Community Access

We spoke with Helen Taylor, Founder and President of The Social Chase, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness of autism by hosting events that educate and empower individuals and families. We spoke about the Free to Be Art Exhibition at the Mattatuck Museum, as well as the upcoming first Social Chase Fundraiser Gala on November 20th.

We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare about how to give help and get help during the government shutdown and Holiday season. We also spoke about the upcoming iHeart Stuff-A-Bus event benefiting Connecticut Foodshare.

We spoke with Executive Director John Lynch and Business Manager Kim Halmose about the new service in November, The Crossroads Women's Center, and the 33rd Anniversary Dinner on November 2.

We spoke with Luis Santiago, Director of Admissions, and Melissa Stephens, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid, about what to expect during the application and financial aid process at Western Connecticut State University.

We spoke with Bob Fiore, President and Founder of the Connecticut Epilepsy Advocate Foundation, about the organization dedicated to helping people with epilepsy in any way, and the upcoming 400 Gallon Blood Drive on October 23.

We spoke with Sarah Heath, Founder and Initiative Co-lead, and Yvette Young, Initiative Co-lead, about Shop Black CT, a free directory of 2,000 CT Black-owned businesses.

We spoke with producer Summer Orlando of Summer Orlando Productions about Hocus Pocus Live, starring some of the most memorable characters and scenes from the Halloween cult classics, Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2.

We spoke with Executive Director Anne-Marie Knight about the education, technical assistance, services, programs, and resources provided by the Black Business Alliance to help Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Connecticut start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

We spoke with D.M. Livingston, Owner of the Waterbury Times and Founder of Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, about the locally focused civic media outlet in Waterbury.

We spoke with General Manager Doug Hemphill about the new haunts, frights, activities, and eats at Lake Compounce's 2025 Phantom Fall Fest.

We spoke with Joe Cappello, Co-Founder and Executive Director, and President Donna Johnson about Are You Dense?, an organization dedicated to educating women about breast density and how it affects cancer detection. We also spoke about the upcoming For The Girls brunch on October 19th.

We spoke with Erin Choquette, CEO of CT Paid Leave, about the Family Fun Expo and Resource Fair on October 18 at the Hartford Public Library. 

We spoke with Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations, about the world premiere of Rope, a riveting crime thriller that answers the question, is there such thing as a perfect crime?

We spoke with John Krause, founder of The Team John Foundation, about his battle with cancer, the creation of The Team John Foundation, and the upcoming golf tournament to fund the great missions of The Team John Foundation and Blood Cancer United.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi about the effect of Ozempic on teeth, the meaning of Ozempic teeth, and how to stay informed about the impacts of medication and nutrition on the body.

We spoke with Tournament Director Nathan Grube and Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, about the fundraising at the 2025 Traveler's Championship, raising over $4 million for 245 charities. We spoke about Birdies for Charities and their partnership with Webster Bank to support charities, fundraise, share their missions, and grow their platform.

We spoke with Ginny Wolf about the clever, chilly, and frighteningly funny show "Howl of a Night" at the Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall. She tells us about the four new, original old-time live radio plays and invites you to be part of the live "studio audience."

We spoke with Joel Hoekstra, a guitarist in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, about the all-new show "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - The Best of TSO and More" — the biggest and best tour to date. Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at Mohegan Sun on November 30. Enjoy TSO's awe-inspiring rock, classical, and holiday music! 

We spoke with co-founder Carolyn Verikas about Bristol Bazaar, an indoor makers market that sells handmade items from small businesses. We talk about the upcoming Pups & Pumpkins Dog Adoption Event, the final traveling bazaar of 2025, and the upcoming partnership with the Connecticut Science Center.

We spoke with Jackie Post about The Glastonbury Rotary Club's Workplace Wellbeing Summit, which focuses on developing a sustainable strategy to address workplace mental health, improve worker health and mental wellbeing, support addiction recovery, and break the stigma associated with mental health and addiction.

We spoke with David Skoczulek, Vice President of Business Development and Communications, about the innovation and clinical programs offered at iCare Health Network, a skilled nursing and long-term care provider.

We spoke with Don Barnes, co-founder, vocalist, and guitarist for 38 Special, about the band's new album, Milestone, to celebrate their 50th anniversary. 

We spoke with Christian Marshall Jones, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at CT Humane Society about our adoptable pet, Heart. Heart is a 2-month-old male guinea pig, and he will certainly capture your heart! 

We spoke with Dr. Husnain Kermalli, Chief Medical Officer at St. Mary's Hospital about the Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit. The event aims to increase the number of Black men in the field of medicine through exposure, inspiration, and mentorship. 

We spoke with Breathe 2 Flow founder, Lindsay Riley, about yoga with pigs, bunnies, alpacas, puppies, kittens, and other animals! Breathe 2 Flow hosts yoga sessions in untraditional places across Connecticut and works with local rescues, organizations, and non-profits.

We spoke with Flight Adventure Park Marketing Manager Zach Morris about their grand opening in Manchester and the attractions, themes, programs, and content that Flight Adventure will offer. 

We spoke with Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Strategy, Chris Grosse, about the upcoming UCONN football games and how fans can support UCONN's fall athletics.

We spoke with Contract Project Administration, Liz Clauson, and Project Manager, Billy Flynn, from Electrical Contractors Incorporated, about the 34th Annual Golf Outing on October 3. All proceeds from the golf outing support Make-A-Wish CT. Kris Moran, Director of Marketing and Communications at Make-A-Wish CT, shares how the proceeds will support granting the wishes of kids with critical illnesses.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at Mohegan Sun on November 30. Enjoy TSO's awe-inspiring rock, classical, and holiday music! We spoke with Jeff Plate, a drummer in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, about the 2025 Winter Tour, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - The Best of TSO and More."

We spoke with retired NYPD Officer Chris DeFlorio about his journey of passing on the peace from God to victims suffering under demonic influence, detailed in his book Called Into Darkness: Two NYC First Responders Battle the Supernatural.

We spoke with Chief Operating Officer, Elicia Pegues Spearman, about the power-packed roster of activities to recruit new members and adult volunteers throughout September.

We spoke with Laura Hoffman, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, about the organization's support services, care options and education for families facing the disease, caregivers, and professionals.

We spoke with Inclusion Director, Rachel Scolnic, about the JCC's mission to make the community center an inclusive place to serve every person that walks through their doors. 

We spoke with Patrick Myers who is a full-time Freddie Mercury impersonator in the band Killer Queen.

We spoke with Artistic Director, Constantine Pappas and Managing Director, Craig David Rosen about upcoming shows at the theatre, including musicals, comedies, and musical comedies!

We spoke with Chaz the Cream Puff Man about The Big E going on from September 12 to 28, and Chaz the Cream Puff Man shares what to look forward to this year.

We spoke with Vice President Executive Board, Ron Apinis and Board Member, Craig Dupre about Wishes on Wheels hosting a truck convoy and family fun day to support children with life-threatening medical conditions.

We spoke with Executive Director, Amanda Meeson and Director of Development, John Chamberlain about Sterling Community Center an organization that creates impactful and inclusive programs and services that engage and cultivate a thriving community.

We spoke with Co-Founders, Hannah DeCampos and Abagail Franzese about Buttoned Together a non-profit organization that believes art is a powerful tool for self-expression and mental well-being.

We spoke with Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., who was appointed as the 10th president of Western Connecticut State University. 

We spoke with President Susan Mitchell from US Horse Welfare and Rescue about the fundraising event Hoedown for Horses.

We spoke with President Samantha Merwin with Elbowbumpkid Inc. about the programs they offer to help families with children who have type 1 diabetes.  

We spoke with Director Cindy Howard with the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic schools (FACS) about the Annual FORE FACS Golf Classic.

We spoke with Miss Ct Volunteer Yokayris Castillo and Miss CT Teen Volunteer Ella Perillo about winning in the Miss CT Volunteer pageant system. 

We spoke with Clinical Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Taylor Brinker and Registered Behavior Technician Anele Barbieri about the programs offered at "A Behavioral Approach."

We spoke with Co-founder's of DK Movement Cares, Derek Jones and Kelly Houston about the 3rd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K Run/Walk. 

We spoke with Christian Marshall from the CT Humane Society about the adoptable pet of the week.

We spoke with Dr. Sameer Hanfi and Dr. Jean Weigert from Jefferson Radiology about the Strike Out Cancer Night Game.

We spoke with U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Vice Chair Thomas Hicks about advancing safe, secure, accurate, and accessible elections.

We spoke with Oak Hill Chief Administrator Dan Osborne and Jack Gaynor from JMR Staffing about the 31st annual Oak Hill Golf Classic.

Kerry Collins spoke with Dante Cistulli from Zephyr's Street Pizza and Hartford Yard Goats GameDay Conor about the 1st EVER G.O.A.T. Tacos, Tequila & Taps Fest at Dunkin' Park July 24-26.