“This year’s Century Club was the best in living memory, at least mine,” said Democratic Town Committee Chair Tina Miller. More than a hundred people gathered at the home of Andrew and Mary Ann Carman for the DTC’s annual Century Club gathering and fundraiser this past Sunday, a record crowd.
“We had a fantastic turnout at a wonderful venue. Thank you to everyone who attended with such good spirits and support -- and of course to our wonderful candidates, both contested and uncontested,” said Ms. Miller.
This year’s election is all about Redding’s municipal candidates, and so was the focus of the gathering. The evening began with an acknowledgment of residents who serve on the many Town Boards and Commissions. After Event Committee Chair Margi Esten welcomed all the guests, Mary Ann Carman publicly acknowledged Democratic Board and Commission members individually by name.
“Redding is the great place that it is because of those who serve on the Town's Boards and Commissions; those who take time away from work, family and friends, and leisure activities to help be the ‘voice and vote’ for the rest of us. They are the caretakers for this lovely rural oasis in the center of Fairfield County: Redding. If you see any of those named while you are out and about, please say thank you to them for their dedication and service. They are our Town's unsung heroes.”
Nick Balletto, State Democratic Party Chairman spoke to the crowd and mingled with Redding residents, joining with Julia Pemberton, candidate for re-election for First Selectman, Leon Karvelis for Selectman, Peg O’Donnell who is running for Board of Finance, Melinda Irwin, candidate for re-election for Board of Education. They all stressed their records of service in Town, with Mr. Karvelis and Ms. Pemberton asking for continued support based on their record of promises made and promises kept so they can continue their efforts for all residents. Janice Meehan is running uncontested for Town Treasurer, Paul Scholl for Zoning Commission, Nancy King for Planning Commission, and Mike D’Agostino for the Region 9 School Board. They also were in attendance.
Old World Pizza Truck of Connecticut catered the event, offering many varieties of wood fired gourmet pizza; and Garner Lester and his band Catfish provided entertainment, with some of the attendees taking a turn singing with the band.
The second half of the evening was marked by the arrival of Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. He spoke to Redding Democrats about his work in the Senate, including improving gun ownership laws, and the important and difficult decision to vote for the Iran nuclear deal. After his remarks, he engaged in conversations with individual residents to hear their thoughts and concerns; he also heard expressions of gratitude from residents for his work to protect the environment and to help prevent and stem gun violence.
“As attendees experienced firsthand, Sen. Blumenthal was a gracious, lively, inspiring, and compassionate presence. We are lucky he could make it,” said Ms. Miller.