Southington Schools Recognized for Championing Music Education

BKMB PUBLICITY PHOTOS

PRESS RELEASE - Southington's school system has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

Sara W. Ossias, Southington High School, Fine Arts Department Leader, K-12 Music Specialist, commented: "Being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for the 13th consecutive year reflects the strength and continuity of our K–12 music program. This honor is a direct result of the dedication of our music educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the ongoing support from our families and community. We take great pride in providing meaningful musical experiences that support students’ growth both in and beyond the classroom.”

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfounda2on.org.

The 2nd Annual WISE Wellness Block Party

Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1PM to 4PM

Rain Date: May 31, 2026

Downtown Southington

Free Admission

A Day of Fun, Connection, and Community Care

The 2nd Annual WISE Wellness Block Party returns to downtown Southington on May 17, 2026, building on the success of last year’s well-attended and inspiring event. Designed for all ages, this town-wide celebration brings together families, community organizations, and local resources for a day filled with fun, connection, and support.

Following the Mental Health Sunday Service at the First Congregational Church of Southington, the Block Party invites everyone—whether attending the service or simply passing by—to join in the festivities.

What Is WISE?

WISE stands for Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged for Mental Health.

Originally started by the United Church of Christ, WISE has grown to include many congregations, synagogues, and community organizations committed to supporting mental health in meaningful ways. WISE partners work to create welcoming spaces for people with lived mental health experiences, support advocacy and justice efforts, and help reduce stigma through education, inclusion, and engagement.

What to Expect

The WISE Wellness Block Party is designed to be informative, engaging, and fun for all ages. Activities and attractions will include:

●      Bounce houses and children’s activities

●      Music and entertainment

●      Face painting, balloons, and crafts

●      Snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and free hotdogs

●      Food trucks offering additional options

●      Information booths from local health and mental health organizations

Children will have plenty of space to play, explore, and release energy in a safe, welcoming environment, while adults can connect directly with organizations that provide vital services in our community.

And yes—we’ve put in a special request for cool, pleasant weather!

Community Impact

At the heart of the WISE Wellness Block Party is a simple but powerful goal: to connect people with the resources they need.

Many individuals and families face challenges related to health, mental health, and daily life—and often don’t know where to turn. This event shines a spotlight on the abundance of local organizations ready to help, offering an opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and build connections in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Last year, attendees traveled from across Connecticut—including Storrs, Old Saybrook, and Bethany—and left inspired by the sense of community and care. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors again this year.

Participating Organizations

Organizations that participated in last year’s Block Party included:

Bread for Life; SOOCA; Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington; UConn Health Child and Family Development Program; Veterans Affairs (VA); Hartford HealthCare; NAFI; Waterbury Family Intervention and Addiction Recovery Services; Wheeler Health; Prudence Crandall Center; NAMI Farmington Valley; LiveWell; FCC Stephen Ministry; Family Intervention Center; First Congregational Church of Southington; Village Green Nursery; and WISE.

Additional organizations will be joining us for 2026.

Save the Date

Mark your calendar, invite your family and friends, and join us for a day of connection, celebration, and community care at the 2nd Annual WISE Wellness Block Party.

We look forward to seeing you in downtown Southington on May 17, 2026—and we’re confident you and your family will leave feeling informed, supported, and uplifted.

Barnes Museum Announces A Trio of America 250 Events

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

The Barnes Museum has announced that it will be holding three outreach events in upcoming months on topics related to the United States' 250th anniversary.

History Pints at Kinsmen Brewing

Date: Tues., Apr 21, 7-8pm

Location: Kinsmen Brewing, 409 Canal St, Milldale

Join us for an evening of local history as we explore the story of Asa Barnes, a tavern keeper in Revolutionary-era Southington, and the role everyday spaces played in shaping life during the American Revolution. This talk will highlight how taverns, homes, and local networks helped spread ideas, foster debate, and connect Southington to the broader story of independence.

Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation at the door. Copies of The Barnes Museum and Homestead will be available for purchase for an additional $25, with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Barnes Museum.

We look forward to welcoming you for a relaxed and engaging evening of history.

You must be 21+ and show ID for those who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages during the event.

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/558/1776812400000

Southington’s Revolutionary Legacy: The Hannah Woodruff Chapter of the DAR

Date: Thursday, May 21, 6-7pm

Location: Community Room, Southington Public Library, 255 Main St, Southington

Join us in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary with a program exploring Southington’s Revolutionary-era legacy through the women connected to the Hannah Woodruff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Centered on the life of Hannah Woodruff, the chapter’s namesake, the presentation examines how women in Southington experienced the Revolutionary period and how their families carried those stories forward through generations.

The program highlights the history of the Hannah Woodruff Chapter and the local families whose lineages trace back to Revolutionary War soldiers. Special attention is given to members connected to the Bradley and Barnes families, illustrating the chapter’s historic ties to The Barnes Museum and Southington’s broader historical landscape.

Guests will also learn about the chapter’s continued presence in the community through historical stewardship and educational initiatives. An accompanying artifact table hosted by current Hannah Woodruff Chapter members will offer visitors the opportunity to view personal objects and materials that connect Southington families to the era of the American Revolution and the generations that followed.

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/556/1779400800000

Among Southington's Patriots: A Revolutionary War Walking Tour

Date: Saturday, June 20, 10am-12pm

Location: Oak Hill Cemetery, 33 Queen Street, Southington

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this special tour of Oak Hill Cemetery offers a focused look at Southington’s Revolutionary War soldiers and the lives they led during the fight for independence. Walk among the headstones and discover how these individuals shaped their community and contributed to the founding of the nation, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today.

Free with $10 suggested donation. Registration not required. 

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/564/1781964000000