Southington Citizen Dec. 27, 2019 by Record Journal

www.southingtoncitizen.com

Volume 13, Number 52

Art school expanding despite neighbor’s objections By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal

Despite opposition from neighbors, a home art school and performance theater on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike recently received approval for an expansion.

Friday, December 27, 2019

With state funds, more body cameras for police By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

The Arts at Angeloria's, 223 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Southington. Despite opposition from neighbors, the home art school and performance theater recently received approval for an expansion. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Lori Holm, of Southington, stands in the living room of her residence on MeridenWaterbury Turnpike on July 14, 2015.

Lori Holm started The Arts at Angeloria’s from her home in 2015 after art classes were cut from area school districts. She provides music and art lessons and has an “art barn” in a converted carport. Holm has added to her house sev-

Record-Journal file photo

Body cameras worn by officers are not new to the town’s police department. In fact, a private citizen’s donation in 2012 enabled the department to get nine cameras for on-duty patrol officers. “We've had them [body cameras] for several years. But all our officers and patrol didn't have them,” said police Chief John Daly. That was until last summer, when the department purchased enough body cameras to equip all 42 officers in the patrol division, Daly said. See Police, A2

See Art school, A4

Surplus could help expand high school parking lot By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

School officials say they hope to use surplus funds to expand the Southington High School parking lot.

The expansion would add nearly 100 spaces to the existing 400 and allow more students to park on campus, rather than on the street.

Vehicles are parked on Annelise Avenue near Southington High School on Dec. 13. School officials are hoping to use surplus funds to expand the school parking lot, which would add nearly 100 spaces to the existing 400. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

See Parking, A3

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The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Police From A1

The State Bond Commission, that met Dec. 18, approved the release of funds enabling the grant reimbursement. North Branford

ment last week thanking the bond commission for approving the grant.

“Body cameras help protect the rights of citizens and police officers and I'm pleased Siding and Roofing • Replacement Windows these funds will help offset ROOFING & SIDING Gutters and Decks • Additions the cost of adding these important pieces of equipment Replacement • Gutters (860) Windows 667-2160 to our town,” Fusco's state- Free Estimates Decks • Additions ment read. “Smart investLicensed & Insured INSULATING ments in technology, includWINDOWS & DOORS ing supplying our law en- Lic. #00556269 Southington’s neighboring forcement officers with the police department in tools to do their job safely, Cheshire received a similar bring benefits that far exFree Estimates INSULATING grant in 2018, which had re- ceed the cost. Transparency WINDOWS Licensed & Insured imbursed that town for near- increases public trust and & DOORS ly $123,000 of the initial Lic. #00556269 helps bring the community equipment and storage even closer.” costs. The funds come from a law enacted in 2015 that set aside $2 million for state police to purchase body cameras and another $13 million for city and town police departments to defray upfront equipment and video storage costs.

Southington state Rep. John Fusco’s office issued a state-

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Officials recently learned Southington will receive a more than $41,000 state reimbursement toward the cost of the cameras and the cost of data storage. The reimbursement accounts for 50 percent of the total cost. It came via Connecticut’s Body-Worn Recording Equipment Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of Policy and Management.

and Stratford also received grants, which totaled more than $100,000.

860-667-2160

mgagne@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ

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The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Parking

Complete replacement

From A1

Most of the parking lot was installed in the 1970s. School operations director Peter Romano said the entire lot will need to be replaced in the near future, possibly in three or five years. Board members asked if it would be more efficient to wait on the expansion and redo the entire parking lot. Romano said there was no reason to wait.

“It’s really needed,” said board member Zaya Oshana Jr. “Getting those new spots in there, getting people off the road.” There’s no crossing guard to help students who park on the street, Oshana said, and he’s concerned about safety with the existing situation. Schools’ Superintendent Tim Connellan said the expansion would help but not solve the parking problem at the high school. “Adding those spots will bring us to just under what some of our class sizes are,” he said. “There still isn’t going to be enough parking spaces for everyone.” Neighbors have complained about students parking in nearby neighborhoods. Connellan and high school administrators have sent letters home with students asking that they “be courteous” and not block trash cans or driveways, but the letters haven’t worked, he said. “The solution is for students to be more courteous in how they park and parents to make sure they’re courteous,” Connellan said.

“When you see how expensive it will be to reclaim and repave the whole parking lot, it’s going to be a drop in the bucket to do the addition,” he said. In November, the Board of Education approved a priorities list for the $586,464 left unspent from the previous fiscal year's budget. Board members debated whether to fund a new lighting system for Southington High School for $190,000 or a high school parking lot expansion for $207,000. The board decided in favor of the new lighting system. That project and other priorities didn’t leave enough money for the parking lot work.

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Friday, December 27, 2019

From A1

eral times, building decks, gardens and fish ponds to help inspire visiting artists. Holm asked the town to modify her special permit to reflect the growing number of students for different arts programs. She also sought approval for an art barn she’d built out of the threebay carport.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved both in a 6 to 1 vote earlier this month. The prospect of more people and larger performances wasn’t welcomed by Holm’s neighbors, Christopher and Christine Ward. Performances and classes at Holm’s house have led to more traffic, lights, noise and parking at the property, the couple said.

tine Ward said. “That was never going to be used as a carport.”

“When this was approved five years ago, it was a little school, koi ponds, violins,” Christopher Ward said. “What that has morphed into now is a dinner theater with double and triple the amount of traffic…It’s become less of a school and more of a commercial enterprise now.”

From carport to art barn Stephen Giudice, a planner representing Holm, said the art barn started as a threebay carport with mostly open sides. When it neared completion, the contractor said it needed more exterior sheathing to give it stability. With more walls closed in, Holm also added doors which closed it in completely and required town approval for a second building on the 2.5-acre property. Giudice described Holm as a “butterfly” going from one project to the next at her home but working to make things right when required.

More students and later hours The estimates of 30 to 50 people for special events and theater productions were just that, Giudice said. The new request of up to 80 people just reflects what’s happening at the school. “It wasn’t an attempt to inThe Arts at Angeloria's, 223 crease what’s happening on site,” he said. “These are betMeriden-Waterbury Turnpike ter estimates.” in Southington on Dec. 16. Despite opposition from neighbors, the home art school and performance theater recently received approval for an expansion.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

“I don’t think the art barn changes the uses or the traffic or the participation. It just gives her a space that’s more comfortable than a tent in the yard,” Giudice said.

Christine Ward said Holm has had “numerous” dealPerformances that now take ings with the town’s planplace under a tent in the ning department and exyard can take place in the art pected her to know the rebarn, Giudice said. No heatquirements. ing or air conditioning for the uninsulated building is “She knew what she was doplanned, although there is ing when she got the permit electricity. to build the carport,” Chris-

It was a similar situation with the closing hours approved by the commission in 2015. At the time the commission allowed Holm to operate until 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. on the weekends. Giudice said Holm has kept to the 9 p.m. deadline and didn’t need to extend it. Students and volunteers with The Arts at Angeloria’s urged the commission to approve Holm’s requests. Those speaking in support included Peter Picone, a Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike resident three doors down from the arts school. “This property is an asset to the community,” Picone said. Commission members asked Holm whether she was through expanding her home school and theater.

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“I have triple mortgaged my house,” she told them. “I’m out of money.” jbuchanan@record-journal.com

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Friday, December 27, 2019

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The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

*For more Local Events visit our Things To Do Calendar at myrecordjournal.com/ things-to-do

Noon Year’s Eve Party: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville.

Friday

Pages to Color Adult Coloring Meetup: Dec. 31, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free. Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington. chubete@southington.org.

Art Exhibit: Dec. 27, Free. The Orchards, 43 Hobart St., Southington. Candy Cottages: Dec. 27, 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville. December Movie: Blinded by the Light: Dec. 27, 1 - 3:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville.

Thursday

Saturday

Drop-In Mystery Crafts: Dec. 27, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville.

Art Exhibit: Dec. 28, free. The Orchards, 43 Hobart St., Southington.

Lee-Ann Lovelace & George Lesiw: Dec. 27, 5 - 8 p.m. Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale.

Breathe!: Dec. 28, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. $8. Blackstone Irish Pub, 1678 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington.

Probate Forum with the Judge: Dec. 27, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington. Teen Candy Cottages: Dec. 27, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville. Timmy Maia Band: Dec. 27, 8:30 - 11:45 p.m. Live at Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale.

Darik & the Funbags: Dec. 28, 9:30 - 11:45 p.m. Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 MeridenWaterbury Turnpike, Milldale. December Movie: Blinded by the Light: Dec. 28, 1 - 3:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville. Drop-In Mystery Crafts: Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville.

Mike Collins Acoustic Duo: Dec. 28, 5 - 5:30 p.m. Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 MeridenWaterbury Turnpike, Milldale. Milly’s Great Gatsby: Dec. 28, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. $30. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol, 42 Century Drive, Bristol.

Sunday December Artist of the Month: Dec. 29, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington.

Monday Critter Caravan: Dec. 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville. December Artist of the Month: Dec. 30, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Southington Public Li-

brary, 255 Main St., Southington. Knitting & crocheting meetup: Dec. 30, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Free. Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington. Sachuest Beach: Dec. 30, 7 10 p.m. Live at Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale.

Tuesday New Year’s Eve 2020 New Years Eve Party: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. $45 $65. Blackstone Irish Pub, 1678 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington.

Erin Gibney: Jan. 2, 8 - 11 p.m. Gibney is a Nashville artist and Southington native. Live at Tipping Chair Tavern, 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale. Karaoke: Jan. 2, 9:30 p.m. 12:30 a.m. Free. Friend’s Cafe, 15 N. Liberty St., Southington. shiprekd@gmail.com.

Saturday Goat Cuddle Therapy: Jan. 4, 1 - 2:30 p.m. $20. Bradley Mountain Farm, 537 Shuttle Meadow Road, Southington. 860-385-4628. help@bradleymountainfarm.com. Goats n Pajamas: Jan. 4, 4 5:30 p.m. $15. Bradley Mountain Farm, 537 Shuttle Meadow Road, Southington. 860385-4628. help@bradleymountainfarm.com.

December Artist of the Month: Dec. 31, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington.

Cava’s holiday decor dazzles diners By Bailey Wright Record-Journal staff

and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

The holiday spirit is on full display at Cava Restaurant once again this season and diners can enjoy the show through February.

The process starts around September, with Papahristou designing the rooms and staff members taking decorating shifts until the work is complete just before Thanksgiving. The decorations remain up until the end of February.

For about a decade, the Italian restaurant at 1615 West St. has created a magical destination for diners looking to be transported into their favorite movies and shows. This year 150,000 lights were used. “People are in awe when they come in … It’s just a truly magical place,” said Manager Tony Papahristou. This year’s themes are “Snow White,” “Moulin Rogue,” “Game of Thrones”

The themes are based on customer suggestions and Papahristou’s own inspiration. In the Moulin Rouge room — also dubbed the Red Room — there is a custom painted mirror, large heart wreaths, and giant sprays of mistletoe spinning from the ceiling. The room is drenched in the color red.

In the “Snow White” room, the seven dwarfs are painted on a mirror. The poisoned apple from the movie is on top of the Christmas tree, and “thousands of ornaments on the ceiling represent the gems that the dwarfs go and mine,” Papahristou said. Friends Dawn Grosso and Kristine Bennett visited the restaurant for lunch recently. Cava Restaurant's annual holiday decorations are up for Grosso of Torrington had Photos by Bailey Wright, Record-Journal seen the holiday decorations the season. a few years ago, but it was Grosso, a fan of the hit HBO hanging above the bar. Bennett’s first time. series, loved the room, “The Lion, the Witch and the “It’s beautiful,” said Bennett, pointing out the swords in Wardrob e,” or ”Narnia” room the Christmas tree and takof Wethersfield. “It’s really has a white color scheme, ing a photo of the Daenerys impressive.” Targaryen portrait. The room with white trees and icicles hanging from the ceiling. PaThe two dined in the bar also features House of Stark pahristou said the room has room, which is decorated in decorations, including a “Game of Thrones” theme. a white tree with red leaves See Cava’s, A7

The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Kwanzaa celebration coming to Plainville High School

Cava’s From A6

10,000 lights in it alone. Dark white branches and blue lights create a cave-like effect in a corner booth. Thirteen Christmas trees line the restaurant’s roof, plus lights all over the building. Last year’s themes were “Harry Potter,” “Frozen” (the Disney movie), “Phantom of the Opera” and “Ursula” of “The Little Mermaid.” Cava serves Italian fare with appetizers ranging from $10 to $20, pasta dishes from $24 to $34, several seafood entrees in the $30 range (including stuffed shrimp for $28) and meat dishes from $24 to $32. The menu also features a 16 ounce centercut N.Y. strip steak or 8

Cava Restaurant's holiday decorations are up.

ounce filet mignon for $40. The restaurant is also known for its dessert tray and extensive wine list. Cava offers vegetarian and gluten-free options including gluten-free pasta. For reservations or to book a private event call 860-6282282. Cava is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 am to 10 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday hours are noon to 9 p.m.

After 30 years in production, the Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc. is proud to present its 30th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m., at Plainville High School, 47 Robert Holcomb Way. Doors open at 6.

uals will be led by Brother Alvin Carter, Jr., a seasoned Kwanzaa specialist, which will include African drumming and dance, reading of the Libation Statement, lighting candles (the Kinara) and making positive affirmations.

Kwanzaa, an African-American cultural holiday observed each winter, encourages the traditional values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. The celebration is open to people of all ages, races, cultures and faiths.

In addition, the Queen Ann Nzinga Center participants will perform in a musical, entitled “Change at QANC High.” Set on a high school campus, the show begins with kids not working together, putting each other down and lacking a unified spirit. Because of this, they are unsuccessful as a basketball team and a dance troupe. As the students begin to apply the principles of Kwanzaa, positive results ensue.

This year, the show will be presented in collaboration with Grace Church of New Britain and the Waterbury Chapter of International Links Incorporated, an organization devoted to enriching and sustaining African culture and people of African descent.

Based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the show demonstrates how the concepts of this holiday can be applied to everyday life. Playwright Rebecca Trapp, who had

The celebration of traditional Kwanzaa rit-

See Kwanzaa, A8

Welcome to On The Menu. Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.

Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Find great local eats - MenusCT.com Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Athena II Diner

320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 203.239.0663 www.athena2diner.com Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Accept Q Cards. Serving North Haven for 30 years. Daily specials and full liquor available.

Colony Diner

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Fire at the Ridge Restaurant & Lounge

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611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for old-fashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

99 Powder Hill Road Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 852-5444 www.fireattheridge.com

Open Wed-Sunday: Noon - 10 pm. Happy Hour & Bar Bites everyday 3-6 pm. Live Music Saturday nights 7-10 pm. Sunday Brunch 11-2 pm

124 Church St. Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-9431 www.facebook.com/pages/Duchess -of-Wallingford/119682821380599 Celebrating Over 25 Years in Wallingford! Our Success comes from dedication to quality,freshness & variety! Breakfast cooked to order. Open 7 days for breakfast lunch & dinner.

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The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

In Brief Safe boating

A safe boating and personal watercraft certification course will be presented by the State of Connecticut DEEP. The course is scheduled to take place at the Southington Police Department Headquarters Education Room, 69 Lazy Lane, from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 10, 12 and 17. Attendance all three days of the course is mandatory. There are no residency requirements to participate; registrants must be at least 12 years of age. The cost to participate is $20. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will need to purchase their certificates directly Proceeds support local char- from the DEEP for an addiities and organizations. Tick- tional fee. Pre-registration ets are $80. To purchase call: and payment is required; Marc Ingriselli, 860-628walk-ins will not be accepted 7429; Luigi Barbato, 860-628- at class. 2241; Mark Mongillo, 860For complete details or to 919-8374; Antonio Cusano, register online, visit south860-681-3451; or the firm of ington.org/boating. Fasulo & Albini, 860-2769787.

The Southington Chapter of UNICO is sponsoring a Valentine's Day celebration, 'Notte d'Amore'(Night of Love): Chocolate and Wine,” Saturday, Feb. 8, at The Aqua Turf Club, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event includes a cocktail hour, open bar, wine, bourbon and chocolate tasting, four-course dinner with choice of two entrees (surf & turf or chicken florentine -- selection made when you purchase tickets), dessert table with a chocolate cordial bar, and music provided by DJ Dave Zee. In addition, there will be door prizes and a raffle.

Holiday fun You will be greeted by adorable "reindeer" goats in the farm shoppe of Bradley Mountain Farm - a historical treasure that is on the National Registry. Feed the goats their "reindeer food," and then play farm reindeer games. We will all gather to hear a story by the fireplace and then make a holiday ornament to take home. Includes one bag of goat food per guest. Goats N' Reindeer Games will be offered throughout the holiday season. Check our farm calendar for dates, times and more details. Or buy tickets for the next available session on our website.

Arts & Crafts The Southington Recreation Department offers Arts & Crafts classes for individuals with special needs. Participants must be accompanied

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been involved with the Queen Ann Nzinga Center since childhood, wrote the script for the musical. It is fitting to bring the Kwanzaa celebration in QANC programming to Plainville High School, as this is where the organization and its founder got its roots. In December 1989, the QANC, then known as the Personal Enrichment Program – “PEP” – began its programming with a Kwanzaa celebration held at Redeemer’s A.M.E. Zion Church, in Plainville.

Parenting talks Klingberg Family Centers schedules Foster & Adoptive Parent Information Sessions the first and third Wednesday, and the second and fourth Monday of the month at the main campus building, 370 Linwood St., New Britain. Contact Nicolin Carr at 860-832-5536 or nicolin.carr@klingberg.com or visit klingbergfosterandadoption.org.

The performers include a mix of professionals, children and teenagers who will offer an eclectic show consisting of gospel, jazz, soul, pop and hip-hop music. The celebration will feature music from Nzinga’s Daughters, Nzinga’s Watoto, and others. Audience members will have an opportunity to shop in the Kwanzaa Market Space. The performance is made possible in part thanks to funding from the American Savings Foundation, the City of New Britain, and the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc., which provides arts enrichment activities for children age 5 to 17, is accepting new participants. The center promotes positive youth development among children of all races and abilities throughout Connecticut, but primarily to children in the greater

CALL THE

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From A7

Queen Ann events

If you need a tub or shower replaced,

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Kwanzaa

by an adult. Classes will take place at Derynoski Elementary School, 240 Main St., in the cafeteria, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 16, Feb. 13, April 9 and May 7. The fee is $15 per class. Pre-registration and payment is required. Program details and registration are available at southington.org/crafts.

3,000

Includes demo, haul away, sub-floor, plumbing, Kohler fixtures, installations of Kohler tub or shower enclosure, fiberglass units+

• Fast, dependable, friendly service • Full plumbing & carpentry service • Free estimates over the phone!

Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased online at qanc.ticketleap.com/ kwanzaa-2019/.

— Press Release

See Briefs, A9

CROSSWORD ANSWER

SUDOKU ANSWER

NO JO B T OO SMALL

Matt’s Pro Plumbing

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R213977v4

Valentine’s dinner

The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Program brings comfort and remembrance The winter night fell quiet when more than 60 names were read in memory of loved ones at Southington Care Center’s “Light the World” held Sunday, Dec. 8. Dozens of people attended the second annual event to remember those who have died and to honor others. The several hundred luminaries lining the driveway at 45 Meriden Ave., guided guests to the outdoor ceremony that featured music by the Mt. Hebron Gospel Choir of Meriden. The Pastoral Care program, which presented “Light the World,” also honored someone “who ‘lights the world’ with care and compassion.”

Briefs From A8

Plainville, Berlin, Bristol and New Britain area. For more information, visit QANC.org.

Exceptional Youth Educational Services will offer S.T.E.A.M. Camps for children ages 7-12. S.T.E.A.M. is an educational approach to learning using Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. Students will create projects using LEGO materials. Camps will take place on Tuesdays for six weeks from Jan. 7 through Feb. 11

The first honoree was Donna Malicki- Gornicz, MS, director of Social Services, who has worked at Southington Care Center since 2006. The Rev. Victoria Triano, director of Pastoral Care, said it was a poignant evening for not only family members but for staff. “As we remembered those who have meant so much to us, there was great solace, peace and a wonderful feeling of family,” she said. “Light the World” was a spiritual outreach of Southington Care Center’s Pastoral Care, which provides ongoing spiritual support for residents and families. For more information about the Pastoral Care program or to support its work,

in the Southington Police Department’s Education Room, 69 Lazy Lane. Ages 79 will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; ages 10-12 will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. The fee to participate is $95 per Southington resident child or $105 per non-resident child. All class materials are included in the program fee. Registration and payment is required by Jan. 3. Program details and online registration are available at southington.org/STEAM.

House of Heroes House of Heroes Connecticut honors and serves military and public safety veterans and/or their surviving

call Triano at Southington Care Center, 860-621-9559. Southington Care Center, a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation services and palliative care. For more information about Southington Care Center, visit southingtoncare.org. -- Press Release

At Southington Care Center’s “Light the World,” The Rev. Victoria Triano, director of Pastoral Care, and William Kowalewski, executive director, prepare to greet guests.

spouses for their sacrificial service to America. The organization provides one-day, no-cost home improvements with a priority placed on safety and accessibility. The Connecticut Chapter is part of a national organization founded in January 2000, in Columbus, Georgia.

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lenges. The study is now open to close friends and family members of those who have died while serving in the military or as a result of their military service. For more information, contact info@steppingforwardstudy.org or visit steppingforwardstudy.org.

More than 1,000 projects have been completed nationwide. For more information about House of Heroes Connecticut, to nominate a veteran, volunteer or donate to the cause, visit hohct.org.

Diakun, JohnJohn Diakun, M.S.M.S.

Hearing Solutions

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A10

The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

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The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

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A11

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A12

The Southington Citizen | southingtoncitizen.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

READERS’ CHOICE

DIRECTORY MEET THE WINNERS: BONGIOVANNI INSURANCE & FINANCIAL / BSP INSURANCE

107 E Main St, Meriden, CT (203) 237-7900 • https://www.bifct.com/

WINNER for Best Investment Firm, Business Insurance, Place to Work (1-25 Employees) and Insurance Agent FINALIST for Best Commercial Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance and Business Insurance ......................................................... CINDY’S UNIQUE SHOP 32 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9341

WINNER for Best Antique Store and Consignment Store FINALIST for Best Furniture Store ......................................................... COLONIAL FLOORING AMERICA

1116 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 774-5856 • colonialflooringamerica.com

WINNER for Best Flooring Company FINALIST for Best Floor Covering Store ......................................................... COLONY DINER & RESTAURANT 611 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9507 • colonydiner.com

WINNER for Best Diner, Early Bird Diner ......................................................... HERITAGE FLOOR COVERING CO

892 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-8626 • heritagefloorcoveringco.com

WINNER for Best Floor Covering Store FINALIST for Best Flooring Company ......................................................... J.CHRISTIAN’S 9 N Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-6393 • jchristians.com

WINNER for Best Fine Dining FINALIST for Best Romantic Restaurant .........................................................

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS

665 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-8000 • medweightlosssolutions.com

WINNER for Best Weight Loss Center ......................................................... KEYS & STRINGS MUSIC STUDIO

321 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-1500 • keysandstringsmusicstudio.com

WINNER for Best Music Instruction ......................................................... MESLIN PEDIATRIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

60 Church St # 15, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 774-0019 • meslindentistry.com

WINNER for Best Pediatric Dentistry ......................................................... PETRUZELO INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

4 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT (866) 479-3327 • petruzelo.com

WINNER for Best Home & Auto Insurance FINALIST for Best Business Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Insurance Agent ......................................................... SERENITY SALON & DAY SPA 118 Center St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-4419 • serenityofwallingford.com

AWARDS

2019 There are over 15,000 businesses across four cities, Meriden, Southington, Wallingford and Cheshire, whose hard work, dedication and success make our communities a great place to live and work. The Readers’ Choice program was created to recognize and reward our local businesses and to be a resource when you might be looking for a dentist, car repair, or even a place to have dinner with your family. Over 210,000 votes were cast, and over 500 businesses have earned the right to call themselves the Best of the Best and be celebrated at an exclusive first-class gala all for them. Congratulations again, to our 2019 Readers’ Choice winners.

For more details visit:

MYRECORDJOURNAL.COM/

READERSCHOICE

WINNER for Best Day Spa FINALIST for Best Hair Salon, Skin Care Treatment Center ......................................................... ULTRA COIN 2 LAUNDROMAT 1118 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 623-9621

WINNER for Best Laundromat ......................................................... VINCENT CERVONI, CERVONI LAW OFFICE, LLC 221 N Main St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-5789 • attorneycervoni.com

FINALIST for Best Law Firm

COUNTRY FLOWER FARMS

320 Baileyville Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 349-3690 •countryflowerfarms.org

WINNER for Best Garden Center

Were you a winner? Interested in having your business listed here? Contact Jaime at 203-317-2306