Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for June 5

June 5, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to announce that, working alongside Southington Town staff, we successfully secured a $275,625 federal grant to advance flood mitigation efforts in downtown Plantsville.

This funding will support an engineering study to identify long-term solutions to reduce flooding, protect homes and businesses, and strengthen critical infrastructure throughout the community.

The study is an important step toward addressing recurring flooding issues in Plantsville, improving public safety, protecting property, and positioning the Town to pursue future funding opportunities for mitigation projects.

I appreciate the partnership of our Town staff and look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of our community.
 
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!
 

Celebrating Southington's Top Students

I was honored to attend UNICO's 81st Annual Top 25 Dinner, a longstanding Southington tradition that recognizes the 25 highest academically ranked students in the graduating class of Southington High School.

It was a privilege to introduce this year's valedictorian, Ethan Hoffman, and to help celebrate the accomplishments of all of these outstanding students alongside their families, educators, and community leaders. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have earned them this well-deserved recognition. The honorees are listed below.
 

Investing in Camp Sloper

I was honored to attend the celebration and ribbon cutting of the new YMCA Camp Sloper Vasil Family Camp Office and Skarvinko Family Health Center. It was a privilege to work alongside the YMCA to secure $520,000 of federal funding for this important project, which will have a lasting positive impact on our community.

This investment represents so much more than new buildings- it is a commitment to our children, families, and future generations. These new spaces will help ensure that every camper and family feels welcomed, supported, and inspired for years to come. Shout out to all of the businesses and contributors that made this project possible.
 

Remembering Those Who Served

On Memorial Day, I was honored to speak at Southington’s American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 annual ceremony, where I reflected on the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of our country and the freedoms we share. It was a meaningful reminder of the cost of that service and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
 

Meeting with Boy Scouts Troops 45 and 145

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Boy Scouts Troops 45 and 145 to discuss my role as a state representative and share insights into the legislative process. As part of their Citizenship merit badge work, the Scouts were exploring the constitutional rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

We had a thoughtful conversation about civic engagement, the importance of voting, public service, and how government works at the state level. I was impressed by the Scouts' thoughtful questions, interest in public affairs, and commitment to learning about their role as future citizens and leaders.

Thank you to Troops 45 and 145 for the invitation and for the opportunity to be part of this important discussion.
 

Additional SNAP Funding

Approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who recently lost federal nutrition assistance will receive a $300 grocery store gift card though a new state-funded program. The $8.5 million initiative, back by Governor Ned Lamont, is financed through the state’s Federal Cuts Response Fund in response to recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This assistance will help thousands of families, seniors, veterans, and individuals continue to put food on the table while navigating the loss of federal benefits. In addition to receiving grocery assistance, eligible residents will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.

I was proud to support the creation of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund during last year’s special session. The fund helps the state respond quickly and effectively to federal funding cuts and policy changes that affect residents.
 

Putting Children and Families First

This past legislative session, I was proud to support and cosponsor Public Act 26-26, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Connecticut’s child welfare system and improve outcomes for children and families.

This legislation makes important reforms to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by prioritizing kinship care, expanding support for foster and relative caregivers, and improving training and safety for social workers. It also increases transparency and accountability through stronger oversight and better access to system data.

The law is a meaningful step forward in ensuring children are placed in the most supportive environments possible while strengthening the systems and services that protect them.
 

Pools and Swim Lessons

Crews are putting the finishes touches on Southington's town pools and the splash pad at Memorial Park to get them ready for a summer season. The facilities are open exclusively to Southington residents, who may bring one non-resident guest. Residents should be prepared to provide proof of residency when visiting the pools or splash pad.
Click here to view pool rules

Parents can also register their children, ages 5 and older, for the first session of swimming lessons at both Memorial Park Pool and Recreation Park Pool. These lessons are a great way for children to build confidence in the water, develop important safety skills, and have fun while staying active this summer.

The registration fee is $70 per child, with a discounted family rate available for households enrolling three or more children. 

We look forward to another great summer and hope families will take advantage of these wonderful community amenities.
Click here to sign up
 

LEAF’s CSA

If you enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, don’t miss your chance to join a Southington farming tradition. The Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (LEAF) is reminding residents that Tuesday, June 9, is the deadline to register for its 18-week summer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

CSA members receive a share of the farm’s seasonal harvest while supporting local agriculture and sustainable food production. After registering, participants can conveniently pick up their produce curbside at LEAF, located at 65 Blueberry Lane.

Pickup options are available on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The farm will set up cones and signs to guide you to the front of the building, where a farm staff member will place your CSA share in your car.
Click here to see the different produce packages
 

Summer Lunch Program

Southington Bread For Life’s Summer Lunch Program is expanding to support families in need in our community. It’s partnering with Southington Schools and South Central Health District to provide free, healthy meals and engaging activities for children and teens from June 22 through August 14.

Lunches are available for individual children in Southington. Please read the graphic below for details on this summer’s program.
Click here to contact Bread For Life
 

10th Annual Head First Scramble

Support a great cause while enjoying a fun day of golf at the 10th Annual Head First Scramble, benefiting USA Skeleton athlete Austin Florian as he prepares for another World Cup season.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 11 with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. There will be a four-person scramble format, followed by a buffet, awards reception, and raffle.

More than just a golf outing, this event is a meaningful opportunity to support a dedicated local athlete as he continues competing on the world stage and pursues his long-term dream of representing Team USA at the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps. Gather your friends, enjoy a great day on the course, and help champion one of our community’s outstanding athletes.
Register here!
 

Bike Safety Class

Reminder - It’s not too late to register! The Southington Police Department is offering a new Youth Bicycle Safety Course designed to help keep children safe on the road while engaging parents as active partners in the learning process. This interactive program emphasizes that bicycle safety is a shared responsibility.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 6
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Southington Police Station (69 Lazy Lane)

Parents and children will participate together alongside police officers, learning practical skills and important safety information for riding in neighborhoods and public spaces. The course is intended to be hands-on and family-focused, making it a great opportunity to build confidence, improve safety awareness, and strengthen community connections.
Sign up here!
 

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!

Sincerely,

Chris Poulos
State Representative  
 

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