Community News For The Valley Edition

Having Fun With An Insect Net

CANTON — The Canton Land Conservation Trust will host a kid-friendly hike on Sunday, June 3, on National Trails Day, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The hike will be followed by the Land Trust's annual meeting and picnic at 4:30 p.m. at the Capen Cabin. Those who can't attend both are welcome to attend just the hike or picnic.

Roaring Brook Nature Center Director Jay Kaplan will lead hikers through forest and field on the Canton Land Trust's Sun, Wind and Woodlands Preserve. Hikers will stop periodically to look for butterflies, dragonflies and unusual insects and learn why they serve as indicators of a healthy environment.

Wear sturdy walking shoes, and please leave dogs at home. Visit www.cantonlandtrust.org for directions or more information. Pictured courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center is a Calico Pennant.

The picnic and brief annual meeting to elect next year's officers and directors will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Capen Cabin. The Land Trust board will provide hot dogs and burgers, and attendees are invited to bring side dishes or desserts.

Metro Bis Author Series

SIMSBURY — This month's Metro Bis Author Series at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., will feature John Carafoli, author of "Great Italian American Food in New England," on Thursday, June 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. Carafoli will talk about his book and Metro Bis will offer a sample from the cookbook.

He is the author of Food Photography and Styling, Cape Cod Chef's Table, Great Cape Cod Food Finds and two children's cookbooks: Look Who's Cooking and The Cookie Cookbook. He has been published in Gastronomica, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and Edible Cape Cod, where he won an EDDY. He has also been profiled in the Italian publication of Emilia Romagna and conducts tours to Italy.

Part historical record, part travelogue, part cookbook, Great Italian American Food in New England is a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich Italian heritage. Explore the Italian enclaves in New England and the evolution of Italian-American cuisine through profiles of the people, places, and communities and interviews with local chefs, pizzeria owners, butchers, and specialty shop purveyors. Alongside these stories is a mix of historical and modern photos as well as classic recipes passed down through generations and from establishments that still thrive today.

This program is being held in collaboration with Metro Bis Restaurant. Reserve a seat at www.simsburylibrary.info or by calling 860-658-7663, ext. 2. There is no cost to attend.

Joseph R. Ensign Photo Tour

SIMSBURY — As part of CT Open House Day, on Saturday, June 9, from noon to 1 p.m., the public is invited to attend a photo tour of the historic Joseph R. Ensign house in the Program Room of the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street.

The Joseph R. Ensign House is located at 690 Hopmeadow St. Built between 1905 and 1910, the Ensign House served as the primary residence for Joseph Ralph Ensign and his wife, Mary Phelps Ensign. In 1955, the house became the Parish House for First Church across the street, then became the home to a branch of Webster Bank and the Arts Exclusive Gallery.

Reserve a seat at www.simsburylibrary.info or by calling 860-658-7663, ext. 2. There is no cost to attend.

Granby Garden Tour

GRANBY — The Salmon Brook Historical Society will be sponsoring an open house and Granby garden tour on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At 9:30 a.m. at the Salmon Brook Historical Society, 208 Salmon Brook St., guests can grab a cup of coffee, tour the downstairs of the Rowe and Enders houses, and take a look at the Colonial Herb Garden. The cost is $10 per person. Tickets and maps will be available at 9:30 a.m. The rain date is Sunday, June 17. For more information or to volunteer, contact Bill Ross at bross239@gmail.com or 860-999-3743.

Hip, Knee Pain Talk

SIMSBURY — On Sunday, June 3, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., will host Dr. Mark Shekhman in a talk on hip and knee pain. During his talk, he will outline the anatomy of human joints and issues that affect them over time, discuss non-surgical and surgical treatment options including Mako Robotic-Arm Associated Surgery, and talk about the state-of-the-art Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute where he practices Orthopedic Surgery.

The event is co-sponsored by Simsbury Public Library and the Simsbury Senior Center. Register at either location. Reserve a seat at www.simsburylibrary.info or call 860-658-7663, ext. 2. The talk is free and open to all.

Memento Preservation Program

FARMINGTON — This June, the Farmington Libraries invites the public to digitally scan and save their precious family memories by making an appointment with the library's resident scanning specialist. Appointments are available on Wednesday, June 6, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farmington Main Library, 6 Monteith Drive.

Call to register for a one-on-one appointment to scan your photos, 35mm slides, negatives, postcards or letters. Staff will scan and save as many as possible during the one-hour session. Have too much for just an hour? Sign up to get your project started and then schedule a training session to learn to use the equipment yourself.

Each participant will be assigned a one-hour time slot by the staff member running the program. Time slots will be reserved in the order that the reservations are received. An email will be sent to each registrant confirming their time slot. If you are unable to come at your appointed time, contact the program coordinator at your earliest convenience so they may open the spot to another individual. Registrants must be age 16 or older.

These events are free and open to the public. Call 860-673-6791 or visit the library's website, www.farmingtonlibraries.org, for details or to register for a time slot.

Antarctic Travelogue

FARMINGTON — On Tuesday, June 5, the Farmington Libraries will host adventurer Sarah Bouckoms for a travelogue on the Antarctic. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmington Main Library, located at 6 Monteith Drive.

Bouckoms is a world traveler with a love for the harsh but incredible Antarctic weather. She will share her experiences through photography and lecture. Born and raised in New England, she has traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting all seven continents before turning 30. Her father was born in New Zealand and she has strong connections to her kiwi roots.

Bouckoms's teaching experience began at the Bridgeport Discovery Museum and Planetarium and Hebrew High School of New England, followed by a five year position at the prestigious Miss Porter's School for Girls. She is a certified EMT, WEMT and wilderness first aid instructor, a council member for Polar Educators International, a member of the Explorers Club and New Zealand Antarctic Society. She has her masters in astroparticle physics from the University of Canterbury.

This event is free and open to the public. Register by visiting www.farmingtonlibraries.org or calling 860-673-6791.

Crafts For Adults

AVON — The Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, is hosting a three-week series of crafts for adults classes by instructor Janet Valencis. Call 860-673-9712 or visit www.avonctlibrary.info for more information.

The program is for ages 16 and up. There is no charge, all supplies are included and registration is not required. Come to one class or all three. Classes will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the library's Atrium. The schedule is as follows: Wednesday, June 6, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Create a vase full of flowers using acrylic paint techniques; Wednesday, July 11, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Create beautiful art using colored papers for a watercolor effect; and Wednesday, Aug. 8, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Create your own monogram using simple patterns and colors.

Pine Grove School House Opens

AVON — The Avon Historical Society announced that the Pine Grove School House, 3 Harris St., will open for the summer tourist season on Sunday, June 3, and be open every Sunday through September from 2 to 4 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to be greeters for those who visit on Sunday afternoons. Training is available for anyone interested. The Pine Grove Schoolhouse, built in 1865 as Schoolhouse No. 7 and still standing in its original location, is owned by the Town of Avon. It was in use as a school until 1949 when it became a branch of the town library, nursery school and meeting place for the Boy Scouts.

The Avon Historical Society restored the building in 1976 and is interpreted as a schoolhouse from 1900 with bolted desks, hand slates, textbooks, and other educational memorabilia of the time.

New this year will be a scavenger hunt for young visitors highlighting many of the historic items in the school house. Also new will be a display of several of the teaching aids used by teacher Anna Coleman in 1932. These were donated by her family members as a way of showing current students the simple, yet revealing way a teacher taught about the environment, seasons and historic events.

To volunteer to be a greeter at the School House this summer or to make an appointment to see the School House at other times, leave your name and number at 860-678-7621. For those interested in local history and genealogy, they are encouraged to visit the Marian Hunter History Room at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, by making an appointment at 860-673-9712.

Blood Pressure Screenings

AVON — Upcoming blood pressure screening dates at the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will take place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. on the following Thursdays: June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19 and Aug. 2 and 16.

The screenings are free and all are welcome. Registration is not necessary, just drop-in. For more information, contact Patrice Celli at 860-673-9712, ext. 234.

Summer Film Series

AVON — The Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will present a summer film series examining the theme of the freedom of the press. This mix of feature films is part of the "Revisiting the Founding Era" programming grant that explores the power of the media and its influence on American culture. Professor Robert Kagan of CCSU and University of Hartford will present commentary and post-film discussion of several films. Refreshments are provided by The Avon Historical Society.

The "Revisiting the Founding Era" programming grant was awarded to the Avon Free Public Library, Avon Historical Society and Avon Senior Center to offer book talks, historical re-enactors, lectures, and the film series to examine the role of the media and press from the Founding Era to post-modern America. Avon High School is a supportive partner of this project, and students are encouraged to participate in all events.

The films are free and open to the public and registration is not required. For more information, visit www.avonctlibrary.info or call 860-673-9712. The series begins on June 22 and will run through September.

Golf Club Mixed League

SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Farms Thursday Night Mixed League is looking for new membership. The league is run for adult women and men alike who may or may not be residents of Simsbury, including newcomers to golf or experienced golfers, who enjoy golf, good exercise and the camaraderie of sport.

League membership is $50 and entitles you to make a tee time between 3:45 and 5:30 p.m. or later each Thursday. If you don't have a playing partner or partners, the pro shop will help you. Single players, female or male, are welcome.

The Rules of Golf apply with the exception that once any golfer reaches double par on any hole (6,8 or 10 strokes) he/she picks up their ball to promote play. There is a $2 weekly tournament fee for separate women's and men's 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize winners. The tournaments are structured so that all players have the chance to win.

There is an end of year shotgun tournament and banquet at which prizes are given. Email robertduguay@sbcglobal.net or call co-president Bob Duguay at 860 658-4322 with questions.

Fine Art And Flowers

CANTON — Gallery on the Green, 5 Canton Green Road, presents the Fine Art and Flowers show and solo exhibits by Stanwyck Cromwell and Richard Alan Cohen, running through Sunday, June 24.

Fine Art and Flowers includes floral arrangements created by members of the Cherry Brook Garden Club and the Gallery on the Green.

Cromwell's solo show, Looking Back-Moving Forward: Retrospective II, is comprised of new work that fuses ideas from past and present. This Guyanese-born artist finds inspiration from his cross-cultural experiences, folklore and traditions.

Along the Waterline, the solo exhibit by photographer Cohen, included abstract images of often worn boat hulls encrusted with the evidence of the past seasons sitting on cradles in boatyards. Many of these were shot in boatyards along the Connecticut coast.

The opening reception for all three shows is Saturday, June 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reception is free and refreshments will be served. Cromwell is presenting an artist's talk on Saturday, June 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. The galleries are free and open to the public Friday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Tapestry Singers Perform

TARIFFVILLE — A free will offering pop classics and spirituals concert will be held at Trinity Church, 11 Church St. The Tapestry Singers of Simsbury will perform on Saturday, June 2, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 3, at 2 p.m., to Benefit The Kateri Medical Clinic, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Autism Speaks Walk Fundraiser

AREA — Howley Bread Group (HBG), a franchisee of Panera Bread, is kicking off its annual fundraising campaign for the Autism Speaks Walk.

Panera Bread cafés in 12 Connecticut locations will begin raising funds: Hartford, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Enfield, Bristol, Canton, Farmington, Southington, Manchester, Newington and South Windsor.

Customers will have the option to donate $1 or more to the organization while placing their order. Those who choose to donate will receive an Autism Walks bracelet. The walk takes place on Saturday, June 3, at 9 a.m. at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Visit http://act.autismspeaks.org/site/TR/Walk/NewEngland?fr_id=3762&pg=entry for more information.

Golf Tournament Seeks Sponsors

SIMSBURY — The Canton Chamber's 25th annual golf tournament will be held on Monday, June 11, at Simsbury Farms Golf Course, 100 Old Farms Road.

The tournament is open to the public and a portion of the proceeds fund the Chamber's annual scholarships to Canton High School seniors seeking higher education in business or pursuing an entrepreneurial endeavor.

Registration and the putting contest begin at 10:30 a.m. The shotgun scramble starts at noon. The post-play reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by a Carolina BBQ dinner, awards and the Chamber's June Business After Hours networking event.

The Early Bird tournament fees are $170 per person and $680 per foursome. The fees include lunch, golf, dinner, golf cart and beer on the course. Golfers can also compete for the chance to win one of two hole-in-one prizes provided by Chamber member businesses: a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL 2-Door provided by Northwest Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Torrington and a Trek FX3 bicycle from Benidorm Bikes in Canton. Platinum sponsors are Collinsville Savings Society, Larsen Ace Hardware, Simsbury Bank, ShopRite of Canton, and The Shoppes at Farmington Valley.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and the Chamber is seeking additional golfers. For more information and to register, visit CantonChamberOfCommerce.com or call the Chamber office at 860-693-0405.

First Friday Dinner

AVON — First Friday Dinner at Avon Congregational Church, 6 W. Main St., will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 1. The menu will feature baked ham, side entrees and desserts. Eat-in or take-out is available.

Cost is $13 per adult and $7 per child 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the church office or at the door. This dinner will support Hands on Hartford, a program designed to strengthen community in Hartford by responding faithfully to people in need through programs that change lives.

Boy Scout Fundraisers

AVON — The Avon Boy Scout Troop 274 will hold its next can and bottle drive and car wash on Saturday, June 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Avon High School, 510 West Avon Road.

Scouts will be there to unload redeemable cans and bottles for you. The car wash will take place in an adjacent area in the Avon High School parking lot. All proceeds benefit Scouts directly.

Arts & Crafts Festival Needs Vendors

SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Woman's Club is accepting applications from artists and craftsmen for its 49th annual Arts & Crafts Festival. This year's festival will be held Sept. 15 and 16. There are about 120 spaces available for festival vendors to rent.

Arts and crafts persons of all talents are invited to submit applications for this popular event. In the past the event has featured portrait, landscape and still life artists and photographers, jewelers, artists selling uniquely designed clothing and accessories, crafters of home and garden decor, blown glass artists, artisans selling handmade candles and soaps, and crafters selling culinary accessories ranging from beautiful cutting boards and designer olive oils to herb mixes for dips.

Applications from artists and craft persons selling these and other creations are being sought for this year's event. All submissions are reviewed by a jurying committee and acceptance notices are sent out. Arts and crafts made from kits are not accepted.

Jurying for the event takes place in June, July and August. Jurying for these applicants takes place in June.

The festival is held on Iron Horse Blvd. in beautiful downtown Simsbury. For more information, email simsburyartsandcraftsfestival@gmail.com or contact Liz Reynolds, Event Planner, at 202-288-3883. Visit www.simsburywomansclub.org to download the form.

Courtyard Concerts Call for Musicians

SIMSBURY — Are you an amateur or professional musician or vocalist who would like a chance to entertain the public? This summer, you can sign up to do a 'street performance' in the lower level courtyard of the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St.

Participants will not be paid for performing but will be given the chance to perform in front of an audience and hand out business cards for possible future gigs.

Contact Chris Carney at 860-658-7663, ext. 2112, or ccarney@libraryconnection.info if you would like to sign up for a time slot on a Monday, June 18, July 2, 16 & 30, between 10 to 11 a.m. or Wednesday, June 27, July 11 & 25, August 8, between 5 and 6 p.m. A minimum performance time is 30 minutes and maximum is 60 minutes. Family friendly music please.

Appalachian Trail Talk

AVON — During Sam Ducharme's six months thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its finest.

Come join him as he takes you through the trail towns, over the mountaintops and through the backcountry, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road. Contact Cyndi Larsen at 860-673-9712, ext. 225, or clarsen@avonctlibrary.info with any questions.

Brain Science Conference

FARMINGTON — A conference on cutting edge brain science and creativity will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 2, at Keller Auditorium at UConn Health Center , 263 Farmington Ave.

Registration will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. A NAMI Farmington Valley Annual Meeting will take place from noon to 1 p.m., with lunch. Visit namifarmingtonvalley.org/uconn2018 to register.

The topics and speakers are as follows: New Brain Research on Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Hilary Blumberg, M.D.; Understanding schizophrenia, advances in the field, with Nevena Radonjic, M.D., Ph.D.; Evidence Based Pharmacotherapies for Schizophrenia with Glenn Konopaske, M.D.; The Use of Music as a Therapeutic Intervention for Psychological Health with Rana Singh, M.D.; and The Use of Art as a Therapeutic Intervention for Psychological Health with Amy Guyette, M.A.

The Service Recognition Award will go to Dr. Warren Thime, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Living .

Calling All Pianists And Students

AVON — Calling all pianists and students. Show off your musical talents by playing the grand piano at The Avon Public Library's Community piano recital from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at 281 Country Club Road.

Reserve your five or 15 minute slot to play your choice of music or your own composition. Performances are not restricted to piano solos but must include use of the grand piano.

The recital is organized by Evan Chang, a sophomore at Avon High School. A member of the Avon High School Jazz Ensemble, Chang has been playing piano for 12 years. He performed at the library's community piano recital several years ago and would like others to have the same experience. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Sign-up is required; Call the library at 860-673-9712, #4 to register or email avonref@libraryconnection.info for additional details.

Gardening Programs

AVON — The Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, will be presenting a series of three gardening programs with accomplished garden designer Sally Killips. The programs are as follows.

The Good Guys of the Garden: Thursday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room. How to use native plants to create a backyard sanctuary.

Using Color in Your Garden: Thursday, June 14, at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ways to use color in your garden to produce different physical and psychological results.

Killips was the garden designer for Meadow View Farm in Southwick, Mass. for many years before she retired. She currently freelances as a designer and gives talks on all things garden-related. All three programs will include time for any garden questions that you may have. The free programs are open to all and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.avonctlibrary.info or call the library at 860-673-9712.

Avon Library Events

AVON — The Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, is hosting the following events.

Morning Book Club: The informal group meets once a month on Wednesday mornings at the Avon Free Public Library. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. Books are available ahead of time at the Reference Desk. The spring schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, June 20, at 10:15 a.m. Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow. A novel based on the true story of two eccentric brothers in 1940's New York.

Thursday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. Monsieur Ibrahim, directed by Francois Dupeyron. R, 1 hr 35 minutes, filmed in French and Turkish. The films are free and open to the public; Registration is not required.

For further information, visit www.avonctlibrary.info or call the library at 860.673.9712, ext. 4.

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