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Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce recognizes local business, community leaders

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


AVON – Several local businesses and entrepreneurs were recognized at the Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon at The Golf Club of Avon on May 24.

"We are so proud of our members and the businesses they represent,” said Lisa Bohman, Executive Director of the chamber. “The awards that the Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce bestow annually honor those local businesses, and the individuals that represent them, that make significant contributions toward the betterment of life in the Farmington Valley. Moreover, it is important that we recognize, celebrate, and thank those businesses that have had a positive impact on our towns, and who through creativity, commitment, and a drive for success promote our area's strong business climate."

Those honored include the following:


Dr. Joanne Santiago with previous recipients of the Loren Bristol Spirit Award. Previous honorees include: Peter Vignati - 2007; Steve McGuff - 2008; David Pena - 2009; Cal Miller-Stevens - 2010; John Carmon - 2011; Rich Leone - 2012; Terry Brighenti - 2013; Tom McGee - 2014; Peg Mayer - 2015; Rob DiNicola - 2016; Len Dunstan - 2017; Ed Queirolo - 2018; Lisa Bohman - 2018; Jim Gordon - 2019; Morton N. Katz - 2020; Chuck Joseph - 2021; Peggy and Peter Bakker - 2022

Loren Bristol

Spirit Award,

Dr. Joanne Santiago

Dr. Joanne Santiago received the Loren Bristol Spirit Award, named in memory of the chamber committee member and director known for family devotion, betterment of the community and business leadership.

2022 recipients Peggy and Peter Bakker presented the award, with Peggy alluding to Santiago’s passions, which have included being a pilot, scuba diving and travel.

“By land, by air and by sea, this year’s Loren Bristol Award winner enjoys taking risks in her personal and professional life,” Peggy Bakker said. “Her career began with degrees in zoology and nutrition and continued with many degrees in Chiropractic medicine. Since she was a child, she wanted to follow her parents’ and brothers’ passion as a chiropractor.”

Indeed, her parents Joseph and Vivian and brothers James and Philip were in that line of work as is her daughter Joelle, who is also part of Avon Chiropractic Health Center with her mother.

Joanne Santiago jokingly refers to her sister, the Hon. Romona Santiago, a retired N.J. judge, as the “black sheep” of the family.

Joanne Santiago has been in the chiropractic business for 49 years, 39 of which have been in Avon.

She’s also a passionate dog owner and has Dolce, her Morkie and Stella, a Yorkie.

In addition to the chamber, Santiago is very active in the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton.


Small Business

of the Year,

Jules Poirier Co.


Jules and Julia Poirier of Jules Poirier Co., LLC – Small Business of the Year.

The Small Business of the Year recipient was the Jules Poirier Co., LLC, a third-generation local business run by its president, Jules Poirier, and his daughter, Julia Poirier – a U.S. Army veteran, who serves as vice president.

Jules’ dad – also Jules - started the business in 1955, initially by offering aluminum siding installations and later expanding to roofing and windows.

Today the company specializes in vinyl siding, roofing, gutters, windows and doors.

Jules and Julia are both Avon natives and went to Avon Public Schools and are also deeply involved in many local efforts in other Farmington Valley towns. They have supported local efforts, such as Canton Little League Focus Center for Autism Lupus Foundation of America and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Both Jules and Julia are also known for their support of other small businesses and restaurants.

“We’re pretty deeply rooted in the towns of Avon and Canton,” said Jules Poirier.

At the event, he thanked his late father, his team and his daughter. Jules noted that – as he did for his father – Julia is key to keeping up with technology and new business tools that are critical to modern-day success.


Large Business of the Year, Northwest Community Bank

Northwest Community Bank is Large Business of the Year. From left are: Chamber president Bryan Keilty of Drew & Cohen Attorneys at Law: Northwest Community Bank President and CEO Stephen Reilly; Northwest Community Bank President and CEO elect Maura Malo; and Mark Bonenfant, manager of the Avon Raymour & Flanigan store (Raymour & Flanigan was the recipient of the 2022 Large Business of the Year honor).

Taking home honors for Large Business of the Year was Northwest Community Bank.

The bank has its roots in the Winsted Savings Bank (founded in 1860) and Mechanics Saving Bank (founded in 1875 and later called Northwest Bank for Savings). The two merged in 1996 and Northwest Community Bank formed Connecticut Mutual Holding Company with Litchfield Bancorp.

In 2010, Collinsville Savings Society joined the holding company and in 2021, all three, as noted on the company’s website, “began operating under one charter as Northwest Community Bank; Litchfield Bancorp – A Division of Northwest Community Bank; and Collinsville Bank – A Division of Northwest Community Bank.”

At the chamber meeting, Mark Bonenfant of Raymour & Flanigan (recipient of the 2022 Large Business of the Year honor) emphasized the bank’s community programs including the Northwest Community Bank Foundation, which awarded 66 grants totaling $425,000 in 2022. Additionally the bank’s corporate Giving Program awarded another $300,000 to non-profits last year.

Stephen Reilly, President and Chief Executive Officer for the bank, said the honor showed that community banking is strong, despite the challenges of the past couple years.

“This reflects the fact that the community banking industry is on solid footing,” he said. “We are a community bank; we have been since 1860 and that’s going to continue on. We appreciate your support.”

Reilly recognized members of the Retail Banking and Commercial Lending teams that were at the event, as well as others, but also gave special mention to all employees.

“I really want to express my thanks on behalf of our employees. We have about 160 plus employees back at the bank who really deserve to be here and accept this award,” he said.

Reilly also recognized several board members present and said the board’s hard work was also crucial to the bank’s success.

“Also we are where we are today because of the incredible board leadership that we have,” he said. “They work very hard.”

President and CEO elect Maura Malo, who is set to replace Reilly when he retires this fall, added, “Thank you for this award and we greatly appreciate the fact that you recognize the importance of community banks.”

She also noted that the bank operates much differently from the large retail banks that have been the subject of recent troubles and failures.

“We don’t have the same business model as those large retail banks you’re hearing about. We’re healthy, stable, and well capitalized.”

“Our vision for the future continues to be stability. We’re here and we don’t have plans to go anywhere,” she said, adding that the company will continue to be part of the fabric of the communities it serves.


New Member Advocate of the Year, Liz Ackerman

The new member Advocate of the year award went to Elizabeth Ackerman, General manager at the Shops at Farmington Valley

Ackerman “received the New Member Advocate of the Year because she was responsible, in-whole or in-part, for recruiting Five New Chamber Members between June 1, 2022 and May 17, 2023,” chamber officials noted. The award, established 17 years ago, is “given annually to a member or members that recruit the greatest number of new members over the previous fiscal year.”

Ackerman, who grew up in West Hartford, has been the general manager at the Shops for 5 years.

“We’re just excited for all the new businesses that have come to the Farmington Valley and that see value in the networking opportunities and marketing through the Avon Canton Chamber,” Ackerman said.


Annual meeting

The annual meeting and awards ceremony also included a host of other recognitions, installations and updates on the chamber, its membership and newer initiatives, such as the coming of an updated web site and Valley Vibes podcast.


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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

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. 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 in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). 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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