Written by Carl Wiser staff writer  Photography by Carl Wiser and Submitted  "Heublein Tower, which looks like it's been there forever, is actually the fourth tower to grace the mountain," says Scott Lewis, author of Avon, Connecticut's First Century: Visionaries and Victims. "There were three predecessor towers and they were all located in Avon, not Simsbury."   That's one of many great insights in Lewis's book, which was published in October. Those first 100 years begin in

By John Fitts Submitted photos Riding from Portland, ME to Portland, OR is certainly on the bucket list for many cyclists.  Dan and Karen Mastella of Farmington began seriously contemplating such a journey more than a year ago.  “If you ride a bike very much it’s in the back of your mind,” Dan Mastella said. “There are certain things that you know about - the Tour de France - and you know that riding across America is a thing, and [you] know about epic rides. You sort of thin

Significant accomplishments forbudding organization Gathered by the Farmington Library fireplace at the time of the “Wonderland” exhibit and holding the event poster are, from left: Charlene Kilcomons and Kate Emery, members of the Farmington Artists’ Circle. Story and Photos by Maria G O’Donnell Staff Writer After its formation one year ago, the Farmington Artists’ Circle (FAC) has become a new home for the town’s creative people of all stripes.  Those who live or work in Fa

Rev. Ali Hager is the first female pastor in the 267-year history of West Avon Congregational Church. "At the end of every service I walk out to the door and I greet people as they leave," says Hager. "There are times in that greeting when someone will reach out to shake my hand and they'll have tears in their eyes and say, 'You have no idea how much that spoke to me today.'" Photo by Carl Wiser By Carl Wiser Staff Writer    When she started in June, Rev. Ali Hager became the

Pam Sikora’s career might have taken an unexpected turn four decades ago, but she did spend her working days doing exactly what she set out to do – guiding children and their parents.  In early October, “Ms. Pam,” officially left her post as library services assistant in the children’s department at Simsbury Public Library.  It was 1985 during a visit to library in Simsbury with her infant son Michael, to whom she had been reading since he was in the womb, that Pam started on

Joe Burcaw and Emily Bevelaqua at Emily's studio in the Collinsville Axe Factory. Joe was in the band Black 47. credit: April Perkins By...

By Carl Wiser Staff Writer   Sure, you can hike to Heublein Tower, but everyone does that. Instead, try the nearby Tanager Hill trail,...