Friday, October 23, 2020
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 17, Number 43
Land trust’s commitment to conservation shines By Joy VanderLek The Southington Citizen
Conserving open space for the public, creating an educational nature trail, and installing beneficial Pollinator Pathway gardens? One might say, those are just a few of Southington Land Conservation Trust’s superpowers.
These are feats to marvel, for sure, especially for a small non-profit like SLCT. The group formed in 1973 with a laser-focus on conservation. The group works to conserve land as open space, protect its parcels and just as importantly, they aim to get Southington residents interested in the importance of conservation as they educate young and old about the natural world and open space.
Val Guarino is the current SLCT president, taking the reins from former president Al Fiorillo, who moved out of the area. Guarino also holds the title of property manager. It’s a job he’s held for long-term. In that position, he has taken the lead on invasive plant removal on SLCT properties. Among his duties, Guarino has worked with BSA Scout groups to create a system of board-
walks for the Wedgewood parcel, SLCT’s star property. The almost 17-acre Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is a lovely retreat. More than 20 species of hardwood trees can be found within the property, including white oak, tulip poplar, sugar maple, beech, and See Trust, A2
Officials appoint interim fire chief
THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR Avid gardener Nick Tropea, of Southington, grows a giant pumpkin every year with the intention of entering it in the Berlin Fair. Of course, this season, the pandemic meant widespread cancellation of agricultural fairs. Despite that development, Nick decided to go ahead with his plans. The results were impressive, as he ended up with this nearly200-pound beauty. His wife Jess Tropea submitted this photo in hopes it would be something of a consolation for missing out on the fun of a pumpkin competion. In the photo, Nick displays his green thumb with his prize pumpkin and some other gourds he grew.
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Assistant Fire Chief James Paul will serve as interim fire chief starting Nov. 1. Fire Chief Richard Butler is retiring on Oct. 31. Paul was appointed assistant chief two years ago. Nathan Wilson, Board of Fire Commissioners chairman, said Paul has done a great job in his twin roles as assistant chief and fire marshal. “I wish you the best of luck, we’re in good hands,” he said. Paul
The commission unanimously approved Paul’s temporary promotion Thursday night, Oct. 15. It also voted to form a search committee for the next chief, a group that’ll include town and fire officials. See Chief, A9
Proven conservative leadership and rebuild Connecticut State Senator
Rob Sampson
State Representative
John Fusco
State Representative
R235057
to defend America
Gale Mastrofrancesco
Paid for by Sampson for CT, Tony Morrison Treasurer, Approved by Rob Sampson | Paid for by Gale Mastrofrancesco for State Rep, Wayne Stanforth Treasurer, Approved by Gale Mastrofrancesco | Paid for by Fusco4CT, Johanna Furgalack Treasurer, Approved by John Fusco