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Avon woman recognized as 60 Strong Ambassador

By Maria G. O’Donnell

Staff Writer

At 66, Gail Gillman Elansky doesn’t mind sharing her age. The Avon resident recently became one of 12 winners to be featured in the 2021 “Central Connecticut 60 Strong” calendar.

These 60 Strong Ambassadors, between ages 60 and 69, will appear in the calendar “that highlights events and activi‌‌- ties around Hartford, and serves as a roadmap to good health,” according to a press release. Whether the candidates overcame health issues or dedicated their lives to helping others, “each one has a unique story to tell,” stated the release, “and they all exemplify how life after 60 can be a positive, vibrant and active time.”

This describes Elansky to a “T.” Unbeknownst to her, an acquaintance had nominated her, and when Elansky found out she was qualified, “I was quite surprised,” she said. The organization sponsoring 60 Strong is Starling Physicians, who launched Starling Senior Care Advantage, a new program designed to keep seniors active and help them navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage and other healthcare decisions, stated their release.

Elansky heard from one of Starling’s representatives. She said they “explained their mission and verified that I was qualified to be nominated,” adding that she felt “humbled” by winning the role of a 60 Strong Ambassador. She was asked to be an Ambassador for three-year time period to promote the organization’s mission. “Inspiration is important,” she noted.

60 Strong contests have occurred at different locations around the country. Elansky said that after their focus on Central CT, their next stop was Buffalo, NY, where they chose a charity with which to send the 60 Strong calendar sales proceeds. Connecticut’s beneficiary is Foodshare, which speaks to Elansky’s volunteer interests.

Her volunteer work takes on the themes of children, the elderly, and food insecure. “I truly love children,” said Elansky. “I didn’t have the opportunity to have any; they’re our future.”

During her previous social work experience, she led a program in gerontology and focused on seniors’ need for socialization. She has also been involved with House of Bread, which started as a soup kitchen. Additionally she’s been a “celebrity guest reader” at Noah Webster School, has worked with Camp Courant, and has volunteered for over 25 years with the Share our Strength – Taste of the Nation event to feed local kids. Her other special organizations are Cherish the Children Foundation, the Hartford Hospital Partnership for Breast Care, and Tara’s Closet.

In addition to qualifying due to her dedication to helping others, Elansky has also overcome serious health issues with her eyes. She was diagnosed 25 years ago with an untreatable form of glaucoma. Way too young to contract this condition of high eye pressure, Elansky lost 95% of her optic nerve before she was even diagnosed. Additionally, she developed cataracts and had two detached retinas. This resulted in many eye operations, followed by lifetime appointments to an eye specialist every 3 to 6 months, and “it’s under control, thank God,” she said.

According to her 60 Strong essay, “I am beyond grateful to say I am doing GREAT! I view my eyesight challenges as a wakeup call. I stay in shape, keep a positive outlook, rarely complain, and never stop moving forward.”

That goes for her husband, David, too. “He’s another example,” Elansky said. “He just turned 79, and if you saw him, he looks like he’s in his 60s. He plays tennis four times a week. He’s the Energizer Bunny. He still has a 32” waist.” The two love to garden together as they find it very important to be outside and get fresh air. Elansky noted that her husband often gardens after playing tennis.

Although they don’t have children, they have two “four-legged children,” according to Elansky. That would be their dogs, Chloe Elizabeth (Cockapoo) and Rafael “Raffie” Nadal (yes, named after the tennis player because of her husband’s love for tennis, and the pup is of Cuban descent – a Havanese.)

Needless to say, the two are never bored. For Elansky, in fact, even being retired for a year after 40 years in advertising, “I don’t know how I had time to work,” she said, noting that she cares for her 97 & 1/2-year old mother (a two-time breast cancer survivor) almost daily and is very active in numerous activities.

In addition to her volunteerism, she’s working on a book, Only But Not Lonely that features only children, or “O.C.’s” as she calls them. She is one herself. But she’s reached out to other O.C.’s to solicit their contributions. Elansky said, “I’ve always wanted to write this book because I totally believe that only children are very different. We view ourselves differently; we’re viewed differently. There’s a lot of misconceptions and there’s a lot of jokes, but they’re right, they’re correct.”

No stopping there. She also plans a children’s series that she’s “been scribbling down for as long as I can remember,” Elansky said. Because she loves dogs, she believes it will be a “fun way to teach a child a lesson using a dog, whether it be about bravery or trying a new food. They’re very cute.” They’ll be dedicated to Chloe, Rafael, and (her now-deceased Bichon Lhasa) Oreo.

As a 60 Strong Ambassador, her advice to others in her decade? “Attitude is everything. And no one wants to be with you if you’re complaining or not a happy camper. There’s always somebody worse and there’s always someone that you can help. If you have a good attitude you definitely just feel better. I don’t look at age, in fact, I’m proud to say how old I am because it surprises people.”

She emphasized, “Age is totally irrelevant...It’s how you live your life – what you do and everything that you can do. And there’s so much out there to do. That’s the other thing. Be involved. Your days go by faster, your heart is full, your mind is active.”

Elansky lauded 60 Strong: “It’s very smart of them to bring awareness...It’s a way to keep healthy, to show that you just keep going. You’re 60? Big deal. Be healthy, be active, be involved. Don’t give up. Give back. And take care of yourself. I think it’s a very smart, subtle program to remind you of all that.”

Final advice? “Use it or lose it, man!” VL

Note: The 60 Strong Ambassadors will be making their first “virtual” appearance next month. They will share their stories and give advice to other seniors at a free “virtual” Medicare Shop and Compare event on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Anyone can RSVP by visiting www.CentralCT60Strong.com and clicking the Medicare events tab.

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Canton Community Health Fund Applications Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton...

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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