Chris Poulos

Recently I visited DePaolo’s Furniture and offered friend and local business owner, Pamela DePaolo, my gratitude and congratulations for her family’s nearly 100 years of managing Southington’s premier family run furniture store.

DePaolo’s Furniture Store was established in downtown Southington in 1926. I commend both Pamela and her brother, Val, for their high-quality home furnishings, superb customer service, and years of dedication to the Southington community. I wish them both the very best in their retirements and continued success in their future endeavors.

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

We had a great turnout for the 5th Annual Cheryl Jankura Memorial Food Drive, supporting Bread for Life’s summer lunch program. As a member of the Southington High School Class of 93, I was humbled to play a small role in serving as an Honorary Alumni Ambassador along with my good friend Dawn Derynoski Anastasio (Class of 1995). Thank you to all residents who came out with contributions. It was great to see you and share stories about SHS’s educators and coaches and community leaders.

Congratulations to Patricia Petit, Southington’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.  Patricia (pictured below second from left) was surprised with the announcement earlier in June from her principal and visiting officials: (left to right) Superintendent Steve Madancy, Assistant Principal Simone Crouch, Teacher of the Year Coordinator Chris Palmieri, Principal Michael Crocco, Assistant Superintendent Frank Pepe, and Assistant Principal Rich Aroian. Thank you, Patricia, for all you do on behalf of Southington's children. I wish you continued success in your professional endeavors and hope to visit your classroom in the fall. 

Reminder! On Tuesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m., I will host a legislative session recap event at the Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA), at which I will share highlights from the 2024 Legislative Session and answer constituent questions. Hope you can join me! 

Spread the word and save lives!

Connecticut's Move Over law requires all drivers on a highway of two lanes or more in one direction to slow down to a reasonable level below the speed limit and, if safe to do so, move over one lane not only for emergency responders and tow truck drivers, but for any vehicle along the side of the road. If a driver is unable to move over a lane, they are required to slow down and proceed with caution.

As you are likely aware, this Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) skimming scam is a nationwide issue. It is also a technology-driven crime committed, at times, by organized rings in which the criminals steal EBT card information by installing electronic devices on ATMs or store point-of-sale (POS) terminals to capture card information, which is commonly referred to as skimming.

Connecticut, through the Department of Social Services, was one of the first states in the nation to implement a replacement benefit plan, having done so in June 2023. Below are some tips for recipients to keep your benefits safe.

An important reminder in the graphic below! ♿