Volume 17, Number 34
Friday, August 21, 2020
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Museums find ways to operate in pandemic By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal
As a way to connect with patrons, area museums have come up with unique ways to continue to operate. Here is a sampling of some local museums that you can visit. During a recent discussion at The Barnes Museum, Bonnie Plourde, interim curator, talked about a toy Ferris wheel given to Bradley Barnes for Christmas in 1893. The museum has shifted to virtual programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
The Barnes Museum For the Barnes Museum in Southington, the greatest impact of the pandemic is not having the in-person connections the staff made with patrons. In order to still make these connections, the museum is now offering virtual programming. “So we’ve shifted our focus to virtual programming so we cannot only continue to educate the public about the amazing museum but also kind of brighten everyone’s day at the same time through these very unprecedented times,” said Bonnie Plourde, interim curator and caretaker. The virtual programming includes Song of the Steinway, where Plourde See Museums, A4
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Unofficial vote totals Aug. 14 gave Berlin Town Councilor Donna Veach the victory over Southington pastor the Rev. Jim Townsley in the Republican primary for the 30th House District. Once absentee ballots were counted, Veach had 928 votes to Townsley’s 627. Veach, the party’s endorsed candidate, will face Democrat and fellow Berlin
Councilor JoAnn AngelicoStetson for the seat that will be vacated by House Veach Speaker Joe Aresimowicz. The district includes Berlin and a portion of Southington. Absentee ballots were accepted until Thursday, Aug. 13, as long as they were postmarked by Tuesday. Registrars in See Veach wins, A2
Marketing company to promote the town By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
A local digital marketing company will be promoting Southington to area residents after town leaders approved a marketing contract. Economic Development Coordinator Lou Perillo advocated for $40,000 for promotion efforts earlier this year.
He and other town leaders said the pandemic has made any support to local businesses and attractions more vital. “There’s no time better than the present to assist industry and businesses. This pandemic hit hard,” said Michael DelSanto, a Republican Town Council member See Marketing, A2 R232002
Veach given the nod in 30th District GOP primary