q&A sessions.

If your organization would like to schedule a stop on my Listening Tour, please reply to this email so we can work to schedule a date.

History Pints

Join the Barnes Museum and Curator Christina Volpe on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. inside Clark Hall at Kinsmen Brewing, 409 Canal St., for the launch of "The Barnes Museum and Homestead," Southington’s first comprehensive history book in a century.

Pre-order a copy of the book by calling the Barnes Museum at 860-628-5426. Signed copies will be available at the event for $25 (cash only). Unsigned copies will also be available at the event.

Patrons must be 21 or older to drink. Please bring I.D. Registration is not required. Seating is first come, first served.

Pet Health & Wellness Clinic

The Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., is hosting a low-cost pet health and wellness clinic on Friday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Services include general health checks, rabies and distemper vaccines, deworming and heartworm testing (for dogs only).

The cost is $60 per pet for seniors and veterans, and $100 per pet for all other patrons.

Registration is required by Feb. 24.

To register, visit vetcareeverywhere.org or call 860-621-3014.

Severe Weather Protocol in Effect

Governor Ned Lamont announced last week that the state’s severe cold weather protocol will be in effect until noon on Saturday, Feb. 22. During this time, temperatures are expected to drop to the single-digits.

While activated, the protocol initiates a series of actions to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold.

As a reminder, Southington’s Warming Center locations and times are as follows:

Southington Public Library (244 Main Street)
Friday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Calendar House (388 Pleasant Street)
Friday, Feb. 21, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m..
Saturday, Feb. 22, closed

Southington Police Department (69 Lazy Lane)
After hours when Calendar House and Library are closed

Public Hearings Next Week

Don’t miss your chance to get involved!

Here’s a look at the schedule of public hearings being held next week. You only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel.

Register here to testify and find more details in this week’s CGA Bulletin.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!