Community Access: Recent Episodes

The River 105.9 (WHCN-FM)

Find out what's going on in Connecticut this weekend and in the coming weeks.

We spoke with Dr. Jean Weigert and Dr. Efaza Siddiqui from Jefferson Radiology about the importance of taking care of your health and getting tests to stay ahead of any potential cancer.

We spoke with Sarah DiMeo-Carabetta from Acts 4 Ministry about their involvement in the Birdies for Charity program at Travelers. Acts 4 Ministry, which started in 2002, provides essential items like clothing, housewares, and furniture to those in need. They have collected and redistributed over 10,000 square feet of goods. Sarah shares a personal story about a single mother and her daughters, which inspired their "Sleep Well" program, providing over 3,000 new beds to children.

We spoke with Perkin Simpson from Generation Power CT, formerly known as Operation Fuel. Perkin explains their mission to assist individuals with energy, fuel, water, and electricity bills, and provides education and advocacy. They experienced a record number of applications, with nearly 4,000 in nine days, leading to some being denied due to lack of funds. Generation Power CT serves all of Connecticut, helping people in 165 of the state's 169 towns.

We spoke with Cat Clark from the Racquets for Life Foundation (RFL) about their Birdies for Charity program. RFL provides after-school and summer tennis programs for Hartford Public Schools students, including a graduation ceremony where participants receive rackets and balls. They also support individuals with disabilities, such as Asian A with cerebral palsy and a girl on the autism spectrum. Kat shares her personal background in tennis and the foundation's plans for future events.

We spoke with Sarah McDonagh from the Bridgeport Rescue Mission explains their services, including a food pantry, housing programs, and addiction recovery, noting higher needs in Bridgeport compared to state averages. They also operate a free community health clinic in partnership with Sage. Sarah emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around addiction and invites the community to support their upcoming event on July 28.

We spoke with Megan Wells from RISP Inc., a Bloomfield-based nonprofit focused on youth development, veteran assistance, and community needs. RISP hosts tournaments across New England, raising funds for various organizations. The program emphasizes the importance of sports in building skills like communication and teamwork. They also plan to launch "Beyond the Bases," a year-round initiative to develop athletic skills and community involvement in Bloomfield and surrounding towns.

We spoke with Carrie Taylor from the Windsor Historical Society about the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% bonus to donations made before the Travelers Championship ends. Carrie emphasizes the relevance of local history, highlighting Windsor's status as Connecticut's first English settlement in 1633 and its ongoing history. Upcoming events include a Benjamin Franklin talk and a national read-aloud of the Declaration of Independence on July 8. Carrie encourages community engagement and civic participation, promoting events like the town-wide celebration on July 2.

We spoke with Lauren Messner from the We Before Me Foundation discusses their mission to make youth hockey accessible, particularly through scholarships and an intramural program with Covenant Preparatory Academy. The foundation, founded by Duncan Fletcher, aims to provide equal opportunities for all players, including equipment, ice time, coaching, and tournament expenses. They plan a fundraiser at New Park Brewing on September 24.

We spoke with Dave Kinahan and Lauren Messner from Connecticut CASA, an organization that trains volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers, like Dave, work closely with the child, family, and other stakeholders to ensure the child's best interests are met. Donations support the training and supervision of these volunteers. CASA has over 150 active cases in Connecticut, primarily serving children aged 10 to 18.

We spoke with Steve Boyle about the origins of 2-4-1 Sports, a nonprofit promoting multi-sport participation, which transitioned to a nonprofit in 2021, expanding its reach significantly. They emphasize the importance of not specializing in one sport early and the benefits of social-emotional learning through sports. Steve highlights their work in underserved areas, including Baltimore and Hartford, and their various sports programs, such as Ultimate Team Handball and fencing.

We spoke with Andrew Montgomery about Sarah's Hope, a charity launched in memory of his daughter Sarah, who passed away from a rare blood cancer. Sarah's story gained attention through her TikTok updates, and the charity aims to raise $100,000 over five years, with $30,000 already raised. The charity is linked to Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund, where Sarah received treatment. An upcoming event, Art Harmony and Hope, will be held on July 11 to raise funds and honor Sarah. The event will feature local artists, a band, and catering, with sunflowers as the theme, symbolizing Sarah's favorite flower.

We spoke with Kevin Prue from Donate Life Connecticut. Kevin explains that Donate Life Connecticut focuses on organ donation awareness and increasing registrations to save lives. He shares his personal story of receiving a liver transplant on Thanksgiving Day 2022, highlighting the quick regeneration of the liver. Kevin emphasizes the importance of awareness and fundraising, noting that Donate Life Connecticut keeps overhead low to maximize impact.

We spoke with Kathryn Schubert from the Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) about their involvement in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. Connecticut Humane Society offers various services, including pet food assistance, free vaccine clinics, and emergency veterinary funds to help pet owners. They are currently experiencing high adoption rates, particularly for cats and kittens. Volunteers are needed for tasks like cleaning and socializing animals.

We spoke with Ryan Pettengill from the Dear Jack Foundation about their focus on supporting adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, aged 15-39, through quality of life support, mental health resources, and community building. Ryan shares his personal connection to the cause, highlighting the lack of support for AYA patients and the importance of community. The foundation uses 85% of donations for programs like wish granting, retreats, and virtual support, emphasizing the need for mental health support post-treatment.

We spoke with Steve Morris from the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford about the organization's mission to improve literacy among adults, serving 19% of Hartford's population who read at or below the second-grade level. The nonprofit, established in 1972, offers classes in English, reading, writing, and citizenship preparation, with 100-125 volunteers annually. Steve highlighted a success story of a veteran who overcame illiteracy and built a bookshelf to display his reading achievements. The organization serves over 500 students annually and encourages community engagement and volunteerism.

We spoke with Jennifer O'Neill from Caritas Immigration Legal Services about their work providing legal assistance to low-income immigrant families in Central Connecticut. Caritas, formed in 2022, addresses the lack of affordable, trustworthy legal services for immigrants, many of whom are vulnerable to scams. They offer consultations, information, and legal representation. Jennifer shares a personal story about a mother seeking status for her children after being scammed by a private attorney. Donations to Caritas support their mission, funding services like information provision and legal consultations.

We spoke with Larisa Kottke from Leadership Greater Hartford at the Travelers Championship. Leadership Greater Hartford aims to develop and connect leaders to strengthen Greater Hartford, focusing on community leadership. Their programs, including training for nonprofit board members, foster collaboration across various sectors. Larissa highlights the importance of local impact and shares success stories of alumni leading nonprofits and state agencies.

We spoke with Lisa Lappe from The New Britain Museum of American Art, the oldest museum of American art in the nation, houses over 9,000 pieces of art spanning three centuries. The museum offers various social programs, including "Museum After Dark" events with themed parties like the annual "Mad Party" that attracts around 600 people in costume. The museum also hosts free community days on the third Saturday of each month and a Chalk Art Festival in July. Donations to the museum support these programs and contribute to community well-being.

We spoke with Brianna Dunlap from South Park Inn, a 40-year-old homeless shelter in Hartford, about their services, including emergency shelter, veteran programs, and respite care for hospital discharges. The shelter currently operates at 80% capacity, rising to 100% in winter. They emphasize holistic support, including documentation assistance, sobriety programs, and mental health services. Brianna highlighted the importance of community support, especially with rising food costs, and shared a success story about a guest named Harold who has been successfully housed and is thriving.

We spoke with Nadine Thomas from Underground New England, an organization combating human trafficking in Connecticut since 2012, about the prevalence of trafficking across the state and the services they offer, including mental health, medical care, and housing for survivors. Donations directly support these services, helping survivors rebuild their lives. The organization also provides resources for reporting trafficking and encourages support through their website.

We spoke with Father Jeffrey Romans, Chairman of the Pastors Advisory Committee for the Archbishop's annual appeal, explains the Archdiocese of Hartford's role in supporting 93 parishes and over 160 local charities through the Vicaria Outreach Program. Last year, the appeal distributed over $1 million to these charities. Donors are encouraged to make their contributions before Sunday to receive the bonus match.

We spoke with Janice Castle from the Clay Arsenal Community Development Corporation (CDC) at the Travelers Championship. Janice explains that Clay Arsenal, a neighborhood in Hartford, is named after its historical significance and soil. The CDC, certified under the Governor's Poverty Reduction Act, aims to eradicate concentrated poverty by focusing on access to opportunity, including education, jobs, and housing. They also invest in neighborhood improvement to enhance quality of life without displacing residents.

We spoke with Harry Bellucci, Executive Director of Hartford PAL, at the Travelers Championship. Hartford PAL, which stands for Police Activities League, provides free after-school and summer programs for youth in Hartford, focusing on sports, education, and community engagement. Harry highlights the success of their programs, including a STEM program, a culinary program that has become very popular, and a theater program run by Hartford Stage. He also mentions their efforts to bring PAL to local elementary schools to make their services more accessible. Donations to Hartford PAL help fund these programs, ensuring children have access to opportunities similar to those in suburban areas.

We spoke with Donna Palomba, founder of Jane Doe No More, about her organization's mission to support victims of sexual crimes. Started 20 years ago, the foundation aims to improve societal reactions to victims and educate on consent and bystander intervention. Donations fund free programs in schools and self-defense classes for women and girls. Donna highlighted the removal of the statute of limitations on sexual crimes with DNA evidence in Connecticut, thanks to her case. She emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations about sexual crimes and empowering victims.

We spoke with Bridget Quinn from the Hartford Public Library about the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% bonus on donations to charities, including the Hartford Public Library, thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. The library uses the Library of Congress classification system and has expanded its digital collections and services, including HPL Studios for podcasting and video production. They offer educational programs, workforce readiness, and community resources like the Hartford History Center. Donations support these initiatives and are matched by the Zachs Family Foundation.

We spoke with Cody Foss from Kind Works Inc. about their mission to inspire kindness through community art at the Travelers Championship. Kind Works, a nonprofit from Bethel, Connecticut, aims to connect communities and promote self-kindness. They emphasize the importance of kindness in combating social isolation and mental health issues, highlighting the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. Cody shared their initiatives, including educational workshops, mural campaigns, and community art projects like kindness tokens. They also announced upcoming events: a bell hanging on July 16, a stepping stone workshop on July 30, and a Teacher Appreciation Day on August 19.

We spoke with Emily about Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW). NOW, a nonprofit since 2011, provides free sports opportunities and scholarships for youth in the Northeast 395 Connector area, serving 10 towns. They offer life skills, social-emotional support, and programs like Mindful Munchkins for young children. Donations support scholarships and low-cost programs, including soccer clinics and nutrition courses. Upcoming events include a Tuesday night soccer clinic and a best soccer clinic in July.

We spoke with Dawn Saczynski from RJ's Goals, a foundation created in memory of Dawn's son RJ Giammattei, who passed away at 27. RJ's Goals aims to provide soccer balls to children, having donated to various organizations including the Brantford Soccer Club, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, and New Haven Parks and Rec. Dawn shares that the foundation has grown through word of mouth and community outreach, and they are currently participating in Birdies for Charity. They also plan to collaborate with American Outlaws, a soccer fan group, for World Cup watch parties.

We spoke with Alison Dvorak, Senior Resources Agency on Aging about their work supporting older adults and caregivers in Eastern Connecticut. Allison explains their services, including senior nutrition programs, caregiver support, and Medicare assistance. They manage federal and state funds to provide resources like transportation, home health aides, and groceries. Allison highlights their Service Navigation program, which helps individuals find the right resources. They also discuss special funds like Angel Fund and Daisy Fund, which assist with unmet needs. Allison emphasizes the importance of community awareness and fundraising, mentioning their involvement in the Birdies for Charity program.

We spoke with Renee LaBonte from the Southeast Connecticut Community Center of the Blind about their involvement in the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% bonus match for donations. The center aims to build community for the blind and low vision individuals, providing various recreational activities like birding by ear, chair yoga, and sports. Renee highlights the importance of community support and shares her personal story of developing accessible chair yoga with the help of a yoga instructor.

We spoke with Michelle D'Amore from Ronald McDonald House about their participation in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. Ronald McDonald House provides essential services to keep families together during their children's medical crises, reducing the length of hospital stays and alleviating stress. They offer support for the entire family unit, including siblings, through various activities. Michelle highlights the significant reduction in depression among families who stay at Ronald McDonald House. They have three locations in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, and volunteers are crucial to their operations.

We spoke with Ashley Dunn from New Horizons, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities in Unionville, Middlebury, and Canton. New Horizons provides barrier-free housing and community support, celebrating 40 years of operation. They offer transportation services to ensure residents attend appointments.

We spoke with Tara Gill from Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut, an after-school program for girls in third to eighth grade that focuses on self-esteem, teamwork, and the importance of movement, culminating in a 5K run. Tara highlights the program's growth in Connecticut, serving about 750 girls across various counties and celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

We spoke with Matt Heller from Friends of Feeney, a nonprofit founded by Eric Feeney, a teacher in West Hartford, to support local children and families experiencing tragedy. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2019, they have provided over $315,000 to 151 families. The organization offers direct financial assistance to families affected by the loss of a loved one, significant illness, serious injury, or displacement. All board members and volunteers are unpaid, ensuring maximum support for their mission.

We spoke with Liz Styblo from Capital Squash Inc. at the Travelers Championship for Birdies for Charity. Capital Squash is a non-profit after-school program in Hartford that combines an hour of squash with an hour of academic tutoring for students. Liz emphasizes the program's commitment to helping students become well-rounded individuals, with a 100% high school graduation rate and 21 out of 25 graduates attending college. Volunteer opportunities include on-court assistance, academic tutoring, and providing snacks.

We spoke with Dawn Whalen, the executive director of Rebuilding Together Hartford, about their organization's work. Rebuilding Together Hartford focuses on no-cost home repairs for Hartford homeowners with incomes around 50% of the area median income. They serve a wide range of people, including homeowners with small children, senior citizens, veterans, and those who have lost a spouse. Last year, they had 200 volunteers on National Rebuilding Day and are aiming for a $50,000 goal through the Travelers Birdies for Charity program.

We spoke with Shelly Pope, Executive Director of Shepherd Meadows Equestrian Center in Bristol, about their equine-assisted services, which include adaptive riding, hippo therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. The center, celebrating its 20th anniversary, serves individuals from age 4 to 94, with a focus on unmounted therapy. They offer group programs and open barn days.

We spoke with Andrew Montgomery, raising funds for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber in honor of his daughter Sarah, who had a rare and aggressive blood cancer, aims to raise over $100,000 for Dr. Andy Lane's research. Andrew's first fundraising event raised over $20,000, and they have already raised over $2,000 through Birdies for Charity.

We spoke with Jeff Bravin, Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD), and his interpreter, Heidi. ASD offers a range of programs including a statewide birth-to-three program, K-12 education, residential treatment for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, a summer camp in Salisbury, Connecticut, an online academy, community sign language classes, and interpreting services.

We spoke with Sivan Hines, President of Hartford Promise, about the organization's mission to provide college opportunities for Hartford students regardless of financial circumstances. Since its inception in 2016, Hartford Promise has awarded over $10 million in scholarships, with 500 graduates and 450 current students. The program offers comprehensive support, including individual college coaching, and serves 120-125 students annually, each eligible for up to $100,000.

We spoke with Anne D'Orvilliers, Chair of Medical Aid to Haiti Inc., about their efforts to provide healthcare in Haiti. Medical Aid to Haiti has been operating for over 16 years, supporting a hospital near Port-au-Prince that offers various medical services, including maternal health, surgery, ophthalmology, and dental care.

We spoke with Kelly Dougherty, Partnerships and Communications Coordinator at Hands on Hartford, about their community programs. Hands on Hartford, a 57-year-old nonprofit, serves Hartford with 11 programs focusing on food security, housing assistance, and health support. Their Gather 55 restaurant offers meals for $3 or through volunteer work during the day and transforms into a fine dining experience with guest chefs on the first Wednesday of each month, with tips and profits supporting their programs.

We spoke with Patrick Owens, Executive Director from Horizons at Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut. The program, funded by Travelers' $4 million donation, serves 150 students from Hartford with six weeks of summer enrichment, including academics and various activities. The program is fee-free, thanks to $500,000 raised annually, with additional support from the Birdies for Charity program. Success stories include a student attending Westminster and another speaking at the Connecticut Science Center.

We spoke with Izzy Post Ruhland, the Marketing Director of the Enfield Fourth of July celebration, about the upcoming event. The celebration, which marks the 250th birthday of the United States, will take place from July 10-12. It features concerts, kids' activities, a parade, car show, road race, and fireworks, with the latter being the highlight, produced by Zambelli International.

We spoke with Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center, about the center's community support and upcoming exhibits. The Science Center, a partnership between the state, philanthropists, and donors, has welcomed over 5 million visitors in 17 years. This summer, the center will feature a major shark exhibition, including a life-size megalodon, and an outdoor kids' space funded by Andy and Joyce Vandell and the Bronstein family.

We spoke with Krissy Dorsey, Executive Director of the CJK Foundation, about their involvement in the Travelers Championship. The CJK Foundation, which aims to make mental health accessible, receives a 15% match on donations thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. The foundation focuses on community support and provides financial assistance for mental health treatment, including co-pays and sliding scale therapy.

We spoke with Carrah Kalat, Aetna's Chief Marketing Officer. Last year, Travelers donated $4 million to area charities, with $2.8 million from the Birdies program, matched by Webster Bank and Aetna, which offers a 15% match on donations. Over 220 charities are participating this year. Aetna's involvement reflects their commitment to community support, having been deeply rooted in Connecticut for over 173 years. The program allows donations to be matched, enhancing the impact of charitable contributions.

We spoke with Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations at Hartford Stage, about their upcoming collaboration with TheaterWorks Hartford on the production of "Sweeney Todd." The show, directed by Rob Ruggiero, will run from June 5 to July 5.

We spoke with Tamer Mourad, Vice President and Director of Training at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, about their work and the impact of donations. Fidelco, which has been breeding German Shepherds since the 1960s, provides guide dogs to visually impaired individuals through community placements, where trainers travel to clients' homes.

We spoke with Kara Capone, CEO of Mercy Housing and Shelter, about their work in Hartford. Established in 1983, Mercy Housing aims to help people transition from homelessness to stability. The demand for their services has surged post-COVID due to an affordable housing crisis.

We spoke with Shaun Heffernan, Executive Director of Camp Rising Sun, about how the camp offers a free, therapeutic summer experience for children with cancer and their siblings, including activities like horseback riding and swimming.

We spoke with Mark Moriarty, CEO of First Tee Connecticut, about their participation in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. First Tee Connecticut introduces golf and life skills to young people aged 5 to college, emphasizing the importance of learning and fun.

We spoke with Beth Hines, Executive Director of Community Partners in Action (CPA), about the organization's mission to help individuals transition from prison to community life. CPA, with roots back to 1875, operates reentry centers in Waterbury and Hartford, providing essential services like housing and employment assistance.

We spoke with Richard Wyman, Executive Director of the Community Music School in Essex, about their participation in the Travelers Championship Birdies for Charity program. The school, which has been operating for 42 years, offers private music lessons and various programs for all ages, including an intergenerational string ensemble, a New Horizons band for retirees, and Music Together classes for young children.

We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, about the challenges faced by the organization due to rising costs and increased food insecurity in Connecticut.

We spoke with Marissa Weidner, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank, about the bank's involvement in the Travelers Championship and the Birdies for Charity program.

We spoke with Glynn Hawley, Director of Operations for the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), anout the 2026 event, aiming to raise $79 million for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The event on August 1-2 will feature 6,000 riders starting from Holy Cross in Worcester and Boston College in Wellesley.

We spoke with Eric Harrison, President and CEO of the United Way for Central and Northeastern Connecticut about The United Way which serves 56 communities in Connecticut, focusing on child literacy, financial stability, and workforce development. Their Rapid Response Fund provides $100,000 annually to prevent homelessness.

We spoke with Kim Morgan from Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County about their work in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, serving over 14,000 students annually.

We spoke with Ilene Frank, Executive Director of the Connecticut Museum for Culture and History about the museum's significance as it celebrates its 250th anniversary, founded in 1825, a year before the 50th anniversary of the American Revolution.

We spoke with Kevin Kinsall, principal trumpet of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, about his insights on learning the trumpet and his 11-year tenure with the orchestra.

We spoke with Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube about the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% match on donations thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. Over 220 charities are participating this year.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi from Columbia Dental about his lifelong dream of providing dental services seven days a week, inspired by his mother's distress with a toothache.

We spoke with Ed Matz, Executive Director of Connecticut Sports Management, about the ShopRite Nutmeg State Games.

We spoke with Andrea Pecoriello, co-founder and executive director of Sweet Pea Bakery, about their nonprofit in Norwalk, Connecticut, that employs adults with developmental disabilities.

We spoke with Adrian Sylveen, Artistic Director of Virtuosi Opera about the company's history and current productions.

We spoke with National Coast Guard Museum President, Captain Wes Pulver of the U.S. Coast Guard about a national museum being built in New London, Connecticut.

We spoke with Aidan Ramirez who is a student at the University of Hartford. Aidan is making his Hartford Stage debut in the ensemble of Native Gardens.

We spoke with David Oliver, founder of Diabetes Plus with Dave, and Dr. Laura Christoph, a professor at the University of St. Joseph, about the Thrive 2026 study and an upcoming walk event for people with diabetes.

We sat down with Vinnie Infante, owner of Lion’s Den Coffee in Southington, to talk about his inspiring journey from longtime Bristol police officer to local small‑business success story.

We spoke with Joyce Bray, President of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative about the Connecticut Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain on May 9, includes a 5K run, survivor breakfast, kids' runs, and various family activities.

We spoke with Joy Peck, a registered nurse coordinator, and Kirsten Foster, a registered nurse, from the Smiley Cancer Center at St. Francis Hospital to discuss the upcoming Cancer Survivor's Day celebration on June 7.

We spoke with Events & Communications Manager Jenn Frontiero and Membership & Development Director Kate Kobs about the 2026 WEHA Health and Wellness Expo on Tuesday, May 19, from 12 to 3 PM on Isham Road in Blue Back Square. The event offers local health and wellness businesses a platform to showcase their services, including traditional medicine, physical therapy, fitness, mental health, chiropractic, senior care, and spa services.

We spoke with Mimi Madden, programs consultant for American Mural Project about the America 250 celebration with various programs, including personal storytelling, historical presentations, and live performances.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi, founder of Columbia Dental about their locations and oral cancer awareness month.

We spoke with retired police officer Vinnie Infante about giving back to the community through his amazing coffee shop.

We spoke with Board member Melissa Tweedie and Executive Director Michaela Fissel about Advocacy Unlimited.

We spoke with Associate Director/Associate Choreographer Emily Rafala and their Dance Captain Melissa Green about the show the upcoming show at Warner Theatre.

We spoke with Kathy K. Taylor, Esq. President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation about Give Local and the Foundation.

We spoke with Elicia Pegues Spearman CEO of the Girls Scouts of CT about a new girl scout cookie and that cookie season is underway.

We spoke with Founder and Director Helen Chase of The Social Chase about an upcoming event.

We spoke with Sheree Marcucci Director of Special Events and Curated Programs Palace Theater Waterbury about two upcoming events.

We spoke with Wayne Pesce about the Connecticut Food Association.

We spoke with Kyle Eagleson who is President and CEO of Ascend Bank.

We spoke with Connecticut Author Jennifer Mancini who wrote a children's book.

We spoke with Bonnie Meyers and Brendan Faulker who are with Brain Injury Alliance of CT.

We spoke with Julie Cruz who is the Director of Assisted Living Home Care Services.

We spoke with Melissa Cooney who is a reporter for NBC 30. They are doing a podcast. "Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case" by NBC CT.

We spoke with Founder of Columbia Dental, Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about how the office offers free cleanings.

We spoke with Board President Edwin Thrower about the 2026 Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. It is a fun night of Shakespeare-themed music, performances, and games. Don’t miss Shakespeare Fun Night — “The Bard at Barcelona” on Thursday, March 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Barcelona Wine Bar, 971 Farmington Avenue, in West Hartford.

We spoke with Jack Barrett who plays Grover in the show who talks about the premis, the music, the stage, costumes and more!

We spoke with Quinn Blake and Sophia Parente who are both playing Matilda in Matilda Jr. They talk about the show and sing a song together.

We spoke with Chris Gagne from the Branford Compassion Club about an upcoming event. This fun gathering will help raise funds for the care and medical needs of stray, abandoned, and feral cats in the greater New Haven area.

We spoke with President and Founder Donna Palomba about Jane Doe No More's programs and the 15th Annual Gala and Dr. Henry C. Lee Awards.

We spoke with Chief Executive Officer Eric Person about the Connecticut Home and Remodeling show from March 6-8.

We spoke with Show Organizer Kristie Gonsalves and owner of The Local Fly Co Chris Parisi about the Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show at Mohegan Sun from March 20-22.

We spoke with Dawn Rousseau, Broker Associate for Showcase Realty, about the current buyers and sellers' market.

We spoke with President and Director Ann Cianciolo about how people can foster and adopt cats from Foster and Forever Pet Rescue and the upcoming Boot Scootin' for Felines Fundraiser on March 22.

We spoke with Director of Learning and Social Impact Andrew Robbin about upcoming events from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

We spoke with Founder and CEO Lab Ryan Gresh about The Feel Good Lab's individualized treatments for chronic pain with natural plant-based products and how The Feel Good Lab can help you live as the best version of yourself.

We spoke with VP of Operations Kevin Gagliard and Director of Quality Chris D'Auria about what's new at Pepe's Pizza.

We spoke with the director of Matilda Jr., Lili Eleanor Jacobs, and Senior Director of Education, Talent, and Business Design Kristin Davis, about the upcoming show Matilda Jr. at The Bushnell.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about Columbia Dental's 25-year anniversary.

We spoke with Executive Director Jeff Dunn and Director of Programming and Education Andrea Bingham about the upcoming shows and events at the theatre.

We spoke with Big Sister Mary Mackey and Little Sister Charlize about their rewarding experience at Big Brothers Big Sisters and how people can get involved as a mentor in the organization.

We spoke with President and CEO, Michael Smith, and Director of Integrative Health Coaching and RN, Jennifer Terray, about the nation's first Brain Health and Dementia Prevention Clinic located at LiveWell in CT, how to reduce risk of dementia, and how LiveWell can help.

We spoke with Mike Monaco, co-owner of Monaco Ford, about his induction into the Connecticut Veteran's Hall of Fame and how he supports veterans around the state.

We spoke with Dr. Stephanie Saucier, a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare, and Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Adria Giordano, about risk factors and how to prevent cardiovascular disease and the upcoming Go Red for Women Reception and Luncheon.

We spoke with Executive Director, Nadine Thomas, about how The Underground New England supports survivors of human trafficking and is working to eradicate human trafficking.

We spoke with Executive Director Jane Levis about Legacy for Women, a residential recovery program that helps women find restoration and healing from addiction.

We spoke with Owner of Restore Hyper Wellness, Jaime Gray, about the benefits and ease of cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV's, and other wellness routines to improve your health, accelerate recovery, and live better.

We spoke with Kristie Gonsalves, Show Organizer, and Vonice Carr, Chair of The Federated Garden Clubs about the upcoming Connecticut Flower and Garden Show from February 19-22 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

We spoke with Ben Silliman, Camp Director and leader of Chill for Change, about YMCA Camp Ingersoll's 12th Annual Chill For Change winter plunge on Saturday, February 28 to raise funds for children to go to camp.

We spoke with Chris Shea, Founder of Hero to Hero, about how the organization connects qualified military personnel with first responder careers.

We spoke with co-founders of Naples Home Buyers Dominic Santaniello and Luke Giusto about how their real estate investors can sell your house fast for cash without the hassle of a traditional real estate sale.

We spoke with Jeremiah Rufini, Program Director of the Soup Kitchen at Saint Vincent De Paul in Middletown, about the upcoming Valentine's Day Sweetheart Soiree fundraiser and the community support programs offered at Saint Vincent De Paul.

We spoke with Danielle Small, Vice President of Clinical Services at Monte Nido, about Eating Disorder Awareness Week, fighting for change, and the levels of care offered at Monte Nido.

We spoke with Brett Raphael, Artistic Director and Founder of the Connecticut Ballet, about their upcoming show Be My Valentine.

We spoke with Laura Lyon, an education consultant at Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office (RSCO), about the RSCO school choice program, application tips, and February 6 application deadline.

We spoke with Kari Kaplan, Chief Operations Officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut and Karissa Peckham, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Quinnipiac University, about the new $92,000 Girl Scouts of Connecticut Achievement Scholarship created by Quinnipiac University for one Girl Scout who demonstrates exceptional leadership, community service, and academic excellence.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about what makes Columbia Dental special from other dentist practices and their upcoming free cleanings.

We spoke with Owner and Attorney Lawyer Twillie, a.k.a Lawyer the Lawyer, about how L.A. Law represents injury victims across Connecticut.

We spoke with Founder and Executive Director Michael Pappas about how Loops Fore Troops provides veterans with the tools and knowledge for success as golf caddies.

We spoke with Jackie Post from AmeriHope about how the organization serves as a beacon of hope and assistance for active duty, veterans, and their families by providing compassionate care, community service, and unrestricted giving.

We spoke with Tom Cantone, Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment, about Mohegan Sun Arena being named “#1 Best Casino Concert Venue” in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

We spoke with CEO Frank Tavera about upcoming shows and events at the Palace Theatre in 2026.

We spoke with Jenni Marlow, Director of Giving and Relationships, about how Companion Pet Rescue saves dogs and puppies from underserved and impoverished southern communities, how to adopt, foster, and volunteer with CPR, and upcoming events.

We spoke with Lorine Zdanowski, Owner and Founder of Gut Instinct Health Coaching, about how people with IBS and digestive issues can get rid of bloating, boost energy, improve sleep and thrive at work and home by improving their gut health.

We spoke with Rebecca Mann, Executive Director at Firefly Meadow Service Dogs Inc., about how the organization trains canines to help individuals with disabilities.

We spoke with Carol Vassar about how Spotty Dog Rescue rescues abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs and places them into loving homes and how people can adopt, foster, or volunteer.

We spoke with Roy Sasenaraine, Chief Operating Officer, about Aware Recovery Care's all-inclusive in-home addiction treatment program designed for long-term recovery.

We spoke with Sally Larsen, founder of KindlyListed.com, about the community-driven directory that connects individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities to inclusive, accessible businesses and resources in Connecticut.

We spoke with Paul Levin about how to document and report suspect neglect in nursing homes, what to record, importance of medical records, who to speak to, and when to involve an attorney.

We spoke with lead vocalist, keyboardist, and original member, Lonnie Jordan, and manager and producer, Jerry Goldstein, from the band War about the group's first holiday song, (Yes It’s) Christmas.

We spoke with Michele Morcey about how Brass City Harvest works with Connecticut farmers to provide fresh, locally grown food to Waterbury residents and those in surrounding towns.

We spoke with Jason Fontaine about the upcoming Boars Head Festival at the Shrine of Saint Anne in Waterbury.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about prosthetic teeth, regenerative dentistry, and bionic mastication of teeth.

We spoke with Paul Levin from Connecticut Injury Firm LLC about why nursing home injuries happen, such as understaffing, care plan failures, and behind-the-scenes factors, and Connecticut resident rights in these situations.

We spoke with Chef Ray Gennaro about the CT Food and Fire Project and his mission to donate gourmet meals to fire and police departments and hospitals to show appreciation for the heroes who protect us every day.

We spoke with Andrew Robbin, Director of Learning and Social Impact, about how the Hartford Symphony Orchestra uses the power of music to connect, educate, and inspire people across schools, health care facilities, and community spaces.

We spoke with CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti about the upcoming concert at Mohegan Sun, his family, singing Sinatra and his Christmas music!

We spoke with Paul Levin from the Connecticut Injury Firm LLC about warning signs of nursing home neglect and the firm's commitment to providing injured people with competent and aggressive legal representation.

We spoke with Ashley McClain, director and founder of Beyond the Horizon, about the organization's adaptive and sensory-friendly programming for individuals with disabilities and their families to make everyone feel supported, empowered, and understood.

We spoke with Amy McKenna, Director of Operations, and Steven Jeske, Owner and Nurse Practitioner, about the services provided by Highland Caregivers such as companionship, personal care, help around the house, transportation, and even 24-hour live-in support if needed to support the independence and dignity of loved ones.

We spoke with Alicia Witt about her full length holiday album "I think I'm Spending Christmas With You" and her 17 date "Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt" Tour.

We spoke with Amanda Sirica about the Toys for Tots Toy Drive at Westfarms Mall on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.

We spoke with Jeff Dorman, Founder of the Feeding Families Foundation, and Michael Pollack, Local Artist & Founder of New Haven Pizza Club, about how the foundation supports families of children in hospital by providing meals for parents, cakes for patients, and weekly pizza deliveries.

We spoke with Co-Authors, Kathryn Mucciacciaro and Roberto Mucciacciaro, about their children's book Dreams Need Time to Grow.

We spoke with Founder and CEO of Brave Enough to Fail, about how the organization prepares tomorrow's leaders and gives students the confidence and actionable steps to achieve their biggest dreams.

We spoke with Dan McMahon, Goodspeed Musicals’ Director of Marketing, about the heartwarming holiday show, White Christmas, and upcoming shows in the 2026 season.

We spoke with Rebecka Jones, a longtime cast member who is playing The Ghost of Christmas Past, about the upcoming show at Hartford Stage, A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas from November 22 to December 28, 2025.

We spoke with Foreigner Lead Singer Lou Gramm about their new tour, his new album and the upcoming concert in CT. You can win tickets to see Foreigner at the Oakdale at The River 105.9 website.

We spoke with CEO and Owner Nikki Maloid about the partnership between Plymouth Glass & Mirror with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots to bring holiday joy to local children from November 1 through December 15.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about dental insurace, prosthodontist services, and upcoming free teeth cleanings on Thanksgiving Day.

We spoke with Ellen Griesedieck, President and Founder of the American Mural Project, about the 5-story, 120 foot long, multi-demensional mural in Connecticut that has a record as the largest indoor collaborative work of art in the Guiness Book of World Records.

We spoke with Ken Steeves, President of It's Free to Dream Foundation, about the upcoming It's Free to Dream Gala on December 14th to support suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and youth mental health in Connecticut.

We spoke with Wes Monbaron, Director of Hunt to Feed, about how Connecticut's deer hunters can connect with local butchers and meat processors to donate venison to local food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters and fight food insecurity and hunger.

We spoke with music director, Adrian Sylveen, about the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra's production of Leoncavallo's tragic opera Pagliacci, a gripping masterpiece that blends raw emotion, unforgettable music, and timeless drama.

We spoke with Madison Chapman and Kristin Davis from the Education Department at the Bushnell Theatre about the Bushnell Performing Arts Scholars program and the production of Matilda Jr. Tickets for the Bushnell Performing Arts Scholars' production of Matilda Jr. will be going on sale on November 22nd.

We spoke with Eric Emet, Assistant Dean of Students at Goodwin University, about the annual turkey drive, Thanksgiving for All, with Connecticut Foodshare on Wednesday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goodwin University campus.

We spoke with Gerri Griswold, Director of Administration and Development at the White Memorial Conservation Center, about upcoming free events at the conservation center including a performance of the timeless music from A Charlie Brown Christmas on December 13.

We spoke with Sarah Fryxell, President of CT Automotive Retailers Association, about the upcoming CT International Auto Show at Mohegan Sun on November 15 and 16.

We spoke with Rory Gale, Owner of Hartford Prints, about the store's re-opening, the unique gifts you can find at Hartford Prints, and supporting small businesses during the holiday season.

We spoke with Auntie Cal, Chief Ambassador of Miller Farms, and Adam DeJulius, President of Miller Farms, about the farm's 75th Anniversary, Oma's Pride dog food, and how to donate turkeys to help feed Connecticut towns this Thanksgiving.

We spoke with Deb Bibbins, Founder and CEO of For All Ages, about the Comfort and Joy Holiday Card Drive, inviting everyone to create handmade holiday cards that will be delivered to veterans and chronically ill adults across the state.

We spoke with Alicia Bray, Executive Director of Autism Families CONNECTicut, about how individuals with autism and their families can find joy, belonging, and friendship, and the upcoming Night of Friends Giving 15th Anniversary Event.

We spoke with Joslyn DeLancey, Vice President of the Connecticut Education Association and President of the Connecticut Education Foundation, about the upcoming Holiday Bear Project and how to get involved to support children in need during the holiday season.

We spoke with Helen Taylor, Founder and President of The Social Chase, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness of autism by hosting events that educate and empower individuals and families. We spoke about the Free to Be Art Exhibition at the Mattatuck Museum, as well as the upcoming first Social Chase Fundraiser Gala on November 20th.

We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare about how to give help and get help during the government shutdown and Holiday season. We also spoke about the upcoming iHeart Stuff-A-Bus event benefiting Connecticut Foodshare.

We spoke with Executive Director John Lynch and Business Manager Kim Halmose about the new service in November, The Crossroads Women's Center, and the 33rd Anniversary Dinner on November 2.

We spoke with Luis Santiago, Director of Admissions, and Melissa Stephens, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid, about what to expect during the application and financial aid process at Western Connecticut State University.

We spoke with Bob Fiore, President and Founder of the Connecticut Epilepsy Advocate Foundation, about the organization dedicated to helping people with epilepsy in any way, and the upcoming 400 Gallon Blood Drive on October 23.

We spoke with Sarah Heath, Founder and Initiative Co-lead, and Yvette Young, Initiative Co-lead, about Shop Black CT, a free directory of 2,000 CT Black-owned businesses.

We spoke with producer Summer Orlando of Summer Orlando Productions about Hocus Pocus Live, starring some of the most memorable characters and scenes from the Halloween cult classics, Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2.

We spoke with Executive Director Anne-Marie Knight about the education, technical assistance, services, programs, and resources provided by the Black Business Alliance to help Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Connecticut start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

We spoke with D.M. Livingston, Owner of the Waterbury Times and Founder of Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, about the locally focused civic media outlet in Waterbury.

We spoke with General Manager Doug Hemphill about the new haunts, frights, activities, and eats at Lake Compounce's 2025 Phantom Fall Fest.

We spoke with Joe Cappello, Co-Founder and Executive Director, and President Donna Johnson about Are You Dense?, an organization dedicated to educating women about breast density and how it affects cancer detection. We also spoke about the upcoming For The Girls brunch on October 19th.

We spoke with Erin Choquette, CEO of CT Paid Leave, about the Family Fun Expo and Resource Fair on October 18 at the Hartford Public Library.

We spoke with Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations, about the world premiere of Rope, a riveting crime thriller that answers the question, is there such thing as a perfect crime?

We spoke with John Krause, founder of The Team John Foundation, about his battle with cancer, the creation of The Team John Foundation, and the upcoming golf tournament to fund the great missions of The Team John Foundation and Blood Cancer United.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about the effect of Ozempic on teeth, the meaning of Ozempic teeth, and how to stay informed about the impacts of medication and nutrition on the body.

We spoke with Tournament Director Nathan Grube and Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, about the fundraising at the 2025 Traveler’s Championship, raising over $4 million for 245 charities. We spoke about Birdies for Charities and their partnership with Webster Bank to support charities, fundraise, share their missions, and grow their platform.

We spoke with Ginny Wolf about the clever, chilly, and frighteningly funny show "Howl of a Night" at the Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall. She tells us about the four new, original old-time live radio plays and invites you to be part of the live "studio audience."

We spoke with Joel Hoekstra, a guitarist in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, about the all-new show "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - The Best of TSO and More" — the biggest and best tour to date. Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at Mohegan Sun on November 30. Enjoy TSO's awe-inspiring rock, classical, and holiday music!

We spoke with co-founder Carolyn Verikas about Bristol Bazaar, an indoor makers market that sells handmade items from small businesses. We talk about the upcoming Pups & Pumpkins Dog Adoption Event, the final traveling bazaar of 2025, and the upcoming partnership with the Connecticut Science Center.

We spoke with Jackie Post about The Glastonbury Rotary Club's Workplace Wellbeing Summit, which focuses on developing a sustainable strategy to address workplace mental health, improve worker health and mental wellbeing, support addiction recovery, and break the stigma associated with mental health and addiction.

We spoke with David Skoczulek, Vice President of Business Development and Communications, about the innovation and clinical programs offered at iCare Health Network, a skilled nursing and long-term care provider.

We spoke with Don Barnes, co-founder, vocalist, and guitarist for 38 Special, about the band's new album, Milestone, to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

We spoke with Christian Marshall Jones, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at CT Humane Society about our adoptable pet, Heart. Heart is a 2-month-old male guinea pig, and he will certainly capture your heart!

We spoke with Dr. Husnain Kermalli, Chief Medical Officer at St. Mary's Hospital about the Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit. The event aims to increase the number of Black men in the field of medicine through exposure, inspiration, and mentorship.

We spoke with Breathe 2 Flow founder, Lindsay Riley, about yoga with pigs, bunnies, alpacas, puppies, kittens, and other animals! Breathe 2 Flow hosts yoga sessions in untraditional places across Connecticut and works with local rescues, organizations, and non-profits.

We spoke with Flight Adventure Park Marketing Manager Zack Morris about their grand opening in Manchester and the attractions, themes, programs, and content that Flight Adventure will offer.

We spoke with Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Strategy, Chris Grosse, about the upcoming UCONN football games and how fans can support UCONN's fall athletics.

We spoke with Contract Project Administration, Liz Clauson, and Project Manager, Billy Flynn, from Electrical Contractors Incorporated, about the 34th Annual Golf Outing on October 3. All proceeds from the golf outing support Make-A-Wish CT. Kris Moran, Director of Marketing and Communications at Make-A-Wish CT, shares how the proceeds will support granting the wishes of kids with critical illnesses.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at Mohegan Sun on November 30. Enjoy TSO's awe-inspiring rock, classical, and holiday music! We spoke with Jeff Plate, a drummer in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, about the 2025 Winter Tour, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - The Best of TSO and More."

We spoke with retired NYPD Officer Chris DeFlorio about his journey of passing on the peace from God to victims suffering under demonic influence, detailed in his book Called Into Darkness: Two NYC First Responders Battle the Supernatural.

We spoke with Chief Operating Officer, Elicia Pegues Spearman, about the power-packed roster of activities to recruit new members and adult volunteers throughout September.

We spoke with Laura Hoffman, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, about the organization's support services, care options and education for families facing the disease, caregivers, and professionals.

We spoke with Inclusion Director, Rachel Scolnic, about the JCC's mission to make the community center an inclusive place to serve every person that walks through their doors.

We spoke with Patrick Myers who is a full-time Freddie Mercury impersonator in the band Killer Queen.

We spoke with Artistic Director, Constantine Pappas and Managing Director, Craig David Rosen about upcoming shows at the theatre, including musicals, comedies, and musical comedies!

We spoke with Chaz the Cream Puff Man about The Big E going on from September 12 to 28, and Chaz the Cream Puff Man shares what to look forward to this year.

We spoke with Vice President Executive Board, Ron Apinis and Board Member, Craig Dupre about Wishes on Wheels hosting a truck convoy and family fun day to support children with life-threatening medical conditions.

We spoke with Executive Director, Amanda Meeson and Director of Development, John Chamberlain about Sterling Community Center an organization that creates impactful and inclusive programs and services that engage and cultivate a thriving community.

We spoke with Co-Founders, Hannah DeCampos and Abagail Franzese about Buttoned Together a non-profit organization that believes art is a powerful tool for self-expression and mental well-being.

We spoke with Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., who was appointed as the 10th president of Western Connecticut State University.

We spoke with President Susan Mitchell from US Horse Welfare and Rescue about the fundraising event Hoedown for Horses.

We spoke with President Samantha Merwin with Elbowbumpkid Inc. about the programs they offer to help families with children who have type 1 diabetes.

We spoke with Director Cindy Howard with the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic schools (FACS) about the Annual FORE FACS Golf Classic.

We spoke with Miss Ct Volunteer Yokayris Castillo and Miss CT Teen Volunteer Ella Perillo about winning in the Miss CT Volunteer pageant system.

We spoke with Clinical Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Taylor Brinker and Registered Behavior Technician Anele Barbieri about the programs offered at "A Behavioral Approach."

We spoke with Co-founder's of DK Movement Cares, Derek Jones and Kelly Houston about the 3rd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K Run/Walk.

We spoke with Christian Marshall from the CT Humane Society about the adoptable pet of the week.

We spoke with Dr. Sameer Hanfi and Dr. Jean Weigert from Jefferson Radiology about the Strike Out Cancer Night Game.

We spoke with U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Vice Chair Thomas Hicks about advancing safe, secure, accurate, and accessible elections.

We spoke with Oak Hill Chief Administrator Dan Osborne and Jack Gaynor from JMR Staffing about the 31st annual Oak Hill Golf Classic.

Kerry Collins spoke with Dante Cistulli from Zephyr's Street Pizza and Hartford Yard Goats GameDay Conor about the 1st EVER G.O.A.T. Tacos, Tequila & Taps Fest at Dunkin' Park July 24-26.

We spoke with Rodger Mort, COO of Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT); For the past two years, Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT®), a family-owned manufacturer in Watertown, CT, has raised over $20,000 for America’s servicemen and women.

We spoke with Michelle Puzzo, the director of UR Community Cares about the programs and services and an upcoming eye health fair.

We spoke with Actor Abuzar Farrukh about the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival.

We spoke with Member Jackie Post about the mission of the organization, the new mental health initiatives implemented by the Glastonbury Rotary Club, projects, and how to become a member.

We spoke with Superintendent of the Newington Parks and Recreation Department Bill Demaio about an amazing event taking place in town for all ages.

We spoke with Dr. Leah Osowiecki about the difficult practice of being a hospice veterinarian, the crisis in veterinary medicine and challenges veterinarians face today.

We spoke with Founder and Advisor of Fuchs Financial, Ben Fuchs about the importance of planning sooner rather than later for retirement, because there are steps people can take through the years to set themselves up for a financially sound retirement… and particularly as retirement approaches, there are decisions that can be made that can make a difference – in reducing the anxiety about retirement years, so people can truly enjoy what they’ve worked so hard for.

Merly Ballesteros of National Federation for the Blind, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. National Federation for the Blind advances the lives of our members and all blind people in the United States. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day they raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Their collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Laura Marchese, Executive Director of Gifts of Love, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Gifts of Love helps meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing a short-term financial crisis so that they can return to self sufficiency.

Robin Sharp, President and CEO of Easter Seals Capital Region and Eastern CT, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Easter Seals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut provides critical services and powerful advocacy so that people with disabilities and active military and veterans are provided with the resources they need to achieve their full potential in life.

Bruce Buckley, CEO of Soldier On, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Soldier On is a private nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness. Since 1994, the organization has been providing homeless veterans with transitional housing and supportive services.

Lakisha Hyatt, President of Rotary Club of Middletown, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of Rotary Club of Middletown.

Krystal Rich, Executive Director of CT Children's Alliance, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. CT Children's Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and ending child abuse.

Perkin Simpson, CEO of Operation Fuel, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Operation Fuel provides relief for residents who fell through the gaps of government assistance programs.

Lindsay Reiff, Vice Chair of Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Girls on the Run is a national organization with a powerful mission: to build confidence, connection, and character in girls through running-based programs.

Sarah Asmar, Advancement Director of Hartford Performs, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Hartford Performs is a unique initiative created in partnership with Hartford Public Schools that brings teaching artists into Pre-K through 8th-grade classrooms to teach academic subjects through the arts.

Betsy Walsh, Director of Development at Malta House of Care, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. Malta House of Care has been a vital lifeline for uninsured adults in Greater Hartford for the past 19 years, offering free primary health care through both a mobile medical van and a fixed clinic in the Asylum Hill neighborhood.

Jennifer Whitehurst, volunteer EMT and board member with Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps, joins us live at the Travelers Championship. As part of a dedicated, all-volunteer team, Jennifer helps provide emergency medical services not just to Plymouth but also to surrounding towns through mutual aid.

David Elliott, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Hartford, joins us live at the Travelers Championship to talk about the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. This annual fundraising initiative supports organizations and ministries throughout Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield counties.

Sarah Elizabeth DiMeo-Carabetta, Executive Director of Acts 4 Ministry, joins us live at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. Acts 4 Ministry is a nonprofit serving the Waterbury community by providing new and gently used basic needs items free of charge.

Kyle Costa and Nico Peach are members of First Robotics Competition Team 7153, known as The Aetos Dios, joins us live from the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. The team builds and programs a robot every year to compete in challenging regional and world events.

Corrianne Chipello is the CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant and joins us live from the Travelers Championship. Camp Courant is the oldest and largest free day camp in the country, celebrating 131 years of service. The camp provides Hartford children ages 5-12 with free transportation, two meals a day, and access to more than 15 educational and enrichment programs

Christina Walton, Executive Director of the Seymour Oxford Food Bank, joins us live from the Travelers Championship. The food bank, located in the lower level of the Seymour Community Center, offers in-store shopping for families in need with a simple intake process and income-based guidelines.

Kevin Ramsdell, Executive Director, and Sabra Ramsdell, Chief of Staff at the Springfield Rescue Mission, join us live from the Travelers Championship. The organization offers a men's residential rehabilitation program that supports recovery from addiction, including alcohol, drugs, and gambling, while also addressing education, job readiness, and spiritual growth.

Lee-Anne Gilchrist, CEO of the Golf Performance Academy and the USA Junior Golf Federation, joins us live from the Travelers Championship. Both organizations are dedicated to junior golf development, helping young athletes from around the world pursue their dreams on and off the course.

We spoke with CT and RI Red Cross CEO Richard Branigan about the need for blood donations in the state and in Los Angeles due to the wildfires.

We spoke with Show Producer Kristie Gonsalves and Vonice Carr about seminars, workshops and events at the CT Flower and Garden Show in Hartford….

We spoke with CT Humane Society Marketing Director Christian Marshall about all of the programs and services the organization offers.

We spoke with President and Founder of Sun, Moon and Stars Christine Faressa about autism spectrum and Sun, Moon, and Stars.

We spoke with Tyler Gay and Devont’e Campbell about a BRAND NEW theatre company Ty & Tay Theater Company which is ran by the teenagers.

We spoke with Actress Adriana Mercado about the Pa’lante Theater Company’s new show.

We spoke with Pastor John Eastwood about an event his church, “Calvary Southbury” is hosting. With One Voice is a multi-church worship night on January 18th. It is from 6pm to 8pm at Calvary Southbury.

We spoke with American Lung Association of CT Development Director Janeene Catalano and Courtney Russell about the Fight for Air Climb event.

We spoke with New England Residential Finance llc Owner and Broker, Michael Rousseau about the housing market, mortgage programs and loans for first time home buyers.

We spoke with Jenny Steadman, Ph.D. Executive Director Aurora Women and Girls Foundation about how the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation galvanizes resources to increase economic security, educational attainment, and leadership for women and girls in the Greater Hartford region.

We spoke with Producer, Jason Fontaine about the Boar's Head Festival held at The Shrine of Saint Anne’s Church in Waterbury on Sunday, January 12, 2025 beginning at 4:00 PM.

We spoke with CEO Kari Kaplan from the Girl Scouts of Ct. about the Girl Scout Round Up: Cookie Rally & Entrepreneur Fair” at the Omni New Haven Hotel.

We spoke with President and Ceo Jason Jakuboski of Ct. Foodshare as he discusses a year in review about the organization.

We spoke with PJ Day Co-Founder Tara Wesoloskie and Certified Child Life Specialist Kelly Foy about PJ Day and the impact it has made on others and the community.

We spoke with Major Migdalia Lavenbein who is the Greater Hartford Area Services Coordinator for the Salvation Army about the holiday season and how the public can help the Salvation Army.

We spoke with Dime Bank President and CEO Nick Caplanson as we recapped the 2024 year.

We spoke with Access Health CT Director, Marketing Caroline Ruwet about Access Health and their deadlines to get benefits is approaching.

We spoke with University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen about the great options and opportunities the University of New Haven offers students.

We spoke with Connecticut State Community College President Dr. John Maduko about the great options and opportunities CT State Community College offers students.

We spoke with Hero Marguerite and Patrick O'Konis about A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at Hartford Stage.

We spoke with Honey Baked Ham franchisee Tom McGwire about the history of Honey Baked Ham and their locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

We spoke with Bushnell Theatre Actor Devin Bowles about the show “MJ.”

We spoke with Columbia Dental Founder Dr. Abbas Mohamaddi about free teeth cleanings on Christmas Day.

We spoke with Parent Resource Officers Kerry Mattson and Shola Freeman about RSCO free open enrollment in the Hartford region.

We spoke with Semina Delaurentis from Seven Angels Theater in Waterbury about her incredible career as she nears retirement.

We spoke with Westfarms Amanda Sirica about an upcoming toys for tots drive.

We spoke with For All Ages Founder Deb Bibbins about the organization’s programs and services.

We spoke with Hometown Foundation Events Manager Ara Nolan about an upcoming toy drive.

We spoke with The CT Ballet Founder Brett Raphael about the production of the “Nutcracker”.

We spoke with Dr. Amanda Swan about ozempic and other weight loss drugs.

We spoke with Warner Theatre's Cian Walsh about “A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland”

We spoke with DK Movement Cares Founder Kelly Houston and Derek Jones about Mind & Motion plus youth program.

We spoke with CEO of CT Paid Leave, Erin Choquette about the CT Paid Leave program.

We spoke with HAI Group CEO Ed Malaspina about the importance of corporate involvement in the community.

We spoke with Bushnell Theatre Actor Danny Grumich about the show the “Lion King.”

We spoke with Columbia Dental Founder & President Abbas Mohammadi about an upcoming event on Thanksgiving.

We spoke with Pure Essence Center for Wellness and Aesthetic Founder Costa Lupoi and Lole Punzo about IV therapy and other med spa services.

We spoke with Open Doors Outdoors Fundraising Director / Community Outreach Matt Udal and Founder / Executive Director Davey Edwards about the mission of Open Doors Outdoors.

We spoke with Development Coordinator at St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury Francine Nido about an upcoming event.

We spoke with Business Development Camlyn Miller-Stevens, President & CEO Capri Brighenti, and Auntie Cal about Miller Farms.

We spoke with Juliette Berry Public Events Manager for Mohegan Sun about Vets Rock 2024 and Mohegan Sun.

We spoke with board members Demetrios Giannaros and Ana Alfaro about immigration to the United States and services available for immigrants.

We spoke with Executive Director Matt Conway about Rise Up for Arts and Urban space in Hartford.

We spoke with the CT “Nacho King” Alex P. Taylor about National Nacho day.

We spoke with Frank Tavera about upcoming shows at the Palace Theater.

We spoke with Joslyn Delancey about the Holiday Bear Project.

We spoke with Caroline Ruwet who provides information about Access Health CT health insurance.

We spoke with Barbara Foley about the Ron Foley Foundation and pancreatic cancer.

We spoke with Founder Tricia Weaver about an upcoming event.

We spoke with Director John Lynch about programs and services for expecting couples.

We spoke with Actress Sarah Chalfie about an upcoming play “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

We spoke with Dr. Laura Saunders about ADHD and Mental Health Awareness.

We spoke with Trans-Siberian Orchestra Band Member Joel Hoekstra about their upcoming concert in Connecticut.

We spoke with The Social Chase Founder Helen Taylor about autism.

We spoke with Regina Fleming, a former girl scout who is running the NYC marathon to raise money for the Girl Scouts of Ct. Also, we spoke with All Work CT Founder Noelle Axis about hiring individuals with special needs.

We spoke with Daniela Brunoli about the Anna Lopreiato cancer benefit. This event will celebrate Anna's life but also raise funds for Ally G's Everday Angel Foundation.

Senior Manager of Entertainment and Events at Lake Compounce, Blake Braswell talks about Phantom Fall Fest and other family activities offered at the amusement park.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Jeff Plate talks about the upcoming show coming to Mohegan Sun.

Bob Fiore, President of the CT Epilepsy Advocate Foundation discusses epilepsy and an upcoming blood drive to help Veterans.

Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Alliance Yonni Wattenmaker discusses risk factors, prevention, and an upcoming fundraiser to raise awareness for breast cancer.

We spoke with Susan G. Komen Association Development Manager Meg Staubley about breast cancer awareness.

We spoke with Heartbeat Ensemble Borad member Vanessa R. Butler about eradicating racism.

We spoke with Girl Scouts of CT CEO Elicia Pegues Spearman about programs and services that they offer.

We spoke with Dime Bank President and CEO Nick Caplanson and Corporate Officer Ashlee Bownas Patrick about cash management services that Dime Bank offers.

We spoke with CT Wolcott Dog Pound Animal Control Officer Roslyn Nenninger about animal adoption in Connecticut.

We spoke with Gifts of Love Executive Director Lisa Gray about homelessness and food insecurity.

We spoke with the Community Dining Room Fundraising Coordinator Patrick Hackett about the Community Dining Room and the impact they make in Connecticut.

We spoke with CT Department of Children and Families Commissioner Jodi Hill-Tilly and two other guest about foster homes and the need for more foster homes in Connecticut.

We spoke with Founder Shonya Harrison about providing food for animals. No animal left unfed helps pet owners with pet food, pet supplies, medical grants and community resources.

We spoke with CEO Janet Stolfi Alfano about the CT Diaper Bank. The CT Diaper Bank is providing diapers for babies.

We spoke with Director Gerri Griswold about the White Memorial Conservation Center and nature conservation.

We spoke with KV Foundation Board Member William Maag about the KV Foundation and suicide prevention month.

We spoke with Travelers Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Bessette, and Tournament Director Nathan Grube. The Travelers Championship was a big success that raised a record amount of money for charities.

Chazz “the cream puff man” stopped by the studio to bring Allison a Big E cream puff and tell our listeners all about the Big E going on from 9/13-9/29!

We spoke with Nick Caplanson and Chuck Maynard about Dime Bank. There are a lot of great options available for individuals at Dime Bank. Nick and Chuck share more on why Dime Bank sponsors many local events.

We spoke with President and CEO of CT Foodshare Jason Jakubowski about food insecurity in Connecticut. There are great options available for residents who are struggling to eat. Connecticut Foodshare wants to help anyone who needs help.

We spoke with President and CEO of the Ct Special Olympics, Mike Mason and Global Messenger, Albert Lognan about special olympics in Connecticut. There are many great programs and services for people with special needs in Connecticut.

We spoke with Senior Director of Education, Mark Hedrick and Jason Russell, JMR Staffing CEO, about Oak Hill school. Oak Hill offers great opportunities for students with disabilities. Partner with Oak Hill through a local fundraiser coming up.

The 2nd Annual Butler Family Foundation Golf Tournament will take place at the Stanley Golf Course on Monday, September 30th. This event offers participants the opportunity to enjoy a challenging round of golf while supporting the foundation’s charitable endeavors and giving back to the community.

We spoke with Derek Brown, President of Call Before You Dig, Inc., a FREE service to anyone excavating within the state of Connecticut. Call Before You Dig service enables excavators to obtain information on the location of underground utility pipes and cables in the area of the proposed work site.

We spoke with Michelle Pincince, Connecticut Education Director, East Division, of the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League (ADL), about how the ADL's No Place For Hate Program combats bullying, bias, and prejudice through educational programming.

We spoke with Dr. Amanda Swan, Owner of Swan Integrative Health and Wellness, about how her practice combines conventional medical approaches with holistic health practices to empower patients to feel their best and to optimize their health so that they can share their light with the world.

We spoke with Christine Faressa, President and Founder of Sun, Moon & Stars about her mission to provide families with children on the Autism Spectrum with opportunities to participate in activities, events and programs while building a strong community within Greater Watertown and surrounding areas.

We spoke with Dr. James Cardon from Hartford Healthcare and Adria Giordano, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, about the upcoming 2024 Greater Hartford Heart Walk taking place on Saturday, September 7, as well as heart disease and heart health in general.

We spoke with Bradley Hoffman, Owner/President of Hoffman Auto Group, about the upcoming Michael Simmons Music Festival, a fundraiser in support of “Friends of Michael," the foundation that Bradley and Kathy Hoffman set up for their son, Michael.

We spoke with Jenn Humphrey, Founder of Brass City Rescue Alliance, about the Woof! There It Is! Comedy Night Fundraiser on Saturday, August 24th at the Southington Elks Lodge.

We spoke with Pastor AJ Johnson, Owner at THE HAT HOUSE, the flagship store of Brothers Johnson 1929 Hat Co. located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut.

We spoke with Jenn McCulloch, Assistant Director of the Hometown Foundation, about the Dream Ride Experience coming to Farmington, Connecticut Friday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 25th.

We spoke with Olivia Dudley, Director of Program Operations, and Rasheeda Wright, Juvenile Justice Team Leader for Waterbury Youth Services, about their 27th Annual Back to School Rally on Thursday, August 22nd as well as their mission to guide youth to discover their unique talents and potential for success --- one life at a time.

We spoke with Mary Young, Program Director and Treasurer of the Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative, about the organization's mission to empower the residents of Upper Albany through the establishment of block clubs, job initiatives, educational programs, youth council and initiatives and economic development.

We spoke with Deborah Van Steenbergen, Founder and President of Quilts That Care, along with Maura Yerger, Vice President, about their organization that makes and donates quilts to cancer patients at 20 local Connecticut facilities.

We spoke with Jenn McCulloch, Assistant Director of the Hometown Foundation, about the Dream Ride Experience coming to Farmington, Connecticut Friday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 25th.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi of Columbia Dental about his journey to success in the dental field and how he openedhis first private practice "for fun." Dr. Mohammadi shares tips on how to maintain dental health throughout the warm summer months and more.

We spoke with Donna Finneran, Founder and President of the Brian O'Connell Homeless Project, about starting the Brian O'Connell Homeless Foundation in honor of her twin brother, Brian O'Connell, who passed away while homeless. Donna makes and delivers "Brian Bags" to the homeless every day.

We spoke with Donovan and Isha Bell of Lion's Den Vegetarian Restaurant about what it's like to own a local business in Connecticut as well as the opening of their second location in Hartford.

We spoke to Julia Pistell, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sea Tea Improv, as well as Allie Rivera, Instructor and Performer, about their mission to present high-quality, affordable, original entertainment to a diverse audience. By providing opportunities and a home for comedians and performers, they cultivate an inclusive comedy community and springboard top regional talent to a national level.

President and CEO Nick Caplanson of Dime Bank and Molly Devanney, President and CEO of Highland Park Market Today’s interview will focus on serving the community working with local businesses and business owners.

Protecting Kids and Pets Partnership
Former State Representative Diana Urban shares information about a new partnership that will protect the voiceless, animals and children.
www.protectingkidsandpets.com

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: South Park Inn
Theresa Nicholson, Executive Director, shares the importance of supporting this incredible organization!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: The Salvation Army
Major Mig Lavenbien shares how these Birdies for Charity dollars will be used for a new youth program!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: LivFree
Daniel Viera and Jim McCaffrey share the importance of spreading kindnes through supporting families battling pediatric cancer.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: CT Breast Health Initiative
Joyce Bray share how important your donations dollars are to fighting breast cancer research in CT!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Warm the Children Middletown Kiwanis
Kristin Holden stopped by to share how you can help families this winter!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hartford Lions Soccer Academy Inc.
The team stopped by to share exciting updates about their soccer academy.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Sea Scout Ship 1909
Art Von Meeteren, Skipper for the Sea Scout program, a division of the Boy Scouts of America, stops by to chat about their awesome program!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hands on Hartford
Kelly Dougherty shares the importance of supporting all of their community programs.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Simsbury Historical Society
Bob Moody, President of the Simsbury Historical Society, shares the importance of keeping their history alive for generations to come!
www.simsburyhistory.org

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Rebuilding Together Hartford
Dawn Whalen shares how you can help rebuild homes and keep them safe!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Family Intervention Center CT
Joe Futschik shares the importance of their work in the CT community!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Eli's Garden of Healing
Founders Crystal Cathcart and Kyle Zukauskas share the healing hope of Eli's Garden for those affected by violence of any kind, especially gun violence.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Middlesex United Way
Showanda Swain shares the importance of giving to the Middlesex United Way!

Live from The Travelers Championship: Cromwell Creative District
David Sizemore shares the importance of supporting local businesses!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Connecticut Foodshare
Al Marino shares how important your dollars are to feeding people right here in CT!!!

Live from The Travelers Championship: New Horizons
Carol Fitzgerald shares ways you can continue the mission of this inclusive living community!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Access Community Action Agency
Kathleen Krider shares how you can help people in the most rural parts of CT!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: First Tee of Connecticut
Marsha Rupp and Libby Dunn share ways you can support and help the mission of the First Tee of CT!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Chrysalis Center Inc
Liliana Serrano shares exciting news about new programs and ways you can support the center.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Senior Resources Agency on Aging and Aging CT

Alison Dvorak shares how you can help our seniors in CT!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Veterans Base Camp
Cindy Archibald and Dwayne Gardner share the important work they do and how you can help our veterans.
Helping our most incredible heroes, our veterans!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Center for Children's Advocacy
Scott Murphy, volunteer and board member shares the incredble the work they do for the youth they serve!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Operation Fuel
Roxanna Booth, President & CEO of Operation Fuel, shares the importance of supporting Operation Fuel all year long!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: American School for the Deaf
Liz DeRosa shares how important your Birdie donations are for the School for the Deaf!!!

LIVE From The Travelers Championship: Shepard Meadows
Laura Patrick shares the importance of the equine therapy work they do for the community!

LIVE From The Travelers Championship: Alzheimer's Association of CT
Jess Tessman, Development Director, and David Rodrigues, Intern, share personal stories of why they support the Alzheimer's Association. We also discuss their upcoming events and ways you can support the mission too!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Wishes on Wheels
Lisa Fellows and Ron Apinis share how important your contribution is to Wishes on Wheels for Make A Wish CT!!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: The Mark Twain House & Museum
Executive Director, Michael Campbell shares how important your support of the historic Mark Twain House & Museum is to keeping this landmark up and running for generations to come!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hartford Performs
Executive Director RIe Poirier-Campbell shares how important your donations are to keeping the mission of ARTS alive for our youth!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Jr League of Hartford
Aime Lugo, President of the Jr League of Hartford shares the importance of helping this organization continue its mission.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Gifts of Love
Lisa Gray shares how your support can change lives!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Special Olympics Connecticut
Mike Mason, President & CEO; Ron Smith, Board Chair; and Athlete, Raishaun Holloway share great stories about Special Olympics and more!

The Travelers Championship: The Bone and Joint Institute
Dr Stef Brourassa, Director of Sports Medicine shares important sports tips and techniques for your golf game!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute
Dr Dean George, Director of Cutaneous Oncology at Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute shares the importance of keeping your skin safe from the sun!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Shag Bark Hickory Farm
Katie Hunt from Shag Bark Hickory Farm shares how important your donations are to help keep the horses ready to help!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: For All Ages
Gary Sekorski, Co-Founder of For All Ages, shares ways you can help their mission of ending lonliness, for all ages!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT
Stacy Herr shares how important the work of Habitat for Humanity is and how you can support their mission.

Live from The Travelers Championship: Hartford HealthCare's Dr Waskowitz shares important info about staying safe on the links!
Dr. Robert Waskowitz is a third generation physician from Connecticut. His primary interests include the diagnosis and treatment of knee and shoulder injuries and sports medicine. He performs reconstructive and arthroscopic procedures on the knee, shoulder, ankle and elbow.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hole in the Wall in the Gang Camp
Jarrod Zwirko, Director of Community Fundraising from the camp shares the iportant work they do and how your donations keep them going all year!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Nest Egg Foundation
Dana Gilland and Amy Matton share the work they do in offering hope to families!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Camp Courant
Corrianne Chipello CEO & Executive Director shares how important supporting camp is to kids in Connecticut!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: No Animal Left Unfed Inc
Shonya Harrison shares the importance of her work in Hartford.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Metro Hartford Alliance
Kate Baumann, Metro Hartford Alliance Chief Operating Officer stopped by to say hello and chat about her show Pulse of the Region.
wwww.metrohartford.com

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: CT Humane Society
James Bias is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Humane Society and reminds us how important animal advocacy is and how much these donations man to their misson!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Boys and Girls Club of Milford
Megan Altomare from the club shares the new and exciting ways you can help support the Milford Boys & Girls Club!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Northern Middlesex YMCA
Betsy McCain Schroeder shares the important worek the Y does and how you can help.

LIVE from the Travelers Championship: Hartford Youth Scholars
We spoke with Anthny Byers from Hartford Youth Scholars about the incredible work they do for Hartford youth!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship Shine Your Light CT
Meg Bard and Melissa Charter share importan info about Shine Your Light CT!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Cromwell Childrens Coalition
We spoke with Chair Rodney Bitgood from the organization who shared important information about the work they do to enrich the lives of the youth they serve in Cromwell.
www.cromwellchildrenscoalition.org
FB: Cromwell Childrens Coalition

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Harlows Heroes
Krista Smith, Founder of Harlows Heroes shares important ways you can make a difference in the lives of Connecticut K9's. Check out our interview below!!!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: iQuilt Partnership
Jackie Mandyke from iQuilt Partnership shares how they are able to offer Winterfest for FREE in Hartford thanks to donations!!!

Live from the Travelers Championship: Hartford Boys and Girls Club
Sam Gray is the President & CEO of the Hartford Boys & GIrls Club and shares how important your donations are RIGHT NOE to the kids they serve!

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Hartford Artisans Weaving Center
Executive Director Ann Kollegger shares the incredible stories behind the work of the blid artisans at the center!

LIVE from the Travelers Championship: Interview with Connecticut Children's Foundation
Alyssa Horrall, Assistant VP of Corporate Relations and Summer Sivetz, Manager of Philanthropic Events for the Connecticut Children's Foundation share the important mission of the foundation!

Live from the Travelers Championship: Interview with Lasagna Love
We spoke with Andria Larso, Executive Director of Lasagna Love an organization that has served 2 million people with kindness and meals across the US!

Live from The Travelers Championship Interview with Mercy High School
We spoke with the Administration President Alissa DeJonge about the wonderful programs Mercy High School offers to its students.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Eastern CT Veterans Community Center
Pastor Roger Bolduk shares the important work he and his team do for our Veterans.

LIVE from The Travelers Championship: Community Renewal Team
We spoke with Kerstin Augur about the incredible programs and services of CRT!!!

Live from The Travelers Championship: Services for the Elderly of Farmington
We spoke with Executive Director, Toni Augur, about the mission of the organization and the work they do to enrich the lives of the senior community in the Farmington Valley.

Live from the Travelers Championship: Interview with CCC YMCA
Tim Bartlett is the President & CEO of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA and shares how your donations will keep their mission of making lives better strong!!!

LIVE from the Travelers Championship: Interview with Friends of Feeney
Eric Feeney shares the amazing work his organization does to help Families in need!!!

Live from the Travelers Championship: Interview with Luke Roux Foundation
Carri and Steve Roux honor their son Luke, killed in a drunk driving incident. Hoping to create awareness and save lives though conversation.

Live from the Travelers Championship: Interview with Community Dining Room
Patrick Hackett is the Fundraising Coordinator for the organization and shares details and ways you can help.

LIVE at the Travelers Championship: Interview with Protectors of Animals, Inc.!
Bette Condon is a Volunteer and the Surrender Coordinator for Protectors of Animals, Inc. She shares how important your help is to their mission of saving lives.

LIVE! Birdies for Charity interviews Puppies & Golf!
CBS Sports AnnouncerAmanda Balionis is the founder of Puppies & Golf andorganization that is focused on helping people and their pets, adoption and so much more. Puppies & Golf helps by supporting and promoting organizations dedicated to connecting humans and dogs for a lifetime of purpose and love, with an emphasis on Military veterans.

We spoke with Officer Kristen Brousseau, Capt Lid Rodrigues and Officer Jared Surprenant and K9 Grim of the COnneticut State Department of Corrections about their 32 Annual K9 Olympics to be help of Septemebr 21, 2024 at the Enfield DOC. This event is free and open to the public. No personal pets allowed.

CT Animal Rescue: Kicho & Koreo's Comfort

Marla Rubenstein, Founder

FB: Kicho & Koreo’s Comfort

We spoke about collecting donations for pet items for all rescue’s and shelters.

We spoke with Jen Kanaitis, Founder Boomer’s Best Buddies named in honor of her rescue pup Boomer. This 501c3 helps save lives of little critters and small animals here in Connecticut.

www.Boomersbestbuddies.com
FB/IG: @boomersbestbuddiesrescue

Matt Fleury, President of the Connecticut Science Center, gives us a peek at the June lineup at the CT Science Center!!!!

We spoke with Kristen Cusato Director of Communications for the CT Chapter of the Alzheimers Association about upcommuning events, volunteerism, getting help and of course all the walks. Joining us, Marni Hartford Wak Chair and TIffany Hamm-Gouveia Team capt and Volunteer .

We spoke with Steve Collins, President and CEO of Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO), about the 2024 Talcott Mountain Music Festival set to enchant audiences at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.

We spoke with Steve Collins, President and CEO of Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO), about the 2024 Talcott Mountain Music Festival set to enchant audiences at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center starting Friday, June 28th.

11th Annual Sun BBQ FestSaturday, June 15th | Noon – 9:00pmSunday, June 16th | Noon – 5:00pmWinter Parking Lot

50+ food trucks, smoky flavors, tender meats, cold beer and delicious cocktails· People’s Choice Competition: guests can judge a rib, wing, and burger competition for $1 per sample· Incredible live music by country headliners Chase Bryant and Jon Langston· Guests who purchase a ticket are automatically entered to win a Pit Boss Sportsman 820 Wood Pellet Grill courtesy of Pit Boss; winner will be announced at 4:45pm on Sunday· Chef Demos: Chef Plum, Chef Tom Carman, Chef Erica Roby, Chef Jose Perez· Wicked Cornhole will host a pro-standard Cornhole Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, with three winners each day· New and existing players can download the MoheganSunCasino.com app, register for an account and place a $25 bet on any casino game which will grant them a spin on the giant prize that has over $10,000 in prizes up for grabs· Bubbles & Brews Tailgate ($40, $45 day-of): cold brews, bubbly cocktails, and unlimited alcohol samples while listening to Nick Bosse and The Northern Roots· Tickets (Saturday: $15, Sunday: $10) on sale now via ticketmaster.com; kids age 12 and under receive free admission

We spoke with Bill DeMaio, Superintendent of Newington Parks & Recreation, about their upcoming Life. Be In It. Extravaganza taking place at Mill Pond Park from Wednesday, July 17th through Saturday, July 20th.

We spoke with Bill DeMaio, Superintendent of Newington Parks & Recreation, about two very exciting upcoming events. On Thursday, June 13th, Newington Parks & Recreation will present their "Newington Goes Country" event at Mill Pond Park, and on Friday, June 14th, they will host "Food Truck Friday".

We spoke with Corrianne Chipello, Executive Director & CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant about the Opening Day Celebration of its 130th summer on Monday, June 24th! Join in on the celebration as you cheer and greet the campers when they arrive for their very first day of camp!

We spoke with Nick Daddona, Director the 2024 Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration, about the upcoming event which takes place from Friday, July 5th - Saturday, July 7th.

The Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd

Krissy Dorsey is the Executive Director of The CJK Foundation and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Travelers Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd

Allison and Jenn Inho are sisters and Co-Founders/Co-Directors of Angela Marotta Inho Foundation and share how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Travelers Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd

Rebekah DeMatteo is the Director of Training for Army's Legacy Animal Rescue and Sanctuary and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Travelers Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd

Dan Murray is the Executive Director of Wellspring and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Travelers Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd

Justine Rakich-Kelly is the Executive Director of The Children's Law Center of Connecticut, Inc. and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Dream Ride Experience is more than just a weekend event; it is a year-round movement of making dreams come true through #DreamRide365.The Dream Ride Experience is the signature fundraising event of The Hometown Foundation, Inc. The weekend features family fun for all! It also includes the Dream Cruise, a Saturday police-escorted journey where drivers pair up with Dream Riders in their classic/exotic vehicles for a 12-mile cruise, Dream Show featuring cars and motorcycles, culminating in the Dream Ride, a Sunday motorcycle tour through the Farmington, Connecticut countryside, all to benefit The Hometown Foundation, Inc.Over the years, The Dream Ride Experience has evolved into a year-long community commitment to celebrate the achievements of our Dream Riders, the true heart and soul of our event. Our Dream Riders are Special Olympics athletes and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities from over 25 different states and three countries. The Experience honors these men, women, and children living with intellectual disabilities in our communities.This weekend event and year-round movement highlights their determination and willingness to persevere, overcome challenges, and shatter stereotypes. The Dream Ride Experience advocates for inclusion and building friendships amongst not only the Dream Riders, but also with the participants and attendees.During this weekend-long event, Farmington, Connecticut, welcomes thousands of motorcyclists, automotive enthusiasts and guests from across the world, who come together to support The Hometown Foundation, Inc.

Interview with the magic behind the Traveler's Championship!

Andy F. Bessette,
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Travelers

Nathan Grube
Executive Director, Greater Hartford Community Foundation, Inc.; Tournament Director, Travelers Championship

Interview with Mark E. Scheinberg, Goodwin University President, about this year's fundraising event, Clambake 2024!

Hartford HealthCare Heroes: Creating A New Pipeline for Nurses
Chief Nursing Officer for Hartford HealthCare, Mary Ellen ("Mel") Kosturko and Dr Rocco Orlando, Chief Academic Officer of Hartford HealthCare, share exciting new ways they are creating opportunities for nursing in Connecticut and beyond!

The American Lung Force Walk 2024 with iHeartCommunities

Scott Trantolo shares why it's important for Trantolo & Trantolo to support the communities they serve! Listen to our interview below! Brad Paisley, Son of the Mountains World Tour Presented by Trantolo & Trantolo with special guest Tyler Farr at Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday, June 29th 2024 at 7:00pm

Interview with Chaz Koch, Executive Director

They are a non profit who rescues dogs from high kill shelters and trains them to be support dogs for our Veterans suffering from a multitude of issue.

Kristi Wright, owner of RX Crystals and also runs Operation Opioid is navigating small business oin Connecitut while keeping her dad's legact alive in Bristol!

Birdies for Charity: Meet Malta House of Care! The Travelers Championship is proud to be a PGA TOUR event that donates 100 percent of net proceeds to charity every year.
The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 23rd
Dianne Auger is the Executive Director of Malta House of Care and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

Samantha Merwin is the President of Elbowbumpkid Inc and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!
Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes.Our mission is to provide families impacted with Type 1 Diabetes the opportunity to thrive, learn and grow despite the diagnosis.

An interview with Larisa Kottke, President & CEOLeadership Greater Hartford to talk about this years Polaris Awards!

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 24th
Michele Sok is the President of the Junior League of Hartford and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!
Above all else, the Junior League of Hartford's goal is to promote and perpetuate social change in the Hartford communities that will benefit most from it. By empowering women and providing valuable leadership training, we are giving local women the tools to get involved, put their talents to work, and positively impact the communities of Hartford and the surrounding areas.Our mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 24th
Phyllis Lobo is the Marketing Director and Outreach Coordinator of Linens of Love and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 24th
Robin Clare is the Executive Director of Seniors Job Bank and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!
Seniors Job Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 1974, dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find part-time, temporary or full-time work in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns. We connect jobseekers with job opportunities in businesses, municipalities, and with homeowners.Our mission is to connect people over 50 looking for full-time, part-time, and temporary work with businesses, municipalities, homeowners and other employers that have work to be done. SJB enables companies, professional practices, and government agencies to hire experienced staff offering an extensive range of skills and talents, blue- and white collar. Households and other domestic clients turn to SJB to complete home maintenance and improvements, and to arrange for a variety of personal services. SJB contributes to the financial and social well-being of its jobseekers as well as to the general economic health of the greater Hartford region.

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th - 24th
Rachel DeConti is the Executive Director of the Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (LGMD2D) and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!
Formed in September 2013, the LGMD2D Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit foundation built for families living with LGMD2D - both patients and caregivers - by families with the same diagnosis. Our mission is to expedite the development of treatments or a cure for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, type 2D / R3 (LGMD2D).

Please take a moment to listen to my interview wiuth Sandy and her husband Shawn Archer. What a bond, they are an amazing couple and need our help.

A Connecticut woman diagnosed with chronic liver disease is hoping for a live donor. Patients with a living-donor liver transplant may have a longer survival rate and fewer medical issues after the procedure than those who receive a liver from a deceased donor, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Sandy (Saucier) Archer of Haddam, 47, was diagnosed in August 2022 with a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver. She and her family are encouraging people to consider registering as an organ donor. with Yale New Haven Health. “Archer’s physician told her last Summer that she had a 20 percent chance of survival in the next year. Having a living donor allows the recipient to avoid possible health complications while waiting for a transplant, the Mayo Clinic website said”.

To learn more about being a donor, visit registerme.org/campaign/ct. To learn more about organ transplants, visit ynhh.org/services.

Join the Monroe Police Department and other great community sponsors for the 3rd Annual Classic Car Show for Special Olympic's CT.
Listen as Ofc Nick Puglisi shares all the detaila about this amazing event!

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th -24th
We spoke with Ginger Smith, Founder and Executive Director of SOAR Together! Listen below how you can help support their mission through Birdies for Charity with the Traveler's Championship. SOAR Together, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County, Connecticut.SOAR Together's rhyme and reason is to provide unique programs and collaborations which spark positive social connections that change outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th -24th
We spoke with Sarah DiMeo-Carabetta, Executive Director for Acts 4 Ministry. She shares how you can help support their mission with Birdies For Charity through the Traveler's Championship below! Acts 4 Ministry (Acts 4) is a non-denominational, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the needs of families and individuals in financial distress.

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th -24th
Birdies for Charity: Meet Creative Living Community of CT. The Travelers Championship is proud to be a PGA TOUR event that donates 100 percent of net proceeds to charity every year.
We spoke with Cindy Hall, Founder of Creative Living Community of CT. Listen to our interview below and hear how you can support CLCC through Birdies for Charity with the Traveler's Championship and get connected to Birdies below too!
CLCC seeks to create a shared, inclusive living experience for individuals with and without developmental disabilities in a Farm Community, by focusing upon the gifts of all in mutually rewarding relationships.Currently, CLCC is raising funds to make this community a reality. Many necessary steps have been taken to launch us forward including Planning & Zoning Approval from the Town of Coventry. You can help bring this vision to fruition by investing in our community today.

The Traveler's Championship at the TPC River Highlands enjoyed June 17th -24th
Meg Bard is the Executive Director and Founder of Shine Your Light CT and shares how you can support their mission through Birdies for Charity with The Traveler's Championship! Listen to our interview below and get connected to Birdies for Charity!
Shine Your Light CT (SYL) supports and inspires communities to unleash their creativity and build confidence by providing opportunities that promote self-expression. SYL partners with organizations throughout Connecticut to give individuals a voice through the Arts, music, mindfulness, and movement.Our mission is to provide healing experiences to those who are most in need through the transformative power of art, yoga, and diverse forms of expression.

We spoke with Dawn Saczynski, the founder of RJ's Goals, about the history and initiatives of her charitable organization. Among its initiatives, RJ’s Goals hopes to continue to provide soccer balls to Lil Kicks players, with the next batch of soccer balls planned to be handed out in the fall.

We spoke to Sergeants Christine Jeltema and Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police about some of the topics we have covered with them over the years, as Sgt. Jeltema prepares to leave her role as Public Information Officer and passes the torch to Sgt. Luke Davis.

We spoke with Deputy Commissioner, Sinthia Sone-Moyano of the Connecticut State Department of Education about the No Matter What campaign, also known as the McKinney-Vento Act, which provides rights and protections for students experiencing homelessness.

Save the Date! On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Malta House of Care will celebrate this year’s Wonder Women class at the Celebrating Wonder Women ’24 awards ceremony and fundraiser at The Bushnell from 5:30-8:30pm. All proceeds will support the work of the Malta House of Care – providing free comprehensive primary health care for uninsured adults in the Greater Hartford area.

We spoke with Derek Jones, President of DK Movement Cares, about their 5K to benefit the Special Olympics Connecticut/Bristol on Saturday, August 24th.

Animal Control Officer, Sherry DeGenova, shares important tips for pet parents in Connecticut!

We spoke with Ashley McClain, Director of Beyond the Horizon, Inc. about their 1st Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser that will take place on Tuesday, August 20th at the Lyman Orchards Players Course to benefit inclusivity, advocacy, awareness and education within the Autism community.

We spoke with Nick DeSorbo, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC and Founder of DeSorbo Health and Wellness, about important reminders as the summertime approaches, as well as the medical and aesthetic services that DeSorbo Health and Wellness has to offer.

We spoke with Alyssa Norwood, Director of Connecticut Age Well Collaborative, about this statewide, cross-sector initiative that fosters aging, dementia and disability-inclusive communities.

With one foot firmly in Reno and the other across the pond at our Bristol, UK office, Jarrod’s globetrotting nature has led him to make meaningful connections with people all over the world. His attention to listening first let’s him learn what makes people tick and, admittedly, helps him harness the insights to propel Noble’s success.Over the last two decades Jarrod has grown our creative digital performance marketing agency from a single-laptop endeavor to an international company. To date, Noble partnered with brands like Visit Lake Tahoe, Santa Monica, Autodesk, The Islands of Tahiti, Niantic Inc., Adobe, Disney, Visa, Google and more. His passion for creating beautiful human experiences (and his architectural background) have helped Noble translate the best of the real world into virtual architecture.Jarrod seeks inspiration from the world around him. An avid photographer and outdoorsman, he’s our original Wild Bear—hungry to see the world and always searching for a way to be better. On any given day that could mean sharing his experiences at national conferences, swapping stories with a client or hiking Patagonia with Season, his wife. (Everest is up next. Be better every day, right?)A mentor, father, husband and visionary, Jarrod has held leadership roles with several non-profit and public-private initiatives in Nevada. He previously served as Co-Executive Director of the San Francisco/Silicon Valley Inc. Magazine’s Business Owners Council, was a board member for Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) and an advisory board member for the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET). He’s taken the stage around the world at Destinations International’s Annual Convention, Social Media Week Bristol, eTourism, DMA West, University of Nevada – Reno, University of Nevada – Las Vegas and Truckee Meadows Community College, just to name a few.Outside of his office in Reno, Nevada, Jarrod likes to keep his hands busy. He prides himself on being an early adopter, trying any interesting technology that comes on the scene and attending CES in Vegas just for the fun of seeing into the future (and how it can be applied to digital marketing, of course). His passion for photography has led him to new horizons–Iceland, in the near future–and led him to form a group for agency photogs throughout the country.Want to know more about Jarrod? Pull up a handmade chair, grab a glass of homemade beer, wine or mead, and come prepared to share a story of your own.

We spoke with Marisa Giarnella, Founder of the Jordan Porco Foundation, as well as Fred Kaelin, Executive Director of the Jordan Porco Foundation, about their mission to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults.

We spoke with Lauren Amendola, Executive Director for the Arthritis Foundation, and Meghan Karalus, the mother of a child with arthritis. Walk to Cure Arthritis is the Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide signature event that unites communities across the country to put an end to arthritis.

We spoke with Roger Straub, an accomplished artist, musician and writer. Straub’s work, including “Mac Comics,” has been featured in several published and novelty formats.

We spoke with Nichole Whitcomb, Chief Operating Officer of Ovarium Conception, about their natural, hormone-free, patented fertility aide for home use.

Brunch, cocktails, fashion, dogs…If this sounds like your perfect Sunday then buy tickets right now for our Rescue on the Runway fashion show fundraiser. All proceeds from your $45 ticket directly help us save dogs’ lives. Hurry before we sell out!

We spoke with client, Laura Judy, about the reassurance, safety, love and joy that her dog, Lyla, has brought to her life through Fidelco Guide Dogs.

We spoke with Garrett T. Eucalitto, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT); Sergeant Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police; and Sergeant Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police about important roadway safety reminders and trends they are seeing on our highways.

We spoke with Ed Malaspina, CEO of HAI Group, about being named a Top Workplace in the nation by USA Today, in addition to HAI's fourth consecutive year being named a Top Workplace in the state of Connecticut.

We spoke with Nick Caplanson, President and CEO of Dime Bank, about important updates for April including availability of services outside of Dime Bank location neighborhoods as well as the work they are doing to hire outstanding employees based on a leadership philosophy that begins at the top.

The In the Company of Women Luncheon will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center on Thursday, April 18th. We spoke to Collette V. Smith, the keynote speaker, about her incredible experience as the NFL's first black female coach as well as her organization, Believe N You, Inc.

We spoke with Nandini Natarajan, CEO of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) about the Time To Own (TTO) program, which provides a Forgivable Down Payment Assistance loan to first-time homebuyers.

Gavin, a wonderful 9-year-old, suffers from Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, and needs our help. Gavin's Home Makeover Pasta Dinner will take place on Sunday, April 28th. Tickets are $20 each and include salad, pasta, meatballs, rolls and dessert. Purchase tickets to help this incredible cause!

We spoke with Chip Phillips, the new CEO of Valisure, about his intent to further commercialize Valisure's services and build its business by approaching larger purchasers of pharmaceuticals to build quality standards into their procurement process.

The 16th Annual Taste of Wethersfield
Renee DiNino and Alex P Taylor will host this event and chat with the Exectutive Director fo the Wethersfield Historical Society Amy Wittorff about this years amazing event!!!

We spoke with Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM and Senior Veterinarian with Chewy Health, about the seasonal risks to our pets when it comes to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, etc. and how to mitigate those issues in the upcoming spring and summer months.

We spoke with Dr. Patricia Johnson Lane, RDH and student Autumn Gardner about how the Tunxis Community College Dental Hygiene Program helps those in our community achieve healthier smiles and overall health.

Mohegan Sun’s Sun Whiskey Union is Coming to the Earth Ballroom on Saturday, April 13th. Whether you are new to the world of whiskey or a knowledgeable enthusiast, you can chat with the distilleries’ representatives to learn more about their styles of whiskey and other libations!

We spoke with Jennifer Rossi, Development and Community Engagement Specialist for Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Connecticut about their upcoming 5K walks on May 4th in West Hartford and October 5th in Branford.

The Town of Farmington partenrs with New Horizon's for pickleball fun!

The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike's “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when local Jersey Mike's restaurants will give 100 percent of the day's sales to Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

Dime Bank shares great updates for March! Learn about wealth management, the services Dime Bank offers and community banking,

5K Run To Remember Our Beloved Pets to benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter
Location:
20 Island Avenue
Madison, CT US 06443

DescriptionThis 5k race/2 mile walk is in memory of, or in honor of our beloved pets. We encourage you to bring a picture of your pet to pin to your shirt as you race through Madison's coastline. This race is on a very flat terrain, with minimal small hills. A professional timer will be present. T-shirts guaranteed for the first 175 registrants! Awards, snacks, and water will be provided. Check-in/same day registration opens at 8am. All proceeds will be donated to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, CT

ConnCon ’24, the new Connecticut Tourism Conference This event runs 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
This is our time. Connecticut is receiving more attention than ever as a great place to visit, frequently earning top national rankings and earned media from prestigious news outlets. This is our moment, and we need you to be part of the momentum.

Gerald LearyBlind since birth, Gerry, a Boulder CO resident, has never let his visual challenge prevent him from attaining his goals. He partnered with his first Fidelco guide dog, “Devyn” in 2018 and previously worked with Labrador guide dogs.Gerry had a huge interest in cars growing up, and his dad, an auto mechanic, taught him while working on cars in their home garage. Gerry used his highly developed sense of hearing to determine when a car’s noises indicated a mechanical problem and then made the needed repairs. Despite the challenge of becoming a car mechanic, Gerry worked in that field for 40 years.After his many years as a mechanic, Gerry decided to follow a different path-- become a master coffee roaster. His interest in coffee began after visiting a San Francisco café in 1994. When he couldn’t secure an apprenticeship in the coffee business locally due to his vision loss, he travelled to San Francisco and trained at the West Coast Specialty Coffee Company. After returning home, Gerry began roasting with a tiny roaster in a shed in his back yard. Despite the inherent challenge of not being able to see the coffee beans he selected and the roasting process, he worked diligently, creating a log of each roasting trial and used the sound and smell of the roasting beans to perfect his craft.Initially selling quarter pound bags of his coffee to friends, Gerry founded his specialty coffee roasting facility, “The Unseen Bean”, in 2003 and then opened two coffee shops. He later partnered with two Italian coffee lovers to open a new coffee roasting facility which sells (including online) over 20 varieties of coffee and coffee-related products (mugs and chocolate coffee bars) to retail and wholesale customers. According to The Unseen Bean’s website, Gerry is believed to be the only blind coffee roaster in the world!

Interview with Lieutenant Marisol Rodriguez-Velez, District Commander, Southwest DistrictHartford Police Department

Voices of CT Veteran Grown: Episode Four

Diamond Theatre Company presents David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize winning play about small-time, cut-throat real estate salesmen chomping at the bit to scramble for their share of the American Dream

We discuss the increase in sick raccoons in CT, feral cats and adoptable dogs!

Dime Bank helping you with your mortgage!
President and CEO Nick Caplanson of Dime Bank discusses the typical process of buying/selling a home and mortgage tips!

The Voices of CT Veteran Grown
In this segment we speak with Priam Vineyards, The Cut Flower Farm at Stonewall Acres and CT Resource COncservation and Development with CT Veteran Grown.

Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show 2024
March 22 - 24th the Mohegan Sun Eart Expo and Convention Center

Hear how you can be a part of the Wethersfield P.A.L. and join us for our first event at the Wethersfield Community Center on Friday 2.2.24

Please join us on Saturday March 9th, 2024 at Aria in Prospect! We are thrilled to once again invite you to join House of Heroes Connecticut in our largest annual fundraising gala. This year’s theme “Las Vegas Nights” will be a salute to Veteran’s service including full dinner service, open bar, and entertainment brought to you by the Timmy Maia Music Experience. The night will be centered around the presentation of our annual William J. May III Service Above Self Awards. As always, outstanding raffle prizes and silent auction items will be offered with plans to incorporate Vegas-style games and entertainment into the fundraising mix!

We spoke with Kristie Gonsalves, show organizer of the CT Flower Club and Garden Show and Karin Pyskaty, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT
Spring will arrive early at the 42nd “Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” from Thursday, February 22 through Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Dates/Hours: Thursday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discounted admission tickets are on sale now at www.CTFlowerShow.com, $17 for Adults and Seniors.

Interview with: Alisa D. Sisic, Sr. Manager of Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications at Connecticut Airport Authority/Bradley International Airport

Protectors of Animals cordially invites you to attend a charity gala on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell from 6-10pm.

It is with excitement and gratitude that we offer an evening of buffet dinner, drinks, entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions to our community sponsors, supporters, and friends. Our official re-emergence after a Covid-induced hiatus calls for an extra jubilant theme, so bust out your most colorful, glittery, or sequined ensembles and prepare for a spectacular "Mardi Paws" celebration. Beads and masks will be provided!
Also, be on the lookout for a preview of our wonderful selection of silent auction items. A link will be sent to all ticketed attendees as the event date approaches

Everybody Loves LolaJudy Umstead has been an animal control officer for 20 years so saving and caring for animals are her passion.Last year when she was diagnosed and treated for cancer, she decided to do something she always wanted to do but had put off. She wrote a children's book about her beloved dog Lola. The story follows the journey of a naughty, little Labrador retriever who got into trouble and had to find a new home. Then she found her home with Judy who had faith in her that she was really a good dog, and how she became a wonderful therapy dog. She visits hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and even goes on TV! Then she became a Police Comfort Dog for The Town of Watertown where she has her own vest, badge and ID.She continues to go wherever she is needed and that why.... Everybody Loves Lola!A portion of book sales will go towards helping animals in animal cruelty cases!

Voices of CT Veteran Grown In this second segment of our special feature highlighting CT Veteran Farmers.
For more information visit: ctveterangrown.org

Mohegan Sun’s 20th Annual Sun Wine & Food FestThursday, January 25th – Sunday, January 28th

iHeartCommunities is proud to partner with Dime Bank. We’ll be having monthly conversations about community banking, timely financial topics and industry trends. Follow us throughout the year at multiple community events and more! Our friend Nick Caplanson, President and CEO of Dime Bank will be here to share updates and good news like in our recent interview for the January podcast. Dime Bank: Community Giving for 2023, consumer banking trends, interest rates and the real estate market and what’s in store for 2024!

Take a listen as we speak with Brenda Watson, Executive Director for The North Hartford Partnership and two successful local businesses Ovelle Coffee and RastaRant who have found success at The Swfit Factory.

About Ovelle: Sasha Fay, Co-Founder of Ovelle coffee shares her personal story and how she and her husband, Ian Fey, came to the Swift Factory to share their Jamaican coffee with Connecticut!

“Bit of Jamaica to your Door Our mission is to provide premium coffee to all our customers. We believe that once you taste the smooth, sweet flavor of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, your everyday coffee experience will never be the same. Through our Direct Trade with the Jamaican Coffee Growers Association, we enusre fair wages and high quality coffee. And each order is roasted fresh so that you can be certain you are getting the best, from Crop to Cup! Take a Sip
Today!”

About RastaRant: Gigi and M.A. Lawrence share their story and partnership of RastaRant and what it means for the community and their family! Delicious Caribbean vegan cuisine is available to you curated by Chef Gigi!!!
“RastaRant was founded by Vegan Master Chef GiGi Lawrence who grew up learning how to cook at the tender age of 8 years old in Kingston, Jamaica. Over the years she mastered the art of preparing Delicious Caribbean Cuisine. RastaRant was created to help families discover their path to a healthier lifestyle. Our goal is to provide high vibrational, delicious, colorful, flavor filled meals for the entire family to enjoy.”

The North Hartford Partnership The North Hartford Partnership is a nonprofit organization working with the community to advance equitable social and economic development in North Hartford. The Swift Factory: an 80,000 square foot commercial & community campus in Hartford’s North East neighborhood.

Open House is approaching at the end of the month on Sunday, January 28th from 11:00-1:00 pm.Saint Paul School is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. All current and prospective families will be invited to the Open House to see an Art Show of all our students work and have a chance to visit classrooms, meet our dedicated teachers and hear from school families. Enjoy our interview with students: Andrew Glowicki Grade 5 and Emery Tarry Grade 8. Joining the students and Renee DiNino are teacher and administrator: Grade 5 teacher Charolette Planeta and Kelly Esposito, Director of Admissions & Marketing.

The 41st edition of the Business Women’s Forum, Connecticut’s premier leadership conference for women, will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville and will feature award-winning journalist Joan Lunden as the event’s keynote speaker.
Renee chats with Lynn Ward, President and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Business Women's Forum along with Susan Sprano, Chairwoman of the Business Women's Forum and the Advertising Director of the Republican American.

Voices of CT Veteran Grown
In this first segment of our special feature highlighting CT Veteran Farmers you'll hear from the Commisssioner of the Department of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt and these Veteran farmers and locations:
Mountain View Farm in Farmington and Veteran Lorren Pogson
Sea Coast Mushrooms in Mystic & Stonington and Veteran Chris Pacheco
For more information visit: ctveterangrown.org

Welcome Home Hartford!
Take a listen to this very informative interview with Ebony Jackson-Shaheed, Director of Health and Human Services for the City of Hartford and Anthony Lawson, Project Manager for Welcome Home Hartford.
Everyone deserves a home of their own!

Today we’re speaking with Kerry Mattson and Laura Lyon from the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Regional School Choice Office or RSCO.The RSCO school choice application for the 2024-2025 school year is available now, and Kerry and Laura are here to tell us about all the great options that are available for families.Apply now during RSCO’S on-time application period at ChooseYourSchool.org

Listen to our interview with APRN Nick DeSorbo, founder of DeSorbo Health & Wellness. Head into the new year with a healthier you!About Nick DeSorbo: As a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, the focus of my practice is to provide personalized services to patients of all ages at the time and place that best suits their health and wellness needs.

The Hometown Foundation, IHeartMedia and Channel 3 Cares present the second annual Hearts & Paws Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10. At the Farmington Polo Club. The event will honor K-9 officers & raise funds for K-9 units. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit hometownfoundation.org.

The 41st edition of the Business Women’s Forum, Connecticut’s premier leadership conference for women, will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville and will feature award-winning journalist Joan Luden as the event’s keynote speaker.Individuals who purchase their tickets by Jan. 10, 2024 and use code “EARLYBIRD24” at www.ctbwf.com will save $30 on an admission ticket. The Business Women’s Forum is Connecticut’s longest running conference for women in the state devoted to professional and personal development. Throughout the day, attendees will hear from a variety dynamic speakers and trainers, get the opportunity to network with hundreds of other professional women, and get the chance to win prizes. New this year is a marketplace offering a selection of products from local artisans, crafters, independent sellers, and small business owners.

2023 iHeartCommunities Wrap Show: The Bender Classic! Sgt Chapman of the Newtown Police Department is back at it again with The Bender Classic at UConn all to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut!

2023 iHeartCommunities Wrap Show: Andrew Gernhard Synthetic Cinema International! Their impact to the Connecticut economy, filmmaking and Holiday Hallmark movies right here in Connecticut and beyond! Plus some life lessons about breaking into the industry from Andrew, producer and owner of Synthetic Cinema.

2023 iHeartCommunities Wrap Show: Sgt Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police. Safety tips for Holiday Driving, updates from CSP and recruitment opportunities!

2023 iHeartCommunities Wrap Show: Lt Susan Bysiewicz! Sharing info about the positive news over the last 12 months that includes jobs, small businesses, women owned businesses and more!

Easterseals is calling on the United States to commit to making air travel accessible by the 40th anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act in 2026.Renee DiNino chats with Easterseals Capital Region and Eastern CT President and CEO Robin Sharp (interview below)At Easterseals Capital Region, is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for those we serve -- Easterseals provides critical services and powerful advocacy so that people with disabilities and active military and veterans are provided with the resources they need to achieve their full potential in life.

CT Veteran Grown Program launched to support CT’s farmer Veteran businesses. Renee DiNino sits down with the Department of Agriculture's Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt and three incredible guests to chat about this program and opportunity for Veteran owned farmers.

iHeartCommunities welcomes MetLife Pet Insurance as our newest sponsor. Renee DiNino of iHeartCommunities interviews MetLife Pet Insurance CEO Brian Jorgensen and Dr. Hunter Finn, a MetLife Pet Insurance partner about the latest dog flu and mystery illness sweeping the nation.

An honest conversation with an animal control officer in Connecticut. Please consider adopting from a rescue or shelter in our state and if possible volunteer to foster.

BE Chocolat, Initiator of Tastes.BEnoit is BElgian Master Chocolatier graduated from Ceria Culinary Institute in Brussels Belgium, and was Chocolate Chef at the Belgian Pavilion in Shanghai World Expo. Co-owned with his wife Sylvie Fortin - CEO's you Should Know here in CT!!!BE Chocolat is exclusively using Callebaut Fairtrade Finest Belgian Chocolate.Production is hand made at our beautiful Atelier BE Chocolat in Fairfield CT USA in small batches to preserve the subtleness of tastes of premium ingredients."To BE or not to BE",.... this is the ultimate question.

Dime Bank, Community Banking Lives Here!
Dime Bank President & CEO Nick Caplanson shares information about the wonderful impact Dime Bank employeess have in the communities they serve. iHeartCommunities is proud to welcome Dime Bank to our family and look forward to sharing in the comunity together!

Holiday Bear ProjectThe Connecticut Education Foundation’s (CEF) Holiday Bear Project is our holiday gift-giving project that links CEA members, the public, and businesses with needy public school students. Bear down for a worthy cause by sponsoring a needy Connecticut child. Your efforts will help the child bear up during the holidays.

Shine Your Light CT (SYL) supports and inspires communities to unleash their creativity and build confidence by providing opportunities that promote self-expression. SYL partners with organizations throughout Connecticut to give individuals a voice through the Arts, music, mindfulness, and movement.

Nick and Matt Martinez are brothers who share the same disease that affects their sight and they are both clients of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Hear their journey from childhood to guide dogs and brotherly shenanigan's!

Welcome Dime Bank to iHeartCommunities! President and Chief Executive Officer Nick Caplanson chats about our new partnership! He is joined by Dime Bank Foundation's Dee Sullivan who surprise our community partner Operation Fuel with a $25,000 donation!!!

You can make a difference! Join American Eagle Financial Credit Union on Wednesday November 15th in giving back to the community! From noon till two they will be collecting non-perishable food, turkeys and monetary donations at the American Eagle Financial headquarters 333 East River Drive East Hartford that’s Wednesday November 15th from noon till two!
Listen below how you can help to our interview with Brian Kennedy, EVP, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, American Eagle Financial Credit Union.

Bank of America Turkey Tuesday is the official kick-off of the Connecticut Foodshare Thanksgiving For All campaign. Donate now or join us in person on Tuesday November 14th at Connecticut Foodshare's HQ in Wallingford from 7am to noon! Please take a listen to our interview with Head of Brand and Communications for Avelo Airlines below about the Bank of America Turkey Tuesday event!This is the 24th year that Bank of America is hosting this annual effort to help our neighbors in need throughout Connecticut celebrate Thanksgiving AND SUPPORT CT FOODSHARE’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT HUNGER THROUGHOUR THE YEAR. The goal for Thanksgiving For All is to help provide over 50,000 households with a Thanksgiving meal. Please help support our efforts by making your monetary donation, today!

Sarah Fryxell, President of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association chats about the Connecticut International Auto Show
NOVEMBER 10TH-12TH, 2023
MOHEGAN SUN EXPO CENTER

CTAUTOSHOW

Veterans Day Special with Sgt Jeltema of the CSP and Major for the CT Army National Guard. This veteran's day, we’ve partnered with Big Y, your family market to share ways that you can support veterans here in our state.

Take a listen to our interview with Skip Petras, US Navy and CT Army National Guard Veteran and current Assistant State Captain of the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders. He is also helping to recruit volunteers and donations for Wreaths Across America here in Connecticut.

iHeart Communities welcomes MetLife Pet Insurance as our newest sponsor. Renee DiNino of iHeartCommunities interviews Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance who shares these tips for pet parents as we enter the winter season with the help of their partner Dr Finn!

Interview with MetLife Pet Insurance CEO Brian Jorgensen and Dr. Hunter Finn, a MetLife Pet Insurance partner.

INTERVIEW Veterans Day Special with CT Department of Veterans Affairs, Ronald P. Welch, Commissioner. Brought to you by Big Y, your family market.

INTERVIEW: Veteran's Day Special with Honor Flight Connecticut. Brought to you by Big Y, your family market.

INTERVIEW: Veteran's Day Special with House of Heroes Connecticut. Brought to you by Big Y, your family market.

iHeart Communities welcomes MetLife Pet Insurance as our newest sponsor. Renee DiNino of iHeartCommunities interviews Brian Jorgenson, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance who shares these tips for pet parents as we enter the holiday season with the help of their partner Dr Finn!
www.metlifepetinsurance.com

Bank of America Turkey Tuesday is the official kick-off of the Connecticut Foodshare Thanksgiving For All campaign. Donate now or join us in person on Tuesday November 14th at Connecticut Foodshare's HQ in Wallingford from 7am to noon! Please take a listen to our interview with President and CEO of CT Foodshare Jason Jakubowski and President of Bank Of America Joe Gianni below about the Bank of America Turkey Tuesday event!This is the 24th year that Bank of America is hosting this annual effort to help our neighbors in need throughout Connecticut celebrate Thanksgiving AND SUPPORT CT FOODSHARE’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT HUNGER THROUGHOUR THE YEAR. The goal for Thanksgiving For All is to help provide over 50,000 households with a Thanksgiving meal. Please help support our efforts by making your monetary donation, today!

It’s time to Dream Big! Jared Newman, Director of 529 College Savings at Fidelity Investments takes time to remind you about this incredible opportunity for students K - 12!

Guests:
Alexandra Daum, Commissioner DECD
Hayley Segar, Founder of OneWith & recipient of a loan from the CT Small Business Boost Fund

Tricia Orozco, Director of Practice Management and School-Based Health
Centers at InterCommunity Health Care

President & CEO Brenda Watson of Operation Fuel shares information on how you can help and support those in need across Connecticut.

For 70 years, the
Tommy Fund for
Childhood Cancer
has provided help
& hope to
childhood cancer
patients, survivors
and their families
with financial,
emotional and
medical support.

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz talks about back to school, tax free week, small businesses, CT growers and more!

Paul Mecurio is an Emmy & Peabody Award winning comedian who appears regularly on "The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert," and he works on "The Late Show" as well. He's also been on HBO and in his own Comedy Central Special and will be headlining Friday Aug 18th at "The Glastonbury Theater" as part of the "Toast and Taste of Glastonbury" Festival.

Diana James, MD, is the section chief of breast imaging at Jefferson Radiology. Dr. James is a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer, educating women on the importance of breast health. She actively advocates for early detection, and today she is shedding light on our mission to "strike out cancer in cape” as we stand in support of our heroes who battle cancer.About Strike Out Cancer Night…In A Cape!· At the Hartford Yard Goats on Friday, August 18th. The Yard Goats host the Blue Jays affiliate, with gates opening at 5:30pm.· It's one of the most special nights of the year at the ballpark, when we work to Strike Out Cancer…in a Cape!· Everyone is invited to wear their favorite superhero costume and kids can stop by the booth for a free cape· Stop by the Jefferson Radiology booth for a chance to win a two-night stay at Cape Cod!· Guests can donate directly to the American cancer society to help fight cancer.

Meet 3 amazing young ladies representing the International United Miss pageant system!

Ed Malaspina, President and CEO of HAI Group speaks with Renee DiNino about HAI Group as a whole and what it's like to work with this nationwide insurance group based in Cheshire CT.

The HAI Group are the number one property and casualty insurance provider for the affordable housing community nationwide! They currently have marketing, finance, cybersecurity, and of course, insurance professionals employed at their Connecticut campus.
If this sounds like a place where you’d like to start or grow your career, check out the Career Center at HAIGroup.com to learn more about why they've been named a Top Workplace in Connecticut for the 4th consecutive year!

Interview with actress Bridget Moynahan and Jimmy Canton of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Listen to our interview with Lindsay Cady, Director of Events & Marketing for Mohegan Sun!

A fun evening outdoors on campus by the river with music, clambake fare, and friendship for a great cause.

You can help charities now through end of play with this years Birdies for Charity thanks to Webster Bank! The Travelers Championship takes place at the TPC River Highlands June19 - 25.We spoke with Chris Motl, President of Commercial Banking for Webster Back - Interview below!In 2004, The Travelers Championship launched the Birdies for Charity program, adopting a national model that has seen great success in other markets. Today, the Birdies for Charity program continues to develop and thrive and has become an easy and effective fundraising opportunity for every 501(c)(3) organization. Birdies for Charity is a giving platform that utilizes the excitement around the Travelers Championship to help nonprofits across the region raise awareness and funds to support their missions. Thanks to the support of Webster Bank, organizations have the opportunity to receive a 15% bonus on every donation through the program.

In Mending the Line, Patricia plays a doctor at a VA hospital. She introduces a young marine who has just returned home after being wounded in Afghanistan to a Vietnam War veteran (played by Brian Cox) who has been treated at the facility and teaches him to fly fish, to help the young man deal with his physical and emotional trauma.

Today, June 6, 2023 Barry Simon, President & CEO of Oak Hill spoke with Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia CT about the SEIU 1199 Strike. Caregivers are demanding living wages, affordable health insurance and a pension to retire after decades of service. These dedicated caregivers are making $17.25 to care for individuals with disabilities, without significant wage increases in the past 15 years. – Source: 1199 SEIU NE

Matt Fraser America’s Top Psychic MediumPerforming at MGM Springfield : Friday, June 9, 2023 8:00 PMSaturday, June 10, 2023 8:00 PMMatt Fraser is America’s Top Psychic Medium, and star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment.

Quinn Howard and “Yuri”

Quinn Howard has been partnered with his first Fidelco guide dog, “Yuri,” since early 2022. Quinn says, “Being part of my community is important. When Yuri and I are out together, people include me in the conversation.”It was community that led Quinn to Fidelco and sparked his interest in applying for a guide dog. At gatherings of the National Federation of the Blind, Quinn met Fidelco clients Jessica Beecham and James Brown and noticed their interactions with their guide dogs. As a lifelong white cane user, Quinn’s interest grew as he imagined the sense of independence and connection with others a guide dog could bring to his life.Quinn says before he received his guide dog, Yuri, “People avoided me when I was using my cane because they wanted to be careful and stay out of my way. These experiences pushed me toward my decision to apply for a Fidelco guide dog.” Quinn and Yuri now confidently walk and travel to meet with friends and family and for Quinn’s job in a busy metropolitan area.After graduating from college, Quinn was hired as a Vocational Counselor with the TennesseeDepartment of Human Services. He was promoted to his current position of Field Supervisor andis responsible for hiring and training counselors to connect people with vision loss with services that help them live with greater independence. Yuri accompanies Quinn on the 90-minute commute by busto Quinn’s Nashville office. The team also frequently travels throughout Middle Tennessee for Quinn’s job. Quinn shares, “Yuri helps me to go directly where I need to be.”

Alex's One Dish Challenge with Likkle Patty Shop
Renee DiNino and Alex P Taylor chat with Chantel Tafari of Likkle Patty Shop!

OUR MISSION
To provide the residents of Enfield CT and the surrounding communities a three-day Fourth of July Celebration at no charge, including music, parade, races, demonstrations, kid's ride's and games, with much, much more!

We spoke with Malakhi Eason Director of Programming & Community Impact for the Festival

The International Festival of Arts and Ideas
We envision a flourishing city and state in which a festival of arts and ideas plays a vital role in enriching lives and leading people to understand how their futures are intertwined.

How safe are our roads? A chat with Connecticut State Police Sgt. Jeltema about the 100 deadliest days for underage drinking or under the influence of drugs while driving, street take-overs and more.

Bears BBQ Celebrating 10 Years! Here's where you can join them!

The idea for Malta House of Care began in 2004, when a group of Hartford-area Knights and Dames of Malta agreed that the mission of their international organization–to serve the sick and poor–called them to do more than just talk; they felt they needed to take action to address the striking disparities in health care access and quality in the Greater Hartford region.

PARTICIPATE ONCE. BE FOREVER CHANGED AND INSPIRED. Special Olympics is sports and so much more. It is a movement that transforms lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities on and beyond the playing field, across the state and around the world.

For All Ages is connecting the generations and inspiring action to end loneliness, reduce ageism, and improve health.

Bunkers in Baghdad is a not-for-profit charity that collects and sends new and used golf balls, clubs, and equipment to our troops around the world, with a focus on the brave men and women currently serving in combat zones. Bunkers also supplies golf equipment to Wounded Warriors Programs around the country to aid in the rehabilitation of our injured veterans.

Our mission at Northeast Opportunities for Wellness is simple, but so important:to make a positive impact in the lives of Northeast Connecticut youth by ensuring access to programs that promote social, emotional, and physical wellness – regardless of ability to pay. Because with opportunities for wellness NOW, kids can be healthier and happier for life.

We are a compassionate nonprofit serving Connecticut and Hudson Valley New York with professional counseling, support groups, wellness activities and educational resources. Thousands of people facing cancer come to us for support, all at no charge. We assist you and your loved ones to create a unique pathway through cancer that enhances your quality of life. Whether you are looking for support and resources for your cancer or for a family member’s cancer or would like to give back by donating your time or funds – welcome to our community. Services are available online and in-person.

We spoke with Aura Alvarado, Director of Communications and Community Relations about the CREC Job Fair!

THE ART OF CLEAR THINKING: A Stealth Fighter Pilot's Timeless Rules for Making Tough Decisions
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hasard Lee is an Air Force fighter pilot who graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. After serving as Flight Commander in combat, Hasard became the Chief of F-35 Training Systems for the largest training base in the world, where he led the development of new technology and teaching methods to train future fighter pilots. THE ART OF CLEAR THINKING is his first book.

THE ART OF CLEAR THINKING
A Stealth Fighter Pilot’s Timeless Rules for Making Tough Decisions
By Hasard Lee
St. Martin’s Press
On Sale Date May 23, 2023
384 pages
ISBN 9781250281499 | $29.99
EBook 9781250281456 | $14.99

Hooplandia is not only the Northeast's first-ever 3x3 basketball tournament for both recreational and elite players but also an all-inclusive festival jam-packed with experiences for attendees of all ages!
We spoke with Gene Cassidy President and CEO of the Eastern States Exhibition (The Big E) who shares all the exciting details!!!

We spoke with cancer survivor Meghan Rothschild, President & Chief Badass of Chikmedia.
May Melanoma Awareness Month and Meghan very frankly shares her story and how she advocated for herself. Fastforward to today, she is not only a survivor, but fierce advocate and he introduces us to a new company Brightguard and their incredble lifesaving touchfree sunscreen dispenseries!

Newington Summer Events!
We spoke with William A. DeMaio, CPRPSuperintendent of Parks and RecreationTown of Newington about great events coming to Newington, CT and Mill Pond Park! Newington Goes Country and Food Truck Friday are a few ways to enjoy the park this summer!

Hartford Federal Credit Union Gives Back to Connecticut
Hear our interview with Ed Danek, Jr. CPA CCE, President & CEO, Hartford Federal Credit Union.

Hartford Federal Credit Union (HFCU), now in its 62nd year serving local communities and coming off record-breaking 2022 operating results, announced today it is launching Hartford Federal Credit Union Gives 2023, a community giving initiative. This is a $250,000 charitable initiative providing donations to designated charities with missions of helping those in need.

50th Anniversary of Charter Oak State College
We spoke with Joyce Petrella, President, Charter Oak State College Foundation and Carol Hall, Director, Alumni & Donor Relations.
Joining our conversation is Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut FoodShare. He is also a former emplyee and current professoer at the college and will be co-emceeing the gala alngside Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia in CT.

Where Angels Play Foundation is building a beautiful new playscape on Winchester Avenue in New Haven, CT. This playground will reflect the life and personality of Dr. Kathy Carroll, a Yale clincal scientist who passed away December of 2020 at the age of 62. The playground will be located at the facility of Christian Community Action where Kathy was a dedicated volunteer.

Today is a special hour-long program dedicated to healthcare heroes in our state. This month we celebrate the heroes of healthcare! It takes a village and today, you are going to hear from some of our heroes! People you may know, heroes who may have impacted your life or the lives of your loved ones. They will inspire you to say thank you to your healthcare providers!We are going to talk about what it takes to be a nurse. What it means to have a calling to care for your community. We'll also meet employees and patients who will share their experiences! Joining us for the conversation are, Jeffrey Flaks, President and CEO, Hartford HealthCarewith Mary Ellen Kosturko, Hartford HealthCare’s Chief Nursing Officer for the system.* Special guest nurses:Natalja Samudosky, Kristyn Koripsky and Kaitlin Bolster * Also joining our conversation, Stacy Asberry from Hartford HealthCare's Environmental Services Team * And finally we'kk close with a heartfelt message from a grateful past patient, Kamuali Brown.

Live Nation Concert Week, offering fans an unbeatable deal: $25 all-in tickets to more than 3,800 shows across North America this year. The annual week-long program kicks off ahead of a robust 2023 summer concert season, getting fans ready to fill their summer months and the rest of their calendar for the year with epic shows and live music from their favorite artists.Renee chats with James Bozzi, Regional Marketing Director | Concerts for Live Nation

Alex's One Dish Challenge: Sandras Next Generation in New Haven

Hartford Taste is BACK! June 9 & 10! Presented by The Hartford Insurance Company. Take a listen to our interview to find out about this great local event!We spoke spoke with Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne, Creator of Opportunity, INGroup Creative, Owner and Communications Director of Hartford Taste and Sarah Morin, Assistant Director of Public Relations of The Hartford

Making a difference with InterCommunity, Inc. Please enjoy our interview with Kimberly L. Beauregard, LCSW President and CEO and Venton Forbes Development Director for InterCommunity, Inc.

Leadership Greater Hartford is excited to announce the 20th Annual Polaris Awards are back at Infinity Music Hall Hartford on Wednesday June 7, 2023! The Polaris Awards honor incredible individuals who exemplify the three pillars of LGH: Community, Leadership, and Connections.

Our annual Golf For The Trades Scholarship Drive was held at the beautiful Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield.

Fire By Forge and Forge City Works stops by for an update!
Chef Andrew Perri, Executive Chef Fire By Forge and Ben Dubow, Executive Director of Forge City Works

First Responder Day at High Hopes! Take a listen to our interview with Sgt Torres, Ofc McClelland and Chelsea Bourn of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding
First Responder Day at High Hopes! If you or someone you know is a First Responder, please consider yourself invited!

About The Great Give A Fun Way to Raise Funds for your Nonprofit
The Great Give is your opportunity to attract new donors and tap into $221,000+ in matching funds and prizes for your organization. The Nonprofit Toolkit and training webinars will help you succeed, Register by April 24 to participate in The Great Give! (Register by April 17 to be considered for Donor Advised Fund Grants)

Officer Richard Simons and Office Heidi of Yale Public Safety

Alex's Lemonade Stand means so much to so many! She would have been 27 this year! Her little lemonade stand has raised over $250 million dollars since her first stand! Take a listen to my interview with her aunt, Sue Flynn about STOMP for a Cure 2023

iHeartCommunities, Renee DiNino & Yelp CT introduce you to the Belvedere Cafe in New Britain. As a part of "Little Poland" they bring tradition and a love for their community to all! Alex P Taylor of Yelp CT asked the Belvedere to be a part of his One Dish Challenge to introduce you to the food of the Belvedere.

Join runners and walkers at the MahoneySabol 5K at the Travelers Championship to race along the Cromwell roads that line the fairways and greens of TPC River Highlands. Both a 5K run and 1.5 Mile Fitness Walk are offered in this HMF charity partner event. Participants receive a short sleeve technical shirt and a great post-race party. HMF FitKids: Bring the whole family and enjoy the kids run with options of a ½ mile or 1-mile!
Take a listen to our interview with Nathan Grube, Tournament Director for the Traveler's Championship and Jim Mahoney of MahoneySabol about the event!

Olympic Gold Medalist and Cancer Survivor Scott Hamilton is bringing his SK8 TO ELIMIN8 CANCER events to the International Skating Center in Simsbury CT from April 28th-30th. Together we can turn cancer upside down! The weekend includes a Frozen 5K public skate; a youth 3v3 Hockey Tournament; topped off with an Ice Show, emceed by Scott Hamilton himself, featuring 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Katia Gordeeva, 2023 US medalist Max Naumov, and many other special guests! All proceeds will benefit Scott's CARES Foundation and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Visit isccskate.com for more information.

iHeartCommunities is honored to help support MADD CT and their Walk Like MADD events across the state. We will be at the walks on May 6th in West Hartford - I’ll be your emcee and October 7th in Branford with Kerry Collins as your emcee. Interviewed are Jennifer Rossi, MADD CT Program Specialist and one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met, Priscilla Johnson-Headley who lost two of her sons Kaivon & Kii in one accident. My heart will forever keep her and her family in prayers. She will be one of our guests this weekend on Community Access.

Step Up & Step Out 2023: Cocktails for a CauseThursday, April 20, 2022
5:30-8pm
The Society Room, HartfordYou are cordially invited to Interval House’s 2023 Step Up & Step Out Gala: Cocktails for a Cause! Get ready for sophisticated sips, sumptuous nibbles, lively music and a chance to celebrate survivors of domestic violence. Whether you fancy yourself Cosmopolitan or a little more Old Fashioned, get your tickets to join us!

Alexia Woodruff and Abigail (Abbey) Riley are both grad students, finishing the Prosthetics and Orthotics program at UHart this spring. They also did their undergrad at UHart and joined Associate Professor Duffy Felmlee, for 10 days on a goodwill trip to Kenya to work with under-served children who are missing limbs (either born that way, or lost them due to trauma). This was done in partnership with the Limb Kind Foundation. The team left for Kenya on March 24th. They lived at the hospital, creating prosthetics for the children. You can also help them fundraise for special shoes that can go on the kids’ prosthetics and grow with them over time, so they will hopefully last for years. The shoes are called “Shoes That Grow.”

Maggie Austen is a two time Fidelco Guide Dog client and her room mate Elizabeth is a puppy raiser! Maggie is a strong, lovely young woman and at 32, lives in Boston and recently graduated from law school. The cause of her blindness is an underdeveloped optic nerve, which she goes into detail about in our conversation. “Gus” is Maggie’s second guide dog, who is pictured with her below. "Bella” who will turn 11 in April, was her guide dog from 2014 – 2022 and she now lives with Maggie as a retired guide. Maggie received “Gus” around the same time she graduated from law school last November. Maggie has also had the good fortune of wrking with Fidelco trainer Ali Parkes for both placements.

Help Connecticut teens have the best night ever by donating to Operation Prom~
Ethan Allen in Manchester has partnered with Operation Prom and is collecting new or gently used attire through March 31 at 49 Hale Road, Manchester, CT

Exchange Club of Waterbury is hosting our Annual Dr. Lawrence Shea Banquet Awards

A conversation with Jason Jakubowski is President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare

A conversation about the need for egg donors with Dr Kim Crone of the Center for Reproductive Services.

Interview with Dennis Buden, Senior Consultant, House of Heroes and Mary Turner, wife of retired Hamden Fire Fighter & U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve Veteran Paul Turner

Ben serves as CEO of Fors Marsh and guides the company’s business growth and diversification. He cultivates a purpose-driven culture focused on using business as a force for good, with the belief that businesses must share responsibility for strengthening the systems in which we operate. He is committed to evolving company policies and practices so that each of Fors Marsh’s key stakeholder groups—community, client, employee, and planet—are positively impacted. Under his leadership, Fors Marsh has earned B Corporation certification, has become a JUST employer, and received Top Workplace USA, the Northern Virginia Family Service CARE, and Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame awards, to name a few. Over Ben’s tenure, Fors Marsh has grown from 20 employees and $5M in revenue to more than 400 employees with annual revenues exceeding $100M. Prior to joining Fors Marsh, he spent a decade in the technology industry supporting and leading programs serving military personnel and their families.COMPANY WEBSITE: https://www.forsmarsh.com/CEO LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengarthwaite/COMPANY LINKEDIN PAGE: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fors-marsh/

Torrington Savings Bank President Lesa Vanotti and Board Member Aaron Mambrino

On this episode of the Purposely Podcast with Suzanne McKenzie, Founder & CEO of Able Made and Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia/Connecticut we discuss the importance of "hands only CPR".Special guest:Holly S. Andersen, M.D., F.A.C.C. is the Attending Cardiologist and Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Education & Outreach for The Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute, The New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center

Jamie McDonald of Bears Smokehouse BBQ Headed to Turkey with the World Central Kitchen. His team will be responsible for serving 10,000 meals a day. With more earthquakes and aftershocks, thousands of people are displace in Turkey and Syria. The World Central Kitchen served over 1 million meals in the first week of the quakes and will continue to be a source of hope for those in need. Jamie is headed there and will keep us posted, but just know he will be sleeping in a tent and cooking under a dome built by WCK with hundreds of other volunteers with this incredible organization.

Renee DiNino speaks with Robin Cecere, Division Director for School Choice at the Connecticut Department of Education shares great information on how to apply!
The RSCO (pronounced RES-CO) School Choice Application is due February 28thThrough RSCO’s program, families with students entering Pre-K through Grade 12 can apply to attend free public schools in the Greater Hartford Region that fit their child’s unique interests and passions, including:o Magnet schools incorporating specialized themes, including computer science, Montessori, STEM, and visual and performing artso Open Choice public schools in high quality school districts outside of their towno Greater Hartford Region technical high schools, specializing in career and technical educationApplication deadline is February 28th!

Assistant Superintendent for the CREC/Magnet Schools, Dr Sarah Vocca speaks with Renee DiNino about the need for teachers and the many opportunities currently available. Qualified applicants are invited to join in person at the CREC Teacher Career Fair on March 8, 2023 - 4:30pm to be held at the CREC Academy Awards of Aerospace & Engineering: 1101 Kennedy Rd, Windsor, CT

Interview with Principal Shawn True about the incredible opportunities awaiting students at Hill Regional Career High School!

The Connecticut Education Foundation is excited for Read Across Connecticut

What a lovely conversation with Kristie Gonsalves, Show Organizer of the CT Flower & Garden Show and Polly Brooks, President of The Federated Garden Clubs of CT!

InterCommunity inspires hope and promotes whole person health by providing high quality, affordable, compassionate healthcare for everyone.
INTERVIEW WITH: Kimberly L. Beauregard, LCSW, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of InterCommunity Healthcare Inc.
InterCommunity, Inc. is a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center). Our community health center provides same-day primary care services to every member of the community who walks in, regardless of life situation or ability to pay. We also provide a wide range of behavioral health and addiction recovery services. Our offices are located at 281 Main Street in East Hartford, CT, at 16 Coventry Street in Hartford, CT, and 828 Sullivan Avenue in South Windsor, CT. Our administrative office is located at 800 Connecticut Boulevard, 4th Floor, in East Hartford, CT.

Simon Davies: Executive Director, Teen Cancer America

Now in its tenth year, Simon leads Teen Cancer America, the only national charity in the USA working directly with hospitals to advise, support and fund them in the development of specialized facilities and programs for adolescents and young adults with cancer. The charity is built on the successful model of Teenage Cancer Trust, UK where Simon was Chief Executive Officer for 13 years before launching Teen Cancer America in 2012. His early career was in the management of substantial social and health care services in the fields of Learning Disability and Mental Health. He has been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Coventry, UK for his service development work and the advancement of professional education in the field of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer. Simon has developed an international reputation for success in bringing about change within traditionally structured health systems.

Promise Boys is a debut YA thriller by writer-filmmaker, Nick Brooks in which three boys at an urban charter school investigate their principal’s murder during a high-stakes 24-hour day. It is a page-turning, murder mystery thriller that shines a light on themes of social justice and educational inequities, shaping this novel to be both a commercial and literary blockbuster.Prior to becoming a filmmaker, Brooks worked as an educator with at-risk youth, and Promise Boys reflects his firsthand experience at how the system can condemn these boys to failure before they’ve even had a chance at success, despite the media fanfare often awarded to urban academies. “Promise Boys is a classic whodunit that mystery fans will love. But even more than that it’s a social thriller, told through the perspective of Black and Brown boys, that highlights the inequity in our education system,” said Brooks. “This is a story that needs to be told, to speak for our kids who far too often are unable to advocate for themselves and to inspire them to tell their own story." An essential book for today's reader, that also has the potential to be an influential part of the literary canon for decades to come.

Winter Updates with Animal Control Officer Sherry DeGenova

We spoke with Kathryn Schubert, Marketing & Communications Manager of the Connecticut Humane Society
6 adoptable puppies will determine the outcome of the big game at our Puppy Pick'em on February 9th at the CT Humane Society Newington location.

Marisa chats about being a past recpient of the Wise Women honor for the NOIAA and invites you to attend the luncheon on 1.22.23 at Cascade in Hamden. The link is in the blog and it would mean so much to see you there!
I'm honored to be one of three Wise Women this year!~The mission of the National Organization of Women is to create a thriving, inclusive community that embraces Italian culture and supports the personal fulfillment and professional advancement of its members. The vision of the National Organization of Italian American Women is to unite, celebrate, and empower each other.

Bristol Boys and Girls Club updates for 2023

Dr. Debbie (Gross) Torraca has been involved in the field of canine physical rehabilitation and conditioning for over twenty years. She began her career in human sports medicine and quickly made the transformation over to canine physical rehabilitation and sports medicine.

We spoke with Sgt Jeltema of the State Police on hazards if you plan to consume cannabis products and drive or work under the influence.

Community Access
Hearts & Paws Gala to Support the Police K-9 Community
By
Lynnsey Spader
Jan 10, 2023

The Hometown Foundation, Inc., and iHeartMedia are teaming up to host the first annual Hearts & Paws Gala. The Gala will not only benefit the Foundation's K-9 pillar, which provides K-9s, training, and equipment to departments in need but also celebrate our K-9 officers for their dedication in the field.

The event will feature hors d'oeuvres, dinner and dessert, an open bar, raffles, giveaways, music, special surprises, and more! Individual tickets, full tables, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Buy a ticket to support the K-9 program or purchase a ticket that will be gifted to a K-9 officer to enjoy a night out.

This event will take place at Farmington Polo Club on Saturday, February 11th.

Dr. Ulysses Wu , Chief Epidemiologist from Hartford HealthCare and System Director for Infectious Disease shares insight on Winter Illness: RSV, Respiratory, Flu and Covid

President & CEO Andy Fleischmann of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of CT shares important info on how you can be a mentor!

What an outstanding guest panel today to wrap up iHeartCommunities. This year has certainly had its fill of overwhelming headlines and I thought their input on how to look forward would be amazing for the last show of iHeartCommunities 2022! No matter what adversity, tragedy or critical circumstances, we all have to move forward, we all have to be there for the people that need us, that we serve. That is not an easy ask or task. This group was assembled because they have strength, courage and passion and wisdom to share. This show will be available next week on all iHeartRadio stations in CT and on our National podcast platform. Jason Jakubowski, President CT FoodShare
Dr. Ulysses Wu , Chief Epidemiologist from Hartford HealthCare
Chief Gould of the Bristol PD
Barry Simon President and CEO of Oak Hill
Mary Jane Foster President and CEO of Interval House
Sgt Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police

What an outstanding guest panel today to wrap up iHeartCommunities. This year has certainly had its fill of overwhelming headlines and I thought their input on how to look forward would be amazing for the last show of iHeartCommunities 2022! No matter what adversity, tragedy or critical circumstances, we all have to move forward, we all have to be there for the people that need us, that we serve. That is not an easy ask or task. This group was assembled because they have strength, courage and passion and wisdom to share. This show will be available next week on all iHeartRadio stations in CT and on our National podcast platform. Jason Jakubowski, President CT FoodShare
Dr. Ulysses Wu , Chief Epidemiologist from Hartford HealthCare
Chief Gould of the Bristol PD
Barry Simon President and CEO of Oak Hill
Mary Jane Foster President and CEO of Interval House
Sgt Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police

What an outstanding guest panel today to wrap up iHeartCommunities. This year has certainly had its fill of overwhelming headlines and I thought their input on how to look forward would be amazing for the last show of iHeartCommunities 2022! No matter what adversity, tragedy or critical circumstances, we all have to move forward, we all have to be there for the people that need us, that we serve. That is not an easy ask or task. This group was assembled because they have strength, courage and passion and wisdom to share. This show will be available next week on all iHeartRadio stations in CT and on our National podcast platform. Jason Jakubowski, President CT FoodShare
Dr. Ulysses Wu , Chief Epidemiologist from Hartford HealthCare
Chief Gould of the Bristol PD
Barry Simon President and CEO of Oak Hill
Mary Jane Foster President and CEO of Interval House
Sgt Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police

Guidance for family and friends to make the holidays easier for their loved ones experiencing infertility.

Richard Branigan, Regional Chief Operating Officer for American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Chef Tyler Anderson.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Donny Loos, of Sysco, the presenting sponsor tonight.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Renee Durkin of Opici Family Distributors

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Macarena Ludena of Cora Cora

Jacques Pépin is a French chef, author, culinary educator, television personality, and artist.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Billy Grant of Briicco's

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Keith Beaulieu, Board of Directors Chairma nof the Connecticut Restaurant Association and The Main Pub

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Scott Dolch, President & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Michel Mischan, Wholesome Wave.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Bryce and Kerri Hardy owners of The Charles in Old Wethersfield. They have become part of the community and have given back so much!!!

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with the legendary Vinnie and Olivia Carbone!

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino with Rick Flavin of: Blackies.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino chatting with Peoples Choice Award winner : Mecha Noodle Bar with Rich Reyes.

Live from the CRAzie's Wood' n Tap, check out our interview with Phil Barnett! He chats with us about their award and a new location coming soon!

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Stephanie Webster, Founder & Editor in Chief of CT Bites.Steph served on the 2022 Nominating Panel and helped to select the dinner menu for tonight.

Live from the CRAzies, the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Awards night at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Here's our interview with Ben Dubow from Fire by Forge soon to be open in Hartford!

Elicit Brewing Company Toy Drive for The Blue Angels Foundation! Drop off a new unwrapped toy between noon and 6pm on Saturday December 10th, get a free brew ( 21 and older only), bid on decorated Christmas Trees with concert tickets, shows, merch and more too! All to benefit kids in need!

Meet Don McGuire Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Bank of America Turkey Tuesday Miller Farms

Interview with New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker about Bank of America Turkey Tuesday to Benefit Connecticut Foodshare.

Interview with Senator Chris Murphy talks about Bank of America Turkey Tuesday to Benefit Connecticut Foodshare.

Interview with Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons about Bank of America Turkey Tuesday to Benefit Connecticut Foodshare.

Interview with Congressman John Larson about Bank of America Turkey Tuesday to Benefit Connecticut Foodshare.

Thomas J. Saadi serves as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs since his reconfirmation by the Connecticut General Assembly in March 2019, after serving as Commissioner since February 2018. Commissioner Saadi previously served as Acting Commissioner of the Department from October 2017 through February 2018, and prior served as Chief of Staff and General Counsel for the Department. Commissioner Saadi is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired from the Danbury City Council after twenty years of service in March 2019, and previously served on the Danbury Zoning Commission, Board of Tax Review and is a Justice of the Peace.

CT International Auto Show at Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun
Friday, November 11th: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, November 12th: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday, November 13th: 10:00am - 5:00pm

CT International Auto Show at Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun
Friday, November 11th: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, November 12th: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday, November 13th: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Welcome to No Shave Connecticut 2022!

Throughout the month of November, you will have the opportunity to ditch your razors, grow the world's greatest beard or mustache, and show support for Connecticut cancer patients. If you aren't allowed to grow your facial hair, or if you can't, you can still support those who are becoming hairy and show your support for CT cancer patients. 100% of the money raised will be distributed to CT cancer patients and their caregivers in our state to assist with basic living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.

Anyone can participate in No Shave CT - just register your department / company / organization as a team. Starting November 1, 2022, you can put that razor away! Participants can donate the money that they would have spent shaving in November and/or they can ask family, friends, and community members to support their efforts with a donation. There will be a contest for the best facial hair with GREAT prizes from Schick, and weekly prizes of autographed MLB baseballs awarded for the top 5 individual fundraisers! We also will be awarding prizes to the Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser. Prize and contest details will be e-mailed out to registered participants. You can't win if you're not registered - so be sure to sign up today!

Since 2017, No Shave CT has raised over $690,000! (AMAZING!) Our goal this year is to reach at least $500,000 in donations for No Shave CT- and EVERY DOLLAR will stay here in Connecticut, helping people who are bravely battling cancer.

PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by this website - please use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera to register or donate.

Welcome to No Shave Connecticut 2022!

Throughout the month of November, you will have the opportunity to ditch your razors, grow the world's greatest beard or mustache, and show support for Connecticut cancer patients. If you aren't allowed to grow your facial hair, or if you can't, you can still support those who are becoming hairy and show your support for CT cancer patients. 100% of the money raised will be distributed to CT cancer patients and their caregivers in our state to assist with basic living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.

Anyone can participate in No Shave CT - just register your department / company / organization as a team. Starting November 1, 2022, you can put that razor away! Participants can donate the money that they would have spent shaving in November and/or they can ask family, friends, and community members to support their efforts with a donation. There will be a contest for the best facial hair with GREAT prizes from Schick, and weekly prizes of autographed MLB baseballs awarded for the top 5 individual fundraisers! We also will be awarding prizes to the Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser. Prize and contest details will be e-mailed out to registered participants. You can't win if you're not registered - so be sure to sign up today!

Since 2017, No Shave CT has raised over $690,000! (AMAZING!) Our goal this year is to reach at least $500,000 in donations for No Shave CT- and EVERY DOLLAR will stay here in Connecticut, helping people who are bravely battling cancer.

PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by this website - please use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera to register or donate.

Each year, the Connecticut Education Foundation’s (CEF) Holiday Bear provides gifts for children whose families are facing financial or other hardships. Children in need are nominated by their teachers, and sponsors provide gifts to brighten their holidays.

Each year, the Connecticut Education Foundation’s (CEF) Holiday Bear provides gifts for children whose families are facing financial or other hardships. Children in need are nominated by their teachers, and sponsors provide gifts to brighten their holidays.

The United Way has many programs to help those in need. Suicide Prevention is one of their biggest platforms. Hear a story of survival with Steve McHattie.

The United Way has many programs to help those in need. Suicide Prevention is one of their biggest platforms. Hear a story of survival with Steve McHattie.

Scott Dolch | President & CEO

Connecticut Restaurant Association

Scott Dolch | President & CEO

Connecticut Restaurant Association

Interview with Connecticut State Police Sgt Christine Jeltema on mindfulness and wellness of Law Enforcement.

Interview with Connecticut State Police Sgt Christine Jeltema on mindfulness and wellness of Law Enforcement.

Michael Fanone served as a Metropolitan Police Department Officer assigned to the First District for twenty years. Working briefly as a patrol officer and then spending the majority of his career as a vice investigator in various small mission units, Fanone participated in over 2,000 arrests for violent crimes and narcotics trafficking, served as a special task force officer for the FBI, ATF, and DEA, and earned more than three dozen commendations for his work. Fanone currently serves as an analyst for CNN, a security consultant, and a firearms instructor. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Michael Fanone served as a Metropolitan Police Department Officer assigned to the First District for twenty years. Working briefly as a patrol officer and then spending the majority of his career as a vice investigator in various small mission units, Fanone participated in over 2,000 arrests for violent crimes and narcotics trafficking, served as a special task force officer for the FBI, ATF, and DEA, and earned more than three dozen commendations for his work. Fanone currently serves as an analyst for CNN, a security consultant, and a firearms instructor. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Listen here for Renee's interview with Jefferson Radiology mail clerk and cancer survivor, Cindy Woodman! The two talk about the importance of Breast Cancer Self Care Awareness! This includes the importance of going to those routine checkups and knowing your body.

Listen here for Renee's interview with Jefferson Radiology mail clerk and cancer survivor, Cindy Woodman! The two talk about the importance of Breast Cancer Self Care Awareness! This includes the importance of going to those routine checkups and knowing your body.

Visit ProHealth Physicians YouTube page. For trusted local care for your whole family call toll-free 1-855-CTMD-411 and at ProHealthMD.com

Visit ProHealth Physicians YouTube page. For trusted local care for your whole family call toll-free 1-855-CTMD-411 and at ProHealthMD.com

The Wadsworth Atheneum is dedicated to advancing knowledge and inspiring everyone to experience and appreciate excellence in art and culture

The Wadsworth Atheneum is dedicated to advancing knowledge and inspiring everyone to experience and appreciate excellence in art and culture

In a nod to local author Elizabeth George Speare’s Newberry Award-winning novel, Wethersfield Historical Society presents The Witch of Blackbird Pond Ball. On Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, join the society and your friends and neighbors in the elegant ballroom of the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center (200 Main Street, Wethersfield). The Keeney Ballroom will be arrayed in seasonal finery designed to complement the eerie late-October atmosphere by Circa Antiques & Collectibles’ Melinda Robidoux. (Special spooky effects are planned for the ballroom that will be revealed for the first time at this unique event). The Ball features local refreshments, music, dancing, cocktails, potions, and other spellbinding activities! Attendees are encouraged to come in period dress (17th century) or the era of your choice. Those who do so will be automatically entered in the costume contest. iHeartMedia’s Renee DiNino will emcee the ball and keep the fun rolling all evening long. A professional DJ has been engaged to provide the soundtrack for dancing and all the evening’s festivities. Ascot Catering will be on hand to provide delectable hors d’oeuvres for your enjoyment throughout the evening. Two drinks are included with admission to this 21-and-over event and a cash bar will be available for those who are still thirsty.

Tickets for this exclusive event are $75 per person. For the truly adventurous, there are a limited number of Special Patron Hour Tickets which entitle the bearer to early admission at 5:30 pm for $100 per person. These patrons will enjoy uniquely prepared libations and delectable treats that will only be available during this magical hour.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here .

If you would prefer to purchase tickets in person, stop by the society’s office at the Old Academy (150 Main Street, Wethersfield) Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning Wednesday, September 14.

In a nod to local author Elizabeth George Speare’s Newberry Award-winning novel, Wethersfield Historical Society presents The Witch of Blackbird Pond Ball. On Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, join the society and your friends and neighbors in the elegant ballroom of the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center (200 Main Street, Wethersfield). The Keeney Ballroom will be arrayed in seasonal finery designed to complement the eerie late-October atmosphere by Circa Antiques & Collectibles’ Melinda Robidoux. (Special spooky effects are planned for the ballroom that will be revealed for the first time at this unique event). The Ball features local refreshments, music, dancing, cocktails, potions, and other spellbinding activities! Attendees are encouraged to come in period dress (17th century) or the era of your choice. Those who do so will be automatically entered in the costume contest. iHeartMedia’s Renee DiNino will emcee the ball and keep the fun rolling all evening long. A professional DJ has been engaged to provide the soundtrack for dancing and all the evening’s festivities. Ascot Catering will be on hand to provide delectable hors d’oeuvres for your enjoyment throughout the evening. Two drinks are included with admission to this 21-and-over event and a cash bar will be available for those who are still thirsty.

Tickets for this exclusive event are $75 per person. For the truly adventurous, there are a limited number of Special Patron Hour Tickets which entitle the bearer to early admission at 5:30 pm for $100 per person. These patrons will enjoy uniquely prepared libations and delectable treats that will only be available during this magical hour.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here .

If you would prefer to purchase tickets in person, stop by the society’s office at the Old Academy (150 Main Street, Wethersfield) Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning Wednesday, September 14.

Meg Staubley
Development Manager, Connecticut
Susan G. Komen®
Join us Saturday, October 22, Bushnell Park

Connecticut More Than Pink Walk

Register at https://komen.org/connecticutwalk

Meg Staubley
Development Manager, Connecticut
Susan G. Komen®
Join us Saturday, October 22, Bushnell Park

Connecticut More Than Pink Walk

Register at https://komen.org/connecticutwalk

This Halloween, take a trip through the world of spooky folklore alongside the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Featuring thrilling musical favorites from the concert hall and silver screen, spellbinding decorations, and fun festive activities, this concert will be a joyful fright for the whole family! Costumes are encouraged!

The concert will also showcase the world premiere of composer/conductor and Connecticut native John Jesensky’s “Tales of Halloween,” with interactive illustrations, and text by Connecticut artists. Join us… if you dare!

This Halloween, take a trip through the world of spooky folklore alongside the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Featuring thrilling musical favorites from the concert hall and silver screen, spellbinding decorations, and fun festive activities, this concert will be a joyful fright for the whole family! Costumes are encouraged!

The concert will also showcase the world premiere of composer/conductor and Connecticut native John Jesensky’s “Tales of Halloween,” with interactive illustrations, and text by Connecticut artists. Join us… if you dare!

UConn Alum and All-Star winning basketball player, CT Resident and super-mom, Kara Wolters shares details about this amazing event: 3rd Annual Somers Scarecrow Festival and Crafts Fair!

UConn Alum and All-Star winning basketball player, CT Resident and super-mom, Kara Wolters shares details about this amazing event: 3rd Annual Somers Scarecrow Festival and Crafts Fair!

Twilight Wish CT: Celebrating seniors & making their dreams come true!

Twilight Wish CT: Celebrating seniors & making their dreams come true!

Lisa Massaro, Principal at Breakthrough Magnet School North
Breakthrough Magnet North is a character education themed magnet school that offers Preschool 3 through grade 5 students a richly diverse, tuition free education. Our unique character education curriculum provides students with rigorous and authentic learning experiences. Register your child to be considered for the 2023-2024 school year. Google Breakthrough Magnet School North for more information.

Lisa Massaro, Principal at Breakthrough Magnet School North
Breakthrough Magnet North is a character education themed magnet school that offers Preschool 3 through grade 5 students a richly diverse, tuition free education. Our unique character education curriculum provides students with rigorous and authentic learning experiences. Register your child to be considered for the 2023-2024 school year. Google Breakthrough Magnet School North for more information.

The premier marathon and half marathon in Hartford welcomes runners back this fall. The Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon iconic finish line under the Arch will inspire you. Feel the power!

The premier marathon and half marathon in Hartford welcomes runners back this fall. The Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon iconic finish line under the Arch will inspire you. Feel the power!

Our iHeartRadio friend Munchie, Vice President Digital Programming - Florida and on air talent shares some insight on the preparations Florida is making for Hurricane Ian. We have links and info in both English and Spanish. The airports are starting to feel the effects of Ian with cancellations in Connecticut and Florida.

Our iHeartRadio friend Munchie, Vice President Digital Programming - Florida and on air talent shares some insight on the preparations Florida is making for Hurricane Ian. We have links and info in both English and Spanish. The airports are starting to feel the effects of Ian with cancellations in Connecticut and Florida.

Meet President & CEO of Dickinson Brands, Bryan Jackowitz. He shares some fascinating history about his family, witch hazel and National Witch Hazel Day on 10-21-22.

Meet President & CEO of Dickinson Brands, Bryan Jackowitz. He shares some fascinating history about his family, witch hazel and National Witch Hazel Day on 10-21-22.

The 28th Annual Oak Hill Golf Classic will be held on October 3rd at TPC River Highlands! Visit our Oak Hill Events page to view your invitation and reserve your sponsorship. Your sponsorship provides resources and opportunities for the individuals we serve! We can’t wait to see you on the green!

The 28th Annual Oak Hill Golf Classic will be held on October 3rd at TPC River Highlands! Visit our Oak Hill Events page to view your invitation and reserve your sponsorship. Your sponsorship provides resources and opportunities for the individuals we serve! We can’t wait to see you on the green!

Join us on Sunday, September 25 at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field to walk with one unified purpose – to end lupus. Be a part of the Walk To End Lupus Now Hartford and feel the power of the movement. Raise funds and rally support for the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus. Every step you take brings us closer to a life free of lupus. We are United. Together. Powerful. Join us and register today at lupus.org/cthartford.

Join us on Sunday, September 25 at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field to walk with one unified purpose – to end lupus. Be a part of the Walk To End Lupus Now Hartford and feel the power of the movement. Raise funds and rally support for the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus. Every step you take brings us closer to a life free of lupus. We are United. Together. Powerful. Join us and register today at lupus.org/cthartford.

Renee chats with Debbie Huscher Marketing Coordinator of the fair!

Renee chats with Debbie Huscher Marketing Coordinator of the fair!

Walk to End Alzheimer's Season!

Guests on this podcast:
Laura Hoffman, Director of Development, Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter
Jonah Francis, Member, Chapter Board of Advisors, volunteer, owner of Pansy Homecare

Walk to End Alzheimer's Season!

Guests on this podcast:
Laura Hoffman, Director of Development, Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter
Jonah Francis, Member, Chapter Board of Advisors, volunteer, owner of Pansy Homecare

The 5th Annual Peace Heroes Awards celebrates those among us who ensure Peace Lives by their selfless acts of service. September 28, 2022
Renee interview Iran Nazario, President & CEO of The Peace Center about the Peace Hero Awards and about the amazing work of the Peace Center of Connecticut

The 5th Annual Peace Heroes Awards celebrates those among us who ensure Peace Lives by their selfless acts of service. September 28, 2022
Renee interview Iran Nazario, President & CEO of The Peace Center about the Peace Hero Awards and about the amazing work of the Peace Center of Connecticut

Today we speak with Suzanne McKenzie Founder & CEO Able Made, Kristine Lilly a retired soccer player, member of the US women's national team for 23 yrs and is the most-capped football player in the history of the sport and Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs with iHeartMedia.

Today we speak with Suzanne McKenzie Founder & CEO Able Made, Kristine Lilly a retired soccer player, member of the US women's national team for 23 yrs and is the most-capped football player in the history of the sport and Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs with iHeartMedia.

We are proud to support the Arthritis Foundation and their gala on September 30th! One of their honorees is the one and only Kara Wolters! We spoke with Kara and Lauren Amendola, Executive Director of the Foundation!

We are proud to support the Arthritis Foundation and their gala on September 30th! One of their honorees is the one and only Kara Wolters! We spoke with Kara and Lauren Amendola, Executive Director of the Foundation!

Interview with Lady Pretensia Noble and Shakespeare

September is Recovery Awareness Month
Interview with Dr. Shelly Halligan, VP of Medical Affairs for Aware Recovery Care

Connecticut VOICE, the state’s premier magazine dedicated exclusively to the LGBTQ+ community, is pleased to announce The Inaugural Connecticut VOICE Honors Gala. The event takes place on Saturday, September 17th, 2022 at 6pm, inside the stunning Premier Ballroom at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Connecticut has established itself as a positive, affirming place to live and work, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. This first-of-its-kind award show will be an evening you do not want to miss! The evening will be filled with nationally recognized entertainment, Broadway performers, world-class cuisine and so much more. This is your chance to be a part of an event that will honor individuals, organizations and companies who commit to inclusion, while advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.

Connecticut Animal Control Officer Battles Cancer: ACO Judy Umstead, diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma, has been unable to do the work she loves, helping animals and also visiting those in need with her comfort dog Lola.
Help Judy fight Lymphoma #teamjudy

Marrakech, Inc. has been providing entry-level, advanced employment, career advancement, career development, and promotional opportunities for people with skills and experience consistent with the agency's mission.

Work settings include private homes, group homes, main and satellite offices, numerous community and vocational locations.

Light The Night is an inspirational evening event benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) funding of research to find blood cancer cures. Light The Night brings communities together to celebrate those who are fighting the disease and to honor those we have lost. Each year friends, families and co-workers form teams to raise money in support of our mission. In the fall, these team and their communities Light The Night at our walks where we gather together to celebrate, honor and remember those touched by cancer. Each walker carries an iconic Light The Night illuminated lantern. White lanterns are carried by survivors and patients, red lanterns are carried in support of patients and finding cures, and gold lanterns are carried in remembrance of those we have lost.

Event: Hartford Light the Night

Location: Bushnell Park, Hartford

Date: Thursday, October 13, 2022

Time: 6:00pm

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- to moderate-income families and persons in this state and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of this state through employer-assisted housing efforts.

Big Y Love for Local Vendor of the Month: Martin Rosols! Listen to our interview and enter to win a $150 gift card to Big Y!

Rogers Orchards Community Day August 13th!

Supporting People & Pets from 10am to 3pm , meet local artisans and crafters, meet ACO Roz Nenninger and her service dog Mallard from the Wolcott Police Department! Plus, we’ll have a cruiser on hand to stuff with back-to-school supplies for the kiddo’s and we encourage donations for the Wolcott Dog Pound too! Join us Saturday August 13th at Rogers Orchards 2876 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Plantsville supporting People & Pets!

Visit mycommunityaccess.com for more details!

Prior to forming Jet It, Glenn provided transportation solutions as the Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern United States for Honda Aircraft Company. In this role, Glenn developed and executed a sales, communication, marketing business plan, and strategy to sell Honda’s first venture into aviation, the $5M+ HondaJet.

Jarrett Collins is the President, PMC Unpaved

Interview with Rosalie DeCrosta
PR Coordinator
Bikers Against Animal Cruelty Inc.

Nicolette Jaze, Head of Strategic Partnerships and ESG at Esusu

CT Update: Coronavirus, Variants, Monkey Pox OH MY! Over the past few years, a calming and informative voice on iHeartCommunities, Keith Grant of Hartford HealthCare, has shared scientific and clear advice and updates about some of the scary headlines we see and hear on a daily basis!

Trantolo & Trantolo Presents: Life on 2 Wheels Benefit Ride & Concert with Molly Hatchet with local favorites Shovelhead and Cold Train! Supporting The Boys & Girls Club of Hartford.

Animal Control Expert Sherry DeGenova on Summer Safety

Attorney General Tong 6 16 Update
Garbage Bag Lawsuit! Elder Scams! Safety! Support Local! We cover it all!

Birdies for Charity Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center
Dr Whitlock Pope shares details about their new campaign and how important the funds frim Birdies for Charity are to the organization.

Jack Kudale is the Founder & CEO of Cowbell Cyber, the industry’s first AI-powered cyber insurance provider that aims to make cyber insurance accessible to all businesses.

Birdies for Charity: CJK Foundation spokesperson Tom Sienkowski shares information about his beloved sister, and how Birdies for Charity will continue their mission in her honor.
Sponsored by Webster Bank

Birdies for Charity: Hands on Hartford's Kate Shafer share updates on the organization and how important the funds from Birdies for Charity are to Hands on Hartford!
Sponsored by Webster Bank

Birdies for Charity: Fitness Class Training with George and Betsy Udal. Birdies for Charity is sponsored by Webster Bank

Birdies for Charity: Interview with Travelers Championship Tournament Director, Nathan Grube

Birdies for Charity: Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. - Sponsored by Webster Bank
Renee spoke with Sarah Carabetta on the importance of the charity and how the funds from Birdies for Charity will continue their mission.

Birdies for Charity: Family Intervention Center Inc
Renee chats with Joe Futshick about the importance of the Center and Birdies for Charity!

Birdies for Charity: Mercy High School. President Alissa Dejonge shares the importance of Birdies for Charity and how it continues the mission of Mercy High School.

Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibilities Officer from Webster Bank

iHeartCommunities supports Big Y Love for Local! This months vendor is Tasteful Skin, hear our interview and enter to win a gift card to Big Y!

Please take a moment to listen to our interview with Steven McDowell, author of Basic Guide to Financial Aid.

About BOBS from Skechers
BOBS from Skechers’ charitable collection of shoes, apparel and accessories have improved animals’ lives: over the past six years, Skechers has contributed $7.65 million to help 1.5 million shelter pets, including saving more than a million rescued pets in the United States and Canada. It all started in 2011, when Skechers launched a movement to support children impacted by natural disasters and poverty – a cause that has helped the Company donate more than 16 million new pairs of shoes to kids in more than 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about BOBS from Skechers’ commitment to making a difference, visit BOBSfromSkechers.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Dr. David Banach, Associate Professor of Medicine at UConn School of Medicine and Hospital Epidemiologist at UConn Health/John Dempsey Hospital

The 4th Annual Middletown PrideFEST will take place on June 4, 2022 (rain date June 5, 2022) from 2 – 10 p.m. in downtown Middletown. PrideFEST is an all afternoon street fair on Main Street, Middletown that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food, activities for all ages, including a 21+ area, and will feature our Pride March, Pride Rally, and Pride Showcase Concert. Music and sound for PrideFEST is provided by DJ Lady Tita and Ambassador Entertainment!

Hartford Taste is the celebration of good food and good music. People from throughout the region will come to our Capital City to taste a variety of food from our top-notch eateries, relax, and have fun.

Spoke to President of Goodwin University Mark Scheinberg

Celebrate Hartford HealthCare Heroes this Sunday May 8th with President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare Jeff Flaks on iHeartRadio with Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia-CT for a very special one hour broadcast as we honor Mother’s Day, Hartford HealthCare Heroes and recognize Nurses Week on all Connecticut iHeartRadio stations for their outstanding service!

May is Hartford HealthCare Heroes Month: Jeff Flaks, President & CEO of Hartford HealthCare shares is thanks for all the Hartford Healthcare Heroes who are on the frontline!
Celebrate Hartford HealthCare Heroes this Sunday May 8th with President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare Jeff Flaks on iHeartRadio with Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia-CT for a very special one hour broadcast as we honor Mother’s Day, Hartford HealthCare Heroes and recognize Nurses Week on all Connecticut iHeartRadio stations for their outstanding service!

Starting April 1, through June 30, 2022 CTtransit local, express and CTfastrak routes will all offer fare-free transportation options for our customers.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bristol share exciting news about their first ever gala on June 11, 2022 at eh Aqua Turf Club!!!

Jackie Downing -Director of Grantmaking and Nonprofit Support for the Community Foundation forGreater New Haven

Interview with Andy Fleischmann, the President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Connecticut. We chat about the recent merger of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut – which has created our new organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut

Interview with Lesa Vanotti, President and CEO of Torrington Savings Bank shares the spotlight with Melissa Sheffy, President of Network Design & Construction and Jackie Laramee, Vice President of NDC Commercial Construction.

Dara Macchi, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Data Analytics and Eric Feeney, Founder of Friends of Feeney

Valeria Bisceglia is our Integrated Business & Learning Advisor

Attorney General Tong Update on Social Media, Taxes, Price Gauging, Covid Protocols and more.

CT Race in the Park

Lt Governor Bysiewicz updates on: the computing challenge, Voice4Change, gas taxes, Bark Twain Event and more!

American Lung Association

THE LUMINEERS AND STEVIE NICKS TO PERFORM ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
DAVE MATTHEWS AND TIM REYNOLDS, BRANDI CARLILE, AND THE NATIONAL TO PERFORM ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
AT SEASIDE PARK IN BRIDGEPORT, CT THIS SEPTEMBER 24-25

1-DAY TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 1 AT 12:00 PM EST

CITI® CARDMEMBER PRESALE RUNS FROM
MARCH 29 AT 10:00 AM EST TO APRIL 1 AT 11:59 AM EST

(Bridgeport, CT - March 29, 2022) – Sound On Sound Music Festival has announced the daily lineup for the inaugural festival coming to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT this fall. Saturday, September 24th will feature performances by The Lumineers, Stevie Nicks, Father John Misty, Ziggy Marley, Caamp, Band of Horses, Zach Bryan, Jenny Lewis, Trampled by Turtles, Geese, The Cameroons, and Drew Angus. Sunday, September 25th will be headlined by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, along with performances from Brandi Carlile, The National, Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., The Head and the Heart, Noah Kahan, Spin Doctors, Jade Bird, The Main Squeeze, and Trousdale. With no overlapping set times across 2 stages, festivalgoers will be able to see every performance of this “stacked new festival boasting an eclectic lineup of world-class musicians,” according to Uproxx. Full schedule of set times to be released at a later date.

A very limited number of 1-Day General Admission Tickets, 1-Day GA+ Tickets, 1-Day VIP Tickets and 1-Day Terrace VIP Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, April 1 at 12:00 PM ET at www.SoundOnSoundCT.com. 2-Day GA+ and 2-Day VIP Terrace Tickets are sold out, and limited 2-Day General Admission, 2-Day VIP, and 2-Day Platinum tickets remain.

Senator Blumenthal on Judge Jackson, The Supreme Court, Justice Thomas and Ginni Thomas, Ukraine, President Biden's remarks on Putin and Peace Talks

Alex Shebar, Freelance Influencer Manager and Event Director / Secret Crime Fighting Hero! We met over a fun weekend in NYC for a mutual brand we both endorse, Nurtec ODT.
The pain of migraines brought us together and now we are planning a PIZZA TOUR!!! He has the most interesting life and I wanted to share that with you.
Be sure to give him a follow too! Enjoy our chat!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexshebar
Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@FeaturingAlex
Website: EatPlayPixels.com
Email: Alexshebar@gmail.com

St Patrick's Day, Opioid Settlement Updates, Hearing Aid Scams, Elder Abuse Awareness and CT Ukrainian efforts.

iHeartCommunities goes to Camp! Proud to support this telethon/radiothon this weekend! Help send kids to camp with your donation!!! Check out our interviews with the one and only Scot Haney from WFSB and Camp Executive Director Dave Meizels.

In hours from now, on Monday 3.7.22, Jamie MacDonald of the Bears Restaurant Group will be headed to Poland to volunteer and cook on the Poland border of Ukraine with World Central Kitchen.
The entire Bears team has been a part of iHeartCommunities since day 1 of their first place in CT. They have supported everything we have done, people and pets. They have deployed for for so many disaster relief aid over the years and now once again, Jamie is headed to where he is needed. Take a moment to listen to our interview. Most of all, please add him to your prayers and good thoughts as he heads to a very volatile situation to help the people of Ukraine, even the animals.
He is not only a community partner but a dear friend to my family.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Offers Free Tax Preparation

Tamara N. Carlson

Chief Executive Officer

Boys & Girls Club of Bristol

Senator Blumenthal Weekly Update 1 24 22
US concern in the Ukraine, Covid Testing, safety updates and price gauging.

Attorney General William Tong January 2022 update on student debt and current scams on covid testing, kits and more.

James Tully
Owner/Publisher
Seasons Media

Robin Colombo Cecere
Regional School Choice Office Director, Connecticut State Department of Education

Jonathan is a passionate entrepreneur and experienced Product
leader, previously serving as VP Product at Handy and Product
Lead at Square. Prior to those roles, Jonathan founded location
based app Pins in 2013, which was acquired by Square the
following year. Jonathan’s inspiration is his German Shepherd
Thor, who serves as the Chief Dog Officer of Fi.

Bradley International Airport Travel Updates with Kevin Dillon Executive Director and CEO at Connecticut Airport Authority

Andrea Barton Reeves, CEO of Connecticut Paid Leave Authority

CT Paid Leave benefits are now available.

Snowstorm in Washington DC
Supply Chain issues in CT and the Nation
The Covid fight from CT to Washington DC

Holiday Driving Safety and Awareness with Keith Trantolo and Connecticut State Police
Brought to you by our partners in the community Trantolo & Trantolo

CT Update with Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz:
Covid numbers, hospitalizations, small businesses and more!

Our “Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket” campaign is part of a larger global initiative called “Gift Responsibly,” that is led by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University in Canada. The initiative incorporates educational messaging about the risks of youth gambling across marketing efforts and product offerings. All U.S. and Canadian lotteries are participating this year, as well as lotteries from Ireland, the Ukraine, New Zealand, the UK, and more.

And several years ago, CT Lottery employees came up with the great idea to combine spreading this important responsible gambling message with a way to further give back to our community by coordinating this toy drive to help kids in need of comfort at Connecticut Children’s.

Holiday Bear Project updates with. CEA Vice President and CEF President Joslyn DeLancey

Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors: Investing in your retirement.

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation events, volunteering, puppy raisers needed, Giving Tuesday and the Trans Siberian Orchestra

Lt Susan Bysiewicz Updates on Hispanic Heritage Month, Age Discrimination, Covid updates and Comfort Dogs

YUP PUP™ is all-natural, healthy dog treats. With a mission to create a healthy treat that is on par with the clean, healthy food humans eat, YUP PUP™ treats are made with simple ingredients that help to promote joint mobility and relieve anxiety. To learn more visit https://yuppup.shop.

The Connections Award
Recognizing individuals, organizations/businesses, or initiatives that exemplify the value of collaboration and partnership.

The Community Award

Recognizing an individual, organization, or business committed to the common good who is leading the way to make our region more vibrant.
Herb Virgo

Founder and Executive Director of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, a nonprofit organization committed to providing hands-on training, on-site demonstrations, outreach, and community collaborations that help families become more self-sustainable and environmentally conscious while preserving the historic Keney Park.

Leadership Greater Hartford, a nonprofit that supports & strengthens the community by training and connecting aspiring and established leaders, is hosting their annual Polaris Awards on Thursday, October 28th – this year virtually - honoring four Polaris award winners who exemplify excellence in community leadership. Herb Virgo, Founder & Executive Director of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, who helps families to become more self-sustainable and environmentally conscious while preserving historic Keney Park, Brother Carl Hardrick, a lifelong youth development leader, gang intervention specialist, and community activist, the Women of Color in Business series, developed by University of Hartford’s Women’s Business Center to support and champion women entrepreneurs of color, and Jason Jakubowski, the visionary leader of Connecticut Foodshare, an organization that has worked tireless to increase food security for families across Connecticut in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join our virtual Polaris Awards celebration on Thursday, October 28th. For tickets, visit leadershipgh.org.

The LGH Visionary Award Winner: Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO Connecticut Foodshare

Recognizing an individual who exemplifies each of LGH’s three pillars: community, leadership and connections.
Jason Jakubowski A lifelong Connecticut resident, Jason Jakubowski is both an accomplished nonprofit executive and a nationally recognized community leader. As President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, Jason and his team have worked tirelessly to increase food security for families in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Jason has successfully overseen and managed the merger of Connecticut’s two largest food banks: Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare, creating one statewide food bank that can better meet the needs of our community. Nomination: Jason has demonstrated tremendous leadership in his role as CEO of CT Foodbank / Foodshare, no more so than throughout the pandemic. He collaborated effectively with his team and countless external partners, including donors, partner agencies, food industry partners, volunteers and government agencies and officials, to respond to an unprecedented spike in food insecurity. Jason and his team helped hundreds of thousands of people in need across the state through innovative programs. We should all value Jason’s leadership and the positive impact he has had on all of our communities. Jason’s leadership, at such a pivotal time in CT Food Bank | Foodshare’s history, has been truly outstanding. He has managed the organization and stepped up throughout this pandemic to support the people of CT during an intense time of need. Last year under Jason’s leadership we distributed nearly 40 million meals to a network of more than 700 community based hunger relief programs. Together we serve the estimated 545,000 people in Connecticut struggling with food insecurity. In addition, Jason’s role in bringing CT Food Bank and Foodshare together to serve people across the entire state has laid the foundation to address food insecurity on a whole new level, and the organization is poised to grow into one of the most innovative and well run food banks in the country. I am confident that, with Jason’s leadership, this organization will do great things to combat hunger in CT.

Nov. 19th - Jan. 2nd, 2022

Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10 pm. Friday and Saturday 5pm - 11pm.

East Hartford, CT

New Haven Restaurant Week presented by Citizens
will return to the Elm City from Sunday, October 3 through Saturday, October 16, with 24 local
restaurants offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Locals and visitors will have the
opportunity to experience some of New Haven’s finest dining offerings at special pricing.

GOVERNOR LAMONT DIRECTS NEARLY $10 MILLION IN COVID RELIEF FUNDING FOR CONNECTICUT’S DAIRY AND AQUACULTURE INDUSTRIES

Candace Adams

President / Chief Executive Officer

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, Westchester Properties & New York Properties

The Jordan Porco Foundation’s mission is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. We provide engaging and uplifting programming emphasizing peer-to-peer messaging promoting help seeking behavior, self-care, and coping skills. Our programs challenge stigma by talking openly about mental health, and educating about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and other related mental health concerns.

The Cove Center for Grieving Children
Providing hope and healing for grieving children/teens and their families.

October is domestic violence awareness month and we are proud to support Connecticut's Interval House with these events!

Big Y Love for Local October Vendor: Quivr

17th Annual Connecticut Women of Innovation Awards Slated for Oct. 14
Leaders in STEM Disciplines to be Recognized for Outstanding Achievements,
Impact on Connecticut’s Scientific Advancement, Economic Development, Education

Fi Collars founded by Jonathan Bensamoun and inspired by his magnificent German Shepherd Thor chat with iHeartCommunities.

Farm Aid 2021: A conversation with Farm Aid, Guardians Farm, Lt Governor Bysiewicz & iHeartCommunities

Interview with Black Rock Canines
THE BLACK ROCK MISSION
Black Rock Canines was founded in October 2017 by David Rivera, an Air Force veteran who serves as a K9 officer in New Canaan, Connecticut. Through David's search for his own K9 partner, he learned firsthand that healthy, genetically-tested, U.S.A-bred dogs were simply not available in the marketplace today. Dogs from other nations are often procured and deployed by the military and law enforcement at significant cost, only to find that their temperaments or preventable illnesses render these dogs unsuitable for service. Black Rock canines was founded to solve these challenges, by establishing the first large-scale breeding program of high-performing, healthy, genetically-tested working dogs, service dogs, and pets in the U.S.A.

Bark and Brew for A Cure for Dog Star Rescue & Saint Francis Hope & Healing Campaign

Interview with Kate Nicoll LCSW
CEO, Soul Friends Inc

Matt Bocchi was just nine when he accompanied his father to his company Christmas party at Cantor Fitzgerald. He remembers the dizzying thrill of looking out the window and down at the street from the 105th floor of One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and marveling at how his dad, who had a fear of heights, worked in an office twelve hundred feet up in the air. Nine months later, at the age of nine, Matt became obsessed with an unspeakable question: Was his father one of the jumpers?
In SWAY (Post Hill Press; August 31, 2021), Matt Bocchi shares the emotional and psychological trauma of losing his father to the horror of 9/11, later compounded by being sexually assaulted by a man, an older uncle by marriage, he trusted. Written with raw honesty and remarkable courage, Bocchi’s memoir is a heartbreaking, often harrowing, and ultimately hopeful story of survival and recovery from grief, shame, and addiction.
“As a boy, I was oblivious to the push and pull of global forces and extremist ideologies, and everyday dickmongers who couldn’t control their urges, and how oxycodone and Xanax and cocaine made everything better—until they didn’t,” Bocchi reflects. “On the other hand, I knew how I felt on September 11, 2001, and the days that followed, and how those feeling solidified or expanded…whatever feelings do after years of rumbling around inside a body.”
Now 29 and sober for six years, Matt Bocchi is dedicated to helping young people grappling with trauma, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. With insight and profound empathy, he can discuss:
·Striking parallels between the tormenting uncertainty and pervasive fear surrounding the Covid pandemic and the 9/11 terror attacks.
·Effective, drug-free ways to cope with depression and anxiety—whose numbers of sufferers continue to escalate—and his views on legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
·The complexities of grief from a child’s perspective and how parents can help ease the agony—as well as what well-meaning adults should avoid doing and saying.
·What we, as families, communities, and a nation, can do to overcome the stigma associated with sexual abuse, protect young people, and encourage victims to speak up.
·The power of faith and vulnerability in moving beyond trauma, as well as tools for healing—including writing your own story.
MATTHEW JOHN BOCCHI grew up in New Jersey, where he currently resides. A survivor of devastating loss, emotional and psychological trauma, and sexual assault, he is in long-term recovery. He frequently speaks at schools to inspire young people struggling with grief, trauma, and addiction. His first book, SWAY is dedicated to his father and hero, John Paul Bocchi.
Published in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, SWAY also speaks to young people struggling with today’s upheaval and torment. Though his survivor story, Matt Bocchi can offer a much-needed message of hope. I look forward to exploring feature and interview possibilities.

Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors: Tips for the College Student, Investing in Your Future

Dr. Almassian is a Senior Pharmaceutical Executive with diverse experience in leading Biotechnology R&D Operations, Project and Alliance Management in startup and mid-size life science companies with an excellent track record of bringing new products through different phases of Research and Development. Dr. Almassian is currently the president and CEO of CaroGen Corporation, a leader in development of immunotherapy vaccines and also Founder and Chairman of Aria Neurosciences (www.Arianeurosciences.com), an Alzheimer drug development company.

Prior to CaroGen and Aria, he served as President and CEO of ExSAR Corp. from 2005 to 2010. Over his tenure at ExSAR, he built a pipeline of small drug molecules for potential treatment of genetic diseases and neurological disorders. Prior to joining ExSAR, Dr. Almassian was the Chief Operating Officer at Panacea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. focused on discovery and development of drugs for treatment of cancer and neurological disorders. Before joining Panacea, he held several senior executive positions at Vion Pharmaceuticals (VION), a spin off from Yale University. As Vice President of Drug Development, he built the drug development operations, which led to the IND filing and development of five drugs and biologics through all phases of development. Before Vion, he was held both scientific and management positions at Genelabs and Genzyme.

Dr. Almassian holds a MS and PhD from Northeastern University and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, respectively and was a NIH postdoctoral fellow at Boston University Medical School.

Renee Bouffard, LCSW, CEIP-MH, ESMHL, TRI
Healing Hoofbeats of CT, Inc.
Founder | Executive Director | Licensed Therapist | Equine Professional
41 Judge Lane, Bethlehem, CT 06751
Operation Warrior Horse (tm) is a 10 week program that runs for 2 hours at a time each week. This group is facilitated by our Mental Health Professional and Equine Professional. It is our belief that these groups should be of NO COST to our Veterans. We are able to offer this through grant writing, fundraising, and donations. Some Veterans in our programs have also chosen to donate to sponsor another Veteran to participate in Operation Warrior Horse.

www.healinghoofbeatsofct.org

The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, Inc. ("CTBTA") and the Cusano Family are pleased to present the eight annual Playing for the Cure: Brainstormin' on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 6:30pm. We invite you to join us at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, CT or experience a new and exciting virtual feature this year. Please join us for an unforgettable night and raise a glass with us as we fight to find the cure, and honor the life and memory of June Rice.

Veterans Strong Community Center, Inc
Serving Veteran's Past, Present and Future.

Connecticut Small Business Development Center

35 years of wishes
Make-A-Wish Australia was  founded  in 1985 with a mission to grant inspirational, life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Together, our incredible volunteers, partners, supporters and friends have granted more than 10,000 extraordinary wishes since then and counting.

TEACH Connecticut—a nonprofit partnership between TEACH.org, Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and Connecticut schools, districts and educator preparation programs—was created to assist anyone considering teaching in Connecticut.

September 23, 2021
5:30 - 7:30 PM
AKC Museum of the Dog
101 Park Ave, New York, NY

Join us for Art of the Dog! Fidelco Guide Dog Foundations inaugural art auction on September 23, 2021 at 5:30pm at the AKC Museum of the Dog for an evening of dogs, art, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Bid on paintings made by Fidelco German Shepherd guide dogs-in-training in the silent and live auctions.
Can't make it to New York City? You can still participate in the auction. Art of the Dog will be live-streamed for you to participate online.

Date of Olympics: Saturday, September 18th, 2021

Time:
Teams start the competition at 8:00 AM on a rotating basis throughout the day. The competition should be completed by 2:00 PM with an awards ceremony to follow.

Location: 285 Shaker RD Enfield CT
The Connecticut K-9 Olympics is entering its 29th year. The event is a day long competition involving K-9 units from local police departments, CT State Police, and Department of Corrections. Teams are evaluated during a competition in an arena style setting. Areas of competition include, but are not limited to, obedience, obstacles, building search, marksmanship, and an apprehension K-9 drill.

Also available will be static displays of equipment used by law enforcement to include present day and historical Police vehicles and weapon systems. This will include speciality vehicles such as the State Police B.A.T. (Breath Analysis Testing) vehicle, Department of Corrections CERT team, narcotic and bomb detection dogs, and a variety of other police and animal related services.

Money raised through the sales of shirts and food, and from donations, is returned to local charities. This year money raised will go to the Hometown Foundation (SPECIAL OLYMPICS), "CHIPS" Program, Shriners Children's Burn Centers and other "Police related" charities to be announced prior to this year's event.

The first ever statewide Walk Against Hunger is just around the corner on Saturday, September 18! Thanks to the Hartford Yard Goats, the Walk will return to Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Last year’s Walk raised over $300,000 to benefit the work that we and our community partners do year-round to help serve the estimated 545,000 people who are food insecure in the state of Connecticut. The Walk is a fun-filled event with live entertainment and giveaways, hosted by local media personalities Renee DiNino and Scot Haney.

Join a team or create your own! It’s easy! Your fundraising efforts will help Connecticut Food Bank / Foodshare continue to provide relief for people struggling with hunger, as well as support long-term efforts to increase access to healthy food while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to hunger.

As we learn to embrace the "new normal" join us as we return to our campsite in Farmington for Camp Courant’s 2021 Buddy Bash.

This year's theme is 'The Silver Lining.' Come dressed in your best ‘work from home video conference attire' for an evening of lavish hors d'oeuvres and delicious beverages by some of the finest area restaurants. Enjoy great entertainment, exciting and unique silent auction items and hear remarkable stories of 'The Silver Lining' that gave hope and astonishing strength.

Most importantly, support Camp Courant - the nation's largest and longest running free summer day program in the country and help us raise funds to continue to serve Hartford's kids!
Your involvement is critical to our success. Hartford's kids thank you and we thank you for continuing to support our mission.

Today the Senator and I spoke about Tropical Storm Henri and its impact in and around Connecticut, getting vaccinated, the booster, FDA approval for vaccines, the importance of nursing home and caregivers getting vaccinated, troop removal from Afghanistan and climate control.
This is a must listen interview. Senator Blumenthal is very honest about his feelings and answers all questions and even uncharacteristically quotes former President Trump on the importance of getting vaccinated after the FDA showed concern of may people using a drug meant for animals.

Hartford Athletic is not only committed to world-class soccer entertainment; we are committed to providing pathways for everyone in our community through our year-round community pillars of support.

On September 7, 2021, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Labor, Hartford Athletic will be hosting the 2021 Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo at Dillon Stadium in Hartford. The Expo is free to those who are underemployed, seeking new career opportunities, or most importantly, directly impacted in their careers by COVID-19. Each registrant will also receive a free ticket to the Hartford Athletic Veterans and Military Appreciation Night match vs. Louisville City FC following the Expo at 7pm.

Hartford Athletic will host up to 40 organizations who support a diverse workforce providing opportunities for veterans, people of color, women, and those with disabilities. In conjunction with our partners, we will also provide educational opportunities for those looking for résumé assistance, interview strategies, and dress for success advice to assist in the process.

Case studies in other markets have shown this format to create over 260 new career paths. We expect even more in this great, diverse city and state.

Supporting partners of the event include the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Stop & Shop.

If you are interested in participating please sign up via the form above.

Where: Dillon Stadium (250 Huyshope Ave., Hartford, CT)
When: September 7, 2021
Time: 1:30pm-5pm (you can arrive and depart as best fits your schedule); All attendees receive a ticket to attend the match immediately following the event, and all employers are invited to the pregame business networking event.

For three decades we’ve guided clients and their families to uncover what inspires you, and what’s most important to you. With this at the heart, we help you organize your finances, learn about investing, and truly understand how your financial plan and investments fit together with your purpose in life.

As trusted investment advisors and experienced financial coaches, we not only give you the tools and strategies for success, we encourage you to accomplish more than you may have previously believed was possible.

Renee Read's: The Family Plot by CT Author Megan Collins. Take a moment to listen to an interview I did with the author, Megan Collins. She is FABULOUS!!! Loves, dogs and cake...is she my soul sister???

The CT Age Well Collaborative, a project supported by CT Community Care, is bringing to light what we’ve suspected for a while…vibrant communities and healthy aging go hand in hand. The Collaborative is a partnership of public and private organizations, community groups and philanthropic aging and community leaders with a shared vision of creating an Age-Friendly Connecticut with communities throughout the state that are great places to grow up and grow old. Recently, CCC President Julia Evans Starr along with other members of the Collaborative’s Steering Committee started the age-friendly conversation by letting communities know about the newly released CT Healthy Aging Data Report.

Celebrating Make A Wish CT with The Beneski Brothers

Please take a listen to this important interview with Ashley Cavaliere and her family. Her sister Alex was diagnosed with ALS about 2 years ago. Also joining us is their mom Lorri Cavaliere and advocate Michelle Lorenz.
Please take a moment to listen to the passion both Ashley and her mother have for Alex. We have to fight to get Act for ALS to go through so people with ALS can get access to phase 3 drugs.
Her name may sound familiar to you, as she is the sister of Ashley Cavaliere, long time air talent part of our iHeartRadio family here in CT and beyond.

Lt Governor Bysiewicz on the CT heatwave, education and the mask mandates. She is currently on assignment in New Mexico and called to give us an update.
She is one of two dozen Governors, Lt Governors and Attorney Generals in New Mexico meeting to discuss how "we can make education better in our respective states."

Interview: Maritza Bond, Director of Public Health, City of New Haven, CT
Mask mandate for New Haven, vaccination clinics and serving the community.

Darius Rucker Benefit Ride & Concert, Presented by Trantolo & Trantolo to benefit the Boys & Girls Club

Interview with Allison Gamber, Executive Director of The Cove Center for Grieving Children Providing hope and healing for grieving children/teens and their families.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz Weekly Update
She share's her personal and professional comments on the sexual harassment charges against Governor Cuomo.
Black Women's Equal Pay Day, Military Spouses occupational licensing bill (pushed for the by Council on Women led by Lt Gov. Bysiewicz), farmers Market Week and more!

Rockoff Realty has established our “Rockoff Realty for the Rescues!” Fund into which we contribute $100 for every home our clients either buy or sell. We distribute from the fund to our help Rescues in need, be it to help cover the costs of an adoption or medical treatment.
Take a listen to our interview with Cathy Rockoff and Pamela A. Lefferts of Ferncroft Wildlife rescue, a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in CT. Retired after many years in the field of education, Pam is the “hands-on” partner and does the critical medical care of the animals, preparing them for release.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Rodney Delgado, Sanitorian, Department of Health for Meriden

As You Like It: Geoff Sheehan Capital Classics Theatre Company Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

THE ACTORS’ GANG THEATER
Presents
We Live On
World Premiere
With additional text by Tim Robbins and The Cast
Directed by Mr. Robbins

A Live Virtual Production
Performed in 3 Parts

JULY 22nd through SEPTEMBER 4th
(Press Openings July 29th, 30th and 31st)

With music by Cameron Dye and David Robbins, this world premiere features 30 accounts of the Great Depression, including those of Dolores Huerta, Dorothy Day, and Cesar Chavez.

Previews will be on July 22nd - 24th with press opens from July 29th - 31st. Each of the three parts presents ten stories and audiences around the world can join every Sunday at 9:00am (PT) for Part One, at 10:30am (PT) for Part Two, at 12pm (PT) for Part Three.

LIVE NATION CELEBRATES RETURN TO LIVE CONCERTS

BY OFFERING FANS $20 ALL-IN TICKETS

Lesa Vanotti President and CEO of Torrington Savings Bank, the 14th president in the Bank’s 152-year history.

The Dream Ride Experience is more than just a weekend event; it is a year-round movement of making dreams come true through #DreamRide365.

The Dream Ride Experience is the signature fundraising event of The Hometown Foundation, Inc. The weekend features family fun for all! It also includes the Dream Cruise, a Saturday police-escorted journey where drivers pair up with Dream Riders in their classic/exotic vehicles for a 12-mile cruise, Dream Show featuring cars and motorcycles, culminating in the Dream Ride, a Sunday motorcycle tour through the Farmington, Connecticut countryside, all to benefit The Hometown Foundation, Inc.

36th Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival is August 6, 7 & 8, 2021 at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island

CT Update with Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz: Supporting Local Businesses, Agriculture, CT For Me, the CT Economy and more!

Iran Nazario, President of The Peace Center of CT brought two of the Peace Hero nominess with hi to share in their story and talk about the the gala!
You'll hear from Jim Dugan and Ryan Parker.

Yet Another Honor… The Peace Center of Connecticut is excited to honor our 2020 Peace Heroes.

Due to COVID 19 concerns and for your safety we have moved our 2020 Peace Heroes Awards from September 2020 (International Peace Month) to Thursday September 23, 2021 at Saint Clements Castle 1931 Portland-Cobalt Rd Portland, CT 06480 https://www.saintclementscastle.com/.

We are excited to induct new members in to the Peace Center of Connecticut Peace Heroes Legacy Hall.

Our 2020 Peace Heroes have been selected and notified. Thank you to all of you who nominated a Peace Hero in your community.

We look forward to celebrating them along with you.

Click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-peace-heroes-awards-galafundraiser-tickets-153908060151 for tickets!

Click here for full sponsorship information: https://peacecenterofct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Peace-Heroes-Gala-2021-Sponsorship-Packet-In-Full.pdf

PeaceLivesHere

Attorney General Tong Update: Child Car Seat Safety, Energy Company Updates, Opioid Fight in CT and more!

Stani Dairy located in Ansonia, Ct. We are chatting with the owner Kallope Emmanouil!
Big Y carries all-natural artisan strained Stani Greek Yogurts blended with real fruits or honey. There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) has partnered with DispatchHealth to bring same-day medical care to people’s homes for urgent illnesses and injuries that do not require an emergency room (ER) visit

Jill Meyerhoff

Executive Director

FISH of Greater New Haven

Food in Service to the Homebound

Oak Hill’s New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) and “AACtion Camp”

Elena Fader, Director of Assistive Technology Services & Margie Hislop, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist

Renee speaks with Tiffany Young, Executive Director for the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation and David Hopkins, President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford

Hartford Yard Goats to Host Negro Leagues Day Celebration at Game with Josh Gibson Foundation
Hartford, Conn - The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado

Rockies, will be hosting a Negro Leagues Day Celebration at its home game on Thursday, July 15th (7:05 PM vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats) at Dunkin' Donuts Park, in partnership with the Josh Gibson Foundation. The National Negro League was founded in 1920 by Rube Foster and showcased the talents of Jackie Robinson, Satchell Paige, Josh Gibson and others.

Renee speaks with Tiffany Young, Executive Director for the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation and David Hopkins, President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford

Hartford Yard Goats to Host Negro Leagues Day Celebration at Game with Josh Gibson Foundation
Hartford, Conn - The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado

Rockies, will be hosting a Negro Leagues Day Celebration at its home game on Thursday, July 15th (7:05 PM vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats) at Dunkin' Donuts Park, in partnership with the Josh Gibson Foundation. The National Negro League was founded in 1920 by Rube Foster and showcased the talents of Jackie Robinson, Satchell Paige, Josh Gibson and others.

Keith G., a retired Milford, CT resident and first-time Fidelco client, has been described by a long-time friend as an “intellectually and physically active” person. Married to Kelley and father of an adult daughter, he has a variety of interests: books on tape, cribbage, tandem cycling, walking, working on perfecting his golf game, and attending local hockey games.

While born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disorder, Keith’s visual impairment did not deter him from being physically active--he played competitive hockey and tennis at his Massachusetts high school and was a hockey team captain in his senior year. A college graduate, Keith enjoyed a long career in the technology industry where he also had the opportunity to extensively travel abroad.

Though Keith learned about Fidelco years ago through a presentation made at his daughter’s elementary school, he was a white cane traveler for many years, walking only in limited areas where he felt comfortable. He knew the benefits of guide dog partnership through his brother who had several guide dogs from another guide dog organization. When he chose to move on from white cane travel at the urging of his daughter, Keith applied to Fidelco because he wanted a German Shepherd guide dog partner and to be trained in his home community.

Since partnering with Becca in early 2018, Keith has become an independent traveler who relishes his ability to go wherever he wants without having to rely on others. He says that he now moves more quickly with Becca by his side and has a welcomed sense of responsibility, resulting from his need to care for Becca. With renewed confidence, Keith has taken his interest in golf to a new level—he recently joined the U.S. Blind Golf Association with the goal of entering a blind golf tournament. Becca is apparently an enthusiastic supporter of his efforts, intently watching him as he practices his golf swing!

“We are so grateful to Fidelco for giving me my independence back and gifting me with a miracle on four paws, my best buddy, Becca,” says Keith.

Renee
iHeartCommunities partners with Sunset Concert Series!
By Renee DiNino
Jun 15, 2021

Tickets on sale now, regular and VIP sea ting available HERE

FYI: details on the shows below

Sunset Concert Series: Gates Open at Salmon Brook Park in Granby CT at 3:30pm, Music ends at 8:30pm. Utilizing the huge main field at Salmon Brook Park and Bandshell, the site offers the opportunity to be socially distanced with comfortable egress areas inclusive. You and your party will be in Covid Safe General Admission areas by Price Point. State of CT requirements will be met with confidence and comfort.

Bring your blanket to clearly mark out your area, your chairs, table, tablecloth, dog (with scooper!), and your cooler. This will be the Live Experience format utilized these unique days. We welcome you to make the best of it to enjoy the day, the sunset and the music!

Important Consideration ~ Cold Poured Brews & Wine will be on site with one of our local favorites Thomas Hooker Brewery as well as assorted delectable Food Trucks to ease your menu preparations! We encourage you to support our local vendors :-)

7/3 - Max Creek / 3:30-8:30 pm / Max Creek now celebrating its 50th Year on its incredible musical journey! Max Creek is decisively integrated into our region's tapestry, bring the generations ~ you'll clearly enjoy and dance your day away with Max Creek! See you there!

7/10 - Almost Queen / 3:30-8:30pm / The most authentic QUEEN live show since the days of QUEEN themselves. A deliberate 4 piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live show consisting of signature four-part harmonies and genuine costumes while recapturing the live energy that is the ultimate Queen experience.

7/17 - Maggie Rose and Them Vibes / 3:30-8:30pm / Maggie Rose, a Nashville-based artist has dreamed up her own unbridled collision of rock & roll, soul, folk and R & B; an eclectic sound for a musician whose live performances are the ultimate experience. Joined by Them Vibes who continue to be a central part of Music City’s thriving rock scene.

7/24 - Adam Ezra Group / 3:30-8:30pm / The Adam Ezra Group is a Boston based band formed around guitarist and singer Adam Ezra. Ezra, who known for playing barefoot, focuses on community and the belief that "making music together is itself a form of grassroots organizing, capable of nothing less than changing the world."

7/31 - West End Blend / 3:30-8:30 / Since their conception, CT-based Funk/Soul band West End Blend has been playing their version of Funk and Soul in venues all over the Northeast and beyond. The power of the instrumental mix is breathtaking while vocals sooth your soul to no end.

8/7 - The Ultimate Donna Summer Show - 3:30-8:30pm / We don't have to go to Las Vegas, Atlantic City or any other vibrant concert venue to see the Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute show, no, the spectacular Rainere Martin is gracing our stage in Granby CT this concert season.

Arthritis Foundation Summer Update
Lauren Amendola, Executive Director for the Arthritis Foundation CT Chapter updates us about the continued mission of the foundation, events and ways to support. Also joining us, Lisa Wolfe Chair of the Juvenile Arthritis Board and mom to a beautiful daughter diagnosed with arthritis.

David Light, Founder and CEO of Valisure, is a biotech entrepreneur and scientist with over 14 years of broad experience in the field.

Kiley Gosselin, executive Director for Partnership for Strong Communities
The Virtual Reaching Home Awards Celebration
Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
From 3:30 Pm To 5:00 Pm

Each year, Partnership for Strong Communities (PSC) invites people to come together to celebrate, and to present the prestigious Reaching Home Awards (RHA). The awards are presented to individuals and groups that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to preventing and ending homelessness in Connecticut.
We'll join together over Zoom with distinguished awardees to celebrate their accomplishments and the work of so many to prevent and end homelessness in Connecticut.
Although we are still unable able to come together in person, we remain united. Now more than ever, we are committed to the vision that no one should experience homelessness; that everyone should have a safe, stable place to call home. We know now from experience that neither pandemic nor distance are strong enough to separate us. We are stronger together, for that we truly have reason to celebrate.
We are so looking forward to gathering virtually to celebrate together with our partners, speakers, award recipients, sponsors, friends, and family.

We're looking forward to seeing you on the 16th!

TITLE: Development Manager for the American Lung Association

WHAT: The American Lung Association’s 12th Fight for Air Climb Hartford

WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 2021, 8 am – 11:30 am

WHERE: Dunkin Donuts Park, 1214 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut

WHO: Over 100 Connecticut-area residents, lung health advocates, first responders, and American Lung Association volunteers and staff
•Includes firefighters climbing in full gear (appx 30 lbs.)

HOW: Register at FightForAirClimb.org/Hartford. Registration is $35 and all Climber must raise $100 by the 19th to Climb.

WHY:
•The Climb will support research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, lung cancer and COVID-19 with a fundraising goal of raising $65,000.
•For over 100 years the American Lung Association has been at the forefront of the Fight for Air.
•Money raised through the Hartford Fight for Air Climb will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease.
•The Hartford Fight for Air Climb will also fund the Lung Association’s initiative to invest $25 million to address COVID-19 and to prevent future respiratory pandemics.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Cash Back to the Community
Dara Macchi, Vice President of Marketing, American Eagle Financial Credit Union
Eric Feeney, Founder of Friends of Feeney
Cash Back to the Community Program
•Program is addition to our typical monetary donations and sponsorships and helps get the community and members involved. Was also a nice way to uncover new or smaller organizations in need of support.

•The program is funded by the interchange income – 1% of our Visa credit and debit card interchange income is divided evenly among the three nonprofit/501(c)(3) organizations each quarter. The premise being, “the more members use our card(s), the more we give back.”
oEvery time you use your American Eagle debit or credit card, they give to a worthy organization in your community – one that you and other members choose. It’s cash back with impact.

•Winners are determined by majority of votes. Anyone can submit a nomination and vote.

•Organizations supported thus far are: children, families, seniors, art, nature, animals, whatever is important to you – putting cash where it belongs

•In 2020, during the pandemic the credit union donated over $85,000 through this program
Organizations helped thus far:
oEnfield Community Cat Project
oTLC Foundation Inc (transitional living center for school age children who are victims of abuse)
oRoaring Brook Nature Center
oHealing Meals Community Project
oDog Star Rescue
oFarmington Friends of Music
oSeniors Job Bank
oFriends of Feeney (supporting children and families after experiencing tragedy)
oQuinnipiac University Dance Marathon for the Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Network
oLiteracy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
oEarly Childhood Collaborative of Southington
oSilk City Chorus

Renee DiNino chats with Andy Bessette is Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Travelers joined by Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship.
The Traveler's Championship is the week of June 21! GAME ON! There will be spectators, amazing players and Birdies for Charity sponsored by Webster Bank is head for its biggest year yet!

Walk Like MADD Hartford County Presented by Trantolo & Trantolo
Guests: Survivor Shante Hanks and Board Member/MADD
Bob Garguilo, Executive Director MADD New England
Scott Trantolo, CEO Trantolo & Trantolo

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz Update on the State Budget, Special Sessions and More!

Connecticut Immunization Coalition with the American Lung Association
Michelle Caul, Eastern Division Director of Health Promotion

Renee DiNino and Ben Darnell chat with Tim Restall, President of the Hartford Yard Goats!

For the third time since opening in 2017, Dunkin’ Donuts Park was named the Best Double-A ballpark in America by Ballpark Digest.

Park officials said this is the first time that a minor league ballpark has won this honor three times.

Summer is the air and Yard Goats baseball is the PERFECT way to celebrate! iHeartCommunities wants to take your organization OUT TO THE BALL GAME - ON US!
Nominate a group who you think deserves a night out of fun and the Yard Goats & iHeartCommunities will throw you a party in a suite for the Thursday July 1, 2021
Yard Goats host the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate Altoona Curve at Dunkin' Donuts Park at 7:05pm.
Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels and soft drinks provided.
iHeartCommunities will be on hand for contests and prizes and you'll have the best seats in the house to see the Yard Goats in action, right here in our capitol city.

Birdies For Charity: Foodshare and CT Food Bank
Jason Jakubowski, CEO
Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare are Connecticut’s two regional food banks. Both are members of the national Feeding America network. Last year, Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare distributed enough food to provide nearly 40 million meals through a network of more than 700 community-based hunger-relief programs, including food pantries, community kitchens, and emergency shelters, while also working on long-term solutions. More than 8,000 volunteers help power the work of the food banks. Last year, they gave more than 62,000 hours of service.

Birdies for Charity: First Tee
Mark Moriarty, Executive Director
We build experiences that build character.
We exist to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.

With the belief that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them, we are dedicated to building programs that are accessible, welcoming, and as impactful as they are fun.

Birdies for Charity: No Animal Left Unfed
Shonya Harrison, Founder and President
Helping people and pets!

Birdies for Charity: Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Hartford
John Noonan, Director of Development and Communications
Catholic Charities is a non-profit agency serving people of all faiths in Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties since 1920. We focus on children as our future, families as the backbone of our society, and the elderly as our link to our roots.

Birdies for Charity: Liberation Programs
John Hamilton, CEO
We are proud to have hosted Opioid Overdose Narcan Training for this important documentary. Overdoses can be reversed and Naloxone saves lives.

Birdies for Charity: The Children's Law Center
Justine Rakich-Kelly, Executive Director
The mission of The Children’s LAW Center is to promote the best possible outcomes for children and families in transition or crisis by providing access to legal services and support they could not otherwise afford and by advancing collaborative, non-adversarial options for resolving conflicts outside the court system.

Through its programs and services the Children’s Law Center strives to create safe, stable environments for children whose parents are in chronic conflict.

Birdies for Charity: Senior Resources
Michelle Dempsey, Chair of Community Relations and on the Board of Directors
Senior Resources is a strong voice for the region's elderly citizens. Through our involvement at the federal, state and local level we work to enhance the quality of life for older persons. In addition to advocating legislatively, our continuing work with volunteer and citizen groups increases public awareness of senior issues.

Our mission is to provide access to information and services to empower adults to live with dignity.

Birdies for Charity The Cove Center for Grieving Children
Allison Gambler, Executive Director
Providing hope and healing for grieving children/teens and their families.

Birdies for Charity Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
Erin Dotson-Kelly, Development Coordinator
Since we first opened our doors over 40 years ago, LVGH has helped over 15,000 adults from across Greater Hartford to improve their English literacy skills. Check out the timeline to see how we've grown!

Birdies for Charity: Adelbrook
Alyssa Goduti, {resident and CEO
We provide hope and healing to children and families in a Christian environment.
Meeting the developmental and behavioral challenges of children, young adults and families through a range of professional, educational, residential and therapeutic options, Ädelbrook aims to continue its growth in order to provide a continuum of care and meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve.

Birdies for Charity: Operation Fuel
Dana Barcellos-Allen, Director of Marketing and Development

Operation Fuel ensures equitable access to energy for all by providing year-round energy and utility assistance, promoting energy independence, and advocating for affordable energy.

Birdies for Charity: Hartford Artisans Weaving Center
Ann Kollegger, Executive Director
The Hartford Artisans Weaving Center is committed to being a welcoming, accessible community that actively works to create a kinder and more equitable world for everyone. Our diverse community unites people from different backgrounds and experiences to learn from each other and uncover their own unique skills. We challenge assumptions about disabilities and aging and show that everyone deserves an opportunity for creative expression. We recognize we have a responsibility not only to open our doors wider, but also to understand and work to change the racial and gender inequities that hurt us all.

Birdies for Charity: Conquer Brain Tumors Inc
Founders: Krysta Pereira and Crystal Lentz
Our mission is to raise awareness for both childhood and brain cancer. A portion of our funds will be donated towards brain tumor research. We are raising funds in hopes of finding a cure for this this horrible illness. This non-profit organization, Conquer Brain Tumors Inc., was founded on February 16, 2018 .

Make-A-Wish CT Chapter is celebrating it's 35th Anniversary this summer!

Pam Keough, CEO Make A Wish CT Chapter joined by Cathy Miceli – the VERY FIRST wish mom of Connecticut!

Cathy’s son Donny wished to go to Walt Disney World in 1984. He lived in Ridgefield CT and was diagnosed with cancer when he was eight years old. It was Donny’s wish in 1984 that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish Connecticut in 1986. Unfortunately, Donny passed away in 1985, but the impact of his wish still lives on.

Birdies for Charity: Malta House of Care Clinic of Greater Hartford
Michelle Murphy, Executive Director
The Malta House of Care mobile medical clinic provides high-quality, free primary health care to uninsured adults in Greater Hartford, always with compassion and respect. This is made possible by our incredible corps of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who contribute about 1,000 hours of free medical care each year, as well as thousands of generous financial supporters.

Birdies for Charity: Tail to Paw Animal Support
Bobbi Jo Evans, Executive Director

Tail To Paw Animal Support works to ensure that no owner has to abandon their companion animal on the streets or at a shelter due to their poverty level or housing status. Tail To Paw provides assistance with food, supplies and basic medical visits and vaccinations.

Birdies for Charity: Our Companions Animal Rescue
Susan Linker, Founder & President
Our Companions mission is to advocate for animals in need by engaging compassionate people to help provide innovative community programs. It is our promise to always do the right thing for animals.

Birdies for Charity: Northeast Opportunities for Wellness Inc
Tayler Shea, Executive Director
Our mission at Northeast Opportunities for Wellness is simple, but so important:
to make a positive impact in the lives of Northeast Connecticut children by ensuring access to programs that promote fitness, nutrition and sports – regardless of ability to pay. Because with opportunities for wellness NOW, kids can be healthier and happier for life.

Birdies for Charity: Hartford Performs
Rie Poirier-Campbell, Executive Director
Hartford Performs brings visiting artists into Hartford Public Schools to teach curriculum in creative new ways. We take Hartford kids out to area arts organizations to ensure they experience professional dance, music, theater and museums. And we provide Hartford teachers with professional-learning programs that help them use art techniques in their classrooms to help kids learn and develop. Almost 14,000 students in all 30 PreK-Grade 8 public schools in our city benefit from our system each year.

Birdies for Charity: Beth-El Center in Milford
Jennifer Paradis, Executive Director
The Beth-El Center's mission is to extend dignity and respect to all individuals and families while connecting them to housing, food and services within their communities.

Our vision is to create a community where everyone is home and all are fed!

Beth-El Center is a 501c3, nonprofit organization that has two programs: a 34 bed homeless shelter and a food service program.

Birdies for Charity: Hospital for Special Care
Wendy DeAngelo, Vice President of development and Communications
Hospital for Special Care provides an acclaimed spectrum of medical treatment for complex rehabilitation and chronic disease for both children and adults augmented by a range of outpatient rehabilitative services. For people with disabilities, Hospital for Special Care has made a special commitment to assure that they strive to achieve their fullest physical and recreational potential.

Birdies for Charity: Operation Homefront
Kaylyn Lockyer, Program Coordinator
www.operationhomefront.org

www.ctgrown.org

Birdies for Charity Community Renewal Team
Ilana Bernstein, Development Marketing Director

Delanea Davis, Cloud 9 Online CEO
Henry Edinger, COO
Cloud9 Online is a Hartford, Connecticut based digital health and wellness company developing Science-Powered, Clinically Designed, Personalized Meditation Therapy using cutting-edge technology.

Birdies for Charity: Chrysalis Center Inc
Adria Giordano, Director of Development and Communications

Birdies for Charity: For All Ages Inc
Deb Bibbins, Founder and CEO
www.forallages.org

Autism Families CONNECTicut
Maria Mascoli, Executive Director and Jackie Procyk, Director of Programs

Birdies For Charity: Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Guest: Amy Wiltsie, Director of Development

Aquiline Drones in Hartford, Connecticut is an American drone company founded by highly experienced aviators, systems engineers and IT gurus. With US-based manufacturing and supply chain and world-class MRO services, the company offers innovative and successful ways for using drones in commercial activities. Aquiline Drones’ full-spectrum of technological solutions provide a more expansive and deeper applicability across countless industries and environments by delivering real-time data insights. Visit www.AquilineDrones.com for more information.

Summer Update with Greg Hammond, CFP®, CPA, CEO, Financial Coach and Scott Iles
Vice President, Financial Coach

Avelo Airlines President & CEO Andre Levy
The new hub at Tweed Airport in New Haven

Hartford’s Camp Courant is the oldest and largest FREE summer day camp program in the country, and our programs provide Hartford’s youth, ages 5 -12, with an opportunity to build meaningful and positive relationships with fellow campers and staff, learn, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Campers become part of a historic camp community that continues to grow and evolve, but has also stood the test of time.

We are busy creating an exciting camp community that will have a positive and lifelong impact on our young campers – a camp where kids can experience diversity by meeting children from all backgrounds, where they can learn to be independent and where they will be challenged to try new activities – all while having a healthy dose of fun!

Looking forward to summer camp in 2021!

EXCLUSIVE Interview Valisure Detects Benzene in Sunscreen: 78 sunscreen and after-sun care products contained benzene, an industrial chemical known to cause cancer and other potentially serious health risks

There will be an online/virtual LGBTQ+ Family Building panel discussion put on by the New Haven Pride Center held on Thursday, June 17th , 6-7:30 PM.

Hartford: Summer Fun on Pratt Street! Join us at the Summer Kickoff Party on Pratt—June 12th from 12:00pm–5:00pm!

United Way Power of the Purse 2021 - Women United

Hartford Symphony Orchestra: Talcott Mountain Music Festival
Carolyn Kuan, Music Director of HSO shares details about the 25th Anniversary of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival weekends in July!

The 12 Connecticut community colleges are merging under the name Connecticut State Community College (CT State). CT State’s first semester of operation will be Fall 2023. Here are some things that current students need to know about the transition to the new college.

Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO Foodshare and CT Food Bank - The largest non-profit food bank in CT serving every single town/city in the state

Mia's Mission: A young girl's passion for pups provides handcrafted dog toys for K-9 officers!
Mia Phinney of Torrington, CT makes fun toys for K9 dogs and also fundraises for K9 Officers. She also plans on being a State Trooper when she grows up!

Tweed Airport Executive Director Sean Scanlon & State Representative for Connecticut’s 98th District

Julisa Velasquez
Director, Operations Excellence at Pratt & Whitney
Chair, 2021 Connecticut March for Babies

and
Karissa McLaurin-Watkins
2021 Connecticut March for Babies Ambassador Family

Fidelco's mission continues while we follow protocols to keep both humans and dogs safe. New puppies are being born and raised. Dogs-in-training are learning valuable skills in home environments. Together, we will meet the needs of our remarkable clients for years to come.

Athletic Brewing, and co-founder and Master Brewer: John Walker
"Athletic Brewing is pioneering a craft beer revolution. We promise to use high-quality, all-natural ingredients to create great-tasting brews for our beer-loving family. We strive to create brews suitable for everyone and every occasion. No matter your motivation, if you want to keep a clear head and drink healthier, we're here for you."

Christine Castonguay, Interim Director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

Mayor Stewart recently joined a team of local social services providers to announce the re-launch of New Britain Recovers. The newly rebranded New Britain Recovers is a social services initiative aimed at addressing homelessness, addiction, and youth prevention. This group originally stemmed from various City task forces and committees focusing on social service initiatives. The relaunch of New Britain Recovers is a holistic approach to ensure resident needs are met, gaps in services are filled, and support systems are in place. The City’s Opioid Task Force, Homelessness plan, and Local Prevention Council have all come together under the New Britain Recovers umbrella. As the needs of the New Britain community evolved it became evident that there was a necessity for an all-encompassing social services initiative to be coordinated in order to assist vulnerable populations and support City youth in a more efficient way. Eliminating redundancies and increasing access to a wide range of resources within the City of New Britain makes receiving help much easier for those who need it.

Kristina Howley, Horticulture Content Specialist

Over three decades ago our company was founded on the idea that families should feel empowered and confident about money and investing. Since then, we’ve built a financial and coaching company that embodies the personal goals, wellbeing, and life purpose of our clients and team.

Gov Lamont speaks with Renee about the cyber-attack on the Colonial Pipeline and its impact in CT, Economic Development, CT Tourism, the May re-open plan, "pandemic driving" and the increase in car thefts in Connecticut.

The CHC mission is not just to provide healthcare, but to make sure that the care we provide is the best it can be, and is what best meets the needs of our communities and patients.

Biohaven is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with proven leadership in industry and academic settings. Our portfolio is comprised of innovative, late-stage product candidates targeting neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, including rare disorders. Our progress is fueled by an entrepreneurial organizational structure and an impressive range of experience in drug development along with the confident support of top-tier biopharma investors.

Interview with Pam Keough, President and CEO and Carin Buckman
Marketing, Communications & Digital Manager

DARIUS RUCKER BENEFIT RIDE & CONCERT
For over 80 years, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has supported the communities we proudly serve through outreach and fundraising. Our firm regularly hosts events, programs and partners with local organizations that make a meaningful impact on those in need. This summer, we’re proud to present Darius Rucker at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center!

You have the opportunity to make a difference for The Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, as they celebrate 161 years of youth development. Music fans and motorcycle riders will come together from across the region to enjoy an exciting show in a beautiful, open-air setting – all the while making a difference for The Boys and Girls Club of Hartford!

A conversation about Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM) Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education (CRSE) & Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence

Big Y Love for Local Vendor: Bears BBQ
Interview with Jamie McDonald co owner of Bears BBQ

Attorney General Tong Topics: Human Rights, Student Loan Debt Forgiveness, Fake Vaccine ID Cards Scams

President Tim Restall of the Hartford Yard Goats. Tickets go on sale April 26 and Opening Day is coming in May! Updates on the park, spectators, food, community events and BASEBALL!

The Greater New Haven - The Community Foundation
The Great Give 2021 an interview with Jackie Downing

PAWS FOR KIDS
Paws for Kids is a partnership between CT Department of Children and Families and the animal advocacy community to promote child and animal well-being through education, cross-reporting efforts, marketing, and establishing an Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) for DCF children with trauma.

Exclusive: K9 First Responders visit with the US Capitol Police. K9 First Responders founder Brad Cole shares intimate details of the visit this week with the US Capitol Police. He also speaks about Officer Clarence and Deputy Chief Bill Gordon and the connection to Officer Billy Evans.

Dean Mahoney, founder of the Connecticut-based 'Merican Mule Cocktail Company shares his story!

A Fidelco Guide Dogs client since 2001 and now partnered with her fourth Fidelco guide dog, “Grayson,” Lynn was nearly 40 years old when she lost her vision. While busy raising her family and then helping to care for her grandchildren, Lynn temporarily put her goals of obtaining a college degree and returning to work on hold. Listen to the podcast for more!

Amar’e’s wish for a gaming room makeover (so he can be YouTube famous) has been granted! I have attached some photos for you to include in your web story. Check out Amar’e’s YouTube channel: The Official Dragonchips – in fact, please like and subscribe!

Mattress recycling is available throughout Connecticut through the “Bye Bye Mattress program” and the Mattress Recycling Council, which has recycled over 900,000 mattresses in Connecticut. This equates to more than 15,000 tons diverted from the Connecticut waste stream for recycling. Since 2015, when the first mattress recycling program began in Connecticut, 136 Connecticut municipalities offer direct access to the Bye Bye Mattress program through transfer stations, public works yards, and municipal collection events.

Assistive Technology Services, Adaptive Gaming & Kebbi the Robot

Guest: Adam Kosakowski

“JAX and UConn Health study aims to learn why COVID-19 is so much deadlier for older adults”

Guests include:

Jacques Banchereau, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Immunological Sciences at The Jackson Laboratory
George Kuchel, MD CM, FRCP, Director, UConn Center of Aging, University of Connecticut, Chief, Geriatric Medicine, UConn Health

A Taste of East Catholic Fundraising Event! Interview with President, Sean Brennan,

Interview Update on Connecticut Restaurants: Are they safe? YES! Please support our hospitality industry and look at the facts. Executive Director Scott Dolch of the Connecticut Restaurant Association explains...

Now Hiring: Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury & Bridgeport Police Departments! A great conversation with Sgt Steven Austin of Hartford Police Department!

Today was quite an emotional conversation. The attack on our Capitol, the need to help and support not only the Capitol Police but all law enforcement. The No Hate Act with AG William Tong and the My College Athletes Bill of Rights with Senator Cory Booker.

Financial coaches Greg Hammond and Scott Iles offer a unique, straight talking and often funny boost to your week as they interview inspiring thought leaders, storytellers, entrepreneurs, influencers and legacy builders on true purpose, mastering money, and boldly stepping into the future.

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week with social media campaigns as well as virtual events.
Interview with : Ami Chokshi is the Center’s National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

About National Infertility Awareness Week (April 18-24, 2021)

National Infertility Awareness Week®, founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, is the largest public awareness campaign that addresses the public health issue of infertility. Even though 1 out of 8 couples has trouble conceiving of carrying a pregnancy to term, it is a disease that causes many who are diagnosed to feel very alone.

Throughout NIAW, the family building community will take action to increase awareness of infertility in order to remove stigmas and improve access to all family building options. Members of the infertility community will share their stories and lead the conversation about challenges to family building and methods of resolution.

Lt. Don Crabtree shares important information to keep your car and more importantly YOU safe.

Arthritis Foundation Interview with Executive Director Lauren Amendola and 13 year old survivor :Madeline Barney

Covid 19 Vaccine Update with Jeff Flaks, President & CEO of Hartford HealthCare

Interval House (IH) is a dedicated and passionate group of staff, board members and volunteers who pride themselves on tirelessly working to end domestic violence.

Attorney General William Tong
We spoke about Hate Crimes, Vaccine & Stimulus Scams and more.

The Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture is a state executive position in the Connecticut state government. The commissioner oversees the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, which is directed to encourage and promote the development of agriculture within Connecticut. The department, under the direction of the commissioner, also publishes research and statistics regarding the state's agriculture industry and enforces regulations on the industry.

Update on Special Olympics Connecticut with Robert "Beau" Doherty President

Vanotti assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of Torrington Savings Bank (TSB) on October 1, 2020. She joined the bank as part of the accounting team in 1996 and held roles of progressive responsibility, most recently senior vice president and chief financial officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Post College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. In addition to leading TSB, Vanotti is active in the Torrington community, serving on a number of boards and advisory committees.

Senator Blumenthal Update for 3 2 21
No Hate Act
Vaccines, Covid-19 and Spring Break

Nathan Grube, Tournament Director for The Traveler's Championship updates on the the Golf Pros attending, Birdies for Charity, rules on spectators and media presence and more!
The Traveler's Championship at the TPC at River Highlands June 21-27

Coming Together To Feed Connecticut: Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Food Bank & Foodshare on the real need for food, how they're working across the state to feed as many in need as possible, additional costs of distribution sites while maintaining existing programs and more.
Take a listen as Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Food Bank & Foodshare and Renee DiNino, Director of iHeartCommunities in Hartford/New Haven share important updates and information and a personal story, tissue alert.

Gov. Lamont Q & A: Vaccine Updates & what's next! Dancing? Concerts?

Covid Vaccine Update with Yvette Highsmith-Francis of Community Health Center, Inc.

Mayor Elicker Spring Update for New Haven: Safety, Events, Outdoor Dining and St Patrick's Day Parade.....
Mayor Elicker and I chatted about all the positive things headed our way! Safety first, we're not out of the woods yet...but can you feel it....better days are coming!!!

Christine Gaumond Assistant Director of the Financial Opportunity Center, The Village for Families & Children
Free tax preparation is available to households through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. VITA sites offer free tax services from mid-January through mid-April to individuals who qualify.

Free Tax Preparation through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

BASIC ELIGIBILITY FOR VITA: The VITA program is for households who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Also, individuals who are self-employed should have business expenses less than $25,000, and individuals should not have income from a rental property.

Special Olympics Connecticut proudly announces that Jennifer LaCapra has been named 2020 Special Olympics North America Outstanding Unified Champion Schools Coach. LaCapra, of Woodbury, is a wellness teacher and coach of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® program at Oxford High School (in Oxford, Connecticut). Special Olympics Unified Sports brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the team to play sports and inspire equity, acceptance and inclusion for people of all abilities. Unified Sports is offered in more than 95% of Connecticut's public high schools as well as middle and elementary schools through Special Olympics Connecticut's partnership with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). Oxford High School is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, which promotes inclusion through three components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

The 130-acre woodland, called Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills, is located in Falls Village in Litchfield County, a remote area in the northwest corner of the state.

Connecticut State Police Sergeant Christine Jeltema will join us on March 8th as a speaker for our iHeartWomen, Pretty Tough livestream.

This special event is in honor of International Women’s Day and will feature inspirational conversation with fearless women from across Connecticut!

Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker

Serving students Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8

440 Broadview Terrace Hartford, CT 06106

www.environmentalsciencesmagnet.org

D-19 has also proven to be especially dangerous to those already living with chronic lung disease, which today affects over 35 million Americans.

o Here in Connecticut alone, according to last year’s State of the Air report, there are more than 70,000 kids with pediatric asthma, and nearly 300,000 adults with asthma. Plus another 153,000 with COPD, and 2,116 with Lung Cancer.

o These events event shines the spot light on lung disease – and allows each of us to experience just a shred of we call the Fight For Air – something they experience daily.

o It raises awareness and funds so that we can come together as a community to support those suffering with lung diseases including COVID-19, invest in more treatments to help them live healthier lives, and research how to end lung disease for good.

EVENT INFO:

· This year, people can participate virtually or in person – outside! To climb or walk virtually, simply check out our Climb21 challenge for a chance to Climb Your Way , wherever you are!

· For the 21 days leading up to our event date join us as we “climb” the steps of famous landmarks across the globe, nation and in your own backyard.

· Just like every other year, many of our participants are climbing in honor of someone who is fighting or has fought lung disease – and are working to raise awareness about diseases like lung cancer.

· This year, we know that many are participating to do their part to fight COVID-19 and in honor of someone who has struggling with the virus.

· Despite the seriousness of lung disease– these events are going to be a lot of fun. It’s NOT going to be easy – it’s hard – but it’s supposed to be hard. It symbolizes the fight for air that people with lung disease struggle with every day.

· You can still support us or a participant of your choice by visiting FightForAirClimb.org/Hartford or LUNGFORCE.org/Hartford and donating to their page.

· Or you can still register to join us! Gather your friends and family – and start training for a fun, exhausting and impactful day, fighting lung cancer.

In 2008 Laurie and Amy were on their way to see Melissa
Etheridge in Lowell, MA. During this drive they were both at their
wits end with their respective jobs, neither very happy. This led to
the discussion, “WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH OUR LIVES?”
Within an hour, they came up with the name, bakery, logo and
business plan. Leaps & Bones, LLC was born!
Important to note, between 2008 to 2014 they made their love
legal and were united in a civil service ceremony, this provided
them both with benefits and a security blanket as the business got
started. They were later, “upgraded”, as Laurie and Amy say, when
marriage laws finally became legal for same sex couples in
Connecticut on October 1, 2010.
They now boast over 300 specialty baked goods and an array of
specialty celebration cakes including the Bacon Lovers Cake with
fresh bacon, the dog fan-favorite Ice Cream Cake made with house
made Peanut Butter Ice Cream & Yogurt and more! They also
donate a free cake to any K9 Officer or K9 First Responders
birthday and retirement!
Leaps & Bones, LLC at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk
in South Windsor has survived 10+ years! They have 8 amazing
employees who all share their passion for pets and many of whom
volunteer at local animal rescue facilities.

This Sunday Community Access presents a special Get the Facts on the Vax program on all CT iHeartRadio stations.

We'll tackle questions, comments, and concerns about getting vaccinated for covid-19:

•The expanded roll-out of age groups
•Racial disparities and trepidation of getting vaccinated
•Concern of meeting the need for vaccines
•Educators getting vaccinated
•Pregnancy, breastfeeding and the vaccine
•Vaccine sites and appointments
•Types of vaccines, will one dose be enough
•Mutations and variants of Covid-19 and vaccines and efficacy
•Flu Shot and the Covid Vaccines
Guests include:

•CT Governor Ned Lamont
•CT Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz
•CT Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr Deidre S. Gifford
•Director of Public Health/New Haven Maritza Bond
•Keith Grant, Hartford HealthCare Senior System Director for Infection Prevention
•Manisha Juthani, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Yale School of Medicine and Infectious Diseases specialist at Yale Medicine
•Governor Lamont & Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona appointed 2021 Teacher of the Year: Rochelle Brown, a kindergarten teacher at Poquonock School in Windsor.
•Pastor Johnson’s of Danbury and member of the Council of Churches in Bridgeport

For stations and times and more information on getting vaccinated, visit www.mycommunityaccess.com

Governor Lamont & Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona appointed 2021 Teacher of the Year: Rochelle Brown, a kindergarten teacher at Poquonock School in Windsor.

Dr Manisha Juthani Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Yale School of Medicine and Infectious Diseases specialist at Yale Medicine

Oak Hill’s Adaptive Sports & Fitness Center is open for in-person fitness sessions via reservation in our new location at 33 Coventry in Hartford. Oak Hill’s Adaptive Sports & Fitness Center has gone virtual! Our trainers can now come to you live- right in the comfort of your own home; virtually coaching you through your custom exercise plan.

The highly trained staff at Oak Hill’s Adaptive Sports & Fitness Center will provide unique, individualized support to help you reach your goals whether they are increasing independence, losing weight, recovering from injury, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With the ease of logging in virtually, being active is more accessible than ever!

Keith Grant Hartford HealthCare Senior System Director for Infection Prevention. The vaccine roll-out in Connecticut.

Robert Friend, Million Mask Challenge Tour [Take 2], Rotary Project Coordinator
Mary Shackleton, District Governor, Rotary District 7230 (New York City, Westchester, and Staten Island
Diane Arneth, Assistant Governor District 7230 & Executive Director, Community Health Action of Staten Island

Adrianna began decorating cupcakes in high school in an attempt to attract more students to her cheerleading squad and art club’s bake sale tables. At age 18, Adrianna had a dream one night that she walked up to a bake shop. On the windows of this bake shop was a bright smiling sun holding a cupcake and the door read Good Morning Cupcake across it. From that moment, Adrianna knew that this dream was special, that it was a sign of what the future had in store for her. She attended Johnson and Wales University where she received a bachelors in baking and pastry arts. She has been featured on many news channels and in many news papers but most notable, she competed on the Food Network’s Girl Scout Cookie Championship last February. Today, Adrianna is finally getting to fulfill her dream that began 12 years ago. Good Morning Cupcake is officially open it’s store front doors on May 30th, 2020 in Milford, CT!

Reading is essential for student success, but too many children don’t have their own books or parents who read to them, and many minority students don't see themselves depicted in lessons or books. CEF’s Virtual Video Puppet Program combines the importance of reading with a fun, exciting way--through the eyes of two puppet characters from a book about diversity, unity, and inclusion-- to help instill a love of reading in children. The goal is to help students discover the joys of reading by bringing books to life in a unique and fun way that will cultivate good reading habits, while sharing the message about unity, inclusiveness, and diversity.

The University of Connecticut has a special Puppet Arts Program and creates world-class puppet masters. One of those puppet masters, Mary Gragen Rogers, is creating two puppet characters from the book, The Someone New, by Jill Twiss. The puppeteer will then create a show and read the book using the two puppets. The show will be videotaped for us to distribute via an online link, to school districts across the state to use as an online teaching tool. This 30 to 60 minute video program will provide teachers the opportunity to teach about diversity in a fun and exciting way. The author of the book and the illustrator have both given us their approval to use the characters and the book. In fact, the author has stated that she would like to be involved, so we are trying to find a way for her to participate in the video, maybe with a Q&A segment with the puppets at the end of the book. She or the puppet master might be good interviews.

About 3,100 first and second grade students in Bridgeport, the state’s largest and one of the poorest school districts, will receive a free book to take home with them. Due to COVID, we can only drop off the books to teachers at each school to distribute to their students. Teachers in the first and second grade classrooms in Bridgeport will also receive a special book about teaching diverse students. That’s a lot of books, three times our normal amount and we are seeking donations. As of right now, we have 500 books; Our Little Kitchen, by Jillian Tamaki, donated by her publisher, Abrams books. This is a beautiful hardcover book as is The Someone New and while we would like to give every student these book, we can’t afford to purchase the remaining 2,600 books. Even at a 54% discount offered by the publisher, it comes to nearly $25K. So, we are certainly looking for partners to help with costs so we can buy these beautiful books, or others for the students. Mercer Mayer has offered to donate books, but these are small paperbacks and would not be equitable with the other two books, but we are doing what we can with what we have.

I know there is a lot going on right now and there is a lot of need out there, but if you have any clients who might be willing to donate for the purchase of books, we would welcome them with open arms. Of course donors are included in every book plate, placed in each book and in any and all materials, including press releases and online and social media posts. Of course, time is of the essence and we would need to know if you have anyone available ASAP. It’s my fault, as I waited too long to hold a meeting with the committee and now we are a little behind as we need to move things forward and be ready for March 2- Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

Interview with Soffer Farms A Big Y Love For Local Vendor of the Month

Chrysalis Center’s Empty Bowls – virtual event Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - 7:00 PM (Snow date: March 25, 2021) Overview/Talking Points:

· Theme this year: “Come Together to End Hunger”

· “Empty Bowls” is an international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists and art organizations on a community level.

· Chrysalis Center supports this initiative by bringing awareness to the critical issue of hunger facing our neighbors throughout the state, particularly those living in the “Promise Zone”, the federally recognized neighborhoods in Greater Hartford where nearly 50% of the residents live at or below the poverty line.

· Chrysalis Center has experienced an increase in the need for fresh and nutritious food and event proceeds will benefit the organization’s “Food Hub”: programs which address the critical issue of food insecurity and lack of fresh and nutritious foods in the community through innovative and hands-on approaches.

· Chrysalis’ Food Hub includes: Freshplace food pantry, Urban Roots hydroponic grow center, Homestead Farmers’ Market, Railway Gardens, Food Forest and La Cocina Catering and Culinary Arts Training Kitchen.

· Event is virtual this year due to COVID. Guests receive a private zoom link to event.

· Honorary Event Chair is Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs and On Air Programming for iHeartMedia. A passionate advocate for those who are struggling, homeless and in need of support, Renee is a wonderful supporter and friend to the organization.

· Tickets $20 pp ($10 under 12 years old) and available online here: https://chrysaliscenterct.org/ events/ or call (860) 263-4418

· Each ticket includes a delicious bowl of soup, fresh-baked sourdough roll and brownie, all provided by La Cocina Catering, Chrysalis Center’s social enterprise program which trains individuals in the culinary arts field to help them secure a job and become economically independent.

· Four varieties of soup available: Corn Chowder, Chicken & Vegetables, Broccoli Cheddar or Butternut Squash (Vegan option)

· Each guest will also receive a beautiful, handcrafted bowl, created by a local artist, which serves as a reminder of the many empty bowls in our community and throughout the world.

· Soup and bowls can be picked up Wednesday, March 24 between noon and 6pm, at Chrysalis Center’s outdoor patio, located at 255 Homestead Avenue in Hartford, CT. To ensure everyone's safety, we will have pre-scheduled pick-up times, social distancing, and require masks at pick up.

· Donations gratefully accepted for those unable to participate via our website: https://chrysaliscenterct.org/give/make-a-gift/donate/ (select “Empty Bowls” under gift designation)

· Chrysalis Center is grateful to following artisans for donating bowls:

o Bramble Ceramics, Hartford

o Bristol Senior Center, Bristol

o Glazed Pottery Painting and Art Studio, Glastonbury

o Glazey Dayz, Watertown

o Gildersleeve Pottery Studio, Collinsville

o Pottery Piazza, Plainville

o Purring Potter, Colchester

o The Claypen, West Hartford

o Rockville High School Clayworks Class

o Summer Green Pottery, Bloomfield

o Vanguard Plastics, Southington

o Water Street Potters, Torrington

· Chrysalis Center is grateful to the following event sponsors for their generous support:

o Avon/Canton Rotary

o Elmwood Productions

o Price Chopper Gollub Foundation

· We are currently looking for additional companies and organizations to sponsor event. It’s a wonderful way to help provide access to healthy and nutritious food to individuals right here in our community! Call (860) 263-4418.

Weekly Update with Senator Blumenthal 2.16.21
Stimulus update, when can Connecticut residents expect it and how much?
Vaccine rollout, not enough to meet the demand and ca new meet "herd immunity" expectations?
Hospitality Industry update from banquet facilities, caterer's, halls, restaurants and more.
New business models in CT? How are businesses changing the way they operate from renting, leasing to virtual and how it effects other industries from food services to custodial, landscapers and more.
Exciting news for the Restaurant Industry, they can be reimbursed for meals donated to those in need.

Robert partnered with his first Fidelco guide dog, “Zoe”, in 2017. He and his wife, Susan, an interior designer, live in New Jersey. The Heidenbergs have two adult daughters—Jessica, an orthopedic surgeon, and Jenna, a real estate broker. Robert has an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced law in New York City prior to becoming involved in real estate ventures.

Robert founded Heidenberg Properties Group in 2013 where he is President and CEO. The company develops, owns, and manages shopping centers, malls, and retail properties in several states and has also undertaken redevelopment projects throughout the country. In 1985, Robert was co-founder of an earlier real estate company that acquired and developed shopping centers across the United States.

In addition to his business interests, Robert is actively involved in philanthropy. He is first vice president of his local synagogue, a board member of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in New York City (a rehabilitation and social services organization), the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and Fidelco Guide Dogs. Susan and Robert have endowed a fellowship to support a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design and established the Robert and Susan Heidenberg Investigative Research Fund for Ocular Gene Therapy to support research leading to clinical trials in retinal gene therapy.

Robert also has several hobbies which include swimming, listening to audiobooks, travel (locally and world-wide), and golf.

When describing his partnership with Zoe, Robert says, “Zoe is a gift. I never really knew or appreciated, when I started on this journey…that my life and perspective would change so profoundly. Zoe has given me independence. She has empowered me to do things on my own that I long-ago gave up…. I feel like she and I are one.”
www.Fidelco.org

Nutmeg Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Vision: All children achieve success in life.

Mission: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Accountability: By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
Avoidance of risky behaviors
Educational success

Interview with Corrianne Gagliardi Chipello
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

Senator Blumenthal Update on CT Covid-19 Vaccines Stimulus and the Hospitality Industry, who is being left out.

Price gauging, scams and rate increases OH MY! We cover it all in todays conversation!

Hartford Public Schools Office of Enrollment and School Choice
Interview with Assistant Director Kayla Pallas

Oak Hill – The Importance of Advocacy

Barry Simon: Oak Hill President and CEO

David Hadden: Oak Hill Parent and Board Chair

It's not a race, It's a journey. Trailblaze Challenge is an endurance event that provides participants an opportunity for adventure, fun and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of children battling life-threatening conditions.

A Global School for Students of Character

Kinsella is not just a school- it’s a feeling! When walking through our school or attending one of our many performances, it is clear that the “feeling” is special.

School Choice Application Time!

Andrea Barton Reeves was appointed the first-ever chief executive officer of the CT Paid Leave Authority.
The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) offers Connecticut workers the opportunity to take time to attend to personal and family health needs without worrying about lost income. The CT Paid Leave Authority provides Connecticut’s workforce access to paid family and medical leave benefits by offering helpful tools and resources to help administer this new program.

Trooper Josue Dorelus from the Connecticut State Police shares details about the recruitment campaign happening right now for the CSP. You do need to be 21 as of Aug/2021 and you must apply by the deadline of January 28, 2021.

DOORDASH PROVIDES $500,000 CONTRIBUTION TO CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION’S NEW RESTAURANT RELIEF FUND

Robin Colombo Cecere

Regional School Choice Office Director
Connecticut State Department of Education
Regional School Choice Office

Lauren Amendola
Arthritis Foundation
Executive Director

BIG Y’S LOVE FOR LOCAL, EACH MONTH WE FEATURE LOCAL VENDORS THAT HAVE BEEN PARTNERING WITH BIG Y, THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE SHELBURNE FALLS COFFEE ROASTERS LOCATED IN SHELBURNE, MAS

Sam Gray, Jr. is president and Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

Keith Grant, Hartford HealthCare Senior System Director for Infection Prevention - The vaccine roll-out in Connecticut. When will we reach 65% or herd immunity? What are the vaccine options, efficacy, covid-19 variants and what they mean for transmission and the vaccinations.

Keep Sharp
Build a Better Brain at Any Age, Dr Sanjay Gupta
Keep your brain young, healthy, and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta.
We also talk about the a hopeful future as we still work through the pandemic and distribution of the vaccine.

TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive therapeutic treatment for depression and OCD using electromagnetic currents targeted to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the mood regulation center.

The Project: Rotarians Delivering 2MM PPE Face-Masks for distribution to First Responders and Essential
Workers throughout the Northeastern US, as the Million Mask Challenge Tour [Take 2]

Weekly Update with Attorney General Tong 2021

Senator Blumenthal Live from the Nations Capitol

Operation Fuel Energy Assistance in 2021
Brenda Watson, Executive Director of Operation Fuel shares how you can receive energy assistance.

Foodshare Distribution to Continue
Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Foodshare gives us an update on the food distribution at Rentschler Field and the daily services of Foodshare.

Community Health Centers, Inc - A conversation with Yvette Highsmith-Francis
Covid-19 Testing, Flu Shot & Covid Vaccinations! They do all that and more.
Yvette is the Vice President of Community Health Center, Inc.’s Eastern Region. Yvette has worked with CHCI for 24 years in a variety of capacities. In her current role, she oversees eight of the fourteen CHCI locations in New Britain, Enfield, Hartford, Middletown, Clinton, Old Saybrook, New London and Groton as well as the School Based Health services across the state.

Kaitlin Bertolami and Arianna Espejo , 6th Graders from St Paul Catholic School Share Their Experiences

Love for Local Big Y Vendor Yimello Smoothies

A WISH STORY Lights, Camera, Action!! “It was nice to forget all the things I’m going through medically and just live in the moment. My wish made my desire to model come true and helped make me feel beautiful in my own skin – I enjoyed it a lot! I believe that people should stop worrying about what other people think and live happily, because we only live once.” - Naja Naja dreams of being in the spotlight and of a future in modeling. All things haute couture fascinates this fifteen-year-old, who has had a fierce battle with a blood disorder that required a two-year hospital stay and three bone marrow transplants. During her long stint in the hospital, Naja’s favorite pastime was flipping through Vogue and imagining herself on its pages. When presented with the opportunity to make a heartfelt wish, she toyed with the possibilities of being on the cover of Vogue or of designing an outfit with a famous fashion designer. In her words, “I want to start a modeling career as a print model. It’s most important to be unique – me, not the clothes. I want lots of cameras, lots of clothes to choose from, hair and make-up.” When COVID made those initial wishes unattainable in the short term, it was not surprising that Naja’s heart led her to the mall, where she embarked on a shopping spree extravaganza. Not at all shy for the camera, Naja displayed her diva spunk in spades when modeling all the outfits carefully selected by a personal stylist and awaiting her in her own personal dressing room. Her wish was further enhanced by a surprise fashion shoot with a professional portrait photographer – bringing her dreams to full fruition. Known for being strong, positive and affirming, it’s Naja’s conviction and her belief in herself and others that will surely lead her to the catwalk one day.

Join us for a conversation between Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia, Suzanne McKenzie (Founder & CEO of ABLE MADE; Executive Director, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation), and Hartford Athletic's Jordan Charlupski (Vice President, Revenue & Strategic Initiatives).

ABLE MADE has teamed up with pro team Hartford Athletic to join us for a conversation on how we partner and help create a healthier community via the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation. From team and coach appearances to dynamic stadium experiences, we empower city-youth to stay positive and keep active.

Year End Holiday Pet Safety Tips with Sherry DeGenova

Doug Casey, Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, Executive Director
The Get Connected/ Conectate campaign is a bilingual awareness effort to let unconnected residents in CT know that local providers are offering affordable packages.

For more information: visit ct.gov/getconnected

Learn the Basics About Connecticut's Paid Leave

The PFMLA allows employees access to paid leave for life events covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CT FMLA) and the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act, and provides employers with the tools and resources to comply with these laws and promote happy, healthy, vibrant, and inclusive workplaces.

Fidelco Guide Dog Ambassador and Puppy Raiser Marion Yingling
Marion shares her journey from puppy raiser to Ambassador with her Fidelco Dog Tink!

CT News: Gov Lamont chats with Renee about the impending snow storm, pandemic relief for small business, the Covid-19 vaccine, conversations with other Governors and the general feel between CT Republicans & Democrats over the Electoral College confirmation of President Elect Biden.

Weekly Update with Senator Blumenthal
A message of Hope as we remember Sandy Hook.
Pandemic Relief coming?
How exactly will the Electoral College vote today?

Katherine Leonard

Principal, Breakthrough Magnet School-North

Hartford Public Schools

Weekly Update with Attorney General Tong 12.10.20: Topics today involve Connecticut among the 48 states suing FB, Utility Companies and the Holiday's.

Operation E.L.F. will look different this year, but you can still support!

The pandemic and economy have created serious obstacles to our normal fundraising efforts and have prevented us from holding in-person events. In lieu of our Annual Gala, we’ll be holding a 2020 Challenge, asking sponsors and individuals to support us through these tough times. We hope you will join us for this virtual event on December 10!

Jason Jakubowski President and CEO of Foodshare
Foodshare and CT Foodbank in talks to merge for 2021

Welcome to Branford's- Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter! We have been helping homeless animals along the Connecticut shoreline and vicinity since April 2003. Hundreds of displaced animals come through our doors each year and it takes a lot of time, rehabilitation and veterinary care to place them into new homes. With such great support from the Town of Branford, our dedicated staff and our terrific volunteer base, we provide some of the best animal control & shelter services available in the state. We are so much more than a traditional shelter! We offer many programs and services to educate, inform and inspire people to take responsible care of their pets and to treat them with the kindness they deserve. With the support from people from all over Connecticut and beyond, we are helping to create a better community for all.

MACY’S AND MAKE-A-WISH® INVITE CUSTOMERS TO SEND LETTERS AND DELIVER WISHES AS PART OF 13TH ANNUAL BELIEVE CAMPAIGN

Macy’s Believe campaign offers customers the opportunity to write their letters to Santa online or safely drop-off in-store – for every letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million

Once again this year, Macy’s launches its beloved Believe letter-writing campaign, in partnership with Make-A-Wish, giving believers of all ages the opportunity to send letters and deliver wishes. From Monday, Oct. 26 through Thursday, Dec. 24, for every letter sent to Santa online here or dropped off in Macy’s stores, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help children fighting critical illnesses’ life-changing wishes come true.

“Macy’s Believe campaign showcases the power of a wish and captures the joy of the holiday season by bringing communities together across the country to help grant wishes,” said Sam Di Scipio, Macy’s senior director of corporate communications, giving and volunteerism. “While this year has brought many challenges, especially to Make-A-Wish children and their families, we are proud of the way our teams have reimagined Macy’s Believe campaign to continue to make life shine brighter for those in need.”

Since 2003, Macy’s has donated more than $132 million to Make-A-Wish, including more than $21 million through the retailer’s annual Believe campaign, helping grant more than 15,500 wishes and impact more than 3.1 million people, including wish kids and their families, volunteers, community groups, medical professionals and more.

“Over the last 17 years, Macy’s has truly embodied the Make-A-Wish mission by helping deliver experiences of joy to thousands of children so they can look forward to tomorrow,” said Richard K. Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity in continuing to invite communities to bring joy back into the lives of children with critical illnesses through the Believe campaign.”

Wishes granted through Macy’s Believe campaign deliver hope and joy to wish kids and their families when they need it most. The impact of a wish forever transforms the lives of Make-A-Wish children battling critical illnesses and provides hope and strength needed to fight harder and look forward to tomorrow. This year, Macy’s will help grant wishes across the country.

Attorney General Tong on the CARES Act and Connecticut Updates

Join the Connecticut Post Mall in making a difference this year! They are raising money to benefit Connecticut Education Foundation Inc, and any donation will help make an impact.

Do you usually drop off toys in bins for a Holiday toy campaign? Do you attend an event every holiday season where everyone brings a toy? This year there are no bins and no events but there are more children than ever that need your help! That's why the Connecticut Post Mall and iHeartCommunities have teamed up to raise cash donations to purchase gift cards from the Connecticut Post Mall stores. Support this year's virtual Holiday Bear Drive! Benefitting the Connecticut Education Foundation.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause!

CLICK HERE to donate!

More information about Connecticut Education Foundation Inc:

To provide emergency aid to members of the association, scholarships for those entering the teaching profession, and assistance to children in the classroom.

We'll help you claim what is yours

Every year, tens of thousands of companies fail to collect money they are owed as a result of class action settlements.

J. E. Lawrence & Company was founded to help our clients identify and collect all the moneys to which they are entitled.
https://jelcrs.com/iheartradio/

CT Regional Water Authority - More than just a glass of water!

Holiday Light Fantasia 10 Year Anniversary to benefit the Channel 3 Kid's Camp!

Governor Ned Lamont answers questions from listener's across Connecticut. Is there a statewide shutdown coming? Is there a rainy day fund to help CT residents? Does the data show children are at more risk playing sports than going to school? A special message to Max, the 10 year old who wrote him about playing hockey and will he join President -elect Biden's team if asked?

Gia Iwanec and Juliana Montgomery, Kids for Kids Ambassadors chat about their Holiday Toy Drive on December 5, 2020 in North Haven, CT

INTERVIEW: CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini Speaks with iHeartMedia about postponing winter sports to January 2021.

Renee DiNino chats with her dear friend Bozzi about Santa the Experience !

www.SantaTheExperiece.com

November 11, 2020 – ‘Tis the season! As Santa and his elves prepare for the holidays, families & children across the world – for the first time ever – can now visit Santa from the comfort of their own homes by traveling to The North Pole with SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE! Each virtual experience will take place via Zoom and can be shared with other family members, allowing for grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and more to safely join in on the treasured memory of visiting Santa.

SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE is a magical interactive elf-guided journey through winter’s busiest wonderland, along with a personal live video chat with Santa himself! Sleigh ride departures will run from December 1-24, with each live experience available from $34.95.

Families will be welcomed by one of Santa’s elves at the beginning of their visit before exploring Santa’s Mailroom, the Elf’s Bedroom, The North Pole’s Reindeer Stables and of course, the famous and bustling Toy Factory. Rumor has it that Mrs. Claus may even make an appearance…! The virtual trip continues in meeting Santa himself for the perfect chance to tell him just how good they have been this year. After saying goodbye, they can receive a video recording of their chat with Santa including shareable social media content as the perfect keepsake of the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE is produced by GTC. “We are so excited to bring SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE to life. Giving the ability to share such a precious moment virtually with family members makes this holiday season even more special,” says GTC co-founder James Hyland. “We truly believe children will enjoy this experience even more from the comfort of their own home."

In a year where so many traditions have been forced to change, SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE is making sure that not only do visits to Santa stay intact, but that they are made into an even more unforgettable, shared family experience than any other year.

Everyone looks forward to the joys of celebrating over a family meal during the holiday season. Sadly, the thought of having a Thanksgiving Dinner is one that many families dream of, but are not fortunate enough to enjoy. This is why The Hometown Foundation, Inc. is proud to host its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive to provide turkeys to families in need during the holiday season. The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive is the signature fundraising event for the Individuals in Need initiative of The Hometown Foundation, Inc.

The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive is an event devoted to donating turkeys to families in need during the holiday season and community outreach. In 2019, turkeys were distributed in the Bronx, Yonkers, Harlem, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Hartford, Boston, New Haven County and Fairfield County. During the 2019 Thanksgiving season over 15,000 turkeys and thousands of pounds of produce were donated to the Greater Northeast.

In 2020, The Hometown Foundation, Inc. is going to take this inspiring event one step further. Our goal is to donate 25,000 turkeys across the Northeast and Florida.

The Hometown Foundation, Inc. in partnership with local community leaders and businesses, will come together to create dedicated distribution centers for those in need during the holiday season. Our goal is simple, we strive to bring communities together to ensure no family is left hungry or in need during the holiday season.

Access Health CT Open Enrollment 2021
Interview with Gina Breton, Brand Manager - Access Health CT
Connecting you to quality health insurance plans.

Make it Merry this Holiday season at Blue Back Square in West Hartford! Now thru December 12th every Saturday they’re showing the holiday movies “ELF” and “The Santa Clause”…make it a Merry Little Movie Night up on the rooftop of their parking garage…or choose a Merry Little Movie Morning live at Cinapolis!
Visit The River 105.9 Saturday’s at Blue Back Square and take a ‘virtual’ selfie with Santa… the first ten people to arrive will receive an envelope of swag with prizes including lift tickets to local ski mountains, children's museum passes, holiday lights tickets and more. Make it Merry at Blue Back Square! Pre registration for Merry Movies required…to sign up and for more info go to bluebacksquare.com
The Santa Clause will be shown on Saturday, November 21 inside at 11:00 am at Cinepolis. Tickets are free but must be requested in advance via Eventbrite. One ticket per person required.
ELF wiill be shown on Saturday December 12th inside at 11am at Cinepolis
Cinepolis snacks and food service will be open for purchase during the showing.
All attendees must always follow all health & safety practices while on site and during the event including masks to be worn, social distancing, and frequent hand washing or sanitizing. We also encourage those that are not feeling well to please stay home.

ELF will be shown on Saturday, November 28 at 6 pm on the Memorial garage (rooftop) (75 Memorial Rd).
The Santa Clause will be shown on December 5th at 6pm
Tickets are free but must be requested in advance via Eventbrite. One ticket per vehicle required.
Movie Night To-Go Meals are available for purchase for curbside pick-up from the following restaurants:

• The Cheesecake Factory
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
• Kaliubon Ramen
• Playa Bowls
• Spot Coffee
• Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen
• World of Beer

Rules:
• Ticketholders are permitted to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during the show (no alcohol allowed). Attendees may also consider restaurants and eateries for curbside pick-up before filing into the lot for the movie.
• Patrons must remain in their vehicles to enjoy the show!
• Please wear a mask, inside your vehicle, for the entire arrival and exiting prosses.
• A maximum of 8 people per vehicle will be allowed for safety reasons, as well as for your in-car viewing enjoyment
• Drive-in will take place rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather, you will be notified of a reschedule by noon that day
• Guests’ audio must be kept at an appropriate level (should not be heard by other guests)
• Viewing from a truck bed or vehicle is allowed if it does not impair the view of others
• Be courteous of those around you
• The parking lot speed limit is 5 mph
• Car engines and headlights should be turned off during the movie
• All vehicles attending will need a functioning AM/FM radio. Attendees will be given the FM frequency upon arrival
• Do not move vehicles during the movie. If you have an emergency, please contact security
• Do not drive away when the movie ends. Rows will be dismissed over the radio.
• There are no trash/recycle barrels or collection. Please leave with everything.
• Sorry, no pets.

Sen. Blumenthal talks about his health, self-quarantining and well wishes to Governor Lamont & Staff.
The transition from President Trump to President –Elect Biden, Covid Vaccines, SpaceX and more.

Magic of Lights Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Santa Claus is coming to Toyota Oakdale Theatre! Thursday Thru Sunday from 5pm until 10pm. Get your photo taken safely in Santa’s Village for a holiday keepsake. Santa will be sitting in his sleigh while your party will be in the front, safely distanced 8.5 feet away. The professional photographer will take the photo and provide you with your holiday keepsake. Purchase in advance and redeem when your ticket is scanned at the entrance to Magic of Lights.

The Center for Relationship & Sexuality Education (CRSE) broadens access to important sexual health information and addresses the overwhelming vulnerability to sexual abuse experienced by the intellectual and developmental disability community. We do this by providing learning materials and professional development to members of the disability community, their families/guardians, medical professionals and the educators who support them.

Our goal is to support sexual health and safety for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Candace Freedenberg, Founder of Untapped Potential
Untapped Potential hosts its 5th Annual "Lift Each Other UP Event"

Thursday, 11/19 @7pm (ZOOM)

This virtual Mentor Mingle is for ...
WHO:
Stay-at-home moms wanting to explore their professional future
AND
Women in Industry or "Mentors"
The Event includes a Panel Discussion with women at different points of their 'career-life' continuum.

The Event always yields deep discussion!
Early Bird FREE ticket for those that sign up by November 10th!
Otherwise, $10 fee.
Go to Upotential.org (click Event signUP)

Second Stimulus Possible by Thanksgiving
Sen. Richard Blumenthal stated during our weekly update that he is headed back to Washington D.C. and the main objective is to get this package out to those in need!

Rentschler Field Food Distribution Schedule
Tuesdays & Thursdays • November 3 to November 24 • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Rentschler Field • 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118
Closed for Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26

Election Week Cookie Sales 2020

· Election Week Cookie Sales are underway! Girl Scouts will be hosting statewide cookie booths at a variety of locations from Friday, October 30- Sunday, November 8.

· Election Week Cookie Sales is a limited fall cookie sale and a way for local Girl Scout Troops to start raising funds for all of the amazing activities and programs they want to participate in this year.

· Election Week Cookie flavors include: Lemon-Ups®, Trefoils®, Do-si-dos®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Thin Mints®, and Girl Scout S’mores®.

· All cookies are $5 per package EXCEPT Girl Scout S’mores, which are $6 per package.

Safety Guidelines

· Troops are participating in in-person cookie booths, including some drive-thru cookie booths; taking orders from friends, family, and previous customers; reaching out to customers in their communities via social media; and holding live stream cookie booths!

· Girl Scouts will be adhering to safety guidelines while hosting in person cookie booths to keep both girls and their customers safe.

Five Skills

· Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn five important skills that will last a lifetime: goal setting, people skills, money management, decision making, and business ethics.

Where the money goes

· The proceeds from Girl Scout Cookies stay in Connecticut to benefit girls. Girl Scouts of Connecticut also depends on these funds to run programming for girls, keep properties up-to-date, and provide training for our volunteers.

· Many girls put a portion of their cookie proceeds toward take action and service projects right in their own backyards, from supporting animal shelters and food banks to working towards environmental stewardship and social enterprise.

Cookies for Heroes

· Many Girl Scouts will be participating in GSOFCT’s Gift of Caring Project, Cookies for Heroes.

· Through Cookies for Heroes, customers can support the sending of cookies to service men and women at home and overseas as well as local community heroes. Girl Scouts of Connecticut will work closely with our community partners to deliver the cookies.

Find a Booth

· To find a Girl Scout Cookie booth, visit gsofct.org. If you can’t find a booth in your area, you can contact our Customer Care team who can connect you with a Girl Scout.

Welcome to No Shave November Connecticut 2020!

Throughout the month of November, you will have the opportunity to ditch your razors, grow the world's greatest beard or mustache, and show support for Connecticut cancer patients. 100% of the money raised will be distributed to CT cancer patients and their caregivers in our state to assist with basic living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.

Anyone can participate in No Shave November CT - just register your department / company / organization as a team. Starting November 1, 2020, you can put that razor away! Participants can donate the money that they would have spent shaving in November and/or they can ask family, friends, and community members to support their efforts with a donation. There will be weekly contests in November like the Fastest Growing Hair, Best Mustache, etc. with GREAT prizes from Schick, and weekly prizes of autographed MLB baseballs awarded for the top 5 fundraisers! A $100 donation gets you an official No Shave November CT face mask. Prize and contest details will be e-mailed out to registered participants. You can't win if you're not registered - so be sure to sign up today!

Since 2017, No Shave November CT has raised over $200,000! (AMAZING!) Our goal this year is to reach at least $200,000 in donations for No Shave November CT- and EVERY DOLLAR will stay here in Connecticut, helping people who are bravely battling cancer.

iCleanse CEO Chris Allen
Here's Renee's interview with Christopher Allen, CEO of iCleanse.
He chats about iCleanse and how they can help with the disinfection of COVID-19 in large venues using UV-C technology. He also shares some insight on being an entrepreneur and successful business person in 2020.

About iCleanse

iCleanse (formerly ReadyDock) disinfects iOS and Android devices, while securely storing and charging smartphones and tablets in a dock for sanitary, safe access. The first product to combine critical mobile device disinfection for healthcare with charging, storage, and security in a single easy-to-access process, iCleanse solutions were designed with clinicians and patients in mind to ensure that tablets and smartphones are ready and safe when they are needed to enhance, not inhibit, healthcare delivery. iCleanse supports the unique workflow seen in hospitals and medical offices today, including BYOD (Bring your Own Devices), patients as users, and easily adapts to nurses’ and doctors’ varied shifts.

iCleanse was created by people who care about healthcare and know that integrating new processes into a medical environment requires deep thinking and collaboration with those involved in that environment. With solutions to combat Health Acquired Infections (HAI), including COVID-19, iCleanse is key to protecting the population as we continue to battle this pandemic today, as well as any new viruses that may arise in the future.

For more information on iCleanse, visit www.icleanse.com

During these unprecedented times, and to help overcome the isolation of social distancing and support the health of our community, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope is calling upon its network of over 240 Street Captains and volunteers to participate in the "Neighborhood Connection" program.

Created in partnership with Cheshire’s Human Services Department, Cheshire’s Lights of Hope Street Captains and volunteers will have the opportunity to do periodic outreach and virtual wellness checks on elderly and/or other neighbors who may be isolated during the crisis. Interested Street Captains and volunteers will receive a list of these neighbors with email and phone contact information from the Cheshire's Lights of Hope database.

Anyone interested in adopting their street, streets or the surrounding neighborhood should click REGISTER HERE or visit http://eepurl.com/gYkCVL to register. Just fill out the form and we will be in contact via email shortly with instructions on how this effort will work, lists for outreach and other informational resources.

“We’re asking our volunteers to do what they do best, be amazing neighbors, connect with each other, be a helper and offer support,” said Don Walsh, President of Cheshire’s Lights of Hope. “Together we will help our community stay connected.” The Cheshire's Lights of Hope motto is "Neighbors Helping Neighbors".

Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt of the CT Department of Agriculture
Topics:
Drought
Aqua-culture
Holiday support for Local
Farmers Family Food Box

Thank you for listening to iHeartCommunities on this historic day in America! ELECTION DAY who better to talk than our governor Ned Lamont, thank you for joining us!!
I have 10 questions to keep us on track today as I know you’re extremely busy!

1.What is being done to ensure the safety of the public during election day?
2.Covid aside, voters are turning out in record numbers whether in person or mailing or dropping off their ballots – does this send a message to leaders to suggest a longer voting period or to at least make Election day a federal holiday off – so more American voices can be heard and counted?
3.The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development created a $50 million grant program to help small businesses in CT recover from COVID-19 challenges. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive a one-time $5,000 grant. Funds will be disbursed to approved applicants by 12/30/ 2020. – what other opportunities do you see for business owners, especially our restaurants coming in the near future?
4.We’ve seen a spike in Homelessness, depression, addiction and suicides – what are the plans to invest in mental health here in CT?

5.It's interesting how restaurants are rolling back but gyms are continuing to stay open. Any plans on gyms also phasing back?

6.It seems like the rush on grocery stores is beginning again. What is the plan to keep stores stocked this time around?

7.I spoke with the executive director of CAS-CIAC Glenn Lungarini yesterday and he is thinking winter sports for schools may be pushed to end of November – what can you tell us your hearing from your sources?

8.With the release of the updated guidelines on November 3, do you see us, at least short term, going back to an updated Phase 1 much like the UK will implement this week?

9.ARE WE MAKING THE PUSH TO BRING THE TORONTO RAPTORS OR MAPLE LEAFS TO THE XL ????

CT Winter Sports: Executive Director of CAS-CIAC Glenn Lungarini
An informative conversation with the CIAC

Make-A-Wish® Connecticut’s First Virtual Wish Night to Feature Powerful Stories of Extraordinary Wish Kids

TRUMBULL CT (October 22nd, 2020) – When there is HOPE, magic happens! For more than a decade, Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s Wish Night has been an inspiring night to remember. On Saturday, November 14th, this re-imagined event will make history for being completely led by wish kids and will feature a mission-rich online program that celebrates HOPE and all that is possible when wishes are granted.

Jillian Duffy, Miss America Connecticut and a Make-A-Wish alumna, will be the emcee for the evening, leading everyone on an emotional journey. Jillian will share her wish story and introduce you to amazing wish kids who will share their stories throughout the evening as well.

Make-A-Wish Connecticut had to construct new and creative ways for participants to enjoy all that Wish Night usually delivers, all FREE through an online, virtual platform.

Facebook and YouTube will be streaming the virtual cocktail hour LIVE at 7:30 p.m. and the uplifting Wish night program promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Wish Night heavily funds wishes and programs for Connecticut children and their families. Therefore, donations are extremely welcome, as there are more children waiting for wishes now than ever before. Two amazing pre-event donation incentives are being offered: VIP Gift Bags and custom Wish Night Snack Boxes. Click here for more information!

Wish Night will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

Senator Blumenthal on Election Day, Ballots and Uniting America
Sen. Blumenthal shares his hope for Connecticut and all Americans. He also spells out the law when it comes to counting votes and shares that EVERY vote should be counted regardless of your party. We discuss safety at the polls and most importantly a reminder to VOTE!

CT Author Chase Taylor chats about his books about The Letter Critters
Chase is a wonderful young man on the Autism spectrum, he is a role model and has a loving supporting family! Hear how he is impacting the community with his beautiful books that teach a great lesson too!

Interview Update: Attorney General William Tong on Voting!

Tim Restall, President of the Hartford Yard Goats
How are our friends at the Yard Goats doing?? How's Fancy Pants the Goat? here's how they're coping and making a huge impact in the community!!!

Jillian McCarthy – Director of Camps & Recreation

Oak Hill Mission: Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health and dignity.

Camp Harkness & The Hemlocks Center - Oak Hill offers two camps, specifically designed for people with disabilities. Camp Harkness, located in Waterford, CT and our Easterseals affiliate camp, Camp Hemlocks.

The pool is open! We are now offering (safe) swim sessions, every Thursday to Sunday between 10am -8am. You have to make a reservation to reserve a spot. Reservations can be made at: https://summercamp.oakhillct.org/

Renee DiNino speaks with Lt Governor Bysiewicz on Voting and Covid Spikes in CT

Gov. Ned Lamont joined Renee DiNino just before 5pm Tuesday 10.27 to discuss the 4.1% positivity rate in Connecticut he announced earlier in the day.
Also discussed: Halloween in CT, schools, sports, travel, voting, Holiday's and more.

A conversation with Barry Simon, President & CEO
Oak Hill provides a full range of services to people with disabilities. We help all ages, from newborns to seniors. Our experienced staff covers the needs of every intellectual, developmental and physical disability.

The Children's Law Center is excited to go virtual with our Gala on November 13th, 2020, World Kindness Day!

The mission of The Children’s LAW Center is to promote the best possible outcomes for children and families in transition or crisis by providing access to legal services and support they could not otherwise afford and by advancing collaborative, non-adversarial options for resolving conflicts outside the court system.

Through its programs and services the Children’s Law Center strives to create safe, stable environments for children whose parents are in chronic conflict.

Kingswood Oxford, Tom Dillow Head of School
Education and Covid-19

Welcome to No Shave November Connecticut 2020!

Throughout the month of November, you will have the opportunity to ditch your razors, grow the world's greatest beard or mustache, and show support for Connecticut cancer patients. 100% of the money raised will be distributed to CT cancer patients and their caregivers in our state to assist with basic living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.

Anyone can participate in No Shave November CT - just register your department / company / organization as a team. Starting November 1, 2020, you can put that razor away! Participants can donate the money that they would have spent shaving in November and/or they can ask family, friends, and community members to support their efforts with a donation. There will be weekly contests in November like the Fastest Growing Hair, Best Mustache, etc. with GREAT prizes from Schick, and weekly prizes of autographed MLB baseballs awarded for the top 5 fundraisers! A $100 donation gets you an official No Shave November CT face mask. Prize and contest details will be e-mailed out to registered participants. You can't win if you're not registered - so be sure to sign up today!

Since 2017, No Shave November CT has raised over $200,000! (AMAZING!) Our goal this year is to reach at least $200,000 in donations for No Shave November CT- and EVERY DOLLAR will stay here in Connecticut, helping people who are bravely battling cancer.

PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by this website - please use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera to register or donate.

Welcome to No Shave November Connecticut 2020!

Throughout the month of November, you will have the opportunity to ditch your razors, grow the world's greatest beard or mustache, and show support for Connecticut cancer patients. 100% of the money raised will be distributed to CT cancer patients and their caregivers in our state to assist with basic living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.

Anyone can participate in No Shave November CT - just register your department / company / organization as a team. Starting November 1, 2020, you can put that razor away! Participants can donate the money that they would have spent shaving in November and/or they can ask family, friends, and community members to support their efforts with a donation. There will be weekly contests in November like the Fastest Growing Hair, Best Mustache, etc. with GREAT prizes from Schick, and weekly prizes of autographed MLB baseballs awarded for the top 5 fundraisers! A $100 donation gets you an official No Shave November CT face mask. Prize and contest details will be e-mailed out to registered participants. You can't win if you're not registered - so be sure to sign up today!

Since 2017, No Shave November CT has raised over $200,000! (AMAZING!) Our goal this year is to reach at least $200,000 in donations for No Shave November CT- and EVERY DOLLAR will stay here in Connecticut, helping people who are bravely battling cancer.

PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by this website - please use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera to register or donate.

After 40 years with Connecticut Community Care, the State’s leading long-term care management nonprofit organization, Molly Rees Gavin, President, today announced plans to retire. Concurrently, the CCC Board of Directors announced that, beginning August 3, Julia Evans Starr will succeed Gavin. As Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Aging, Julia and her Commissioners educated the General Assembly on a myriad of policy issues; one of the most recent of which was a nationally recognized “Livable Communities” initiative. Julia also has been instrumental in the development of numerous State Plans, the work of the Coalition for Elder Justice and MyPlaceCT.org.

For the past 40 years, we have improved the lives of thousands of individuals of all ages and abilities, helping them to achieve their dreams to live how and where they choose. We are Connecticut’s premier and largest care management organization and are dedicated to partnering with individuals, families and supporters so that all people may remain independent and living at home.

Attorney General Tong on PURA, Purdue Pharma and Voting

Guest: Tim De Carlo Organization: Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut (ROVAC)
Role: Waterbury Registrar of Voters

Voter Registration Deadline:
· Everyone should always check their voter status before an election
· The deadline to register to vote online, in-person or by mail is Tuesday, October 27: www.myvote.ct.gov
· You can register online via the Secretary of the State’s website
· Registrars encourage voters to contact their Registrars if they need assistance or have questions about anything related to registering to vote

Last Chance to Register - Election Day Registration:
· If you have not registered to vote by October 27th, your very last chance is in-person, on Election Day, at your town’s designated Election Day Registration location
· Those looking to register on Election Day should:
Find out where their town’s Election Day Registration location is beforehand. It may not be your usual polling location
Show up as early as you can so you can avoid lines and long waits. You can utilize Election Day Registration between 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. By state law you must be in the Election Day Registration line by 8 p.m. to be allowed to register.

Getting Your Absentee Ballot In On Time:
· Things are different this year due to the pandemic—every voter has the option to vote by absentee ballot
· You can submit your absentee ballot by mail or by using your town’s Ballot Drop Box, which is likely located outside of your town hall.
· Voters can make sure their absentee ballot is submitted on time by submitting their ballot via their town’s Ballot Drop Box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voting In-Person on November 3rd:
· Voters can still vote in-person at their designated polling location on Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
· Registrars have been working diligently with town officials and the Secretary of the State’s office to make sure polling locations are safe, follow COVID-19 guidelines and promote social distancing.

Channel 3 Kids Camp: A Special Event to Celebrate 110th Anniversary!
Channel 3 Kids Camp has partnered with local Highclere Castle Gin, to provide a celebration of royal distinction!
Join us as we celebrate our 110th anniversary along with the upcoming retirement of CEO, Denise Hornbecker! This 21+ event will be hosted at the Channel 3 Kids Camp where guests in attendance will sip on Highclere Castle Gin cocktails created by Highclere Castle’s head butler and treated to an assortment of delicious foods and treats inspirited by dishes served at Highclere Castle.
At 5:00 PM there will be a special message presented by Highclere Castle’s owners, The 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
The evening will conclude with a silent auction featuring an exclusively rare opportunity to stay for an evening on Highclere Castle’s magical estate and meet Lord and Lady Carnarvon for Highclere Castle Gin cocktails.
Tickets to the event will be $75 per person or $125 per couple, and online participation is $25 per ticket.
All proceeds will allow the camp to continue to its 111th year of providing quality recreational education programming to children of all abilities across Connecticut. For tickets, please go to https://www.channel3kidscamp.org.

Lux Bond & Green Jewelers Every Box Tells a Story
A chat with CEO John Green!

A discussion about "Egg Freezing"
Andrea DiLuigi, MD is a lead physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services. She is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI). She has specialized in REI since 2004.

The Children’s Museum in West Hartford, Connecticut offers hands-on fun with science and nature for younger children and families, school and community groups, and home schooled children. At the Museum and in classrooms throughout Connecticut, we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. Children engage in our interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits and demonstrations, a live wildlife sanctuary, state-of-the art digital science dome planetarium shows and movies, vacation camps, sleepovers, birthday parties, scout activities, and special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, co-located on our West Hartford campus, integrates science experiences into early childhood learning. Nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers environmental exhibits, nature programs, concerts and acres of outdoor hiking, bird watching, and winter cross-country skiing.

On November 6th, Join Mohegan Sun as we celebrate active duty military, veterans and reserves for a day of valuable programs and resources at Vets Rock 2020 in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. Pre-Register for this free event at www.Mohegansun.com/vetsrock

Dr. Dela Cruz has been treating COVID patients and running inpatient and outpatient studies at Yale.
Charles S. Dela Cruz, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Department of Microbial Pathogenesis
Director, Center of Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment (CPIRT)
Yale University

Each month we feature local vendors that have been partnering with Big Y, this month, we HP Cookies, located in Everett, Massachusetts. We’re chatting with Rico Botta! They’ve
been partnering with big y for many years. His father and uncle came over from Naples, Italy and started a local bakery in the 70’s which became HP Cookie in the 1990’s. They supply Big Y with fresh Italian style cookies from authentic Italian recipes!

Compassionate Home Care
“The pandemic has highlighted the essential nature of the company's services, and the role
they play in keeping clients safe in their homes during this crisis."
Senator Richard Blumenthal recognizing Companions&
Homemakers in Stratford, CT (September 26, 2020)
We have been providing live-in home care and hourly home care services to thousands of satisfied clients in Connecticut since 1990. Companions & Homemakers allows you or your loved ones to continue enjoying independence in the comfort of home, with just the right amount of support from a dedicated caregiver.

Weekly Update with Attorney General Tong 10 15 20
You can feel confident YOUR VOTE will count in Connecticut!

Even thought International Day of the Girl has passed, (October 11) You can still make a difference!
Clay Dunn is the Chief Executive Officer of VOW to End Child Marriage, a U.S. based nonprofit

that mobilizes the multi-billion dollar wedding industry in support of ending child marriage,

empowering girls around the world to choose their own futures. Clay joined VOW as the

organization’s first CEO in 2019.

Bob Murdock, President of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau,
who also is the bureau’s Director of Sports Marketing

Working in partnership with the state’s businesses, institutions, nonprofit organizations, and their surrounding communities, the Middletown-based Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB) markets all of the state – convention and meeting venues, hotels and attractions, and sporting venues – as a premier destination for international, national, regional and statewide conferences, conventions and major sports events.

· The Connecticut Sports Advisory Board, a division of the CTCSB, focuses its efforts on attracting and serving international, national, and regional sporting events. The CTCSB is a public-private partnership that is funded by dues from members and by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Connecticut Office of Tourism. · For more info, visit www.CTmeetings.org or call 860-728-6789.

Halloween Safety Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police

Save pets with every step you take in the Bruno’s Way 5K road race. The run and dog-friendly fitness walk are set for Oct. 24, in the Mill Pond Park area of Newington and will benefit Connecticut Humane Society pets. Registration is now open at CThumane.org/BrunosWay. There will be awards for top times and a free gift for everyone who registers to save pets’ lives.

This family-friendly event will be socially distanced fun, and is in full compliance with all state safety regulations. Organizers are working closely with Newington officials to ensure social distancing and safety. A staggered start line beginning at 9 a.m. will be used on the certified 5K course. As per the state of Connecticut, there will be no day-of event registration, and registration is limited. Sign-ups must be completed online by 9 p.m. on Oct. 23.

Proceeds from the event will go toward veterinary care for pets in crisis at CHS, whether it’s an urgent surgery for a young dog, long-term treatment for a cat with diabetes, spays and neuters for puppies and kittens, or special care for a rabbit who won’t eat.

CHS aids pets from all over Connecticut through its three locations in Newington, Waterford and Westport and the reduced-fee Fox Memorial Clinic.

Community supporters of Bruno’s Way 5K include Fleet Feet West Hartford and Karma’s Closet. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact BrunosWay5K@gmail.com.

Attorney General Tong updates: Airline Refunds, Drug Companies & Reopen CT

Columbia Dental on Keeping your Dentist Appointments

Aquiline Drones
Launch of First Black-Owned, US-Based Drone Company in Downtown Hartford
Guest: Barry Alexander of Aquiline Drones

Interview with: Erin Jones, JD, MSW, Director Legislative and Strategic Counsel. Attached please find the March of Dimes Position statement on vaccines.

Sara Schmidt
Executive Director
Family Promise of Central Connecticut

Attorney General Tong Updates iHeartCommunities
Anthem data Breach Settlement
Fines & Masks
Flu Season
Utility Companies
*Mrs. Tong’s Saturday morning special- a plum tort!

Weekly Update with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
Get Your Flu Shots
Covid Spikes
October 8th reopen Plans and Covid Spikes?
Stimulus for CT?

Halloween will have a different feel this year, that’s why WE'RE partnering with Cake Gypsy in Avon, CT to bring sweet treats to your little goblins and ghouls!

Parents: nominate your child that is deserving of a special treat and they’ll be entered to win a dozen cupcakes and a Halloween themed cupcake decorating kit from Cake Gypsy! So you can create your own spooky masterpieces to share with your family, friends and neighbors!

The River 105.9 and iHeartCommunities’ Renee DiNino will drop off cupcake kits for winners on Wednesdays throughout October, all will be made to dietary and allergy specifications, if needed. Simply mention any allergies/specifications within the form.

On Wednesday, October 28 one grand prize winner will be chosen to win a Cake Gypsy Spooktacular Halloween Bash Kit – the party kit includes a dozen Halloween decorated cupcakes which also includes party supplies to take that Halloween party to the next level. In addition, the winner will get a $50 Cake Gypsy gift card!

No tricks, just treats! NOMITE HERE: https://theriver1059.iheart.com/contests/halloween-sweet-treats-874516/

We all know injuries don’t wait to happen which is why Connecticut Children’s is excited to announce its NEW after-hours & weekend pediatric urgent care clinic close to home!

Topics of discussion:
Justice Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The Affordable Care Act and those covered with pre-existing conditions. A Second Stimulus IS possible before lawmakers recess in October. The first presidential debate tonight and more.

Fidelco Guide Dogs: A Clients Perspective with Bill DeMaio, Superintendent for Newington Parks and Rec. Hosted by Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia Connecticut.
Bill shares his journey from the age of 30 when he was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, his first guide dog Isaac to present day and current guide dog Lyric.
Retinitis pigmentosa(RP) is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina — which is the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night and a loss of side (peripheral) vision.

Rotarians throughout New England Delivering 1MM PPE Masks to First Responders and
Essential Workers throughout New England.
Funded by The Rossi Family Foundation
The Rotary Million Mask Challenge Tour will begin on Monday, October 5 and
continue through Wednesday, October 7th. During this time, a caravan of Rotarians from District
7980 along with the 24-foot truck of masks will travel through six states and stop at nine major
municipal centers to deliver a total of 800,000 masks to awaiting Rotarians.
The tour will travel over 500 miles through ten key cities throughout the New England
Region starting on Monday, October 5th and completing on Wednesday, October 7th. At each of the ten distribution locations, the host Rotary District will hold a Media and Distribution Event to tell the Rotary Million Mask Challenge Tour Story.

Interview with Face It owner and fierce animal advocate Anita Wolf, RN. Face It Fall Spectacular October 8 from 4 - 7pm! You don’t want to miss it! To support Cayden, a rescue pup and victim of domestic violence & Kenway's Cause, a non-profit organization that helps injured animals!

Christopher Allen is a serial entrepreneur who acquired iCleanse in 2020 to address the current pandemic and the need to disinfect phones/tablets and other electronic devices in large venues, including schools and universities, and sports and entertainment arenas. iCleanse has an extensive IP portfolio of UV-C and other technologies that will grow the company’s brand. In 2009, Allen founded iDevices, the preeminent smart home brand; where he invented the iGrill, the first app-enabled product in the market. A highly success startup, the iDevices IoT company was acquired by Hubbell, Inc. (NYSE: HUBB) in 2017.

Governor Lamont Update 9. 24. 20
Shared Work Program
Covid & Schools
Millionaire's Tax?
Halloween
VOTE!!!

CT Cancer Foundation (CCF) – founded by John and Jane Ellis 33 years ago to financially assist CT cancer patients and their families with critical everyday living expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, food and more.
John beat cancer 34 years ago but lost a sister, brother and sister-in-law to cancer all before 40 years old. John made a promise that if he lived he would spend the rest of his life helping other CT cancer patients.
CCF has helped thousands of CT cancer patients over the years!
One of the many fundraising initiatives offered by CCF is NO Shave November that has grown into an impressive fundraiser for the last 3 years, having raised over $200K
This year more than 60 police departments across CT will participate along with companies, universities, individuals with a goal of $200K
Presenting Sponsor – Edgewell Personal Care through its brands Schick Extreme and Schick Hydro – headquartered in Shelton
Additional sponsors – Liberty Bank, Pasta Vita, Executive Auto Group and iHeartCommunities
Access
Ambassadors of the event – Elmer, 5 yr. old from Greenwich with a very serious brain tumor; Noah, 2 yr. old from Bridgeport with leukemia; Atryell, 17 yr. old from Hamden with osteosarcoma of the knee and leg
Anyone can participate, form a team, join a team, support a team or donate.
Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive the official NO Shave November CT facemask
Weekly Beard/mustaches Contests with prizes provided by Schick and top fundraising prizes – autographed MLB baseballs – follow on our NO SHAVE NOVEMBER CT FaceBook page
Mustache Challenge – participants can post a photo of themselves, adding an emoji mustache and tag 3 friends for a $10 donation
Plans are underway for a virtual “Shave Off with Schick” event on December 1st

CT Cancer Foundation (CCF) – founded by John and Jane Ellis 33 years ago to financially assist CT cancer patients and their families with critical everyday living expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, food and more.
John beat cancer 34 years ago but lost a sister, brother and sister-in-law to cancer all before 40 years old. John made a promise that if he lived he would spend the rest of his life helping other CT cancer patients.
CCF has helped thousands of CT cancer patients over the years!
One of the many fundraising initiatives offered by CCF is NO Shave November that has grown into an impressive fundraiser for the last 3 years, having raised over $200K
This year more than 60 police departments across CT will participate along with companies, universities, individuals with a goal of $200K
Presenting Sponsor – Edgewell Personal Care through its brands Schick Extreme and Schick Hydro – headquartered in Shelton
Additional sponsors – Liberty Bank, Pasta Vita, Executive Auto Group and iHeartCommunities
Access
Ambassadors of the event – Elmer, 5 yr. old from Greenwich with a very serious brain tumor; Noah, 2 yr. old from Bridgeport with leukemia; Atryell, 17 yr. old from Hamden with osteosarcoma of the knee and leg
Anyone can participate, form a team, join a team, support a team or donate.
Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive the official NO Shave November CT facemask
Weekly Beard/mustaches Contests with prizes provided by Schick and top fundraising prizes – autographed MLB baseballs – follow on our NO SHAVE NOVEMBER CT FaceBook page
Mustache Challenge – participants can post a photo of themselves, adding an emoji mustache and tag 3 friends for a $10 donation
Plans are underway for a virtual “Shave Off with Schick” event on December 1st

Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema School Bus Etiquette and General Safety on the Roads

The 11th Annual Run for the Fallen CT will be held virtually this year due to the current climate of public health concerns. The event will kick off at 7am with opening remarks from our team on Facebook Live. The names of 10 fallen heroes will be read at the top of every hour (7am-1pm) for each “virtual lap” of the run. Pictures and biographies of each service member will be posted during their assigned time slot.
We encourage participants to run, walk, cycle etc. to honor our fallen heroes and share comments and photos throughout the day. We will be posting links in our website for participants to print out bibs and other items for virtual participation. A closing ceremony will be made available at 2pm after the conclusion of the final lap (Facebook and YouTube link).
While we are very saddened at the thought of not having a live event this year and will greatly miss seeing our RFTFCT families and participants, we hope to at least provide a platform this year to bring everyone together for a day of remembrance and recognition of our fallen heroes and their families.

Weekly Update with Senator Richard Blumenthal on aid to small businesses, stimulus relief and and uptick in covid numbers in our state.

And the ITC + DIA World Tour Hartford Stop Winner Is… Covr Financial Technologies

(Hartford, Conn.) – September 15, 2020 – Innovation, creativity and ingenuity add to the DNA of Hartford’s insurtech movement. That passion and energy were on display last Thursday, September 10, as Hartford became one of just 30 cities across the globe to host an ITC + DIA World Tour stop. Hartford-based Covr Financial Technologies emerged as victorious during the competition, a lead up to the InsureTech Connect event September 21-23, a virtual program normally held onsite in Las Vegas. Hartford-based Stable Insurance was runner up.

"Covr Financial Technologies and Stable Insurance are wonderful companies. I'm proud to see so many startups in our community,” said Stacey Brown, Founder, InsurTech Hartford. “Hartford is on the insurtech map and last week’s program reinforces our global role in this sector. I can't wait for the next event."

Covr Financial Technologies is an innovative company offering financial institutions digital platforms to sell their products. The company has now earned the right to compete and showcase its talents at the ITC Global Competition.

In addition to the competition component of the program, attendees networked with insurtechs from across the globe, heard from insurtech experts and discovered new organizations that could serve as future partners. Hartford’s stop was a collaboration between Insurtech Hartford, CT Insurance and Financial Services and Launc[H]artford.

The finalists, announced recently by Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, included:

Eric Hall, CEO, Intellagents Wendy Aarons-Corman, CEO, OWIT Global, LLC Robert Bull, CEO, AdminaHealth Michael Jones, Co-Founder and CEO, Combined Ratio Solutions For more information on the Hartford stop, click here.

InsurTech Hartford is a grassroots organization. It is founded and run by local insurance professionals. The community-focused part of the organization works to incubate a robust insurtech ecosystem by bringing people together, educating, and promoting startup growth in the region.

Updates: Unemployment $300 benefits, Fines & Masks, CT Covid Spikes and More.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz gives important updates on issues impacting our state right now.

Energy Assistance - Community Renewal Team, Inc.
Need help paying your heating bills? CRT might be able help. Low to moderate-income households in Connecticut can get help paying utility or fuel bills (oil, gas, etc.). Energy assistance programs help many families cover energy costs each year. Contact CRT for information about application locations and how to apply. Our staff speaks both Spanish and English.
www.crtct.org

Tips to Lowering Your Blood Pressure! from breathing right and paying attention to your body, you can help reduce your BO!(Please be sure to check with your healthcare professional)

NEW HAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK PARTNERS
WITH CONNECTICUT FOOD BANK
Donations to Assist with Rising Food Insecurity Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic
WHAT: New Haven Restaurant Week is leading the fight against hunger alongside
the Connecticut Food Bank. Throughout their 12-year partnership, more
than $45,000 has been raised by participating New Haven restaurants to
benefit those in need. The partnership has taken new meaning and
urgency this year, as the food insecurity rate has risen 44 percent in the
six counties serviced by the Connecticut Food Bank.
Patrons can donate to support hunger relief by scanning the QR code at
the 25 participating restaurants or by clicking the donation button on the
official New Haven Restaurant Week page:
www.infonewhaven.com/things-to-do/nhrw-remixed/
WHEN: New Haven Restaurant Week runs from Sunday, September 13 through
Saturday, September 26.

Healthy Tip with Renee: Dry Your Hands This Way
Reduce the spread of germs 10x better according to British research!

Bear’s Restaurant Group and the Jordan Porco Foundation announce their co-founding of Linked 4 Life on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2020. They're linking together - one person, one carabiner at a time - in a connected and collective effort to break the silence, break the stigma, and break a world record. It's all in support of raising mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and you're invited to link-up with them to help save lives.

Join the Linked 4 Life Movement

linkedforlife.org | @linked.4.life | Start a team | #Linked4Life

Power Companies Compensation
Voting
Pharmas and Covid 19

During this period of uncertainly, there is one thing that IS certain – Breast Cancer in NOT Cancelled! This year’s Connecticut MORE THAN PINK Walk® is going virtual, with a new online experience on Saturday, October 24th! People facing breast cancer today need us now, more than ever. Walk where you are and help us raise critical funds needed to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Together, we can ensure that new treatments continue to be discovered and that people who need help get the care and support every step of the way. The Susan G. Komen Connecticut virtual MORE THAN PINK Walk is a community of hope, dedicated to raising funds for breakthrough breast cancer research, advocacy and patient support.

Every step we take helps us save lives and brings us closer to a world without breast cancer.

The time to act is now. Sign up today, walk where you are, and join our community for an online MORE THAN PINK Walk experience on Saturday, October 24th! Visit komennewengland.org.

Oak Hill is proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, Monaco Ford of Glastonbury is the Presenting Sponsor of Oak Hill’s 26th Annual Golf Classic, by donating $25,000. The Monaco family has had a long-standing relationship with the organization, and a passion for helping children and veterans in their community; two of the key focal points beneath the Oak Hill umbrella.

Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr Diana James of Jefferson Radiology
Topics:
Are all mammograms created equal?
What’s special about 3D mammography at Jefferson Radiology?
Is 3D mammography covered by insurance?
Many women are worried about getting a callback, what would you tell them?
What is different about breast imaging at JR?
Personal announcemnet by host, Renee DiNino

Renee DiNino chats with Senator Richard Blumenthal weekly.
Today's conversation includes: #RedAlertRestart, Back to School, Covid and Flu Update

‘The Purple Light Project.’ It’s intended to bring attention and support to emergency psychiatric patients in Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Interview: John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman, Monsters and Men & Tenet. John David Washington is the new Protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s original sci-fi action spectacle “Tenet.”

Healthy Tips with Renee Dance Your Way to a Longer Life
Knock It Off with Renee is a brand new group where we can support each other in a healthy way!

Nothing extreme, just simply eating fresh, being mindful of calorie intake and portions, and getting healthy exercise. It's the place to share tip, tricks, and recipes for a healthier lifestyle!

Click here to join us on Facebook!

Remember: Always speak with your medical provider before starting anything new!!

Connecticut native TJ Noel-Sullivan filmed a movie at his old school, Classical Magnet. With a cast and crew of over 40 people, including Danny Johnson from the Netflix show Luke Cage, and local basketball players from the area. Hear how this amazing production was filmed in January 2020 and the hopes of making it a feature length film in 2021!

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state’s cable television companies. In the industries that are still wholly regulated, PURA balances the public’s right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider’s right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are protected from unfair business practices.

Nandini Natarajan, is the Chief Executive Officer for CHFA

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, CHFA, is a quasi-public agency, with a mission to increase the availability of affordable housing. CHFA accomplishes this mission in two ways:

Providing low-interest rate mortgages to first-time homebuyers with low- and moderate-incomes
Providing financing to developers to build new or renovate existing affordable multifamily rental housing
CHFA, founded in 1969, is self-funding and generates its revenue by issuing bonds in the financial markets, using the proceeds of the bond sales to finance affordable housing.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, CHFA has been reaching out to all of its customers and partners to share information on housing relief and regulatory requirements during the COVID-10 pandemic. www.CHFA.org

Healthy Tips with Renee: Sleep Better With Jasmine Rice
Knock It Off with Renee is a brand new group where we can support each other in a healthy way!

Nothing extreme, just simply eating fresh, being mindful of calorie intake and portions, and getting healthy exercise. It's the place to share tip, tricks, and recipes for a healthier lifestyle!

Click here to join us on Facebook!

Remember: Always speak with your medical provider before starting anything new!!

Renee's Healthy Tips: The benefits of Raw Honey@

Healthy Tip: Strawberries help keep your mind sharp! Add some ice tea and you've got a winning combination! Recipe included!

: At Narragansett Creamery, we make cheese everyday because we love to and because we believe in freshness. We use local milk, kind bacteria, vegetable-based rennet, salt and nothing else. While we are not certified organic, we are thoughtful in our actions and our purchases. We support fair-trade and local ingredients to the best of our ability and our farmers pledge to not use growth hormones. We are proud to be a family-owned company supported by the Southern New England community we belong to.

Healthy Tips Flaxseeds

HARTFORD, Conn. (August 20, 2020) – Today, Hartford Athletic launched Shop For A Cause, a new community initiative dedicated to helping local businesses get back on their feet as they continue to navigate the economic challenges of COVID-19. The event runs from October 9-11th. All participating businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to Foodshare.

“We are so excited to launch Shop For A Cause as we continue to grow and deepen our community presence,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Jim Burda. “It is important that we, as a community, show our support to the many retail businesses and restaurants that have been challenged financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shop For A Cause is a great opportunity to support both local businesses and Foodshare, whose employees have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to make sure everyone has food on their table.”

Participating businesses will display blue and green balloons outside of their locations to show customers they are participating in the event, and may run a special if they so choose. For more information or to sign up your business for Shop For A Cause, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/shop-for-a-cause.

MATCH FOR A CAUSE PRESENTED BY STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER - SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2020

Following our mission of "building the community through the beautiful game," Hartford Athletic is pleased to announce the Second Annual Match For A Cause presented by Stanley Black & Decker on September 20th. This year, Boys & Girls Club of Hartford will be the beneficiary of the fundraising efforts, celebrating their 160th anniversary!

Hartford Athletic will wear a special alternate kit for the match. All player issued jerseys among other items will be auctioned to help raise funds. Hartford Athletic Founding Partner Stanley Black & Decker will generously match all funds raised from the event.
Our guests: Abigail Dreher - Director Of Public Affairs - Stanley Black & Decker
Matt Broderick, VP Boys & Girls Club of Hartford
Jordan Charlupski, VP of Revenue Hartford Athletic

Our waiting list has grown during the past several months – not surprising during this time of unprecedented anxiety and confusion. It’s why we’ve just launched a mentor recruitment campaign we’re calling 50 For Fall. Our goal is to recruit 50 mentors (or more) before September 22.

Since most of the kids on our statewide waiting list are boys, we really need male mentors. We especially need male mentors of color because a lot of those waiting list kids happen to be boys of color. If you think you’d like being the catalyst that helps change a young person’s life for the better, you might be the perfect mentoring candidate. Or, maybe you have a friend, family member or business associate who’d make an inspirational mentor.

Mentoring is fun, doesn’t take much, time and doesn’t require special qualifications. And, as one of our current mentors recently said, “It’s the most rewarding experience ever!”
To find out more, go to: www.nbbbs.org.
For those who weren’t able to tune in to Andy Fleischmann’s interview on NBC Connecticut’s late morning news program at 11:45 a.m., here’s an opportunity to view it now by clicking on the link below. In the 4-minute interview, Andy talks to news anchor Kevin Nathan about Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters and about the organization’s new 50 For Fall recruitment campaign – designed to persuade 50 male volunteers from the communities Nutmeg serves to step up and become Big Brothers to boys in need of an inspirational friend, sounding board and role model to help those boys realize their great potential.

JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL BUTTERFLY BASH: A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

Thursday, October 15 | 7:00-8:00pm
Chrysalis Center is going virtual! Join us for a fun evening featuring inspirational client stories, silent & live auctions, celebrity guests and more! Join Renee DiNino from iHeart Media and Scot Haney from WFSB-TV and Better Connecticut for an unforgettable evening, while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner catered by La Cocina Catering, Chrysalis Center’s social enterprise! Tickets on sale NOW!

Hartford WIC Program and Hartford Family Initiative
Danielle Smiley-Daniel

Christopher Barrett is the registered dietitian-nutritionist in the Center for
Musculoskeletal Health at the Bone & Joint Institute. He is a board certified registered
dietitian and accredited through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Additionally,
he is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National
Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and has trained athletes ranging
from middle schoolers to semi-professionals. He has several years of experience in
clinical nutrition and sports performance. In addition to clinical nutrition work, he
enjoys teaching and mentoring dietetic interns and athletes.

BankMobile interview with Regine Fiddler Chief Marketing Officer
Regine Fiddler oversees all of BankMobile’s marketing strategies and initiatives. “I am thrilled to be part of this mission to create an incredible brand with a banking experience that’s affordable and relevant to customers,” stated Fiddler. Fiddler has over 15 years of experience successfully building and expanding technology brands and has been a part of BankMobile overseeing product management for over five years. She has a proven track-record of implementing a dynamic and lucrative commercialization strategy to drive adoption and retention. During her tenure at BankMobile, she has implemented an integrated approach to marketing, incorporating Artificial Intelligence and other consumer data to optimize the customer journey and relationship with BankMobile. Fiddler was instrumental in building out the product roadmap and using consumer feedback to create a unique recognition program for students. Prior to BankMobile, she worked on building a technology software and hardware division for a top consumer packaged goods company. Fiddler holds Bachelor’s degrees from Quinnipiac University and New York University, along with a certification from the Direct Marketing Association. “BankMobile continues to exhibit tremendous success in redefining the banking industry by putting our customers at the forefront of our innovation.”

Dr Shelley Halligan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, VP of Integrated Healthcare
Dr Shelley Halligan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
She has a new title
VP of Intergrated Halethcare
ww.awarerecoverycare.com

Fidelco Guide Dog Client & Board Member Karen Petrou Share's Her Story
Fidelco's mission continues while we follow protocols to keep both humans and dogs safe. New puppies are being born and raised. Dogs-in-training are learning valuable skills in home environments. Together, we will meet the needs of our remarkable clients for years to come.

Jason Jakubowski,President & CEO of Foodshare
Foodshare Virtual Walk Food Distribution Update and More

Saluber MD: John M. Torrens, Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer, US

Weekly Update With Attorney General William Tong: USPS, Fraudulent PPE Charges and more.

Interview with Senator Richard Blumenthal. Was there a HUGE BLUNDER in negotiations? When will we get stimulus? How can we save the USPS? Mail in voting issues? I asked the questions and he answered.

Heather Takle and she is the CEO of PowerOptions. That is a nonprofit that works with other nonprofits in CT, RI and MA to save on their energy prices.

Back to School Supply Drive for Teachers and Students (Teddy Bear Drive Too)

Wednesday August 19, 2020 at Xfinity Theater in Hartford between 10am to 3pm we present a Teacher & Student School Supply Drive and Teddy Bear Drive for children in trauma.

We spoke with teachers, the unions and parents! These items are highly requested!

backpacks
lunch boxed/bags
traditional school supplies: pencils, glue sticks, binders, etc..
cleaning supplies: kleenex, wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, cleaning spray
ear buds
tech items
EVERY CAR that donates will receive 6 masks as a thank you and the first 500 cars will receive hand sanitizer from Mizzi Cosmetics, with the masks donated in kind by the Rossi Family Foundation. All drive through and contactless! Pop your trunk we’ll grab your donation and give you our thank you gift!

We are also collecting new teddy bears for children in trauma for the Salvation Army. Please be sure they are new!

IN ADDITION we are presenting the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the AFT Connecticut with 20,000 masks for teachers, teachers aids, assistants, school nurses.

Teachers from across the state will be on site too!! Local leaders will be there and we need your help to collect school supplies, back-packs, tech, cleaning supplies for Teachers and students.

Help us help Teachers, Students and children in trauma with your donations from 10am to 3pm Wed 8.19.20 Xfinity Theatre in Hartford!!!

Brought to you by: iHeartCommunities, LiveNation, Xfinity Theatre, WTNH, Mizzi Cosmetics and the Rossi Family Foundation

Back to School Supply Drive for Teachers and Students (Teddy Bear Drive Too)

Wednesday August 19, 2020 at Xfinity Theater in Hartford between 10am to 3pm we present a Teacher & Student School Supply Drive and Teddy Bear Drive for children in trauma.

We spoke with teachers, the unions and parents! These items are highly requested!

backpacks
lunch boxed/bags
traditional school supplies: pencils, glue sticks, binders, etc..
cleaning supplies: kleenex, wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, cleaning spray
ear buds
tech items
EVERY CAR that donates will receive 6 masks as a thank you and the first 500 cars will receive hand sanitizer from Mizzi Cosmetics, with the masks donated in kind by the Rossi Family Foundation. All drive through and contactless! Pop your trunk we’ll grab your donation and give you our thank you gift!

We are also collecting new teddy bears for children in trauma for the Salvation Army. Please be sure they are new!

IN ADDITION we are presenting the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the AFT Connecticut with 20,000 masks for teachers, teachers aids, assistants, school nurses.

Teachers from across the state will be on site too!! Local leaders will be there and we need your help to collect school supplies, back-packs, tech, cleaning supplies for Teachers and students.

Help us help Teachers, Students and children in trauma with your donations from 10am to 3pm Wed 8.19.20 Xfinity Theatre in Hartford!!!

Brought to you by: iHeartCommunities, LiveNation, Xfinity Theatre, WTNH, Mizzi Cosmetics and the Rossi Family Foundation

Back to School Supply Drive for Teachers and Students (Teddy Bear Drive Too)

Wednesday August 19, 2020 at Xfinity Theater in Hartford between 10am to 3pm we present a Teacher & Student School Supply Drive and Teddy Bear Drive for children in trauma.

We spoke with teachers, the unions and parents! These items are highly requested!

backpacks
lunch boxed/bags
traditional school supplies: pencils, glue sticks, binders, etc..
cleaning supplies: kleenex, wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, cleaning spray
ear buds
tech items
EVERY CAR that donates will receive 6 masks as a thank you and the first 500 cars will receive hand sanitizer from Mizzi Cosmetics, with the masks donated in kind by the Rossi Family Foundation. All drive through and contactless! Pop your trunk we’ll grab your donation and give you our thank you gift!

We are also collecting new teddy bears for children in trauma for the Salvation Army. Please be sure they are new!

IN ADDITION we are presenting the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the AFT Connecticut with 20,000 masks for teachers, teachers aids, assistants, school nurses.

Teachers from across the state will be on site too!! Local leaders will be there and we need your help to collect school supplies, back-packs, tech, cleaning supplies for Teachers and students.

Help us help Teachers, Students and children in trauma with your donations from 10am to 3pm Wed 8.19.20 Xfinity Theatre in Hartford!!!

Brought to you by: iHeartCommunities, LiveNation, Xfinity Theatre, WTNH, Mizzi Cosmetics and the Rossi Family Foundation

Back to School Supply Drive for Teachers and Students (Teddy Bear Drive Too)

Wednesday August 19, 2020 at Xfinity Theater in Hartford between 10am to 3pm we present a Teacher & Student School Supply Drive and Teddy Bear Drive for children in trauma.

We spoke with teachers, the unions and parents! These items are highly requested!

backpacks
lunch boxed/bags
traditional school supplies: pencils, glue sticks, binders, etc..
cleaning supplies: kleenex, wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, cleaning spray
ear buds
tech items
EVERY CAR that donates will receive 6 masks as a thank you and the first 500 cars will receive hand sanitizer from Mizzi Cosmetics, with the masks donated in kind by the Rossi Family Foundation. All drive through and contactless! Pop your trunk we’ll grab your donation and give you our thank you gift!

We are also collecting new teddy bears for children in trauma for the Salvation Army. Please be sure they are new!

IN ADDITION we are presenting the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the AFT Connecticut with 20,000 masks for teachers, teachers aids, assistants, school nurses.

Teachers from across the state will be on site too!! Local leaders will be there and we need your help to collect school supplies, back-packs, tech, cleaning supplies for Teachers and students.

Help us help Teachers, Students and children in trauma with your donations from 10am to 3pm Wed 8.19.20 Xfinity Theatre in Hartford!!!

Community Renewal Team: Hartford Census 2020
ake control of your financial future!

Register now for the Community Renewal Team's (CRT) 2020 Financial Literacy Institute. The free online classes begin on Sept. 8, 2020 and it is open to adults (18 and over).

Details about the course:
This 14-week intensive online course provides an in-depth and engaging way to educate yourself and your family about tough topics in your financial world. During CRT's Financial Literacy Institute, participants explore many aspects of financial fitness, including: budgeting and savings; establishing and/or rebuilding credit; investment planning; dealing with the financial stress of underemployment and unemployment; protecting yourself and your assets through insurance, and so much more.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings (from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) from September 8th to December 8th, 2020.

Space is limited - register now: http://www.crtct.org/en/need-help/money/your-money

Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, Chief Medical Officer & Co Founder PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Covid-19, Healthcare & Flu Shots

The Hometown Foundation Cares About The Community
Listen as Jamie Hughes, Relationship Manager for The Hometown Foundation, Inc. shares information on Cinema Under The Stars, Polo, Cars and Fishing with Fisch!

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz Weekly Update
Back to School Masks
Power Company Update
Kamala Harris Reaction

Weekly Update with Senator Blumenthal
A powerful message to Eversource and CEO, he wants a refund for customers. He also explains the executive orders that were made over the weekend and why there is bipartisan pushback and States are concerned because they just don't have the funds to actually support his unemployment offer.

Interview with Karen Jarmoc, President & CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence/CT Safe Connect

If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates available 24/7.

Si necesitas información o si solo quieres conversar con alguien, por favor visite CTSafeConnect.org o llamada or texto (888) 774-2900. Los consejeros estará disponible las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana.

Hannah Aseltine is a Honors Program student at UCONN from Longmeadow, MA. Her passion and dedication to enter and succeed in an industry traditionally male dominated is inspiring. Working on a team focused on hybrid electric, her work is helping to create future air taxis. Feel free to use this video link showcasing an air taxi. https://vimeo.com/322561633. Please credit the Aerospace Industries Association.

Mark E. Scheinberg, Goodwin University President shares details about the great partnership with the University of Bridgeport and more ways Goodwin is helping to educate Connecticut and beyond!

There are so many things on our minds lately, but it appears for some, proper driving etiquette isn't one of them. We spoke with an expert from AAA in Connecticut on safety driving tips while we are experiencing these power outages.
Amy Parmenter, Spokesperson for AAA shares some great tips on driving safety and etiquette during power outages. We are also in the 100 deadliest days of Summer for Teen driving – another layer to think about – from Memorial Day to Labor Day there are more fatalities with or caused by teen drivers than any other time of year.

This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere. We are inviting people to walk on the following days:

Saturday, September 26th - Eastern CT, Greater New Haven, Enfield
Sunday, October 4th - Central CT, Northwestern CT
Sunday, October 11th – Greater Hartford, Fairfield County
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/walk.

Interview with Lauren Danner, the 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, a science teacher at North Branford High School. She is the Teach.Org Teach Advisor and suggest this may be a great time to consider being a teacher!

Brenda Mierzejewski, Founder of Mizzi Cosmetics, wants you to know they are making SAFE hand sanitizers.

At Mizzi Cosmetics we are and always have been, fully committed to your health and well-being. Facing an unprecedented health crisis is unnerving but following healthy guidelines consistently, allows us to navigate this "new normal" together. It is important for you to know that our staff is working around the clock to provide safe, clean, at-home, lip care for your entire family. Our lip balm formulations help to create a protective barrier which locks in hydration. Additionally, naturally healing essential oils provide a boost of antioxidants which is important now, more than ever. As we find ourselves in our homes for an elongated amount of time, caring for ourselves and our family properly is vitally important. In addition to staying hydrated with plenty of water, exercising, and fueling our bodies as naturally as possible, selecting clean, non-toxic, skincare products is absolutely crucial. With Mizzi, you can rest assured knowing our products are safe and effective for you and your family, now and always.

Joanne T. Breen, CT Realtors 2020 President shares important information.

Homes in CT are selling, both to homebuyers relocating within CT and to those coming to CT from out of state. Many people have been looking closely at their living space during the pandemic. Some realize they are in need of more space… whether that’s for a designated office, a larger yard, more room for the kids to do school work. Others have realized now might be the time to downsize.

CT REALTORS need homes to sell. If anyone has been considering a move, now is a great time to put your house on the market. Current demand is outpacing the supply. Homes in CT are more attractive now than they have been in recent years. Homes are selling fast, and often receiving multiple offers.

CT REALTORS have the expertise to help you price and market your home to attract buyers. They will also help you find your next home to meet your needs, whether it’s across town or across the state. Our members are in every community and are here to help.

In a fast moving market where multiple offers are common, a REALTORS's expertise is more important than ever.  A REALTORwill know the pros and cons of each offer based on not just price but terms and conditions such as financing, requested inspections, timing of contingencies and even potential appraisal problems.  

Historically low mortgage rates give buyers more buying power. If you’re hesitant to list your home because you’re not sure where you’ll move to, consider that you may be able to purchase a higher priced home that fits in your budget because the interest rates are so low.

State Representative Jeff Currey has led a life of giving back to the public. Now he needs our help.
He has stage 5 kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant ans is looking fora living donor. For more information visit: www.getJeffakidney.com

Weekly Governor Ned Lamont 7 30 20
The Governor finished an early morning meeting with teacher's unions, and hybrid teaching seems a real possibility for older students. We spoke about the police reform bill and a special thank you and message to current law enforcement is included. We also spoke about continuing to follow safety guidelines to keep our state open.
**Special Update: We are still having tax free week. DRS will be sending details out shortly with COVID precautions that shoppers should take in addition.

Weekly Update Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz 7 30 20
Today we spoke about the Police Reform Bill, which as of 9am today has not yet been signed. Education: will it be a hybrid year? And safety protocols and guidelines, are we getting complacent?

Big Y’s Love for Local Vendor: E. Cecchi Farms located in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts.
Family owned and operated since 1946 and supply Big Y with the freshest tomatoes, green beans, squash, eggplant, pickles, cucumbers…just to name a few!
All perfect for summer get togethers….simply visit www,mycommunityaccess.com to win a $150 Big Y gift card! Big Y, it’s more than food it’s my Big Y!

Weekly Update with Senator Richard Blumenthal: Stimulus update for August, Energy Assistance, Law Enforcement Reform and more.

The mission of the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program is to protect the health and safety of
the people of Connecticut. We strive to prevent lead poisoning and promote wellness through education
and a wide range of program activities that relate to lead poisoning prevention, specifically childhood
lead poisoning prevention.
Childhood Lead Poisoning is the most common pediatric public health problem, yet it is entirely
preventable. Once a child has been poisoned, the impairment it may cause is irreversible. Lead harms
children's nervous systems and is associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning
disabilities, among other health outcomes. While lead paint in homes built before 1978 continues to be
the most common source of lead exposure, there are other sources of lead that can poison a child or
adult. No amount of lead is safe for the body.

Connecticut Food Bank

The mission of Connecticut Food Bank is to provide nutritious food to people in need.

Connecticut Food Bank is committed to alleviating hunger in Connecticut by providing food resources, raising awareness of the challenges of hunger, and advocating for people who need help meeting basic needs. Connecticut Food Bank partners with the food industry, food growers, donors, and volunteers to distribute nutritious food to people in need. Connecticut Food Bank distributes food through a network of 600 partners and programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties – where nearly 270,000 people struggle with hunger. Last year, Connecticut Food Bank distributed food to help provide 22.5 million meals.

Jason Jakubowski joins Renee DiNino on iHeartCommunities

Foodshare is leading an informed, coordinated response to hunger in Hartford and Tolland counties.

The 37th Annual Foodshare Walk Against Hunger will take place virtually from September 13 - 19, 2020! Online registration and fundraising is open and will remain open until then. Along with our Presenting Sponsor, Stop & Shop, and our hometown team the Hartford Yard Goats, participants are encouraged to find their own 1.5 mile course to walk to raise awareness of and resources for the issue of food insecurity in Hartford and Tolland counties. Funds raised from the Walk help support not only Foodshare but the partner programs that help us serve the growing number of people in Greater Hartford who struggle with hunger.

We will celebrate on social media and continue the traditions of fun, community building, with some special surprises all week long!

Join a team or create your own! It’s easy! Your fundraising efforts will help Foodshare continue to provide relief for people struggling with hunger, as well as support long-term efforts to increase access to healthy food while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to hunger.

Dr Sarit Patel, Chairman of the Board, Starling Physicians talks about Central Connecticut 60 Strong is a public service for folks in their 60s.

A virtual contest just kicked off in Hartford and where we're looking for 12 inspirational seniors to appear on our "Central Connecticut 60 Strong" calendar!

We are looking for Hartford seniors who give back to their community and prioritize their health. Maybe they are fighting a chronic condition or are pursuing a new hobby. Perhaps they are a marathoner or volunteer at their local animal shelter. In the midst of the pandemic, we are looking forward to celebrating the strength and resiliency of Hartford's seniors.

Coronavirus Stimulus Bill, Unemployment, Congressman Lewis, Rev. C.T. Vivian & More
Senator Richard Blumenthal joins Renee DiNino for a very informative conversation recorded Monday morning 7.20.20

With COVID-19 uncertainty upon us, we're rallying our community, moving the celebration online, and starting a new tradition to support our neighbors during our favorite holiday. It’s called the Thankful Turkey. For every Miller Farms turkey (10-12 lb) purchased online for Thanksgiving, one will be donated to a family in need through Foodshare, our local Feeding America food bank partner.

A Fidelco Client True Story: Kirsten and Carley the Guide Dog
As a lawyer working for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Fidelco
client Kirsten B. and her team are working tirelessly to coordinate the national
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her guide dog, “Carley,” has been by Kirsten’s
side since 2015. Together, they travel across the country, attend meetings in federal
buildings and the White House, visit the Rockies and hike the mountains of Virginia.

Every parent and teacher should hear this interview with Connecticut Education Association President Jeff Leake conducted on 7 15 20.
There are concerns over safety guidelines, funds to implement these safety protocols, school nurses, online teaching and more.

A great interview with Norwalk, CT based company Reeds Real Ginger Ale

Why Ginger?
Ginger just makes you feel good. It’s a natural stimulant, a satisfying spice, and a well-known home remedy. That’s why we’re on a mission to find new, delicious ways for you to enjoy REAL ginger goodness.
www.drinkreeds.com

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union has partnered with AAA to offer additional services at its Glastonbury retail location at 81 House Street. In addition to existing credit union services, the renovated location will offer DMV Express services—license and state ID renewals and replacements, name and address changes, and more—as well as AAA’s portfolio of products and services.

Weekly Update with Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz 7.14.20
We spoke about the Census 2020, Tax Day, Tourism, the Travel Advisory, Schools, Peaceful Protests and more!

Weekly Update with Governor Ned Lamont
Connecticut’s top health officials are preparing for another surge in coronavirus cases in our state. How is Connecticut prepared?
As coronavirus cases across the country continue to rise, Gov. Ned Lamont’s office is requiring travelers to submit contact information.
Anyone traveling from a state under the travel advisory has to let the state know their phone number and where they plan to be quarantining when you return to Connecticut.
The safety plans for each school district in the state are expected to be released by early August.
This is going to allow parents to make the decision on whether or not they want to send their children back to school in the fall.
Many states are reconsidering – some colleges have pulled back what is today’s update for Connecticut?
Connecticut concert season? Phase 3 has been put on hold, what does that mean for concert goers, DJ’s, events..etc?
As peaceful protests continue to call for change, where are we with police reform community policing?

Support CT Restaurants! Interview with Scott Dolch Executive Director

Now that more people are walking, it's important to take care of your feet!!
You may be surprised to learn this: our feet have not one, but four arches. Good Feet arch supports are designed to properly support all four arches. This can help to relieve the pain caused by many common foot-related problems.
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body, enduring tons of pressure each and every day. When your feet are not properly supported, your whole body can become misaligned – resulting in pain in your feet, knees, hips, or back.
Who can arch supports help?
Good Feet arch supports can help almost everyone. Our broad range of products, styles, and sizes provide a personalized fit for all types of feet, shoes, and lifestyles. We even have youth arch supports designed for individuals aged 6-17.

Weekly Update with Attorney General William Tong 7 2 20
Executive Orders, CT and Covid-19, The CT Judicial System

Weekly Update with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
Keeping the conversation going about racial injustice.
Connecticut taxes?
CT and Covid 19
CT Travel Advisory
Get Out in CT and enjoy all things local!

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

American Job Centers in New Haven, Meriden, Middletown will reopen for in-person appointments as needed beginning Wednesday, July 15. Phone and video conferencing contacts, plus online workshops, orientations, skills training and job postings will continue on the workforcealliance.biz website.

Newly unemployed or underemployed job seekers are encouraged to visit workforcealliance.biz to complete orientation, then check your email for next steps leading to free 1-on-1 career planning, job training job development and support services. Existing American Job Center customers should contact their Job Seeker Consultant for scheduling.

Workforce Alliance has continued to bring its most popular workshops online and there are new opportunities for job seekers to access training in a variety of in-demand industries.

Workforce Alliance continues to partner with local companies to prescreen and refer candidates to immediate hiring opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, supermarkets and other industries on workforcealliance.biz/recruiting-and-hiring.

More information is available on workforcealliance.biz

Learn More About New England Assistive Technology and the
Upcoming (FREE) Virtual AAC Summer Bash Event!
Nicole Feeney, Director of Assistive Technology Services NEAT Center
& Elena Fader, Assistive Technology Specialist

Senator Richard Blumenthal Weekly Update - these are some of the topics we discussed:
Covid-19 in CT
Stimulus Checks and investigation into how over a billion dollars went to people who have passed away!
Russia investigation into bounty on heads of US Military
CT Travel Advisory

The New Britain Museum of American Art interview with Director and CEO, Min Jung Kim
Doors are opening soon and there is a special for front line heroes too! www.nbmaa.org

Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt
Find and enjoy Connecticut Grown products from farms, farmers’ markets, and local businesses across the state, and discover on-farm activities for all.
www.ctgrown.gov

Listen to Renee chat with May Barneby, CEO of Girl Scouts CT about exciting camping news!
Girl Scout Summer Day Camp

· Four of Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s Day Camps will be open this summer – Opening Day is July 6

o Camp Aspetuck (Weston), Camp An-Se-Ox (Oxford), Camp Merrie-Wood (Manchester), and Laurel Day Camp (Lebanon) will all be open.

o Camps Katoya (Milford) and Carlson (Bristol) will be closed for this summer. The temporary closure helps to best focus staff, programming, and resources while adhering to the safety guidelines for summer youth camps in Connecticut.

· Residential camp programs (Camp Laurel Residential) will remain closed this summer. The decision was made on May 29 following guidance issued by the State of Connecticut and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing Day Camps and restricting overnight camping.

· All girls ages 5-17 are invited to attend camp! Financial Aid is also available when completing the camp registration form.

· At Girl Scouts Day Camps, girls discover new skills, find their voices, make new friends, and take part in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

· For more information, visit www.gsofct.org/camp.

Camp Cleanliness

· All Girl Scout camps have been thoroughly cleaned and new signage has been added featuring safety tips from the CDC and State of Connecticut guidelines.

o Camps will continue to be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected daily and between activities.

· Families received safety guidelines, including information on daily procedures for health screenings, temperature checks, hand washing, and mask usage.

Social Distancing at Camp

· To help with social distancing, girls attending camp will be placed in groups of eight with one counselor. Each group of eight is referred to as a “small camp.”

· Girls can still have fun at camp! Activities will include crafts, outdoor living skills, badge work, environmental education, and small group games.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut Facts and Mission:

· Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

· The Connecticut council serves over 25,000 girls and more than 12,000 adults, making it the largest leadership development program for girls in the state.

· Girls can join Girl Scouting through a variety of pathways including troops, groups, travel, events, and as individuals. To learn more about Girl Scouting, visit gsofct.org.

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 12,000 athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Unified Sports® partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities who are the athletes’ teammates).

In addition to its traditional sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Special Olympics Unified Sports® program brings athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together to play sports, gain physical fitness and develop friendships. Special Olympics Unified Sports® is offered in communities across the state, for individuals of all ages.

Special Olympics Unified Sports® is also offered in 95% of public high schools across the state, through Special Olympics Connecticut’s partnership with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), as well as middle and elementary schools. The program provides students at every level opportunities to play sports and helps to create a more positive and inclusive school climate.

Connecticut athletes also have opportunities to compete globally - at Special Olympics’ USA and World Games.

Special Olympics is sports and so much more. It is a movement that transforms lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities, both on the playing field and in communities across the state and around the world.

Special Olympics also promotes a healthy lifestyle by offering free health screenings at events, and providing participants with the education and resources to improve their sports performance and enhance their overall health and fitness.

There are opportunities for everyone to be part of Special Olympics Connecticut and enjoy a meaningful and rewarding experience - as an athlete, Unified Sports® partner, coach, volunteer, supporter or fan.

Special Olympics – in Connecticut and around the world - is about revealing the champion in all of us.

Birdies for Charity interview with FoodShare
Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO
Founded in 1982, Foodshare is the regional food bank serving Connecticut’s Hartford and Tolland counties, where 118,000 people struggle with hunger. Foodshare is a member of the national organization Feeding America, along with more than 200 other food banks nationally. In partnership with the food industry, donors, community leaders and volunteers, Foodshare works to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security. And, because hunger is more than food, Foodshare collaborates with anti-hunger organizations, policy makers, and the broader community to build effective solutions to end hunger.

CT Update with Attorney General William Tong
Food insecurities, Executive Orders, Opioid Crisis, Scams, Price Gouging, CT Courts and more.

The Beth-El Center's mission is to extend dignity and respect to all individuals and families while connecting them to housing, food and services within their communities.

Our vision is to create a community where everyone is home and all are fed!

Beth-El Center is a 501c3, nonprofit organization that has two programs: a 34 bed homeless shelter and a food service program.

Birdies for Charity interview with Hartford Youth Scholars Anthony Byers, Executive Director
Hartford Youth Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with Hartford students – beginning when they are in middle school – and helps them get “to and through” college.
Our mission is to give students from Hartford the opportunity to change their lives through education.

The First Tee of Connecticut is reaching thousands of youth each year through a variety of ways including In-School and National School Programs, Group Lessons, Squads, On-Course Team Programs and Summer Camps. Along with golf instruction, The First Tee’s Life Skills Curriculum; based on Nine Core Values; Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Courtesy, Judgment, Confidence, Responsibility and Perseverance and Nine Healthy Habits; Energy, Play, Safety, Vision, Mind, Family, Friends, School and Community introduces young people to skills associated with positive youth development.

Birdies for Charity interview with Operation Fuel Dana Barcellos-Allen, Director of Marketing and Development
Operation Fuel ensures equitable access to energy for all by providing year-round energy and utility assistance, promoting energy independence, and advocating for affordable energy.

Birdies for Charity The Salvation Army Camp CONNRI interview with Bramwell Appin, Captain- Camp Director
Camp CONNRI is situated on 272 acres of rolling hills, overlooking a pristine 50-acre lake in Ashford, Connecticut. Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities including: swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, nature studies, arts and crafts, low ropes, geocaching and much more. The camp offers a safe, Christian environment that nourishes your child's physical growth, mental maturity, and spiritual enthusiasm. Activities are under the supervision of certified, experienced personnel, where the safety and welfare of all campers is a primary concern of every staff member. The Camp is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association, the State of Connecticut, and The Salvation Army.

Interview with Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz on 6.25.20
We discuss the Travel Advisory and exactly what and who it impacts.
Census 2020 - how important it is to take part in this! It means actual dollars for CT! CLICK HERE
How will the Covid -`19 pandemic affect Taxe$?
Small business owners, please listen - you can forward to halfway and you will get important information on how to navigate the system, use of loans/grants and how to get help!
Services that can help you:
Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) (860)500-2333
Women's Small Business Development Center ( Note: they are helping all men/women)
CT Small Business Development Center (860) 240-4700

Birdies for Charity Malta House of Care Mobile Medical Clinic interview with Michelle Murphy, Executive Director
Each week, the big, white Malta van visits several neighborhoods — three in Hartford and one in East Hartford–to provide physicals, testing, immunizations, medications, health coaching, and more. Malta is a walk-in clinic; patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
www.maltahouseofcare.org

Mohegan Sun’s 23rd Annual Hot Summer Fun
June 29th – September 4th
While Hot Summer Fun may look a little different this year, Momentum members can
still enjoy some fun-filled promotions, exclusive offerings, big giveaways and more!
Momentum is Mohegan Sun’s free, year-long rewards program where guests can earn
Momentum Dollars to use on our world-class dining, premium shopping, hotel stays,
partner benefits and more! Guests can join Momentum at any Player’s Club booth on
property. For a full list of Momentum rewards and benefits, visit mohegansun.com
HOT SUMMER FUN DAYS OF THE WEEK
More Money Mondays: June 29th – August 31st
• Every Monday between 10:00am – 7:00pm, Mohegan Sun is giving away $10,000
CASH
• Momentum members can win their share $10,000 by playing their favorite slots or
table games
• Winners will be randomly selected every 30 minutes. That’s 20 winners every
Monday!
Status Showdown Tuesdays: June 30th – September 1st
• Momentum members can compete against fellow status level members for up
to $1000 Momentum Dollars every week
• To participate, Momentum members can play their favorite slots or wager in the
Race Book from 6:00am – 10:00pm
• The top five scores per status level will win Momentum Dollars
• Momentum members must be an Ignite, Leap, Ascend, or Soar member.
o Core members can keep playing their favorite games to earn Status
Points and level up to become eligible for exclusive promotions like these!
More Momentum Wednesdays: July 1st – September 2nd
• Momentum members can play their favorite slots from 6:00am – Midnight to
receive Double Momentum Dollars.
• Double Status Points can be earned while playing table games including
stadium gaming and placing wagers in the Race Book from 6:00am – Midnight
• Bring-A-Friend Free Slot Play: any Momentum member who brings a friend to sign
up for a new Momentum account receives $10.00 in Free Slot Play for
themselves and $10.00 for the new member!
Win All Day Thursdays: July 2nd – September 3rd
• From 11:00am – 9:00pm, Momentum members can win a share of prizes
including incredible gifts and experiences!
• To enter, all Momentum members have to do is play their favorite slots, table
games and stadium games
• Winners are selected at random, all guests must be present to win
Fun Fridays: July 3rd – September 4th
• Starting at 10:00am, the first 1,000 Momentum members to visit the Uncas
Ballroom (located next to SolToro in Casino of the Sky) will receive a free t-shirt
• With a new shirt offered every week, Momentum members can collect all 10!
• All participants must present their Momentum card and valid ID to participate.
Limit 1 t-shirt per Momentum member
KIOSK PROMOTIONS
Go With The Float Giveaway
• Guests can sail away on a Sylvan Mirage 8522 pontoon boat from Petzold’s
Marine Center!
• To enter, guests have to swipe their Momentum card once a day at any
promotional kiosk
o Other prizes earned at the promotional kiosk include Free Slot Play and
Momentum Dollars
o Momentum members can double their total entries by swiping their
Momentum card at any promotional kiosk on Friday, September 4th from
6:00am – 4:00pm
• The final drawing is Friday, September 4th at 7:00pm. There is no live drawing
• Visit any Player’s Club booth for official details
Mohegan Sun’s $50,000 Jackpot Celebration
• Momentum members who win a jackpot of $1200 or more on any slot machine
now through July 17th will receive an entry form for a chance to win a share of
$50,000 cash and Free Slot Play prizes!
• All entries must be dropped into the drawing drum at the Guest Assistance
Center in The Shops at Mohegan Sun by Friday, July 17th at Midnight
• Guests must activate their entries at the Play+ Event Center (located next to
Hash House A Go Go in Casino of the Earth) between the hours of Noon and
7:00pm on the next day, Saturday, July 18th to be eligible to win
• 26 winners will be drawn on Saturday, July 18th at 8:00pm. There is no live
drawing
Hot Summer Fun Lunch Cooler Giveaway
• On Sunday, July 5th the first 1,000 Momentum members who visit the Uncas
Ballroom (located next to SolToro in Casino of the Sky) will receive a free Hot
Summer Fun lunch cooler bag
o Giveaway starts at 10:00am
o While supplies last, guests must have valid photo ID
Momentum Priority Pass
• The Momentum Priority Pass is a brand new Momentum benefit that allows
easier gift and ticket pick-ups while helping to maintain safe physical
distancing!
• The Momentum Priority Pass is required for all gift pick-ups
• The Momentum Priority Pass is available through the Mohegan Sun
Connecticut app, for full details visit the Mohegan Sun website
MOHEGAN SUN COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES
Mohegan Sun is committed to hosting an incredibly fun and relaxing Hot Summer Fun
experience while ensuring the safety of all our guests, partners and the surrounding
community.
A full list of our safety measures can be found at mohegansun.com/updates, and
includes the following:
• To protect those who are most vulnerable during the global pandemic, we
recommend that anyone over the age of 65 or who is in a high-risk group please
visit us at a later date when it is safe to do so
• Non-invasive temperature checks will be performed on all guests and team
members as they enter the property
o Any person with a temperature higher than 99.9 degrees will be retested
to confirm, and if the reading is still high will be asked to return when they
feel healthy
• It is mandatory for all guests and employees to wear masks unless they are
eating or drinking. If you do not have one, security will provide one to you
• Plexiglass has been added to transactional locations
• Do Your Part, stay 6 feet apart: Please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet or more
from others as much as possible
• 4 Aboard: Please limit elevator passengers to 4 people at a time
• Every other slot machine has been disabled and seating at table games will
allow for safe distance between players
• Hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the property and are
available on each table game
o Guests are also asked to swipe a wipe and please sanitize slot machines,
table areas, and chairs before they play
• At this time, smoking is not permitted indoors. There are designated smoking
areas outside of the property
Reopening Phase 2
Recently we’ve announced Phase 2 of our reopening!
• “Indoor” dining is now available at various restaurants across property, all will
reduce seating to allow for physical distancing
• Reservations are encouraged
• Tables will not be set until guests arrive and signage will be present after a table
has been disinfected between seating guests
• There will not be any self-serve drink stations across property
Guests can now enjoy a wider range of dining, shopping, offerings and amenities
including:
• Comix Roadhouse
• BALLO Italian Restaurant
• Bobby’s Burger Palace
• The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House
• Mohegan Sun Race Book
• MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill
• Todd English’s Tuscany (including the Taughannick Falls Bar)
• Jasper White’s Summer Shack
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
• Pasta Vita
• Ben & Jerry’s
• Carlo’s Bakery
• Kids Quest & Cyber Quest
Hotel updates
The Sky tower, Mohegan Sun’s iconic 34-story hotel, has opened more rooms and is
now accepting more reservations, welcoming guests from all 50 states and beyond
o Hotel safety and distancing measures include
▪ Every other check-in stations
▪ Disinfecting of keys and carts after each use
▪ Sanitation fogging after each stay
▪ Continued closure of pools and gyms

Birdies for Charity Our Companions Animal Rescue interview with CEO Susan Linker. At Our Companions, we provide services and resources to dogs, cats, and small animals ranging from
dog training to feral cat resources to subsidized veterinary care.

Birdies for Charity: Healing Meals Project interview with CEO & Founder Sarah Leathers
Imagine you are leaving the hospital after receiving treatment, walking into your home, you are tired, you know you need to eat healthily, but you have little desire or capacity to make anything for yourself or your family. Now imagine a friendly volunteer with a warm smile delivering directly to your door, some wonderful Immune Broth and healing meals to help you rebuild your strength.

Birdies for Charity The Children's Law Center of CT interview with Justine Rakich-Kelly, Executive Director
The mission of The Children’s LAW Center is to promote the best possible outcomes for children and families in transition or crisis by providing access to legal services and support they could not otherwise afford and by advancing collaborative, non-adversarial options for resolving conflicts outside the court system.

Through its programs and services the Children’s Law Center strives to create safe, stable environments for children whose parents are in chronic conflict.

Birdies for Charity School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport interview with Ed Davies, Board President
SVAB began in 1964 as a Junior League project. In 1966 the American Association of University Women assumed leadership. The organization was incorporated in 1967 and expanded into a citywide program working with the School Volunteer Office to organize volunteer readers, tutors and mentors and programs for students. The School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport, Inc. was one of the country’s first school volunteer organizations. On June 21, 1968, Life magazine marked the organization’s first anniversary with a nine page pictorial spread.

The Hartford Yard Goats are here for you and the Connecticut Community!

Birdies for Charity Interview with HARC CT with Interim President & CEO Annette Hargrove
www.harc-ct.org
Since 1951 Harc has been Sparking Possibilities for those with intellectual disabilities. Harc provides special needs support for a lifetime to individuals and their families so they may enjoy lives of quality, inclusion and dignity.

Steven Minkler, CEO Middlesex Community College chats about Middlesex Community College Foundation and Birdies for Charity

Renee chats with Curt Cameron, President of Thomas Hooker Brewing, Co is Big Y's Love for Local Vendor of the month!

Renee speaks with Jeanette Weldon, Executive Director of CHEFA and Betty Sugerman Weintraub, Grant Program Manager for CHEFA.
CHEFA
Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority
Provide access to tax-exempt financing and other financial assistance to educational institutions,
healthcare providers, childcare providers and other eligible not-for-profit entities, and expand
higher educational opportunities for Connecticut students through CHEFA’s subsidiary,
the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority

Weekly Update with our Attorney General William Tong
Nursing Home Scams with Stimulus Checks, Executive Orders, Price Gouging, Contact Tracing Apps and More.

Connecticut Updates with Governor Ned Lamont
He is very proud of the people in Connecticut. He shares his thoughts on how CT is making changes for the better and the plans to reopen CT from: Outdoor events, Concerts, Weddings, Fireworks and more!

Bruce Adams, President & CEO - Credit Union League of Connecticut
COVID-19 Call to Action: Let’s Make Financial Literacy a
Graduation Requirement

Join financial coaches Greg Hammond and Scott Iles every Saturday morning at 7:30am on 979-ESPN and at 10:30am on News Radio 1410 WPOP for “Your Money, Your Purpose.” Learn about finding your true purpose and mastering your money mindset. Saturday mornings at 7:30 979-ESPN and at 10:30am on News Radio 1410 WPOP, The iHeartRadio app and www.hammondiles.com
(Extremely fast Advisory Services offered through Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors. Securities offered through Ceros Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC (Not affiliated with Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors).

ReOpen CT: Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz talks about Phase 2 and beyond!

Gabrielle Cyr, MSW, CHR’s Suicide Prevention Data Coordinator
CHR stands for Community Health Resources. We are the most comprehensive, non-profit behavioral healthcare provider in Connecticut, offering a wide range of personalized services for children, families and adults whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction or trauma.

Keith Grant, APR Senior System Director for Infection Prevention for Hartford HealthCare

Interview: Jeff Flaks, President & Chief Executive Officer Hartford HealthCare answers many concerning questions about safety, covid-19 and more. Mr. Flaks also shares a very personal message about the loss of an iconic Hartford HealthCare employee, Reggie Leonard.

Top health officials are watching spikes from the reopen phase of states to the demonstrations, how is Hartford HealthCare prepared to handle another wave of the coronavirus?

Thousands have delayed care and unfortunately, in serious medical situations…how safe are hospitals?

You often say, ‘we cannot return to normal’… what do you mean by that?

How did you use rapid innovation to respond to this crisis?

You became a significant resource for the state throughout this pandemic, how did this happen?

Presented by Companions & Homemakers, iHeartMedia, The Farmington Community & Recreation Services and The Music Department of Farmington High School.

Farmington Community Services sponsors several inter-generational programs for the community. Through this endeavor, we are proud to support Farmington High School’s special dinner concert each spring for local seniors, featuring performances by the very talented FHS Music Department. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring two generations together with a common love of music.

While activities have gone virtual in the past months due to COVID-19, many seniors have been left uninvolved without access to livestreaming sites and social media. Social isolation is one of the biggest threats to the health of seniors and has become amplified by the pandemic. Farmington Community Services would like to partner with iHeartRadio to offer seniors a familiar connection through a special show on June 14th called “Seniors for Seniors,” showcasing “songs of hope” recorded by FHS students from the class of 2020.

This show will be dedicated to all Farmington Valley seniors and anyone feeling the burden of loneliness through this trying time. It will be promoted via social media as well as mailings to more than 1,500 residents.

Throughout the pandemic, Farmington Community Services staff have been working diligently to help residents facing hardship, as well as developing creative solutions and supportive programs to meet the need of our community and most vulnerable populations.

Presented by Webster Bank. Connecticut charities will still benefit from the Traveler's Championship! Renee DiNino chatted with Nathan Grube, Tournament Director, Traveler's Championship and John Ciulla, President & CEO of Webster Bank about their commitment to Connecticut charities!

Javier Colon, Season One Winner of The Voice USA.
Singer, Songwriter, Family man, animal lover, golf fanatic, Vegan, dreamer...
Every Saturday he performs for YOU with his Quarantine Concerts!

What all the ERs across the country are finding is that people are still staying away due to COVID fears and the fact that the messaging at the start of COVID was to stay away from ERs unless you really needed to be there. Unfortunately many ended up dying at home or staying away too long so that they were critically ill on arrival.

Our hope is to convince people it is safe to come to the ER or hospital to avoid the delays that led to catastrophic consequences for people.

This is the story of Katy, a lactose intolerant nurse, and Gwen, a sympathetic sweet tooth who couldn’t stand the thought of people going through life without ice cream. The pair both grew up loving ice cream but, by the time they met at Villanova University, Katy had become lactose intolerant. She tried all the alternatives – soy, almond, coconut and more – but they just didn’t cut it. So she churned up something better – REAL ice cream, without the lactose. Finally, Gwen and Katy could share the same pint and no one had to compromise. They decided that no one should have to miss out on ice cream because of lactose intolerance, so they teamed up to bring the joy of real ice cream to all with Beckon.

Dr Carlita Cotton: "Committed and I ain't tired yet." Born in segregated Alabama, Dr Cotton has turned her life's experiences into a tool to teach and unite all.

A candid conversation with Governor Lamont: Protest, Change, Reopen CT and a heartfelt message to residents.
Phase 2 of reopening Connecticut in the wake of the coronavirus is still about a week and a half away, but things are still changing.
The Phase 2 date was moved up from Saturday, June 20 to Wednesday, June 17 to work around Father's Day weekend.
Top health official and the Governor are watching the the protests and coronavirus spike across the nation and here in CT.

House and Senate Democrats on Monday are expected to unveil a sweeping package of police reforms in response to the death of George Floyd and other troubling encounters between African Americans and the police.

Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz speaks about change and unity.

Attorney General Tong, speaks from the heart on George Floyd, racism, protests and change.

We interviewed Jamie Hughes, Relationship Manager for The Hometown Foundation, Inc. about the weekly Drive In at the Farmington Polo grounds! Friday June 5th and Friday June 12th - please bring pet supplies to help people and pets! Dog food, cat food, kitty litter, toys, treats and anything you can think of to help keep pets happy! You can drop off on the way in all safe and contactless!

Special Olympics Connecticut has had to adjust their Summer Games to a virtual event, so why not a Virtual Dance Party too! Hear how you can be a part of this event presented by Webster Bank!

Webster Bank is a Presenting sponsor for our Special Olympics Connecticut Virtual dance Party on all Connecticut iHeartRadio music stations Friday June 12, 2020 at 7pm

How Connecticut is Handling George Floyd, Protests and Covid 19. An interview with Spokesperson, Brian Foley, Assistant to the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Senator Blumenthal: A Call for Change. It's time. Today Renee DiNino spoke to Senator Blumenthal about the need for change in honor of George Floyd and all that have been needlessly murdered at the hands of brutality and racism.
This conversation is a part of a weekly update the Senator has been providing iHeartRadio in Connecticut. Topics also covered: Eviction notices will begin again today even though joblessness and economic stressors are still in place and plans to help the Connecticut economy.

Foodshare will continue to provide food to the Greater Hartford community through its drive-thru operation at Rentschler Field in East Hartford until the end of June. Foodshare has not seen a decline in the need and is now providing food to approximately 1500 households per day.

“Even as the state begins its multi-phase reopening we know that the economic impact on families in this region will continue to be felt for a while,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Foodshare. “We continue to be thankful to all of the volunteers and to Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz and the Capital Region Development Authority for allowing us to continue to use Rentschler Field.”

Based on a recent survey, Foodshare estimates that approximately 70% of those served at the drive-thru food distribution are new to food insecurity. Because of the economic impact, 69% of households said they had to choose between paying for food and paying other bills during the past month. Jakubowski said “We hope the free food will reduce the need to make difficult tradeoff decisions.”

Important information to share with the community:
Distribution dates: WEEKDAYS Monday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 30; 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Address: 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 – Silver Lane entrance; gates will close at Noon

One allocation of food per car per day to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.

This emergency food distribution at Rentschler Field is in addition to Foodshare’s ongoing efforts to provide food to a network of over 200 pantries, community kitchens, and Mobile Foodshare sites throughout the region.
Community members unable to drive to East Hartford can access help through the following:
• Mobile Foodshare, an outdoor pantry-on-wheels. To find a site near you please text “FOODSHARE” to 85511 or go to www.foodshare.org/mobile.
• To find a food pantry and other resources near you, call 2-1-1 or go to www.211ct.org.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to donate to help us continue to serve our neighbors visit www.foodshare.org.

Big Y, Love for Local vendor of the month: Two Roads Brewing located in Statford, CT
We chat with the director of sales, Meghan Zachry!

Art Schaller, Jr. chats about the Schaller Auto Graduation Billboard Project, a wonderful way they are honoring seniors in CT!

Interview with CBYD Call Center Manager Anthony Willemain
Connecticut-statewide information-Hamden, CT-(March 31, 2020)-The efforts of Call Before You Dig, Inc. (CBYD) are being
observed during National Safe Digging Month in April. Call Before You Dig, Inc. wants to remind Connecticut residents and
companies that conduct excavation work using power or mechanized equipment that state law mandates that they notify Call Before
You Dig by logging onto their website, www.CBYD.com, for an “e-ticket” or by calling 811 two (2) full working days prior to starting any
work. It’s the law and it’s free.

Exclusive Renee DiNino Interviews Governor Lamont who answers the question, "will school be in session this fall? K -12 and state and private colleges and universities. Plus updates on phase 2- 4 for CT Reopen and unemployment.

Fidelco Guide Foundation updates us on what's going on at their Pup House, Virtual Events including the Dog Days of Summer Camp for children and how you can continue to support their mission with a matched donation through July 5, 2020! Renee DiNino chats with Karen Tripp, CEO & Board Member and Richard Pummell, Vice President

Connecticut Courts, Executive Orders, Price Gouging and a Charity Cook-Off
Attorney General William Tong answers questions and accepts my challenge!

Dr. Diana James, Director of Breast Imaging for Jefferson Radiology
Jefferson Radiology Is Open And Scheduling Mammograms
Visit: www.Jeffersonradiology.com

Support CT Grown & Made!
Nick Zito,Forest Practices Act Forester - Division of Forestry.
Bureau of Natural Resources
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Domestic Violence & Covid 19: Mary Jane Foster, CEO Interval House CT
IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL OUR 24-HOUR BILINGUAL HOTLINE AT 888.774.2900.
All services are free and confidential.

Parents have more concerns than ever about keeping their child safe especially with all the news about the inflammatory syndrome that is popping up in some kids who have COVID-19.
With the state re-opening top of mind, you are probably wondering how best to stay safe…the good news is the healthcare heroes at Connecticut Children’s are on top of it! Because we all know when it comes to kids, things happen!!
President & CEO Jim Shmerling is here to tell us more about what Connecticut Children’s is doing to keep your kids Safe and Sound!

Parents have more concerns than ever about keeping their child safe especially with all the news about the inflammatory syndrome that is popping up in some kids who have COVID-19.
With the state re-opening top of mind, you are probably wondering how best to stay safe…the good news is the healthcare heroes at Connecticut Children’s are on top of it! Because we all know when it comes to kids, things happen!!
President & CEO Jim Shmerling is here to tell us more about what Connecticut Children’s is doing to keep your kids Safe and Sound!

A message from Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema: Do NOT Speed in CT! Some folks are taking advantage of less company on the roads, fatalities are up and speeding tickets are at an all time high!

Listen to Renee DiNino's Interview with Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture: Farmers,CT Food Supply, Dairy, Hunger, Food Lines and more.

Weekly Update with Attorney General William Tong & Renee DiNino: Executive Orders, Reopen CT, Scams & More

The Connecticut Food Association is dedicated to promoting the growth of Connecticut’s retail grocery community and its supplier network.
Connecticut Food Association is working diligently to support the Connecticut grocery retail industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are actively monitoring local, state and federal government resources for new information relevant to our retailers, suppliers, members and the general public.

5.14.20 Q & A: Governor Lamont answers 10 questions you need to hear!
Bob Joyce asks: In what phase of the reopen Ct do you see the possible resumption of youth sports and will there be restrictions from traveling town to town – state to state?
Sandy D in East Hartford asks: I’m in the 65 + crowd that we keep hearing needs to remain home if possible. Since the bulk of this state are people like me, how are we so supposed to react and are you concerned about age discrimination from employers who will choose to bring back their younger employees and use this suggestion as a reason?
Greg Sanders from Wallingford asks: I hear many changes and updates to the reopen CT plans and the phases. I’m to be married August 22 – but I’m seeing fairs and long standing events for that weekend being cancelled. While I realize you may not be able to answer directly, your complete honestly would be appreciated if you think we can legitimately have this wedding of 126 people plus our dog? It is an indoor wedding with an outdoor cocktails and indoor seating. We are holding our breath with your answer and will either keep or postpone, thank you. Greg, Crystal and Ozzy.
Julie Reibold of Naugatuck asks: Will there or is there a place to access to KN95 PPE for frontline non-medical people?
Dylan in New Haven asks: Are the daily Covid 19 updates including the children now included with the figures and what steps is the state taking with the reopen process with camps and summer schools now that children seem to be a new target for this sickness?
Marilyn in Somers asks: The unemployment figures are heartbreaking, I work at Foxwoods and will be laid off with no benefits at the end of the month with no return date – as in – I think I am out of a job. I watched the President say there will be no new stimulus plan on a national level – will you be able to anything locally?
Archie in Westport asks: Why did you choose a firm out of state to help reopen ct and are taxpayers helping to pay their fee?
Susan from Hartford asks: My question specifically is for Mayor Bronin, but thought you could answer on a state level too, how is the city functioning with its residents- and how is city handling planning and zoning applications, license and inspections, permits...things that usually are done in person with meetings?
Diane in Simsbury asks: We were watching the news last night and heard the CDC now say the droplets can last in the air for 8 minutes, will this change any of your reopen updates and does our Department of Health meet with Dr Fauci for updates and then advise with guidelines?
Bonus Question from me: With hunger as one of the side effects to Covid-19, we are seeing people pulling together to help one another, but the need is almost too much, the food lines are getting longer and food is running low and prices are going up. Do you have an authority to cap pricing at CT grocery stores to help people put food on their tables?

Puposely Podcast II guests: Suzanne McKenzie, Founder of Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation and active lifestyle brand Able Made and Gail Anderson, award-winning designer, design educator, and author (Rolling Stone, Random House, Boston Globe, School of Visual Arts)

Connecticut: Renee chats with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz about getting students involved with a Computing Challenge and giving a voice to immigrants with Census 2020.

Workforce Alliance of South Central CT is one of five in CT that can act as a regional connection between essential employers who are hiring and job seekers.

Compassionate Home Care
We have been providing live-in home care and hourly home care services to thousands of satisfied clients in Connecticut since 1990. Companions & Homemakers allows you or your loved ones to continue enjoying independence in the comfort of home, with just the right amount of support from a dedicated caregiver. Our staff is available 24/7 to speak with you.
We are actively hiring and in most instances able to have people start working quickly.
Most of our opportunities are to work one-on-one with a client in the safety of their own homes.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking for a flexible schedule and extra hours.
We are able to have people proceed with the application and hiring process from their homes and conduct interviews via video.

Hartford's Public Education Campaign/Response to COVID-19

Paula S. Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and Dr. John Rodis, President, Saint Francis Hospital.

Closings and COVID-19-related preventative measures, while necessary, will have a significant impact on individuals and families that are already walking a financial tightrope. We need your help to support programs, services and initiatives that provide families in our community with food, emergency assistance and childcare. DONATE TODAY to United Way’s Neighbors in Need fund.

Covid-19 Update with Senator Blumenthal, from Washington D.C. to CT
Senator Blumenthal shares with Renee DiNino information about safety guidelines in Washington D.C. to a possible new stimulus package for Americans and locally the need to help people in our state with food, PPE and more.

Valisure’s mission is to bring transparency and increased quality to the pharmaceutical industry, and to deliver these benefits direct to consumers. We hope to achieve this through focusing on patient advocacy, consumer protection, and performing advanced research and development. Valisure chemically tests every batch of every medication and supplement that we sell.

South Windsor’s Siftex Equipment Company Shifts Operations to Produce HighQuality Personal Protection Face Masks to Help in the Fight Against COVID-19.
Three-layer, antimicrobial face masks are available for the general public in one-size fits
all adult and child sizes.

Autism Speaks is committed to making 2020 the "Year of Kindness" for people with autism, with a bold goal to achieve one million acts of kindness, big and small.

Attorney General Tong answers questions about price gauging, a new task force to put an end to it, when courts will reopen, important work his team is still doing for children and domestic violence.

Breaking; Interview with Governor Lamont with Renee DiNino Fresh Updates! Hunger Insecurity in CT, A Plan for Schools & Daycare, A Plan for Small Businesses to Re-Open, Racial Disparities and more.

Coleen Dobo, Psy.D., Senior Vice President of Adult Services at CHR, who created the HERO HOTLINE as a way to help people dealing with prolonged exposure to stress during the coronavirus crisis. The HERO HOTLINE is one of many services CHR offers to help people of all ages. Learn more about CHR’s comprehensive range of services and telehealth options at www.chrhealth.org.

· The HERO HOTLINE is 888-217-HERO and is staffed seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

· The Hero Hotline is a help and support line for essential workers and others who are experiencing specific stress associated with COVID 19, including people providing essential services and their families, people who have lost a loved one to COVID 19, and anyone in the general public who would benefit from support.

The Antonacci Family Foundation is Serving Up Millions of Meals: Renee DiNino chats with Frank M. Antonacci, COO of USA Hauling & Recycling on their $500,000 donations to food banks across Western Mass & CT!

Attorney General William Tong chats about CT Food Drives, Scams and answers YOUR questions!

Lt Governor Bysiewicz supports our Virtual Food Drive, promotes Blood Donations and how businesses should be in contact with their local mayors to help smooth the process to reopen CT!

Senator Richard Blumenthal Supports our Virtual Food Drive! He also answers a tough question about unemployment and when small business owners, sole proprietors and "gig" individuals can expect some relief.

Age Well CT is an initiative of key partners in Western Connecticut that have a common mission of promoting healthy aging in our community.

“Home, Safe Home - We’re open for you with safety in mind”
The Voice for Real Estate in Connecticut
Connecticut REALTORS® promote and advocate ownership of local real estate. We proudly make our state a better place to live, work and play.

Jordan Porco Foundation:Mental Health Check Up With Marisa Giarnella-Porco, President and Co-Founder

The mission of the Jordan Porco Foundation is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults.

To accomplish this, we

Help challenge stigma by talking openly about mental health issues

Offer engaging and uplifting programming, emphasizing peer-to-peer messaging

Promote help seeking behavior, self-care, and coping skills

Educate about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and other related mental health concerns

We do this in the name and spirit of Jordan Matthew Porco, who died by suicide in 2011. We’re in it for life.™

Governor Lamont Q & A with iHeartRadio Listeners & Healthcare Workers! He answers questions from School Nurses, Dental Groups, Veterinarians, Hospital Workers and more!

Jean Shafiroff, Ambassador of the American Humane Society, is speaking with me about the symptoms of this deadly virus in four-legged friends and the CDC’s recommendations to keep household pets safe from COVID-19.

We know that arriving at the decision to seek care at home isn’t easy. We understand that it happens over time, but when you or a loved one think the time may be right, it’s important to know that you have a trusted place to rely on first.

Connecticut Community Care is your first step in the care at home process. As experienced care managers, we focus exclusively on being there when you think the time may be right for care at home. Rather than recommend a litany of services, we assess your personal situation first, listen to your family caregivers, then provide an independent review of options and help to coordinate care at home. We are your partner and problem-solver, helping to assess the situation, set personal goals, serve a mediator and negotiate complicated medical needs, among other activities.

On any given day, our 200 plus trained geriatric care managers are on the road in homes across the state working to thoroughly understand clients’ needs, with the goal of helping them live the life they choose at home and in their own communities. As independent care managers, we are careful to recommend only the services you need, making for better outcomes and cost value. We know first-hand that when clients receive care management services at home by specially trained geriatric care managers, hospitalizations and emergency room admissions are greatly reduced, healthier outcomes are realized, and greater cost value is achieved.

Dr. Diana James, Director of Breast Imaging for Jefferson Radiology Answers Questions about Breast Care and Covid-19

We spoke to Jeff Flaks,President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hartford HealthCare (HHC).
He shares why it was important for him to thank his team.Jeff mailed a Thank You to over 30,000 employees - and the reaction has been amazing.
He also shares the remarkable story of survival Involving one of Hartford hospital security guards who had COVID-19, being on the Governor’s Health Systems Response Team, Mobile testing, now expanded testing through a partnership with Quest and more.

Interview: The Governor joins Renee to answer your questions. I've taken your questions via email and social media and Governor Lamont answers. Very informative and he'll be back next week to do the same!
He and other CT leaders have graciously joined me for iHeartCommunities for 6 weeks now to keep you informed!
Today we tackle: Unemployment, First Responder Testing, Relief for Essential Employee Daycare Costs, Protests, Mandatory versus Executive Orders, The Traveler's Championship and more.

Interview: Attorney General William Tong Warns About CT Scams! Mandatory vs Executive Orders, Price Gouging and How the AG Office Can Help YOUI!

Interview: Lt Governor Bysiewicz Covid-19 CT Updates. Lt. Governor Bysiewicz tours new Foodshare drive-thru at Rentschler Field; calls on FDA to drop blood donation restrictions for gay, bisexual and transgender men.

Interview: City of Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin on Earth Day 2020. Hartford announces virtual earth week to Celebrate 50th anniversary of Earth Day

Dr. David G. Hill is a pulmonologist in Waterbury, Connecticut and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He has been in practice for more than 20 years.

WestfieldCares is a program we launched across our Westfield centers in the U.S. to help those impacted by COVID-19 by driving awareness and additional donations for non-profits that serve groups including the homeless, economically disadvantaged families, seniors and children. This initiative, along with the monetary and in-kind donations we are making to local organizations, was a natural response given how invested we are in this community.

Maura Cook, Senior Director of Marketing and Engagement, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Closings and COVID-19-related preventative measures, while necessary, will have a significant impact on individuals and families that are already walking a financial tightrope. We need your help to support programs, services and initiatives that provide families in our community with food, emergency assistance and childcare. DONATE TODAY to United Way’s Neighbors in Need fund.

Jim Shmerling, President & CEO of Connecticut Children’s
Ask your children to make their most creative chalk drawing for our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.

Snap an overhead photo of your child next to their masterpiece and email it to photos@connecticutchildrens.org or share it on social with hashtag chalk4childrens!

We are going to share all the submissions in a photo gallery online and within the hospital. The smiles they bring are indescrible. We’ve already had so many incredible submissions.

When you submit, you are acknowledging that we might select your child to be the face of new GROW Resilient digital brand campaign—because kids are going to be ok after this pandemic is over. They are resilient.

Ann Harrison is the Communications Director for Workforce Alliance of South Central CT.
Workforce Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers free training and workforce assistance to job seekers and employers in Connecticut.

Interview Q & A with Senator Richard Blumenthal. He speaks about the stimulus checks, protests, small business loans and clarifies some recent rumors.

iHeartMedia Virtual Food Drive to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank!

iHeartMedia Virtual Food Drive to benefit Foodshare!

The Office of the Attorney General has received over 100 complaints from consumers seeking assistance obtaining refunds for travel cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Complaints include consumers unable to get refunds from airlines, challenges cancelling and postponing cruises, and difficulties cancelling or changing hotel reservations.

Interview: Lt Governor Bysiewicz on Feeding Connecticut & SNAP for Families

Please take a listen to my interview with our dear friend and partner Nathan Grube, Tournament Director for The Travelers's Championship. He explains how the tournament will run, where and how you can watch it and how you can still support charities with Birdies for Charity. iHeartCommunities remains a proud partner for Birdies for Charity.

We are united across the nation by stress. This stress comes from the uncertainty and
loss caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stress is a normal, physiological response to threat in a situation. Stress is the natural
response to a global infectious disease outbreak. We could think of anxiety as the
emotional response to the stress. Stress and anxiety are understandably heightened
across the nation as there is no clear answer as to when the pandemic or stressor will
end.

The Governments handling the pandemic and the impact of global politics and policy.

During this challenging time, Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to having children and volunteers remain safe, while ensuring the emotional well-being of our Littles. We believe that Virtual Mentoring is the best way you can help meet the social and emotional needs of the children we serve right now.

CHR is the most comprehensive, non-profit behavioral healthcare provider in Connecticut, offering a wide range of personalized services for children, families and adults whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction or trauma. Our largest outpatient offices are in Manchester and Enfield, with smaller offices throughout central and eastern Connecticut and several community-based programs.

Senator Blumenthal Answers iHeartRadio Listener Questions: PPP loans for small businesses, funding, scams, safety and more.

Dr. Amoako is currently applying for FDA Emergency approval for a connector that splits the use of a ventilator made with a 3-D printer. The use of lung assisted medical devices in patients with COVID-19

Interview with End Hunger CT: Executive Director Robin Lamott Sparks
How you can help keep SNAP going in Connecticut and help the mission of End Hunger Connecticut.

Interview with Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture
The Commissioner answers questions about of food supply, supporting local, farmers, farmers markets and working with Animal Control Officers in CT.

Interview: Governor Lamont Answers Questions from iHeartRadio Listeners
Is May 20th a realistic goal for back to school & work? When will the courts open? How will we help our healthcare community? Who should we believe when it comes to peak numbers in our state? He answers those questions and more!

Covid-19: Attorney General Tong Updates On Connecticut Investigation s & Scams
Unemployment check scams, stimulus and Census2020 scams, investigations with Frontier Communication and more. Stay informed.

Aware Recovery Care-In Home Withdrawal Management (IHWM)
Individuals currently dependent on alcohol, opiate, and or benzodiazepines are likely to require detox overseen by a medical professional. Aware now offers that service in the privacy of our clients’ homes.

The Connecticut Chapter of the America Red Cross and Covid-19 Update, Stefanie Arcangelo, Chief Communications Officer, reminds you they are still here to help through Covid-19. Blood drives, disaster relief and more.

Listen how you can help over 300 non prfits in Connecticut right now!

Interview: Governor Lamont Answers Your Questions Covid-19 & Connecticut: The Governor didn't shy away from any questions, this is very informative.

Interview with Maritza Bond, Director of Public Health,City of New Haven, CT. Covid-19 and New Haven.

Hammond Iles Helping You Manage Your Money During Covid-19: Free Town Halls & A Week Long Workshop. InvestED With Purpose.

Interview: Jim Fleming, President of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association. All Things Auto- Covid-19 and Connecticut Car Dealerships

Interview: Katherine Kohari, MD – Assistant Professor YALE School of Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Covid-19 and it's impact on pregnancy.

Interview with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz: Census2020 & Covid-19.
It's important to be counted, you will help Connecticut secure much needed funds for disaster relief among other reasons why you should take part in Census2020!

The Hometown Foundation, Inc. is supporting the current COVID-19 pandemic through their
Hometown COVID-19 Relief initiative. Major Illness is a primary pillar of focus for The
Hometown Foundation year-round and now more than ever during this international
epidemic. Funds raised for the Hometown COVID-19 Relief initiative will be used to
purchase hand sanitizer, cleaning products, and food supplies for these essential service
providers. To spearhead this initiative, The Hometown Foundation is donating a pallet of
Clorox wipes to The Connecticut State Police Department in the name of every individual
who has supported their signature fundraising event, The Dream Ride Experience. This
essential supply will help keep germs away from the men and women who are fighting on
the frontlines of this pandemic. The Hometown COVID-19 Relief initiative was created to
assist essential medical staff, first responders and emergency response personnel who are
working tirelessly, around the clock fighting COVID-19 to keep our communities safe. The
program will target support to assist essential staff working in high risk areas across
Connecticut and potentially into other areas of the Northeast that have the highest numbers
of COVID-19 cases.
We are in this together.
To help support the next upcoming mission Text HTFCOVIDRelief to 41444 (Msg & data rates may apply)

Oak Hill continues to be in daily contact with local and state health officials, receiving appropriate guidance and support, and are acting on the most up to date information. Oak Hill is monitoring and continually adapting to meet the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Untapped Potential Inc. continues to serve its mission during this challenging time.

We have virtual on-line community, skillUP and networking events focused on the experienced-professional that opted-out to raise their children and is eager to return or pivot to their caliber.

Our signature "Return-to-work Speed Interview" Event was held prior to 'Social Distancing'.

Since then, many Candidates had 2nd Interviews and today we are onboarding 2 Candidates at a tremendous Pledging Partner Company! This is our 4th Flexreturn™ engagement with the start-up.

We'll host our Mentor Mingle for those that want to "Tap Into Their Potential" with the support of peers, mentors and coaches on MAY 20th whether Live or Virtual, the event will support our host venue Popovers in Simsbury which is supplying their goodies to hospital caregivers during this period.

Invincibelle Spirit Campaign for a Cure Proven Winners Flowering Shrubs
A better pink 'Annabelle' - type hydrangea! Meet Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea - an improved version of Invincibelle® Spirit, the original pink 'Annabelle' hydrangea. It delivers darker foliage, stiffer stems, and larger flowers of a deeper, truer pink. The blooms age to an attractive green instead of the bisque color of the original. This hydrangea grows from Manitoba to Mobile, blooming every year from mid-summer to frost. It is a strong rebloomer. $1 from each Invincibelle® Spirit II sold is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. We encourage you to donate as well. BCRF is dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

Attorney General Tong Talks about the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Opioid Epidemic in Connecticut.
We also talk about current scams targeted towards people in Connecticut during this stressful time and how you can avoid being scammed and where to report incidents.

How the Connecticut State Police Are Helping the American Red Cross: We spoke with TFC Christine Jeltema of the Connecticut State Police. They are holding life saving blood drives and you can help! Plus she talks about how law enforcement is dealing with the covid-19 pandemic.

Interval House (IH) is the largest domestic violence agency in the state of Connecticut. We are a dedicated and passionate group of staff, board members and volunteers who pride themselves on tirelessly working to end domestic violence. Since 1977, we have made a positive difference in the lives of more than 225,000 women, men and children who have experienced psychological, emotional and physical abuse at the hands of a domestic or intimate partner.

How Goodwin University is helping Connecticut, their students, healtcare workers, St Francis Medial Center & ECHN get through Covid-19

Here's how the Connecticut Humane Society is helping people & pets through covid-19

Foodshare CEO, Jason Jakubowski shares how you can help feed those in need in our state.

A lifelong fisherman, Thomas Grabowski is making his dream a reality with Tag’s Fishing Tackle and Bait Shop, set to hold its grand opening July 1. 2016

How Fidelco is helping you get through Covid -19 with PUPPIES. While we are practicing social distancing the pup house is overflowing with puppies! Fidelco serves the blind and our first responders. They are sharing beautiful pictures of pups to help reduce stress!

Covid-19 Update from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont: Stay Home, Insurance, Stimulus Relief, PPE & More.

Big Y Love For Local Bakery On Main . Interview with Founder Michael Smulder

Covid-19: Alzheimer's, Dementia & Caregivers. A conversation with Christy Kovel Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut of the Alzheimer's Association.

Interview: When Will Connecticut Kids Go Back To School? We just spoke with the Connecticut Education Association, Jeff Leake, CEA President. He talks about just that and also about the ways materials are getting to teachers and students. You can even help too!

Covid-19: How Companions & Homemakers is Helping Their Clients . Interview with Client Services Manager Ann Wilson

Interview: Jeffrey A Flaks President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. How Hartford HealthCare is serving the community during the covid-19 pandemic and how you can help healthcare workers.

Interview: Jeffrey Hamilton, President and General Manager Mohegan Sun. How Mohegan Sun is helping the community.

Interview: Governor Lamont: Covid-19 Updates for 3/26/20. Help for businesses, residents, healthcare workers and more.

Important Interview with Attorney General William Tong: Covid-19 & Scams. Here's how to avoid them and report these scams.

Interview & Update from Senator Blumenthal on the $2.2 Trillion Economic Rescue Deal

Interview with Connecticut Children's Physician-in-Chief, Dr Juan Salazar. Here's how Connecticut Children's is helping during the covid-19 pandemic.

CT DCF: Interview with Michael Williams, Deputy Commissioner. Helping children in need in Connecticut.

The Connecticut State Police to Hold Blood Drive For American Red Cross. Interview with Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema on how you can help!

Working from home? Now you can get your fertility care from home too. Introducing Virtual Fertility Visits. All of our physicians are maintaining full clinic schedules and meeting with clients "virtually" either by phone or video conferencing, eliminating all social distancing concerns. Call us to make an appointment, or go to our website at uconnfertility.com. 844-467-3483 Andrea DiLuigi, MD is a lead physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services. She is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI). She has specialized in REI since 2004.

Interview with Jason Sobocinski: Black Hog, Continuum Distilling, Mystic Cheese...here's how you can support all these great places!

Covid-19: Interview with Medical Director for Autism Services Hospital for Special Care. Dr Hassan Minhas offers helpful information, updates on Autism services and how the hospital is helping all patients during this time.

Covid-19: How Anti-Poverty Agency CRT is Helping CT During this Crisis. Interview with Jason Black, Community Director of the Community Renewal Team.

The Jackson Laboratory in Farmington announced it'll start testing for COVID-19
Representatives from The Jackson Laboratory and Gov. Ned Lamont made the announcement on Thursday morning.
The research laboratory of Dr. Charles Lee at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine develops and applies state-of-the-art technologies to study structural genomic variation and its contribution to human diseases, and vertebrate genome evolution.

Dr. Laura Saunders, Child Psychologist, Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital
Great tips on how to handle anxiety and stress levels during this uncertain time.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz shares updates about Connecticut School closures, 2-1-1, ways you can help the community and changes to the 2020 Census in response to COVID-19.

Carbone’s Ristorante is recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the state! Chef-Owner Vinnie Carbone represents the third generation of family ownership. Consistently excellent cuisine along with old world hospitality and service define Carbone’s unique dining experience. Also try Carbone's Kitchen in Bloomfield and Carbone's Prime in Rocky Hill!

Founded in 2008, Leaps & Bones, LLC is Your One Stop Shop For All Things Dog. From Pet Carriers to Specialty Birthday Pup Cakes we can accommodate you and your Companion.
Our gourmet bakery items are all natural, handmade with the highest quality human grade ingredients.
There are NO Preservatives, added Sugars or Salts and are guaranteed to drive your pup wild!
Dog Friendly, The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk 81 Evergreen Way South Windsor, CT 06074 Ph: 860-648-9708

Interview with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.: The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University launched Selma Online, a free, online teaching platform that aims to change how the civil rights movement is taught in middle and high schools across the country.

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health, Access Health CT announced a NEW Special Enrollment Period for these exceptional circumstances available from March 19 through April 2, 2020 for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents. To see if you qualify, call us between 8AM – 5PM, Monday - Friday.
IMPORTANT: Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event, e.g. loss of coverage due to job change, move to CT, getting married, having/adopting a child, etc. OR qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online, in-person or over the phone and all help is free

Chatting with Craig Hutchinson of Olmo Kitchen, A New Haven Restaurant OPEN and Helping

Please take a listen to our conversation with Greg Hammond, CEO and Scott Iles, VP of Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors. We help families, business owners and organizations invest to build and preserve wealth in a way that’s comfortable for them. Our clients rely on us to do what’s best for them at all times. We invest according to your goals and values so you can make a significant impact on the people and organizations you love.

Chef Tyler Anderson helping the Connecticut Community

A very informative conversation with ECHN can be found below! Their drive through test site is up and they are prepared to serve you and the community. WI spoke with Deborah Weymouth, CEO, Dr. Robert Carroll, Emergency Department Medical Director and Stacey Orlowski, Infection Control

Interview: DiFiore Ravioli Shop in Rocky Hill, Family Meals for 6 under $40! Don DiFiore and his family and team have supported every iHeartCommunities event without hesitation! Helping to feed those in need, our law enforcement and charity events. Now it's our turn to help them!

Interview: New York Pickle Deli is OPEN for Business! Enjoy an interview with owner Ken Yavis. They have ALWAYS helped iHeartRadio out when needed and now it's our turn to help them! This is the first time in 35 years they had to lay off workers.

Feeding Connecticut: A message from Jason Jakubowski, Foodshare's CEO shares information on how you can help and how you can get help. Listen below.
Feeding Children
Seniors
Families
How to donate

Interview with Chef Billy Grant: Bricco's & Bricco's Trattoria Open for Take Out! He's changing the menu daily, curbside delivery and trying to keep as many longtime employees on staff as possible!

PhysicianOne Urgent Care Interview with Chief Medical Officer and founding partner Dr. Jeannie Kenkare: Covid-19 updates, keeping healthcare workers safe, the ibuprofen question and why it's important to follow the safety guidelines!

Bozzuto’s, Inc., a total service grocery wholesale distribution center, is seeking additional CDL drivers, owner operators and warehouse selectors immediately. Full & Part Time work available. Please listen to our interview with Scott Grove, Vice President of Human Resources.
Store shelves are empty, Bozzuto’s is a distributor, product is coming from our warehouses…we need help to continue/increase outbound product and we’re hiring.

A message from Jamie McDonald, in this interview he shares his heartbreak on having to lay off over 150 workers, they are OPEN for business at all locations from Bears to the Blind Pig. They are feeding the employees that had to be laid off and they will be helping the healthcare workers too.
Bears Restaurant Group has helped iHeartRadio in CT with MANY events, donated to our community events and has even fed our staff for the St Judes Radiothon, The Travelers Championship and more.

Interview with Attorney General Tong: Coronavirus Price Gouging Complaints, Scams and a heartfelt message about Covid-19 and racism.

Interview: Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin on Coronavrus & the Capital City. He shares his concerns for residents, businesses and offers hope. We will get through this together.

An Interview with New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. Mayor Elicker wants you to take this very seriously, shelter in place is a firm request for residents. He is also working with leaders to help with the homeless population.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal on Emergency COVID-19 Funding
Senator Blumenthal is always ready to chat with us about helping the citizens of Connecticut., Take a listen to our interview below.

Many people are concerned about energy assistance due loss of work as a result of the coronvirus, Operation Fuel is here to help CT residents! Take a listen to our interview with Brenda Watson, Executive Director for Operation Fuel.

Eversource: A Comforting Word To Residents & Business Owners. We're speaking with Mitch Gross, Spokesperson for Eversource.

American Red Cross: Nationwide Blood Shortage. Kelly Isenor, Spokesperson for the Red Cross suggests ways you can help!

Dr Ajay Kumar: Keeping our Healthcare Workers, Patients and Hospitals Safe. Dr. Kumar, MD, FACP, SFHM, MBA, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Hartford HealthCare.

Pat Rehmer, Senior Vice President for Hartford Healthcare and President of the Behavioral Health Network chats with Renee DiNino on the impact of the coronavirus on our mental health. She shares some very helpful information.

WHO Expert on coronavirus: “Most serious pandemic to hit the world in many decades” ~ Jamie Metzel, Author HACKING DARWIN

Please take a listen to pour interview with Scott Dolch, Executive Director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. As you can imagine, this is absolutely a worst case scenario for most of these locally owned and operated businesses.

Please take a listen to our conversation with Virginia Mary Bieluch, MD - Chief, Infectious Diseases, The Hospital of Central Connecticut with the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. Questions about the coronavirus? Need help? Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call860.972.8100 or (toll-free)833.621.0600.

Goodwin University is an innovative learning community that empowers hard-working students to become sought-after employees.

We tailor our programs to address the needs of employers, and we shape them to fit the lives of students. Classes are conveniently offered year-round — days, evenings, weekends, and online. Degrees may be flexibly layered across certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in a variety of in-demand fields.

Better still, we surround our students with the personal support and the professional guidance they need — not just to earn degrees, but to change lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

D'Esopo Funeral Chapels is dedicated to helping celebrate your life or that of a loved one with a funeral and memorial service befitting the life lived. They are also committed to being a part of the community.

The Premier Wine Event of Connecticut. Mary Wade Home’s Fantastic Wine Dinner on May 2,2020 at the Omni Hotel at Yale in New Haven

GalaxE’s Hartford Innovation Center will leverage GalaxE’s GxFource™ transformation platform to help reshape the insurance and healthcare industries and promote the City of Hartford as a technology innovation hub.

Only MYXfitness offers commercial-grade equipment; our compact Star Trac bike is used in thousands of gyms globally and features best-in-class biomechanics with the highest degree of adjustability to deliver an optimal fit for riders of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

For over 42 years, our family at Saybrook Home has created a warm and welcoming environment
to inspire you to live your best life. Every member of our friendly and experienced staff is dedicated
to delivering an exceptional customer service experience.

As the premier youth development organization in Hartford, we touch the lives of nearly 1 in every 3 children in Hartford Public Schools.
Through membership and community outreach, we serve more than 10,000 youth annually through programs focused on academic enrichment, character and leadership development and healthy lifestyles.

Finex is one of the best credit unions in Connecticut. We are a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution owned by our members. The purpose of a credit union is to use its income to provide affordable, quality products and services to members. The three branches in Connecticut are East Hartford, Manchester and Vernon.

Since 1997, the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show has been the premier destination for outdoors enthusiasts! Our show offers an extensive lineup of exhibitors, experts, seminars, demonstrations, competitions and more. Our dates are strategically timed to be just before the opening of the Spring fishing & hunting seasons and we’re proud to call the Connecticut Convention Center home!

CITY OF HARTFORD - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
invites applications for the position of: Police Officer

Girls Scouts of Connecticut: It's Cookie Time!

This annual event will feature samples of your favorite chocolate and food from local chocolatiers and bakeries as well as tastings of wine and beer throughout the day. There will also be plenty of artisans who will be there to sell their homemade crafts. Please come and support local businesses while donating to Easterseals. All proceeds will stay with Easterseals to support our programs and services.

Families across CT have been collaborating and sharing ideas on how to combat the opioid epidemic in CT and across the nation. Those grass roots activities have resulted in a wide range of legislative proposals and suggestions for improved treatment guidelines . We need your help in spreading the word and letting lawmakers know that you support efforts to combat substance use/misuse disorders . The form below makes it a little easier for you to contact them, by allowing you to quickly insert your information and share how this epidemic has impacted your life.

The Jordan Porco Foundation’s mission is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. We provide engaging and uplifting programming emphasizing peer-to-peer messaging promoting help seeking behavior, self-care, and coping skills. Our programs challenge stigma by talking openly about mental health, and educating about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and other related mental health concerns.

Get ready to fight a dragon, swim with merpeople, and find out just who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire™! For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ while a live symphony orchestra performs Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and logo © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

Tickets on sale now! 2019-2020 subscriptions are available now. For subscription information, please call 860-244-2999

Go Red for Women with the American Heart Association!

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

The MDA Shamrock Fundraiser!

The Max Day of Giving Healthy Habits Family Fair: Be the change! Wapping Parks & Recreation Facility

Coronavirus Update with Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeannie Kenkare of PhyscianOne Urgent Care

Jordan Porco Foundation: A conversation about suicide prevention.

Hartford Yard Goats in the Community!

Interval House of Connecticut: Domestic Violence Report Card for CT

Big Y Love for Local Vendor: Janik Sausage. Based in Enfield, CT. Started in 1899 family owned and operated and making kielbasa the old fashioned way!

Healthy Family FunFest 2020 - The FunFest is again being presented by the Southington-Cheshire YMCA, The Hospital of Central Connecticut at Bradley Memorial, and Central Connecticut Senior Health Services, which includes The Orchards, Mulberry Gardens, Southington Care Center, and the Center for Healthy Aging. Once again, we look forward to the opportunity of demonstrating our common commitment to enhance the health of our community.

Eric Person CEO of HBRA: The Home Show is Coming! The last weekend of February visit www.cthomeshow.com

March 6th It's the Bark Twain Bash at the Mark Twain House! The Mark Twain House & Museum and Kenway’s Cause is presenting the Fourth Annual Bark Twain Bash, an evening celebrating our four-legged friends. Proceeds will benefit Kenway’s Cause and the Mark Twain House & Museum.

Festivities include a cash bar, food by David James Catering and Cake Gypsy, and entertainment. We will be presenting awards to special friends of animal, and to animals themselves. The event is hosted by iHeartMedia’s Renee Dinino and Buzz Engine’s Jacques Lamarre.

General Admission tickets available for $35.00.

A VIP Experience is available for $85.00, which includes admission to the Bark Twain Bash and an after-hours tour of Mark Twain’s magnificent mansion. Learn about the many animals that Twain and his family cared for during their time in Hartford.

Connecticut Education Association (CEA): Diversity in the Classroom

Untapped Potential Inc, Return To Work Speed Interview Event

Leap into Action with The Alzheimer's Association!

CT Recovers; The Brian Cody Story

Battle of the Badges with the United Way

Bowling Night for the American Lung Association

The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Passion plus purpose builds community. Join our conversations with our content and activations partners to support city youth health via The Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation.

Support Connecticut Grown: A message from the CT Department of Agriculture

Big Y Love for Local Vendor: Onofrio's Fresh Cut

Fertility Massage Therapy through the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services

Eating Disorders 101 and Treatment options at ECHN

Help Us Discover Series: A conversation with Yale about Clinical Trials

Oak Hill Adaptive Sports & Fitness w/ CycleBar of West Hartford

Flower & Garden Show at the CT Convention Center

Connecticut Fishing and Outdoor Show at Mohegan Sun

Operation Fuel Ice House

Interval House : Working to end domestic violence.

Journey Home: Home is Where the Heart Is

Nutmeg Big Brothers and Big Sisters

CT Recovers: Opioid Disorder in Connecticut

House of Heroes: Hearts & Heroes Gala

Fight for Air Climb to benefit American Lung Association

West Hartford Restaurant Week for FoodShare

Fidelco Guide Dogs

Big Y Love for Local Vendor: Aurora Products

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Hartford

Civic Leadership High School, Enfield

Connecticut Landmarks

The Arthritis Foundation

The Interval House: Domestic Violence Prevention

The Parkville Market!

Choose CREC! Open Enrollment!

Regional School Choice Office Open Enrollment

Help State Police Troop K Help Special Olympics CT!

Holiday Cirque Spectacular with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Salvation Army Brass Ensemble

DiFiore Ravioli Shop in Rocky Hill & Ellington

Paws for Kids with Department of Children & Families

USA Women Hockey Team

Blanketing CT with Love

Breakthrough Magnet School-North

Rock & Row 4 Life: Jordan Porco Foundation

Live from the CRAzies with Chef Tyler Anderson

Live from the CRAzies with INGroup & EAT IN-CT

Live from the CRAzies with Scott Miller

Live from the CRAzies Awards with Spencer Ludwig

Live from the CRAzies with Adam Young

Live from the CRAzies with Dimitrios Zahariadis

Live from the CRAzies with Arthuro Franco Camacho

Live from the CRAzies with Kiyen Yeung

Live from the CRAzies with Billy Grant

Live from the CRAzies Awards with Bill Taibe

Live from the CRAzies Awards with Jordan Porco Foundation

Live from the CRAzies Awards with Brandon Blain

Live from the CRAzies Awards Alan Rosenblatt

Live at the CRAzies Awards Helmar Wolf

Live at the CRAzies with Scott Dolch

Managing Holiday Stress with CT Community Care

Healthy Living with CT Community Care

Make A Wish CT Believe Campaign

2019 Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation

The CRAzies are coming to support The Connecticut Restaurant Association!

Faiths 3rd Annual Toy Drive

Tito's Handmade Vodka Charity Take-Over

Knights of Columbus Museum

Allied Rehabilitation Centers

Turkey + Thirty Food Drives with Foodshare!

CT Lottery: Holiday Toy Drive

Stuff-A-Bus 2019!

Connecticut Epilepsy Advocate

Officer Mark Rudewicz: Heroes & Hounds

Holiday Time with CT Landmarks!

Shakespeare in Love at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre

It's the Holiday Season with Lux Bond & Green Jewelers!

Help a Connecticut Kid with the Holiday Bear Project!

The Children's Law Center Gala 11.21.19

Center for Advanced Reproductive Services: Acupuncture Month

East Catholic H.S. on Wellness & Athletics!

Yale Center for Clinical Investigation: Clinical Trials Experts

Yale Center for Clinical Investigation: Reverends Perry & Clayton

Yale Center for Clinical Investigation: Tesheia Johnson

Big Y Love for Local Vendor: Nutmeg Spice Company

Mercy High School Events

Connecticut International Auto Show

Connecticut Children's Urgent-Ortho

Bank of America: Neighborhood Builders

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Operation Fuel: Add a Dollar!

The Wadsworth Atheneum

CRT Performs: The Cherry Orchard

Hartford Healthy Family Initiative

The Connecticut Pet Expo is coming!!!

Big Y Love for Local Campaign: Lyman Orchards

2019 Campaign For Bully Free Communities

CT Realtors Foundation: Kristi Olds

Gifts of Love Celebrating 30 Years!

Lisa Gray: A Promise to Jordan

CT Realtors: Opioid Crisis In Connecticut

PhysicianOne Urgent Care: Flu Season

Workforce Alliance: DiverseAbility Career Fair!

The Crazy Brew-Bash for The Reach Foundation

Get Out! in Connecticut!

East Catholic High School and The Arts!

JCC Youth Mental Health First Aid

Fidelco Guide Dog: Ride for Independence

Access Health CT: Open Enrollment November 1, 2019

Hartford Police Department Recruitment

2019 Rally Campaign For Bully Free

The Jordan Porco Foundation with Dr Pohl CCSU

Jefferson Radiology "Mammo" Series with new client Chris

Jefferson Radiology Presents "Mammo " Series with Kerry Burrows

Jefferson Radiology Presents; "Mammo" Series with Susan Lane

Jefferson Radiology Presents: "Mammo" Series with Dr Diana James

Make A Wishes: Wishes on Wheels

The Family Promise of CT: 2019 Walk-A-Thon

Hartford Area Events with BuzzEngine

Harc: Andrea Barton Reeves President/CEO

Forever in My Heart Gala 2019

The Connecticut Restaurant Association: The CRAzies

Easter Seals & Executive Cares: Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Please!

The Chrysalis Center 15th Annual Butterfly Bash

House of Heroes Fall Schedule

Cecarelli Farms Big Y Love for Local September

The Alzheimer's Association: CT Chapter Walks

US Census 2020

Wapping Fair 2019

Polaris Award Winner: Theresa Goode, GOODWorks, Inc

Cherish the Children: Food & Drinks from Around The World

Generation Bridge FREE Caregiver & Aging Conference

9.13.19: Join Us for the Arthritis Foundation Gala

A Conversation with our Leaders Part II: Congressman Himes

Celebrating 50 Years with Hands on Hartford

Lexi's Ride 9.15.19

September: Suicide Prevention Month, The Jordan Porco Foundation

PhysicianOne Urgent Care

A Conversation with Our Leaders Part I: Senator Blumenthal

The Oak Hill Golf Tournament is Back!

Homes for The Brave:

Our friends from Fidelco have great tips on how to keep your pets cool!

Rock the Pink with The Connecticut Sun

Brass City Brew & 'Que 9.7.19

The Polaris Awards: Foodshare

Leadership Greater Hartford: Leaders on Board

The Polaris Awards: Goodwin College

Community Policing Leadership Institute

Campaign for Bully Free Communities Morgan School

Campaign for Bully Free Communities Kick-Off

Playing for A Cure: Brainstormin' for the CT Brain Tumor Alliance

Lions, Libations & Cheer..OH MY!! ( GH Host Lions Club)

Celebrate LOCAL at The Old State House Farmer's Market!

The Hartford Yard Goats Fancy Pants First Responder Night!

2019 Run for the Fallen

Big Y Love For Local Vendor: Stony Creek Brewery

Goodwin College: ECAMP

Operation Fuel Helping Connecticut!

Exciting Events with CT Landmarks!

Summer Programs with Foodshare!

The Dream Ride Experience Unified Sports and more!

The Dream Ride Experience & Special Olympics

The Dream Ride Experience Exciting News!

The Dream Ride Experience General Info!

Connecticut Honor Flight

Robin Lamott Sparks, Executive Director of End Hunger Connecticut!

Coming to Hartford: Diner en Blanc!

Achilles CT Hope and Possibility

MDA Benefit Ride & Concert: Grand Funk Railroad!

Connecticut Humane Society: Paw It Forward Challenge!

Big Y Pet Month 2019

PhysicianOne Urgent Care

The CT Cancer Foundation

Simsbury Performing Arts Center: Circus Smirkus

The Parkville Market is Coming!

The Connecticut Children's Museum

The Arthritis Foundation July Interview

Ucal Mckenzie Breakaway Foundation

Big Y Love for Local: Foxon Park Beverages, East Haven , CT

Fidelco Fire Work Safety

7.17.19 Newington Life. Be in it. Extravaganza

Help Pathways/Senderos Center of New Britain win $10,000!

Birdies for Charity: Executive Auto Group CARES!

Birdies for Charity: The Blind Pig, Pups, Pints & Pizza

Birdies for Charity: Hole in the Wall Gang Camp III

Birdies for Charity: Wethersfield Mayors Charity Ball RESULTS

Birdies for Charity: Hands On Hartford

Birdies for Charity: Shepard Meadows Theraputic Riding Center

Birdies for Charity: Mulberry Street in Manchester

Birdies for Charity: Malta House of Care

Birdies for Charity: The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford

Birdies for Charity: Dr Wolf has tips on Staying Hydrated!

Birdies for Charity: Monkey's Pack Animal Rescue

Birdies for Charity: K9 Search and Rescue, LLC

Birdies for Charity: Dr Steven Wolf from St Francis Hospital

Birdies for Charity: The Peace Center of Connecticut

Birdies for Charity: Compass Youth Collaborative

Birdies for Charity: The Hand Center at Hartford Healthcare

Birdies for Charity: Colin's Crew

Birdies for Charity: New Horizons

Birdies for Charity: SpEd Connecticut, Inc

Birdies for Charity: Conquer Brain Tumors

Birdies for Charity: Ray of Light, Farm, Inc

Birdies for Charity: Arthritis Foundation

Birdies for Charity: Hartford Healthcare at The Travelers

Birdies for Charity: Jordan Porco Foundation

Birdies for Charity: The Wadsworth Atheneum

Birdies for Charity: Bears Smokehouse "The Bear"

Birdies for Charity: Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling

Birdies for Charity: CT Legal Rights Project

Birdies for Charity: YMCA of Greater Hartford

Birdies for Charity: The Legacy Foundation of Hartford

Birdies for Charity: Tail to Paw Animal Rescue

Birdies for Charity: Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford

Birdies for Charity: The Children's Tumor Foundation

Birdies for Charity: Hole In The Wall Gang Camp II

Birdies for Charity: Liberty Bank Investment Services

Birdies for Charity: Hartford Youth Scholars

Birdies for Charity: Kelser Corporation

Birdies for Charity: Central CT Coast YMCA

Birdies for Charity: Bear Smokehouse at The Traveler's Championship!

Birdies for Charity: Protectors of Animals

Birdies for Charity: Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders

Birdies for Charity: Connecticut Humane Society

Birdies for Charity: Gardener's House

Birdies for Charity: Metro Hartford Alliance

Birdies for Charity: Interval House

Birdies for Charity: Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Birdies for Charity: The First Tee of Connecticut

Birdies for Charity: Hartford Artisan Weaving Center

Birdies for Charity: Fidelco Guide Dog Apprentice Trainer Dakota

Birdies for Charity: Catholic Charities Arch Diocese of Hartford

Birdies for Charity: Sock Angels

Birdies for Charity: Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration

Birdies for Charity: AFCAMP

Birdies for Charity: Fidelco Guide Dogs

Habitat for Humanity Benefit: The Wonder of the Cocktail

Interview: Jordan Porco Foundation & Julia Tannenbaum on Changing Ways

Executive Cares Events!

CRT Presents: Cabaret

The Mattatuck Museum In Waterbuy

Talcott Mountain Music Festival with HSO

Hartford Athletics & Hands On Hartford Cereal Drive