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Adaptive Sports On Display At Winding Trails

By Carl Wiser Staff Writer

  

FARMINGTON – Summit Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit based in New Hartford, showed off some of their new equipment at a demonstration held at Winding Trails on June 6. With help from Summit's volunteers, participants tried out bikes, hiking chairs, kayaks and paddle boards that have been specially modified for anyone who needs some help with these activities. For instance, the paddle boards have stabilizer floats so they won't tip over; the hiking chairs have a wheel in front and can be operated with levers.


Emily Landers receives a new custom fit bike from (L-R) Summit Adaptive Sports founder Karen Cook, Kathleen Weitz of The Hartford, and Huayara Garcia-Gomez of Move United. Photo by Carl Wiser

 

The equipment is expensive - Summit says adaptive athletes pay about 15 times more for equipment than non-adaptive athletes. They were able to buy this new gear with a $50,000 grant from The Hartford.

 

Karen Cook founded Summit in 2022 after running the adaptive program at Ski Sundown for 14 years. Her journey into adaptive sports was spurred by her son Jacob, who is autistic and loves to ski. "It's pretty much impossible for him to participate in team sports, so skiing is a way he can participate in a sport individually, but he's also a member of our race team," She says. "We create a group experience but it's at an individual level. There's a big smile on his face when he skis with his coach, Kyle. It's been great for him."

 

Summit started with winter sports but expanded in 2023 to offer year-round programs in hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and disc golf. Summit provides equipment, hosts events, and trains a dedicated group of volunteers who accompany every participant. They're part of the Move United network, which oversees programs nationally and works with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

 

Winter sports take place at Ski Sundown, water sports are at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, and disc golf is at Brodie Park in New Hartford. Hiking events take place at various trails in the area, including Topsmead State Forest and Sessions Woods. Mountain biking is just getting off the ground because they needed equipment first. Says Cook, "Our hope is that the mountain bike park proposed for Lawton Road in Canton gets approved and built and we can potentially use that as a home base, especially for teaching beginners."

 

 

A Surprise Gift

 

At the event, Kathleen Weitz of The Hartford surprised Emily Landers, a para-athlete from Granby who participates in long-distance cycling, with the gift of a custom-fit handcycle. Landers suffered a spinal cord injury in 1996 when she was living in Alabama. "When you're lying in that hospital bed after a spinal cord injury, being an athlete is the last thing on your mind," she says. "You don't even know how you're going to get to the bathroom to brush your teeth. Eventually learning how to navigate through the community and become part of an adaptive program is amazing."

 

In 1997, her doctor gave her the OK to try adaptive sports, so she took up tennis at a  Paralympic training site. After moving to Connecticut, she tried skiing and got so good, she became a sit-ski instructor. She also took up biking and kayaking.

 

"It's a very humbling experience going from being an athlete without adaptive needs to an athlete with adaptive needs," she says. "You're used to water skiing behind a boat without a problem, you're used to going to tennis courts without a wheelchair, you're used to putting on your favorite pair of sneakers and going for a run on the trail. Things are different now. You have to plan ahead. We have to make sure we have chaperones when we're on the water and make sure we have special equipment that costs a ton of money."

 

"Being on the trail on my bicycle is an experience like no other," she adds. "Right before my spinal cord injury, I had just gotten a brand new bike - I was so pumped. Literally the day of my injury I had just taken it mountain biking for the first time. I cut down a giant drop just to feel the wind through my hair, the adrenaline. Now I ride on a different set of wheels. To be able to get back in the saddle of a bike is amazing. I feel the wind in my hair, maybe a couple of bugs in the teeth, but it's all worth it."

 

Emily says the benefits of adaptive sports go far beyond the physical. "Keeping those endorphins active in your brain is so helpful. Getting the cardio workouts is so helpful. And there's also the mental aspect. Staying active with an amazing group like Summit Adaptive, it's not just getting on a piece of equipment, it's the social aspect. It's so much more than just a handcycle, just a kayak. Summit Adaptive has embraced me like a family, and I'm so grateful."

 

To learn more about Summit Adaptive Sports, including how to participate or volunteer, go to summitadaptive.org.


Danielle Cirrotti on an adaptive bike ride with Scott Roderick, Lead Mountain Bike Coach at Summit. Photo by Carl Wiser

This adaptive bike is power assisted - with a Turbo Boost! Photo by Carl Wiser
Karen Mann in an adaptive kayak with support floats. Photo by Carl Wiser
Sean Stenglein in an adaptive hiking chair assisted by Michael Hills. Photo by Carl Wiser
Jennifer Kane in an adaptive bike assisted by Summit volunteer Lisa Totz. Photo by Carl Wiser
Emily Landers on an adaptive paddle board with Summit volunteer Emma Czaikowski. Submitted Photo

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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