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Canton to pilot four-day work week

Town Hall, Senior Center to be closed on Fridays. Other hours adjusted. Hours at other facilities will not change.


By John Fitts

Staff Writer

 

CANTON – Next week, the town will begin a pilot program allowing many town employees to transition to a four-day work week, a move that will result in new hours at Town Hall and the Senior Center, both of which will now be closed on Fridays. Additionally, hours on other days will be tweaked for a trial period through the end of the year. Selectmen will evaluate the change then, with the possibility that it would be made permanent.


Currently, town hall is open every weekday at 8:15 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. three days a week but stays open until 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday and shutters at noon on Friday.


New trial-period hours, for town hall, starting Sept. 16, will be:

• Monday & Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Friday: Closed


The Senior & Social Services Department will be open as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

• Friday: Closed (Canton Cafe Senior Lunches will moved to Mondays, beginning Oct. 2; No lunches served Sept. 20, 27)


“This pilot program has been designed with two key objectives in mind,” a town press release states. “First and foremost, it aims to provide our residents with extended hours of operation, ensuring ample opportunities to access and benefit from the diverse range of services offered by the town.”


Secondly, the release notes that similar schedules have been adopted in Plainville, Vernon and Mansfield, among others.


“Additionally, the adoption of a 4-day work week is a significant step toward innovative work practices in response to the evolving needs of our workforce. The 4-day work week is widely recognized for its popularity nationwide and is considered a pivotal factor in remaining competitive in today’s hiring environment,” the release states.


While the Board of Selectmen had discussed the matter at earlier meetings, the change was approved in a 4-1 vote on Aug. 14.


Then Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner (now retired) said town staff had responded favorably to the idea but he acknowledge the change would be negative for some who use services at Town Hall regularly. He also pointed out that many services are available online and said Fridays are slower for public traffic.


“There will be people who want to go to town hall and won’t be able to do it. It will be an inconvenience for some. For many, I don’t think they’ll even notice. … You’ll have an opportunity to judge that and determine …. the significance of the impact on the average taxpayer,” Skinner said, referring to the idea of re-evaluating after the trial period.


He noted that public hours at some facilities, such as the Police Department and Department of Public Works, will not be affected, although some employees within those areas could change their work week. The library hours will also remain unchanged.


He also said employees will be putting in the same amount of work.


“I want to make sure it’s clear. Although we talk about people going to a four-day work week, we’re not talking about less hours that they’re currently working,” Skinner said. “They’d be putting in the same amount of hours."


Skinner also acknowledged the new schedule would involve a little more work for the finance department to track individual hours – as some would likely opt for a more traditional schedule– but said many were excited about the change.


Selectman Stephen Sedor disagreed with the plan, saying that the adjustment in hours three days a week was minimal, that the earlier closing on Wednesday could affect some people, as would the Friday closings.


 “I’m just very skeptical and very reluctant to do something that is going to have Town Hall completely closed on a business day during the week,” Sedor said.


First Selectman Kevin Witkos said the four-day week was an idea that could give Canton employees – who are not in the top bracket for pay and benefits compared to some towns – a better chance at work-life balance with minimal disruption to the public. He said it was also a step toward some suggestions made in a survey of town employees and an effort to provide a better work-life balance to town employees.


Via the release, Witkos stated, “Canton is moving forward with this pilot to offer more access to its town residents and visitors through expanded hours during the work period of Monday through Thursday.  Many of the reasons residents visit town hall can be accomplished electronically as we have seen a decline in foot traffic throughout the years.  Additionally, the four-day work week for town staff recognizes the proper work-life balance that we believe will have a positive effect on our talented hard-working staff and enable them to better serve the community Monday -Thursday. Lastly, with town buildings being closed on Friday, there will be a cost savings to all residents.”


On Aug. 14, selectmen voted 4-1 in favor of the idea with member Bill Volovski suggesting the trial period be until the end of the year, rather than the 6 months originally proposed.


During the 4-month trial period, the town will gather feedback on the change from both the community and employees. They can be sent to  4dayworkweek@townofcantonct.org. For further information and updates about the pilot program and change in hours of operation, please visit the Town of Canton website at www.townofcantonct.org.

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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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