warm up with a peaberry`s latTe.
Transcription
warm up with a peaberry`s latTe.
The FuTure oF ChildCare and PresChool is here! PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID We give them “treats” every day—fresh fruits and veggies! PALMER, MA PERMIT #22 Experience the difference a high quality program makes! EDUCATIONAL PLAYCARE PRESS Valley www.educationalplaycare.com IN SPORTS Rare win for Canton PAGE 23 AVON • BURLINGTON • CANTON • FARMINGTON • GRANBY • SIMSBURY Vol. 7, Edition 44 Thursday October 29, 2015 in the press Kearns will close before next school year In response to declining enrollment in the district, the Granby Board of Education voted Oct. 21 to close Kearns Primary School prior to the 2016-17 school year. The school board approved Option 1 of the relocation/reconfiguration plans, making Kelly Lane Intermediate School the district’s primary school and Wells Road Intermediate School the grade three to five intermediate school. PAGE 17 Meet the candidates Our second installment of our voter’s guide features candidates from Burlington and Granby. PAGE 33 Photo by Lisa Brisson Halloween haunts take over Collinsville Halo Ryan, 6, of Avon spooked out the graveyard on The Green dressed as the corpse bride during the 22nd Annual Collinsville Halloween Extravaganza in downtown Collinsville Saturday, Oct. 24. See more photos on page 9. warm up with a peaberry’s latTe. Peaberry’s Cafe 712 Hopmeadow St. | Simsbury, CT www.peaberryscafect.com Wild about animals NEWS THIS WEEK A&E Quotes of Note “The opening lines remind me of the magic of our childhood, and the active, playful, imaginative, happy, supportive, safe and constant role that Mr. Sheely provided at Noah Wallace. I loved coming to school. I loved coming to school even more on gym days.” 3 The Buzz 10 Business 13 Town News 17 Sports 23 Calendar 28 Editorial 30 Classifieds 38 -Tanya Adorno in “Life of Grant Sheely celebrated...” on page 17 Courtesy photo 8 Avon reader Jane Morrone saw a “turkey train” on Thompson Brook Road recently. “I often pass turkeys in this area, though this was the first time they were lined up so orderly in a train fashion,” she said. 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. Fall into Savings Sale! Cordless on SELECT Products Best Warranty in the Industry 35 % Off Window Treatments* *Enlightened StyleTM Blinds and Shades. Commercial & Residential Call today to schedule your Free in-home consultation! 860.408.1610 Serving Bloomfield, Barkhamsted, Burlington, Canton, Granby, Simsbury, Suffield, Winsted and Northwest Corner of Connecticut. *Applies to selected Enlightened StyleTM Window Treatments. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer good only at Budget Blinds of Simsbury and with initial estimate. Offer excludes shutters and drapery. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Offer expires November 30, 2015. 2BB4.875x6Ad_ValleyP_Oct_FM.indd The Valley Press October 29, 2015 1 -Jenny Emery in “Kearns will close...” on page 17 5th Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back FREE Sh Blin ut ds t , an ers, Sha d D de Mo ra s re per , ! y “All kids will now have the same school experience. I have to believe uniting together as classes, even if they switch buildings more often, will be less detrimental than if we split them up and put them back together.” of Simsbury 9/30/15 2:36 PM Bring the kids down on Thursday, November 5th from 2-5pm. Receive $2 per pound (up to 5lbs) for all candy donations! Have any leftover candy that wasn’t passed out on Halloween? That works too! =) All donated candy will be sent to our soldiers overseas through Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that prepares and ships Care Packages for U.S. Troops, Veterans, Wounded Warriors and Military Children. We will also be collecting the following dental hygiene items for donation: • Lip Balm • Toothpaste & Toothbrushes • Dental Floss • Mouthwash (Travel Size) Mitchell S Katz, DDS & Associates 111 Simsbury Rd, Avon, CT 06001 (860)678-1700 www.dockatz.com Start Planning your Holiday Parties! Dining for groups up to 50. Perfect for small business events and family functions! Consider our beautiful space for your next gathering! Need a quick healthy lunch option? We now feature a “Grab & Go” area with Soups, Salad, Sandwiches, Chia Puddings, Yogurt Parfaits and Fruit Bowls. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options always available! We now proudly serve Giv Coffee, locally roasted in Canton! Come try some today! Bring this ad and get a FREE Cup!! Simsbury Town Shops, 928 Hopmeadow St.,Simsbury 860-413-2392 www.popoversimsbury.com Tuesday-Saturday 8AM-7PM; Sunday Brunch 8AM-3PM PRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Artist uses talents to raise awareness of mental illness By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer When an Avon artist lost her son, she turned to her art to help herself get through the grief, and now she is using that art to raise awareness about mental illness. “I have two choices, either to move forward in silence by myself or to speak about it and try to raise awareness and try to remove the stigma,” said Lisa Ludwig. In March of 2014, Kurtis Skelley was 21 and in his junior year at the University of Colorado, where he had transferred that year, Ludwig, his mother, said. His family thought he was doing well, surrounded by opportunities to do the things he enjoyed, such as hiking, climbing and skiing. “That was a horrible misconception,” Ludwig said. When he was 18, Skelley, who was an All-State lacrosse player at Avon High School, was diagnosed with depression. By the time he was studying in Colorado, he had taken himself off his medication, his mother said. She explained that he had come to a place where he thought he was well enough to do so and that no one could make him understand he needed the medication. Just because the medicine had made him feel better didn’t mean the depression was gone for good, Ludwig said. “He was so strong-willed, believing that he could do it himself, that even [doctors] couldn’t convince him of the severity of the disease that he had,” she said. On March 3 of that year, Skelley took his own life, but his mother doesn’t see it that way or like that terminology. As far as she is concerned, a disease as harsh and deadly as cancer killed her son and she wants more people to see it that way. “My son died from depression. He died from it just like other people die from heart disease,” she said. “When someone dies of cancer, you don’t say they committed cancer. ... My son did not have a healthy mind when he died and his disease was in his mind. The mind tells you the only way to rid yourself of that disease is to shut it all off.” Ludwig wants more people to understand the weight of mental illness, and that teenagers and young adults suffering from it need help and support. She is spreading her message that together people can nurture, educate and save young adults suffering with mental illness through Beach Street Designs’ hand-painted pillows. On each pillow, Ludwig attaches a tag telling about her son and his death and her hopes of shedding light on mental illness, removing the stigma and making people suffering from it know they are not alone. “Somehow, we have to get these kids to understand that there are so many other people out there who are feeling like they are feeling. That’s kind of the biggest thing,” she said. “My son thought he was alone in all this, and he so wasn’t.” On Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 10, 11 and 12, Ludwig packed up her pillows and brought them to the Paradise City Arts Festival at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, Mass. She was among 260 competitively juried artists from 22 states and Canada that exhibited their original works in the festival. “It’s really kind of a big deal because you have to be juried in,” she said Oct. 7. “Just to be accepted into the show is really CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS & RESTORATION LIGHTING GALLERY FALL CELEBRATION SALE Courtesy photo Lisa Ludwig is spreading her message that people can nurture, educate and save young adults suffering with mental illness through Beach Street Designs’ hand-painted pillows. kind of an honor.” Ludwig, who has a studio in the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, started making the pillows after Skelley died. Initially, it was her way to help herself heal. Skelley’s best friend’s mother, Kathy Patton, made Ludwig pillows to paint and she just absorbed herself in painting them. “I started painting not even knowing why,” she said. “OK, my son passed away, so I’m going to surround myself with 500 pillows.” She left the job she had been doing for 15 years, telling herself that she should do something she truly loved doing. “Life is so precious. I can’t see doing anything but what you love,” she said. She decided to take the pillows to the next level, and she and Patton opened a business. They are now in nine stores. Ludwig also has a website to honor her son, www.Mindsatcapacity.org. Proceeds raised in Skelley’s name have gone to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and to the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Ludwig will also be showing her art Nov. 20 during the Farmington Valley Arts Center’s Holiday Studio Candlelight Stroll. A portion of her proceeds go to the Kurtis R. Skelley Memorial Fund. Meredith TRIMBLE FARMINGTON TOWN COUNCIL a. Floor Brushed Lamp (Q105 4FBN) Also avail Nickel Finish . 60”H in Pallad SPECIAL ian Bronz x 16”W. e. $11 g. Wall Mystic Lantern (NY83 Black 15K) SPECIAL Finish. 12.5”H x 7”W. Also avail $49.95 in Antiq Brass, ue Brass Antiq g. , and Medi ue Copper, Pewter ci Bronz e. 9.95 b. Floor Brushed Lamp (Q105 6FBN) Also avail Nickel Finish . 61”H See our brochure on-line for special savings PLUS print our savings coupons! OPEN 7 Days & 5 Nights OR SHOP ONLINE u uu a. SPECIAL 9.95 Shop Connecticut’s LARGEST display of QUOIZEL Lighting! Tiffany h. Chandelie Vintage Bronze r (TFKM5103VB) Tiffany Finish. Pendant 22.5”H x 24.5”W. Vintage Bronze (TFKM1508VB) Finish. 8.5”H x 8”W. SPECIAL $299.95 SPECIAL $119.95 c. a. 3 Light Chandelier (GRT5103BN) Tiffany Flush Brushed Nickel Finish.(TFIK1617 15”H x 24”W. Also avail in Mount Vintage VA)Weathered Bronze Imperial Silver,Finish. Palladian Bronze and Brass. 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(VVWH6220IB) lable avail in Aged Bronze and Imperial Bronze. Imperial $169.95 Bronze Finish. in x 19.5”H SPECIA e. Floor L $145.95 SPECIAL $199.95 16.5”W. various size f. Palladian Lamp (Q107 h. SPECIA& 2FPN) Table Lamp (VVTH6221IB) finishe s L $189.95 59”H x Bronze Finish f. LED s 15”W . Imperial Bronze Finish. 21”H x 19”W. Also SPECIAL . $119.95avail in Aged Bronze and Brushed Nickel. d. f. Table SPECIAL e. YOUR Wall$179.95 PalladianLamp (Q107 Lantern 2TPN) CHOICE (OAS8406Z) Medici(Q1918TBN) g. Table Lamp 26”H x Bronze Finish Bronze 15”W . Brushed 17”H Finish. Nickel.x 14”H Wall Lante SPECIAL . 5.5”Wx. 5.10”W. rn (PRV8 in Palladian Bronze. Mystic $99.95 Also availSPE CIAL $99 Black Finish 406K) 15.5”H SPECIAL $139.95 .95 Floor Lam x 6.5”W . . i. SPECIAL h. Table Lamp (Q1632TBN) avag.ilab ps $94.95 j. le Brushed Nickel Finish. 24”H x 12”W. Also Tiffany Semi Flush Mount (MY1718ML) Dark Bronze Finish with Monterey Mosaic. 13”H x 18”W. YOURSPECIAL CHOICE $199.95 c. d. LED e. LED $239.95 avail in Palladian Bronze and Polished Nickel. SPECIAL $99.95 j. Floor Lamp (Q1633FBN) Brushed Nickel Finish. 60”H x 15”W. *EXPIRES 12/01/15 Sales brochure includes special Quoizel pricing, must be purchased in store only. Excludes prior promotions. Not available with other offers. No further discounts will be taken off prices shown. SPECIAL $159.95 i. Table Lamp (Q1634TPK) Polished Nickel Finish. 29”H x 15”W. SPECIAL $129.95 Coastal f. SAVINGS COUPON *EXPIRES 12/01/1 5 Sales brochur e includes Tiffany Table Lamp (TFT16191A1VA) Bronze Finish. 25”H x 16”W. SPECIAL $239.95 *EXPIRES 12/01/15 special Quoizel OR SHOP ONLINE u uu Excludes brochure pricing. Restoration Lighting Gallery HARTFORD 860-493-2532 167 BRAINARD RD (I-91 EX. 27) Across the street from Connecticut Lighting Centers pricing, must be SPECIAL $239.95 See it. be purchased in TouchL $229.95 it. TakeSPECIA it home. store only. Excludes Search it. 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Brushed Lamp (Q1054TBN) (Q1054TPN) Bronze Nickel Finish Finish. or 27”H x Palladian 15”W. $10 b. CT Lighting Centers HARTFORD 860-249-7631 160 BRAINARD RD (I-91 EX. 27) SOUTHINGTON 860-621-7585 RT 10 WAL-MART PLAZA (I-84 EX. 32) www.CTLighting.com SHOP SHOWROOM u uu FALL CELEBRATION SALE other fini in shes www.CTLighting.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8-8pm Sat 9-5pm • Sun 12-5pm in Pallad SPECIAL ian Bronz x 15”W. $139.95 e. c. Table u Come check it out today... “Meredith has what MXXEOIWXSQSZI MQTSVXERXXS[R initiatives forward.” prices shown. prices shown. OPEN 7 Days & 2 Nights −1MOI'PEVO *SVQIV8S[R'SYRGMP'LEMVQER “I am encouraged to have a Council Member [ho is relevant to my demographic.” −7LQD=DGUR]Q\)DPLO\%XVLQHVV2ZQHU$FWLYH3720RWKHU “We’d be hardTVIWWIHXSJMRHEQSVI qualified and desirable leader.” Hours: M-W 9-6pm • Th-F 9-8pm Sat 9-5pm • Sun 12-5pm www.myRLG.com Touch it. Take it home. −4EXX]7XSHHEVH%VIE6IEPXSVERH*SVQIV8S[R'SYRGMP1IQFIV “Meredith is a natural collaborator ERHGSRWIRWYWbuilder.” −-HIIUH\-+RJDQ)RUPHU7RZQ&RXQFLO&KDLUPDQ Search it. Click it. Ship it home. Paid for by the Farmington Republican Town Committee. Approved by Meredith Trimble. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 3 PRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Granby Land Trust Art Show ‘The King and I’ Courtesy photo Theatre Guild of Simsbury will present “The King and I” Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m., Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Simsbury High School auditorium, Farms Village Road, Simsbury. Tickets are $21/$24 for adults, $18/$21 for seniors and students. Go to theatreguildsimsbury.org. Pictured are Dana Culligan as Anna and Patrick Spadaccino as the King of Siam. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, the Granby Land Trust – in partnership with the Granby Artists Association – will present a juried art show, “Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty,” at the Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road, which features original work (painted, drawn, photographed or 3-D) that highlights the natural beauty of New England. All genres of visual art, including but not limited to landscapes, botanicals, still lifes, portraits and abstract art, will be included. The opening will be Oct. 29 from 5-8 p.m., and the show will run thru Nov. 30. ‘Nicholas Nickleby,’ a collaboration of talents The Hartt School’s theater division is opening Nov. 3 in Millard Auditorium, 200 Bloomfield Ave., with “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,” a Tony Award-winning play in two parts, presented over the course of six days thru Nov. 8, requiring three directors, many guest appearances, countless intricate costumes and one towering set. The role of Nicholas Nickleby will be performed by senior Stephen Mir. Directing the grand production are Theatre Division faculty members Halloween candy never tasted this good! Robert H. Davis, Annemarie Davis and Division Director Alan Rust, all of who also appear on stage. Truly a collegewide collaborative effort, original music for the show is composed and performed by Hartt composition and instrumental studies students, and Hartt Dance Division Director Stephen Pier makes a special guest appearance. Part 1 will be performed Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. and Part 2 Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Dickens’ England Evening Package $70, Saturday or Sunday, enjoy parts I and II with a traditional Dickensian English dinner between shows, hosted at UHart’s 1877 Club. Full show subscription, $35 Parts I and II, choose any two days; single show tickets $20. Purchase tickets by visiting hartford.edu/tickets. The Karkowska Sisters will perform Nov. 3. Courtesy photo Garmany Music Series: Karkowska Sisters On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Farmington Libraries will host the accomplished Karkowska Sisters for a performance of classical music. This event will take place at 1 p.m. at the Barney Library, located at 71 Main St. The Karkowska Sisters Duo is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed ensemble that, in addition to a recital and chamber music repertoire, performs programs of virtuosity and laughter full of beautiful music, unforgettable stories and comedy. Anna, virtuoso violinist, and Kasha, concert pianist, graduated from the Juilliard School of Music (NYC) and Chopin Academy (Warsaw, Poland). Advanced registration is required for the program. Register in advance by calling the library at 860-673-6791 or visiting the library’s web site at www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event is made possible by Richard P. Garmany through a grant awarded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Concert celebrates 60th birthday of former Hartt dean Trick or Treat at SAYBROOK FISH HOUSE 20% off entire bill (when dressed in costume) Halloween Specials Fri, Oct 30th & Sat, Oct 31st OF CANTON est. 1978 www.SaybrookFishHouseCanton.com The Intersection of 44, 202 & 179 • MINI GOLF NOW OPEN ACROSS THE STREET • 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 4 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 On the occasion of the 60th birthday of an esteemed professor and former dean, The Hartt School will host a free concert celebrating the music of Larry Alan Smith Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. in Berkman Recital Hall at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Hartt faculty, alumni and students will gather to perform works composed by Smith spanning five decades from 1975 through 2015. An award-winning and prolific composer, Smith was praised by The New York Times as “a young composer of great gifts,” following his New York debut concert in 1982. He has developed an international reputation as a composer, performer, educator and arts executive. While earning his B.M., M.M. and D.M.A. degrees at Juilliard, he received several prizes, including the Joseph Machlis Prize for outstanding distinction in composition. During his final year of study, Smith was appointed to the faculty of the Juilliard School, where he taught from 1980-86. Smith has served as a professor at Hartt since 1990 and dean of The Hartt School from 1990-97. PRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Classical Music in the Afternoon Nov. 2 Courtesy photo Four juried exhibition winners are show receiving awards from Mark Snyder, Gallery on the Green vice presidents, and Kristin McNally, president. The artists include (1) Susan Hackett, “Children of Gaza Summer 2014, (2) Faripour Forouhar, “Winter of Low Snow,” (3) Deborah Sacks, “Floating World-The Sea” and (4) Susan Fox, “Deception.” Art on display at Gallery on the Green Gallery on the Green in Canton recently hosted the gala opening and awards ceremony for its 48th Annual Open Juried Exhibition. The juror, Benjamin Colman, assistant curator at the Florence Griswold Museum, commented that the submitted art offers a vibrant portrait of a rich artistic community that is both appreciative of its past and eagerly engaged with the direction of its future. Prizes were awarded to Diane Marinaro, John Johnson, Gay Schempp, Julie Anne Palmer, Hennie Stargardter, Harvey Offenhartz, Sharon Porpiglia, Susan Hackett, Jon Eastman, Suzan Fox, Faripour Forouhar, Deborah Sacks, Genti Bushi and Eric Hedberg. Many organizations, memorial funds and individuals generously provided support for the awards. From now through Saturday, Nov. 14, there is a unique opportunity to view and purchase prize-winning fine art from over a dozen artists along with an additional 40 pieces personally selected by the juror as the best of the submitted fine art. At the same time in an adjoining gallery space, Lori Racicot-Burrous’ solo show, “Driven to Abstraction,” is showcasing her new landscape and barn paintings. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m., or by appointment. Janet Jacobson and Gabriel Remillard of the Hartt School Community Division will present ‘From My Homeland,” a concert of violin and viola works that explore the meeting of folk influence and classical structure featuring works by Bach, Sibelius, Bartok and Martinu, Monday, Nov. 2, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. Jacobson is a versatile violinist who has built a reputation in the Hartford area performing in orchestras, chamber ensembles and as a soloist. She is concertmaster of Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra and has performed with orchestras across the country, including time performing, recording and touring regularly with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She is a co-founder of the Hartford-based 016 New Music Ensemble and recently completed coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Hartt School. Remillard was drawn to the philosophy of the Suzuki Method from an early Five-Town ‘Hunger Games’ Trivia Five Town “Hunger Games” Trivia: Part 1 will take place at the Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave., Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. For those in grades 6-12 who think they know “The Hunger Games..” Round 1 at the Avon Library will be Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. In Farmington it will be Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Contestants from Avon, Canton, Farmington, Simsbury and West Hartford will compete in Round 2, the finals. Only sign up if you can also get transportation to the finals at the Farmington Library Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. For information call 860-693-5800, email [email protected], or visit www.cantonpubliclibrary.org. age. Growing up in Maine, he studied the violin and viola. He obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in viola performance, continuing his study of Suzuki, from the University of Hartford Hartt School. Having taught and performed through all of New England, Remillard is a frequent performer in the freelance scene, subs with the Hartford Symphony and teaches full time throughout Central Connecticut. Registration is suggested at 860-658-7663, ext. 2200. Halloween concert The Hartt Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band will present a concert on Halloween night, Oct. 31, at 3 and 8:30 p.m., featuring “spooky” music, including Saint Saens’ “Danse Macabre,” music from “Stars Wars” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” with many other surprises thrown in. For the 3 p.m. concert, the Greater Hartford community and parents are encouraged to bring their “trick or treaters” to enjoy the concert, which features an intermission costume parade and trick or treating. The 8:30 p.m. concert is for the “late night” crowd. All performers will be in costume and the audience members are encouraged to put on their best spooktacular costumes. The event is free and open to the public. Back Pain | Neck Pain | Headaches | Interventional Pain Management AVON OFFICE NOW OPEN! Call 860-793-0500 to Schedule Your Appointment! • After providing more than 8 years of superior pain care in Bristol, Southington, and Plainville, Comprehensive Pain Management of Central Connecticut has opened an office in Avon located at 54 West Avon Road. • Eric Grahling, M.D. is the only Board Certified (Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine), Fellowship Trained (Harvard educated and trained) Pain Management Physician in Plainville, Southington, Bristol, and now Avon. Eric Grahling, MD • Dr. Grahling is named among the “Top 150 Pain Management Physicians to Know” in the U.S. according to the prestigious Becker’s ASC Review. Visit www.ctpaindoc.com for more information. We accept most insurances as well as MVA/Letters of Protection/Worker’s Compensation OTHER LOCATIONS: 440 New Britain Avenue, Plainville, CT 06062 360-1 North Main Street, Apple Valley Mall, Southington, CT 06489 11 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 Liz Fitzsimmons Andrea Sobinski Melanie Meehan FARMINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION Our Team Will: Meet the demands of 21st century education while supporting ongoing cost containment Encourage open and transparent communications with all stakeholders Continue to build upon the tradition of our excellent schools Maintain Farmington’s class size policy, ensuring reasonable class size in grades K-12 “The Team with Proven Leadership and Commitment in our Schools” Vote November 3rd Paid for by The Farmington Democratic Town Committee. Approved by all candidates. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 5 Debby Reelitz looks at Jean-Luc Godard’s lamps. Pottery by Avis Cherichetti Jean-Luc Godard stands next to one of his lamps. T Artists open studios he Granby Artists Association hosted its 14th Annual Open Studio tour Oct. 16-18. Thirteen artists – who work in various media, including egg tempera, oil paint, jewelry, lamp sculptures and pottery – took part in the popular event, which drew hundreds of people to the area. New artists this year included Jean-Luc Godard, Annukka Ritalahti and Kate Tortland, who joined returning artists Alexander Anisimov, Diane Bannon, Bob Burns, Avis Cherichetti, Laura Eden, Lori Catlin Garcia, Mark Gottlieb, Susan Hackett, Sally Sargent Markey and Linda Yurasevecz. In addition, the association highlighted the work of high school students, including Hannah Crose. The association provides scholarships to high school students every year. Photos by Ted Glanzer Clockwise from above, left: Bob Burns, an oil painter, stands next to some of his work; Linda Yurasevecz stands next to her work during the Granby Artists Association’s 14th Annual Open Studio tour; Avis Cherichetti works at the pottery wheel during the tour; Laura Eden gives a lesson in watercolors during the Granby Artists Association’s 14thAnnual Open Studio tour; Granby Memorial High senior Hannah Crose stands next to one of her paintings. 6 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 Tess Hanigan, Isabella and Michael LeBouthillier man the popcorn stand, sponsored by Unionville Auto Body. Retired Chief Harvey Reeser, Tim Reber, Jacob Theriault and Capt. David Theriault pose in front of an antique fire truck. C Fundraising car show ontinuing their efforts to raise funds for the live fire training facility, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department and the Farmington Fire Department hosted a car show on New Britain Avenue in Farmington Oct. 24. Spectators perused the dozens of classic cars that were on display, as well as antique and modern fire apparatuses from Avon, Simsbury and Farmington. In addition to the cars, there was food, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. The two fire departments raised about $1 million in donations and grants to construct the facility, which will be located near the waste water treatment plant just off Farmington Avenue in Farmington. A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is scheduled for Oct. 29. Above, left: Peter Mastrobattista and Carole King collect donations for the live fire training facility at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department/Farmington Fire Department Car Show; above, right: Sam Kazlauskas gets a boost from his dad, Paul, and mom, Jodie, at the car show. Above, left: Zalman Nakhimovsky checks out a classic police car; above, right: Sean Orcutt, Haley Burns and their baby stand in front of a classic Corvette. Photos by Ted Glanzer Above: Pastor Joseph Piccirillo, Explorer Avery Turner and Terryville firefighter Chris Tompkins stand in front of a Secret Lake firetruck. ! SIMSBURY OPEN STUDIO ARTISTS HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE SIMSBURY FREE LIBRARY 749 HOPMEADOW ST. NOVEMBER 7 TH & 8TH 10-‐4 April Aldighieri -‐ Rita Bond -‐ Kathy Dal Santo Karyn de Punte'-‐ Sweezy -‐ Grace Epstein Vicente Garcia -‐ Jacie Jakubowski -‐ Deborah Leonard Lori Racicot-‐Burrous -‐ Claudia Ludovici www.simsburyartists.org TurleyCT Community Publications Life Publications The Valley Press The West Hartford Press To advertise call 860-651-4700 • TurleyCT.com BEN HOLDEN SELECTMAN - 2yr term: line 4c Four new members on the BoS. It’s a new dawn. I’m the green, not one of them. I’m looking forward. Now more than ever we need an independent voice. Cast one of your votes for Canton’s future. www.green-canton.org I approve this message, Benedict M. Holden. Paid for by candidate’s special account for Ben in Canton. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 7 Peggy Bliss (left) and Paula Montes Zain Burki stands with his scarecrow. Elvin Yang writes on a Sicilian zucchini. Scarecrow Contest and Fall Festival Photos by Ted Glanzer Above, left: Molly Jones smiles as she waits to take part in crafts; above, right: Amanda Roth, Jordan Ungiechajer and Emily Turkeltaub help set up a marshmallow game. Maddison and Richard Grundwalski take part in the arts and crafts at the Farmington Historical Society’s 25th annual Scarecrow Contest and Fall Festival. T Owen Rabitaille gets his face painted. he Farmington Historical Society hosted its 25th annual Scarecrow Contest and Fall Festival at the Old Stone Schoolhouse on Coppermine Road Oct. 18. Dozens of children and parents in attendance took in stories, snacks and crafts at the free event. New this year were enormous Sicilian zucchinis that children were able to decorate and on which they signed their names. Kids also were able to have their faces painted, and were treated to cookies and candy, as well as popcorn provided by the Lions Club. Emma Rabitaille sees a spooky display. “Committed to Excellence Since 1984” FALL SPECIALS! • Lawn Installation • Leaf Cleanup • Hardscaping & Plantings Valley PRESS Sign up now for 2016 Lawn Mowing & Maintenance read the paper or visit us online... 540 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury 860-724-2005 All credit cards accepted 24/7 HONEST & RELIABLE HOME, AUTO & BUSINESS LOCKSMITH www.popalockhartfordct.com 8 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 DESIGN • BUILD • MAINTAIN CONTRACTORS Ryan O’Hala 860.681.5869 860.628.6337 Plantsville, CT 06479 www.grolandscape.com TO ADVERTISE: 860.651.4700 • www.TurleyCT.com Eleven-month-old Lane Misorski of Avon held by her godfather, Jack Perugini of Newington, doesn’t quite know what to make of a ghoulish gas mask-wearing passerby. Photos by Lisa Brisson Performers with Farmington DANCE entertained the crowd dressed as Victorian ghouls. Far left: Jessica Chadbourne of Newington brought all of her precious kitties with her in her incarnation of the classic crazy cat lady; center: Rob and Kylie Yagid of Collinsville were among the dozens of volunteers who work to make each year’s celebration as much fun as possible for everyone; right: Paul and Jodi Rochford of Burlington brought a little hippy spirit with them as they arrive at a party at 5 The Green, one of the most spooktacular houses on the parade route. Collinsville Halloween Parade D Event Emcee Boosolini Collins welcomes Screaming Contest participants up to the porch of the historical museum. Red Riding Hood Ashley Whitlock makes sure her beast (Dan Hoffnagle) pulls the parade truck so the marchers can begin their trek. Nancy L. Greco makes sure all of the “heads” in her skull pond outside of her South Street home get along. owntown Collinsville was awash Saturday, Oct. 24, with all sorts of ghouls, zombies, Minecraft, Elsa princesses and dead-eyed Dia de los Muertos souls as the town opened its fright-loving arms and welcomed everyone to the 22nd Annual Collinsville Halloween Extravaganza. Hundreds crowded the closeddown streets to enjoy the annual celebration, which featured a screaming contest hosted by emcee Boosolini Collins (John Squier), candy shot out of a cannon by Dr. Feverstein (Chip Heuer), music at Voodoo Island and the Congregational Church of Collinsville, as well as dance performances by local belly dancers and a troupe from Farmington DANCE. Marchers in the 22nd Annual Collinsville Halloween Extravaganza begin their spooky march around downtown Collinsville. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 9 First trip of the season Hampton given Legislative Recognition Award Courtesy photo Thirty scouts and nine adults from Avon Boy Scout Troop 274 went on their first trip of the scouting season Sept. 18-20. They went to Camp Nobebosco in Blairstown, N.J., a 12-mile canoe trip on the Delaware River; and visited the Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park, N.Y. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Day set for Nov. 7 On Nov. 7, the community of Canton will come together as volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors assist with home maintenance, minor repairs and general yard work. They help seniors and others who do not have the physical, financial or family means to accomplish these essential tasks. Businesses, schools, organizations, churches and individuals work together to make a significant difference in the lives of others. “This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community. Seeing so many student and adult volunteers come out to help others in their town is heartwarming,” said Gabrielle Aitchison, adult adviser in charge of NHN Day for Canton High School, whose students and group leaders cleared brush and raked leaves last year. “This will be my third year helping organize the CHS student volunteers, and it is an event I look forward to.” For information about volunteering, visit www. focusoncanton.org/neighbors.htm or call NHN Co-Chairs Kathy Corkum (860-693-8612) or Cynthia Politano (860-693-1210 or 860-335-3234). Neighbors Helping Neighbors is organized by Focus on Canton, a non-profit community-based group. At the 223rd annual meeting of the Connecticut State Medical Society, CSMS President Robert Russo, M.D., presented a Legislative Recognition Award to Simsbury’s state Rep. John K. Hampton. He was selected for recognition of his dedication and effort on behalf of Connecticut physicians and patients during the 2015 General Assembly session. “I am thrilled and honored to receive this award. I dedicate it to my father. Dr. Walter Hampton, a brilliant physician, who – like all physicians – put their heart and soul into this most noble profession,” said Hampton. “I am proud to advocate on their behalf. I thank the Connecticut Medical Society for recognizing me for my efforts at the state Capitol.” Russo observed, “There is so much that goes on in the legislative session. Many people think it is just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a piece of legislation, but it truly is a process. On a daily basis, multiple actions and decisions take place that have an impact on the end product of legislation and whether or not it will pass. Rep. Hampton was willing to stand up for physicians and the patients we serve. He worked throughout the session to strengthen our health care system and ensure that patients continue to have access to affordable quality health care.” Founded in 1792, the Connecticut State Medical Society represents physicians at every stage of practice, in every specialty, in every county. Hampton is in his second term serving the 16th House District in Simsbury. NOVEMBER 16, 2015 AT 7:00 PM Attend this meeting to share your voice, as this will be the last public hearing where residents can speak. Or write a letter to zoning board! Ways you can help: 1. Attend the next meeting on 11/16/15 at 7:00 PM at the Simsbury Public Library. If this is approved that night, it will set the precedent for all future developments in Simsbury’s residential neighborhoods. 2. Sign-up for our email list to receive future updates on meetings and/or cancellations. www.citizensforsimsbury.com 3. Visit our funding web page and contribute towards the mounting legal and professional service fees needed to defend and protect our neighborhood and all neighborhoods in Simsbury. Every dollar counts! gofundme.com/a75unmgc Using a loophole through the newly adopted Workforce House Overlay Zone (WHOZ), these developers want to cram 15 new freestanding houses onto one residential 4.5 acre lot on 80 Climax Road that currently has just one house. The zoning is way too dense for a R-40 zoned neighborhood. They are exploiting and overdeveloping this land. If this test case rezoning is approved, it may be YOUR quiet street next! Help us stop this nightmare! 10 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 Call 860.221.4154 for additional information on how you can help protect our property rights! Tying the knot Courtesy photo Jessica Johnson and Dan Hinman marry Canton residents Jessica Johnson and Dan Hinman married Sept. 25, 2015 at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington, Mass. Supreme Court Justice Richard Robinson of Connecticut officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Donna Marie Frustere of Westerly, R.I., and Douglas Johnson of Granville, Mass. She holds a B.A. from Central Connecticut State University and is a retail manager, consultant and martial arts instructor. The groom is the son of Nina and William “Hap” Hinman of Canton. He is a store manager, web programmer and also a martial arts instructor. The matron of honor was Jenna Rosario, best friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Ruslana Johnson (sister-in-law to the bride), Emily Gilbert, Rebecca Czlapinski, Patricia Kasprzak and Katie Fijolek. The flower girl was Kensi Fijolek, goddaughter to the bride. The best man was Patrick Collier, best friend of the groom. The groomsmen were Dr. David Cormier, Kevin Carpenter, Mike Gingras, David Moskowitz and Tim Brodeur. The ringbearer was Ryan Plati, nephew to the bride. The ceremony was also held at Crissey Farm, part of the Great Barrington Brewery. Both the bride and groom will continue to reside in Canton. Halloween recycling event Simsbury Grange and Green Monster e-Cycling are co-hosting a monster-size tech-oriented recycling event Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Farms Village Shopping Center, 244 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury. Members of the Simsbury Grange will be assisted by Boy Scouts of America Troop 76, based in Simsbury. Troop 76 will help with on-site logistics and assist in unloading recyclable electronics. A $10 donation is suggested. Green Monster e-Cycling accepts a wide array of items and almost anything with a cord or a battery. Although air conditioners, washer/dryers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, water coolers, light bulbs, vacuums, microwaves and household batteries are not recyclable at this event, eligible items include: televisions and computers, print cartridges, printers, fax machines and telephones; appliances; laboratory and medical equipment; modems, hubs, computer racks, cables and wires; music and stereo equipment; DVD and CD players and video game consoles. Green Monster e-Cycling wipes all hard drives, offering protection from identity theft and ensuring that data is destroyed. More information can be found at GreenMonsterecycling.com. Finally, you can take charge of your fuel bills. Every other oil and propane company makes you pay for your whole delivery, even if it just sits in your tank for months. Not Tower Energy/Plainville Oil. Our new Free Paygo program lets you pay for your fuel after you actually use it. With Paygo, • You’ll keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket longer. • You are guaranteed not to run out of fuel.* • Absolutely free, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Valley AVON • BURLINGTON • CANTON • FARMINGTON • GRANBY • SIMSBURY www.TurleyCT.com DAR Chapter seeking support for Wreaths Across America For the seventh consecutive year, the Abigail Phelps Chapter DAR, assisted by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, has invited Wreaths Across America to Simsbury. Wreaths Across America is a national non-profit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. WWA’s mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating the wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington and elsewher, and is committed to teaching younger generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms. In 2008, and each year since, Congress has issued a proclamation officially recognizing “Wreaths Across America Day” each December. This year, it will be held Saturday, Dec. 12. The Simsbury ceremony, an emulation of the Arlington wreath-laying ceremony, will take place at the Simsbury Cemetery at the flagpole, near Take charge of your fuel bills with Paygo, exclusively from Tower Energy/Plainville Oil Visit our website at www.TowerEnergy-paygo.com *No run-out guarantee is for customers with free fuel monitors on their tanks who pay within credit terms. HOD0000090 Ct lic#0404079-S1 • HOD0000605 CT lic#HTG0404079-S1 the garage at 16 Plank Hill Road Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon. The public is invited. A reception will follow in the Program Room of the Simsbury Library. To purchase a wreath, send a check for $15 payable to Abigail Phelps Chapter DAR c/o Angie Bautista, P. O. Box 1, Simsbury, 06070, or email [email protected] for a wreath sponsorship form. Forms may also be obtained at the Simsbury Library in the copy center area. Specify if you are purchasing a wreath for a specific veteran buried in a Simsbury cemetery, or for a veteran in Simsbury who doesn’t have a wreath, both of which will be placed on the grave of the veteran directly after the ceremony. Wreaths may also be purchased for veterans, not buried in Simsbury but must be picked up at the cemetery garage. Contact Bautista to arrange pickup the day before or after the ceremony. For each wreath purchased, $5 will be donated to a veteran’s cause. To ensure a wreath, all orders must be received no later than Nov. 27. In the event of severely inclement wealth, check local news for changes. Free Delivery Daily* *Some restrictions apply Veuve Cliquot 750ml $ 38 99 LOWEST PRICE IN THE STATE! Stock up for the Holidays! Effective 11/1/15-11/30/15 This is NOT a misprint! PROUDLY GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE! DINEINCT.com for your Beverages and Prepared Meals DELIVERED right to your door! PORTER21.com Porter 21 delivery service to West Hartford call 860-677-0130 WE MATCH ALL CT ADVERTISED PRICES Why pay for fuel that just sits in your tank? HOURS M-SAT 8AM-9PM SUN 10AM-5PM take charge of your fuel bills Wine Tastings Corporate Parties Call us today at 844-338-8898 100 credit $ www.winecellars4.com when you upgrade to Paygo with automatic delivery you get a $100 credit after your next delivery. Call for details! Tower Energy • 844-338-8898 860-677-0130 68 Farmington Ave. Farmington/West Hartford Line Next to Central Wheel With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Exp. 11-27-15. $ 25credit REFER A FRIEND! Read PRESS Attention to Every Detail NO TANK LEASE FEE FOR 1ST YEAR with someone who signs up for automatic delivery for a minimum of 12 months. Fuel credit is payable upon new customer’s acceptance of first delivery. Subject to credit approval. Call for details. When you sign a new Tower Energy agreement form for new Propane service. Tower Energy Tower Energy With this coupon. Not valid with other With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Exp. 11-27-15. offers or prior purchases. Exp. 11-27-15. October 29, 2015 Read all our publications online at TurleyCT.com The Valley RealPress 11 Farmington Valley Orthodontics hosts first Candy Buy Back One area orthodontist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-ortreaters can bring their excess candy to Farmington Valley Orthodontics, 20 West Avon Road, Suite 102, Avon, and trade it for cash. Once collected, the candy is then shipped to Operation Gratitude in Van Nuys, Calif., where it is sent in care packages to deployed troops. Dr. Menjivar and her staff at Farmington Valley Orthodontics will be collecting candy the Monday after Halloween, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children will receive $2 per pound of candy up to 10 pounds that they do- nate. In addition, there will be free goodie bags with promotional dental materials and a raffle prize donated by Farmington Valley Orthodontics. Children will also be able to write letters of support to our troops. Menjivar has been raising public awareness of the buyback’s efforts as well as the benefits of healthy eating and great dental hygiene. Corporate sponsors including Patterson Dental, Dart Dental, Benco Dental, Invisalign, 3M Unitek, American Orthodontics, Nexadental and Dentsply/GAC are helping make the event a success. Call 860-673-6105 for more information or visit www.iwantbraces.com. Veterans Day ceremony scheduled at Eno Hall in Simsbury The Simsbury Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts invite the public to attend their traditional Veterans Day Ceremony being held Wednesday, Nov. 11. The event will begin at 10:45 CoCo’s Boutique & Resale Resale Gone Upscale “The REAL Deals” on Designer Clothing, Handbags & Accessories A Tres Chic Resale Boutique in Simsbury The Simsbury Town Shop • Patio Level 926 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury • 860-217-0066 a.m. at Eno Memorial Hall, 745 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury. The program will run about 45 minutes FALL SALE EVENT up to 70% OFF STOREWIDE SALE - MONTH OF NOVEMBER with refreshments following sponsored by the Simsbury Junior Women’s Club. This is the one day each year designated for America to honor all who have served in the U.S. armed forces since the Revolutionary War as well as those who are presently serving. Timing of the annual observance coincides with the Armistice that effectively ended World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. All are welcome. For additional information, contact Legion Post Commander Bruce Elliott 860-658-0863. in the historic Collins Axe Factory 10 Depot Street (at Rte. 179) Collinsville, CT 06022 • (860) 693-0615 Over 70 Dealers • 2 Floors Courtesy photo Team members raised funds for the American Cancer Society. FHS girls’ swim and dive team hosts fundraiser In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Farmington High School girls swim and dive team hosted its first annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising event called “SWIM & DIVE FOR THE CURE,” during their swim meet against Southington Oct. 9 at Miss Porter’s School Pool. The event was coor- dinated and planned by the combined efforts of parents and team members, led by senior captains Natalie Lux, Shannon Connolly, Sarah Schwarm, Sammy Kallman and Katie Rhee. The team raised $1,050 with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” Read Valley Furniture • Art • Pottery • China • Glass • Jewelry Vintage Clothing • Books • Sports Items, etc. PRESS OPEN DAILY 10-5 • Air Conditioned - Delivery & Shipment Available from I-84 or W. Exit 19/Rte. 4 W to Rte. 179 N to Collinsville Village AVON • BURLINGTON • CANTON • FARMINGTON • GRANBY • SIMSBURY www.TurleyCT.com From US44/202 W to Rte. 179 to Collinsville Village www.antiquesonfarmington.com When you want the Best, you want Supreme. Now open at 25 Brixton Road, West Hartford Volume-Reduction JOBSITE DUMPSTER SERVICES Accepting Clean-wood and Natural Material Waste Drop-Off: $10/Yard Commercial Drop-Off: $0/Yard Residential/Permit Holders Call for your delivery today! 25 Brixton Road | West Hartford Yard locations in Harwinton, Burlington and Southington too! 12 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 Courtesy photo From left: Emily Doherty, office administrator, joins Evan Guttman, owner of the European Wax Center in Simsbury, as he presents a donation to Diana Goode, executive director of Gifts of Love. The salon raised $150 from its charity Waxathon held in September to benefit the non-profit organization. European Wax Center donates to Gifts of Love Evan Guttman, owner of the European Wax Center’s Simsbury location, presented Diana Goode, executive director of Gifts of Love, with a donation of $150 raised by the salon’s charity Waxathon in September. The new salon held the benefit for the non-profit organization as part of its grand opening celebration. “The Simsbury com- munity has welcomed and supported our business, so we wanted to help our new neighbors in need,” said Guttman. “Our whole staff enjoyed getting to know people in town at the fundraiser, and we will definitely host other charity events.” Visit www.waxcenter. com/ct-simsbury or call 860-408-1433 for more information. PRESSBUSINESS Farmington Field Club undergoes renovation, expansions By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer FARMINGTON — The platform courts at Farmington Field Club have been revamped and a new warming hut is being built. Players took to the new courts Friday, Oct. 23, during the annual opening weekend celebration at the private club. Since the warming hut had been taken down and was not yet reconstructed, celebrants not on the courts congregated in tents or kept warm near a flaming bonfire. The new architecturally designed warming hut will be weather tight and much bigger than its predecessor, growing from a mere 200 square feet to 800 square feet, General Manager/Director of Tennis David Marshall said. “That will serve as an all-season club house,” he said, During the winter months the main club house is closed. Paddle, or platform tennis, is a popular fall and winter sport, more so on the shoreline and in the southern portions of the state, Marshall said. He hopes that the new courts will draw more crowds and help bring a surge of popularity to the sport in Greater Hartford. “We have hired a paddle director to lead our program,” he said. “We will be playing other clubs, leagues and [hosting] events and socials. ... We’re hoping our efforts, Courtesy photos Above: Farmington Field Club members use new courts. Right: a rendering of the planned new warming hut that will be weather tight and 800 square feet. with a couple other clubs, will bring the boom to the area.” The club, which sits nestled in a quiet corner atop the mountain in Farmington, has undergone a few other improvements in the past year, according to Marshall. Since he was hired last year, Marshall has rolled in some modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi and a new website. He thought it was important to add “some modern touches on an old classic,” Marshall said, calling the club “one of those hidden gem spots up on the mountain.” As far as the renovations to the paddle court went, the three courts were totally gutted and built almost entirely new, Marshall said. “We took a facility and ramped it up into a full-fledged fa- cility/program that will, hopefully, put a platform tennis boom in the Hartford area,” he said. David Kagan, the club’s current president, has been a member for 42 years. The new courts were built with better materials than the old ones, including aluminum for the deck and, where wood was used, it was pressure treated, Kagan said. “I think it’s long overdue. Our courts were originally built some 45 years ago, and they were in a relatively deteriorated state, and it was time to do more courts,” Kagan said. He reminisced about those early days at the club, when his wife, Dotsie Kagan, would bring his children to the club during the summer to enjoy the swimming pool, kiddy pool, diving board and six tennis courts. “When our children were younger, she was up here at the pool sitting at the pool and watching the kids, generally socializing with the other parents who were up there with their children,” Kagan said. Those parents were among friends the Kagans have made over the decades at the club. Friends they still have, and Kagan said his wife would stop by the party to visit with some of them. Kagan started playing platform tennis 40 years ago. It is a sport that even a beginner can embrace, he said. He enjoys the way playing a few rounds of platform tennis, a doubles game, can warm him, even on the coldest day. “It could be 20 degrees and you’re playing in your shirtsleeves,” he said. “It’s very exhilarating. ... You come out here in frigid temperature and within 20 minutes of playing on the courts you’re stripping off your fleece.” With a maximum of 170 “regular” members, the Farmington Field Club is a relatively small family club, according to Kagan. Currently, there are 130 regular members, which means adults, with their children included in the count, there are about 200. The club, which was founded in 1964 by 10 local families, also has a playground and grilling areas. For more information, visit farmingtonfieldclub.org or call 860-677-1209. In recognition of the self-sacrifice veterans of the United States Armed Services have made and continue to make in the service of their country, Hartford Gun Club will be holding an open house for our citizen-soldiers. As a sign of gratitude the Hartford Gun Club will offer a special shooting day open to the public and all Veterans Sunday November 7, 2015 from 10am to 3:30pm. Fun for the whole family!! A $5.00 cover charge with proceeds of the money earned from the open house will go to The Wounded Warriors and other Veteran causes. There will also be a 20% discount on memberships to all Veterans. There will be a demonstration of Military Fire Arms and Rifles from World War II to present day. Qualified persons attending can participate in the demonstrations. There will also be Military Vehicles displayed. Kanes Market will be providing Food and refreshments. Torpedoes Smoke Shop will have a concession of Cigars. The proceeds will be donated to the cause. We will be offering helicopter rides, weather permitting. This year we will also be honoring the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietman War. Also, a portion of our proceeds this year are going to American Huey 369. Please come and support all veterans, and help us make this another successful event. All strict safety measures and standards will be enforced. Safety Instructors and Range Officials will be present at this event. For further information contact the Hartford Gun Club at 860-658-1614 or visit our website at www.hartfordgunclub.com October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 13 PRESSBUSINESS BevBiz Marketing thriving in Avon By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer AVON — The founder of BevBiz Marketing says his team has 200 years of experience behind it. “It’s a team of very experienced beverage industry marketing and sales personnel, collectively 200 years of experience,” Jeff Grindrod said. “It’s a big team, but there’s a lot of us with a lot of experience, especially on the alcohol side.” Grindrod founded the firm, which opened in Avon this year. The full-service agency, according to a press release, is designed to deliver streamlined, affordable and custom solutions for beverage brands that are looking to succeed within the competitive U.S. marketplace. One thing the agency has done is create BevHatch brand incubation and development, Grindrod said. “[BevHatch] is a brand Courtesy photo Jeff Grindrod, founder of BevBiz Marketing. incubation opportunity for people,” he said. “We provide them with accessibility to the beverage market with distance, help them do sales, create the brands, help with marketing, advanced point of sale, public relations, sampling and social media.” According to the press release, BevBiz also offers BevComm and BevTrade, consumer and business-to-business marketing services, including digital, social media and public relations efforts, consumer and trade advertising, training and education programs and sales support solutions. Services are custom designed by clients to increase brand visibility, communicate The casino isn’t the only place your parents could lose it all. Your parents may be fine now. They may have a pension, solid savings and a beautiful home. If you don’t prepare now, a crisis may be just around the corner. But when their health fails, the high cost of care could wipe them out. And you could be overwhelmed trying to help them. Call (860) 236-7673 today or email us at: [email protected] DON’T TAKE THE GAMBLE! Plan now for the medical and financial challenges that may lie ahead. You will be protecting your parents, and preserving your own peace of mind. Berlin 14 The Valley Press ◆ To learn more, download the FREE report: Do You Need an Elder Law Attorney? www.ctseniorlaw.com/attorney Hartford ◆ Simsbury ◆ South Windsor www.ctseniorlaw.com October 29, 2015 key messages and create a two-way dialogue that will strengthen the brand’s relationship with consumers, retailers and restaurant/bar owners, driving increased sales and profitability. Over the past 25 years, Grindrod has worked in various marketing arenas. His background includes Proctor and Gamble, where he did marketing for shortening and oils; Nestle, where he worked in chocolate; and Heublein, where he began his work with alcoholic beverages. “My personal background has evolved,” he said. At Heublein, he honed his skills in the beverage industry, according to the press release. In 2001, when Heublein became Diageo and moved out of state, Grindrod opened Nova Marketing. Then, in 2005, he and a partner opened Brand Action Team, which split earlier this year, leading Grindrod to launch BevBiz. One BevBiz team member about whom Grindrod bragged was Bob MacNevin. MacNevin is vice president of sales and business development, according to a press release. He served as the national sales manager for Pernod Ricard and vice president of spirit sales for Palm Bay International, where he built a dedicated national sales division. Rounding out the BevBiz team are digital-savvy account executives, designers, strategists and social media experts who assess, design and implement solutions best suited for each client. Grindrod is also proud of BevBiz’s leadership in social media and said in the alcohol beverage category, he was one of the first to successfully use social media. “We figured out different ways for ads to make a difference,” he said. Since opening, BevBiz has been doing “absolutely phenomenally” and has signed 20 or 30 new clients, Grindrod said. Grindrod said he enjoys what he does, especially breathing life into new brands and looking into new opportunities. For more information on BevBiz Marketing visit www.BevBizMarketing.com or contact Grindrod at [email protected]. Photos by Alicia B. Smith The ribbon cutting made the opening official. Gathered to do the job were Annette DiClemente, state Rep. John Hampton, jewelry designer Kelly Hernsdorf, First Selectman Lisa Heavner, business owner Bill Selig, Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Gray, Sandy Selig and Barbara Selig. Something new Bill Selig Jewelers opens new design studio By Alicia B. Smith Staff Writer SIMSBURY — Jeweler Bill Selig was all smiles at the grand opening of his new design studio that has moved into the sunroom of the historic former Darling Estate. “Thank you all for helping me make my dream come true,” Selig told the crowd of well-wishers. “This is truly the dream I’ve always had.” Selig opened a second location of his jewelry store in Simsbury 28 years ago after first opening the business in his hometown of Windsor. The jeweler has since moved to Simsbury and admitted before the grand opening that he has had his eye on the new space for years. It took several months to renovate the space that included scraping years of build-up off the tile floors and rebuilding an old fountain that had been there. Custom-made cabinets were created for the space, and the fireplace was overhauled as well. “I have run into Bill in the community the past several months, he couldn’t wait to share what was here,” said Lisa Gray, executive director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce. “This is what Simsbury is all about,” First Selectman Lisa Heavner said. “It makes you proud to live here. ... This is what the charrette had in mind: make beautiful buildings work.” The jewelry store, located in the Drake Hill Mall, will remain open. The main difference is that Selig and fellow jewelry designer Kel- Jeweler Bill Selig will have items from area artists for sale at his new studio ly Hernsdorf, will move their workspace from the basement of the store to the new, brighter studio space. The two will continue designing and making jewelry as well as custom work and repairs. In addition, the studio will feature artwork for sale by local artists and a selection of fine gifts. It was important for the business owner to keep as much of the original integrity of the building, which was constructed in the 1920s and served as the home to the Darling family. In the 1960s the home was sold and converted into medical offices. “This is where we will be doing our design work and working toward our own line of jewelry,” Selig said. The space will also feature estate jewelry and antiques. “In addition to that, this is going to be an art gallery,” the designer said. The space has an outdoor patio just outside its main door that will be used to host community events. The Bill Selig Design Studio is located at 720 B Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. PRESSBUSINESS The Residence at Brookside holds grand opening event By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer AVON — The Residence at Brookside is a pleasant living environment for seniors, according to at least one woman who lives there. A grand opening was held at Brookside, a senior living community at 117 Simsbury Road in Avon, last month. Sitting quietly on a couch in front of a big stone fireplace in early October, Mary, who preferred to give only her first name, said she had moved into Brookside in mid-July and so far has found it to her liking. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she said. “The food is good, the environment is beautiful, the rooms – I think – are beautiful. You bring your own furniture, so you have a lot of leeway in decorating.” Mary also likes the location of the residence as it keeps her closer to her family. “I’m glad my family found this place,” she said. Mary has joined a knitting group in the residence. “I’m trying to learn how to do it,” she said. “I used to know how to knit a long time ago.” She has found the staff to be friendly and accommodating and enjoys the dining room, which is set up like a restaurant with a menu, she added. “They have a lot of choices,” she said. According to Ted Doyle, director of corporate marketing and public affairs for LCB Senior Living, the firm that owns Brookside, it is a restaurant. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., though not to the public, so residents can eat at the times of their choosing and order whatever they want. The farm to table menu even has daily chef specials, such as Boeuf Bourguignon and scallops, said Brookside Executive Director Laura Nelson. “It’s not like lunch is at 12 o’clock and we’re having spaghetti today,” she said Residents can also bring guests and a private dining room is available for family gatherings and parties. On the third floor of The Residence is another niche for family gatherings. The room, officially called the Country Kitchen, is Nelson’s favorite and is available for families to use to prepare whatever they choose. She described grandma and the grandchildren making cookies while the rest of the family sits in front of the flat screen TV and watches the game, or sips coffee at the table by the window gazing out the window at the view of Heublein Tower. “The owners’ philosophy is to create smaller spaces, not larger cavernous institutional spaces,” Nelson said. Courtesy photo The Residence at Brookside held its grand opening last month. Brookside has 74 apartments, offering seniors Independent, assisted and memory care living options, and a host of amenities. All the apartments have a beautiful view, according to Nelson. The apartments all have kitchens and dining rooms as well and, while most of the residents enjoy meals in the dining room, there are some who prefer to prepare their own breakfast, Nelson said. There are studios and one- and two-bedroom units. Reflections Neighborhood, the memory care section of the facility, was designed in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and offers care for residents experiencing the early signs of dementia. The nonpharmaceutical approach to treatment uses activity and other methods to improve memory, Nelson and Doyle said. Smell, for example, can stimulate memory as can doing arts and crafts, exercises and listening to music. “Music is good at drawing people out,” Nelson said. The Reflection’s calendar includes a long list of activities. “It’s helped people to remain as healthy as possible,” Doyle said “There are a lot of things people can do to stave off dementia.” Other residents also enjoy a calendar of activities and also go on day trips. The most recent trip, as of Thursday, Oct. 1, was to the Wadsworth Atheneum, and a trip to the opera at St. Joseph’s University is planned for Nov. 1. “We try to do things that are interactive and engaging,” Nelson said. According to a press release, The Residence at Brookside will also create more than 70 permanent jobs at $1.8 million in annual payroll. More than 50 will be construction jobs, and it will be one of the largest employers in the area. 18 Month Certificate of Deposit 1.25% Annual Percentage Yield Take 10 Off $ VP EARTH BRANDS *Expires 11/07/15. One coupon per family per day. Can’t be combined with other sales, coupons, vouchers or deals. Not valid on sale priced merch. 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Our Pizza department is ready to serve you whether you call ahead or order when you get here, it will be hot and delicious. Hot off the rotisserie, our chickens are prepared throughout the day. You’re busy and deserve a meal break, and Fitzgerald’s has the answer. . . stop by and see why with Fitzgerald’s there really is no reason to go anywhere else! 710 Hopmeadow St. • Drake Hill Mall Simsbury, CT Phone: 860-658-2271 Fax: 860-658-2273 Pizza: 860-658-1210 16 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 GIFT CARDS ALWAYS AVAILABLE Double Manufacturer’s Coupons - See Store For Details. Mastercard. Visa. Discover. American Express. Store Hours: OPEN 8 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK PRESSNews Residents call for overlay zone overhaul By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer The Cat in the Hat, librarian Joanne Moody, stopped in for story time. Stuffed friends sleepover S tory hours, movies and all sorts of fun were offered at the library – this time in the wee hours of the morning for a group of stuffed friends. The Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club worked with the Simsbury Public Library to offer a Teddy Bear Sleepover last weekend. Kids of all ages enjoyed some stories and music Friday before leaving the library – while their stuffed friend stayed behind. The following morning, patrons retrieved their pals and enjoyed breakfast and a slideshow of what the crazy critters did during the night. Luke Gallo decided to bring his gigantic crocodile in for the fun. SIMSBURY — Simsbury residents want a moratorium on Workforce Housing projects and, moreover, they want the zone tweaked. At the Oct. 19 Zoning Commission meeting, more than 100 residents packed into the Program Room at the Simsbury Public Library in opposition to two workforce housing developments. The general consensus from speakers was that the developments were too dense and in areas in which they did not belong. To applause from the crowded audience, a couple of speakers requested that the Workforce Housing Overlay Zone get a makeover. John Lecker was the first speaker to suggest that the commission take some time to revise the regulation when he spoke out against the second of the two projects on the agenda, a plan for 15 units on Climax Road. “I suggest that this application be rejected by the Zoning Commission,” Lecker said, adding that the commission put a one-year moratorium on overlay zone projects and needs to take a fresh look at the regulations. As it did many times throughout the lengthy meeting, the audience erupted with applause at the recommendation. Later in the meeting, while also denouncing the Climax Road proposal, Joe Lynch echoed Lecker’s sentiment. “It seems to me that there’s See OVERLAY on page 22 Kearns will close before next school year By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer Photos by Alicia B. Smith Left: Sarah Kowal with Olaf, and her sister, Emily Kowal, with Oh-la-la, a pink poodle, are ready to part with their dear friends; above: Olivia Gallo checks in her large pink owl. GRANBY – In response to declining enrollment in the district, the Granby Board of Education voted Oct. 21 to close Kearns Primary School prior to the 2016-17 school year. The school board approved Option 1 of the relocation/reconfiguration plans, making Kelly Lane Intermediate School the district’s primary school and Wells Road Intermediate School the grade three to five intermediate school. The district’s sixth-grade will be relocated to Granby Memorial Middle School. The school board voted 6-1 to close Kearns and approve the first option; school board member Lynn Guelzow, the sole dis- senter, approved closing Kearns, but favored the second option presented by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan Addley. That option called for Kelly Lane and Wells Road to become K-five schools. Guelzow said that families and children “do better” when a community is built over the course of six years. Further, Guelzow said there would be fewer transitions from school to school. “I’ve seen the research, and the option is better,” Guelzow said. But other school board members, disagreed, stating that merging the intermediate elementary school grades was an opportunity to close the testscore gap between the schools. See KEARNS on page 20 Life of Grant Sheely celebrated at remembrance ceremony By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer In the classic children’s picture book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, a selfless tree gives a boy everything it has – leaves, apples and, ultimately, itself – as acts of unconditional love. At a ceremony remembering and celebrating the life of Grant Sheely at Farmington High School Oct. 25, Tanya Adorno said that Sheely, a physical education teacher at Noah Wallace Elementary School, was her Giving Tree. Sheely passed away Oct. 11 at age 65. Addressing a crowd of hundreds clad in blue and white, the Noah Wallace school colors, Adorno said that Sheely gave her, and countless other students of his, whatever they needed. “The opening lines remind me of the magic of our childhood, and the active, playful, imaginative, happy, supportive, safe and constant role that Mr. Sheely provided at Noah Wallace,” Adorno said. “I loved coming to school. I loved coming to school even more on gym days.” Adorno said Sheely instilled in the kids playfulness and an ability to take risks. “He was my hero,” Adorno said. “He was the coolest person October 29, 2015 See SHEELY on page 20 The Valley Press 17 School community should feel ‘very proud’ of AP scores, Grossman says By Alison Jalbert Assistant Editor CANTON — School officials in Canton are pleased with the district’s Advanced Placement exam scores. At the Oct. 13 Board of Education meet- ing, Assistant Superintendent Jordan Grossman joined Andrew DiPippo, Canton High School principal, to discuss the scores. CHS offers 14 different AP classes, which allow students to earn college credit for high performance; many colleges award three credits for scores of 3 or above on AP Meet Fawn 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. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. All You Need Is One. 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There were 123 students who took AP exams in 2015, and Grossman said overall, the district is “very pleased” with how students performed. The AP is an international test, and this is the first year in which Canton can compare how its students performed globally. In Canton, 83.7 percent of students scored a 3 or higher, while in Connecticut that number is 72.7 and, globally, 60.6. On the calculus AP test, 73.4 percent of CHS students scored a 4 or 5, compared to 38.4 percent who did so globally. Grossman said Canton students traditionally do well on the chemistry test, with 100 percent of the students scoring a 3 or above, a trend that continued this year. Globally, only 8.4 percent of students scored a 5 compared to CHS’ 43 percent. Biology is considered the hardest AP exam, Grossman said, but Canton students still performed well. No one scored a 5 – globally, only 6 percent did – but 47 percent earned a 4. On the physics test, 77 percent of students received a 4 or 5, and all passed. Nationally, only 4 percent of students received a 5 and 13 percent received a 4. Compared to 25 percent of students globally, 35 percent of Canton students were in the top fourth in the multiple-choice section of the English language and composition exam. DiPippo said they are “really viewing some curricular changes, looking to slow things down a bit.” Students will have more experience with reading analysis and argument, as well as slowly developing synthesis essays so the timed version can be written more efficiently. Enrollment is starting to double for the AP English literature and composition class, Grossman said, and 100 percent of students scored a 3 or above. The AP music theory test is very difficult, teacher John Mastroianni told Grossman and DiPippo. The global average for 4s and 5s is 36 percent; Canton’s average is 40 percent. This year’s goal will be to continually use the data to target the areas of weakness and focus on them. This is the last year Canton students will be taking AP French, but they did “very, very well,” according to Grossman. A score of 3 was earned by 86 percent of students who took the test. Students also fared well on the Spanish test; 75 percent scored a 4 or 5. This is a “remarkable” statistic, Grossman said, since CHS students are competing against heritage/native Spanish speakers. Canton students continue to do well on the U.S. history exam as the global averages for high scores decline; 37 percent of students scored a 5, while only 9 percent did globally. Canton’s average for 4s and 5s maintained its eight-year average of 78 percent, while the global average dropped to 26 percent. CHS students have historically scored well on the statistics exam and continue to do so, Grossman said, with 61 percent scoring a 4 or 5. AP statistics has had more students enrolled than any other AP course at the high school; this is the third year that more than 35 students signed up for the course. On the comparative government test, 86 percent of students passed, exceeding the state passing rate of 67 percent and the global rate of 57 percent. Grossman believes the number of students taking AP comparative government will change, with enrollment to increase. The 2015-16 class will be the first to take the course without having previously taken government as sophomores; therefore, there will be an increase in the amount of time devoted to principles of American government. Grossman said he has been waiting a year and a half to present the board with AP world history scores. This is the first year CHS students have taken the exam. “There was some angst. Are ninth-graders ready to take an AP class? We spent a lot of time with those ninth-graders and the teacher [of the class] in the planning process. The students performed very well.” The scores closely aligned with the global average of 51.6 students scoring a 3 or higher; 59.1 percent of CHS students received passing scores. On the psychology exam, 100 percent of students received a 3. “We should feel very proud as a school community, as a Board of Education, that our students performed well on the AP test,” Grossman said. “The percentage of students taking AP exams is going up. The concern that we have is we have to be careful how we offer our AP courses – the limited enrollment puts stress on the kids and their schedules, and enrollment in classes may be low.” Chef-Prepared Gluten-Free Cuisine Delivered To Your Door! 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Like all the residents that spoke, Bednarczyk spoke against an application for a Workforce Housing Overlay Zone by Bill Ferrigno, owner of Sunlight Construction. Ferrigno proposes to build 89 units on 28 acres on Hoskins Road. “I’m kind of amazed at the density of this,” Bednarczyk said. “We’re not supposed to be working for the developers. ... I’m just stymied by this. I can’t understand why this is happening.” Other residents echoed the sentiment. Louis Case asked if the overlay zone was creating an opportunity for developers to cram a large number of units in the north end of town and said he wouldn’t spend $450,000 on a house in such a densely developed neighborhood. “It’s the ability to jam a whole bunch of houses onto a small piece of land,” Case said. Ferrigno, for his part, said the density was not as bad as it could be. “The density is less than as of right use,” he said. “You could develop 40 percent of the land. We’re developing 27 percent.” Density was the primary concern with the proposal, though there were other concerns as well, including an influx of traffic. As dictated by the overlay zone regulation, 20 percent of the units, or a total of 18, would be affordable, Ferrigno said. The affordable units would be difficult to distinguish from the regularly priced units. “We intend to disperse these units throughout the development,” he said. Called Cambridge Crossing, the development would be a mixed-housing district of the overlay zone, Ferrigno said at an Oct. 5 commission meeting. The zone, which can be applied through special permit only, consists of six sub-districts – Mixed Use, Mixed Housing, Multi-Family, Townhouse, Duplex and Single Family. As a Mixed Housing District, Cambridge Crossing would consist of three different primary housing types, Ferrigno said. There would be 52 single-family homes, 24 multi-family flats and 12 patio homes. The patio homes, Ferrigno explained, would be attached by arched trellises. The proposal calls for gathering areas, a pedestrian/bike pathway, underground power, gas and low impact design. After hearing from residents, the commission closed the public hearing and will discuss it further at the next meeting Nov. 16. Some in favor, some against proposal to turn Avon Park North into village center By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer “We don’t want a big box store here,” said resident Laura Young. “This incredibly AVON — The public dense proposal for commerhearing on Avon Village is cial retail including a big box, closed. why do we need this here?” After two sessions in Commission members which more than 60 people and residents compared the were crammed into, and plan to the Village Center spilling out of, the Select- Master Plan that was apman’s Chamber in Avon proved in 2012. Town Hall, the Planning & “It said we prefer not to Zoning Commission closed have a big box,” said Chairthe hearing at the end of its man Linda Keith. Oct. 22 meeting. Commission member As they had at the pre- David Cappello compared vious hearing, the proposal the majority to The Shoppes of the resiat Farmington “Someone’s got dents comin Canto speak in favor, Valley plained about ton. someone’s got to the proposal “I’m by the Carpispeak representing thinking about onato Group Canton the people in town. the to transform shops that Not just the Avon Park was originalNorth into a neighbors. I really ly presented village center be like a hope that this plan to with 68,000 town center,” is approved. ... square feet Cappello said. of commerPlease look at the “What they cial space got was anytotal picture.” thing but a and a total town center.” of 1.1 million –Farmington Valley Arts He also square feet Center President Roy David compared it of buildings to Blue Back with more than 300 residential units. Square in West Hartford. “West Hartford has difThe plan is to construct the development in phases, with ferent demographics than about 100 of the residences Avon does,” he said, pointing going up in phase one along out that there are four high with infrastructure and some schools in West Hartford. “It’s big. Avon has one little retail. Concerns with the pro- high school. We’re a small, posal included the density of little town.” Cappello, whose comthe plan, an influx of traffic anticipated from the devel- ments were applauded and opment and noise and light referred back to by several pollution neighboring resi- speakers, said he visits town dents fear will invade their centers throughout New England trying to discern how, quiet lives. Another big concern, 200 years ago, people set up one that was shared by resi- the areas and yet they remain dents and commission mem- attractive and a draw. “We want to design bers alike, was the potential for a big box store to serve as something we can have pride in,” he said. “I have yet to find an anchor. a downtown where you step out and you’re in a big box element. ... It’s like they don’t work together. Cappello advised the applicant to “just shrink down the big box element a little bit.” One difference between this meeting and the earlier one was that a number of speakers were in support of the proposal. Farmington Valley Arts Center President Roy David was among those who spoke favorably about the application. He said the center’s board of directors had voted in favor of the development. The center is located in Avon Park North. “We’re in a unique position,” David said. “We own the buildings, we lease the land that the buildings are on from Bickford.” That agreement would transfer to the Carpionato Group if it buys the property and follows through with the development, he said. “The Art Center is, like it or not, the arts center and culture of Avon,” David said. “We have 19 studios, resident artists, two galleries ... classrooms ... a 10-week summer adventure.” In order for the center to survive, the area needs to be developed, David said. Bruce Cagnello of Simsbury said Route 44 needed an attraction and that the village center would fill that need and would provide economic viability to the area. “Someone’s got to speak in favor, someone’s got to speak representing the people in town. Not just the neighbors,” he said. “I really hope that this plan is approved. ... Please look at the total picture.” The commission closed the hearing and will consider the application at its next meeting. FREE DISCOVERY SERIES PROGRAM A Conversation About Memory Loss Tuesday, November 10 7 - 9 p.m. UConn Health, Main Building Keller Auditorium For most people, lapses in memory are normal and not a cause for concern. When memory loss significantly interferes with daily activities, a memory disorder may be present. During this program, learn about: • Memory and aging: what’s normal and what’s not • Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis • Caring for someone with a memory disorder REGISTER TODAY. Call 800.535.6232 or online at discoveryseries.uchc.edu 263 FARMINGTON AVENUE, FARMINGTON uchc.edu October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 19 KEARNS from page 17 Several school board members and town residents at the meeting noted that Kelly Lane’s test scores were higher than those of Wells Road, as well as preventing the division of students into two separate schools – Kelly Lane and Wells – before uniting them in middle school. Board member Jenny Emery said, “All kids will now have the same school experience. I have to believe uniting together as classes, even if they switch buildings more often, will be less detrimental than if we split them up and put them back together.” Emery noted that she did see a downside in Option 1 by having collaboration between teachers from various schools, and that work needed to be done to ensure vertical integration across the different school campuses. School board member Rosemarie Weber agreed. “They are all our children and they all go to our town schools,” Weber said. “This provides us the opportunity to reduce the achievement gap. This is the opportunity to reduce the school-score disparity.” The next question was whether to implement the reconfiguration before the start of the next school year – 2016-17 – or do it over the course of two years and into 2017-18. The school board, by a 5-2 vote, approved having the reconfiguration, which includes construction done at Kelly Lane and Wells Road, done before the next school year. Guelzow and Melissa Migliaccio were the two who voted for delaying the implementation until 2017-18. Migliaccio said that extending the time would give the building committee the opportunity to meet and avoid unexpected issues that tend to arise in such projects. But school board member Mark Fiorentino said, while it wasn’t an easy decision, he favored having the transition done in the shorter time frame. He acknowledged several parents who expressed their concerns over a quick transition, which ranged from whether construction could be completed on time, to the size of lunch trays in the cafeteria. “There have been a lot of great questions,” Fiorentino said, adding that there would be uncertainty hanging over the school district if there was a one-year delay. “It would be a detriment for the kids. It’s human nature, when people don’t know what the circumstances are, it affects the day-to-day operations.” That, in turn, would affect the school district’s ability to execute its long-term strategic goals, Fiorentino said. SHEELY from page 17 in the building. He was funny and he made me laugh.” As Adorno got older, Sheely took on different roles for her: colleague and friend. When Adorno’s brother, Kevin, passed away in September 2014, Sheely knew there wasn’t anything he could say or do that could take away Tanya’s pain. Like the Giving Tree at the end of the book, Sheely’s gym class served as a place for Adorno to merely sit quietly and rest. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, forming a sea of blue and white, though there was a touch of red in the crowd, as members of the Home Town All-Stars, Sheely’s sports team, were in attendance and dressed in their uniforms. Everyone who spoke said it was a privilege to have befriended, taught with, learned from, or just known Sheely, an unfailingly kind and optimistic man whose greatest legacy, beyond his two children, was instilling a sense of playfulness and joy in others. “He touched the lives of many, not just at Noah Wallace, but throughout the entire community,” Noah Wallace Principal Kelly Sanders said, noting that Sheely grew up in Farmington and attended public schools in town. Former Board of Education member Betsy Kaplan said that Sheely showed not just kindness and good humor, but compassion. Kaplan noted the dreaded mile that elementary school children had to run and that children were divided into runners and timers – each runner had a timer. One student, Kaplan said, made a mistake and timed her partner as having run a 5-minute mile, something quite unlikely for a 9-year-old. The story the two kids told – and continued to stick to – didn’t add up, Kaplan said. “Both students were afraid to admit what happened for fear of having to re-run the mile,” Kaplan said. “They were already too deep into their story to turn back.” But instead of getting angry or punishing the kids, Sheely “expressed empathy for the girls, sharing how hard it was to run that mile and sharing how hard it was to backtrack from a story that wasn’t completely true.” “Instead of forcing them to fess up, he asked maybe if an 8:40 was a more accurate time,” Kaplan said. “He knew that punishment wasn’t what was going to make them see the error of their actions. It was respect and the belief they would see it on their own.” HOW WILL DEMOCRATS DEVELOP CANTON? Republicans have been in power for eight years with a plan that looks like this: Take whatever comes along and label anyone who disagrees as anti-development. When Democrats led we had a plan. Schools were built; the library and police station improved, and The Shoppes at Farmington Valley held tax increases down. Conversations were different. We listened. Canton’s Democrats have a different plan. Stop settling for whatever comes along. Instead, seek out what will give us the best tax base while we protect Canton’s character. There’s a lot riding on this election and there’s more you should know. Check out www.cantondtc.org When we work together, we get things done. VOTE DEMOCRATS fOR CANTON Paid by Democratic Town Committee, Nick Ouellette, Treasurer 20 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 Photo by Ted Glanzer Tanya Adorno holds a copy of “The Giving Tree.” Adorno said that Sheely was her Giving Tree. Kaplan added that myriad tributes to Sheely had flooded Facebook the past two weeks. The most profound one, according to Kaplan, captured Sheely’s importance to the elementary school. “Mr. Sheely was as constant as the Noah Wallace building itself,” Kaplan said the message read. “He was so tied to my memory of Noah Wallace School. It’s as if the building has spontaneously crumbled.” Nancy Nelson, a friend and colleague of Sheely’s, noted the numerous ways he inspired kids to play. She specifically recalled the game Superchicken, a variation of tag in which kids were divided into three groups: chickens, chicken hawks and super chickens. The chicken hawks would chase the chickens and, if caught, the chickens had to lie down and play dead. The super chickens, equipped with rubber chickens, could free dead chickens by passing along their rubber chicken. Sheely, Nelson said, would take uninhibited joy in watching the kids run around playing. He would erupt in full belly laughter when kids pretended to be dead chickens, with their arms flailing about. But the lasting lesson that he taught the kids was for the super chickens to not hold on to their rubber chickens, but to pass them along to those in need, Nelson said. With all of the incredible, touching words spoken last Sunday, perhaps the most lasting image of Sheely’s legacy at the ceremony was of several members of the Farmington High Chamber Singers wiping away tears as they gutted out a performance of “MLK” by U2. Selectmen recognize volunteer efforts By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer GRANBY — The Granby Board of Selectmen honored several volunteers at its regular meeting Oct. 19. First Selectman Scott Kuhnly recognized Neil Kraner, Susan Dwyer and Susan Spevacek for their work on various town commissions and boards. Kuhnly also recognized the members of the town-owned land use committee during the ceremony. Spevacek has been a member of the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for 11 years. During that period of time, Spevacek has been involved in myriad decisions critical to the development of Granby, including the Stop & Shop complex on Route 10, which led to the reconstruction of Canton Road. Kuhnly noted that Stop & Shop is one of the town’s largest employers as well as one of its biggest taxpayers. Shortly after Stop & Shop came the YMCA, also on Route 10, as well as a number of residential developments, including Cider Mill Heights. She also has been involved with numerous amendments and updates to the town’s zoning regulations. Kraner served as a member of the Commission on Aging from 1996-2015; and Dwyer was a member of the Conservation Commission from 2004-15, and assisted on GPS trail mapping, clean energy initiatives and taking a natural resource inventory. The town-owned land use committee – which included Mark Higby, John Adams, Terri-Ann Hahn, Peggy Lareau, Katheryn Miller, Richard McDermott and Mary-Jo Toczydlowski; selectman Mark Neumann served as a liaison – evaluated town-owned land and their various uses. The committee held two public meetings on how the town might best use some 87 properties in Granby, including Evonsion Farm. The committee, which recently submitted a report to the Board of Selectmen, was dissolved by the selectmen at the Oct. 19 meeting. “Thank you for your service,” Kuhnly told the volunteers. In other business, Town Manager Bill Smith provided an update on Holcomb Farm, noting that the town is continuing to make improvements, particularly at the North Barn. “Things are going quite well,” Smith said. Finally, Smith and Kuhnly noted two important dates coming up. The local election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3. The poll, located at Granby Memorial High School, will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be a household hazardous waste collection at the Simsbury Public Works building at 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event, according to Kuhnly, is a partnership between Simsbury, Avon, Canton and Granby. Any questions should be directed to the town’s public works department at 860-653-8960. Contest winner Courtesy photo Simsbury Bank announced the winner of its “Candy Count” contest held at its booth at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center’s “Septemberfest” last month. Natraj Mani won a Go Pro Hero camera. Pictured above: Sharan Ya (center) accepts the prize on behalf of her husband, Natraj Mani (holding Mukhilan Mani), from Joe Beale, Sr. Market Manager, Simsbury Bank. Ribbon cutting at middle school celebrates new solar panels By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer AVON — The town of Avon is going solar. On Thursday, Oct. 23, there was a ribbon cutting at Avon Middle School in celebration of the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on three buildings with a total capacity of 463 kilowatts. According to a press release, the panels will be important sources of clean, renewable and economical energy. “This will save the town thousands of dollars a year in electric bills, serve as an educational tool for our schools and will help Avon to meet our goals under the Clean Communities Program,” the press release states. The project started three years ago in 2012, when the Clean Energy Commission completed an energy management plan, which the Town Council had charged it to compile, said Town Manager Brandon Robertson. “The plan was really well done,” he said. “It’s kind of a road map for the town and the Board of Education for future improvements.” Part of the plan was that the town reduce energy usage by the end of this year, Robertson said. “One way to do so was to increase solar,” he said. The town opted to do a power purchase agreement with a solar company and, in 2014, put out a Request for Proposals. Based on that, town officials held a series of interviews with potential providers and settled for Solar City. “[Solar City] has a lot of experience nationally and a lot of experience in Connecticut,” Robertson said. “They’re good at what they do. They’ve got a lot of experience working with towns and cities on these projects.” Then the town had to decide on which buildings to put the panels. Ultimately, officials selected the middle school, high school and the Public Works facility. A big reason for choosing those buildings versus any others in town was the length of life left on their roofs, Robertson said. “You don’t want to install solar arrays with [Power Purchase Agreements] of 15 years when there’s only 10 years left on the roof,” he explained. The town also negotiated 15-year agreements, rather than accepting the standard 10 years. Then the Town Council and Board of Education approved the plan, and the project began in the spring. “They all came online at different times,” Robertson said. “They’re all up and running now.” The town had three objectives in going solar, he said. One was to position the Suburban Sanitation Service 18 Colonial Rd., Canton, CT • 860-673-3078 • 860-693-2737 Times flies. . . fall is here! Time to rake your leaves and don’t forget the holidays are just around the corner. 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Avon Clean Energy Commission Chairman Bernard Zahren was in a closed door meeting Friday, Oct. 23 www.subsanserv.com Watkinson school Hartford CT • Gr. 6-12, PG Co-ed independent day school 860.236.5618 or [email protected] October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 21 OVERLAY from page 17 a problem here in that there’s a flaw in the overlay zone,” Lynch said. “The problem is the density. ... The problem is not with these people, it’s with our regulations.” Lynch, too, asked for a moratorium and a reworking of the regulations. Most speakers said they were in favor of affordable housing, but that the overlay zone should more closely mirror the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development and that rather than being allowed in any area of town, despite zoning, it should be limited to specific locations and certain zones. The overlay zone was proposed in 2013 and approved last year as a means “to create additional housing opportunities within Simsbury while promoting the appropriate development of Simsbury’s historic town center and other areas of the community,” according to Section 10 of the town’s Zoning Regulations. The zone, which can be applied through special permit only, consists of six sub-districts – Mixed Use, Mixed Housing, Multi-Family, Townhouse, Duplex and Single Family. Like many other towns have done, officials drew up the regulation to give local boards and commissions control over affordable hous- ing. In April, when the Climax Road subdivision first went before the Planning Commission, former Town Planner Hiram Peck reminded members of Meadow Wood, a development that, several years ago, came to the town under the state law, 8-40G. “In the Meadow Wood development, we had zero say about anything, density, anything, and that’s still the reality of the state law today,” Peck said. “So, frankly, this developer or any other developer could come back in with twice the number of units on his property under 8-40G and we have nothing to say about it. ... That’s why the Zoning Commission created this. It was to get some design, some modicum of design while still providing some affordability.” Despite the warning, the Planning Commission voted against giving the Zoning Commission a positive referral on the Climax Road application. Local boards and commissions tend to automatically approve applications that come in under the state law, however, a mandate to approve is not written into the law, according to Attorney William T. Case of Case & Case in Avon. “The town can still deny it, but they’re gun shy from litigation,” Case said. “It’s not an automatic. The town still has the right to approve or deny. It just switches the burden.” The town did, in fact, deny the Meadow Brook development, he said, but later lost in litigation. Case represents Jeremy Vearil, who is opposing the Climax Road application. At the Oct. 19 meeting, Attorney Lewis Wise, who represents Royce Palmer, owner of Mansour Prime, the Climax Road developer, also invoked the state law. Since the town does not have a minimum of 10 percent of affordable housing, it is not exempt from the state law, he said. “If you don’t get to 10 percent, one of these times someone is going to come in with an 8-40G,” he said. “I don’t want to threaten you. That’s just the way it is.” Residents also questioned the $279,000 price on the affordable units in the Climax Road proposal and the rental price on units in the Hoskins Road plan. “Affordable housing, nobody’s defined that,” said Anita Rothman. “Fifteen hundred dollars a month rents are not affordable. I know because I’ve been a single mom. ... I know a lot of people that really need affordable housing that are hardworking. ... This is not affordable.” According to Wise, the affordable housing units are priced based on 80 percent Drainage “We’re a versatile Landscape and Site Development company committed to prompt, personal service, and quality professional results for all of your commercial and residential projects -- big or small.” Excavation & Grading of the state median income, which is approximately $90,000. “I think a lot of people when they hear the term affordable housing, they think housing projects for the poor. There are projects that do that. This is not one of them,” he said. “This is for middle class. ... The purpose of affordable housing is to make housing units available for your teachers, your firemen, your policemen. ... The idea that this is some kind of low-cost project for the poor where there’s going to be noise, crime. ... that’s not [the case].” Still, speakers did not agree that the town lacks housing at that cost. Rothman said she was a real estate agent in town and that there were plenty of homes in that range. “People keep talking about the teacher that lives in town that can’t afford housing, and I’m that person,” said Joy Delaney, adding she moved to town six weeks ago. “I found 50 or 60 houses in that range. ... I don’t know who they think is going to move into these houses at $279,000 on a quarter acre when I bought one for that price on an acre right down the street.” Some speakers called for the complete removal of the Workforce Housing regulation. “It is not benefiting communities,” said Joan Coe. “This is not going to get any better. It’s going to get worse. .... The neighborhoods do not need to be impacted by these types of developments. ... Look at this seriously and look at what it is doing to Simsbury. ... Keep our neighborhoods like neighborhoods and please reject all these WHOZs completely.” Commercial & Residential Trucking DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS ROADWAYS • CURBING EXCAVATION • GRADING DRAINAGE • MILLING SEALCOATING • RECLAIMATION Complete Landscape Services SIMSBURY, CT 860-651-6130 WWW.CRSLANDSCAPE.COM 22 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 SIMSBURY — An attorney representing a resident opposed to the construction of a dense housing development in Simsbury will be allowed to give testimony during Zoning Commission discussions. At the Oct. 19 Zoning Commission meeting, the commission, based on Town Attorney Robert DeCrescenzo’s recommendation, approved Attorney William Case’s application for intervener status during the proceedings on a Workforce Housing Overlay Zone application on Climax Road. The area is currently zoned R-40. Intervener status allows a third party to intervene and become a party to any land use proceedings and to raise environmental and land use concerns, Case explained in a phone call Friday, Oct. 23. As an intervener, Case and environmental experts will be able to give testimony and rebut testimony given by the applicant. Case represents Jeremy Vearil, who lives next to the lot on Climax Road where the development is proposed. According to Case, that zone doesn’t belong on Climax Road. The application by Royce Palmer of Mansour Prime LLC is for a 15home subdivision on a 4.4acre lot at 80 Climax Road. Three of the homes would be affordable hous- ing units with the price based on 80 percent of the state median income, which is approximately $90,000, said Attorney Lewis Wise, who represents Palmer. The remainder of the units will run for between $400,000 and $500,000. The zone, which can be applied through special permit only, consists of six sub-districts – Mixed Use, Mixed Housing, Multi-Family, Townhouse, Duplex and Single Family. “Essentially, the question is, is the impact to the environment comparable to what a traditional R-40 subdivision might look like?” Case said, adding there would be “an extreme difference in the impact” as there are much fewer houses in an R-40. He also said the soil would not be adequate for drainage for that many houses and that there could be flooding down from the site. More than 100 people packed into the Program Room in the Simsbury Public Library for the meeting. All the residents who spoke during the public hearing were opposed to the development, pointing to density as the primary concern. Former Town Planner Hiram Peck suggested that Palmer do a Workforce Housing Overlay Zone application, Wise said. The commission continued the hearing until Monday, Nov. 16, at which time the attorneys will give their testimony. construction & paving inc. QUALITY & SERVICE Since 1975 Demolition Tree Trimming and Removal By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writer MAGLIERI Septic Work Stone Patios, Walkways, Sidewalks & Walls Attorneys will testify on Climax Road plan Nov. 16 For Call EE FR tes a Estim 860-242-0298 Licensed & Fully Insured LIC # 523704 39 West Dudley Town Road, Bloomfield www.maglieri-construction.com PRESS Sports Gray Feel-good win Matters By Scott Gray Photos by A corner kick was out of reach by Canton’s John Graziano (20) and Granby goalkeeper Ryan Fish in a NCCC soccer match at Canton last week. David Heuschkel Rare win for Canton over Granby David Heuschkel Sports Editor As autumn temperatures returned to the area last week, replacing the cold front that made the middle of October feel like mid-December, Colin Madigan couldn’t kick whatever was making him feel under the weather. The senior striker on the Canton soccer team was sick to his stomach. And that was before he misfired at a wide open net in the first half of a scoreless game between the Warriors and Granby last week. As the ball sailed over the goal, Madigan could have kicked himself. He instead dropped to his knees. “Oh God, I didn’t want to get up,” he said. “He never misses that goal,” Canton coach Bill Phelps said, “but he was sick. That’s why I took him out right after that. He just couldn’t move out there.” Madigan felt a little better, at least mentally, after atoning for his missed opportunity by burying a shot from the top of the box early in the second half, the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over the visiting Bears in an NCCC match Oct. 20 on Canton’s Senior Day. “It’s huge to be able to beat Granby because they’re an M school and they always have a good program,” Phelps said afterward. “These kids have never beaten Granby in four years. Anyone on my team has never beaten Granby, so that’s a huge mental boost.” Canton was sick of losing to Granby. It’s been so long since the Warriors beat the Bears, Phelps doesn’t remember the last time. He guessed about eight years ago, but it’s been longer. The last time Canton beat Granby was 2003. The Warriors went 11-1-4 in the regular season that year and won the Class S state championship. “We’ve had some heartbreakers,” Phelps said. “I’ve lost to Granby with 8 seconds on the clock. It was a 2-2 tie and they scored with 8 seconds left on the clock.” Canton striker Colin Madigan See FEEL-GOOD on page 27 Fired-up Bears burn Ellington into the second half David Heuschkel Sports Editor For three weeks, as the Granby Memorial football team continued to steamroll opponents, running back Connor Field had been receiving text messages and Face Time requests from numbers he did not recognize. He believes they are from someone who plays on an upcoming opponent’s team. Last Friday night during Granby’s 37-20 win over Ellington in a Pequot Conference battle of unbeaten teams, Field got a live request. “I heard, ‘Connor, why aren’t you answering my Face Time?’ ” he said. It made him laugh. The words he heard from an Ellington player late in the first quarter was difficult to ignore. They stoked his competitive fire and he responded with a big game. Deploying a quick-strike offense engineered by quarterback Dom Pagano and spearheaded by the speedy Field, Granby outscored Ellington 22-6 in the second half to pull away from the previously unbeaten Purple Knights. The three touchdown drives in the second half by Granby covered 71, 88 and 61 yards on four, two and four plays, respectively. All 10 plays were runs. This weekend, however, will be about the pass – specifically, trying to stop it – when Granby travels to Clinton to play Morgan in another battle of unbeaten Pequot Conference teams. “We know they can throw the ball and that’s what we’re going to gear up for,” Granby coach Rich Gadoury said. “I would say right now in our Iron Curtain defense that is one of our weaknesses, pass coverage.” This will be the second week in a row Granby faces a team without a loss. Last Friday night, after starting the season with five lopsided victories, the Bears found themselves in a “chess match,” Gadoury’s description of the first half against Ellington. Leading by one point at halftime is not a game the Bears are used to playing, but the offense and defense was in sync the second half. See FIRED-UP on page 25 Before I’m asked the question, “What does this have to do with sports?,” I’ll put it up front. My association with the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) took root early in my sports- casting career, when I broadcast high school football and basketball games in the old Hartford County Conference and Central Connecticut Interscholastic League. Later, in my early days at WTIC, I initiated the first statewide high school basketball poll, which was published by both the Associated Press and United Press International. It was through these endeavors that I formed a close relationship with Mike Savage, then the executive director of both the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) and CAS, its academic arm. As my work assignments stretched further into professional and major college sports, I tried to maintain close ties with my first love, high school sports, and my relationship with CAS-CIAC remained steadfast. Annually, I act as master of ceremonies for two of their major events, the Scholar-Leader banquet in the spring, honoring the top students from junior high schools statewide, and the Distinguished Administrators banquet in the fall, honoring six outstanding principals and assistant principals, from the elementary, middle and high school levels. I‘ve enjoyed the association with both events for more than two decades and maintained a close relationship with the changing administrations of CAS-CIAC, under current Executive Director Karissa Niehoff. Having been married to an educator for more than 30 years, I take both assignments very seriously. It’s important to me that no one underestimate the importance of every station in the education cycle, from state boards and local school boards, to administrators and teachers, to the students and their parents. The annual Distinguished Administrators dinner was held last week in Portland. Through the tireless efforts of CAS-CIAC staff member Karen Pactor, it is not only one of the great social events of the year, it’s an opportunity to show appreciation for school administrators who establish creative, productive, friendly learning environments, often against long odds. In an era of diminishing resources and increasing expectations, it can be difficult to meet the ever stiffening standards of the community, yet the administrators honored at this annual event meet the challenge, no matter how high the bar has been raised. Among this year’s honorees were Karyn Morgan, assistant principal of Staples High School in Westport; Sherrod McNeill, assistant principal at John G. Pendergast School in Ansonia; Francis Kennedy, principal of Berlin High School; and Judy Deleeuw, principal of East Lyme Middle School. It was the other two recipients of this year’s Distinguished Administrator honors that moved me to devote my column this week to the education arm of the CAS-CIAC complex. Both are educators in our circulation area. Krista Bauchman is the assistant principal of Irving A. Robbins Middle School in Farmington. Alicia Bowman is the principal of West Woods Upper Elementary School, also in Farmington. Both are shining examples of the dedication to craft and the devotion to students, faculty and staff that make great administrators great and glean the greatest measure of productivity from the education process. “As a school leader, I am privileged to work beside talented teachers, staff and families,” said Bauchman, deflecting most of the credit for her success to others, “helping empower students with the knowledge, skills and curiosity required See GRAY MATTERS on page 24 October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 23 Avon ready to defend state title David Heuschkel Sports Editor As the days wind down in October, soccer coaches will check the CIAC rankings daily. By the time the calendar flips, coaches should know who will be their opening-round opponent in the state tournament and begin to prepare their team accordingly. Going into its match against Southington last week, Avon was is a similar position as last fall. The Falcons had won 10 of their first 13 games, just as they did in 2014 (10-0-3), and were nestled in the No. 11 spot in the CIAC Class L rankings, the same seeding they had for the state tournament a year ago. Avon had nine seniors on its state tournament roster last year, the same number on its regular season roster this fall. The biggest difference unquestionably is the opponents on Avon’s schedule. Seven of its 16 games are against Class LL schools. Last fall, Suffield was the only LL team that Avon played in the regular season. Suffield was a Class M before 2014. So, playing larger schools in the CCC this fall should benefit Avon in the upcoming state tournament as the Falcons look to defend their Class L championship. Avon and Branford were co-champions in 2014. “That’s going to give us a lot of experience. Especially for tournament time becausethose games will be tough,” Avon senior captain Jack Keenan said. “We’ll be battling until the last minute. Just going against better competition is preparing us and getting us better every week.” Historically, Avon’s toughest game in the NCCC was Suffield. Given the Wildcats have moved down to Class L this fall, there’s a chance history will repeat itself in the state tournament. First-round games are scheduled for Nov. 10. Depending how tournament seeds shake out, Suffield (13-0), which was No. 1 in the Class L rankings, wouldn’t meet Avon until at least the quarterfinals. In the meantime, Avon was hoping to tune-up for states by qualifying for the CCC tournament. The Falcons would earn an automatic bid into the conference tournament as the CCC Central Region/White Division champion by beating or tying Farmington Oct. 28. The six region/division champions, plus two wild card entries, will participate in the eight-team tournament, scheduled to begin Oct. 31 with quarterfinal matches. Avon could still finish in first place if the Falcons end the regular season with a loss to Farmington, in which case the tiebreakers would apply since Avon defeated Farmington 2-0 in the first match between the teams. Heading into the final week of the season, the Falcons held the edge in the first tiebreaker – total goals allowed against divisional opponents. Avon allowed two, one each against Northwest Catholic and Weaver, while Farmington allowed two against Avon and two against Windsor. If that advantage remained the same heading into the Avon-Farmington rematch, the Indians would have to beat the Falcons by at least two goals to claim the top spot in the division. “It’s all very tight. Anything can happen,” Avon coach David Zlatin said following a 6-0 win over Northwest Catholic Oct. 16. A 2-0 win over Hall, a Class LL team, was the fifth consecutive shutout posted by the Falcons, a streak that included an even ANDERSON TURF IRRIGATION, INC. Protect your grass and landscaping investment! Have an efficient automatic irrigation system installed or alter your existing system to be more water conservative. INSTALLATION AND SERVICE (860)747-9911 FREE ESTIMATES CT LIC# PLM0208739 SERVING THE FARMINGTON VALLEY FOR OVER 30 YEARS 2015 FALL PROMOTION FROM SEPTEMBER 18 TH SALE TO NOVEMBER 30TH Photo by David Heuschkel Avon sophomore Riley Welter (23) and the Falcons are preparing for another strong kick in the upcoming state tournament. bigger win by Avon. Zlatin said a 2-0 win over Farmington Oct. 10 served as a big confidence boost and proved the Falcons could play with the best teams in the state. “It raised the expectations immediately. I told [my players] on the bus ride home that the bar is up here now,” Zlatin said, holding his hand next to his ear. “That was our best performance of the season.” Zlatin was mostly pleased with the streak of shutouts because the team allowed 11 goals in the first eight games. The low GRAY MATTERS to make informed decisions and take positive action to improve themselves and their communities and beyond.” “Leadership is making happen what you believe in and I believe that learning and leading are inseparable,” Bowman said of her approach to education. “As school administrators, we have the opportunity to create a community where students, teachers and administrators are teaching and learning, simultaneously, under the same roof. I am fortunate to have the privilege of being the lead learner of West Woods Upper Elementary School, modeling learning and shaping the conditions for all to learn on a continuous basis.” I’ll get back to sports next week, but this week I wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the real heroes of our world, not those who are so VALLEY STOVE, LLC 220 Albany Tpke. Canton A+ 860-693-3404 www.valleyfireplaceandstove.com SAVE TO $634 ON A FREE ACCESSORY UP 24 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 ordained because they were blessed with special physical abilities. I’ll leave you with a thought I’ve expressed to my wife many times over the years, especially on those occasions when the door slammed behind her, an indication it had been a particularly trying day. “I go to work every day and just do what I do,” I’d tell her. “When I’m done, it’s over. Nobody really remembers what I did. But you’re an educator. Society trusts you with our most valuable natural resource, the minds of our children. Every day you touch our future. Even on your most difficult days you leave your footprints on the earth.” This week I just thought I’d mention a couple of pretty special people among our readers, who daily leave their footprints in the Farmington Valley. Now offe our prograrimng a AVON HIG t H SCHOOL F REPLACE & from page 23 point of the season occurred just before the halfway mark when Avon gave up two very late goals in a 3-2 loss to Conard. Tightening up the back line, Zlatin moved Jack St. Onge from outside back to center back. Another midseason adjustment was switching Keenan from midfielder to striker. He responded by scoring in several consecutive matches. “I think we knew we can be competitive in this league and we’ve shown that we are,” Zlatin said. Avon Driving School • Start Classes Anytime • Take Classes in Any Order • DMV Testing On Site • Free Drop Off and Pick Up From Home, School or Job • CT State-Mandated 8-Hour Safety Course Available Register Today! www.avondrivingschool.com Or Call Us at: 860.408.9098 Athletes of the Week Bryan McTeague Boys Soccer Bryan McTeague Granby Memorial Other high school sports: Golf Key to success: Hard work Awards: 2014 AllNCCCC, CIAC All-State, All-Courant One word that describes me as an athlete: Talented Favorite quote: “Winner’s never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi Pre-match ritual: Listen to music in the locker room My breakfast of champions: Egg sandwich Favorite snack: Nachos Favorite meal: Meatloaf Hidden talent: Do a front flip Favorite movie: “21 Jump Street” My must-see TV show: “Workaholics” Person who cracks me up: Kevin Hart Favorite pro team: Juventus F.C. Dream job: Professional snowmobiler Dream vacation: Bora Bora Dream car: 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS My three dinner guests would be: Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Hart and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Kaleigh Sherman Girls Soccer Kaleigh Sherman Avon Other high school sports: Basketball, track & field Key to success: Positive attitude Awards: Scholar Athlete One word that describes me as an athlete: Committed Favorite quote: “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” – Sigmund Freud Pre-match superstition: “I don’t put on my shin guards until right before kickoff.” My breakfast of champions: Bagel with cream cheese Favorite meal: Chipotle burrito Hidden talent: “I can juggle” Favorite movie: “Grown Ups” Famous person I met: WNBA player DeWanna Bonner My must-see TV show: “American Horror Story” Favorite pro team: New England Revolution Dream vacation: Maldives Dream car: 2005 Mercury Montego My time machine is set to…: “1347 because I think it would be cool to live in Medieval Times.” My three dinner guests would be: Colonel Sanders, Drew Scott and Drake Stingers win RI tournament FIRED-UP from page 23 Early in the third quarter, after the teams exchanged turnovers, Pagano made his move. Actually, he made a series of moves to gain 59 yards on three carries. He capped the four-play drive with a 9-yard scamper around the right side for a touchdown. A two-point conversion run by Field made it 23-14 with 3 ½ minutes left in the quarter. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Granby padded its lead when Field took a handoff and sprinted 82 yards for a touchdown. Following an interception by Pagano, Field’s 45-yard run started a four-play touchdown drive that Pagano ended with 4-yard keeper to make it 37-14 with 7:35 left. Field finished with 257 rushing yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. Pagano gained 131 yards on 15 carries and hooked up with Field for an 82-yard touchdown pass on his only throw of the game. He also questioned his coach for clock management late in the first half. “Dom Pagano is our quarterback for a reason. Dom Pagano is the voice of reason,” Gadoury said. “When I have frustrations, Dom’s the one that calms me down. ‘Coach, we got this. Don’t worry about it.’ He’s also the one to call me out when I run the clock out at halftime. There’s a reason he’s the quarterback and a reason why we put this team on his shoulders.” With 3:17 left in the first half, Gadoury used his final timeout as Ellington had first-and-goal at the 3. Looking bewildered at his sideline, Pagano wondered why aloud. There was just under 2 minutes left after a 1-yard sneak by Ellington QB Christian Rider and subsequent extra point cut Granby’s lead to 15-14. With no timeouts, the Bears could not stop the clock and went into the break with the one-point advantage. “My guys just wanted to play football,” Gadoury said. “I will be honest with you: this is the best performance my coaching staff ever did,” Gadoury said. “We made the necessary changes to put us in the best position to come out here and play Granby football in the second half. It was a tale of two halves.” The Bears caught a break at the start of the second half when Ellington fumbled the kickoff. Granby wasn’t able to capitalize, though. On second-and-13 from the 18, Field lofted an option pass that came down “We were in a dogfight and we knew we were going to be in a dogfight at the half.” –Granby Running Back Connor Field “They were frustrated we took the clock down at the end of the half. I just wanted to get to halftime, regroup, make the adjustments and play our game in the second half. Yeah, they were frustrated. They wanted to run a couple more plays. I just wanted to get to halftime. My guys are gamers, my guys adjust. What I said to them [at halftime], they adjusted like men tonight. To be honest with you, they adjusted like a team that wants to play more than 10 games.” At halftime, Gadoury told his players this was a game of chess and the first half was a stalemate. Some adjustments were made on defense to bottle up Rider. in the arms of Ellington’s Colby Unterstein in the end zone. The night did not start well for Field. On the first play from scrimmage, he took a handoff and was smothered for a 1-yard loss. The next time Field touched the ball, he fumbled. And on Granby’s second possession, Field threw a deep pass down the right sideline that hit his wide open target, but Fred Moffa dropped what would have been a sure touchdown. Two plays later, on 3-and-9, Field hauled in a perfectly thrown pass from Pagano for an 82-yard touchdown with 5:47 left in the first quarter. Ellington had a quick response, a four- play touchdown drive that covered 65 yards and was capped by Rider’s 4-yard run that tied at 7 with 4:11 in the first quarter. “They did come out and punch us in the mouth,” Pagano said. “We weren’t expecting them to run on our defense like they did.” On Granby’s ensuing possession, the Purple Knights got mouthy. After Field was dropped two yards behind the line of scrimmage on a first-down play, he got an earful from Ellington linebacker Tyreik Noel. “He said, ‘You’re not running this side anymore.’ I’m like, ‘You can’t tell me where I can and can’t run,’”Field said. “I was fired up.” Two plays later, Field took a pitch to the right and ran over Ellington safety Wellington Silva for a 23-yard gain. He picked up 16 more yards on the next play. On the next one, Field leveled Ellington linebacker Zach Luginbuhl on a 7-yard run. Pagano had the date of this game circled in his mind. He had waited a year to, in his words, “get payback” for the 10-7 loss to Ellington a year ago. For Field, it was more personal. He felt partially responsible for that loss, mainly because he fumbled twice on key possessions. “We were in a dogfight and we knew we were going to be in a dogfight at the half,” Field said. “But the coaches in the booth really coached us well at halftime, switched up the formations and the plays, and it paid off.” The Valley’s only Full Service Hand Car Wash Submitted photo and information The Connecticut Stingers finished in first place in the Rhode Island Breakers Fall Fest AAU tournament in Providence. The Stingers went undefeated, averaging 68 points. Kneeling in front: Lauren Sabia; First row left to right: Amarre Spence, Jack Bosworth, Nick Balducci, Dan Barron, Ian Calabrese. Back row: Head coach Lenny Sabia, Trey Sabia, Aiden Hasson, Adam Vanotti, Daelan Mangiafico, Moni Jusufi, assistant Coach Jerry Balducci. Not pictured: assistant head Coach James Bosworth. Remodeling • Additions • Bathrooms • Kitchens R.E. RICHARDS Inc. 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Exp.10-7-14 vpfs 265 West Main Street • Avon (860) 269-3136 Full Service Hand Wash Hours: Monday Thru Saturday 8am til 6pm Sunday 9am till 5pm October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 25 Granby, Crose hoping to make strong statement in tournament Granby junior Brigitte DeGagne Photo by David Heuschkel By David Heuschkel Sports Editor With the departure of Avon from the NCCC this fall, Granby field hockey coach Sandy Wickman Mason was searching for two new nonconference opponents. She looked to the south – more specifically, the South-West Conference – and found a very good one. Joel Barlow, located in Redding, doesn’t have tradition as glorious as Granby, but the Falcons were soaring atop the SWC with an undefeated record heading into their matchup against the once-beaten Bears last week. When the final horn sounded, Granby and Barlow had identical records (12-1-1). The difference in a 1-0 win by the Bears Oct. 22 was junior Brigitte DeGagne’s second-half goal and solid goaltending by senior Hanna Crose. “She was steel, very gritty. She wouldn’t let anything in,” Mason said of Crose. “That was her mission today.” Crose’s mission is to go out with a state championship. She was an eighth-grader in the fall of 2011 when Granby won its last title. The last two years, Crose was in the cage for losses to Lewis Mills (2014) and Stonington (’13) in the Class S final. Being a senior, she’s hoping to get another shot at a state title. “I’ve been to state finals twice now and it’s really made me grow as a person to lose,” Crose said. “I know how it feels to be on the bottom, I know how it feels to be on the top. Mentally, I just came into the season wanting to end my senior year with a bang.” Crose said she’s worked hard to improve her goaltending skills. It showed in a 1-1 tie with Enfield when she stopped two breakaways in overtime. That was the only goal allowed by Crose in a nine-game stretch that began and ended with bookend 1-0 wins over New Milford and Barlow, respectively. “She’s always had great skills as a goaltender, but she put the package together this year,” Mason said. “She’s here mentally, physically and her technical skills, her as a person, as a teammate, she’s like the whole package. We could not be more delighted with her. “What she does in practice, she does in games. To be confident of your goalie is just huge. She has earned that so well.” Barlow was the first of three straight nonconference games for Granby to close out the regular season. The Bears were scheduled to play Farmington Oct. 28 and South Windsor Nov. 2. The state tournament starts the following week. In the latest field hockey coaches poll, Barlow was No. 4 and Granby No. 8, one spot behind Immaculate, another SWC school. Granby and Barlow never played since Mason took over as head coach of the Bears in 2003. The coaches were the sole link to the programs. Mason said she knew Barlow coach Con- nie Chapin from officiating games together. “She runs the Nutmeg Games and she’s a little bit of a mayor of field hockey,” Mason said. “We both knew we had good programs and said, ‘Hey, you want to play each other?’ ” Next fall, Mason said her team will travel to Redding to play Barlow. She’s hoping to play the game on a Saturday because it’s a 90-minute bus ride to Fairfield County. “I didn’t really know a lot about them. I know that league is pretty strong,” Mason said. “They tend to all make the tournament. Even New Milford is strong.” Barlow and New Milford were among the eight teams in the 10-team SWC that qualified for the state tournament last year. The Bears defeated New Milford 1-0 in September. The Bears could see another SWC school in the Class S tournament – Immaculate was No. 3 in the CIAC playoff rankings and Granby No. 2 – or a familiar foe in Stonington, ranked fourth. Granby and Stonington have met in the tournament each of the last three seasons, including the 2013 final. “If we play hockey the way we played today,” Mason said after the win over Barlow, “we should do well [in the state tournament].” Mason said Granby played its best hockey in its only loss, 2-1 to Daniel Hand. The Bears went 9-0-1 in their next 10 games with eight shutouts, allowing just two goals over that span. “Our goal is to come out with a win in the state finals this year,” Crose said. “It’s been hard to lose two years in a row, so I think the third time is a charm.” Better late than never for Simsbury field hockey team By Ted Glanzer Staff Writer With her team trailing South Windsor by one goal with 7 minutes remaining last week, Simsbury field hockey coach Brooke Bulmer called a timeout. With players huddled around her, she demanded results. “I said, ‘It’s now. It’s now or never,’” Bulmer said. ‘“I don’t want an equalizer. I want an equalizer plus one, because I don’t want to go into overtime. Let’s do this now.”’ Message received, and then some. The Trojans scored three goals in the final 6 1/2 minutes to snatch a 4-2 victory over a solid Bobcats squad Oct. 20 at Holden Field. Bridget Maher scored the tying goal with 6:30 left and Annie Deliso put Simsbury on top just 50 seconds later. Caitlyn Donahue sealed the fifth straight win by the Trojans (9-3) with a gorgeous across-the-body shot that caught the left side of the goal with 55 seconds remaining. The victory left Bulmer shaking her head a bit as she contemplated the Trojans’ knack for coming alive late in the game. “Generally we come alive in the second for some unknown reason,” Bulmer said. NEVER SEAL YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AGAIN! Permanently Seals Stain Proof - No Etching Maintenance Free Lifetime Warranty Up until the deluge of late goals, South Windsor mostly controlled the run of play, particularly in the first half. Gabby Inkel opened the scoring at the 15:53 mark of the first half. After a goal by Corey Callahan made it 2-0, Simsbury called a timeout to regroup. “We weren’t playing our game. [The Bobcats] were beating us to the ball every time,” Bulmer said. “We were making foolish mistakes. We were sloppy and they were playing well. They looked like they wanted it more than we did in the first half.” Bulmer said she told her players to get back on the balls of their feet instead of back on their heels. “Let’s get fired up.” Deliso scored her first with 6:16 left in the half. Maher and Katie Grigely assisted. “It’s a beautiful thing when it works,” Bulmer said. While the forward line gets credit for the comeback, Simsbury’s defenders, notably Sarah DePratti, Maher and Emily Franklin kept the Bobcats in check after the second goal. Trojans goalkeeper Jane Pyatt had seven saves. With wins over Fairfield Warde and South Windsor on consecutive days, Simsbury appeared to be rounding into form down the stretch. However, the Trojans saw their winning streak end Oct. 23 with a 3-2 loss to Conard (12-1), which is No. 3 in the state coaches poll. At 9-4 with three games left, including the final two against Farmington Nov. 2 and Glastonbury two days later, the Trojans are hoping to earn a first-round home match in the upcoming Class L state tournament. “Those wins are huge,” Bulmer said after the victory over South Windsor. “The players are saying, ’That was the best win we’ve ever had.’ I keep telling them, ‘You can do this.’” Everything for Your Home Marble Polishing Grout Cleaning Grout Coloring Natural Stone Restoration Polishing • Honing • Deep Cleaning • Countertops • Floors & Showers STONE & TILE S ERVICES ZIGGY OSKWAREK 860-913-4473 P.O. BOX 433, AVON, CT 06001 EMAIL: [email protected] Visit us at stonepolishingct.com 26 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 860-953-2200 7 CODY STREET • WEST HARTFORD, CT MageeCompanies.com One goal enough for Avon field hockey By Matt Monitto Correspondent The field at Northwest Catholic High school was a bit bumpy, like most grass surfaces. It was not tilted, though. It just seemed that way. The field hockey was not even either, other than the score at the end of 60 minutes of regulation. Avon threw shot after shot toward the Northwest Catholic net, coming up empty time after time, until Lauren Jeandell scored with just 1 minute remaining in overtime to give the Falcons a 1-0 win in a CCC game Oct. 22. “We persevered,” Avon coach Terri Ziemnicki said. “I think we were frustrated, and I think we persevered over outside factors like the field and. …Just a bumpy field.” Avon amassed 54 shots while Northwest Catholic FEEL-GOOD from page 23 Trailing 1-0 last week, Granby generated some good scoring chances, but couldn’t get a shot past goalkeeper Josh Frigo (10 saves). Midway through the second half, Granby midfielder Grant Dorman slid the ball to Adam Holden, who was denied by Frigo. About 4 ½ minutes later, Frigo made a diving save to rob Bryan McTeague. He made another stop on a quick strike by had 0. Yes, zero. “We knew we had to play defense today in this game because [Avon is] a very good team,” Northwest coach Bill Mullady said. “We played solid defense. We stayed in the game and we didn’t get down.” Avon’s offense controlled the game for all 69 minutes. Northwest’s defense was up for the challenge, keeping the ball out of the net until Jeandell finally put one past goalie Gianna Molinari. “Their goalie played a good game. She made some nice saves,” Ziemnicki said. “Some of our shots went wide, more so than I’ve ever seen, and [Northwest] packed the goal with defense.” Mullady said the strategy was to stay tight in front of the net and don’t leave any Avon player open for a clean shot at Molinari, who made 30 saves. “From the beginning she’s been phenomenal this year,” Mullady said. “I was concerned how good she would be this year, but she’s really, really come on. She’s been outstanding.” But it was the final shot that decided the game. After Avon’s 40th corner of the game, Paige Deppe got her stick on the ball, and Jeandell sent it into the net. “It was just a scramble in front of the net,” Ziemnicki said. “Lauren happened to be there and put it in.” Avon followed up with another 1-0 road win over Stonington Oct. 24, improving to 11-1 with its only loss to Glastonbury in the season opener. The Falcons haven’t given up a goal since a 2-1 win over Simsbury Sept. 21, a streak of eight consecutive shutouts. “[We’re] just going to keep working every day to be better than we were the day before,” Ziemnicki said. Holden, and moments later, got lucky when McTeague’s free kick hit the crossbar with 5 ½ minutes remaining. “I was lucky on that one,” Frigo said. While some believe there are times when it’s better to be lucky than good, this was hardly the case for the entire 80 minutes. Granby coach Dave Emery said Frigo and center midfielder Rieley Hoffman were difference makers in the outcome. Hoffman set up the Madigan goal, carrying the ball past some Granby midfielders and getting it up to No. 5, who slid a pass to Madigan with 30:13 left. “Madigan’s sicker than a dog,” Phelps said. “He’s been throwing up. I had to take him out 10 minutes into the game and then I put him back in. I rested him for 20 minutes and put him back in the game. That’s when he got the goal.” Phelps said illnesses and injuries have preclud- • No Seasonal price hikes. • Cars are thoroughly sanitized before every rental. • 10% discount on POSTED RATES BELOW for StarCard Members and their out-of-town colleagues and corporate associates, , Costco, BJs, and Sam’s Club. • Plus all applicable airport fees and taxes. PumpkinHead Regatta Photos by Ted Glanzer The Farmington crew team hosted the annual PumpkinHead Regatta on a splendid autumn day on the Farmington River. Teams from Avon and Simsbury high schools also took part in the Oct. 24 festivities. In keeping with the Halloween theme, team members dress up in costumes ranging from superheroes to pajamas to an intrepid Farmington boys varsity 1 boat with shirtless rowers with painted faces. ed him from playing all 11 starters in any game. It’s also been a blessing because it gave other players an opportunity to step up. He’s had to move players around. Against Granby, Phelps said he used junior Jessie Waite in five different spots. “Two weeks ago I didn’t think I had a bench. My bench has been great for me in the last two weeks,” Phelps said. Madigan spent more time on the bench than usual. He said running for 5 seconds got him winded. If this wasn’t Canton’s final regular season home game, he might have considered staying in bed all day. “There was a point where I thought maybe I shouldn’t even go on the field because I’m doing worse than somebody else that could come off the bench,” Madigan said. It was the first time Granby (6-4-2) failed to score since opening the season with back-to-back shutout losses to Suffield and Ellington. The Bears proceeded to lose just one of their next nine games, going 6-1-2 before losing to Canton. “I thought we played very well,” Emery said. “This is certainly a quality Canton team, no doubt about that. Their goalie was just outstanding. We deserved a couple [goals], if not more, based on the sheer number of chances we generated. We just didn’t get it in the cage.” BOYS WINTER PROGRAMS LEARN FROM THE AREAS TOP HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE COACHES! CLINICS AT SPORTSWORLD (EAST WINDSOR, CT) STARTING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2nd Session 1: December 2, 9, 16, 23; (12/30 off) January 6, 13, 20 (7 weeks) $225 Session 2: January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9 (7 weeks) $260 Attend Both Sessions (14 weeks) $450 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BOYS MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL WINTER LEAGUES AT SPORTSWORLD (EAST WINDSOR, CT) High School JV and Varsity -‐ 8 Sunday Games (2:00pm-‐9:00pm) Middle School Juniors and Seniors -‐ 8 Friday Games (5:30pm-‐9:30pm) Join as a team or a free agent Must make reservations at: roncariautorental.com Offer Expires on 12/31/2015 1-800-555-6540 FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: DAN CORCORAN, DIRECTOR [email protected] 860.658.4834 CTRIPITLACROSSE.COM October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 27 check it out AVON–––––––––––– Pumpkin Patch at Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, open thru Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with pumpkins of all sizes (860-673-2111) MOPS – Avon Mothers of Preschoolers group meeting Monday, Nov. 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Valley Community Baptist Church, Room 206, 590 West Avon Road, ages 0-5 (valleycommunity.cc/mops) Senior Citizens of Avon organization Monday, Nov. 2, board meeting at 10:30 a.m., pizza, salad and dessert at noon, followed by bingo Farmington Valley VNA blood pressure screenings, no appt. needed: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, and Thursday, Nov. 5, 12:15-1:45 p.m., at the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road First Friday Dinner Nov. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St., chicken with lemons, garlic and rosemary, $13/$7, dine in or take out, portion of proceeds to benefit Food Share Soup Supper Friday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, free-will offering to benefit Farmington Valley Hunger Collaborative food packaging event, all welcome – five different soups served, speaker Noora Brown from Farmington Valley American Muslim Center Football fundraiser for the Red White and Blue Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. – home football game at Avon High School, all concession sales, tickets sales, 50/50 raffle and donation box to benefit Wounded Warrior Project BURLINGTON––––––- Parks & Recreation fall programs registration at www.burlingtonctparksandrec.com: • Spooktacular Family Fun Day Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m., at Foote Road Complex, $3 – Touch a Truck, DJ, costume parade, face painting, goodie bags, Bounce House and more (rain location: Har-Bur Middle School) • After School Ski and Snowboard at Ski Sundown grades 5-12, registration deadline Nov. 9 • Holiday Light Competition, enter online or by mail by Dec. 15 CANTON––––––––––- Sponsor families in need for holidays with Canton Social Services holiday gift giving program; if interested in being sponsored or sponsoring a family, contact the office at 860693-5811, ext. 6, by Friday, Nov. 6 At the Canton Senior/Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave., 860-693-5811: • Making It Meaningful: Planning for the Future educational series Thursdays thru Nov. 5 at 4:30 p.m., sign up for one or more – Oct. 29, Paying for Long Term Care: Ways to Keep from Going Broke, and Nov. 5, Hospice & Palliative Care: Making Informed Decisions • Cooking with Kristen: Nutrition Workshop Mondays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 at 1 p.m., sign up required for entire series • Turkey Day 101 and Benefits of Family Gatherings Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m., by FVHD, sign up • Sign up for AARP Smart Driver Safety Course to be held Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Looking for volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors work day Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., to volunteer call Kathy Corkum at 860-693-8612 or Cynthia Politano at 860-693-1210 Retirement reception in honor of Dick Barlow Thursday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m., at La Trattoria, tickets $30 at CAO office or by mailing or dropping off payment to Town of Canton, 4 Market St., Collinsville, 06022 New Parks and Recreation Basketball League for boys and girls in 1st-8th grades, fee $125 (grades 1-4) and $145 (grades 5-8), registration deadline Friday, Oct. 30 at www. cantonrec.org, by phone at 860-693-5808 or in person at the office Town of Canton Community Cookbooks for sale at $10 a book, which includes 150 recipes, available at the Senior Center, the library, town clerk’s office and the CAO’s office FARMINGTON–––––-- An Old-Fashioned Halloween for children 12 and younger Thursday, Oct. 29, 5-7:30 p.m., at the Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St., admission a non-perishable food for Halloween Against Hunger benefiting Farmington Food Pantry, wear a Halloween costume At Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, 860-693-0263: • Hobgoblin Fair Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.noon or 1-3 p.m., $8 children/$4 adults, ages 3-8, pre-register • All About Owls Tuesday, Nov. 3, drop in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – watch an owl documentary, get to know resident owls, make an owl craft, go on an owl scavenger hunt, dissect an owl pellet and more • Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-2:30 p.m., $6/$8, ages 6 years and up, pre-registration required At the UConn Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave.: • Free IVF Information Session Thursdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 6-8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave., registration required at 860-679-4580 • Nutrition for a Healthy Heart Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, registration fee $30, 1-800535-6232 – journey to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and healthier weight NAMI support group Monday, Nov. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. (860-693-9310 or 860-371-8111) At the Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road: • First Sunday Self-Guided Tours Sunday, Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m. • Gallery Talk: Theodate’s Boys: Gordon, Donald and Paul, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. – learn about her boys who were orphaned, two of whom lived to adulthood • Children’s activity: Family Photos Nov. 1, 1 p.m., RSVP required – learn about Hill-Stead families while looking at old photos, take photos of one’s family, make frames and take home the photo Polling location change – on Tuesday, Nov. 3 (and all future November elections), all voting at the Canton Middle/High School, 76 Simonds Ave. (860-693-7870) Farmington Valley VNA blood pressure screenings, no appt. needed: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30-11 a.m., at Walgreens at Canton Village, Route 44, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. To submit an event for the calendar, e-mail Sally at [email protected] Farmington Valley VNA blood pressure screenings, no appt. needed: Monday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Farmington Senior Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville; Wednesday, Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m., at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive; and Thursday, Nov. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Middlewoods of Farmington, 9 Middle Road Cure Restaurant ribbon cutting Monday, Nov. 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m., at the restaurant, Mill St., Unionville Paint Nite Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at Middlewoods of Farmington, 509 Middle Road, with art instructor Heather Stachowiak, cost $10 per person with all supplies included, light refreshments at nominal charge, space limited, RSVP to Ginny Brown at 860-2845700 Events at Farmington Senior Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville, 850-675-2490, ext. 3: • Chit Chat Café Wednesday, Nov. 4, sign up by Monday, Nov. 2, fee $4 • Bible Study Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Pinochle Thursdays, 1 p.m., Ladies Pool Fridays, 10 a.m. • Need help with changing or selecting Medicare Part D Plan? Call to schedule an appt. with CHOICES counselor “Faces from the Past – Unionville” exhibit at the Unionville Museum, 15 School St., Unionville, thru Nov. 8, open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 2-4 p.m. GRANBY–––––––––– Granby Land Trust Art Show Oct. 29-Nov. 30 at Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby, opening Thursday, Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m. Good Company Theater of Granby’s “Little Shop of Horrors” Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., tickets $20 online at www.goodcompanytheaterct.org or at the door Granby Grange #5 Halloween Pancake Breakfast and costume contest Saturday, Oct. 31, 8-11 a.m., at 212 North Granby Road, donation $6/$3, menu: pumpkin and buttermilk pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and homemade coffee cake Farmington Valley VNA blood pressure screenings Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9-10:30 a.m., at the Farmington Valley YMCA, 97 Salmon Brook St., and Thursday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., at the Granby Senior Center, 15C North Granby Road SIMSBURY–––––––-- “How to Discipline Children” Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at The Cobb School, Montessori, 112 Sand Hill Road, free and open to the public, RSVP [email protected] – Sandra Girlato, president of the Association Montessori Internationale of Canada, discussing how parents can best guide their children’s developing will, from toddler to teen At the Simsbury Senior Center, Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St., 860-658-3273: • Lunch Café at Eno Fridays 11 a.m.-noon, $2/sandwich, $2/soup: Oct. 30, garden vegetable soup, chicken salad and tuna salad sandwich • Pickle Ball Mondays, noon-2 p.m., at the Farmington Valley YMCA, 97 Salmon Brook St., Granby, $3 per day, call the senior center for info Artist reception Friday, Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m., at the Village at McLean, 75 Great Pond Road, Burkholder Community Center, for residents’ first arts show, RSVP at 860-658-3741 Simsbury Grange and Green Monster e-Cycling co-hosting recycling event of tech-oriented recycling electronics on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-noon, at Farms Village Shopping Center, 244 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury, $10 donation suggested – NO air conditioners, washers/dryers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, water coolers, light bulbs, vacuums, microwaves and household batteries, info at www.GreenMonsterrecycling.com or 860-231-1426 First Annual Squadron Line School Monster Dash 5k Trail Run, Kids 1 Mile Run and 100m Dash for ages 5 and under Saturday, Oct. 31 at Stratton Brook Park – 9-9:50 a.m. check in, 10 a.m. 5k start, 11 a.m. 1 mile kids run start, 11:15 a.m. 100m dash start, 11:30 a.m. awards - register in advance or the morning of the dash, packet pickup Friday, Oct. 30, 3:45-7 p.m. at the school, 44 Squadron Line Road (SQLmonsterdash@ gmail.com) See CHECK IT OUT on page 29 At the Library Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, 860-673-9712, www.avonctlibrary.info: • Dragons & Dreams with Sciencetellers Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-2:45 p.m. • Writing Workshop #3 with Steve Liskow Monday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m., register • Look Up – It’s up to you, a digital citizenship meet up, Monday, Nov. 2, 7-8 p.m., contact Kari Ann • Whole Health Associates Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m., personalize your diet and exercise program with genetics • Computer classes with the Uberbots Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3:30-5 p.m., 3D Printing: what is it? • Understanding Financial Aid Thursday, Nov. 5, 7-8 p.m., with College Guy Tom Polowy, M.S., a registered representative financial adviser • Evening Book Club, “Tell the Wolves I’m Home” by Carol Rifka Brunt Thursday, Nov. 5, 7-8:30 p.m. Burlington Library, 34 Library Lane, 860-673-3331, www.Burlingtonctlibrary.info: • Friends Bag Sale Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., buy books by the bag for $5 • Burlington Lions Club presents Kidsight USA Monday, Nov. 2, 11:30 a.m., vision screenings for ages 6 months and up, registration forms at front desk • Movement! Yoga! Circus! Mondays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 4:30-5:15 p.m., register Homeschoolers Book Club Thursday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m., “Scrambled State of America” by Laurie Keller 28 The Valley Press • Estate Planning: Don’t make these mistakes Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., register, with attorneys Brendan Daly and Carmine Perri • Giggle Juice Stories Thursday, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m., ages 3 and up, register • Stop Motion Animation Project Thursday, Nov. 5, 3:30 p.m., grades 4 and up, register Canton Public Library, Farmington Library, 40 Dyer Ave., 860-693-5800, www.cantonpubliclibrary.org: • Music for Me Story Time Friday, Oct. 30, 10:15 a.m. for babies, 11 a.m. for toddlers and walkers • Saturday Book Conversations Oct. 31, 1 p.m., “The Orchardist: A Novel” by Amanda Coplin • TAG meeting Monday, Nov. 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m., grades 7 and up • Riverside Reptiles Presents: Reptiles & Amphibians with Brian Kleinman Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10:30 a.m., for school-age children, register • Hunger Games Trivia Contest: Round 1 Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m., register in advance • Movies on the Big Screen “Inside Out” Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m., ages 6 and up • Stories and Songs for 2’s and 3’s November session beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10:15 a.m., register • Graphic Novel Book Club Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m., “Through the Woods” by Emily Carroll, grades 6-12 • Jr. Book Club “The Mystery of the Gold Coin – Greetings from Somewhere #01” by Harper Paris Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., grades one and up, register • Tech Talks: What’s Cookin’ on the Web? Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. • Little Makers Club Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19, 1:30 p.m., ages 3 and up, register October 29, 2015 6 Monteith Drive, 860-673-6791, ext. 1, www.farmingtonlibraries.org: • Afternoon at the Bijou Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.: Oct. 29, “Psycho” (drama), no film Nov. 5 • Halloween Eve Celebration Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m., families come in costume, register • Director’s College Event: From the Shadow of JFK – The Rise of Beatlemania in America Thursday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m., register • Tots & Tunes Halloween Parade Friday, Oct. 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m., three sessions at 9:30, 10:15 and 11 a.m., choose one, ages birth-3 Me and My Baby, The First Year Together Fridays, 10:30 a.m., drop in: Oct. 30, Baby’s first Halloween party • From Books to Movies Lecture Series Monday, Nov. 2, “Paper Moon,” register • Two-part Meditation Workshop: Improving Your Life through Meditation, second part Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., with Clare Vicich, director of Kirpal Meditation Center • Chess Club with Alex Lumelsky Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Plainville Library, grades K-12, register • Free Small Business Workshop Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., in partnership with SCORE, register in advance Barney Library, 71 Main St., 860673-6791, ext. 2: • Silly Haunted House program with Janet Lawler Thursday, Oct. 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m., ages 3-8, register, come in costume • Garmany Music Series: Karkowska Sisters Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1 p.m., register • “Midsomer Murders,” the British television series that chronicles Detective Tom Baranby, Thursday, Nov. 5, 1:15 p.m., “Blue Herrings,” register Granby Library, 15 North Granby Road, 860-844-5275: • Intro to Genealogy for Kids with Jennifer Zinck Thursdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., at Cossitt Library, 388 North Granby Road, ages 8-12, pre-register at 860-6538958 • Something about the Author book group, J.K. Rowling, Monday, Nov. 2, 1:30 p.m. • Memoir Writing Series Mondays, Nov. 2 and 9, 6:15 p.m., with Sarah Merrill, personal historian, pre-register • Book & Film Series: India, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1:30 p.m., “Teatime of the Firefly” by Shona Patel, pre-register Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., 860-658-7663: • Haunted House Diaries: The True Story of a Quiet Connecticut Town in the Center of a Paranormal Mystery Thursday, Oct. 29, 7-8:30 p.m., pre-register • Friday Flicks 1-3 p.m.: Oct. 30, “East of Eden” and Nov. 6, “Manchurian Candidate” Holiday Bow Making Sunday, Nov. 1, 2-4 p.m., with Thomas Mach,, owner of In the House & Through the Garden, register • Classical Music in the Afternoon: From My Homeland – a concert of violin and viola works Monday, Nov. 2, 1-2:30 p.m., with Janet Jacobson and Gabriel Remillard • NaNoWriMo: Dystopian Writing Workshop Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8 p.m., with Jennifer Lavoie, registration suggested • Photography Series: “Through a Different Lens – Three Connecticut Women Photographers” Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:308 p.m. • Introduction to Grant Writing for Business with Rebecca Tuttle Thursday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. • Meet Cookbook Author Karen Covey and enjoy a sample from Metro Bis Thursday, Nov. 5, 2-4 p.m., register • NaNoWriMo Write-In Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. – work on novel with other participants, snacks and coffee provided • Architecture Series: An Education in Grotesque Thursday, Nov. 5, 7-8:30 p.m., with Mathew Duman highlighting a selection of gargoyles and grotesques in buildings on Yale University’s campus, registration suggested Teen programs • Discarded Book Pumpkins Thursday, Oct. 29, 4-5 p.m., RSVP • Dystopian Writing Workshop with YA author Jennifer Lavoie Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8 p.m., RSVP • Nerdfest/Fandom Social Friday, Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m. Children’s programs • Storytime at the Firehouse, 871 Hopmeadow St., Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m., drop in • Lego Mania Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., ages 5+, drop in • Family Yoga Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 and 2:45 p.m., drop in, ages 4+ with caregiver check it out CHECK IT OUT from page 28 Simsbury Trunk or Treat at Simsbury Farms, Old Farms Road, Saturday, Oct. 31, noon, pre-registration for a parking space required at www. simsburyrec.com – decorate trunk of car, kids treat or treat going from trunk to trunk, prizes for best decorated trunk, Halloween stories and fun with the library, a Monster Mash dance party, inflatable slide Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s events/programs: • Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge Saturday, Oct. 31, noon-5 p.m., at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Iron Horse Boulevard, advance ticket $8 per person (860651-7307) • Veterans Day After Hours hosted by Red Stone Pub, D.E. Jacobs Associates and In the House & Through the Garden Nov. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at 10 Gallagher Way, arrive at 5 p.m., to hear “Stories from a Veteran’s Eye” by Jason Lill, RSVP by Friday, Nov. 6 at 860-651-7307 or info@simsburycoc. org, $10 non-members • 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 • Be a mentor on Job Shadow Day Friday, Nov. 6, call 860-651-7307 Rossignol family haunted house Saturday, Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m., at Freemasons Hall, 991 Hopmeadow St., ages 7-14, admission a non-perishable food item to be donated to Gifts of Love NAMI Family Support Group Monday, Nov. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Simsbury Senior Center, Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hompeadow St. (860-803-4139, 860-299-5705) Farmington Valley VNA blood pressure screenings Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. McLean workshops/educational series, 75 Great Pond Road, Burkholder Community Center: • Fall Caregiver Educational Series Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-7:30 p.m., at McLean, light supper provided, RSVP 860-658-3723 – last in the series, Caring for the Caregiver: Eat Healthy, Be Active and the Importance of Looking After You • The Learning Connection workshops Thursday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., “Create a Harvest Floral Arrangement,” RSVP required, 860-658-3741 Art on the Hill featuring work of Stephen Sottile thru Nov. 9 at The Simsbury 1820 House, 731 Hopmeadow St. (860-658-7658) Diana Lemcoff of Simsbury and Martha Highsmith, paintings and quilts, exhibited in the Ethel Walker Library Gallery, Bushy Hill Road, thru Nov. 20 VALLEY & BEYOND “Dine and Discuss Hot Topics for the Family Caregiver” series Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-7:30 p.m., at the adult day care center, Day-Break at Farmington, 290 Farmington Ave., Plainville, reserve a seat by calling Kimberly Savoir at 860-747-4093 Ct. Chapter of MUFON presentation “911 UFO” UFOs and police officers with Kenneth Storch, Aurora, Colo., law enforcement officer, Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m., at the Barney Library, 71 Main St., Farmington (860-470-3296) FVAC classes/weekend workshops at 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, 860678-1867, artsfvac.org: • Youth classes: Fiber Art Fridays, Oct. 30-Nov. 20 • Weekend workshops: Felted Silk Inlaid Scarf Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $75; Silk Scarf Marbling Nov. 15, noon-3 p.m., $45; Painting on • Wine Glasses/Vases Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $45; Felted Pet Sculptures Dec. 6, noon-3 p.m., $34 • Adult classes: Drawing & Painting with Pastels Fridays, Nov. 6-Dec. 18, 1-3 p.m., $190 Connecticut Adoption Services information session Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 1599 Southeast Road, Farmington, register before 3 p.m. the Tuesday/Wednesday before by calling Sandra Couillard at 860-886-7500, ext. 355 Farmington Valley Trails Council annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon, admission free, following business portion, Mary Hudson Embry, an international sustainable mobility consultant with Mobycon, joined by David Head, senior transportation engineer at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Simsbury Public Works Facility, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury, open to all residents of Avon, Canton, Granby and Simsbury My Avenging Angel Workshop offered by Susan Omilian and sponsored by Hartford Hospital Domestic Violence Prevention Program and supported by Connecticut Alliance for Victims of Violence and Their Families and the Petit Family Foundation Nov. 7 and 14 (plan to attend both sessions) from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Hartford Hospital Avon Wellness Center, 100 Simsbury Road, Suite 205, Avon, workshops free, but advance registration required by calling 860-545-1888 Westminster School open house Nov. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., on campus at 995 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, to attend, call 860-408-3060, or register online at www.westminster-school. org/openhouse Arts & Events Farmington Valley Visitors Association Haunted Miniature Golf Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30 from 4-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., at Farmington Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor, 1048 Farmington Ave., Farmington, admission $10 per person (www. fvva.com) Hartt School events at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford: • Hammerklavier Thursday, Oct. 29, 8-9:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall • Halloween Concert with the Hartt Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band Saturday, Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m., Lincoln Theater • Hartt Community Division Suzuki Piano Halloween Play-In Saturday, Oct. 31, 4-5:30 p.m., Bliss Music Center, Alfred C. Fuller Music Center • “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby: Part 1” Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30-10 p.m., and Part 2, Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 6, 7:3010 p.m., in Millard Auditorium • Larry Alan Smith at 60 – A Birthday Celebration Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8-10 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall • Composers Ensemble and Chorus: New and Exciting Music Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8-10 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall • An Evening with Guitar Thursday, Nov. 5, 8-9:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall • Senior Dance Concert Friday, Nov. 6, 7:309:30 p.m., Handel Performing Arts Center, 35 Westbourne Parkway At Infinity Music Hall and Bistro 20 Greenwoods Road North, Norfolk, 1-866666-6306: Oct. 30, 8 p.m., The Yardbirds; Oct. 31, 8 p.m., Halloween Costume Ball hosted by WZBG’s Amy Ferrarotti; The Steeldrivers show Nov. 1 canceled 32 Front St., Hartford: Oct. 29, 8 p.m., Wise Old Moon album release with special guest The Meadows Brothers; Oct. 30, 8 p.m., Joan Armatrading with Melissa Ferrick; Oct. 31, 8 p.m., The Slambovian Circus of Drams’ Halloween Costume Ball; Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., Andrea Gibson; Nov. 5, 8 p.m., Joshua Radin solo and acoustic with special guest Anya Marina At the Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St., Hartford, 860-278-2670, thewadsworth.org: • Gallery Talk: “Guise & Dolls” Thursday, Oct. 29, noon, with curator Patricia Hickson, followed by a 1 p.m. screening of the film “Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol” with an additional screening Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.; “Warhol & Mapplethorpe: Guise & Dolls,” first major exhibition to pair the work of the two artists, thru Jan. 24, 2016 • Conversation: “Working with Andy Warhol” Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., with Christopher Makos, Bob Colacello and Vincent Fremont, reception at 5 p.m., free At Maple Tree Café, 781 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, live music at 9 p.m., cover charge, 860-651-1297: Friday, Oct. 30, Tirebiter, and Saturday, Oc. 31, Halloween Party At Lisa’s Crown & Hammer, 3 Depot St., Collinsville, 9:30 p.m.: Thursday, Nov. 5, Bruce Gregori, and Friday, Nov. 6, Meredith Rose Kinky Friedman’s “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met Tour” Friday Oct. 30, 8 p.m., at Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville, 860-693-9762 Good Company Theater of Granby’s “Little Shop of Horrors” final performances Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, tickets $20 (www. goodcompanytheaterct.org) At the Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, 860-280-3130: • Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30, stepping off at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., tickets $22/$17/$15 at 860247-0998 • “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in the style of an old-time radio play by Capital Classics Oct. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., tickets $20/$15 at 860-247-0998 • Book/Mark “Twain’s End” with author Lynn Cullen Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., reservations recommended at 860-247-0998 • Book/Mark “Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway” with author Michael Riedel, moderated by Frank Rizzo Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. • Mark My Words V…In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, Star Wars-themed event with five “Star Wars” expanded universe authors Friday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Webster Museum Center, preceded by The Imperial Blood Drive from noon-5 p.m. at Immanuel Congregational Church, advance tickets $35 thru Sunday, Nov. 1, $45 after • Mark Twain House & Museum 2015 Gala Nov. 14, more info and tickets at 860-2803112 Hobgoblin Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., $8/$4, ages 3-8, pre-registration with payment required The Underground Gallery, 122 Main St., Collinsville, paintings and drawings by Nancy Greco opening Oct. 30, 6-9 p.m., running thru Nov. 14 Paranormal investigation at ButlerMcCook House & Garden with the G.O.N.E.R.S. Friday, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m., with medium Karen Hollis, admission $15/$10, reservations at 860-247-8996, ext. 14 “Rocky Horror Show” by Phoenix Theater Company Friday and Saturday, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m., at Trinity-on-Main, 69 Main St., New Britain, with midnight shows Saturday, Oct. 31, tickets $22 in advance, $24 at the door, 860-229-2072 or www.phoenixtheater.us Jez Lowe Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m., at the Sounding Board Coffeehouse at The Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern St., West Hartford, $18/$16/$10/$8, reservations@sounding boardcoffeehose. org, or by calling 860-770-3001 At the Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington, 860-489-7180, www. warnertheatre.org: • Amy Black & Sarah Borges with The Muscle Shoals Revue Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m., tickets $25 • 14th annual Holiday Wine & Food Tasting Friday, Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m., tickets $25/$60 VIP The Johannes String Quartet with pianist David Westfall Sunday, Nov. 1, 4 p.m., at South Church, 90 Main St., New Britain, at the Music Series at South Church, free-will donation Christmas Cottage Craft Fair Thursday, Nov. 5, 3-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Eureka Grange Hall, Route 2002 at 777 Litchfield Turnpike, New Hartford/Nepaug Kenn Morr Band Friday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m., at Parrot Delaney Tavern, 37 Greenwoods Road, New Hartford (860-379-0188) Connecticut Cabaret Theatre auditions for the musical “The Cardigans,” auditions by appt. only, seeking men 18-35, contact 860829-1248 “Playful,” exhibit of prints, drawings, mixed media, collage and paintings by Elizabeth McNally thru Thursday, Nov. 5 in the Wallace Barnes and Barbara Hackman Franklin Art Gallery at the entrance of the 600 Building at Tunxis Community College in Farmington Theater Guild of Simsbury’s “The King and I” Nov. 14, 19 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m., in the Simsbury High School auditorium, 34 West Street, Simsbury, advance tickets $21/$18, at the door $24/$18, theatreguildsimsbury.org Favarh’s annual fall fundraiser featuring Michael DelGuidice and Big Shot Friday, Nov. 20, 6:30-11:30 p.m., at the Riverview in Simsbury, tickets $150 per person online at www.favarh.org or by contacting Ronelle Cipolla at 860-693-6662, ext. 116 October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 29 PRESSOPINION EDITORIAL Letters to the EDITOR To The Editor: It is with a sense of hopeful anticipation that I write a letter of support for Thomas Sevigny for the position of first selectman for the town of Canton. Tom has ably served our town on the Board of Selectman for the past four years. His strong belief in the power of active citizen involvement has been a guiding force of the current board. Our new Town Plan of Conservation and Development, as well as the Collinsville Streetscape project, are both results of consensus building workshops advocated by Tom. Tom is a true leader who looks forward to working in a collaborative manner with a brand new Board of Selectmen. We need his experience, his vision and his inclusive style to face the many issues that will demand attention in the next few years. A vote for Tom Sevigny is a vote for Canton. Carlene C. Rhea Canton resident Sevigny for selectman To the editor: I am heartily supporting Tom Sevigny for the office of first selectman in Canton. Having worked with Tom on many projects, I can attest to his ability to persevere, to bring people together and create good solutions. During my 10-year service on the Board of Selectmen, campaigns were tough. Yet, once elected, all members worked together successfully to tackle, and solve, many of Canton’s toughest issues. That inclusive government community spirit seems now to be part of our history. The voices of many have been overpowered by the voices of a few. Government transparency has turned dark. Canton needs a leader to bring us together, to respect all opinions, to create a new spirit of a valued participation and cooperation. Challenges remain. First Selectman Tom Sevigny will lead us all in working together. David Sinish Canton resident 30 The Valley Press Vote, because you can There will be an election Nov. 3, as there is every November, for one office or another. It’s not for president; that’s scheduled for next year, despite all of the presidential politics already filling the radio and television airwaves. The 2015 election is all about this town. It’s casting a ballot for those fellow residents who have put themselves before the public to serve on the Town Council, Board of Education and other boards and commissions. More people vote in presidential elections, and they should not be discouraged from doing that, but the simple truth is that no election has greater impact upon most people than the municipal one. Residents will be selecting the people who determine how this town will be run. They will determine the services they receive as taxpayers, how their children are educated and protected while in school, and so much more. The people on the ballot are also the people who will determine how much each business and homeowner pays in property taxes. That impacts most families more than anything that happens at the state or national levels of government. These men and women are community volunteers who are willing to spend a significant amount of their time serving the greater good. They may have different political parties, approaches and philosophies, but they all have the same goal – to do the best they can for this town, its people and its schools. They are not in it for personal gain. The mayor does not get a paycheck for doing this. Neither does any member of the council or school board. Not even a modest stipend. Nothing. There are places around the world where people do not have the right to vote or are struggling to acquire it. There are places where people are willing to stand in line for an hour or more to cast their ballot. The right to vote is one of the greatest individual liberties Americans enjoy. Yet more and more people don’t bother to participate in the political process until it’s time to pick a president. Local elections have at times been decided by only a handful of votes. Each vote cast in a municipal election truly matters. Vote because it’s your right. Vote because it’s your civic responsibility. Vote to make a difference. Vote simply because you can. Show that you care about your town by participating in one of most special and treasured American traditions. Letters to the EDITOR Elaine Lang is the right choice for Simsbury To the Editor: Elaine Lang is running for selectman in Simsbury. This is excellent news. In 1983, my father was hired by Connecticut’s retail gem, G. Fox & Co., and we moved to Simsbury. New to Simsbury High School, I was looking to make friends. I loved performing, and luckily, SHS had vibrant music and theater programs. Through the drama club, I first met the smart, friendly and energetic Elaine Jorgenson (now Lang). Elaine and I shared the stage many times, at SHS, and as members of Simsbury Summer Theater for Youth. Theater helped shape us both into confident, strong women. Years later, I moved back home with my own family and reconnected with my friend Elaine. Elaine Lang is an active resident of our town. She supports local businesses – I know this because I run into her shopping the local stores. I see her at the Simsbury Meadows with her family as we watch the amazing HSO perform. She recently served as the president of the Historical Society, raising funds to support the historical preservation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s connection to Simsbury. As selectman, Elaine will continue to support education and the arts, preserve the wonderful history of our Farmington Valley town and advocate for equality in all arenas. Years from now, perhaps our children will move back to Simsbury, and reconnect with a dear friend in a beautiful park, local store, or, even at a performance on a very familiar stage. Wouldn’t that be something? Penelope Kokines Sanborn Simsbury resident Support for Sobinski To the editor: It is my pleasure to write in support of Andrea Sobinski to serve on the Farmington Board of Education. In my opinion, Andrea has proven her leadership and commitment in our schools and our community, and will be a valuable and dedicated member of the Board of Education. I have had the privilege of serving on numerous Noah Wallace PTO committees and as co-president of the NWPTO with Andrea. She is someone you can count on to make fair, informed and thoughtful decisions. While co-president, she promoted open communication with parents and faculty. She created a welcoming environment and encouraged all parents to be involved in our school community. One of her priorities was supporting the October 29, 2015 school with upgrades in technology. She was instrumental in helping to create the Maker Space at NWS, the first school in town to have one. Andrea’s passion for the school and doing what is best for the students is always her top priority. As a lifelong Farmington resident, parent of three children attending Farmington public schools, I am passionate about our schools and our community. I want someone on the Board of Education who is going to promote excellence in our schools, willing to listen to our ideas and someone who wants what is best for all of our children. I am confident that Andrea Sobinski is the right candidate. Please join me in voting for Andrea Sobinski for the Board of Education Nov. 3. Maura Harty Raeburn Farmington resident PRESS VALLEY Support for Tom Sevigny 540 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 Phone: 860-651-4700 Fax: 860 606-9599 www.TurleyCT.com The Valley Press is a publication of TurleyCT Community Publications Delivering local news, sports, entertainment and more to the Farmington Valley community Keith Turley Publisher Abigail Albair Editor [email protected] David Heuschkel Sports Editor Melissa Friedman Advertising Director 860-978-1345 [email protected] Barbara Ouellette Classified Sales [email protected] FIND US ON PRESSOPINION Letters to the EDITOR Nickerson supports her team To the editor: I am honored by and grateful for your continued confidence in me to serve as your Town Council Chairperson. In the past two years, much good has been accomplished. My team and I have continued to create a business-friendly environment for Farmington. Office vacancy rates have decreased and new jobs have been created. We have won new STEAP and Main Street Investment grants to bring streetscape and accessibility improvements to Farmington Center and Unionville. We have attracted new businesses to town, such as UTC Headquarters, Metro Realty and Ducci Electric. Farmington has once again achieved the highest possible municipal bond rating due to our sound financial position. We have maintained excellent town services and top-rated schools while remaining one of the lowest tax rates in the Metro Hartford Region. Finally, we invested heavily in citizen input with the proactive Farmington Gateway planning and the town-wide citizen survey, which informed our strategic priorities. In order to continue on this strong path, I urge you to re-elect current Council Members Meredith Trimble, Jon Landry and Peter Mastrobattista, and I urge you to elect Farmington businessman Gary Palumbo to our team. With this strong team in place, I look forward to continuing our commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic development, outstanding town services and schools, and an exceptional quality of life. Nancy Nickerson, Chair, Farmington Town Council Blea for Board of Ed To the editor: This letter is in support of Jackie Blea’s candidacy for Avon’s Board of Education. Whether you have children in the school district or not, as a property owner in Avon the quality of our schools is a vital part of why Avon is a desirable place to live. We need ethical, committed School Board members who have the courage and conviction to advocate positive change. Jackie Blea is such a person. We also need more transparency on the Board to better understand the issues facing the school district, our budget, the relationship with Administration and teachers, and key initiatives. Jackie is committed to creating more transparency through open and honest communication. A vote for Blore To the Editor: We have known Jackie for over 14 years and have been witness to her family’s selfless dedication volunteering for good causes again and again. Some examples are: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Helen and Harry Grey Cancer Center, The Petit Family Foundation, amongst others. By putting other people’s needs first Jackie has always made herself available to help whether it is for a major cause or a neighbor in a crisis. Her presence in our community is something to be proud of. The Avon board of education would benefit greatly by Jackie’s passion and dedication to do what is right and just. On Nov. 3, vote for all Avon Democrats – be part of the change to better our schools and town. I am writing to express my support for Mark Blore for re-election to the position on the Farmington Board of Education. I had a pleasure of meeting Mark a little over a year ago when I began attending the BOE meetings on a regular basis. He impressed me almost right away. He is strong in his convictions and does not give up easily. He approaches all issues thoughtfully; gathering all the facts before voting on a subject. He dedicates many hours of his time to ensure that the decisions made by the board are the very best for the children of Farmington. Mark’s first priority is clearly making sure that our children receive the best possible education. At the same time, Mark tries to address the challenges of a fiscally responsible school budget, keeping all residents of Farmington in mind. Clearly, Mark is the right choice for the Board of Education! Please join me in proudly voting for Mark Blore Nov. 3. Kelly and Mike Foley Avon residents Olivia Germano Farmington Resident Fitzsimmons for Board of Education To the editor: Liz Fitzsimmons is running for the Board of Ed. Liz moved to Farmington with the plan of raising her family here. From day one, she became involved in supporting and bettering this community. If you don’t know Liz, then you haven’t attended a Board of Ed meeting. She is a fixture there. Her rational, unbiased, party neutral presence is felt in each and every initiative. She will fight for what’s right for her child, for your child, for your grandchild. Liz is a full-time Lawyer. But you will find her on the ball fields, concerts, PTO meetings, etc. supporting her kids, and everyone’s kids, for the good of Farmington. She is a full time mom. While we’re putting our kids to bed, Liz is fighting for what our kids need, making sure that we all have a voice. I grew up in Farmington and attended Farmington schools. I had a wonderful education, fabulous teachers, and a board of education that strived to give all students a fantastic foundation to prepare for a successful future. After living abroad I’ve returned to Farmington with my husband and our four children with the hopes that their experience would be similar to mine. Liz understands the evolution of education and maintaining the values that we have set for our schools. I firmly believe that it takes a village to raise our children, to better our schools – I endorse Liz to be a leader in this village! Monique Daragjati Bannon Farmington resident GUEST COLUMN Help those with food allergies By Patricia Sampley Krupnikoff Shopping for granola bars is an ordinary task for most people. Recently, I read every package in a new grocery store aisle. The results were the same: five different people walked by while I was still looking through box after box, brand after brand. Why does this take so long for my family? Simple: my son has a peanut allergy. Eating a granola bar is far from the only challenge that children and adults with food allergies face that most do not even consider. While things are getting better with more labels visible and restaurants aware of foods with potential allergens, the challenges still continue as not all items get labeled and not all people even know the issue exists. Back in 2008, I wrote an article describing what my son faced in the now gone Farmington Post. At the time, I described his conflicts as a first-grader eating in a school cafeteria where he was segregated at a peanut-free table or left out at birthday parties. Though this kept him safe, he was usually isolated. Imagine watching your entire hockey team eat a delicious cake or slices of pizza, but you could not have any because whether the bakery used peanut could not be confirmed. Sam did not have to imagine: it happened to him growing up. Many times, people apologized but time and time again, Sam learned that his health was more important than having a chocolate brownie. Once the article was published, I received many questions. People really seemed earnest in making sure Sam was included. Many children today have allergies to fish, eggs, soy, wheat or milk, not just nuts or peanuts. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the CDC, “Among children aged 0–17 years, the prevalence of food allergies increased from 3.4 percent in 1997–1999 to 5.1 percent in 2009–2011.” Naturally, not every child has a food allergy, but since more are showing these allergies, the community needs to work together to keep children safe and included. As more awareness came through, people did ask questions ahead of events: “Does your child have allergies? What can I do to make sure he is safe?” These questions occurred more when birthday party invitations were sent or team events took place. For example, Sam advocated for himself so that one teacher offered other reward options instead of tossing out candies processed in factories with peanuts. One family provided Sam with a special treat bag at an annual Halloween party, so he could still participate with other kids. Even though he will never be worry-free, these simple attempts by people who knew of his allergy did help. So have things improved since that article in 2008? Sort of. There is more awareness of allergies, but ultimately all the risks are still present. Recently this summer, at a local farmer’s market, I wanted to purchase baked items which looked innocuous: they were not labeled with any ingredients listing peanuts/ nuts. But experience has taught me to always ask. Sure enough, the response was “the food is peanut-free but the kitchen is not.” This meant I walked away from the market empty handed. Sam was not with me at the time, but I started thinking about how he would have handled that same situation. Now, a whole other question has evolved, “Can Sam take over his allergy management?” Parents cannot always be with their children and certainly must teach them to advocate. As a freshman in high school, Sam is now attending a private school where he is in charge of his Epi-Pen. Now, he must be the one to make others aware, yet watch out for himself socially. He must ask the questions, make the choices, and make sure he is safe. Therefore, what can be done to support Sam as he becomes an adult? He will deal with his allergy in school, college and the work place. He can speak up, but others can also help. Here are some simple ways: when serving food at parties or social gatherings, label items clearly with allergens (nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat or eggs); offer many food options, especially desserts, without those allergens; read labels and support companies making peanut/nut-free foods; teach your children to notice those with allergies and be kind; when you do not know, ASK!; offer non-food items as prizes or rewards and in goodie bags. I know we cannot put Sam in a bubble, but we can support and keep him safe as a community. If more people help out, hopefully, kids like Sam will be able to enjoy being adults so they can shop for granola bars safely someday. Support for Elaine Lang To The Editor: I enthusiastically support Elaine Lang for Simsbury Board of Selectmen. Elaine has proven to be a community leader who cares deeply for our town, a voice for those in need and an ear to facilitate change. Elaine is someone who gets a job done. I have known Elaine for more than eight years and have seen Elaine volunteer in our schools, work for our town Historical Society and be an advocate for those in the disability community in Simsbury. Elaine cares deeply for the needs of ALL in our community and works to ensure that those with disabilities are supported and their needs heard. She makes sure that she has an ear on the needs of the entire Simsbury Community. Elaine also believes in protecting our resources in Simsbury, including open space and local farms, bringing sustainable and responsible businesses to Simsbury, supporting an improved Senior Center, better communication to the citizens of Simsbury, especially in times of crisis and continued successful relations with our award winning school system. I can not think of a better person as a leader for our town. I vote Elaine Lang for Simsbury Board of Selectmen. Diana Yeisley Simsbury ressident October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 31 PRESSOPINION Letters to the EDITOR Cast a vote for Lisa Heavner and her team To the Editor: I am proud to endorse First Selectman Lisa Heavner as she seeks election to a full term and her outstanding team of candidates for the Board of Selectmen. Lisa Heavner is a kind, compassionate and bright leader with a bold vision for the future of our beautiful town. Lisa took over as First Selectman during turbulent times and brought the people of Simsbury together, binding wounds and rebuilding our community spirit. Lisa is a peacemaker and a consensus builder; she is all about people—not politics. Lisa is a public policy mastermind, tackling a multitude of complex issues from education to public safety to environmental stewardship with strategic foresight and a calm and steady hand. A fiscal conservative, she led the way in cutting taxes for a second year in a row. Lisa has reduced costs by re-negotiat- ing service contracts, invested in energy upgrades to save money and maintained Simsbury’s Aaa Bond rating. Chris Kelly is a long-time, steadfast public servant who cares deeply for Simsbury and has demonstrated his love and commitment to his hometown through his tireless volunteer service on the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education. Chris is thoughtful and deliberative – a problem solver – reaching across party lines in making important decisions. Chris is excellent at addressing constituent matters and does so in an attentive, timely and efficient manner. His vast successful business experience is a huge benefit to his current service on the board. Selectman Kelly chairs both the Personnel & Public Safety Committees with aplomb. Garrett Delehanty joins the ticket bringing along his extensive legal background. Not new to public service, Garrett served as a member of the Simsbury Zoning Commis- Vote democratic in Avon Nov. 3 To the Editor: I’ll vote for all five democratic candidates for Avon’s Board of Education on 11/3 – Blea, Chute, Howard, Lowry and Young. For me, the decision has nothing to do with party affiliation; it has everything to do with the current BOE leadership. Remember: your tax increases aren’t determined by the BOE; the Board of Finance is in charge of that. So concerns about your taxes should not influence your vote for the BOE. What triggered my scrutiny of the BOE leadership was the decision in June made by Superintendent Mala and the BOE leadership to eliminate all school social workers. The administration/BOE conceded in writing that the decision was made without support from any mental health professionals, because they cannot dispute that all the experts say public schools need both social workers and school psychologists. The BOE leadership denied the community input before the decision was made. Over 670 Avon voices on a petition of no confidence were flatly ignored. Then, the Director of Pupil Services, who the Superintendent appointed to implement this ill-advised new no social workers model, fled for a lower paying job in New Britain. The Superintendent and BOE leader- ship claimed they were “surprised” by her departure. In response to all of this, we receive during the election season “Dear Concerned Citizens” emails from the Superintendent and the BOE leadership about high test scores on AP exams. What about the academic and emotional support structure for our students who are not star performers? Why does the BOE fail to address why so many families have to hire tutors? In what way does the BOE acknowledge our children in the middle who are just as deserving of attention, recognition and resources? Many of us concerned have spoken off the record to district staff and their message to us is, “We are struggling to serve ALL students well and the administration won’t see it.” What does the BOE leadership say? “Everything is just fine in Avon!” That’s not what the school rankings show. And it certainly isn’t being echoed by the concerning number of high level staff who’ve left Avon for lower paying jobs in neighboring districts. The only way to change BOE leadership is to vote for Blea, Chute, Young, Howard and Lowry Nov. 3. Please vote. Sarah Calatayud Avon Resident sion and the Open Space Committee. Garrett understands the challenges facing municipal government and believes that it is crucial to protect Simsbury’s way of life while bringing the best value to his neighbors. Mr. Delehanty and his wife of 38 years are now both senior citizens and he will make it his top priority to ensure that all seniors enjoy the best quality of life we all share. As a new grandfather, he is devoted to making sure that Simsbury is a great place to live, work and play for all generations to come. Rounding out this incredible team is Elaine Lang. Born and raised in Simsbury, Elaine knows the town like the back of her hand. A product of the Simsbury Schools, Elaine is a passionate advocate for first-rate education. She has three daughters and has committed herself to ensuring that all of Simsbury’s children, parents and teachers have the tools and resources they need to succeed. A tireless volunteer, Elaine is the President of Simsbury Historical Society. She has also lent her time and talent to Simsbury Summer Theater, Simsbury Friends for Music Community and Junior Women’s Club and has played a major role in the production of the annual MLK in Simsbury Celebration. Ms. Lang will bring her boundless energy and enthusiasm to the BOS, providing her own unique skills and perspective to town government. Lisa Heavner and her team are the best choice to lead Simsbury forward. These four exceptional individuals bring a wide depth of knowledge, talent and expertise to the table; they are caring, hardworking and most qualified to serve in these critical positions. On Election Day, please join me in voting for Lisa Heavner, Chris Kelly, Garrett Delehanty and Elaine Lang. Thank you. State Representative John K. Hampton Sevigny is the right choice To the Editor: I am writing to endorse the candidacy of Tom Sevigny for First Selectman for the Town of Canton. Canton is fortunate to have two outstanding candidates for this position this year. I believe that Tom is the better choice. Tom has served on the BOS for four years and will be the only selectman with the opportunity to return to this Board. His knowledge and experience as a Selectman will be crucial to the town. Tom was a major player in finally bringing the hydro-power project to the Farmington River. He has a vision for the potential development of the Collins Company property if and when that becomes a possibility. He understands the value of a mixed-use plan (residential and commercial) for this area. Most importantly, Tom is a listener and a consensus builder. He is firmly committed to the concept of “every voice matters.” He looks to involve the community in the decision making process on difficult issues from the beginning – long before the 11th hour. There is no better example of this than the approach he refers to as “charrettes” – small group meetings with stakeholders – that was used for the Collinsville Streetscape Project and the development of Form-Based Code for the town. Tom Sevigny would make an excellent First Selectman for Canton. Joe Scheideler Canton resident Re-elect Avon’s Republicans To the Editor: It is election time, don’t let the negative voices fool you. Avon is a great place to live! Don’t take Avon’s Reasonable Taxes (AAA bond rating and smart cash management), Exceptional Services (expanded recreation, library and senior programs and improved public safety) and Outstanding Schools (#1 SAT and SBAC scores in Farmington Valley and expanded student offerings) for granted. To ensure Avon’s continued success, please join me in voting to re-elect Avon’s experienced Republican leaders including Ames Shea, Brian Glenn and Jeff Bernetich for Board of Education; Jim Speich, Mark Zacchio, Heather Maguire and Bill Stokesbury for Town Council and Tom Harrison and Dean Hamilton for Board of Finance. On Tuesday, Nov. 3 vote only Row B. Peggy Roell Chair, Avon Board of Education Andrea Sobinski for Farmington Board of Education To the Editor: I am writing to express my support for Andrea Sobinski, candidate for the Farmington Board of Education. As a past member of the NW Faculty, I came to know Andrea very well. Andrea is an example of proven leadership and commitment to our schools. Andrea and I first met through Reading Recovery, a program for “fragile” first grade readers. She has become a strong advocate 32 The Valley Press for early literacy intervention, along with promoting Farmington’s commitment to supporting all children to reach high levels of achievement. As the Secretary and Co-President of the PTO, she encouraged open and transparent communication by maintaining weekly updates with families and faculty regarding budget, fundraising and school events. She was instrumental in hosting many PTO events that encouraged positive and October 29, 2015 engaged relationships among children, parents and teachers. Andrea and I also served on the Student Development Council. By working collaboratively, respectfully and thoughtfully, she was committed to making our schools a safe place for our children. Andrea’s positive energy and optimism are inspiring. She is an outstanding and valued parent leader within our school community. Her work is accomplished with patience, respect, and grace and she devotes her entire emotional force to working for children and their families. Andrea is the finest example we strive toward in education; making schools a safe place where children, families, and teachers thrive. Please join me in voting for Andrea Sobinski for Board of Education Nov. 3. Kathy Klemanski Retired teacher Noah Wallace School Meet the candidates Granby First Selectman incumbent B. Scott Kuhnly, Republican I am honored and excited to be running for re-election as the first selectman of Granby! I was born and raised in the Farmington Valley and moved to Granby over 23 years ago. My wife Joanie and I have raised our five kids here and Board of Selectmen candidates In order of ballot appearance Sally S. King, Democrat I am running as a Democrat for re-election to the Granby Board of Selectmen. I have lived on Day Street in Granby with my husband, Eric Lukingbeal, since October of 1984 and have served on the Board of Selectmen since 1992, for the past 10 years as vice chair. I am a graduate of Wesleyan University (1973) and Western New England College School of Law (1978). I spent 14 years at Robinson & Cole in Hartford as an associate and then partner. I have also been active in nonprofit governance at the Village and the United Way in Hartford and with various other organizations. I believe that the board must continue to balance fiscal restraint while meeting its responsibility to provide necessary services and support for its citizens. We must operate in an open and transparent Board of Finance candidates In order of ballot appearance William Kennedy, Democrat Bill Kennedy has lived in Granby with his family for the past 44 years. During that time he served as a Drummer reporter for the Board of Selectmen. This Board of Education candidates For full term In order of ballot appearance Lynn Guelzow, Democrat I am pleased to be running for a second term on the Granby Board of Education. In the past four years, we’ve seen many changes in our school district and the next four years promise to bring even more. We are facing a dramatic decrease in student enrollment at the same time that the state and federal government are putting new demands on the students within our district. As your representative on the board, I will continue to focus on how we can best serve our students’ interests and needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Mark Fiorentino, Republican I have lived in Granby since 2009 with my wife, Kristal, son Gage and daughter Ellie. I have served on the Board of Education since 2013. We are fortunate in Granby to have an excellent team of administrators, teachers, staff, and engaged and knowledgeable parents. Like all school districts, we have challenges ahead, but I am confident we can work together to continue to provide a diverse and quality education at a responsible cost to the taxpayers. Jenny P. Emery, Democrat Jenny Emery and her husband, Dave, have made their home in Granby since 1980, raising three children in the Granby public schools. Jenny’s career was in insurance and risk management, consulting with towns we love the sense of community Granby offers. I have been involved in many activities through the years such as coaching, church activities and have been an active parent in the school district. I was honored to serve as the Republican Town Committee chair for over 10 years, a former member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, as well as the Board of Finance and most recently a 6-year member of the Board of Selectmen. I will use that experience as well as my professional management aptitude to work with the other selectmen and boards to make informed and innovative decisions for our great community. My desire to run again for first selectman stems manner, keeping citizens informed and giving them the opportunity to be heard, and listening to their input. Granby is a unique community, with its large amounts of open space and agricultural bounty. Granby is also unique in the strong cooperation that has been built up between its boards and commissions that has allowed Granby the ability to develop and execute long-range capital plans. If re-elected, it will be my goal to see that the board continues this careful planning and cooperation, so that we can preserve and protect what makes Granby such a special place to live, while being fiscally responsible and mindful of the input of our citizens. Mark Neumann, Republican I am running for Granby Board of Selectmen as an incumbent. I have served for 12 years on the board with prior experience on the Board of Assessment appeals. I will continue working within the tight budget to provide the services people expect. The Valley Press asked all candidates to submit a statement of candidacy for inclusion prior to the Nov. 3 election. In the following pages are responses from Granby and Burlington. Simsbury, Avon, Canton and Farmington responses appeared last week. from wanting to give back to the town that has given me and my family so much. My past experiences both professionally and personally have given me a skill set of problem solving, innovation and budgeting, and I want to help make a positive impact by serving with the Board of Selectmen. I believe we are fortunate with all the volunteer leaders we have in this town that step up and serve our community. We each bring unique and similar skill sets to our positions and a strong desire to do what is right for our town. We are faced, like many towns within the state, with rising costs for practically everything, unfunded James Lofink, Democrat Jim Lofink is a CT-borne native and moved to Granby in 2005 with his wife, Celia, and twin boys. Jim is currently on Granby’s Board of Selectmen and has been an involved citizen since 2007 on special project committees, a Building Committee, the Charter Revision Commission and the 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development Committee. Jim has been an active member of the Granby Democratic Town Committee and it’s Nominating Committee and currently serves as chairman. Jim is also a member and property steward of the Granby Land Trust, served on the Granby Senior Center’s Accreditation and Civic Engagement teams and is a member of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, Friends of Holcomb Farm and Granby Tennis Club. Retired early from a corporate career, Jim currently works at the University of Hartford. In particular, Jim loves the farms, open spaces and community spirit of Granby. led to two terms as a selectman. Later, he was appointed to the board of the Holcomb Farm and several town building committees. Presently, he is a member of the 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development Committee. Granby has a history of volunteer community service. It is an honor to serve. Granby needs continued support for its strong educational system, senior and youth programs. The coming years will require difficult decisions by the Board of Finance to keep Granby vibrant and secure future growth. and schools across the country to reduce risk by creating safer working environments, improving governmental decision-making, and more cost-effectively insuring losses. Since retiring from Towers Watson, she has served as executive director of the Association of Governmental Risk Pools, and continues to consult with public sector and non-profit boards on strategic planning and good governance. “I am excited to continue my service to Granby in a second term on the Board of Education. I am passionate about the importance of effective public education for all, as the cornerstone of a high quality community,” she said. “My background in governmental finance and risk management, together with my local ties, provides a great foundation to help navigate the challenges of providing excellent diverse education that Granby citizens can afford.” Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Rosemarie Weber, Republican Rosemarie Weber did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Board of Education candidate To fill two-year vacancy Stephen Royer, Republican Stephen Royer did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Kelly Rome, Republican state mandates, reduced or improperly directed state funding, which all results in increased taxes on all our citizens. As your first selectman I will continue to work with our local boards, regional leaders and state representatives in letting them know exactly what the needs are of our community and work with them in developing effective, collaborative solutions. Communication is also an area I will continue to work on in my 2nd term and finding new and innovative ways to communicate the needs of our community as well as letting our citizens know the challenges we face so that together we can make informed decisions that have a positive outcome for Granby. “It’s an honor to serve Granby and continue to build our reputation as the premier rural residential community in the greater Hartford area. Granby has tremendous natural resources, a high performing educational system and a talented and engaged community,” he said. “This makes it a highly desirable location to raise a family and enjoy life, and one also facing changes over the next decade with projections of more seniors and less school-age children. With a good long range planning process to support these changing demographics, Granby will continue to be the Pride of the Valley. I ask for your support on Election Day.” Edward Ohannessian, Republican Edward Ohannessian did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Michael Guarco, Republican Michael Guarco did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Kelly Rome did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Lowell Johnson, Republican Paula and I settled in Granby in 1961. It was in 1965 I was elected to a six year term to the then Board of Tax Review (BTR), now called the Board of Assessment and Appeals (BAA). If elected this November 3rd, I will have served 50 years in this elective office. The opportunity to serve Granby in this capacity as well as in other areas, has been most appreciated and rewarding. Just witnessing the very professional Granby Assessor staff personnel has proven to me that all Granbys tax Planning and Zoning Commission candidates In order of ballot appearance James Sansone, Democrat James and his wife, Patty, have lived in Granby for 45 years and have been very active in our community. James is a long-serving member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Assessment Appeals. James has also been appointed to several Town Building Committees, including Public Works, Middle School, Kelly Lane, High School and most recently the Athletic Fields project. In his second career, James is employed as a building official, zoning enforcement officer and assistant fire marshal for a local Farmington Valley community. paying citizens are all treated fairly without any prejudice. Planning and Zoning Commission alternate Eric Myers, Republican Eric Myers did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. “In my tenure on the Commission I have strived to base all of my decisions on the applicant’s right to a fair and unbiased ruling,” he said. “The Commission makes every effort to ensure a fair and equal treatment for all Granby residents. I would like to continue this very important work and, if re-elected, I will continue to make decisions that are fact-based, fair and equitable.” Paula Johnson, Republican Paula Johnson did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Charles Kraiza, Republican Charles Kraiza did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Jonathan Boardman, Republican Jonathan Boardman did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 33 Meet the candidates - Municipal Election 2015 The above photo was submitted on behalf of Republican candidates in Granby, some who responded to a request for a statement and some who did not. Pictured are, left to right: John Adams, Rosemarie Weber, Mike Guarco, Paula Johnson, Jonathan Boardman, Mark Neumann, Bill Percival, Scott Kuhnly, Edward Ohannessian, Mark Fiorentino, Kelly Rome, Eric Myers, Stephen Royer and Whitey Johnson. Candidates not shown in photograph: Charlie Kraiza and Ann Crimmina Granby Zoning Board of Appeals candidates In order of ballot appearance in all of the school and sports activities and served with the High School Athletic Boosters for many years. Volunteering is part of what keeps me involved in Granby, its past and its future. As a member of the ZBA, I am able to make an impact on how the zoning laws are applied and thus to help other residents work within the system to achieve their visions. Judy Goff, Democrat I have been a resident of Granby for 34 years and live with my husband, Peter, on 6 Douglass Drive. Before becoming a member of the ZBA, I was an alternate for the ZBA, and earlier a member of the Board of Education for eight years. I have always felt a need to be active in my community and believe that serving the town in any capacity is worth doing. When my children attended the Granby schools, I was a volunteer William Percival, Republican William Percival did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Ann Crimmina, Republican Ann Crimmina did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Burlington Board of Finance candidates In order of ballot appearance Town Treasurer candidate Stephen Savino, Democrat Stephen Savino did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Tony DiNicola, Democrat Tony DiNicola did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Gerald Mullen, Republican Gerald Mullen is a lifelong resident of Burlington. He is the owner of Wm. R. Hartigan & Sons, Inc., and has more than 45 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering and management. He has been a member of Planning and Zoning candidates In order of ballot appearance Richard Miller, Democrat Richard Miller has been a resident for 40 years and still counting. He was a member of Planning and Zoning 1993-2001 and 2010 to present; vice chairman 199-2001 and chairman 2013-present. He is presently serving as an alternate on Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission. He was a member and chairman of Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission 2002-07; member of the Conservation Committee 2011-13; member of the Board of Selectmen 200810; town representative to the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency two years; member of the Open Space Committee 1998-2001; and a member of 34 The Valley Press the Plan of Conservation & Development 1997, 2007. He is self-employed and holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Haven. Douglas DiPaola, Republican As a current member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, I am seeking re-election and asking for your vote. Besides my present role as chairman of the Burlington Republican Town Committee, I have also been appointed to serve on various state and local healthcare boards, institutional review boards, as well as hospital committees over the years, and would be honored to serve our town as a continuing member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. October 29, 2015 Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate candidate Christopher Roughton, Democrat Hello neighbors! I am an engineer and project manager with over 10 years of experience working for manufacturing companies, including assisting in the relocation of a business to Connecticut. My wife, Abby, and I moved to Granby over 3 1/2 years ago, choosing to settle here because the people of Granby and their values so closely align with ours. We are now happily raising our Granby-grown 1-year-old, Samuel, while working and taking an Executive MBA the Board of Finance since 2002 and was formerly the chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority. Mullen holds a degree in design engineering from the Wentworth Institute of Massachusetts. Andrew Klimkoski, Democrat Andrew Klimkoski did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. program at Yale. I am currently serving on the the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate, and with your support will continue that service. I believe that I bring a practical perspective to the board. As your representative on the board, I will listen to your ideas and concerns, and ensure they are fully considered during the decision-making process. I will bring a balanced perspective to the issues of the day, and seek creative solutions that will help ensure a smart and balanced future for all Granby residents. Town Moderator candidate John Adams, Republican John Adams did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Andrew Ugalde, Democrat Andrew Ugalde did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Board of Finance candidate To fill two-year vacancy John Achilli, Democrat John Achilli did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Heather Halpin, Democrat Heather Halpin did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Mark DiChiara, Republican I have been a Burlington resident since 2004. I live here with my wife, Elizabeth, and two children who attend Har-Bur Middle School. In 2014 I volunteered to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. It has been a great experience and I wish to continue volunteering in this capacity. I am a retired police officer and currently work as a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. I believe in keeping Burlington’s charm and beauty as a small town with low density housing and a vibrant central business district to provide local services and conveniences to our residents. I would appreciate your support in the upcoming election. Planning and Zoning to fill two-year vacancy Thomas Zabel, Democrat Thomas Zabel did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Zoning Board of Appeals candidates In order of ballot appearance Beth Salsedo, Democrat Beth Salsedo did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Robert Sussdorff, Democrat Robert Sussdorff did not respond to requests for a statement and headshot. Meet the candidates - Municipal Election 2015 Burlington Board of Education candidates In order of ballot appearance Sonia Higley, Democrat I was raised in Terryville and graduated from Terryville High School in 1988. I am a real estate paralegal and a Realtor. My husband and I married in 2000, and have three wonderful kids, Christopher, Tim Jr. and Katrina. We moved to Burlington in November 2003 and were warmly welcomed into the community. Tim and I have chaperoned field trips while our three kids attended Lake Garda, Har-Bur and Lewis Mills. I have helped with the Marching band since my oldest was a freshman in 2009 and continued even after his graduation in 2013. Katrina is now a freshman and I look forward to four more years of band. During my time in scouting, I was the advancement coordinator, participated in multiple food drives, toy drives and the Farmington River clean-up. As a member of the Congregational Church of Burlington, I enjoy singing in the choir. I currently serve as the clerk along with joining the Fundraising and Music committees. We moved to Burlington because of the school system Region 10 was when we were searching for a place to call home. Our teachers should be rewarded when they are doing a fabulous job with our children; which is reflective in the classroom’s grades. Teachers should not be teaching our kids how to take tests, but be allowed to actually teach. Each child may learn differently, and a good teacher has the skills to find that way and help our children achieve their potential. Our teachers are our valued assets. They should not be leaving Region 10 for better pay and/or lack of tenure. We have lost too many good teachers; to continue to have such a high turnover rate does not reflect well on our community or help our children learn. Paul Omichinski, Republican I am Paul Omichinski, and I am a candidate for the Region 10 Board of Education. I have served on the Region 10 Board of Education for 20 years. During that time, I have held the positions of chairman, secretary and (currently) treasurer. Since 1999 I have been chairman of the Facilities Committee and the Building Committees overseeing Region 10’s major building projects. I have worked to assure the successful execution of these projects, maintaining the quality of the facilities, controlling costs and providing efficient structures that will serve Region 10 for years to come. I am regularly a member of the labor contracts negotiations committees, working to assure the best educational value for the largest spending category of our community’s tax dollars. My mission for Region 10 schools is to provide the best education possible for the children of Burlington families in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Establishing a stable educational environment amid the ever-changing political tides and dictates from outside our community requires experience and logical analysis. Understanding the role of the Board of Education in establishing initiatives such as our STEM curriculum, setting appropriate performance goals, providing the resources required, and holding the administrators of the School District accountable to execute those goals is key to the success of our School District. I believe this is done best with a blend of experience and fresh ideas. I am a graduate of CCSU and have made my career in aerospace engineering and am currently the principal engineer at Barnes Aerospace. As well as my commitment to the Region 10 School District, I have been a volunteer in the Boy Scout program in Burlington, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 23 and Cubmaster of the Cub Scout Pack. Jim McCusker, Democrat I’m running for Board of Education because I think that our schools can do better. I’m a nearly lifelong resident of Burlington and a graduate of Lewis S. Mills High School, Class of 1995. I completed my Ph.D. in computer science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and recently started there as full-time staff. I grew up in a blue collar family in a town that was rapidly gaining lots of white collar residents. My family moved here from New Britain when I started second grade, in large part because of the quality of the schools. Region 10 has served my family well, as my brother, sister and I have all finished college and are well established in our careers. My wife, Sarah, is a library director at an area library, and our son has just started kindergarten at Lake Garda. We moved back to town in 2003, and have been very active with the community ever since. I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission from 2005 to 2009, serving as vice chair for two of those years. I’m proud to say that I contributed to the 2009 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development, including holding a townwide survey (with an 80 percent response rate) and a very successful citizen feedback forum. I was also able to pass changes to our downtown zoning regulations that ban strip malls and prepare our town center to be more pedestrian friendly. I serve on the board of directors for the Burlington Land Trust, where we have been working with landowners to preserve land in perpetuity. While I’m not a teacher in the traditional sense, I have experience teaching, mostly to adults. As an undergraduate, I taught reasoning and logic one day a week to a class at a local high school. After college, I taught a number of corporate training classes in software engineering and information technology. I Read Valley PRESS AVON • BURLINGTON • CANTON • FARMINGTON • GRANBY • SIMSBURY www.TurleyCT.com also taught in graduate school, guest lecturing for my adviser and teaching a number of conference tutorials. While this experience is different from a public school, I do know what it’s like to stand in front of students. Phil Penn, Republican I am currently seeking my third term as a member of the Region 10 Board of Education. In my eight years on the board, I’ve worked diligently to fulfill the three primary responsibilities of a Board of Education: appoint and evaluate a superintendent of schools; set an annual budget for the school district; and create policy that enables our students to become confident, successful members of our community. This has included zero-based budgets that emphasized student learning at the classroom level, new curriculum and board policies that addressed technology use, more rigorous graduation requirements, student safety and personal accountability. I received a B.S. in finance from Cornell University, and currently hold a business manager certification from the Connecticut State Department of Education. I’ve been able to leverage the financial and operating experience I gained as a senior corporate executive and as a small business owner to help allocate scarce resources for the greatest benefit of our Region 10 students. I’ve been privileged to serve in board leadership positions of treasurer and (current) vice chairman, and I also chair the board’s Finance Committee and a new committee that will bring an integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum to Region 10. Recently, I became the business manager for the Plymouth School District, a role that provides me with a unique perspective on the rapidly shifting landscape that affects a public school district, including curriculum standards, unfunded mandates and decreasing financial support for schools. Going forward, I plan on using both my professional experience and past time on Region 10’s Board of Education to continue improving on the excellent education environment our students enjoy. Timothy Higley, Democrat I was born in Torrington and lived in CT, N.Y. state and Texas. I’ve attended many schools including Porter & Chester Institute and Waterbury State Technical College. I have been an electronic technician at Advanced Micro Controls Inc. in Terryville since 2000. Since my wife, Sonia, and I married in 2000. we’ve had the great honor and privilege of raising 3 incredible children, Christopher Glazier, Tim Jr. and Katrina. Because of my deep gratitude for this wonderful community, and my desire to teach my children by example, I became very involved in scouting, as a Charter Organization Representative, Assistant Committee chairperson, den leader and Religious Emblem Teacher. I participated in multiple food drives, toy drives and community service projects. I coached Parks and Rec. Soccer in 2010. My commitment to providing my children with a good Christian education is one of many reasons that my family and I joined the Congregational Church of Burlington in 2006. I became very active in the church as a Business Committee and Christian Education Committee member, Sunday School teacher, Jr. and Sr. Youth Group co-coordinator, asst. superintendent of Sunday School, and currently, the superintendent of Sunday School. My commitment to provide my children and the children in this community, with the best possible education that Region 10 schools can provide, is why I would like to be a member of the Board of Education. The excellent reputation of Region 10 schools was one of the most important reasons that my wife and I decided to move our family to Burlington in 2003. I believe there is too much emphasis placed on standardized test scores that go against teaching our children to think outside the box. Instead, we are teaching them to conform to fit inside the box. Susan Baccaro, Republican My name is Susan Baccaro and I am seeking your support for re-election. In my first term, I was involved in establishing the superintendent’s evaluation process. In conjunction with the superintendent, we set forth measurable goals for the 2015-16 school year. I currently serve as chair of the Curriculum Committee, which is comprised of educators, administrators and community members. Our goal on this committee is to implement rigorous academic content while embedding critical thinking and creativity into each aspect of learning. Being part of several budget processes has allowed me to gain valuable experience, as shrinking state budgets and unfunded mandates pose a tremendous challenge to our school district. I understand the negotiation involved in providing student needs while being sensitive to the spending limits of the town. The education of our children is a cooperative effort among parents, students, teachers and the community. Keeping our children safe and our schools drug free will continue to be my highest priority. I will support our educators to practice their profession without undue obstacles to enable them to develop the individuality of every student. My mission is to inspire, challenge and support all students to attain their highest level of learning and personal development. As a parent of two children in Region 10 schools, I have a vested interest in the value of a strong school district. My professional background includes 25 years of accounting and finance experience. I understand fiscal responsibility and am a good steward of our tax dollars. Due to a technical error, this bio for a candidate for Farmington Zoning Board of Appeals was omitted from last week’s edition. Kerry Callahan, Republican Although I’ve lived in Farmington since 1991, I grew up in what has become an overly crowded and congested Fairfield County. I’m running for a second term as a regular member of the ZBA, as I believe that it’s crucial that we avoid congestion and maintain the heritage, character and livability of Farmington and that the ZBA act pursuant to the rule of law and with respect for the private property rights of Farmington’s residents. Farmington is remarkable in its mixture of residential, rural qualities and its business friendly environment, the latter being essential to the tax base and the low tax rates that, relative to all of our neighbors, we enjoy. I and the other members of the Republican slate are committed to low taxes and limited spending. Democrats, from Barack Hussein Obama on down, have never met a tax or a spending program that they didn’t like. The choice seems clear, but I welcome comments at [email protected]. For those who don’t know me through my activities in town, kids’ sports (My son, for instance, was captain of the Farmington HS football team and a member of the state champion little league team of 2005.) Winding Trails or our fine music programs, I can often be found standing in the Farmington River, waiving a fly rod. October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 35 WE NEED YOUR HELP! ...your signature counts! Please support your local newspaper! Yes, please continue to send me a FREE copy of the Valley PRESS No thanks. Your initials_______________ Yes, please send me a FREE copy of Valley LIFE each month No thanks. 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Please fill out the form above and mail to: You can also visit our website and fill out an online form at www.TurleyCT.com 36 The Valley Press October 29, 2015 Valley Press Subscription 540 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070 Classifieds Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted McLean in Simsbury, CT has the following openings! Cook – part-time hours for an experienced person 3 days a week from 7am-1pm and every other weekend 6:30am-3pm. Must have Serv Safe Certification and 3 years previous experience. Friendly workplace including some benefits. Certified Nurse Aides wanting to work weekends – day and evening shift. Join our team of caregivers now to earn extra money for the holidays! Long-term and Post-Acute setting with a focus on patient centered care. McLean is in the top 10 percent of facilities in the nation for patient satisfaction! Home Health Aides – part-time hours to visit our clients in the Farmington Valley and West Hartford areas. Be a team member of a HomeCare Elite Top Agency and see why McLean care is the best! Must have CNA certification and previous experience. Café Attendant – 2 eves a week 4p-7p and 10:30a-7p every other weekend. Must have excellent customer service and cash handling skills. Serve customers, set up and clean up along with packaging of take away items. Friendly environment with opportunity for more hours. Physical Therapist for Post Acute and Home Care visits. Come and see what makes McLean different from the rest! Now is the time to join us and pick up some hours to work around your schedule! McLean. 860-658-3724. EOE 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 www.mcleancare.org. SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS - AVON Join our team! LIFE Read online at www.TurleyCT.com We have 2 openings for trainees or experienced drivers. $17.20/hr to start. For details contact Kim Bush 860-470-7200 Specialty Transportation, Inc. SpecialtyBusCo.com For upcoming snow season: Loader Operators, Plow Truck Drivers, Shovelers/Snow Blower Operators and Class B Plow Truck Drivers. Looking for people who can commit all season, on time, every storm. Competitive wages and bonuses available. Work will be Avon/Simsbury. Contact Jeremy at (860) 573-3125. 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 Maintenance Superintendent-Simsbury This is a live in Position. Knowledge of heating, plumbing, electrical, painting, grounds-keeping, snow plowing & general maintenance. Exp. Necessary. Must be well organized and self-starter. Excellent Compensation Package. Please Fax Resume to: 860-677-2160. Email to mfish@ mjfish.com Estate Sale West Hartford Estate Sale 1751 Asylum Ave., Saturday, Oct. 31st, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Entire estate, everything priced to sell. 50 years of treasures. Unique furniture. Some Margolis pieces, Dining Room, Queen Anne Chairs, Bedrooms, China, Crystal, Kitchen, Small Pieces, an amazing amount of costume jewelry, clothes and much more. Help Wanted Help Wanted Music Director St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Avon, CT, is seeking a part-time Music Director position which provides leadership for all elements of our music ministry including twice weekly worship services, adult and children’s choirs. A Bachelor’s degree in music, concentrated study in organ and church music, or significant church-music experience is preferred. Please submit a resume and a brief essay on what it means to be a church Music Director along with a cover letter via email to [email protected] or by mail to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street, Avon CT, 06001. Senior Apartment complex seeking energetic experienced maintenance person. Duties will include cleaning/driving resident to appointments and assisting maintenance superviser. Must have a good driving record and experience. Hours are 8am-1pm Monday through Friday call 860-561-4610. PART-TIME COOK - For dining room in elderly housing complex which serves 35-40 meals per day. Hours are: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, weekends, Holidays and vacations. Experience preferred but will train. ServSafe certification will be required. If interested, please email resume to [email protected] or call 860-658-1147. VOLUNTEER TO DRIVE, GET A PIE Connect with your neighbors and help them remain involved in the community and get a free apple pie! Nonprofit ITNCentralCT seeks volunteer drivers for seniors aged 60+ and adults with visual impairments. We provide affordable, “arm-througharm”, “door-through-door” service 24/7/365. Call 860-521-3600 or visit: www.itncentralct.org/ride-with-us/ volunteer-drive House cleaner Wanted: Make your own consistent hours, must be reliable, independent, and experienced. Call Sandy 860-651-4601. AVON HEALTH CENTER HOLIDAY FAIR VENDORS NEEDED Vendors Needed - Craft fair at Avon Health Center at 652 West Avon Road. The fair will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015. The cost of the table is $35. Please contact Lisa Woodcox at (860)321-2181 for further information and an application form. 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 October 29, 2015 The Valley Press 37 At Your Service At Your Service GUITAR LESSONS HOME WATCH SERVICE THE ALTERNATIVE TO HOUSE SITTING for snowbirds, vacationers, empty homes for sale. Locally owned since 2012, Professional, Insured, Experienced, Reliable. 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