November Newsletter

🎓 The Ethel Walker School – Empowering Girls, Inspiring Leaders

For more than a century, The Ethel Walker School has been shaping confident, compassionate young women right here in Simsbury. With a mission centered on scholarship, integrity, leadership, and service, Walker’s influence extends far beyond its beautiful campus — enriching our community through outreach, partnership, and a shared spirit of excellence.

As a proud Community Champion, The Ethel Walker School continues to lead by example, empowering the next generation to think boldly and act with purpose.
We invite you to enjoy a special video message from Dr. Meera Viswanathan, Head of School, as she reflects on the school’s enduring commitment to education and community.

🚘 Mitchell Auto Group – Excellence Close to Home

We’re proud to celebrate one of our own community partners — Mitchell Volvo Cars of Simsbury, recently named #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the entire United States! This national recognition from Volvo USA reflects the outstanding service, care, and dedication that the entire Mitchell team brings to every customer experience.

For decades, the Mitchell Auto Group has been part of the heartbeat of Simsbury — employing local residents, supporting community programs, and standing behind events like those at Simsbury Farms. Their commitment to excellence extends far beyond the showroom; it’s a reflection of how they do business and how they serve their community.

Congratulations to the Mitchell Volvo team on this remarkable achievement! Stop by their Simsbury location to see firsthand why they’re setting the standard for customer care across the nation.

🚀 Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense — Right for Your Mission, Right for Our Community

For more than a century, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) has been a cornerstone of Simsbury — innovating on a global scale while remaining deeply committed to its people and hometown. Their guiding motto, “Right for Your Mission,” reflects not only technical excellence but also the integrity and dedication that define their company culture.

As one of our valued Community Champions, EBAD continues to support programs that strengthen and inspire our town. We were proud to welcome their employees and families to Simsbury Farms for their annual Summer Family Day, a celebration of teamwork, community, and shared success.

We’re honored to celebrate our ongoing partnership with this exceptional organization — one that continues to reach for the stars while staying firmly rooted in Simsbury.

See a few photos from the EBAD Family – Below

⛸️ Simsbury on Ice – Winter Fun for Everyone!

The Simsbury Farms Ice Rink is where winter magic comes alive! From themed skates and music nights to cocoa bars and community events, there’s something for everyone this season. Bring your family, meet friends on the ice, and enjoy the beauty of Simsbury under the lights.

🇺🇸 Veterans Skate Free

🗓️ Tuesday, November 11 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans skate free — including complimentary skate rentals — during our Family Public Skate. A simple way to say thank you for your service.

☕ Free Hot Cocoa Bar

🗓️ Sunday, November 16 | 2:15 – 4:15 PM
Warm up after a few laps on the ice with a complimentary cup of cocoa, courtesy of the Simsbury Youth Bureau. Nothing says winter fun like skating, friends, and hot chocolate!

🧊 Learn-to-Skate Sampler

🗓️ Sunday, November 30 | 2:15 – 4:15 PM
Curious about lessons? Come try a free mini learn-to-skate class with one of our friendly instructors. All ages welcome — just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure!

🎅 Skate & Share Food Drive

🗓️ Tuesday, December 23 | 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Join us for a heart-warming afternoon of skating and giving back. Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Simsbury Food Pantry.
💲 Skate rentals $5 per person (while supplies last)
Enjoy:

• Ice skating ⛸️

• Hot cocoa & cookies ☕🍪

• A visit from Santa 🎅

🐾 Meet Sonar!

🗓️ Sunday, December 28 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Hartford Wolf Pack’s mascot, Sonar, will be visiting the rink! Stop by for photos, high-fives, and fun with one of Connecticut’s favorite sports icons.

🎧 DJ Skate & Light Show

🗓️ Saturday, January 3 | 8:00 – 10:15 PM
Hit the ice under the lights! Our DJ spins your favorite tunes as the rink transforms into an outdoor dance floor. Skating meets celebration — Simsbury-style!

⚖️ Free Public Skate Presented by BPS Lawyers

🗓️ Saturday, January 24 | 12:15 – 2:15 PM
Thanks to our friends at BPS Lawyers, admission is free for all skaters! Rentals are $5 per person (while supplies last). Grab your family and enjoy a day on the ice — our treat!

🚒 Hero’s Cup: SPD vs SFD Hockey Game

🗓️ Sunday, March 1 | 12:45 – 2:00 PM
Cheer on Simsbury’s Police and Fire Departments as they battle it out for hometown pride! Admission is free — bring your energy and support your heroes on ice.

🌟 “We Hate to See You GLOW” End-of-Season Party

🗓️ Saturday, March 7 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Let’s end the skating season with a splash of color! Join us for our annual glow-in-the-dark skate party featuring music, lights, and glowing smiles everywhere. Don’t miss this Simsbury favorite!

🌟 What’s Happening Around Simsbury!

There’s so much to enjoy this season across Simsbury Culture, Parks & Recreation — from yoga and open gym basketball to cooking, crafting, and kids’ science adventures. Whether you’re looking to move, learn, or create, there’s something for everyone at Simsbury Farms and beyond.
Explore a few of the upcoming programs below — and be sure to visit www.SimsburyRec.com for schedules and registration.

🏀 Sunday Open Gym Basketball

All ages welcome — bring the whole family for open gym fun!
📅 Sundays | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Henry James Memorial School
💲 $3 per person / $10 per family (cash at door)
👉 Learn More →

🧘‍♀️ Yoga with Julie

Find your flow with instructor Julie Erasmus in a calm, supportive environment. Gentle and mixed-level sessions offered weekly.
📅 Mondays & Wednesdays | Morning & Evening Options
📍 Boy Scout Hall
👉 Class Details →

⛹️‍♂️ Over 30 Basketball

Stay active and connect with friends in this fun, friendly pickup league.
📅 Tuesdays | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Latimer Lane & Squadron Line Schools
💻 Pre-registration required.
👉 Register Online →

🍪 Cookie Decorating with Little Owls Bakery

Sweet creativity at its best! Learn royal-icing techniques and design six beautiful cookies to take home.
📍 Apple Barn | Beginner Friendly
📅 Next class dates to be announced soon.
👉 Check for Upcoming Classes →

🍞 Sourdough 101 with Honey Bear Breads

Master the art of sourdough — from nurturing your starter to baking golden loaves.
📅 Session dates TBA | Hands-on class | Limited spots
👉 Watch for Registration →

🏠 Simsbury Celebrates Gingerbread Competition

Bring your imagination (and icing) to the annual gingerbread contest during Simsbury Celebrates!
📅 Entry Deadline: Nov 18 | Event Day: Nov 29
🎟️ All ages welcome.
👉 Rules & Entry Form →

🤸‍♀️ Tumble Tots with Playstrong

Little movers build balance, coordination, and confidence through guided play and tumbling.
📅 Next session dates coming soon.
👉 Program Overview →

⚽ Indoor Street Soccer

Fast-paced futsal-style soccer that keeps kids active and smiling.
📅 Sundays | Ages 6-8 4:00–5:00 PM | Ages 9-13 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Henry James Memorial School Gym
👉 View Schedule →

💃 Dance Classes at Eno Hall

From Fairytale Ballet to Pop Star Jazz, kids learn rhythm and expression through music and movement.
📅 Tuesdays | 4:30 – 6:00 PM (various levels)
📍 Eno Memorial Hall Auditorium
👉 See Class Options →

👩‍🍳 Little Makers – Cooking & Crafting

Creative kids mix, make, and craft in this hands-on Saturday program.
📅 Saturday mornings | Next session TBA
👉 More Info →

🔬 Mad Science Classes

Science comes alive through interactive experiments in chemistry, physics, and engineering!
📅 Upcoming after-school sessions to be announced.
👉 Explore Programs →

🥗 Food Explorer Classes

Young chefs learn to cook and taste their way through new foods and healthy habits.
📅 Fall & Winter sessions coming soon.
👉 See Workshop Details →

🎭 Acting Classes

Confidence takes center stage! Kids explore improv, storytelling, and stage presence in a fun, supportive space.
📅 New session dates TBA.
👉 Get Updates →

🌳 Stay Connected!

Simsbury’s parks, programs, and community events bring neighbors together year-round.
Visit www.SimsburyRec.com for full program listings, registration links, and updates — and we’ll see you out there!

Watch Video HERE

🌳 Simsbury Parks & Recreation: A Year of Energy, Imagination, and Community!

What a year it’s been for Simsbury! From glowing golf balls and summer foam parties to jazz on the Flower Bridge and a record-breaking Easter Egg Hunt, 2025 was packed with laughter, movement, and memories made right here in our hometown. Our Parks & Recreation team continues to prove that when a community invests in recreation, amazing things happen.

⛳ Glowing Greens & Great Times

The Annual Glow Ball Golf Tournament lit up the night on September 19, as golfers teed off under the stars at Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Just a week later, on September 26, the Friends of Simsbury Farms Golf Tournament brought players, sponsors, and neighbors together for a fun-filled day that supports improvements across the entire complex.

🎨 Paint, Sip, and Create

Creativity took center stage with Paint & Sip Nights led by Deborah Leonard Art. Participants painted, laughed, and shared a toast to community art — a reminder that recreation isn’t just about sports, it’s about connection.

🎉 End of Summer Blast

As August came to a close, the End of Summer Blast drew huge crowds for inflatables, food trucks, live music, face painting, and fireworks that lit up the Simsbury sky. It was the perfect send-off to a season of fun at Simsbury Farms.

🏃‍♀️ Junior Cross Country

Middle-school runners in grades 7 and 8 laced up for Junior Cross Country, learning teamwork and perseverance while racing through some of Simsbury’s most scenic trails.

🏊‍♂️ Summer at the Pool

A full summer of camps, swimming, and activities kept Simsbury kids smiling from dawn to dusk. Highlights included Beach Blanket Bingo, a Foam Party, the Hydro Blaster, and the always-popular Lifeguard Olympics — yes, it’s real, and our Simsbury lifeguards rocked it!

🧱 STEAM Camps Using LEGOs

Learning met play at S.T.E.A.M. Camps, where kids built, coded, and engineered their way through summer challenges using LEGOs — sparking creativity and curiosity in equal measure.

🎷 Music in the Air

From Jazz at the Flower Bridge to the Iron Horse Band at Tariffville Green, live music filled the air all season long. Simsbury came together — lawn chairs, picnics, and applause under the stars.

🍦 Ice Cream, Trucks & Community Fun

Whether it was the Ice Cream Social and Community Band at the rink, the crowd-favorite Touch a Truck for kids of all ages, or the Last Day of School Funfest, smiles were everywhere. Each event showcased how recreation brings families together.

🚴 Fitness & Wellness for All

Simsbury kept moving in every possible way — from the Board of Selectmen Bike Ride and Yoga on the Flower Bridge, to the creative Stroller Barre sessions that helped new parents stay active. And for individuals 21+ with disabilities, the Social Sparks Club offered friendship, laughter, and community connection all year long.

🌸 Giving Back & Growing Strong

Through events like the Simsbury Community Cleanup, residents rolled up their sleeves to make town spaces shine. And one of the most beloved traditions, the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, saw over 14,000 eggs hidden across the fields — an event that’s truly become the stuff of Simsbury legend.

💚 A Community That Plays Together, Stays Together

From sunrise yoga to fireworks nights, 2025 proved that Simsbury Culture, Parks & Recreation does far more than manage parks — it builds community. Every event, program, and camp is a reminder of what makes this town special: the people, the partnerships, and the shared joy of coming together.