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.