Updates from State Rep. Chris Poulos - September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

 
I had the opportunity on Friday to attend the annual STAND DOWN event hosted by Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at the Danbury War Memorial, which was one of five regional locations.
 
The DVA continues its commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing one-stop access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at the STAND DOWN events across the state.

At the event, I was honored to visit with Veterans, DVA staff and numerous other volunteers for organizations working to help our Vets. As an added bonus it was great to bump into Jason Coppola, Southington High School Class of ’92 graduate who was one of the Veterans Service Officers hosting the event. Special thanks to the DVA and all Veterans for their service.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks for taking the time to read them!
Gold Star Mother's and Family Day 

Sunday is Gold Star Mother's and Family Day, which is for honoring families of those who have received The Gold Star – the military award that commemorates the tragic death of a military member who has perished while in the line of duty and hopes to provide a level of comfort to the parents and families that are left behind. They are forever in our hearts.
Explore CT Parks

CTParks.com is the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. 

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

  • ParkFinder Tool
  • Dynamic Park Listings
  • “While You’re Here” Functionality
  • Event Awareness
  • User-Generated Content
  • Content Organization
  • Video-Rich Experience
  • Multi-Language Support
  • ADA Compliance

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.
Special Session on Tuesday
Autumn Arrival

Who's ready for another beautiful fall in New England? Autumn officially arrives on Saturday!