Keep in mind less fortunate throughout holidays

MIDDLETOWN — It is Thanksgiving time again in Middlesex County and throughout our great nation. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, not simply because of the great turkey dinner with all the trimmings, but because it inspires reflection and a true appreciation of what is important in life.

I am blessed with a wonderful family, led by my wife Patty, and a network of friends that truly has my back. It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, a dynamic business organization with over 2,100 members. I am thankful for my staff at the chamber, who work hard on behalf of the business community in Middlesex County on a daily basis.

We have a dedicated Board of Directors, led by Chairman Tom Byrne, which truly makes Middlesex County a great place to live, work and play. I am thankful to be a citizen of the United States of America, a place where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed in writing.

I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone keeps in mind those who are less fortunate throughout this holiday season, as well as those struggling with COVID-19 and other health challenges.

Thanksgiving time also means that it is Holiday on Main Street time in Middletown. Despite these uncertain times, the chamber and city of Middletown are working hard to develop interactive, safe and socially distant events that will help get the community in the holiday spirit. The planning committee, led by Chairman Al Santostefano, has come up with a series of events called, “The Magic of Middletown!”

The Magic of Middletown will begin with a virtual tree lighting Friday, followed by socially distant events Saturday and Dec. 5 and 12. We will also host a Dashing through Downtown Holiday Parade Dec. 4, which will feature a decorated car parade that will travel around the great city of Middletown.

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and we are encouraging everyone to support our local small business community throughout this holiday shopping season. For a list of participating businesses, please visit middlesexchamber.com. The day will also kick off the Festival of Wreaths Virtual Silent Auction, pictures with Santa, a “Tis the Season to Find a Gnome” Scavenger Hunt, popcorn and pretzels outside the chamber building on Main Street and much more.

Please visit holidayonmain.com for details.

On the chamber front, this week features important meetings of our Westbrook Division, Arrigoni Bridge & Saint John Square Project Committee, and Women’s Leadership Collaborative. The Arrigoni Bridge and St. John Square Project Committee is tasked with making sure that access to the bridge is not compromised during the construction, and that emergency and other critical vehicles can access the construction zones at all times.

The chamber is, of course, also monitoring the economic impact of the projects. I once again want to thank Middletown Fire Chief Rob Kronenberger and Portland Public Works Director Bob Shea, who are co-chairs of this important chamber committee. We look forward to another productive meeting Tuesday.

This week also features meetings of the Metro Chamber Executive Work Group, and the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, both on Tuesday. I will attend the virtual meeting with my fellow chamber executives from around the state, and chamber Vice President Jeff Pugliese will attend the virtual session. I continue to appreciate the great work of our chamber colleagues from all over the state of Connecticut.

Look ahead to December, I ask that chamber members and other interested parties save the dates for three important upcoming events. On Dec. 8, our KeyBank Workshop Series continues with a session on Cyber Security. On Dec. 9, our Recovery Employment Program will host an important webinar focusing on opioids titled, “Facing the Holidays.”

Finally, on Dec. 16, a special virtual luncheon featuring Gov. Ned Lamont, sponsored by Eversource, will take place at noon. Gov. Lamont will visit with chamber members to discuss the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, he will focus on public health measures that are underway or planned, and how the state of Connecticut plans to support the business community as we approach the start of a new year.

Before closing, I want to take a moment to remind readers that the Community Health Center is offering free COVID-19 testing, seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at its 19 Grand St. facility in Middletown. This service is available for drive-up or walk-up. Testing is critical to combating the pandemic that we all continue to deal with, and I would like to again thank Mark Masselli and his team for their great work on the front lines of this crisis.

I also want to take a moment to thank Vin Capece and his terrific team at Middlesex Health for the great work they have done on the public health front this year. We are so fortunate to have these two institutions in our region, and we are eternally grateful for their efforts.

Happy Thanksgiving, Middlesex County. Be safe!