These are the results for Southington High School’s varsity contests for Wednesday, Sept. 27. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Girls Swimming & Diving—The Lady Knights earned their third-straight win to remain undefeated with a 95-72 rout of East Catholic at home. The following finished first in the meet: Meghan Hammarlund, Julie Duszak, Maddie Symecko, and Andie Nadeau in the 200 medley relay; Duszak, Kara Zazzaro, Jess Monte, and Olivia Fournier in the 200 freestyle relay; Fournier, Symecko, Nadeau, and Hammarlund in the 400 freestyle relay; Fournier in the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle; Duszak in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke; Hammarlund in the 100 fly and 100 backstroke; and Nadeau in the 500 freestyle. The following qualified for the Class LL meet: Fournier in the 200 freestyle (2:03.14) and 100 freestyle (55.44) and Hammarlund in the 100 fly (1:03.13). The following improved their state marks: Symecko in the 200 individual medley (2:25.64), Nadeau in the 500 freestyle (5:47.38), and Duszak in the 100 breaststroke (1:11.39). The Knights will wrap up the week when they travel to Plainville on Friday. The meet is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

For more in-depth coverage, see our weekly print edition. To contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at BJennings@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Photo by Sheridan Cyr

With help from two DePaolo staff and L.E.A.F. exec. director Mark Ramsay, local students are able to grow enough produce to have their own table at the Farmers Market on the Green on Fridays. The gardens were completed with help from Lowe’s manager Patrick Roy, the Orchard Valley Garden Club, Camp R.I.S.E, and L.E.A.F.

Michael Foley

Michael Foley, 25, of Southington, was arrested after for stealing a bottle of vodka from Wineland Discount Liquors on 1543 Meriden-Waterbury Tpk. and threatening a male clerk that he had a knife.

The clerk tripped a panic alarm at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 after the incident. The cashier said that Foley did not display the knife but fled the area, heading westbound on Meriden Waterbury Tpke. on a bicycle. After activating the panic button the clerk called a family member that lived nearby and told them what happened. Responding to the call, the family member saw Foley, stopped him, took away the bottle of vodka, and grabbed the bicycle. Foley fled on foot.

The on scene officer reviewed the video and recognized the suspect from a previous arrest. A short time later, another officer located Foley walking in the area of Burritt Street and Clark Street. A foot pursuit ensued and an officer arrived with a K-9 to start a track. Foley ran out from behind a home and and gave himself up to police without further incident. He was found to be in possession of a knife.

Foley was charged with first degree robbery, second degree threatening, second degree breach of pece, sixth degree larceny, and interfering with or resisting an officer. He was held on a $50,000 bond and scheduled to appear in Bristol Court on Sept. 27.

Dolores A. (Tacinelli) Palumbo, 86, of Palm Bay, FL passed away Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Zion II Assisted Living.

She was born April 4, 1931 in Southington, where she was a long time resident until moving to Bristol in 1978. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael J. Palumbo. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Josephine (Perfetto) Tacinelli. After raising her daughters, she worked at the former Allied Control for several years.

She was the loving mother of Patricia James and husband Simon of Belchertown, MA, Joanne Sanders and husband Chuck of Palm Bay, FL, and Darlene DeAngelo of Palm Bay, FL; grandmother of Nadine Berrini, Gwenda James D’Angelo, Angela James, Michelle DeAngelo, Michael DeAngelo, Keith Radcilffe and great granddaughter Adalyn McCormick. She is survived by her sisters Palmina Frisina of Meriden and Anna Wichick of Southington and friend and sister-in-law Sylvia Scarpa of Southington and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by sisters Josephine Dalton and Mary Gasecki both of Southington. Dolores was a perfectionist in every way. She will be remembered for her love of family, impeccable housekeeping and loving caretaker to her husband.

The funeral will be held Monday, Oct. 2nd at 10:30a.m. at St Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery.Calling hours are from 9-10a.m. at the DellaVecchia’s Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington.

For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

Audrey Ryder passed, as she lived her life, with peace and grace on Tuesday with her daughter by her side.

Born in Waterbury, Audrey attended UCONN where she excelled at nursing education and met her soul mate Paul who predeceased her in 2010.

Audrey will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Audrey was a bright, talented women. Audrey touched many lives through her nursing career, love of quilting and bridge playing, vibrant personality, wisdom, and sense of humor. The sharing of her love through her joy of cooking for family and friends and the recipes will be celebrated and remembered.

Earlier this year, Audrey was predeceased by her much loved, cherished, admired, stoic daughter, Elaine. The family wishes to thank the staff at Ridge Rd. Group Home, North Haven for their loving care to Elaine and the professional, caring staff at Alzheimer’s Resource Center for Audrey’s care.

A Mass of Christian burial for both Audrey and her daughter Elaine will be held on Friday, 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

Alison (Bernier) Pinckney, 52, of Southington, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Hartford Hospital. She is the wife of Gary Pinckney.

Alison was born May 11, 1965 in Meriden, the daughter of Thomas “Harry” and Carol (Champagne) Bernier. She was a hairdresser at Sisters Salon in Southington.

Besides her husband Gary of Southington and her parents of Huron, Ohio, she is survived by a son Ryan Pinckney of Southington and many of his friends who called her “Mom”, three brothers, Michael Bernier and his partner Steven of Meriden, Wayne Bernier and his wife Amanda of Torrington and Neil Bernier and his wife Eileen of Bristol, CT. Alison also leaves her mother-in-law, Helen Pinckney of Hartford, her sisters-in-law, Diane and her husband Donald Heath of Lady Lake, FL, Cheryl McAuliffe and her husband Christopher of Windsor, CT and brother-in-law Kenneth Pinckney and wife Martha of Windsor, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, God children and friends. She was predeceased by her father-in-law, Jay Pinckney and brother-in-law James K. Pinckney.

Alison’s passion was hairdressing and she considered  her clients as her extended family. If you could not come to the salon, Alison would take the time to come to you. There was no client too far away and no service too small. She always made sure everyone was taken care of.

Alison was the nucleus of the family, hosting family celebrations and making sure everyone was happy. No one went hungry or left empty-handed.

Calling hours will be Sunday, October 1, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 85 Retreat Ave., Hartford, CT 06105.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

British band Wishbone Ash is one of those bands that helped pioneer a twin lead guitar sound that made it possible for dozens of other bands that made noise on FM radio in the 1970s.

Their album “Argus” proved to be a nexus point between rock, progressive rock, blues, and folk that bands like Led Zeppelin were able to propel into millions of records sold.

Many of Wishbone Ash’s peers from the 1970s have broken up. But original member Andy Powell and the boys (Joe Crabtree, Mark Abrahams, and Bob Skeat) still hit the road across the globe and America, giving fans a dose of that familiar twin lead sound. They come to Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Conn. on Thursday, Sept. 28 and Daryl’s House in Pawling, N.Y. on Sunday Oct. 1.

We caught up with Andy Powell via email to talk about the present, past, and future of Wishbone Ash.

Observer: I saw Wishbone Ash has a new guitarist on board, Mark Abrahams. How did you connect with him and what do you like about what he brings to the table in terms of the Wishbone Ash sound?

Andy: It’s fascinating, since Mark has been playing our songs since the age of 9. His father is a massive fan and I first watched him play as a young lad, at a fan convention of ours. He’s now a 38-year-old owner of a music store in Yorkshire, England and also he’s a music school graduate, but still has the passion for our music. He’s played in local bands for many years too – one a very well known local outfit up there which plays in excess of 100 dates a year.

We’ve only played two festivals together with Mark this summer, but one of them was a very large one called Sweden Rock with bands like Aerosmith and the Scorpions. Mark not only has the nuances of our music down but the music is almost ingrained in him. I’m also talking about the musical approach or attitude that is required for our brand of twin lead guitar driven rock. That’s a rare thing to find.

O: Guitars are so integral to the band’s sound, what are the challenges of bringing a new guitarist into the fold and integrating their style into the Wishbone Ash style?

A: Firstly, tone is very important. Working with someone who has a really good ear for tonal range and subtlety is crucial because we cover such a broad swath of music styles. Luckily, Mark is comfortable on both a Fender Strat and a Les Paul guitar, which are key components of our sound, but require a very different playing approach. Because he is so conversant with our compositional and musical approach, the challenges are far less than have been the case with previous guitar players I’ve worked with. I’m thinking also about technical things like the ability to finger pick while using an actual pick at the same time; that’s one small detail or technical ability that has inspired whole songs of ours for example. Ya gotta be a “picker” as well as a “blues wailer” in this band.

O: Wishbone Ash arrived at a time in music where the band as a unit was key rather than any individual member becoming the focus point of fans. How do you think that helped with the band’s longevity and fans’ continuing love for your music?

A: Such an important point; I think that this ethos absolutely has helped with our longevity. We’ve had former members who have touted themselves, for example, as “the key creative force” or “major songwriter” or as “frontman” and then once they leave, nothing is ever heard of them again, in many cases. No, the key strength of this band and indeed many bands, true bands, is that the sum of the whole is usually greater than the constituent parts. I’m thinking of bands like The Allman Brothers, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who – the list is endless. I love being in bands for that reason – they are like endless test beds for musical experimentation and creativity and those really talented individuals within a band feed off that in my experience. Talent is just part of the equation. I have really talented people living on my street for example, but they’ll never be featured in a great rock band.

O: For many fans, the album “Argus” stands out as a Wishbone Ash favorite. Now, this is like choosing which child is your favorite, but what album of yours—other than “Argus”—was your favorite, and why?

A: Well, “Argus” was an example of a time when the band was pulling in a way that exceeded the sum of its parts as I just mentioned. A kind of synergy takes place so any album or period of time where you get into a collective songwriting, directional groove like that, is memorable. It’s a kind of warm fuzzy togetherness. Therefore, one album that I have a fond memory of, for those reasons would be “New England,” which itself was a reaction to a poorly made preceding record, called “Locked In.” Another good time that produced dynamic results was “There’s The Rub” and most recently, an album called “The Power of Eternity” and to be fair our last album “Blue Horizon.”

O: You guys also are all musicians rather than computer programmers. If you were all 20-somethings today in 2017, do you think a band like Wishbone Ash would have or could have happened?

A: Good question. Everything has moved into a kind of individual, rather than collective, creative mode, which computers have initiated in a way. It’s now possible to make entire albums at home on your own with no interaction with another person, like playing a computer game. But the social and musical interaction is eliminated. Maybe this is okay for people like Kendrick Lamar but… Computers are big fun of course, so if I were of this generation I’d probably have too many computer-type distractions to ever make the sacrifices that I and my partners made back in the day to make our music together. I’m talking about literally starving for your art. Back in those days, I’d barely be able to afford a meal let alone an IPhone.

O: Your last album was 2014’s “Blue Horizon.” With Mark’s arrival, will you guys be thinking of doing some new recordings?

A: We will be thinking about new recordings for sure but first we need to get road-tested. In the meantime, there will be an exciting early career retrospective deluxe box set release called “Wishbone Ash – The Vintage Years.” That should be out by the end of the year.

O: You’ll be playing in two small intimate clubs in my coverage area, Daryl’s House in Pawling, N.Y. and the Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Conn. What do you like, as musicians, about those smaller spaces where you can actually see the audience?

A: They are both excellent venues with great sound systems and are up close and personal for the audience and band. If there are any weaknesses, these venues will show them. I’m not expecting any of those at all, but it’s kind of  like flying by the seat of your pants in a small venue and a real test for a band like us – kind of like showcase events for the musical subtleties I mentioned earlier. We’re really looking forward to playing those places.

Wishbone Ash plays the Infinity Hall, Route 44, Norfolk on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. They then play Daryl’s House, 130 Route 22, Pawling, N.Y. on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

For more information, go to www.WishboneAsh.com

Wishbone Ash is on tour on the east coast.

Apple Harvest Festival
www.southington.org/AHF

By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

The Apple Harvest Festival Supervisory Committee held their last meeting before the big event on Thursday at 4:30 P.M. at Town Hall. According to officials, all the early controversies have been resolved, and everything is ready for opening ceremonies on Friday.

Even the weather outlook is good for the first week of the annual festival.

Jim Champagne, festival coordinator, reported a record profit on vendor booths at $91,606. Nearly all booths have paid their fees at this time. Two booths have dropped out, and one of those two has been replaced.

Officials said that the controversy, which was raised to the public level at the Aug. 21 Town Council meeting, has been resolved amicably for all parties.

Independent candidate for Town Council Jack Perry raised concerns at the meeting during Public Communications regarding his campaign booth at the festival. He said that he was “being censored from the Southington people,” and said his application for a booth was mishandled.

Campaign booths for the Democrats and Republicans cost the non-profit fee of $750. For-profit organizations pay a price of $2,500. Perry said he filed his application on time, but a neutral third-party told him there was a delay in his application’s processing that led to his being charged the higher price.

At that same meeting, Town Attorney Mark Sciota responded, “We are committed to making this right,” assuring that the next AHF Supervisory Committee meeting would include a presentation covering all emails, documentations and transactions made during the process of Perry’s application.

In an email to the Observer, co-chair of the committee, Tom Lombardi, reported that the booth issue had been resolved and Perry obtained a booth for the non-profit price. “I feel strongly that all political applications should be treated equally,” the co-chair said in the email. “I had no doubts that the situation would be resolved and am glad that we came to a solution and can focus on the operations and another successful year at the Festival.”

With the controversy settled, the committee was able to turn its attention to the final details of the festival at their final meeting.

Champagne reported that signs directing parking lot closings are in place, that tents have been ordered, credit card machines have been delivered, dumpsters, wastebaskets and portable toilets have all been ordered, and Durants Party Rentals is in place to set up the carnival in the Bank of America parking lot.

In the past, overhead wires over Riccio Way have been an issue. Champagne said, “The highway department did all of the digging, Tomasso paved it, and Eversource put in the conduit, so there is no more problem with the overhead wire.”

Greg Walsh of WalshPR, sponsorship coordinator of the festival this year, updated the committee on the festival’s social media presence and reach.

CBS Networks, one of the platinum sponsors this year, made a 30-second radio commercial for the festival. “We get 30, 30-second spots for the next two weeks on all four of their stations, so a total of 120 commercial spots,” said Walsh. The radio stations are 96.5 WTIC, Light 101.5, Hot 93.7 and WTIC News Talk 1080.

Walsh reported that Frontier has donated two TVs for the use of the festival that will show digital calendars of events at the festival. The TVs will also play 15- and 30-second commercials for platinum package sponsors.

“In total, we have 36 sponsors altogether, 16 of which are brand new to the festival,” said Walsh. That’s 10 more sponsors than last year. Platinum sponsors include Cox Communications, CBS Networking and Liberty Bank.

AHF’s social media presence has been steadily climbing, according to Walsh. They are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube and have their own website where the bulk of information about the festival can be found.

More info at www.SouthingtonAHF.com.

Southington firemen stand ready to extinguish the flames at a fire safety demonstration at K&M Fire Protection Services in Plantsville.

By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

With the Southington Fire Department on hand, officials signaled the spark and two identical rooms burst into flames on the property of K&M Fire Protection Services in Plantsville on Thursday morning. The demonstration, sponsored by the local fire protection company, is designed to show the potentially life-saving benefit of having in-home fire sprinklers during a house fire.

West Haven fire marshal and Connecticut Fire Sprinkler Coalition chair Keith Flood led the demonstration, which consisted of a burn trailer designed with rooms that mimicked an average home’s living room. Both rooms had fire alarms, but only one room had an overhead sprinkler.

Flood announced that a person has about a 50 percent chance of surviving a fire in a home with just a smoke alarm, versus an 80 percent chance of survival in a home with overhead sprinklers.

The room outfitted only with a smoke alarm took about three minutes to become completely engulfed in flames. Often times, three minutes is not enough time for the fire department to arrive on site after an emergency call is made.

In the second room, the sprinkler system activated after about 30 seconds, and suffocated much of the flames, giving the fire department enough time to arrive and safely put out the rest of the fire.

The burn units were built and provided by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). These demonstrations began in 2014 at the University of New Haven.

“Having these units enables us to go to communities around the state and to do these burn demonstrations to help educate people and spread awareness,” said Flood. “This provides us with a perspective of how fast you really need to move once a fire starts.”

Dan Rodriguez of the Safety Department of Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co. watched the demonstration from the sidelines. “This gives people a chance to see what we really do to prevent home fires,” he said.

Vickie Pritchett, Director of Outreach at NFSA, explained that the organization represents the people who install, make, and supply K&M Fire Protection products.

“Every time I see one of these demonstrations, it feels like the first time I’m seeing it,” said Pritchett. “Every day, these workers do what they perceive to be just doing their job and installing these products. It’s much more than that to us. They are in the business of saving lives.”

The demonstration was held as part of a safety field day for the businesses’ employees.

To contact K&M Fire Protection Services, visit www.kandmfire.com or call them at (877) 591-1970.

Cheryl Lindsay

Cheryl Lindsay, 55, of Southington was apprehended by police at a motor vehicle stop on Monday, Sept. 25, at approximately 3:45 p.m., and arrested for her involvement in a road rage incident on Sept. 2.

The warrant alleges that on Lindsay was operating her vehicle on N. Main Street on Sept. 2 when she observed the victim drive past her in the opposite direction. Lindsay turned her vehicle around and chased the victim’s vehicle as it turned onto Lazy Lane in Southington. During the chase, Lindsay allegedly crossed the double yellow lines on Lazy Lane and narrowly escaped a head-on collision while passing the victim’s car.

The victim pulled into the Southington Police Department headquarters to report the incident, and approximately six minutes later, Lindsay called 911 to report the incident. In Lindsay’s report, she stated that the victim was actually following her, was harassing her, and almost hit her vehicle while illegally passing her. Lindsay volunteered two voluntary false sworn and signed statement detailing the incident.

The investigator was able to pull video from different businesses along the route to disprove Lindsay’s claims.

Lindsay was charged with second degree stalking, unsafe passing, reckless driving, misuse of emergency 911, second degree false reporting of an incident, and second degree false statement. She posted a $10,000 bond with a Sept. 26 court date in Bristol.

Local and state officials teamed up with representatives from Southington charitable organizations to bag groceries and collect donations during ShopRite’s “Help Bag Hunger” event on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Photos by SHERIDAN CYR

Southington Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan bags groceries for a customer at the event.

We invite readers to contribute letters to the editor. Please include a name, address, and phone number and email us at JGoralski@ SouthingtonObserver.com. There is a limit of 350 words.

To the editor:

I am proudly supporting Chris Poulos as a Democratic candidate for Southington Town Council.

I have known him for over 30 years. We have worked and volunteered together, and I have witnessed him fight hard to represent students and families as a leader in public education and in our community.

As both a parent and educator, I know Poulos understands and can manage the challenging balance between providing a great education for our children, and doing so in a way that is affordable.

With retired family and friends living in town, I know he will represent the needs of our seniors and ensure they are able to maintain the quality of life that they deserve.

I strongly feel he will work hard to support our local businesses, as he advocates for continued growth in our community and the preservation of Southington’s hometown feel.

As a Republican who cares deeply about our town, I know that Chris will serve Southington’s interests well as a Town Councilor. Regardless of the challenging issues that we face or party affiliation, Poulos will lead in a fiscally responsible manner, with integrity, values, and concern for all members of our community.

Join me in voting Chris Poulos for Southington Town Council on Nov. 7.

Lynn Potamis, Southington

We invite readers to contribute letters to the editor. Please include a name, address, and phone number and email us at JGoralski@ SouthingtonObserver.com. There is a limit of 350 words.

To the editor:

As an unaffiliated lifetime resident of Southington, it is with great enthusiasm that I write to you and ask that you join me in supporting Robert Hammersley for Southington’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

I believe Hammersley’s background and vast experience has prepared him to be the perfect contribution to our town, allowing him to offer a fresh and energetic perspective to Southington’s PZC. He’s been committed to public service most of his life, and deeply respects the effort required to ensure planning goals are realized, and always works diligently to achieve those goals.

I know confidently that he will bring a voice to the board that balances the need for sensible economic development with the preservation of Southington’s historic personality; doing his best to facilitate what is needed for our local businesses, our government, and most importantly our residents.

On a personal note, I can strongly attest to the fact that Hammersly always acts with integrity, humility, and thoughtfulness, and rarely without a splash of humor. He will never make an empty promise and he always has a solid plan. He’s an out-of-the-box, creative thinker and works with his resources to make sure things happen. And I’ve personally seen him will things to fruition, that most deemed impossible.

If you need something done, he’s your guy. So with that, I kindly ask you to please join me in endorsing Hammersley for Southington’s PZC.

Crystal Grim, Southington

We invite readers to contribute letters to the editor. Please include a name, address, and phone number and email us at JGoralski@ SouthingtonObserver.com. There is a limit of 350 words.

To the editor:

The mission of Bread for Life is to ensure that no one goes hungry in our community. One area of need is for children during the summer vacation when they do not receive the free breakfast and lunch provided through school. Our concept for the 2017 Bread for Life’s Children’s Summer Lunch program was to provide food, fun and friendship in locations that had a high percentage of children receiving breakfast and lunch support during the school year.

We ran summer lunch sites at three locations:  Derynoski School playground, Wheeler Village, and Summer Brook Apartments.  In addition, we offered a bag lunch to campers at YMCA Camp Sloper who were receiving financial assistance to attend camp.

Bread for Life prepared and served a total of 1,945 meals to children in need this summer.

We had excellent community partners with the Southington Board of Education, Southington Community YMCA, Southington Health Department, Southington Youth Services, Summer Brook Apartments, and Wheeler Village.  We had 22 site volunteers providing the program and 15 lunch makers preparing the lunches throughout the summer. We received many donations for this program including COCC, CT Real Estate Management, Family Resource Center, Hubert family, Kenzie Kakes, the Classy Sassy Ladies, Tops Market, and Walmart Community Grant.  In addition daily activities for the kids were provided by Valentine the Clown, Kathy Reinhard of Calvanese Foundation, Joe Woloszyn, Bloom Yoga, Southington Library, SoCCA, Southington Police Department K-9 Unit, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Tony Leone Magician, YMCA, and Southington Fire Department.

Bread for Life relies entirely on the generosity of our community to help us meet our mission.  We would like to thank everyone who helped us provide such a successful program that helped so many kids this summer.

Bread for Life chair Mike Soltys

and executive director Donna Ayer

Bread for Life held a flag raising ceremony thanks to a local couple’s generosity. (Submitted by Bread for Life)

By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

Bread for Life held a flag-raising ceremony on-site on Saturday, Sept. 23. The American flag and the flagpole were donated and installed by John and Gin DeMello.

The National Anthem was sung by Naomi Cipriano. Honor of the flag was performed by the Marine Corp Color Guard. The flag was raised by retired Air Force Colonel Bob McMillan and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Staff Sergeant Jacob Cipriano. “God Bless America” was performed by retired Air Force E-6 Electro Environmental System Specialist Joe Woloszyn.

One of the volunteers reported to administrative director Missy Cipriano that the ceremony was “the most moving ceremony he had ever seen in his life,” Cipriano said, adding that having the flag and flag pole makes the building “complete.”

“A lot of our volunteers are retired military in some capacity, and a few of our clients are vets, too,” said Cipriano. “Having the flag and the ceremony was much needed.”

Executive director Donna Ayer said the overall feeling of the ceremony was pride. “There is a lot of division right now, and this ceremony helped to remind us to be proud of our country as a unit and of who we are.”

These are the results for Southington High School’s varsity contests for Thursday, Sept. 28. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Football—Only up by a pair of scores at halftime in their tightest game of the season, the Blue Knights managed to pull away and remain undefeated, improving to 4-0, with their second divisional win in a 49-13 rout at Conard (1-3). The Knights wasted no time and scored on their first drive after Tanner LaRosa ran one in from 22 yards out. The Chieftains began their first drive from their own eight-yard line, and after both teams combined for five penalties and 48 yards, the Chieftains managed a 25-yard field goal. The Knights answered on their next drive with a four-yard rushing touchdown by Ian Agnew. Early in the second quarter, the Chieftains cut the deficit to eight points, 14-6, with another 25-yard field goal. The Knights quickly answered again on their next drive after Will Barmore threw a 40-yard strike to Tim O’Shea. The Chieftains wouldn’t go away though. A 20-yard passing touchdown on their next drive got them to within eight again, 21-13, until a four-play drive turned into a 10-yard touchdown pass from Barmore to O’Shea with just under four minutes remaining in the first half and put the Chieftains away for good. Touchdowns from Joe Koczera (2-yard run), LaRosa (1-yard run), and O’Shea (2-yard pass from Barmore) in the second half capped off the victory for Southington. Koczera’s score was his first rushing touchdown of his high school career. LaRosa paced the backfield with 97 yards on 11 carries. Barmore completed 20 of 28 passes for 228 yards. O’Shea led all receivers with 116 yards on 11 catches. Southington’s defense held Conard to minus-12 yards rushing. Koczera (1 forced fumble) and Sammy Thomson anchored the defense with 10 tackles each. Thomson also picked off his fourth pass of the season. Ryan Montalvo and Ian Hall (6 assists) contributed with seven tackles each. Sean Scanlon (1.5 sacks) and Mario Ferreri each recovered a fumble. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they remain out on the road in West Hartford for another divisional showdown at Hall (1-3) on Friday, Oct. 6. Game time is 7 p.m. Southington is currently one of several undefeated teams in Class LL.

Boys Soccer—The Blue Knights suffered their third-straight loss after falling by a goal, 2-1, to New Britain (2-5) at home. Following a scoreless first half, the Golden Hurricanes netted the first two goals of the game less than two minutes apart in the 58th and 60th minutes. Evan Daddona headed a corner kick in the back of the net in the 64th minute to cut the deficit to one. Southington controlled possession of the ball in the remainder of the contest, but could not tie the game after having multiple opportunities to score, as the Knights finished with 26 shots on goal and eight corners kicks. John Griffin finished with three saves on goal. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they travel to divisional NW Catholic (2-3-1) on Monday, Oct. 2 and then return home to host Bristol Eastern (2-4) on Friday, Oct. 6. Southington is currently 1-4-2.

Girls Soccer—The Lady Knights broke their two-game losing streak to earn their fourth win and shutout of the season by blanking Bloomfield (2-3-2), 8-0, on the road. Natalie Verderame and Ally Carr gave Southington a 2-0 lead at halftime. Verderame returned to score two more goals in the second half to finish with the hat trick. Other goals by Katherine Crouse, Emma Panarella, Shannon Litchfield, and Ally Carr in the second half capped off the victory for the Knights. Litchfield, Crouse, Carr, and Taylor Hubert contributed with assists. The Knights took 21 shots on goal. Olivia Sherwood saved two shots on goal. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they host divisional NW Catholic (2-5) on Monday, Oct. 2 and then head out on the road for Platt (0-5-1) on Friday, Oct. 6. Southington is currently 4-3.

For more in-depth coverage, see our weekly print edition. To contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at BJennings@SouthingtonObserver.com.

These are the results for Southington High School’s varsity contests for Friday, Sept. 29. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Field Hockey—The Lady Knights flipped the script from Tuesday’s 6-0 home loss to divisional South Windsor (6-0-1) and broke their four-game losing streak by recording their first shutout of the season after blanking divisional East Catholic (3-3), 6-0, at home. The Knights led the Eagles, 4-0, at halftime. Jenna Sheehan marshalled the offense with the hat trick of three goals. Nicole Martocchio contributed with three assists and scored one goal. The Knights took 21 shots on goal and nine penalty corners. Maddie Belfonti saved four shots in the cage. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they host Hall (3-3) on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and then head out on the road for divisional Wethersfield (1-6-1) on Friday, Oct. 6. Southington is currently 2-4.

Girls Swimming & Diving—The Lady Knights remained undefeated and improved to 4-0 with a 98-76 rout at Plainville (0-4). The meet went to exhibition races by the 100 backstroke. The following finished first in the meet: Meghan Hammarlund, Patrycja Zajac, Maddie Symecko, and Julie Duszak in the 200 medley relay; Duszak, Jess Monte, Kara Zazzaro, and Andie Nadeau in the 200 freestyle relay; Nadeau, Zazzaro, Symecko, and Hammarlund in the 400 freestyle relay; Nadeau in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle; Symecko in the 200 individual medley; Duszak in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke; Alyssa Aulbach in diving; Hammarlund in the 100 fly and 100 backstroke; and Zazzaro in the 100 freestyle. Aulbach qualified for the Class LL meet in diving (164.80). Nadeau improved her state time in the 500 freestyle (5:43.67). The Knights will be back in the pool next week when they dip into their first divisional meets of the season, scheduled to host divisional Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and then head out on the road for divisional Farmington on Friday, Oct. 6.

Girls Volleyball—The Lady Knights earned their third-straight win with a 3-1 triumph over Farmington (6-1) at home, handing the Indians their first loss of the season. Farmington is currently tied for third in the CCC. Southington dominated most of the opening set, and after the score was knotted at 11-11, the Knights went on an 8-0 run to take the first set, 25-20. Farmington held a one-point lead, 11-10, midway through the second set and went on a 4-0 run to pull away from Southington, 25-19, and even the sets. Although their serving wasn’t at its best in the match, the Knights managed solid defense and attacked Farmington’s back row to take the third set, 25-21, after going on runs of 6-0 and 4-0. The Knights continued their momentum and capped off the victory by taking the fourth set, 25-19, with runs of 7-0 and 4-0. The following were team leaders in the match: Brooke Cooney (14 kills), Haley Larrabee (21-for-26 serving with 5 aces), Hannah Zelina (3 blocks), Nolyn Allen (25 digs), and Stephanie Zera (50 assists). The Knights will be back on the hardwood next week with contests against divisional NW Catholic (2-7), Platt (3-4), and EO Smith (6-1). EO Smith is currently tied for third in the CCC. Southington is currently 6-1 and tied for third in the CCC as well.

For more in-depth coverage, see our weekly print edition. To contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at BJennings@SouthingtonObserver.com.

These are the results for Southington High School’s varsity contests for Saturday, Sept. 30. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Cross Country—In their first out-of-state meet of the season, the Knights traveled to Wrentham, Mass. for the Frank Kelley Invitational. Conner Leone paced the boys team to a ninth-place finish out of 19 teams in the championship boys race with a season-best time of 16:46.33, taking 21st out of 135 runners. Shane Leone (27th, 16:58.31), Matt Penna (49th, 17:21.60), Ryan Slesinski (61st, 17:34.63), and Sean Young (64th, 17:37.53) scored as well. Jeffrey Hannigan (65th, 17:37.64) and Ben Palladino (81st, 17:55.55) contributed. Tristan Shelgren (15:24.53) of Saint John’s Prep beat out Newton North’s Andrew Mah (15:46.39) to win the race. Wakefield beat out Pentucket as the top overall school in that race. Kate Kemnitz paced the girls team to a seventh-place finish out of 18 teams in the championship girls race with a season-best time of 20:27.23, taking 24th out of 138 runners. Isabella Scalise (30th, 20:27.23), Natalia Adamczyk (31st, 20:46.84), Kailey Schmarr (48th, 21:21.17), and Laini Pizzitola (66th, 21:52.82) scored as well. Amanda Perkowski (104th, 22:46.92) contributed. Littleton’s Sarah Roffman (18:46.62) and Kaitlyn Roffman (18:53.70) graced the finish line first in the race. Woburn beat out Westwood as the top overall school in that race. The Knights will be back on the trails next week when they travel to Stratton Brook State Park for a double dual meet against Hall and Simsbury on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and Wickham Park in Manchester for the Wickham Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 7. The boys team is currently 4-1, while the girls team is currently 3-2.

SOUTHINGTON FALL RECORDS

Regular Season:

Week 1—3-0-1 (3-0-1).

Week 2—11-3-2 (8-3-1).

Week 3—19-9-2 (8-6).

Week 4—28-15-2 (9-6).

Runners’ Season Bests:

BOYS

1. Shane Leone (-)—16:39, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
2. Conner Leone (up 2)—16:46.33, 9/30 at Frank Kelley Invitational.
3. Sean Young (down 1)—17:02, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
4. Matt Penna (down 2)—17:10, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
5. Ryan Slesinski (-)—17:19, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
6. Jeff Hannigan (-)—17:37.64, 9/30 at Frank Kelley Invitational.
7. Tanner Sperry (-)—17:55.03, 9/30 at Frank Kelley Invitational.

GIRLS

1. Kate Kemnitz (up 6)—20:27.23, 9/30 at Frank Kelley Invitational.
2. Isabella Scalise (down 1)—20:37, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
3. Julia Michnowicz (down 1)—20:46, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
4. Natalia Adamczyk (-)—20:46.84, 9/30 at Frank Kelley Invitational.
5. Sarah Minkiewicz (down 2)—20:54, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
6. Laini Pizzitola (down 1)—21:09, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.
7. Kailey Schmarr (down 1)—21:11, 9/19 vs. Avon, Conard at Fisher Meadow, Avon.

Swimmers Qualified for Class LL Meet:

200 Freestyle (2:07.99)—Olivia Fournier, 2:03.14, 9/27 vs. East Catholic; Andie Nadeau, 2:07.40, 9/20 vs. EO Smith.

200 Individual Medley (2:28.99)—Meghan Hammarlund, 2:24.94 (1st improved), 9/20 vs. EO Smith; Maddie Symecko, 2:25.64 (1st improved), 9/27 vs. East Catholic.

50 Freestyle (26.69)—Olivia Fournier, 25.26 (1st improved), 9/20 vs. EO Smith; Julie Duszak, 25.66 (1st improved), 9/20 vs. EO Smith.

Diving (160.00)—Alyssa Aulbach, 164.80, 9/29 at Plainville.

100 Fly (1:06.99)—Meghan Hammarlund, 1:03.13, 9/27 vs. East Catholic.

100 Freestyle (58.79)—Olivia Fournier, 55.44, 9/27 vs. East Catholic.

500 Freestyle (5:51.99)—Andie Nadeau, 5:43.67 (2nd improved), 9/29 at Plainville.

100 Backstroke (1:06.99)—Meghan Hammarlund, 1:05.04, 9/12 at Rocky Hill.

100 Breaststroke (1:17.99)—Julie Duszak, 1:11.39 (2nd improved), 9/27 vs. East Catholic; Patrycja Zajac, 1:14.71, 9/20 vs. EO Smith.

Remaining Undefeated Teams—Football (4-0), Girls Swimming & Diving (4-0).

For more in-depth coverage, see our weekly print edition. To contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at BJennings@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Arnold Kenneth White, 84, of the Milldale section of Southington, beloved husband of Kay (Staples) White for over 59 years passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.

Arnold was born May 9, 1933 in Middlesex, VT, son of the late Roy K. and Natalie (Sweet) White. In 1941 his family moved to Windsor, VT, where his dad worked for the railroad prior to becoming a skilled carpenter.

Arnold, better known as “Whitie”, affectionately referred to as “Son” within his family, lovingly called “big brother” by his four younger siblings, attended school in Windsor, VT, worked for Goodyear Tire Corporation, and went on to serve in the United States Army. Following his military discharge in 1956 he moved to Connecticut, working as a machinist for Pratt & Whitney in North Haven, and several other machine companies. He and his family relocated to Southington, Connecticut where he ultimately established Central Fence Company, Inc., proudly serving the community as its owner and operator for over forty years.

In addition to his devoted wife, Arnold is also survived by his daughter Debra Maffiolini of Southington, his son Ronald White and his wife Susan of Plantsville, his son William White and his wife Elizabeth of Southington, his nine grandchildren, Marissa Maffiolini and her boyfriend Ethan Blau of Queens, NY, Steven, Alicia and Tess Maffiolini of Southington, Travis White and his fiancé, Michelle Plourd, of Torrington, Jason White and his girlfriend Ashley Wheeler, and Tim White, all of Southington, and Dylan and Brody White of Southington, .

Arnold is also survived by his sister, Arlene Chamberlain, of Ascutney, VT, his brother Maynard White Sr. and sister-in-law Linda White of Ascutney, VT, his sister, Brenda Strout and brother-in-law Clarence “Buster” Strout, of Brewster, MA, and his brother Dennis White and sister-in-law Theresa, of Ascutney, VT, several nieces and nephews, and his life-long friend Raymond“ Dilly” Dillingham of Windsor, VT. Arnold is also survived by his sister-in-law Helen Gomez of Montpelier, VT, and his sister-in-law Martha Smith Tanner and her husband Brad Tanner of Pensacola, FL.

Arnold was predeceased by his son-in-law, James Maffiolini, his brother –in-law, Paul Chamberlain, his brother-in-law, Santiago Gomez, and close friend Kitty Dillingham.

Arnold was an avid fresh-water fisherman, hunter, and devoted family man. He was a proud and enthusiastic fan at his grandchildren’s numerous sports games, dance recitals, music concerts and graduations. He enjoyed relaxing with Kay and family members at their home-away-from home on Thomas Pond in South Casco, Maine, and salmon fishing from his boat on nearby Sebago Lake, Maine, where the ultimate reward was grilling up a fresh salmon dinner! He looked forward every year to attending Fryeburg Fair in Maine, where he could watch the tractor pulls and enjoy the food!

Arnold’s family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care he received as a patient at Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven, CT and Elim Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cheshire, CT.

The funeral services will be held at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Road, on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with burial immediately to follow at South End Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday 4 pm to 8 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Smilow Cancer Center, Office of Developmen, PO Box1849, New Haven, CT 06508. For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com.

Lucille M. (Marquis) Sirois, 87, of Southington, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, at Southington Care.

She was born in Maine, on April 5, 1930, the daughter of the late Patrick and Marie Marquis.  She was last employed at the Towne Dry Cleaners in Southington.

She is survived by her sisters, Sylvia Paradis, Rolande Quellette, Theresa Manship, Patricia Tully and her brother Joel Marquis.

She was predeceased by her sister Viola Dionne and brother David Marquis.

A memorial service will be held on October 7 at St. Thomas Church in Southington.  A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Lucille’s family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Southington Care for their wonderful care and compassion and her close friends who visited her regularly.