Southington Care Center’s Light the World brings peace to many

In the chill night air of Dec. 3, a man propped up a framed photo portrait behind a luminary glowing along the driveway of Southington Care Center. The luminary - and the hundreds of others - commemorated the memory of loved ones during the first Light the World, a solemn remembrance held at the start of the holidays, often a difficult time of year for families who are mourning.

The event, organized by Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave., and the Rev. Victoria Triano, pastoral care clergy, included a welcome by William Kowalewski, executive director, an inspirational message, and music by the Praise Gospel Choir, bagpiper Chris Caton, assistant pastor, and Christine Caton, vocalist.

Sue Keim, on staff at Southington Care Center, said she came in support of her children whose father had died several years ago. “I thought it was beautiful,” she said afterwards as she looked for the luminary inscribed with her honoree’s name.

Christopher Palmieri and Michael Riccio, both members of the Southington Town Council, said they came to support Triano who is also a councilor. On a personal level they both have connections with Southington Care Center, a long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation community.

Palmieri said his beloved grandmother, Anita Palmieri, was a resident first at Mulberry Gardens of Southington, an assisted living and memory care community, and later the care center. “It’s a phenomenal resource,” he said, as he recalled his grandmother’s stay. Riccio said his father was a long-time volunteer there and later a resident when he was older. “It’s a special place,” he said.

Triano said she was pleased with the turnout and how people embraced Light the World, giving them the opportunity to find peace and closure. Organizers said they plan to make this an annual event.

Southington Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, and is a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services. For more information about Southington Care Center, visit http://southingtoncare.org.