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Simsbury portion of Route 185 dedicated as 'Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Memorial Highway'


By John Fitts 

Staff Writer


SIMSBURY – It might just be two signs designating the Simsbury portion of Route 185 as the 

“Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Memorial Highway,” but those markers symbolize so much more. 


“Over the past 80 years of service the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company has been blessed by the unselfish dedication of its residents to volunteer and be trained as emergency first responders for fire and rescue services,” said Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Chief James A. Baldis. “During this time, 657 residents have stepped up as Volunteer Firefighters in addition to over 100 auxiliary members who have supported the Volunteer Fire Company for these 80 years.”


Those remarks came during a recent dedication and naming ceremony held at the Simsbury Fire House headquarters on Hopmeadow Street. The designation runs on Route 185 (Hartford Road) from Route 10 to the Bloomfield town line, made possible by SB. No. 904, a 2023 bill that incorporates many transpiration initiatives. 


Among those speaking at the event, and presenting a General Assembly citation for the occasion, were state Rep. Melissa Osborne and state Sen. Lisa Seminara. 


It was Baldis who originally suggested such an honor after seeing the Avon Volunteer Fire Department designation on Route 10 a few years ago. He brought the idea to then state Sen. Kevin Witkos and then state Rep. John Hampton. With both of them now retired from the legislature, the work to secure the dedication was continued by state Rep. Melissa Osborne and state Sen. Lisa Seminara, fire officials said. 


“I am so pleased to be here tonight to honor the brave men and women who have given so much and dedicated so much to the safety and well-being of each and every resident of Simsbury,” Osborne said at the ceremony. “The fire company has represented the best of community spirit and public service. Each and every member dedicates long hours to training in every kind of condition, challenge and weather to ensure they stand at the ready in each and every moment to deliver lifesaving and often daring rescues of their neighbors. 

In addition to their bravery in action, our fire company, led by incomparable chiefs and officers, have carefully curated and built a fleet of incredibly top-flight apparatus needed in almost every conceivable situation. Whether it be rescue, special operations, tank, tower engines or marine, our crew and equipment stand at the ready to serve and to save.”


"I couldn’t have said it any better myself – so happy to be here with you this evening to celebrate this auspicious occasion,” Seminara added. “I was talking to the chiefs earlier this evening. I represent 11 towns and Simsbury is the only town that doesn’t have issues with retention and recruitment, and I think that is incredibly impressive. Obviously everyone here is doing their job well and doing it right and keeping their volunteers safe and happy and willing to serve their community. So, I can’t congratulate you any more than Rep. Osborne has said and we look forward tonight to the ongoing program and the official unveiling of the road and dedication to you all. Thank you so much for your service and thank you for your ongoing service that will continue in the future.”


One of the signs on Route 185 in Simsbury.

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis thanked the past and current state legislators as well as the fire company and auxiliary volunteers, officers and others. 


She also noted the placement of the signs is a great one that many will see when traversing to and from town or through it, and noted the locations near the town line and where Route 185 meets Route 10. 


“As you drive into town now over the mountain, you will see the sign now that says Simsbury Fire Company Memorial Highway. I noticed it the other day and it was a welcome addition to Route 185 because it’s in a great place to acknowledge that you’ve crossed the line into Simsbury and it gives a nod to the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company who’ve been keeping us safe for 80 years. It’s a main thoroughfare in and out of town, coming down the mountain over the bridge by the Pinchot sycamore and it seems like the perfect place to have a sign.”

She also noted that the volunteers being honored are friends and neighbors. 


“These volunteers provide us with a feeling that we are in good hands as it is our friends and neighbors who will be coming when we call 9-1-1 for a fire-related issue, or potentially, if we have a cat up a tree.” Baldis confirmed that the company still responds to such calls. 

Prior to 1944, Ensign Bickford provided fire coverage for most in town, while the Tariffville Volunteer Fire Company had also formed in 1939 to protect the village in a timely fashion.

In the early days of 1944, Ensign Bickford stopped fire service in town because many of its resources, supplies and manpower were being diverted for the war effort. 


The Fire District was created in early June of that year with approximately 26 volunteers in a town of some 4,000 – incorporating the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company later that month. In 1983, the Tariffville Volunteer Fire Company was dissolved into the SVFC. 


“Eighty years ago this month early on a Sunday morning, Simsbury’s Ensign Bickford Company delivered to the newly formed Simsbury Fire District and Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company its 1935 American LaFrance fire engine, which was then purchased and used by the Ensign Bickford Company to protect their business and also to protect the town of Simsbury from fires,” Baldis said. “Due to the impact of World War II on Ensign Bickford they could no longer provide the town this fire protection, so residents of Simsbury formed the Volunteer Fire Company, which provides the emergency first responder labor required to protect its citizens, along with Engine 1 provided by Ensign Bickford.”


He noted how that engine was stored in a garage at the current site of Benny’s until the main fire station was built. That engine was in service until 1974 before it was later restored. 

Today the town has approximately 24,000 residents and nearly 100 active volunteers. 


“We are grateful to the residents of Simsbury who support the Simsbury Fire District, which fund the buildings, equipment and training required to keep us well trained and most importantly safe as we provide these critical emergency services to town,” said Baldis. “I am honored to be able to stand here as one of our volunteers and to again thank the state of Connecticut and especially our legislative Senator Lisa Seminara and Rep. Melissa Osborne for this deserved recognition of our Volunteer Fire Company and its 80 years of service.”


Fire District President Gary Wilcox expressed his appreciation for those involved and the volunteers who made it all possible. 


On behalf of the entire fire district I would like to express our thanks to all the people who have made this happen - number 1 chief Baldis. Jim initiated this a number of years ago and no one more than he knows first-hand the level of dedication, professionalism, training and sacrifice this group of men and women have shown over the last 80 years to be worthy of this honor. Number 2 – the people on the state level – our state Sen. Witkos and Rep. Hampton to start the effort and Sen. Seminara and Rep. Osborne to see it to its fruition also at the state level, our friends at DOT for their supportive role in making this become a reality. Last, but certainly not least, are the hundreds of fire company and auxiliary members… [They] are the true definition of volunteers and are the individuals that have been dedicated and professional with thousands of hours of training and sacrifice at all hours of the day and night to consistently ensure the safety of all of our citizens.”


Below are photos from the ceremony.

State Rep. Melissa Osborne speaks. Looking on is state Sen. Lisa Seminara.

Fire Chief James A. Baldis speaks at the dedication.


State Rep. Melissa Osborne and state Sen. Lisa Seminara present Fire Chief James A. Baldis with the General Assembly citation.


From left are Simsbury Board of Selectman member Kevin Beal, state Sen. Lisa Seminara, Fire Chief James A. Baldis, Board of Selectmen member Heather Goetz, First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis and state Rep. Melissa Osborne.

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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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