Cromwell Listens

Christine Whitney and her husband, John Whitney, have owned Phoenix Farm since 2009, yet its history is all in the family. Christine shares with us her love of organic agriculture and our Community. She also talks with pride about her Farm’s role as liaison between the Town of Cromwell and vendors for the upcoming Town of Cromwell Farmers Market. So much nutritious stuff to be absorbed in a single interview, more than your recommended daily allowance, (and we promise that’s our last agricultural pun.) Get to know Phoenix Farm….on Cromwell Listens.

Mertie Terry is a woman with much variety in her life, giving us a much varied interview, ranging in topic from her life‘s achievements to her true and enduring love of country, to her work as a published author. Miss Terry is not only a champion of our Community but of all people who wish to achieve something, who wish to do well - and give back.

James Demrtriades, of the Cromwell Creative District, as well as Cromwell Listens fame, provides the 411 on the CCD Block Party taking place on Saturday, August 21st, in Pierson Park, from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P. M. (Rain date, Saturday, August 28, same time.) James also lets people know how they can become involved in not just the Block Party but how they can volunteer for the Cromwell Creative District year-round - to demonstrate their support for both the Arts and our Community.

Jamie Cowie provides us the tools to curry our creativity through fluid art, then connects with us in a manner both engaging and heartfelt. Please, check-out the page on Go Fund Me set-up for Jaime - “Help for Jaime Cowie”. A cancer survivor, she shares with us her personal story. A great interview with a great person, an experience we hope will be repeated soon.

Another talented graduate of Cromwell High School joins us for some chin-wagging. Director, writer and actor - “Yeah, that Koty Vooys… We knew him when….” On his way yet right here with us. We hope you have as good a time as we did. (Our acknowledgement and thanks for the clip from Edutopia featuring Martin Scorsese that begins this episode.)

Adam Jonkman, student, musician, Cromwell High graduate, shares his love for jazz and his mentoring by a special music teacher that helped shape his academic/career trajectory. Adam also delivers a history of the art form that is jazz and how its quintessentially American sound has provided the means for people all over the world to communicate. A fun and insightful interview with a truly talented young man.

In a special episode of “Cromwell Listens”, Lana Dupont talks about her advocacy for the LGBT Community and championing her greatest love, her children Jake and Josie Dupont (The Dupont Twins).

We are happy to welcome Micheal Brillas of Zendigity Productions for a discussion about the arts and their importance to our Community and his involvement with the Cromwell Creative District. Much going on in Cromwell…. Let’s bring it to life.

Covenant Living of Cromwell Executive Director Dan Stegbauer provides information about and insights into Covenant Village, its history and its future - a brand-new development on West Street. More than just housing, a place to call home. Covenant Living is a great partner to Cromwell, and Dan gives a great interview. You’ll learn a lot and feel even better about our Community.

The current Chairman of the Cromwell Board of Education, Attorney Jeffrey P. Matrullo, provides insight and reassurance during this challenging time. Join us for an interview sparked with personal reflections and a great sense of humor and, above all, a love for the Community Mr. Matrullo serves.

Merrie Avallone provides insights into her business and educates us on many aspects of florals. Grown right in town as well as sold in town at 50 Washington Road. Dreamland Flower Farm is a one-stop-shop. The enthusiasm and joy that Merrie brings to her craft are as beautiful as her flowers, and we hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did.

James Demetriades details what the Cromwell Creative District is up to and how folks can get involved. The arts are an integral part of community life. James’ illuminating look into what’s going on in our backyard can attest to that.

Rodney Bitgood discusses his labor of love, that of automobiles, and his commitment and dedication to our community through his volunteer work, having been at the helm of many popular events throughout the years. All for a great cause. Tune in for a tuneup.

Jeannine Marron, owner and founder of Peaceful Chaos Yoga, provides insights into the practice of yoga, emphasizes its inclusive nature for all skill, fitness and body types and expands on the ongoing charitable events she has organized for the Town of Cromwell. Stretch your ears, and have a listen....Peaceful Yoga is located at 328 Main Street, Cromwell. The phone number is (860) 338 - 2549. Check it out on Facebook and Instagram.

Miss Amy Saada details the many programs ongoing at Human Services, from the Senior Center to the Food Bank and more. Online classes and groups and interactions are many, from cooking to tai chi. And outreach - Cromwell Human Services making our Community work. For all. Have a listen…

Mayor Enzo details the state-of-the-art Amazon facility coming to Cromwell, requiring 200+ jobs to be filled. He also discusses what the Town has done to ensure equity and transparency at Town Hall and beyond. There’s a lot to cover. Enjoy…

Mr. Kieras talks about present, upcoming and ongoing activities through the Cromwell Rec Dept., emphasizing safety first yet cognizant of the need to have fun. For children and parents alike. During the summer, “our busiest time of the year“, the activities are plentiful, and Mr. Kieras reassures parents that everything is being done to follow guidelines and provide for their children an enjoyable, memorable season. Let’s listen…

Katelynn Puorro discusses programs, present and ongoing, available through Cromwell Youth Services. Her enthusiasm for her position and our Community and the work being done at her office is very much appreciated during this time of challenge and, often, uncertainty. We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we enjoyed interviewing her. Stay strong.

Dr. Enza Macri provides much-needed information and insight into the plans and preparations for Cromwell public schools during this challenging time. Touching on subjects ranging from Cronwell High School graduation to the upcoming Fall semester, Dr. Macri reassures parents that education will continue in a safe environment, following all appropriate guidelines, for all students and that her top priority is to maintain the high standards for which our Community’s schools have come to be known. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed speaking with Dr. Macri.

In this time of challenge, we are pleased to be joined by State Representative Christie Carpino. Answering questions ranging in topic from the working aspects of her position to the State response to COVID-19, to her own personal and professional aspirations and accomplishments, Miss Carpino provides insights, information, as well as a much-appreciated nod to bipartisanship, reminding us that we are all in this together.

State Senator Matthew Lesser, representing Connecticut’s ninth senatorial district, provides insights into the State government response to the current crisis and additional insights into his position, his goals and priorities and his decision to pursue a path in politics. Observing recommendations on social-distancing, this episode was recorded remotely, as all three principals were in different locations. Therefore, the audio-capture may sound a bit primitive. We appreciate your understanding and hope that you enjoy this interview with Matthew Lesser.

James Demetriades and James Neeland interview Enzo Faienza, Cromwell‘s first mayor under the current form of government instituted eight years ago. Touching on his early life, his family, his aspirations and his love of our Community, and, of course, the challenges at present during this uncertain time, Mayor Enzo provides insight and needed reassurance in this informal conversation. We apologize for any interference while listening to this interview and for the somewhat primitive audio capture, given today’s digital standards, yet, with respect for and observance of social distancing recommendations and other edicts, we decided to conduct this interview remotely, with all three of us at different locations. So, if it sounds unpolished, we do apologize. However, we think you will enjoy our talk with Enzo Faienza. And thank you so much for your support. “Stay safe, Cromwell. “

During this time of challenge, Cromwell, Connecticut pulls together. Because that’s how we roll.