Volume 17, Number 50
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Friday, December 11, 2020
Pandemic prompts adjusting of Hanukkah celebrations
Local girl elected Kid Governor
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal
Ten year-old Reese Naughton can’t wait to promote her ideas for community and connection amidst a pandemic after inauguration as Kid Governor next month.
Hanukkah began at sundown on Thursday and area synagogues made plans to celebrate the holiday safely.
More than 6,000 fifth-graders from around the state chose Reese from among seven finalists, each with their own platforms and ideas for bettering Connecticut.
Fifth-grader Reese Naughton, 10, smiles for the camera while on a break from the school day last Thursday at Zaya A. Oshana Elementary School in Southington. Town Council members and Commissioner of Education Miguel A. Cardona, of Meriden, presented Reese with proclamations recognizing her efforts in becoming the next Connecticut Kid Governor. Reese’s platform Reese hopes to encourage the crefocuses on positivity and mental health awareness during the COVID-19 See Reese, A23 pandemic. Read an editorial about Reese on Page A9. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Restaurants continue to cope with virus By Faith Williams Record-Journal staff
With the restaurant industry impacted hard by the pandemic, businesses have had to generate new ideas to retain and attract customers. Southington’s Nina’s Desi Restaurant used an unconventional way to gain publicity. “We started making food for people and giving it out for free,” co-owner See Restaurants, A2
Kaylee Cianchetti, left, and Nella Lastrini, each decorate a cupcake with filling and frosting at Nonnie’s Pies and Cupcakes at 190 Main St., Southington. The bakery opened almost three months ago. Faith Williams, Record Journal
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after a battle between the Maccabees (Jews) and the Seleucids (GreekSyrians). The reason Hanukkah lasts eight nights is because the Eternal Light, the final act of the rededication of the temple, was able to last eight nights on oil that was only meant to last for one. In the past, Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation in Southington has held a Hanukkah party, but due to the pandemic, that is not able to happen. But they will be having a virtual menorah lighting on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. “At the party, we would light the menorah, sing songs,” See Hanukkah, A16
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