The Southington
Cit itii zen Southington’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Volume 7, Number 21
Town’s first and only recreation director is retiring By Julie Sopchak The Southington Citizen
After organizing everyone else’s fun and leisure events in town for nearly the past 40 years, Bill Masci is going to now direct his own recreational activities. For nearly 40 years, Masci has stood as the town’s first and only director of recreation at the town’s parks and recreation department. Now, at 78 years old, Masci is stepping down and letting No. 2 take his place. “I’m going to enjoy it,” he said. “Got all the good stuff.” All the “good stuff ” he included were traveling with his wife, fishing and golfing. Being at the head of the
department since the beginning, Masci has seen the department grow and change, though mostly through protocol and how programs are put together. “The way to do things and the way people’s thoughts who were in government, their mindset changed and you had to adjust to whatever you had to do,” he said. “People changed on what they had to do and programming got a little more [detailed] and you had to do things accordingly to who was doing it and who was in the program.” He added that for the first 17 years or so he was the only See Masci, page 20
And they’re off!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Gold Medal winner
Photo by Stacey McCarthy
Unico Gold Medal winner Janet Mellon, second from right, receives a standing ovation at the organization’s annual dinner. Mellon, who is the director of Southington Community Services, receives applause from, from left, Mark A. Mongillo, Unico chapter president, the Rev. Victoria Triano, Stuart Estra and David Zoni Sr., far right.
For 18th year, concerts to rock downtown on Wednesday nights By Kimberly Primicerio and Robin Lee Michel The Southington Citizen Starting next week, Wednesday nights in downtown Southington will be filled with people dancing, lounging and listening to music. Music on the Green makes its way back to the center June 1 with a country group, the Larry Ayce Band. The series of live music
performances is celebrating its 18th year this summer. In order for so many people to be entertained each week requires much organization and scheduling. Jerry Limmer, 70, has been in charge of the planning of Music on the Green since its start. “It’s a big job,” Limmer said. “But it’s all about the people, I know they love it, if I did-
See Green, page 16
Walk in downtown Plantsville could impact future plans for development Photo by Deb Mikan
A canine contestant clears a hurdle — with a little help from family — during the Southington Jaycees second Pet Palooza held Saturday in the dog park on Mill Street. There were also various contests including look-a-like and catch a flying disk.
By Julie Sopchak The Southington Citizen The rainy, chilly May weather didn’t stop the Central Business Alliance’s plans to host its walk of downtown Plantsville on May 18. Members of the chamber of commerce as
well as several town officials showed up, armed with umbrellas, to survey the area and offer suggestions and updates concerning the town’s Renaissance Project. The town plans to make over areas of the town’s downtown districts to make it more appealing and attract
more businesses, and in turn, more people. “We’re trying to make it more aesthetic, more attractive so more businesses come in,” said Town Engineer Anthony Tranquillo. The walk didn’t last long
See Walk, page 10