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Farmington council proclaims day for Eagle Scout Madeline Rivard; honors advocate Sally Smelski
Summary
The Farmington Town Council recognized Madeline Rivard as the town’s first female Eagle Scout and presented the Human Rights Award to local advocate Sally Smelski for her work supporting neurodivergent children. The recognitions were presented at the council’s Dec. 9 meeting before routine business.
Farmington — The Town of Farmington’s Town Council honored two local residents at its Dec. 9 meeting, presenting a proclamation for 2025 Eagle Scout Madeline Rivard and awarding the Farmington Annual Human Rights Award to Sally Smelski.
Madeline Rivard was recognized in a proclamation read at the meeting that cited her attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout on Feb. 25, 2025, and named Dec. 9, 2025 as Madeline Rivard Day in Farmington. The proclamation noted Rivard’s service with Scouts BSA Troop 1163 and referenced her project supporting English‑as‑a‑Second‑Language students through a new library and literacy activities. A state citation from the Connecticut General Assembly — read at the meeting and introduced as presented by Martin Learing on behalf of Rep. Mike D’Amico and other legislators — reiterated congratulations for Rivard’s achievement.
The council also presented the Farmington Annual Human Rights Award to Sally Smelski for decades of service to children with autism and other neurodivergent needs. Commission members described Smelski’s salon, Cuts for Peanuts, and a new online resource called Kindly Listed that connects parents and caregivers to inclusive businesses, agencies and activities. The Human Relations Commission said Kindly Listed has had more than 60,000 visits since June, reflecting local demand for inclusive services. Smelski told the council that caregivers need support and that “being inclusive is simple. It’s opening up your heart, and it’s learning about the community instead of being afraid of it.”
Council members praised both honorees and noted the town held a short recognition ceremony in the pavilion earlier in the evening. The agenda continued after the presentations with routine business, appointments, and budget and capital‑project items.
The pronouncements and award presentations were delivered in public session; no formal vote was required to present the honors.
