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August 13, 2015
The FuTure oF ChildCare and PresChool is here! PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID learning that a little cooperation can help you go far. PALMER, MA PERMIT #22 Experience the difference a high quality program makes! EDUCATIONAL PLAYCARE PRESS Valley www.educationalplaycare.com IN SPORTS Simsbury takes prep title PAGE 25 AVON • BURLINGTON • CANTON • FARMINGTON • GRANBY • SIMSBURY Vol. 7, Edition 33 Thursday August 13, 2015 in the press Building bridges between PD and local youth Simsbury’s Junior Police Academy exposes students to police officers while introducing them to possible future careers. The academy, which took place Aug. 3-7 and was hosted by the police department, was in its 14th session, said Patrolman First Class Todd Kushman. PAGE 17 EDA hosting roundtable talks on branding Canton is seeking public input for a series of roundtable discussions to create a brand that captures the essence of town. PAGE 17 Enjoying the growing season Photo by Ted Glanzer Walter McEntire waters his cabbage Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Kolp Community Garden in Farmington. McEntire is sharing a plot with Joseph Cusanelli. The pair are growing many vegetables, including spinach, kale, cabbage, shallots, broccoli, corn, carrots and squash. See more photos on page 6. Wild about animals NEWS THIS WEEK A&E 4 The Buzz 8 Calendar 11 Editorial 12 Business 13 Town News 17 Sports 25 Classifieds 28 Quotes of Note “Municipalities routinely go out to bid for proposals to determine the best way to provide a variety of services as a matter of best practices. Ambulance transport service in Connecticut is no longer an exception to that rule.” -Kathy Eagen in “RFP issued for ambulance service” on page 18 20 CORRECTION A candidate’s name was spelled incorrectly in last week’s edition within an article titled “Slates announced in Canton.” The candidate’s name is Charles Hammond. “You don’t need to be brawny and have muscle to do the job. Like you tell your children, ‘Use your words.’ I’ve done that to get out of a lot of sticky situations that could have gotten physical.” Courtesy photo Granby reader Carolyn Flint caught three baby raccoons in a tree in her backyard. “These babies weren’t sure whether to go up or down,” she said. They eventually went down. If you have a photo of a critter that you’ve spotted locally, submit it for this segment to Abigail at [email protected]. Include “Wild About Animals” and the animal spotted in the subject line, as well as your town of residence. All submissions will be considered for inclusion in a future edition. -Joanna Blumetti in “Joanna Blumetti named Farmington Police Officer of...” on page 20 NEW! 100-240VAC LED ROUND AND RECTANGULAR STEP AND PATHWAY LIGHT CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS & R E S T O R AT I O N L I G H T I N G G A L L E RY So MUCH MORE than just a lighting store! Step and pathway lighting has become a bit brighter with the introduction of GM Lighting’s NEW 100-240VAC LED Round Step and Pathway Light, and the Rectangular Step and Pathway Light. Insure that your interior and exterior walkways are well lit and safe with these two traditional styles that features energy-saving LED lamping. Make every day Independence Day Shop New England’s largest selection of lighting, fans, table and floor lamps, decorative hardware, home accents, vintage and reproduction lighting, shades and so much more. Independence is something to celebrate and encourage. And that’s what we do at Hartford HealthCare Independence at Home. 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Rectangular fixture mounts into a standard single gang box. www.CTLighting.com 12 Hours: Mon-Fri 8-8pm Sat 9-5pm • Sun 12-5pm Call toll free: 888.863.2771 28564_hhch_ad_4.875 The Valley Presspress_6.23.15_kie.indd August 13, 2015 x 6_valley 1 6/24/15 1:27 PM Restoration Lighting Gallery HARTFORD 860-493-2532 167 BRAINARD RD (I-91 EX. 27) Across the street from Connecticut Lighting Centers www.myRLG.com Hours: M-W 9-6pm • Th-F 9-8pm Sat 9-5pm • Sun 12-5pm 260 West Main St •Avon The Valley’s LARGEST Retailer of Fine Wine, Spirits & Craft Beer Is Right in AVON! Shop the BEST! Shop at Bottle Stop! (Across from Big Y & Wal-Mart) 860.470.7237 www.BottleStop.com ® Every Good Bottle. One Great Stop. The Best Selection of WINE 15% Off Mixed/Solid Cases of Wine! Specially Marked Items, 750ml Fine Wine Department, Sale/Everyday Low Price Items Excluded. 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The exhibition features 21 quilts and many smaller quilted pieces collected by Palmer over several decades in an attempt to preserve the textile heritage of friends and family. Most of the quilts were entrusted to Palmer’s care by their creators, knowing that she would record their history. “This is a very personal collection,” Palmer said. “Every quilt tells a story. Each quilt was entrusted to me knowing that I would keep that story safe.” Some of the collection shows signs of wear, since historically, quilts were made to be used. Most of the featured quilts were created by women from southern Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Palmer is originally from southern Illinois and has ties to the South. Many of the quilts in her col- lection were created by members of her family, including her great-grandmother and mother-in-law. Each quilt in the exhibition is presented with “the story” of its creator, documenting the quilt pattern and commentary about the woman by whom it was made. Palmer has dabbled in quilting, but found needlepoint and a keen interest in history and archaeology more to her liking. She has been an active volunteer for many years at the Stanley-Whitman House, Hill- OPEN AUDITIONS for 2015 Saturday, August 29 at Ballet Theatre Company 20 Jefferson Avenue West Hartford, CT Dancers ages 4 - Adult Pre-register at www.dancebtc.org or 860-570-0440 Performances at Hoffman Auditorium University of Saint Joseph Dec. 17 - Dec. 21 Stead Museum and the Farmington Public Library. Stanley-Whitman House Executive Director Lisa Johnson says the museum has featured the works of more than 30 artists and collectors since offering gallery space to local residents in 2010. The exhibition program was initiated to deepen the museum’s role as a community center, encouraging the sharing of creativity and ideas. Stanley-Whitman House is a museum of Early American history in the heart of historic Farmington Village. Museum hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. House tours are $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 5-18; and $5 for seniors over the age of 63. Visit www.stanleywhitman.org or call 860-677-9222. Courtesy photo The extensive, highly personal quilt collection of Farmington resident Sherra Palmer will be showcased in a special exhibition at the Stanley-Whitman House Museum until Sept. 13. Simsbury Reads program at the library Have you ever read a book or discovered a new author that you absolutely have to share with everyone? Now’s your chance. Simsbury readers are always looking to discover their next great book. The library would love to have readers share their favorite books for a month through “Simsbury Reads.” Participant Cheryl Cook said, “I very much enjoyed participating in the Simsbury Reads display. I love to read; I belong to two book groups, and I have found CLAMS FRIED FRESH photo: Bill Morgan Media ENJOY OUR HAND-CUT FRIES! Fall/winter Dance Classes � NEW, State of the Art Studio OPen HOUSe e riencc! e p x E Magi the September 5 Classes Start September 8 GREENHOUSE TOMATO PLANTS PRODUCING DELICIOUS FRUIT & FOR OUR BLT’S! FISH TACOS WITH BEER BATTERED COD LIKE NO OTHER! DELI CASE OF HOUSE MADE HEALTHY SALAD OPTIONS WEEKLY SPECIAL SANDWICHES ARE FLYING!! FRESH EGGPLANT IS BEING HARVESTED Complete your meal with a visit to the Frozen Gnome! photo: T. Giroir Ballet, Pointe, and Modern - New Classes: Jazz, Fitness, Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet, and Mommy & Me 4 We also Cater! register at www.dancebtc.org Summer Hours: Cafe Open: Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11:30 to 7; Ice cream: 11:30 to 8 Cafe Open: Friday & Saturday til 8pm; Ice cream Fri /Sat/Sun until 9pm 20 Jefferson Avenue, West Hartford, CT ✦ Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Organization 511 Spielman Hwy, Burlington • 860-673-8111 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 that some of the best books I have read were at the suggestion of another reader. There are books I probably would never have picked up if it had not been for the thoughtful recommendations of another reader. Every time that happens I learn something and that is always worthwhile.” Being part of Simsbury Reads is easy. Contact Kathy Dublanica at kathyd@libraryconnection. info or 860-658-7663, ext. 2105 to schedule a month. Create a sign for a display or let library staff design one. Visit the library the first week of the scheduled month to pull favorite reads and set up a display. Leave Kathy a list of titles and the library will replenish the display or participants can add books whenever they visit. According to patron Daniel Diodato, “Simsbury Reads provides the opportunity to recommend and share books with the community. Encouraging reading has always been of great importance to me. Reading is nourishing for both mind and body.” For more information on Simsbury Reads and other activities at the Simsbury Public Library, visit the library website at www. simsburylibrary.info or call 860-658-7663, ext. 2200. PRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Local author publishes ‘Postcards from the Highway of Life’ By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer A local baby boomer fears the values of his generation are falling by the wayside. To prevent the loss of so much that has been valued by his entire generation, Garrison Leykam of Farmington wrote a book called “Postcards from the Highway of Life.” Leykam, a former radio talk show host, was working on the book for a while, he said, describing it as a look back at many of the experiences he has had in the course of his life. “We’re in danger of losing some of those things. ... It’s a wake-up call to preserve an entire generation’s identity,” he said. For example, with so much of today’s communication being done via emails, text messages and social media, letter writing is becoming a lost art, Leykam said. He recalled a time when he was at an airport and a woman across from him was writing a letter with a fountain pen. When he exclaimed his pleasure and surprise at seeing the old fashioned activity, she made it even more memorable. “She said, ‘I can do you one better,’” Leykam said. The woman then proceeded to fold the letter, place it in an envelope and put a stamp on it, he said. “I’m now going to walk over to that blue mailbox and put the letter there,” she told him. Leykam said it’s important to convey things in ways other than social media, but added that when it’s appropriate, he too uses the new way of communicating. Another activity becoming less common is the road trip, Leykam said. He remembered his childhood as an army brat and then the family’s move to a new house in New Rochelle, N.Y., when his father left the military. After that, his parents both worked two full-time jobs, but when they took time off for a weekend trip, the clan hit the road. “Those were the things you remember so well,” Leykam said, reminiscing about the questions on his mind as the family packed up to go. “Where were we going and what would we see?” On the road, food tastes better and you see things you would not otherwise get to see, he said. Nowadays, travelers are prone to get on a plane to go somewhere and miss out on so much. One of Leykam’s favorite things to do is to grab a map, get on his motorcycle and go. He has no destination in mind and eagerly awaits the surprises of the road ahead. He may stop along the way at old-fashioned eateries. “I have a passion for classic diners; neon and stainless steel diners where you get to talk to the locals and find out what’s happening in the town” he said. In fact, Leykam’s last book was “Classic Diners of Connecticut.” Leykam started “Postcards from the Highway of Life” as a journal and then decided it should be a book. It is a series of essays about all the things he remembers and which are being forgotten in the technological age, including getting close to people. His advice is to bring back Sunday dinners and for people to go on road trips. “We need to connect more,” he said. “It’s the idea of human connection. ... We’ve become so fragmented and disconnected. ... Turn the cell phone off, put it in the truck and talk to each other.” One of the things Leykam said he most enjoyed about writing the book was collaborating with his son, Chris Leykam, who did the illustrations. “It was interesting to have two generations working on the book,” Leykam said. Chris, a graduate of Syracuse Universi- Courtesy photos Garrison Leykam (above) wrote “Postcards from the Highway of Life,” due out next month. The book, Leykam says, is a “wake-up call to preserve an entire generation’s identity.” ty and an industrial designer and illustrator, also enjoyed it. “It was a great experience of finally getting to work on a project with my dad,” he said. “It was right up my alley, and just the mere fact that I grew up with my dad going to diners.” Much of the book resonates with Chris, he said adding that he remembers family camping trips and activities with his father, such as building models together. “[The book is] really embedded in tradition and values,” Chris said. The father and son duo hope to do another project together in the future, but there’s nothing in the works right now, Chris said. “Postcards from the Highway of Life” was publishedbyHomeboundPublicationsandwill come out Sept. 1. According to a write up, the book features a foreword by Pat Simmons, founding member of the Doobie Brothers. The book has already started to gain initial praise before publication. In a recent review, seven-time Emmy-winning actor Ed Asner declared, “Garrison Leykam, in his wonderful and erudite ‘Postcards from the Highway of Life,’ has done a beautiful capturing of America the Beautiful. His work demonstrates how this country at that time produced the Greatest Generation.” “I’ve been wonderfully delighted that people like Ed Asner wrote that review,” Leykam said. To order an advance copy of “Postcards from the Highway of Life” or to see what Leykam is up to, visit his website: thosedinerandmotorcycleguys.com/postcards-fromthe-highway-of-life/ Check out his Facebook page at www. facebook.com/PostcardsFromTheHighwayOfLife. Sunken Garden Poetry Festival continues in Farmington at the Hill-Stead next week In the Sunken Garden on the grounds of the Hill-Stead Museum, one of America’s most important poetry events has delighted audiences since 1992. The 2015 season concludes with Connecticut Young Poet’s Day, beginning at 5 p.m. with the “Fresh Voices” reading, featuring winners from eight Connecticut poetry programs. Following the Fresh Voices reading, audiences will enjoy music and reading by poets Natalie Diaz and Aja Monet. Native American poet Diaz is the author of “When My Brother Was an Aztec.” Her work has been recognized by the Lannan Foundation, and she has received the Nimrod/Hardman Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry, the Louis Untermeyer Scholarship in Poetry from Bread Loaf, and the Narrative Poetry Prize. Monet is an award-winning performance poet. She is the youngest individual to win the legendary Nuyorican Poet’s Café Grand Slam title. Her books of poetry are “Inner-City Chants & t RD s u g ATu 2ND 23 S 2 1 2 015 2 h 35 t Cyborg Cyphers,” and “The Black Unicorn Sings.” In addition, she collaborated with poet/musician Saul Williams on the book “Chorus: a literary mixtape.” Her first CD, “Scared to Make Love/Scared Not To,” was independently released. Tickets are $12 for advanced online purchases, $15 at the gate, and free for ages 18 and under. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Parking is free. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating in and around the garden. Al fresco dining is allowed on the grounds. Participants are welcome to bring their own picnic or purchase food on site. For more information, call 860-677-4787. Includes N. E. Clam Chowder, Lobster, Corn & Beverage * For Landlubbers, our food booth will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs & french fries. Large dessert room in Ellsworth Hall Over 100,000 served For kids: Touch a Truck & Face Painting Saturday Friday: Dinner - 6:00-9:30; Music by “The Johnny Larsen Band with Carolyn Rae” 12-4 Saturday: Dinner - 12:00-9:30; Music by “Mighty Soul Drivers” For thirty-five years, we’ve been cooking New England Clam Chowder & lobsters to perfection/ With seating under cover for over 600 people, you’re sure to have a great time, rain or shine! 20 $ Sunday: Dinner - Noon-4:00 or sold out No Coolers/Beer available Bring Lawnchairs/Blankets 14 Canton Springs Road, Canton, CT (860) 693-8120 August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 5 Good growing Photos by Ted Glanzer I t’s been a decent year for growing flowers and vegetables at the Kolp Community Garden in Farmington, according to those who have rented plots this year. Every year, dozens of people rent plots and grow a plethora of seasonal crops, including lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, squash, kale, peppers and green beans. A 20 foot by 20 foot plot costs $20, while a 50 foot by 50 foot plot costs $35. Planting begins April 15 and plots must be cleaned out no later than Oct. 31. “It’s been pretty good,” Walter McEntire said. “We got a late start this year because of the long winter.” Left: Neema Michaud picks tomatoes, kale and peppers at the Kolp Community Garden. Michaud said she and her daughter-in-law have been gardening a plot together; above: Dr. Ralph Bozza, a dentist, has been tending to a plot for 15 years. This year he’s growing peppers, squash and watermelon, among other things. Left, top: Joseph Cusanelli hoes his garden plot; left, bottom: Bill Matousek works a tiller on his plot at the Kolp Community Garden last week. Matousek said he is growing broccoli, beans, squash, tomatoes and zucchini; above: Liting Li works his plot last week. This year he is growing tomatoes, green beans, lima beans, watermelon and squash. Kids eat FREE at dinner all summer TAKE YOUR SWIMMING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!! Charter Oak Aquatic Club - since 1978 (1 kids meal per adult meal) 10% off Breakfast with this ad Tuesday-Saturday 8am-8pm Sunday Brunch 8am-3pm GREAT WINE & BEER 6 The Gluten Free Vegan & Vegetarian Specialties 2015 1st - Gluten Free Menu 3rd - Gluten Free Bakery Simsbury Town Shops, 928 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury Valley Press 860-413-2392 www.popoversimsbury.com August 13, 2015 The Charter Oak Aquatic Club is a (non- profit 501c3) USA swim club dedicated to maintaining a positive, structured and balanced environment as it supports its athlete members in the pursuit of excellence in the sport of swimming. We look beyond swimming to nurture academics, friendships and a family atmosphere. For more information regarding the Charter Oak Aquatic Club, email Spencer Hartmann, Head Coach, at [email protected] or visit our website at www.ctoak.org. Adorno’s loved ones prepare to finish his ride By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer FARMINGTON — On Sept. 1, 2014, Farmington resident Kevin Adorno was in the final leg of his sixstate, nearly 2,000-mile bicycle ride from Maine to Florida. He stopped in Vero Beach, about 150 miles from his final destination in Miami, where he planned to propose to his girlfriend Elyse Fuggetta. Adorno, 28, stopped at a McDonald’s to telephone Fuggetta when he was tragically killed by a mentally ill man. Tanya Adorno, Kevin’s sister, said that the only possessions on Kevin when he died were a hammock, a sleeping bag, water bottles and the engagement ring. He had rented a tandem bike which he was going to ride with Elyse from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami, where he planned to propose to her on a decorated boardwalk, Tanya Adorno said. “It’s extremely romantic,” Tanya Adorno said. Now, family and friends are going to finish the final leg of Kevin’s ride from Aug. 16 - 23. There are 33 people from Connecticut alone who have signed up to finish the ride, Tanya Adorno said. More people could join the group in Florida, she said, noting that it’s akin to the Kevin Adorno Memorial Ride and Festival in May, where 20 people or 1,000 people could show. The plan is for the group to ride from Vero Beach to Stuart, Fla., Aug. 18. On Aug. 19, the group will ride from Stuart to Delray Beach, and on Aug. 20, the group will finish the the ride in Miami between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. “I’m picturing 100 of us in our shirts,” Tanya Adorno said. “We’re letting it happen organically. I don’t think anything will stop us.” So far, Tanya Adorno said that she and her family members are overwhelmed with the response. People have volunteered not only to ride, but to also to work at water stops and donate bikes. “It really is amazing,” Tanya Adorno said. “People have just been showing up to be a part of something. Kevin was doing an inspiring thing.” She said it will be an emotional day when she and her fellow riders take up the final leg of Kevin’s journey. “In my mind, I haven’t even taken myself there,” Tanya Adorno said. “I’m worrying about all the logistics and thinking about the people in Vero Beach. … It’s going to be heavy, beautiful, surprising and loving.” Tanya Adorno expressed her gratitude to residents and officials in Vero Beach, who have embraced the riding group. “The people in Vero Beach are welcoming us. They’ve been great,” she said. One thing is clear. Tanya Adorno said that she will be there to finish what Kevin started. “Kevin didn’t get a fair shot to do it, so it takes the adrenaline to a whole new level,” Tanya Adorno said. “I’m not going to get tired. It’s going to be a whole new feeling of inspiration and motivation and togetherness for his family and friends. … The biggest motivator is that Kevin didn’t get to do it and we get to do it. “We have to do this.” The Adorno family believes that Kevin’s presence will be there, as there have been more than a few serendipitous things that have taken place since his passing. Helena Adorno, Kevin’s mother, said country singer Tim McGraw wore one of Kevin’s orange RAGE bracelets at his July 17 concert in Hartford. Helena Adorno and her sister, Dorothy, were on the floor near the stage of the XFINITY Theatre when they noticed several bracelets on McGraw’s wrist. “We thought we should have brought an orange bracelet,” Helena Adorno said. McGraw started shaking hands with people near the stage. Dorothy was able to slip her orange bracelet on McGraw’s arm, and he left it on. “For him to do the rest of his performance with the orange bracelet on was just amazing,” Helena Adorno said. Courtesy photo Tanya and Kevin Adorno leave from Maine in 2013 on the first leg of Kevin’s six-state, 2,000-mile bike ride. Does your lawn need help? Now Scheduling Fall Lawn recovery services for customers looking for a local company they can trust. Does your lawn need help? 18 Month ANNUAL PROGRAM SERVICES Certificate of Deposit No nal additio for e g r a h c nd Grub a e g d e Nuts Control 1.25% Annual Percentage Yield Take a stroke and open your 18 Month CD today! Don’t wait, start earning like the Pros. $1,000.00 minimum deposit required to open account and earn interest. Collinsville Savings Society checking account required. Penalties may apply if account is closed prior to maturity date. Rates effective 5/11/15. Limited time offer. • Reliable, high quality fertilization service • Professional tree and shrub care • Seasonal Tick Control Estima & Evalu tes ations • Core Aeration • Superior weed and crabgrass controls • No hidden costs and no telemarketer calls • Fully licensed and insured experts FREE Call Today 860-528-0373 www.thegreenscene.info SERVICE BASED ON OLD FASHION HONESTY & INTEGRITY 136 Main St Collinsville CT 06019 (860) 693-5912 277 Albany Turnpike Canton, CT 06019 (860)693-6936 MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER B#0378 Are you happy with your lawn?? Local, Family Owned Since 1983 32 years setting industry standards Veterans & Senior Discounts August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 7 Annual Dream Ride event coming up Student, teacher travel to Normandy Teacher Lisa-Brit Wahlberg and her student, Connor Lisle, from The Master’s School in Simsbury recently returned from Normandy, France after they had the experience of a lifetime. They were one of 15 student and teacher pairs who participated in the Albert H. Small Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Student and Teacher Institute. Wahlberg and Connor represented History Day in Connecticut, an affiliate program of National History Day, on the trip. Each teacher and Courtesy photo Signs were recently installed on Land Trust property using a donation from Canton ShopRite. Canton ShopRite donates to Avon Land Trust student pair researched a service member from their home state who died in the Normandy Invasion. Connor and his teacher explored the life of Harlan E. Rugg, a second lieutenant in the 101st Airborne AAA Division from Fairfield. The teams created websites about their soldier. In its fifth year, the program brings students and teachers from around the world to Washington, D.C., for visits to the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery and lectures from World War II veterans and historians. This summer, residents of Avon are noticing bright new signs designating some of the Avon Land Trust’s many properties in town. The signs were designed, produced and installed courtesy of a $2,500 donation made by the Joseph family, owners of Canton ShopRite, last spring. Much to the land trust’s delight, the Josephs donated another $2,500 this spring and have pledged yet another donation for 2016. In line with the family’s passion for education programs, the land trust will be investing the funds in their Unplugged Learning Project initiative, which encourages children and families to get outside and enjoy Avon’s beautiful open spaces. Residents are invited to share their own ideas for a potential ‘unplugged learning’ projects by contacting ALT Vice President Susan Rietano Davey at srietano@ aol.com. Canton Volunteer Fire Company’s 35th annual LOBSTERFEST Dinner is served Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12 to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. or until sold out. The event will take place at 14 Canton Springs Road, Canton. The price of $20 includes one full lobster, corn, clam chowder, and a beverage. Friday will bring music by The Johnny Larson Band with Carolyn Rae from 6-10 p.m. Saturday features live music by the Mighty Soul Drivers from 6-10 p.m. and New England Dance & Gymnastics Centers a Touch-A-Truck event with Canton’s new Aerial Ladder Truck, face painting and balloon animals from 12-4 p.m. The dessert bar is located in Ellsworth Hall. The East Coast’s premier motorcycle and car cruise experience to benefit Special Olympics – Dream Ride 2015 presented by Bozzuto’s Inc., The Hometown Foundation and locally owned and operated IGA Supermarkets – is back and better than ever. The Dream Ride 2015 main event will take place Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Farmington Club. Additional Dream Ride activities will take place throughout the weekend. To find out more and register, go to www.dreamride.org. Registration is $30 for adults for a one-day pass and $50 for a two-day pass; $15 for children 10-16 (each day); and free for children under 10. Additional fundraising to support Special Olympics is encouraged. To find out about sponsorship opportunities, call 1-844-DRM-RIDE (3767433) or email ccaramia@ bozzutos.com. Follow Dream Ride at facebook. com/DreamRide and twitter.com/DreamRideExp. This much-anticipated event combines shiny chrome, delicious food, live entertainment, industry-leading vendors and Budget Blinds’ Anniversary Sale! Buy now & SAVE Making dreams come true for over 30 years! Free recital video and trophy to all students! Ages 2 - Adult Boys & Girls more. Riders from around the world are expected to arrive in Farmington the weekend of August 21-23. In addition to the Dream Ride motorcycle ride, owners of classic and exotic cars can participate in the Twilight Dream Cruise & Wrangler Rally, presented by Papa’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of New Britain, Saturday evening, Aug. 22 at the dealership, 585 E. Main St. in New Britain. The Dream Ride Experience aims to unite thousands of motorcycle and car enthusiasts to enjoy the ride, celebrate the achievements of Special Olympics athletes and join in a movement that inspires respect, acceptance and inclusion for all people with and without intellectual disabilities – both on and off the playing field. Last year’s Dream Ride raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics. The event has raised $3,365,000 since its inception in 2001. The 2015 Dream Ride Experience sponsors include the Michael Fux Foundation, Aqua Turf, The Farmington Club, Bozzuto’s Inc. and The Hometown Foundation, Inc. Beg.-Prof. Levels Hurry! Sale Ends August 31, 2015. TAP • BALLET • JAZZ • MUSICAL THEATRE ZUMBA • LYRICAL • POINTE • GYMNASTICS HIP HOP • CONTEMPORARY • PIYO • Terrific 2s (diapers OK) Kinderdance & combo classes! 11 Mill Pond Dr., 28 Southwick Rd., Granby, CT Westfield, MA 860-653-1974 413-568-3731 www.newenglanddance.com 8 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 40 Call today to schedule your Free in-home consultation! • Nationally recognized friendly adult teaching staff! • Opportunity to join our nationally ranked competition teams! Save %* in August On Select Blinds, Shades, Draperies and More! • Dads love our recitals - only 1 to 1-1/2 hours long • Trophies to every dancer at our recital, not just a ribbon or medal! Hurry While It’s Still Hot! Haley Huelsman and Jade Cloud cast members on Dance Moms! FREE TRIAL CLASSES EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST! 860.408.1610 Commercial & Residential Serving Bloomfield, Barkhamsted, Burlington, Canton, Granby, Simsbury, Suffield, Winsted and Northwest Corner of Connecticut. *Some exclusions apply. Offer good at only participating franchises and at time of initial estimate. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Cannot be combined with other offers. of Simsbury Mini golf tourney Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream parlor is hosting its 34th annual miniature golf tournament. The Pat Guglielmo Memorial Farmington Miniature Golf Tournament will be held Aug. 22 and 23. Contestants and spectators are welcome to enjoy coffee and donuts before the games begin. Again this year, there will be a two-tier tournament, which provides a better chance for new comers and those whose game might not be up to par, to be in the winning. Sign in and warm up begins at 7:30 a.m. and play begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Two rounds will be played on Saturday and one on Sunday. Also on Sunday, there will be an awards ceremony to congratulate all the contestants and honor the winners with cash prizes. Additional prizes will be awarded. Entrance fee is $30 or $35 the morning of the tournament. A portion of the entry fee plus bonus ball money will be donated to the Jimmy Fund/UConn Children Cancer Fund. All ages are welcome to play and spectators are encouraged to attend. For more information and pre- registration call 860-6770118, stop by, or visit www.farmingtonminiaturegolf.com. Numbers sought for phone book The Canton Lions are taking over the Little Red Phone Book from the North Canton Volunteer Fire Association. The book draws phone numbers from AT&T listings. Those who do not use AT&T for landline service and want their number listed need to complete a form on the Lions website at www. cantonctlions.org/little _red_phonebook/RedBook-Errors_and_Omissions_Form.pdf. There is no charge for the change or for the Red Book. ‘For the love of the game’ Libraries to provide career services for patrons Courtesy photo The AHS baseball team and the AHS Booster Club recently teamed up for a ‘love of the game.’ This series was created by Booster Club President, Maria Mascoli, who believes athletes of all abilities should have the opportunity to play sports with their own peers on home turf. Farmington musicians receive scholarships Farmington Friends of Music and the Alexander Franklin Foundation recently awarded scholarships to FHS musicians. The Franklin Foundation awards two scholarships to graduating seniors each year at Farmington High School. The recipients this year are Benjamin Johnston and Chirag Sikka. Both candidates exemplify the qualities necessary for the Alexander Franklin Scholarship, which are scholarship, leadership and involvement in music and sports. This fall, Sikka attends the University of North Carolina and Johnston attends the University of Maryland. Farmington Friends of Music is a nonprofit organization that supports music in the schools. Recently, the following students received scholarships from the organization: Benjamin Aube, Katie Byrne, Sarah Tritman, and Tricia Wong. Each recipient plans to pursue music as a career in the future. Aube and Wong will attend the University of Connecticut as music education majors. Tritman will attend the University of Vermont with a double major in music and sociology. Byrne is a rising senior at FHS who completed a capstone project as a junior in music education. The Simsbury Public Library is pleased to announce that Jenna Mayotte, business resource center coordinator, has received the designation of Career Development Facilitator from the National Career Development Association. Mayotte was elected to represent the Connecticut Library Association for a national training program designed with emphasis on the role of the librarian in helping those within their local communities who may be seeking assistance with job searches. By offering this innovative training to those in state chapters, participants are now able to assist peers within their state associations, as well as those within their communities. The chapter representatives met for two days of training prior to the American Library Association 2015 Midwinter Meeting in Chicago. The training proceeded with 14 weeks of virtual sessions and assignments. The training included information on assessment and coaching methods critical to helping individuals explore their career options. When someone is out of work via corporate downsizing, personal life circumstances, or just looking to make a career change, working with a career coach can assist them find meaningful work. “Providing resources to job-seekers has been a priority in our Business Resource Center for years. This training will allow Jenna to expand on those services and offer significant value for our community members in a time of need,” said Lisa Karim, library director at Simsbury library. For more information about career services at Simsbury Public Library, please contact Jenna Mayotte, Business Resource Center Coordinator at 860-658-7663. Courtesy photo Pictured above, from the YMCA, are Brian Liss (seated) and Scott Woodaman. Simsbury First Selectman Lisa Heavner observes Horizons students during the recent open house. Horizons students and teachers shine at open house Simsbury First Selectman Lisa Heavner, representatives from the Farmington Valley YMCA and others attended an Open House for Horizons at The Ethel Walker School Tuesday, July 28. Attendees visited classes, including a high-energy dance class, and viewed student artwork. Twenty-nine girls from Hartford public schools attend the six-week summer academic and cultural enrichment program, which is the nation’s first all-girls Horizons program. Farmington Valley YMCA provided swim lessons to the students five days a week for the entire six weeks. August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 9 Arts & Events At the Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St., Hartford: • Summer Sizzle: “The Apartment” Aug. 14, 5 p.m., music and dinner at 5 p.m. followed by movie at 8:15 p.m., in Gengras Courtyard, music with Matt DeChamplain and Matt Dwonszyk, $9/$8/$7 (does not include dinner purchase) • “In Order of Disappearance” Aug. 15 at 4 and 7 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m., starring Stellan Skarskgard, $9/$8/$7 • Mark Bradford / MATRIX 172 thru Sept. 6, site-specific wall drawing • Peter Blume: Nature and Metamorphosis thru Sept. 20, exhibition on influential modernist painter • Aspects of Portraiture: Photographs from the Wadsworth Atheneum thru Nov. 15, featuring nearly 50 examples of photographic portraits in a variety of styles At Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville: Friday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m., movie night: “The Wrecking Crew”; Saturday. Aug. 15, 8 p.m., Comedy Night: Tom Daddario with Vinnie Nardiello and John Poveromo; Thursday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Rick Estrin & the Nightcats • Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29, hourly tours 6-9 p.m., $22 At Infinity Music Hall and Bistro 20 Greenwoods Road North, Norfolk, 860-542-5531: Aug. 14, 8 p.m. Charlie Musselwhite; Aug. 15, 8 p.m., The New Review with special guest The Funky Dawgz Brass Band 32 Front St., Hartford: Aug. 14, 8 p.m., Introduction to Chicago – celebrating the music of Chicago; Aug. 15, 8 p.m., Atlanta Rhythm Section; Aug. 16, 1:30 p.m., Bob McArthur as Elvis Presley; Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Galactic with Erica Falls; Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Free Film Festival: “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” 2015 Virtuosi Summer Music Institute and Festival 860-325-2826, www.institute.thevirtuosi.org • Concerto Competition Friday, Aug. 14, noon, Tunxis Community College, Farmington • Piano Recital Saturday, Aug. 15, 5:15 p.m., Cyril & Methodius Church, Hartford • Faculty Chamber Music Concert Saturday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., Cyril & Methodius Church, Hartford • Faculty Concert: Israeli Music by Batia Steinbock, Eckert Lorenzen and Friends Sunday, Aug. 16, 5 p.m., Beth El Temple, West Hartford • Piano Recital Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m., Tunxis Community College, Farmington • Orchestra Concert Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m., includes a world premiere of a commission by Jonathan Kane, Tunxis Community College, Farmington At the Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, 860-280-3130: • National Theatre of the Deaf performs “The Experience of the McWilliamses” Sunday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., $10 • Mozart’s opera “Cosu fan Tutte” Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m., suggested donation of $20, Tunxis Community College Little Theatre of Manchester’s “Barefoot in the Park” Aug. 1416, 21-23, 28-30, Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., tickets $19-$24, call 860-647-9824, directed by Michael Forgetta of Simsbury Auditions for “The Rocky Horror Show” Aug. 16 and 17, 6-9 p.m., Trinity-on-Main Performance Center, 69 Main St., New Britain, production to take place Oct. 16-31, contact [email protected] for more information Sunken Garden Poetry Festival: CT Young Poet’s Day Wednesday, Aug. 19, Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington, gates open at 4:30 p.m., Fresh Voices and student poetry reading begin at 5 p.m., followed by music and readings by headlining poets Natalie Diaz and Aja Monet, $12 advance/$15 at gate Summer Concert Series in Elizabeth Park: Nifty Fifties Thursday, Aug. 20, 6:30-8 p.m., Rose Garden Lawn, concert in Pond House Hall if it rains Bipolar Jukebox featuring Andre Balazs at the Crown & Hammer, 3 Depot St., Collinsville, Friday, Aug. 21, starting at 9:30 p.m. Auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof” to be performed at the Mandell JCC, 333 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, Sept. 1 and 2 by appointment only, shows will be Dec. 3-12, book an audition time at www. mandelljcc.org or 860-236-4571 Open string auditions for Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra for its 35th season, contact music director Jonathan Brennand at [email protected] if interested At the Library Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, 860-673-9712, www.avonctlibrary.info: • Foodie film Fridays, 1:30-4 p.m.: Aug. 14, “Chef” • Teen Summer Reading Prize Auction Friday, Aug. 14, 2-3:30 p.m., bring loot to bid, grades 7-12 • Monday Morning Book Club Aug. 19, 10-11 a.m., discussing “Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes, drop in • Computer Classes with the Uberbots: Google Services Monday, Aug. 19, 3:30-5 p.m. • Farmers Market Monday, Aug. 17, 4-7 p.m. Burlington Library, 34 Library Lane, 860-673-3331, www.Burlingtonctlibrary.info: • Hero Art – Craft Corner Friday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon, ages 2 and up, drop in • Rhythm & Rhyme Story Time Friday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. • Read to Crosby Tuesday, Aug. 18, 3-4 p.m., ages 4 and up, read to Australian Labradoodle, register Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave., 860-693-5800: www.cantonpubliclibrary.org, beginning Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., closed Sundays • Movies on the Big Screen Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., ages 6 and up: • Super Geek Club: A Beginners Guide to Rube Goldberg Machines Friday, Aug. 14, 3-4:30 p.m. • Pool Party & Dunk Tank at Mills Pond Pool Monday, Aug. 17, 6-8 p.m., entering grades 1-7 who have earned their summer reading bracelet • Fifth Annual Tween-Teen LockIn Movie Event Wedneday, Aug. 19, 7:45-11 p.m., vote to choose film, register, grades 5 and up • Adult Film Series: “The Theory of Everything” Friday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m. • Books/DVD donations for book sale in September during library hours thru Aug. 29 Barney Library, 71 Main St., Farmington Library, • Midsomer Murders Thursday, Aug. 20, 1-2:30 p.m., register, served with tea and biscuits 6 Monteith Drive, 860-673-6791, ext. 1, www.farmingtonlibraries.org: • Afternoon at the Bijou Thursdays, 2 p.m.: “All That Heaven Allows” Thursday, Aug. 20, 2-5 p.m. • Farmers Market Fridays, Aug. 14 and 21, 2-5 p.m. • August Film Festival 3-5 p.m.: Monday, Aug. 17 “Boxtrolls”; Tuesday, Aug. 18 “Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast”; Wednesday, Aug. 19, “Cinderella”; and Aug. 20, “Spongebob: Sponge Out of Water” • Explore Living on the Moon & Robotics Monday, Aug. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., for families, register • Social Media 101 Up & Running with Pinterest Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 19, 10-11:30 a.m. 860-673-6791, ext. 2 Granby Library, 15 North Granby Rd., 860-844-5275: • Crafternoon for Kids Thursdays, Aug. 13 and 20, 1 p.m. • We Love LEGOS Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., 860-658-7663: • Sit & Stitch Needlework Group Friday, Aug. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m., drop in • Friday Flicks 1-3 p.m.: Aug. 14, “The Alamo” and Aug. 21, “The Searchers” Download to Kindle – Small Group Instruction Tuesday, Aug. 18 or 23, or Wednesday, Aug. 19 or 26, 1-2 or 2-3 p.m., register • SPL at the Farmers Market Thursday, Aug. 20, 3-6 p.m. • Books wanted for September Used Book Sale, collection site at library thru Aug, 29 Teen programs • Babysitting Class Aug. 18-20, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., grades 4 and up, register • Free Full-Length Practice SAT Exam Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1-5:30 p.m., sophomores and juniors, register Children’s programs • Pool Party Sunday, Aug. 16, 6:157:30 p.m., at Simsbury Farms, gel bracelet is ticket to the party (for readers only) • Talent Show Family Event Monday, Aug. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. Family Movie Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., “Honey I Shrunk the Kids,” drop in Read all of our Community Publications online at TurleyCT.com The West Hartford Press • The Valley Press Valley Life • West Hartford Life • Rocky Hill Life Wethersfield Life • Glastonbury Life • Newington Life 10 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 check it out AVON––––––––––––– CANTON–––––––––– Sew Thankful Quilters making Quilts of Valor for service people touched by war, Aug. 13, 6-9 p.m., at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St., drop in At the Canton Senior Center, 40 Dyer Ave., 860-693-5811: • Canton Community Café open every Wednesday and Friday, suggested donation for 60+ $2.50, $4.50 for others, pre-register by noon the day before at 860-693-5811 • Wii BowlingTeam every Monday at 1 p.m., Wednesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 9 a.m. • Holistic Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain – A Different Approach Wednesday, Aug. 19, 12:45 p.m. • Learn How to Self-Manage Your Diabetes workshop Thursdays, Aug. 20-Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., register • Polkafest trip Thursday, Aug. 20, $95, departure time TBA • Commodity Supplemental Food Program for residents age 60+, if interested in program and fit income guidelines call Claire Cote Vacation Bible Camp: G-Force Adventure Camp Aug. 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon, United Methodist Church, 687 West Avon Road, all children age 3 to grade five welcome, preregister at avonunitedmethodist. com or 860-673-2111 NAMI Family Support Group Monday, Aug. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., at Valley Community Baptist Church, Room 208, 590 West Avon Road, free, info at 860-620-7717 Boy Scout Troop 274’s Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony for Jack Kostal and Frank Campanelli Friday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, open to the public Summer worship at Avon congregations: in August worship at the Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St., with the ministers, the Rev. Martha Chenault and the Rev. Brian Hardee, alternating leading the worship 35th annual Lobsterfest celebration Friday, Aug. 21, 6-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 22, noon-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 23, noon-4 p.m. or until sold out; music on Friday from The Johnny Larson Band with Carolyn Rae, Saturday includes music by Mighty Soul Drivers, Touch-a-Truck, face painting and balloon animals, $20 includes one full lobster and sides Avon historic sites open every Sunday through September from 2-4 p.m. for tourist season – Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris St., and Derrin Farmhouse, 249 West Avon Road Farmers Market vouchers for Canton residents either 60 years or older, or younger than 60 and permanently disabled, living in subsidized housing – informational sessions Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-noon thru Aug. 26 at the Community Center with Claire Cote to qualify for vouchers (860-693-5811) Tuesday Crafters meeting weekly on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St., on drop-in basis, simple sewing and knitting projects BURLINGTON––––––– Mills Pond Pool open thru Labor Day, Sept. 7, pool memberships and daily passes available at the pool, daily fees $5 residents/$7 non-residents Burlington Parks & Rec programs at www.burlingtonctparksandrec.com: Kickbox Combo Mondays and Wednesdays thru Aug. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m., walk-ins $10 per class; Fitness Mix – evenings Tuesdays and Thursdays, thru Aug. 27, 6:15-7:15 p.m., fee $10 The Paper Store participating in “Strike Out Cancer” campaign to support the Jimmy Fund, customers can donate and hang a pin-up with their name on it in the store, thru Aug. 16, 110 Albany Turnpike, in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley Stuff a Truck event to benefit the Food Pantry Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., town hall To submit an event for the calendar, e-mail Sally at [email protected] Calling all crafters for the Canton Holiday Craft Fair Nov. 21 at Canton High School, contact Tammie Coffey at [email protected] FARMINGTON–––––– Farmington Bank Community Concert featuring Simply Swing, a 10-piece orchestra, Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m., at the Unionville Gazebo At the UConn Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave.: • Free Hospital Maternity Tours Saturday, Aug. 15, 2:30-3:30 p.m., main lobby, 800535-6232 • Celiac Disease Nutrition Class Monday, Aug. 17, 8-9 a.m., Outpatient Pavilion, $20, 860-679-7692 • Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors Monday, Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m., fourth floor of Outpatient Pavilion, 800227-2345 • Free IVF Information Session Thursday, Aug. 20, 6-8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 880-679-4580 • Infertility Peer Support Group Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m., 2 Batterson Park Road, 860-523-8337 At the Stanley Whitman House, 37 High St., 860-677-9222: • Make Your Own Soap Wednesday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, for children 8 years and up, $10 – learn about traditional soap making while crafting one’s own soap to take home Events at Farmington Senior Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville, 850675-2490, ext. 3: Book Club Thursday, Aug. 20, 1 p.m., discussing “Lucky Us” by Amy Bloom; last day to sign up for Qigong and Tai Chi is Thursday, Aug. 20; Pickleball Tuesdays and Fridays, 1:30 p.m.; Bridge Tuesdays 1-3 p.m. Five Corners Thrift Shop at First Church of Christ, 61 Main St., Unionville, super summer clothing sale, most summer clothing $1, hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. GRANBY–––––––––– Granby Senior Center, 15 North Granby Road, 860-844-5352 • Taste of the Valley trip: Lost Acres Orchards Monday, Aug. 17, reservations at noon, $3 for ride • Medicare 101 Thursday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m., presented by American Senior Benefits • Trip to Nathan Hale Homestead Friday, Aug. 21, departing at 10 a.m., cost $9 At Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 at Lost Acres Road, North Granby, 860-324-9481: • Music by Allison McCann Saturday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., tickets $15; music by Legacy Jazz Sunday, Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m. • Avis and Lou Cherichetti Art Show thru Sunday, Aug. 16 SIMSBURY–––––––– At the Simsbury Senior Center, Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St., 860658-3273: • Lunch Café at Eno Friday Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-noon, beef noodle soup, oven roasted chicken and seafood salad sandwich, $2/ sandwich, $2/soup • Casino Trip to Mohegan Sun Monday, Aug. 17, departing at 8:30 a.m., $23 in advance, $30 day of • Massage Wednesday, Aug. 19, appts. starting at 10 a.m., $10 • Lunch at Eno Wednesday, Aug. 19, noon, BBQ beef brisket, $3/$4, sign up the Friday before by noon • Investment Club Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2-4 p.m., drop in • Monday Supper Aug. 24, 5 p.m., baked potato bar, $3, register no later than Aug. 20 • Bocce on the new bocce court Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (weather permitting) • Pickleball at Simsbury Farms Ice Rink Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m., thru October At the Simsbury Free Library, 749 Hopmeadow St., 860-408-1336: • New exhibit: George L. Hall’s WWI Letters Home written between Aug. 11, 1917 and Oct. 21, 1918 • Pinchot Sycamore Art Contest for children and teens living or attending school in Simsbury, info at Simsburyfreelibrary. org or 860-408-1336 • Art on the Hill series featuring the work of visual storyteller Devin Febbroriello on display thru Aug. 31 Simsbury Beautification Committee annual meeting Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m.1 p.m., in large meeting room on lower level of Simsbury Library, bring lunch, newcomers welcome (860-651-0710) Lunch at the Loft: All Things Tomatoes and Corn – Summer’s Bounty Tuesday, Aug. 18, noon-1:30 p.m., The Loft at Millwright’s Restaurant, 77 West St., $40 per person, call 860-651-5500 by Aug. 14 to purchase tickets Chamber of Commerce Fun Run/Walk of 3-5 miles at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, meeting and ending at Red Stone Pub, 10 Jim Gallagher Way Dog Days of Summer free hot dog suppers Mondays thru Aug. 17, 5-6:30 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7 Wescott Road, 860-6580583 – hot dogs, chips, fruit and veggies, beverage and dessert VALLEY & beyond––– Shabbat Under the Stars Friday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m., at Stratton Brook Park, West Simsbury, bring a picnic Shabbat dinner, dinner follows the service in the picnic grove, at the Temple in case of inclement weather At the Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, 860-6781867: • Painting Nature with Wet Felting Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., taught by Elena Gibson, $45 plus $20 for materials paid to instructor Eighth Annual Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Myles V. Gosselin Foundation Monday, Aug. 17 at Farmington Woods Golf Course, 43 Heritage Drive, Avon, $165 single, $660 foursome, make checks payable to Myles V. Gosselin Foundation, and send to Farmington Bank, 253 Spielman Highway, Burlington, 06013 SUMMER SALE REUPHOLSTER a SOFA or 2 CHAIRS for 529* $ *Plus the cost of our fabric 10% OFF ALL FABRICS *Previous orders do not apply. Must present coupon at time of order. Old Lyme 860-434-4242 Hartford Toll Free 860-244-3475 877-688-3475 Family owned & operated showroom & workroom since 1929 *Previous orders do not apply. Only applies with purchase of our fabric. Showroom & Workroom 3324 Main Street, Hartford, CT www.ehrlichdecorating.com Not Affiliated With Ehrlich Interiors in Farmington FINDING GUIDANCE DURING A DIFFICULT TIME IS COMFORTING. Reupholstery • Slipcovers • Fabric • Furniture • Custom Window Treatments • Wallpaper • Flooring Reupholstery • Slipcovers • Fabric • Furniture • Custom Window Treatments • Wallpaper • Flooring Reupholstery • Slipcovers • Fabric • Furniture • Custom Window Treatments • Wallpaper • Flooring That’s Why People Turn To Us. carmon community Funeral Homes Funerals • Cremation • PrePlanning In avon In Granby 301 Country Club Road 860.673.8610 364 Salmon Brook Street 860.653.6637 Family Owned & Operated John C. Carmon ● Frank W. Carmon, IV John C. “Jay” Carmon ● Matthew R. Carmon www.carmonfuneralhome.com August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 11 PRESSOPINION Letter to the EDITOR Decision shows lack of transparency To the editor: L.A. Vaillancourt-Pugsley Avon resident PRESS VALLEY The Avon Board of Education has recently made decisions about the mental health needs of students by replacing social workers with school psychologists. The basis of that decision has not been justified or transparent. For example, the chairperson of the board has said that she was told by a “school administrator” somewhere in the area that the proposed change is “progressive.” However, she has not revealed the source or basis of the “progressive” nature of that claim, nor has it been revealed by any member of the board, which does not have an educator or mental health professional among its members. Nevertheless, at a special meeting of the board of education July 1, psychologists, a high school administrator, psychiatrists, a school counselor and, most importantly, students seen by social workers, spoke up and decried the decision to replace social workers with school psychologists. Not one speaker advocated the change. In addition, professional agencies aligned with social workers and school psychologists to include the Sandy Hook Commission, noted that the best practice procedure was to utilize social workers and school psychologists; each in their complementary roles. Despite all of this, the board declined to reverse its’ decision. In response to this uninformed intransigence, the community took up a petition of “No Confidence” which now has over six hundred signatures and counting.. 540 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 Phone: 860-651-4700 Fax: 860 606-9599 EDITORIAL www.TurleyCT.com Community gardens grow great things Community gardens are wonderful places for a little health and wellness to grow and flourish. These local, horticultural offerings should be celebrated and utilized by all types of people as the benefits are varied and many. While the obvious perk to taking up space in a community garden plot is the healthy, fresh produce planted and grown by one’s own hands, free of chemicals and far-away harvesting followed by transportation, there are also benefits for the mind. Numerous studies have shown that gardening can ease stress, serving as a hobby that quiets the mind and offers a sense of peace that comes from working in nature. Gardening is also a means to the end of staying limber and active. Tilling the soil and digging deep into the earth can boost one’s mood while the colorful harvest can boost one’s appetite. For those who don’t have acreage around their home in which to plant a backyard garden, com- munity gardens are a unique opportunity to claim a space in which to plant some crops. Those who have room for a backyard garden should certainly consider starting one, though the social benefits of buying into a community space are worth keeping in mind. Gardening, in and of itself, builds a sense of camaraderie among those honing their skills, often willing to trade squash for tomatoes or peppers. Taking part in a community or backyard garden is also a way to teach younger generations about living off the land and the benefits it can have both for the belly and the budget as well as the earth. Gardening provides a renewable and sustainable food source within one’s own control. It’s fun and fresh and an excellent way to spend a few hours during the summer season. Community gardens are placed to be celebrated from which good things are always growing. Letter to the EDITOR I am writing to inquire about the article written last week titled, “Parents Circulate Statement of ‘No Confidence’,” which discusses the petition against Superintendent Gary Mala and Peggy Roell, chair of the Board of Education. The article does a good job shedding light on the petition which continues to circulate around the community, and has grown to over 600 signatures. While I agree with many of the points discussed in the article, there are a few additional topics I would like to address. First, the article does not mention one of the most important components of the petition, which is the decline in Avon High School’s rankings. Avon High School has dropped in state and national rankings below that of the other Farmington Valley high schools since Mr. Mala’s tenure. In fact, in the most recent issue of US News & World Report Best High Schools Edition, the magazine 12 The Valley Press ranked Avon High School as 22nd best in Connecticut behind 19th ranked Canton,10th ranked Farmington, 6th ranked Simsbury, and 4th and 12th ranked West Hartford (West Hartford has two high schools). We need to acknowledge the fact that there is a direct correlation between a town’s reputation and its public schools. This is a problem that negatively affects our entire community. Property values depreciate, houses sit on the market, and people with young children will choose to move to neighboring towns with higher ranking school systems. In the article, Mr. Mala is quoted as saying, “We’re having those conversations: what’s best for our students. We’re reexamining the decision that was put forward.” If the administration truly cared about what was best for the students, they would have: Given the community an opportunity to provide input during the decision-making that led to the elimina- August 13, 2015 tion of all school social workers; Realized that the decision to eliminate the social workers does not reflect long recognized best practices that address how to support the mental well-being of our students and community; Followed best practices like all the other school districts in the Farmington Valley and similar socio-economic districts who continue to have social workers working in their schools; Acknowledged the opinions of professional mental health providers who were all opposed to the decision to eliminate social workers; Provided a full, transparent explanation for their decision to compromise the mental health support services resulting from the elimination of the social workers. Also in the article, Kelly Grant is quoted as saying that in order to meet the needs for SRBI interventions “someone needs to perform interventions with students and their families and sit in classrooms to observe.” This is what School Social Work- Delivering local news, sports, entertainment and more to the Farmington Valley community Keith Turley Publisher Abigail Albair Editor [email protected] David Heuschkel Sports Editor We must do what is right for the town of Avon To the editor: The Valley Press is a publication of TurleyCT Community Publications ers do everyday. What then, can interventionists do that social workers cannot? Ms. Grant also states in the article that she went to a workshop in Atlantic City which focused on the multitiered approach, claiming that “this is the way the nation is going.” I would like to see proof of her claim since ridding the district of social workers is inconsistent with the State’s Sandy Hook Advisory Commission’s recommendations regarding the need for social workers. We have wonderful teachers and students here here in Avon and we need to do everything in our power as parents, concerned citizens, and tax payers to make sure that their needs are being met. We must stand up for what is right and challenge our administration to operate in a more honest, communicative, transparent manner which honors, acknowledges and respects the voices its constituents. Jamie Scarlett Avon resident Melissa Friedman Advertising Director 860-978-1345 [email protected] Barbara Ouellette Classified Sales [email protected] FIND US ON PRESSBUSINESS Courtesy photo A group gathers for the ribbon cutting event outside Culteavo Tea Shop in Unionville. Left to right: Claudio Schutz, Viviana Pinhasi and son Guido Schutz at the grand opening Culteavo Tea Shop opens in Unionville By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer Unionville’s Culteavo Tea Shop, which opened July 4, provides a unique alternative for those looking for a change of pace from standard chain coffee shops. Located in the restored brick factory building at 29 Mill St. along the Farmington River, Culteavo is a 1,000-square-foot-space that specializes in loose-leaf teas and blends, along with a variety of tea-infused food, such as fine chocolates and locally baked gourmet pastries, as well as tea-centered gift baskets and tea accessories. Customers can sample different teas at the tea tasting bar, take a cup – hot or iced – togo, or sit down and enjoy at their own pace. “Our goal is to be a destination store for visitors and a resource for locals, providing a space to explore, enjoy, gather knowledge and develop appreciation for the fascinating world of tea,” owner Viviana Pinhasi, a U.S. citizen who is originally from Argentina, said. Patrons can take in a cup of hot ($2) or iced tea ($3) either to go or to lounge inside or outside the shop. In addition, people can snack on several sweet treats, including gourmet cookies ($3.50), alfies ($3.50), vegan chocolate truffles ($2), and caveman paleo cookies ($1). There are plans to also add sandwiches to the menu. On the bar, there is a selection of crystalized, flavored sugars – rose, hibiscus, fennel, basil mint – to add to the tea. In addition, customers may also buy 70 varieties of teas (white, oolong, black and green) and blends (rooidoos, fruits and herbal) to brew at home. Prices range from $8 to $20, with premium blends running a bit higher. Tea wares, such as spoons, filters and pots are also on sale. If the selections are a bit diverse, or telling the difference between oolong and black teas seems a bit overwhelming, Pinhasi is a certified tea sommelier and tea blender, ready to provide information on everything she sells. Culteavo also features a selection of fair trade teas from Nepal and Kenya, as well as products from Ten Thousand Villages. Proceeds from the sale of those products go directly back to the artisans and farmers, Pinhasi said. “We seek to provide customers with a tea discovery experience that incorporates culture, community, wellness, awareness, and awakening of the senses,” said Pinhasi, who is also a yoga instructor and wellness advocate. The store will also regularly host social, culinary and educational events with a special focus on community involvement. About 20 people attended a ribbon-cutting with the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Aug. 6 to commemorate the tea shop’s official grand opening. Culteavo is part of a Unionville renaissance that has seen the arrival of Scene Art Bar, Cure restaurant and Amped Fitness, among others. “On behalf of the town of Unionville and Farmington, this is almost a dream come true to be able to see this building now,” Farmington Economic Development Director Rose Ponte said. “When I was newly hired, I looked at this building and it was a very cold, rainy afternoon and the building looked terrible. It was open and blighted for many years.” Pinhasi said she was equally excited about the shop’s opening and location. “We are really thrilled about our location inside and out,” Pinhasi said. “The rich history and the true-to-itsroots restoration of this 1860 brick building with inner post and beam structure is a wonderful stage for our tea shop, along with an art gallery, an art bar and other new boutique shops in our neighborhood. Unionville center is becoming a great destination to shop, eat and stroll by the Farmington River, all within walking distance.” Town Councilor Meredith Trimble, who attended the ribbon cutting, said that she was thrilled with the continued development of the area. “It’s extremely exciting,” she said. “Unionville is on the verge of the vitality we’ve always looked forward to, and the Town Council has the economic development of Unionville as one of its strategic priorities.” Culteavo is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays. Senior Signals By Stephen Allaire THE CRITICAL DOCUMENTS Not a day goes by without people asking what they need for documents. The answer is, at a minimum, everyone needs a Durable Power of Attorney, a Living Will, a HIPAA form, and a Will. A more complete answer follows. The power of attorney is needed in case the person making it becomes incapacitated and can no longer handle his financial matters. It’s too late to do it once you are incapacitated. I still remember my older daughter’s reaction when I had her sign one as she headed off to Africa for a year as a Fulbright Scholar. “I’m only 23”, she said. And my answer was it does not matter what age you are. If you become incapacitated, or simply cannot be in contact and need to sign for some transaction, the power of attorney can handle the matter for you. Nowadays, everyone does a “durable” power of attorney, which means that it is still valid even if you no longer have your wits about you. In Connecticut, the standard power of attorney does not include health care decisions, but I still see people who have downloaded or have been given such powers of attorney and they are under the mistaken impression that the person they appointed can make medical decisions. A living will, which is also called a health care directive, is the critical document for making medical decisions, and end of life decisions, if you are unconscious, or otherwise unable to make decisions and tell your doctor what you want done. This is how you specify that you do not want extraordinary treatments if you have no hope of restoration to any kind of meaningful life. It is where you name the person you trust to carry out your wishes. I often tell people they should choose a health care representative who feels the same way as they do about end of life decisions, and who has the emotional strength to make that decision. Some children could never bring themselves to make that decision, no matter how dire and hopeless the situation. It’s important to keep in mind that the health care directive also covers regular medical decisions and not just end of life decisions. So if you are unconscious and need your appendix removed, your health care representative has the power to tell the doctor to go ahead. Along with the living will, it can be very helpful to have a separate HIPAA form (like you sign at almost every doctor’s visit) so that medical people can talk with your family if you cannot give permission. That way, if you are hospitalized, out of state children can call up and get a status report on how you are doing. The last critical document is a will. No matter what other planning a person does, whether with living trusts, joint accounts, or payable on death accounts, there is almost always something that is held in that person’s name alone. The will then insures that your assets will go to the people you want, and not go to someone based on the state laws. In the standard family setting, the state laws may accomplish what you want, but that assumes you want everything to go to your spouse, and if your spouse is deceased, to your children equally, and if they are deceased, to their children. But there may be many circumstances where that isn’t the case. For example, if a child is disabled and on a state program, it may knock that child off that program, and that would be a very bad result. So in all cases, it pays to have a will. These critical documents should be done at any age. Obviously, the older you are, the more likely they will be needed, but since we can’t predict when they will be needed, the time is now. It is quite true that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Attorney Stephen O. Allaire is a partner in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with offices at 271 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, (860) 259-1500, or on the web at www. allaireelderlaw.com. If you have a question, send a written note to Attorney Allaire at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, and he may use your question in a future column. August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 13 PRESSBUSINESS Valley Racquet fills sports need By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer the golf club since 1993, first as the assistant pro and now as the head, she has watched young children she taught grow into adults with families. When they return to the club, they invariably bring their racquets. “It’s nice to see they stayed with tennis,” she said. “Tennis is a sport for a lifetime. It’s like riding a bike almost. It’s not an easy sport but you get it back.” Since opening, the store has been doing well, the women said. Its reputation is spreading via word of mouth and many days are very busy, but, like all stores, there are ups and downs. “People are just finding out now, and it’s convenient too,” Walters said. “I’m very happy that we did this because customers come in and say, ‘I’m glad you’re here.’” Valley Racquet is a specialty store that sells racquets, shoes, clothes, grips and other products. Services it offers include re-stringing racquets. “We have a variety of equipment and services,” Linsley said. The store is located at 412 West Avon Road, on the corner of West Avon and Country Club Roads. O P O I E T N A Photo by Alison Jalbert Pictured above, b.good patrons check out the seaonal, local produce offerings indicated on a large chalkboard inside the quick service restaurant. The eatery, which features all-natural foods, held its grand opening last week in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. b.good opens in the Shoppes By Alison Jalbert Assistant Editor CANTON — The newest dining option at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley is b.good, a quick service restaurant that serves locally sourced and all-natural foods. The Canton location, next to Massage Envy in the Shoppes, celebrated its grand opening Aug. 6. It is the company’s 23rd location, according to marketing director Aubree Giarrosso, joining others in New England, North Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Founded by childhood friends Anthony Ackil and Jon Olinto, b.good’s philosophy is, “Real. Food. Fast,” emphasizing its focus on fast food made by people, not factories. Fifteen years ago, the two came up with the idea for b.good because they loved fast food but hat- ed how it made them feel, according to the company’s website. “b.good’s quick serve restaurant concept adds variety to our unique dining choices,” Denise Robidoux, general manager for The Shoppes, said in a press release. “Offering locally sourced and all-natural burgers, salads and more, b.good is a great, healthy choice for on-the-go.” Walking into the restaurant, a large chalkboard greets patrons, identifying the origin of various ingredients. Seasonal produce, for example, comes from Botticello Farms in Manchester, eggs from The Farmer’s Cow in Lebanon and ice cream from Buck’s in Milford. Shawn Marston, director of training for b.good, told The Valley Press that nothing served in the restaurant is processed, and diners can see their meal being made, as the kitchen area is visible from the dining area, separated by a wall of Plexiglas. The menu includes salads, kale and grain bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juice and burgers – beef, turkey and veggie options all available. Sides available are hand-cut, oven-baked French and sweet potato fries, as well as crisp vegetables. Whenever a new farm is sourced, Marston said representatives from b.good visit the farmer and learn more about the operation. “We’re particular about where we get things from,” he said. The Canton b.good is located at 110 Albany Turnpike, in The Shoppes at Farmington Valley. For more information, call 860-3522629 or visit www.bgood. com/canton/. ! P AVON — Valley Racquet isn’t all about tennis. It’s about paddle tennis, squash and pickleball, too. The store, which opened in Avon June 1, fills a need, according to owners Sara Linsley and Cristina Walters. There used to be a store called Perfect Racquet on Route 44 in town but that closed, and with so many locals into tennis and other racquet sports, there was a hole. “We have a huge tennis and squash and paddle tennis [ following] in the area,” Walters said. “There’s a lot of demand for racquets, for repairs, for everything.” She should know; she spent all day Friday, June 31 re-stringing racquets, one of the services offered at the store. By the end of the day, she said she was fried. “That’s why we decided to open the Valley Racquet,” she said. “There’s no place around to string the racquets.” For Linsey, all of that is true, but she had an additional reason to go into business. “[It’s] just time for me to do something. I’m kind of empty nesting,” she said. Both women are also avid tennis players and said they have played their whole lives. Linsley has competed in United States Tennis Association leagues. “I like the sport. I like tennis, actually love [it]. I enjoy the people on the teams that you meet and play with,” she said. She’s not so into squash or paddle tennis, but her son plays squash, Linsley said. Walters is the head tennis pro at the Golf Club of Avon and teaches tennis at various clubs in the Farmington Valley. “I played tennis all my life. I started playing tennis when I was 9. I’m 48,” she said. “I’m active. It’s tennis, it’s paddle or personal training. I just love to play tennis. I love the sport.” A native of Brazil, where she played tennis in the junior ranks, Walters came to the United States in 1990. She had just graduated college and had a friend in Connecticut that invited her for a visit, but she ended up staying. Teaching tennis is something she truly enjoys, especially to children. “I love to get people involved with tennis,” she said. Since she has been at PATIO OPEN! Let’s meet at the Employee Benefits | Insurance | Financial Services Fish House www.SaybrookFishHouseCanton.com The Intersection of 44, 202 & 179 TurleyCT Community Publications Life Publications The Valley Press The West Hartford Press To advertise call 860-651-4700 • TurleyCT.com 14 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 • MINI GOLF NOW OPEN ACROSS THE STREET • OF CANTON est. 1978 Reserv. Accepted: 860.693.0034 • Open 7 Days & 7 Nights Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-4 • Sat. 12-4 Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 4-9 • Fri. & Sat. 4-9:30 • Sun. 12-8 PRESSBUSINESS Should investors be concerned about the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates? The Federal Reserve has telegraphed its intention to raise short term interest rates this John W. Eckel year, which has made some investors nervous. Rising interest rates tend to create a headwind for both bond and stock returns, since it causes bond prices to decline, creates additional interest expense for corporations and may result in higher mortgage rates for consumers. Yet interest rates are at a historic low and the Fed has clearly communicated its intent to raise rates slowly and in very small increments, so many market analysts believe that any affect on the financial markets will be nearly imperceptible. The good news When the Fed raises interest rates it is an indication that the economy is gaining steam and that the Fed is growing concerned it might overheat and create inflation. While economic growth has been disappointingly low, it appears that the Fed views the economy as a recovering patient who can now be weaned off low rates. Since interest rates are at such historic lows it will be a long time before the current 0.25 percent “federal funds” rate returns to its historic 6 percent average. Further, in the past when the Fed began raising interest rates slowly, on average, the stock market provided good returns over the next year. As a result, it is reasonable to view the Feds initial interest rate increase and their intention to return to a sense of normalcy as good news. It is too early to declare victory. In spite of tremendous efforts by the Fed to spur economic recovery via historically low interest rates, U.S. economic growth has been extremely disappointing. Since interest rates had been depressed to such historically low levels, it is difficult to understand why the economy is not growing faster, and what can be done to improve it. U.S. technology and entrepreneurial spirit is the envy of many nations. Developments of the iPad, iPhone, 3D printing, advances in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, semi-conductors and advances in “quantum computers” have all kept the U.S. in the lead. Yet economic growth is slow and many economists are pointing to possible culprits such as high government spending and increased taxation, which is taking money out of the hands of consumers and entrepreneurs and giving it to an inefficient government. Also, an increasing regulatory burden in many industries is creating obstacles and added expense for entrepreneurs and businesses, and an overly complex tax code makes any rational planning a nightmare. In essence, the government itself may be one of the causes of the slow economic recovery. Maintaining sound investment practices and keeping an eye on Washington As long as the Fed continues to signal that interest rates will rise slowly, don’t spend much time dwelling on what they might do. Rather, focus on sound investment practices, such as not “chasing” an investment that has already risen in price but rather purchasing investments that are attractively priced and may have declined in value. Investors should also keep an eye on Washington to identify any potential changes to tax policy, government spending and regulation which may either encourage or discourage U.S. entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. Just as higher taxes, increased government spending and regulation present an obstacle to economic growth and a headwind for investors, the reverse would be a benefit to economic growth, corporate profits and investors. John W. Eckel, CFP, CFA This article is intended to be general in nature and not intended to be comprehensive nor a substitute for personal tax advice. John W. Eckel, CFP, CFA is President of Pinnacle Investment Management Inc. of Simsbury. He has been included in BusinessWeek.com’s list of the Most Experienced Independent Financial Advisors, has been named four times to Worth Magazine’s list of Top Financial Advisors, included twice in Medical Economics list of Top Financial Advisors for Doctors and named twice in JK Lasers list of Top Professional Advisors for Baby Boomers. John Eckel can be reached in Simsbury at 860651-1716 or at [email protected] for comments or questions. For additional information about Pinnacle Investment Management Inc., you can visit our website at www.Pinnacle-Investment. com. People on the move Stephen J. Dunn to lead The Ethel Walker School as Interim Head Stephen J. Dunn will serve as Interim Head of The Ethel Walker School for the 2015-16 school year. He succeeds Elizabeth “Bessie” Speers, who served as Head of School from 2007 through June 30. Most recently, Dunn served as Walker’s Assistant Head of School. He came to the school in 2007 from The Brookside Group in Acton, Mass., where he was chief technical officer. Prior to that he was chief operations officer for Healthcommunities.com. Preceding his work in the business realm, Dunn spent 10 years as a student affairs administrator at Texas A&M University, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education. “We are fortunate to have Stephen leading The Ethel Walker School during a time of transformational change,” said board chair Stuart M. Bell. “Walker’s is making significant investments in our curriculum and campus to ensure that the school continues to provide young women with the most relevant education possible, as we prepare them to learn and lead in a changing world. Stephen’s extensive experience and vision for the School will serve us well in the year ahead.” During his tenure at The Ethel Walker School, Dunn has led a curricular advancement initiative that focuses on experiential and skill-based learning, an effort which received a sizable grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation in 2013. During his tenure at Walker’s, he has worked broadly across the campus, including technology, admission, development and academics. He has served on the boards of the Community Farm of Simsbury and Gifts of Love in Avon. Dunn lives on campus with his partner, Dr. Sheri Lyn Schmidt, Walker’s Director of Equity and Social Justice, and their son, Jason. Business-friendly space at the Simsbury library Businesses may use the facilities of the Simsbury Public Library for both their training needs and to conduct free seminars. Several rooms, with capacity ranging between 12 and 120 people, are available to rent. The large program room gives businesses the ability to do a presentation in a spacious, modern and well-equipped facility. The smaller rooms are excellent for small group seminars. According to one local business manager, “The space is very large and creates an environment that is conducive to educational programming. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We August 13, 2015 typically teach a classroom size of 25 employees for an all-day event on a variety of topics. We have conducted a total of 18 professional training sessions in the last year.” For more information, application forms, and room capacities and fees, visit www.simsburylibrary.info or call 860-658-7663, ext. 2200. The Valley Press 15 COMING SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 AT 7PM 68 M ain Street 489. 7180 T orrington, C T | 860. www. w arnertheatre. org RICKY BYRD'S CLEAN GETAWAY ALL STARS It’s not just a movie... it’s a movie at the Warner! Watch it on our 50 foot screen. September 19 8 PM SCARY! Nancy Marine Studio Theatre At The Warner Theatre Chiller Films Presents THE BOY AUG 15 B Liberty K aronso enny A 3PM AUG 22 AT 11 AM AUG 22 to n 7PM AT FERRIS BUELLER’S NIGHT OUT n Movie and Dance Party! AUG 21 Master Class with LINDSAY MENDEZ SPECIAL GUEST SEPT 5 BONNIE BRAMLETT AT 1PM SCOTT HELMER Torrington Thunder Bike Night SEPT 11 RICKY BYRD’S CLEAN GETAWAY ALL STARS GUEST SPEAKER Michael DeLeon An American Epidemic To Benefit The McCall Foundation SEPT 19 In The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre OPENING ACT National Recording Artists Lucinda and Michael The McCall Foundation | AT NORTHWEST IDOL Rock & Soul Legend A BENEFIT FOR AUG 16 FAMILY ARTS DAY Free Event! Devitto e Ohlman Christin MEET THE CHARACTERS! 7PM $5 THE WIZARD OF OZ rello obby To ur Andy B AT All Seats ASSASSINS SEPT 26 - OCT 4 mccall-foundation.org RByrd-36x48-Poster-bkgrnd.indd 1 8/4/15 10:01 PM MetOpera Live in HD Series VERDI’S IL TROVATORE OCT 3 INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL OCT 15-17 TAB HUNTER: CONFIDENTIAL On The Warner’s 50 Foot Screen OCT 17 AT 7PM MetOpera Live in HD Series VERDI’S OTELLO OCT 17 MetOpera Live in HD Series WAGNER’S TANNHÄUSER OCT 31 WINE TASTING To Benefit The Warner Theatre NOV 6 NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT NOV 7-15 POP ROCK & DOO WOPP LIVE NOV 21 AT 8PM SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM DEC 10-13 ROCK OF AGES FEB 6-14, 2016 In The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre LOST IN YONKERS MARCH 5-13, 2016 COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: TWO MAN GROUP APRIL 17, 2016 AT BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS MAY 7-15, 2016 SEUSSICAL 7PM JULY 30 - AUG 7, 2016 With support of 16 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 PRESSNews Kids stand up for the Farmington River Courtesy photos From day one of a weeklong Stand Up Paddle Board program at Collinsville Canoe and Kayak, it was clear that the kids ranging from ages 11-15 were special. While paddling on the Farmington River, they couldn’t help but notice the abandoned flip flop, solo cup, soda or beer can. In between water games and paddling, they began to collect what they did not want to see amongst the natural beauty of the clear river. This group of adventurous kids decided that they wanted to continue to do their part to clean up the river. One by one, they pulled up tires in the river and placed them on their boards to discard in the dumpster of the canoe and kayak store. They collaborated once again and devised a plan with rope, carabiners and a lot of teamwork. They managed to tie their paddle boards together to create a raft and paddled the tires to shore. With the help of Bob Martin, Canton’s Director of Public Works, the giant tires will be properly disposed of. By the week’s end, the kids had managed to collect quite a lot of stuff with team work, tenacity, determination and effort. Petition gathers hundreds of signatures By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer AVON — A petition of no confidence against Avon’s Superintendent of Schools and the head of the Board of Education has garnered hundreds of signatures. The statement of no confidence against Superintendent Gary Mala and Board of Education Chair Peggy Roell was started by a group of parents and community members trying to get a decision to eliminate social workers reversed. “It just passed 600,” Sarah Calatayud said in a phone call Thursday, Aug. 6. The petition was crafted and began its circulation after a public hearing July 1 in which every speaker from the public made a statement against the decision to eliminate social workers at Avon High School and replace them with school See PETITION on page 24 EDA hosting roundtable talks on brand development By Alison Jalbert Assistant Editor CANTON — Canton is seeking public input for a series of roundtable discussions to create a brand that captures the essence of town. The branding process, to be held Aug. 17 and 18, will be led by consulting firm Arnett Muldrow and Associates, who have worked with communities as diverse as Waterbury, Vt., and Sandy Hook. Robert Bessel, chairman of the Economic Development Agency, said the discussions are designed to help understand Canton and Collinsville’s unique qualities to better attract businesses and visitors. “We’re not just looking to grow,” he told The Valley Press. See ROUNDTABLE on page 23 Building bridges between PD and youth Simsbury Junior Police Academy held in Simsbury By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer SIMSBURY — Simsbury’s Junior Police Academy exposes students to police officers while introducing them to possible future careers. The academy, which took place Aug. 3-7 and was hosted by the police department, was in its 14th session, said Patrolman First Class Todd Kushman. One reason for the academy is to build relationships. “The main goal is to let us as police officers interact with kids in the community on a completely different level,” he said. Kushman, a local school resource officer, headed the academy, which was for students from fourth to eighth grade. The Valley Press caught up with the academy Aug. 6 at Central School, when the students were learning what police do on certain calls. The students spent plenty of time earlier in the day in the classroom being prepped on the appropriate procedures and had run through some mock scenarios, but the afternoon scenarios were a little bit more intense, Kushman said. “Scenarios today have been easy,” he said. “We’ll ramp up now. It isn’t always easy. People don’t always listen.” In the scenarios, the students took on the roles of responding officers while cadets and off-duty cops played law breakers or troublemakers. As part of the lesson, the students were given very little information about the situations into which they were walking, because, as Kushman explained, cops generally only get basic info when they respond to real calls. Three boys responded to a domestic dispute in a classroom set up as a college bookstore. Inside the “store,” a man and woman, played by cadets, were quarreling and the store manager, played by a cop, had called police. See PD on page 23 Capt. Nicholas Boulter observed mock scenarios Aug. 6. Photo by Sloan Brewster August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 17 RFP issued for ambulance service By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer FARMINGTON — After four years and a significant amount of time and resources invested in the issue, the town of Farmington is seeking requests for proposals for its ambulance service. “I’m excited,” Director of Fire and Rescue Services Mary-Ellen Harper said. “I feel like there are opportunities out there for Farmington to look at delivering service and reorganize the way we do things for the benefit of the residents. It’s the first time we have had the opportunity to actually explore those opportunities.” The town first looked into the issue in 2011, when Town Manager Kathy Eagen sought to improve the level of emergency medical service. The town’s providers were, and currently still are, American Medical Response for basic ambulance services and the University of Connecticut Health Center for paramedic service, which was staffing one ambulance in the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a second ambulance from Monday through Friday for eight hours a day, Eagen said. “I was interested in expanding the coverage of the second ambulance by two hours so that we could have two ambulances in town during both the morning and evening rush hours,” Eagen wrote in an email. AMR provided Eagen with a price of $63,000 for what amounted to an additional 10 hours of coverage per week, she said. “If the town of Farmington was going to spend this amount of money with a single vendor in a year, our town’s purchasing policy requires putting the service out to bid,” she said. Eagen instructed Harper and Chief of Police Paul Melanson to draft RFPs, which they said they could not do by law. “They explained to me that we couldn’t go out to bid for this service because there was only one provider that was authorized by the state of Connecticut to provide ambulance service within the town of Farmington,” Eagen said. Under that system, the state provided one ambulance provider a primary service area indefinitely; municipalities were able to appeal the assignment only in the most dire of circumstances. Eagen, Harper and Melanson met with state Department of Public Health branch chief Leonard Guercia, who said Eagen’s desire to improve the services in Farmington “was not grounds for having my present PSA holder removed.” “[Guercia] specifically advised me not to petition for a removal of the provider, since the current provider was meeting the minimum requirements for a responder as outlined in the state statutes and regulations,” Eagen said, adding that she took Guercia’s advice and did not file an appeal. “I was not allowed to do an RFP for an alternate provider and I couldn’t research regionalizing with any of my neighboring communities or providing this service with my own personnel. “When I explained that this was not good public policy, he simply replied ‘That is how the system works. If you don’t like the system, change it.’” Eagen, along with Harper and Farmington’s state legislative delegation, set about changing the law, which finally came to fruition this year. The town is currently preparing draft RFPs that were scheduled to be sent out this week. Harper said she anticipates receiving responses by September. “I am very proud that the town of Farmington and our legislative delegation were leaders in changing the laws that govern PSAs in Connecticut,” Eagen said. “The old PSA system was essentially a monopoly. Monopolies are not good government. Municipalities routinely go out to bid for proposals to determine the best way to provide a variety of services as a matter of best practices. Ambulance transport service in Connecticut is no longer an exception to that rule.” Harper noted that she was not necessarily looking to replace AMR and UConn, but simply was exploring if service can be improved for the town. “Both have done a great job for us,” Harper said. “We just want to look at all the options available and do what’s best for Farmington. We may not make a change. But, we want to do our due diligence and, until today, I couldn’t do that.” On vacation? Don’t let a problem ruin your relaxation. VALLEY FiREPLACE & STOVE, LLC 220 Albany Tpke., Canton A+ 860-693-3404 www.valleyfireplaceandstove.com SUMMER SPECIAL $1000 OFF SEPTIC SERVICE Suburban Sanitation Service • New septic systems installed and repairs of existing systems • Alternative repairs of septic systems using the non-invasive terralift or soil air techniques • Real estate inspections for home purchases • Portable restrooms for all occasions Our family has been providing prompt and courteous service since 1955 www.subsanserv.com 18 Colonial Rd., Canton, CT • 860-673-3078 • 860-693-2737 18 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 Image from simsbury-ct.gov/housing-authority The $775,580 grant will help cover the costs of site improvements at the Owen L. Murphy Apartments and a roof replacement at the Virginia Connelly Residences (above). CDBG program will help renovate housing By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer SIMSBURY — The town of Simsbury has received a grant to complete updates and renovations on local housing for senior citizens and disabled individuals. On July 30, town officials announced that the town had been identified by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein as one of 22 municipalities to be awarded a Community Development Block Grant through the Small Cities Program. The $775,580 grant will help to cover the costs of site improvements at the Owen L. Murphy Apartments and a roof replacement at the Virginia Connelly Residences. The town applied for the grant in March. The properties are managed by the town, said Housing Authority Executive Director Ed LaMontagne. The Virginia Connelly Residence has 40 units of affordable housing for senior citizens 62 and older, and the Owen L. Murphy Apartments consist of 70 apartments for seniors or disabled individuals; some have one-bedroom and the rest are efficiency units. A couple of years ago, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority came in and assessed the properties for capital improvement needs, LaMontagne said Aug. 6. Based on that assessment, it was determined the roof at the Virginia Connelly residence was in need of replacement. “The roof on this building was two years beyond its useful life,” LaMontagne said. The residence, built in 1990, has its original roof. “You don’t want to wait until it leaks to replace the roof,” LaMontagne said. The roadway leading into the properties, which is located at 600 Hopmeadow St. across the street from Necker’s Toyland, was determined to be several years beyond its useful life. “The road is in pretty bad shape,” LaMontagne said. The town’s Public Works Department has patched the road a few times over the last couple years, but each winter, snow plows cause more deterioration. In addition, the roadway is not handicapped accessible, there are no curb cuts for wheelchair use and the sidewalk has several steps up, LaMontagne added. “What I want to do is to pave the sidewalk and make it more accessible for residents with wheelchairs and walkers,” he said. Other work to be done will include grading work, adding handicapped parking spaces and restriping the road. The hope is that the roof replacement will be completed by late fall, LaMontagne said. He anticipates the road work will not be done until the spring, “The Simsbury Housing Authority does an excellent job of providing critical affordable housing services to our residents,” said First Selectman Lisa Heavner. “We are delighted to be part of a project that will provide the necessary grant funding to ensure that the Owen L. Murphy and Virginia Connelly structures are safe, well-maintained and attractive.” The CDBG Small Cities program is administered by DOH using federal funds allocated to Connecticut by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Simsbury’s State Rep. John Hampton said he is “thrilled” with the appproval of funds. “I would like to thank the Governor and Commissioner Klein for their continued commitment to providing affordable housing in Simsbury,” he said. Planning and Zoning Commission approves special permit applications By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer GRANBY — The Granby Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an application for a special permit July 28 for a beauty salon to be located at 308 Salmon Brook St. Shirley Dunn, the salon’s owner, currently operates a beauty salon at 17R Hartford Ave. next to Cumberland Farms and will move the business to the new Salmon Brook location. The Salmon Brook site currently has a 1,600-square-foot single-family home that Dunn will convert to the salon, which will have four seats, two sinks and four employees – two full time and two part time. One room will be used for storage, one room will be used for facials and one room will be used for offices, according to Dan Fauteux, Dunn’s brother, who represented her at the meeting because she was away. Director of Community Development Fran Armentano said there was plenty of parking to accommodate the traffic. “It’s a low volume generator, which works out pretty well for the area,” Armentano said, addressing a question concerning traffic near Granby Memorial High School, which is across the street from the site. Armentano also said he spoke with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan Addley, who Armentano said had no issue with the salon opening near the school. The salon’s hours of operation are anticipated to be weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Farmington Valley Health District approved the septic system for the proposed use. The commission approved the application with several conditions, including Dunn notifying the town when she planned on paving the driveway. In other business, the commission unanimously approved a special permit for a rear lot for the property located at 291 Mountain Road. The issue surrounding the property is that nearly 10 acres of the parcel is located in Granby, with another three acres located in Hartland. The applicant sought to split the property along the boundary of Hartland and Granby so the new lots were in separate towns. As separated, the Hartland property, known as 219 Mountain Road, meets the requirements of the Town of Hartland Zoning Regulations. It currently contains a single-family home and a separate driveway. The proposed rear lot has a large barn with a residential unit. The barn is located mostly in Granby, with a small portion in Hartland. The residential unit is in a portion of the barn that is entirely in Granby. The commission approved the rear lot, which is located entirely within the town of Granby, but noted that it has no jurisdiction or comments related to any future property modification within the town of Hartland. Armentano said he is working on annual reports and the plan of conservation and development. He said the town was up $4 million in new construction over last year, including commercial and residential development. Armentano said there have been some new inquiries in the Geissler’s plaza, as well as several other developments in the works. “It’s been very active,” he said. “I’ve seen everything. I chose McLean.” Tapas-style restaurant coming to town All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. 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All You Need Is By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer FARMINGTON — The space formerly occupied by Peachwave at 838 Farmington Ave. in Farmington will have a new tapasstyle restaurant open in the coming months. On July 27, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit for a bar/restaurant permit for the space as well as a waiver for the sale of alcohol pursuant to an application from Kurt Kruczek, the owner of Naples Pizza, which is located in the same shopping center. Kruczek said the 2,800-square-foot space would offer, among other things, small plates of mixed nuts, fried peas, meat and cheese, gnocchi, crab cakes, fried calamari and flat breads. “People would come in and order four things, plus a glass of wine,” Kruczek said, adding that the restaurant would be closed on Mondays, open for dinner only on Tuesdays and, from Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. The restaurant, which has yet to be named, will accommodate 60 to 80 people, Kruczek said. “My target is for the 30-and-over crowd,” Kruczek said. “It’s going to be relaxed. There won’t be shots [offered] or any of that stuff. There won’t be any music. I don’t want that. Naples has been open for 20 years, and we’ve never had an incident.” The parking lot has enough spaces, Kruczek said, because M&R Liquors serves few customers after 8 p.m., Starbucks’ business winds down significantly by 5 or 6 p.m. and Monarch Jewelers closes at 5 p.m. Naples is currently open until 9 p.m. on the weekdays and 10 p.m. on the weekends, Kruczek said. The commission approved Kruczek’s request to remain open until midnight. In an interview outside the commission’s meeting, Kruczek that he was still contemplating a name for his new establishment. He said he would like the restaurant to be named after something meaningful in Farmington, such as “Four” for Route 4, the major thoroughfare in town. FEDERATION HOMES McLean is a not-for-profit senior living community in Simsbury, CT offering a continuum of services including independent living, assisted living and memory care assisted living, an adult day program, short- and long-term skilled nursing, outpatient rehabilitation and wellness, post-acute care and home care and hospice. Contact Federation Homes at 860-243-2535 for an application 156 Wintonbury Avenue, Bloomfield, CT www.TheNewMcLeanVillage.org 75 Great Pond Road | Simsbury, CT 06070 August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 19 Council sets hearing on wording change related to lawsuit liability By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer AVON — Avon’s Town Council is looking to change the wording of a local ordinance to clarify that homeowners bear the brunt of liability if someone slips on ice or snow on the sidewalk in front of their home. The way the ordinance is currently written makes it clear that homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks free and clear of snow and ice, but it does not explicitly say they will have financial responsibility in a lawsuit. At its Aug. 6 meeting, the council agreed to set a public hearing for the wording change. Until then, Town Manager Brandon Robertson said he would work with Town Attorney Al Smith on precisely how to phrase the change. The change, which as Robertson has said, does not alter the intent of the law, is the result of a lawsuit in the town of Enfield, Town Council Chairman Mark Zacchio said at the July 9 meeting when the notion was first raised. In Enfield, town officials assumed that a local law making homeowners responsible for keeping the walkways clear would also shift liability, Zacchio said. The state Supreme Court did not concur. “It was thought that the maintenance would transfer the responsibility to the homeowner; that was not so,” he said. Council member William Stokesbury pointed out that the goal of the word change was to avoid running into a situation like the one in Enfield. Certain sidewalks in town that are privately owned, such as those in Farmington Woods, may not apply, Zacchio said. Smith, who was drafted to review the local ordinance to see if and how the wording needed to be altered, reiterated that in Enfield, town officials assumed the liability was the onus of homeowners. However, due to a lack of “specific provisions specifically transferring responsibility over to the landowner,” it was not so. That case stemmed from an incident in 2009 when Patricia Robinson slipped on a patch of ice on a sidewalk and sued the property owners for negligence for not shoveling their sidewalk. The court, while agreeing that the owners were responsible for clearing their own sidewalk, ruled that since the Enfield law did not explicitly make anyone liable for injuries, liability was not the homeowner’s. Rather, the court ruled Enfield carried the liability until and unless it specifically shifted the responsibility to abutting home and business owners. Avon’s ordinance is much the same, according to Smith, who recommended changing it so it is absolutely clear that Avon’s intent is that homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and carry liability if they do not. “It really harkens back to the common law,” Smith said. The public hearing will be held at the Sept. 3 council meeting. Joanna Blumetti named Farmington Police Officer of the Year By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer FARMINGTON — If you had approached Joanna Blumetti 16 years ago and told her that she would be a police officer, she would have replied with a laugh or stunned silence. Back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Blumetti majored in human development as an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut and earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Few, if any, would have See how music brings back memories FREE VIEWING OF “ALIVE INSIDE” * * W I NNE R O F THE D O C U M E NTA RY AUDI ENCE AWARD 2 0 1 4 S U N DA N C E F I L M F E S T I VA L * * Thursday, August 20 6:30-8:30pm predicted that she would later be named the Farmington Police Department’s 2015 Officer of the Year. “Nobody is more surprised than me,” Blumetti said. “I became an officer at a unique time. After I graduated from graduate school, I needed a job and there was a posting for the Farmington Police Department.” Up to that point, Blumetti encouraged others to apply for law enforcement positions, but she never considered it as a career path for herself until she saw the Farmington posting. “I took criminal justice classes for electives, and I liked the sociology aspect of it, so I applied on a whim,” Blumetti said. “I wasn’t the candidate who sought out law enforcement as a career since she was young. … But, they were open-minded to the fact that a good police candidate isn’t always the one who wanted to shoot guns. … I consider myself lucky. They could have looked at what was on paper and said, ‘What is this marriage and family garbage?’” Further, she said, at 5 feet 7 inches, she’s not the most physically imposing person. “You don’t need to be brawny and have muscle to do the job,” Blumetti said, noting that she has drawn on her education and personality to defuse touchy situations. “Like you tell your children, ‘Use your words,’ I’ve done that to get out of a lot of sticky situations that could have gotten physical.” Blumetti found her stride as a police officer, particularly in the last five years serving as the resource officer for the Farmington public school system. “I found my fit,” she said. “Some people want to be assigned to SWAT, others to the K-9 division. … I love it up [at Farmington High School].” The department typically does four-year rotations, so Blumetti, who received a rare fifth year in the schools AVO N F R E E P U B L I C L I B R A RY 281 Country Club Road, Avon PRESENTED BY RIVER RIDGE AT AVON RSVP to Holly at 860-269-0950 or [email protected] A Benchmark Senior Living Community www.RiverRidgeAtAvon.com bors Neigh A S SI ST E D L I V I NG • ME MO RY CAR E 20 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 Police Officer of the Year Joanna Blumetti served five years as a school resource officer and will now be assigned to patrol. because she liked it so much, will be assigned back on patrol. The new school resource officer will be Officer Fred Mustafai. It’s a bittersweet moment for Blumetti, who said she’s looking forward to the new assignment, but really enjoyed her time in the schools. She said the department received letters from students, teachers and the Farmington High principal requesting that she remain the school resource officer. “Do you see tears streaming down my face?” she quipped. “But you have to give the opportunity to everybody. … It is a little heartbreaking. Part of the reason why I love it is the people up there. ... I’m going to miss it.” She’s not entirely ruling out a return. “You never know,” she said. “Maybe in the years ahead, you might see me up the hill at Farmington High.” Medical Services Cherry Brook’s team of nurses, certified nursing assistants, therapists and physicians enable us to provide a wide variety of quality on-site, patient-focused medical services. • 24-hour Medical Care In this awe-inspiring documentary, people with Alzheimer’s dance and revisit their youth. People who hardly speak begin to sing. Families connect, and lives are forever changed. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. Courtesy photo • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Short Term Rehab Our caring team knows there’s no place like home. 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The Rotary Club of Avon-Canton donates approximately $35,000 annually to deserving causes around the Farmington Valley and the world, according to a press release. The Canton Fuel Bank is a nonprofit establishment coordinated by a group of volunteers and board of directors that assists Canton residents with fuel payments of all kinds. “We meet with clients here in my office and assess their needs,” said Claire Cote, town of Canton senior and social services director. “If somebody needs an oil delivery and they can’t afford it, oftentimes that is where the money will be used for, or [ for] gas bills or electric bills.” Last year, the fuel bank, which was founded in the 1960s, authorized 157 cases, amounting to approximately 300 Canton residents served and almost $45,000 in aid provided. The organization works with many people who are not eligible for the statewide heating system assistance program. “Last year, oil prices were a little down and the state was more generous. They got more federal funding than expected, and we still found people in need,” Cote explained with regard to the significance of the Rotary Club’s donation. This past winter, the town assisted more people than the previous year and there were still residents of Canton who went without heat, she said. Regarding next winter, Cote said, “I’m a little nervous, and I know the fuel bank has found themselves very much in need.” She asked that people pay it forward and donate to the fuel bank if they can. She also encouraged residents in need to call 860-693-8511, ext. 3 to get in touch with Canton’s Emergency Fuel Bank. As chair of the Canton Main Street Inc. flower bridge project, Angie Roman thought it was essential “to enhance the beauty” in the Collinsville area. Roman worked with volunteers to start the flower bridge project earlier this year. “We were kind of motivated by the beauty of the hanging flower baskets in the Canton Shoppes,” she said. The money from the Rotary Club donation was designated for hanging and stationary planters, and contributed to the funds being raised for an irrigation system that will automatically provide water to the plants. Roman hopes that the irrigation system will be installed by the fall. “Flowers are known for making people happy,” she said. “When you see these floral displays, it says, ‘We care about the community here.’” This value is also reflected in the plaques below the flowers that honor certain residents. “That bridge has almost 12,000 cars and 2,500 bikers and walkers every day, particularly during spring, summer and fall,” Roman said. “It is a gateway into Collinsville. It’s a place where a lot of people come to. It’s something we could sustain and make a picture spot.” The flower bridge proj- PD hosting course on safety for women By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer Courtesy photo Paul Mikkelson, Rotary Club of Avon-Canton Community Service Committee co-chair, center, presents a $2,000 check to Claire Cote, director of senior and social services. Checks for $1,000 were presented to Don Scott, Canton Historical Museum, left, and Angie Roman, chair of the Main Street Inc. flower bridge project. ect has been extremely well received by the residents in town, she noted. “On the day of installation, people would stop and say, ‘This is fabulous, we love this. Thank you so much,’” she recalled. The volunteers of the Canton Flower Bridge Committee, a subcommittee of Canton Main Street Inc., hope to make the flower bridge a four-season display, if there is enough funding available. They plan on creating an evergreen display for the winter months. “The town is so supportive of creating a visual display that really has a strong impact and I can’t thank all of the organizations that have supported it to this point,” she said. “I hope that we can fund raise to make this even better as years go by.” For the Canton Historical Society, working computers have long been a need waiting to be filled, therefore the nonprofit organization used its donation from Rotary to purchase two new computers. The old ones lasted for eight years until the software, Windows XP, could no longer run, according to Don Scott, president of the society. “Basically, we had no choice—the machines had to be replaced,” Scott said. “It brings us up to date with what current technology is. [The computers] will allow us to maintain the records.” Since the organization has been adding to its expansive collection of items, it is necessary to catalogue them, he explained. The computers allow the society to keep track of the donors of the items, item age and year of donation. Maintaining membership is another critical reason new computers were needed. The computers keep track of membership and allow for easy renewal. The price of an efficient membership system, however, is not cheap, Scott explained. “It certainly helps that the Rotary Club was able to assist us,” he said. AVON — The Avon Police Department wants to teach women a few steps to help them avoid dangerous situations. The department is holding a free seminar on “Women’s Situational Awareness and Personal Safety.” The seminar is a response to the sexual assault that took place on the rail trail earlier this summer. A woman in her early 30’s was running on the trail just south of Scoville Road when a male came up behind her, dragged her off the trail and sexually assaulted her. According to a press release from the Avon Police Department, the suspect was later identified after police obtained a DNA sample of Luiz Ortiz, 29, with a search warrant. After that happened, local police decided to plan something to coach women on ways to keep themselves safe, explained Lt. Kelly Walsh. The department had been thinking about holding a seminar on such a topic even before the incident on the trail occurred, she added. “This kind of expedited it,” she said. Officers Eric Lundell and Mark Vess will lead the seminar which, according to a flier, will educate women on ways “to recognize and avoid dangerous situations,” and how to carry themselves to prevent becoming a victim. In addition, it will help women develop strategies and habits to protect themselves and offer some effective self-defense techniques to common types of attacks. The SWAT-trained officers do threat assessments at local schools and town buildings. The duo has offered training classes for police officers at the station as well as for outside groups. One class was for realtors, specifically females who find themselves showing properties on their own. Lundell and Vess are also working on their next seminar, which will educate foreign au pairs on state and national laws. The “Women’s Situational Awareness and Personal Safety” seminar will be held Thursday, Aug. 27 from 6-8 p.m. in the Community Room at the Avon Free Public Library. Anyone wishing to attend should call the chief ’s office at 860-4094214 no later than Aug. 24. 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If bears repeatedly traverse the same area or neighborhood, there’s a greater chance that there will be an encounter between it and a human or pet, he said. When those problems occur, it’s not just the people and pets that are in danger, but the bears, too. “It does often lead to more serious encroachment and it may lead to cases where a bear needs to be trapped,” Rego said. “In the most serious case, possible action [is taken] to euthanize the bear.” The best way to avoid danger for all parties involved is to take steps to keep bears away, he said. Start by getting rid of temptation in the form of those seeds and nuts in birdfeeders and garbage in trash cans. Bears love to tear down the bird feeders and munch on the treats inside, and are also prone to getting into trash cans and not only eating to their hearts’ content, but also making a big mess for homeowners. “As a precaution, do not have human-provided food that the bears can get to,” Rego said. In the case of bird feeders, simply put them away, Rego said. He added that some people have been able to keep their feeders for hummingbirds out with no intrusions; however, it’s best to take those down as well. As far as trash cans are concerned, put those in a sealed shed or garage whenever possible. Another thing Rego added was that the advice about precautions applies to everyone in a neighborhood, because if some homeowners get rid of their bird feeders and seal their garbage cans and others do not, the bears that come to the houses with the accessible treats will go to the oth- er houses, too, just to see what they may find. “When bears find bird seeds or garbage near homes, that just reinforces to the bears that this is a rewarding place to travel,” he said. If a bear does happen to stop by people’s yards, make noise. “If a person can scare the bear from a safe distance, we encourage that,” Rego said. He suggested making loud noises such as banging pots and pans together or blowing a small air horn. In the event that someone is outside and a bear comes by, the person should make his presence known, without scaring the bear. “First you should try to let the bear know that there’s a person there, make some noise. It doesn’t have to be loud. Talk to the bear,” he said. “First, let the bear know you’re there and, if you can, move to a safe area such as indoors or maybe inside a car.” In most cases, the bear, upon seeing the person, will run off, or go about its business. Hikers should react similarly if they happen upon Submitted photo Multiple bear sightings have occurred locally in recent weeks. DEEP experts advise residents to take precautions to keep bears away. bears in the woods. “Make noise so the bear knows you’re there,” Rego said. “More often in that type of setting, the bear will leave. If the bear doesn’t leave [or] back off, choose an alternate route. Don’t try to continue on the trail if the bear stays on the trail.” Rego said photographing the bear depends on the situation but, in most cases, it is best to encourage the bear to move on its way. “Rather than being quiet and taking a picture, we’d rather have the person try to scare the bear away,” he said. “Taking the picture by itself isn’t necessarily that bad of an idea and certainly we know a lot of people that do that because bears are interesting and novel and aesthetic creatures, but at the same time it shouldn’t take precedence of trying to scare the bear away from being near your home.” For more information on precautions to take around bears, check out DEEP’s Bear Dos and Dont’s at www.ct.gov/deep/. Grist Mill site will be renovated to house new Miss Porter’s School space By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer FARMINGTON — The old Grist Mill restaurant at 44 Mill Lane will be converted into the new home of Miss Porter’s School’s admissions office and reception area for the 201617 school year. The Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission approved site plans July 27 for the 6,500-squarefoot building to be converted in offices for the private girls school. The building will be used for alumni gatherings and meetings of the board of directors in addition to the office use. Included in the plans is the reduction of 4,000-square-feet of the parking lot, as the school does not require as much parking as the restaurant. After some discussion, the commission asked that Miss Porter’s School representatives work with the town to resolve any lighting issues that may arise once the fixtures are installed. A representative of the school said Miss Porter’s is looking forward to the renovation. “Following the purchase of the Grist Mill property, Miss Porter’s School carefully considered the best use of the space in support of our mission,” Siobhan M. Federici, the school’s chief communications officer, said in an email. “The Grist Mill will be the new home of our admission office in the 2016-17 school year. We look forward to welcoming prospective students from around the world to campus in such a historic and scenic part of Farmington. We are grateful for the continued support by the town of Farmington for this purchase and renovation.” In other TPZ business, a developer seeking to create a bio-technology incubator at 55 South Road and Lot 3 South Road received a continuance on its application for a zone change from residential to commercial after vehement opposition from neighbors. Geoff Sager of Metro Realty Group said he was seeking a change of zone for the 7-acre site for the future construction of a 36,000-square-foot medical office building to attract life sciences research uses to Farmington. Sager said he reviewed the history of development in the area, including medical offices, Jackson Labs and the UConn Health Center, and then presented a conceptual site plan for a new medical office MAGLIERI construction & paving inc. QUALITY & SERVICE Since 1975 Commercial & Residential DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS ROADWAYS • CURBING EXCAVATION • GRADING DRAINAGE • MILLING SEALCOATING • RECLAIMATION For Call EE FR tes a Estim 22 The 860-242-0298 Licensed & Fully Insured LIC # 523704 39 West Dudley Town Road, Bloomfield www.maglieri-construction.com Valley Press August 13, 2015 building situated close to South Road, with parking primarily behind the building. Neighbors objected to the proposed zone change as “spot zoning.” “I’m a little overwhelmed,” Betty Jones said. “The plans that the development team presented are far beyond anything we grasped when we looked at the information. We think Mr. Sager and the development team have been good neighbors, but I feel like the tail is wagging the dog. We expect the town to be partners with all of us who are residents. It seems like the development is being driven by developers and not the town’s plan. We’d like to see you develop a plan for the area. I moved there in 2002 and none of the buildings were there then. The plan at that time must have contemplated to be used as residential use. … We’re sort of being picked off.” Elizabeth Wheeler of South Road said her family had lived on the road for more than 100 years; her driveway is directly across from the proposed development. “I am well aware of encroachment,” she said. “A few years ago, I bought a parcel of land from the state of Connecticut next to 58 South Road to prevent looking at what we are today. … We have been very good neighbors to the town, but we are being squeezed out. This is spot zoning. If this is approved, this is a foothold into the rest of neighborhood. … I do feel this is a totally inappropriate use of land.” Based on the concerns of the neighbors, among other things, the commission unanimously voted to extend the hearing to its Sept. 14 meeting. 234 MAIN STREET, RTE 10, FARMINGTON (860) 676-2969 MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Wheelchairs Bath safety Walkers s Lift chairs ur yo Order today! Incontinence Surgical hosiery Hospital beds Power scooters/ wheelchairs Sport braces & supports Surgical dressings hairst Lift Cin ga t r a St $ 495 We service all major brand chair lifts and scooters DIRECTIONS: ON ROUTE 10 BETWEEN MISS PORTER’S SCHOOL AND CVS Notice of Application This is to give notice that I, PHILLIP J. CHABOT 718 CAMP ST FARMINGTON, CT 06032-3059 Have filed an application placarded on 08/8/2015 with the Department of Consumer Protection for a RESTAURANT LIQUOR PERMIT for the sale of alcoholic liquor on the premises at 280 AVON MOUNTAIN RD. AVON, CT 06001-3943 The business will be owned by: THE NORTH HOUSE INC. Entertainment will consist of: Acoustics (Not Amplified), Disc Jockeys, Live Bands, Comedians, Magicians Objections must be filed by: 9/19/2015 PHILLIP J. CHABOT ROUNDTABLE from page 17 “We have to grow as us, as ourselves. If we have to change or morph into something else in order to grow, that’s not worth it. The price is too high. We need to maintain our identity as we grow. To do that, we have to be as inclusive as possible.” Both the EDA and Canton Main Street Inc. urge residents, business owners and government officials to participate in at least one of the five roundtable discussions. “We need people to turn out and be prepared to express themselves, listen, proPD from page 17 When the “police” arrived at the scene, the couple’s voices were raised and they were heatedly arguing, with the man accusing the woman of cheating. The “officers” separated the pair and mitigated the situation, calming both of them down by asking questions but keeping them apart. At the end, Kushman praised the boys who played officers, telling them he was really impressed and surprised at how well they handled the situation. Even Chief of Police Peter Ingvertsen and Capt. Nicholas Boulter showed up and observed what was happening. Boulter offered some words of advice, telling the boys playing officers that appearances matter and suggesting they tuck in their shirts to look more professional. Best friends Kendra Uanino, 12, and Connor Aldrich, 11, attended the academy together. They were following in their parents’ footsteps, according to Kendra, who explained that both couples had attended the Citizen’s Police Academy earlier in the year. “My parents did something similar to this so it sounded really interesting. I heard about this and asked them to sign me cess, respond and to stay with it,” Bessel said. “As we move along this process, there’s a Supreme Court principle that seems to get lost in every community: stare decisis, [which means ‘to stand by a decision’]. It has been decided.” The first roundtable is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 at Realty Works, 126 Main St., Collinsville. The second will be at 3:30 p.m. at LaSalle’s Market, with the third at 5:30 p.m. at the Canton Community Center. Two additional roundtables are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley. A first draft of the brand will be presented at a brown bag lunch Wednesday, Aug. 19 in the Canton Community Center. “Our goal is to collect a broad spec- trum of input at these roundtable sessions,” said Tripp Muldrow, president of Arnett Muldrow, in a press release. “We have found that developing the brand at the end of two days of roundtable workshops really pulls the community together.” Anyone interested in participating in a roundtable is asked to contact the Land Use Office at 860-693-7871. For more information, visit www.cantoneconomicdevelopment.com or contact Neil Pade, town planner, at 860-693-7891 or [email protected]. up,” she said. The week started with a tour of the police station and a visit to the jail cells, Kendra said. Then, on Tuesday, they did some things with the fire department to learn how firefighters and police officers work together. The exercises included watching firefighters put out a car fire and use the jaws of life to rescue the “victims” of a mock car wreck. One of the things Kendra and Connor said they learned was that firefighters are cautious at the scene of a fire. “They go slow; they don’t just rush right in,” Connor said. They also saw exactly what the fire fighters did to douse the fire. “They only spread the water at the bottom,” Kendra explained. “That’s where the start of the fire was.” After that, the students completed a maze in the fire department’s burn house. “We also got a tour of the fire truck,” Connor said. On day three, the students enjoyed ropes courses at Simsbury Farms and saw how Fidelco guide dogs are trained. Kendra got to experience being guided by one of the dogs. “It was awesome. They blindfolded me and I had to hold on to the dog’s harness,” she said, pleased she made it through the obstacle course without hitting any of the objects. Day four promised to be a different sort of fun, with the students learning about the SWAT team and K-9 officers, and then feasting at a picnic. Kendra and Connor said they were considering becoming police officers. Since many of the kids at the academy were officers’ children, Kushman said, including his own, that was a common sentiment. “Mine are undecided, at this minute, yes,” he said. “I think there’s definitely some who seem to be very enthusiastic but I think they’re a little young to know definitely.” For him, however, the best part of the experience was bonding with the kids and seeing how that improves relations with them during the school year and beyond. “When they come in [the school], when I’m standing there in the doorway. 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BOX 433, AVON, CT 06001 EMAIL: [email protected] Visit us at stonepolishingct.com NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS Bleeding gums? Bad breath? You may have gum disease. Laser Dentistry Been told you need to have gum surgery? The LANAP procedure replaces the cutting, stitches and pain normally associated with gum surgery. • Cosmetic Dentistry • Laser Dentistry (no drilling, no shots) • Single Visit Porcelain Crowns • Invisalign Orthodontics Michael Ungerleider D.M.D., M.A.G.D. TurleyCT Community Publications Life Publications The Valley Press The West Hartford Press To advertise call 860-651-4700 • TurleyCT.com M aster of the Academy of G eneral D entistr y Susan DePatie, D.M.D. 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby • 860-653-3220 www.granbydentalcenter.com August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 23 PETITION from page 17 psychologists. At the end, only one board member, Wendy Howard, said a revote was in order. Roell, in turn, defended the decision, saying she had reached out to an administrator from another district who called the move “progressive.” She said that if it does not work, there may be an opportunity to revert back to the old way next year. Calatayud drew a connection between the ongoing upset in the community regarding the decision and the recent resignation of the Director of School Counseling Deborah Schwager. Calatayud said she believes the director’s decision, as outlined in a resignation letter, is indicative of problems with the culture within the district. “I stand behind the district’s vision, but have ultimately come to the conclusion that the operational structure and culture – the district daily ‘way of doing business –’ do not match my ideals,” Schwager wrote in the letter, which was delivered anonymously to The Valley Press. “Broad systemic adjustments should be considered if the district is to achieve objectives and facilities success and equity for all students while supporting a learning environment that allows faculty to give the best of their knowledge and skill as equal partners.” Mala said he does not see a connection between the resignation and the ousting of school social workers that led to the petition’s onset. “It’s got nothing to do with the social workers,” Mala said in a phone call Monday, Aug. 10. “She’s decided to move on. That’s all I know.” Mala said he did not understand the excerpt from Schwager’s resignation letter, and, as Schwager had just returned from vacation, he had not yet had the chance to talk with her about the statements she made. Schwager, who was reached by phone Sunday, Aug. 9, said she had no comment. With regard to the impetus for the petition, Mala said school administrators are reexamining the elimination internally. The decision, which came about after the lowest level of courses at the high school was cut, was about improving and increasing services to students, Director of Pupil Services Kelly Grant said in a phone call July 29. Once the academic level classes were cut, there were questions on how to best serve students not quite able to meet the requirements of the next level – college preparatory – that may or may not need special education, Grant said. Grant, who has been a school psychologist in an urban district in Massachusetts where school psychologists were in place to help work through such issues, said she advised a multi-tiered support system, an approach known in Connecticut as Scientific Research-Based Interventions and nationally as Response to Intervention Model. To make that happen there needed to be someone who could perform interventions with students and their families and sit in classrooms and observe, she said. Since interventions are automatically part of school psychologists’ training, they would already have the skills to meet that need. In addition, school psychologists can also do the things usually tasked to social workers, including counseling. Grant recommended the move to eliminate social workers and implement school psychologists. With regard to the petition, Mala pointed out that the administration was discussing reversing the decision while adding that his intent has always been to act with the best interest of the students in mind. “I guess I’m disappointed that that is the venue that people chose to continue the discussion about this matter and frankly, I don’t know what else to say. My work has been characteristically focused on what’s best for children and will continue to be that way,” he said. PRESSOBITUARIES Glenn Vernon McLellan Glenn Vernon McLellan, 77, of Ocean Isle Beach, died Sunday, Aug. 2. Mr. McLellan was born Feb. 4, 1938 in Fort Kent, Maine, a son of the late Jonsie and Frances Jones McLellan. He retired as a teacher and coach of multiple sports at Avon High School. In addition to golf, his passions included woodworking and cabinet building. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Judy McLellan; two sons, Glenn McLellan and wife, Julie, of Riverview, Fla., and Jeff McLellan and wife, Kelly, of Canton; sister, Dawn Quigley, of Winsted; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Glenn was an excellent athlete who is in the Gilbert School Hall of Fame and played football and baseball at the University of Connecticut. While at UConn, his football teams won two Yankee Conferences Championships, and his baseball teams participated in two College World Series. In addition, while having a distinguished coaching and teaching career at Gilbert School and Avon High School, his teams won several conference and state championships. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center. Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed The Alzheimer Association-NC, Inc., 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Private online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brunswickfuneralservice.com. Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte, NC. Ruth Belena Gilley Ruth Belena (Jones) Gilley, 90, of Canton and formerly of Glastonbury and Colches- Reasons why I swim here: Reason #52: Pools managed BY swimmers, FOR swimmers. ter, widow of the late F.C. Latrobe Gilley, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 30 with family at her side. Born May 27, 1925 in Pasadena, MD, she was the daughter of the late Wm. Allen and Mary (Burns) Jones. Ruth dedicated her life as a nurse, working for more than 40 years at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford before retirement. She was passionate in her care for others, both in her career and for her friends and family. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Church of Latter Day Saints in Manchester and had been active with the Glastonbury Seniors in her later years. In her spare time, Ruth was a voracious reader and animal lover, especially fond of her pet cat Mindy. She enjoyed needlework, knitting, exploring her family genealogy and spending time with her great grandchildren. She is survived by two daughters, Maureen and her husband Jerry Kwolek of Colchester; Mary and her husband Robert Gras of Ft. Myers, Fla; 11 grandchildren: Branden Erickson, Dawn Alderucci, Leila Moshiri, Nasrin Waring, Sahar Moshiri, Tyler Kwolek, Yasmeen Moshiri, Devin Kwolek, Victoria Gras, Patricia Gras, Michelle Gras; six great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Brenna, Micheila, Beckham, Keegan, Bobby; and numerous extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Wm. A. Jones, Jr. and a great-grandchild, Michael. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Best Friends-Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741. “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. Visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com GP OFFICE: (860) 379-9041 CELL: (860) 830-0257 COMPLETE LAWN CARE LLC FENCE INSTALLATIONS PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATIONS PROFESSIONAL DESIGNS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Aquatic fitness, recreation and instruction at its best. • Northern White Cedar • Ornamental Aluminum • Maintenance Free Vinyl • Chain Link • Stockade • Picket • Post & Rail • Guard Rail • Arbors & Pergolas • Mail Box Posts • Custom Lamp Posts • FREE Estimates & FREE Consultations BARKHAMSTED, CT 06063 55 Buena Vista Rd. West Hartford, CT 06107 860-521-3242 swimcornerstone.com 24 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 995 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 860-408-3021 swimcenter.net LIC #601427 FULLY INSURED www.gpfence.com TurleyCT Community Publications Life Publications The Valley Press The West Hartford Press To advertise call 860-651-4700 • TurleyCT.com PRESSSports Gray A hungry shark Matters By Scott Gray Photo by David Heuschkel Avon native Ben Smith, now a member of the San Jose Sharks, hosted his fourth annual summer hockey skills development camp Aug. 3-6 at ISCC in Simsbury. About 80 youth players participated in the four-day clinic run by Smith, a center with the Sharks. Avon’s Smith set to begin first full season with San Jose By David Heuschkel Sports Editor Ben Smith, who earned his first million dollars as an NHL player last season, does not own a home in Connecticut, but the Avon native always returns to the area every summer to spend time with family, visit friends, and run his hockey camps for youth. “I always love coming back to do these camps,” Smith said shortly after stepping off the ice at Internation Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury last week. “For a couple weeks I get to stay at my parents’ house and see them.” Smith will be heading to his new NHL digs soon. In June, he packed his belongings in Chicago and moved to San Jose California. Nobody has to remind him the third largest populated city in California is more than 2,000 miles west of the third largest city in the country. It seemed even further from Chicago after Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and the rest of his former teammates on the Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup 2 ½ months later. Shortly after the morning skate March 2, Smith was informed by Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman that he had been traded to the Sharks. Bowman thanked Smith, wished him good luck, and told him he was playing that night in San Jose. To say Smith was Photo: Getty Images, San Jose Sharks sent packing was partially, if not literally, true. “It was a little crazy. I showered, ran home, packed a suitcase and I had a car waiting for me 10 minutes later; one of those memorable days that I don’t think I’ll ever forget,” Smith said. A police escort was waiting for Smith upon his arrival in San Francisco and took him to the SAP Arena. His new teammates were going through their pre-game skate. Knowing he was playing, he quickly changed into his workout gear and rode the stationary bike. “The first two guys off the ice to say hello See SMITH on page 27 Simsbury beats Farmington for Prep title By David Heuschkel Sports Editor The transition from the small baseball diamond to the large one is a sizable step for a 13-year-old player, who must take more steps when running the bases or covering ground in the field. Pitchers make the biggest adjustment, that being a greater distance to home plate. As a 12-year-old Little League pitcher last summer, Farmington left-hander Benny Hughes dominated Simsbury’s all-star squad in the Division 2 tournament. A year later, there was a big difference when the core players on those teams met on the big diamond last week. Once again, Hughes was on the mound for Farmington. This time Simsbury batters did a better job putting the bat on the ball, jumping out to an early lead and cruising to a 14-6 win in the Farmington Bank/Vantis Life Prep Division championship game Aug. 3 at Tunxis Mead Park in Farmington. It was the first Prep Division championship for a Simsbury team since SBLI won back-to-back titles in 2008 and ’09. Simsbury finished 16-1 in the Prep diPhoto by vision, including the David Heuschkel three wins in Simsbury pitcher the playoffs. Its Jordan Valentino only loss was to Herb’s Sports Shop of West Hartford 5-2 in the final game of the regular season. In the playoffs, Simsbury’s margin of victory was greater in each game. A 7-4 win over Glastonbury was followed by a 12-6 victory over the Northern CT Storm of Granby in the semifinals. In the final against Farmington, Simsbury coach Tom Benneche was concerned about facing Hughes because lefties had given his team trouble this summer. Benneche said all three losses by his team (21-3 overall) were against left-handed pitchers including two in the Babe Ruth 13-year-old state tournament, where Simsbury was runner-up to Newtown. Benneche was confident in his starting pitcher. Right-hander Jordan Valentino pitched six innings, allowing six hits and See PREP TITLE on page 26 Seriously folks, it’s not rocket science. I’ve been doing this for nearly half a century and it’s a simple formula. On July 30, I appeared on Sports Radio 1410 with Jeff Dooley, the voice of the Rock Cats, during a rain delay at New Britain Stadium. The subject was baseball’s non waiver trade deadline, a day away, special emphasis on the teams of primary local interest, the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets. On the subject of the Red Sox, I boldly predicted a coming front office shakeup. I heard from a number of stunned people when, two days later, Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino announced he will step down from those positions at the end of the season. People were surprised by the shakeup due to the team’s success since Lucchino moved into the front office as part of the John Henry ownership group. During his tenure, the Sox ended the fabled “Curse of the Bambino” in 2004 by winning their first World Series in 86 years, their first since Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, in part to fund the Broadway show “No, No, Nanette.” The next year, however, the Sox were unceremoniously eliminated from the playoffs by the White Sox in three straight division round games. They did go on to win World Series in 2007 and 2013, their greatest run of Series wins in a century, but the first two came under general manager Theo Epstein, who eventually left for the Cubs, in part due to a power struggle with Lucchino. There has been more 2005 than 2004 to the Red Sox in the decade and a half under John Henry’s ownership. While the front office showed an ability to piece together spare parts in 2013, they’ve shown little intuition for building a solid future. In 2012, the Sox finished last in the American League East, leading to the bragging point in 2013 “Worst to first.” It quickly became “Worst to first to worst” when they fell back into the cellar in 2014 with 2015 looking like a repeat. It’s questionable just how much the front office actually had to do with the 2013 championship. That team had some star power with Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester on the mound, and David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia the mainstays in the everyday lineup. They all came to the Red Sox during the Epstein years. The rest of “That Championship Season” was rather fortuitously pieced together. No one can accuse the current front office of building a juggernaut. Far from it. It was the efforts of some mediocre players on which the 2013 success was built. When the bulk of the players on one roster compile career years at the same time, it’s a hard combination to beat. Brandon Workman allowed no earned runs in seven postseason appearances. In 2014 he was 1-10 with a 5.17 ERA. Ryan Dempster and Felix Doubront, who won World Series See GRAY MATTERS on page 26 August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 25 Photos by David Heuschkel As the scoreboard shows, home team Simsbury scored early and often in its win over Farmington in the Farmington Bank/Vantis Life Prep division championship. PREP TITLE from page 25 three runs (one earned). He struck out five, walked two and got a nice cushion early. “Jordan has been our ace all year,” Benneche said. “He throws strikes, the team really rallies around him. He mixes it all up. He’s thrown a lot of gems for us this year and tonight was another one.” Farmington, the No. 2 seed, scored a run in the top of the first but left the bases loaded when Valentino struck out Jacob Conrad and Jeff Sytulek. In the bottom half, Simsbury answered with two runs. Evan Clark singled, stole second and third, and scored on a wild pitch to tie it. Valentino had a RBI single to make it 2-1. Simsbury scored three runs in the second. Clark had an RBI double, Valentino drove in another run with a sac fly and Evan Conderino scored on a wild pitch to make it 5-1. Hughes was replaced by his brother Nate to start the third, and Simsbury scored two more runs. Clark had another RBI douGRAY MATTERS from page 25 game four, also put up the most impressive numbers of their careers. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia had the highest average of his career while putting up his highest RBI total and his ble and scored on Valentino’s second sac fly. Clark went 5-for-5 with three doubles, each two-base hit driving in a run, and had an inside-the-park home run in the fifth to make it 8-3. He scored five runs and drove in four. Conderino had a double, three walks and scored three runs, and Jackson Butler had three singles. The top three batters in Simsbury’s lineup combined to reach base 13 times in 15 plate appearances and scored eight runs. Benny Hughes and Jordan Kaminski each had two hits for Farmington (11-6), who lost both regular season games to Simsbury. Nate Hughes scored three runs. Simsbury scored five runs on either wild pitches or passed balls, including two on the same pitch in a six-run sixth. Catcher Cole Hermsen had a two-run single that inning and did a good job blocking balls in the dirt behind the plate. third highest home run total. Stephen Drew also had a career high RBI with his highest batting average of the last six seasons. Will Middlebrooks had a career-high 17 home runs and Mike Napoli a career -high 92 RBI with his highest batting average of the last four Caring for your cars since 1948 COMPLETE AUTO & TRUCK REPAIRS Edward Motor Service, Inc. General Repairs • Body Work • Painting • Frame Straightening 24 Hour Wrecker Service • Complete Auto/Truck Repairs Phone (860) 673-2631 or (860) 673-2446 Cell 860-883-9269 16 New Britain Avenue, Unionville • Family Tradition Since 1948 26 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 seasons. Outfielder Mike Carp had a career full season high batting average of .296 with his second highest home run and RBI totals. Daniel Nava had his only career .300 season with career highs in home runs and RBI, while Jonny Gomes had his second high- Above: Evan Clark (18) is greeted by joyous teammates after hitting an inside-the-park home run. Simsbury shortstop Danny Coppinger “The catcher was a big factor today. He blocked every pitch in the dirt,” Farmington coach Dave Conrad said. “We had 10, 15 passed balls and they just kept stealing and scoring on passed balls. They outplayed us the whole game in pretty much all aspects.” est batting average of the last six seasons and Shane Victorino had a career-high batting average, his second highest RBI total and his third highest home run total. Two years later, none of those players are still with Boston and the scouting re- Peeling paint? Soft and rotten wood? Chalky aluminum siding? Disaster deck? Faded old colors? New addition? Can’t remember the last time you painted? Farmington pitcher Benny Hughes ports on its minor league system don’t show a plethora of talent making its way to Fenway. There’s been little consistency with the Sox since they won the 2004 Series, and the blame lies squarely in the front office. There was no reason to be stunned by my prediction. In fact, I’ll make another one. Look for general manager Ben Cherrington to be the next to go. Keep an eye on Dave Dombrowski, who just “mutally” parted ways with the Tigers. We got you covered! Dont let another year go by without protecting your home. Call now for a free estimate and the best exterior pricing of the season. CALL 860-243-9910 • • • • Kitchens Bathrooms Additions Remodeling On another subject: I was sad to learn Sunday of the passing of New York Giants “Golden Boy” and broadcasting legend Frank Gifford at age 84. It should be noted that before Chuck Bednarik nearly ended his career, and his life, with a monumental hit in 1961, “The Giffer” was the last of the “two way” players in the NFL. Those of you under 60 will have to ask your parents about that. Local ballplayers win tournament Top: The jerseys worn by the players featured the San Jose Sharks logo. Submitted photo Four baseball players from the Farmington Valley were members of the CT Blue Jays Futures 15U team that recently won a national tournament. Alex Sowinski, Patrick Arnold and Dante Colagiovanni of Farmington, and Sam Beadle of Canton were on the AAU team that beat Steel City Select 9-1 July 26 in the championship game of the Louisville Slugger Wood Bat World Series in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays finished 30-7 under coach Kevin Huber. Front row from left to right: head coach Huber, Henry Strmecki, Sowinski, Alex Reimold, Will Gersky and Arnold; back row: assistant coach Gerard Spiegel, Ryan Dunn, Mark Place, Colagiovanni, Fin Baston, Nick Morrel, Beadle, Mike Sansone, Matt Clarkin, Danny Ruchalski, Josh Guilmart, assistant coaches Eric August and Steve DeCrosta Golden Jets Submitted photo and information The Simsbury Jets girls hockey team defeated the Shoreline Sharks 2-1 to win the gold medal in the 11-12 age division at the Nutmeg State Games Aug. 2 in Cromwell. The team is comprised of 13 players from the Farmington Valley. Simsbury players: Emma Fitch, Mackenzie Chapman, Anna Kahl, Meghan Walsh, Piper Golden-Jarrell, Sophia Marcktell, Kaitlin O’Brien, Ashleigh Dumont, Molly Walsh; Avon players: Roma Kale, Neena Ebanks, Kayla Clark; Canton player: Sophia Blais; Coaches: Brian Walsh and Kevin Walsh Right: The week included players having photos taken and items signed by Smith in the ISCC lobby. SMITH from page 25 were Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton,” Smith recalls. “It was a pretty good welcome, having those guys come up and say hello.” It was a pretty good debut with the Sharks, too. Smith scored a goal and had an assist in a 4-0 win over Montreal. He wound up playing 19 games with the Sharks, who used him as a fourth-line center. He was mainly used as a right winger in Chicago, appearing in 61 games last season. He finished the year with seven goals and seven assists, fewer than the previous year when he had 14 goals and 12 assists in 75 games with the Blackhawks, helping the team win the Stanley Cup. Two years ago, Smith got his name on the Cup – he played in a 2-0 loss to the Bruins – and brought it back to the area. It was on display at the Westminster School, Smith’s alma mater, and he invited youth hockey clubs and media to view the storied trophy. This past spring, as the Blackhawks were making a run at their second Cup in three years, Smith was playing for the bronze-medal winning Team USA at the World Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic. It marked the first time in his professional career he played on an international stage. “It was nice to get over there,” Smith said. “The way the season had gone, being traded at the deadline and not making the playoffs in San Jose, to play another few weeks of hockey, play some meaningful games, it worked out really well.” Photos by David Heuschkel NHL veteran Nick Bonino, a Farmington native, also played for Team USA. Smith spoke to Bonino after he was traded by Vancouver to Pittsburgh in late July, the second straight summer he was dealt. “We’re at the point [in our careers] where you never really know. You just have to do the best with what you have,” Smith said. “Patrick Sharp told me it’s always easier when you’re traded in the summer. You have time to get settled and move. I guess that call can come at any time. For Nick, it came [July 28]. He was handling it really well.” Smith, who turned 27 last month, is planning to leave for California three weeks before the start of training camp, which is in the middle of September, giving him time to get settled in and perhaps see a baseball game in the Bay area. He will earn $1.5 million in the upcoming season, the second year of a two-year deal he signed with the Blackhawks. “Knock on wood, I haven’t been hurt in a couple years,” said Smith, who was a healthy scratch in the two games last season where he didn’t dress. “For me, the goal is to keep staying healthy, keep working hard and earning more ice time, finding ways to contribute more wherever I can. There’s still a lot of work to do. I want to keep playing hockey for a long time. I’m highly motivated to do that.” Everything for Your Home 860-953-2200 7 CODY STREET • WEST HARTFORD, CT MageeCompanies.com August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 27 Classifieds Help Wanted Help Wanted PT position to teach preschool music. We will train! Must have car for semi-local travel. $35 per hour. 3-4 teaching hours per week. Send resume to [email protected] STORE MANAGER - Consignment Originals with 4 stores and 32 years in business is opening a location in Avon, CT. We are looking for the right person to come on board and join our management team! We are looking for career minded applicants. Must have minimum 2 years Management experience and plenty of passion. Salary negotiable depending on experience. Please send resume to: [email protected] Farmington Valley based landscape and excavation company looking to hire experienced people in various aspects of the field such as landscape maintenance, patio stone work, trucking etc. Offer paid holidays and vacation, plus bonuses. Must have clean driving record and Class A or B CDL license is a plus. Serious inquiries only! 860-573-3125. School Nurse – Per Diem The Farmington Valley VNA is seeking CT-licensed RN’s for per diem School Nursing coverage in the Granby School System during the school year. Experience with pediatric or school nursing preferred. For more information, please contact Jodi French, RN at [email protected]. ct.us. Farmington Valley VNA 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070 www.farmingtonvalleyvna.org EOE Licensed Medical Social Worker PER DIEM Help us make a difference in our community! The Farmington Valley VNA is seeking an experienced, compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker to assist in our Home Care and Hospice program 1-2 days a week. For more information, please email Karen Bignelli at [email protected]. Farmington Valley VNA 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070 www.farmingtonvalleyvna.org EOE FASHION MERCHANDISER/CUSTOMER SERVICE - Do you have an eye for fashion? Are you talented, energetic, and love dealing with people? Consignment Originals with 4 stores and 32 years in business is opening a location in Avon, CT. We are looking for the right people to staff our new location in Avon!. Salary negotiable depending on experience. Must have minimum 1 year Retail/Merchandising experience. Please send resume to: [email protected] For Sale Kayak For Sale: Current Designs, Sirocco Gulf Stream, 16.5 ft., Orange. New $1549, Barely used, asking $1,000. Call 860-841-1455. Puppies for Sale Help Wanted At Your Service At Your Service Does Health Insurance confuse you? CAREGIVERS WANTED THROUGHOUT CT We are looking for mature, responsible individuals. • Choose your own hours • FT/PT positions available • Live-in positions available • 80% medical/401k Apply Online Today at www.caregiverjobsct.com or call 888-844-4442 DCP HCA 0000101 • • • • • • • Affordable Care Act plans Medicare Supplement Insurance plans Medicare Advantage Plans Prescription Drug Plans CT Exchange plans Dental/Hospital/Cancer plans And more! “We do Obama care and the Affordable care act plans!” Call us to make it easy! 860-922-2005 Come see why people say “I have my health insurance with Dylan!” Free no obligation no pressure consultation at my office in Farmington or home visits available upon request! 860-922-2005 Call Dylan Cowen at 860-922-2005 today, to make the confusion go away! Your local licensed independent Health Insurance Broker. [email protected] There is no extra cost when purchasing insurance through a Servicing Agent PIANO LESSONS for all! Take lessons from a patient and experienced teacher, all ages and levels welcome. Private instruction with a classically-trained pianist, graduate of McGill University (B.Mus and M.Mus). Studio located in Tariffville. Please contact Claire for more information: 201-213-6645, claire.paik@ gmail.com Enjoy the Summer! 3 hours of cleaning for $99 .Daily, Weekly and One-Time Rates Available Bonded & Insured, Gift Certificates BBB Accredited and Angies List Approved MORAWSKI CLEANING LLC A Super Service Award Winner Call Sandy at 860-651-4601 • MORAWSKICLEANING.COM [email protected] GUITAR LESSONS in your home. I am a Hartt School of Music graduate with thirty years of teaching and recording experience. I have helped many students prepare for Jazz Band music auditions, improvise, and learn to play their favorite songs. All styles, levels, and ages with references available. Tom Tribuzio, 860-673-1210. [email protected] TRAVELING MUSIC TEACHER Music lessons in the comfort of your own home. Musician Billy Romanos offers piano and guitar lessons for all levels, ages, and styles of music. Over 40 years experience. Graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. Billy 860-978-3333 COINS COINS, paper money, & collectibles bought, sold, and appraised for over 36 years. Call Bob Kevorkian for an appointment. Higleyville Coin 1418 Hopmeadow St Simsbury, CT (860) 658-1344 A Dept of Simsbury Pharmacy Wanted I BUY houses AS-IS. Cash. Four male Shichon Puppies For Sale ( Bichon Frise & Shih Tzu designer mix) Excellent with children and adults, Hypoallergenic, 11-16 pounds when fully grown. $1300 each. Please call Maria @ (860) 214-8684. Gambling Problem? Gamblers Anonymous can help you. Take back your life. Phone: 855-2-CALL-GA 855-222-5542 to speak with someone Gamblers Anonymous is a non-profit fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. www.gamblersanonymous.org. Estate Sale Avon Estate Sale 17 Robkins Road Deercliff to Brocklesby Saturday, August 15, 7 am – 3 pm Magnificent setting ,Unique Relocated estate. Custom silk sectional, cocktail and end tables, slipper chairs, lamps, carpets, framed art, Country French bedroom sets and breakfront. Wicker Table, chairs + divan. Designer Costume Jewelry, much more 28 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 36 Call TODAY 860-674-9498 or Email: john@boucherbuilding. com. CT.REG.# 530518. Home Improvement $29-1 week BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY $150- 6 weeks $300-13 weeks Add WEST HARTFORD Press for 1/2 Price! AIR COND. & HEATING BATHROOMS BATHROOMS Remodeling Your Bathroom? BATHROOM Bathroom Pros Baths & Tiling Our Specialty Full & Partial Remodels Also...Kitchens, Floors, Painting, General Repairs & more Install - Service - Repair Support local business tune-up your system $125 for AC or heat Schedule both and save 10%* Suffield 668-8000 West Hartford 232-8002 HIC #613103 CT’s Bathroom Remodeling Experts CHIMNEYS CHIMNEYS $20 OFF $20 OFF STOVE ONE CHIMNEY FLUE CLEANING PELLET CLEANING Offer Expires 9/30/15 & SERVICING Offer Expires 9/30/15 Since 1984 A+ 860-693-3404 HIC License #0674006 WWW.VALLEYCHIMNEYSWEEPLLC.COM 28 years experience. Free Estimates. Insured. Call Robert Call For Free Estimates • Textured Ceilings • Drywall & Plaster Repair • Ceiling Painting • Interior & Exterior Painting & Refinishing • New Ceiling Installation • Bathtub Reglazing CT License #557873 Call Insured • Prompt Service SPRAY-TEX for FREE estimate 860-749-8383 • 860-930-7722 DRIVEWAYS EQUIPMENT REPAIR • Sealcoating • Hot Crack Filling • Line Striping 860.953.6519 Call for Free Estimates CPA REG. #593039 EQUIPMENT REPAIR ELECTRICAL Pre-Season Tune-Ups Residential * Commercial * Industrial Pick up and Delivery Available 155 Brickyard Road, Farmington, CT 06032 HOME IMPROVEMENT 35 Peters Road Bloomfield Kyle HOME IMPROVEMENT AVALLONE CONTRACTORS HOME IMPROVEMENT 24 Hour Emergency Service • Generator installations • Interior & Exterior Lighting • Remodeling & Additions • Service Upgrades • Telephone, Cable TV, & Computer Network Wiring • Repair & Upgrades • Pool & Spa Wiring License #103858 & 103859 • Fully insured www.brannackelectric.com HOME IMPROVEMENT www.JPCountryBuilders.com Old Fashioned Quality You Can Live With C Remodeling RY BUILDERS O UN T •Additions • Bath • Kitchens LL C P Replacement Since 1988 In business for a blessed 29 years (860) 582-0712 •Windows & Doors • Siding • Decks Lic#0621710 Fax: (860)410-1190 or (860) 583-2183 PO Box 9656, Bristol, CT • 860-738-1502 John T.Yacawych 860-589-2267 Pat Collin Email: [email protected] ROOFING SIDING REPLACEMENT WINDOWS GUTTERS ADDITIONS TOTAL REMODELING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR J 860-242-6486 advancedequipmentct.com Lic.#514976 Darrell CT Lic. 575422 ELECTRICAL Call today for your FREE, no obligation consultation & estimate. 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Worker’s Comp & Liability August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 29 HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT BARRETT ENTERPRISES LLC Home Improvement Contractor So Many Amateurs . . . So Few Professionals!! • Complete Basement Renovations • Kitchen & Bathrooms Updated • Windows/Doors Installed • Pre-Finished Floorings • Custom Ceramic Tile • Maintenance-Free Decks • Finish Carpentry • Complete Painting Service • Custom Countertops - COMPLETE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR • Siding • Decks • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Remodeling • Improvements Jim Barrett, Owner SMALL OR LARGE • WE DO IT ALL! CT. LIC. #602130 • Office (860) 796-0131 www.berkshirewoodsmiths.com Licensed & Insured 860.738.4931 or 203.232.9114 Lic. #HIC0625936 HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT Visit us at www.dhradomski.com NICK LOW PRICES CONSTRUCTION CT REG. Serving the Farmington Valley for over 10 years ROOFING #509749 SIDING • WINDOWS DOORS • GUTTERS • DECKS • AWNINGS * Concrete * Stone Walls * Patios * Bricks * Belgium Blocks * Chimneys * Wood Fencing D.H. RADOMSKI, INC. HOME IMPROVEMENTS 203-206-2839 JUNK REMOVAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN Junk Removal FREE ESTIMATES LANDSCAPING • Pool Patios • Poolscapes • Lawn Installation • Tree & Shrub HYDROSEEDING Planting EROSION CONTROL • Pruning Based In & Serving The Farmington Valley • Walkways For Over 18 Years & Patios Fully Licensed & Insured • Walls & Steps • Yard Drains • Excavating • Grading cell: 860-250-2908 • Snowplowing • Bucket Loading For single truck load up to 1 Ton Price includes dump fees, labor and fuel cost. We will remove junk from basements, attics, and garages Mattress & Box Springs $50 extra. “Building Trust By Doing Jobs Right!” P.O. 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Fully Insured Quality Workmanship Free Estimates • Lic#0604514 Ken (203) 558-4951 30 The Valley Press August 13, 2015 MASONRY 860.225.3077 cell 860.839.8971 30 Years Experience • License #0630165 • New Britain, CT SPECIALIZING IN: Stone Wall Patios & Veneers • Patio Walls - Walk Ways Chimney Rebuilding - Brick & Block Additions - Partition Walls Basement Waterproofing - Drainage Work - Pre-Cast Retainer Walls Pre-Cast Artificial Stone Veneers - Ceramic Tile Installed Bobcat Service - Snow Plowing - Trucking MASONRY MASONRY AD MASONRY Stone Walls • Veneer Stone Brick Walls • Blue Stone Steps • Fireplaces Chimneys • Patios • Sidewalks Pavers • Retaining Walls All type of Masonry Work • Patios • Walls • Driveways • Pools in Stone • Brick, Bluestones & Pavers • Stairs and Walkways All Masonry Repairs Satisfaction Guaranteed ~Free Estimates ~ Lic#0637095 Andi’s Masonry Buki - MASONRY KC MASONRY • Complete Landscaping Services SENIOR DISCOUNTS STONE MASON CONTRACTOR Land Clearing • Brush Clearing Shrub Removal • Hardscaping New Lawn Installations MASONRY FallMowing Clean-ups Weekly • Mulching Aerating • Overseeding Hedge Trimming & Pruning • Mulching • Weekly Mowing Powerwashing • Stump Grinding Pruning • Hedge Trimming Complete Landscape • Powerwashing • StumpServices Grinding Dennis Volpe Expert Tree Climbers & Crane Service MASONRY ALLSTAR MASONRY LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, LLC Stone Work • Patios • Retaining Walls Custom Vinyl & Wood Fencing Sidewalks • Fire Pits • Pruning • Plantings Tree Removals Spring Cleanups • Mulching • Mulch Deliveries 860-296-3405 LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS $149 PINNACLE MAINTENANCE, LLC. 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You can count on us for a precise & excellent job! 20 year experience. HIC #0575928 Call: Zenon 860-518-0630 Bodgan 860-518-2625 Home Improvement $29-1 week BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY $150- 6 weeks $300-13 weeks Add WEST HARTFORD Press for 1/2 Price! PAINTING WALLPAPERING & PAINTING Hanging • Removal Interior Painting Wall Prep • Skim Coating Guaranteed Quality PAINTING PAINTING DON’T RELY ON AN INTERNET SERVICE TO FIND YOU A PAINTER WHEN YOU CAN HIRE A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL Let Speedy Pride Painting beautify the inside of your home. Scheduling interiors as well as exteriors. If you sign within the next 2 months, receive $25 gift card to Starbuck’s 860-459-6705 28 years experience. Free Estimates. Insured. [email protected] lic. #0623272 We also offer general handyman/repair services. 860-890-6704 Our success is based on your satisfaction. Since 1986. PAINTING PAINTING PAINTING & CEILING REPAIR Small renovations, home repair, carpentry & painting. Complete prep. T.C. 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LICENSE NO. 536406 COMPLETE INSURANCE Commercial & Residential TREE CARE OR TREE REMOVAL Se $ (860) 689-6867 [email protected] WE CLEAN WINDOWS! grimshawtreeco.com • General Pests • Termites • Mice RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DAY, EVENING OR WEEKEND SERVICE Farmington When It Comes To Tree Service We Run Rings Around The Competition. Call 860-658-4420 for a SMARTWOOD free estimate or for more AVAILABLE C l o a n r t necti information Cen cut r th o sin on how we can ce gN in help your trees. PESTS REPAIRS/GARAGES Home Improvement (860) 645-8899 Creating HARMONY between customer, contractor & community PAINTING WINDOWS (SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO) • Free estimates • Fully Insured & Bonded • Uniformed • Reliable “Residential” WINDOWS & DOORS *Sales * Service * Installation* A BETTER VIEW WINDOW CLEANING, PLUS (203) 284-8836 860-249-1558 www.fishwindowcleaning.com/3053 860-747-8875 thewindowmanofct.com * [email protected] *Bill Morrell Contractor * Ct Lic.#0509785 * Insured* August 13, 2015 The Valley Press 31 DreamRide Experience The 15 th RAIN or SHINE! Worldwide | One Cause RAIN or SHINE! SARY ANNIVER August 21–23, 2015 Officially Proclaimed by Dannel P. Malloy, governor of the state of Connecticut, Annual Dream Ride Day – sunday, August 23, 2015. Register to Ride, Donate, sponsor, Volunteer or Participate today! dreamride.org 844.DRM.RIDE stay Connected tO BEnEfIt In conjunction with: 32 The Valley Press August 13, 2015
