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Volunteer Spotlight: Harvey Dutil, former educator, is key part of Farmington Valley Relay For Life

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer


Let’s just get this out of the way right now. Farmington resident Harvey Dutil insists that he’s 80 years old, even when pressed for his real age.

He says he gets it a lot - that he looks at least 20 years younger than he really is, despite having battled cancer twice, colon cancer in the late 1990s and bladder cancer recently.

So you have to take Dutil, who was an educator in Farmington for decades, first as an elementary school principal, then as a third-grade teacher in the mid to late ‘90s before retiring, at his word.

Since his retirement, Dutil has been active as an indefatigable volunteer with the American Cancer Society, helping organize what’s now called the Farmington Valley Relay For Life, one of the biggest relays in the country.

The Farmington Valley LIFE talked to Dutil recently about his career, his health, why he moved to town and what keeps him so active within the relay community.

How are you doing?

I’m doing great all the way around. They removed my bladder, and there’s just a lot of follow up, I’ve got to have these X-rays, but I’m feeling fine and everything is all right.


Now you say you’re 80, I wouldn’t have guessed that at all.

I hear that a lot. [laughs] … I will send you a picture of my driver’s license.

Tell me about how you moved to Farmington?

I came to Farmington as principal of Noah Wallace School in 1976. I was principal there for nine years. Then I was principal at West District School for 10 years. Then my goal was to go back to my roots and go back to teaching. With five years to go before retiring, I had too much of the three Ps: parents, phone and paper. And not enough of the P that I went into the business for: pupils. So I went back to teach third grade for five years at East Farms School.


So you made the circuit in town, you only missed Union School for all the elementary schools in Farmington.

My wife [Judy] was teaching at Union at the time, so we had it all wrapped up.


Now forgive me, but do I detect a hint of a ‘New England’ accent?

I grew up in the state of Maine and I got my bachelor’s degree at what was then Gorham State Teachers College and then went up to get a master’s degree in educational administration at the University of Maine in Orono. Then after five years of doing that, I wanted to get a PhD and I was teaching at Gorham State. I had a choice to go back to the University of Maine or take an opportunity at the University of Connecticut.

And that’s what we did.


You’re not one of those horrible Red Sox fans are you?

I’m not really a baseball fan. I lost faith in baseball many years ago. I lost interest in baseball when they first went on strike.


What do you like about living here?

Farmington is a great community, great education system, a lot of nice people it’s close to Hartford for what’s going on here, and it’s close to the Berkshires or whatever. It’s a very nice community. A lot of caring people in this town.


What do you like to do when you aren’t volunteering.

I enjoy a good round of golf, but that doesn’t happen often. I enjoy sports, primarily football. UConn basketball, I enjoy watching women’s sports more than men’s sports. I do a lot of tinkering around, home repairs for my kids and friends. But to be honest with you, volunteering takes up a lot of my time.


What led you to start volunteering and is it just for the American Cancer Society?

We’ve done volunteering for other places, not so much for the last year or two, but we have a place up in Maine and we volunteer at the church up there and at the fuel bank. And here we volunteer with St. Patrick’s Church. I got involved with the American Cancer Society, I was retired and had been doing little odd jobs for realtors getting houses ready for the market. A friend who works at the American Cancer Society said you ought to volunteer. And I said what am I going to do? And at that time they ACS had these huge galas, $250-a-plate deals and the honorary chairs were Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma. He said you like UConn sports, you can maybe help out with the committee. They need someone with a logistical bent, and so I did that for five years. Then they stopped doing the gala, and from there I started doing work with a program Coaches vs. Cancer, and I traveled around the state to all the athletic directors and basketball coaches to run fundraising programs at a game or during the season.

I enjoyed that and I spent many days riding around the state in my truck by myself. Then 12 years ago, I went to Relay For Life in Farmington and I said, boy this is what I really want. This is dealing with real people, local people and it fits into my yearly plan and I can go to Maine and Florida. So 11 years ago I started with Relay for Farmington.


When did it switch over from Farmington to the Farmington Valley?

As it grew, it was Farmington then I focused on recruiting students and I contacted Avon and we got Avon High School involved and from there it went to Lewis Mills and from there it went to Canton and from there to Simsbury and we changed the name to reflect our greater participation. 


Why did you choose the ACS?

I was a cancer survivor at the time. I’ve had cancer twice. I had prostate cancer 25 years ago. My mother died of cancer. So there’s been cancer around me all my life. I was looking for something meaningful, so way of giving back to the community. So this just fit in nicely.


What’s your role for relay?

It pretty much encompasses much of the year. I’m the tri-chair, my major responsibilities are recruiting and it encompasses the whole year. When the Relay is over in May, generally, I don’t do a lot during the summer, but during the fall I start contacting principals and community organizations, setting up to do presentations to the students or organizations. In January and February, I’m putting together PowerPoints I’m going to use, and in February and March and April, I’m doing presentations for groups and after that I’m preparing for Relay.

My wife says it’s full time. It’s spread out through the year – a lot of contacts and presentations.


Where do you get the energy to do that?

I get energized by seeing people succeed. Helping a group of people, organize, raise money. … Seeing a group of people, kids or adults, get together and use some of the strategies or fundraising ideas I put out, and being successful, that’s what energizes me. That’s what keeps me going. That’s what I enjoyed being a principal. I enjoyed seeing teachers and kids be successful after something I had taught them or led them to.


How has the community responded to the Relay for Life’s efforts?

Absolutely fantastic. Ten years ago we raised $125,000 and every year since then it’s increased. In 2018 and 2019 out of 3,000 relays across the U.S. we were No. 4. In 2018 we raised $625,000 and in 2019, we raised $633,000. In the 20 years Farmington has had a relay, we’ve raised $5.18 million. The very first relay they raised $40,000. 


What do you say to the people who say the salaries at the ACS are too high or that not enough money goes to funding of research to find a cure?

Money goes to more than just an executive salary. My understanding is 78% of the money goes to programming. It’s more than research. It’s only one part of what the ACS does. They spend more money on patient services, which is providing rides and counseling for families and patients and that kind of thing. [Dutil explains the 23% of the funds raised go back into organizations like Relay for Life in East Hartford, which handles a lot of administrative tasks so other relays can function.]


The pandemic has affected virtually every event this year, Relay being no different. How do you feel about the modified event Relay held this year?

I think it was very successful. We had a drive-in style relay and to my knowledge it was the only one of the 3,000 across the country had that approach. Many held virtual relays. Our goal … was to somehow, somewhere have the event that honored survivors, recognized caregivers and honored people who worked to fundraise. We were determined to have it somewhere somehow. The only things I’ve heard were just phenomenal. It worked out real well. VL


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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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