‘No Shave November’ helps cancer patients

OLD SAYBROOK — During the month of November 2020, more than 65 police departments across the state of Connecticut put down their razors to team up with the Connecticut Cancer Foundation to help raise funds for their No Shave November CT fundraiser, presented by Schick Extreme and Schick Hydro. Funds raised will benefit three ambassadors, along with many CT cancer patients, to help with everyday living expenses such a rent, utilities, food and more.

Officers generally follow strict rules about facial hair, but these rules were relaxed through the end of November into December for some. The concept was to donate the money saved on shaving supplies to a good cause. The goal was to bring attention to the needs of CT cancer patients and the financial side-effect of cancer, compounded by the impact of COVID-19.

Also supporting the cause were sponsors Pasta Vita, Liberty Bank, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, Executive Auto Group, iHeartMedia and ConnectiCare.

John Gogliettino, General Manager of EAG, said, “We at the Executive Auto Group were honored to be a part of such an amazing event thatshowed so much kindness across the state of Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers continue to stay with the brave young ambassadors of this event and we are grateful to the Connecticut Cancer Foundation for all the hard work they put into help those fighting this disease.”

Sargent Lou Brangi and K9 Tate of the Wallingford PD were part of the top fundraising police team. The leader of the team, Lt. James Cifarelli of the Wallingford PD said, “While it feels good to be the top fundraising police team, what feels better is that knowing the money all the teams raised immediately helped local families and will continue to help the Connecticut Cancer Foundation accomplish their mission throughout the year”

Jane Ellis, CCF Executive Director, said, “I am inspired by the way our community came together for the benefit of CT cancer patients in the midst of a pandemic. I am beyond thrilled and grateful to the many generous and compassionate police officers and sponsors who participated and raised almost a quarter of a million dollars!! Simply incredible, I am thankfully speechless!”

The Connecticut Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1987 to provide financial assistance to CT cancer patients and their families and to fund cancer research. To learn more go to www.ctcancerfoundation.org

Essex Savings Bank announces new CEO, president

ESSEX — The Board of Directors of Essex Savings Bank recently announced that Diane Arnold, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Essex Savings Bank, is assuming the role of president and CEO in July 2021, upon the retirement of bank president and CEO Gregory Shook, according to a statement.

Shook has served in his role for 21 years overseeing steady growth in deposits and loans, geographic expansion, the development of the Trust Department with more than $600 million in assets, and integration with Essex Financial Services, its wholly-owned wealth management subsidiary with over $2.8 billion of managed assets. In addition to inheriting Shook’s role, Arnold will also serve on the Board of Essex Savings Bank, and on the Board of Essex Financial Services, Inc., according to the statement.

Douglas Paul, Chairman of the Essex Savings Bank Board of Directors, said, “Greg Shook has been an exemplary leader, and our Board engaged in a very extensive and comprehensive process to select his successor. Ms. Arnold is an outstanding choice with the attributes and qualities necessary to propel Essex Savings Bank into the next era of banking as a leading community bank.”

Arnold began her banking career in 1983 and worked in a variety of departments at two different banks before joining Essex Savings Bank in 2002, where she ultimately rose to her current position. During her 19 years at the bank, she has been particularly influential in developing the commercial loan portfolio and in mentoring many individuals, according to the statement. She has been involved in a number of community organizations for many years, and in 2017 she received a Women of Fire Award, recognizing key female leaders in the finance, insurance and real estate sectors.

Arnold earned a B.S. degree in Economics from Quinnipiac College and is also a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. “I am honored to have been selected by the Board to assume the role of President and CEO upon Greg Shook’s retirement,” Arnold said. “I look forward to building upon our solid foundation of serving the local community and continuing to flourish in an ever-changing banking environment.”

Police recognized for Special Olympics support

MIDDLETOWN — Special Olympics Connecticut recently recognized law enforcement agencies that were top fundraisers for the organization in 2020. These agencies participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a year-round initiative that includes events and activities hosted and supported by law enforcement to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their teammates and help fund Special Olympics' sports, health and fitness programs. Among the top 10 was the Middletown Police Department, which raised $22,700.19

Law enforcement collectively raised money to provide opportunities and a sense of belonging to athletes of all abilities through Penguin Plunge and Over the Edge fundraisers, Coin Drives, Tip-ACop events, merchandise and Adopt-a-Mile sales and additional charitable efforts in their local communities. To find out more, visit soct.org and follow Special Olympics Connecticut and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Connecticut is one of the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicles. In addition to the annual Torch Run, this year-round program involves law enforcement officers from across the state who volunteer their time to organize and host fundraisers including Tip-a-Cop, Cop-on-Top and Jail N’ Bail events.