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Community Happenings

Can and Bottle Drive

Avon Scout Troop 274 will hold its next can and bottle drive Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Avon Congregational Church, located at 280 Country Club Road in Avon.

Courteous Scouts will be there to unload redeemable cans and bottles from your vehicle and even sort them for you. No need to even get out of your car! Proceeds from can and bottle drives go to directly to Avon Scouts attending high adventure trips over the summer, as well as Scout activities throughout the year such as backpacking trips, camp outs, white water rafting, urban orienteering, cycling adventures and more.


Coping with Grief and Loss programs

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially after someone you loved has died. That is why Carmon Community Funeral Homes and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families are hosting their annual “Coping with Grief & Loss During the Holidays” community presentations to help support individuals and families in Connecticut.

The annual tradition continues on Wednesday, October 28 with two similar programs, both featuring bereavement consultant and author, Joe Colletti, who himself suffered the loss of a teenage daughter. This year, people can choose to attend in person OR go on-line to watch the live events. Anyone may attend one of the two programs listed below, either in person or virtually. In-person seats must be reserved by October 23. Attendees will wear masks and observe social distancing practices throughout the program.

• 2 p.m. at The Lodge at 130 Deerfield Rd. in Windsor. To reserve an in-person seat OR to get the link to watch event on line, call 860-688-2200.

• 6:30 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center at 301 Country Club Rd. in Avon. To reserve an in-person seat OR to get the link to watch event on line, call 860-673-8610.

Pumpkin Patch at Avon Memorial UM Church

The pumpkins have arrived. Memorial United Methodist Church of Avon is hosting their 16th annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 1-31 daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pumpkins of all sizes are available. Pricing according to size. Pumpkins are arranged in a large area to allow for careful social distancing while visiting and shopping with your family or friends. For checkout, plexiglass shields separate customers from volunteer staff. Please wear your masks while at the Patch. And don’t forget to pick up a loaf or two of our famous fresh baked pumpkin breads with a variety of special ingredients. Proceeds benefit the church’s ministries and missions. 867 West Avon Road, Avon.


AFPL Children’s Room opening

AFPL’s Children’s Room is now taking appointments! Call 860-673-9712 x211 to schedule your 20 minute browsing appointment. Bring your physical library card. Wear your mask. Follow social distancing guidelines. Toys and seating are not available. This appointment is for browsing and check-outs only! We request that each appointment be limited to 3 visitors.


Online holiday cooking classes

The Avon Free Public Library will be presenting an online cooking class called Healthy Holiday Cooking on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.

In this class, you will learn ways to make some of our traditional meals lighter.

Presented by Colin McCullough teaches private and public cooking classes throughout New England and will share his experience and recipes with people who want to incorporate more whole-food, plant-based meals for health, compassion and the environment. Colin is the author of “The Healthy Vegan Cookbook” and most recently “Smoothies That Taste Like Dessert.”

Other programs in this series:

Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2:00 p.m.: Healthy and Delicious Soups

Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Healthy and Decadent Desserts

Note: Registration required. This program will be presented online through Zoom. Please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you before the event. For more information or to register, please visit www.avonctlibrary.info or call the library at 860.673.9712, ext 4.


Fall continuing education calendar

Farmington Continuing Education is committed to keeping everyone Active, Engaged and ready to master new Skills during this pandemic. Our fall 2020 catalog has been released and is full of many fun and educational enrichment class offerings for adults, youth and families. Classes include conversational English, fitness, languages, arts/crafts, financial, career development, SAT Prep, drivers Ed, teen writing, cursive writing, sign language and more.

If you are not ready to join back to in-person classes, there are plenty of offerings available online. Also available are Adult Basic Education classes for high school completion (GED, CDP, NEDP), Citizenship and ESL (daytime & evening). These classes are for residents of Farmington, Unionville, Burlington, Harwinton, Canton, Collinsville, Avon. Register ONLINE at www.fpsct.org/fce or call 860-404-0290.


Simsbury’s VFW and American Legion announce early plans for Veterans Day

Simsbury’s Metacomet Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1926 and American Legion Post 84 announce the events for Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. All military veterans, their families and the public are warmly invited to attend. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, these events are altered from previous years in order to accommodate social distancing and state rules for outside gatherings.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was founded in honor of the signing of the agreement to end the fighting along the western front during WWI. The signing of the agreement occurred in Paris on November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. Traditionally Veterans Day is a time to thank current veterans and remember those who have gone before as patriots for our freedom. Therefore, the public is invited to the Simsbury Veterans Memorial, at the entrance to the Simsbury Library, for a moment of silence at exactly 11 a.m.

Later that day, at 4 p.m., the public is invited to the front lawn of the Simsbury Library for an outdoor event, following state guidelines, with speakers, color guard, music and tributes. The VFW and American Legion strongly encourage families to attend, as the event is being held after school hours. There will be no raindate. Masks will be required of all and social distancing seating of up to 100 will be available.

For more information about the Metacomet VFW Post 1926, visit: www.vfw1926.org



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Valley Happenings

Canton Community Health Fund Applications Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton...

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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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