Friday, September 20, 2019
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 14, Number 38
Fire officials consider changes to increase volunteers
Board sets target dates for funding middle school sports By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Board of Education members agreed on target dates for a parents group to raise money for winter middle school sports.
Money is in place to fund fall sports, according to school business and finance director Sherri DiNello. See Sports, A10
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‘A nice little small-town race’ Southington Apple Harvest gears up for 40th annual running events
John Myers said. “This is Southington’s main hometown race and it serves as a reunion for everyone to come back and catch up with one another.”
By Sean Krofssik Record-Journal staff
The crown jewel is the 5K, which on its own attracts roughly 1,000 runners.
The Apple Harvest Festival Road Race is in its 40th year and showing no signs of slowing down in “middle age.”
That race covers 3.1 miles. There’s also a 5-mile race, which kicks off the show at 8:30 a.m. near Flair Restaurant on Columbus Avenue. The 5K starts 15 minutes later.
As many as 2,000 runners of all ages are expected to compete in the various events on Sunday, Oct. 6 in downtown Southington. “It’s such a special race,” race director
Returning this year is the 2-mile walk along the linear trail. That event starts at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Southington
“It’s a great incentive,” he said. “I think it would help.” A change in state law would allow the town to increase the property tax abatement for volunteer firefighters from a maximum of $1,000 to $2,000. Wilson said there’s support among board members for the change but that it needs approval by the Board of Finance and the Town Council as well. The topic was on the agenda
See Road Race, A8
See Volunteers, A9
Sat, Sept 21, 2019 • 9:00am–12:00pm Klingberg Family Centers, 370 Linwood St, New Britain, CT
MOTORCA AGE R NT
General: $10 • Seniors (65+): $8 • Children 12 & under: Free Spectator parking will be on Klingberg Family Center’s campus
KlingbergMotorcarSeries.org This is the final event of the season, featuring a traditional car show (pre-1979), a display of vintage supercars, and activities for all ages.
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Benefitting Children & Families R220904
Southington Middle School Athletics Association was created after the school board cut $120,000 in funding for Kennedy and DePaolo middle school sports two years ago. Through the creation of an activity fee and the association's fundraising, the school district was able to continue sports at the middle school level. This year, the school is contributing $15,000 to the effort.
The 40th annual Apple Harvest road races hit the streets of downtown Southington on Sunday, Oct. 6. Justin Weekes, special to the Record-Journal
The Board of Fire Commissioners is looking to improve volunteer recruitment and keep the volunteers the town already has. Increasing benefits may do that, according to board chairman Nathan Wilson.
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At a meeting Thursday night, Sept. 12, members said they’re willing to be flexible with deadlines, but want to make sure money is in place before tryouts.
Fire department leaders are considering a boost to the reimbursement rate and tax abatements for volunteer firefighters.