Chris Poulos

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

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN event on September 20 from 9 a.m.-2p.m. at six regional locations:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue
• Bristol: St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Avenue
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
• Rocky Hill: DVA main campus, 287 West Street
• Stamford: UConn, 1 University Plaza

I was honored to attend last year's event in Danbury 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 (pictured below on the right), who was one of the Veterans Service Officers hosting the event. Special thanks to the DVA and all Veterans for their service.

The DVA is committed to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits.

For the list of confirmed service providers by location, click here. To view the transportation schedule, click here.

For any additional information please (860) 616-3772 or Email standdown@ct.gov.

Next Wednesday marks 23 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Of the nearly 3,000 people killed that day, 161 had ties to Connecticut. Their loved ones are forever in our hearts. May their memories be a blessing. 

I invite you to join me, town officials, members of our first responder community, and residents for the annual patriotic service at the 9/11 Memorial in Plantsville on the corner of Summer Street and Main Street. The public is encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to ensure there is enough parking. Thanks, and appreciation in advance, to ceremony organizers for bringing our community together for this remembrance.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will perform biannual maintenance inspection and recertification of wrong way driver sites on I-84 West at Exit 32 in Southington on September 9 through September 13 from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Drivers can expect exit ramp closures during these times. Motorists should also be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Please maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity. 

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is September 8-14, and we can all help reduce the risk for suicide by knowing the signs and reaching out in our community. Talking to a loved one about getting help is hard, but it can make a big difference. Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they get or seek help.

Ask open ended questions
Open-ended questions seek answers beyond “yes” or “no” and usually start with "how," "what," or "where."

Be supportive
During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.

Show you're listening
Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say ____."

Bring it all together
These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, follow up with them to check in.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.