MARY LOU'S LEGACY

Last week I had the honor of attending the opening of the Mary Lou Strom Primary Care Center located at 5 North Main Street in the Thompsonville section of Enfield. Enfield lost Mary Lou December 26, 2006 and many of us who count her as friend and mentor still can't believe that she is not here today...especially during campaign season.

On that cloudy morning last week chair's were set up for the guest that would attend the opening of the Care Center, but by the time we got to the ribbon cutting ceremony there was standing room only. The legacy of anyone can be measured by what they leave behind. Mary Lou was a compassionate and giving lady in life, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

What is great about her name appearing on this building is that the next generation will be able ask their parents who is Mary Lou Strom and mom's and dad's can share the life, work, and dedication to community that Mary Lou lived.

I mentioned earlier that the day was a normal Fall day with thick clouds blocking the suns rays. There was a hint of chill in the air as local, state, and national leaders paid tribute to Mary Lou Strom. I was standing near the back of the chairs with a number of friends of Mary Lou.

Then it was time for the ribbon cutting. The Strom Family, local leaders, and clinic staff stood with Lisa Strom who was preparing to cut the ceremonial ribbon when with perfect Mary Lou timing the sun broke through the over cast morning. At that moment a number of us looked at each other with the true feeling that Mary Lou wanted to look down and cast her heavenly eyes on the legacy of her earthly work. Her legacy carries on in each life she touched and will touch.

Now, to the campaign.


The last couple of weeks I reminded you about the Council Candidates. The next couple of weeks I want to share, once again, some information about the Republican Board of Education candidates. Each of us running for the BOE bring a wide variety of expertise and experiences to the table.

Start with Sue Lavelli-Hozempa for instance. Sue is an incumbent board member who understands numbers and taxes, how they relate to government and how to get the most out of education dollars.Sue is employed at the Yankee Institute of Public Policy, and has twenty years experience in corporate finance, as well as ten years of independent study in public policy and economics. Sue has lived in Enfield for sixteen years and shows by hard work and an enthusiastic outlook that she genuinely cares about both the education of our children and the taxpayers.Running with Sue is incumbent Charles L. Johnson, III. Chuck is a software engineer with Cigna who attended local schools, including Enfield High School, Central Connecticut State University and the New England Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences.Chuck is focused on providing quality education to our students, and vows to maintain fiscal responsibility. He is a former constable and serves on the Connecticut Water Company Advisory Committee.Andre V. Greco is also asking voters to return him to the Board of Education. Currently serving as chairman of the building security committee Andre is an 8-year resident who works in sales at Ingersoll Rand Corp.A 1989 graduate of the University of Hartford with a degree in marketing, Andre is active in the Parent Teachers Organization, the Boy Scouts, the Enfield Little League and is head coach and organizer of the Enfield Little League Challenger Program.

I will share more next week about the BOE candidates which includes Pat Droney and myself.


Looking for an opportunity to meet the Republican Candidates? We invite you to these events:

Pasta Dinner
Saturday October 20th
6-8PM
Host Candidates: The Board Of Education Candidates
Location: Weymouth Road Fire House
Cost: $7.00 Adult…$3.00 Children…Family $20.00 (Up to 5 people)
Email me at GTStokessr@aol.com for tickets to the Pasta Dinner

Wine and Cheese Fundraiser
Saturday October 20th
6-9PM
Host Candidate: Scott Kaupin
Location: The Alaimo Home, 9 Valleyview Circle
Cost: $10.00


Below is the contact information of the Republican Candidates for Town Council and Board of Education. Each one of us would be happy to hear from you and answer any questions about the town government or school system.District 1 Candidate Joe Bosco…745-8662…Joseph@boscoautomotive.comDistrict 3 Candidate Scott Kaupin…749-1820…Scottkaupin@cox.netDistrict 4 Candidate Clem Dumont…741-2363…clemdumont@cox.netAt-Large Candidates:Jason Jones…749-2837…jjones174@cox.netBill Lee…749-4922…Enfieldparade@sbcglobal.netKen Nelson…214-7826…ukenown@aol.comBill Ragno…763-5902…wragno@cox.netBoard of Education Candidates:Pat Droney…763-1969…droney.for.boe@gmail.comAndre Greco…749-3883…andregreco@cox.netChuck Johnson…745-1118…chuck.johnson@thanatos.comSue Lavelli Hozempa…253-0677…lavelli@snet.netGreg Stokes…741-7349…GTStokessr@aol.com