TODAY

AVON TODAY CANTON TODAY OCTOBER 2019 — WWW.TODAYPUBLISHING.NET

SIMSBURY TODAY A PRINT-AND-DIGITAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATES SENIOR STORIES Anthology of Simsbury Nurtures Seniors, Local Economy

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CONTENTS COVER STORY 4 — ANTHOLOGY WRITING NEW CHAPTER

A vision for enhancing the lives of seniors. A lift for the local economy. A goal of continually improving service. Welcome, Anthology of Simsbury! BUSINESS BEAT

7 — A Whole Lot Of Upside

Whole Foods Market plans to move one of its West Hartford stores to Avon in 2020. HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

8 — Letters From Past Speak Volumes

A treasure trove of recently discovered letters — which are 200 years old — shed light on Avon’s early days. SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

10 — From Tonight Show To Money Shot

Collinsville resident Stephen Emirzian is bringing Hollywood to Hartford via a new TV sitcom. ACCENT ON EDUCATORS

12 — Inspiring A Love Of Language

Elana Chafetz, a Simsbury resident, has taught English at Canton Middle School for two decades.

LETTERS

We are Avon residents, having raised four children, and we have resided in our current home since 1992. … Notes from my observation about your [WWII veteran cover story]: captivating front page. Awesome read and relevant all the way around to this area of Avon, Simsbury and Canton. Reading through I noticed your style and presentation that simply caught my attention: personal stories of veterans, local business, etc. Your magazine really invokes emotions about things “special.” Great job! Joe Bekanich • Avon Wendy Rosenberg’s wildlife photos are gorgeous, uplifting and unifying at a time when our sense of community and democracy threatens to splinter into shards. OK, I know I just made a dramatic leap from the microcosm to the macrocosm. But all good things begin at the local level, right here, now, in our town. It gives me such joy and pride to see this reflection through Wendy’s photos in [your magazine]. The catbird, in particular, took my breath away. Such a chatterbox bird – both delightful and annoying. I had no idea they were so beautiful. So much to love in our town – and Wendy gifts us with another lens and perspective. Thank you! Deene Morris • Canton

A Magazine Milestone FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

THIS MONTH’S COVER STORY features a brand-new senior living community, Anthology of Simsbury, which aims to celebrate and enhance the unique life stories of its residents. Anthology plans to add 80-100 jobs to the local economy. Director of Health and Wellness Cheryl Jackson has lived in Simsbury for 21 years. She says that she appreciates “Anthology’s culture to graciously serve our senior population.” Meanwhile, this issue marks our first anniversary at Today Publishing. We debuted Canton Today in October 2018, launched Avon Today and Simsbury Today in April 2019, and moved to a one-magazine model in July. A hearty thank-you to our advertisers — thank you for seeing the value and catching the community vision of this award-winning print-and-digital publication. Remember to visit Today Magazine Online (URL below) — and enjoy our distinctive coverage of Avon, Canton and Simsbury via each town’s section here in Today Magazine … as we cover the tri-town heart of the Farmington Valley! Bruce Deckert — Publisher + Editor-in-Chief 860-988-1910 • Bruce.Deckert@TodayPublishing.net Today Magazine — Avon • Canton • Simsbury www.TodayPublishing.net – Digital Edition on website Facebook — @TodayPublishingCT LinkedIn — search: Today Publishing Advertising — Contact the publisher News Deadline —1st day of month for next month’s issue Editorial Associate — Kayla Tyson Today Magazine Online — www.TodayPublishing.net/blog Contributing Writers — Stephen Emirzian, Emmaline Howe Photographer — Seshu, Connecticut Headshots • 860-593-0850 www.ConnecticutHeadshots.com • info@ConnecticutHeadshots.com Contributing Photographer — Wendy Rosenberg • 860-305-1655 Cover Photo — Anthology’s Dash Mortensen • by Connecticut Headshots

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “As long as you take care of your residents and your staff the best you possibly can, everything else — including the bottom line — will take care of itself.” Executive Director Dash Mortensen — Anthology of Simsbury BY THE NUMBERS • 2 Number of Anthology communities in Connecticut

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – OCTOBER 2019

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CELEBRATING SENIOR STORIES

Anthology of Simsbury nurtures seniors, economy

AN•THOL•OGY — noun A collection of stories, poems or songs written by different people. HISTORY CAN BE VIEWED through the prism of individual life stories. Such a view is in tune with the vision of Anthology of Simsbury, a new senior living community that expects to add 80-100 jobs to the local economy. “Setting the new standard of what is possible at a senior living community was always the goal,” says Dash Mortensen, Anthology of Simsbury’s Executive Director. “I didn’t want to help create the community where people still say they have to go visit. I wanted to help create the community where people say they want to go visit.” The company’s website sums it up: “At Anthology, we believe everyone has a unique life story. That’s why we’ve created a boutique-inspired senior living experience that celebrates the lives of our residents, enabling them to continue writing their stories with joy, purpose and meaning.” “The best senior living community has yet to be built,” says Mortensen. “Carrie Traetow, our executive vice president, said that when asked about her vision for Anthology — and that’s something that really resonated with me. If you are always striving to be the best possible, improving and innovating just becomes a way of life.” Mortensen, 35, describes himself as a servant leader, and he emphasizes the importance of building the right team with the best possible people. The South Windsor resident, who has a history of success in senior living over the past decade, stresses the importance of creating a positive workplace culture — which starts with how you treat your frontline employees.

Executive Director Dash Mortensen anticipates hiring new Anthology employees for some time to come. See page 6 for a Mortensen Q-and-A

COVER STORY + BUSINESS BEAT

“Setting the new standard of what is possible at a senior living community was always the goal.” — Executive Director Dash Mortensen “As long as you take care of your residents and your staff the best you possibly can, everything else — including the bottom line — will take care of itself,” he says. What fuels this strategy? Simply this: Mortensen says that his employees, from cooks to housekeeping to certified nursing assistants, are the heart of the community. “Setting the new standard in senior living cannot be accomplished simply by constructing a new community,” he observes. “You have to also raise the bar with the people you hire, the processes you implement

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and the culture you create. Giving the residents the highest quality of life possible is always the goal, and it starts with the people first.” To achieve such a goal, it helps to have staff who catch this enthusiastic vision. “I’m extremely excited to be part of this organization, especially since the [Anthology] community is right within my home community,” says Director of Health and Wellness Cheryl Jackson. A registered nurse (RN) for 24 years, Jackson has lived in Simsbury with her husband Todd for 21 years, raising five children. Asked what appeals to her about Anthology’s model, she offers, “Over and above the beautiful surroundings, sophistication and specialized services — including 24-hour nursing care — Anthology’s culture to graciously serve our senior population is most appealing to me.” Anthology of Simsbury currently has about 30 employees, and Mortensen says “a community such as this requires that we are continuously hiring — based on projections we will be around 80-100 employees by the end of the first year.” Anthology utilizes a high-tech, high-touch approach to providing

Courtesy Photo

care. Skynet Healthcare Technologies provides real-time information for all staff to enhance resident safety. An RN is on site 24/7, along with other nursing staff such as CNAs and LPNs. Jackson highlights Anthology’s “exceptional hospitality with an emphasis on customer experience and extraordinary resident satisfaction.” “The most significant factor that sets Anthology apart from other companies is the people who work within the community,” she says. “We value working together as a team, close communication and, most importantly, the dedication to serve the senior population.” Anthology of Farmington is also opening this fall. The Simsbury and Farmington locations are Anthology’s first two communities in Connecticut. The company has four other senior living communities — one each in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri and Texas. About 80 assisted living facilities exist in Connecticut and 30,000-plus nationwide, per industry sources, an average of about 600 per state. “The most appealing aspect of Anthology,” says Business Development Director Renee Lacourciere, “is the thought process that was taken into consideration in building such a beautiful community. The golf simulator, workshop, movie theatre, arts and crafts room, and state-of-the-art fitness center are just the beginning of what Anthology offers. It’s not just for the here and now, it’s for the here and future.” Director of Sales and Marketing Stephanie Deschaine sees further benefits: “From the moment you walk in the door, it feels like home. We’ve taken modern beauty and comfort and combined it with exceptional care. … Alongside the Alzheimer’s Association, our dementia-trained care managers provide comprehensive care with understanding and respect.” Anthology of Simsbury held an open house in September, and a grand opening celebration is slated for early November. After the open house, Mortensen said, “It was a great to see people’s reactions when they saw our community for the first time. However, what they saw was not the end result — it was only the beginning.” +

A courtyard at Anthology provides a peaceful outdoor dining area. The community has a clear and close-up view of the Heublein Tower.

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TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – OCTOBER 2019

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Anthology: Serving seniors, empowering employees

ANTHOLOGY OF SIMSBURY is welcoming residents to its brand-new senior living community, and a grand opening celebration is planned for early November. Here is Today Magazine’s wide-ranging interview with Executive Director Dash Mortensen: Mission: To relentlessly pursue and continually set the new standard of senior living. Why did you choose this profession? Working with seniors was something I never knew I had a passion for. We often overlook, or even forget, what our seniors today have been through. The lessons learned and the memories and stories gained through a lifetime of experience are something we all should appreciate. I found my passion for working with seniors with the daily interactions I had with my residents when I first got into senior living 10 years ago. Being able to give back to those who have given so much makes me realize what I do is more of a calling than a job. Most enjoyable aspect of your work? I am sometimes obsessive about customer service, and working in senior living has given me the opportunity to truly focus on providing the best possible customer experience every day. Being able to make a difference in someone’s life, regardless of how big or small, is something that motivates me, and I take great pride in ensuring that each and every interaction I have with residents, families and staff is the best it possibly can be. The significance of your company’s name? An anthology by definition is a collection of the finest pieces of work from a particular genre. We chose Anthology as our name because as a company we are made up of the best

Anthology of Simsbury

Year Established — 2019 860-317-7101 www.AnthologySeniorLiving.com 142 Cooper Avenue • Weatogue, CT aspects of senior living. By compiling the best in care, amenities, food, programming and people, we want to not only set the new standard in senior living but also help write the next chapter in our residents’ lives. Your company’s most satisfying accomplishment in recent years? Opening up our two flagship communities here in Simsbury and in Farmington, Connecticut. Your goals for the next five years? To help as many seniors as possible live a life that is safe, vibrant, meaningful and purposeful and to truly raise the bar in the senior living industry. What sets Anthology apart? Anthology is unique in that we are the developer, owner and manager of our communities. This allows us to stay laserfocused on achieving vision and goals from the top down. What do you appreciate most about the local business climate? Simsbury is an amazing town which has the major conveniences of a large town, but with that small-town feel. Everyone has been beyond welcoming and always willing to help in any way possible.

Business leader who inspires you most? My philosophy and approach as a leader is a combination of several different schools of thought from outside the senior living industry. The idea of being a servant leader and empowering our employees is the backbone of my leadership style. Steve Jobs is noteworthy for many reasons, but his approach to building a team was inspirational to me: “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” Everyone is an expert in what they do and they are hired to continue to be that expert. Each person brings a unique and valuable skill set to the table, and my role as an operator is to be able to choreograph the utilization of these skills in the achievement of a common goal. I also find inspiration from an unlikely business leader for someone who works in senior living. Kip Tindell, the CEO of The Container Store, stated: “Take care of your employees better than anyone else and they will take care of your customers better than anyone else.” A member of your team who is empowered, happy and knows that what they bring to the table is truly appreciated at all levels, will provide much better care for the residents as compared to someone who is just needing a paycheck. Additional comment: Our culture is built around the idea that the best senior living community is yet to be built. From the amenities, staffing, care and technology, we are always striving for self-improvement. +

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BUSINESS BEAT

Whole Foods Market plans move to Avon

New store expected to open in August 2020

By Emmaline Howe Special to Today Magazine

IF YOU DON’T FREQUENT this store, you may not know of its future plans. But if you do shop at the Whole Foods Market at Bishops Corner in West Hartford, you might be aware of its planned move to Avon. This move makes sense as there are currently two Whole Foods Markets in West Hartford — one at Bishops Corner, which was previously a Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, and another on Raymond Road. All current employees will be offered positions in the new store, and 50 new jobs will be available, according to multiple reports. The new store’s Avon site will be off Climax Road in the planned Avon Village Center, and the store is expected to open in August 2020. Brie George, a representative of the Whole Foods store at Bishops Corner, said via email, “We are looking forward to the move once we get closer to an actual date!” Hiram Peck, Avon’s director of planning and development, answered the following Q-and-A about the Whole Foods relocation:

What is attractive about Avon as a location for the store? Quality environment. Solid community for retail activity. Good support for stores which offer quality products. What is the estimated date that the store will open? The developer claims that they will open within one year from August. What is the town doing to assure that this project will be as environmentally sustainable as possible?  The town has required that the develop-

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ment be as walkable as possible. It is right on the East Coast Greenway and Farmington [Canal] trail [for bikes and pedestrians] for easy access. The design is centered on high-quality, pedestrian-friendly layout. The town will get a 22-acre park with walking trails as part of the Avon Village Center development. Do you think the success of the new store location will depend on the expansion of the town center? In my opinion, the tenant, Whole Foods, will determine how well they fit into the community. If they are focused on community service, they should do well. The other tenants will provide good support for other goods and services. Additional comment: The town looks forward to this longdelayed project beginning and being completed as soon as possible. + A junior at Avon High School, Emmaline Howe was an intern at Today Magazine this past summer.

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AVON TODAY

Hawley family letters shed light on town’s early days Special to Today Magazine

HIGHLIGHTS OF AVON HISTORY Congregational Church (Rev. Hawley’s church) are transcribing the letters, which describe daily life, slavery, people, courtship, conflicts, schools, religion, financial problems, illness and death, the Farmington Canal and more. Of particular interest, says Howard, is a short passage that barely stood out in one letter but that is critically important. “The people wanted desperately to replace the [church’s] old meetinghouse,” she explains. “They voted to build a new meetinghouse in 1808, but the financially devastating effects of the Embargo of 1807 kicked in and completely stalled the plans for 10 years. Without the embargo, an international event that effected Northington, I wonder what would have happened with today’s West Avon Congregational Church (built in 1818) and the Avon Congregational Church (1819).” In another letter, Rev. Hawley begged his son Avon Town Historian Nora to send his children to live in Northington. They Howard holds some of Rev. had just lost their mother, and the reverend feared Rufus Hawley’s letters. for what would become of them in Ohio. Three “I am so grateful for all young boys duly arrived in Northington. Before the people who preserved long Rev. Hawley wrote back to Ohio in 1809 that these letters for 200 years,” their “play, noise and vexation” was “trouble.” Howard says. The letters and transcriptions will be available online at the library’s website at a future date. +

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OCTOBER 2019 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

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THE AVON Free Public Library’s History Room received a box in June from Trudy Hawley, of the Hawley Society, containing 60 letters of Avon history. She knew that local historians have been researching the Hawley family and the life of Rev. Rufus Hawley, pastor of Northington (the original name of Avon prior to 1830) from 1769-1817. The well-written letters, which date from 17981828, were all sent to Timothy Hawley (born 1771died 1828). Timothy traveled from Northington to Ohio in 1798, eventually settling in Ohio in 1801. He received many letters from his brothers who lived in Northington and New Haven and from his father. The discovery of these letters was an unexpected and wonderful surprise, says Avon Town Historian Nora Howard, who wrote a biography of Rev. Hawley: Catch’d on Fire: the Journals of Rufus Hawley (2011). “This collection is outstanding,” Howard says, “and I am so grateful for all the people who preserved these letters for 200 years and then helped them make their way back to Avon. They will add important details to our understanding of Avon’s early history.” The letters have been professionally archived in the Marian Hunter History Room at the library. Howard and Marj Bender of West Avon

AVON TODAY

New track & field expected to boost Avon residents By Emmaline Howe Special to Today Magazine

THE MOUNDS OF DIRT from spring and summer construction have been flattened into a new synthetic field and eight-lane track at Avon High School this fall. The project had been proposed since 2015. The final cost of construction is expected to be $3 million, and town officials say the benefits Avon will reap from the track and field will be worth it. “Among other benefits,” says Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson, “synthetic turf allows for increased playability regardless of weather conditions, requires less maintenance than natural grass, and provides a more consistent playing surface than natural turf.” The new track will help students better support the high school’s teams, says Principal Michael Renkawitz, because students “can stay right here after school and not have to catch a ride to one of the local parks to see a game. AHS will also be eligible to host championship-level track meets with the eightlane track.”   Renkawitz adds that “our wellness classes will also use the facility during the school day, as needed.” School and town officials hope the new track and field will bring the Avon community closer together and boost school spirit.  “I am very excited for the new track and athletic field that the residents of Avon are providing the school and community,” Renkawitz says. + In November, look for an in-depth Q-and-A on the field and track with Town Manager Brandon Robertson • A junior at Avon High, Emmaline Howe was an intern at Today Magazine this past summer.

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CANTON TODAY

BRINGING HOLLYWOOD TO HARTFORD FOR 25 YEARS, I’ve had the pleasure of working in television and journalism. It was no surprise when, while employed at a news station in Hartford, I came up with an idea for a comedy series that would be produced here. The sitcom, titled The Money Shot, is based loosely on my experience working in the fast-paced, stressful and often unintentionally funny world of live TV. The tagline for the series sums it up best: “In an industry where art imitates life, remembering who we are and what we stand for can be confusing.” The main character, Dave, is burntout and fed up with his job when fate offers him a chance at the big time. An opportunity to produce a Hollywood action series without leaving Hartford. But is it a dream come true, or a nightmare in the making? The idea for a weekly comedy show came easy. I started out producing a comedy series right out of college in the early ‘90s. I was fortunate enough to

Collinsville resident creates TV sitcom

Courtesy Photo

By Stephen Emirzian Special to Today Magazine Online

freelance as a joke-writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and several lesserknown talk shows over the years. After getting back into local news after so many years away, I realized the entire industry had changed and was almost unrecognizable to me. That started me on the path to writing down all the funny and unbelievable things I witnessed in the newsroom after the cameras stopped rolling. In time, it became a treatment and finally a pilot script. In recent months, The Money Shot pilot has garnered a lot of attention. We have an award-winning director, Mike Mongillo (Being Michael Madsen). Executive producer Joe Young, the producer of Diamond Ruff and also a local cartoonist, is spearheading the project. Several celebrities are now connected to The Money Shot, including actor Chris Barnes (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock). Barnes, a former Saturday Night Live

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and Media Office who is helping with writer and Second City Improv alumni, permits and location scouting — was also has a home in Connecticut and is eager in attendance. to play the part of the celebrity. Barnes We have been fortunate to have so plays a version of himself (much as Jerry many local businesses and individuals Seinfeld did), looking to get back on top helping with sponsorships, donating gifts by playing the lead in the fictional series and services for raffle prizes, and offering within the sitcom. locations and props for free or at reduced Actress BernNadette Stanis, bestcost — all because they see the incredible known for her role as Thelma Evans potential of bringing a bit of Hollywood on Good Times, is also part of the cast, to Hartford. playing the news We’re hoping station’s CEO. that businesses in the We are officially Farmington Valley shooting the pilot in will be as generous. Hartford in October. As a way for locals to Some of the shooting get involved, we’re will take place in offering producer credit for as little as a Collinsville and Avon. Once edited, we $100 sponsorship. Many folks love the will shop the series to various streaming idea of seeing their name in the credits just services looking for original content. to be a part of a TV show. Our first meet-and-greet occurred 374 Hopmeadow Street • Simsbury, CT 06089 are a local business and would in March, launching our fundraising 860-651-8236 likeIftoyou see your business represented on campaign. www.Insuranceagentswhocare.com screen with product In attendance was former Connecticut Find out how you can get improved value and peace placement — a pizza of mind. Call orwho visit our office today! box, a logo on a sweatshirt or poster, etc.— Speaker of the House Jim Amann, that can be had for a $500 fee. helped establish the film-tax credits for We accept PayPal by sending sponsorthe state. Amann was instrumental in Preview Onlyseries be produced ship to: steveemirzian@gmail.com + suggesting a weekly in Connecticut. Mark Dixon a repreStephen Emirzian is a Collinsville resident yout includes a margin clear of text and—graphics sentative of the Connecticut Film, Video on may be covered by frame and/or clips during installation) • Facebook: search The Money Shot

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Restoration delayed for Town Bridge

THE REINSTALLATION of the historic Town Bridge, an iconic Canton landmark, has been delayed until May 2020, according to First Selectman Beth Kandrysawtz. The condition of the bridge had worsened over time, and this past spring it was removed from is location, dismantled, and sent to Pennsylvania to be restored. The restoration and reinstallation of the bridge was originally scheduled for December 2019. The delay is due to “unforeseen circumstances that were discovered after the bridge was removed from its piers,” Kandrysawtz says in a letter to residents. In 2010 the Town of Canton received a $5.34 million grant to restore the bridge, and Canton voters approved a 20% match. With public input, town officials decided that “the existing design of the bridge would be maintained,” Kandrysawtz says. Workers are striving to save as much of the bridge’s existing metal as they can. Town Bridge was built in 1895. The bridge is part of Town Bridge Road, crossing the Farmington River just north of Collinsville and south of Route 202.

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SIMSBURY TODAY

STRAIGHT TO THE HORSE’S MOUTH

Chadam Christensen feeds two equine friends at Flamig Farm in Simsbury. Chadam’s family owns the farm, which is known for its iconic backward EGGS sign.

Greek banquet is a favorite for English teacher students today, and how can educators help students meet that challenge? FOR SIMSBURY RESIDENT Elana Chafetz, One of the greatest challenges facing a life journey with stops across the Northstudents today is the influx of technology. east has led to a career in Canton for nearly Middle school is a very difficult time two decades — she has taught English at for students, and adding the constant Canton Middle School since graduating connection with technology can be from college in 2000. increasingly hard for students who never get Chafetz, 41, was born in Albany, N.Y. Her a break from peer groups and the pressures next stop was Keene, N.H., where she lived of being a teenager. from ages 3-6, followed by Suffield, Conn., What is your take on the smartphone where she spent the rest of her growing-up revolution and its impact on education? years. The smartphone revolution certainly has its Chafetz and her family — husband benefits — people are now more connected Mike Sperber, son Ben and twin girls Talia than they have ever been before. It allows and Chana — moved to Simsbury in 2009. people to gather information from a variety Here’s her wide-ranging Q-and-A with of sources quickly and easily. Students Today Magazine: can talk to people around the world and Why did you decide to become an teachers can collaborate with classrooms educator? across the country. I grew up in a family of educators, and being [But] it can also be a large distraction a part of the teaching world was always for students who are not always using their something I wanted to do. phones for educational purposes in the What are the most important attributes classroom. Students like and appreciate for an educator? the connection and instant information their Being excited about what you are teaching, phones bring, but in most cases this can but also being flexible and willing to adjust be done through computers and shared to the daily needs of the students. Teaching experiences within the classroom rather needs to change and adapt not only from than individually on a phone. year to year, but sometimes from class An anecdote that provides a snapshot of period to class period. your work in education: What is the greatest challenge facing Last school year, our 8th-graders Today Magazine Staff

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OCTOBER 2019 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

ACCENT ON EDUCATORS participated in the Greek banquet — a tradition at Canton Middle School that we had lost for a few years. The curriculum changed between the middle and high school, and within the last year we were able to re-create this favorite. The 8th-grade teachers worked collaboratively to create an introduction video, a series of Greek-inspired games and trivia, and Greek mythology-related events. Students (and teachers) dressed in costume, each representing someone from Greek mythology, and every student participated in aspects of the day. It is a tradition that I could not let go and one that I look forward to sharing with my students every year. Who were your favorite teachers from your school days? Mrs. Dowd (4th grade) and Mrs. Roy (9thand 10th-grade English). Both encouraged and inspired my love of reading and writing. Clubs — Project Lit Club co-coordinator (2017-present) Favorite local spots — Joe Pizza, Rotary Park in Simsbury, Simsbury Public Library Favorite books — Resistance, Children of Blood and Bone, The Scarlet Letter Favorite TV shows — Superstore, Worst Cooks in America, The Big Bang Theory +

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OCTOBER 2019 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE

CALENDAR Wildlife & Nature Photo Exhibit Cherry Brook Health Care, Canton Thru 10/5 Amazing nature photos by Canton photographer Wendy Rosenberg First Friday Dinner Avon Congregational Church Friday 10/4 – 5:30-7 pm $7-$15 • Some proceeds to charity Walk to Feed The Hungry Start: Collinsville Axe Factory Saturday 10/5 – register 9:30 am Hosted by White Lotus Haven Zen Gifts of Love 30th Anniversary Benefit Gala Infinity Hall, Hartford Saturday 10/5 – 6-11 pm Purchase tickets: giftsoflovect.org Celebrate, support Gifts of Love Raise a Paw Against Leukemia  Simsbury Meadows Sunday 10/6 – 10 am-2 pm (originally scheduled on 9/23) Benefit: Rob Branham Foundation  Vendor fair, dog fun course, food+ Empowered Women’s Circle Simsbury Chiropractic + Wellness Saturdays – 10 am-12 pm 10/12: Dreaming at Any Age 11/9: Overwhelm-Proof Holidays Purchase tickets: www.WomenReshapingLives.com Land Trust Flatbread Fundraiser  Flatbread Company, Canton Tuesday 10/15 – 5-9 pm  Support Canton Land Trust Avon Arts Assoc. Demo/Wkshp. Avon Town Hall – Building #1 • Demo: Tuesday 10/15 –7 pm Free • $5 donation suggested • Workshop: Saturday 10/19–9:30-2 $45 members • $55 guests Canton Senior Center trips Info: 693-5811 Tuesday 10/15: Foliage Train Farmington Valley Holistic Healthfest Farmington Gardens, Farmington Sunday 10/20 – 10 am-5 pm $5 • Includes all lectures and beverages all day Spooktacular Chili Challenge Simsbury Meadows Sunday 10/20 –12-5 pm Ages 11+: $10 • Under 11: Free Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Geological Hike of Cherry Brook  Starts: 84 Cherry Brook Rd, Canton Sunday 10/20 –1:30 pm Bring safety glasses if you can Historical Herb Garden Apple Barn, West Simsbury Monday 10/21 – 11:30 am $10 • Herb luncheon, program Make it GF – Free Samples Gluten-Free New England GreaterBostonExpo–Burlington,MA Sunday 10/27 – 9 am-3 pm Canton-based Make It GF offering gluten-free food for sample, sale 693-1300 • www.makeitgf.com Protect Against Identity Theft King, Prell & Associates, Simsbury Wednesday 10/30 – 6:30 pm RSVP to attend seminar: 651-5969 Collinsville Farmer’s Market  Main Street, Collinsville Sundays thru October – 10-1 Veterans Coffee Houses • Simsbury Senior Center 1st Monday each month – 10 am • Canton Community Center 2nd Monday each month – 9 am

Our digital edition is posted well before the month begins Get an early peek at the Calendar – www.TodayPublishing.net

Coping with Grief & Loss During the Holidays Wednesday 10/30 2:30 pm – Elks Lodge, Windsor • RSVP to 860-688-2200 6:30 – Carmon Funeral Home, Avon • RSVP to 860-673-8610 Flora Hike of Swan Preserve  Starts: 25 Case St, Canton Sunday 11/17 – 1:30 pm Info: www.cantonlandtrust.org Jack Bannan Mem. Turkey Drive Supermarkets + Schools in Avon, Canton, Simsbury, Granby Wednesday 11/20 – 8 am-8 pm Donate frozen turkeys, canned food Foodshare.org Open Mic Night LaSalle Market, Collinsville  Fridays – 6-10:30 pm • Free Singers: call 693-8010 or come at 5 +++ Concerts + Comedy Bridge Street Live 41 Bridge Street, Collinsville Concert: John Gorka Friday 10/4 – 8 pm • $20-$30 Concert: Connecticut Transit Authority Saturday 10/12 – 8 pm • $25-$30 Concert: Takin’ It To The Streets Doobie Brothers Tribute Friday 10/25 – 8 pm • $20-$30 Concert: Hey Nineteen Saturday 10/26 – 8 pm • $28-$38 +++ 5K Events Register online for better prices Avon Volunteer Fire Dept. 5K Pine Grove School, Avon Saturday 10/5 – 9 am Registration ends 10/3 • $25-$30 Collinsville Trick or Trot Rails to Trails by Crown & Hammer, Collinsville Saturday 10/26 – 8:30 am Registration ends 10/25 • $30-$40 Bottoms Up Organization 5K Run Thompson Brook School, Avon Thursday 11/28 – 9 am Registration 7:30 am • $25-$40 +++ Avon Public Library lineup These events free • 673-9712 North Korea Book Discussions Tuesdays – 7 pm 10/1 – Escape from Camp 14 11/12 – Orphan Master’s Son Free Blood Sugar Testing & Blood Pressure Screening Thursdays – 12:15-1:45 pm 10/3-10/17-11/7-11/21-12/5-12/19 Courtesy: FV Visiting Nurse Assoc. Sea Turtles of Costa Rica Thursday 10/3 – 2 pm Migration, nesting habits, more Immigration: Film + Discussion 10/3: Irish in CT–6:30 Friends of Library Used Book Sale Friday 10/18 – 4-8 pm Saturday 10/19 – 9 am-4 pm Sunday 10/20 – 12-3 pm No admission fee, but $5 for preview sale admission • $5/bag Wednesday Morning Book Club 10/23-11/29-12/18 – 10:30 am Discuss various compelling books +++ Canton Public Library lineup These events free • 693-5800 Friday Family Movie Matinee Fridays – 3 pm • Free G or PG film 

Children’s Fall Programming 10/1-10/31 Tuesdays 10:30–Drop-in Story Thursdays 10:30–Toddler Story Fridays 10:30–Baby Story + more! Display: Still River Studio Artists 10/1-10/31 Collage-textile-sculpture-paintings+ Display: Fire Prevention Month 10/1-10/31 By Canton Volunteer Fire Dept. Woodstock at 50 Years Saturday 10/26 – 2 pm Celebrate Woodstock’s 50th anniv. Travel Guide to CT Towns Tuesday 10/29 – 6:30 pm Look at lesser-known places New! Crafter’s Group Meet-Up Wednesday 10/30 – 6-7:30 pm Bring your own projects! +++ Simsbury Public Library lineup These events free • 658-7663 x2 Friday Flicks Fridays – 1-3 pm Medicare & Beyond Tuesday 10/1 – 6:30 pm Gain Influence in Field Wednesday 10/2 – 6 pm Memory, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Thursday 10/3 – 1 pm Lotus Lantern Workshop Saturday 10/5 – 11 am Piano Concert: Afternoon Music Sunday 10/6 – 2 pm Simsbury Camera Club Speaker Monday 10/7 – 6:30 pm Author Visit: Juliet Grames Tuesday 10/8 – 6:30 pm Genealogy 101 Tuesday 10/8 – 6:30 pm  Basic Excel: 3-Part Class Tuesday 10/8-10/15-10/22–6:30  Strengthen Your Business Brand Wednesday 10/9 – 6 pm KonMari: New Way to Organize Tuesday 10/15 – 6:30 pm Business Networking with Ease Wednesday 10/16 – 6:30 pm Coffeehouse: Zoe Vandermeer Friday 10/18 – 7:30 pm Lost Forest of N.E. Film Thursday 10/24 – 6:30 pm United Nations Day: Our Planet Saturday 10/26 – 1 pm Play: Frankenstein/Prometheus Sunday 10/27 – 2 pm Retirement Planning  Tuesday 10/29 – 6:30 pm +++ Storyteller’s Cottage events Simsbury • 860-877-6099 Tea Party Club for Kids  Sundays – 2 pm Storytime, crafts, snacks and tea 10/6 – The Witches  11/3 – Snow White  12/1 – Lion, Witch and Wardrobe $15, $75 for any six months  Mystery Writer’s Club for Kids Fridays – 4:30 pm $10 • Play mini mystery game, pick writing prompt or write on your own Autumn Literary Crafting Studio Thursday 10/3 – 7 pm $15 • Art journaling & creative craft night, bring your own journal Travel Writing Retreat Saturday 10/5 – 9 am $125 • Five practical, useful classes Author Brunch: Fantasy Books Sunday 10/6 – 12 pm $10 • Network, brunch with authors

Send Events To: newsroom@TodayPublishing.net ‘The Witches’ Tea Party for Kids Sunday 10/6 – 2 pm $15 • Storytime, crafts, tea, snacks Author Night: Shelby C. Davis ‘Everything My Parents Taught’ Thursday 10/10 – 7 pm $5 • Talk, book signing, reception Cub Reporters for Kids Friday 10/11 – 4:30 pm $20 • Learn how to be a journalist Author Talk: Allia Zobel-Nolan ‘Laugh Out Loud’ Thursday 10/12 – 2 pm $5 • Talk, book signing, reception Hogwarts at Night for Adults Saturday 10/12 – 8 pm $50 • Harry Potter theme, cash bar Fall All-Access Authors Thursday 10/17 – 7 pm $10 • Talk, book signing, reception Art Macabre: Ghoulish Drawing Friday 10/18 – 8 pm $25 • By candlelight, draw models dressed as Victorian ghosts NaNoWriMo Plotting Workshop Saturday 10/19 – 1 pm $30 • Learn to outline novel with Roman Godzich Spooky Victorian Parlor Magic Saturday 10/19 – 8 pm $50 • Stroll through graveyard, attend unique live magic show Author Talk: Jonathan Rosen ‘Untold Tragedies’ Sunday 10/20 – 2 pm $5 • Talk, book signing, reception Grand Adventure & Tea Party for Grandparents & Grandchildren Sunday 10/20 – 2 pm $20 • Solve mystery + treats, tea Haunted Graveyard: Wandering Mystery Game Sunday 10/20 – 7 pm $35 • Halloween mystery: clues from graves of noted Simsbury residents Launch Party: ‘Murder Returns to the Precipice’ Wednesday 10/23 – 7 pm Free • Penny Goetjen’s new mystery novel, snacks, buy signed books Magical Pencraft: Harry Potter Writing Workshop Sunday 10/27 – 1 pm $20 • Harry Potter-themed writing Tea & Tips: How to Get Published Sunday 10/27 – 2 pm Free • Published author shares Author Talk: Judith Sumner ‘Plants Go to War’ Sunday 10/27 – 3 pm $5 • Talk, book signing, reception Goblins & Giggles: Scary Stories for Kids Wednesday 10/30 – 6:30 pm Cost varies by family size Into the Dark: Stories from the Shadows for Teens & Adults Wednesday 10/30 – 8 pm $20 • Creepy tales for Halloween +++ Red Stone Pub happenings Red Stone Pub, Simsbury Trivia Tuesdays – 7-8:30 pm Eat. Drink. Think. Prizes! Acoustic Wed.: John Mayock Live music • 7-9 pm Thirsty Thursdays Dollar dogs • Darts 7-9 pm Saturday Night Out  Dinner entrees • Yappy Hour on the patio: 3-6 pm • DJ + music: 6-9 pm Happy Hour – every day until 6 pm All drinks $2 off + app specials!

TODAY MAGAZINE – www.TodayPublishing.net – OCTOBER 2019

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Photo by Wendy Rosenberg

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