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Development hearing continued to Feb. 17

  • jfitts0
  • Jan 20, 2021
  • 14 min read

Posted Jan. 20

Updated Feb. 5


By John Fitts

Staff Writer


CANTON – As the controversy over a proposed electric vehicle showroom and related development proposed for the Canton/Simsbury town line continues, the Planning and Zoning Commission is set to continue its hearing on the matter to Feb. 17.

The owners of 9-15 Albany Turnpike have proposed a 23,500-square-foot EV showroom, a 20-pump fueling station and a convenience store and eateries with a drive through and seating areas. A traffic light is proposed at the eastern entrance of Brass Lantern Road and the project would sit to the east of the old La Trattoria site on the Simsbury town line.

The proposal seeks a number of special permits under Canton’s business zone regulations.

While most of the 26-acre property is in Simsbury, much of the development would be in Canton. Developers received approval in one brief meeting before the Simsbury Zoning Commission.

Developers say the project – with features such as pumps designed to convert to rapid EV chargers and an educational component – is designed to hasten the transition to alternative fuels. The development team has also emphasized local connections of some of those involved and featured Michael Frisbie, the planned owner operator, during previous meetings.

The public hearing opened last fall and the project has been controversial. While some residents have expressed support, opposition has intensified in recent weeks.

Among the concerns raised by residents are design, scale of the project, traffic and blasting of a portion of the trap rock ridge, both for aesthetic reasons and concerns about wells, infrastructure and the presence of a state Superfund site 1,500 feet from the property.

A Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Jan. 19 marked the fourth night of a public hearing on the matter, a meeting that went to 12:42 a.m. – dashing the hopes to developers to conclude the hearing.

That evening the commission heard wide ranging perspectives from developer’s consultants, members of the general public, and from professionals retained by Canton Advocates for Responsible Expansion.

Design

The design of the proposed buildings, particularly the EV showroom, has been one area of concern with the project, even among some commission members. Prior to this latest meeting, developers submitted new renderings for both the EV showrooms as well as the convenience/eatery building, the latter of which noted potential tenants, including Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe.

Chris Millard of Simsbury-based Phase Zero Design reviewed some of those architectural changes with the commission.

While the convenience store design hadn’t generated much feedback, changes were made to bring it more in line with the town’s new form-based code, Millard said, noting that brick exterior had been replaced with a stone base and clapboard façade.

For the EV showroom, changes were made to the carport displays on the second level. Enclosed glass box structures were modified to an open balcony with glass railing and vertical columns of support below.

Other changes to the building included the removal of metal paneling materials and increased use of simulated wood siding, stone veneer and CMU block, giving a more subdued look.

Millard told commission members he grew up in Canton and spent 20 years in town.

“After working on this project and working on the architecture for this building, I truly believe that this architecture and this building design fits well within the character of where it’s located in the town of Canton,” he said.

The ridgeline and blasting

While some residents talked about the design and concerns such as traffic and overall scale of the project, issues related to the proposed blasting largely dominated the hearing. The project, according to one report included with the application, would involve blasting to remove approximately 118,450 cubic yards of “bedrock” or trap rock ridge from roughly 3.4 acres on the site.

In all, the project narrative notes that the total net export from the site would be 139,741 cubic yards of material. Documents estimate that the removal of some 181,664 tons of material from the site would take place over approximately 600 working days over a two-year period for a proposed six days a week.

The application states, “Blasting will not occur daily for consecutive weeks, but rather as required, to include intermittent time for standard excavation and handling of materials such as sorting, stockpiling, and exporting. For the purposes of this project, we assume two to three blasts will take place per month during rock removal activities. Assuming 375 days of construction are dedicated to earthwork operations throughout the two-year construction period, an average of approximately 20 trucks per day will be entering and be exiting the site, on days that export operations occur.”

The commission does not grant blasting permits but an earthwork removal permit is required and can include conditions. Additionally, the commission’s special permit criteria include factors that speak to the environment, public health and safety, and other quality of life considerations.

In addition to the public, Connecticut Water Company and MDC have written letters of concern about blasting at the site due to an area of aquifer recharge and a water main under Route 44 respectively.

In past meetings, developers have touted the incorporation of rock face in their proposal and at the Jan. 19 meeting Kevin Solli, principal of Solli Engineering, said the team recognized the importance of the ridge.

He said the project would impact approximately 600 feet of the 2,220 feet of ridgeline along the Canton town line portion of the property. In all, going past Onion Mountain in Simsbury, there is approximately 18,220 feet of ridge, he said.

“We’re proposing to impact a very, very small area on our property immediately adjacent to Route 44 and when you look at that from an overall standpoint, we’re proposing to impact roughly three percent of the overall ridge line,” he said. “And I think it’s an important point that we want to make and get out there that while the ridge is an important feature in the town of Canton, our proposed application is only proposed to impact a very, very small percentage of that.”

He also said the developers have now proposed a conservation easement for approximately 4.7 acres of ridge line along the Canton portion of the property.

Planning and Zoning Commission members walk the site on Dec. 5, 2020.

In previous meetings, developers have talked about safety measures and the process of blasting. The have also contended that a hydrogeology report, completed by WSP, and a GZA generated peer review of it – both done at the request of the commission – have shown it can be done safely.

On the 19th, Andy Nagy, owner of Blastech in Southington, spoke about the project, called it fairly typical in terms of technique for a blasting project and described some of the safeguards, such as blasting mats and seismographs. He said wells are only a concern if blasting goes through a supplying water source and an issue he has not seen. The activity would not affect the aquifer and there are no pollutants that would be left because “everything burns,” he said, adding that bedrock only fractures 15 times beyond a bore hole.

He also said the company is conservative and always looks to stay within 50 percent of its allowed peak velocity.

“I don’t think that vibration criteria on this project is an issue,” he said. “It’s all a mystery of what blasting does that people fear more than anything and most if it just here say. It’s not scientific.”

But opponents contend that the development team still has more work to do.

Evan Glass, hydrogeologist and environmental professional at ALTA Environmental, one to speak to the commission Jan. 19 on behalf of Canton Advocates for Responsible Expansion, contends that the developers have not adequately answered two issues concerning the proposal.

The first, he said, is the question of whether blasting could affect the rate or distance of migration for groundwater or soil vapor contamination from the Superfund site at 51 Albany Turnpike, the state Superfund site.

In the 1950s and 1960s J. Swift Chemical operated on the property and buried waste solvent according the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. In the 1980s public water was extended in the area. In 2006 the state received bids to install venting systems at six commercial properties determined to be at long-term risk but the work was not done, according the agency website. In 2007 a sub-slab depressurization system was installed at a home on Old Albany Turnpike. And vapor intrusion measures were installed on some neighboring properties, DEEP adds.

The site has been the subject of largely unpaid judgments and tax disputes and is owned by an out of state holding company.

Glass contends that WSP should get more information from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection about the plume maps, seismic surveys and other information they couldn’t obtain due to the state file rooms being affected by COVID.

“More work should be done to look into the drainage basin divide that separates this property from the state superfund site in light of a mapped bedrock fault that crosses between the areas and connects to a larger fault,” he said.

“When bedrock contamination does occur it often remains generally unmitigated for decades. So, it’s prudent to air on the side of caution before making decisions regarding on activities that could possibly spread groundwater or soil vapor contaminations,” he added at another point in the conversation.

Glass also contends the development should include a secondary containment system for fuel storage, to ensure that no gas leaks go through the crushed stone and into the bedrock. He contended that no matter how good new tanks are, human error leads to leaks at other junctures.

“What I’m recommending is more of a secondary containment than just an individual tank because it’s not just a tank that leaks; it’s the tank, the piping and the dispensers,” he said.

He also contended a pre-blast well survey should include those in a 2,500 foot radius from planned blasting area, a greater distance than included in the WSP report.

The meeting ended prior to WSP comments, but Solli said the sites were horizontal and vertically separated and did ask Glass some questions regarding his comments.

“The WSP report reviewed not only information from DEEP but also from the Farmington Valley Health District and did have some pretty substantial information regarding groundwater quality, the levels of contaminants and the direction and flows if which those contaminants were flowing which is to the southwest,” said Solli, who further describing elevation and the EV sites distance from the aquifer. “So, I thought they had come to a conclusion that the groundwater plume was concentrated in the shallow water overburden and to a significantly lower degree in the bedrock aquifer and that it was traveling away from our site.”

“They did qualify their statements very carefully, recognizing that they had to get to a conclusion but they didn’t have the information that they wanted to get,” said Glass, who also said vapors can migrate irrespective "of drainage divide or elevation.”

Solli contended that the blasting statements were not qualified in the WSP report or a peer review by GZA.

“There’s been a couple of different experts who said the blasting activity proposed here won’t have an impact on that and I don’t think those were really qualified in any way,” he said. “They both came to those conclusions. Are you disagreeing with those conclusions?”

“There’s no absolutes and when you have even a small chance of a really bad thing happening,” Glass said. “You can reduce that even further by getting additional information and I think that’s prudent.”

Solli said the team would address the issues in more detail.

“All of that stuff has been addressed with the new technology and Mike Frisbie will be going into that in a little more detail,” Solli said. “We can certainly address all those concerns regarding secondary containment to make sure those protection measures are in place into the future.”

Bill Warzecha, retired DEEP geologist/hydrogeologist who spent 22 years as the supervising environmental analyst for the Remediation Division, also addressed the commission on the 19th and addressed some potential issues with blasting, including Acid Rock Drainage and among his suggestions was to make sure a geologist inspects the site to ensure that “adjacent rock formations” beyond those immediately visible to ensure they do not contain iron sulfides that can result in pollution.

While not the only concern blasting and the ridgeline was a significant theme in the comments of many residents as well.

“The trap rock ridges of our state are a limited resource, which although vast and impressive to our eyes, represent a fragile network of critical habitat on which diverse flora and fauna depend,” said Hayley Kolding, who said the blasting would destroy areas of three habitats deemed critical. She argued that a full botanical survey should have been conducted. She noted sections of the regulations that speak the environment, property values and neighborhood compatibility.

“This proposal isn’t just blasting three percent of the ridgeline. It’s blasting an iconic section that is a landmark for visitors entering Canton and residents returning home at the end of the day. To remove this section of ridgeline that serves as a gateway to our town would communicate a lack of concern for the small town, the rural beauty that defines so much of Canton’s appeal, which would be detrimental to property values and to Canton’s ability to attract shoppers that come from out of town to enjoy the small town experience that our sweet town offers. In short, this is not just three percent of the ridgeline; it is a highly visible portion of the ridgeline. Our regulations can only be successful if we honor them and their intentions.”

Susan Masino of West Simsbury, a professor and researcher with a PHD in biology, who co-chairs the science and technology working group of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change, said the ridge was mapped on the eastern wildway and considered an important corridor for species movement and migration, especially in the future as climate change affects the earth.

“Given everything we know right now, protecting nature and protecting clean water is a number one priority. These are lifelines and reducing atmospheric carbon is pointless if we don’t protect our lifelines. So, for many reasons, I think it’s wrong that this project would be construed as a benefit to the environment. I do agree the property owner has a right to develop their property but a property owner does not have a right to special permits that would irreparably fragment a fragile ecosystem and upset and incur significant risk to the community. It’s also reasonable to conclude that no one should own this property with the expectation to mine and remove the ridge and open landlocked properties to development and if this is approved, in my mind, it will be a monument to things that are wrong right now. Our imbalance with nature is why we have a problem with climate change.”

Other speakers also addressed the aesthetic value of the ridge line. Numerous others also asked about responsibility should their wells be damaged. Others said blasting would be detrimental to their lives. One said her epilepsy prohibits her from being near a blasting site and said the project would force her to move her home and local business and others said their home businesses would be in jeopardy due to noise and disturbance.

Some speakers at the hearing spoke to the ridgeline and other issues while referencing the Plan of Conservation and Development, which contains specific references to the site both in terms of economic development and character.

Alan L. Weiner, a former planner in another municipality, spoke to the commission about the town’s special permit criteria and the POCD, stating the sections that stated economic development should enhance, not detract from “the character, quality and appearance of the community” and section that noted the trap rock ridge as the “defining scenic quality of this gateway.”

“I think that a very important consideration as you evaluate this application and especially the special permits associated with it,” he said.

Attorney Michael Pendell also addressed the commission on behalf of C.A.R.E.

He and commission members exchanged a few tense words about his specific land use experience and whether represented all “objectors,” Pendell spoke to the special permit considerations of the application and considerations the commission can consider, including the Plan of Conservation and Development as well as evaluative criteria that speaks to environmental protection, suitability of the land, appropriate improvements, nuisance, transportation and long-term viability. Pendell reference to cases decided by the state appellate court that he said established solid grounds for denial in this case.

“It’s clear that the commission has sufficient grounds to deny this application and should do so, he said, later adding, “Just because an area is zoned commercial does not mean the commission has to rubber stamp any developer who wants to come in and build something.”

Feb. 17

Before closing for the evening, commissioners spent some time talking about the next hearing, whether it could be moved up or perhaps limited in scope.

Ultimately it was continued to Feb. 17 and town officials advised against trying to limit the scope of input.

While there are statutory limits on hearings, some of which have been extended due to the pandemic, Commissioner Lans Perry, however, asked for a legal opinion.

“You need to ask your counsel our counsel.. what you do in a case where one party or one side of an issue goes through dilatory moves on closing eternally because that is exactly what I perceive is going on with some of the discussion, even by the consultants and I want to know what the rights of the public and fundamental fairness demand but I'm committed to justice and fairness but I also know in a system that is set up to deliver a result for an application there has to be a methodology to deal with a filibuster so please find that out.

At the next meeting, the commission might once again have its hands full, as C.A.R.E. plans some additional steps (see below) to fight the issue and many of the developer’s consultants prepare to respond to public comments and questions.

Additionally, commissioners could potentially discuss a Jan. 21 call between the town’s land use office and Ray Frigon, Assistant Director of Remediation, at CT DEEP, facilitated with assistance from state Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw.

According to notes of the conversation an impact to the Swift site is “highly unlikely.”

Frigon told the Valley Press that the word is accurate to the conversation.


“You would have to have a long, interconnected fracture system between the Swift site pollution and the site to be developed, with a drinking water well or other pumping well directly in line with that network of fractures, to induce a cross gradient draw of the pollution through the fracture,” he said.

Frigon did tell town officials and the Valley Press that any worst case scenarios responsibility would fall to the blasting company as well as the owners of the Swift property.

“Environmental laws interpreted liberally so parties actually cause the pollution can be held responsible also those maintaining sources of pollution can also be held responsible,” he said.

Frigon did say the agency has responded to sites where improper blasting techniques have caused issues.

Those generally happen post blasting due to “liberating the naturally occurring constituents for a period of time, impacting a well.”

“Basically, you’re opening up an area that hasn’t been exposed to water and exposing this rock which may cause some mobilization of iron manganese, which can be addressed and may dissipate over time,” he said. “We’ve also experienced situation from the blasting itself, the chemical used in the blasting caps, where a blasting charge increased beyond what was really necessary, leaving residual contamination.”

Frigon said the decision is a local one but said any blasting should conform to the agency’s guidelines. He said safeguards such as setting up a radius of well monitoring to include in surveys are up to the commission and developer and not something DEEP remediation generally gets involved with.


Additionally, the commission on Feb. 17 will need to consider and additional action by CARE.

Pendell, through his firm MotleyRice, has filed a petition for intervention on behalf of the organization.

Under state law, the intervener status allows party status for a person or entity if there is a “verified pleading asserting that the proceeding or action for judicial review involves conduct which has, or which is reasonably likely to have, the effect of unreasonably polluting, impairing or destroying the public trust in the air, water or other natural resources of the state.”

In the petition, Pendell lays out a case for potential environmental impact, contends there are reasonable alternatives for modified site layout and less intensive development and includes several exhibits of case law and documents, including some from ALTA Environmental and Warzecha.

In a memo to the commission, Neil Pade, Canton’s director of Planning and Community Development, lays out the steps to consider the petition, which it will likely do near the beginning of the hearing re-opening.

(Due to the length of this article, The Valley Press will detail more about this aspect of the hearing in a follow-up piece, likely after the next meeting).


It is also not too late for the public to comment on this proposed development. Those wishing to provide comments for the record can email them to NPade@TownofCantonCT.org.

Commission members have encouraged the public to submit any comments at least 10 days before the next meeting to facilitate a complete public record. For those who want to review any late updates from the developer, town staff is encouraging people to submit those comments by Feb. 11.

Those wishing to access the meeting packets for upcoming or past meetings can visit https://townofcantonct.org/agendas-minutes-meetings.



See below for a small selection of maps, renderings and other materials submitted with the application.















 
 

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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