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Ms Pam retires

  • John Fitts
  • 1 hour ago
  • 5 min read

Pam Sikora’s career might have taken an unexpected turn four decades ago, but she did spend her working days doing exactly what she set out to do – guiding children and their parents. 

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In early October, “Ms. Pam,” officially left her post as library services assistant in the children’s department at Simsbury Public Library. 


It was 1985 during a visit to library in Simsbury with her infant son Michael, to whom she had been reading since he was in the womb, that Pam started on a new journey. At the time, the facility still operated at what is now the Simsbury Free Library.


“The children’s department was in the basement with all the mice and the mold but there was an atmosphere there. … that was very warm and welcoming,” Pam said. “And I remember saying to one of the gals there at the time, ‘if a part-time job ever comes up let me know.’ And she said, ‘well as a matter of fact, we do have an opening.’ So, I thought that I’d apply, and the rest is history.”


Pam, who has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Central Connecticut State University in Elementary Education, Special Education and Reading, had previously taught in Torrington for seven years. 


But Pam felt she couldn’t give her all to full-time teaching while raising a family. 

“Once I came [to the library], I was so happy here,” she said, adding that teaching – like parenting – requires 120 percent. “So, I know a lot of people do it and I admire them, but I could not have done that.”


During her time at the library, Pam spent 13-plus years teaching nursery school and kindergarten at Farmington Valley Jewish congregation. 


Those years were busy, but the jobs allowed her to be near her kids. Importantly, the library’s flexibility allowed her and husband Ed to be ever-present for Michael and their daughter, Jessica. 


And Simsbury Public Library has been the constant. She’s been part time in the children’s department for all these years. She even turned down the chance to work full-time upstairs.  

“I really wanted to stay in the children’s department,” Pam said. “Being a teacher and loving teaching children, that’s where I needed to be.”


Of course, Pam has seen a lot of changes. She worked just a few months in the old building before the new library was open. The renovations that debuted in June of 2008 included a much larger – and brighter children’s space. 


Technology, of course is also much different. Pam recollects that she’s worked in 5 or 6 different operating systems. The first was a more primitive version of a system known as CARL. She remembers a black screen with green lettering. 


“Basically, all you did was check books in and out …. That’s what I remember anyway,” she said. 


She sometimes misses the old card catalogs but has adopted well to the technology. Of course, she is her own wealth of knowledge. 


When Pam first started, the Simsbury library had what was known as realia – with puppets, puzzles and games for checkout. 


Pam is thrilled that so many people are still reading books but today, of course, there are increasingly digitized databases, e-readers, new forms of media and so much more available. There are also new areas like a maker space with traditional and cutting-edge technologies. Patrons can even check out everything from a cornhole game to a baking pan, she noted. 


“We have reinvented ourselves and we have kept with the public’s needs, which I find very commendable,” she said. 


Pam also recalls how the library stepped up during a pandemic and natural disasters, such as holding a Halloween party following the October 2011 snowstorm that caused so many outages and other consternation. 


“It was so wonderful. I think we had well over 500 people come through that night with their children.”


And giving back isn’t just an occasional thing. 


“The other thing I like about this library – it’s not just the things that we have for patrons to take out but it’s a community,” she said. “We have food drives here; we have a hat and mitten tree for underprivileged children in the city; we’re a warming and a cooling center; we [host] blood drives here.  We’re very much aware of community needs and we’re like the heart of the town.” 


She’s also proud that the library accepts everyone.


“That’s one of the things I love about this library is that we are very inclusive. Everybody is welcome here. We have materials for everybody and the fact that we don’t ban books – I’m very proud of that, very proud of that.”


Pam is also grateful for the support of the community, the town and Friends of the Library. 

“It’s just amazing we were able to do as much as we did for the public. I am glad the town supports this library as much as it does.”


“Friends of the Simsbury Public library are an amazing group of people and what they do for this library is incomparable,” Pam added. 


Pam has plenty to keep her busy in retirement. Her priority is spending time with her husband Ed, their  kids Michael and Jessica, and a 6-year-old granddaughter, Madison.

One thing she plans to do with Ed is travel. The two love exploring the country but she also wants to bring her husband to places abroad, especially Italy, where at age 16, she was part of an 8-week study group that went through 8 countries. 


“Italy was just amazing,” she said adding that she was enthralled with “the history, the architecture, the art. I would love to take him there.”


She also wants to visit another foreign locale. 


“The other place I really wanted to go was Ireland because I do have some Irish blood in me and I’ve always had this longing to go to Ireland – meet a leprechaun or two.” 


 Pam also has many hobbies, such as gardening, cooking, needlework and scrapbooking, that she plans to pursue to a much greater degree. 


And, of course, there will be more time for reading – which she still does with physical books. 


Fiction is her favorite, and she said she goes through phases, reading topics such as romance, historical fiction and so much more. 


She also thinks adults should take time for children’s books. She loves the classics but also feels there are so many good new titles. 


“I am amazed at - after all these years - there’s new subjects and new artists and a new take on something and the books are just incredibly beautiful. And actually, adults should read children’s books because there is so much out there that’s worthwhile.”


Pam won’t be a stranger to the library but her presence behind the desk will be missed. 

“Pam has touched the lives of thousands of families over the past 40 years,” said Lisa Miceli, Director, Simsbury Public Library. “Library visitors always stop and say hello to Ms. Pam.  She has a kind word and smile for everyone.  Our community has been so fortunate to have had her service for such a long time.  Pam will be missed by everyone.”


Likewise, Pam said retirement will be bittersweet. Most of all, she wants to thank “the town, my co-workers and the public for 40 years of happiness and fulfillment.”


“I think the absolute joy of this job has been the people - the people I work with, [and] our patrons are just inspiring and wonderful,” Pam said. “That’s what really keeps me going is the contact with people.”


“How many people can say that they love coming into work and they still smile when they leave work?” she added. “This job has been a gift to me.” VL

Valley Happenings

Spooktacular Road Race 

The Annual Canton Dollars for Scholars Collinsville Trick or Trot 5K Road Race will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. The run starts in Collinsville going out the rail trail and returns to the same spot. All proceeds from the run benefit the Canton Dollars for Scholars general scholarship fund. Race organizers will award the top male, female and child finishers as well as the best costumes for individual adult, child, and best team. Registration is $30 (plus fee). Day of registration will be $40. Registration is open at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Collinsville/CollinsvilleTrickorTrot

 

Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra opening its season

The FVSO is opening its 45th season in a collaboration with the Chorale. Please join us for an unforgettable and moving performance of Brahms’ powerful work, Ein Deutsches Requiem, “A German Requiem” on November 8 at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford at 3 p.m.

This monumental work is considered by many critics as the standard for the musical form.  Unlike traditional settings, Brahms focuses on comfort and solace for the living rather than prayers for the dead.  It is a deeply personal work, with Brahms selecting his own text from the Lutheran Bible and apocrypha. The seven-movement piece explores themes of mourning, loss, and ultimately, hope and eternal peace.  

The FVSO performs under the direction of Artistic Director, Jonathan Colby.  Jack Potts is the Artistic Director of the Hartford Chorale.   

The soloists for the performance are Sarah Callinan and Gregory Flower with Marianne Vogel on organ.

This performance is dedicated to longtime FVSO member and violist, Pastor William Barnes, who sadly passed away in July 2025. We remember Bill for his generosity of spirit, talent and kindness.  

Tickets are available online at fvso.org and at the door.

 

Local artists to exhibit at The Farmington Library 

An exhibition of artists who live or work in Farmington & Unionville takes place Nov. 17 to Dec, 18, 2025 at Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington. Opening reception is Saturday, November 22, 2–4 p.m. Wonderland is an open invitation for artists at all levels to explore what wonder means to them. From dreamscapes to natural marvels, from everyday magic to the mysteries of imagination, each artist offers their own interpretation of wonder. Together, the exhibit becomes a tapestry of perspectives — playful, profound, and unexpected. Presented by: The Farmington Artists Circle in collaboration with the Farmington Library.

 

Simsbury Public Library Events

The Simsbury Public Library will host the following events in November. All events take place at the library, located at 725 Hopmeadow Road, Simsbury, CT, 06070 unless otherwise noted. Register for events at https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/events/month and contact the library at 860-658-7663 with questions. 

• An Afternoon Visit to Japan with Charlie Siegel (Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2pm)

• Meet the Maker with Ayla Duve of Apple Falls Prints (Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:30pm)

• Children’s Resource Expo (Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.)

• Tories, Spies, and Traitors (Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.)

• Hike with the Library: Tulmeadow Farm Loop (Offsite, meet at trailhead at Town Forest Park, Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.)

• Fidelco Guide Dog Event (Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.)

• ABCs of Planning for Your Loved Ones (Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.)

• Coffeehouse: Brody Bond (Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.)

• Alaska Grizzly Bears (Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.)

• Yes Chef: with Carlos Rodriguez of Soma Grille (Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.)

 

The Art of Col. John Trumbull

Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network’s presentation “Painting Patriotism, Healing Wounds: The Art of Col. John Trumbull” with CT State Historian emeritus Walter Woodward discusses the lifelong struggle of American artist John Trumbull (1756-1843) to earn respect for his art by creating a series of American history paintings, many of the Revolutionary War, of which he was a veteran. The presentation combines Trumbull’s personal struggles with the struggles of our burgeoning nation in the Revolutionary War era. For more information, contact Barbara Strong at archives@simsburyhistory.org or 860-658-2500. It takes place Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Ellsworth Visitors Center, Simsbury Historical Society, 800 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. (https://simsburyhistory.org/). Fee is $5 per person, payable at the door.

 

First Friday Dinner 

First Friday Dinner at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St., on Nov. 7 at 5:30 – 7 p.m. Menu includes Applewood Smoked Glazed Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Vegetable, Fall Salad with beets, goat cheese, walnuts and a maple-vinaigrette dressing, along with our popular “Dessert Buffet”, which includes coffee and tea to complete your dining experience. $20 per person. Take-out is available. For more information, call the church office at 860-678-0488, or email secretary@avon-church.org. No reservations necessary.

 

Tunxis Senior Citizens meeting

The Tunxis Senior Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on Monday Nov. 10, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will play Bingo like you’ve never played it before. Instead of numbers, we use your favorite music. When we play a song, you name it and mark it off on your card. Hit the winning pattern? You know what to do--shout Bingo!

 Cards, markers, and erasers will be provided. Winners will win gift cards from Highland Park Market. Please join us for an afternoon of fun, chance and music all combined in one. For more information contact 860-675-2490.

‘Bring Back the Pollinators’

Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton) is hosting a presentation, “Bring Back the Pollinators! Garden for Life,” on Tuesday, November 11, at the Masonic Lodge #29, 123 River Road, Canton.  Lisa Newell, owner of Rewild Native Plant Nursery, will discuss the basic ecology of important native pollinators, what we can do to help save them, what they need to survive, and how the ways that we manage our yards and gardens impact their survival.  The presentation begins at 11:00 a.m., and there is a $5.00 guest fee.  For more information, send an email to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Gallery of Trees 

Canton Historical Society Inc.’s Gallery of Trees returns Nov. 16 to Dec. 7. Opening night gala takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Other hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. See more at www.canton museum.org or canontonhistoricalmuseum on Facebook. For information on donating a tree, send a message to galleryoftrees@cantonmuseum.org

 

Christmas Cottage Craft Fair 

The 42nd Annual Christmas Cottage Craft Fair 2025 takes place at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Avon.

This event runs on:

Thursday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Friday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Come see a full showcase of beautiful crafts and fine arts for sale by 30 local juried artisans. Free admission! Cash or check only accepted. (No credit cards!) Find us on Facebook! ChristmasCottage/CT

 

Simsbury shoe drive 

The Simsbury High School Big Game Fishing Club (SHS BGFC) is hosting a shoe drive for November 3-14. We plan on putting a collection box in every elementary school (and SHS), and also plan to offer a mobile pickup option where people in town can scan a QR code to schedule pickup.Funds2Orgs accepts all gently worn, used and new shoes, sneakers, and even cleats. However, certain types of footwear aren’t accepted, including single shoes or mismatched pairs of shoes, ice skates, rollerblades, roller skates, wet/moldy shoes, shoes with holes or tears and shoes from thrift stores 

 

Coffee Social for Solo Agers

 FARMINGTON –This coffee social for solo agers – those over 50 aging alone – provides an opportunity to get together for conversation and meet other solo agers in the community. This social is held the fourth Saturday each month at 10 a.m. at Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St. Registration is appreciated. Register online at https://soloagersconnect.com/events or call 860-930-3253.

Avon Church Holds 3rd Annual Tag

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Avon is holding a tag sale on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 to benefit area hunger. Hours are Friday from 5-7 p.m. with a $5 entry fee and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, no entry fee. There will be a large variety of items, including some that are brand new including Holiday gift ideas. All sales are CASH ONLY. Last year over $2,500 was raised for food insecurity. Nothing is priced. You name your best reasonable offer. St. Matthew is located at 224 Lovely St., (Rte. 177) Avon. www.stmatthewavon.org. facebook and Instagram. 

 

Christmas Time on Route 179

Trinity Episcopal in Collinsville and First Congregational Church in Canton Center will be hosting individual Holiday Fairs on Nov. 22 but have come together to offer visitors the option to get a special “passport” stamped from both fairs to get a free ornament and be entered into a holiday drawing. Both Holiday Fairs support local missions including the Canton Food and Fuel Banks among others. 

Except for a hiatus during the pandemic, Trinity Collinsville has held its popular Quality Street Fair for over 30 years. First Congregational is hosting its second annual Artisan Fair featuring a variety of artists, crafters, gourmet hot drinks, and a raffle of items created by the artisans. Trinity’s Quality Street is well known for its florals, special basket raffle and homemade lunch. Both fairs will have a variety of baked goods and other items for purchase. 

Quality Street Fair will be at Trinity Church, 55 River Road in Collinsville on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. The Artisan Fair at the First Congregational Church, 184 Cherry Brook Road, Canton Center, will be on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. Free parking is available at each location. 

  

First Church 2025 Holiday Fair

FARMINGTON – The First Church Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Porter Memorial Hall at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 1652, 75 Main St. Ample free parking is available via Church Street in the lot behind the Barney Library and handicapped parking is available adjacent to the sale entrance on School Street. Special offerings include many varieties of homemade cookies. Also available are handmade gifts, jewelry, wreaths, knitted items, fishing equipment, books and cards, jams and jellies, fudge, pies and cakes and, a visit with Santa. 

 

Holiday Tapestries

Farmington Valley Chorale presents “Holiday Tapestries” a collection of festive carols and lullabies from around the world to celebrate the season. The concert will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., First Church of Christ Congregational, 75 Main St., Farmington. Adult tickets $25. Students-free. Tickets available through Eventbrite, at the door on the day of the concert  or on the Farmington Valley Chorale website. For more information, please email info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.  

 

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