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Volume 20, Number 29
Friday, July 21, 2023
Children’s book with drag queens prompts debate By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Rescuers with the Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security urban search and rescue team working in the Winooksi River in Barre, Vermont. Photo provided by the Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Southington firefighter helps rescue flood victims in Vermont By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — A town firefighter spent time recently rescuing flood victims as part of a Connecticut team
helping Vermont first responders. Fire Lt. Daniel Comen, a member of swift water rescue team, was deployed on July 10 as part of regional aid to the rainstricken areas of Vermont.
Heavy rain and swollen rivers trapped residents in their homes and cut them off from rescue except by boat or helicopter. See Flood, A18
Former superintendent left his mark By Nicole Zappone Record-Journal staff
R261049
PLAINVILLE – This past spring, Superintendent of Schools Steven LePage announced that he was leaving the district, effective July 1.
During his 13 years in Plainville, LePage served as principal at the high school, then assistant superintendent, and, eventually, superintendent. He has been an educator for 27 years.
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SOUTHINGTON — Display of a children’s book about drag queens prompted lengthy debate online and in person Monday during the public library board’s meeting. The board took no action despite concerns from parents about the appropriateness of the book in the children’s section. Other parents defended the book and said it was important for the library to represent everyone in its materials. A resident posted a picture of the displayed book “If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It” by Lil Miss
Hot Mess at the top of a shelf late last month. Tina Riccio, library board chairwoman and a Republican, said it wasn’t part of a Pride month display or any other LGBTQ-themed display. Molly Virello, head of children’s services, said the book was in a children’s section devoted to play including dress-up and sports. The book, a play on the children’s song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” is intended for children ages two to seven years old, according to reviews. See Drag, A19
~ SPECIAL SECTION ENCLOSED ~
LOOK INSIDE!
See LePage, A6
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