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Canton to seek engineering services for West Mountain intersection at Cherry Brook

  • jfitts0
  • Apr 5, 2023
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 6, 2023

Stated goal is to improve safety, while 'hopefully' preserving historic Sycamore


Editor’s Note: The town’s decision to seek engineering services for this intersection came after our April 7 paper went to press. In light of that, we are updating this electronic version, but were unable to do so in print. We apologize for any confusion.


By John Fitts

Staff Writer

CANTON – The town has decided to explore further options for West Mountain Road after the proposed removal of a historic Sycamore in the road generated intense public resistance.

On March 24, following Board of Selectmen review of a town memo on safety concerns at the intersection of West Mountain and Cherry Brook roads, the town’s tree warden Thomas Richardson posted to a removal notice on the tree. The action prompted strong reactions from residents. Many took to social media and others almost immediately placed “Save this tree” signs on the tree, which according to research done by Lans Perry, dates back to circa 1840. While some supported removing the tree, the vast majority objected to removal of it.

Formal objections (it would only take one) forced the issue to public hearing but on April 4, First Selectman Bob Bessel alerted residents that the town had canceled the hearing and would instead secure engineering services to explore options for the intersection.

“In an attempt to balance the Town’s interest in public safety at the intersection of Cherry Brook and West Mountain Roads with the public interest in preserving the sycamore in the middle of this intersection, the Town will seek an engineer to provide design options that would improve safety and hopefully preserve the tree,” he wrote in a message to residents Tuesday. “Until additional options can be reviewed and presented to the Town, the tree will not be removed. In light of this change, the Town has canceled the public hearing scheduled for April 11.”

Town officials noted that at least 120 people had sent emails about the issue.

“I’ve gotten more email on this issue than any other since I’ve been in office,” said Bessel, who was elected in November of 2019, adding that he’s received nothing on other current issues, such as the budget.

Bessel said a Request for Proposal (RFP) for engineering services would go out soon. The scope is being worked out now and the Board of Selectmen will review that at its April 12 meeting.

“We’ll brief the Board of Selectmen next week, get the RFP out and then see what bids come in, select one, and then give them time to study the situation, come up with their analysis and then provide options for dealing with the safety issues, which are definitely there, and the public’s desire to preserve the tree,” he said on April 5. “We’d have an independent engineer to lay out a range of options to say here are ways we can balance these two needs – safety and preservation.”

Bessel noted that the services will cost money and said unspent money in the town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would provide one way of funding it. The cost of the services will not be known until the bids are in.

However, when the Board of Selectmen meeting on April 12, they will consider an item to "Review and possibly approve the transfer of $25,000 of ARPA funding from an account entitled Showers at Community Center to a new account entitled West Mountain Road and Cherry Brook Road Intersection Safety Study."

According to a town memo for the meeting, estimates indicate that the $25,000 would not cover the cost for the showers. They would also be used infrequently, the memo states.

Any work at the intersection would also cost money, of course, and Bessel also said the options could come with tradeoffs.

The recent action in regard to removal was prompted by a March 7 call from a resident, who expressed concerns about safety at the intersection. Town officials, including Richardson, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner and Chris Arciero, Canton’s police chief and legal traffic authority, according to a March 21 town memo, then discussed the issue.

According to that memo, there have been, since 2011, five “documented” accidents at the intersection where the tree “may have been a contributing factor.”

Additionally, the bus company has noted “close calls” and the fire chief said most fire vehicles avoid the intersection by going Route 44 to Indian Hill in order to avoid the “tight turn” at the intersection.

The memo also asserts that the intersection is particularly concerning for plows.

“There are additional concerns that large vehicles, particularly, with snowplow blades, exiting from West Mountain Road are extended further onto Cherry Brook Road to improve sightlines. Moreover, some large trucks turning left onto West Mountain Road do so to the left of the tree, which adds another safety concern due to the location of the tree and traffic on West Mountain Road,” the memo also states.

The state of Connecticut is scheduled to do some milling and paving in the area was willing to cut the tree, provided the town grind the stump, town officials said.

Richardson said the tree, which he estimates to be 80 feet high, is healthy.

According to a submission from Lans Perry, whose family has a long history in the area, the tree is one of many planted by Linus Barber circa 1840. Trees along Cherry Brook were plan 30 feet apart, about 8 feet off the road, he noted, providing several historical documents to back it up.

Just four remain, according to Perry’s submission.

“Linus was son of Giles and grandson of Dr. Samuel who came to our farm in 1738,” he wrote prior to the town’s decision to hire an engineer. “Linus went broke in the Panic of 1837 but by hard work recovered and got enough money together to pay a surgeon to fix his face so he could win the hand of a girl and get married. Sadly he died of iatrogenic causes at 31. It would be awful if his trees suffered a similar fate at your hands.”

Nikki Wardwell Sleath is one who shared a Facebook post about the tree after the proposal to remove it, adding “this seems like a needless matter of convenience, and this majestic tree is a unique landmark in this town.”

Wardwell Sleath added to the press that the tree has been special to her family since 2008.

“When my husband and I were first looking at houses in this town and considering moving here, we drove up Cherry Brook Road to take a look at the elementary school where our children would end up going to school,” she said. “We noticed that tree right away and both thought it cool that the town had not moved it for the sake of the convenience of the roadway. We considered it a check in the column of reasons why we liked the town as one of our options.”

Prior to the March 24 notice, the Board of Selectmen discussed the issue and Skinner referred to the memo and acknowledged that there would be some resistance to cutting it down.

“Some people would probably chain themselves to the tree to keep it from coming down because it’s been there for so long,” Skinner said.

“You know Bob I might have been one of those people,” said selectman Tim LeGeyt, a long-time Canton Center resident. “But I’ve changed my mind. I’m in favor of taking that tree down now and one of the things that changed my mind was the picture of that plow truck.... I’m reluctantly in favor of doing it, but I’m not in favor of taking the other two trees.”

The “other two trees” reference was for two sycamores north of West Mountain noted in the memo, but the town did not end up proposing their removal. Whether those two come into play with possible solutions remains to be seen.

On April 5, Bessel acknowledged that the public reaction was greater than expected and also said ideas suggested in some of the emails and calls to the town would certainly be part of the conversation.

“We don’t want to make decisions in a vacuum,” he said. “This is an issue that garnered a lot more public response than we had anticipated. People want to make their views known and have a lot of allegiance to the tree and we have to respect that.”

The Sycamore on April 6.

Valley Happenings

New Story Blooms on Blazer’s Trail

AVON – A new tale is waiting for young readers and nature lovers on Blazer’s Trail. The latest book featured along the trail is “Miss Maple’s Seeds” by Eliza Wheeler—a whimsical and heartwarming story about Miss Maple, who gathers lost seeds and cares for them in her cozy treehouse before sending them off to grow and thrive in the world.

This engaging story walk can be enjoyed along the scenic half-mile loop trail just behind Roaring Brook Elementary School (open to the public outside of school hours). Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the trail and leave no trace. Special thanks go out to the Roaring Brook School PTO for supporting this project.

 

New Exhibit Brings 1775 Avon to Life at the Avon Free Public Library

AVON — The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. A summary of the exhibit is also available at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon: https://digitalfarmington.org/digital-farmington-project/digital-avon/from-northington-to-revolution-avons-road-to-1776/ .

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road.

 

Pine Grove Schoolhouse open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road (at the corner of West Avon Road/Route 167) on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a greeter for one Sunday this summer is encouraged to the Society at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

May at Hill-Stead Museum

FARMINGTON – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Hill-Stead for the annual May Market, featuring premium vendors, flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day both indoors and outdoors. Shop and enjoy the beautiful grounds during this springtime celebration. $10/day

On View May 15 - June 29, 2025: Castles in the Sky, 2nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition at Hill-Stead Museum featuring artwork from local artists celebrating Theodate Pope Riddle’s passion for dreams, fantasies, and musings.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

National Day of Prayer Observed

SIMSBURY – Thursday, May 1, 2025 will mark the 74nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local Simsbury Events on May 1, 2025 are:

Noon – On the front steps of Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Gathering will be inside Eno in the Youth Room, in the event of rain)

7:30 p.m. – New Life in Christ Fellowship, 250 Firetown Road

For further information, visit: http://nlicf.com/ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/new-gathering or contact: Pastor Dana Jorgensen, 860-658-7320 or Joan Rogers, 860-970-4457

 

Historic Trades of the Revolution

On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities during Historic Trades of the Revolution Day. Skilled trades and crafts people dressed in period attire will interact with visitors and use antique and reproduction tools to demonstrate how colonists produced goods and materials immediately before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War.

The circa 1771 Phelps Tavern and homestead will depict life in the late 1700s; tours are included with admission.

The Simsbury Historical Society is located at 800 Hopmeadow St. Parking is available in the main lot at 10 Phelps Lane. Additional free parking is available in nearby municipal lots. Due to its age and historic nature, the Phelps Tavern is not accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller. General Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per household. Simsbury Historical Society Member Admission is $5 per adult or $10 per household. Email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 with any questions.

 

Farmington Valley Chorale concerts

Farmington Valley Chorale presents its Spring concerts for 4- hand piano and choir featuring husband and wife piano duo, Anna and Dmitri Shelest and student choirs from Plainville High School and Canton High School. The two performances are as follows.  Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin, with student choir from Plainville High School. Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with student choir from Canton High School.

For ticket information, visit the chorale website at: info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

 

A Film screening with Robert Abbott

A film screening with Robert Abbott takes place Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street (Rte. 177), Avon.

Six-time Emmy award winner and St. Matthew member, Robert Abbott, will be screening his 2018 film “Port of Destiny: Peace,” chronicling former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ path to peace in a polarizing political environment. The documentary will be introduced by Robert and followed up by a Q&A.

A suggested donation of $10, will be donated to a peace-seeking organization that is yet to be determined.

 

‘Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights’

AVON – Agaram Tamil Padasalai, a Tamil heritage language school serving the Farmington Valley area, is hosting a cultural art competition, “Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights” on May 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Avon Senior Center. This is open to the public with free admission to view the event and a great opportunity to experience the traditional art form that combines art, math, colors and fun. Public can either enter the competition or simply come visit us and experience the event. Senior Center’s public play areas are available for the kids to play after checking out the kolam.” For inquiries: Events24-25@agarampadasalai.com

 

Simsbury Light Opera presents ‘Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse’

SIMSBURY – Simsbury Light Opera Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera, “Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse” at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury.

Dates: April 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 at 2 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and  May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets in advance: Adult $30 and Seniors/Students $25. Visit sloco.ludus.com to purchase tickets. Visit sloco.org for more information about Simsbury Light Opera

 

Bike Rodeo

CANTON – Join BikeWalkCantonCT, the Canton Police Department & the Canton Parks & Recreation Department for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 3 from 1-3 p.m.

The vent will take place in the field at Canton Intermediate School Parking will be at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. Rain date will be Sunday, May 4. Learn bike safety rules, participate in helmet & bike fittings, try out bike courses & so much more. Leo, Canton’s Canine Law Enforcement Officer will also be making an appearance. Helmets are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring your bike as well. Parents will need to remain on site with their children during the event.

Registration for event participants is required, and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This event is for Canton kids in grades Pre-K to 6.

Register at https://cantonct.myrec.com/ Find the register tab and click on programs.

 

Pancake Breakfast

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions & Knights of Columbus are having our 33rd annual combined pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 946 Hopmeadow St. We are selling several different size placemat advertisements as well as breakfast tickets (Adults-$10, Children under 12-$5, Family of 4-$25), with all proceeds benefitting scholarships. For more information, contact Elaine Giannini at 386-566-1003.

 

Senior Conference, Resource Fair

New Season In Life will host free Senior Conference and Resource Fairs on the following dates:

• May 3 – Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon

• June 12 – Farmington Senior Center

All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch at noon. Call 860-965-8114 to register.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Rd, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Walk with us in memory of your loved one! This moving fundraiser connects families, friends, and the community to support programs at Mary’s Place. Honor the memory of a loved one and help make a difference in the lives of grieving children & families by joining us for this special event. Come and enjoy kids’ crafts, snacks, auctions & more! Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

Plant & Tag sale

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is holding a Plant & Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 123 River Road, Canton. The sale will include a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials, houseplants, and flower gifts. Gently used garden-related items will also be for sale during the event. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic beautification projects and scholarship fund. Visit www.cherrybrookgardenclub.org for more information about the club.

 

Irises in New England

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton, CT) is hosting a presentation, Growing Irises in New England, with Ruth Bennett on May 13 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Her program will emphasize irises hybridized in New England, discuss iris culture, and show how interspecies crosses have given even a wider range of garden plants to choose from. Ruth is a Master Judge for the American Iris Society and a well-known speaker for the CT Flower Show and Federated Garden Clubs of CT. The presentation begins at 11 a.m., and a $5 guest fee is required for non-members of the club. For more information, email cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Tunxis Seniors Association meeting

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on May 12, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will be entertained by Tre’ Johnson who has been singing professionally for over 40 years. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Farmington Station takes place May 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road. 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. This month’s group will be held in person and we will be offering a Dementia Friendly Experience presentation. Groups are held on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

Perennial Plant Sale

AVON – A Perennial Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Church of St. Ann parking lot, located on the corner of West Avon and Arch roads. A variety of plants from members’ gardens will be offered.   Knowledgeable gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant selection.

 

Farmington Rotary 5K Trail Race

FARMINGTON – Farmington Rotary’s Annual 5K Trail Race will be held on Sunday, May 18 beginning at 10 am. This year’s race will be held at Winding Trails in Farmington, which has donated the use of their trail. The race course will be on a designated 5k trail inside their 300 acres around Walton Pond.

The Lee Chisholm Award will be presented to the first Farmington resident finishers, male and female. Prize categories include $250 awards for both the male and female First Place winners and $25 awards for top male and female winners in each of the three age categories which include Ages 18 and under, Ages 19-49, and Ages 50 and above. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Farmington/FarmingtonRiverRun5KTrailRace.

Registration is available online and will also take place on the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s cost will be $35 plus a $3.60 charge fee. A Waiver and Release must be signed for all runners at sign-in.

For those under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by an adult. At the event, Rotary will also collect food donations of boxed or canned items for the Farmington Food Pantry, where they will be available to those in need.

 

Aquarion Water Company Reminds Connecticut Residents to Order Upcycled Rain Barrels

Aquarion Water Company is reminding residents that it is offering upcycled rain barrels for sale as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts.

Connecticut customers can purchase a high-quality, 60-gallon upcycled rain barrel designed to fit under a downspout and catch rainwater running off the roof.  Order barrels online at www.aquarionwater.com/rainbarrels. The cost is $85 and orders must be received by April 21, 2025.

Locally, barrels will be available for pickup Saturday, May 10 at Simsbury Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Farmington Valley Quilt Guild

SIMSBURY — Farmington Valley Quilters will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, May 21.  The guest speaker, Jill Staubitz, is a weaver, graphic designer and quilter. Jill will present a trunk show of her work. She will be sharing her insights about color, pattern, and the design process as she discusses how the elements of the art of weaving apply to quilting. The meeting is held at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Registration opens at 6:30 pm, meeting begins at 7 pm.  Guest fee is $10.00. For more information about the Guild visit our website: https://www.fvquilter.org/

Meditation for Peace and Well Being

Avon Free Public Library presents (Virtual Event) Meditation for Peace and Well Being.

Thursday, May 22, 7 pm. John Bednarik, long time meditator for this deep and engaging meditation, will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. For more information, contact Adult Services Reference Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

 

Music at Greenwood: Elliott Davis

AVON – Virtuoso violinist Elliott Davis will perform five of Eugene Ysayë’s Sonatas for Solo Violin in the second concert of Music at Greenwood’s 2025 season. Join us on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Suggested donation: $10. After the concert, stay to enjoy a reception of light appetizers. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Show to benefit Avon VFW project

Avon VFW Post 3272 will host a benefit show with the New Orleans style jazz music of Tenpenny Bounce! The show takes place Sunday May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Avon Sycamore Hill Senior Center. The show will help the post continue to provide essential support for our community’s Afghan refugee family, the Tarins.

Come and meet the family, learn how their first year in America has gone, and enjoy. Free will offering

($10 suggested)

 

Gallery on the Green Presents ‘Member/Guest Exhibition’

CANTON – The public is invited to the Gallery on the Green’s annual “Member/Guest Exhibition” showcasing artists who are members of the Canton Artists Guild and their invited guests.

In a show entitled, “Everyday People,” Kathy Schwartz celebrates the human form and the expression of the human spirit through the lines and shapes of the physical body.

In “Cracked and Crazed” Donna Namnoum, the second solo artist, is exhibiting over thirty ceramic works that incorporate the covered jar and other wheel thrown forms. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 5 Canton Green Road near the intersections of Dowd Ave. and RT. 44. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main floor gallery is handicap accessible. (860) 693-4102; https://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Art open house

Local artist,Lori Racicot is hosting an Art Studio Open House on May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane in West Simsbury. Stop by to see Lori’s new paintings, watch her paint and ask questions. For more information, visit LoriRacicot.com.

 

Email event listings to

jfitts@turleyct.com. The deadline

for our June issue is May 6.

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