Bill McDougall, right, offers comments after receiving the Compass Award from John Myers, executive director of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, at the Forever Blue Jeans gala held Nov. 18. McDougall received the award for "his work in staying true to the YMCA focus of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility." More than 600 people attended the event, which featured a live and silent auction as well as dinner and dancing.

Patrick and Patricia Baker will be honored at the United Way of Southington's Pot O' Gold Dinner on Thursday, March 17. See story on Bakers in today's paper either in your mailbox or in our e-paper version on this website.

Waterford Hotel Group named the Residence Inn by Marriott in Southington as Hotel Team of the Year during the company’s recent Annual Awards Dinner and Leadership Conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Hartford. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel management firm, professionally operates the 94-room Residence Inn on West Street. From left, Waterford Hotel Group President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Winchester, Residence Inn Southington General Manager Kristen Pikula, and Waterford Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Len Wolman gather at the awards ceremony. “The team at Residence Inn Southington continuously strives for perfection,” said Rob Winchester, president of Waterford Hotel Group. “Their achievements in 2010 reflect that commitment, which makes them most deserving of this honor.”