Christopher Caristia, 60 passed away on June 11, 2019. He was born in New Britain on December 2, 1958. He was a lifelong resident of Southington and attended Southington public schools. A natural joker he enjoyed cooking, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. He leaves behind his longtime girlfriend, Heidi Martin. Also his mother Florence (DelBuono) Caristia of Plantsville and the late Salvatore Caristia of Arkansas. A son Christopher of Southington and his grandchildren Victoria, Lillian and Dominic. He also leaves behind his sisters Marceline Caristia, Maryann Caristia and Kathleen Caristia. Nephews Jorden Riddick, Jamin Riddick, a niece Hayley Caristia and a great-niece Nevaeh Riddick. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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Obituary: Christopher Caristia, 60
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Obituary: Frank L. Kohl, 76
Frank L. Kohl, 76, of Southington, passed away on Thursday June 27 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Linda (Prestash) Kohl. Frank was born in New Britain on January 13, 1943. He had served in the US Marine Corps. Frank was a parishioner of St. Dominic Church. He had retired from the City of New Britain after 44 years of service. He is survived by his wife Linda of 50 years. He is also survived by his sons Christopher and his wife Shari, Derek and his wife Rebecca and his grandchildren Brandon, Dillon, Amber, and Dalton all of Southington. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday July 3 at 11am at St. Dominic Church 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington. Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:30 am at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St in Southington. Burial will follow with military honors at South Burial Grounds on Southington Rd. in Kensington. For direction and online condolences please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com
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Obituary: Malcolm G. Nichols Jr., 91
Malcolm G. Nichols Jr., 91, of Southington, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019 after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of Jean (Place) Nichols for 62 years. He was born in Mt. Kisco, NY the son of the late Malcolm and Dorothy Horner Nichols. He was a resident of Southington for most of his life. A graduate of Cheshire Academy he received his B.S. Degree from Pennsylvania Military College. (PMC) He was commissioned second Lt. in the US Army and saw action in the Korean War. He was an avid model airplane enthusiast both building and flying them. He was a life member of the Central CT Radio Club (CCRCC) of Farmington. He and his wife enjoyed many years boating on Long Island Sound. The kept their boat “Jeannie Babe” at Mystic River Marina. He also enjoyed fishing and gardening. Besides his wife he leaves 2 sons William Nichols (Barbara) of Manchester and Andrew Nichols of Wichita Falls, TX. 3 granddaughters Robyn Nichols of Southington, Melissa (Eric) Nichols of Bristol and Samantha and husband Ryan Blair of TX, 2 great grandchildren Ethan Cockayne of Bristol and Ryder Blair and soon to be Josie Blair of TX, […]
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Sports listings for the July 5 edition
NOW thru JULY 31 SOUTHINGTON SOUTHINGTON ELKS GOLF TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION. 10 a.m. shotgun start on Friday, Aug. 16 at Southington Country Club. Cost is $125 per person ($20 for dinner only), includes driving range, coffee, donuts, lunch, beer on the course, social hour, and awards buffet dinner at the Elks lodge. Contest prizes include 2019 Buick hole-in-one contest. Sponsorships are available. Contact Jodie Derwin (860) 518-9041. JULY 13-AUG. 4 SOUTHINGTON NUTMEG STATE GAMES: Registration is now open for the 31st Annual ShopRite Nutmeg State Games. The games will be held July 13-August 4 and will be hosted by the City of New Britain for the 10th consecutive year. Information on 21 sport offerings can be found at www.nutmegstategames.org. ONGOING SOUTHINGTON OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOPENIA FITNESS CLASSES. Southington Community YMCA is offering classes for people with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. Classes are for all fitness levels to help improve balance, build strength, and lengthen the spine. Classes follow the Meeks Method, a safe and effective method which emphasizes the reversal of postural change. YMCA trainers work in conjunction with Community Physical Therapy. Early afternoon, evening, and weekend classes are available. Contact: Jolene Miceli, (860) 426-9589 or jmiceli@sccymca.org. SHS TURF CONTESTS. […]
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Southington Public Library listings for the July 5 edition
The Southington Library at 255 Main St. has announced a number of upcoming programs. All are welcome. To register, contact (860) 628-0947, option 5 or visit southingtonlibrary.org and click on ‘Calendar of Events.’ For children’s events, call ext.3. Here are some upcoming events: July July Artist of the Month. Through July 31. Artwork of Deb Herrick Clen experiments with several mediums, but discovered her voice through abstract painting. Learn more at HerrickArtStudio.com. Poets on Poetry. Monday, July 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Discussions on poetry led by poet-scholars. Mark Sheridan will moderate a discussion on Sylvia Plath’s work. August Poets on Poetry. Monday, Aug. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Discussions on poetry led by poet-scholars. Joe Senno will moderate a discussion on Rilke’s work. Ongoing Health/Legal Talking Probate with Probate Judge Matthew Jalowiec. Last Friday of the month, 10 a.m. Registration is suggested. Judge Jalowiec will be available for approximately an hour to answer general probate questions. Take Me Back Totes. Designed as a tool to encourage conversation and reminiscing for people experiencing cognitive change or who have dementia. Totes include items of a specific decade such as books, CDs, recipes and conversation cards. Other Items Check-out musical instruments. This […]
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Police blotter for the July 5 edition
The Plainville Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 30: Dawn E. Horn, 50, of 6 Crown St., Plainville, was arrested on Wednesday, June 26, and charged with having minimal insurance, and operation or parking an unregistered motor vehicle. Susan M. Zooleck, 64, of 11 Young St., Plainville, was arrested on Wednesday, June 26, and charged with second degree assault, second degree assault on a victim that was blind, disabled, elderly, or pregnant, second degree reckless endangerment, and second degree breach of peace. Louis P. Adamo, 24, of 37 Lyman St., New Britain, was arrested on Saturday, June 29, and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, second offense illegal possession, and failure to obey traffic signals. Kristofer R. Lefebvre, 33, of 193 Burton St., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, June 30, and charged with second degree failure to appear, and first degree forgery.
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Fire report for the July 5 edition
The Southington Fire Department announced the following incidents from Monday, June 17 to Sunday, June 23: Monday, June 17 6:28 p.m., 402 Sun Valley Dr., EMS call excluding vehicle 6:57 p.m., Meriden Waterbury Tpk., Vehicle accident 7:51 p.m., 491 Darling St., Lock-out building Tuesday, June 18 6:39 a.m., East Mountain Drive and Mooreland Drive, No incident found on arrival 1:44 p.m., 405 Queen St., Service call, other 2:04 p.m., 5 Old Turnpike Rd., Lock-in 5:29 p.m., Marion Avenue and I-84 Eastbound, Vehicle accident 5:31 p.m., Queen Street and I-84 Westbound, No incident found on arrival 10:40 p.m., 119 Buckland St., Detector activation Wednesday, June 19 8:17 a.m., 46 South Center St., Building or structure weakened 9:41 a.m., 491 Darling St., Assist police or other government 12:12 p.m., 138 River St., Vehicle/pedestrian accident 2:40 p.m., Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Police matter 4:52 p.m., 491 Darling St., Assist police or other government 6:10 p.m., 539 Kensington Rd., Vehicle accident 8:03 p.m., 2118 Meriden Waterbury Tpk., Smoke detector activation Thursday, June 20 2:47 p.m., 250 Gwen Rd., Oil or other combustible liquid 4:53 p.m., 4 Water St., EMS call excluding vehicle 4:58 p.m., I-84 Westbound, Vehicle accident Friday, June 21 7:56 a.m., 43 Academy […]
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Police blotter for the July 5 edition
The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Sunday, June 16 to Tuesday, June 25: Sunday, June 16 Ryan Ragalis, 26, of 78 Ten Acre Rd., New Britain, was charged with disobeying officer’s signal, unsafe movement with a vehicle, improper lane, two counts of failure to signal turn, speeding, two counts of failure to obey stop sign, and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device. Tuesday, June 18 James Allen, 31, of 70 Vance St., New Britain, was charged with two counts of breach of peace. Wednesday, June 19 Joshua Szabat, 27, of 29 Brooklane Rd., Southington, was charged with second degree breach of peace. Daniel Szabath, 42, of 29 Brooklane Rd., Southington, was charged with second degree breach of peace. Thursday, June 20 Robert Anderson, 71, of 15 Lois St., Bristol, was charged with second degree breach of peace and second degree harassment. Friday, June 21 Elvin King Feliciano, Jr., 26, of 50 New Park Rd., Hartford, was charged with two counts of first degree failure to appear. Sunday, June 23 William Wallace Healy, 57, of 148 Summer St., (no town listed), Mass., was charged with extradition and disorderly conduct. Peter Neves, 51, of 17 […]
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Heather Allenback is Southington’s teacher of the year
By SHERIDAN ROY STAFF WRITER Southington Public Schools announced that Heather Allenback can add another designation to her belt: 2020 Teacher of the Year. Allenback is a social studies teacher at Southington High School, advanced placement psychology teacher, and head coach of the high school cheerleading team. Allenback has been teaching in Southington since 1995. Allenback attributes her love of social studies to being part of a military family with a vast appreciation for history. “I am the daughter of a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force—an occupation that led to a mobile lifestyle for my entire youth,” she said. “My father is a major history buff, so it was not uncommon that I talked to him about what he was reading at the time, or for the family to stop at a historical marker.” Throughout her childhood, she lived in 17 different states before the age of 17. “I developed a great appreciation for not only the diversity of our country, but also the incredibly important role teachers and schools play in the lives of young people,” said Allenback. “Unlike many individuals in Connecticut, I never had that one place to call ‘home’—that one address that I always […]
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Football: Knights lead the charge at the Super 100
By KEVIN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER Jacob Flynn made an impression on his Team Constitution coaches during the practices leading up to this past Saturday’s Super 100 high school football senior all-star game. During the game, Flynn contributed a 25-yard touchdown reception on a pass from Cromwell’s Bryce Karstetter. After the game, won 41-21 by Team Nutmeg, the soft-spoken former Southington standout was given the coaches award for his hard work, commitment and dedication to the team. “It means a lot,” Flynn said about the award. “It means that I’m really dedicated and that I care about all of the players and coaches. I wanted everyone to be great, and unfortunately, we didn’t win. I wanted to win.” Flynn’s former Southington teammate Kyle Messenger also took part in the game for Team Constitution. Took part is a nice way of saying that Messenger saw a lot of time on the field. Messenger played on defense and special teams. “It’s an honor,” Messenger said about playing in the game. “I watched people when I was younger and thought maybe I can play in that game. It turns out I did, so that was good.” Messenger spent his time on defense playing outside […]
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Blue Devil coach, player shine at all-star game
By KEVIN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER There was plenty of Plainville around when it came to Team Constitution in this past Saturday’s Super 100 high school football senior all-star game in New Britain. Blue Devil head coach Tim Shea served in the same capacity for Team Constitution in the game, won 41-21 by Team Nutmeg at Veterans Stadium. “It’s an honor to represent the CHSCA as one of the head coaches for the football all-star game,” Shea said in a tweet earlier this year. “We are looking forward to great game in June with @brian_mazzone [Team Nutmeg head coach] and all the athletes.” Playing on the defensive line for Shea was Plainville’s own Sam Lestini. Blue Devil assistant coach Scott Anderson worked for Shea in the same capacity for Team Constitution. The director of quality control for Team Constitution was Plainville’s Dylan Fusco. Even the team trainer, Mary Maynard, was from Plainville. Shea was assisted by CCC coaches Brian Frederick (Platt-Meriden), Jason Bruenn (Platt-Meriden), Mike Eagle (Berlin), Teriko Roberts (Bulkeley-Hartford) and Nate Sullivan (Hartford Public). The Connecticut High School Coaches Association representative for Team Constitution was Harry Bellucci of Hartford Public. Xavier-Middletown’s Andy Guyon was director of football operations, and Xavier’s […]
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Black bear captured near the town green
By SHERIDAN ROY STAFF WRITER It’s nothing new to hear about bears in Southington’s backroad neighborhoods as they wander out of the town’s woodlands and mountainous areas, but reports about a bear wandering the streets of downtown Southington are far from ordinary. On Wednesday, June 26, police and animal control officers were dispatched to the center of town after receiving reports of a large black bear. “The bear was located on Center Street after having climbed into a small tree off the side of the road,” SPD reported. “Officers were able to redirect the bear out of the tree and away from Center Street.” The police department contacted officials from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The bear was cornered in the wooded area between Liberty Street and Columbus Avenue until DEEP could respond. The bear was then tranquilized and transported away from the area by DEEP officers. Social media lit up with concern for the bear after a photo was posted on a popular Southington Facebook page of the bear strolling down the sidewalk. Many people commented saying overdevelopment has led to the destruction of the bears’ homes, forcing them into populated areas. While that may […]
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Obituary: Bernice N. Jackson, 102
Bernice N. Jackson, 102, of Waterbury, passed peacefully, June 30, 2019 at the Abbott Terrace Health Center. She was the widow of Mr. Earl Jackson. She was born in Kingston, NY on June 10, 1917 to the late Charles E. and Cordelia (Clash) Burke. Bernice moved to Oakville, CT at a very young age. She lived there until she met and married Earl S. Jackson to whom she was married to for nearly 40 years. Bernice raised three families. At age 15, after her mother died, she started raising her five siblings and in between, she raised her own three children, Elaine, Earle, Cheryl “Penny” and finally several grandchildren until she was in her mid 90’s. Bernice was very active in her neighborhood where she was a member of the Crownbrook Neighborhood Association. In her spare time she ran drug dealers off of her block, fed anybody in the neighborhood who was hungry, and in the winter fed her beloved neighborhood wildlife, squirrels, pigeons, starlings, and sparrows by the hundreds. She had a mouse once in her house, and wanted to catch it so she put out some D-Con. But then after a few days she started to worry and felt bad. She […]
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Bread for Life offers summer lunch program for youth
By SHERIDAN ROY STAFF WRITER Southington’s soup kitchen, Bread for Life, is continuing its mission of leaving no one hungry in Southington. The 2019 summer lunch program began on Monday, June 24, and there is no registration required for youth to get a complimentary lunch—just show up, and receive your meal. “Twenty-two percent of kids in Southington Public Schools are eligible for the free or reduced school meal program,” said BFL executive director Donna Ayer. “That gets them through the school year, but when they’re on vacation, we are concerned about how they will get their meals.” During the summer lunch program, BFL volunteers travel to two public locations—Wheeler Village and Summerbrook Apartments—Monday to Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m. They bring sandwiches, fresh fruit and snacks. Youth and teens in those locations, and any other youth from around the town of Southington who can get to those locations, are provided with a free lunch, no questions asked. “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation,” said Ayer. “We want to make sure Southington youth are provided for.” Ayer said BFL recently did a survey with the Board of Education asking parents what their children do over the summer when they don’t have […]
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2019 police chief of the year
Plainville police chief Matthew Catania was recognized as police chief of the year by the Community Law Enforcement Awards and Recognition (CLEAR) dinner last Tuesday. Photos by JANELLE MORELLI
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‘Hurdling’ through space: Elijah Rodriguez is the 2019 Observer Male Athlete of the Year
By KEVIN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER Elijah Rodriguez shot out of the starting block like a missile, his lower body working harder and going faster with each gliding step. To those watching him at West Hartford’s Hall High School, it looked so easy. Rodriguez took his steps and cleared the first huddle, then the next one, then the next one. His opponent was with him early on, but Rodriguez wasn’t about to lose this race. When Rodriguez crossed the finish line, all the frustrations from nagging injuries during his senior season were washed away. Rodriguez had made the ultimate comeback and won gold in the 110m hurdles (15.27 seconds) at the CCC West division championship meet on May 21. “He always had a clear vision of his goals and didn’t let his injuries get in his way,” assistant coach Heather Pierce said. “That type of perseverance is commendable, and I was very proud of how hard he worked to make it into the state open.” Not only did Rodriguez win gold at the CCC meet, but he claimed bronze in the same event at the Class LL championships on May 29, with a faster time than his win in West Hartford […]
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Commentary: Selecting the 2019 Observer Athletes of the Year
The battle lines were laid out early in the selection of the 2019 Southington Observer Athletes of the Year. My boss, John Goralski, a veteran of such selection processes, had his ideas. I, on the other hand, was a newcomer to this process, but I had my own thoughts. At times, it got ugly. There were arguments about dominant one and two-sport athletes, and diatribes about how club sports factored into the equation. There was plenty of brain-aching debate going on in my own head about who should be chosen to represent the Class of 2019 as the best of the best. After all, it was my first time selecting those honorees, and I felt the pressure. It was a difficult selection, but that’s what happens when you try to pick one female and one male to represent a class of 463 graduating seniors. The Class of 2019 had nearly 150 student-athletes with 43 multi-sport athletes and 13 that competed throughout all three seasons. Choosing just one female and one male in a group of so many talented athletes was an almost impossible challenge. Obviously, success on the field is a crucial factor, but we also consider athleticism, sportsmanship, teamwork, […]
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Bowling fundraiser for men and boys’ needs
More than 100 people gathered at Lessard Lanes in Plainville, for a night of bowling, mini-golf and food, while attending “Family, Fun and Fathers,” hosted by the Men and Boys Fund of the Main Street Community Foundation, on Friday, June 14. Proceeds raised during the event will benefit the Men and Boys Fund, which serves Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott. Housed at the Main Street Community Foundation, the Men and Boys Fund grant making program provides funding which make it possible for men and boys to improve the quality of their lives, increase self-sufficiency, and make a positive difference in their community. “Because of the community’s generous support, the Men and Boys Fund has been able to award $9,000 in program grants and $3,400 in immediate response grants in our first three years,” said Roger Stotz, chair of the Men and Boys Fund Advisory Board in a a press release. “Events like ‘Family, Fun, and Fathers’ enable the Fund to help even more of your neighbors.” Grants have been awarded to support men and boys experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Grant applications will be available Monday, July 15 on www.mainstreetfoundation.org. Friday, Sept., 6, is the application deadline. For more […]
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Obituary: Anna (Dziob) Czop Labritz
Anna (Dziob) Czop Labritz of Kingston, New Hampshire died peacefully in her sleep on July 4, 2019. She is survived by sons, Joseph Czop Labritz, Robert Matthias Labritz, Jr. and a Daughter Heidi Ann Labritz. She will be lovingly remembered by Grandsons Matthias Labritz, Richie Labritz and a Granddaughter, Ryan Labritz. Her Daughters in Law, Luba Labritz, Kerry Labritz and Michelle Labritz all brought great love and joy to her life. She was predeceased by Joseph John Czop in 1957 and Robert Matthias Labritz, Sr. in 1995. Ann was a proud and talented Registered Nurse, worked at Bradley Memorial Hospital and was a caring and loving wife and mother and constant mentor to those in her family. Her love of the Northwestern Wildcats and Boston Red Sox will never be matched. Remember Me No grave for me to stand at and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamonds gift of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the autumn’s gentle rain. When you awaken in the morns hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight, I […]
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Obituary: Catherine I. (Beamish) Lord, 92
Catherine I. (Beamish) Lord, 92, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019 at the HOCC at Bradley. She was the loving wife of the late Hubert Root Lord for 45 years. Born on February 10, 1927 in Ontario, Canada to the late Esmond and Eva (Spice) Beamish, she had been a longtime Berlin resident. Catherine was lovely and kind. She was gracious and always welcomed family and friends into her home. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Bouchard and her husband Danny of Southington, daughter, Donna Fager and her husband Jack of Plantsville, son David Lord and his wife Kimberly of Vernon, daughter-in-law, Deborah Lord, of Meriden; six grandchildren: Melissa and Andrew Lord, Jeffrey and James Perry, Jeremy and Shannon Lord and one great-granddaughter, Grace Perry. In addition to her husband Hubert, she was predeceased by her son Gary Lord. Catherine’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Mulberry Gardens, especially her caretaker Jola, for their compassion and excellent care. Funeral services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.
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