Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for June 12

June 12, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

It was a pleasure to attend the dedication of the new “Kind Acts Touch Everyone” bench at Strong Elementary School.

I enjoyed speaking with students about the importance of being kind to others and how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. The new bench serves as a visible reminder of the values of compassion, respect, and inclusion that help strengthen our schools and community.

This project is the result of the dedication and perseverance of Linda Reilly and Paula Lopatosky, who have spent years promoting intentional kindness throughout Southington’s schools. Their efforts, along with the support of educators, community partners, and the Rotary Club of Southington's generous contribution, are helping create environments where students can thrive both academically and socially.

I am grateful to Linda and Paula for their leadership and commitment to this important initiative. Their work is making a lasting impact on students and helping to ensure that kindness remains at the heart of our community.
 
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!
 

Honoring a Hero: TSGT Donald Arthur Dorman

After 81 years, Southington’s own Tech. Sgt. Donald Arthur Dorman is finally coming home.

A World War II airman who was killed in action and long listed as Missing in Action, TSGT Dorman has now been identified and will be laid to rest with full military honors. As a member of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, I will be honored to attend his homecoming and service.

Service Details:

  • Calling hours from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on June 22 at Plantsville Funeral Home.
  • Funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on June 23 at First Congregational Church, Southington. Burial with full military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
  • A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at The Aqua Turf Club (556 Mulberry Street).

The community is invited to join in honoring his extraordinary service and sacrifice. Welcome home, TSGT Dorman.
 

Stronger Hate Crimes Law

Connecticut continues to be a national leader in combating hate crimes. Governor Ned Lamont recently signed Public Act 26-77 into law, which I was proud to vote for, strengthening the ability of law enforcement and attorneys to investigate, charge, and prosecute hate crimes.

Connecticut was among the first states to enact a hate crimes law in 1990. Since then, additional hate crime provisions have been added over several decades in response to evolving needs and protections. As a result, Connecticut’s hate crimes laws became scattered throughout numerous sections of the General Statutes, making them more difficult to navigate and apply.

The new law consolidates those statutes into a dedicated chapter of state law, making them easier for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public to locate and understand. It also updates and standardizes terminology across the statutes to improve consistency and clarity.

The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026.

In conjunction with the signing of the law, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council launched of a new statewide public awareness campaign, Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime.

Click below to watch the PSA and learn more about the campaign.
CT.GOV PSA: "Hate is more than a word. It may be a crime."
 

I-84 Tree Removal & Nighttime Lane Closures

The state will begin a tree removal and vegetation clearing project along I-84 in both directions from Exit 26 in Cheshire to Exit 34 in Plainville, impacting the Southington corridor.

Work begins June 22, and is expected to continue through August 14, with no work scheduled on holidays. Crews will remove dead and overgrown trees to improve roadway safety along the highway “clear zone.”

Nighttime ramp and lane closures will occur Monday–Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with traffic detours and posted safety controls in place.

Drivers should expect delays and are urged to drive carefully through the work zone, as schedules may shift due to weather or other conditions.
 

Cooling Centers Open as
Extreme Heat Protocol Takes Effect

Connecticut is currently under the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol due to severely hot and humid conditions, which remains in effect through 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. In response, Southington officials have opened cooling centers to help residents stay safe and find relief from the heat.

The Southington Public Library, Calendar House, and the Southington Police Department lobby are available as cooling locations for those who need them. Please take precautions by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activities, and checking on older adults, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness. If you or someone you know needs a cool place to go, please take advantage of these important community resources.
 

Tips for Cooling Your Car This Summer

With summer temperatures rising across Southington, a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot. Before hitting the road, roll down your windows for the first minute and let the trapped heat escape while your air conditioning gets to work.

Most importantly, never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes or on a mild day. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe and comfortable this summer.
 

Post Session Town Hall

You are invited to join me for a post session town hall and conversation about the issues that matter most to you and our Southington community.

I will meet with constituents at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Southington Community Cultural Arts (93 Main Street) in Southington.

This gathering is a great opportunity to hear an update on what we accomplished during the 2026 legislative session, ask questions, provide feedback, and share ideas for future bills. Your input helps shape the work we do at the Capitol.

I hope you will stop by and join the conversation! 
 

Food Drive at Bread For Life

You are welcome to help those on in need with a simple donation. The Cherly A. Jankura Memorial Food Drive will take place tomorrow, Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bread For Life (31 Vermont Avenue).

Organizers ask that you drop off several items including:

  • Water bottles
  • Single-serving fruit snacks
  • Breakfast bars

All donations support the Bread For Life Summer Lunch Program. Please read the graphic below for more information.
 

CT Open House Day and More

Southington residents are invited to celebrate CT Open House Day on Saturday, June 13 with free admission at local historic sites offering an opportunity to step into local history right in our own backyard!
CLICK HERE for a list of CT Open House Day events.

In Southington, visitors are invited to enjoy free first-floor tours at the Barnes Museum from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and explore period rooms, decorative arts, and rotating exhibits. Learn about the Barnes family, the home’s architecture, and the stories that shaped the community.

The Southington Historical Museum will be open from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. where you can take a free photo in the world’s first photo booth, learn the 200 year old secrets of a Southington author and teacher that improved schools across the country, and enter a free drawing for one of his actual antique books.

You can also explore the Southington South End Schoolhouse from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and experience how children learned with interactive activities.

Nearby, the Marion Schoolhouse & Classroom Museum will be open from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., offering a family-friendly look at local artifacts and the history of Marion.

If you can’t make the Open House events this weekend, consider attending the Revolutionary War walking tour at Oak Hill Cemetery on Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. This guided visit invites participants to walk among the headstones and learn about the individuals who helped shape their community and contributed to the founding of the nation, leaving behind a lasting legacy that still resonates today. A $10 donation is recommended.
 

Southington Symphonic Band Summer Concert

The Southington Symphonic Band will present its Summer 2026 Concert on Monday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southington High School auditorium.
 
This year’s program celebrates the music of John Williams, featuring selections such as The Imperial March, Adventures on Earth (E.T.), Rey’s Theme, Harry’s Wondrous World, and more.
 
Admission is free—no tickets are required, and donations will be accepted at the door.
 
The Southington Symphonic Band, directed by former Southington High School band director Jeff Shaw, brings together local musicians, educators, alumni, and community members.
More information
 

Farmers' Market Begins

The Southington Farmers' Market kicks off on Friday, June 26, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Town Green and will run every Friday through September 25. I encourage you to stop by and support our downtown community. From fresh produce to local goods, the market is always worth the visit—speaking from personal experience!
 

10th Annual Head First Scramble

Reminder - Support a great cause while enjoying a fun day of golf at the 10th Annual Head First Scramble, benefiting USA Skeleton athlete Austin Florian as he prepares for another World Cup season.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 11 with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. There will be a four-person scramble format, followed by a buffet, awards reception, and raffle.

More than just a golf outing, this event is a meaningful opportunity to support a dedicated local athlete as he continues competing on the world stage and pursues his long-term dream of representing Team USA at the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps. Gather your friends, enjoy a great day on the course, and help champion one of our community’s outstanding athletes.
Register here!
 

Flag Day

Flag Day is Sunday, a time to honor the American flag as a symbol of our nation’s unity, history, and shared values. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on what it represents and to display the flag proudly in our community.
 

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  
 

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