We are approaching the time in the legislative session when we regularly debate and vote on bills on the floor at the State Capitol. I will keep you updated on any developments affecting our community at a community coffee hour this weekend. Please keep scrolling to see where and when that is taking place.
I joined fellow attorney legislators, as well as invited advocates, to defend the importance of a non-partisan Judiciary and the rule of law. Below you will find a video of my speech where I discuss the importance of keeping our judiciary independent.
Drivers can expect some slowdowns on a busy road in Simsbury as crews remove trees. You will find a timeline on lane closures on Route 189 below. Our community honored a fallen hero from Simsbury by renaming our local VFW. You can learn more about his lasting legacy in this newsletter.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
Join Me for Coffee on Saturday
Renewed Pledge to Defend Our Constitution
Expect Delays for Tree Removal
Honoring a Fallen Hero in Simsbury
Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Nominate an Environmental Champion
What Bears Are Up To in April
Teen Photo Challenge
Community Events
Join Me for Coffee on Saturday
I invite you to join me for an open and engaging discussion over coffee about the issues facing our state and my legislative priorities for the current session. This is a great opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions, and learn more about the work I am doing to address what matters most to our community and state.
Please join me on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coffee Spot at 750 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury.
I want to hear from you. Your questions, thoughts, and concerns help shape our work at the Capitol. Whether it's the economy, elections, bears, public safety, education, healthcare, energy bills, or another issue close to your heart, your input is invaluable.
I look forward to a productive and meaningful conversation. Hope to see you on Saturday!
Renewed Pledge to Defend Our Constitution
I joined fellow lawmakers and advocates to reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding Connecticut residents' rights and the rule of law. We also pledged to protect our Judiciary from the harmful onslaught of threats of retribution that could impede impartiality and the rule of law. Every public official and lawyer takes a sacred oath to defend the Constitution, and we must do our utmost to uphold that legally and morally binding promise.
An independent judiciary is key to effectively deliver justice.
An independent judiciary, where judges can interpret and apply the law without retribution, is the cornerstone of our system of government. There is nothing more important to our democracy. We are committed to defending a valid, independent, and co-equal judiciary here in Connecticut. What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a crisis, and we will continue to stand strong in its defense.
Expect Delays for Tree Removal
Drivers should expect delays as crews remove dead, diseased, and decaying trees on Route 189 from Elm Street in Tariffville to Tunxis Avenue in Bloomfield. There will be lane closures on that two mile stretch from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 16.
Crews will also remove trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the road. CLICK HERE for more information.
Honoring a Fallen Hero in Simsbury
It was my great honor to join members of the 102nd Infantry Battalion to honor their fallen member in the renaming of our local VFW. No words or posts can express our deep reverence of the sacrifices made.
From left to right: Maj. Gen. Fran Evon, Rep. Melissa Osborne, Sen. Paul Honig, and Sgt. Sam Beinstein of the Army Reserve.
The post, formerly known as the Metacomet VFW, now carries the name of Simsbury's Sgt. Felix Del Greco Jr. — a name that holds deep meaning for the Connecticut National Guard family. Sgt. Del Greco was killed in action in Iraq in 2004 while serving with the 102nd Infantry Battalion. He was the first Connecticut Soldier lost in that conflict. The renaming ensures that Sgt. Del Greco’s service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten.
Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe. The last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.
I am happy to share that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.
Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
Aquarion Water Company is asking for your help honoring Connecticut’s environmental volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and improve our state’s air, water, soils, and natural habitats. The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards honors the remarkable efforts of Connecticut individuals, businesses, and organizations who go above and beyond for conservation!
Organizers encourage you to nominate an adult, nonprofit, or business to receive a $5,000 grant, which they will donate to an environmental nonprofit of their choice. You can also nominate a high school student for a $1,000 award.
The deadline for nominations is May 9, and Aquarion will celebrate the winners at a special ceremony on June 7 at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.
The long winter nap is over, and most black bears are active and looking for food in April. Mother bears are nursing their cubs, who are getting their first look at the world. Bears feed on vegetation, insects, and human-provided food.
The Simsbury Public Library and the Simsbury Camera Club invite those who are 12-19 years old to the Teen Photo Challenge! Contestants may submit up to three photos in black and white or color in any category of their choice. Each image must have a title and a signed release form.
Participants must drop off their prints at the library’s information desk between now and April 22. The winner will receive a $75 Amazon gift card.
CLICK HERE for more a full list of rules, guidelines, a list of the prizes, and more.
Community Events
The Simsbury Land Trust is looking for volunteers to remove invasive plants from its properties. You’ll get to learn how to identify and manage invasive plants in your own backyard while helping Simsbury Land Trust remove harmful plants.
Recommended items include bug spray, long pants, loppers, and work gloves.
Plant removal workdays are from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on 4/23, 4/26, 5/7, 5/10, 5/14, 5/17, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/7, 6/11, 6/14, 6/18, 6/21, 6/25, 6/28.
Are you a local organization looking to recruit volunteers? The Simsbury Public Library will host a Volunteer Expo on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
You can drop off household hazardous waste at a collection drive on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Farmington High School. This event is open to residents of Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Suffield.
Staff will guide you as to where to go and how to dispose of the items you bring. Proof of residency will be required. CLICK HERE to learn more.
