The Avon Historical Society announces that it has launched a monthly podcast entitled AVON TALKS which will feature episodes relating to local history, landmarks, and events both historic and modern that shape the community in which we live.

AVON TALKS is the creation of Avon resident, Ethan Guo, a rising Freshman at Tufts University.  His plan is to spread Avon history in an entertaining and immersive way, to engage historians, professionals, and residents who will share new perspectives of Avon history with intriguing stories in order to provoke thoughtful conversations. According to Guo, “History is an integral part of any community. To me, Avon Talks is a way to further connect the Avon community through shared narratives and stories of the people and places around town."

There will be four main theme areas.  The first theme will be “Avon Historical Narratives” which will feature individual stories of noteworthy Avon residents both current and past.  These will be eye-opening episodes that will show the personality, sincerity, and charisma of the local residents who love this town.  The second theme will be “Avon Historic Buildings/Landmarks/Sites” which will showcase all aspects of history surrounding us be it in the architecture of a structure or land and its use or the importance of indigenous sites of the ancient past.  The third theme will be “Avon Historical Events/Initiatives in Context” which will explore important events, organizations, and periods in Avon’s history.  Professionals and history experts specializing in an era will help contextualize the event within the greater context of Connecticut, America, and the world.  The fourth theme will be “Modern Avon History” which will feature a diverse cast of guests from those who are involved in today’s issues both local and national.  It is envisioned that these monthly podcasts will alternate topics and guests.

AVON TALKS podcasts are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Google Podcasts, Podcast Index and Amazon Music. The Avon Historical Society is the sole owner of the rights to the programming, and all guests’ comments are their own and not necessarily those of the Society.  Anyone wishing to suggest a podcast subject for any of the four themes is encouraged to contact the Society at: [email protected] or leave a detailed message at 860-678-7621.

2023

The first themed podcast launched on July 4, featuring Nora Howard, Avon Town Historian, and Terri Wilson, president of Avon Historical Society.  They spoke on the initiation of AVON TALKS as a new educational medium to share stories and events in Avon, CT’s long history.

The second podcast launched on August 14th in which Cal Miller and Brian Malone introduced the foundation and formation of Miller Farms as well as its current pet food business in Oma’s Pride and its charity Miller Farms Cares.

The September 2023 podcast featured Imam Safwan Shaikh and Dr. Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, who introduced us to the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center and its growing role in the Farmington Valley community.

The October 2023 edition of AVON TALKS, the podcast focuses on Prince Thomas of Savoy. Join us with Chris Cody and Paul Rotondo as we introduce the Prince Thomas of Savoy Italian social club, its over-century-long history, and its role within the Avon, Farmington Valley, and Connecticut communities.

Join us for the November 2023 podcast with Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson as we introduce the role of the town manager, break down the structure of Avon's local government, and discuss the importance of civic engagement at all levels of government.

The final December podcast of 2023 features a discussion with Art Custer, the head of the History Department at Avon Old Farms as we explore the school’s founding, introduce its history in relation to Avon, and the role the school has had on generations of students from across the nation and world.

2024

The first podcast of 2024 is with Jay Willerup, the current board president of the Friends of Heublein Tower, as we explore the tower’s founding story, introduce its history, discuss some of the notable United States presidents that have graced its halls, and examine its current community impact in the 21st century.

The second podcast of the year is with Robert Summers, the former Avon Athletic Director and founder of the Avon Athletics program, as we explore the tangential history of Avon athletics with the Avon High School, the development of different sports teams, and the long-term impact it has had on generations of Avon students.

The third podcast of 2024 focuses on the development of the Avon Free Public Library.  It features Glenn Grube, the director of Avon Free Public Library and Cal Miller of Miller Farms. The Avon Free Public Library has had a long history, from being transplanted across the town to developing an evolving identity as the needs of libraries and information literacy have changed with the digital age.

April's podcast is about the Avon Lions Club and Heidi Zacchera. The Lions first formally made their presence felt here, in Avon, CT, in 1951, and have since then become a cornerstone of charitable social service within the community. To talk more about this journey with us is Heidi Zacchera, the president of the Avon Lions Club since 2004.

Podcast #11 features the Farmington Valley Arts Center . Joining us to discuss the visionary history of this arts center and its impact on Avon and Valley life are Carol Kaplan, the current Executive Director of the center, and Melissa Meredith, a current member of the board of directors.

In Podcast #12, Ethan interviews Bruce Deckert, the founder and editor-in-chief of Today Publishing, to discuss the rapidly transforming landscape of print publishing and media digitization in Avon and the Farmington Valley.

Podcast #13 includes a conversation with Janet Carville of The Pickin Patch Farm, a lifelong resident of Avon who talks about the devastating flood of 1955. 

Podcast #14, the last episode of 2024 features the Avon Volunteer Fire Department with Bruce Appell and James DiPace. 

Thanks for listening!

Want to stay up to date with Avon Talks? Send an email to [email protected] to join the newsletter.

Or, for more information, contact Ethan Guo, 860-387-8138 or Terri Wilson, President, 860-798-0918

The AVON TALKS logo is courtesy of Priscilla Tonkin Marshall and is her own design. Given with permission.