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Community Corner

Chamber to Honor Public Servants For Dedication to Community

Three long-time volunteers will be thanked publicly during the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce dinner next month.

Three longstanding public servants will be honored for their commitment to the community at the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce annual dinner April 10th.

Board of Finance member Edward Pocock Jr., Police Commission Chairman James Verderame, and Historical Society President Kenneth DiMauro will be honored for serving without compensation in their respective capacities for more than 15 years.

Verderame served on the town council for 14 years until 2003. Currently the Vice President of the Southington Insurance Agency, the Southington native chairs the Police Comission and recently served on the Charter Revision Commission.

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Verderame's interest in serving his native town began when he felt like serving, instead of complaining.

"I feel like a lot of people talk about things, and they don't do anything about it," Verderame said. "I remember one day I was complaining about something an somebody said 'why don't you run?' so I did, because felt like I could do something good for the town."

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Aside from serving on the finance board, Pocock has also served on the Southington Town council, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Southington Public Library Board.

"Ed is one of those quiet servants that doesn't make a lot of noise and doesn't like to be called a politician," Southington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Art Secondo said. "He really embodies the meaning of this award."

A self-professed history buff, DiMauro has served as town historian from 1987-1997, and has volunteered with the Historical Society for more than 20 years. He most recently took over as the society's president one year ago. Usually one for working behind the scenes, he's excited about being names one of this year's award recipients.

"I'm quite honored," DiMauro said. "It's a significant award, and I'm really humbled."

Beautification awards will also be handed to 12 developers and commercial property owners who have constructed new or made improvement to building facades. Some of those include the Hearthstone Pub, Testa's banquet facility and Hawks Landing Country Club.

Three other awards will be announced soon, including the Gail DePaolo Community Spirit Award, the Riccio Brothers Business Person of the Year Award and the Employee of the Year Award.

The dinner will take place at the Aqua Turf Club April 16, featuring a 50's and 60's theme including dinner, open bar, live music and dancing. Reservations can be made by contacting the Chamber at (860)628-8026.

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