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New commander shares his vision for Avon VFW Post

By Maria G. O’Donnell

Staff Writer


Members of Avon’s Gildo T. Consolini VFW Post 3272, from left, Brian O’Donnell, Thomas H. Shannon, Eugene Dzialo, Mickey Bennet, Brady Faulkner, and Tim Healy. Photos by Maria G. O’Donnell

The VFW does more than appear in Memorial and Veterans Day parades. They are a resource for community service and support.

Specifically, the Avon VFW Post 3272 provides camaraderie to veterans from various Connecticut towns, and a medley of ages, genders, religions, war theaters, and cultures, with Avon’s post named after an Avon resident born of Italian immigrants. The Gildo T. Consolini Post’s charter is a subset of the National VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) charter and recently installed its new commander for the next two-year term, Tim Healy.

He stated, “We’d like to see more members. All are welcome here. We want to hear your story.”

A Vietnam veteran, Army Sergeant and Infantryman of the Infantry Americal Division, Healy has a vision for the 89-member, non-profit organization that focuses on reaching out to younger veterans in hopes of carrying the torch forward. Additionally, “The main thing is community service and love of country, [and] the big thing is membership,” said Healy. “We have an open invitation to all veterans of foreign wars. Come see us at BeanZ, if you want to get involved,” he said, referring to BeanZ & Co. Café on 300 W. Main St., Avon. The post meets there on Monday and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m.

Healy welcomes those interested to read the Avon post’s newsletter, which can be found on their website, http://www.avonvfw.com/. As commander, Healy must appear at ceremonies and events, and also runs the organization’s meetings, which are held in the evening of every 4th Wednesday of the month at the Prince Thomas of Savoy Society (Italian Club), 32 Old Farms Road, Avon.

Many people are familiar with the presence of veterans on their most visible moments, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades and ceremonies.

Oftentimes, veterans are seen at store fronts running Buddy Poppy Drives, funds with which the VFW “pays for good things in the community, for veterans and their families,” according to Healy, who noted that his post raises $20,000 each year (hoping to double that) to give to various charities. Some include South Park Inn for homeless veterans, Tunxis OASIS (Operation Academic Support for Incoming Servicemembers at Tunxis Community College), dental assistance, and other state veterans’ organizations, as the post’s mission is to help veterans by funding groups that support them.

The Avon Veterans Memorial, located at the town’s center near the police station, commemorates Avon’s veterans. According to Commander Tim Healy, “The post worked with the town to build it, raising over $50,000 for the project.”

In addition, Healy noted that his post can help people needing Veterans Administration (VA) assistance. “We have a lot of skill working with the VA and can help [veterans] navigate it,” he said. The organization also assists at fellow veterans’ funerals. According to Healy, “We celebrate the person’s life and support their families.”

Avon VFW Post 3272 “has traditionally helped bring patriotic values to our community, especially our schools,” according to Healy. He said that the post runs an essay contest for students, who are awarded prizes. Post members also do presentations at schools during Memorial and Veterans Day. Boy Scouts help out by placing American flags on veterans’ graves. The post also has relationships with churches and synagogues – “what can you do for your vets and vice versa.”

As new commander of Avon VFW Post 3272, Healy kept returning to his goal to have younger vets become more involved. “We’re trying to connect their time to ours and work to make it easier to connect their community with ours,” he said. “If you’re not organized, no one will look out for your interests.”

Healy understands that the younger vets may not be able to join them for coffee in the morning or may have difficulty attending monthly evening meetings due to their work schedules. “What works for you?” He offered, “Do your thing on your time, your venue. We’ll help with funding. Invite us [older veterans] to help build their own community: Get input and get to know each other and come up with something for them on their terms.” The group encourages women veterans to join, as well.

At Beanz one Monday morning, Healy gathered with five other Vietnam veterans as part of the post’s twice weekly place to meet. Of his comrades, he said, “Everybody here put his life on the line. You only appreciate life if you’ve almost lost it.”

Joining Healy were Brian O’Donnell of West Hartford, a Sergeant in the Army’s Helicopter Unit; Thomas H. Shannon of Collinsville, Army Captain as Combat Engineer; Eugene Dzialo of Avon, Air Force Sergeant and Weapons Control Mechanic for F105 Fighter Bombers; Mickey Bennet of Avon, Air Force Sergeant and Aircraft Fuel System Technician for B-52 Bombers (and any aircraft fuel system); and Brady Faulkner of Bloomfield (originally from North Carolina), Marine Sergeant and Payroll Auditor, who “played grunt during my off-days,” he said, adding jokingly, “A Sergeant in the Marine Corps. is the same as General in the Air Force or Navy.”

O’Donnell chuckled in response, then noted somberly, “We’re not just a lot of old guys drinking beer; we do community service work.” Additionally, he is arranging a trip to The Wall (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) in Washington, DC for Veterans Day, where they will read off the names on The Wall. The trip is open to all veterans.

Healy added, “We’re not just a club; we’re involved with each other and the community.” With this comment as a springboard to his own thoughts, Bennett emphasized that veterans truly are a “Band of brothers. It’s not a myth. There’s camaraderie in the military, and when the war’s over, we support each other. We share stories about the military no one would understand. It’s not Hollywood movies. Some of still have it [war] in here.” He pointed to his head. “When the rockets come down, there’s no place to hide, no safe place. After a couple of months, you give up worrying about dying. You do what you gotta do.” A dedicated member of the VFW for 50 years, Bennett has been with the organization since 1971, commander from ‘75 to ’76, and is now service officer for the VFW.

“It changes the way you look at folks,” Healy noted, “and the value of life, when you almost lose it.”

Faulkner added, “We appreciate and love this country more than most because we’ve seen the other side.” But he readily acknowledged appreciation goes both ways. “I moved here eight years ago from North Carolina. Connecticut is very, very friendly toward vets; they really appreciate vets here.”

“Especially Canton and Avon,” said Dzialo.

“Very generous,” said Faulkner.

Healy recalled one poppy drive when someone told him, “Thank you for your service.” He didn’t know quite how to respond at first, then said, “You’re worth it, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Dzialo chimed in, “It may take us longer – we can’t run as fast!”

The veterans also praised the VA in Newington and West Haven and how it’s vastly improved over the years. “Everyone’s happy with it and pleased with the level of care,” said Healy. Bennet said, “It’s a world of difference now with the VA.”

Shannon added that both the VA and treatment of vets in general have changed drastically over the past half-century. Whereas, back then, “medical care was less than minimal standards,” said Shannon, now, “it’s changed for the better.” So has veteran/civilian relations. “Fifty years ago, I wouldn’t advertise the fact that I was a Vietnam vet and get spit on and called ‘baby killer.’ A half-century has changed the whole veteran/civilian way of getting along with each other.”

Healy added “The VFW has something to do with that – not single-handedly, but had something to do with it.”

Healy wanted to remind the public that there are 20 veterans who commit suicide every day, and that trauma issues run deep. He said there are three levels of trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); “moral injury,” where you’re asked to do something wrong, i.e., kill someone; and “soul injury,” where your very existence is called into question, according to Healy. “That’s the toughest one to deal with, your reason to be alive.”

Healy noted the dangers of “not having a venue to talk about this stuff. Talking out things marshals resources within yourself to overcome it.” Like Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, they “rely on a higher power; you can’t do it without that. It gets you outside of yourself. You have a right to be here. We want to be as helpful as we can and let them wrestle with their demons – if they wish. There’s no forcing here.”

Other noteworthy resources for veterans include the memorial at the town’s center near the police station, commemorating Avon’s veterans; 200 histories of VFW members compiled by member Bill Newman (stored at Avon Library); CCSU’s “Veterans History Project,” providing soldiers’ name, branch, war and photos; St. Ann’s Church whose Avon cemetery contains a stately memorial developed by Bill Newman; and the state’s veterans cemetery in Middletown containing walls of cremated veterans’ remains. VL

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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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