Today Magazine • June 2021

TODAY Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley

HSO BACK AT SMPAC Hartford Symphony Orchestra Ready For Jubilant Return To Simsbury Meadows

JUNE 2021

• WWW.TODAYPUBLISHING.NET

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Estimates of the deer population in Connecticut range from 50,000 to 100,000 — give or take

< A goldenrod crab spider rests on a butterfly bush — instead of spinning webs, goldenrod crab spiders wait on flowers and then ambush insects that alight

Photos by Wendy Rosenberg

ODALYS BEKANICH Associate Broker

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LEADING OFF

CONTENTS

Back In The Flow, HSO Is A Go

COVER STORY

4 — HSO Back In The Flow After a pandemic pause, Simsbury Meadows is slated to host the Hartford Symphony Orchestra again in July, like a musical stream flowing once more BUSINESS BEAT

7 — Top-Notch DIY Project Board & Brush Creative Studio is designed to unleash your DIY sensibility and encourage your creativity HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

8 — Eclectic Nursing Career Avon’s first public health nurse, Anna Miskey Engelke, endeavored to care for her community HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS

9 — Chief’s Hot Pursuit Johnathan Gotaski, Canton’s new Fire & EMS chief, is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“I’m excited to move forward with the road map outlined in the department’s strategic plan” — Chief Johnathan Gotaski

BY THE NUMBERS

LETTERS

SMPAC events in 2020 — 70+

ONE OBVIOUS CONSEQUENCE of the COVID shutdown that began last spring was the cancellation of large public gatherings such as sporting events, major conferences and concerts.

The latter category included the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s annual summer concert series, the Talcott Mountain Music Festival, at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center (aka SMPAC).

This summer, the HSO is back at SMPAC — and local concert-goers are looking forward to a triumphant return. The popular festival is scheduled for the five Fridays in July, starting with the Celebrate America extravaganza on July 2.

By the way, do you know what the HSO was called when it debuted? And the year that debut took place? How about where the first Talcott festival was held?

For answers to these questions and more, see our cover story — BWD Today Magazine • Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley Bruce William Deckert — Publisher + Editor-in-Chief 860-988-1910 • Bruce.Deckert@TodayPublishing.net www.TodayPublishing.net > Digital Editions • Award-Winning Today Magazine Online — www.TodayPublishing.net/blog Follow Today Magazine CT on social media: Advertising — Contact the Publisher Editorial Associate — Kayla Tyson Contributing Photographer — Wendy Rosenberg Five Towns, One Aim — Exceptional Community Journalism Farmington • Avon • Canton • Simsbury • Granby – CT, USA • Two other Valley magazines: print circulation — less than 19,000 • Today Magazine: print circulation — 42,000+ • Ad Rates — about the same

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COVER STORY KUDOS Today Magazine’s May cover story focused on the Farmington Valley’s amazing hiking trails — www.TodayPublishing.net/digital-editions AS AN AVID HIKER and hiking group leader, I thoroughly enjoyed your May issue. I know of most of the hikes mentioned but had forgotten a few so am happy to have been reminded. Keep up the good work for our Valley!

— Anne Fitzgerald • Avon BEAUTIFUL EDITION — I was just saying ... we could be called the “Trails State.” This edition is spot-on.

— Joe Bekanich • Avon THANK YOU SO MUCH for the digital copy of Today Magazine!

It was a really nice treat to scroll through the magazine.

The photography is just gorgeous. Thank you again for sharing your magazine — it is an absolute gem.

— Sandra Larson • Avon

JULIUS FIALKIEWICZ Associate Broker GAIL FIALKIEWICZ Realtor®

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THANK YOU FOR THE STORY on Anna and Gerry Holland’s dad-daughter journey through Litchfield County Regional Fire School. The article is amazing!

I have forwarded the story to the chief, the first selectman, the Fire School leadership, and others. Wouldn’t it be great if it inspired someone to volunteer?

— Sylvia Cancela • Public Relations Officer Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department TO PRINT, OR NOT TO PRINT TODAY MAGAZINE READERS are evidently enjoying our digital-exclusive publication in 2021 — yet do you miss the print edition of the magazine?

• This message from one of our readers is reflective of such a sentiment: “Wish I still got the print magazine in the mail — have I fallen off the list?”

• So far in 2021, we’ve essentially been forced to go to a digital-exclusive magazine because the lingering impact of the COVID shutdown and other factors have impacted advertising revenue and therefore our ability to pay for printing and mailing costs.

• There’s more to the story, as always — we hope to share more details soon, so stay tuned to Today Magazine!

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – JUNE 2021

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HSO BACK AT SMPAC

Photos Courtesy of HSO

Hartford Symphony Orchestra Glad For Return To Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center

By Bruce Deckert Today Magazine Editor-in-Chief

COVER STORY + SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

THE HARTFORD Symphony Orchestra is returning jubilantly to the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center (aka SMPAC) this summer after a pandemicinduced hiatus.

Last year was supposed to be the 25th anniversary season of the HSO’s popular Talcott Mountain Music Festival in Simsbury — but the COVID shutdown delayed the celebration. This July, the 25th season will be observed via a series of five lively concerts.

“Feedback from the general public has been clear,” says SMPAC executive director Melissa “Missy” DiNunno. “Folks are ready to get back out to Simsbury Meadows to enjoy concerts, and we couldn’t be happier to return to a world of large-scale events with the help of our friends and partners at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.”

The HSO’s 2021 festival will begin on Friday, July 2 with the classic Celebrate America Fourth

of July program, with the other four concerts scheduled for the subsequent Fridays in July. Single concerts are slated to go on sale June 14. Fiveconcert table packages are sold out, but you can be placed on a waiting list — simply email tickets@ hartfordsymphony.org or call 860-244-2999.

For further info, call the HSO box office at 860-987-5900.

Each festival concert starts at 7:30 p.m. The gates open at 6:00 p.m. for picnicking and enjoying the scenic SMPAC grounds. When patrons are away from their seats, masks will be required as an extra precaution.

Since last spring, when the COVID shutdown took effect, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra has produced numerous hours of online programming.

This summer, music enthusiasts can hear the legendary ensemble in person again.

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—Missy DiNunno

“This has been such a long time coming, particularly for all of us in the arts and entertainment industry,” says DiNunno.

“More than a stage, Simsbury Meadows has become a place the community has counted on to allow for gathering and making memories together, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to do so once again this summer.”

The Talcott Mountain Music Festival launched in 1995 as the HSO’s summer home, debuting at an open field on the Simsbury grounds of The Hartford insurance company. From 1995-2001, that field was converted to a concert venue each summer for the festival.

In 2002, the town of Simsbury purchased the Baker Farm, a historic property of more than 400 picturesque acres between the Farmington River and the town’s center, and a temporary bandshell became the HSO’s summer performance venue.

In 2004, area residents caught a vision for a permanent summertime residence for the HSO. Together with the town of Simsbury, they set in motion the construction of a long-term home for the festival at the Baker Farm site — and in 2005 the state-of-the-art Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center opened. An openair facility, SMPAC is located on Iron Horse Boulevard, a stone’s throw from Hopmeadow Street (Route 10) in the heart of downtown Simsbury.

“It is hard to believe that a tent in the corner field would blossom into 20 years,” then-Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary Glassman told the Hartford Courant in 2015 upon the 20th anniversary of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival.

———————————————————–———— Here is the festival’s 2021 schedule: • Celebrate America — Friday, July 2 • Queens of Soul — Friday, July 9 • Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles — Friday, July 16 • Disco Inferno — Friday, July 23 • Super Diamond and HSO: Music of Neil Diamond — Friday, July 30 • All concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

———————————————————–—————– SMPAC offers much more in addition to the HSO and its signature summer festival.

The concert headliner this year is Darius Rucker, the Grammy-winning solo performer and longtime frontman

The HSO’s Celebrate America concert is set for Friday, July 2 — complete with fireworks of Grammy-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish. Originally planned for last summer, Rucker’s concert is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28.

Until last year, the SMPAC schedule focused mainly on concerts — from the HSO to the Beach Boys to Earth, Wind & Fire to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to Harry Connick Jr. to Lynyrd Skynyrd to the Temptations … to name a few.

and made lemonade. Thanks to DiNunno’s hard work and creativity, SMPAC’s outdoor facility was actually busier during the 2020 pandemic year than in previous years. The venue hosted 39 events in 2019, but in 2020 more than 70 events took place after the June reopening — the list included cardio dance and cardio barre classes, dance recitals, yoga classes, movie nights and special events.

When COVID canceled the 2020 concert schedule, SMPAC pivoted to salvage the 2020 season and keep the nonprofit financially viable.

“The pivot strategy was to offer activities and events that could be managed safely, observing socialdistancing rules and the governor’s capacity guidelines,” says Linda Schofield, SMPAC’s board president since 2019.

This strategy essentially took lemons

“Community businesses and organizations responded, and there were activities at SMPAC every day of the week,” says Schofield, a Simsbury resident who has served as the town’s state representative.

The new focus on beyond-concert events and programs resulted in a new SMPAC slogan: “More than a stage.”

A reprise of this eclectic calendar is occurring in 2021. Brand-new events

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Photo Courtesy of Capture Visual Marketing

include the Simsbury Meadows Comedy Series on three Wednesdays in July and a Connecticut Concert Series on three Wednesdays in August, featuring top talent from the state’s music scene.

“Our patrons have been asking for more events at the venue,” says DiNunno, “and we are so excited to be answering that call in the quest to diversify and expand our offerings.”

Meanwhile, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 77th anniversary later this year. The HSO is the second-largest orchestra in New England and typically presents more than 100 concerts annually.

The orchestra debuted in November 1934 as the Hartford FERA Concert Orchestra, according to the HSO website — in the midst of the Great Depression, with funding from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA). After FERA was disbanded in 1935, the ensemble became the Hartford Civic Symphony Orchestra, and in 1936 the name officially changed to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

This year, the name of the game is clear — the longed-for return of the iconic Talcott Mountain Music Festival. + Sources — SimsburyMeadowsMusic.com HartfordSymphony.org Online media outlets

ready

—Missy DiNunno TOP — The Beach Boys play at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center MIDDLE — The HSO prepares for a SMPAC concert RIGHT — The CT Dig Volleyball Tournament is slated for 6 JUNE 2021weekend – www.TodayPublishing.net the first in August – TODAY MAGAZINE

Courtesy Photos

BUSINESS BEAT

Board & Brush Studio celebrates delayed anniversary

By Bruce Deckert Today Magazine Editor-in-Chief

THE UNDERGIRDING concept of Board & Brush Creative Studio is simple yet profound, imaginative yet practical: The aim is to cultivate your inner DIY gene and encourage your latent creativity to blossom.

Founded in 2019, the Simsbury studio had to hit the pause button in 2020 due to the state’s COVID shutdown — so Simsbury Board & Brush is essentially celebrating its first anniversary in 2021.

Apparently this COVID time riddle applies to countless businesses that were forced to hibernate for much of the past year — to wit: When is a company’s oneyear anniversary correctly observed two years after its grand opening?

As the state and nation emerge from this long and still-being-debated pandemic hibernation, social-focused businesses that have survived the government’s COVID closure are poised to thrive — because many people are eager to resume interacting socially again.

This appears to be especially true of businesses such as Simsbury Board & Brush, which essentially offers the best of both worlds in this post-pandemic society given its dual focus on (1) social interaction with friends and/or family and (2) inventive production of a beautiful and practical home decoration.

Simsbury resident Tammy Erickson is the manager of the Board & Brush in town.

Inventive DIY concept delivers delightful results A husband-and-wife team, Patty and Gary Hunter, own the local franchise — Tammy and Patty are sisters.

Patty and Gary own two Board & Brush studios. They opened their first studio in Somers, where the sisters were raised, about 30 miles northeast of Simsbury.

A graphic designer for more than three decades, Patty moved from Somers to Ellington for 25 years and returned to Somers in 2015.

Keep reading for an informative Q&A about this local franchise that caters to the unique creativity of each patron: For the uninitiated, the DIY acronym in the lead paragraph above stands for — Do It Yourself Patty Hunter answered this Q&A on behalf of Simsbury Board & Brush Managers/Owners Manager — Tammy Erickson Owners — Patty and Gary Hunter

———————————————————————————— Board & Brush Creative Studio — Simsbury 926 Hopmeadow Street • Simsbury 860-392-8567 email – simsbury@boardandbrush.com website www.boardandbrush.com/simsbury Year Established – 2019 ————————————————————————————

Why did you choose this profession?

I have been a graphic designer for over 30 years. When my son got engaged I wanted to do something different for my new daughter-in-law … and Board & Brush showed up on my Facebook page. It was the best party I ever had and everyone went home with a custom sign to hang. Every time they see that sign they will remember their Board & Brush experience.

Most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Company mission — At Board & Brush Creative Studio, our goal is to turn you into a “DIY master” by educating you to understand and appreciate the beauty of raw materials — the wood, the knots, the color variations and the simple imperfections that will make your project unique. Hone your own passion for decor and DIY projects; we hand you the tools and direction, you create the friendships and craft.

When we pull the stencil toward the end of class! You see the pride and joy on the faces of our guests ... it’s priceless!

What is the main obstacle you face, and how can you overcome it?

The main obstacle for our Simsbury location is getting our guests to the back of the SimsburyTown Shops for our classes. We are located on the Iron Horse Boulevard side of the shops and there is plenty of parking back there. continued on page 13

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – JUNE 2021

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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

AVON TODAY

Town’s first public health nurse served in WWII Anna Miskey invested in caring for community

By Grace Englehart Special to Today Magazine

Avon Town Historian Nora Howard contributed to this article ANNA MARION MISKEY (1904-1995) was Avon’s first public health nurse. She graduated from New Britain High School and the New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing in 1926.

During World War II, she was an Air Force second lieutenant and served in Europe for two years and eight months as assistant chief nurse of the 140th Evacuation Hospital.

Anna Miskey worked in Avon from 1946 until her retirement. She held office hours for two hours a day at Towpath School, conducted public clinics in the Ensign-Bickford Company recreation room, made home visits and much more.

In June 1946, at Ensign-Bickford, children received inoculations, perhaps for diphtheria or tetanus. That same month, Miskey received a new Chevrolet sedan from John H. O’Neill, chairman of the Transportation Committee for the Avon Public Health Nursing Association.

She was active in other areas. At the

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Halloween parade around Town Hall in 1947, she judged the funniest and best costumes of the village’s children. That same year, she became a director of the Avon Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In 1948 Anna began treating Avon residents who held health policies with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Her home visits increased to about 100145 per month. She also worked at the Avon Old Farms School day camp and in the Avon schools.

Anna married Emil Engelke of Avon in 1948. Their popularity was evident in the gifts they received from the Women’s Club of Avon, the West Avon Garden Club, the West Avon Ladies Aid Society and the Italian Woman’s Club.

The Avon diner on Route 44 was decorated for their wedding dinner.

In late 1948 Anna Miskey Engelke had

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an assistant for two afternoons a week.

The Avon Nursing Association’s annual report in 1951 recorded 1,870 home visits, 35 cases of tuberculosis to care for, and visits to the Ensign-Bickford Company and eight Girl Scout camps.

In 1958 she volunteered with the Salvation Army.

We look back at Anna’s outstanding dedication and professionalism as a crucial part of the foundation of today’s Farmington Valley Health District.

Founded in 1946, the district is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. + Avon resident Grace Englehart is a Bennington College student — for her winter internship, she researched Anna Miskey and donated her work to the Avon Free Public Library History Room

CANTON TODAY

HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS

Fire & EMS chief began volunteering as a teen Gotaski: ‘It’s been my heart and soul’ Special to Today Magazine

Johnathan Gotaski has served as a New Haven firefighter Courtesy Photo

Magna Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center LLC

THE NEW CHIEF of the Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department is a lifelong Canton resident who began serving with Fire & EMS when he was 14.

Now 29, Johnathan Gotaski took the chief’s reins in April.

His most recent Fire & EMS position was as assistant chief of fire operations, a role that is now held by Joe Ouimette, who was the department’s deputy chief of training.

“We look forward to the department’s continued dedication to excellence, professionalism and commitment to service under the leadership of chief Gotaski,” says First Selectman Bob Bessel.

Following is Today Magazine’s Q&A with Canton’s new Fire & EMS chief: What year did you begin serving as a volunteer firefighter, and in your current role?

In 2006, at age 14, I became a fire cadet with the Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department. At 16, I earned my MRT (medical response technician) certificate from the state of Connecticut.

When I turned 18, I joined the department as an exterior firefighter. Then, in 2010, I completed the state of CT Firefighter I & II Interior Certifications. The Canton Board of Selectmen continued on page 14

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FARMINGTON TODAY

UConn doctor becomes chair of national group Special to Today Magazine

DR. REBECCA ANDREWS has been tabbed as the chair for the board of governors of the American College of Physicians, the nation’s largest medical-specialty organization.

ACP is the national organization of internists (specialists in internal medicine) and the second-largest physician group in the United States.

Andrews is a professor at the UConn School of Medicine in Farmington. A Canton resident, she is the associate program director and director of ambulatory education for the Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Andrews’ one-year term as chair began in May. “I have seen firsthand how the American College of Physicians has affected the lives of our patients,” says Andrews, “by helping to bring changes in telemedicine this past year so we can see our patients safely.”

Andrews is also a primary care physician and clinical lead for UConn Health’s Patient-Centered Medical Home and Comprehensive Pain Center.

MEDICAL MUSINGS

Rebecca Andrews Andrews moves into this national leadership role after a four-year tenure as the first woman governor of the ACP’s Connecticut chapter.

Before that, she served as the state chapter’s chair of the Council of Residents and Fellows and co-chair of the Council of Early Career Physicians.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be able to put my passion behind [the ACP’s]

incredibly important endeavors to improve the care of our patients throughout the country,” says Andrews.

In 2010 Andrews became a Fellow of the College (FACP), an honorary designation that recognizes service and contributions to the practice of medicine.

On the ACP’s national level, she previously served as chair of the Council of Early Career Physicians and as a member of the Board of Regents. She has been on several national committees, including: • governance • medical practice and quality • awards, education and publication Andrews is a graduate of the UConn School of Medicine (Class of 2002) and its Internal Medicine Residency Program (2006), finishing as chief resident.

She joined the UConn Health faculty in 2009.

Her main areas of professional interest include graduate medical education, primary care and preventative health, and chronic pain. + Source — UConn Today

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GRANBY TODAY HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Located on Salmon Brook Street (Route 10), the Salmon Brook Historical Society was established in 1945 as Granby’s history and preservation organization — a spin-off of Simsbury, Granby was founded in 1786

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

SIMSBURY TODAY

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QUEENS OF SOUL

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JUNE 2021 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

SUPER DIAMOND PERFORMING THE MUSIC OF NEIL DIAMOND

Conducted by Adam Boyles • Rain Date: July 31, 2021

Festival Presenting Benefactor

BUSINESS BEAT

American Eagle CEO to retire American Eagle Financial Credit Union has announced that CEO Dean Marchessault will retire at the end of 2021 after 22 years of service at Connecticut’s largest community credit union.

During his seven-year tenure as president and CEO, American Eagle’s assets almost doubled (to $2.3 billion) and its membership grew to 160,000.

A Simsbury resident, Marchessault has garnered several honors in recent years, including a C-Suite Award from the Harford Business Journal in 2020 and the Business Person of the Year Award from the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2018. In 2019, the Journal named American Eagle one of the Best Places to Work in Connecticut.

“I want to express my immense gratitude to the employees of AEFCU for all the success they have helped our credit union achieve,” says Marchessault. “Words cannot express how I feel about our American Eagle family.”

American Eagle was established in 1935.

STUDIO continued from page 7

What is your company’s most satisfying accomplishment in recent years?

In 2019 Entrepreneur magazine ranked Board & Brush Creative Studios #25 in its Top New Franchises list.

Honor for photographer Simsbury-based Holly Spencer Photography has received a Julie Award, presented by the Joy of Marketing, the leading international organization that honors excellence among portrait photographers.

“Holly Spencer has set the standard for providing the highest level of boutique experience to photography clients,” says Sarah Petty, founder of the Julie Awards and New York Times best-selling author.

Spencer is a family-and-newborn photographer dedicated to creating heirloom artwork for families.

“When children grow up in a home where there is artwork on the walls showing them being loved on by their families,” she says, “it creates a sense of self-worth and a confidence that is so needed as they grow.”

King receives award Leigh King, a wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Simsbury, has been named to Forbes magazine’s list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors. King was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices.

King is part of King, Prell & Associates, an Ameriprise affiliate. A Simsbury resident CCSU graduate, he has 30 years of financial-services experience.

Women in Business winner Kathleen Christensen, a partner with Connecticut Wealth Management of Farmington, is one of 25 recipients of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Women in Business Award.

Christensen has 25-plus years of experience in finance, tax planning and accounting, along with a strong background in financial planning and investment management.

“It’s a true testament to her lasting client relationships, community volunteerism, integrity and authenticity,” says Kevin Leahy, her firm’s CEO.

What are your goals for the next five years?

To teach everyone that they have the power to DIY. What sets your business apart?

Our quality designs! We work with top graphic designers from all over the country to provide you with farmhouse, vintage designs that will adorn your walls for years to come.

What do you appreciate most about the local business climate?

We love that the Simsbury community supports all of its small businesses.

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

At this point, we just love the business community here, so nothing at this time.

The business leader today who inspires you most?

This may sound corny, but my Dad. He had only a high school education and started a very successful business in CT. He had to ... I am one of 10 children!

How would you summarize your company’s ethos?

Do you want to have a drink with friends and enjoy a night of painting and learning? Great! Our Board & Brush Studios allow you to create a personalized wood sign, while having a drink and socializing with friends and family in a fun, energetic atmosphere. We have the raw wood and classic designs that will enable you to create a custom DIY piece for your home.

Your work experience prior to starting your business?

I have been a graphic designer for over 30 years. Signage has always been a passion of mine — so B&B and me are a perfect fit!

Number of employees — 6-10 Family — My husband Gary and I have two sons and their wives who live in the Boston area. + TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – JUNE 2021

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CHIEF — continued from page 9 appointed me chief of the department on April 14.

What is your full-time job?

I‘ve been a career (paid) firefighter with the city of New Haven since 2015. In 2019, I was also hired by the Hartford County Fire School as an instructor.

Previous work history: From 2013-15 I worked for Vintech Management Services as an EMT throughout the Farmington Valley.

I graduated with a degree in fire science from Capital Community College in 2013. I’ve continued to pursue specialized educational opportunities, including state certificates in: aerial, hazardous materials and pump operations, and confined space rescue.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised and continue to live in Canton.

Why did you decide to become a volunteer firefighter?

My family was a major influence. My grandfather John Gotaski and grand-uncle Michael were charter members of the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department Inc., one of three predecessor fire organizations that consolidated into today’s Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department. My dad Tom currently serves as the department’s chief engineer, managing all apparatus.

Most fulfilling aspect of your volunteer work?

Giving back to the community that believed in, trained and provided me with the tools and inspiration to pursue my dream career as a firefighter. I’m proud to bring my experiences as a New Haven firefighter back home to support Canton.

My grand ather ohn Gotas i and grand-un le Mi hael were harter members o the Collinsville Volunteer Fire De artment — ohnathan otas i Collinsville fire station — one that not only meets regulatory standards, but is designed to focus on the training, housing, safety and health of our volunteer members, and also provide space for community public safety and prevention training.

Other volunteer experience?

It’s always been about the Fire & EMS services for me.

It’s been my heart and soul.

Favorite spots in the Farmington Valley: Walking along the Farmington River Trail with my niece Madison.

Family — Mom and Dad: Cynthia and Tom — Younger brother Jordan, sister-in-law Kelsey and beloved 4-year-old niece Madison Further comment: With deep humility I accept the appointment to chief of department, and the significant responsibility to our members, Canton’s residents and businesses. I take all the lessons learned from the past and pledge to meet the ever-changing challenges before us.

I’m excited to move forward with the road map outlined in the department’s strategic plan to pursue a path for the ideal future that will drive our membership, control our budget and manage our operations. +

Most challenging aspect of your work, and how you meet the challenge?

Recruiting, retaining and managing a membership of different backgrounds, personalities, talents and experiences into a cohesive volunteer organization.

Most memorable fire calls?

My first structure fire, at Canton Springs Road.

I was a 15-year-old fire cadet, arriving at the scene on an engine driven by my father.

Anecdote that provides a snapshot of your firefighting work: When someone calls 911, they aren’t having a good day.

Our goal is to always improve upon the possible outcomes of any emergency situation.

Of the movies or TV dramas you’ve seen about fire departments, which one comes closest to the real deal?

“Rescue Me” The best thing about my town is: Canton is a small, tight-knit community that has always supported its volunteer firefighters and EMTs. The main thing I’d like to see change in my town is: I look forward to Canton supporting the building of a new

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