Chris Poulos

This week I attended the annual Empowered to Lead Symposium at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, where it was a privilege to catch up with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, fellow legislators, and hundreds of Connecticut teachers.

We are lucky to have so many dedicated and talented educators in our state, and humbly count myself among their company. As a member of the Education Committee, I am grateful for the opportunity to gain insight from teachers on the successes and challenges that we face in public education.

Special shout out to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council and the The Mohegan Tribe for organizing the events.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!

This week, I was invited down to Fancy Bagels Xpress to learn about its Back-to-School Supply Drive. I met with owners Chris Fiorillo and Natalia Rodriguez who shared they are partnering with Martin Roofing & Siding LLC to gather donations of school supplies to benefit the students and schools in our community. 

They said the biggest needs include:

• Pencils/Pens
• Highlighters/Markers
• Binders/Folders
• Notebooks/Notepads
• Backpacks/Rulers
• Scissors/Erasers
• Glue/Glue Sticks
• Sharpeners/Crayons
• Whiteout/Index Cards
• Lined Paper/Construction Paper 

Donations can be made through August 25 and dropped off at Fancy Bagels Xpress on 309 Buckland Street in Plantsville and Fancy Bagels in Southington at 405 Queen Street. And if you are able to donate, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy one of their delicious bagels!

There will also be an event on August 18 from 12-2 p.m. at the Fancy Bagels Xpress location to collect more donations and thank all those who have helped provide for our community. (Rain date August 25). Plan on outdoor activities, face painting, balloon animals, food, music, and so much more!  

Here's your reminder that the 21st annual Taste of Southington is Wednesday from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Barnes Museum!

This food festival features local restaurants, food trucks, and live music by the Stanley Street Big Band. Enjoy free admission to the museum grounds with preview tours of the first floor of the museum, entertainment by Valentine the Clown, and shaded, tented seating.

Parking is available at the municipal lot on 1 Riccio Way, which is just a short walk to the grounds. After the event, head to the Town Green for the Music on the Green concert series!

Starting next week, head down to the Barnes Museum for lively outdoor performances of Twelfth Night and watch Shakespeare's comedy come alive in the fresh air. Enjoy the timeless tale of love and mistaken identity. Bring your friends and family, and even pack a picnic.

Do not forget your own chairs, blankets, and snacks. You can also pick up take out from one of the many downtown Southington restaurants.

Performances days and time are as follows:

• August 9 at 6 p.m.
• August 10 at 1 and 5:30 p.m.
• August 16 at 6 p.m.
• August 17 at 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Parking is available at the rear of the museum or at the municipal lot at 1 Riccio Way, providing direct access to the grounds.

The event is approximately 3 hours long. Bathrooms are on site, but the museum will be closed for admission during the event.

Purchase your tickets now on Eventbrite through Escapism Productions here: https://tinyurl.com/47zb44ux.

I am excited to announce an expansion of tuition-free classes here in Connecticut!
 
Now, any high school graduate and legal resident of Connecticut, even those with past college experience, can benefit. Learn more at https://shorturl.at/JHzxY.