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Long-time Canton Town Clerk Linda Smith set to retire this week

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

Linda Smith in the vault at the Canton Town Clerk’s office.

CANTON – While there are perhaps residents who have garnered more fame, notoriety, popularity or Instagram followers, anyone in the know realizes that the Town Clerk is central to all things Canton. Linda Smith has served in that role since 2004, following three years as assistant town clerk.

“I think that the job is the face of the town for most of our residents and Linda is a friendly face – a helpful, compassionate person,” said Richard Barlow, who served as first selectman from 2007 to 2015 and grew up while his mother Barbara was serving as town clerk. “She just, to me, is the epitome of the kind of individual that you want people to recognize as the face of the town.”

As Smith notes in the town’s annual reports, “The Town Clerk’s Office is responsible for the organization and safekeeping Town records that include land records, maps and surveys, vital records (birth, death, and marriage), election and referendum results, justice of the peace appointments, dog licenses, sport licenses, military discharges, town ordinances, meeting minutes & agendas, trade name certificates, notary public appointments, transfer station permits and liquor licenses. The public has access to a majority of these records during regular business hours.”

Those who have worked with Smith – who is set to retire Sept. 8 – said she has performed those tasks admirably, while taking on additional responsibilities and, perhaps most importantly, done it all with friendliness and a vast knowledge of the town.

“To many, Linda Smith has been the face of Canton for many years,” said Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner. “As the Town Clerk she is often the first person people go to see when they are looking for information. But in Canton the Town Clerk’s role is so much greater. She also maintains the Town’s website, Facebook page and X (formally know as twitter) account. Most government activities publicized on social media originate from Linda Smith. She also plays an active role in the Town’s election process and acts as the meeting clerk at all Town Meetings.”

Linda Smith - and other town staff - have long welcomed kids from Canton Community Nursery School and other groups.

Smith spent her formative years in Waterbury and she and her husband have owned their Canton home since 1986. When the assistant town clerk position in Canton opened up upon the retirement of the late Beryl Cole – who died last December – Smith applied for the job. At the time, she had been a stay-at-home mom for her two young boys for approximately 8 years.

“One of my sons came home with a flier in his backpack saying there was an opening at the Town Hall for Assistant Town Clerk,” Smith said.

She knew little about the role but her previous experience as a manager at the Allstate Insurance Operations Department in Farmington, a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from the University of Hartford and a Master’s in Organization and Management from Central Connecticut State University all certainly laid a solid foundation.

Smith was hired as assistant town clerk in 2001. Kathy Corkum, the town’s first selectman at the time, was part of the hiring team.

“When [Linda] applied for the position, there were two people that we thought would be good town clerks,” Corkum said. “We offered it to the first one and she declined. And then I offered it to Linda, and this is what she said to me John. She said ‘I may not be your first choice but I’m going to be your best choice’ and she certainly was.”

“I think she’s been a wonderful town clerk,” Corkum added, noting that Smith was always accurate, knowledgeable and timely.

“I’m happy for her that she’s retiring but I’m sad for the town,” Corkum said.

While assistant town clerk, Smith learned the ropes in two ways. One was through formal training. Over her first three years while assistant town clerk, she took several of the state’s training classes, and subsequently passed her certification test.

But the day-to-day training came from Shirley Krompegal, who, having held the job since the early 1980s, was well versed in the role of Town Clerk.

And Krompegal says she had the perfect student in Smith.

“She was a wonderful worker, never made any mistakes,” Krompegal said. “ She’s a wonderful person. She did a perfect job. She was a little nervous when she applied for it because that just wasn’t up her alley, but I really think she loved it.”

When Krompegal retired, Smith applied for the position, which involved a competitive process and formal interview with not only town staff but also the Board of Selectmen. Smith started the role in 2004.

Smith, far right, serves as “Judge of Doom” for the Collinsville Halloween Parade. Pictured in front row, from left: The late David K. Leff, Kathy Taylor and Smith. In back row, from left, are Ted Kurnat, Steve Veillette and Beth Van Ness.

Smith has certainly seen a lot of changes over the years. For one, the way records are recorded, logged and archived has changed dramatically.

“Things were a lot different back [when I started],” Smith said. “There was a whole lot more paper. We had one computer in the office; now we have six computers in the office. Everything was done by hand. The vital records were a manual process. The only thing that wasn’t at the time was the land records. We did have one computer that we put the land records into.”

And it’s not just a matter of keeping up with technology. State laws and agencies mandate the requirements of record keeping and even today, many are also still preserved on paper, carefully organized in the town’s vault.

In more recent years, Smith has added that entirely new aspect to her job – one that circles back to technology. In 2007, the town launched a web site, and the services and records available online has greatly increased over the years. Over the years, Smith has played a key role in keeping the web site updated and training staff from other departments in how to post agendas, minutes, records, packets and other vital information.

And it’s in the area of social media that Smith really took another leading role in town. That started in 2011 during the October storm that led to a power outage of approximately 10 days, the opening of the town shelter and numerous emergency responses from the town’s first responders.

“I wasn’t on social media at the time but I knew that was a good way to communicate with people, so my son helped me set up the town’s Twitter (now X) page and we put out a lot of information.”

That included updates about the town’s shelter, downed trees and other hazards, where to find clean water and a shower, and so much more.

Over the years the social media presence expanded to include daily information, key dates for elections and other important events and activities from the town’s non-profits and more. Facebook and Instagram accounts were added along the way.

“I wanted it to be a place where people could find information and get used to coming to these platforms for information so when an emerging situation came about that’s where our emergency information would be as well – so, it would be a natural point where they wouldn’t have to scurry to find information about what’s going on,” Smith said.

First Selectman Robert Bessel said Smith has excelled in the traditional duties of town clerk, as well as in the online realm.

“She’s really taken the job of town clerk and performed admirably for years and years and taken on the whole web thing. She just embraced and really ran with it,” he said. “She’s doing both realms extremely well – a really great resource to have.”

And in both worlds, Smith has worked hard to stay neutral when it comes to politics or town controversies. She compares the office to Switzerland and said it’s been easy to stay neutral with the mindset that she is simply providing information.

“I always try to give equal information to everybody and I appreciate the fact that want to volunteer their time. I may or may not agree with their politics but they want to volunteer their time in service to the town and I appreciate that. So, I want to give them all the information that’s necessary.”

That matter-of-fact attitude, of course, carries over to social media, especially when it comes to town votes or other matters.

“When I do put out information about an election or referendum, it’s just the facts,” Smith said. “The town can’t take a position, especially on a referendum. We just put the facts out there, approved by the town attorney. It’s just a matter of giving you the information, so hopefully you will show up on Election Day.”

Although so much of that information is online now, the town clerk’s job is still very much one of customer service, often in person.

Smith still helps many people at the window, recording marriages, births, deaths or selling various licenses or directing residents and professionals to the land-use office or other locations both within town hall and at other facilities.

She also transfers a lot of calls and answers a lot of email.

“A lot of times people start with ‘I’m not sure if you’re the right person to talk to’ and they tell me their situation and that’s when I know what other department to send them to, if I can’t help them myself,” Smith said.

For Corkum, Smith is consummate professional when it comes to returning calls or emails, or finding things quickly.

“I think she’s very responsive,” Corkum said. “If you go to her with something you need, you get it right away. She responds very quickly.”

To Smith said it’s not just her job. She truly enjoys helping people.

“If I can assist them, I like doing that,” Smith said.

Smith deals with a lot of records and licensing requests but she does have her favorite aspects.

“I think it’s the marriage licenses and the birth certificates because those are such happy occasions. People are coming here to get their marriage license and it’s a joyful time. Even thought it’s paperwork, it’s a joyful time. They’re looking forward to good parts of their lives.”

She also loves seeing people and growing families.

“Sometimes they’ve to got their little kids or their babies in tow,” she said.

Smith also loves seeing the residents she’s met over the years, some through sports and other activities in which her boys participated.

“I also enjoy seeing all the people... When the boys were growing up and had school functions and sports functions, I met lots of different parents and it’s fun to see them now,” she said,

When it comes to customer service, Smith has gone above and beyond in other ways. Sometimes, she gets questions that have little to do with the official aspect of the job.

She’s had people ask:

• ‘Will you help me set up my marriage ceremony?’ The answer: Yes

• ‘Where is the best restaurant to take a date? In Smith’s “humble opinion,” Green Papaya, Saybrook Fish House, and 110 Grill are some of the best choices.

• Do the grills used at the Lobsterfest ‘produce a lot of smoke?’ Smith doesn’t think so.

Smith has also been involved in many community efforts over the years. She’s a fixture at the Collinsville Halloween Parade and has worked with community partners on efforts such as the Collinsville Walking Tour and Driving Tours of Historic Canton. Information on those and other efforts can be found electronically at https://townofcantonct.org/ under the visitors tab.

In addition to serving residents, Smith said she’s going to miss daily interactions with her co-workers.

“We work with a great group of people here. I’m proud of the work that we do for the town,” Smith said. “I’ve been here a long time and I’ve seen a lot of changes happen and I know change is hard for a lot of people, but I feel that the work that these people do in this building and all the town buildings – the work that we do has made Canton a better place.”

“[Canton is] a great place to raise a family; it’s a great place to live,” she added. “And the work the town employees do has affected that and made it a great place to live and raise a family.”

Linda Smith with the late David K. Leff in 2016, while promoting Driving Tours of Historic Canton, an effort that involved many community partners.

Smith does have some plans for her retirement. First and foremost is time with her grandchildren.

“That’s what I’m looking forward to,” she said. “ I really don’t want to miss a moment of their young lives.”

She’s also looking forward to doing more reading. She loves everything from light summer reading from authors such as Elin Hilderbrand to biographies and autobiographies.

She also looks forward to having more time for baking.

“I enjoy baking and recently took a course at Sur la Table on croissant making. It is the type of thing I never would have tried before, but the chef at Sur la Table broke down the steps to the point where it isn’t so intimidating and now I actually make a ‘mean’ croissant. Needless to say, I’ll be spending more time at the Canton Public Library and in the kitchen.”

But as she plans to enjoy more time in her life after Sept. 8 Smith wants people to know that she is excited about the incoming town clerk – Tracy Morrocco, who is coming from a job as an assistant town clerk in Farmington.

Morrocco has more than 10 years’ experience, knows the town’s systems and is very personable, Smith said. They will also be working side by side for a short time to ensure a smooth transition.

“I’m so happy she’s accepted this job because she’s very qualified and I feel it will be a smooth transition, “ Smith said. “She uses the same software the town has, and is very involved, very personable. She’s ready to take on the challenge of the social media piece. I encourage the residents to come on in and welcome her to town.”

But there’s no denying that Smith has become a fixture and the change will be another that will take some adjustment.

“Whether it be working at her desk through COVID, being the first director with her budget completed or reminding the CAO to file a legal notice, Linda is always organized, prepared and ready to serve the community,” Skinner said. “She will be greatly missed.”

And Smith admits she is moving on from an important part of her life.

“I will miss seeing residents on a daily basis, working with good and talented people, and the work itself,” Smith said. “You don’t stay in a job for over 20 years without it becoming a part of you. So, while I feel I will take a part of the job with me when I retire, I also hope I left the office in a good place and will leave a part of myself behind too.”

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

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. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. 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 online at www.HometownFoundation.org 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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