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Indoor Pickleball facility to open in Simsbury

Brothers plan to operate several Dill Dinkers locations to "promote Physical, Mental, and Social Health through the play and joy of the game at dedicated pickleball facilities."

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer


Pictured, left to right, are: Zach Larichiuta, Scott Johnson, Max Johnson, and Wayne Johnson.

SIMSBURY – Pickleball is ubiquitous.

The paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis and ping-pong, is expanding in Simsbury with a private venture by a local sports group, The Pickleball Brothers, that plans to open a new facility in the location of the former HomeGoods location in Simsbury Commons. (HomeGoods recently moved to a site in Avon).

The venture, led by managing director Max Johnson with partners Scott Johnson, Zach Larichiuta, and Wayne Johnson, is the first of what is hoped to be 10 Dill Dinkers facilities in Connecticut alone.

Max Johnson, in an interview, said the group is currently finalizing plans with the town’s zoning commission, but he’s been told that it’s primarily a formality as the building is zoned for recreational purposes.

“We’ve been wanting to open a business together forever,” Johnson said. “We had a close family friend telling us about pickleball for years and years and years, and he has a son who is a pro pickleball player. We played a little, one of the brothers plays every day and is a small investor with Dill Dinkers.

“I went to discovery day in Maryland, the franchise started in Maryland, and I was blown away at how genuine the people were. It wasn’t a hard pitch. They are honest and earnest. They were happy to answer questions and told us the things they couldn’t answer due to franchise commitments. That made me respect them more, that they follow the rules. I liked the model and the people. …[and] we bought in, pulled the cord and became regional developers.”

The group has rights to open facilities in Central Connecticut, the coast of South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. 

Simsbury was the first choice, followed closely by Hilton Head, South Carolina, where the group recently signed a lease.

“What’s really cool is the [Simsbury] landlord has been the best landlord I’ve dealt with,” Johnson, who grew up in Simsbury, said. “They were very willing to get us in there and do a lot of work to get us in there.”

The business will be just under 24,000 square feet, with seven courts, six of which will be championship size (34x64 feet), and one standard court (30x60). 

Johnson said he’s leaning toward a cushioned court solution — approved by the Professional Pickleball Association — that is more forgiving on the joints while not affecting play.

The courts will be fenced off, so balls won’t roll into other courts.

Leagues, tournaments, and lessons will be available.

There will be a party room, a small pro shop and vending machines, Max Johnson said. 

“It’s a simple model,” Johnson said.

He said the investors’ goal is to focus on physical, emotional and social health.

“We see pickleball as an avenue for being a social sport,” he said. “I’ve heard so many stories of how it’s helped people who didn’t want to get out of the house, or a teen on a computer or on a device or someone with addiction issues, it gives them an outlet. 

“Part of Pickleball Brothers, part of our mission is to promote physical, mental and social health through the joy of pickleball. We saw this as the stars aligning.”

Mental health is an important aspect to the brothers. Scott Johnson and his wife Lisa lost their son Connor to suicide in 2016. Since then, Honor Connor | Hold Onto Hope, a Simsbury based non-profit, has worked to "Stop the Stigma and Start the Conversation” about mental health, addiction and suicide.

A partnership with Honor Connor | Hold Onto Hope to help spread that awareness will be a key aspect at the new facility.

And Max Johnson noted that the group is excited to open its first location in Simsbury.

“We’re from Simsbury; it was our first choice, we like the area, we think it will be great for Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Farmington, and parts of West Hartford,” he said. “We just really want to have people come and play and promote physical, mental, and social health. The CEO Dill Dinkers wants to be the Chick-fil-A of pickleball, in terms of customer service and taking care of everyone. … We’re super excited and can’t wait to open. The next thing to conquer is to open more.”

For more information on the Dill Dinkers franchise, contact Max Johnson at max.johnson@dilldinkers.com



Pickleball Brothers LLC plans to open a Dill Dinkers indoor facility at Simsbury Commons. Importantly, the group is partnering with Honor Connor | Hold Onto Hope, the non-profit formed after the 2016 suicide of Connor Johnson, son to partner Scott Johnson and his wife Lisa. The group’s mission is “To promote Physical, Mental, and Social Health through the play and joy of the game at dedicated pickleball facilities.”

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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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