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Moms for Liberty event permit generates strong reaction in Avon

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer

AVON – Several town officials and area residents are planning a peaceful protest outside a scheduled Oct. 21 event sponsored by a group that has been called “extremist” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Moms for Liberty – Hartford County Chapter has scheduled a lecture/seminar titled “Parental Rights: What’s The Controversy?,” with tickets running $25 to $125.

While the group reportedly sometimes books more than one location, it has pulled a permit to hold the event at the Avon Senior Center.

The event’s featured speaker is author James Lindsay, a self-described expert in Critical Race Theory, followed by a panel discussion featuring “constitutional attorneys, physicians and state legislators,” moderated by political analyst Todd Wood, the editor in chief of CD Media, according to an online flier.

The national Moms for Liberty group has its roots as an anti-mask and anti-vaccine group during the pandemic and has mushroomed into 130,000 members and 30 chapters in 47 states, according to Salon.com. In addition to pressing for conservatives to win local school board elections, the far-right-wing organization advocates for “parents rights” and seeks to ban books and materials on, among other things, LGBTQ issues, sexual identity, race and racism and diversity, according to the outlet.

So far the organization has been successful in having books banned from local and school libraries nationwide, a troubling trend for many Avon officials and residents who say the M4L (as it’s sometimes called) agenda has no place in town or the area.

“I think it’s out of touch for the Farmington Valley,” state Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-Avon) said. “I hear from people all over the Farmington Valley, even beyond my district. And we trust our teachers. We have wonderful Boards of Education; we have some of the best schools in the nation. This is completely out of step with the overwhelming majority of the parents we have in this community. Why come here? I don’t understand why, honestly. It’s incredibly out of step with parents here.”

“[M4L] peddles intolerance and espouses hateful views that are disturbingly anti-inclusivity, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-factual history, anti-diversity, anti-decency and, in my opinion, thoroughly anti-American,” Town Council Chairman Dan Polhamus said in a Facebook post. “This group aims to implement these views through censoring books in libraries and by influencing local elections with the goal of controlling local school boards and governments.

“These people are not representative of the Avon I know and love.”

Polhamus urged parents to do their own research and to reject the M4L agenda.

M4L’s website says that its mission is to “empower moms to raise patriots and promote liberty for the healing of America.” It says that it does not seek to ban books, but looks to have material available where it’s age-appropriate, according to Hartford chapter chairwoman, Manju Gerber of Avon, who did not respond to a request to comment but was recently interviewed by Law Enforcement Today.

“After all, would you give a 6-year-old child an assignment to read Homer, Shakespeare, or even JD Salinger? Of course not, because they are not age-appropriate books for 6-year-olds. They are not ready to handle that type of material,” she told the outlet.

Kavros DeGraw and local young-adult author Carrie Firestone say the end result is the same: book banning on topics related to the most vulnerable groups.

“They’re affecting my industry profoundly,” Firestone said. “The first thing I encourage people to do is to take a look at the books they are calling out on their website and in their chapters. You’ll notice a theme. The books they are calling out across the board are books written by LGBTQ authors or authors with LGBTQ+ characters, calling out specifically Black authors, or books with Black-focused content including pivotal moments in Black history and calling out immigrant authors or authors from immigrant communities.

“There’s a theme here. As an author I’m seeing my colleagues who are on that list not getting calls from schools for school visits because they don’t want the school to have to deal with issues. So my colleagues who rely on school visits for their income — colleagues who are loved and are respected, esteemed in the kid-lit world — are now suddenly finding they don’t have work.”

Not all officials, however, entirely oppose M4L’s appearance.

“This is the first I’ve heard of this event,” state Sen. Lisa Seminara (R-Avon) said in a statement. “Avon residents know that I support a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment for all students. I also champion the protection of local control of education and parental involvement in our schools. In addition, I strongly believe in our First Amendment right to freedom of speech in all its forms, including the freedom to peacefully protest.”

While efforts to reach Gerber were unsuccessful, an individual claiming to be a spokesperson for M4L called this reporter from an unknown number and asked to have questions emailed to her.

The offer was declined as it wouldn’t be known who was responding to the questions and did not invite follow-up questions, the spokesperson — who declined to give her name when asked — asked how this reporter found out about the event.

Which brought up another question from Kavros DeGraw. The group’s modus operandi, according to Kavros DeGraw, is to book multiple locations in an area and then tell attendees hours before the event where it’s taking place. That, Kavros DeGraw said, is a way to throw off protestors.

If the organization is so popular and its message so reasonable, why go to such lengths to keep event locations a secret, Kavros DeGraw asked.

The flier for the Oct. 21 event does not provide a location, and the ticket portal on Eventbrite says attendees will be notified of the location 12 to 24 hours before it takes place. The Valley Press obtained the permit taken out by Gerber for the Avon Senior Center’s community room for Oct. 21. The event, according to the permit, will run from 1:45 to 4 p.m.


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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

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. 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 in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). 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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