Volunteer! ~ Park & Rec Fall Program Guide
_________________________ Board of Selectmen Highlights ~ First Selectman's Message
Robert Bessel
08/16/23
Dear Residents,
Summer Celebrations Canton will transform into celebration central in the final two weeks of August. Starting this weekend (August 18 & 19) with the Canton Fire Corporation’s Lobster Fest, we continue with the Lobster Loop 5K race and a free, all-ages performance by the world-renowned dance troupe Pilobolus at Mills Pond Park – both on Sunday, August 27. The following Friday, September 1, the National Poetry Festival kicks off in the town hall auditorium with reading by national and international poets. Of course, they’re coming here! Here’s the lineup: August 18 & 19 Lobster Fest August 27 Lobster Loop Race Pilobolus Dance Troupe – Balance Class at 5, Performance at 6 September 1 National Beat Poetry Festival Be there and Make it Canton! Food Waste Collection Service Since launching our food waste collection service on August, 135 starter kits have been distributed to Canton residents. The kits are designed to help residents collect food waste in their homes before bringing it to the Town Transfer Station. From there, we haul the food waste to Quantum Biopower in Southington where it is processed into clean fuel. This process removes a significant amount of waste from landfills out of state – almost 30% if every home in Canton participates. It also helps our town reduce its carbon footprint. If you would like to participate but don’t have a transfer station permit, you can get a one-day pass for $10. Call 860-693-7863 for details. If you would like to try composting on your own, the Town Sustainability Committee has plenty of details to help you. Please click here. Let’s scrap food waste! A Force for Good Have you heard about Canton’s non-profit organization that has accumulated a 100 year record of helping our community? This year alone, the Canton Community Health Fund made donations to: • Canton Emergency Fuel Bank • Canton Fire & EMS Department • Canton Food Bank • Canton High School’s annual Substance-Free Graduation Event • Canton Parks & Recreation • Canton Police Department • FAVRAH: The Arc of the Farmington Valley • Focus on Canton • Gifts of Love • Healing Meals Community Project • A Promise to Jordan • SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center • Dr. Diters Memorial Scholarships This Canton-based foundation accepts gifts and bequests from individuals, organizations and businesses for the benefit of all Canton residents. This year alone, the Canton Community Health Fund distributed nearly $45,000 in grants and scholarships to promote the health, safety and well-being, and to individuals pursuing careers in a health-related field. To find out more, visit the Canton Community Health Fund web and Facebook pages. The more you learn, the prouder you will be!
Be well, Bob Bessel
Town of Canton