Tunxis Donates To Hurricane Harvey Victims
EAST HARTFORD — Tunxis Community College has donated $4,508 to Americares to aid in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas, as the state continues to recover from widespread destruction and catastrophic flooding.
Funds for the donation are the result of a Spin-a-thon fundraiser held on Sept. 5, organized by Kirk Peters, Ed.D, Tunxis dean of student affairs. Tunxis students, faculty and staff donated $2,254 as Peters rode a stationary spinning bike at the college for eight continuous hours, accompanied by other riders for portions of the time on a second bike. Tunxis Student Government Association matched the donations, bringing the total over $4,500.
Pictured left to right are Tunxis Student Government representative Thomas Palanza, of East Hartford, and Kirk Peters, Ed.D., Tunxis dean of student affairs.
One Of Windsor: The Untold Story Of America’s First Witch Hanging
SIMSBURY — Beth Caruso, author of “One of Windsor: The Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging,” will talk about this tragic and important event in America’s colonial history and about her extensive historical research to find out about the victim, Alice Young of Windsor. She brings to life the story of Alice, hanged as a witch on May 26, 1647, in this fictionalized story of Connecticut’s first witch hanging.
The talk will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 725 Hopmeadow St. Registration through the library is requested by calling 860-658-7663.
Blood Pressure Screening
AVON — Blood pressure screenings at the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will take place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21.
The screenings are a free community service of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association. All are welcome to attend. Upcoming screenings are from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. on Oct. 5, Oct. 19, and Nov. 2.
Registration is not necessary, just drop-in. For more information, contact Patrice Celli at 860-673-9712, ext. 234.
International Film Series
AVON — The Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, announces the return of its popular International Film Series beginning Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. with “The Eagle Huntress,” directed by Otto Bell.
Film introduction and post film discussion is led by local film expert, Bob Kagan, Professor of Communication at CCSU and University of Hartford. Snacks to share are welcome. The series is sponsored by The Friends of the Avon Public Library.
The films are free and open to the public; registration is not required. For more information, call the Avon Public Library at 860-673-9712.
First Friday Dinners
AVON — A First Friday dinner at Avon Congregational Church, 6 W. Main St., will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6.
The menu features chicken parmesan lying on a bed of light marinara sauce, side entrees and a collection of desserts. Eat in or take out is available.
Dinners are $13 for adults and $7 for children 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the church office or at the door. A portion of the proceeds benefit ShelterBox, an organization that provides international and U.S. disaster relief by proving temporary shelters and supplies to displaced families.
Tablescapes 2018
AVON — The Avon Historical Society is inviting all decorators, designers, florists and others who are creative to participate in Tablescapes, a fundraiser to be held on March 23 and 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic North House.
Tablescapes is an opportunity to create and display table settings of various themes for the public to enjoy. This local event is open to anyone in the Farmington Valley to show off their skill in table settings, fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories on one of 25 five-foot round tables in the Belle Ballroom of the historic North House at the bottom of Avon Mountain on Route 44.
There is no cost to rent a table, however there is criteria such as fresh flowers and a theme must be submitted prior to the event to avoid duplication. The society encourages individuals or groups such as garden clubs to participate in this first of its kind event in the Valley.
Artists who wish to explore a theme using a table setting and decorations as a canvas are encouraged to participate.
Anyone with questions may contact Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225, mcharrop@yahoo.com or Sharon Genovese at moldit16@aol.com or 860-559-2263. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 15.
Boy Scout Can And Bottle Drive
AVON — The Avon Boy Scout Troop 274 can and bottle drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Avon High School, 510 West Avon Road. For a small donation, car washing by hand by the Boy Scouts is available.
Oktoberfest
AVON — The Senior Citizens Organization of Avon will hold its Oktoberfest at noon Monday, Sept. 25, at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road. Lunch will include knockwurst, red cabbage, carrots and potatoes, followed by birthday cake and ice cream.
Entertainment for the German Oktoberfest will be provided by John Banker, who will be dressed in an authentic Lederhosen and presenting German folk music combined with traditional songs and polkas.
Reservations are required. For additional information and reservations, call 860-675-4355.
Free Career Workshops
FARMINGTON — The community is invited to the following free career workshops at Tunxis Community College in the 700 Building, Tunxis Library Classroom, 271 Scott Swamp Road. Email skapros@tunxis.edu to register.
All workshops begin at 10 a.m. on the following dates: Sept. 26, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 14, and Dec. 5. Topics are, in order of appearance, resume writing, interviewing skills, networking with LinkedIn, creating a resume with your iPhone and social media and your personal brand.
Cookbook Author Series
SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Public Library and Metro Bis continue their cookbook author series at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, with Brittany Wood Nickerson, author of “Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen.”
Nickerson will also be at Metro Bis, 731 Hopmeadow St., for a 6:30 p.m. program. Visit www.metrobis.com for more information about the Metro Bis program, which requires reservations.
Registrations for the library program are requested at www.simsburylibrary.info or 860-658-7663, ext. 4. The library program is free.
In “Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen,” Nickerson reveals how the kitchen can be a place of true awakening for the senses and spirit, as well as deep nourishment for the body. She offers fascinating insights into the healing properties of herbs and how you can prepare recipes that are specially designed to meet the body’s needs for comfort, nourishment, energy, and support through seasonal changes.
Nickerson is a practicing herbalist, health educator and cook. She combines knowledge of nutrition and a passion for using food as medicine with her training in Western, Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. Her treatment and teaching approach emphasize personal empowerment, preventative home healthcare and whole body wellness.
Ted Wright Trail Hike
CANTON — The Canton Land Conservation Trust invites the public to hike the Ted Wright Trail on Sunday, Sept. 24, with Land Trust Co-President Phil Philbrick. The hike will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the trailhead.
This is a challenging, one-hour hike. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the weather. Please leave dogs at home. In case of heavy rain, check www.cantonlandtrust.org for possible postponement.
The Ted Wright Trail is on the Smith Tree Farm. From Route 179, turn left on Wright Road and follow about two miles to Doyle Road on the left. Follow Doyle (parts unpaved) about 0.5 miles to the Smith Tree Farm on the right. Enter the unpaved driveway, and park on the right.
Fall Organic Lawn Care Seminar
CANTON — Learn the latest environmentally responsible methods of assisting your lawn at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, when a free talk called “Eco-Friendly Organic Lawn Care,” comes to Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave.
The program, presented by Aimee Petras of the Farmington River Watershed Association, is aimed at homeowners who wish to provide necessary maintenance to their valued lawns while protecting groundwater and streams.
Registration is requested for seating setup. For information and registration, email bvanness@libraryconnection.info or call 860-693-5800.
Help Needed For River Clean-Up
AREA — The Farmington River Watershed Association’s 30th annual Farmington River Clean-up is set for Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Several meeting sites will be actively cleaning the banks of the River in Avon, Barkhamsted, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury and Windsor. Garbage bags and gloves are provided to all participants, through generous donations from local businesses and stores.
After the clean-up, volunteers are invited to FRWA’s headquarters for a family picnic where refreshments, sandwiches and pizza will be served. FRWA’s office is located at 749 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury.
For more information on how you can help with the Farmington River Clean-up and to register for a specific site, visit www.frwa.org or call FRWA at 860-658-4442, ext. 201.
Tapestry Of Topics Lecture Series
AVON — The Special Projects Committee of the Avon Historical Society is pleased to present another multi-part lecture series entitled “A Tapestry of Topics” which began on Sept. 11. All are held at the Avon Senior and Community Center.
This series of seven lectures sets the stage for understanding how early residents lived in various sections of the town relative to historical events that were transpiring. The first was about a former milling community and will detail the residents and these early mills; the second examines the ‘face’ of slavery in early Avon through an extensive research project undertaken by a local history museum and University; the third will showcase the extensive genealogy and research by one presenter on estate wills left by Native Americans in Farmington (early Avon) and the interaction between one Native American family with a military man.
The fourth presentation will discuss Connecticut’s historical involvement and explore how Avon specifically responded to the American Revolution. The fifth examines the ruins of an old cider mill distillery and what the temperance movement in Hartford County, including Avon, looked like. Next will be a look at how the Industrial Revolution brought the Town into the 20th century and finally, the last presentation will be on Avon historic church and school bells with a special hand bell choir performance from members of the Avon Congregational Church.
The second lecture entitled “The Farmington Slavery Research Project: Focus Avon” will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Avon Senior Community Center. It will be presented by Lisa Johnson, Executive Director of Stanley Whitman House Museum of Farmington.
The slavery research project began in 2013 as a collaboration between researchers from Stanley Whitman House and graduate students and interns from Central Connecticut State University. The goal was to identify and find as much information as possible on these forgotten souls to give them recognition and dignity as former residents of Farmington (early Avon before 1830). Visit http://captivepeople.stanleywhitman.org for more information.
A time for refreshments and asking questions of the presenters will follow immediately after both events.
The remaining lectures in the series are listed below with more details to follow on each: Saturday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m., “Native American Wills with an Avon Connection;” Monday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m, “Early Avon in the American Revolution;” Monday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m, “An Early Distillery and Temperance in Avon;” Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m, “Avon during the Industrial Revolution;” Monday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., “Historic Church and School Bells in Avon.”
In addition to the above, the Special Projects Committee will be presenting a unique event “Life on the Homefront” with funding from the William Yandow Trust. This will be a dramatic music and poetry program depicting the life of one Avon family whose father goes off to War set against the backdrop music and verse that reflects what was happening on the national stage. The program will be performed by experienced historical re-enactors, musicians, and vocalists. Introduction will be given by local Civil War author and blogger John Banks.
This event will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Avon Senior and Community Center.
Free Financial Workshop Series For Women
FARMINGTON — This September, the Farmington Libraries will host a series of interactive workshops covering the basics of personal financial management, designed especially for women who have limited knowledge around personal finance matters. Sessions will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Library, located at 6 Monteith Drive.
The schedule is as follows: Financial Risks & Insurance, Sept. 21; and Estate & Charitable Planning, Sept. 28.
Each session is standalone. These events are free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit www.farmingtonlibraries.org or call 860-673-6791.
Active Aging Week
GRANBY — When someone says “senior center,” images of bingo may be the first thing that comes to mind, but today’s senior center is so much more. During National Senior Center Month and Active Aging Week this September, Granby Senior Center is celebrating the vital community resources they provide as Granby’s masters of aging.
The Granby Senior Center will be celebrating with a variety of special programming and events, including penguin encounter at the Mystic Aquarium, women and war presentation, scarf tie-dyeing, swallowing disorders workshop, Northwest Park hike, mind sharpener program, biosway balance testing, ‘what if you encounter a life change discussion, matter of balance program, planning for health care in retirement, getting a good night’s sleep presentation and an Italian dinner and dance.
The Senior Center also provides health screenings, congregate meals, volunteer opportunities, Adventure Club activities and much more.
To learn more about the center, visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or call 860-844-5350.
Avon’s World War II History
AVON — Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Avon Library, Katie Kukiolczynski, CCSU MA History graduate, was hired to process, scan, and summarize the World War II newsletter collection with the Marion Hunter History Room of the Avon Library.
Visit http://bit.ly/2vBxPMJ to view the collection, which consists of 14 resident-created newsletters spanning the years 1943-1946. The newsletters were intended for Avon soldiers, and were sent to them wherever they were stationed, either at home or abroad, as well as to their families in Avon. In addition to uploading the actual newsletters, Kukiolczynski detailed military commendations and created highlights of each issue. The newsletters also included some local town gossip and news for soldiers to stay up to date on current happenings around town, so Avon was always a part of them wherever they were.
Flu Shot Clinic
AVON — A flu shot clinic at the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.
Vaccines include high dose for adults over 65 years and quadrivalent for ages five years and older. Bring your insurance cards. Call the Farmington Valley VNA at 860-651-3539 to make an appointment and for insurance info. Walk-ins are welcome.
Senior Bowling League Seeks New Members
SIMSBURY — The Farmington Valley Senior Bowling League invites all area bowlers ages 55 and older to join its Tuesday afternoon league, as a regular member or as a substitute. The team meets at Blue Fox Rock & Bowl on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, near the Granby line, from 12:45 to approximately 3 p.m., from mid-September into May.
All levels of ability are welcome. For more information, call Carol Scoville at 860-676-2711.
Funny Women Film Series
AVON — Funny Women is the theme for a new film series at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road. Films will be shown on Tuesday afternoons.The lineup is as follows: Sister Act; Sept. 26: Desk Set; and Oct. 3: Nine to Five.
All films will begin at 1:30 p.m., with the exception of “Desk Set,” which will begin at 2:30 p.m. Films will be shown in the Community Room. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required. Snacks will be provided.
For more information, visit www.avonctlibrary.info or call 860-673-9712.
Artist On Display
CANTON — During the month of September, the artwork of Sally Sargent Markey will grace the walls of Canton Public Library’s gallery space. Granby watercolor artist and book illustrator Markey has been exhibiting and winning prizes in Connecticut and around New England for over 40 years. Her beautiful watercolors feature images from many area locations that may be familiar to viewers.
Canton Public Library is located at 40 Dyer Ave.For more information, call 860-693-5800.
Markey got her start in commercial art at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, right out of college at the University of Connecticut. After that she experimented as a freelance commercial artist in many types of media, including mural like paintings on clients’ walls and children’s books. She is a member of the Kent Artists Association, Canton Gallery on the Green, and the Granby Artists Association.
Markey now engages in plein air style painting with Granby friends on Monday afternoons. Many of the small works in this show are a result of several years of plein air painting. Also included are a few larger gicleé copies of favorite paintings. Most of the works may be purchased by arrangement with the artist.
Coloring For Adults
AVON — The Avon Free Public Library presents Coloring for Adults on Wednesdays this fall. All supplies will be provided. The program will be held in the first floor atrium on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, and Oct. 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
No registration; just drop in. The library is at 281 Country Club Road. For more information, call 860-673-9712, ext. 246.
Drop-In Genealogy
AVON — Free drop-in genealogy at the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Beginners are welcome. Marilyn Giese will provide assistance to those who attend.
Avon Historical Society Seeking Volunteers
AVON — The Avon Historical Society invites anyone interested in local history to join its Board of Trustees or to volunteer for a new subcommittee of its Special Projects Committee.
The Board of Trustees of the Avon Historical Society would like to add new members who are available to attend monthly meetings and assist with the many projects and activities that take place over the course of the year. Trustees are the stewards of local history and, as such, have an obligation to the mission of the organization and are the decision-making body of the society.
The society would like to create a subcommittee of its Special Projects Committee. This subcommittee would be primarily devoted to the design, layout and execution of at least three exhibits in 2018 at the Society’s display cases outside the Local History Room at the Avon Free Public Library.
The society is seeking people who enjoy digging for historical facts, writing, those who are interested in display work, proof-reading, curating, working with photographs and mounting of same on exhibit boards. The hope is to bring together people with a variety of skill sets who enjoy local history, and working both individually and collaboratively.
A meeting of all Special Projects Committee volunteers will take place in August to share chosen exhibit topics and scheduling of exhibits and other projects.For information and to join the Special Projects Committee’s new subcommittee, contact jcmousey@comcast.net.
Membership is open to the public. To volunteer for a position on the Board or to become a member, leave your name and number on the Society’s answering machine at 860-678-7621.
Teen Job Center
SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Public Library and Simsbury Main Street Partnership are proud to combine efforts and offer the Teen Job Center, a joint effort designed to match teens looking for work with area businesses looking for help. They are currently accepting both teen job applications and business help requests.
The positions available will depend on local business needs and may include summer or year-long employment, paid or unpaid internships, or work study opportunities. Sara Ray, Teen Services Librarian at the Simsbury Public Library, will match interests and availability based on the applications received.
Visit http://www.simsburylibrary.info/teen/teen-job-center/ to fill out a teen job application or a business application.
Teens may contact Sara Ray at 860-658-7663 or email sarar@simsburylibrary.info. Businesses can contact Sarah Nielsen, Executive Director, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, at simmainst@sbcglobal.net.
Rotary Club
SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Granby Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Hop Meadow Country Club, 85 Firetown Road. For membership information contact Club President Ed LaMontagne at edjlam@comcast.net.
Christian Science Reading Room
WEST HARTFORD — The Christian Science Church (First Church of Christ, Scientist) announced the relocation of its Reading Room from the church building at 235 Scarborough St., Hartford, to 8 North Main St., West Hartford, marking its return to West Hartford Center.
The Christian Science Reading Room welcomes all who wish to spend quiet time in study or prayer. Bibles and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, may be read, borrowed, or purchased there, as well as other books, periodicals, and CDs about Christian Science, its founder, and the healing power of God. The Christian Science Monitor is also available. Attendants are on hand to assist and answer questions about Christian Science.
The Reading Room is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free parking available in the parking lot adjacent to the building. Those who wish to learn more may visit http://christiansciencect.org/hartford or http://www.christianscience.com, call 860-200-4710, or email csrrhartford@gmail.com.
Valley Veterans Meetings
AVON — Veterans may visit with members of VFW Post 3272 at Truffles on Main Restaurant, 300 West Main St., from 8 to 10 a.m., the first Saturday of the every month. To learn more about the Gildo T. Consolini VFW Post 3272, visit avonvfw.com.
U.S. Flag Collection
AVON — The Gildo T. Consolini VFW Post 3272 of Avon and the Avon Free Public Library, 281 County Club Road, have joined together to place a collection box in the library lobby for collection of worn U.S. flags.
The patriotic decorated wooden box was designed by Gary Kollberg, of Farmington, and was built by Brian Freeman, his wife, Charlotte, and daughters, Holly and Julia, pictured.
Residents of the valley are welcome to donate any and all worn U.S. flags during regular library hours. Members of the Avon VFW will pick them up on a regular basis for proper disposal.
Tabletop Game Nights
FARMINGTON — The Farmington Libraries will host a monthly tabletop game night on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., at the Main Library, 6 Monteith Drive. Pizza and snacks will be provided.
Games played will include Gloom, Munchkin, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess, Apples to Apples, and more. Have suggestions for great tabletop games? Contact Anna at aboisvert@farmingtonlibraries.org. This event is free and open to the public, ages 12 and up. Space is limited. Registration required. Call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s website at farmingtonlibraries.org.
Watershed Inspections
AREA — The Metropolitan District Commission will be conducting its state-mandated annual watershed sanitary survey and inspection program in the towns of Barkhamsted, Hartland, New Hartford, Burlington, Harwinton, Torrington, Winsted, Avon, Simsbury, Bloomfield, and West Hartford.
The purpose of the program, which will continue through November, is to prevent contamination of the MDC’s drinking water supplies as a result of, among other things, septic system failure, erosion, runoff, and other potential pollutants.
Routine watershed sanitary surveys are required by Section 19-13-B102(b) of the Connecticut Public Health Code.
Property inspections will take place in the towns of Barkhamsted and Hartland on the Barkhamsted Reservoir watershed; in New Hartford, Burlington, Harwinton, Torrington and Winsted on the Nepaug Reservoir watershed; and in the towns of Avon, Simsbury, Bloomfield, and West Hartford on the West Hartford/Reservoir No. 6 watersheds.
Routine field inspections take only a few minutes and will be conducted by MDC’s Watershed Inspector who carries appropriate MDC identification and drives an authorized MDC vehicle. The Inspector does not enter homes; the inspection is limited to the exterior portions of the real property.
If a violation or an issue is detected, it is reported to the property owner and health officials as required by law.
Property owners may receive more information by contacting the MDC Watershed Management Unit, Barkhamsted Water Supply Division at 860-379-0916 extension 3103 or 860-278-7850 extension 3103.
Softball Umpires Sought
STATEWIDE — The North Central Connecticut Board of Softball Umpires is seeking new members for the 2017 season. Our board provides services to schools, youth and adult recreational leagues in the greater Hartford area. No experience necessary. For more information or to join, contact Al at prez798@aol.com or call/text 860-205-1688.
Energy Assistance
HARTFORD — Operation Fuel’s statewide network of fuel banks started taking energy assistance applications on Wednesday, July 5, from households that are in financial crisis and are in danger of having their utility services terminated.
Individuals who need energy assistance should call 211. The annual winter moratorium, which prevents households from having their electricity and gas shut off, ended on May 1 and will not resume until Nov. 1.
Energy affordability is a year-round problem for more than 322,000 Connecticut households. Operation Fuel is Connecticut’s only statewide nonprofit energy assistance program. For the fiscal year, which ends June 30, Operation Fuel has provided over $3.3 million in energy assistance to more than 7,830 households. This includes $2.1 million in energy assistance for the 2017 winter program and $1.2 million in energy assistance last summer.
Now in its 40th year, Operation Fuel is a statewide nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance year-round to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis.
For more information on Operation Fuel or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org. Donations also can be sent to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT, 06106.
