Park Road Parade Grand Marshals announced

Now is the time to register your organization, club, team, church or business for the 15th Annual Park Road Parade to take place on Saturday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m.  

This zany and wildly popular parade draws over 7,000 people each year from West Hartford and central Connecticut. The Park Road Association is proud to announce the 2012 Grand Marshal's are Joe Furey Chief Meteorologist for FOX Connecticut TV and CBS Radio Hartford and Traffic Reporter Rachel Lutzker of Fox 61.

The Park Road Parade comprises about 100 contingents that include clubs, organizations, schools, churches, bands, sport leagues, clowns, businesses, antique and exotic cars, and public officials.  Anything goes in this parade, from simple banners with marchers sporting the same T-shirt, to elaborate costumes, dance numbers and floats.  

Each year awards are given to Best Float, Best Overall Performance, Best Costume, Best Musical Performance, and Best Community Spirit. 

The parade begins at South Highland and Park Road and ends at South Quaker Lane and lasts about an hour. West Hartford Community Television broadcasts the parade live and replays it throughout the month of October. 

Joe Furey has been delivering weather forecasts to residents of Southern New England on both radio and TV for the last 27 years. He is currently Chief Meteorologist for FOX Connecticut TV and CBS Radio Hartford.  Rachel Lutzker Rachel is the traffic reporter for the Fox CT Morning News weekdays and hosts the Fox CT News at 4 PM with Brent Hardin and Garett Argianas.  In addition, Rachel provides traffic reports for Clear Channel stations WWYZ, WKSS, KC 101, WELI and WPOP and serves as the evening host on Clear Channel Radio's WHCN The River.

There is no fee to participate. Sign-up today by filling out the form found on the parade website: www.westhartford.org/ParkRoadParade. 

Cronin and Company, LLC., a full-service marketing communications agency, has hired a new staff member.

 Andrea DePaolo of West Hartford, Conn., joins Cronin's media and analytics team as a digital planner and buyer. DePaolo is responsible for digital planning and buying for Amica Mutual Insurance Company. 

Prior to Cronin, she was a digital planner and buyer at Media Storm, LLC.  DePaolo earned her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Connecticut. She reports to Gary Capreol, senior vice president, director of media and analytics.

Historic Contest at Fernleigh Lawn Bowling Club

West Hartford's Fernleigh Lawn Bowling Club members lined the club's porch to witness an unprecedented event in the club's 89 year history. On August 23, the club Singles Championship competition was held on the green at 35 Lancaster Road.

While women have competed equally with male members since 1995, this is the first year two women have reached the top tier to play for the coveted trophy.

The exciting match between Ellen Boyne and Sue Hart was won by Boyne rolling a perfect bowl for a narrow margin of victory. Both women are long-time members of Fernleigh and club friends applauded their efforts throughout the match. 

Contests for other trophies are being played in the coming weeks. For more club information like us on facebook or on our website at flbc.info.

Submitted photo: Club President, Gene Knorr, presents the trophy to Ellen Boyne.

Submitted photo: Ellen Boyne (left) and Sue Hart

Hall grad completes Marine electrician's course

Marine Corps Pfc. Brandon R. Reyes, son of Carmen Rivera of West Hartford, Conn. and Richard Reyes, of Hartford, Conn., recently completed the Basic Electrician's Course.
During the course with Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C. , students receive instruction on the repair and maintenance of generators, transformers and power lines. In addition to the mechanical skills involved, studies also include circuitry, electrical theory and related safety procedures.
Reyes is a 2010 graduate of William H. Hall High School of West Hartford, Conn. and joined the Marine Corps in September 2011.

Janice McLeod, Occupational Therapist at the Reservoir Care and Rehabilitation Center was recognized as the Atlantic division recipient of the Karolina A. Kurka Resident Advocate of the Year- Occupational Therapy Award. 

McLeod, who has served as an occupational therapist for 12 years, was recognized at an awards celebration hosted by SunDance Rehabilitation—a national provider of rehabilitation therapy.

The awards were developed by SunDance Rehabilitation to recognize outstanding employee contribution and innovative ideas that help to fulfill their mission of serving residents, their families and the center as a whole. The Karolina A. Kurka Resident Advocate of the Year- Occupational Therapy Award was established by the leadership team of SunDance to recognize the late, former recipient of the award and occupational therapist, Karolina A. Kurka, for her invaluable contribution and dedication to her profession as a therapist.

 "Janice is so deserving of this recognition because she is a dedicated therapist committed to the total overall well-being of our patients and residents," said John Leary, director of program and service development for SunDance Rehab.  

McLeod was selected to receive the award because of her leadership skills and excellence in advocating for overall patient care.

 

U.S. Trust moves to new location

U.S. Trust in West Hartford is excited to announce that they are expanding their local presence and have recently moved from 65 LaSalle Road into 29 South Main Street.  The move into an office building with over 40 percent more space comes with continued plans for expansion. U.S. Trust now has 34 associates in our West Hartford office.

"We are seeing a growing need for customized financial solutions for individuals, families and business owners within this community.  We are investing in our US Trust platform to meet this need for sophisticated investment advice, comprehensive planning, banking and credit services." said Regional Market Executive, Margaret Preston.

Friday, August 24, 2012

MDC worker honored with national award

 

Marcey Munoz, a respected employee of the Metropolitan District was presented with the American Water Works Association's George Warren Fuller Award at the AWWA Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. The Fuller Award is the most prestigious leadership honor bestowed by the association. 

The award is presented annually to employees in water supply management and engineering fields who have proven to be outstanding and extraordinary leaders. Honorees for this prestigious award are chosen by their peers. Munoz was selected by the Connecticut Section of the AWWA (CTAWWA).

A 16 year veteran of the MDC, Marcey currently handles land use, regulatory and recreation issues, She is serving a three-year term on AWWA's Board of Directors and has served on numerous AWWA and CTAWWA committees. In addition, Munoz has been a member of several Connecticut Department of Public Health committees related to the water industry. 

"The MDC is proud to have its professionals participate as leaders and innovators within water organizations to help improve water quality throughout the industry." said Scott Jellison, Deputy CEO.

A resident of West Hartford, Munoz worked at the Hartford Courant prior to joining the MDC.

AWWA, with 55,000 water professionals,is an international scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply.  CTAWWA represents utilities that supply drinking water to 3,000,000 state residents.

West Hartford Police K9 'Jett' receives donated protective vest

West Hartford Police K-9 Jett recently received a donation of body armor by Vested Interest in K9s. K9 Jett's handler is Officer Tom Lazure.

The West Hartford Police Department has always obtained body armor for their K9s.  Several years ago WHPD K9 Reign was outfitted with a vest from money donated by local citizens. The WHPD currently has a new K9 in training with an expected completion date of November 2012. This K9 will also be vested upon completion of training. 

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) all volunteer charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab resistant vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States.  Donated vests cost over  $1000 each. The nonprofit was established in 2009. Through private and corporate sponsorships they have provided a number of police dogs with protective vests in 2011.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Conard senior crowned 2012 Fair Queen

Valerie Stumpf, senior at Conard High School, was crowned 2012 Fair Queen of the Hartford County 4H Fair, at the Four Town Fair Grounds in Somers, CT.

Stumpf has been a member of Westmoor 4H in West Hartford for eight years and has served two years on the
Hartford Country 4H Fair Committee.

Jimmy Macbride making a name in the jazz world

Drummer/composer Jimmy Macbride has garnered numerous awards, including the Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center in DC.

Macbride is a fourth student at the Juilliard School, studying privately with Kenny Washington. He has twice been a member of the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, traveling to the North Sea Jazz Festival to perform.

In 2010, Jimmy was a finalist in the NFAA YoungArts program and has attended both the Vail Jazz Workshop and Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony. Macbride's received several ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composers Awards, ASCAP Plus Awards, and numerous Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards, as both a performer and composer.

Recent performances include Alice Tully Hall with Herbie Hancock and the Juilliard Jazz Combo, with the legendary Bob Dorough, music director of Schoolhouse Rock,  an Avery Fisher Hall concert with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and special guest Jane Monheit, and various NY venues, like 92StY Tribeca, 55 Bar, Smalls Jazz Club.

Macbride has performed internationally at the Cayman Islands Arts Festival, a series of performances and clinics throughout Salvador, Brazil, at the Mendocino Arts Festival, and with the orchestra on board the Queen Mary II.

The Stanford Jazz Workshop has selected Jimmy for its prestigious Mentor Program for the summers of 2012 and 2013. Upcoming performances include at the Deerhead Inn in Pa. and in Conn. with the saxophonist Jimmy Greene.  

The quartet consists of Jimmy Macbride, drums; Steven Feifke,piano; Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, sax & Raviv Markovitz, bass. 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Recent CREC Summer Institutes at the University of Saint Joseph

This summer, more than 40 high school students from throughout Connecticut obtained a taste of collegiate life by residing on the West Hartford campus of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), as part of the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Interdistrict Cooperative Grants.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences working in partnership with the School of Health and Natural Sciences at USJ, offered a four-week learning experience from July 8 through August 2; program offerings focused on biotechnology, health and medical science, introductory psychology, and political psychology.

Students were selected to participate in this program based on strong academics, positive letters of recommendation, as well as a holistic evaluation of the potential for the student to succeed in an early university experience. Students who complete the program in good academic standing can be awarded three college credits at their future undergraduate institution.

This program is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Choice Programs, Hartford, Conn.

The biotechnology program, which explored genes and human heredity along with current techniques used by major biotechnology companies, is featured here; pictured (left to right) are: Katherine Lagasse of Enfield; University of Saint Joseph Assistant Professor of Biology Irene Guttilla, Ph.D., of Middletown; and Arielle Virgulto of North Branford with Program Instructor Richard Greco of Manchester.

Hall grad completes Marine recruit training

Marine Corps Pvt. Myles O. Davis, son of Loucelua Davis of Bastrop, Texas and Russell J. Davis, of West Hartford, Conn., earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.
For 13 weeks, Davis stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.
One week prior to graduation, Davis endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.
Davis is a 2012 graduate of Hall High School of West Hartford, Conn.

Mountain Road paving on August 22-24

The paving of Mountain Road from the Boulevard to Glenwood Road will take place from August 22 to August 24. The intersection of Farmington Avenue will not be paved and will remain open at all times. Milling will occur on Wednesday, August 22 followed by paving on Thursday, August 23, weather permitting.  If weather is a factor, work will be completed on Friday, August 24. Crews will begin work at 6:30 AM and continue until early evening. The northbound lane of Mountain Road (north of Farmington Ave) will be closed. The southbound lane will remain open.  The section between the Boulevard and Farmington Avenue will be completely closed in both directions during the three-day period. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.

Emanuel Synagogue gets $2.5 million makeover

As the Jewish New Year approaches, with Rosh Hashanah a season of renewal and spirituality, The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford will welcome worshippers to its newly refurbished building at 160 Mohegan Drive. 

"With carefully planned renovations and repairs—focusing on our worship, learning and gathering spaces—we will ensure the continuity of a beautiful and inspiring home for ourselves and our next generation," said Emanuel Synagogue President Gail Weinstein.

This year, the Conservative synagogue embarked upon a $2.5 million Capital Campaign, called "Growing Emanuel's Future/L'Dor Vador Capital Campaign," to raise funds for capital improvements to the entire building. There are three phases to the campaign: Phase I was to upgrade the front lobby and the chapel with new carpeting and painting; Phase II was the sanctuary renaissance; and Phase III, still under way, is to paint and put in new carpeting in the Silverman Auditorium and Koret Hall and rear corridor common area.

Sheri Rowley Gold of Advent Design in West Hartford , was engaged to oversee the project. The 600-seat sanctuary, built in 1970, was refurbished with new carpeting, reupholstered seats in the pews, with materials designed and manufactured in Israel, and improved and energy efficient lighting.

The pulpit (or bima), has now been made fully handicapped-accessible with the addition of a graceful new permanent ramp. Some pews were eliminated to create an open area in front of the pulpit to provide space for the needs of the physically disabled and for prayer readings from the floor of the sanctuary.

The historic sanctuary elements, such as the stained glass on the sides of the pulpit and the Eternal Light, which hangs in front of the Ark, were restored and cleaned, and the tall original cabinets housing the stained glass were totally rebuilt.

The Capital Campaign, led by Campaign Chair Ben Engel and Vice Chairs Alan Mendelson, and Alan and Michele Parker, also included a newly paved driveway and parking lot, replacement of the roof, the conversion from oil to gas to be more energy efficient, and the purchase of the new High Holiday prayer book of the Conservative movement, for use by the entire congregation.

Girl Scouts Receives $50K Grant from Aetna

Girl Scouts of Connecticut has received a generous $50,000 grant from Aetna, Inc. to enhance the Live Healthy, Lead Healthy signature initiative to reach over 13,000 girls. 

The Live Healthy, Lead Healthy signature initiative is a holistic approach to health that educates girls across the state about childhood obesity and the benefits of fitness, nutrition, and stress reduction. Through a variety of programs for ages 5-17, girls are provided with tools to make positive choices in their lives. This multi-faceted initiative enables girls to discover what healthy choices are, connect this information to the decisions they make, and take action to change their behavior and influence their lives and the people around them.

Funds will also be used to support the Kids on the Block program, life-sized puppets used to teach girls about bullying, living with disabilities, and other social issues. An earned recognition program focused on fitness, nutrition, and stress reduction for girls will be made available as a result of these funds. Girl Scouts of Connecticut will be able to improve and increase fitness supplies available at their nine day and three resident camps across the state.

 "This initiative is critically important for girls today," said Carol Keierleber, Interim CEO, Girl Scouts of Connecticut. "Girls are struggling with their self-image as early as elementary school. Our Live Healthy, Lead Healthy initiative is a comprehensive approach for girls, helping them realize that being healthy is not about fitting into a particular size, but about feeling good, inside and out. We are grateful to Aetna for their generous support of this important program."

For more information about Girl Scouts of Connecticut, visit www.gsofct.org.

Register now for Coldwell Banker charity golf tournament

The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., is pleased to host the 12^th annual charity golf tournament to benefit My Sisters' Place. The day is a scramble format with 18 holes of golf (with cart), fabulous prizes, raffles, BBQ lunch and full dinner! The tournament will take place rain or shine.

The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation charity golf tournament is open to the general public.

The Greater Hartford and Shoreline offices of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are organizing the fundraiser to benefit My Sisters' Place, a Hartford-based organization that serves women and families who are struggling with homelessness and domestic violence.

 The event will be held Tuesday, September 18 with 9 a.m. registration and a 5 p.m. dinner at the

Tunxis Plantation Country Club, 87 Town Farm Road.

To register, contact Debra Raymond at (860) 739-6277 or Rocco Sanzo at (860) 644-2461. Registration must be received by Aug. 31.

 Registration fees are: $150 per individual golfer. Registration includes all tournament activities, including lunch and dinner. For dinner only, tickets are available for $45.

Native tomato and basil pie a summer specialty at Harry's

Harry's Bishops Corner, the award-winning pizza restaurant, is  offering its highly anticipated fresh native tomato and basil pie, a favorite with customers during the summer and early fall.

Locally grown tomatoes and basil are from the Rosedale Farms in Simsbury. Owner Kevin Plaut said, "We use only the finest ingredients on our pizza and are fortunate to have such excellent produce locally grown.  Plus, we are thrilled to be supporting local agriculture."

Harry's Bishops Corner will continue to feature the fresh tomato and basil pizza until early October. The signature pizza is a white pie made with mozzarella cheese, native tomatoes, fresh basil, asiago and pecorino Romano cheese garnish, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Harry's Bishops Corner is open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call Harry's  Bishops Corner at 860.236.0400 or go to www.harrybc.com.

CRT Golf Classic for Meals on Wheels September 6

Roster Spots and Sponsorships still available for tournament at Blue Fox Run in Avon

 

AVON— Player spots and sponsorship opportunities remain for Community Renewal Team's 2012 Golf Classic set for September 6, 2012 at Blue Fox Run in Avon. The tournament benefits thousands of seniors throughout Central Connecticut through the Meals on Wheels nutrition program, which supports the independence and well-being of homebound seniors by providing as many as 14 meals per person weekly.

Interested golfers may register singly or as foursomes. Local businesses and organizations have the opportunity to sponsor the tournament at many different levels. Contact Nancy Shapiro at 860-560-5471 or at nancys@crtct.org. More information is available at www.crtct.org/golf. 

In fiscal year 2009-2010, CRT's Elderly Nutrition Program delivered 367,834 Meals on Wheels and 235,254 Congregate Meals in 28 refrigerated nutrition vehicles. During the same time period, the program served a total of 1,549 Meals on Wheels clients and over 4,000 congregate meals clients.

Photo Caption: Xerox employees Jason Seymour, left, and Kevin Hammond, second from left, along with Joe Stanford from Community Renewal team, right, watch Keith Koster line up his put in last year's CRT Golf Classic. The 2011 tournament raised $46,505 for the Meals on Wheels program. Photo courtesy of Community Renewal Team.

American School for the Deaf receives $5,000 grant

New England Financial Group received a $5,000 MetLife Foundation grant for achieving the "2011 Good Firm Business Practice Award."

New England Financial Managing Partner, James Marlor and two advisors, Michael Behrens and William DiCristofaro named the American School for the Deaf as the grant recipients from the Met Life Foundation.

"At New England Financial Group, we are deeply committed to having a positive impact in each of the communities in which we operate and live" James Marlor said. "Besides being employees, we are mothers, fathers, grandparents, coaches, volunteers and neighbors. We believe there is a strong connection between work life and personal life, and we truly value our community relationship." 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Dream Ride for Special Olympics on Sunday

Coming up this Sunday, August 19, 2012, Special Olympics supporters from eight states, as well as Montreal, Canada, will come together at The Farmington Club, Farmington, Connecticut for the 12^th Annual Dream Ride, a charity motorcycle ride and car cruise presented by Bozzuto's Inc. and The Hometown Foundation Inc. To register and find out more about Dream Ride 2012, visit www.dreamride.org or call 203.250.5660. The Farmington Club is located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. The cost is $30 for drivers and $20 for passengers and spectators. This year, Dream Ride will not only go international, but will also feature the exclusive North America viewing of the Ferrari 599xx Evolution Supercar – which can reach speeds of over 196 mph and is valued at over $2 million - and a guest appearance by the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, who are scheduled to appear at The Farmington Club from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Patriots Cheerleaders will be signing autographs, taking photos, and participating in Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Since Dream Ride was cancelled last year due to the fierce hurricanes that hit the state, everyone involved with Dream Ride is anticipating this year's event with even greater excitement. Thousands of motorcycle and car enthusiasts are expected to participate to enjoy the ride, celebrate the achievements of Special Olympics athletes and help inspire respect and inclusion for people of all abilities. In addition to The Farmington Club, the ride will begin from satellite start locations in Branford (Brothers Harley-Davidson), Bristol (Yankee Harley-Davidson), Danbury (Danbury Harley-Davidson), East Hartford (Gengras Motorcycles), Ellington (TSI Harley-Davidson), Groton (Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson), Guilford (Guilford Police Department), and New Britain (Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram).

Along with the traditional motorcycle ride, Dream Cruise 2012 will be presented by Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to give car enthusiasts the opportunity to take part in the event.  Not only will participants have the chance to exhibit their classic cars and trucks, but they may also have the opportunity to cruise with a Special Olympics athlete to the Dream Ride destination site.

When they reach The Farmington Club, motorcycle riders and passengers, Dream Cruise participants and Special Olympics athletes will be treated to a Black Angus strip steak and boneless chicken breast luncheon courtesy of Bozzuto's Inc. and The Farmington Club. They'll meet up with the industry's leading vendors and listen to live music. Most of all, riders/drivers and Special Olympics athletes will come together to reunite and establish new friendships. Headlining the event is The Flame Band, featuring musicians who aim to change the way people with disabilities are viewed through song. The On Call Band is also scheduled to perform.

Monday, August 13, 2012

American Eagle hosts July Business after Hours event

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce was happy to have American Eagle Federal Credit Union host the July Business after Hours on Thursday, July 12th, 2012.

 Over 80 business professionals and local entrepreneurs attended the event for unlimited networking.  Guests enjoyed catering provided by Café Louise and refreshments courtesy of Wine Cellars 4.

The West Hartford Chamber is almost 500 members strong and offers many networking and community events, as well as exclusive discounts.  Guests are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about Chamber benefits. Our August Business after Hours event will take place on Thursday, August 9th from 5:30 – 7:30pm at John Boyle Decorating in Elmwood.  All are welcome to attend! ( Pre-registration is required.)

For more information, please visit www.explorewesthartford.com.

West Hartford nurse honored at Nightingale gala

Liane Smith, RN, of West Hartford received the prestigious Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing. A cardiac telemonitor nurse with VNA HealthCare in Hartford, Liane uses her astute assessment skills to help more than 200 patients avoid hospital readmissions.

She received this lifetime achievement award along with 110 other nurses at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. Hosted by VNA HealthCare for the tenth time this year, more than 500 people attended to recognize the nurses from 32 different institutions.

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut to be a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession. The goals of the program are to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level. In 2003, two years after inception, the program grew to include galas in Eastern Connecticut, Fairfield county and Hartford, as well as the original program in New Haven. 

Photo: Ellen Rothberg, (right) President and CEO, VNA HealthCare with Liane Smith, both of West Hartford, as Liane received the Nightingale award for Excellence in Nursing.

American Legion raises funds for 143rd Military Police Family Readiness group

 West Hartford - The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 held a "Fill-the-Bucket" fund raiser on Memorial Day in support of the 143rd Military Police Co. Family Readiness Group.

The 143d Military Police Co., located at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, South Quaker Lane, West Hartford has mobilized to an overseas assignment this year.  The 143rd Military Police Family Readiness Group is made up of family members of soldiers serving in the 143rd MP Co.  The group's mission is to provide support for the family once a soldier is placed on active duty.

Post Commander Chris Conlin recently presented a check to Major John Salvatore (Ret.), representing the Family Readiness Group.  Commander Conlin stated, "We want to thank the community for their support of the Memorial Day fund raiser and for their expressions of appreciation to members of the 143rd MP Co."

For those who were unable to attend the fund raiser and wish to support the Family Readiness Group, checks payable to "American Legion Post 96" can be sent to the American Legion Post 96, 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT  06107.

With a current membership of 24-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national , veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion of West Hartford is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available at www.post96.org or visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT 06107, phone 860-233-9029.

Resident wins Connecticut Horticultural Society award

Karen Ellsworth of West Hartford has won the Connecticut Horticultural Society's 2012 Service Award.
"Consistently, quietly and with a smile on her face, Karen regularly gives back to the Connecticut Horticultural Society," CHS Awards Chairman Elaine Widmer said as she presented Ellsworth with a plaque and trowel at the society's June 21 meeting in West Hartford. The award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to the mostly volunteer society, which has more than 900 members statewide.
As chairman for 10 years of the CHS hospitality committee, Ellsworth ensures that members and guests have coffee, tea and cookies at each CHS meeting. She also has a key role in making sure the annual holiday potluck dinner goes off without a hitch.
Ellsworth can be found at CHS plant auctions, providing food and drinks to volunteers. Over the years, she has helped plant the society's display gardens or served as a greeter at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford.
She joined CHS some 20 years ago as a diversion from her full-time job as an elementary school teacher in Farmington. She enjoyed the society's meetings, the pleasant distraction of learning about plants and the garden-related day and overseas trips.
"It's the camaraderie and friendships that I've made at CHS that keep me coming back," Ellsworth said. . "I've found the people to be so welcoming."
Her commitments don't stop with CHS. She volunteers at her church, where she maintains the memorial garden and has become an expert apple pie baker. Four days a week she is a patient-relations volunteer at John Dempsey Hospital at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. She also volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages, a shop in West Hartford.

Mandell JCC wins awards at North America Biennial

The Mandell JCC was honored with three awards at the JCCs of North America Biennial recently in New Orleans. The honors include two Zahav Awards for Programmatic Excellence and User Engagement, and Brand Positioning and Messaging, and one Kol Hakvod Award for Jewish Impact. Two young Mandell JCC leaders were also honored.

JCC Board Members and volunteers Michalee Merritt and Gayle Temkin were honored with the Esther Leah Ritz Emerging JCC Leadership Award for their successful leadership of the Jewish Book Festival and the Family Room Parenting Center.

The Programmatic Excellence and User Engagement award was given for the Mandell JCC's successful JCC Ambassador Program, which encourages selected JCC members to become ambassadors and help create a warm, welcoming environment for new members.

The Mandell JCC received the Brand Positioning and Messaging award for its Corporate Partners Banner program, in which the corporate development staff worked with marketing to develop a banner that utilized Mandell JCC branding, key action words, member images and partner logos. The banners currently hang in the Mandell JCC's fitness center and parking lot.

The final award, Jewish Impact, was received for community collaborations with both the Mandell JCC's Hartford Jewish Film Festival and its Jewish Book Festival. Both programs collaborated with local museums, synagogues, colleges and community groups to enhance the cultural activities featured at these events.

 

Credit: JCC Biennial

Caption: Mandell JCC Award Winners L-R:

Top Row: David Jacobs, Stephen Bayer, Eric Zachs, and Theodore N. Kaplan.

Bottom Row: Elana MacGilpin, Joyce Mandell, Gayle Temkin, and Michalee Merritt.

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