Today Magazine • ​August 2023

BIG BIRD BATH

A red-shouldered hawk visits a bird bath in a Canton front yard — in the backyard at the same house is a far more expansive pond, begging the question: Why didn’t this raptor decide to take a bath in the pond instead, where there’s room to spare?

Who knows, your guess is as good as mine — yet perhaps the answer is as simple as this: The hawk wanted to give Canton photographer Wendy Rosenberg a rare photo opportunity

Photo by Wendy Rosenberg

CONTENTS

5 — VNA Believe It Or Not

The history of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association dates to before World War I — and can you believe it, care today is typically free

10 — Care For Free

How can the FV VNA ofer free in-home care?

The CEO elucidates in an exclusive Q&A

15 — Renaissance Woman

From dance to PT to art, Terre Leferts has enjoyed an eclectic vocational and avocational career

20 — Eye Exam

As a society, how clearly do we see race, equity and education? S.E.E. aims for a vision correction

“ We were here for you during the 1918 Spanish fu, and we were and are here for you during COVID ” — CEO Nancy Scheetz

BY THE NUMBERS

$4M — FV VNA operating budget

LETTERS

AWARD KUDOS

LEADING OFF

Home Free + Care Free

LAST MONTH we played Word Association in this space. In this edition, let’s begin with a simple two-part multiple-choice quiz — moving forward, do you predict that healthcare costs will: A. increase B. decrease

I’ll go out on a limb here: If anyone chooses option B, a con man will gladly sell you a bridge in Brooklyn, and you may well be susceptible — so if you’ve selected B, by all means avoid the NYC area until you carefully review the above multiple-choice question again and reach a conclusion that lines up with reality more fully. For surely, this is the reality: Healthcare costs along with other cost-of-living expenses are virtually certain to rise, not fall, as time goes on. Yet what if complementary healthcare in the form of free nursing assistance were available — would you be interested?

The Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association takes the if out of the equation — yes, our local VNA ofers free-of-charge home visits and care. For details, see our cover story on page 5 — BWD

Today Magazine • Covering the Heart of the Farmington Valley

Bruce William Deckert — Publisher + Editor-in-Chief

860-988-1910 • Bruce.Deckert@TodayPublishing.net

www.TodayPublishing.net > Digital Editions • Award-Winning

Today Online • 24/7 news — www.TodayPublishing.net/blog

Follow Today Magazine CT on social media >

Advertising — Contact the Publisher

Editorial Associate — Kayla Tyson

Contributing Photographer — Wendy Rosenberg

Five Towns • One Aim — Exceptional Community Journalism

Farmington • Avon • Canton • Simsbury • Granby – CT • USA

newsroom@TodayPublishing.net

Our July cover story features Project SEARCH — a disabilityovercoming internship program — and news of Today’s newest SPJ awards — CLICK HERE for our coverage

CONGRATULATIONS on all the awards your writers keep getting year after year — shows you have real talent in the Valley and the topics are of great interest to the reviewers. We have so much happening that needs to be told and your magazine ofers a chance at telling stories in-depth, not just headlines and sound bites. Well done.

— Terri Wilson • President • Avon Historical Society

WOW! Today Magazine is on FIRE — I’m so honored to have been the subject of a double winner and so happy to see so many other excellent stories recognized. Bravo!

—Zina Saunders • Canton

CONGRATULATIONS on another year of well-deserved accolades and recognition. Collaboration and community have once again proven to be a winning combination.

— Sylvia Cancela • Canton

CONGRATULATIONS on prizes well-deserved — I am surprised and pleased that my photograph won an award. Thank you for being interested in my photo work and picking that image to publish. I admit that at the time I thought that image was a bit unusual — so thank you again for your wisdom to pick that particular image.

— Tom Cameron • Avon CONGRATULATIONS to Today Magazine on your well-deserved recognition and awards!

— Margery Winters • Simsbury SUCH COOL NEWS about the awards — I am constantly honored to be part of your AMAZING Today Magazine!

—Wendy Rosenberg • Canton

ODALYS BEKANICH

Associate Broker Five Star Professional Award-Winning Real Estate Agent

860-965-3652 • CELL 860-676-1200 • OFFICE

odalys.bekanich@cbmoves.com

290 West Main Street Avon, CT 06001

Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC

Unearthing History: The Discovery of a 12,500 year old Paleo-Indian Site Along the Farmington River

SEPT. 21

Paleoindian Sites, Site Patterning and Travel Corridors along the Southern Arm of the Champlain Sea, presented by Jess Robinson, Vermont State Archaeologist, Vermont Archaeology Heritage Center, Barre, VT. He will compare and contrast Paleo sites in Vermont with the Brian D. Jones site in Avon.

OCT. 12

Update on the scientific analysis of the Brian D Jon (BDJ) site in Avon, CT 2019, presented by Eric Heffter, Senior Prehistoric Archaeologist, Archaeological and Historical Services, Storrs, CT His presentation will be 90 minutes with time after for Q&A October is Archaeology Month in Connecticut!

Watch the webinars from the 2021 and 2022 series on the Avon Library’s YouTube Channel: www youtube com/user/afplct

in Avon, CT with

2023 series sponsored by a grant from

VNA PROVIDES FREE H EALTHCARE

Farmington Valley VNA Celebrates 115 Years

By Chloe Kieper and Bruce Deckert Special to Today Magazine

THE FARMINGTON VALLEY Visiting Nurse Association is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year — putting it in the same playing feld, age-wise, as Valley companies that are over 100 years old such as Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, Hofman Auto Group, Mitchell Auto Group, Vincent Funeral Home and Welden Hardware.

The nonproft Farmington Valley VNA is based in Simsbury, along with those fve for-proft businesses.

The VNA was established in 1908, yet its practices and community impact remain relevant more than a century later. CEO Nancy Scheetz sums up

the VNA’s legacy: “We were here for you during the 1918 Spanish fu, and we were and are here for you during COVID. No other home healthcare agency has our legacy of care.”

She says the VNA’s mission is to “provide and facilitate home care, hospice and rehabilitation care to the post-acute patient, and to remain committed to ofering communitybased wellness programs” — for her defnition and explanation of post-acute, see the exclusive Q&A that accompanies this cover story.

VNA nurses care for patients in their residences after their time spent in hospitals and rehab facilities. This means that the VNA gives patients personal care and focus, in the comfort

COVER STORY

NOTEWORTHY NONPROFITS

of their own homes, to beneft their long-term healthy living and illness prevention.

How can in-home care improve a patient’s quality of life?

Nancy ofers her opinion: “When people are treated in their own environment, risks of infection are less, they are more comfortable, and they learn to live within their own surroundings, even with illness and recovery. It also does save the healthcare world a great deal of money — it’s just a better environment, as long as you have the right care.”

The VNA is impactful because it

provides a personalized experience. VNA nurses are able to form close relationships with patients and actively see the day-to-day efect of that connection on the lives of the people they care for. One fulflling aspect of in-home care is that nurses can form life-changing bonds with their patients.

“There isn’t a way to put into words the relationship that occurs between a nurse and a patient,” Nancy says. “It is one of the most powerful bonds — and even when it is a

brief relationship, for me, I can share that it marks my life forever.”

An incredible facet of the Farmington Valley VNA is that it provides free healthcare — yes, free of charge. Medical insurance co-pays cover some of the cost for some people, but for those who need help and can’t aford it, there is a way to move forward and combat their health struggles. Towns in the VNA service area and private donors provide funds that allow for free in-home care to continue even when insurance stops paying.

This might sound like a classic too-good-to-be-true scenario, but it is true — in these cases, when a VNA nurse visits and cares for a patient, the patient never has to pay.

“Medical insurance covers a lot, but insurance has its limitations,” Nancy says.

“When an insurance company says a patient is better and no longer needs in-home care,

Community nurse manager Jean Pickens leads an infant CPR class for Farmington Valley VNA staf

we don’t always agree with that. So if insurance coverage has ended, and we feel that we can do more clinically to beneft the patient or prevent relapse and re-hospitalization, then we can step in and ofer free skilled visits thanks to our donors and our town support for public healthcare.”

She adds that many patients are afraid of healthcare costs — “so much so that they opt not to have care, and then things that may be able to be treated minimally at frst blow up and get much worse later.”

However, there are challenges that come with ofering free healthcare. For as long as the VNA has been around and for as many people as it has helped, the organization faces ongoing funding issues.

“We face the same costs as the large corporate home healthcare agencies without the umbrella of a larger institution to support us,” says Nancy, who is the board president for the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce — she received the COC’s 2022 Business Leader of the Year award.

With the cost of living always rising, treatment and basic life expenses continue to be a challenge for area residents who need healthcare. For the VNA to continue to serve the community at no cost, it is essential that people hear about the VNA’s work.

“Donations and philanthropy are how nonprofts survive,” Nancy says. “Any way that this could increase, through planned giving, bequests later on when someone passes, all of this matters greatly to us. People are incredibly generous. … Imagine knowing that when you pass on, your money can fund care for someone who truly needs the help. The value of that is immeasurable.”

The VNA’s operating budget for this fscal year is slightly over $4 million.

“Sharing with others through word-of-mouth recommendations is always one way the community can have a positive impact for our agency,” Nancy says. “The more we have positive relationships, and the more that others share that, when someone is in need, they will think of us.”

During the COVID pandemic, VNA nurses remained on the front lines, providing essential in-home services. When the rest of the world stopped, the VNA remained active, working to help patients stay safe and healthy. The Farmington Valley VNA received a 2021 Simsbury

Hometown Hero Award for its response to the pandemic.

For 115 years, the VNA has made a diference for the residents of its own Valley — through philanthropy, community, accessibility and compassion. Here’s to another 115 years of legacy and commitment. +

Chloe Kieper is a 2023 graduate of Avon High School — she won a frst-place award in this year’s SPJ contest for her Today Magazine story about AHS educator Eileen O’Neil

CLICK HERE — Today awards story

Today editor-in-chief Bruce Deckert is a multiple award-winning journalist who previously worked for ESPN Digital Media, the Journal Register Company and West Simsbury-based The Master’s School

In reporting this FV VNA story, Today Magazine sought comment from a number of Farmington Valley VNA nurses, the VNA’s frontline employees, but CEO Nancy Scheetz and the two nurses she referred us to declined comment — Today Magazine also requested comment from current and former VNA nurses and employees via a LinkedIn post, but no one reached out

1/4 PAGE AD

4.9” wide x 3.65” high

FV VNA: Mission-Ready for Century-Plus

Special to Today Magazine

CEO Nancy Scheetz has answered this Q&A for the Farmington Valley VNA

Year Established — 1908

Mission — The mission of the Farmington Valley VNA is to provide and facilitate home care, hospice and rehabilitation care to the post-acute patient, and to remain committed to ofering community-based wellness programs.

In the medical feld, an acute setting is usually a hospital, or sometimes an in-patient setting like a nursing home or rehab facility or assisted-living facility.

So post-acute generally refers to when a patient moves from a hospital to their home or another residence, and they still need follow-up care — or, even if it isn’t absolutely necessary, when follow-up in-home care is helpful and benefcial for the patient.

Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association — FV VNA

Main Ofce — Simsbury

Granby Ofce — location serves mainly as the Granby Food Bank — this initiative is managed by the VNA 860-651-3539

Email nscheetz@ farmingtonvalleyvna.org

www.farmingtonvalleyvna.org

Facebook — @farmingtonvalleyvna

Our primary focus is on healthy living and illness prevention within our service area.

Most fulflling aspect of your work?

Being able to treat and heal patients within their own homes successfully is very fulflling. We were on the front

Patient-Centered Care

ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITY

For over 45 years, we’ve provided a safe and caring environment for residents to maintain an optimal quality of life!

D Short-term rehabilitation

D Long-term care

D Post-acute & transitional care

D Respite care

MEDICAL MUSINGS

NOTEWORTHY NONPROFITS

lines during the COVID pandemic, continuing to meet the needs of patients in their homes.

Your biggest obstacle and how you overcome it?

As an independent nonproft agency, we face the same costs as the large corporate home healthcare agencies without the umbrella of a larger institution to support us.

We are fortunate to have dedicated donors who faithfully support us. Area towns also provide funds for community health programs.

However, we need further support as costs increase and insurance and regulatory changes occur. Keeping up with our funding and supplying healthcare within insurance limitations is a full-time job and a challenge.

continued on page 12

Give by August 29:

D Alzheimer’s & dementia care

D Hospice and palliative care

D Physician & nursing services

D Therapeutic recreation

Most satisfying accomplishment?

Every day we hear from patients and families of patients who voice their appreciation for our nurses and therapists. Knowing that we make a diference in the health of our patients provides great satisfaction.

Goals for the next 1-5 years?

Continuing to expand our services as the home healthcare agency of choice in the Farmington Valley. Volunteer opportunities — We use volunteers for our hospice program, where they visit and support the

Community nurse Martha Hein provides a free blood-pressure clinic at the Canton Senior Center

patient and families. We also have a group of volunteers who support the Granby Food Bank, another arm of our agency. Anecdote that illustrates how you fulfll your mission: We have a program called Health Care Supervision — a service that allows us to ofer healthcare without charge to patients and oversee their health goals. One of our nurses recently noticed a life-threatening healthcare issue during one of these visits. The patient went to the hospital, her life was saved, and the condition was treated successfully.

How has the COVID pandemic impacted your work? COVID presented challenges we could not have imagined. Our nurses and staf used their training and dedication to serve the community. In addition to the extreme healthcare duty, we also had huge expenses. We used funds from our endowment to cover costs as we had many mandated regulatory requirements but no reimbursement for them.

Interesting stats:

We have been in business for 115 years providing healthcare in the homes of the Farmington Valley. We were here for you during the 1918 Spanish fu, and we were and are here for you during COVID. No other home healthcare agency has our legacy of care.

Besides donations, how is your work funded?

Grants and insurance reimbursements for care.

What do you appreciate most about the Farmington Valley?

The Valley towns have a committed appreciation for healthcare and a commitment to each other’s welfare. What other area provides free healthcare for residents? The benevolence and support of our communities are amazing.

Healthcare insurance of course isn’t free — so here’s how the Valley provides free healthcare: Funds from the fve main Farmington Valley towns, and other towns in our service area, cover the cost of caring for patients when medical insurance stops paying for in-home nursing services.

Medical insurance covers a lot, but insurance has its limitations — every insurance provider has rules about what qualifes for insurance coverage and what doesn’t qualify. When an insurance company says a patient is better and no longer needs in-home care, we don’t always agree with that.

So if insurance coverage has ended, and we feel that we can do more clinically to beneft the patient or prevent relapse and re-hospitalization, then we can step in and ofer free skilled visits thanks to our donors and our town support for

Nancy Scheetz

public healthcare. Our mission is clear — we keep providing in-home and on-site care that we believe a patient needs, even when an insurance company stops paying for treatment and says the patient no longer needs medical assistance — and regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

Our towns and generous donors cover the shortfall when insurance companies make decisions to stop treatment and care.

Our trained and skilled VNA staf will take care of you and follow up with you after your insurance stops paying — we help with medication management and other important services that a trained nurse can provide. We want to be there for you, whatever the cost, and we strive to make sure we don’t limit access to care.

What constructive change would you like to see in the Valley?

Many of our residents are stretched fnancially. The cost of living here — including area taxes, food and utility costs — makes living independently challenging. I wish there were a good answer to this.

Number of employees:

65 full-time and part-time employees

Board of directors:

Dennis Chapron, president • Stephanie McGuire, vice president • Nassem Shaikh, treasurer • Kathryn Katz, secretary • Chris Allen • Stephen Aronson • Jefrey Case

• Dr. Timothy Glew • Dr. Atique Mirza • Mildred McNeill

• Andrew St. Onge • Derek Weiss

Further comment:

We have been here for 115 years providing healthcare in the Valley. We are available every day with a personal touch and concern for each patient. We are your nurses and rehabilitation therapists, your neighbors, and very often your friends. We have great satisfaction knowing and honoring our history and place in the community. We make a diference every day. +

Today Magazine covers the heart of the Farmington Valley — the fve core Valley towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury

HARE STANDING UP?

An eastern cottontail rabbit forages in a Canton yard — the eastern is the most common cottontail species, according to National Geographic, ranging from Canada to South America

“ Medical insurance covers a lot, but insurance has its limitations — when an insurance company says a patient is better and no longer needs in-home care, we don’t always agree with that ”

— CEO Nancy Scheetz

Photo by Wendy Rosenberg

Artist Drawn to Pastoral and Coastal Scenes

Special to Today Magazine

Terre Leferts has granted this exclusive Q&A to Today Magazine

Leferts was featured via a solo show at Gallery on the Green in Canton in March and April — she is 67 years young — her paintings are grounded in reverence for the natural world — her pastoral and coastal scenes refect her immersion in dual residencies in Connecticut and Maine

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Stamford, Connecticut, and lived there till age 17 — I have also lived in: Boston • Cape Cod • New York City • Beverly, Massachusetts • Greenwich and Easton, both in Connecticut • Harrison, Maine • In what town do you reside now?

I have lived in Salisbury, Connecticut, for the past 22 years — I also live parttime in Lamoine, Maine, up in Acadia National Park country •

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

Is art your full-time career?

If not, what is your full-time job?

My full-time work for the past 10 years has been a combination of massage therapy and physical therapy assisting. In addition, I have been doing artwork by commission and art shows for the past 40 years.

Previously, I had a 30-year dance career, which had me traveling a lot, but that changed with the fnancial dealings of 2008 — and I went back to school to learn a new trade that would pay the bills and help send our three sons through college.

I am now semi-retired from PTA work (physical therapy assistant) and work part-time as a licensed massage therapist (LMT) while putting more time into my artwork.

What is your primary medium? Secondary mediums?

email

terrelefferts@yahoo.com

phone 860-435-0723

website

www.FineArtAmerica.com

> search: Terre Leferts

————————————————

My primary medium is oil or pastel, and I like to paint landscapes, still-lifes and portraits.

At what age did you become interested in art — and what sparked your interest?

I became interested in art as a child, as my father was an architect, and I was always drawing. I followed his lead, and then developed my own artistic interests with oil painting and drawing. My frst job painting was for

a needlepoint shop in Greenwich CT, painting needlepoint canvases on commission.

What and/or who is the inspiration for your art?

I suppose my father was my frst inspiration, but from there it has been the impressionists and some contemporary artists whose works amaze me. The beauty of the outdoors is a huge inspiration.

Goals for the next 1-5 years?

My goals for the next fve years are to paint as much as possible and have my work accepted and seen in various galleries.

Most enjoyable aspect of being an artist? Most challenging aspect of being an artist?

The most enjoyable aspect of art is creating the painting itself — next is sharing it with others who have

their own responses to it. The most challenging aspect of art is getting the work out there to be seen and hopefully appreciated by many people, and to sell, so that it becomes more than an expensive hobby.

Most fulflling accomplishment?

My most fulflling accomplishment so far … that’s a tough one, but up on the list besides my family is to have artwork in the John Edwards Gallery in Ellsworth, Maine. However, that is besides bringing people back to life and helping them move again after severe disabling diseases have aficted them. That has been truly rewarding and gratifying.

Your 3-5 favorite artists:

My favorite artists are Monet, Turner, Vermeer and Renoir, and in contemporary times David Dunlop, Eric Sloane and Chris Morel — but there are so many, it is hard to choose.

The artist who inspires you most — and why:

David Dunlop has been a large inspiration through his art and joie de vivre.

Anecdote that provides a glimpse of your work as an artist:

I paint to portray the beauty in an outdoor scene, a person, or an animal, where the mystery is in trying to recreate the essence.

Galleries (etc.) where your artwork has been displayed:

My work has been on display at:

• Gallery on the Green, Canton CT

• Art of Berkshires Gallery, Lenox MA

• Belvoir Gallery, Millbrook NY

• John Edwards Gallery, Ellsworth ME

• Various other galleries in Maine

• Many more venues

People can contact me for details. continued on next page

What do you appreciate most about the Farmington Valley arts community?

I have really enjoyed meeting new artists in the Valley and being part of Canton’s Gallery on the Green. It’s a great establishment and a wonderful guild bringing artists together and giving us a place to exhibit. I wouldn’t have known anyone in the Farmington Valley art world if it weren’t for Gallery on the Green.

Family — Happily married to my husband Hal for 37 years — we have three grown adult sons, a daughter-inlaw and a 3-year-old granddaughter. Further comment — Leferts bio: • Revised from FineArtAmerica.com

Terre’s dual career began with dance and art. Her art career started in a needlepoint shop in 1982 in Greenwich, which led to commission work, collaboration with interior designers, and murals in CT and NY. She attained her bachelor’s degree from NYU in dance and theater — and continued to perform, choreograph and teach dance for 30 years in NYC, MA, Maine and CT.

She moved to Maine, teaching dance at Bates College, Bowdoin College and dance companies in Portland, while raising a family with her husband. During this time she re-established her art career, creating paintings that were featured at various galleries.

Family illness brought her back to CT, where she changed course and attained a degree in therapeutic massage and physical therapy, starting in 2013. Working on the front lines with COVID patients — enabling them to breathe, stand and walk again — has given her a deep appreciation for beauty in all life.

As she nears retirement from fulltime healthcare, she is focusing on her artwork as a full-time occupation. Her studio is in Salisbury CT, and her notecards and prints are available at numerous shops in the Northeast. Terre uses the mediums of oils and pastels mostly, but also uses pen and ink for house renderings.

She takes commissions for pet, home and family portraits, and strives to paint the wonder of the natural world as much as possible. +

Seeking Equity in Education Realm

By Bruce Deckert Editor-in-Chief • Today Magazine

SEEING CLEARLY is a key component of living well and making the best life decisions — and seeing clearly can be a challenge, given a world that is sometimes foggy, and in view of our limited individual perspectives that are impacted by the constraints of our common humanity.

In order to arrive at the best decisions and solutions, we can agree that listening to, learning from and valuing one another’s viewpoints and life experiences are essential parts of the process.

Education is closely connected to this essential skill of seeing clearly — and in light of this, a local nonproft is seeking to make a constructive diference in the school realm.

S.E.E. CT — aka Solidarity-EquityEducation Connecticut — aims to include the perspectives of all students and to see the value of all citizens of every race across American history.

Based in Canton, S.E.E. “aims to address institutionalized racism, bias and other issues of social justice in Connecticut schools and beyond,” per the S.E.E. website.

The nonproft defnes its purpose as follows: “Our mission is to bring together students, parents, educators and community members in solidarity to strive for equity in K-12 curriculum” — while advocating for students who “have been historically underserved and underrepresented.”

Co-founders Felicia Jordan and Cailyn Carr established S.E.E. CT in June 2020. Felicia is a Canton resident, while Cailyn was raised in New Hartford and now resides in Somerville, Mass., a Boston suburb.

Felicia grew up in Waterbury, Conn., and graduated in 1994 from Crosby High, one of Waterbury’s public high schools. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, with a B.A. degree in sociology and social work. Since college, she has lived in California, Colorado and New Jersey.

She is married to Michael T. Jordan, a vice president at Brighthouse

S.E.E. champions underrepresented students

NOTEWORTHY NONPROFITS

about going into certain neighborhoods because of the color of her skin.

She writes of homes being pulled of the market when her parents were house-hunting — because the sellers didn’t want to deal with a black man — and of her mom going alone to make an ofer on a house so the bid would be accepted.

Financial, and they have three schoolage daughters. Michael has written a book — “Mojo Momentum: Creating Motivation for Work, Life and Your Future in a World of Obstacles.” The Jordan family has lived in Connecticut for more than a decade, and in Canton since 2015.

Felicia is the founder of Live Like A Lotus, a Canton-based yoga studio that also ofers life coaching and mindfulness training. In addition, she has a real estate license and has worked for Canton-based Carol Cole Real Estate for the past fve years.

Felicia’s experience as the biracial daughter of a white mom and a black dad have defned her desire for equity and shaped her hopes for greater inclusion of marginalized voices in local schools. She has written about her growing-up experiences for the Elephant Journal website in a June 2020 article entitled “Being Biracial in a Mostly White Town.”

She writes of her need to be careful

And she writes of being “in my childhood home at night while cowards burned crosses on our lawn” — adding that these distressing vignettes are “just a glimpse because there is so much more.”

It’s no wonder that Felicia is fond of this Brené Brown quote: “Brave leaders are never silent around hard things.”

The cross-burnings that occurred in the early-20th-century Jim Crow South were horrifc — yet a cross-burning in Connecticut in the latter 20th century somehow seems even more shellshocking, if that were possible.

Returning to the themes of seeing clearly and listening and learning, in her article Felicia extends an invitation: “If you would like to start a dialogue, to ask questions, to gain an understanding, reach out. … We must begin to embrace change and have empathy because I truly think we have the ability to make this world a much better place — together.”

• S.E.E. co-founder Felicia Jordan addresses a variety of topics and questions in the following exclusive interview with Today Magazine: What is your mission?

Our mission is to bring together students, parents, educators and community members in solidarity to strive for equity in K-12 curriculum. S.E.E. (Solidarity-Equity-Education) believes that every student has the right to a culturally competent education that refects and respects their identities, particularly those that have been historically underserved and

“ We hope to continue to serve our community and the surrounding area as we strive for equity within our education system and beyond ”

— Felicia Jordan

— Felicia Jordan

underrepresented. In order to ensure that this right is upheld, S.E.E. aims to address institutionalized racism, bias and other issues of social justice in Connecticut schools and beyond.

Slogan — Solidarity-Equity-Education

Year Established:

June 2020 — on Juneteenth

Editor’s Note — Juneteenth , celebrated on June 19th , commemorates the efective end of slavery in the United States — Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021

Most fulflling aspect of your work?

Bringing the community together, having conversations that spark change, and having the school district and other larger organizations recognize us and the work that we continue to do.

What are the main factors that motivated you to establish S.E.E. — and to what extent did the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020 impact your decision to launch S.E.E.?

Very much so — however, it was a letter that Cailyn Carr posted, and I saw and reached out to her on Facebook about, that got me very motivated to do something to focus on the equity issues within our schools and how history (or lack thereof) is taught.

This partnership created the foundation for S.E.E. — as well as some of the unfortunate experiences my children had in their schools that sometimes reminded me of my own experiences when I was in upper elementary and middle school — and motivated us to create our S.E.E. petition.

• CLICK HERE — S.E.E. petition Your biggest obstacle, and how you overcome it?

Our biggest obstacle is often when people want to be involved and help with this mission but then do not advocate publicly for change.

Most satisfying accomplishment?

We have had numerous accomplishments that bring the community

together, as well as some pretty well-known educators and leaders from various communities. I think that having others recognize our organization and team up with us on some occasions to ask for our opinion when it comes to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) is a great accomplishment.

Who are a few of the educators and leaders S.E.E. has been connected with?

We have brought leaders such as Kamora Herrington from Kamora’s Cultural Corner of Hartford to do a three-part series at the Canton Public Library.

We have had speakers such as Elsie Gonzalez — director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for CREC (Capitol Region Education Council) — speak on our community Zoom calls. And we have received various insight from local students on how to improve upon their experience by uplifting and valuing the student voice.

S.E.E. has also co-sponsored speaker events with our local public library and will continue to do so. Some of our meetings have also included the support of local leaders, activists, educators and our CT state representative.

Goals for the next 1-5 years?

Our goals remain very much in line with our mission statement — see above. We hope to continue to serve our community and the surrounding area as we strive for equity within our education system and beyond.

Volunteer opportunities:

We may have more opportunities in the future to have volunteers help do some of this work with us and alongside us. We are also considering an internship for high school students.

Besides donations, how is your work funded?

We of course accept donations. We have also raised money using a GoFundMe fundraiser to provide some education through Kamora’s Cultural Corner. Co-founder Felicia Jordan also contributes funds on occasion.

How closely do you work with other agencies/nonprofts?

We would like to work more closely with some other nonprofts. We have held a few events, and we have cosponsored events with the Canton Public Library to increase our reach and increase the attendance for events.

We partner together to share, drive attendance and create community partnership — and the ability to

Felicia Jordan Cailyn Carr

collaborate more with one another vs. each organization doing the work in a silo. We look forward to doing more of that in the future, as well as partnering with other organizations.

What are some events you have held?

Our archived meeting webpage shows a summary of the many meetings we have held and the important leaders who were a part of those meetings — www.ct-see.com/meetings

What do you appreciate most about the Farmington Valley?

The Farmington Valley is great at being a small community — this creates an easily connected community and closeness, but sometimes we get stuck in that mentality.

We can sometimes get stuck in the “close community” feel, and in a sense live in that bubble, but not explore and

realize the bigger world outside of the Valley. Sometimes we miss being open to the diverseness of the wider world we live in.

What constructive change would you like to see in the Valley?

We wish the Farmington Valley area would be more diverse, or more welcoming to diverse populations. That is often said to be the case, but the viewpoint and outspokenness we tend to hear at times proves otherwise. The louder voice is often the one in opposition to equity and solidarity, and this continues to highlight the work we have to do together so the voice that doesn’t speak as loudly can be heard. An article I wrote shares some of my life experiences and the importance of speaking up : www.elephantjournal.com > search: Being Biracial in a Mostly White Town

Steering committee:

• Jenny Abel • Katherine Allen

• Ali Hager • Amy Peltier

— all Canton residents

Co-founders:

Felicia Jordan and Cailyn Carr

Felicia lives in Canton — Cailyn was raised in New Hartford and now lives in Somerville MA, a Boston suburb

Number of employees:

Full-time: 0 — Part-time: 6

Further comment:

We appreciate this opportunity to share a little more about our small nonproft. We look to grow in the years to come by continuing to engage the community with our communitywide conversations, as well as our speaker events and co-sponsorship opportunities. +

ALWAYS

For over 45 years, we’ve provided a safe

caring environment for residents to maintain an optimal quality of life!

1/8 PAGE AD

3.65” wide x 2.4” high

1/8 PAGE AD

3.65” wide x 2.4” high

Pianos

• This is a list of advertising sponsors who have seen the value of investing in Today Magazine’s award-winning journalism as we cover the heart of the Farmington Valley — this is intended to be a comprehensive list

• If you have paid to advertise with Today Magazine but don’t see your business or organization listed, feel free to contact us so we can add you to our Advertiser Hall of Fame — advertise@todaypublishing.net

Anthology Senior Living — 860-546-8037 — Simsbury www.anthologyseniorliving.com > Location

Avon Health Center — 860-673-2521 — Avon www.avonhealthcenter.com

Avon Historical Society — 860-678-7621 — Avon www.avonhistoricalsociety.org

A Teen Edge — 860-593-2822 www.ateenedge.com

Board and Brush — 860-392-8567 — Simsbury www.boardandbrush.com/simsbury

Canton Barn LLC — 860-693-0601 — Canton www.cantonbarn.com

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Canton Food Bank — 860-693-5811 — Canton www.townofcantonct.org

Carmon Funeral Homes — 860-673-8610 www.carmonfuneralhome.com

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Carol Cole Real Estate — 860-212-0687 — Canton www.carolcolerealestate.com

Cherry Brook Health Care Center — 860-693-7777 — Canton www.cherrybrookhcc.com

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Christensen Insurance — 860-651-8236 — Simsbury www.insuranceagentswhocare.com

Christopher Bryant Co. — 860-243-3500 — Bloomfeld www.thechristopherbryantcompany.com

Collinsville Bank — 860-693-6935 — Canton www.collinsvillebank.com

Connecticut Dance Academy — 860-707-4198 — Canton www.ctdanceacademy.com

Connecticut Headshots — 860-263-9277 — Avon www.connecticutheadshots.com

Dynamic Auto Works — 860-693-6359 — Canton www.facebook.com/DynamicAutoCanton

Erica Maglieri: Realtor — 860-324-6842 bhhsneproperties.com/real-estate-agent/757/erica-maglieri

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Fresh Start Pallet Products — 860-266-5726 — Hartford www.freshstartpalletproducts.org

Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce — 860-651-7307 www.simsburycoc.org

Green Door Restaurant — 860-693-9762 — Canton www.41bridgestreet.com

Habitat for Humanity — 860-541-2208 — Hartford www.hfhncc.org

Hartford Symphony Orchestra — 860-246-8742 — Hartford www.hartfordsymphony.org

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HealthMarkets Insurance — 860-307-1128 — Torrington www.healthmarkets.com — Mel Brickman

Hulme & Sweeney Pianos — 860-408-4895 — Simsbury www.hulmesweeneypianoservice.com

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Karedigs.com — 860-379-4340 — Barkhamsted www.karedigs.com

Kerian Home Health Care — 860-851-6267 — Simsbury www.keriancares.com

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Kevin Witkos: State Senator

Landscape Solutions — 860-329-2014 — New Hartford www.landscapesolutionsct.com

Leslee Hill for State Representative

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Lifetime Family Dentistry — 860-605-2075 — Collinsville www.lifetimefamilydentistryct.com

Linda Kessler: Realtor — 860-836-6172 — Avon www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agents

Liza Sivek Marketing — 203-278-5492 www.lizasivekmarketing.com

Maglieri Construction — 860-242-0298 — Bloomfeld www.maglieri-construction.com

Magna Physical Therapy — 860-679-0430 — Avon www.magnapt.com

Maher’s Paint & Wallpaper — 860-678-1200 — Avon + Simsbury www.maherspaintandwallpaper.com

Make It GF — 860-693-1300 — Canton www.makeitgf.com

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Mandel Vilar Press — 806-790-4731 — Simsbury www.mvpublishers.org

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Massage Envy — 860-693-8000 — Canton www.massageenvy.com > Locations

The Master’s School — 860-651-9361 — West Simsbury www.masterschool.org

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McLean — 860-658-3786 — Simsbury www.mcleancare.org

Nails of Envy — formerly Canton + Avon Northwest Community Bank — 860-379-7561 www.nwcommunitybank.com

Odalys Bekanich: Realtor — 860-965-3652 — Avon www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agents

Peggy’s Personalized Promos — 860-379-7775 — New Hartford www.peggys.biz

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Planning Partners LLC — 860-693-9916 — Canton www.planningpartner.com

Raimie Weber Jewelry — 860-409-3400 — Avon www.rweberjewelry.com

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Randy Brolo: Book Author www.lulu.com > Spirit of Delilah

Ravenswood Natural Health — 860-264-1587 — Simsbury www.ravenswoodnaturalhealth.com

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Red Bison General Contractor — 860-810-8581 — Hartford www.nextdoor.com/pages/red-bison-general-contractor-llc-hartford-ct

Richman Business Brokerage — 860-408-9177 — Simsbury www.richmanbusiness.com — formerly The Deal Team

Stone Man Masonry — 860-693-4637 — Canton www.facebook.com/StoneManMasonryCT

Suburban Sanitation Service — 860-673-3078 — Canton www.subsanserv.com

Tom Kutz Photography — 860-693-6254 — Canton www.tomkutzphoto.com

Trading Post — 860-693-4679 — Canton www.tradingpostmusic.com

Transition Fitness Center — 860-398-1449 — Canton www.transition-ftness-center.business.site

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UConn Health — 860-658-8750 www.health.uconn.edu

Up Top Barbershop — 860-658-4499 — Simsbury www.booksy.com > Up Top Barbershop

Vincent Funeral Homes — 860-693-0251 www.vincentfuneralhome.com

Vincent Tully: Realtor — 860-214-3030 www.coldwellbankerhomes.com > Agent

Welden Hardware — 860-658-4078 — Simsbury www.weldenhardware.com

William Raveis — 860-693-2987 — Avon www.raveis.com/agentfnd.asp?smart=1

The Village: Second Chance Shops — 860-236-4511 www.thevillage.org/second-chance-shops ———————————————————————————————