United Way Cocktail Competition Raises Spirits, and Funds

The United Way Cocktail Competition at the Aqua Turf JILL R KELLY PHOTOS

An essential part of the Cocktail Competition the Southington United Way held last Tuesday were the recipes - like the one that prescribed how much basil, ginger, orange, lime, and agave to mix with vodka in an Electric Bloom, the cocktail that won Spelunker’s bar the first-place overall award. Part of the fun of the evening was to skim the lists of ingredients in each competitor’s drink and try to decide whether it might be a winner:

The official aim of the contest was to determine, through the votes of the ticket-holders sipping samples in the Aqua Turf hall, which cocktail had the most creative combination of ingredients, the best taste, the best presentation, or scored the best in all three categories. At the end of the evening, the following winners in these four categories were announced:

But there were more winners last Tuesday than just the mixologists. The Cocktail Contest is a major fundraiser for the Southington United Way; between the tickets, which cost $50 a piece, sponsorships, a silent auction of athletic memorabilia, and a raffle, the proceeds are substantial. “This is one of our two largest events,” said Britt Lynch, the nonprofit’s Executive Director. “We do get a lot of our revenue from it. It’s very important because the more we raise, the more we can help.”

Southington United Way Executive Director Britt Lynch

In a sense, then, the most important winners of the competition are the people who benefit from the organizations the United Way awards grants to. Two years ago these organizations included

Southington Bread For Life

The Giving Back Food Pantry

Friends of Southington Community Services

The Prudence Crandall Center, a safe house for victims of domestic violence

The Margaret Griffin Child Development Center

Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut

Southington Community YMCA

Senior Transportation Services, Inc., which provides rides for seniors

Donations to the United Way thus end up going towards basic human needs: food, shelter, education, health, transportation.

The beneficiaries of the United Way’s fundraising are always local. “We make sure our funds go specifically to Southington residents,” Lynch said. This localism is a point of pride: “In Connecticut, most United Ways are consolidating and becoming regional. There are only three United Ways left that serve just one town, and we are one. We’re proud to be hyperlocal.”

As for the original idea for the competition, that was the brainstorm of Taylor Deegan, president of the United Way’s Board of Directors: “This was all Taylor’s idea,” said Lynch. “He is the manager of Worldwide Liquors and the president of our Board. They have competitions like this in the liquor industry, but they are not generally open to the public. He manages that side of it, and I take care of the public-facing side.”

Other fundraisers will supplement the proceeds from the Cocktail Competition. This year the Southington United Way branch is observing its one-hundredth anniversary, which it will celebrate at another fundraiser this fall. “It’s our centennial, and we’re going to have a gala,” Lynch said. “It will be 1920’s-themed because 100 years ago was 1926. It’s going to be a big party, dinner and dancing and a really good time. It’s at the Aqua Turf on Friday, October 16.”

And for those looking for a more off-the-wall kind of event, that’s in the works too. This year the United Way is going to hold an adult tricycle race on the first Saturday of the Apple Harvest Festival, October 3. Teams of four will race up and down Main Street starting at 11am that day. Each team must raise $500 to participate, and in turn will get to keep the trike, as well as being eligible for various prizes. For more details, see the website.

Southington Athletes Announce College Commitments

BK Softball seniors heading to college DAN FAPPIANO PHOTOS

The packed crowd at Southington High School’s West erupted with applause at the end of every sentence last Thursday as 28 Blue Knight athletes announced their college commitments.

Athletic Director Bob McKee opened the ceremonies by addressing the athletes, coaches and families in attendance. McKee wanted to stress just how rare it is for an athlete to actually play in college, and point out all the personal qualities it took to get there.

“Only seven percent of high school athletes have the opportunity to compete at the college level. Every athlete up here today has achieved something significant from years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice,” McKee said. “Each athlete is a proud representative of Southington High School through practices, competitions, offseason workouts and team commitments. We have built the culture of tradition and excellence, valuing both equally.”

“I also want to thank our coaches,” he added, “for their commitment, mentorship and countless hours spent helping these athletes grow on and off the field. Coaching high school sports is not an easy job today. It is no longer a three or four month commitment.”

“To our parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and sacrifices through this journey. Right now you may be having flashbacks, remembering when you brought your child to their first practice, or those car rides to and from sporting events – even those rides where you have to turn around because someone left a water bottle or piece of equipment at home. This achievement,” the AD concluded, “belongs to you as well.”

The head coaches of the various teams then gave speeches celebrating each player and what they brought to the program. But before those speeches began, McKee had one last word for the graduating athletes: while they may continue their athletic journey at the college level elsewhere, ultimately, they’ll always be Blue Knights.

“To our student athletes, congratulations. We’re incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and excited to see what comes next,” McKee said. “As a former student athlete here at Southington High School, no matter where your journey takes you, you’ll always be a part of the Southington High School family.”

Girls Soccer

Emily Bafuma - Roger Williams University

“Emily is a dynamic individual both on the field and in the classroom. Emily has used her special speed to challenge and break down opposing defenses. That has really worked to bring her game to the next level,” head coach Megan Kavanaugh said. “She has become stronger on the ball, more creative in her attacks and plays with a passion and determination that earned her the title of captain as a junior. Her energy and confidence not only elevated her only play but the play of the team. She has combined her speed, strength and skill in a way that has attracted attention and shows why she is ready for the next level.”

Gianna Mathews - Curry College

“Gianna has been a four-year varsity player and a consistent force for us in the middle of the field. She truly understands what it takes in order to be successful. She is willing to do whatever she needs to to achieve her goals. She’s a quiet leader who consistently found her voice this season and became a driving force behind our team. Whether she was controlling the midfield or stepping up as a captain or target or whatever she needed to do, she was willing to do whatever it took. No matter the situation, Giana kept pushing forward, showing determination and a relentless attitude that inspired others around her.”

Boys Lacrosse

Riley Doty - UMass Boston

“This is a special day for myself and the entire lacrosse program as we honor Riley,” head coach Christopher Kennedy said. “He has represented this program with toughness, commitment and character. Whether it was at practice, the classroom or gameday, he consistently led by example. What makes Riley special isn’t just his ability as a lacrosse player, it’s the way he carries himself and the impact he’s had on everyone in the program.”

“This year as a captain he quickly earned the respect of his teammates through hard work, continuity and leadership. He’s the kind of player every coach trusts and every team needs. Today is also a reminder of how special this accomplishment truly is. Thousand of high school athletes compete every year, but only a small percentage continue playing.”

“As a coach, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is to see players continue their career. On behalf of the entire Southington lacrosse community, thank you Riley for everything you’ve done for this team and program. We’re proud of the player you’ve become and even more proud of the man you are.”

Softball

Angie Insogna - Keene State College

“Angie doesn’t show much. She’s up here smiling, but when she’s pitching, she doesn’t look like this at all,” head coach Michelle Boisvert said. “She’s ahead of the count, behind of the count, runners in scoring position, she never ever doubts herself. I go out and talk to her, she says, ‘Coach, I got this, don’t worry.’ I have complete confidence in her. She has been a tremendous leader on and off the field.”

Olivia Gombotz - University of Hartford

“Olivia is a phenomenal player. If you’ve ever watched her play, she gives 120 percent every time. I’ve never seen her walk away from a practice or a game with a clean uniform. She has been tremendously clutch for us this year. If we’re trying to make a comeback or a rally, she is the epitome of a team player.”

Addison Lasek - Wheaton College

“She has been hurt this year. But last year, we didn’t have a first baseman. What did Addie do? ‘I’ll play it!’ She did a nice job. This year we needed her to catch, she said, ‘Okay, I’ll catch.’ She will do what is needed for the team to be successful. She never hesitates. She has come to practice, games, she has been on her teammates, been a leader and become an important part of our team. She is here every day, every practice.”

Aubrey Perugini - Endicott College

“Aubrey has been a starter and one of the most pivotal players in this program. She leads by example with the way she plays. She hustles, her drive, her desire, her skillset. She is always encouraging her teammates. She has had a knee injury this year, but it has not slowed her down. She never has an excuse.”

“All these girls are tremendous athletes, tremendous persons, tremendous with our teammates,” Boisvert concluded. “I’m just so lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity to coach them.”

Football

Danny Corrado - Endicott College

Lonnie Green - Plymouth State University

Mason Nardi - Curry College

“When I look back at this year’s team, a lot of people asked me what I did or what the coaching staff did in Week 5 when we were 2-3,” head coach Rob Levesque said. “The answer is nothing. It’s what these guys did. These three, among others, picked up the team throughout the entire season. The way they went to work every day, their energy on December 13 was just the same as September 11 when we played our first game.”

“For 365 days, for at least 320 of them, these guys led every offseason lift, every camp, everything that happened. When we began the season, the three of them, among others, stepped up and put our program back on the map.”

Baseball

Connor Lentini - University of St. Joseph

“Connor has been an important part of our varsity program and one of the leaders of this team as a captain and starting outfielder,” head coach Stan Switala said. “Connor brings competitiveness and intensity every single day. He’s the type of player every coach wants in their program. He has worked extremely hard to develop into a complete player and has earned the respect of the coaching staff and players. We’re proud of his leadership on and off the field and excited to watch his academic and baseball journey at the next level.”

Max Pierce - University of St. Joseph

“He represents everything you want in a student athlete. Toughness, leadership, consistency and accountability. Catching at the varsity level is not easy. He has the respect of our players and coaches for his work ethic and ability to handle a pitching staff at a high level. More importantly, he’s an outstanding person who leads by example every single day. We’re very proud of Max and excited to see him continue his academic and baseball career at the next level."

Rugby

Olivia Groth - Bowdoin College

“Throughout her four years, this work ethic has been unmatched,” head coach Gabby Benitez said. “She has spent countless hours in the offseason preparing to compete at the highest level. Her skills have continued to grow, making her a reliable and constructive leader on the field. We wish her the very best in college and we’re proud to call her a Southington High School girls rugby grad.”

Boys Soccer

Eric Orstad - Fitchburg State University

“Eric is a huge soccer guy, a passionate soccer player his whole entire life. Played countless hours of soccer over the years, huge thank you to his parents for trucking him all over the state, in New England, getting him to all these games and practices,” head coach Austin Magaro said. “Never stopped working, one of the most intense practicers we have. He has real passion for this sport and I’m really excited he gets to continue this journey at the next level.”

Cian Twohill - Emmanuel College

“Huge shout to your parents for all the energy and passion you put into the love he has for playing soccer all these years, all these teams all over the place. We knew Cian was going to be really successful in this program from the minute he stepped on the field as a freshman. Three years as a varsity defender for us, playing all across the back line. He is a natural leader, he has a great head on his shoulders. I’m proud of the energy he brought to this program and I’m proud to see where his next steps take him.”

Girls Volleyball

Camilla Garcia - Delaware Valley University

Paige Raines - Springfield College

Alexandra Wagner - St. Lawrence University

“Three of the hardest workers in the gym on a daily basis,” head coach Rich Heitz said. “Competitors, they’ve experienced a lot here at Southington. It took a lot of hard work and effort over the years. The three of these ladies have so much potential at the next level. I look forward to watching.”

Wrestling

Chiemeka Ogbuagu - Trinity College

“He came in four years ago, you could tell right away that he was going to be spectacular,” head coach Derek Dion said. “He’s gifted, he’s a hard worker. He has earned his right to wrestle in college. Just barely stepping into his potential.”

Jake Rivera - Misericordia University

“I met Jake in 2023, he was wrestling a match in Bristol. I was sitting there watching him, thinking he was going to be special. I was right. He was the undefeated State champion this year.”

“The two guys you see up here are probably two of the hardest workers that I have come across in a long, long time. They’re also class acts, great students, great kids. Both of them, room full of medals in four short years. I’m really going to miss them and I’m really proud of them.”

Boys Track & Field

Nick Fusco - Western New England University

“Over the years understanding of mechanics and technique and is consistently looking for ways to improve,” head coach Jaclyn Sullivan said. “He has become an athlete you naturally would go to for guidance. He’s always willing to teach, support and help runners improve. Nick is someone who is honest, loyal and always invested in the people around him.”

Luke Wolf - Trinity College

“He knows when it’s time to lock in, focus and work hard. But he also knows when to keep things light and relaxed. He is deeply committed to the team and consistently brings an attitude and perspective that makes us stronger on a whole.”

“Both Nick and Luke have shown tremendous growth since sophomore year. They’ve become respected captains of their own programs. Both Luke and Nick have helped shape our programs with their leadership, commitment and example they’ve provided. We’re excited to see what they accomplish at the next level.”

Girls Track & Field

Adriana Paszkowski - Springfield College

“Adriana is one of the most competitive female athletes that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching here at Southington. She will do whatever the team needs, even if that means competing at four events in a regular season dual meet, which has only encouraged her, she only wants to compete in four,” head coach Jaclyn Sullivan said. “Her dedication, toughness and selflessness has made a tremendous impact on the program. Adriana has also supported and fostered the culture among the girls’ team. Whether it’s sprints, hurdles or jumps, she approaches each talent with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to learn the technical aspects.

“She’s incredibly coachable, embraces feedback and consistently looks for ways to improve both physically and mentally as an athlete. She sets examples every day through her competitiveness, consistency and willingness to put the team first. Her teammates respect her not only because of what she accomplishes on the track, but because of the type of person she is. Adriana has been an invaluable part of our program and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes at the next level.”

Katie Cavanaugh - Central Connecticut State University

“Katie is without a doubt one of the best female distance runners I’ve had the pleasure to coach over the past 12 years,” Sullivan said. “Her accomplishments include multiple school records, All-Conference and All-State honors, qualifying for the New England State Championships and qualifying for Nationals multiple times. But what she brings to this program goes beyond performances and results. Katie truly loves running. She loves her team, she loves the community and she brings that passion into everything she does. At the same time she has been an absolute fierce competitor on the track or cross country course.”

“She has an incredible ability to strive for the moment with confidence and toughness. What makes Katie unique is how she shares her love for the sport with those around her. She has a desire to make her teammates feel supported and motivated to improve. She brings in positivity, consistency and authenticity. Younger athletes naturally look to her as an example of what it means to be a teammate.”

“Katie constantly analyzes her performance, learning from her races to grow both mentally and physically. Her dedication, leadership and passion has helped shape the culture of our distance program, cross country programs and track programs as a whole. She will leave an impact on Southington track & cross country long after she has graduated. We’re excited for what she accomplishes in this next step at the D1 level.”

Boys Tennis

Remarks by coaches Steve Jasulavic and Matt Wayton

Noah Grezlik - Curry College

“He has been with us all four years. He showed continuous improvement that led him to the varsity lineup his sophomore year. He has been an anchor for our doubles lineup. He is the consummate team player and has a great ability to shake off adversity. He was voted a captain by his teammates for his dedication, growth and maturity the past four years.”

Eric Ludden - Curry College

“From a coaching perspective, that selflessness is a coach’s dream and will make him a cornerstone of his future college program.”

Girls Lacrosse

Rocklyn Cardillo - Hobart and William Smith Colleges

“Roxy has worked really hard to stay on the field this year,” head coach Dee Stephan said. “She has suffered a lot of setbacks as far as injuries. She has overcome those and she has really made her mark on the field. I look forward to seeing both of them as they compete at the next level.”

Maeve Bugnacki - Keene State College

“I just want to say thank you to my family for the love and support that has pushed me through my lacrosse journey since first grade,” Bugnacki said. “And for Coach Dee coming in this year and for not only believing in me but seeing the best in me, making me the best person on and off the field.”

BOE Approves Staff Cuts, Pay-to-Play Athletics Fee, to Bridge Budget Gap

District administrators and the Board of Education at their May 28 meeting. TOWN OF SOUTHINGTON VIDEO SCREENSHOT

The Board of Education met this past Thursday evening to decide which personnel and services would be cut from the district’s budget in order to accommodate a $1.6 million reduction recently approved by Town Council. The Board voted - with just one modification - to approve a set of reductions drawn up by Superintendent Steve Madancy and presented at the reallocation meeting by Director of Business & Finance Jennifer Mellitt. (A complete recording of the meeting can be found here.)

The lion’s share of the reduction – just over $1.5 million – would come from the elimination, either through layoffs or retirements, of 22 existing teaching and staff positions, as well as four new lines that the Board had sought to add. All told, ten paraeducators, nine teachers, three math and literacy specialists, two custodial staff, and 1.5 administrative assistant lines would be eliminated from the budget plan that originally passed. Currently the district has 1,189 staff, which means that the cut would amount to about a 2% reduction in all personnel.

A bit more than $100,000 in savings would also accrue from the cancellation of certain educational software subscriptions, and the trimming of PSAT testing supplies. A $63,307 line item for student Chromebook insurance would also be cut.

Another portion of the budget gap will be made up through the imposition of a new fee for students who participate in sports. According to Madancy, the fee would be $125 per sport per season for high school athletes, with a cap of $500 for a family. For middle school competitors, the fee would be $50 per season, with a $200 family cap. Several neighboring towns already have a ‘pay-to-play’ fee in place to cover the costs of transportation to and from athletic events. The Superintendent said that students who qualify for free and reduced lunch will be exempt from the charge.

The main change the Board made to the Superintendent’s proposed plan was to keep the number of Special Education administrators at four, rather than reduce it to three. Several members of the Board drew a line in the sand when the proposal was floated, saying that while all the cuts were hard to accept, this one would go too far, putting the work of the Special Education department at great risk.

“The administrators are so overwhelmed with PPT’s and case loads that I cannot accept that cut,” said Board member Terri Carmody. Her colleagues Sean Carson and Cecil Whitehead argued at length that the line should be restored. Various Board members also cited the crisis which the Special Education department experienced during the years of the COVID pandemic, and ongoing efforts to recover from it, as a reason why the position should be kept in place.

After a back-and-forth with Madancy and Mellitt, the Board fixed on the allocation for substitute teachers as an area where a commensurate cut could be made that would allow the fourth Special Ed coordinator to remain while still meeting the $1.6 million targeted reduction.

A final trim to the budget of $833,934 that the Board voted to approve was in effect an accounting maneuver, one that should not affect the staffing or operations of the District in any meaningful way.

In May, the State Legislature passed a bill that would direct millions in additional Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) funds to municipalities across the state, with Southington due to receive $833,934. In its final budget, the Town Council voted to reduce the school system’s budget by that same amount, thus in effect converting the ECS payment into a general budget subsidy designed to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. The District now plans to take this sum out of its self-insurance fund, and replenish it once the check from the state arrives.