Southington Catholic To Start New School Year with New Principal

An open invitation to stop by at Southington Catholic School on Sunday, August 28th, a perfect opportunity to meet Principal Eileen Sampiere and enjoy light refreshments and engaging conversation with this distinguished Catholic school administrator as she shares her vision for SC. Coffee, donuts and hospitality in the school cafeteria at 11 am, Sunday, August 28th.  Coffee, donuts and hospitality will be served in the school cafeteria at 11:00 am on Sunday, August 28th. We hope to see all our parents, friends and supporters at this welcoming event.

This summer the new town-wide Catholic School has been working hard to prepare for its second scholastic year with the the vision of moving forward in the development of a “new transitional model for the future of Catholic education”, The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford described it. There is an opportunity now to turn the page from the traditional parochial school to a 21st century regional school.

In the late spring of 2016, Co-Pastors Fr. Ron May, (St. Dominic), and Fr. Nick Melo, (St. Thomas), announced the appointment of Eileen Sampiere as the school’s new principal effective July 1, 2016.  

Sampiere will assume the helm at Southington Catholic in continuing the transition from the traditional ‘parochial’ (parish) school model to a pilot ‘area-wide’ Catholic school serving the needs of multiple parishes.

The announcement in the spring by MaryPat Wirkus of her retirement after a remarkable career of 37 years in education opened the position for a new principal. Wirkus spearheaded the successful formational year of the merger of the St. Dominic and St. Thomas Schools into the area-wide school that is Southington Catholic.  Having served in several schools as principal for most of her career, Wirkus said, “The merger was the most challenging of many challenging tasks and I am deeply grateful to the determination of so many on our team who made it happen through the Grace of God.”

Principal Eileen Sampiere

A resident of Meriden, (native of Waterbury), Sampiere comes to Southington as an accomplished professional in Catholic Education, having served with distinction for the past 24 years as Principal of Corpus Christi in Wethersfield, where she is credited with the implementation of major renovations and additions to the school, increased enrollment and leading the way at Corpus Christi to its National Blue Ribbon School status.  Twice the recipient of the National Catholic Education Association’s award of Distinguished Principal of the Year, Sampiere is a highly respected mentor and leader among principals in the Archdiocese of Hartford.  Sampiere earned her B.S. in Education, minor in Social Studies at St. John’s Univ. in Jamaica, NY, her M.A. in Education at Fairfield University and her Professional Diploma (sixth year) in Educational Administration and Supervision at Long Island University. She received recognition early in her career for her important achievements as principal of Our Holy Redeemer School in Freeport, NY and at St. Anne’s School in Garden  City, NY before returning to her native state.  

Asked for her insights as she approaches another challenge to innovative development in education, Sampiere said: “Though I have not been at Southington Catholic during its first year, I recognize the many challenges of change and that the past year’s accomplishments required a great deal of experience and talent of Mrs. Wirkus and the dedicated support of a great team working together. Looking forward, I know that truly welcoming and connecting with parents is paramount. They have to leave a meeting knowing their questions and concerned were listened to and heard. Equally important in what teachers do in their classrooms each day and that children go home happy in the welcoming environment of a loving and nurturing environment. The school must, of course, provide a sound foundation in academics consistent with the highest standards of Catholic education within the needs of a quality 21^st century classroom.”

Many conversations during the past year with co-pastors, principals, parents, students, school board members and teachers have evidenced a prevailing sense of excited enthusiasm for the future. The vision is considered to afford many advantages, including: (1) adjusting to trending shifts in demographics, culture and technology of 21^st century education, (2) opportunities for viable innovative strides in advancing curriculum, programs and activities, (3) greater efficiency in operational and fiscal management of the school while delivering the highest standards of Catholic education and (4) the re-awakening of a wider parental interest and desire in considering the advantages of a fine Catholic education for their children in a Christ-driven environment.


For more information about enrollment in Southington Catholic School or an appointment to speak with Mrs. Eileen Sampiere and have a tour of the classrooms, parents and guardians may call 860-628-2485. You will learn much more right now by visitingSouthington Catholic's website.

MaryPat Wirkus

Appleseed joins many former students and parents in the community, the faculty and staff and the co-pastors of Southington Catholic  in congratulating MaryPat Wirkus on her retirement as we extend our warmest wishes to her in the next fulfilling chapter in her journey in life.    A Tribute to the Gift of Faith to Our Children



       A Testimonial 

A letter from Southington Catholic School Board Co-chairman,John Leary

SoCCA soft opening excites first lookers

My presence at a special preview of the new cultural arts center thwarted, SoCCA Board President, Dawn Miceli, graciously agreed to write today’s Appleseed column published in the Friday, August 5, 2016 of The Southington Citizen.                                                                                         Dick Fortunato 

After more than a year and a half of renovations – which more or less involved gutting the entire building – the new community arts center housed in the former Gura Building is ready for occupancy.

A donor appreciation event July 28 was the first public showing of the Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA) facility.  Attendees included residents, civic organization representatives, state and town officials and local businesses – all of whom contributed in either funding or goods and services to the capital campaign.  As guests toured the building they were entertained by performing and visual artists in the studios and rooms to highlight the various offerings that will take place at SoCCA.  Refreshments and appetizers were provided by Geno’s Grille.

“We owe a huge shout-out to our town’s residents and business owners who, through their generosity and donations of funds, labor and goods and services, made the impossible possible and gave our community one of the most highly recognized arts centers in the area before our doors were even open,” said SoCCA Executive Director Mary DeCroce.  “We can’t thank you enough, Southington, especially Florian Properties.”

Grand Opening events and a ribbon-cutting ceremony are planned for the two weekends of the 2016 Apple Harvest Festival.

In the meantime, classes and programming are now being formed for the first eight-week session, which begins October 12 and concludes December 12.  A wide range of options and creativity levels for the beginner to the seasoned artist – and everyone in between – are being offered.

The center’s 3,000-square-foot pottery studio will also be open by October and will feature six wheels, a glazing station, hand-building tables and three kilns.  The size and capacity of the studio make it one of only six in the state of this scale and a variety of adult and teen courses will be available for pottery enthusiasts. 

All six second-floor studios have been leased and artists were able to move in July 15.  The studios will thrive with creativity and activity thanks to occupants who include music teachers, a caricaturist cartoonist, a calligraphy and lettering artist and an oil artist.  Also upstairs is the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust Room, which serves as the All Access Studio.  This unique arts program provides creative and vocational artisan training for those with disabilities. 

The goals of the program are to connect this population with their community, provide extra income and, perhaps most importantly, enhance quality of life through the creative process.  Products produced via the All Access program and by other artisans affiliated with SoCCA will be sold in the retail store.

The arts center also features The Hopko Performance Hall, which is more than 1,100 square feet and can seat up to 80 people. The space will be used for exhibits, workshops, performances and is available to rent for parties and special events.  A catering kitchen completes the performance hall.

The 2016 SoCCA Board of Directors:from left, Lori Holm, Vice President Susan Urillo Larson, Diana Sheard, Susan Skarvinko, Secretary Paula Knight, President Dawn Miceli, All Access coordinator Margaret Bodell, Honorary Board member Jane Herzig and Executive Director Mary DeCroce.  Missing from the photo are board members Linda Deluca, Melinda Otlowski, Robert Riggs Lombardi and Diann Thomson.

Visit the must view SouthingtonArts.com to become a member of Southington Community Cultural Arts and receive programming discounts, notification of special events, exhibition openings and exclusive publications.  Joining SoCCA ensures the cultivation, appreciation and education of the arts in our community and supports Connecticut's premier All Access Studio. For more, visit SoCCA’s Facebook page or contact Director Mary DeCroce at 860.276.1581.

Today's guest columnist, Dawn Miceli, is a resident of Southington, a former journalist and adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University and a valued public servant of the Southington community who serves on the Town Council and is Communications Director at Hamden Hall Country Day School. 

Falcons BBQ Aug. 28th to Benefit Developmentally Challenged of High Hopes Home

Polish Falcons Nest 307
First Annual BBQ Fundraiser To Benefit the HIGH HOPES Home in Meriden for the Developmentally Challenged Date: Sunday, August 28, 2016   Time: 1 to 5 pm Place: Falcon’s Nest 307 at 33 Knowles Ave. Plantsville, CT

Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club of Meriden to distribute proceeds to fulfill the Christmas Wish Lists of the children and the daily necessities of the residents of the High Hopes Home BBQ includes Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Grilled BBQ and Teriyaki Glazed Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Potato Salad and Pasta Salad + Keg Beer and DJ MUSIC - DONATION $20.00

Note: High Hopes is a private, permanent home for children with multiple disabilities located at 44 Woodlawn Terrace, Meriden, CT. Founded in 1971, High Hopes takes in children referred by the Department of Children and Families. It is partially supported by charitable donations. The children range in age from 6 to 32 years old.

The Race4Chase YMCA Camp Sloper - Aug. 6, 2016 and more town news

Race4Chase Finale

The Race4Chase Kids’ Triathlon Program Finale will take place at our very own YMCA Camp Sloper on Saturday, August 6th, 2016.  This will be the culminating event for the Race4Chase Kids’ Triathlon Program in Connecticut where 500+ youth ages 6-12 will attempt to complete their first triathlon.  The participants will have taken part in a rigorous six week training program at one of the eight Race4Chase Kids’ Triathlon Program sites. We are looking for volunteers to help with this amazing event, if you're interested, please click here!

On their mark ... ready for the Splash In . . . . . . . . . . More Big News for the "Y" and Southington

APPLE HARVEST ROAD RACE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

New this year- Road Race T-shirt Contest

The Southington Community YMCA will be conducting its 37th annual Apple Harvest Festival Road Races on Sunday, October 2nd, 2016. Registration for the 5 Mile, 5K, 2 Mile Walk, and Little Fritter Run is now open and can be done by either stopping into the Southington Community YMCA or by Registering online at www.sccymca.org/apple

This year, the Southington Community YMCA is excited to announce they will now offer a military discount to any active military member.

5 Mile Start- 8:30 AM
5K Start- 8:45 AM
5k and 5 Mile both start at top of Columbus Blvd.

Also new this year, the Southington Community YMCA is opening up the t-shirt designing to the community. Think you have the talent to design the road race t-shirt? Design a 12” by 16” design with a maximum of four colors on any color background. The winner will receive a gift certificate and free publicity.  Entries accepted now through Friday, August 26. Please send design to jmyers@sccymca.org

As in years past, the Y is looking for musicians to have along the course to add to the community fun spirit of the race. Please contact Race Director John Myers if you would like info on this exciting opportunity to enhance your Apple Harvest Festival Road Race experience. jmyers@sccymca.org



Appleseed Online is an extension of the writer's weekly Appleseed column in the Southington Citizen.

Prayer Vigil for the Victims of Violence in Orlando and for All of Us

With heavy hearts, the people of Southington, Connecticut mourn the innocent victims of the horrific tragedy of hateful violence that took place in Orlando, Florida this past weekend.

"A Prayer Vigil will be held at First  Congregational Church of Southington on Wednesday, June 15th at 6:00 pm for the victims of the shootings and for all of us", said Rev. Dr. Ronald Brown, Pastor of FGC, in a joint announcement with Rev. Victoria Triano, Town of Southington, welcoming all to join in this prayerful vigil of scripture readings, music, candle lighting and the ringing of the church bell (49 times) in memory of the victims who lost their lives.

First Congregational Church of Southington is located at 37 Main Street opposite the Southington Town Green.  Prayer Vigil is estimated to run about 45 minutes concluding prior to the scheduled Music on The Green at 7:00 pm.



Scroll Down for other news and 

Happenings Around Town 

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Honor Flag Day today, June 14, 2016

Remember Flag Day, June 14, 2016

The Summit  announces the dedication of a new flagpole at a 2:30 pm ceremony today, Tuesday, June 14th (Flag Day), on the grounds of The Summit in Plantsville, CT.

"The facility has many veterans. Past Commander of the American Legion Kiltonic Post 72, John DeMello, Sr., noticed that we did not have an American Flag.", said Barbara Blau, the Summit's Director of Therapeutic Therapy. "He was kind enough to speak with the American Legion Kiltonic , Post 72 and they generously donated a flag.  It was so important to John, that he installed the flagpole himself to have it ready today as we will officially dedicate the flag.", Blau said.  All are invited to attend the ceremony which will also be attended by local political representation. 

We salute and pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

The Summit also announced that on Friday, June 17th, at 7:00 pm they will be holding another ceremony... one which will be a reaffirmation of wedding vows .  We are honored to have a wedding ceremony for several residents as they renew the love that they share. Blau said: "We would love to share with the public this heartwarming celebration of marriage, some lasting well over 50 years." 

Happening Around Town Now

St. Thomas Parish Exuberant at Ordination of Two Newly Ordained Priests

As the date of Saturday, May 21, 2016 approached, the people of St. Thomas Church in Southington were filled with enthusiasm and joyful anticipation.  Two young men, from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, each with special ties to the church, were to be ordained on that date at 11:00 am into the Sacred Order of Priests by The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.  Read full article

Southington seniors enjoy Active Lifestyles at the Calendar House with health informationals and discussion, fitness classes, computer classes and instruction in using today's electronic devices and technology, clubs, socials, games, entertaining programs and a wide range of activities. Check out the full schedule and details at the Calendar House website and read the monthly Active Lifestyles newsletter.  

Southington Relay for Life 2016 another success as the weather held up enough for a fine turnout of dedicated teams as hundreds upon hundreds participated for 24 hours.  The event beat Sunday's rainstorm.. Southington citizen speaks in heartfelt words of reflection on what and who Relay for Life is all about.  Read full letter.

American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 Notes 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Summit in Plantsville, the dedicating of the Flag pole that the American Legion Kiltonic Post #72, the Legion's Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion donated to the Veterans, patients and staff of The Summit.

Saturday, June 25, 2016 between 9:00am and 3:30pm, the Quilts of Valor will be at our Post home designing and making Quilts for our veterans who are healing from the nds of war. Volunteers for assorted tasks needed and will be appreciated.

Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 2:00, pm at our Kiltonic Post 72 Home on the Southington Town Green, the Audrey Santo Foundation will be at our Post talking about Audrey Santo, her life and the road to Sainthood. See the link below for a story about Audrey Santo, the little girl from Worcester, MA that made miracles take place.

http://crossworks.holycross.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=rel_faculty_pub

Be in the Know with STEPS
Students,  the parents, teachers, everyone in town needs to know and Be in the Know about Southington's Town-wide Efforts to Promote Success. Another successful school year ends. We congratulate the graduates. 

Read the current STEPS newsletter for a close  up glimpse of recent and current events, efforts, successes and happenings in building a greater and healthier future for our kids. 


  

Southington's Isabella Assembly 122 of the Knights of Columbus Honors four local citizens as Catholic Citizens of the Year  2016 at Hawk's Landing Country Club .. read full article.   

Two Newly Ordained Southington Priests Bring Joy to Faith Community

As the date of Saturday, May 21, 2016 approached, the people of St. Thomas Church in Southington were filled with enthusiasm and joyful anticipation.  Two young men, from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, each with special ties to the church, were to be ordained on that date at 11:00 am into the Sacred Order of Priests by The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.  

It was to be the beginning of  a weekend of excitement for the community with many also attending the first celebration of Mass at St. Thomas Church by the newly ordained Fr. Hector M. Rangel Guerrero at 4:00 pm on Saturday afternoon and the first celebration of Mass of Fr. Mathew Gary Gworek on Sunday morning at 10:00 am on May 22^nd.  

Fr. Nicholas P. Melo
Pastor, St. Thomas Church

Fr. Nick Melo, Pastor of St. Thomas Church, said:  “It is certainly a great honor for our parish to have two men ordained to the Priesthood. Deacon Matt Gworek is a native of Southington and Deacon Hector Rangel-Guerrero has been adopted by St. Thomas, having spent his last year of formation working here.” Melo said that St. Thomas has always been a place of warm and welcoming spirit, a place where the Archbishop continues to send seminarians for a pastoral experience. 

“However, even as I reflected back on my own vocation recently, it occurred to me that what really fosters vocations with the greatest impact - more than a particular parish setting - more than a mentoring priest - is the family of the young man discerning God's calling. While I have yet to meet Deacon Hector's parents, I imagine they are quite similar to Deacon Matt's as well as my own parents, in that they are prayer-filled people, who themselves have a close relationship with the Lord and who instilled the Catholic faith in their children.”   

Meeting Guerrero and Gworek was a walk on the high side for me as I listened to their stories, their genuinely deep love of their families who fully embraced and reinforced their aspirations and their great love of their respective, though different, childhood years and culture. They both came from backgrounds that shared a strong faith, the appreciation of education, sports and life itself.  They also shared a spiritual journey of years to saying “yes” to a life of selfless service and commitment to the Lord and a life of spiritual leadership.  

Rev. Hector M. Rangell Guerrero

Hector Guerrero grew up in the small agricultural village of Charalá, population 10,000, in Northern Colombia, an area dependent on growing coffee, sugar, maize and cattle-raising. He recalls a simple but fulfilling life on a small farm his father managed while his mother managed the household, education and faith development of their seven children of which Hector was fifth. 

“We did our chores, our homework and said our prayers together as a family, (the rosary), every day. But there was also time for soccer and healthy outdoor sports.” Guerrero said. “Religious fervor was ingrained in my earliest years through my family, my village and my cultural life. But i think it is significant to mention that my interest in the spiritual life was also influenced by the presence of three Jesuit priests in our town”, Guerrero said.  

After completing his public school education, Guerrero joined the Salesian Order of St. John Bosco, moving to Bogata, where he attended Universidad Minuto de Dios, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He continued his spiritual formation years with a second bachelor’s degree in Ecclesiology and a Master’s in Theology at the Jesuit Pontifical Javerian University in Bogata. 

Perhaps his greatest challenge came when he was accepted at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 2012 to study English.  Until then he spoke absolutely no English!  He was then accepted at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Maryland for his Ordination Year and until a few weeks ago served as a transitional deacon at St. Thomas in Southington. The enhancement of his communication skills in English remains a high priority with Fr. Guerrero who clearly understands the importance of language in the work of a priest.

Notwithstanding the cultural differences between the two newly ordained priests, I found great similarities in the ‘persona’ of each of both Guerrero and Mathew Gworek who grew up in Southington, CT, attended Southington public schools, graduating from SHS.  

Gworek's avid interest in music began in 4th grade when he learned how to play the alto saxaphone. He also had an active interest in sports, i.e, soccer and baseball. He continued through high school playing in the Jazz and Marching Band, soon turning his instrumental interest to the Euphonium which he came to master during his years at UCONN where he earned double bachelor’s degrees in Education and Music, respectively.  

Rev. Mathew Gworek

Mathew Gworek, his older sister, Rachel (Janowski), and his younger brother, Jonathan, all grew up in a home environment of strong faith and values with their parents, Lynne and Gary Gworek, who are role model responsible citizens and devoted parishioners of St. Thomas Church.  Mathew also noted that his earliest growing up years were at Immaculate Conception in Southington.  

“I remember having had a serious focus on faith in my earliest childhood years. I paid close attention to learning and understanding the Mass, the teachings of the Gospel and how it all relates to life.  But the sense of an actual calling to the spiritual life as a profession seemed to begin in my last few years in college where, at UCONN, I became deeply involved in a St. Thomas Aquinas group of Catholic students meeting regularly, socially and with common interests under the spiritual wing of three phenomenal Jesuit priests, all the while continuing with my education and music in the marching and pop bands and the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.”  

Today, after six years of spiritual formation at D.C. Theological College at Catholic University of America, with summer breaks in various assignments to parishes within the Hartford Archdiocese, and the inspiring mentoring of Fr. Nick Melo, Gworek said: “I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. I feel ready and in the right place to develop the skills to be the best priest that I can”.

Five Ordained Priests by The Most Rev. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Hartford Archdiocese on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Cathedral
L to R: Rev. Philip O'Neill, Rev. Michael Patrick Kane, Rev. Hector M. Rangel Guerrero, Archbishop Blair, Rev. Philip Roy Schulze and Rev. Michael Gary Gworek

All God's love, blessings and grace to Fr. Gworek and Fr. Guerrero as they take up their first priestly parish assignments, respectively, at St. Mary’s in Branford and St. Joseph in Bristol. 

Tag: Freelance writer Dick Fortunato welcomes comments at dick617@gmail.com