Stories
<p><em>-Packaging and Crating Technologies Donates $1K to Operation Hope in Fairfield–</em></p><p>Although September is National Hunger Action Month, one Connecticut manufacturer is extending the awareness campaign by helping a regional charity fight food insecurity and homelessness for hundreds of neighbors in need throughout October. Specifically, Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT), a Watertown manufacturing company of durable corrugated moving containers and fire-suppressant wrap for handheld electronics and E-mobility equipment, recently donated $1,000 to Operation Hope, a non-profit organization that offers a food pantry, daily hot meals at a community kitchen and affordable housing to families suffering a financial setback across Fairfield County. </p><p>“As we head into the fourth quarter of every year, we’re always reminded about those less fortunate and find that assistance is needed long before the holidays,” said Josh Mort, Vice President at PACT. “We’re happy to help organizations that serve so many individuals each month, nourishing them and placing them in good, quality homes.”</p><p>On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the PACT team attended a special fundraising event at Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market in Fairfield, which hosted its annual benefit to gain recognition and support for a local charity. At which company representatives donated a $1,000 check to Operation Hope. </p><p>“Hunger and homelessness are very real issues in society,” said Patrick Monteleone, owner of Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market. “With the generous financial support from companies like PACT, we know that we will be successful in ending these crises.”</p><p>Operation Hope’s Food Pantry provides over 150,000 meals a year for individuals and families in Fairfield, Southport, Easton, Norwalk and Bridgeport. The Food Pantry, which is located at 636 Old Post Road in Fairfield, is fully stocked and operated by dedicated volunteers. Neighbors in need may access it on <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.</span></p><p>Similarly, Operation Hope’s Community Kitchen serves hot, nutritious meals daily at lunch and dinner at 50 Nichols Street in Fairfield, Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year. Anyone who is hungry may receive a meal, which is prepared and served by community members.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p>For more information or to donate food, please visit <a href="http://www.operationhopect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.operationhopect.org</a> or call 203-254-2935.</p>
<p><strong>From Earning Girl Scout Badges to Earning Marathon Medals <em>-REGINA ‘THE QUEEN” FLEMING WILL RUN THE 2024 NEW YORK CITY MARATHON TO RAISE $5K FOR GIRL SCOUTS OF CONNECTICUT-</em></strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Even as a young girl, Regina Fleming has always embraced and exhibited a spirit of camaraderie and leadership in her daily activities. That’s why the Queens, NY native loved being a Brownie in her local Girl Scout troop where she worked hard to earn badges and enjoy the fun of being a Girl Scout. Now she is channeling her competitive nature and philanthropic passion to give back to the non-profit organization </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">that she has fond memories of and is a part of the inspirational success story that she is now</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">. Specifically, Fleming will run the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3, 2024 to raise $5,000 for the preeminent girls’ organization that builds </span>women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. To date, Fleming has participated in <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">15 marathons and more than 100 races worldwide.</span></p><p>“The Girl Scouts’ values and purpose aligns with my own,” said Regina Fleming. “When my sorority sister Elicia Pegues Spearman approached me to help fundraise for the Connecticut Council, I jumped at the chance to make this important charity the beneficiary of my upcoming marathon so that it can continue creating and </p><p>implementing impactful programs that are shaping our future female leaders.” </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fleming explains that her running journey began accidentally when she thought she registered for a simple fun run, only to find out that it was a half marathon. After training for only ten days, she finished the race and discovered her passion for running. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Once I received my first medal, I was hooked!” she recalls. “That moment transformed me from a novice runner into a determined athlete and I haven’t looked back.” </span></p><p>Since then, Regina has earned the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher medal, an honor that few marathon runners have achieved and allowed her and other finishers to be enter in the 2023 Guinness World Records. </p><p>Prior to her running career, Regina graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. As an alternative to attending law school, Regina began modeling and was signed by the prestigious Wilhelmina Models and later, Ford Models in New York City. Regina went on to pursue a passion of photography and graduated cum laude from Fashion Institute of Technology, earning an associate’s degree in photography. Today, she is the founder of the award-winning studio, Regina Fleming Photography. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Regina truly exemplifies the unlimited potential and endless options that women have today,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, chief operating officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “She is a powerful changemaker, demonstrating that young girls can be whatever they desire if they work hard and believe in themselves.”</span></p><p>Fleming's marathon running has supported a range of charitable causes, including New York Road Runners, Team for Kids, the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Grassroots Soccer and Action for Southern Africia. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To help Fleming exceed her fundraising goal for GSOFCT, please visit </span><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/reginathequeen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/reginathequeen</a>.</p><p>Spearman emphasizes that donations directly support the four pillars inherent to Girl Scouting - STEAM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship and Outdoors - and are earmarked for all GSOFCT programs for its 26,000+ members, including camping, exploring science, selling products, earning badges, going on trips, and doing community service.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p>“Running is symbolic of life in that if you stay in your lane, pace yourself and have a courageous and confident attitude, anything is possible,” concludes Fleming. “Together, we can ensure that the Girl Scouts organization continues to provide transformative experiences for girls everywhere—one mile at a time!” </p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Visit </span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.gsofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> for more information and to get involved in the organization.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">With only two weeks left until showtime, </span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gifts of Love</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">, a non-profit organization that </span>provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, is giving a final call to all state residents to support its 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Farmington Gardens Banquet Hall. Dubbed “Club 35”, in honor of the charity’s 35th anniversary, Gifts of Love is encouraging attendees to wear</span> roaring 1920’s and 30’s-<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">era-appropriate costumes and apparel for an evening of nostalgic, spirited fun, but will welcome everyone in their current glad rags.</span></p><p>“We’re getting close to our registration cut-off date and don’t want anyone to miss out on this fun and festive event that’s sure to be the talk of the town well into the New Year!” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “Besides delicious food, colorful outfits and gorgeous décor, our auctioneer will be Eric Hummel of Hummel Bros. hot dog fame!”</p><p>Gray notes that many customized event sponsorship opportunities still exist for area businesses to join in support with Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Carmon Funeral Homes, Liberty Bank, and People’s Bank.</p><p>Gifts of Love services more than 40 towns across Connecticut by offering a fully-stocked grocery pantry consisting of non-perishable items, paper goods, personal hygiene items, meats, and fresh produce and dairy products, a housewares and small appliances pantry and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has locations in Avon and in Hartford to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.</p><p>The “Club 35” fundraising event will feature dinner; two hours of complimentary cocktails; live entertainment by the Simsbury High School Jazz Band, a roaming magician, tarot card reader, and caricaturist; a silent movie; a wine pull; and a live auction with such items as a $200 dinner voucher at Millwright’s Restaurant, tickets to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, dinner for 8 people from New England Pasta Company, and a private wine class for up to 20 guests, among many attractive prizes. </p><p>Individual tickets are $125 and a table of 10 costs $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.giftsoflovect.org</a>. To become an event partner or to donate a live auction item, contact: <a href="mailto:info@giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@giftsoflovect.org</a> or call 860-676-2323.</p><p>“In order to hit our fundraising goal of $57,000, we are really relying upon the entire Connecticut community to support the cause of assisting local residents with vital basic needs in our society today,” adds Gray. </p>
<p><strong>National Battery Technology Convention Offers CT Manufacturer Opportunity to Showcase Life-Saving Products</strong></p><p><em>Packaging and Crating Technologies Presents Newest Solutions for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires</em></p><p>Every October, the International Trade Administration, U.S. government, and manufacturing industry leaders come together to celebrate National Manufacturing Month, recognizing the vital role of American manufacturing in society. This year, Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®), a Connecticut-based manufacturer of a patented fire-suppressant product line, will showcase its newest innovations for combating lithium-ion battery fires at The Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan, from October 7-10, 2024.</p><p>PACT, located in Watertown, Conn., will present the <strong>TR EnvelopeTM</strong>, its latest solution for lithium-ion battery fires. The Battery Show is North America's premier event for battery and electric vehicle technology businesses.</p><p>“We are honored to be invited to this highly-advanced, high-tech forum to showcase our critical, life-saving solutions for lithium battery fires—a problem that continues to grow as more electronic-powered devices enter the marketplace,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC. “We are excited to demonstrate how our products provide safer methods for shipping and recycling these dangerous batteries, while unveiling our latest safety innovations.”</p><p>Mort explains that lithium batteries power many everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, and baby monitors. However, some of the most hazardous items containing these batteries today are e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and electric cars—especially when left charging unattended.</p><p>“What makes these batteries so dangerous is a process called <em>thermal runaway</em>, where a lithium-ion battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state due to high temperatures, shaking, or puncturing,” Mort added. “This can result in the ejection of toxic gases, shrapnel, smoke, and fire, which can pose significant dangers to both people and the environment.”</p><p>At The Battery Show, more than 19,000 engineers, business leaders, and innovators from industries such as automotive, medical, and aerospace will have the opportunity to learn about PACT’s extensive line of safety products, including:</p><ul><li><strong>PACT Thermo ShieldTM</strong>: A thin, lightweight packaging material that controls thermal runaway by creating a vapor cloud to cool the internal environment of the package below 780ºC, limiting oxygen to prevent battery temperatures from reaching dangerous levels.</li><li><strong>TR SleeveTM</strong>: A crucial safety solution for e-mobility devices like electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and e-scooters. The TR Sleeve serves as a heat and flame barrier by wrapping each battery cell in Thermo Shield, mitigating thermal runaway.</li><li><strong>TR EnvelopeTM</strong>: A customizable format of Thermo Shield designed for safely transporting and storing smaller devices, such as cell phones, pagers, and A-D batteries.</li></ul><p>Mort also highlighted a new product in development, the <strong>PACT Lion-XTM Fire Extinguisher</strong>, which is currently undergoing testing. Expected to be available by the end of the year, this pre-mixed, water-based extinguisher is designed to quench lithium-ion fires within 30 seconds and is the first of its kind globally, eliminating the release of toxic gases.</p><p>In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, PACT will host a public open house on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its headquarters at 1100 Buckingham Street in Watertown, CT, offering a sneak peek at how its innovative products are made.</p><p>“We’re excited to introduce our latest inventions that reduce lithium battery fires on both the national stage and here in Connecticut,” said Mort. “If we can save even one life, while preventing property damage and personal injury, we’ve done our job.”</p><p>For more information about PACT® and its products, visit <a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT Thermo Shield</a> or stop by booth #2323 at The National Battery Show.</p>
<p><strong>- Entire CT Community Invited to Exclusive “Club 35” Speakeasy Event on Oct. 25 -</strong></p><p>Step back in time and relive the glamour of the 1920s and '30s at Gifts of Love’s 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser, “Club 35.” This special event, celebrating the organization’s 35th anniversary, will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Conn.</p><p>“We are thrilled to celebrate our milestone anniversary with a tribute to the roaring 20s and 30s,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “Guests are invited to dress in era-appropriate attire and enjoy a variety of engaging activities and entertainment while supporting our mission.”</p><p>Gifts of Love serves over 40 towns across Connecticut, providing a fully-stocked grocery pantry, housewares and small appliances, and a clothing boutique. The organization operates locations in Avon and Hartford to ensure easy access to essential goods and services. Additionally, its Weekend Food Backpack Program supports over 300 students with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks.</p><p>Attendees of the “Club 35” event will enjoy dinner, cocktails, beer, wine, a live auction, a wine pull, and diverse entertainment options.</p><p>Tickets are $125 each or $1,250 for a table of 10 and can be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.giftsoflovect.org</a>.</p><p>“Now more than ever, we rely on the generosity and compassion of Connecticut residents to help us reach our $57,000 fundraising goal,” added Gray.</p><p>Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming in Bloomfield is already a featured event partner. For information on customizing a business partnership or donating auction items, contact info@giftsoflovect.org or call 860-676-2323.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://giftsoflovect.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://giftsoflovect.org/</a>.</p><p><em>PHOTO: The Gifts of Love “Club 35” gala takes place on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Conn. All proceeds benefit the non-profit’s mission to assist local residents with vital needs.</em></p><p><em>Photo Credit: Gifts of Love</em></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Inflation, recurring COVID outbreaks and summer vacations – just one of these challenges could devastate a business, but The Store Bar & Grill in Torrington, CT, has overcome them all by creating a menu of options that has ensured its growth and success since opening its doors on September 8, 2023. The family-owned eatery recently celebrated its 1-year business anniversary by hosting a public event on Sunday, September 8. 2024 from noon to 7 p.m. with a packed crowd of customers, who enjoyed live music, games and of course, food specials.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We, like many Connecticut restaurant owners, are struggling financially due to the high price of food, drinks, electricity and other industry expenses, yet we refuse to pass those costs onto our customers,” said Dena Franks, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill. “We pride ourselves on the old-fashioned way of doing business by offering excellent food at an affordable price within a home-like setting where everyone knows your name. Our customers have become our extended family and know that they are always welcome here.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Franks reflects on some specific milestones achieved throughout the past year, including:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">World-class reviews for its top-quality American cuisine featuring prime rib and wings.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Establishing onsite Keno, a lottery-like gambling game in which players select numbers on a ticket.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A variety of 24 craft beers on tap, including those from local breweries.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Consistently attracting maximum-capacity crowds.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Installing 55 TVs for around the restaurant sports viewing.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Being such a family-oriented operation, we also raised money and collected food items for Friendly Hands Food Bank at our anniversary event,” says Rodger Mort, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill. “We’ve learned that givers always gain, and we will always support local charities while ensuring that Connecticut’s restaurant industry remains strong!”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Store Bar & Grill, located at 99 Turner Avenue in Torrington, is open Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information, visit</span><a href="http://www.thestorebarandgrill.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.thestorebarandgrill.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friendly Hands Food Bank is a non-profit organization that provides food, necessities, and extras to families in need across Litchfield County. To donate, visit</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendlyhandsfoodbank/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Friendly Hands Food Bank on Facebook</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PHOTO: Rodger Mort, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill in Torrington, CT, presents Karen Thomas, Executive Director of Friendly Hands Food Bank, with two grocery carts of non-perishable food items and a $25 check raised at the restaurant’s 1-year anniversary event on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The non-profit supports families in need across Litchfield County.</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photo Courtesy of: The Store Bar & Grill</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><em style="color: black;">- CALLS ALL PAST AND PRESENT GIRL SCOUTS TO WELCOME NEW FUTURE MEMBERS -</em></p><p><em style="color: black;"> </em></p><p><em style="color: black;"> </em><strong>(Middlebury, CT)</strong>- <em>September 3, 2024</em> – If Quassy Amusement Park looks like a sea of green on Sunday, September 29, 2024, it’s the “Calling All Girl Scouts” recruiting event hosted by Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). The fun function, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the popular family destination in Middlebury, Conn., serves as the non-profit organization’s official kickoff to the new membership year, offering information on the benefits of membership, exciting fall programs, as well as activity stations with GSOFCT staff. </p><p> </p><p>“We expect that “Calling All Girl Scouts” will be one of our most popular events as it brings together both current and prospective Girl Scouts of all ages and levels, who can learn about the lifelong skills, underlying values and engaging activities that our premier girls’ organization offers,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “The spirit of camaraderie, mentorship and support will be alive and well at this fun and productive function.”</p><p> </p><p>Spearman notes that registration costs $35 per person and includes free parking, an all-day ride pass, access to the Quassy pavilion for a catered lunch, peer-led activity stations and a fun patch. She expects attendees will include all the levels of Girl Scouts from Daisies to Ambassadors, their friends and anyone interested in joining the organization. </p><p> </p><p>“We hope that anyone who has any questions about Girl Scouts, joins us at Quassy for this kick-off event which, promises interactive fun, the opportunity to meet GSOFCT staff, and obtain favorite items from our Girl Scouts shop to enter the new school year in style!” adds Spearman. </p><p> </p><p>The “Calling All Girl Scouts” event is open to all girls in grades K-12 with an adult chaperone. To register, visit <a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>. For our current members, ask us about transportation support by contacting Customer Care at 800-922-2770; <a href="mailto:CustomerCare@gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CustomerCare@gsofct.org</a>. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><u>About Girl Scouts of Connecticut</u></strong></p><p>GirlScouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best</p><p>friends. Girl Scouts offers our youth a leadership experience that sets them on a path to develop a strong sense of self, learn positive values and build healthy relationships through 4 pillars intentionally embedded in their variety of activities: STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills and Outdoors. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, please visit<a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.gsofct.org.</a></p><p><br></p>