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Neighbors raise concerns about expanding events at Farmington Polo Club

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

Residents have expressed broad support for the The Hometown Foundation’s Dream Ride Experience, which includes a car show as shown here in 2020. The non-profit, working in conjunction with Bozzuto’s, Inc. and its IGA retailers, supports animal welfare, emergency response personnel, individual with intellectual disabilities or in need, major illness, and the military. Many neighbors of the Polo Club, however, have opposed adding more events at the facility.

FARMINGTON – An effort to modify conditions of previously approved special permits for events at the Farmington Polo Club has run into opposition from the club’s neighbors. The club’s owners - Town Farm Development LLC, a subsidiary of Cheshire-based Bozzuto’s Inc. - want to increase the number of non-equestrian or polo events, but opponents say there is already too much noise and too much traffic coming from the fields.

“Frankly, it’s disturbing when you hear loud music,” said Douglas John who lives on Pembroke Hill. “Even with the doors and windows closed it is unpleasant.”

Paul Chotkowski lives across the street from the John family and calls the Polo Club a bad neighbor.

“All summer I can’t sit out in my yard with all their noise,” he told the Farmington Plan and Zoning Commission at a public hearing regarding the proposed modifications. “The thing they call a polo match goes on into the night with a dinner.”

“We have regulations for the betterment of our residents,” Plan and Zoning Chair Inez St. James said. “We’re seeing complaints.”

Neighbor Dave Dahle, who lives along Town Farm Road, is one of those that has been seeking help from the Town of Farmington. “I can appreciate all the good deeds,” he said of the Polo Club and its owners. “But these people get to go home to their quiet and have friends over. This (noise) really destroys our lives. If you had to torture someone, you couldn’t do a better job!”

Mike Bozzuto, President and CEO of the food distribution company that bears his name and whose subsidiary is Town Farms Development LLC, agreed that there is noise associated with the events. “What is concerning is we have made many attempts to improve things,” he said.

The most notable change now being sought by the owners is to allow an increase from 12 to 25 non-equestrian or non-polo events on the grounds. Speaking for the owners, David Falt said that the Polo Club has demonstrated it is responsible to concerns from neighbors. “We have invested in low-power speakers to mitigate sound volume at polo events. We’re bound by the town noise regulations and have never been cited by the town.”

In 2022, in addition to the weekly polo matches between May and September, there were also 10 other polo related events and 10 events with cars. Among the events held are many charity events, including the annual Dream Ride - which even the club’s neighbor’s support.

John Kuk lives on Waterville Road and came forward in opposition to the request to modify conditions.

“I appreciate all the positive things, but I am against the proposal,” he told the commission. “This group has not proven to me that they can prevent noise from disrupting our lives. The excessive and uncontrolled noise has forced us to give up time we could be enjoying in our backyard or along the river.”

In addressing the noise issue, Falt said that during the polo matches there are announcements and that they have purchased a new sound system for the events.

The other major complaint from neighbors concerned safety-especially along Town Farm Road during so-called “Muscle Car” shows that take place. Referred to as “Coffee and Cars” by the Polo Club, it is a showcase for cars, many of which have been customized. Neighbors say not only do some drivers rev their engines at the show, but also on Town Farm and other nearby roads. In addition to it being a problem of noise, many neighbors said they worry about safety. Some presented audio and video recordings of cars on town roads near the location revving engines and driving in what they said is an unsafe manner.

The events are normally held on Sunday mornings and Town Farm Development has agreed to push the start time back from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. They will be limited to 4 hours and, according to the paperwork filed, “shall not include amplified music or announcements, shall require additional police presence for enforcement of motor vehicle laws, shall require advanced notification to attendees regarding appropriate protocols and driving etiquette expected on premise and on Town Farm Road, and shall be limited to 12 total occurrences within a calendar year.”

But to some neighbors, the dangers of speeding, reckless driving and excessive noise need to stop. “Take that one video of the car revving its engine that I submitted and multiply it by 75 every, every Sunday morning and multiply it again when they are leaving,” said Jon Schoenhorn who lives opposite the Polo Grounds. “As they are leaving, they peel out onto the road,” he added addressing the speeding and safety issues. “I’d estimate they are going between 65 and 70 miles per hour within 3 to 4 seconds on a residential road.”

Falt said that the owners are working with the Farmington Police Department and will hire private duty officers to enforce traffic and speeding laws. Speaking about the issue, Bozzuto said he does not want to see the racing and dangerous driving on Town Farm and nearby roads. “When they are on our property we can do something,” he told the Commission. “But when they are not, we can’t. I do not enjoy it.” He added that he would participate in whatever makes the road safe. “I want to make sure we are doing the right things.”

There were those in attendance that supported the Polo Club and the attached Farmington Equestrian Club. Meredith Marinaro of Farmington said she appreciates the noise concerns but said her experience at the Equestrian Center has been positive. “My horse would have ulcers and the horses at the polo grounds all of them would be really miserable but they are not,” she said of the noise. Jennifer Bennet said she and her daughters have made wonderful memories at the Equestrian Club and hopes that a middle ground can be found. “FPC has given us so many wonderful memories I want to stand up and say let’s not stop that. I do believe we can as a community come together and work out some of the bumps, but let’s not stop the entire thing and take away a gem of the Farmington Valley.”

The Plan and Zoning Commission decided to continue the public hearing at its next scheduled meeting on April 24. They submitted additional questions to Town Farm Development and asked its representatives to also prepare answers to some of the concerns raised.

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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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