Piscopo Op-Ed: Positive Happenings in Our Community
Over the next few weeks, the Connecticut General Assembly will continue to work through the busiest part of the session as we approach the June 5th deadline. In recent months, we’ve focused on important legislative issues, and still have much to do. In my weekly columns, I am committed to keeping you informed, and sharing information, thoughts and concerns.
In the midst of these busy happenings in Hartford, it is refreshing to come back to the district, and to observe, participate in, and support the countless efforts of our residents happening in our community.
Every day, the great people of Thomaston, Harwinton, Burlington, and Litchfield, through their volunteer or work services, are committed to making our community a better place to live and work, enriching our experiences, and adding to our quality of life.
John DiCostanzo, a Harwinton resident and business owner, is spearheading an effort with his colleagues and friends to collect donations of supplies, non-perishable foods, and goods, which they will be personally transporting to Oklahoma this holiday weekend. The men, who are all current or former firefighters, are coordinating these efforts to collect and transport the goods, and will support any labor and clean-up efforts needed.
For the group, this mission is a personal one. One of the gentlemen has a son who is in first grade at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and survived the tragedy. The men, all natives of Sandy Hook, feel that after the incredible outpouring of support following the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, they are compelled to do something to help the people of Oklahoma, and to ‘pay it forward’.
This past Saturday I visited the Harwinton Jamboree Day. This year’s event combined both Super Saturday, an event for children that included activities, food stands and live music, and the Health and Safety Saturday, which invited several local organizations to share information for public safety and community events. More than 40 local businesses, organizations and clubs made the Jamboree one of the biggest events of the year for the town. It was great to see the community come together on such a beautiful day, and showcase and celebrate the many wonderful things that Harwinton has to offer.
Benefit fundraisers were also held throughout the weekend by volunteers from local groups in order to support their efforts.
The Project Graduation Committee held its annual tag sale at the Harwinton Fairgrounds. The annual Project Graduation event takes place the night of graduation and continues into the morning after. It’s an alcohol- and drug-free night filled with activities, food, and fun. However, in order for the celebration to take place, seniors have to raise money to fund the event. It was great to see the community supporting this event so that the Region #10 graduating Class of 2013 will be able to safely celebrate their achievements together one last time.
St. Peter’s Trinity Church in Thomaston hosted their annual food, plant, and tag sale. Hosted by the Episcopal Church Women and St. Martha’s Guild, the event helped not only to raise funds for the church, but also the food proceeds benefitted the Thomaston and Plymouth Ecumenical pantries, who help to feed the neediest in our community.
The Great Pasta Supper hosted by the Churches of Thomaston was held at St. Thomas Church. This was the 3rd annual fundraiser to make it possible for Thomaston to keep its part-time social worker and allow for assistance to more than 100 families in Thomaston. The outpouring of support from the greater community makes this event a great success, and ensures that the social worker continues to be an available resource to the people they serve.
It is truly heartwarming to see so many volunteers giving back to our community. There are countless examples happening daily, of people who give selflessly of their time and talent, to help make our 76th district the wonderful place that we all proudly call home. I thank each and every one of you for the work and volunteer efforts you all contribute.
Please feel free to contact me about this or any legislative issue by calling my office 800-842-1423 or email john.piscopo@housegop.ct.gov.
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