Dear Neighbor,
This week, I had the opportunity to attend an informative Lunch & Learn Demo hosted by VIF (Virtual Information at your Fingertips), thanks to an invitation from Southington resident Dan LaPorte. It was great to learn from the VIF team and community leaders, including Deputy Chief Billy Palmieri, about this innovative registry designed to support residents with mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. |
|
The system allows individuals and caregivers to securely manage vital information—such as medical conditions, access points, and communication preferences—that first responders can access during emergencies. Southington has already signed on to the service, which is free for residents and helps ensure faster, safer, and more informed emergency responses.
Thank you to VIF for your leadership in creating safer, more inclusive communities across Connecticut. Stay tuned for future updates and information on how Southington residents can opt in to this service.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
|
| New Higher Education Accountability Law |
|
|
| This past legislative session, I was proud to co-sponsor HB 6887, a new state law that strengthens oversight and promotes greater accountability across Connecticut’s public colleges and universities. Under the law, the UConn Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents for Higher Education—which oversees Connecticut State Community College, Charter Oak State College, and CSCU—must adopt or update key management policies by January 1, 2026. These policies address the use of purchasing cards, access to state vehicles, and residency requirements for executive leadership positions, including the UConn president and CSCU chancellor. The law also requires training on business operations and compliance procedures. |
|
In addition, the Board of Regents must appoint a compliance officer to conduct regular audits, and all covered institutions will now submit detailed spending data for inclusion in the state comptroller’s online expenditure database.
These reforms, enacted as Public Act 25-71, took effect on July 1, 2025, and represent an important step forward in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in our public higher education system. |
|
Earlier this summer, Governor Lamont signed legislation into law establishing a range of new incentives and protections for farm owners in the state.
Among the provisions:
✔️20% tax credit for “farm investment property”
✔️Crop loss reimbursement
✔️Drone regulations to boost innovation
✔️Support for shellfish, agritourism & more
✔️Expanding land access grants |
|
| Road Improvement Work Continues |
|
|
| Drivers should expect delays as crews mill and resurface Route 229 in Southington and Bristol. The work will take place on a 1.79 mile stretch of Route 229 from Sommers Hill Drive to Ronzo Road from Sunday, August 3 through Wednesday, August 27. Crews will shut down lanes from 7 p.m. – 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday during the project. |
|
| Stop by the 22nd Annual Taste of Southington from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 at the Barnes Museum and enjoy free admission onto the museum grounds and tours of the first floor. |
|
|
Other amazing features of the free event include:
- Live music from the Stanley Street Big Band from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Special guest Valentine the Clown
- A wide range of local foodie favorites, including food trucks
- Tented seating
Afterwards take a stroll from the museum to the Southington Town Green at 7 p.m., where you can groove to the weekly Music on the Green concert series tunes.
|
|
|
You have an opportunity to improve your pickleball game on Monday, August 4, 11, and 18 in the Fitness Room at the Southington Calendar House on Pleasant Street. The program includes:
- Warm up, stretching and strengthening exercises
- Drills to improve footwork, stroke mechanics and balance
- Eye exercises to improve focus and tracking of the ball
Sign up, bring your paddle and good court shoes, and get ready to see your game improve. Suggested donation is $5 payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Please call 860-621-3014 or e-Mail the Southington Calendar House at CHStaff@CalendarHouse.org to reserve your spot.
|
|
| Low-Cost Health & Wellness Pet Clinic |
|
|
Take advantage of the opportunity to monitor your pet's health at the Low-Cost Veterinary Health & Wellness Clinic on Friday, August 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Southington Calendar House.
You must register online by Monday, August 4. There are still a couple of appointments available. Click HERE to sign up and look at the graphic below for more information. |
|
| School Supply Donation Drive |
|
|
Join friends and neighbors of the Southington community on the Town Green in their efforts to collect school supplies at EV's Backflips for Backpacks on August 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday.
This is a community initiative spearheaded by Evelyn Rose, a young state gymnastics champion. The event is dedicated to students in need in Southington. Organizers will donate all materials to Southington Community Services. |
|
| Bowling Fundraiser to End Alzheimer's |
|
|
Roll on over to Apple Valley Bowl Family Fun Center in Plantsville on Saturday, September 6 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. for an afternoon of strikes, smiles, and support!
This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages while raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association. Whether you're a pro bowler or just in it for the laughs, your participation helps make a difference. |
|
| Remembering a Fallen Firefighter |
|
|
I join the rest of the state in sharing my condolences with the family and loved ones of volunteer firefighter Raymond ‘Ray’ Moreau, who died in the line of duty on Sunday in Plainville. May we never forget his bravery and service.
Firefighter Moreau dedicated himself to protecting his community as well as showing courage and selflessness every day. His passing is a profound loss for Plainville, for Connecticut, and for all who knew and served alongside him. |
|
Officials said Moreau served the Plainville Fire Department for 35 years as a volunteer. He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Governor Ned Lamont ordered flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff in Moreau's memory. |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
