Today Magazine • ​December 2024

TODAY BURNING BOOK PASSION

Library Milestone Excites Yearning For Learning

DECEMBER 2024 — WWW.TODAYPUBLISHING.NET

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Catherine Elliott

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A Slow Life in the FAST Lane

Blog by Today Magazine editor Bruce Deckert

LEADING OFF

Storybook Ending

CONTENTS COVER STORY

6 — Storybook Anniversary The Simsbury Library is celebrating its 150th birthday — 15 decades of aiming to inspire a passion for truth, knowledge and erudition HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

10 — Free And Clear Founded by an affluent Simsbury native, the Free Library has enjoyed a multifaceted history VALLEY INTEL

13 — Book Talk In two exclusive interviews, library officials dish on mission, best-kept secrets and more

Safe to say, our lives are full of stories — and stories can be told multiple ways: verbally or in writing or via drama. Written stories can be on a simple piece of paper, in a newspaper or magazine, or in a book.

Let’s play a word-association game with the term book — does library come to mind for you? This edition of Today Magazine features a major anniversary of the Simsbury Library. A banner that adorns the building reads: “Celebrating 150 Years of Stories” • Christmastime is connected with stories. The Bethlehem baby celebrated in December inspired what has been described as the Greatest Story Ever Told. The closing line in one story about him says: “Jesus also did many other things — if they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.”

Do you desire a storybook ending and fairy-tale finish for your life — if so, who can write that story for and with you?

—BWD

MEDICAL MUSINGS

17 — Gold Standard Avon Health Center observes a golden jubilee anniversary and celebrates a legacy of caring QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Librarians are the people Mr. Rogers always talked about when he spoke about helpers — his mom told him to look for the helpers” — Lisa Miceli

BY THE NUMBERS

LETTERS

473,000 — items borrowed last year newsroom@TodayPublishing.net

TODAY STORY KUDOS Our November cover story features award-winning artist Jim DeCesare and his studio of dreams — CLICK HERE BEAUTIFUL magazine — thanks for the article about the Methodist church mission trip to Vermont.

— Genie Wilmarth • North Canton Community United Methodist Church THANKS greatly for the extraordinary piece on the Kalaveshi Arts gallery.

— Fred D’Aprile • Bristol CONGRATULATIONS on the incredible journalistic achievement of Today Magazine. Certainly, the magazine is soaring high and setting new trends in journalistic writing by providing a unique platform for not only seasoned writers but also young budding talents.

Thank you for nurturing a 9-year-old’s sincere effort in writing, by publishing his first article in your magazine in 2020 and supporting him in his journey to this day, when Shayaan Khan has bagged a coveted SPJ award for Excellence in Journalism for his article “School Fashion Follies: Diagnosing a Teen Dysfunction” — published in Today Magazine.

As you mentioned in your story, he is most likely the youngest person ever in the history of the Connecticut SPJ to receive the honor. I cannot thank you enough for the guidance, mentorship and support you have extended through these years to keep him motivated. Thank you so much!

— Sana Syed • Simsbury Sana Syed and Anwar Khan are Shayaan’s parents — he is now a freshman at Simsbury High ———————————————————— Today Wins Most SPJ Awards Among CT Magazines — CLICK HERE SUBSCRIBE to TODAY for FREE — CLICK HERE

Today Magazine • Community News That Matters Nationwide Bruce William Deckert — Publisher + Editor-in-Chief 860-988-1910 — Bruce.Deckert@TodayPublishing.net www.TodayPublishing.net • Award-Winning Recording Connecticut’s Underreported Upside Follow Today Magazine CT on social media > Editorial Associate — Kayla Tyson Contributing Photographer — Wendy Rosenberg Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley and Beyond Five Towns • One Aim — Exceptional Community Journalism • Avon • Canton • Farmington • Granby • Simsbury •

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ALIEN ENCOUNTER This spicebush swallowtail caterpillar was spotted on the Nepaug Reservoir Trail in October — the butterfly is at right — the spicebush swallowtail is Photos by 4 DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE commonly found in North America — the wingspan ranges from 3-4 inches Wendy Rosenberg

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BURNING BOOK PASSION

Library Milestone Inspires Yearning For Learning

By Bruce William Deckert Today Magazine • Editor-in-Chief

COVER STORY

LIBRARY HISTORY in Connecticut hearkens back multiple generations, naturally. How far back depends on the municipality — in Simsbury’s case: a century and a half. Yes, the Simsbury Public Library has been observing its 150th anniversary this year.

Mathematically speaking, the Simsbury Library is celebrating one golden jubilee (a 50-year anniversary) times three — 150 years marked by an interwoven trio of noble goals shared by libraries worldwide: exciting a lifelong love of learning, inspiring a yearning for knowledge, and igniting a passion for education and erudition.

The Simsbury Free Library was established in 1874 in the Hop Meadow District School — the term “Free” differentiated the new institution from the paid-subscription libraries that were fashionable in those days. The seed of the library started germinating two years earlier when Simsbury’s Social and Literary Club began advocating the advent of a public library in town.

in New England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” according to the Free Library website.

This library served Simsbury until April 1986, when a newly constructed building was dedicated as the Simsbury Public Library, operated and funded by the town, according to the Free Library website and the Simsbury Historical Society.

The Simsbury Free Library continued in its building as a private nonprofit institution.

In 1988, the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library debuted as a key component of the Free Library, offering services to citizens not only in Simsbury but also across the state and nation.

In 1991, the Free Library building attained the honor of being listed on Connecticut’s State Register of Historic Places.

In 2008 the Public Library unveiled a major renovation and expansion, and in 2019 another multi-use program space (the Tariffville Room) was added.

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By the way, the following popular books were published in 1874, according to GoodReads.com: “The Complete Fairy Tales” by Hans Christian Andersen, “Far From the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy and “The Mysterious Island: Captain Nemo #3” by Jules Verne.

Storybook Generosity In 1890 a brand-new building on Hopmeadow Street was christened as the library’s home.

Designed by Hartford architect Melvin H. Hapgood, the artful edifice was generously funded by Simsbury natives Amos R. Eno and Lucy Jane Phelps Eno — the couple’s multimillion-dollar fortune was connected to real-estate investing in New York City.

The structure “is a remarkable example of the Colonial Revival architectural style that was popular

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

Today, the Free Library retains its identity as a vital research resource, not a circulating library, so the public cannot borrow books from the Simsbury Free Library — for this customary book-borrowing practice, the Public Library is the place to go.

The Simsbury Public Library serves over 1000 residents daily, per its website, and houses nearly 97,000 volumes. Yet checking out books is only the most conventional aspect of this essential institution.

If you view your local library as strictly a book repository, you are encouraged to take a second look — to revisit and reprise your vision — because libraries today offer an amazing array of events that are seemingly as countless as the stars in a clear sky on Christmas Eve. Indeed, a glance at the Simsbury Library calendar reveals an astonishing collection of programs, a cornucopia of offerings, and myriad educational and entertainment opportunities — often free-ofcharge — for all ages and virtually every interest in the neighborhood.

The list includes: • arts and crafts workshops • art exhibits • baby playgroups • book clubs and discussion groups

If you view your local library as strictly a book repository, you are encouraged to take a second look ... libraries today offer an amazing array of events that are seemingly as countless as the stars in a clear sky on Christmas Eve

• camera club talks • concerts • financial and tax seminars • health and wellness events • Red Cross blood drives • Spanish and French conversation groups • On one day alone this month — Wednesday, December 11 — the Simsbury Library is offering programs with the following titles (in chronological order): Veterans Outreach Assistance, Music & Movement, Spanish Conversation Group, Digital Citizenship for Grades 6-7, Author Conversation with Laura Dave, Hot Cocoa & Polar Express, Mystery Holiday Movie, Chess Club, Mind Games 2: The Science of Curious Thinking and Homeschool Club for Parents.

Yes, these 10 diverse and vibrant programs are scheduled on a single day at the library — giving new meaning to the phrase “never a dull moment.”

Further, the Simsbury Library offers an astounding assortment of services for the public — such as: a bicycle repair station, a Business and Career Center, a fax machine, homebound delivery, an Innovators’ Workshop, a Library of Things, meeting rooms, museum passes, notary public and new passport services, pollinator gardens and a seed library, and public PC workstations.

The library also provides assistive services for people with impaired hearing and vision.

Adventure Abounds Regarding the Library of Things — this is a collection of equipment, games and tools for patrons to borrow. Meanwhile, the Innovators’ Workshop supplies specialized equipment for public use: 3D printer, 3D digitizer, button maker, cricut machine, embroidery machine and sewing machines.

Libraries across the state provide similar chances to experience adventure, enlightenment and growth — and perhaps the best aspect of the library phenomenon statewide is that your local library

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024 7 Children’s Program Room • Simsbury Public Library

card entitles you to borrow books and other helpful items at any library in Connecticut. Yes, you read that right — if you possess a hometown library card, you can access the constellation of resources at every library in the amazing Constitution State.

Edification Location The Simsbury Public Library is located at 725 Hopmeadow Street aka Route 10, a stone’s throw south of the Simsbury Free Library at 749 Hopmeadow. Both facilities are on the west side of the street, so a sidewalk stroll provides access to each facility without needing to brave traffic by crossing the road.

This brings to mind the classic chicken-and-road question: Why did the chicken cross the road? And the deadpan-joke reply: To get to the other side.

Let’s paraphrase, library-style: Why did the Simsbury library patrons cross Hopmeadow Street in pursuit of book wisdom?

The attempted-humorous response: Because they apparently were clueless that the Free Library and Public Library are on the same side of the road.

By the way, regarding the Route 10 reference: State Route 10 runs concurrently with U.S. Route 202 in Granby and Simsbury and Avon.

These time-tested highways share asphalt from the Connecticut-Massachusetts border in northernmost Granby to the heart of Avon, where they diverge at the historic Avon Congregational Church in the town center, on the corner where Main Street meets Simsbury Road (aka Route 10) and Old Farms Road.

For 150 years the Simsbury Library has been a mainstay of the community — and perhaps the best way to celebrate this momentous milestone is to visit this historic library or the one in your hometown. + 8

Lower Level Courtyard • Simsbury Public Library

Editor’s Note • The Simsbury Public Library and Simsbury Free Library websites say that Simsbury’s first library traces its roots to the town’s Social and Literary Club in 1872 — only the Free Library website says the library was established in 1874, but officials at both libraries agree 1874 is when Simsbury’s first library opened.

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• The Free Library website says the newly built Simsbury Public Library opened in 1986 — however, as of early December, the Public Library website says the new library building opened in 1985 — Today Magazine requested clarity by emailing officials at both libraries and the Simsbury Historical Society, and a society representative identified 1986 as

Flower Bridge Wall Simsbury Library

the accurate grand-opening year — “The Simsbury Public Library was dedicated on April 6, 1986,” says the rep. “I have the program from that event and a copy is on display in the library.”

—————————————————————————————— Today Magazine features community news that matters nationwide and aims to record Connecticut’s underreported upside — while covering the heart of the Farmington Valley: a five-town focus on Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury

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HOME OF THE FREE

The Simsbury Free Library is situated on Hopmeadow Street adjacent to Simsbury Cemetery — the library’s nickname is the Gracious Yellow Lady

Free Library Sustains Historic Legacy

By Bruce William Deckert Today Magazine • Editor-in-Chief

ESTABLISHED in 1874, the Simsbury Free Library served as Simsbury’s public library until 1986, when a newly built structure became the distinct Simsbury Public Library, funded and operated by the town — the Free Library continued in its own building as a nonprofit research institution funded by donations, grants, membership fees and the like.

In the century-plus that the Free Library edifice was utilized as the town’s public library, “thousands of children and adults passed through 10

the building in search of entertainment, knowledge and enlightenment,” notes the Simsbury Free Library website.

The “Free” appellation distinguished the new institution from subscription libraries, prevalent in those days, that required members to pay fees. Such paid-subscription libraries were typical in the 1800s, according to various historians. The first subscription library in North America actually started in 1731, per multiple online sources, and was called the Library Company of Philadelphia — perhaps the location gives a telling clue about the

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

COVER STORY HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

founder, who is indeed considered one of the founding fathers of the United States.

Who was this library pioneer?

None other than Benjamin Franklin.

Utilizing technical anniversary nomenclature, the Simsbury Free Library is celebrating its sesquicentennial — for the uninitiated, a sesquicentennial is synonymous with a 150th anniversary.

Let’s address a technicality connected with this library milestone: Depending on one’s perspective, a

case could be made that 2024 is not actually the 150th anniversary of the Simsbury Public Library.

Such an assertion seems ridiculous, because this edition’s cover story focuses precisely on the Simsbury library’s sesquicentennial.

This is a classic example of a common enough phenomenon: Depending on one’s viewpoint, two seemingly contradictory statements can be accurate. Yes, when two perspectives are equitably considered, two truths can equally be perceived and agreed upon, even as a corollary reality holds true: There are likewise absolute and universal distinctions between truth and falsehood — for example, while it’s true that Canton CT and Canton MA share a name, it’s false to assert they are one-and-the-same town.

Specifically, regarding this library milestone — the following statements can be demonstrated, substantially proved, and reasonably established as true:

Amos Eno

• The Simsbury Free Library was founded in 1874.

• The Simsbury Public Library was likewise established in 1874 — since the Public Library is an extension of the Free Library and is rooted in that original Simsbury library — yet it’s also true that the Public Library was established in 1986, when the new building was constructed and the two libraries became distinct entities.

Someone could be a stickler for strict accuracy and insist that the Simsbury Public Library wasn’t founded or established in 1874, and presumably a case could be made since this is technically correct. But given the reality of library history, this view appears to be overly and unnecessarily legalistic.

“Today, the Free Library enjoys a collegial relationship with the Simsbury Public Library, but operates as an unaffiliated private, nonprofit institution,” says the Free Library website.

Further true Free Library facts are connected to the 19th-century benefactor who funded the original library.

Amos R. Eno, a wealthy realestate investor, provided a tremendous endowment to launch the Simsbury Free Library.

Amos and his wife Lucy Jane Phelps Eno were both Simsbury natives. Under the terms of the Eno trust, the library has been managed

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by an independent unpaid board of 10 volunteer trustees ever since.

When the Free Library debuted in 1874, its home was in the Hop Meadow District School. In 1890 a new Colonial Revival building was completed and dedicated — the same stately place that is the library’s home to this day. Amos and Lucy Eno were unable to attend the dedication, but William Phelps Eno (their youngest son) was there as a library trustee and read a letter from his father.

“This gift is due to the town of Simsbury from me,” Amos wrote. “It was my fortune to be born here among you. Everyone owes something to his birthplace. …

The influences that surrounded my youth were owing to the excellent character of the people in this town.”

Since the advent of the Public Library, people cannot borrow books from the Free Library. However, the renowned enterprise remains an essential research and cultural resource for citizens in town and statewide.

In this vein, the library houses three key archival assets: • Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library • William Phelps Eno Memorial Center — he is known internationally as the Father of Traffic Safety • Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense corporate archives — founded in 1836, Simsbury-based Ensign-Bickford has worked closely with NASA

Thousands of children and adults passed through the building in search of entertainment, knowledge and enlightenment

and is the oldest business in the Farmington Valley.

The Free Library is also the site of the Martin Luther King in CT Memorial. Located on the library’s front lawn, the memorial celebrates the life of the iconic civil-rights leader who spent two teenage summers working in Simsbury. The MLK in CT Memorial is an official stop on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

Moreover, the Simsbury Free Library is listed on Connecticut’s State Register of Historic Places and the National Registry of Historic Places, per the Free Library website.

“The most endearing comments [from library-goers] are related to people who remember when they were younger and were frequent visitors,” says Tara Willerup, vice chair of the library’s board of trustees — she notes that area residents “appreciate that our library is still here and available to them.”

Her husband Jay Willerup is an architect who donated his time to help design the MLK in CT Memorial. +

Today Magazine features community news that matters nationwide while covering the heart of the Farmington Valley — Avon • Canton • Farmington • Granby • Simsbury ——————————————————————————————————— Related Award-Winning Today News Coverage — CLICK THESE LINKS • Their Dream: MLK Memorial In Valley • Unique Memorial Celebrates MLK’s Work In Valley • Dream Teamwork: MLK’s Vision Still Beckons • MLK Day Bus Ride + Rwanda Genocide

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Simsbury Free Library • Interior

Q&A – Free Library Embraces Community Focus Special to Today Magazine

Library trustee Tara Willerup has answered this exclusive Q&A on behalf of the Simsbury Free Library —————————————— A Simsbury native and current resident, Tara Willerup is vice chair of the Free Library’s board of trustees — she graduated from Simsbury High School in 1983 and from St. Lawrence University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in English ———————————————————

Year established — 1874 Primary mission: To connect people through genealogical and historical research, and to provide cultural programming to foster community belonging.

Most fulfilling aspect of your work?

SIMSBURY FREE LIBRARY 749 Hopmeadow Street simsburyfreelibrary@gmail.com www.simsburyfreelibrary.org 860-408-1336 Instagram @SimsburyFreeLibrary Facebook Simsbury Free Library ——————————————————————–—

Being a community center — helping people use our library to gather, learn and research their past and connect to their future.

Your biggest challenge, and how you meet it?

Being visible to the whole community. We use all modern methods of communication. We offer opportunities to welcome people and groups to use our services.

Goals for the next 1-5 years?

• To increase our activity and community commitment.

• To raise the funds in our capital campaign that will in turn improve accessibility.

• To update and expand the lower level to better serve.

• To expand our archives to safely preserve expanding and future collections of historic documents and digital resources.

• To promote and increase the programming at our MLK in CT Memorial.

Anecdote that encourages you regarding the library’s role in the community: The most common and most endearing comments are related to people who remember when they

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MLK MEMORIES The MLK in CT Memorial features a series of glass panels that explain five stages of Martin Luther King’s life history — unveiled on MLK Day in 2021, the memorial is located on the front lawn of the Simsbury Free Library

were younger and were frequent visitors — and then hearing them appreciate that our library is still here and available to them.

Number of library employees: Full-Time: 0 — Part-Time: 4

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What does one need in order to borrow items from the library — and can any Connecticut citizen Education is a priority — access library services?

Our website provides an index to our archives, and our staff often work with people all over the ways to provide learning country by telephone and email.

Regarding library programs opportunities for all ages and events, what are the broad categories offered?

We offer lectures and programs about history through the ages. What do you see as the library’s Our exhibits include: the Farm- best-kept secret? ington Canal, beautiful art, The beauty of our interior and the rare books, George Hall letters historic value of our collections. from World War I, and the his- Valley libraries offer an abuntory of transportation safety dance of movies in addition to and William Phelps Eno, who books — how do you view the is known as the Father of Traf- relationship between entertainfic Safety. We also curate the ment and education?

Martin Luther King in ConEducation is a priority to us, necticut Memorial. whether it be field trips of students Your top-three favorite visiting the MLK Memorial, stulibrary programs dents filming historical histories of and/or events: our seniors, or lectures on the van• MLK Memorial launch with ishing village of Pilfershire. We try the students’ presentations to find entertaining ways to provide learning opportunities for all ages.

• Our interactive programs on World War II with the Most important attributes for a veterans answering questions librarian? by high school students You need to be organized, enthusi• Hosting parts of the Ensignastic, enjoy people and connect to Bickford 175th anniversary the community. + • Plus paint nights and book clubs

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

Q&A – Public Library Leverages Citizen Investment Special to Today Magazine

Library director Lisa Miceli has answered this exclusive Q&A on behalf of the Simsbury Library ——————————————————— Lisa Miceli began her tenure as the Simsbury Public Library director in 2013 — she served as president of the Connecticut Library Association from July 2019 to June 2020 and as vice president the year before ——————————— She was previously the LaGrange Library director in Poughkeepsie NY from 1995 to 2013 — prior to that role, she was a project archivist at the Rockefeller Archive Center in Sleepy Hollow NY ————————————— Miceli has a bachelor’s degree in American history (1990) and a master’s in library science — both from the University at Albany — and she holds a postgraduate certification in public library administration from Long Island University (LIU Post) ————————————— A West Hartford resident, Miceli grew up in Dutchess County NY and moved to Connecticut in 2013

SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY 725 Hopmeadow Street info@simsburylibrary.info www.simsburylibrary.info 860-658-7663 Social Media Simsbury Public Library ——————————————————————

Year established — 1874 The Simsbury Free Library was RAN asYaTODAY first established public library and served as the town’s circulating library — public library service in Simsbury dates to 1874.

Primary mission: The Simsbury Public Library provides free and equal access to information, experiences and educational resources that build community and inspire a lifetime of learning.

Library slogan: So Much Happens Here

community full of readers they are. Because of the enthusiasm of our residents, there are so many opportunities for collaborations with town organizations and for the library staff to do exciting and innovative programs and initiatives — like the Human Library (which we partnered with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council on last spring) and the Revolutionary War display (which we partnered with the Daughters of the American Revolution on last January).

Most rewarding accomplishment during your library tenure?

There have been many rewarding accomplishments — one that stands out is the renovation which created the Tariffville Room and provided the library and community with an additional large program and meeting space. There is no doubt that this was a necessary addition.

Most fulfilling aspect of your work?

The most fulfilling aspect of serving as director of the Simsbury Public Library is how much Simsbury’s residents are invested and engaged 4.9” wide x 3.65” high in and with their library and what a continued on next page

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How many books are housed in the library?

96,742 Other interesting statistics and numbers: • Over 315,000 people visit the library each year • Nearly 60% of Simsbury residents have a library card • Over 473,000 items were borrowed last year Number of library employees: Full-Time: 12 — Part-Time: 37 What does one need in order to borrow items from the library — and can any Connecticut citizen access library services at any library in the state?

• A library card — to get a Simsbury Library card you must present proof of residency in the town.

Simsbury also offers cards to a variety of other people, including nonresident students. For more information, visit the library’s website.

• Any resident of the state of Connecticut may get a library card from the town in which they reside — that card is valid in any library in the state.

• We’re happy to welcome everyone to the Simsbury Public Library.

In addition to books, what other items are available for patrons to borrow?

Simsbury Library offers many, many things for the community to borrow — such as e-books, 16

audiobooks and streaming videos.

The Library of Things includes: Chromebooks, a cordless drill, games, knitting needles, a metal detector, museum passes and WiFi hotspots.

Regarding library programs and events, what are the broad categories offered?

The Simsbury Public Library offers programs on most everything.

Library staff members often take suggestions from residents on topics they’d like to have programs on.

Popular programs include historybased and cooking events, and music programs generally draw a crowd.

Your top-three favorite library programs and/or events: The top Simsbury Library events of the last calendar year have been: • The Human Library — partnership with the Simsbury Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Council • The Sustainability Fair — partnership with the Simsbury Sustainability Committee • Sweet Connections — a partnership with the Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission and For All Ages To someone who associates a library primarily with borrowing a book, what might be your most surprising offering?

A metal detector What do you see as the library’s best-kept secret?

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That you may reserve material online and have it sent to our pickup lockers, so you may get it at your convenience and not just during open library hours.

What motivated you to pursue a library career?

I fell into public libraries. My coursework was in archives, but as a career I didn’t enjoy it.

I loved my first public library position and returned to it after a brief time in an archives job and never left. I’ve been a public library director for 32 years.

Your favorite books: • “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford • “The Secret Life of Sunflowers”

by Marta Molnar • “A Fall of Marigolds”

by Susan Meissner • “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek Most important attributes for a librarian?

Librarians are the people Mr. Rogers always talked about when he spoke about “helpers” — his mom always told him to “look for the helpers.”

You’ll find us at the library. Librarians create a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

We’re in our element when we’re helping people find the information they need or connecting them with services, books or other people to help them improve their lives. +

Momentous Milestone for Avon Health Center

History of Family Business Rooted in Wife’s Care for Husband

By Bruce Deckert Today Magazine • Editor-in-Chief

Russell is the vice president and director of operations for both Avon THROUGHOUT 2024, Avon Health Health Center and sister facility Center has been celebrating its 50th West Hartford Health & Rehabilitaanniversary under current ownership. tion Center.

The Avon location, situated on Leonard J. Schwartz purchased West Avon Road aka Route 167, has the business in 1974. The familya 120-bed capacity. The West Hartowned skilled nursing facility provides a range of services to residents ford location is a 160-bed skilled nursing facility within walking disin the Farmington Valley and betance of the town center, in a resiyond — including short-term rehadential area on Loomis Drive. bilitation, long-term medical care, “When a family places their trust hospice services and respite care.

Avon Health Center observed its in us, it is our mission to exceed their expectations and provide the 80th overall anniversary two years highest quality nursing care posago. Gertrude Petersen established sible,” says Russell, whose father the business in 1942 as the West died at 82 years old in July 2019.

Avon Convalescent Home, accordThe genesis of this family busiing to a written history of the facility ness has deep roots in a wife’s provided by Russell Schwartz, desire to care for her ailing Leonard’s son.

The population of Avon then was husband.

In 1930, newlyweds Nick and about 3800 — today the town has Gertrude Petersen bought 200-plus approximately 19,000 residents.

BUSINESS BEAT MEDICAL MUSINGS

acres of picturesque farmland along with a large house on West Avon Road in Avon.

Six months after they were married, the couple became the guardians of two nieces and a nephew whose parents had died. Then they had two children of their own and later adopted a third.

A hard-working dairy farmer from Denmark, Nick successfully managed the family farm until he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. When he was unable to continue the essential work the farm required, Nick and Gertrude began to sell parcels of their land, including the present site of Pine Grove Elementary School.

In addition, to make ends meet, Gertrude opened the Petersen

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

17

home to provide temporary care for elderly people who were released from area hospitals but unable to care for themselves in their own homes.

As Nick’s condition deteriorated, Gertrude decided to establish West Avon Convalescent Home in 1942 — this allowed her to take care of her husband at home while supporting their family. Originally, the home had six residents who substantially shared in the lives of the Petersen family.

In 1943 the state of Connecticut required nursing homes to be licensed, so the convalescent home’s first official license was issued on January 1 of that year.

The first medical director was Dr. Enos O’Connell of Farmington.

Later, Dr. Lawrence Carlton of Canton became the medical director and cared for the residents.

In 1956, after the death of Nick Petersen, Gertrude sold the business

vegetables for later use by the residents. Plus, I can recall seeing what appeared to be acres and acres of experience in the clothing, sheets and blankets flapping in the wind on clotheslines in nursing home business as back of the home.”

Avon Convalescent Home was both an owner and builder one of the first facilities in the United States to train students from technical schools as certified nurse aides. Today this role is known as a to Kenneth Smith. A former farmer certified nursing assistant aka CNA. from Kansas, Smith simplified the name to Avon Convalescent Home.

In 1967 a three-person ownerThe facility housed 23 residents, ship team — Helen Doerr, Omah with a daytime staff of two. Soon Hayes and Herbert W. Holden registered nurse Marie Peltier joined — purchased Avon Convalescent the staff for the 3-to-11 p.m. shift.

Home. They managed the facility until 1974, when Leonard Schwartz “In those days, nurses were not bought the business. required to do as much charting as they do now, so they had more Prior to this Avon acquisition, time for other things,” Marie said, Schwartz had extensive experience according to the center’s written in the nursing home business as history. both an owner and builder. After acquiring the Avon home, he started “The Smiths were avid gardena construction company and built ers, so in our spare time the staff facilities for other owners. would peel and can fruits and Schwartz had extensive

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Director of operations Russell Schwartz and director of nursing services Amy Peruti and administrator Amy Pellerin are celebrating 50 years of Schwartz family management — along with 160-plus employees

In 1975 he added over 24,000 square feet to the Avon facility — the expansion added 60 beds to arrive at the current 120-bed capacity. The space included a dining room, laundry room, kitchen area and offices. In conjunction with the new construction, the original farmhouse was demolished.

Schwartz built and opened his West Hartford operation in 1977 as Brookview Health Care Facility. In 2005 he rebranded it as West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center. The Avon location had rebranded as Avon Health Center in 1996.

“We value the trust families and

residents place in us to care for their loved ones,” says Russell Schwartz.

“We appreciate you allowing our family to take care of your family.”

His mother Freda Schwartz (86 years old) is the company president in title, but Russell (62) manages the day-to-day operation.

Freda was born and raised in the Bronx, while Leonard was from White Plains NY. In 1965, the Schwartz family moved from the Bronx to Connecticut.

Russell was born in Port Chester NY but was raised in West Hartford.

He attended high school at Loomis Chaffee in Windsor, graduating in 1980, and graduated from Tulane

University in 1984. Then he earned a master’s degree in health management from Quinnipiac University.

Russell has enjoyed a diverse career in the healthcare profession, including management roles (in chronological order) with Athena Health Care Systems, ProHealth Physicians and Capital Senior Living.

In 2007 he became the director of operations for his family’s Avon and West Hartford health centers.

He has spent two stints as a Farmington resident — from 1986-2002 and 2007-2013 — and currently lives in Prospect with his partner Mindy Stollman.

continued on next page

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

19

Today Q&A ——————————

Schwartz Family: Five Decades at Avon Health Center Special to Today Magazine

VP and director of operations Russell Schwartz has answered the following Q&A on behalf of Avon Health Center — his family has owned this Farmington Valley mainstay for 50 years — also see our feature story on page 17 ————————————————————————

Year Established Originally 1942 — current owner since 1974 Manager/Owner + Other Principals: • Freda Schwartz (my mom) — President • Russell Schwartz — Vice President and Director of Operations • Leonard J. Schwartz (my dad: deceased) was the owner until 2019 Company Mission: At Avon Health Center, we have a responsibility to care for our patients and residents to our utmost ability.

When a family places their trust in us, it is our mission to exceed their expectations and provide the highest quality nursing care possible.

In order to achieve this goal, we offer a variety of comprehensive services in a secure and nurturing enviSituated on over eight acres of land, Avon Health Center has over 160 employees, including 95 full-time.

“Quality is our number one priority,” Russell says, “which we strive for by providing patients and residents with premium medical care and nursing services — the staff is extensively trained to meet every need.”

In addition to post-acute medical and rehabilitation care, the Avon and West Hartford health centers offer IV therapy, advanced wound care and consultation solutions.

20

Russell Schwartz worked for his family’s nursing home business after graduating with honors from Tulane University in 1984 — he took a role at another healthcare company in 1986 — for two decades he served other companies in management until his career came full circle in 2007 when he returned to work for his father as director of operations

The term post-acute refers to medical care provided in a patient’s home or another residence after being released from a hospital.

Meanwhile, the West Hartford facility specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

The family operation is a member of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities / Connecticut Center for Assisted Living (CAHCF/CCAL) and the complementary national association, American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) +

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

Today Magazine covers community news that matters nationwide — focusing on the heart of Connecticut’s Farmington Valley Sources — History of Avon Health Center • Avon Health and West Hartford Health websites —————————————————————— Related Award-Winning Today News Coverage —CLICK THESE LINKS— • Century Celebration: CCHF Is 105 • Free Healthcare? VNA Says Yes!

ronment. Our staff defines our success by working hard to make every individual feel welcome, comfortable and safe while maintaining their independence.

Our core values embody these objectives. Quality is our number one priority, which we strive for by providing patients and residents with premium medical care and nursing services. The staff is extensively trained to meet every need.

———————————————— AVON HEALTH CENTER West Avon Road • Avon CT www.avonhealthcenter.com rschwartz@avonhealthcenter.com 860-673-2521 Facebook • LinkedIn Avon Health Center —————————————

What was your company’s net profit (aka net income) in your most recent fiscal year?

Do not wish to disclose What is the salary range for your employees and management?

Do not wish to disclose What do you appreciate most about the local business climate?

Friendliness. Neighborly. The Farmington Valley has a strong community commitment — support for local businesses by local businesses is a common theme.

What constructive change would you like to see in the local business climate?

Nothing in particular.

How has the COVID pandemic impacted your work?

Impacted staff recruitment. The world has changed since COVID. The workforce is very different since then. Applicants often don’t show up for interviews or respond to communications after they apply.

Snapshot that provides a window into your company’s ethos: Family-owned and -operated for 50 years. We value the trust families and residents place in us to care for their loved ones. We appreciate you allowing our family to take care of your family — our values: • Quality is always our first priority.

• Our employees define the success of our facility.

• Provide exceptional customer service that exceeds expectations.

• Foster respect, teamwork, appreciation and integrity.

• Treat residents and families with dignity and respect. +

Most enjoyable aspect of your work?

The relationships developed with our residents and families. A sense We not only offer physical care, of fulfillment in helping our resibut also are dedicated to offering dents live their most independent the emotional support necessary to lives with dignity and respect. The maintain confidence. The basis of family atmosphere shared with our our care is to focus on the resident staff members who work together first and foremost. in delivering on our mission for the Other values include: community.

• Incomparable customer service Your main obstacle, • Respect, collaboration, appreciaand how you overcome it: tion and integrity Since the COVID-19 pandemic, • Treating residents with dignity • staff recruitment has been our biggest obstacle. The labor market has Company Slogan: changed since the pandemic. We A Tradition of Caring continue to employ different strateWhy did you choose gies to attract and hire staff. Retenthis profession? tion strategies continue to be just as Second generation important to retain our staff.

What inspired your father Most satisfying accomplishment: to purchase this business?

Our 50th year in operation.

After working as a pharmacist and Goals for the next five years? drug company representative, he got into the nursing home business with Continue to serve the needs of community as it relates to short-term his uncle, who owned a couple of rehabilitation, long-term care, hosfacilities in New Rochelle. My dad bought his first facility in Stamford pice and respite services.

What sets your business apart? with a partner.

Family-owned and -operated — We moved to the Hartford area non-corporate. in 1967. He and his partner built a number of facilities throughout Number of employees: the state.

• Full-Time — 95 In 1974 he acquired Avon Con• Part-Time — 21 valescent Home as a 60-bed facility • Per Diem — 47 on his own. He expanded the facil• Independent Contractors — 15 ity to 120 beds. Simultaneously he What was your company’s When a family places their trust started his own construction comgross revenue (aka gross sales) pany and continued building faciliin us, it is our mission to in your most recent fiscal year? ties for other operators, as well as $13.6 million exceed their expectations several others he operated.

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

21

New UConn Health CEO Eyes Growth in New Year Special to Today Magazine

MEDICAL MUSINGS

AS 2024 WINDS DOWN, the UConn Health CEO anticipates growth in innovation in the new year and beyond.

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi returned to UConn Health earlier this year for a second stint as chief executive officer and executive vice president of health affairs. He led UConn Health from 2014 to 2022 during a transformative phase of growth.

Agwunobi served concurrently as interim president of the University of Connecticut from July 2021 to February 2022.

A pediatrician who also holds an MBA from Stanford Business School, he was the first person of color and the first physician to lead UConn as president.

“I am honored to return to an organization that I deeply care for,” said Agwunobi when he rejoined UConn Health in May. “I am excited to work with stakeholders … to advance UConn Health to the next level of excellence including academic stature, scale, partnerships, innovation and financial strength.”

His achievements have included doubling patient net revenues, overseeing an $800 million campus infrastructure renewal, and implementing a comprehensive electronic health record system.

“There is no one person who has been more instrumental in bringing about UConn Health’s extraordinary growth over the last decade,” said UConn president Radenka Maric, “and no one who is better equipped to lead it into the future.”

“It is extraordinarily important and gratifying for us that an objective outside source has recognized UConn Health as being a top-five place to work in Connecticut,” says Agwunobi.

The report is based on survey data from more than 160,000 people who work for U.S. companies with at least 500 employees.

UConn Health has a workforce of more than 5600 employees working at 11 sites in Connecticut.

Among America’s Best Employers

8 Straight A’s in Patient Safety

The 2024 Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State” report lists UConn Health No. 5 among employers in Connecticut.

UConn Health has earned the highest Hospital Safety Grade in eight consecutive rating periods from The Leapfrog Group, an

22

This news roundup focuses on Farmington-based UConn Health ——————————————————————

independent national healthcare watchdog.

The grades come out in the spring and the fall, and UConn Health has scored an A each time since spring 2021, based on more than 30 independent performance metrics measuring errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and the systems in place to prevent them.

“Leapfrog’s ongoing recognition of UConn Health’s top patient safety is a true testament to the patient-centered care our medical teams provide every day,” says Dr. Scott Allen, chief medical officer and patient safety officer.

Pharmacist of Year

Andrew Agwunobi

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

Gillian Kuszewski has been named the 2024 Pharmacist of the Year by the Connecticut Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

“I really love being a pharmacist and I love working with pharmacists, so this recognition is really special,” says Kuszewski, who is the director of UConn Health’s pharmacy residency programs.

Established in 1948, the society has nearly 300 members, including pharmacists, educators and pharmacists in training.

Andrews Saluted for Inspiring Peers Dr. Rebecca Andrews has been honored by both the American Medical Women’s Association and the American Medical Association for her work inspiring women in the field of medicine.

The AMWA presented her with a 2024 INSPIRE Award and the AMA recognized her with a 2024 Inspiration Award. She is a primary care physician and the internal med-

icine residency associate program director.

“I have made a point my entire career of lifting other women physicians up as a few special mentors have done for me,” says Andrews, who lives in Canton.

“Placing other women in the path of opportunity and supporting them has become one of the most rewarding facets of my professional work.”

National Honors for Albertsen The American Urological Association has presented its Distinguished Contribution Award to Dr. Peter Albertsen.

The honor recognizes Albertsen’s career impact on the management of screen-detected prostate cancer worldwide, including his international reputation for his work in the area of prostatespecific antigen (PSA) testing and the overall management of prostate cancer.

“This award validates the research that I was able to conduct here at UConn Health using the Connecticut tumor registry, the oldest tumor registry in the nation,” says Albertsen, who lives in Simsbury.

He is program director of the Division of Urology and professor of surgery in the UConn School of Medicine.

UConn Director Joins CDC Panel Dr. George Kuchel is serving on a key committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at the invitation of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra.

Kuchel is director of the UConn Center on Aging and is sitting on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

The UConn Health campus in Farmington includes John Dempsey Hospital, an academic medical center, and other healthcare initiatives — a direct affiliate of UConn in Storrs, UConn Health has various locations in Connecticut ————————————————————

A working artist himself, Rochester mentors emerging artists and is a voice for those historically underrepresented in the art community. At UConn Health he has reconvened a committee of employees and retirees to help with exhibits, including a series of employee art shows in the highly visible walkway “I am honored to have been nominated by my colleagues for this between UConn Health’s primary buildings. position,” Kuchel says.

“I want to build on the legacy “The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fact that frail that’s been established,” says Rochester, who was recently honored older adults are especially likely with the Connecticut Governor’s to develop severe complications Arts Award from the state’s Office … when confronted with varied of the Arts. infections.”

The ACIP develops recommenNew Tech Improves dations for U.S. immunizations — Colonoscopies including ages when vaccines The cancer prevention specialshould be given, number of doses, ists at UConn Health emphasize the time between doses, and precauimportance of colonoscopies as an tions and contraindications. effective tool to prevent colorectal cancer.

Medical Students Now they’re using the most Receive Awards advanced technology they’ve ever Every year, nearly 200 U.S. had — an endoscopy system that medical schools can nominate stuprovides a new level of clarity to dents for a prestigious American physicians examining the gastroinGeriatrics Society award — and the testinal tract. honor has gone to a UConn medical “With our new instruments, we student in back-to-back years. can better identify abnormalities in Lily Zhong has received the the intestinal lining and more subtle 2024 Edward Henderson Student changes, and hopefully therefore Award, and Tia Kozar won the pick up pathology at an earlier 2023 award. time,” says Dr. John Birk, chief of “I am incredibly honored to the Division of Gastroenterology win this award that celebrates such and Hepatology. an important mission of improvThe applications go beyond ing care for older adults,” Zhong colon cancer screening. Endoscopy says. “I could not imagine a more also helps diagnose and treat acid supportive community at UConn reflux, ulcers, Crohn’s disease and Health and hope to continue this celiac disease. + mission in my future career.”

Sources — UConn Today website and UConn Health communications Art in Health Care Did you know UConn Health has an art collection of more than 2500 pieces?

Andre Rochester is the curator, and he’s also a key figure in the Greater Hartford art scene.

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TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

23

Local Salon Celebrates 50 Years

BUSINESS BEAT

By Bruce Deckert Today Magazine • Editor-in-Chief

THE LA BELLE Chateau Salon & Spa is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Based in the Unionville section of Farmington, the salon debuted on Valentine’s Day in 1974.

Owner and president Joan A. Femc was honored earlier this year at an Economic Development Breakfast event at the Farmington Polo Club — on that occasion, she offered the following remarks: “Good morning everyone — wow, 50 years — it’s really hard to believe! I am honored to be here this morning with all of you and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Farmington-Unionville community and beyond for so many years.

“The clients and staff may have changed over the years, but our family atmosphere and great customer service is what I’m most proud of.

“A special thank-you to my clients and staff and family and friends for attending this morning — and a special thank-you to my 99-year-old mother who has been by my side supporting me for all of my 73 years. I am truly blessed – thank you.”

Femc, now 74, was born and raised in New Britain and has lived in Kensington since 2000. She is a 1968 graduate of Mary Immaculate Academy in New Britain.

Serendipitously, another Farmington Valley beauty shop — Shear Wellness Salon & Spa — launched on Valentine’s Day in February 1979, five years after La Belle Chateau premiered, and thus observed its 45th anniversary this year.

The original opening day was supposed to be earlier, says Shear Wellness owner Janina Cummings, 24

but pipes in the salon building froze and burst, delaying the debut until February 14.

Shall we note the ironic paradox of frozen pipes postponing the birth of a beauty salon till the day of love?

Evidently, the question in the preceding sentence has indeed so noted this phenomenal occurrence — yet let’s defer further comment, perhaps until time allows for the writing of a poem or screenplay or short story.

Cummings founded her business in Avon as Shear Artistry Day Spa & Salon — she rebranded in Simsbury as Shear Wellness Salon & Spa in August 2018. She has declined a full-length Q&A interview and feature in Today Magazine.

Femc answered the following Q&A on behalf of La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa:

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa 55 Mill Street • Unionville 860-673-6011 www.labellechateau.com labellechateau@yahoo.com Instagram — labelle_posh74 Facebook La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa ————————————————————

Year Established: 1974 — on Valentine’s Day Company Mission: To provide the utmost service and style to every man, woman and child in the Farmington Valley.

Why did you choose this profession?

I’ve been interested in everything hair and everything style starting in high school.

Who founded your business?

Joan A. Femc and parents

What inspired you to launch this business?

While in hairdressing school, I always wanted to own a full-service salon and my parents supported me in this endeavor.

They both worked in a factory their whole work life in excess of 30 years each. My father worked two factory jobs at the same time for 10 years.

Most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Seeing a client’s face light up when they are elated with the results of your expertise.

Your main obstacle, and how you overcome it: Staffing with the right people, employees and renters. It has gotten even more difficult since COVID. I’m going back to the way that I started, looking for new stylists coming out of hairdressing school — stylists with a lot of passion for our business just starting their career.

Most satisfying accomplishment: Servicing a great community for such a long time.

Goals for the next five years?

Filling my salon with people who have a good work ethic, good values and a passion for what they do. Grooming people to take over servicing wonderful clients in a great community for the next 50 years.

What sets your business apart?

Attention to detail and listening and responding to the client.

Number of employees — 5 Independent contractors: We now have one chair renter and one room renter.

Rental opportunities: We have 6 chairs, 2 treatment rooms, 2 nail tech tables and pedicure chairs available — we also have a private barber shop with 2 antique barber chairs and a tanning booth available.

What was your company’s gross revenue (aka gross sales) in your most recent fiscal year?

Declined comment What was your company’s net profit (aka net income) in your most recent fiscal year?

Declined comment What is the salary range for your employees and management?

Declined comment What do you appreciate most about the local business climate: Recently, the success of so many new businesses.

What constructive change would you like to see in the local business climate?

That the town would support businesses more and stifle less.

Anecdote that provides a window into your company’s ethos:

The most important part of my business is people — staff and clients — otherwise, it’s just a beautiful empty space.

How has the COVID pandemic impacted your work?

So many stylists working on their own and not in a salon, and some clients not coming is as often due to working from home.

Your prior work experience: After high school I worked in an office in New Britain for 1½ yrs and then went to hairdressing school in 1970 for one year.

I started working at the Farmington Salon, located in the lower level of the Farmington Inn, in April 1971 until February 1974.

I opened my salon on February 14, 1974.

Family: My mother lives with me and has always supported me in everything that I pursue — my Dad, who helped build my salon, went into the hospital the day that I opened and passed away eight days later at 53 years old — I have two younger brothers, Edward Femc and Anthony Femc Further comment: I am a widow — my husband passed away in 2004 at 56 years old. He left me a steam turbine business that I have been running the last 20 years concurrently with my salon. +

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

25

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ADVERTISER Hall of Fame – TODAY Magazine • These advertising sponsors have seen the value of investing in Today Magazine’s award-winning journalism as we record Connecticut’s underreported upside and cover the heart of the Farmington Valley and beyond • • If you have paid for a recurring advertisement with Today Magazine but don’t see your business or organization listed, send an email so you can be added to our Advertiser Hall of Fame — advertise@TodayPublishing.net • All Seasons Home Services — 860-276-7236 www.facebook.com/AllSeasonsHomeServices01 ——————————————————————————————— Anthology Senior Living — 860-546-8037 — Simsbury www.anthologyseniorliving.com > Location ——————————————————————————————— Avon Health Center — 860-673-2521 — Avon www.avonhealthcenter.com ——————————————————————————————— Avon Historical Society — 860-678-7621 — Avon www.avonhistoricalsociety.org ——————————————————————————————— A Teen Edge — 860-593-2822 www.ateenedge.com ——————————————————————————————— Board and Brush — 860-392-8567 — Simsbury www.boardandbrush.com/simsbury ——————————————————————————————— Canton Barn LLC — 860-693-0601 — Canton www.cantonbarn.com ——————————————————————————————— Canton Food Bank — 860-693-5811 — Canton www.townofcantonct.org ——————————————————————————————— Carmon Funeral Homes — 860-673-8610 www.carmonfuneralhome.com ——————————————————————————————— Carol Cole Real Estate — 860-212-0687 — Canton www.carolcolerealestate.com ——————————————————————————————— Cherry Brook Health Care Center — 860-693-7777 — Canton www.cherrybrookhcc.com ——————————————————————————————— Christensen Insurance — 860-651-8236 — Simsbury www.insuranceagentswhocare.com ——————————————————————————————— Christopher Bryant Co. — 860-243-3500 — Bloomfield www.thechristopherbryantcompany.com ——————————————————————————————— Collinsville Bank — 860-693-6935 — Canton www.collinsvillebank.com ——————————————————————————————— Connecticut Dance Academy — 860-707-4198 — Canton www.ctdanceacademy.com ——————————————————————————————— Connecticut Headshots — 860-263-9277 — Avon www.connecticutheadshots.com ——————————————————————————————— Dynamic Auto Works — 860-693-6359 — Canton www.facebook.com/DynamicAutoCanton ——————————————————————————————— Erica Maglieri: Realtor — 860-324-6842 bhhsneproperties.com/real-estate-agent/757/erica-maglieri 30

DECEMBER 2024 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

——————————————————————————————— Floors Reincarnated — 860-651-1900 — Simsbury Facebook > Floors Reincarnated ——————————————————————————————— Fresh Start Pallet Products — 860-266-5726 — Hartford www.freshstartpalletproducts.org ——————————————————————————————— Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce — 860-651-7307 www.simsburycoc.org ——————————————————————————————— Green Door Restaurant — 860-693-9762 — Canton www.41bridgestreet.com ——————————————————————————————— Habitat for Humanity — 860-541-2208 — Hartford www.hfhncc.org ——————————————————————————————— Harris Home Improvement — 860-817-7191 — Granby www.harrishomeimprovement.net ——————————————————————————————— Hartford Symphony Orchestra — 860-246-8742 — Hartford www.hartfordsymphony.org ——————————————————————————————— HealthMarkets Insurance — 860-307-1128 — Torrington www.healthmarkets.com — Mel Brickman ——————————————————————————————— Hulme & Sweeney Pianos — 860-408-4895 — Simsbury www.hulmesweeneypianoservice.com ——————————————————————————————— Karedigs.com — 860-379-4340 — Barkhamsted www.karedigs.com ——————————————————————————————— Kerian Home Health Care — 860-851-6267 — Simsbury www.keriancares.com ——————————————————————————————— Kevin Witkos: State Senator ——————————————————————————————— Landscape Solutions — 860-329-2014 — New Hartford www.landscapesolutionsct.com ——————————————————————————————— Leslee Hill for State Representative ——————————————————————————————— Lifetime Family Dentistry — 860-605-2075 — Collinsville www.lifetimefamilydentistryct.com ——————————————————————————————— Linda Kessler: Realtor — 860-836-6172 — Avon www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agents ——————————————————————————————— Liza Sivek Marketing — 203-278-5492 www.lizasivekmarketing.com ——————————————————————————————— Maglieri Construction — 860-242-0298 — Bloomfield www.maglieri-construction.com ———————————————————————————————

Magna Physical Therapy — 860-679-0430 — Avon www.magnapt.com ——————————————————————————————— Maher’s Paint & Wallpaper — 860-678-1200 — Avon + Simsbury www.maherspaintandwallpaper.com ——————————————————————————————— Make It GF — 860-693-1300 — Canton www.makeitgf.com ——————————————————————————————— Mandel Vilar Press — 806-790-4731 — Simsbury www.mvpublishers.org ——————————————————————————————— Massage Envy — 860-693-8000 — Canton www.massageenvy.com > Locations ——————————————————————————————— The Master’s School — 860-651-9361 — West Simsbury www.masterschool.org ——————————————————————————————— McLean — 860-658-3786 — Simsbury www.mcleancare.org ——————————————————————————————— Nails of Envy — formerly Canton + Avon ——————————————————————————————— Northwest Community Bank — 860-379-7561 www.nwcommunitybank.com ——————————————————————————————— Odalys Bekanich: Realtor — 860-965-3652 — Avon www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agents ——————————————————————————————— Peggy’s Personalized Promos — 860-379-7775 New Hartford — www.peggys.biz ——————————————————————————————— Planning Partners LLC — 860-693-9916 — Canton www.planningpartner.com ——————————————————————————————— Raimie Weber Jewelry — 860-409-3400 — Avon www.rweberjewelry.com ——————————————————————————————— Randy Brolo: Book Author www.lulu.com > Spirit of Delilah ——————————————————————————————— Ravenswood Natural Health — 860-264-1587 — Simsbury www.ravenswoodnaturalhealth.com ——————————————————————————————— Red Bison General Contractor — 860-810-8581 — Hartford

——————————————————————————————— Transition Fitness Center — 860-398-1449 — Canton www.transition-fitness-center.business.site ——————————————————————————————— UConn Health — 860-658-8750 www.health.uconn.edu ——————————————————————————————— Up Top Barbershop — 860-658-4499 — Simsbury www.booksy.com > Up Top Barbershop ——————————————————————————————— Vincent Funeral Homes — 860-693-0251 www.vincentfuneralhome.com ——————————————————————————————— Vincent Tully: Realtor — 860-214-3030 www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agent ——————————————————————————————— Welden Hardware — 860-658-4078 — Simsbury www.weldenhardware.com ——————————————————————————————— William Raveis — 860-693-2987 — Avon www.raveis.com/agentfind.asp?smart=1 ——————————————————————————————— The Village for Families & Children — 860-236-4511 — Hartford www.thevillage.org/second-chance-shops ——————————————————————————————— virtualens Designs — 860-348-6902 — Simsbury www.virtualens.art ———————————————————————————————

nextdoor.com/pages/red-bison-general-contractor-llc-hartford-ct

——————————————————————————————— Richman Business Brokerage — 860-408-9177 — Simsbury www.richmanbusiness.com — formerly The Deal Team ——————————————————————————————— Stone Man Masonry — 860-693-4637 — Canton www.facebook.com/StoneManMasonryCT ——————————————————————————————— Suburban Sanitation Service — 860-673-3078 — Canton www.subsanserv.com ——————————————————————————————— Tom Kutz Photography — 860-693-6254 — Canton www.tomkutzphoto.com ——————————————————————————————— Trading Post — 860-693-4679 — Canton www.tradingpostmusic.com TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – DECEMBER 2024

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