A New Year

Seeing this favorite on the Writer's Almanac today, I just had to share it with my friends on the internet.  It feels so right and in step with my current personal thoughts. 

Happy New Year 

ERF

New Year Resolve

byMay Sarton

The time has come

To stop allowing the clutter
To clutter my mind
Like dirty snow,
Shove it off and find
Clear time, clear water.

Time for a change,
Let silence in like a cat
Who has sat at my door
Neither wild nor strange
Hoping for food from my store
And shivering on the mat.

Let silence in.
She will rarely speak or mew,
She will sleep on my bed
And all I have ever been
Either false or true
Will live again in my head.

For it is now or not
As old age silts the stream,
To shove away the clutter,
To untie every knot,
To take the time to dream,
To come back to still water.


Read about the  Interesting life and work of May Sarton

“Writers end up writing stories--

or rather, stories' shadows

--and they're grateful if they can, 

but it is not enough. 

Nothing the writer can do is ever enough”

—Joy Williams

Calendar House: A Senior Center Meeting the Future Head On

Calendar House:  Planning Visions for the Future of Rapidly Changing Senior Generations 

By E. Richard Fortunato

Calendar House Senior Center - Southington, CT

Based on a commentary published in the Southington Citizen - November 27, 2012

It’s surprising how many in a town of 42,000 like Southington, CT. either don’t know what Calendar House is or what goes on there.  Located on Pleasant Street, across from the Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School, this town-owned and operated senior center is the leading go-to-place for many active 55 + adults.

Calendar House provides physical fitness classes and artistic opportunities such as painting, stained glass work, games, reading, TV and a host of learning opportunities. There are clubs for those interested in financial investments, digital photography and computer maintenance.  

Computer Learning Center - Class in Action in Lab

Computer classes are taught by trained and experienced volunteer instructors in a friendly environment in the Computer Learning Center.  At a nominal fee, classes start with the most basic introduction to computers up to and including a wide range of interests and the opportunity to learn and develop skills in the effective use of word processing, email, internet, digital photography, managing your files and folders, computer maintenance and more, including the most recently added course in the effective use of your iPad. 

Seniors enjoy a modestly priced nutritional noon time meal
at the Calendar House Senior Cafe 

A multiple-use main hall at Calendar House provides for entertainment, social events, health information programs and services.  A popular noon-time activity is a modestly-priced healthy meal that also offers members opportunities for social interaction forging new friendships.  

Popular deluxe motor coach trips to interesting places and entertaining events are also organized for members. 

As to demographics, the 55 + population in Southington of more than 12,500 continues to grow.  The boomer generation is well on its way into active senior living while life expectancy increases  significantly.  People now coming into their senior years are more attuned to higher tech activities and lifestyles than their predecessors.  The challenge for Calendar House is to keep pace with the swiftly changing senior culture.  

This year, the town's focus has shifted to a closer look at what Calendar House is now and what it needs to be to provide optimum service and use of our maturing generations. 

In early summer of 2012, after months of review and great interest by the senior population, the town council acted to place the responsibility for the operations of Calendar House directly under the authority of the Town Manager, Garry Brumback, with the executive director, Bob Verderame, reporting directly to him. 

The council revised its ordinance code to change the role of the previously controlling Senior Citizens Commission to one of an advisory board that would assist the town and Calendar House with new and fresh ideas based on positive and forward thinking as it conceives and develops ideas for new possibilities.  The town council will revisit these changes in July 2013.

Meanwhile, for decades, there had already been in place an effective association of the members of Calendar House.  That association is well organized with by-laws and committees under the direction of a board of directors elected by the senior members annually. They meet regularly and works closely with the Calendar House executive director, Bob Verderame, to advise and assist in him in its activities. Members are themselves seniors who are very active in Calendar House activities, many of them being present at the center weekly and even daily.  

Leslie Cotton, Town Clerk, administers oath to Mark White
with Garry Brumback, Town Manager, and Peter Freeman,
President of Calendar House Membership Association (l) and
Lana White observing. 

The Town Council agreed with its Ordinance Committee's study that the senior citizens commission should become an advisory body rather than a controlling board with the direct management and reporting lines being under the control of the Town Manager, Garry Brumback.  The council also saw wisdom in the idea of involving seniors including those active in Calendar House leadership to be involved in the work of the future of the facility and its potential because of their experience and knowledge of the center and the people it serves.  

Membership association president, Peter Freeman, was authorized by the town council to serve or designate someone to serve on the new Senior Advisory Commission.  He named C. Mark White, vice president of the membership association, to a  new seat on the advisory board with the enthusiastic concurrence of the Calendar House Membership Association's Board of Directors and its membership. Confirmation by Town Council Chairman, John Dobbins was prompt.  

A month later, Dobbins appointed Clifford H. Snow, Jr. to a vacant seat on the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission,  after the resignation for personal reasons of Margaret Chase. 

Town Council Chairman John Dobbins congratulates Cliff Snow
on taking the oath of office on the Senior Advisory Commission
with Garry Brumback (l), Leslie Cotton, (center) and
Gert Semrow, (r.), looking on. 

Snow has been active at Calendar House since 1996, serving as auditor of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the By-Laws Committee.  Elected a director in 2000, Snow was then elected president for five consecutive years and has since continued to serve as a director.  Through his dedication to Calendar House, Snow has become an iconic figure and highly respected leader in the organization. He refers to Calendar House as his home away from home.

Change has already started. One example is The Dial-A-Ride Bus program which is a major service of Calendar House  providing free transportation to 55 + residents and people with disabilities to accommodate visits to doctors, dentists, shopping locations and a daily service to and from Calendar House for lunch, programs, activities and appointments such as the critical service of transportation to regular dialysis appointments at Bradley Memorial Hospital. 

The Dial-A-Ride bus service had frankly become an increasing source of controversy prior to the change over of the senior commission to an advisory body.  Differences in approaches and management style among commissioners also led to a deepening divide between the former senior commission and the executive director, the staff, volunteer leaders and members of Calendar House.

The upside is that the issues were effectively addressed after the appointment by Brumback of an Audit Committee that included Freeman, Edward S. Pocock, Jr., and White, working directly with Verderame and the staff. 

Scheduling, dispatch and service have all been improved in a very short span of time with the introduction of technology to drive the system instead of the prior manual system.  In addition, a fourth bus was added and the staff and drivers participated in professional customer service training. 

"The restructuring of the program is a credit to"the efforts of the Audit Committee and a re-energized staff who have accomplished it by making more efficient use of limited resources." Brumback said. Verderame said that he was pleased that innovative ideas are moving along well and that the staff and clients seem to be happy with the results. 

Brumback also mentioned that photos of the staff and volunteers are now prominently displayed in the lobby to aid members seeking direction and information. 

Among other plans for Calendar House, Brumback noted the establishment of a Strategic Planning Committee whose mission is to develop a vision for the Calendar House of the future.  “While there is much to be done, we also have a wealth of human resources available to us in our senior population to help us achieve our goals”, Brumback said.   Freeman said that there is more to come with substantive ideas in their formative stages of development. "All this will, in time, bring about exciting and creative innovations for Calendar House." Freeman said.   

Meanwhile, around Calendar House, the staff and volunteers are busy as ever with a renewed spirit that the future looks bright. 

If you haven't visited Calendar House, consider dropping in for a visit weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  The staff will also be pleased to arrange a tour for prospective members or a family member. 

Read more about Calendar House at its website. 

We Mourn

Children being evacuated from Sandy Hook Elementary |
School in Newtown, CT after mass shooting on Dec. 14, 2012

Contemplative Thoughts on a Day of Horror

By E, Richard Fortunato

There is no tragedy I can imagine that draws us to mourn together so universally as the unspeakable events that caught the nation completely off guard today in Newtown, CT.

People all over the state of Connecticut are in shock and are hurting deeply and personally for our neighbors in Newtown.  The nation joins us in mourning and the sense of deep sorrow.

How can any of us escape the frightful thought of the bloody outburst of the murder of innocent children on December 14, 2012, children who will not see tomorrow or the years of happy and productive tomorrows they could have lived to see. And what of the
valiant teachers and principal under whose care were
the education and safety of those beautiful kindergarten children.  .

Panic stricken parents frantic for information
about their children

Panic stricken parents, courageous law enforcement officials and town citizens rushed to the scene in disbelief.

Those happy little children, the darlings of their homes and families, left home for school this morning like millions of other American children. But tonight... we cannot begin to imagine the devastation this contemptible evil has brought to their parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and neighbors.

Woman holding child outside of Meethodist Church in
Newtown getting ready to go into prayer vigil. 

Millions of words will be spoken and written in the immediate and long term aftermath of this horrendous tragedy. The story will continue to visit the families and many of us as a recurring nightmare with new developments of horror as conconctions of our imagination with each repetition of the dreams turned to nightmares..

Our socio-political media and government apparatus will veer and vent into a  sweeping excursus of the story as they analyze, scrutinize and attempt to find answers with issues like guns, the disturbed yet evasive human psyche of evil perpetrators, and our societal values and culture. And, yes, that all needs to be done conscientiously and with apolitical determination that events such as today's will never happen again.

Meanwhile, it is ours to counsel, to comfort, to mourn with those whose loss is the greatest at this moment, and to pray that God be with the families and the innocent souls of those taken by the most evil human violence we could have imagined today in Newtown.

And so, families, a tranquil and beautiful town, a state and a nation mourn!

President Barrack Obama speaks from the White House
in a historic moment of national horror moved to
tearful emotion. 

Southington Rocks with Record Smashing Fund Raiser for the Local Hungry

By E. Richard Fortunato

As published in the Southington Citizen, December 14, 2012

      Ringing the Bells for the Salvation Army Appeal for
Southington Community Services and the local hungry they
serve were Sen. Joe Markley (left), and Rep. Rob Sampson (right).
Others.shown are John Myers, YNCA Director, Kanwaljit Singh
and Parminer Kaur  of the Sikh Temple in Southington
and Mary Beth  Hanisko of EWalmart. 

Texting, e-Mail, Facebook and cell phones were screaming the news Tuesday morning!  “Southington Rocks”, said an email from John Myers, Director of the Southington-Cheshire YMCA. “Wow – Southington is Amazing!”, said another email from Karen McCarthy of the Y Community Development unit.  

After a one-hour Salvation Army bell ringing by Sen. Joe Markley and Rep. Rob Sampson at Southington’s Walmart on Monday, Salvation Army Treasurer, Kaye Davis, (who is also Director of United Way of Southington), called with the astonishing news that the people of Southington had brought gifts to the Red Kettle totaling $24,716 to help Southington Community Services feed                                      
                                                                                              the town’s local hungry. 

Walmart’s Community Liaison  person, Mary Beth Hanisko, joined the bell ringers for the entire hour. Hanisko was thrilled at the results saying that she and store manager, Jay McClure, were excited about the prospect of being the number one Walmart store in Connecticut, again this year, and hopefully having a shot at being number one in the country in helping to feed the hungry.

Now in its second year, the one-hour bell ringing drive is a collaborative effort of the Salvation Army, Director of Southington Community Services, Janet Mellon, Walmart and the state legislative republicans represented in Southington by Markley and Sampson, ringing the bells.  Walmart matches the dollars brought in by all donations so that Southington’s Food Pantry will receive the amazing total of $49.432.

Stunned and filled with joy by the good news, Mellon said: “It’s thrilling beyond words. People in Southington do care about people.” “It’s what this town is about”, Davis said.  Sampson said that after last year’s record amount of $25.000, highest in the state for a  Walmart Store, doubling that amount this year is absolutely astounding.” 

Debbie Denorfio and Mark Fazzolari ringing bells at the
red kettle at the north entrance of Walmart.

“There is a distinct spirit of great generosity in Southington. We see the town come through when the chips are down.”, Markley noted.  “There is an exceptional town quality of giving the help neighbors.”, Markley said.

Mellon said that many of those who come to Southington Community Services are deeply anxious about these times. “Already not making ends meet, they hear the news of what is happening in our country, millions out of a job, the financial crisis, deficits, and rising taxes; how are we going to get through this, the ask?”, Mellon said. “Just the food we purchase from Food Share runs around $70,000 per year. And that’s without the many other services provided, clothing, rent and utilities assistance, referrals to state agencies, counseling, toys for children who would go without.” Mellon said. 

These many needs shed some light on the motivation of the corps of volunteers at Southington Community Services who continue to be so busy anytime you go there, working on so many tasks to fulfill so many needs. These folks, like those who contributed to the drive this week, are committed to making life just a bit easier for someone tomorrow. 

Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Dominic Church on December 27th

Blood donations are needed all year round to save lives. 

The only source of human blood is from humans who generously, thoughtfully and voluntarily donate blood so that someone else's life might be saved. 

 St. Dominic Church of Southington, CT is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, December 27th from 1 pm to 5:45 pm
in its church hall, the Geraghty Parish Center. 

Donors may register by calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767), or they may do so online at www.redcrossblood.org. 

Blood and platelet donations tend to decline during the holiday season as schedules become more hectic for many people. But, the need for blood is constant year-round. Your donation could be a life-saving gift to someone in urgent need.

The Nativity: A Gift to Our Community

The Nativity: A Live Musical Production at St. Domininc Church Sunday, December 9,  2012 at 6:30 pm
A Gift to the Greater Southington Community

As published in the Southington Citizen December 7, 2012
by E. Richard Fortunato
Photographs by Margaret Waage

Kelly Nowik as Mary - Nativity 2011

A one-evening performance of the inspiring story of “The Nativity: Birth of Jesus, King and Savior” will be presented in a live musical production at 6:30 pm on Sunday, December 9^th      at St. Dominic Church in Southington.  All are invited to enjoy this 2,000 year-old story of hope, love, peace and joy and the miracle of Christmas.  The script is a musical adaptation of the Nativity as written in the Gospel, with the story alternating between live action scenes and narration, all visible on the church’s large screens.  The music was selected for the script by the production’s director, Lisa Carroll, who is well known locally for her years of theatrical talent and experience.  Carroll is also the director of the St. Dominic H.I.S. Contemporary Choir, a dedicated group of accomplished vocal and instrumental talent who also take part in the production.

Craig Simms as Joseph, Kelly Nowik as Mary and Child

For years I had thought about the idea of producing a live musical for the season of Advent.  Finally, in the spring of 2010, I took the idea to Lisa Carroll whom I knew well for her extensive local theatrical experience.  I would need someone like Lisa to direct such a production.

Lisa liked the idea and suggested we work on a simple production given the very limited resources we had. By September, I had the first draft of a script.  Lisa and I worked on it together, fine-tuning it for smooth scene transitions, inserting appropriate musical selections as we developed it, always striving to keep it simple.  Lisa handled the multiple tasks of a director, casting, rehearsals, costume needs, etc. while I worked out some large screen shots for the narrated portions of the story. 

Maggie Carroll as Angel Announcing Good News to Shepherds 

We did a one night gig in December 2010 which seemed to please a small audience of about 300.  Last year we added a scene and presented it to a 50% larger audience and we are now ready for our third annual presentation Sunday evening, December 9^th at 6:30 pm at St. Dominic Church.

There is no charge for admission. A brief reception and refreshments will follow in the Geraghty Parish Center.  We are inspired by the hope that this production will be a worthwhile gift of the season to you. Come and bring a group with you. It’ll take only an hour of your busy time including parking to be moved by the story of the Nativity and the true spirit of Christmas.  We’ll be pleased to see you Sunday evening

Answer the Salvation Army Bells at Walmart from Noon to 1 PM, Monday, Dec. 10th and they will match your donation to feed our local hungry!

An Urgent Call for Southington's Hungriest . . .

Salvation Army volunteer, stands in the cold,
ringing the bells for those who are hungry.
Will you answer the call! 

At exactly noon on Monday, December 10^th, the Salvation Army bells will ring for one hour in front of Walmart on Queen Street.  State Sen. Joe Markley and State Rep. Rob Sampson will be ringing the bells to help Southington Community Services raise money for our local Food Pantry to help feed our local hungry.

"With continuing challenging economic times, contributions have continued to fall short of the need this year.", said SCS Director, Janet Mellon. A year ago, Mellon collaborated with Sen. Markley and Rep. Sampson who were able to set up a one-hour bell ringing fund raiser for the hungry. Salvation Army volunteers were stationed at Walmart locations across the state.  The donations were matched by Walmart in each town.

The people of Southington donated an amazing total of $12,500 in just one hour! Walmart matched that so that Southington Community Services received $25,000 to help feed our local hungry. Mellon, and other leaders in the town's charity organizations were astonished.  It had been the largest such collection in the entire state. Bread for Life's executive director, Eldon Hafford and Calvanese Foundation financial director, Kathy Reinhard were overjoyed at the enormous generosity of the people of Southington. .

The success was the result of the combined efforts of so many organizations in town, charities, faith congregations, businesses, professionals, the Fire Department, Police Department and other town departments. Most important was that it was a grass roots collaborative effort of the citizens, residents and those who work in Southington who came through. Markley and Sampson said he was thrilled at the result.

Can we do it again on Monday, December 10th?  Will you make a donation and ask at least two other people to do the same?  Southington Police Chief, Jack Daly, said:  "We need publicity. Let the people of Southington know and they will do the job!"  So, please, tell your neighbors, friends, fellow employees, your employer and members of your faith congregation about Southington's second annual one-hour holiday campaign to fight hunger here in Southington. .

Remember, donors do not have to personally go down to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing! You can combine your donations with others, in advance, and have just one person bring the money (or checks made payable to Salvation Army) down to Walmart between noon and 1:00 pm.

Mellon offers another option:  Bring your donations down to Southington Community Services and Food Pantry at 91 Norton Street in Plantsville anytime before noon on Monday. "We will bring every dollar collected down to Walmart so it can earn their matching dollars."

L to R: Janet Mellon, Director of SCS; Garry Brumback,
Southington Town Manager; Sen. Joe Markley;
and State Rep. Rob Sampson

Southington has a uniquely proud history of successfully meeting community-wide missions such as this. We have done it in the past and we can do it again. As seen in the photo at right, State and Town Officials present special awards to Janet Mellon and Kathy Reinhard who represented the countless volunteers helping feed the hungry in Southingon at a volunteer appreciation pizza luncheon this summer at the Back Nine.

Before you go, will you think for just a few moments about hunger. The experience is unimaginable, the very worst condition of human suffering.  
Please answer the call!
. 

The Inspiring Life of Alfred George Fortunato

Alfred George Fortunato

September 6, 1931 - October 2, 2012

In Loving Remembrance 

of the Honorable Life of 

My Brother
My Best Friend

Alfred George Fortunato

  

Today our family gathered for a special memorial service to honor and pay tribute to my brother of eighty-one years, Alfred G. Fortunato.

My heart is too full to do justice to the memory of this day and to the thousands of thoughts that run through my mind about a very special human being who was my brother, my playmate through our childhood years, my hero as the Captain of our Erasmus Hall High School Baseball Team and respected for his deep compassion for others as early as in his adolescent years. Al was my most trusted and respected friend throughout our adult years and into our golden years right until the very end.

I know that Al's passing is deeply felt by many whose lives he touched during his life. He had a special bond and lifetime friendship with his teammates on the Brooklyn Dayton Baseball Club. He took special pleasure in his friends in the literary world of publishing, the authors, editors, researchers and writers who gave him a special sense of fulfillment in the world of literature. Al enjoyed time with wonderful friends and neighbors he felt privileged to know.

As for his family, Al leaves his wife and business partner, Susan Rabiner, with a legacy of his heart and mind and uniquely, his even-mindedness about all things.

Al's most significant legacy is his seven children he loved with all his heart. But his greatest joy was his grandchildren who always lifted his spirit with their presence and lifted his sense of pride in their many accomplishments.

Each of them knows the love he had for them. I have known how much they loved their grandpa and today, at Al's memorial tribute, his children and his grandchildren shared their reflective thoughts about him in a manner that brilliantly illuminated his memory accurately and from many perspectives.

My brother lived to find the truth of who and what we are as humans.  He was intelligent, an encyclopedia of knowledge, of history, the philosophies, literature and the arts.

He had great compassion for those whose lives were not filled with life's richness of spirit and well-being.

He never judged but rather listened to what everyone had to say, taking it all in and inquiring more deeply about those things that were outside of experience.

My loss is deep. It is not as though I have a choice in accepting his passing, but I do so because it is the natural order of things and because I have so much of him to hold onto, my lifetime of memories shared with Al, a lifetime of loving affection, the experience and exciting talks we had about life, its mysteries and its possibilities.

While I hold onto the sad times we shared and how we consoled each other in the loss of those who moved on before us, those memories are trumped by the thrill of remembering our celebrations, such as our family Christmases and other joyous times with our mom and dad, Mafalda and Jimmy, and our brother, Jimmy and our sister, Ann Marie.

While Al is and will always be sorely missed, the treasure of my memories of him will always be with me and I am blessed to have a special part of Al in his children, his nieces and nephews and their children and all who knew and cared for Al asI do. .

I know that if you could hear him today, he would tell you, first, that he loved you, and that he knows you will remember him and that you will carry the light of his life in your hearts and that you will carry your own torchlight high through your personal journey of life.

My personal prayer now is that Alfred G. Fortunato is in the warm embrace of the Lord, our God, and that he will rest in eternal peace.

I intend to share more about my brother because I believe his life is an illustrious and inspiring paradigm of the best that we can be.

Requiescat in pace. 

Photo Left: At a memorial mass at the Church of Saint Dominic in Southington, Connecticut, on Friday, November 2, 2012, Ephraim Richard 'Dick' Fortunato lights a candle in memory of the enlightened life of his brother Alfred George 'Al' Fortunato, who left us Tuesday, October 2, 2012.

Gov. Malloy of CT Alerts Public to Post Storm Sandy Scams

Reflections on the Days of Restoring Utilities and Infrastructure and Public Reaction

This week we have witnessed inestimable damage to infrastructure and property, the devastating loss of life and the peril of millions in the northeast region of the United States and beyond in the consequential aftermath of Storm Sandy.

While there's no magic switch to quickly fix everything that is not working and undo the damage done, the emergency response systems of the tri-state area of New Jersey-NewYork-Connecticut, has been laudable. Moreover, the response of the public in following the safety precautions under the direction of Governors Christie, Cuomo and Malloy have saved us untold additional havoc.

Most impressive and heart-warming are the efforts of neighbors helping neighbors, offering without being asked, shelter, hot meals, blankets, clothing, water and other needed help, along with the efforts of our fellow Americans traveling from distant states, such as,  notably, Wisconsin and Alabama.

While thinking about all of this, I received a brief email message this morning from Southington Town Manager, Garry Brumback, advising citizens to take notice of an announcement by Governor Daniel Malloy concerning the scam artists that prey on vulnerable victims of the storm for their own ill-begotten gain.

What a shameful contrast to the innate kindness and compassion of humanity are these parasitic perpetrators of evil who have the distinction of representing the worst that humans can be. Like the exploitation of looters in certain quarters they prey, without conscience, on the vulnerability of others.

                                                                                                                                 E. Richard Fortunato

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A Brief Message from Southington Town Manager, Garry Brumback.

While we were spared the most damaging aspects of Storm Sandy, some of our neighbors did have damage.  Please pass this on to all you know to help everyone avoid a scam. Please read this important message from Governor Malloy.  Thank you.

Garry Brumback,  Southington, CT  Town Manager  (860) 276-6200   www.southington.org

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Announcement of Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy:

Be Aware of Disaster Assistance Scams,

. 
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein are warning Connecticut residents to be aware of potential scams in the coming days and weeks, especially ones in which scammers offer to help people
get disaster assistance from FEMA.
“Residents should always request photo identification and read the fine print if the person is at their front door, and if it’s over the phone, then people need to be even more careful,” Governor Malloy said. “Unfortunately, the damage caused by Storm Sandy has left many homeowners, renters, and business owners vulnerable to fraudulent offers of help.  To anyone who is caught trying to gouge or scam people in Connecticut in any way, I want to be clear – we will find you, and we will make sure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Residents across the state continue to cope with power outages, property damage and other disruptions to normal living and, unfortunately, this often leads to attempts from unscrupulous individuals to take advantage,” Attorney General Jepsen said.  “Consumers should take necessary precautions to protect themselves, both personally and financially, and should immediately report any instance of potential fraud.”

“Consumers need to be extra vigilant to guard against being further victimized by fraudsters hoping to turn this disaster into undeserved profits,” Commissioner Rubenstein said.  “Know who you are dealing with, make sure they are properly licensed, get everything in writing and never pay in full before the job is done.  Consumers should always contact the Department of Consumer Protection to check out the credentials of contractors or to report suspected fraud.”

Here is one general tip intended to prevent fraud:

When contracting for home repairs, homeowners should always use licensed local contractors, and ask for and investigate their references.  Furthermore, be sure to ask for a written estimate from at least three contractors that includes labor and materials, read the fine print before signing a contract, and do not pay a contractor in-full in advance.

Here are a few tips to help prevent fraud specifically related to FEMA:

FEMA-contracted inspectors always call to schedule an appointment before visiting a home, always wear a photo ID and always know the applicant’s name and registration number. Inspectors never charge a fee for help.

Those seeking federal assistance should never reveal personal information if the person or organization making the request cannot provide identification showing the state, federal or voluntary agency serving the disaster.

Residents and businesses in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London Counties who suffered damage as a result of Storm Sandy must register with FEMA by phone or online to access possible federal assistance.

To register by phone, residents can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  The TTY line for people with speech or hearing disabilities is 1-800-462-7585.  The line is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days per week.
To register online, applications may be completed atwww.disasterassistance.gov.  If residents have disaster assistance questions, they may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

David Bednarz - Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy

David.Bednarz@ct.gov  - 860-524-7315 (office)  - 860-770-9792 (cell)

Hurricane Sandy Aftermath - Town of Southington Notice

As a public service, "The Quest for Common Ground" presents the following notice from Southington, CT Town Manager, Garry Brumback.



The Bulky Waste Transfer Station will be open extended hours for one week due to the recent storm (Hurricane Sandy).

Storm debris, leaves and brush ONLY may be dropped off at the Transfer Station, 617 Old Turnpike Road, Plantsville, beginning Monday, November 5, through Saturday, November 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents who do not already have an annual sticker can get one at the Town Clerk’s office, Town Hall, 75 Main Street, Southington during regular business hours.  Proof of residency and vehicle registration are required to receive the sticker.  There is no charge.

***Reminder: Please do not mix brush or debris with your leaves…the crew will bypass your house and you will be responsible for removing them should this be necessary.

Thanks,

Garry Brumback, ICMA-CM

Town Manager

(860) 276-6200

www.southington.org

From Medjugorje to Connecticut - A Story of Faith

Introducing guest writer and college English teacher, Sue Piqueira, with a story of deep faith inspired by the pilgrimage to Medjugorje of a fellow parishioner  and the events that followed.  -                                  
                                                                                                                         - E. Richard Fortunato

Statue of Blessed Mother at the Church of
Saint Dominic, Southington, CT

The Amazing Story of “Immaculata”, The Statue of Mary at St. Dominic Church of Southington, CT.

By Sue Piqueira

The statue of Mary standing to the left as you face the altar of St. Dominic Church in Southington, CT has an amazing, faith-filled story behind it.  The statue was brought to the United States largely through the efforts of Paulette Melican, a founding member of St. Dominic Church, after her life-changing first trip to Medjugorje* in 1987.  Deeply moved by the experience, Paulette felt she needed to do something for people who did not have the opportunity to visit Medjugorje, so far away in the heart of the Bosnia Herzegovina provinces of the former Yugoslavia. 

After speaking to Fr. (Walter F.) Geraghty, then pastor of St. Dominic Church, Paulette decided to organize a day of renewal in Southington.  Fr. Geraghty suggested doing it at St. Dominic which seats about 700.  Paulette, however, was convinced that a larger site was needed.  Together with Rosemary Page and other parishioners, Paulette arranged to hold the event at the Southington H.S. auditorium.  Paulette invited noted author Wayne Weible as a speaker.  Weible’s first visit to Medjugorje on a journalistic assignment had so moved him spiritually that he converted to Catholicism and has dedicated his life to speaking and writing about Mary and the messages of Medjugorje. 

Behind Southington’s $11 Million Roads Referendum

Complete text of story published on October 26, 2012 in the Southington Citizen 

Southington, Connecticut

Southington’s election ballot this year includes a critically important  vote on a referendum that reads: “Shall the Town of Southington appropriate $11,000,000 for design and construction of various roads and bridge improvements, and authorize the issue of bonds and notes not to exceed $11,000,000 to finance the appropriation?”

A point-by-point extensive research-based summary of the facts and what is at stake follows.

1. On July 9, 2012, the Town Council, passed a resolution by a vote of 8-0 approving a bond ordinance with a referendum date of November 6, 2012.

2. Consider the magnitude of this plan. Southington’s roads measure 202.3 miles,  (the distance from Hartford to Boston and back), serving a population of 42,000 living in 15,510 residences and 1,900 non-residential properties, valued at $3.228 billion in a land area of 36.8 square miles. (Sources: Town Assessor, Brian Lastra, the Grand List and Southington’s website at www.southington.org.

3. The $ 11 million is includes $1 million for road restoration, $9 million for road reconstruction, and $1 million for the repair of the West Queen St bridge, according to Town Manager, Garry Brumback.

4. The town receives LOCIP (Local Capital Improvement Program) annually diminishing state grants for road improvements. This year’s grant was $540,000. Brumback explained that the town adds an amount from tax revenue that about doubles available funds, for a total this year of about $1 million which is about the cost of 1 mile of road each year.  Board of Finance Chairman, John Leary, pointed out that this does not pay for any preventive maintenance beyond pot hole filling.

5. To put it into an illustrative perspective, Brumback presented these facts:  Roads have a life of about 20 years. With 202.3 miles of roads, valued between $100 to $120 million, the town needs to replace 10 miles of road costing $10 million each year.  Obviously, the $1 million per year that has been available  falls far short of the mark for prudent management of our road system. Leary added that those numbers don’t include the added costs of maintaining new roads built in Southington’s real estate expansion.  

6. With no road replacement program in place, Citizens notice the deterioration and are rightly demanding attention.

7. To help resolve the problems, at a cost of $55,000 last year, the town purchased a computer software system and hired a firm to assess our 202.3 miles of roads. Data was collected by a physical assessment of  every inch of town roads and then entered into new Pavement Management System, with details as to o type, age, use and condition.  The results helped the town identify and prioritize what was needed into three types of road repairs: crack sealing, mill and overlay, and complete reconstruction, with varying types of roads, i..e. those with storm sewers, sidewalks, high traffic, low traffic, etc.

8. Utilizing the new data system, the Public Works Committee, established by the Town Council 2 to 3 years ago, can prioritize and balance cost/benefit of bringing town roads up to an optimal condition within 15 years.

9. The $11 million, if approved, will be raised by issuing bonds and notes, while paying interest and principal over time, Leary said. In the first phase, we will invest $10 million in priority road work starting April 2013 with completion in 3 years. We can then move forward to the next phase requiring an additional $10 million, until borrowing about $50 million to complete the project in about 15 years, Brumback explained.

The idea is to set a standard for road repair and other infrastructure costs which will be managed by a  revolving fund. Doing this road plan and the middle school expansions will not cause us to exceed our self-imposed borrowing limit per finance policy, said Leary. Town Council minority leader and member of its Public Works committee, Christopher Palmieri, (Dem.), said “It’s always a struggle to balance costs with the many needs of our town. Now, with systematized planning, the
town council was able to prioritize our present and future needs. It is also important to do this properly by giving the citizens of the town the opportunity to have their say in the referendum process.”

Town Council Vice -chairman and chairman of the Public Works committee, Peter Romano, (Rep.), whose expertise is in construction, said:  “Town management, officials and people of many areas of expertise have put a lot of energy in this plan. While, the cost is significant, I believe it is justified and viable because of the\reality that it is necessary. We must protect our road system, an asset of $120 million.  And that’s the cost today! Bituminous material (black top) is made from liquid asphalt, a petroleum based commodity so its future cost is directly tied to the price of oil. So,it is most prudent to begin now rather than risking road failures or higher costs.”    

Leary said that this type of borrowing will not negatively impact the town’s credit rating, which according to Brumback is excellent:  AA+ (S&P).  Our action tends to strengthen our credit rating, which is also a factor of the condition of our infrastructure, including roads, sewers, town buildings, school buildings, library &
parks.
 
There are some who fear that utilities will tear up new roads to do repair work.  Through Brumback’s coordinated efforts with the independent Southington Water Department, Yankee Gas and others, a new policy has been set: Utilities may not cut into newly constructed roads for two years. If they do so for emergency repairs, they must pay to repair the first two cuts in the road. On the third cut, they must pay to replace the entire block. Also, expansions by Yankee Gas of existing service to new areas will be coordinated with Southington’s schedule for new road construction for greater efficiencies.

Board of Finance Chairman Leary summarized his views, saying: “Our new system enables us to objectively direct funds with a data-driven approach benefiting all. We can no longer afford to ignore or delay the upkeep of our infrastructure.  That’s why we have recently begun to intelligently address the modernization of our buildings, schools and the condition of our roads while supporting a balanced effort to make Southington a desirable town for business, families, children and seniors which will increase property values and provide a sustainable tax base.”

For more information about the referendum and about the Town of Southington go to the Southington website.

Erardi, Southington School Superintendent, speaks of bright outlook with many new programs.

New Southington Municipal Center --Facility houses offices
of Board of  Education and town departments
Photo by Deborah Mikan

Dr. Joseph Erardi, Supt of Southington Schools
Photo by Deborah Mikan

As published in the Southington Citizen September 21, 2012

Dr. Joe Erardi, outlined a plan for the “new school year (which) will include meaningful work that has the potential to change the landscape of teaching and learning within our Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 system.” In this second part of a two-part conversation with Erardi, his generally observed serious and reserved demeanor seemed to transcend to glowing enthusiasm as he spoke of the multi-faceted plans of the 2012-13 school year in Southington.

STEPS Week: A 7-Day Challenge for Parents and Children

As published in the Southington Citizen September 14, 2012

What is STEPS? An acronym for Southington’s Town-wide Efforts to Promote Success; success in growing great kids, healthy kids who will succeed in their education and in good citizenship, as they mature in their individual life journeys as productive members of their community and society.

Kryszanski and Pierson families||
stand with their sons, both Jonathan,
as the town council recognizes and proclaims
their leadership in collecting toys for
children who might otherwise do without.

The roots of STEPS go back to an awakening in our community about six years ago of the continuing negative environmental influences on our children and a series of shocking teen suicides. At that time, a group of concerned Southington citizens recognized that we needed real solutions and effective positive action to steer our culture away from teenage use of alcohol, the abusive of harmful substances and risky behavior, including bullying, a major problem in the U.S.

With an annual grant from a federal agency working to prevent substance abuse and the support of the Board of Education, town government, law enforcement, public safety, the health care community, churches and faith congregations, the business community, parents and the enthusiastic support and some inspired young leaders, STEPS has matured in five years with remarkable results.

Early on, STEPS identified, as a standard, forty assets that have repeatedly shown as positive characteristics in young people who mature into healthy, productive and successful adult citizens. Tracy and family participate in STEPS

Tracy and family participate in STEPS

On Monday, September 17th, STEPS will launch its new year with a 7-Day Challenge to parent and children of Southington. The theme of STEPS Week is the development of Positive Family Communication, (Asset #2).

The challenge is simple, but the few moments a day for personal interaction between parents and children can be preciously rewarding as each family adds its own creativity.

The challenge is a prescription and an opportunity for the reinforcement of important core values society talks about everyday. What better time and place to start than now and in your own home.

The 7-Day Challenge . . .

Day 1 – Sep 17- Make Good Decisions Monday: Take the time to talk to your kids about their making positive, healthy life choices. Teach them resistance skills and how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Ask about a problem they may be having. Guide them in planning solutions. Your children deserve no less.
Day 2 Sep 18 – Twenty Questions Tuesday: Each family member writes 3 to 5 questions. Put them in a hat. While around the house, during the course of the day, pull out a question and talk about it. Questions can be simple as: What was your favorite hobby growing up? More into at www.southingtonSTEPS.org

Day 3 – Sep 19 - Walk the Trail Wednesday: Walk our beautiful Southington trail with your kids and maybe a few of their friends. Enjoy the outdoors, get them to appreciate our town while you get to know each other better.

Day 4 – Sep 20 – Three Text Thursday: Text your child 3 times today. If you don’t text, put notes where they’ll see them (in a lunch, on bathroom mirror, or a pillow), Say “have a good day, good luck on your test or game. Say “I love you”. This means a lot to kids; it builds greater trust, communications and love.

Day 5 – Sep 21 - Family Dinner Friday: Make a favorite family meal together or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Spend quality time to create a positive environment. Let it become a habit. Include fun family activities, board games, word games!

Day 6 - Sep 22 – Simple Share Saturday: A busy day for errands, laundry, baseball, visiting. But stay in touch with a simple share. Ask each one in the family what their “peak and pit” was, peak being your favorite point in the day and pit being the worst. Takes only a few minutes to share at the end of the day!

Day 7 – Sep 23 – Say Goodnight Sunday: Sunday also provides a special kind of family togetherness. No matter how old your child is, remind them each night that you love them. Before bedtime, check in and say goodnight to your son or daughter. Ask how about their homework and plans for the week

Day 6 - Sep 22 – Simple Share Saturday: A busy day for errands, laundry, baseball, visiting. But stay in touch with a simple share. Ask each one in the family what their “peak and pit” was, peak being your favorite point in the day and pit being the worst. Takes only a few minutes to share at the end of the day!

Giovanni Family in a STEPS moment.

Day 7 – Sep 23 – Say Goodnight Sunday: Sunday also provides a special kind of family togetherness. No matter how old your child is, remind them each night that you love them. Before bedtime, check in and say goodnight to your son or daughter. Ask how about their homework and plans for the week.

The principles of STEPS Week are, for many, familiar traditionally time-honored family priorities. Can a community help turn the minds and hearts of more of us to making it a habit, 52 weeks a year! STEPS believes we can and that we must.


Author's Note:

We are indeed fortunate in America, for having been blessed with the freedom of religion.in the guarantee in the First Amendment of the Constitution, And so, millions of Americans of faith worship and pray together at their own churches, synagogues, temples and mosques on their Sabbath. In addition to the freedom to practice our diverse faith traditions, those of religious commitment have a special opportunity on the weekend to pray as a family. I think of it as a gift that helps strengthen the love and appreciation for the fullest meaning of family.

Dr. Erardi, Southington Superintendent of Schools, Talks about progress in the last year and what's coming this year.

Dr. Joe Erardi in a conversation about Southington., CT
Public Schools

As published in the Southington Citizen
September 7, 2012

A conversation with Dr. Joe Erardi, Southington’s Superintendent of Schools, provided an insightful view of our local school system that was beyond expectations.   We learned about the combined efforts of the Superintendent, his administrative staff and the Board of Education and how it is taking shape, offering  innovative, focused instruction and correlated  programs which are continually developing and being put into action to prepare  today’s K through 12 student population for the challenges they’ll face in higher education and readiness to take their places in society as fine citizens and in productive work-that fulfills their hopes and dreams.

This incredible story is about the carefully crafted vision of those who are preparing our youngsters for the future.  Selected highlights of our extensive interview with Dr. Erardi follow:

ERF:  What have been the major achievements of the past school-year?

JE:  I can talk about the passage of the plan to renovate our two middle schools and about the  work that is happening at the high school, our readiness program, our ability to conduct a pilot all-day kindergarten program. All exciting achievements! But I am most pleased to point out the strong commitment of this community to partner with and support the school system. The people believe in the Board of Education and the Superintendents’ staff and that the work we’re doing will support the progress of the children.  The present tenor in this town of the elected officials with whom we’re meeting and the ongoing alliances that are not politically-based, but rather community based are powerful forces in achieving objectives. I’m fortunate to deal with Garry Brumback.  The townspeople are beginning to see the positive results of these collaborative efforts in raising the standards for our  school system. Augmenting this effect for actively working alliances is the near complete move to the renovated  new Southington Municipal Center (formerly North Center School). Garry (Brumback) and I I believe that “dollar efficiency” will also result as many work together at the new town center.

I’m thrilled with what’s happening with our high school and with the middle school upgrade and I’m thrilled with our readiness program and with our school report card,i..e, our CMT, (Connecticut Mastery Test), and CAPT, (CT Achievement and Performance Test), scores.  For five straight years our schools have had incredible gains at the high school and consistent gains at the elementary and middle schools so I’m fortunate right now to be the spokesperson for our schools which is in high gear for new student opportunities.

ERF: Were there disappointments or less than expected achievements this past year?

Erardi:  In my work, I often make a statement and write that with 7,000 opportunities every day for 7,000 children in our schools, we have made adifference for every child. My expectation is that nobody drops out of high school and that nobody is involved in expulsion for discipline. We’re not there yet and there’s still work to be done.  But while we reach an extraordinary number of students, there are still youngsters that struggle. We need to do a better job connecting with them. So, this is not a disappointment in any particular program but it does renew our goal of meeting every challenge. We are going to continue our work to graduate every student.

One high point for me came on election night when this community, in this economy, stood tall, approving a commitment of $85 million for our middle schools by a vote of nearly 3 to 1. This town courageously supported a plan for our next generation of leaders. 

The other highlight event for me was the appointment of Karen Smith as my Assistant Superintendent. Karen is a highly celebrated administrator in a long career of success. I am impressed every day with her work ethic, her need to have such a comfort level with what’s happening with instruction.  When day is done we’re not really about facility or maintenance. It’s about instruction. So with a really fine instruction team which starts with Karen and trickles down to our maintenance people and school leader, I’m grateful.

ERF:  So, instruction is at the core of the mission here.

Erardi:  Instruction IS the mission. Under Karen’s direction, in partnership with our leadership team, the work in instruction has been incredibly rewarding, especially in a couple of pockets, such as in the readiness piece of it and in the 8^th to 9^th grade transition. With the high school administration, the team has put together an absolutely demanding work ethic for students, stretching them to achieve rather than allowing complacency.  In my 35 years of experience in this profession, I have never experienced a year of such outstanding progress as this single past year here in Southington.

As to the goals of the critical instructional area, Dr. Erardi pointed out that a district advisory committee will report its findings to the Board of Education by January 1, 2013 as to the readiness of all students as productive citizens and workers.  By December 1, 2012, the administration will present to the Board of Education a completed feasibility study of potentially offering All-Day Kindergarten to all students. The study will comprehensively include: Space Analysis, Cost Analysis, Curriculum Impact, Transportation and Community Conversations.

Findings will be brought to the Board of Education by February 1, 2013 as to a Student Use of Technology Study which will address establishing Southington Board of Ed email addresses for students to help develop a paperless environment; the use of non-internet based devices, i.e., Kindles, Readers, etc. and the use of iPads, laptops, and cell phones (Internet based devices), all in the classroom.

A follow up installment coming soon will include more of exciting the plans for this school year and the longer term goal of Vision 2020, a work that, in eight years, will potentially bring students to a much more effective level of readiness for the world after graduation.