Southington's Teacher of the Year Announced

Asst. Superintendent Frank Pepe, Julia Columbus, Derynoski Principal Sarah Williams, Superintendent Steven Madancy SOUTHINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHOTO

[Press Release] The Southington Public School District is proud to announce that Julia Columbus, a Kindergarten teacher at Derynoski Elementary School, has been chosen as the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Chris Palmieri, Teacher of the Year Program Coordinator, stated “as always, it is difficult to select only one teacher of the year due to the outstanding teachers we have in Southington; however, Mrs. Columbus stood out especially because of the professional impact she makes with her colleagues and her dedication to her students.” Julia will be recognized at the 2026-2027 Staff Convocation as well as at a reception prior to a Board of Education meeting in September at the Municipal Center.

Mrs. Columbus has been teaching in Southington for the past seventeen years and has been in her current position at Derynoski for the past thirteen years. She previously taught for four years in second grade at Derynoski. She also taught for four years in other districts before being hired in Southington. Sarah Williams, Derynoski Principal stated “Julia Columbus represents the very best of our profession. She is masterful, compassionate, brilliant, humble, and deeply devoted to children.”

Mrs. Columbus received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Elementary Education in 2003 from Sacred Heart University. She then earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2004 from Sacred Heart University. Most recently, she completed her 6th year degree in Advanced Studies of Literacy in 2025 also from Sacred Heart University. As a result, she earned the designation as a remedial reading and Language Arts specialist and has an Advanced Dyslexia Graduate Certificate.

Julia readily volunteers for committees and activities. She served on the MTSS School Literacy Leadership Team as the teacher representative, is a TEAM trained mentor teacher, and serves on the District Literacy Leadership Team. In addition, she serves on the SRBI team and School Improvement Team at Derynoski Elementary School. Julia is a strong advocate for high-quality literacy instruction, consistently promoting evidence-based practices that foster a love of reading while helping every student develop the skills needed to become successful, lifelong learners.

Mrs. Columbus describes her educational philosophy as being a “lifelong learner who seeks opportunities to strengthen instructional practice through collaboration, professional development, and self reflection.” As a mentor herself, she values supporting colleagues because she believes teaching is a continuous process of learning and improvement.

Mrs. Columbus resides in Southington with her husband and children.

Barnes Museum Receives Grant for Conservatory Preservation

The facade of the Barnes Museum conservatory. PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

PRESS RELEASE - The Barnes Museum is pleased to announce it has received a $6,000 grant from the KAWFY Memorial Fund at Main Street Community Foundation to support the restoration and preservation of historic exterior wood elements adjacent to the museum’s conservatory.

The project will address deterioration affecting the conservatory windows and surrounding exterior woodwork, helping to protect one of the museum’s most significant spaces. The conservatory houses the Barnes family’s historic collection of early American pressed glass goblets, an important artifact collection that reflects the family’s legacy and the region’s history.

“We are so grateful to the Main Street Community Foundation for its support of this project to preserve the Goblet Room,” said Christina Volpe, curator of the Barnes Museum. "The conservatory is home to a remarkable collection of early American pressed glass goblets, and maintaining the room's structure is so important in protecting this large collection and will ensure visitors can continue to enjoy them for generations to come.”

The Barnes Museum, operated by the Town of Southington, preserves and interprets the history of the Barnes family and the community through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. The Barnes Museum, located at 85 North Main St. in Southington, is open to the public 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and by appointment.

For more information about the Barnes Museum, visit the Barnes Museum website at https://www.thebarnesmuseum.org/ or contact the museum at (860) 628-5426.

Students Awarded Scholarships As Part of “Healthy Brain Zone” Initiative

Betsy Mintz, Lily Mintz, Chris Burnett, Madalyne Landry, & Brooke Volmar PHOTO COURTESY OF LIVEWELL

LiveWell, in partnership with community leaders across Southington, is advancing a bold, community-wide initiative: “A Healthy Brain Zone for Every Brain, Every Age—One Community.” The effort brings together residents, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, municipal leaders, first responders, faith communities, libraries, and local organizations to make brain health a shared priority across the lifespan.

At the heart of this work is Dementia Positive Southington, a key strategy focused on increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and creating a more inclusive community for individuals living with dementia and other cognitive changes. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how promoting brain health and fostering inclusion go hand in hand in building a stronger, more connected community.

The Healthy Brain Zone initiative encourages residents to adopt everyday habits that support lifelong cognitive wellness. Research shows that addressing modifiable risk factors and embracing healthy lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference—reinforcing the message that it is never too early, and never too late, to support brain health.

In recognition of Brain Health Awareness and Alzheimer’s Month, LiveWell and its partners are proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Brain Awareness Scholarship. The award honors two exceptional Southington High School graduates whose essays demonstrated a deep understanding of lifelong brain health and a commitment to community wellbeing.

This year’s recipients, Madalyne Landry and Brooke Volmar, were selected through a competitive review process by Dementia Positive Southington Ambassadors—individuals with lived experience of dementia—alongside community leaders. Their essays explored how choices made across the lifespan can support brain health while fostering communities where people of all ages and abilities feel valued, connected, and empowered.

The scholarship recipients were recognized at the Brain Awareness Scholarship Reception on June 30 at LiveWell, where students, families, educators, and community members gathered to celebrate both their achievements and the growing momentum of Southington’s Healthy Brain Zone initiative.

By investing in young leaders, we are building a culture where brain health is everyone’s responsibility. Every generation has a role to play in creating a community where all can thrive.

For more information about the Healthy Brain Zone initiative or how to get involved, visit livewell.org or contact Erica DeFrancesco at 860.628.9000.