The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Serra to be honored with a tree planting
MIDDLETOWN — We have reached an important week in Middlesex County and throughout our great nation, the week that includes Election Day.
Election Day is not only a day when we choose our elected officials, but it is a symbol of our democracy, and it represents our commitment to a peaceful transfer of power and responsibility.
It is very important that we do our civic duty, visit our polling stations and participate in the election process.
We are very lucky to live in a nation where we choose our leaders at the ballot box, and we should all take seriously our responsibility to vote on Election Day.
On behalf of the chamber, I want to once again thank all of the candidates from across our region for their willingness to run and to serve in public office.
Of course, the ability to hold free and fair elections is only possible because of our veterans and those who serve our country at home and around the world.
Veterans Day, a special day that is designed to honor all the veterans that have served this nation with distinction and bravery, is Nov. 11.
The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce continues to support our active duty, reserves and guard personnel, and the many local veterans who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces.
I look forward to important meetings this week of the chamber’s Executive Committee, the Region 2 Long Term Recovery Steering Committee, the Metro Chamber Executive Work Group, the chamber’s Portland and East Hampton Division, Central Business Bureau and the Chester, Deep River and Essex Division.
I also look forward to participating in an event that is being run in partnership with Liberty Bank and the UConn School of Business on Thursday afternoon.
Led by John Elliott, dean of the UConn School of Business, the event will focus on succession and technology while running a family- owned business. The session will feature a variety of experts who will cover best practices for adapting to current events and other topics.
Thursday afternoon also features a visit to Palmer Field for the official dedication of a tree and a plaque in honor of Tom Serra.
As I have noted many times since his passing, Tom Serra was many things to many people.
He dedicated himself to public service throughout a long and distinguished
career as an educator, a principal, a mayor, a member of the Middletown Common Council and a supporter of countless community initiatives.
The tree and plaque at Palmer Field will honor the impact he had on local athletics. Tom was a giant, and I look forward to attending the event on Thursday and saying a few words about my friend, who I miss every day.
On the business devel
opment front, I look forward to joining Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop and other local dignitaries at a grand opening celebration for Catherine & Co. Salon and Day Spa in Westbrook on Friday afternoon.
We wish owner Catherine Stowik and her entire team nothing but the best as they work to grow their business here in Middlesex County. Please check out this exciting new shoreline salon.
I am afraid I must close this week’s column on a sad note after the recent passing of Elmer Chiarappa at the age of 95.
Elmer was a terrific local businessman who owned, along with his wife, E. Chiarappa Jewelry on Main Street in Middletown for an amazing 65 years. They were strong supporters of our chamber, which I appreciate very much.
He also served our nation with honor in the
U. S. Navy during World War II, and served his community in a variety of ways throughout his life.
More important than all of this to Elmer, however, was his devotion to his family.
Our thoughts are prayers are with all of them at this difficult time. Elmer E. Chiarappa was a good man, and he will be missed.