Cooling Centers Available In Avon And Canton, Connecting In The Farmington Valley

June 19, 2024

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Neighbor,

As you most likely heard via news outlets yesterday, the Governor has activated the hot weather protocol this week due to the unusual-for-June 90-degree heatwave we are expecting. More information on local cooling stations is included below but as always, remember to stay hydrated, double-check the back seat of your car if you have small children, keep your pets indoors, and check on your neighbors who may not have air conditioning. 70 million people across the U.S. are experiencing this heat wave this week and sadly, heat kills more people than any other hazard. Stay safe out there!

Please enjoy some scenes from this past weekend and be sure to check out the high school and college internship opportunities from the Avon Clean Energy Commission.

For those celebrating this week, I wish you a peaceful Eid-al-Adah.

Have a wonderful and hopefully not too hot week,

Eleni

COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE IN AVON AND CANTON

The Avon Senior Center and Avon Free Public Library have both been designated as Cooling Centers. They are available for any resident seeking relief from the extreme heat and humidity.

The Avon Senior Center is located at 635 West Avon Road and staff can be reached at (860) 675-4355 with questions.

Their Cooling Center will be available Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road and staff can be reached at (860) 673-9712 with questions. Their Cooling Center will be available Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Canton Public Library will serve as a cooling center for its residents during the times listed below:

Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please note: If you need weather-related assistance outside of library hours, please call the Canton police non-emergency number at 860-693-0221.

JUNETEENTH PANEL DISCUSSION AND FLAG-RAISING TODAY

The Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO), along with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, and ACCESS Health CT, will be hosting its annual "Juneteenth Panel Discussion & Flag Raising Ceremony " at the State Capitol today, June 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Room 310 and the north lobby of the State Capitol. This event is free and open to the public. State Officials, Legislators, Community Leaders, and Families will be among the guests.

State Representatives Corey Paris and Bobby Gibson are guest speakers. Three students, Tristan Velez, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Meriden; Aria Campbell, Henry James Middle School, Simsbury; and Harry Johnson, Jr., Connecticut River Academy, East Hartford will present their essays on "Why We Celebrate Juneteenth," followed by a panel discussion moderated by CWCSEO Executive Director, Melvette Hill. Panelists include, Nkwa Asonye, Howard K. Hill, Nicole Maddox, Esq, Dr. Tayarisha Batchelor, and Cynthia Griffin.

After the panel, the Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) will perform. We will then gather outside for the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag above the State Capitol, accompanied by saxophonist Charles Taylor performing the Negro National Anthem.

The day will conclude with a gathering in the Capitol's north lobby, where everyone is invited to enjoy food courtesy of Sunsplash Bar and Grill and Destiny Awaits Restaurant & Catering.

I hope to see you there!

CONNECTING IN THE FARMINGTON VALLEY

Saturday was one event after another in the Farmington valley and a great opportunity to connect with people from our district in our district and beyond.

I started and ended the day at the Collinsville Street Festival. Great music, beautiful street art in the form of chalk drawings, axe throwing, and more were on tap and it was great to see so many people (and dogs!) out and about having a good time.

Next, I headed out to the North Canton Community United Strawberry Festival. I admit, I wait for this one every year and hey, it’s fruit, so strawberry shortcake for lunch has to be healthy, right?

After that, it was time to get to the Rhythm and Blues Juneteenth celebration in Simsbury. The LEGO figures from Black Panther were adorable (and life-sized)! I walked in as the drum core was beginning and they were, as expected, talented and on point. The participating towns had booths to share some of the local equity work they have been engaging in for their respective communities.

The weather was spectacular and we were able to enjoy it all. Don’t forget to save the date for the Lobsterfest by the Canton Volunteer Fire Company happening August 16th and 17^th.

AVON CLEAN ENERGY COMMISSION SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

The Clean Energy Commission in Avon has designed and created an internship to help students begin to build their resumes while benefitting the community. The internship is open to all high school and college-age Avon residents and there is no selection process. See the graphic for how to join this wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and work on something you may want to expand on in the future.