Norton Trust: Supporting district initiatives

Press Release

A variety of Plainville school district programs and initiatives are underway this year thanks to grants received from the local Elizabeth Norton Trust Fund.

Linden Street School second grade teacher Joan Corey received a grant to purchase “wobble stools,” cushions and sensory items for the classroom, which allow students to focus and move freely while completing work and participating safely in lessons.

At the secondary level, Middle School of Plainville art teacher and PRISMS Club advisor Laura Meehan received a grant for the club to create and stock a “Giving Shelf” for students. The shelf holds a variety of hygiene products that middle schoolers can access or donate to.

Earlier in the year, Meehan rescued and rehabbed an old, wooden bookcase for the project, and PRISMS Club members recently painted and decorated the piece.

Plainville High School Social Worker Jenna Jorel received a grant to assist the middle and high school student support staff to attend a twoday virtual training seminar that focuses on supporting students in addressing how their trauma impacts their ability to learn, and how to support teachers to provide trauma-informed instruction.

Elementary school Band Director Michael Boncimino received a grant to purchase two drum sets for Frank T. Wheeler and Linden Street schools. The drum kits help to modernize the music curriculum, offer a broader vari- ety of instruments for students to access, and improve ensemble quality by providing enriching percussion experiences.

District Volunteer Coordinator Sue Bradley received a grant to support the district mentoring program’s “Mentor Fun Muse Night,” which provides the opportunity to reconnect the district’s volunteer mentors, student mentees and their families for an in-person, interactive program, following a

The Middle School of Plainville’s new “Giving Shelf” was created by the school’s PRISMS Club, thanks to funding provided by the Elizabeth H. Norton Trust Fund.

Lifelong Southington residents, the Harveys have been friends with Ron Serafino for years, who leased them the building when they were in the market to find a space for their realty business. Since occupying the property Best Realty has seen success, having grown from two to six employees and has received a warm response from the community.

Kelly Harvey, who was a longtime customer of Serafino’s, hopes to re-create the friendly atmosphere the pharmacy fostered by inviting the public to visit their office and having an open relationship with the community. To that end, they’ve set up a coffee bar in their office for visitors to come in and use.

“Ron Serafino was my pharmacist for over 30 years, I watched the people come into his pharmacy, and sometimes just come to visit. They'd sometimes go in just to take his dog for a walk. I feel like we offer the same type of atmosphere,” Kelly Harvey said, “We tell our friends, family, friends of friends, ‘drop in, grab a coffee chat with us, let's talk.’ And I have to say when people come in, they are pretty blown away with what we've done with the space and how comfortable it is.”

The business aims to get further involved in the Southington community and support behind the Apple Harvest Festival and other events in town.

Year Round Tree

The new owners worked to renovate the 2,000-squarefoot space to make it attractive to passersby and something that would draw in further foot traffic to the area. This coincides with the recent renovation efforts on the old pharmacy space by Nataz Restaurant, which sits next door to Best Realty.

“To be able to be in that space, right next door to where the pharmacy was for so many years, it means a lot to us. We take pride in the location, taking care of the space, and making it look as desirable as possible. Because we have noticed, just from the foot traffic already, people stopping in whether it's other businesses to say hello or to collaborate,” Joe Harvey said.

Best Realty is not the only real estate business in town that’s taken a more person- able approach with its customers. Evjen Agency, which moved into its 100 Center St. location two years ago, also presents itself as a boutique realtor that puts a greater emphasis on providing a more personable customer experience.

The appeal of the approach, said owner Roy Evjen, is being able to build a closer re-

See Realty, A13

To our valued existing and soon-to-be patients: Your health is very important to us. Your loyalty to us is reflected in our loyalty to you. We know your names and your needs because we are the community pharmacy.

We wouldn't be doing our job to the best of our ability if we were only available part of the time. We have two full time pharmacists on duty.

Starling Welcomes Stephen Sales, PA-C to our Internal Medicine Department at 184 East Street, Plainville.

When you need a prescription filled or have a question, we're here for you. Always.

With over 35 years of experience as a PA, he prides himself on his kind and empathetic care.

Stephen is excited to join doctors Peter Harris, David Roy, Oosman Tariq and Ashley Bogue, PA-C to continue to serve the Plainville community.

For an apponitment, call 860.747.5766 or visit starlingphysicians.com for information.

15 North Liberty Street, Southington