How to Beat the Heat in Southington

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

On Monday, we put up a post on Southington Talks Facebook page asking group members to share their suggestions for where to go to beat the heat. The answers are listed below in quotations with brief comments as needed. This list is, obviously, just the tip of the iceberg, but is a good starting point. Our sincere thanks to all those who replied.

Public Places

“The pools!”

Not everyone knows that Southington has two public pools. Remember to bring a proof that you are a Southington resident if you go – either a driver’s license or a utility bill that shows your address.

Veterans Memorial Pool Park & Splash Pad, 776 Woodruff Street

Recreation Park Pool, 25 Maxwell Noble Drive

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 12pm to 8pm, Sat./Sun 10am to 8pm

“The library has a nice cool atmosphere… Search for your favorite book, magazines, current newspapers, computers. Helpful friendly staff!”

Southington Public Library, 255 Main Street

Thursday, July 2: 9am to 8pm

Closed Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5

“The Senior Center.”

Calendar House, 388 Pleasant Street

Thursday, July 2: 8:30am-4:30pm

Closed Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5

“YMCA Camp Sloper has a wonderful splash pad which is open to members and residents on Saturday and Sunday 12-4pm. Pack a lunch and have a picnic. Many tables are covered from the sun!”

“Churches. Common rooms at assisted living facilities.”

“The Barnes Museum is open Wednesday through Friday and stays cool inside.”

Southington Police Department Lobby

69 Lazy Lane

Open 24/7

No entertainments, but a clean, cool, safe space and designated cooling center.

Commercial Establishments

“Shop Rite is always chilly.”

750 Queen Street

“Tops IGA Marketplace – Betsy always has the air conditioner cranking.”

887 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike

“AMC Theaters.”

1821 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike

“Grayze Wine Bar will be open Wednesday-Friday this week, serving cocktails, crisp wines, & delicious eats, including desserts. Stop by, cool off & say hello!”

61 Center Street

“Panera on 365 Queen Street. Any of the Starbucks or other coffee places in town.”

“Bowling.”

Apple Valley Bowl, 1304 S Main Street

“Factory Square.”

168 Center Street

Just Out of Town

“New Britain Museum of American Art”

56 Lexington Street, New Britain

“Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Museum”

1188 Highland Ave, Cheshire

[A hidden gem - editor]

“Lessard Lanes, Bowling and Indoor Mini Golf”

136 New Britain Avenue, Plainville

“The mall in West Hartford”

1500 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford

“Meriden mall has a cool indoor play splace for kids with bouncy houses”

470 Lewis Avenue, Meriden

“The cafe at Barnes and Nobles is kept cool just over the Southington line in Cheshire.”

1991 Highland Avenue, Cheshire

Staycation

“I’m staying in the house!”

At Solemn Ceremony, WWII Airman Reaches Final Resting Place

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTOS

A small urn containing the remains of Technical Sergeant Donald Dorman, who died in World War II during a bombing mission over Germany, was buried Tuesday morning at Oak Hill Cemetery with full military honors as a crowd bore witness.

The ceremony followed a memorial service at First Congregational Church where a new and more complete account of Dorman’s wartime exploits was shared.

Starting around eleven a.m., a procession consisting of about one-hundred cars wound southward down Route 10, slowly following a black hearse as it made its way from the church to the northeast corner of the cemetery. The Southington Police Department closed the road, over which hung a large American flag suspended from a ladder truck of the Southington Fire Department. Upon reaching the cemetery, mourners gathered near the gravestone where Dorman’s mother and grandparents are buried.

An honor guard and a contingent of veterans from the American Legion formed a rectangle near a black tent set up by the grave to ward off rain:

Seated underneath the tent were Dorman’s surviving cousins and other members of his extended family.

As the ceremony began, four servicemembers in dress uniform carried an ark holding the urn out of the hearse, to the accompaniment of a lone bag-piper. Once the ark was in position, Reverend Laura Kisthardt, Associate Pastor of First Congregational, delivered a final eulogy for Dorman, with readings from a letter of Paul, 1 Thessalonians 4, and the 139^th Psalm, which begins, "You have searched me, o Lord, and you know me."

After a hymn was played on the sound system, riflemen fired the traditional three-volley salute in honor of the fallen. While they did so, a pair of Blackhawk helicopters from the Connecticut Army National Guard emerged from the south to overfly the cemetery grounds:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/abd89a_4757fcad8e124e88bbfbb374be720763/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

As soon as silence returned to the oak-lined grounds, a bugler played Taps. To conclude the ceremony, an American flag was carefully folded thirteen times into a triangle and handed to Dorman’s family. Lauren Dziedzic from Plantsville Funeral Home then invited those present to attend a celebration of life for Dorman at the Aqua Turf Club.

*****

The story of airman Dorman’s life and final mission has been sketched out before. However, Dorman’s family recently put together an account of his service in the war more detailed than any that had previously been made public. Their eloquent account, which was printed on the program for the memorial service, has been reproduced in full below so that it may be archived for posterity.

Donald Arthur Dorman

Still in his late teens when he joined the Army Air Forces during World War II, this young man went on to have an extraordinary – though tragically short – military career.

He was Technical Sergeant in the 429^th Bomber Squadron, serving as an engineer and upper turret gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. According to newspaper accounts, military records, and family stories, his quick thinking and bravery twice saved his fellow crewmen and their aircraft.

The first time, while flying over Germany, the plane was struck and the wing caught fire. Donald climbed out onto the wing while it was still in flight and managed to extinguish the blaze. In doing so, he badly burned and froze his fingers, injuries severe enough to require hospitalization.

A newspaper article at the time reported: “Awarded Air Medal – 15^th A.A.F. in Italy – Sergeant Donald A. Dorman, 20, of 140 North Main Street, Southington, an aerial engineer on a 15^th Army Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress, has been awarded the Air Medal for ‘meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight…’.”

On another mission over Germany, while the aircraft was again under heavy fire, a bomb became stuck in the bomb bay and the “fuse spinner spun free.” Normally when a bomb is released and falls through the air, the rushing wind causes the spinner fuse to rotate, arming the bomb in the process. But sometimes, simply opening the bomb bay doors can create enough airflow to make the spinner fuses begin spinning. And when a live bomb is jammed inside the bomb bay – well, that’s a very bad situation to have on your hands. According to reports, Donald once again leapt into action. He stopped the spinning fuse and pushed the bomb out before it could detonate. In the freezing air and dangerously low oxygen, he again severely injured his hands and eventually lost consciousness. For his actions, Donald received the Silver Star for “Gallantry in Action.”

Donald’s final mission again placed the crew in the midst of intense enemy fire. After completing their bombing run, they were attacked by three German Me 109 fighters. A direct hit from a 20mm shell then caused catastrophic damage to the B-17. The crew attempted to reach the Russian border, but it soon became clear the aircraft would not stay airborne. Forced to parachute out over Poland, the men were reportedly strafed on the way down. Donald was first declared Missing in Action, and later the family received the heartbreaking news that he had not survived. The location of his remains was unknown.

Until recently.

One of the most impressive things about our military is that it never truly stops searching for those who were lost in service to their country. Decades after his death, Donald’s remains were found in Poland and identified through DNA testing. He is now home and laid to rest with full military honors, including a military escort to the airport.

By the age of just 21, Donald had earned a Purple Heart (some reports say two Purple Hearts), a Silver Star, an Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, a World War II Victory Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, an Honorable Service Lapel Button, and U.S. Army Air Force Gunner Wings.

It is difficult to fully comprehend what was asked of so many young men during World War II. At an age when most people are only beginning to discover who they are, boys barely out of high school crossed oceans to eventually climb into aluminum aircraft and into skies filled with flak, fire, and enemy fighters.

Yet even after all these years, they are not forgotten. Time may pass, generations may come and go, but sacrifice leaves an imprint that endures.

If anyone deserves to come home to a long-overdue rest, Donald Dorman does. After more than eighty years, after the terror of war, the chaos of combat, and time spent far from family and country he died serving, this brave airman is finally making his journey home. There is something profoundly moving about that. The young man who left home to fight in one of history’s darkest conflicts is at last being returned to the people and soil he once knew, not forgotten in some distant field, but honored, remembered, and carried home with dignity.

Donald was much loved and his death was a great loss to his mother, his grandmother, and his aunts and uncles.

*****

The tombstone of Dorman's mother and grandparents.

“Pressure Is A Privilege”: Southington Softball Crafts Their Own Legacy During 2026 Season

The Blue Knights Softball team's seven seniors PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHS BLUE KNIGHTS SOFTBALL INSTAGRAM

The Southington High School softball team is one of the most respected in Connecticut. Any athlete who joins their ranks soon comes to understand the pride – and responsibility – that comes with donning the Blue Knights jersey.

This year’s squad is no different from the others, in that it seeks to live up to the standards set by previous teams. But it’s the way the Blue Knights have attacked that challenge that has distinguished them from their predecessors.

“Although the expectations are always there, this is your team,” head coach Michelle Boisvert said. “You’re going to go as far as you as a team decide to go. It’s going to take all of you to work together, to play together. We can’t do it for you. You have to want it. You should hate losing more than you love winning.”

Boisvert, now in her second year as head coach, is leading a roster that features mainly senior starters. At this stage of their Blue Knights career, they understand the program’s expectations at a deep level. As Southington goes through their season, they’ll be relying on those seniors to lead the way toward continued success.

“They know what the expectations are. They know what they need to do, how to do it. They have the experience of being in our conference,” Boisvert said. “They know a lot of kids on these better teams, and they know through them what the expectations are.”

“We have such a storied history that it would be hard for a player not to think, ‘oh we’re supposed to win.’ Yea, you’re supposed to win a lot,” she continued. “Not that that’s my philosophy, win at all costs, I don’t really believe that. But the expectations, as long as you’re in Southington, will be there.”

Now 16-1 on the year, Southington has lived up to its billing on the diamond. But the Blue Knights’ journey has come with more hurdles than their record would imply.

Southington Surging Through Regular Season

As the Blue Knights entered the regular season, Boisvert kept the plan simple. She wanted Southington to take care of business in the games where they knew they were favored. The head coach saw that the roster was once again packed with talent. If they stuck to the plan and played as a team, she believed, the wins would come.

“Win the games you can, win together, be a team and have each other’s back. Keep everything clean and neat, do all the little things. Our defense will win us games. Just support each other,” Boisvert said. “When you’re up at the plate, I trust each and every one of you. You wouldn’t be starting if I didn’t trust you. So trust yourself and each other. If we play together, we’ll get the wins we should get.”

At the time of Boisvert’s interview with the Outsider, Southington was 9-1 on the season. The head coach was impressed with their overall play, but noticed a trend. If the Blue Knights started off hot, their game would take off from there. But if they sputtered out of the gates, they could struggle to get into their groove.

Southington had an especially bad case of the sputters on April 17 against Masuk, suffering their only loss of the season, 8-0. While no loss is welcome, Boisvert used it as a learning moment. The Blue Knights saw exactly where they stood against one of the better teams in Connecticut. They also knew improvement was necessary.

With a 16-1 win over Tolland in their very next game, Southington was able to walk the walk and reestablish a winning tone. Looking at her veteran team, Boisvert didn’t expect any player to throw in the towel after one loss. This year’s Blue Knights know how to battle through adversity.

“They know each other, they know what they can do based on the last few years. They know not to give up, not to quit,” the head coach said. “It was a tough game. I used it as an eye opener: look where we are now and look where we have to be. I think it was for them too. They showed that in the next game. Let that game go and move forward to the next one. Just get better every practice, every game.”

The challenges won’t end as Southington finishes out their season. Their final three games include a matchup with defending Class LL champion Cheshire and Berlin, whom the Blue Knights beat just 3-2 earlier in the year.

At this point in their campaign, the team’s identity is clearly established. Southington has had plenty of time to work out the kinks and find the best configuration possible. The squad is well aware of the difficult task in front of them. But no one said extending their win streak, now at 11 games, would be easy.

“Good teams are going to hit,” Boisvert said. “When we play these better teams with good pitching, it’s important for us to make contact in the beginning of the game so that by the second time around, they have to make adjustments. Communication between each of the hitters is important; they tell the next hitter, ‘this is what I saw, this is what she’s throwing.’ In order for them to battle better teams, they have to be able to make contact, even just putting the ball in play. Force the other team to make plays.”

Seniors Embrace Leadership Role, Battle Through Injuries

As Southington goes through their 2026 season, they are led by a pair of senior captains in Angie Insogna and Aubrey Perugini. 

Insogna became the Blue Knights’ starting pitcher as a senior after serving previously as backup. It’s a role she was eager to take on. Boisvert says she often hears, “I’m good Coach, I got this,” during mound visits. Perugini is coming off of an All-Conference and All-State season and has been the team’s starter at third base since her sophomore year. Boisvert notes she is “exceptional” at the hot corner and can make every throw.

Alongside their work on the field, both seniors have taken the role of captain seriously. They’re in charge of leading the team’s pre-practice runs and stretches. Beyond that, they do everything in their power to ensure Southington stays on track.

“They’ve formed a really strong bond. They take ownership of being captains,” Boisvert said. “They talk to me a lot, they talk to the players. They set the tone by the way they do things, their preparation. They got out with a really positive attitude. If a player may have made a mistake, they’ll be the first ones to go over and say it’s okay, just keep working hard, you’re doing great. That’s really important to be a positive affirmation for these players.”

Angie Insogna

Aubrey Perugini

The head coach was also quick to point out center fielder Alexa Poutouves, who she called the captain of the outfield. In the batter’s box, Poutouves serves as Southington’s No. 3 hitter and was praised for her strong pitch selection. In the outfield, her sound defense has been irreplaceable. Boisvert doesn’t break a sweat if the ball is hit her way. “If the ball is out there, Lex has got it,” she said.

Alexa Poutouves

Next to her, fellow senior Reece Archer played right field until an injured tendon in her foot forced her to undergo season-ending ankle surgery. Before the procedure, Archer gritted out the pain of the injury. As a two-year varsity starter, Boisvert felt that she deserved the opportunity. The outfielder competed to the best of her abilities before having to bow out.

Reese Archer

Southington hasn’t been strangers to injuries during their 2026 season. Perugini battled through a nagging knee injury earlier in the year while senior starting catcher Addison Lasek was forced to hit the shelf with a sprained joint in her thumb.

In Lasek’s absence, junior Addie Warner stepped in behind the plate. From her very first start, she was already calling each pitch. She developed a strong rapport with Insogna, showing off her ability to frame pitches and deliver when her name is called.

When Wanner entered the lineup, she joined a pair of underclassmen in sophomore shortstop Nerea Maule and freshman first baseman Abigail Lockwood. Both are also basketball players, bringing an athletic background to the diamond. Maule is the Blue Knights’ leadoff hitter and brings plenty of speed to the lineup. Lockwood has been a power bat for the team, as is evident from her two home runs and five RBIs in a 12-8 victory over E.O. Smith.

Southington’s senior class, which also includes second baseman Olivia Gombatz and left fielder Amber Ramey, have taken the underclassmen under their wing. Everyone understands the opportunity in front of them. The Blue Knights have become a cohesive unit whenever they step between the white lines.

“Our seniors have just embraced them and been really positive with them,” Boisvert said of the younger players. “We trust you. They prove it every time they’re on the field. They’re not afraid to go out there and dive. The seniors have really stayed positive with them and made them feel like they belong on this team. They’re starters, they’re members of this team and they needed to be treated that way. That’s how they treat them.”

For Southington’s roster as a whole, Boisvert is expecting defense to be this year’s defining factor. She would put the Blue Knights up against anybody in the state. This year’s team takes that challenge head on, daring opponents to hit the ball their way. 

“Defensively I think they’re as good as anybody in our conference or anybody in the state,” Boisvert said. “They really know how to get to the ball, they don’t wait for the ball to play them. They all have excellent throws. They know what the expectations are, they know where each other are going to be and they know what to expect. They’ve realized their strength is their defense. They make the plays.”

Southington softball’s 2026 roster features seniors: Addison Lasek, Alexa Poutoves, Amber Ramey, Angie Insogna, Aubrey Perugini, Olivia Gombotz and Reece Archer; juniors: Addie Wanner, Briana Miron, Carley Dudac, Gianna Mancini, Hannah Snow and Madelyn Riopelle; sophomore Nerea Maule and freshman Abigail Lockwood. Boisvert is joined by assistant coaches Rachel Dube and Alyssa Germano.

Blue Knights Ready For Postseason Challenge

It’s one thing for an individual to make a spectacular defensive play. It’s another for near perfection to become the standard for a program. Many of the players on this year’s team have been teammates long before 2026. They know exactly what to expect when a fellow Blue Knight is tracking a ball.

To Boisvert, that is what has helped set this year’s Southington team apart. They play for one another. Those web gem plays are celebrated collectively, as each player is expected to make them regularly.

“It’s their relationship with each other on the field,” Boisvert said. “The trust for one another. They know that if a ball goes to a certain player, they’re going to make the play. There’s no hesitation. When they make a play, bing, bang, boom, it’s done. They’ve all known each other since they were young. They’ve gotten to know each other, their strengths, weaknesses and what they expect from each other. They expect each other to always make the play.”

With the postseason fast approaching, Southington will need to keep their confidence levels up. They’ll also need to back that up with their play. The Blue Knights are the defending CCC champions and made a run to the Class LL state Tournament semifinals in 2025. Boisvert and the team know they’ll be expected to go on another deep run. But the head coach doesn’t want Southington to shy away from that pressure.

“It’s a one-time deal. If you lose, you’re done,” Boisvert said. “So you have to put your best foot forward; don’t give up, don’t quit. Believe in each other, because you’ve come this far. Some of you will not be here next year, so give it your best shot.”

“Play free, have joy on the field, because if you’re not, I don’t know why you’re here. I want them to enjoy the experience, but put your best foot forward and know you’re very lucky to be here,” she continued. “Some teams would die to be in the tournament. Some teams never get here. You’re here every year. The pressure is always going to be on you, but it’s a privilege to play with pressure. So go out and do the best job you can.”

“Pressure is a privilege,” has become a mantra for Boisvert. Pressure is what has defined Southington softball and led to plenty of trophies. It has kept alumni coming back to watch the team year after year. The head coach even gets greeted by players from 20 years ago wishing the Blue Knights success.

It comes with the legacy the softball team has fostered. A legacy the 2026 class is still continuing to write.

“It’s very hard. The expectations are always very high. All the former alumni are still following, they’re seeing how you do. I tell them pressure is a privilege,” Boisvert said.

“To play in this program, it is pressure. Teams are always going to come out and give you their A game. I hate to say 'not liked,' but we’re not really liked. That’s because we’ve won against so many teams. They’re thrilled if they get three runs on you. It means you have to step it up every game, the pressure is always on. You know teams are gunning for you. Take the pressure and just keep working hard."