By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

At their Sept. 28 meeting, the Board of Education addressed a letter written to the Town Manager Garry Brumback and Superintendent of Schools Tim Connellan on behalf of the Town Council regarding the current state of the Connecticut budget.

Members of the BOE expressed concerns with the letter and hinted that they might not respond by the council’s Oct. 20 deadline. Republican BOE chair Brian Goralski read the letter publicly at the meeting before voicing his protests to the letter, and his opinions were echoed by board members on both sides of the aisle.

“I worry about the direction you outline in your letter,” Goralski said. “Rather than having the town manager and the superintendent look to reduce budgets we approved, I recommend we look to set up a joint meeting with representatives of the council, Board of Education, Board of Finance, along with key administrators of the town and school system to discuss the best plan moving forward.”

The Town Council’s letter was crafted by chair Michael Riccio and Democratic caucus leader Chris Palmieri, and it was sent on Sept. 22 to Brumback and Connellan. It asked the subjects to “prepare a list of how they would absorb this $5 million cut and the impact that this cut would have on operations.”

The letter explains that in years past, the first Education Cost Sharing (ECS) installment of approximately $5 million would be expected by the end of October. This installment is one of four installments of the year.

The letter writes, “We are optimistic that we will never have to exercise this option but feel strongly that it would be inappropriate not to at least start planning. We are asking that these documents be prepared no later than Oct. 20.”

Goralski went on to explain that this year, the school’s budget was reduced by $1.1 million, which resulted in the loss of 14 faculty positions, $250,000 in textbooks, and the dissolution of middle school sports. Additional cuts, he said, would come out of staff and programs.

“I am confident there will eventually be a state budget and something will be coming our way,” said Goralski. “If we start proposing reductions of town services without all the facts and a clear plan, it will cause unneeded stress on residents who rely on those services, and raise fears in families about the education of their children.”

Connellan told the board that 80 percent of the school budget is salaries and benefits. “If there was a need to reduce, we can only freeze so much and then we’re looking at staff and programs,” he said.

Democrat Robert Brown echoed the chair’s opinions, saying that he was frustrated with the idea of creating a list of budget cuts in advance. “To have a meeting now without knowing what the state is going to give us, we’re just going to be guessing, and we’re probably going to scare a heck of a lot of people about losing their jobs and that may not happen,” he said. “Until we know what the state is giving us, why make a projection like this?”

Terry Lombardi (R) said that financial discussions shouldn’t be done publicly. She compared the current fiscal crisis with a family’s financial struggles, and she compared the role of the BOE to her own role as a parent, shielding her children from unnecessary fear while the parents try to prepare contingency plans.

“We started to look at scenarios of ‘what if,’ and we didn’t share that with our sons or our families. But we knew we had to be prepared,” she said. “I do not want to scare people, but I think I have a fiscal responsibility.”

No action was taken on the letter. The BOE’s next scheduled meeting (Oct. 12) falls before the council’s Oct. 20 deadline.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Sheridan Cyr, email her at SCyr@SouthingtonObserver.com.

The Apple Harvest Hostesses vamp for the grandstand as they passed the town green.

By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

The first weekend of the 49th Apple Harvest Festival kicked off Friday night on the Town Green at the main stage with live music and some announcements from members of the many committees that make the Festival happen.

Week one’s events include the Granny Apple contest, apple pie and fritter eating contests, the parade, fireworks and annual road races. A large variety of vendors line up and down the Green, and the sounds of the carnival rides combined with the aroma of baked apples let residents know it’s that time of year in Southington again.

Granny Apple crowned at opening ceremonies

2017 Apple Harvest Festival: Apple Harvest Festival competitions draw crowds to the main stage

This year’s parade, led by Grand Marshall Lowell DePalma of the Southington Police Dept., attracted thousands of viewers with over 60 organizations participating in marching.

Each year, parade floats are presented to a panel of judges, and winners are picked for specific categories:

Church Group Float winner was Faith Living Church, carrying a band and followed by singers.

Civic Group Float winner was Polish Falcons, carrying the “Polish Pierogi King” and fairy tale creatures.

School Group Float winner was Thalberg Elementary, with PTA members and students dressed in farmer garb.

Youth Group Float winner was Cyber Knights, with a robot shooting hoops and beach balls.

Chairman Theme winner was Derynoski Elementary, sporting the Apple Dumpling theme with chefs and bushels of apples.

High School Band winner was HillHouse High School, with a frantically dancing band leader and students boasting their tunes.

Drum Corp winner was CT Alumni Senior Drum Corp, drumming up the crowd. Middle School Marching Band winner was DePaolo, playing “Louie, Louie” to their audience.

2017 Apple Harvest Festival: Oh, we love a parade

Committee members, volunteers, hostesses and sponsors circulated the event all throughout the weekend. Preparing the festival is a year-round process.

“Once we finally opened up on Friday night, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” said Festival Operations chair Paul Champagne.

Champagne said he was pleased with the first weekend of the Festival. “The Festival was very well attended during the first weekend, and everything went smoothly,” he said, adding that vendors were impressed with the turnout.

“This is the only fair that we know of in New England that still operates with no admission fee and no parking fee,” added Champagne. He reported that police estimated attendance of 75,000 to 90,000 between both weekends. “For an event of that capacity, we are very proud.”

2017 Apple Harvest Road Race: Over 1,600 runners, walkers, and Little Fritters turn out in good weather

Marion resident, Osita Obuekwe, shared his experiences as he visited with his son for the eighth year in a row.

“For my son, it is always a great social setting for him to see his current school mates from the High School and old school mates from Middle and Elementary School,” said Obuekwe.

Some of his favorite parts of the festival were the live band “Le-Miss” who played Motown hits at the opening on Friday night, and the food.

“The apple fritters come nice and hot as you pay for them. I can tell you that the apple fritters attract the longest line of commodities in demand at the Festival every year,” said Obuekwe.

Looking ahead at the second weekend, the carnival and vendors will still be coloring the streets around the Green. Hungry festival-goers will have a second chance in round two of the apple pie and fritter eating contests on Saturday on the main stage at 12 and 1 p.m. Live music will continue throughout the weekend, too.

Arts and Crafts

The annual Arts and Crafts show at the Festival has something to offer for everyone. It starts during week two, and goes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

This year, over 50 vendors will be setting up shop behind the main stage in the Bank of America parking lot.

“These vendors sell a wide range of items, from furniture, to Christmas decorations, to dog biscuits and much more,” said Tracey Bentz, coordinator of the show. “The vendors all have something so unique to them.”

Bentz said that there is always something new to look forward to, and this year is no different. With new vendors being added year after year, the craft fair is a diverse staple in the Festival.

For a map of the arts and crafts area, click below:

2017 Arts and Crafts map

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Sheridan Cyr, email her at SCyr@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Queen’s coronation kicks off the Apple Harvest Festival

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Things are going to be spooky… and swampy… for the next few weeks on the border of Bristol and Southington.

That’s because Lake Compounce’s Haunted Graveyard has cleared out the Zombie Forest.

And they’ve dug up a Voodoo Swamp.

Ernie Romegialli, the creative force behind the Halloween attraction at the nation’s oldest continuously operating amusement park, was keeping the new dimension of the spooky attraction under wraps until opening day. But he said the Voodoo Swamp, which replaces the Zombie Forest, had a pair of inspirations. First of all, it was logistics. The performers who worked the old Zombie Forest had some concerns that needed addressing. Secondly, Romegialli said a trip to New Orleans gave him an idea.

He was told about the swamp tours that are conducted in Louisiana. It gave him visions of gators and more creatures from the dampness of the Big Easy.

From there, the ideas flowed.

Scary ideas.

For Romegialli, the key to the Haunted Graveyard is classic horror thrills and chills.

“He really likes his scares,” said Lake Compounce’s general managerGerry Brick. “(Haunted Graveyard) is not too gory.”

“Gore is easy to do,” said Romegialli. “All you have to do is splatter something.”

Classic horror scares give him the opportunity to spend time on details, said Romegialli.

Brick said, Romegialli revels in misdirection. While you’re paying attention to one thing, the scare comes from somewhere else unexpected.

That said, the Haunted Graveyard is not completely gore-free, Romegialli said. He said there are two spots that may cause you reason to pause—the Slaughterhouse and Trail 2 near the Saw Mill.

So beware.

Haunted Graveyard also has attracted a good deal of talent to populate the scares, said Romegialli. People from as faraway as Lyme, Conn. have made the trek to Bristol to spook the pants off th patrons on the trails or create the frightening characters by providing the facepainting needed for an affective human to ghoul transformation.

Brick said Haunted Graveyard first started at Compounce in 1999 after being moved from Romegialli’s house in Middletown.

Romegialli said, “We were an amateur show in 1999 compareed to what we do now.”

Even if you came to see Haunted Graveyard five years ago, said Romegialli, you haven’t seen anything like what it has become.

For instance, Romegialli noted the detailing on the painted brickwork and the higher walls that make the attraction seem more foreboding. “It feels different when you walk inside.”

The Haunted Graveyard brings in patrons who normally wouldn’t head into the amusement park, said Brick. The patrons of the Graveyard tend to be older—- teens and young adults—out with friends or on a date night and looking for scares, he said. The amusement rides typically tend to bring in a more family-type crowd. And some of the typical patrons don’t go into the Haunted Graveyard, said Brick. For instance, his own 11-year-old daughter and his wife will not visit the Haunted Graveyard.

The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce is open weekends through Oct. 29.

Lake Compounce is open each night of Haunted Graveyard and will feature special Halloween décor and live actors roaming the midway streets, dressed to scare. Lake Compounce opens at 5 p.m. and will have 17 rides available. The Haunted Graveyard is a separate attraction located at the north end of Lake Compounce and will open at dusk. All guests must enter via the main gates, and are encouraged to arrive early.

Haunted Graveyard and Lake Compounce tickets are available for purchase online, www.LakeCompounce.com or at the main gate.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

The traditional violins, bassoons, trumpets, etc. will be in attendance as expected when the Hartford Symphony Orchestra sounds its first notes at this weekend’s concert.

However, audiences will also hear a stranger in the midst for one composition.

The shakuhachi.

For “Kanno Revive, Concerto for Koto and Shakuhachi,” Kojiro Umezaki will join the orchestra on the Japanese instrument, an open-ended flute.

Umezaki took up the instrument (which is probably closest in pitch to the Western C-flute) he said, because “I grew up in Tokyo and attended a high school where the choral teacher was studying with one of the great masters of the instrument. I had been playing the Western flute and he suggested that I try to learn to play the shakuhachi. Being of mixed-race (he’s Japanese and Dutch), I’m sure there was an interest in learning more about the Japanese side of my roots, more than my non-mixed peers, perhaps.”

“Traditionally, (the shakuhachi) was a solo instrument,” explained Umezaki. “Itinerant monks of a particular sect of Zen Buddhism would play it, often as a part of asking for alms, but more importantly as a means to practice breathing and mediation.”

“After the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, that sect was banned and what was already a secularized practice of the instrument became more so,” said Umezaki.

“There is a tradition form of trio of music that combines shakuhachi, shamisen, and koto. And, there’s also its use in popular forms of music that developed out of reopening Japan’s borders and adopting Western ideas on instrumentation and musical devices,” said Umezaki.

For the performance, Umezaki will be performing with the symphony as a whole—a challenge for any solo instrumentalists.

“One challenge (performing with an orchestra) stems from instrument design, somewhat on a philosophical level,” said Umezaki. “Basically, it’s about matching loudness or volume with an orchestra of instruments that were designed to project sound in a maximally uniform way.”

“Western instruments are incredible in that the dynamic range of every instrument is quite large and it’s relatively consistent from the lowest note to the highest,” said Umezaki. “The shakuhachi isn’t designed that way. Some notes are purposefully quiet. The asymmetrical nature of the tone-quality and loudness of each note is desirable. That works nicely in a solo context, but it presents some challenges when you’re playing with a whole orchestra of instruments.”

From the point of view as a musician, Umezaki said Kanno’s Revive, Concerto for Koto and Shakuhachi “has a sense of clarity that supports the theme of the work, ‘revive,’ quite nicely. Speaking just for the shakuhachi part, it’s written to be melodic in many moments and is quite idiomatic in terms of longer phrases that afford shaping individual notes. I think Kanno’s background as a composer working in film and animation underscores that he comes from a generation of composers who are more comfortable with a bigger ‘toolbox’ to work with, and the inclusion of shakuhachi and koto isn’t much of a departure for him; they are simply part of the toolbox.”

Umezaki is part of Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, which recently provided the soundtrack for Ken Burns’s documentary, “Vietnam.”

“It is a part of American history, and it’s also a part of the history of South East Asia. I don’t think I can really write anything that can speak to its scale of complexity, terrible decision-making, and abject horror and tragedy,” said Umezaki.

“Silk Road’s mission is to continue to find new pathways to strengthen mutuality across differences. In that sense, it’s participation in the sound track–at least in concept–might be to offer a more aspirational tone in what is clearly a very troubling and conflict-ridden part of modern human history,” said Umezaki.

When audiences hear the opening notes of Concerto for Koto and Shakuhachi, Umezaki said, “The piece is titled ‘Revive.’ I think the composer— and the musicians performing the piece— would be deeply satisfied if everyone there gave a chance for each phrase to speak to that theme.”

The HSO will present Beethoven’s Eroica Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8, in the Belding Theater at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. The program includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, “Eroica,” Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont, and Kanno’s Revive, Concerto for Koto and Shakuhachi.

Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets start at $35; $10 for students with ID.

For more information, call (860) 987-5900 or visit www.hartfordsymphony.org

4/18/07 Koijro Umezaki from the Silk Road Ensemble Photography © Todd Rosenberg Photography

Southington Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan

The Southington Board of Education conducted their annual evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools on Thursday, Sept. 14. This evaluation is based on Superintendent Timothy Connellan’s performance in the district from July 1, 2016, though the close of the 2016-2017 school year.

“The Southington Board of Education determined that Mr. Connellan met, or exceeded, expectations in all standards,” officials said in the release. “The Board recognizes and values Mr. Connellan’s leadership in all areas of his work and that he has accomplished the yearly goals set forth for the 2016-2017 school year.”

Each year the Superintendent is responsible for listing detailed goals for the school year. The goals are broken down into categories including: teaching and learning, facilities, technology, school safety and security, and budget. Each category outlines further-specified goals, and after the year is up, all goals are determined as either completed or incomplete by the Board.

A press release from the Board of Education explained that the evaluation process is conducted by the board, where the superintendent is evaluated on the following standards: board-superintendent relations, community relations, personnel relations, educational program, business matters, professional leadership, and personal qualities.

“Mr. Connellan’s leadership is moving our district toward improved student outcomes and ongoing improvement of practice by our staff,” BOE chair Brian Goralski said in the release. “The Board appreciates Mr. Connellan’s organized, thoughtful and student focused approach in his own professional practice as Superintendent of the Southington Public Schools. The Board looks forward to continuing out work with Mr. Connellan.”

‘The Adjustment’ is one of the pieces that will be on display in October at Southington Community Cultural Arts.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Visual artist Clinton Deckert has shown his work all around Connecticut and the world.

But the Southington-based artist is coming home with his latest work, exhibiting at Southington Community Cultural Arts for the month.

The show, which is now open at the downtown arts gallery, runs through Oct. 31.

Deckert said the new exhibit will primarily focus on his oil paintings—with a half dozen of his assemblages tossed in “to keep things visually stimulating.”

“The majority of the artwork being exhibited will be publicly displayed for the first time,” said Decker. “A few of pieces have been shown before but to different audiences.”

“Luckily, there is a very dedicated fan base that routinely attends my shows, which keeps me disciplined and prolific. I always have a lot of new work available to display to keep them interested and supportive,” said Deckert. “Creating new artwork and exhibiting new artwork are two extremely different events. In general, many artists quietly create in solitude, in the private and secure sanctuary of their studio; then they share the art in a public venue hoping the audience will enjoy and react to the artwork. Months or years of work now hinge on the success of the exhibition. Then the cycle begins again.”

“I usually schedule one solo show every year and also participate in several group shows. Once a solo exhibition is scheduled, it prompts me to be disciplined and focused. I have to finish work to meet the show’s deadline,” said Deckert. “If there was no deadline, I would have dozens of works that are ‘almost done’ leaning against the studio wall because I tend to always start something new, leaving piles of stuff half done. I’m always thinking about trying something new and my favorite painting is always the next one. So having a schedule keeps me regimented in pursuing the arts.”

The new pieces, he said, are reflective of the “Deckert” style—which mines a surrealist universe.

“I never found the need to “break away” from previous work, but do use the knowledge gained and the experience to build upon,” said Deckert. “Everything accomplished, as in all of life’s lessons, becomes the foundation for what we build upon next.”

“The process from blank canvas to finished work begins by splashing thinned paints or inks in loose washes over the canvas or board. Then blot them with rags or other available materials watching patterns and imagery emerge from the swamp of paint,” said Deckert. “At this transitional point, it seems like a primordial stew with infinite possibilities that may evolve and emerge. Then I take a step back to see what develops as the paint runs, drips and blends into one another… The subtle implied images that are generated are similar to the imagined objects that you may see in a clouded sky or reflections in the water. These chance images are then refined and resolved until the composition balances as a whole.”

“I try not to think too much and use intuition to tell me what to do next,” said Deckert.

As noted, several pieces in the show are Deckert’s assemblages, where he takes objects, melds them together, to create something know.

“I don’t always know what will be a great fit [for the assemblages],” said Decker. “I tend to save things that have a sense of memory or history about them. Things that are rusty, worn and weathered are interesting to me. Being a visual scavenger and I’m always looking for new materials, consequently I save too much junk, but what if one day it can be re-purposed as art?”

This is Deckert’s first solo show at SoCCA, the gallery space from the Southington green on Main Street. But he recently participated in a “reunion show” with other artists from the late Paris in Plantsville gallery.

“The Paris In Plantsville ‘reunion’ show was a great event that allowed a core group of like-minded artists, albeit artists whose work is completely different, display artwork in a wonderful contemporary location, Southington Community Cultural Arts aka, SoCCA,” said Deckert. “[SoCCA] is an amazing place that has multiple events scheduled every month.”

Although he has shown all over, Deckert does make it a point to show in Southington when the opportunity arise.

“I’m fortunate because I know that I can share my work with people who know me not just as an artist, but also as a friend and can also make new friends in our community,” said Deckert.

“It’s also great to have the home field advantage where I know that I can draw in a decent size crowd that will not only benefit me but also the venue where the art is exhibiting.”

Southington Community Cultural Arts is at 93 Main St., Southington. On Saturday, Oct. 7, Deckert will hold a “Meet the Artist” opportunity from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 15, there will be a reception party from 1 to 3 p.m. home brew from Pat & Dean and guitarist Steve Rutledge.

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 write this letter in support of Bob Hammersley for the Planning and Zoning Commission in the upcoming election.

I have known Hammersley for several years through our church.  I know him to be a caring, thoughtful and deliberative person.  He is also a committed public servant who has devoted a large part of his life to serving others.

Through public service Hammersley has selflessly aided and contributed to our community in many ways.  Having served as an officer with the Flanders PTA, coaching his son’s Little League teams or as a current member of the Southington PZC, he has diligently worked to betterment of our community.

On the PZC, Hammersley approaches his role from the perspective of encouraging economic development with sensitivity to maintaining the character of the town. He also supports an expansion of the town’s tax base to maintain a low tax rate for Southington’s residents.

It is this experience and these beliefs that he will use for the benefit of our residents and the commercial interests in our town, so that Southington continues to grow and attract more residents like ourselves to the community.

I hope that you can join me in voting for Hammersley for PZC on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Sarah Chorzempa Pelletier, Plantsville

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 a lifelong resident of Southington and registered as an unaffiliated voted. I am writing to support of unaffiliated Southington Town Council candidate Jack Perry.

As an entrepreneur who built his small business, HQ Dumpsters, from the ground up here in town, Perry has the know-how, the drive, and the unique experience to be a leader of the people of Southington. As a lifelong resident, he will fight to advocate for our interest to endure that the town is steered in the right direction.

Perry is running on the idea that we need to put politics aside, and get to work on achieving what is best for Southington. I share in his values on holding the line on taxes, attracting new businesses to town, keeping children and families safe, and working on a cohesive and sensible budget that aims toward the future, among many other things. He has the passion, judgment and leadership that we need in a town councilor.

I ask voters to join me and vote for Perry for Town Council on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Robert Kay, 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 Quinnipiac River Watershed Association would like to thank all the volunteers that made the 2017 fall river multi town cleanup a huge success. On Monday, Sept. 23, we had over 100 volunteers spread across six towns; Plainville, Southington, Meriden, Wallingford, North Have, and New Haven.  Through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, the QRWA removed approximately 2,000 pounds of trash and debris from the watershed.

Some of the items removed were: several car tires, an old payphone, an air conditioner, several shopping carts, countless plastic bottles, and many other items. We look forward to continuing to work with our volunteers in the future and hope that others can join us at future events.

We would like to give a special thank you to the coordinators for each town; Shianne Cutler in Plainville, Sue Bruzik in Southington, David James in Meriden, Tim Nielsen in Wallingford, Tim Cutler in North Haven, and Christel Manning in New Haven. Again, thank you all for helping with our mission to restore the Quinnipiac River and its watershed for the health and enjoyment of the citizens and communities along its reach, and to educate students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river.

Tim Cutler, QRWA Director

To the editor:

Wow, what a day. After scorching hot weather, Mother Nature blessed us with a perfect day for the 38th running of the Apple Harvest Festival Road Races. The unbelievable weather coupled with over 1,600 participants in our 5-Mile and 5K road races, along with our 2-mile walk, Y Cup, and Little Fritter Fun Runs, very enthusiastic crowds, and the return of legendary runner Bill Rodgers paved the way for a wonderful day.

This success means that there many who deserve a shout out and big round of applause.

Heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors including our community running partners Sheffy, Mazzaccaro, DePaolo & DeNigris; our title sponsor, our gold sponsors, Activate Southington, Bristol Hospital, Brown Psychotherapy, Crazy Bruce, Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, CT Computer Services, Comprehensive Orthapaedics and Muscularskelton Care, Gaylord Physical Therapy, Guaranteed Rate, Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, McNicholas Family Chiropractic, Mount Southington, Network Interiors, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Progressive Pathways, The Reach Foundation, Serafino Pharmacy,  Smith Brothers, Southington Security, STEPS, Town and Country Early Learning Centers, our Silver Sponsors, CT Appliance & Fireplace Distributors, Joe Plante- State Farm Agent, Matthew Jalowiec, Probate Judge, Peoples United Bank, Plainville-Southington Health District, PQ Controls, Thomas-Hill Lawncare and Landscapping; our Food Sponsors, Anthony Jacks, Bakery on Main, Chasboro Bakery, Eddies Sombrero, Fancy Bagels, L.E.A.F., Liberty Bank, Pepper Pot, Rogers Richards, Stop & Shop, Walgreens.  Our sponsors allow us to provide the highest quality possible as well as raise some funds to for the YMCA’s annual support campaign.

Big time thanks to Awards of Elegance for providing our awards and medals for the races.  They were awesome.

Thank you John Atashian for taking a zillion awesome pictures.  You really capture the spirit of the event Please check them out at johnatashian.com/Southington-Apple-Harvest-Fest/AHF-Road-Race

Our volunteer crew was simply the best. Many thanks to nearly 200 volunteers who help us provide the very best experience for all participants. Special shout out to the Southington High School cross country team for your continued support.

Once again we had tremendous support from the Southington Police Department helping us provide a very safe race for our runners.

Our t-shirt competition was a huge success this year with lots of submissions from local artists and designers.  Congrats to Michael Williamson for winning the popular vote for this year’s design.

Thank you to Brian Jennings, John Goralski, and The Observer for your fantastic pre and post race coverage.  You do a terrific job of capturing all aspects of our hometown race.

Thanks to the Town of Southington and the Apple Harvest Festival Committee for supporting our efforts.  We are honored and proud to be part this Southington tradition.

Thanks for everyone who might have been inconvenienced with your Sunday morning travels.  We work hard to communicate details about the race to folks who live on or near the course and do our best to minimize shutdowns of roads.  Please send along any suggestions on how we can improve

We are already looking forward to the 39th Annual Apple Harvest Festival Road Races on Sunday, Sept. 30.

Race results and all info about the Apple Harvest Road Races can be found at www.sccymca.org/apple

John Myers, Apple Harvest Festival road race director

These are the results for Southington High School’s varsity contests for Friday, Oct. 6. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Field Hockey—The Lady Knights earned their first road win and second shutout of the season by blanking divisional Wethersfield (2-7-1), 3-0. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they travel to Conard (4-2-2) for their lone game of the week on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Southington is currently 3-5.

Football—The Blue Knights remained undefeated after pitching their second shutout of the season with a 45-0 triumph at Hall (1-4). A 51-yard pass from Will Barmore to Tim O’Shea and a 21-yard field goal by Evan Johanns gave the Knights a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Barmore’s touchdown pass to O’Shea came on Southington’s first offensive play of the game. A 42-yard punt return by Shaun Wagner and three-yard run by Tanner LaRosa added a couple more scores to the offensive onslaught in the second quarter. On a 4th-and-18 from Hall’s own 15-yard line later in the quarter, Joe Koczera blocked a Warrior punt and fell on the ball in the end zone to extend Southington’s lead to 31-0 by halftime. The Knights capped off the win with scores from James Ringrose (57-yard pass from Barmore) and Dillon Kohl (4-yard run) in the second half, which were both the first varsity touchdowns for the pair. The Knights also blocked two more punts in the second half, all credit to Ian Hall and Ryan Gavronski, as the defense held the Warriors without a single first down in the game and minus-9 yards of total offense. Hall anchored the defense with 13 tackles, including nine assists, and two sacks. Koczera finished with 10 tackles, including five assists, and a sack. Other than scoring a touchdown on special teams, Wagner also picked off a pass. LaRosa paced the backfield with 33 yards on 10 carries. Barmore completed 12 of 22 passes for 257 yards, throwing one interception. O’Shea led all receivers with three catches for 65 yards. The Knights will be off this week with a bye, but will return to the turf the following week on Friday, Oct. 20 when they host New Britain (2-3) in their last divisional game of the season on First Responders Appreciation Night. A win would clinch the CCC Division I West title for the fourth-straight year. Game time is 7 p.m. Southington is currently 5-0 and one of six undefeated teams in Class LL.

Boys Soccer—The Blue Knights earned their second-straight win in their second shutout of the season by blanking Bristol Eastern (3-5-1), 2-0, at home. Following a scoreless first half, Kieran Tindall assisted Colin Burdette with a goal in the 74th minute. Hayden Burbank capped off the victory with a goal moments later in the 77th minute to add insurance. The Knights will be back on the turf next week when they travel to RHAM (3-4-2) on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and Simsbury (3-3-2) on Thursday, Oct. 12. Southington is currently 3-4-2.

Girls Soccer—The Lady Knights earned their third-straight win and sixth shutout of the season with an 8-0 rout of Platt (1-7-1) on the road. It was the second time this season that Southington had recorded an 8-0 shutout, as all of Southington’s wins on the season have been shutouts. Alexa Imme marshaled the offense with a pair of scores and an assist. The Knights took 20 shots on goal and held the Panthers to just one shot on goal. Deborah Hannigan started as goalie for the first time this season. With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Knights are just one win shy of qualifying for the Class LL tournament for the second-straight year and will look to do so next week when they host East Hartford (2-6-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and Simsbury (7-1-1) on Friday, Oct. 13. Simsbury is currently tied for fourth in the CCC. Southington is currently 6-3.

Girls Swimming & Diving—The Lady Knights traveled to Miss Porter’s School where they bounced back from their loss to divisional Hall on Wednesday with a 95-81 victory over divisional Farmington. The following finished first in the meet: Maddie Symecko, Julie Duszak, Meghan Hammarlund, and Olivia Fournier in the 200 medley relay; Fournier, Hammarlund, Andie Nadeau, and Duszak in the 200 freestyle relay; Duszak, Hammarlund, Nadeau, and Fournier in the 400 freestyle relay; Symecko in the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke; Nadeau in the 200 freestyle; Duszak in the 50 freestyle; Liz Beaulieu in diving; Hammarlund in the 100 fly; Fournier in the 100 freestyle; Kara Zazzaro in the 500 freestyle; and Patrycja Zajac in the 100 breaststroke. Beaulieu qualified for the Class LL meet with her mark in diving (174.95). Zajac improved her state-qualifying time in the 100 breaststroke (1:14.14). The Knights will be back in the pool next week when they travel to the Dennis Malone Aquatics Center to swim against Bristol Eastern on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and divisional Newington on Friday, Oct. 13. Southington is currently 5-1.

Girls Volleyball—After dropping the first set, the Lady Knights rallied back to take the next three and earn their sixth-straight win with a 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23) triumph at EO Smith (8-2). The Panthers are currently tied for fourth in the CCC. Team leaders from the match included the following: Sarah Myrick (15 kills), Jenna Martin (14-for-15 serving with 3 aces), Hannah Zelina (3 blocks), Nolyn Allen (22 digs), and Stephanie Zera (45 assists). The Knights will be back on the hardwood next week when they travel to Simsbury (9-4) on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and then return home to host Avon (9-2) on Friday, Oct. 13. Avon is currently third in the CCC. The Knights are also scheduled to travel to American International College in Springfield, Mass. on Monday, Oct. 9 for the fifth annual Spalding VolleyHall Class Girls High School Tournament, which is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. The tournament will feature 24 of the top girls high school teams from throughout the Northeast, including state champions from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and Washington D.C. Southington is currently 9-1, ranked second in the CCC and fourth in Class LL.

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, Oct. 7. For more in-depth coverage, read next week’s Southington Observer.

Cross Country—Southington traveled to Wickham Park in Manchester for the second time this season and received a preview of the postseason after competing in the 34th annual Wickham Invitational. However, the 70-degree weather didn’t help either team’s cause. The boys team finished second to last by place and dead last by time in the championship varsity race. The girls team finished dead last by place and time in the championship varsity race. Conner Leone paced the boys team with a time of 17:29, finishing 29th out of 87 runners. Then there was a big gap between Connor Leone and the next male Southington runner. Sean Young (55th, 18:30), Matt Penna (60th, 18:44), Ryan Slesinski (62nd, 18:51), and Shane Leone (71st, 19:00) also scored. Tanner Sperry (72nd, 19:00) and Jeff Hannigan (85th, 19:58) contributed. Cheshire’s Brendan Murray (15:58) beat out Shelton’s Robert Dillon (16:15) to win the race. Xavier (53) beat out Staples (66) to finish first overall as a team. In a smaller field of only 37 runners, Natalia Adamczyk paced the girls team with a time of 21:44, finishing 16th. Kailey Schmarr (20th, 22:04), Sarah Minkiewicz (21st, 22:16), Isabella Scalise (29th, 22:53), and Laini Pizzitola (37th, 24:46) also scored. Erin McGill (20:13) and Alexandra Ross (20:14) marshaled the Tomahawks (15) to a first-place finish over Cheshire (86), as five of Glastonbury’s seven runners in the race graced the finish line first. The Knights will be back on the trails next week when they host divisional NW Catholic at Camp Sloper in their regular season finale on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Meet time is 4 p.m. The boys team is currently 5-2, and the girls team is currently 3-4.

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).

Week 5—39-20-2 (11-5).

Teams Qualified for State Tournaments—Girls Volleyball (9-1).

Remaining Undefeated Teams—Football (5-0).

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 at Southington YMCA; Andie Nadeau, 2:05.18 (1st improved), 10/4 vs. Hall at Southington YMCA.

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

50 Freestyle (26.69)—Olivia Fournier, 25.26 (1st improved), 9/20 vs. EO Smith at Southington YMCA; Julie Duszak, 25.63 (2nd improved), 10/4 vs. Hall at Southington YMCA.

Diving (166.00)—Liz Beaulieu, 174.95, 10/6 vs. Farmington at Miss Porter’s School.

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

100 Freestyle (58.79)—Olivia Fournier, 55.33 (1st improved), 10/4 vs. Hall at Southington YMCA.

500 Freestyle (5:51.99)—Andie Nadeau, 5:40.25 (3rd improved), 10/4 vs. Hall at Southington YMCA.

100 Backstroke (1:06.99)—Meghan Hammarlund, 1:04.56 (1st improved), 10/4 vs. Hall at Southington YMCA.

100 Breaststroke (1:17.99)—Julie Duszak, 1:11.39 (2nd improved), 9/27 vs. East Catholic at Southington YMCA; Patrycja Zajac, 1:14.14 (1st improved), 10/6 vs. Farmington at Miss Porter’s School.

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

Rhoda Mary (Leonard) Clynes, 90, of East Hampton and formerly of Southington, widow of James J. Clynes, died peacefully on Wednesday Oct. 4 at Apple Rehab of Cromwell.

Born May 20, 1927 in New Britain, she was the daughter of the late Raymond F. and Agnes (Schussler) Leonard.  Rhoda grew up in New Britain and was a graduate of New Britain High School. She married James Clynes in April 1949.   They moved to Southington in 1958 where they raised their family.   Rhoda was an employee of South End Elementary School in Southington where she enjoyed working as a secretary, assisting not only the teachers but also becoming a friendly face to the many children who attended the school.  Following her retirement in 1982 from South End School,   Rhoda continued her work at St. Dominic School and actively volunteered her time at Bradley Memorial Hospital.  In1992 they relocated to East Hampton, CT where she and her loving husband of 67 years enjoyed countless hours looking over Lake Pocotopaug from their front porch.

Her most enjoyable moments were on Sunday when her family joined them for an afternoon of swimming, boating and family dinners.  Winters were spent in South Pasadena, FL, where, although she missed her children, she and her husband developed many special, lasting friendships at the Causeway Village.

Rhoda was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in East Hampton, and a member of the Ladies Guild.  She lived a fulfilling life but her most special attributes were how she cared for and interacted with her children, eagerly partaking in activities with them even if it involved learning how to snow ski, sail, golf or water ski.   As long as she was with family, she was happy.

Rhoda is survived by her son James W. Clynes and his wife Lisa of Southington, a daughter Nancy Ninesling and her husband David of East Hampton, a sister-in-law Margie Clynes of Ponte Verde Beach, FL, six grandchildren Ryan and wife Kait, Kacie, Zach, A.J., K.J., and Alyssa and two great grandchildren Taylor and Bentley.

She was predeceased by her brother Raymond Leonard and her sister Rita Urban.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Monday Oct. 9th from 5:00PM until 7:00PM. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday Oct. 10th at 9:30AM in St. Patrick Church in East Hampton. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Assoc. P.O. Box 144 East Hampton, CT 06424.

To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

Alfred J. Cross, 77, of Southington, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017.  He was the husband of Marilyn (Jones) Cross.

He was born in Willamansett, MA the son of the late Frank and Mary (Miranda) Cross.  He graduated from UCONN and received his Masters degree from Central CT State University. Prior to his retirement he was a Teacher in the Hartford School System. Al was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church and a member of the Church Choir for over 20 years.  He enjoyed popular music and many sports and was a former long distance runner.

In addition to his wife Marilyn he leaves two sons Scott D. Cross and wife Dana and Dale S. Cross and wife Diliana  all of Glastonbury, three grandchildren Madeline , Devin and Dean Cross as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers and a sister.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 at 11 am at the Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St. Southington.  Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St.

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

Helen J. (Ganges) Topa, 87, formerly of Southington, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5th at Apple Rehab in Cromwell.  She was the wife of the late Stanley Topa.

She was born in Rochester, NY, on Oct. 6, 1929, the daughter of the late John and Marion (Eckert) Ganges .  Prior to her retirement she had worked at the former Oxley Drug Store for many years.  She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

She is survived by her children Donna and husband Mark Dudzik of Farmington, John and wife Kris Topa of New Hampshire and Thomas and wife Barbara Topa of TN, and Michelle Cole of Hamden, 8 grandchildren and a great grandson. She also leaves a brother Joey Ganges of AZ and sister Bernice Hurlbut of Cromwell.  She was predeceased by a grandson Jeffery Topa and a brother Samuel Ganges.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Oct.12th at 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St. Plantsville. Burial will be at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. There are no calling hours. DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111

www.dellavecchiafh.com

Mary (Harbanuk) Farr, 86, of Wolcott, died on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Mulberry Gardens in Southington after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the widow of John Robert Farr.

She was born in Waterbury on May 29, 1931, daughter of the late Andry Leon Harbanuk and Mary (Lipa) Harbanuk. She was a lifelong area resident and had worked as a lab technician with Uniroyal Chemical.

She is survived by her sister, Anna H. Urban of Wolcott; nieces and nephews, Dr. Mary Ann Cordeau, Leon Farr, Michelle Arnold, and John Farr; her grand-nieces, Mary Elizabeth Cordeau and Roberta Ann Cordeau; along with other nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Stephen Harbanuk; and her sister, Anastasia Eberle.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 9 at O’Brien Funeral Home in Forestville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leo The Great Church in Waterbury. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury.

Memorial donations may be made to New Horizons Renovations Project, c/o Abbey of Regina Laudis, 273 Flanders Rd., Bethlehem, CT 06751 or at abbeyofreginalaudis.org/donations.html.

www.obrien-funeralhome.com

William G. “Bill” Cook, 93, of Orlando, FL passed away on Monday Oct. 2, 2017.  He was born in Southington, CT on August 24, 1924, the son of the late John and Suzzanna (Peregrin) Cook.

Bill was educated in Connecticut schools. Upon graduation in 1942, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he served for four years as a commissioned bombardier, navigator and radar observer.

He was married for 65 years to his high school sweetheart Janice Marie (Erbe) Cook until her death in 2009.  He was employed in various administrative capacities in Connecticut Industries until his retirement to Orlando, FL in 1976.

Bill is survived by a son, William J. Cook of Salem, Oregon, daughters, Susan Mary Cook and Carol Ann Stanton of Orlando, FL and Brunswick, ME.  He also leaves a brother Walter J. Cook of Southington, CT and Palm Beach Gardens, FL and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Janice and sisters, Mary DeSando, Catherine D’Angelo, Ann Galiette and Magdalene Galiette.

Funeral services  and burial were held in Orlando, FL

Donald Donaghy

Donald Donaghy, 52, of Bristol was arrested by Southington police on Sept. 29, at approximately 5:11 p.m., for his involvement in a road rage/reckless driving earlier in the day.

The investigation began when Southington police received a report about the incident, which began on I-84 Eastbound. At the time of the report, the vehicles were traveling north on West Street in Southington.

A Southington officer located the vehicles and initiated the investigation at the intersection of West Queen Street and West Street. During the investigation, Donaghy allegedly told the officer that he had a hunting knife, approximately 7.5 inches long, under the seat of his vehicle. Also during the investigation, the officer located two baggies of suspected marijuana, one on the ground next to Donaghy’s vehicle and the other inside the vehicle. One of the baggies weighed approximately .28 oz. and the second baggie weighed approximately .54 oz.

A Southington K-9 Unit (Kira) assisted in this investigation.

Donaghy was charged with illegal possession of marijuana and weapons in a motor vehicle. He was processed and released on a $5,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for Oct. 10 at the Bristol Superior Court.

Protesters, supporters, and town officials gathered on Monday, Oct. 9 for a Columbus Day unveiling of the Christopher Columbus bust at the entrance to the John Weichsel Municipal Center.

By SHERIDAN CYR

STAFF WRITER

After years of fundraising, organizing and coordinating by several community groups, the Christopher Columbus monument was unveiled outside of the Municipal Center on Columbus Day, Sept. 9.

Many gathered, both in celebration, and in protest, of the monument.

Members of the Knights of Columbus gather for the ceremony.

Background

Three major players from the Southington community joined forces to bring the vision of the bust to life, going back as early as 2012. The Knights of Columbus, the Kay and Joe Calvanese Foundation, and UNICO raised funds, chose placement, designed and brought forth the Columbus bust.

Dick Fortunato, of the Knights of Columbus, has been one of the central pieces since the start. At the Sept. 14, 2015 Town Council, Fortunato presented to the council the plans crafted by the three organizations. This included computer-generated images of the hopeful bust, funding estimates, and reasoning behind the bust.

“The purpose of this is to reinforce this strong sense of history in our community, in a way that would honor the discovery of America over 500 years ago and its meaning in this particular community, whose roots go deep in supporting the spirit of exploring, discovering, inventing and educating,” said Fortunato to the council just over two years ago.

Fortunato presented that between UNICO, Knights of Columbus and the Calvanese Foundation, they would raise $14,000 for the bust and around $2,000 to $3,000 in addition to fund the cement path and small garden around the monument.

The motion passed unanimously. “This is a moveable statue, and the town does not own this building,” former Town Attorney Mark Sciota said at the 2015 meeting, “so if we don’t buy this building when the lease is up, the statue will come with us.”

At the unveiling on Sept. 9, Sciota reported that, although the Municipal Center is owned by Borghesi Building and Engineering and is being leased to the town, the council did not need direct permission.

“They are aware that this is happening,” he said, “but we only need permission from them for larger projects or major changes to the building.”

Protesters were allowed to join officials in the conference room when rain caused the ceremony to move inside.

Unveiling ceremony

A ceremony for the unveiling was held at the municipal center, celebrating the 525th anniversary of Columbus discovering America. All organizers were present and had a chance to speak, along with other key figures in the community.

On behalf of Dick Fortunato, his son, Vince, spoke to the audience of supporters and protestors alike, tightly packed in the council chambers.

“There’s no denying that the settlement of America by Europeans brought about atrocities, and barbarous acts of violence against native Americans, and that such evil established a route for slave trade and exploitation,” he said, “but that doesn’t change the fact that Columbus discovered America, if only symbolically.”

Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Isabella Council 15, Phil Mazzatti, shared what the Knights’ significance means in the community. Over the last year, the Knights raised over $10,000 and contributed over 5,000 hours of volunteer work in the community. Worldwide, the Knights donated $178 million to various causes and volunteered over 17 million hours, said Mazzatti.

“Columbus made a very substantial contribution to the history of the Americas,” said Mazzatti. “We want to give back to Southington a piece of history that we should all be proud of.”

Antonio Cusano, president of UNICO and Sons of Italy, addressed some criticism that members of the community had toward the statue. “This is not meant to just honor the Italian community in Southington, but to honor all nationalities who have immigrated to the Americas,” he said. “This project has received some positive and negative feedback, but because of our democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinions.”

Keynoter, Sen. Joe Markley, was on the same page.

“Those of us gathered here today, in celebration or in protest, in the same moment and in the same spot, differ on the significance of the public act we witness,” said Markley. “Let us rejoice that whatever our opinion, we are together peacefully and respectfully, all members of one community.”

A statement by council chair Mike Riccio sought to bridge the gap between the protestors and supporters present, arguing that it is impossible to judge someone who lived over 500 years ago in a culture and a society very different from today’s.

“Columbus was imperfect, just as all of us are imperfect. He was a product of his time, and judged people’s worth by their ability to fight or provide him with riches,” said Riccio. “What also remains true is that Columbus was tenacious and courageous and had an adventurous spirit. He represents, and is the most recognizable, well-known, face of the Age of Discovery.”

Peaceful protest

At recent Town Council meetings, various residents have presented arguments against the bust during public communications. Some focused on the negative national attention aimed at Columbus in recent years with allegations of rape, murder, and unrealistic claims about his discoveries.

Some voiced that this attention came close to home with the bust being placed outside of the municipal center.

The peaceful protest of the Columbus monument was spearheaded by Southington Women for Progress, but they were joined by individuals and members of other groups. They had crafted a petition that received 120 signatures against the monument in a couple of days, which was presented by Dorrie Perugini at the Sept. 11, 2017 council meeting.

One of the organizers, Erica Roggeveen Byrne estimated about 40 to 50 other people joined in on the peaceful protest at the municipal center unveiling.

Signs waved denouncing Columbus were prepared by many of the protestors. Some read quotes from Columbus himself, such as, ‘All of them can be taken or held captive,” and, “They shall be good and intelligent servants.”

Others read, “Southington says ‘teach the truth!’” “Columbus was a rapist,” and “Who builds a monument to genocide?”

“When we initially found out the statue would be put on public land we felt it was not the right thing to do, being such a controversial figure,” said Byrne.

Byrne explained that initially the group petitioned the council to not put the monument on public land, but to instead use private land owned by the organizations responsible for the bust. “Now, if another group comes forward and says they want to put up a statue, they have very little precedent to say no,” she said.

Byrne added that the inscription itself is that Columbus discovered America, which is historically inaccurate. She said that there were people here before Columbus arrived.

“We tried to talk to the organizing committee to see if there was a way to change the inscription on the plaque, and we were willing to pay for that,” Byrne said. “They declined that. We asked to be a part of the presentation, and they said no to that. So we knew we had to have a presence at the unveiling.”

Though on opposing spectrums of the argument, councilors Riccio and Triano individually thanked some of the organizers of the peaceful protests for their respectful approach.

The bust and walkway is positioned at the entrance to the municipal building at 200 N. Main St.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Sheridan Cyr, email her at SCyr@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Photos by Sheridan Cyr

We asked Southington Planning and Zoning Commission candidates the following question:

Q) What do you see as the most important issue for the PZC over the next term? How do you plan to handle it if you are elected?

Here are their answers (Candidates are grouped in the order they will appear on the ballot):

MEET THE DEMOCRATS

Valentine Guarino

Valentino Guarino

(Democrat, Challenger)

A) Development. The continued development of West Street and the issues raised in that regard will undoubtedly come before the Planning and Zoning Commission over the next term. Fortunately there is a development plan for this area which broadly describes the type of development desired in the different zones created.

I am a passionate environmentalist. My hobbies and interests all involve nature and the outdoors. I am encouraged that the plan makes provisions to blend development with the environment and leave some areas in a natural state.

As a member of the PZC I would be a strong advocate for maintaining the spirit and intent of this plan and would resist any attempts that would substantially alter it.

Chris Robertson

Chris Robertson

(Democrat, Challenger)

A) Expansion. I will set a goal for the expansion of our town. We need to look at many situations that might occur when expansion takes place. We need to make sure we have accurate numbers in our public safety. Fire, American Medical Response (AMR), and police.

We need to look at what certain expansion will do to our roads and sewer department, also what certain projects will do to our community as a whole.

Susan Locks

Susan Locks

(Democrat, Incumbent)

NOTE: Candidate did not respond to the question before the deadline, so her response was received after other candidate responses were published.

A) We developed a 10 year Plan of Conservation and Development this year. We should follow this plan to grow business development to increase tax revenue and scrutinize residential development to maintain the country feeling of our town. We especially have to be careful with development in the West Street corridor and Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike to not overdevelop these areas to maintain the beautiful town we live in.

Ross Hart

Ross Hart

(Democrat, Incumbent)

A) Future generations. (Note: Edited for word limit.) Southington’s in a prime location to attract the next generation of homeowners. It’s a reasonable commute from main sources of employment for young people in Connecticut such as the fledging bio-science corridor which runs from Medtronic’s in North Haven, to Protein Sciences in Meriden and Jackson Lab in Farmington, the insurance capitol of the world in Hartford, and finally the largest private employer in Connecticut, UTC.

The next generation of homeowners does not have the same demands as generations past. People used to look for accessible parks and dependable schools. Now, they are also looking for greenways, bike lanes, shopping, and dining that is walkable, not surrounded by endless parking lots. They want developments that are environmentally conscious. We must ask ourselves, do we want to position our town to attract the next generation of homeowners or will we continue to live with strip malls and cookie cutter housing developments.

MEET THE REPUBLICANS

Robert Hammersley

Robert Hammersley

(Republican, Incumbent)

A) Economic Development. If I am elected, I will work to build upon our record of accomplishments. Over the past several years, we have worked in collaboration with all of Southington’s boards and departments to successfully promote economic development. In doing so, we have expanded the town’s tax base, thereby lessen the tax burden on all of Southington’s residents.

Likewise, if I am elected, I will examine each application before the Planning and Zoning Commission with consideration and sensitivity to maintaining Southington’s character—building upon a record of 330 acres of open space that we have protected over the past several years.

Paul Chaplinsky

Paul Chaplinsky Jr.

(Republican, Incumbent)

A) A plan for development. Over the last several years the Planning and Zoning Commission has worked diligently with other boards and the economic development office to strategically plan and implement commercial and industrial growth which brought hundreds of jobs to Southington, with a strong tax base that has allowed us to keep our residential taxes lower for the community. We have done this while also acquiring and preserving hundreds of acres of open space.

The top challenges I will work to address are: Continue to work with our state representatives to make a Connecticut Department of Transportation study of West Street, a state road, a priority so we may realize the improvements of the corridor from our developed strategic vision while building on our efforts to preserve land through smart and community-collaborative zoning regulation revisions along with strong alignment with Town Council for the continued acquisition of appropriate open spaces where possible.

Mike DelSanto

Michael DelSanto

(Republican, Incumbent)

A) Open space. I believe the most important Planning and Zoning Commission issues going forward will continue to be the delicate balance between housing development and the increase of the town’s tax base.

Under Republican Leadership these last eight years, we have worked closely with Southington’s economic development coordinator to ensure Southington is attractive to business and industry. This has secured hundreds of new jobs. We need to continue to make sound, wise decisions for all residents in town.

I understand any increase in housing is a “touchy” topic, but this illustrates that people want to reside and work in our great community. The only way to stop the development of housing on private property is to purchase the land and let it lay fallow, or petition the Town Council to purchase the property as active open space.

If elected, I will continue to make the purchase of open space a top priority.