Episode 59 – Middlesex County has amazing people – of all ages – who give of their time and talent to causes and issues across a wide range of areas. We’re celebrating Community Connections, Community Leaders, and Community Champions. Lisa Bousquet, photojournalist and portrait photographer, shares how she started as a photographer and what she has learned “through the lens” about people and places over the years. Locally, Lisa works with nonprofits to showcase the many remarkable people who work and live in our community, helping tell courageous stories of meeting challenges and celebrating successes. Her travels have taken her…
Episode 58 – Middlesex County has amazing people – of all ages – who give of their time and talent to causes and issues across a wide range of areas. And some of the most amazing are young people – those teens and tweens who love where they live, are determined to give of their time and talent, and truly inspire us all to do more. We’re celebrating Community Connections, Community Leaders, and Community Champions. This week, Aryana joins Cynthia Clegg, CFMC, to share how she spends her days – academically and socially – and more importantly, a special project…
Episode 57 – We are celebrating Community Connections. Our community has incredible leaders and champions who spend their time finding great ways to “connect the dots”. Grant Sanborn is truly one of those “community-minded” ambassadors, giving his time to support organizations and needs throughout Middlesex County. Grant Sanborn has great experience in business and in community connections. A valued member of the CFMC Board of Directors, Grant is always listening and thinking of ways to help connect his local community to one another and to CFMC. Grant shares what drew him to CFMC and how he is using his past…
Episode 56 – We are celebrating Community Connections. We are surrounded by remarkable people doing incredible things to support our community – in so many ways. We know that there are so many incredible volunteers in our 15 town footprint – and some of the most incredible volunteers are those individuals who participate in our volunteer fire service. These special individuals answer the call to help no matter the time of day or the weather outside. This week Chief Peter Tyc shares his experiences with the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company, looking back at how he got involved, how the volunteer…
Episode 55 – We are celebrating Community Connections. We are surrounded by remarkable people doing incredible things to support our community – in so many ways. This week Chief Jim Trzaski joins Cynthia Clegg, CFMC, to share some interesting history and community connections at South Fire District. Chief Trzaski and his team at the South Fire District are deeply committed to helping their neighbors … and it’s not just the “usual” calls for service a fire department experiences. Chief Trzaski and his fellow fire fighters host spring flower sales to trainings and educational outreach to collaborating on special community-wide drives…
Episode 54 – Our community has incredible leaders and champions. Sarah Gadsby is a community champion of mental health. Sarah is CEO of River Valley Services (RVS), a community mental health center serving Middlesex County and the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme. RVS is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). RVS’s goal is to provide the highest quality crisis intervention, case management, and residential and clinical services to adult citizens, 18 years of age and older, who suffer from serious mental disorders and who lack the financial means to secure such services in the private sector. Sarah…
Episode 53 – We are surrounded by remarkable and passionate people who care deeply about Middlesex County. What happens when a group of passionate individuals with a deep commitment to community and an understanding for the need for positive interactions get together? The answer is simple … a community-wide Kindness Coalition. Join us for a conversation that is sure to bring a smile to your face – and get you thinking about how you can support your town to promote community kindness and empathy. Addie Buckheit and Claudia White of Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services (DMYFS) share details of…
Episode 52 – We are surrounded by remarkable and passionate people who care deeply about Middlesex County. Ever wonder what exactly an Animal Control Division does? Who are the people who commit their careers (and their off hours) to responding to public requests for assistance? Gail Petras, Animal Control Officer for the City of Middletown (CT), gives us a peek inside the office, sharing details about her work in Middletown. Gail works on the frontline of animal welfare and public safety daily. Providing a look behind the badge, she shares what it truly means to be an animal control officer…
Episode 51 – Celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary with our local historical societies. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and learn more about the many contributions and stories about our local communities. Marcy Fuller, Westbrook Historical Society, shares a great story central to Westbrook and the founding of our country. Are you aware of the important place in history of John Ely?…
Episode 50 – Celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary with our local historical societies. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and learn more about the many contributions and stories about our local communities. Melissa Josefiak and Kate Savage, Essex Historical Society, share some of the many wonderful activities and speakers scheduled for the celebration of our 250th anniversary. Essex Historical Society will continue…