This week, I was proud to kick off my Tour of Southington Businesses initiative with a visit to F&F Concrete, joined by Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. A big thank you to Lauren, Dan, Peggy Forgione, and the entire F&F team for their warm welcome and for sharing their experience as a successful family-owned business, along with their insights on how the state can support their continued growth.
The goal of this initiative is to learn directly from successful local businesses about how we can create the conditions that will attract new companies to Connecticut, while retaining and supporting businesses like F&F Concrete, helping to create jobs and strengthen our state’s workforce.
During my tenure as a legislator, business visits have shaped my advocacy in Hartford. The Tour of Southington Businesses builds on this work by bringing state leaders into the conversation so we can learn together and shape policies that support Southington and the wider Connecticut business community.
Click HERE to read the Southington Outsider's coverage of the visit.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!
Millstone Visit
Earlier this week, I toured the Millstone Nuclear Power Station and met with station leadership to learn more about its operations and role in Connecticut’s energy mix. We began with an overview and discussion of safety and security measures, the state’s power purchase agreement, and how nuclear energy compares to other energy sources, followed by a tour of the reactors, turbines, and cooling systems.
Millstone is a highly secure and impressive facility that has safely provided clean, reliable power for over 50 years. Comprised of two pressurized water reactor units, it produces about 2,100 megawatts of carbon-free electricity—powering roughly 525,000 homes—and supplies approximately 47 percent of Connecticut’s electricity. I remain committed to learning about all energy options as we work to make energy more affordable and cleaner for families and businesses across our state.
Dominion Energy's Millstone Power Station is CT's only nuclear power plant.
Free Dental Services for Veterans
Veterans in need in the greater Hartford area can receive free dental care! The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative is offering this vital health care through its Salute to Smiles program, which honors our veterans' service by connecting them with quality oral health education, preventative care, and treatment resources. You will find of the eligibility information below.
Drivers should expect daytime delays as crews replace three bridges on I-84 in Southington. There will be lane closures at Exit 31 beginning Thursday, January 22 and continuing through Friday, February 20 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The schedule could change based on the weather. Please slow down in the work zone.
Updated Town Website Now Live
Earlier this month, the Town of Southington’s updated website officially went live! Please note the new web address to use moving forward.
Reminder - On Saturday, January 24 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., I will kick off my 2026 Legislative Session Listening Tour at the Southington Coffee House on Main Street. I invite residents to stop by, ask questions, and share their priorities or concerns. I hope you can attend and look forward to a great conversation.
Nothing But Net!
Join the community for an afternoon of family fun at a free basketball tournament! The event will be held Saturday, January 25 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Southington High School gym. The tournament includes local teams, a kids halftime shooting contest, and other fun activities. Thank you to the Southington YMCA, Southington Public Schools, the Southington Education Foundation, the DePaolo Family Foundation, and other generous organizations for sponsoring this event.
Dash to Better Blood Pressure
Local health experts are encouraging adults with high blood pressure to take part in a free six week program to improve your health. The campaign is called the Dash to Better Blood Pressure. Participants will meet every Tuesday at 11 a.m. starting February 3 at the Southington Calendar House (388 Pleasant Street). Please look at the graphic below for more information.
Opportunity to Adopt a Cat
You're invited to stop by Petco to meet adoptable cats and kittens from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 17. Approved applicants can adopt a pet on site (760 Queen Street). Learn more about the cats here.
Winter Coat Drive
Rogers Orchards is encouraging you to participate in its winter coat drive from now through February 28. Organizers ask that you donate a new or gently used coat. Drop off locations:
Rogers Orchards: 2876 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike
The Bottle Shop at Long View Ciderhouse: 336 Long Bottom Road
Rogers Orchards is proud to partner with Button Up Connecticut to donate the coats to those in need.
Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor a leader whose courage and moral clarity challenged our nation to live up to its highest ideals. May we recommit ourselves to service, justice, equality, and civility as we work together to strengthen our communities.
I am honored to have been invited to speak at a Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative service on Sunday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church (581 Meriden Avenue).
During the service, the church will recognize two middle school students for their outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening their school and community, an inspiring reflection of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the values he championed.
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!
