Today Magazine • December 2020

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PRINT-AND-DIGITAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley

INSIDE STUDENT’S-EYE VIEW OF COVID VFW POST MARKS 75 YEARS SMPAC: MORE THAN A STAGE

BANKING ON KINDNESS

Food Banks Combat COVID Impact

SCHOOL SCOOP

Student’s-eye view of school during COVID

By Noelle Blake Special to Today Magazine

I’VE ALWAYS PREPARED for school the night before. The list is some iteration of the following: pack lunch, choose an outfit, make sure I have the correct folders for the next school day, so on and so forth. This year, however, I’ve added a cloth mask and a desk shield to my nightly routine.

This is the new reality of every student in school this year, and as an Avon High School junior, I feel that I have quite enough to worry about already. My own grievances aside, there are many changes to education as we previously knew it that make the school environment completely different for everyone involved.

First off, school is now a strictly learning environment. Wasn’t it always?

Maybe, but it certainly didn’t feel that way. Sports, clubs, school events and friends provided sufficient balance to counteract the challenges that school poses for every student.

I used to look forward to participating in as many aspects of the school community as I could. Interactions with my peers and teachers before, during and after school tended to brighten my day and

This HS junior longs for return to, simply, normal keep me enthusiastic about learning.

Right now, Zoom calls and emails are the alternative option for social interaction, and I’m learning to live with that.

Some students have chosen to learn while fully remote, so they have even more

about what really is the “right” thing to do.

So, how will the rest of the school year go? I don’t know. I have hopes that someday in the near future, people can be together again without undertones of apprehension being at the forefront of

I have hopes that someday in the near future, people can be together again without undertones of apprehension … Someday, I’d like to high-five instead of elbow-bump or some other weird air gesture that comes with the territory of safety precautions limited interaction. I opted for the hybrid model for the first semester — one student group attends school in person on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday is a remote day for everyone, and a second group goes into school on Thursday and Friday.

Either option is appropriate, considering some students may need the support of teachers and lessons in person instead of facing the barriers of online education. But as I see COVID cases in the U.S. worsen rather than improve, I start to have doubts

everyone’s minds. Someday, I’d like to high-five instead of elbow-bump or some other weird air gesture that comes with the territory of safety precautions.

But more than all of that, I’d like the world to feel normal again. Not “new normal” — just normal. And I’m willing to stay home for a decade if it means people will eventually be safe, healthy and happy again. + A Hartford resident, Noelle Blake has attended Avon schools since kindergarten.

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DECEMBER 2020 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Today Magazine • Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley

CONTENTS COVER STORY 4 — Food Banks Counter COVID Impact

As COVID-19 continues to impact the economy, Farmington Valley food banks are stepping up — thanks to the generosity of the Valley community.

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

6 — VFW Post Marks 75 Years

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, VFW Post 3272 has a distinguished history of serving combat veterans.

BUSINESS BEAT

7 — Canton, Avon Chambers Teaming Up

The Canton and Avon Chambers of Commerce are joining forces to better serve the business community.

Celebrating Neighborly Generosity

THE CURTAIN IS ABOUT TO FALL on another year … and what a year it has been. When 2020 began, who anticipated that countless businesses and schools nationwide would soon close, facemasks would become the new medical fashion accessory, and elbow-bumps would replace handshakes — all because a novel coronavirus ignited a global pandemic.

A review: The coronavirus is the name of the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19 — the acronym for coronavirus disease 2019. In this issue, we examine the COVID impact on Farmington Valley food banks.

In the midst of record economic hardship, the generosity of so many Valley residents has supplied numerous reasons for gratitude as these food banks boost families facing fiscal uncertainty — many for the first time due to unexpected COVID-related unemployment.

At Today Magazine, we’re aiming to be grateful in the face of the uncertainty, glad that there will be countless new opportunities in 2021 to record the underreported upside of the Valley community. Happy holidays! +

• Two other Valley magazines • Print Circulation — less than 20,000 • Today Magazine • Print Circulation — 42,000+ • Ad Rates — about the same

COMMUNITY INTEL

9 — Stroll Through History

The Salmon Brook Historical Society is offering a unique, pandemic-proof outdoor house tour.

NOTEWORTHY NONPROFITS

10 — SMPAC: Beyond The Stage

The COVID crisis has proved that Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center is more than a concert venue.

LETTERS

Bruce Deckert — Publisher + Editor-in-Chief 860-988-1910 • Bruce.Deckert@TodayPublishing.net Today Magazine — www.TodayPublishing.net > Digital Edition Facebook — @TodayMagazineCT • LinkedIn— Today Magazine Advertising — Contact the Publisher Editorial Associate — Kayla Tyson Contributing Photographer — Wendy Rosenberg • 860-305-1655 Today Magazine Online — www.TodayPublishing.net/blog Five Towns, One Aim — Exceptional Community Journalism

VINCE TULLY

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OUR COVER STORY in October featured songwriter Michael Kelly Blanchard, a Unionville native whose musical career spans five decades. Michael and his wife Greta have produced 20 albums.

• New album: Twilight > www.MichaelKellyBlanchard.com • October digital edition > www.TodayPublishing.net JOB SO WELL DONE! I can’t believe you fit so much in by intertwining history, people’s comments and Michael’s songs. So many sweet comments! A lovely tribute to Michael and me. … Thank you for the respect you showed to us throughout this process!

Greta Blanchard • Unionville Nice job! Well-written and engaging!

Michael Kelly Blanchard GREAT ISSUE in November, as always. I have gotten so many calls from people enjoying the photos — great choices as usual. I continue to be so very proud to be part of Today Magazine … it is truly special to me. I know so many people who talk about what an amazing job you do with the stories, and I for one totally agree. Thank you as always for letting me be involved and part of this wonderful magazine.

Wendy Rosenberg • Canton Wendy Rosenberg is a contributing photographer for Today Magazine. Find her amazing wildlife photos in our past digital editions > www.TodayPublishing.net

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THANKS SO MUCH for publishing the 100 Women article (November issue). It looks great. Excellent issue!

Carrie Firestone • Avon I ENJOY reading Today Magazine each month — very nice job on the content!

Deb Bibbins • Simsbury • forallages.org THANKS for your coverage of community events in our area. It is vital and truly appreciated!

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COVER STORY

As COVID Impact Persists, Food Banks Step Up COVID-19 was an unknown term until early 2020 — and then it exploded into the lexicon via a global pandemic.

International medical crises have impacted human history before the 21st century, of course. In the 1918-19 flu pandemic, the estimated death toll numbered 675,000 Americans and 50 million people worldwide, per the CDC. At press time 240,000 Americans have died of the coronavirus — including 4700 in Connecticut — and nearly 1.3 million have died worldwide, per the New York Times.

While the COVID pandemic has precedents, the response of medical experts and government officials has been unprecedented. In mid-March, businesses were closed nationwide, resulting in record layoffs and unemployment.

As the Farmington Valley economy struggles to recover, countless families hit hard by the pandemic’s realities continue to face uncertain bank accounts — and Valley food banks are playing an essential role. Food banks tend to receive more donations and attention during the holiday season, but the need runs all through the year … and even more in 2021 as we navigate this COVID journey.

Simsbury has seen the greatest increase in food bank clients this year.

Before the COVID shutdown, 80 town households per month were receiving support — since the shutdown, that number has jumped to 140 households.

Today Magazine reached out to social service agencies and food banks in the five core Valley towns to assess their vital 2020 work. Following is a town-by-town report, in their own words. +++ Avon Food Bank — We stand ready to serve the Avon community during these difficult times. We have been fortunate to benefit from local food drives sponsored by schools and civic, community, nonprofit and private organizations.

Their generosity and community spirit has allowed us to meet the demand and serve all Avon families requesting help from the Food Bank.

Location entrance at back of church Church of Saint Ann, 270 West Avon Road Hours — Tuesdays • 9:30-11:30 am • Unless Avon public schools are closed

Contact — Alan Rosenberg • 860-409-4346 • arosenberg@avonct.gov 4

Courtesy Photos

By Bruce Deckert Today Magazine Editor-in-Chief

Volunteer Morag Smith of Avon (on left) with a client at last year’s Gifts of Love Holiday Shoppe. Due to COVID concerns, this year clients will receive gift cards for purchasing presents.

COVER PHOTO — Volunteers at a Gifts of Love food drive in May at Farmington Woods condos.

Related Coverage > Page 2: Student’s-Eye COVID View > Page 10: SMPAC’s COVID Pivot Canton Food Bank — We provide quality food with as much variety as possible for the needs of our clients. We follow COVID guidelines by wearing masks, socialdistancing and allowing only one client in the building at a time.

clients need for their families. Meanwhile, the Canton Café opened in October, serving freshly prepared hot meals to Canton seniors, staff and nonresidents.

At the beginning of 2020 the number of clients was greater but has declined a bit because some clients choose to stay home and have food delivered by family or neighbors.

Location Trinity Episcopal Church, 55 River Road

We continue to provide 3200-4300 meals each month thanks to the generosity of the community with nonperishable food donations and monetary gifts.

We are a small food pantry, but we maintain our goal of providing the nourishing food our

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Quotable Quote — “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in serving others”

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Farmington Food Pantry — Report on page 8

Location First Church of Christ, Amistad Hall, 75 Main Hours — Tuesdays • 9:30-11 am Third Saturdays • 9:30-11 am • By appointment • normal hours post-COVID – see website for info

Contact — Paula Kelley • 860-674-8694 • info@farmingtonfoodpantryct.com • www.farmingtonfoodpantryct.com • Donations: use Pay Pal link on website

Granby Food Pantry — Run by Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses. The Social Services office performs income-eligibility screening.

If any resident is experiencing financial hardship, call for a confidential conversation about assistance programs.

Location — 248 Salmon Brook Street Hours — Tuesdays • 10:30 am-12 Thursdays • 2:00-3:30 pm

Contact — Sandra Yost • 860-844-5351 • syost@granby-ct.gov > Other Granby Options

Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen South Congregational Church 242 Salmon Brook Street • No qualification needed, just show up

Hours — Wednesdays • starting at 3:00 pm Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry 23 Griffin Road • 860-653-3308

• No qualification needed • Drive-through service during COVID

Gifts Of Love — Avon • Nonprofit social service agency • Serving the Valley and Greater Hartford

Weekend Snack Packs — First Church, 219 North Granby Road • 860-653-4537 • Nutritious nonperishable weekend snacks

Since the COVID shutdown, our numbers have fluctuated due to the various needs of our families. In April and May, many of our clients were afraid to come out even though we’ve offered no-contact services and given clients food curbside during the shutdown.

Hours — Wednesdays • 2:00-4:00 pm

Hours — Fridays • 3:00-4:30 pm

Mobile Foodshare — www.foodshare.org

Simsbury Food Closet — We are working tirelessly to meet the needs of our residents, and we have been creative in our COVID response. During the warmer months we were able to serve residents outdoors using a drive-through method. During the colder months we are moving our distribution indoors, with clients remaining outside.

Our community has been incredibly generous and many individuals, organizations, clubs and businesses have worked hard to keep our shelves stocked.

Due to the generosity of our community we have never had to turn anyone away due to lack of resources. In addition to food, we are collecting monetary donations to help support our programs. We are truly grateful.

Location Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street Hours — contact Social Services

Mobile Foodshare — www.foodshare.org

Contact — Kristen Formanek • 860-658-3283 • kformanek@simsbury-ct.gov

Some families have had access to food at other food pantries. What they really want from us is the whole experience of food, clothing and household items.

In October, we were able to open our doors again for in-house visits, carefully following state guidelines. Our numbers have been increasing, and during the holidays the need will be even greater. We expect our numbers to go up to over 250 households, as people are now in need more than ever. In 2019 we were serving 250 households per month.

We will strive to give all of our clients a Thanksgiving meal, but Christmas will need to be different this year. We won’t be able to open our Holiday Shoppe but will offer all our clients gift cards.

Location — 34 East Main Street, Avon Hours — by appointment

Contact — Denise Phillips • 860-676-2323 • dphillips@giftsoflovect.org • www.giftsoflovect.org

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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

AVON TODAY

VFW post celebrates 75th anniversary

By Nora Howard and Bill Newman Special to Today Magazine

VFW Post 3272 is named for U.S. Army Corporal Gildo T. Consolini, Avon’s native son who was killed in action during World War II in the South Pacific on July 13, 1943.

The first Avon man to perish in a foreign war, he is buried in the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, the post has always been based in Avon but welcomes members from any town.

On Nov. 27, 1945, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States granted a post charter petition by Avon veterans Frank Bonesio and Henry Kopp (both World War I vets) and William Dupee (SpanishAmerican War). The founding meeting of Post 3272, with 78 charter members, was held in Ensign Bickford Hall, now the Avon selectman’s chambers.

Arthur Neriani was elected commander and John Silver was vice commander.

In 1948, the Ladies Auxiliary was installed, led by president Helen Bonesio and senior vice president Marion Dawson.

VFW State Commander Les Benard presented the auxiliary’s charter and the Hartford Chapter of the Ladies Auxiliary gave the new auxiliary a Bible. Times have changed, and today both men and

women are part of VFW auxiliary posts nationwide. The auxiliary at Post 3272 is currently inactive.

The commander of the post today is Robert J. Nardiello of Canton.

Since 2008, post members have written military service histories of 185 (and counting) Avon Gildo Consolini veterans of foreign wars. The notebooks of these service biographies are at the Avon Free Public Library’s Marian Hunter Local History Room.

Over 600 members have joined Post 3272 since its inception, contributing civic concern and honoring the memory of veterans everywhere. Currently, 135 members embody the post’s local focus of supporting veterans and community service.

From Memorial Day through Veterans Day, the post decorates the graves of local veterans with medallions and flags.

Veterans perform memorial services at every town cemetery, sponsor the Memorial Day Parade, conduct a Veterans Day ceremony at the Avon Veterans Memorial (on the Town Green) and speak at Avon

Since 2008, post members have written military service histories of 185 (and counting) Avon veterans of foreign wars public schools during Veterans Week.

Each year, veterans distribute VFW Buddy Poppies to raise funds for needy veterans locally, statewide and nationally.

Considered one of Connecticut’s premier posts, Post 3272 is recognized as an AllState Post for its many years of growing membership and its community service.

The post invites men and women who are combat veterans of foreign wars to join.

The post holds two ongoing meetings: • Weekly on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

BeanZ & Co. coffee café, Route 44, Avon All veterans invited • Monthly on fourth Wednesdays, 6 p.m.

Zoom meeting for members only and their guests — pre-COVID, meetings were held at Prince Thomas of Savoy Society, Old Farms Road, Avon + www.facebook.com/VFW3272 Post 3272, P.O. Box 297, Avon, CT 06001 Nora Howard is Avon’s town historian, and Bill Newman is VFW Post 3272’s historian

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CANTON TODAY

Avon-Canton Chamber of Commerce will better serve business community

By Louis M. Daniels Special to Today Magazine

Lou Daniels is the president of the Canton Chamber of Commerce THE CANTON Chamber of Commerce membership has voted overwhelmingly, by a 65-3 vote, to dissolve and join the Avon Chamber of Commerce to create a regional organization.

The Avon-Canton Chamber of Commerce will be in a better position to benefit Canton’s Route 44, Collinsville and home-based businesses both now and in the future.

In creating this regional entity, the outgoing Canton Chamber board is confident that members will experience the same camaraderie and success that the Rotary of Avon-Canton has experienced for years.

Lisa Bohman, longtime executive director of the Avon Chamber, will manage the new Avon-Canton Chamber. Lisa is a lifelong resident of Canton whose family has been deeply rooted in town for nearly a century, and she will be a wonderful advocate for Canton’s businesses.

Gary Miller, who has served as the executive director of the Canton Chamber since 2016, will be on the board of the new

chamber, and I will too. In May 2021 we will add another Canton businessperson to the Avon-Canton board.

In December, all Canton Chamber members will be invited to extend their membership to the Avon-Canton Chamber.

Canton members whose annual fee was

The Avon-Canton Chamber of Commerce will be able to speak for both Canton and Avon businesses on any issue with a much louder voice due in October or November can join the new Avon-Canton Chamber at the Avon Chamber’s slightly lower membership rate — great news for the many dual members who have been paying annual fees to both Chambers.

The pandemic has caused Canton’s Chamber to re-evaluate its capacity to provide meaningful services cost-effectively to our business community. Many other organizations are facing similar questions.

In studying the issue, it became evident that in this case bigger is better. One of

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the key responsibilities of a Chamber is the ability to influence local and state government on behalf of its members.

The Avon-Canton Chamber of Commerce will be able to speak for both Canton and Avon businesses on any issue with a much louder voice.

(860) 243-3500

As members of the new Chamber, all will have the same rights and opportunities to serve on committees and hold office.

Change isn’t always easy, but the Canton board believes this is the right move for both organizations — and the benefits will be significant.

Thank you to all those who have voiced their support. Let’s make our new Chamber, the Avon-Canton Chamber of Commerce, the best in the Farmington Valley. + Further info – contact Lou Daniels 860-916-3577 • ldaniels@cadrplus.com

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BUSINESS BEAT

Canton and Avon Chambers joining forces

FARMINGTON TODAY

NOTEWORTHY NONPROFITS

Countering COVID, food pantry supplies hope

By Paula Kelley President • Farmington Food Pantry

THE FARMINGTON FOOD PANTRY is a nonprofit organization staffed and managed by volunteers. Our mission is to provide a respectful, empowering environment where supplemental food and personal care items are available to residents who need assistance.

FFP aims to empower residents purchasing nearly 100% of our food from Foodshare and other wholesale and retail sources. Food donations were temporarily halted due to volunteer and facility limitations.

The pantry was able to make this transition to a model that involves purchasing a large percentage of our food thanks to

FFP primarily has relied on nonperishable food donations from local businesses and residents, but during the pandemic we are purchasing nearly 100% of our food — the pantry was able to make this transition thanks to generous monetary donations FFP has operated for more than 30 years, and since 2006 has been located at First Church of Christ on Main Street.

Farmington currently has 216 income-eligible families come to the pantry. Participants can shop two times a month by appointment.

During the COVID pandemic, we are following CDC guidelines while working closely with town staff and the Farmington Valley Health District. In response to the pandemic, our client-choice format changed in mid-March to optimize the safety of our clients and volunteers.

Pre-packed food bags are being distributed to clients through a curbside drive-up pantry staffed by dedicated pantry volunteers.

FFP primarily has relied on nonperishable food donations from local businesses and residents, but during the pandemic we are

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we’re building boundless possibility.

The expansion of the Village at McLean will usher in a new era of inspired senior living for current and future residents.

The new Goodrich building will offer striking views of neighboring Hop Meadow golf course and club membership to residents. Each day will present boundless opportunities for wellness and an array of first-class amenities including a modern fitness center and performing arts theater. Enjoy new dining venues and life-enriching programs with your neighbors in our active community.

So much more than a beautiful new look, we’re transforming the way you live.

generous monetary donations of Farmington residents and businesses via the secure and convenient Pay Pal link on our website: www.farmingtonfoodpantryct.com These donations have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our food-insecure Farmington neighbors, and are crucial to our mission of ending hunger in Farmington.

We look forward to the time when we can resume normal operating procedures, but will continue to keep the safety of clients, volunteers and donors at the forefront of all decisions. A limited number of food drives are in the planning stages but must be prearranged in advance.

Thank you to the Farmington community for helping us safely help our neighbors in need. Together we can, and will, end hunger in Farmington. +

Related story — page 4

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GRANBY TODAY

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Unique stroll through history Special to Today Magazine

The Weed-Enders House was owned

by Warren Lampson in 1890, when this photo was taken. From left to right: Flora Messenger Lampson, Sylvester Lampson and their daughter Etta.

menu at the top of the page. The website provides street addresses and detailed information for every house on the stroll — in sequential order as you walk. Maps can be printed from the website.

“Many of these houses were used as summer homes by people from Hartford,” says Peg Giles, who initiated the history stroll. “They stayed until all the maple trees turned gold and then went back to Hartford.”

This unique project gets information from

inside the historical society’s archives out into the community.

The society thanks archivist Carol Laun, whose deep knowledge of Granby history has contributed to a wealth of intel for town residents and visitors alike.

Also deserving credit: Howard Berg (who digitized photos), new board member Kathy Morgan, web designer Janice Gucciardi of Jabberhead Social Media, and Granby Camera Club members Ed Judge, Jay Harder and Madeline Catania. +

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Courtesy Photo

DURING the ongoing pandemic, the Salmon Brook Historical Society — Granby’s history organization — is sharing the town’s past via a creative outdoor initiative called a Stroll Through Granby History.

In recognition of the society’s 75th anniversary, this is an opportunity to walk and learn while observing social distancing, because the stroll is done outside and/or online.

Granby’s central historic district along Salmon Brook Street (Route 10-202) includes about 30 homes with known stories.

The society invites people to stroll from the historical society properties at 208 Salmon Brook Street north to the town green and learn about Granby history as told by these 32 houses.

The walking tour is all outdoors — homes aren’t open for inside visits.

As you walk, use a smartphone to access the historical society’s website (www.salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com) and click the Stroll Through Granby History

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SINCE OPENING IN 2005, the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center has hosted countless concerts by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and other big-time performers. When the COVID-19 shutdown made the 2020 event schedule instantly “It’s a winextraneous, the SMPAC board and win for the executive director Missy DiNunno pivoted to replace the summer and fall season and community keep the nonprofit financially viable. and SMPAC” “The pivot strategy was to offer activities and events that could be managed safely, — Missy DiNunno observing social-distancing rules and the governor’s capacity guidelines,” says board schedule we developed proved it.” stations were prominent and plentiful. president Linda Schofield. “Community Located in the heart of downtown SMPAC also adopted a contact-less businesses and organizations responded, Simsbury, SMPAC is the state’s secondapproach, forgoing paper tickets and and there were activities at SMPAC every largest outdoor venue, with a lawn-seating handouts in favor of digital alternatives. day of the week.” capacity of 10,000. The state’s COVID Situated on Iron Horse Boulevard in As a result, SMPAC was busier during regulations reduced that number for much Simsbury, SMPAC is adjacent to hundreds this COVID year than previous years. The 374 Hopmeadow Street •open Simsbury, CT 06089 of the season to one-quarter capacity, but of acres of pristine space along the venue hosted 39 events in 2019 and 38 SMPAC took extra safety precautions and Farmington River, providing a picturesque 860-651-8236 in 2018 — but in 2020 there were 70-plus www.Insuranceagentswhocare.com decided to not exceed 500. location for the community’s diverse events from June through autumn. out how can get improved valuemusic and peace To keep patrons socially distant, SMPAC Find interests —you sports, dance, fitness, Creative use of SMPAC’s state-of-the-art of mind.

Call or visit our today! implemented extensive safety protocols and more.

Plans calloffice for programming to outdoor facility included cardio dance and such as private viewing platforms, driveexpand further in 2021, even as much-loved cardio barre classes, dance recitals, yoga in concerts and spray-painting numerous traditional events are expected to return. classes, small HSO ensemble concerts, lawn in offset “It’s a win-win for the community and movie nights and special events such as the 8-foot circles on the expansive Preview Only rows spaced 15 feet apart.

SMPAC,” says DiNunno. Interested in 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards. includes a margin clear of texthosting and graphics Masks (Layout were required to enter the venue, a 2021 event? Call 860-651-4052. + “We know that the SMPAC is much more as this information may be covered by frame and/or clips during installation) and hand sanitizer and hand-washing than a stage,” DiNunno says, “and the 2020 www.simsburymeadowsmusic.com

CALENDAR Event info is accurate to our knowledge — but be sure to confirm

Online: Holiday Show & Sale Simsbury Open Studio Artists • Thru 12/31 www.simsburyartists.org Holiday Gift-Giving Program Canton Senior & Social Services • By Friday 12/4 to give or receive help 693-5811 – Donations of gift cards Christmas Tree Sale Canton Land Conservation Trust Smith Tree Farm, Doyle Road • Saturday 12/5 – 10 - 1 $25-$50 • $50 includes Land Trust membership

Our digital edition is posted well before the month begins Get an early peek at the Calendar – www.TodayPublishing.net Unite by Light Luminary Event Simsbury townwide Simsbury Unity Mile of Light Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury • Sunday 12/6 – 5 pm • rain: 12/13 Join us as 1 mile of road and countless homes are set aglow: www.ForAllAges.org/unite-by-light Festival of Lessons and Carols Online – www.reddoormusic.org • Sunday 12/13 – 3 pm Free • Traditional holiday service Simsbury 350th Hunt for History Numerous locations in Simsbury • Daily – self-guided Free – Visit 35 historical locations via clues – clues + contest rules: www.simsbury350.com

Simsbury 350th History Walk Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury • Daily – self-guided Free • Take a walk and experience 350 years of Simsbury history: www.simsbury350.com/350-steps Canton Café: Senior Lunch Canton Community Center • Wednesdays + Fridays – 12-12:45 $3-$3.50 • All area residents Call 860-693-5811 to sign up Red Cross Blood Drives Numerous locations in Farm. Valley • Numerous days + times Register – www.redcrossblood.org Online: Fitness Classes for Kids!

• Mondays – 4:45 pm – all ages

Send Events newsroom@TodayPublishing.net Free – Register at: www.thebarreandbeyond.com Online: Beginner Pilates Online: Intermediate Pilates Magna Physical Therapy, Avon • Beginner – Thursdays 6-7 pm • Intermediate – Mondays 9-10 am Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 am Register – 860-679-0430 Online: Virtual Autism Programs Autism Families CONNECTicut • Fridays + Saturdays Free • Register here: www.autismfamiliesct.org ADVERTISE with TODAY MAGAZINE Valley-Best Circulation • 860-988-1910

BUSINESS BEAT

Milestone biz anniversaries 100 YEARS — Rosedale Farms and Vineyards celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020, coinciding with Simsbury’s 350th. Located in the heart of the town’s East Weatogue Historic District, Rosedale provides local produce on a 40-acre plot of historic land next to the Farmington River.

50 YEARS — The Master’s School marks its 50th year as a private Christian school. Serving students in nursery to grade 12, the school resides on a scenic campus in West Simsbury. Master’s began in September 1970 at Simsbury’s former South School.

20 YEARS — Owner Andy Whalen purchased Maher’s Paint & Wallpaper in 2000 after working at the store since 1986. Founded in 1972, Maher’s has locations in Avon and Simsbury (opened in 2016).

10 YEARS — Granby-based Merrill Memoirs marks its 10th anniversary. With a background in journalism and fiction, owner Sarah Merrill writes detailed histories for families and individuals.

1 YEAR — Schooley Mitchell franchisee Jonathan Horn of Canton started his business in September 2019, serving as a cost-reduction expert across various industries. +

2020 biz launches

Northwest Community Bank has a new branch in Simsbury. Lindsay West, a 23-year Northwest veteran, is the branch manager.

Collinsville Bank has a new Farmington branch. Both banks are subsidiaries of Connecticut Mutual Holding Company.

$300 TAX REBATE:

These three CBD stores have set up shop: Your CBD Store Avon, Your CBD Store Simsbury and Simsbury-based Infused: A CBD Marketplace.

Avon resident Sarah Thompson has founded ShopBlackCT.com, a free website that seeks to reverse a legacy of structural racism and economic inequity.

CALL TODAY for info about a Harman pellet stove!

Simsbury veteran Paul Carrier is offering a new CT-made product, the Warmer Upper, a unique high-tech lap blanket.

VALLEYFIREPLACEANDSTOVE.COM

Nestle Toll House Café of Avon, the only franchise location in New England, opened in November. +

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225 ALBANY TURNPIKE ROUTE 44 • CANTON TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2020

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BLUE CLUES

A juvenile little blue heron snacks on a crab at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel Island, Florida. When young, these herons are white, but as they mature bluish feathers begin to appear until they turn completely dark — below is an adult little blue heron.

Photos by Wendy Rosenberg

During times of market volatility it’s good to get a second opinion.

Proudly serving Farmington Valley for 22 years.

Leigh E. King CFP®, CLU®, APMA® Private Wealth Advisor

Call us for a complimentary consultation via phone/video conference.

Kevin Prell, CRPC® Financial Advisor Managing Partner

Financial Planning | Retirement | Investments | Insurance 963 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070 • 860.651.5969

KingPrell.com Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (4/20)

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