Chris Poulos

It’s been great (and a bit chilly) to be back out knocking on doors and checking in with residents of the 81st District on the issues that matter most to them. My goal for my Winter Walk Listening Tour is to cross the district before the start of the legislative session, which begins on February 7.

While my schedule will allow me to visit many homes, I won’t be able to make it to every door in just one month. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to me if you have questions, want to share your thoughts on an issue that is important to you, or need assistance navigating a state agency. 
 

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

This week I visited the Southington YMCA’s Early Learning Center in an effort to learn more about its program, its successes, and the challenges facing all early childhood care providers across our town and state. I met with Joanne Kelleher, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, Southington-Cheshire YMCA CEO Mark Pooler, and the leadership team at the Center. It was great to re-tour the facility where my own children were enrolled many years ago and discuss a number of legislative priorities that would benefit all early childhood care providers and our residents with young children who attend them. 

As I continue on my pre-legislative session listening tour, my goal is to visit and speak with as many Southington organizations, business, and residents, so I can position myself to best represent them in Hartford. Please reach out if you would like to set up a visit. 

This week, State Representative Jill Barry (D-Glastonbury) and I were invited to attend the legislative briefing by the Police Advisory Association of CT (POACT) in Hartford.  At the event we met with POACT members and officers to learn about their legislative priorities for the upcoming session. It was great to follow up with Southington Detective John Marenholz, who was also in attendance, after having met with him earlier this month in town. Support for public safety and the Southington Police Department has been a priority for me during my tenure as a State Representative. I look forward to working collaboratively with other like-minded legislators in an effort to keep our community safe. 

I was honored to attend Cristiano Almeida’s official inauguration as Kid Governor at a ceremony held at the Old State House in Hartford. Cristiano, a student at Oshana Elementary School in Plantsville, was elected by fifth graders from across the state who support his platform focusing on Keeping Connecticut Fit.  His advocacy for physical fitness includes a Fit Coin Hall of Fame initiative, which involves students earning fitness coins leading to their eventual induction into a Fitness Hall of Fame. He also plans to develop a Fit4FunKidz YouTube channel with suggested activities and interviews from fitness advocates, and he will sponsor a statewide poster contest promoting physical fitness. It was exciting to be alongside other invited officials, students, teachers, and Cristiano’s family members as the new Kid Governor delivered his inaugural address. Congratulations! 

With brutally cold temperatures impacting Connecticut, the state’s severe cold weather protocol has been activated through noon on Monday. Shelters and warming centers are available. Anyone in need of shelter is strongly urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these resources.

The Town of Southington will have warming locations available at the following locations:

• Southington Calendar House, 388 Pleasant Street, Friday from 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. 
• Southington Public Library, 255 Main Street, Friday- Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Southington Police Department, 69 Lazy Lane, all hours where the Library or Calendar House are closed