CPBN Media Lab: Interview Series

6.4.2009
Ann Nyberg
News Anchor

Ann Nyberg
"I've been known to Twitter and Facebook while on air live."
6.4.2009

For nearly 30 years, Ann Nyberg has reported the news. She has anchored various broadcasts during her 20-year tenure at News Channel 8. Presently, she anchors the 6, 10, and 11 o'clock nightly newscast. While at WTNH, Ms. Nyberg has served as both an investigative and general assignment reporter and has extensive experience working "live" in the field. In 1998, she traveled to Cuba to report on Pope John Paul ll's historic visit to the nation.

Ms. Nyberg has been nominated for an Emmy for her work as an anchor and a reporter and has been voted "Best News Anchor" in Connecticut Magazine; reader's poll from 1998 through 2007. Not only does she bring integrity and dedication to the job, she also feels very strongly about reaching out to the community. Ms. Nyberg is involved with countless organizations around the state and enjoys lending a helping hand where ever it's needed.

Courtesy of http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_team/ann_nyberg

6.25.2009
Scot Haney
Meteorologist

Scot Haney
"I might be a Greek God."
6.25.2009
Scot Haney joined WFSB in November 1998. He has a bachelor's degree from St. John's University, a master's degree from Syracuse University and a degree in meteorology from Stony Brook University. Before joining WFSB, Mr. Haney got his first on-air job in Topeka, KN as a weekend meteorologist and weekday general assignment reporter. He loves to help his community and the people around him. My Sisters' Place honored him with their Advocate Award in 2007 for, "his extraordinary effort in bringing attention to important causes through hundreds of personal appearances each year." In 2003, Mr. Haney received the American Red Cross Service Award. The Hartford Advocate has honored him as the Best News Personality in Connecticut for eight consecutive years.
7.13.2009
Henry Lee, PhD
Forensic Scientist

Henry Lee, PhD
"Just like CSI, but we can't solve the case by the second commercial."
7.13.2009
Dr. Henry Lee is currently the Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut and is an occasional lecturer of forensic science at the University of New Haven, where he has helped to set up the Henry C. Lee Forensic Institute. He is also a visiting professor at the East China University of Poitical Science and Law. Previously, he has served as Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Safety, the Director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, and as the state’s chief criminologist from 1979 to 2000. He has worked on famous cases such as the JonBenét Ramsey murder, the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, the post-9/11 forensic investigation, the Washington, DC sniper shootings, and the reinvestigation of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Dr. Lee currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Margaret, to whom he was married in 1962. Courtesy of Wikipedia
7.1.2010
Ned Lamont
Candidate for Governor

Ned Lamont
"This is a tough time for the State of Connecticut, and it takes a different type of leader."
7.1.2010
Ned Lamont is a businessman with a proven commitment to public service. He is running for governor of Connecticut at this critical time because he believes that while our state needs better management, we also need bold leadership with a comprehensive plan to create jobs and make government work for our families -- and the courage to make that vision a reality. It's no surprise that Ned has chosen to take on this challenge at this moment. It's what he has done his entire life. In 2006, Ned took on the political establishment by defeating Joe Lieberman for the Democratic nomination for United States Senate. Ned campaigned on the message that our nation's fiscally reckless foreign policy was distracting us from pressing issues that demanded our attention at home -- including the economy, education, health care, and energy independence. In their endorsement of Ned for the general election, the New York Times wrote that Ned's "willingness to take on Mr. Lieberman when no one else dared to do it showed real courage and conviction." In the years following his historic race for Senate, Ned has served as a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics, and as co-chairman of the Obama campaign in Connecticut. Ned has also stayed involved in many of the issues he campaigned on in 2006 by serving on the boards of Mercy Corps, which provides job training skills for disadvantaged youth in the Middle East; Conservation Services Group, the fastest growing energy efficiency company in the country; and Teach for America CT, which recruits and trains college graduates to teach in under-served school systems. In a 2007 editorial, the Stamford Advocate praised Ned for "continuing to stand up publicly for the causes he supported during his election campaign." Bio courtesy of NedLamont.com
6.2.2011
Dick Allen
Connecticut Poet Laureate

Dick Allen
"I have forty-two statues of the Buddha in my living room."
6.2.2011
Dick Allen retired from his position as Charles A. Dana Endowed Chair Professor at the University of Bridgeport in 1999, after an accomplished and lauded career. He became Poet Laureate for the state of Connecticut on July 1, 2010, beginning a five-year term in that role. Allen is a winner of numerous poetry awards, including the Robert Frost Prize for Poetry, the Hart Crane Poetry Prize, the Pushcart Prize, and the Connecticut Book Award in Poetry. He was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. His poetry has been published in multiple volumes of Best American Poetry and has appeared in Poetry, The Atlantic Monthly, The New Republic, The New Yorker, The Hudson Review, The Sewanee Review, and The American Poetry Review, among many other well-known poetry publications. Formerly of upstate New York near the Adirondacks and a graduate of Syracuse University and Brown University, Allen is one of the founders of the 1980s movement, Expansive Poetry, an umbrella school of poetry including New Formalism. He espouses Buddhism, which he admits permeates his poetry, some of which explores various contemporary social themes from future shock to existentialism and human consciousness. “I figure in my previous life I was probably a Chinese monk,” he mused during his interview at CPBN. Dick Allen has been called the “best reader of poetry in America,” and gives readings fairly regularly in Connecticut. He resides by the shore of Thrushwood Lake in Trumbull with his wife Lori. Sources: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/dick-allen http://www.sarabandebooks.org/?page_id=161 http://poetrynet.org/month/archive/allen/intro.html
7.15.2009
Courtney
Kiss 95.7 Radio Host

Courtney
"You're the first to see this."
7.15.2009
Courtney joined Kiss 95.7 twelve years ago. Before joining Kiss 95.7, she worked at a classic rock station in her hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She loves animals and spends her afternoons with her horse. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in communications. She is recently engaged and looking forward to planning her wedding.
11.30.2011
Nancy Tafuri
Author and Illustrator

Nancy Tafuri
“If you don’t really stretch yourself to the limits, on what you have to do, you’re really not going to get where you want to go."
11.30.2011
Over the last thirty years, Nancy Tafuri, author and illustrator of children’s books, has authored more than 45 books. After taking a children’s book illustration class in college, she knew this was her passion. Once her daughter was born, Nancy’s work became more personal and her love for creating children’s books grew. Her beautiful illustrations, which are often based on her pets and family, have captured the imaginations of young children for generations. One of her most popular books, Have You Seen My Duckling? was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1985. Along with numerous other achievements, Nancy has helped change the perceptions around children’s picture books. When she first began her career, Nancy was told her illustrations were too graphic and big for young children. Never giving up on her dreams, her talent was finally recognized at Greenwillow Books, Harper Collins Publishers. Nancy Tafuri grew up in New York and currently lives in Connecticut where she enjoys working in her studio and spending time with her family. Source: http://www.nancytafuri.com
7.28.2009
Helen Ubinas
Journalist

Helen Ubinas
"I'm not good at chit-chat. I don't do chatty."
7.28.2009
Helen Ubiñas was born in New York and received her bachelor's degree from Boston University. She began her career in journalism in 1994 when she started with the Hartford Courant as a city desk reporter and has held a number of positions there since, including town reporter, features reporter, and lifestyles and specialties reporter. Since 2000, Ms. Ubiñas has been a Courant columnist. Ms. Ubiñas has been awarded a number of honors and was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. She is also a member of a Pulitzer Prize winning team for breaking news. In 2004, she was apart of a team that won the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award for public service. In 2005, she was a finalist for her column writing for the National Headliner Award and the American Society of Newspaper Editors Award. She was also a finalist for the Howard Scripps Foundation National Journalism Award for commentaries in 2006. She also won first place for her column writing from the New England Associated Press News Executives Association. Courtesy of http://knight.stanford.edu/fellows/2008/ubinas/
3.28.2011
Mark Colville
Co-Founder, Amistad Catholic Worker House

Mark Colville
"We’re more into what Jesus did, as opposed to what he believed."
3.28.2011
Mark Colville is a founding member of the Amistad Catholic Worker House in New Haven, CT. Based on a philosophy of “personalism” (“If you want to help the person in the street, go the person in the street,” Mark explains), the house is open to members of the community seeking sustenance and companionship. Mark and his wife, four children, and a nephew share their home with five to 20 people at any given time. The Amistad Catholic Worker House in located on Rosette Street, within“The Hill” neighborhood in the southwest corner of New Haven and populated by mostly working class and minority residents. Activities at the Amistad Catholic Worker include daily breakfast and lunch, medical screenings, furniture and clothing “give and takes,” anti-war vigils, and a mass held in Mark’s living room followed by a shared meal. The house, one of 200+ affiliated with the movement, is open to any and all individuals who need a place to stay for any length of time and has been in operation since 1994. Neither a soup kitchen nor a church, the Amistad Catholic Worker House prides itself on being an “extended family” that blurs the distinction between the people who are serving and those being served. The Catholic Worker Movement was initiated by social justice activists Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, amid the Great Depression. Mark clarified that while many workers are not Catholics themselves, the movement adheres to several Catholic values, which include non-violence, voluntary poverty, daily reflection, and hospitality for those in need. Mark studied peace and religion in college and attended seminary for three years. He is fluent in Spanish and has traveled to many countries in Latin and South America with his wife to continue their missionary work, particularly in Guatemala and Brazil. Throughout the years, Mark has taken a stance on issues of both local and global significance, protesting torture, arms manufacture, corporate tax cheats, and in 2009, attempted to bring medical supplies with five other peace activists to Gaza.
3.21.2012
Steve Wolfberg
Steve Wolfberg

Steve Wolfberg
It used to be an advertiser would say, you know 'Here's what I got, what do ya want?' And now the consumers are saying 'Here's what I need, what do ya got?' So the power has really shifted to the consumer.
3.21.2012
Chief Creative Officer of Cronin and Company speaks with CPBN Media Lab By Brian Johnson Published: Mar 19, 2012 Steve has been creating compelling and memorable advertising for over 30 years for national brands such as Amica Insurance, Benihana, Konica Minolta, MasterCard and Tractor Supply Company, as well as local and regional icons like the Connecticut Lottery, Bertucci’s Restaurants and Northeast Utilities. As one of the owners of Cronin and Company, Steve has helped lead the agency to its fifth straight ranking as Connecticut’s Top Ad Agency and Top 10 in New England. As Cronin’s Chief Creative Officer, it’s Steve’s responsibility to assure the agency’s work gets noticed, gets remembered and gets results. He does it by forging an emotional connection with the target audience through messages that touch the heart, the soul – and sometimes, the funny bone. Steve has made numerous appearances on ESPN, giving his expert commentary on Super Bowl ads. He’s also a frequent guest on NBC-TV 30 and on Connecticut’s leading radio station, WTIC-AM. Steve lives with his wife and two children in Avon, Connecticut. His mother still wonders why his name isn’t seen after his commercials, like it would be if he wrote "something important", like a movie or a TV show.
10.26.2010
Laurie Perez
Reporter

Laurie Perez
"I like to know a little about a lot of different things"
10.26.2010
Award-winning reporter Laurie Perez is a native of South Windsor. Prior to Fox CT, Laurie covered national stories for CBS and worked as a reporter at WSPA-TV, the CBS station in Greenville, South Carolina. Her first job was reporting at the CBS affiliate KEPR-TV in Kennewick, Washington. Laurie has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University and is a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School. Laurie is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She has been nominated the past three years in a row for the Emmy for Best Overall Reporter in New England. Laurie is the host of Fox CT’s weekly political affairs show "The Real Story." Bio courtsey of: Fox CT.com
5.29.2009
Richard Blumenthal
Attorney General

Richard Blumenthal
"My life is an open book."
5.29.2009

First elected in 1990, Richard Blumenthal is serving an unprecedented fifth term as Attorney General. Blumenthal’s aggressive law enforcement for consumer protection, environmental stewardship, labor rights and personal privacy, has helped reshape the role of state attorneys general nationwide -- and recover hundreds of millions of dollars for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers each year. Blumenthal previously served as administrative assistant to U.S. Sen. Abraham A. Ribicoff, aide to former U.S. Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan when Moynihan was Assistant to the President of the United States, and law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. He was U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, the state’s chief federal prosecutor, from 1977 to 1981 -- prosecuting drug traffickers, organized and white collar crime, civil rights violators, consumer fraud and polluters. He served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1984 to 1987, and then the State Senate from 1987 to 1990. Blumenthal graduated from Harvard College (Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude), and Yale Law School, where he was editor of the Yale Law Journal. Attorney General Blumenthal lives in Greenwich with his wife, Cynthia, and their four children. The Attorney General can be reached via e-mail at Attorney.General@po.state.ct.us, or constituents may view the Attorney General's Web page. Courtesy of http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2178&Q=295440

Attorney General Blumenthal announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on January 7th, following the news that U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, Connecticut's longest serving Senator would not seek re-election. For more about these developments, listen to Where We Live at http://www.cpbn.org/program/where-we-live/episode/wwl-dodd-out and The Colin McEnroe show at http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show/episode/cms-chris-dodd
7.8.2010
Tom Foley
Candidate for Governor

Tom Foley
"We need to change the way government is conducted."
7.8.2010
Tom Foley is a highly respected business leader with over 25 years experience as a business owner and executive. Tom started from scratch and made his own way in business. He started the NTC Group in 1985 to acquire under-performing businesses and turn them around. Within ten years, NTC Group grew to employ over 6,000 people. Tom knows what it takes to meet a payroll and keep a business going. Tom believes the same expertise and problem-solving skills he used to fix problems in his businesses can be used to fix our economy and our broken government in Hartford. Tom has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Harvard and a MBA from Harvard Business School. He has served twice in government and understands how government works. From October of 2006 until January of 2009 he was the United States Ambassador to Ireland. In 2003 and 2004, the White House asked Tom to serve in Iraq overseeing most of Iraq’s state-owned businesses and developing a plan for re-establishing a strong private sector economy. Tom earned the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award for his service in Iraq. Learn more about Tom’s service in Iraq here http://www.tomfoley2010.com/?page_id=1138 The fourth of six children, Tom learned early how to listen. He showed an early interest in fixing things and he liked to venture out. Curious about a bigger world than he was experiencing in school, Tom took a year off at seventeen to work and travel around the country. He worked a construction job and then worked on an assembly line at a can factory where he was member of the union. He zigzagged across the country from Boston to Alaska working and meeting people along the way. Tom knows a lot about what makes this country work and the views, problems, and needs of people from all over. Tom is a lifelong Republican and has been working hard supporting Republican candidates for over 30 years. Tom believes in the Republican principles of individual freedom, limited government, lower taxes, and reliance on the private sector and free markets for economic growth. These are the principles on which his campaign and his Plan Forward for Connecticut are based. These are the same principles on which he will lead Connecticut. Throughout Tom’s career he has been involved in charitable causes focused on improving educational opportunities for children. Tom served on the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was a Trustee of the Kent School in Kent, CT. He was appointed to two Governor’s Commissions including the Governor’s Commission on Divorce, Custody and Children, which he co-chaired, and the Governor’s Commission on Education Finance. Tom’s wife, Leslie, is an attorney. Tom’s son, also named Tom, is nineteen and a freshman in college. Courtesy of http://www.tomfoley2010.com
4.13.2011
Nancy Wyman
Lieutenant Governor

Nancy Wyman
“Most people think, ‘Oh, it’s easy to go out and give a speech.’ It’s not. I get nervous every time.”
4.13.2011
Nancy Wyman was elected Lt. Governor of Connecticut in 2010 in one of the narrowest gubernatorial races in the state’s history. Nancy’s commitment to improving quality of health care in Connecticut traces back to her interest in medicine, including her first job as an X-ray technician which she began after graduating from radiological school in 1966. Nancy served on the Tolland Board of Education from 1979 to 1987, then served the state from 1987 to 1995 as State Representative from the 53rd District, where she was House Chairperson of the Education Committee and Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education, and where she was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Education Association. She served as Comptroller of the state from 1995 until becoming Lt. Governor in 2011. Nancy is the first female to have served as Connecticut Comptroller, and she is also the first female Democrat to serve as Lt. Governor of the state. As Comptroller, she received awards for her leadership from numerous groups, including Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Federation of Business & Professional Women, and Connecticut Coalition of Police & Correction Officers. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Nancy resides in Tolland, CT, where she and her husband Michael have lived since 1973. Sources: www.ltgovernor.ct.gov, ctmirror.org/node/306
6.7.2010
Dan Malloy
Gubernatorial Candidate

Dan Malloy
"Growing up with physical and learning disabilities shapes your attitudes."
6.7.2010
A former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, Dan Malloy returned home in 1995 to run or Mayor of Stamford, CT. After winning a landslide victory, he served for 14 years- the city's longest serving mayor. Stamford was revitalized under Dan's leadership. In a state that has struggled to create employment opportunities, Malloy brought nearly 5,000 new jobs to Stamford. While Connecticut continues to lose residents he was able to attract 12,000 new people to the city. His administration reduced crime by 63%, consistently earning Stamford the label of one of the 'Top 10 safest cities in the U.S' by the FBI. He implemented the first citywide pre-school program, ensuring that all 4-year-old children have access to pre-K regardless of their economic circumstances. His administration also built thousands of units of affordable housing, championed clean energy, and made dramatic improvements to Stamford's transportation infrastructure. In 2006, Dan ran for Governor and was the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate. He is running again in 2010 for the same position. Born and raised in Stamford, CT, Dan is the youngest of 8 siblings. He currently lives in Stamford with his wife, Cathy, and their three sons; Dannel, Ben, and Sam. -Bio courtesy of DanMalloy.com
6.17.2009
Mark Twain
Author

Mark Twain
"I'd take credit for anything, believe me."
6.17.2009
John Pogson began educating himself about the legendary humorist after several people commented on his remarkable resemblance to Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens). As Pogson studied, he realized he not only looked like Twain, but he also shared many of the author's interests, hobbies and opinions. These shared characteristics only reinforce his commitment to portraying Twain as authentically and accurately as possible. Pogson’s debut as Mark Twain occurred during Hartford, Connecticut's first Mark Twain Days in 1996; his commitment is enthusiastic and ongoing. Pogson has appeared nationally on CBS and ESPN; he can currently be seen on the Home and Garden Network (HGTV) in a segment titled Famous American Authors Homes, as well as on PBS in an award winning documentary produced by CPTV titled Mark Twain's Neighborhood: Nook Farm. He has also appeared as Twain in the New York Times, on NPR, Radio America, the Fox Network, WTIC, WTNH and Russian Children's Television. He has, and continues to host many corporate and private functions, as well as performing speeches at conventions and entertaining audiences from all over the world. His client list is impressive to say the least. Twain’s forward-thinking views are relevant today; Pogson enjoys “holding court” as Twain, enlightening and entertaining corporate and private clients as well as students, educators, and audiences of all ages and sizes. Pogson also appears with actress, Lisa Steier, portraying Mark Twain and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens, in a series of original dramatic programs incorporating Twain's personal papers and examining lesser-known facets of the author's life and work. Courtesy of s&L Productions
4.5.2011
Jennifer Boyd
Executive Producer, CPTV

Jennifer Boyd
"You need folks that have your back. You need your 'cheerleading squad,' so to speak, in order to do it."
4.5.2011
Jennifer Boyd is an Emmy Award winning documentary producer and is the Executive Producer of Local Programming at Connecticut Public Television. Jennifer has been writing, producing and directing documentaries for over 20 years and is owner of production company Boyd Productions, LLC. Six of her documentaries have been nationally distributed and sections of her groundbreaking documentary, Teens: Behind the Wheel, have been shown on ABC World News Tonight, Dateline, Good Morning America and MSNBC. The documentary was also written about in the New York Times, Hartford Courant and other esteemed newspapers. After graduating cum laude from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, Jennifer worked as an intern for various production companies and learned many aspects of the business. After years of freelance work, she founded Boyd Productions and landed her job at CPTV. Jennifer enjoys the storytelling aspect of producing documentaries and likes that she has the ability to make a difference with her work. She has traveled to many countries to create the documentaries including Haiti, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Newfoundland and has many memorable experiences from her travels. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys trips to Vermont with her family and making pottery that she sells at a gallery. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children in West Hartford, Connecticut.
12.28.2011
Susan Talbott
Director and CEO of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Susan Talbott
“I would say to go after your dream, but to make sure that your dream is realistic, and to have the confidence to do it.”
12.28.2011
Susan Talbott agreed to be interviewed for our MLAB101 series on August 22nd, 2011. She came to the interview with an extensive resume, and a detailed biography. Susan Talbott is the director and CEO of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Before coming to the Wadsworth, she was the director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum from 2005-2008, and the Des Moines Art Center from 1998-2005. She has also worked for several prominent art organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts. There she served as the director of its Visual Arts program from 1989-1992. As a director, Susan Talbott has achieved national recognition through her implementation of community engagement programs. Susan Talbott formed partnerships with over one hundred community organizations. Her stated goal has been to reach out and create a cultural experience for inner city children, and other groups with a historically lower rate of attendance. During her tenure as director of the Des Moines Art center, Susan Talbott doubled the attendance rate in her first two years. She also expanded the museum, acquiring over seven hundred works of modern and contemporary art, and creating a downtown branch. She also acquired two million dollars in grants from the Wallace Reader’s Digest fund, and led an eighteen million dollar endowment campaign for the Arts Center. Susan Talbott lived in Maine, Iowa, North Carolina, Washington DC, and New York before moving to Connecticut. She is a Harvard University Fellow, and an alumna of the Art Museum Director’s Program. She has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and an Alumna Achievement Award from Pratt Institute. She is married to Basil Talbott, an award winning journalist for the Chicago Sun Times. (Wadsworth Atheneum photograph courtesy of Daderot, Wikimedia Commons)
10.29.2009
Ralph Nader
Consumer Advocate

Ralph Nader
"Shape up, we've got a lot of work to do in this country."
10.29.2009

Ralph Nader, consumer advocate and former presidential candidate, was born and raised in Winsted, Connecticut. He graduated from Princeton University in 1955 and from Harvard Law School in 1958. Mr. Nader has been a grassroots advocate and writer for over four decades. He first came into the public's eye in 1965 with his book, Unsafe at Any Speed, which exposed the life-threatening, designed-in flaws of General Motors' Chevrolet Corvair. Thanks to his efforts, automobiles are required to have standard safety features such as seat belts and airbags. Mr. Nader has also been on the forefront of promoting consumer protection, clean air, and food and drug safety. He has also established numerous non-profit organizations such as Public Citizen and Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Mr. Nader continues to work towards grassroots-based reform. In his latest book, Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us, Mr. Nader writes a humorous, fictional account of a turn of events in 2006 when Warren Buffet decides to lead a team of the wealthiest Americans to remedy the nation's ills with realistic solutions. Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us is available in stores and online. More information is available at http://onlythesuperrich.org/.

Courtesy of Ralph Nader: A Biography by Patricia Cronin Marcello, An Unreasonable Man (2006)

8.7.2009
Rachel Lutzker
Fox 61 Reporter, Acoustic After Dark Radio Host

Rachel Lutzker
"I learned it on the monorail in Disney, and I never forgot it."
8.7.2009
Rachel Lutzker began her broadcasting career as a traffic reporter for several Hartford-area radio and television stations. In 2001, Ms. Lutzker moved to New York City as a dedicated traffic reporter for WCBS-TV. She returned to Connecticut for the launch of TimeSaver Traffic on WFSB-TV, WHCN, WPHH, WWYZ and WKSS. Currently, she is the traffic reporter for the Fox 61 Morning News weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and then hosts the Fox 61 Morning News with Jeff Valin from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Ms. Lutzker continues to provide traffic reports for Clear Channel stations WWYZ, WKSS, WURH and WPOP and serve as evening host on Clear Channel Radio's WHCN The River. In addition to traffic reporting, Ms. Lutzker is the on-air host of the nightly program Acoustic After Dark on The River (WHCN).

Courtesy of www.fox61.com

7.10.2009
Stew Leonard Jr.
President and CEO of Stew Leonard's

Stew Leonard Jr.
"You create today, it doesn't create you."
7.10.2009
Stew Leonard Jr. has been the President and CEO of Stew Leonard's since 1991. Stew Leonard's is one of the most famous food stores in the world. The company includes three food stores and four wine stores and makes more than $300 million dollars a year. For the last five years, Stew Leonard's has been recognized a "100 Best Companies to Work For." Mr. Leonard graduated from Ithaca College in 1976 and received his MBA from UCLA in 1982. He is also a member of the Master Sommelier Society for wine. He and his wife, Kim, have four daughters and reside in Westport, Connecticut. He has authored two books on water safety, Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim and Swimming Lessons with Stewie the Duck, and two cookbooks, You Can Do It with Bryan Miller and Stew Leonard’s Winning Recipes Cookbook. Mr. Leonard is also on the Norwalk YMCA board of directors. Courtesy of www.yonkersbusinessweek.com
7.10.2009
John Dankosky
WNPR News Director/Host of Where We Live

John Dankosky
"As a kid I wanted to be Dr. Johnny Fever."
7.10.2009
John Dankosky has been working in radio - mostly public radio - for 20 years. Since coming to Connecticut in 1994, he has helped to build WNPR's award-winning newsroom, cultivating one of the most talented news staffs in public radio. He has reported for National Public Radio on presidential elections, crime, education, drug abuse, immigration and more. He has edited award-winning documentaries on Connecticut history, 9/11, and the mental health of children, and has been involved in editorial planning for Public Radio News Directors, Inc., The Public Radio Exchange, and NPR's Local News Initiative. He has won awards for reporting, hosting Where We Live, and "overall station excellence" from the AP. Since 2004, Mr. Dankosky has served as an adjunct journalism professor at Quinnipiac University. He has also worked as an editor at NPR in Washington, and at stations in Boston and Pittsburgh. He's a native of the "Steel City," and tells anyone he meets about the Steelers, the Pirates, and Primanti Brothers sandwiches. He is an amateur drummer, who regularly plays music with other WNPR musicians, and dreams of being Charlie Watts or Elvin Jones, or even...well, decent. He lives in Winsted with his wife Jennifer, and cats, Daisy and Dirk. Courtesy of cpbn.org
11.11.2010
Latanya Farrell

Latanya Farrell
"I never realized I could really sing/perform until I was in my early 30's."
11.11.2010
Latanya Farrell is a gifted singer, songwriter and performer who moves audiences with passion, energy and a love for music and life! Her award winning vocal talent and style has influences from Natalie Cole to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin to Ella Fitzgerald. With performance roots in her family church and community events, Latanya's career took a leap forward after she was crowned Champion of the 2003 Connecticut Star Search competition. Following that, she spent time in studios around the country learning the music business, and developing her writing style. In 2008, Latanya released her debut CD Feelin' Alright. This thoroughly soulful blend has something for everyone...from the deeply personal "The Very Best", to the urban-edged "Now That I Have You", or the emotional ballad "So Fortunate". Latanya wrote or co-wrote each track and in her lyrics she reveals her secrets for capturing real-life moments and making them the best they can be! With her home grown group of musicians, The Bookman Styles Band, Latanya emerges as a band-leader, full of energy, with a unique gift of engaging audiences with her bright smile and impeccable style. Blending Latanya's original music with highly popular cover tunes, they play to packed houses in venues throughout the New England area. Their presence is infectious and keeps the energy flowing throughout the performance with music that ranges from soulful classics to urban contemporary. Latanya maintains a very busy performance schedule locally and in the New England area with many public and private performances. She is an advocate for many local charities; singing the National Anthem for ‘walk’ events or with her full band for larger scale events. Recently, she was the headliner for the University of Hartford’s Music for a Change series and raised money and awareness for Autism Speaks! Latanya is a resident of West Hartford CT where she lives with her husband and 2 children. In addition to her life on stage, Latanya is in her 14th year as a public school teacher in Bristol, CT. She is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University (BA, 1995) and the University of Hartford (MA and MS, 1997). Latanya was honored in 2003 as WCSU’s “Educator of the Decade” for the 1990’s as part of the University’s Centennial Celebration. Featured Summer Concert Series Performer: Bloomfield, Colchester, East Hartford, New Britain, Newington, South Windsor, Torrington, Wallingford, West Hartford (Blue Back Square, Celebrate!, Elizabeth Park), West Haven, Farmington (Winding Trails) Featured National Anthem Singer: University of Hartford Men's and Women's Basketball (2002-2008), America East Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament (2004-2006), CT Special Olympics (2005-2010), New Britain Rock Cats Baseball (2006-2007), Boston Cannons Major League Lacrosse (2006), Walk for Autism Research (2006-2010), American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life (2006-2009), WDRC 1360's Brad Davis Listener Luncheon (2006), Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (2006-2008), West Hartford Little League Opening Day (2006-2008) Bio courtsey of: Jason Farrell (Manager)
10.29.2010
Martha Dean
Candidate for Connecticut Attorney General

Martha Dean
"I am only beholden to the principles that are enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution."
10.29.2010
Martha’s legal practice is dedicated to helping clients understand and comply with complex regulatory schemes, successfully challenge inappropriate government action, and recoup losses, while furthering their economic and individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Clients include industrial, financial, and commercial establishments. She also represents individuals who have serious toxic tort and property damage claims caused by pollutants or pesticides. Martha’s legal cases have established nationwide precedents, and she has fought vigorously for consumers all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2002, Martha Dean was the Republican nominee for Connecticut Attorney General. In that race, Martha and her message of economic opportunity and fair and just law enforcement inspired a surge of 50,000 new voters in the Attorney General’s race. This surge gave Dean the strongest showing of any Republican who has run against incumbent Richard Blumenthal over his twenty years in office. Martha is co-founder of the Hartford Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. The Federalist Society is a national organization of law students, law professors, lawyers and judges who sponsor panel discussions and debates with leading scholars and authorities on important public policy issues. Dean is a lifetime NRA member and a native of Norwich, Vermont. Martha Dean has actively practiced law in Connecticut for the past 22 years. She is a business owner who has run her own law practice, supervising staff and lawyers, for the past 16 years. Prior to that, Martha worked at Robinson & Cole and the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Martha is a graduate of Phillips Academy (Andover), Wellesley College, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was an editor of the Law Review. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar, U.S. District Court (Connecticut), U.S. Court of Appeals (2nd Circuit), and the U.S. Supreme Court. Bio courtsey of http://deanag2010.com/about-2/
6.5.2009
Steve Kotchko
Journalist

Steve Kotchko
"They call me the bird man."
6.5.2009
Steve Kotchko is one of the most respected journalists in Connecticut. He is the “dean” of State Capitol resporters, hosts “OTR-On The Record” which is a Connecticut Public Television political program and frequently contributes articles to Connecticut Magazine and the New York Times. Kotchko has interviewed numerous national figures including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Raegan, George Bush, Bill Clinton and most presidential candidates. He is also the Connecticut Radio Network’s Vice President for Communications. He joined CRN in 1973. Courtesy of http://crncontent.com/ctr/steve/steve_kotchko_bio.html
2.22.2011
Eric Danton
Music Critic for The Hartford Courant

Eric Danton
"I would love it if people remember I’m a music fan, and not just out to write bad things about people making music, I’m a music fan first and foremost."
2.22.2011
Eric Danton is the music critic for The Hartford Courant, writing for both the paper's print edition and daily on The Courant.com's "Sound Check" blog. He also appears on FOX CT for a weekly "Sound Check" spot. Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Danton has lived in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts since high school, when Pink Floyd was his jam. Hired straight out of college by The Courant in 1998 with the intention of being a political reporter, Danton instead began covering music, eventually becoming the Courant's music critic. He covers every genre except for jazz and classical, while ignoring the particularly crazy comment posts on his blog. A guitarist and sometimes-vocalist himself, Danton performed with and wrote several songs for Hartford Courant supergroup "CQ and the Corrections". As a songwriter, his favorite creation is his three minute (non-creepy) pop tribute to Johnny Cash, the appropriately titled "Johnny Cash". An unabashed 'American Idol' hater (though with a soft spot for Kelly Clarkson) but a proponent of vinyl, good song-writing, and local indie music, find out even more about Eric Danton by watching our interview.
6.17.2009
Denise Merrill
Majority House Leader

Denise Merrill
"I think I have my dream job."
6.17.2009
Denise Merrill graduated from the University of Connecticut before serving Mansfield, Storrs and Chaplin as a representative since 1992. She is currently the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. Merrill is actively involved in issues of higher and lower education, including chairing a legislative task force on education technology and spearheading the School Readiness and the Early Reading Success legislation in 1997 and 1998. For her work on these issues she was recognized by the Connecticut Library Association, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and the Connecticut Education Association. In 1995, she passed the "UConn 2000", a $1 billion program to refurbish and rebuild the campus of the University of Connecticut. In 2005 she was named by the National Conference of State Legislatures as Co-Chair of their Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education, a national panel of legislators formed to make recommendations regarding affordability and access to higher education. Representative Merrill was appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee in 2006, and also serves as a Co-chair of the Appropriations Committee.
7.28.2009
Bill Potvin
Co-owner, Hosmer Moutain Soda

Bill Potvin
"My name means jug of wine in French."
7.28.2009
Bill Potvin manages the Hosmer Mountain Soda Co. with his younger brothers John, Andy, and Chuck. The Potvins became the fourth family to run Hosmer Mountain Bottling Co. when his father, Arthur J. Potvin, purchased the company in 1958. The Potvins have since worked hard to create a line of unique soft drinks that are delivered to local restaurants and customers' homes throughout eastern Connecticut. Over 30 soft drink flavors are produced at Hosmer Mountain Soda. The company also uses environmentally friendly packaging with their trademark reusable glass bottles. Courtesy of http://www.hosmersoda.com and http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/09/nyregion/view-hosmer-mountain-willimantic-bottlers-who-keep-making-soda-with-old.html
4.2.2010
R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel
President and CEO of MetroHartford Alliance

R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel
"Let's give ourselves a chance, let's everybody join arms to work together to restore our State to fiscal sanity."
4.2.2010
R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel has been the President and CEO of MetroHartford Allliance, the region's chamber of commerce and economic development leader, since April 2001 and joined the election race for Connecticut Governor in 2010. Griebel significantly contributed to improving the State's transportation system by consulting to then Governor, John Rowland, and the Connecticut Legislature on the establishment of Connecticut's transportation strategy board and served as the Board's Chairman. From 1999-2000, Griebel served as Director, President and Chief Operating Officer at MacDermid, Inc., an international specialty chemicals company in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1976, Griebel began his career with the then BankBoston Corporation where he worked in finance, legal, marketing and operations positions of over 22 years, concluding his service as President of the Bank's businesses in Connecticut and Western Massachusettes in 1999. Griebel received his B.A from Darmouth College in 1971 and his J.D from Suffolk University School of Law in 1977. Among Griebel's many acknowledgements of his services in the public and business sectors, are included the Hartford Courant Business Leader of the Year Award in 19995, the Capitol Regional Council of Governments Regional Leadership Award in 1996, the Distinguished Citizen Award of the Connecticut Council Boy Scouts of America in 1999 and the Hartford Business Journal Business Leader of the Year in 2001. Griebel and his wife, Kirsten; who is the founder and Chair of Simsbury Citizens First and as a board member of Connecticut Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; reside in Simsbury, Connecticut. -Courtesy of Chris Griebel
7.28.2010
Bob Maxon
Meteorologist

Bob Maxon
"It's great to be right when you're the meteorologist."
7.28.2010
Bob Maxon is the weekday morning meteorologist on NBC Connecticut News Today from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and again at 11 a.m. He's been with NBC Connecticut since August 1995. He grew up in Oswego, N.Y., and graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science degree in meteorology. Bob has forecast the weather for several areas in the northeast. In 1987 he worked for Cable News Center 7 in Ithaca, N.Y., before making the transition to Binghamton, N.Y., to work at WMGC in 1988. Between 1989 and 1995, Bob gained most of his experience working for WMUR in Manchester, N.H. The American Meteorological Society had awarded Bob with it's "Seal of Approval" for weather forecasting and broadcasting. During his tenure as a professional meteorologist, Bob has covered many of the major storms that have struck the northeast including Hurricane Bob in 1991, the Great Winter Storm of '93, and the Blizzard of '96, and the amazing President's Day Blizzard of 2003. He volunteers for many statewide charities and sits on the planning board for the Brain Injury Association of Connecticut's annual golf tournament. Bob also serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the Jamie Tillona Memorial Golf Tournament each summer. He also plays in the Connecticut Junior Republic, Connecticut Special Olympics and many other local golf tournaments. Bob lives in Simsbury with his wife, Jacqui, their two daughters, Katie and Marleigh, and the dog, Brady. Courtesy of http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/station/about-us/Bob_Maxon.html
6.14.2010
Michael Fedele
Candidate for Governor

Michael Fedele
"As governor, one of the number one priorities is to create jobs, and the second part is to put people back to work."
6.14.2010
Republican Mike Fedele has lived in Stamford since coming to Connecticut from Minturno, Italy with his parents and siblings when he was three years old. He grew up in Stamford, attended local public schools and attended Fairfield University. In 1983, Businessman Mike Fedele founded the Stamford-based Pinnacle Group, which has grown into a national information technology firm that has created hundreds of jobs in more than 30 states. Mike also began his public service in 1983, when he was elected to the first of two terms on Stamford’s Board of Representatives. Starting in 1992, Fedele served for ten years as State Representative from the 147th district. As a Republican legislator, Mike was instrumental in several important job creation bills including legislation to expand the role of Connecticut’s community-technical colleges in job training and the phase-out of the succession tax. As a leader on the Insurance Committee, Mike played key roles in passing laws that banned drive-through deliveries and required insurance coverage for mastectomies and prostate cancer. On January 3, 2007, Republican Mike Fedele was sworn-in as the 107th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Connecticut. Since becoming Lieutenant Governor, Mike Fedele has taken a lead role in state economic development issues and has met with hundreds of businesses, employers and workers across Connecticut. He has used his decades of experience as a businessman while meeting with firms in other states and countries to encourage them to create jobs in our state -- and his efforts have already brought new companies and new jobs to Connecticut. Mike Fedele has lived in Stamford for 50 years with his wife Carol of 32 years. They have three children: Michael, Briana and Alesandra. Courtesy of http://fedele2010.com
2.29.2012
Wendy Black-Nasta
Founder of Artist for World Peace

Wendy Black-Nasta
My personal fantasy as a child, I know its odd, but I wanted to build orphanages
2.29.2012
What first attracted me to Interview Wendy, was her peace work. Many artists SAY that they're peace activist and want to spread peace throughout the world, but not many actually follow through on that. Mrs. Black-Nasta did. Her work with Artist for World peace is incredibly inspiring and motivational. During the interview I was able to delve deeper into her psyche and what I found was one of the most intriguing people you will ever meet. Wendy Black-Nasta, founder and executive director of Artists for World Peace, has been a jewelry designer for museums, galleries, and art collectors worldwide since 1977. Her work has been featured in Sak’s Fifth Ave., Macy’s, Jacobson’s Department Stores, and I. Magnin’s. For many years, her work has also included sacred objects for churches, Buddhist monasteries, and temples in America, Hong Kong, and Europe. Wendy has also been a one of a kind designer for hundreds of clients through the Diamond District in Manhattan since the late 70′s. Like jewelry designing, dedication to peace and human equality has been central to Black-Nasta’s life work for more than three decades. She founded Artists for World Peace in 2003 as a way to further international peace and unity through the arts. Black-Nasta designed the International Peace Belt, Artists for World Peace’s first major project, as a living link joining all peoples and cultures in a common bond of peace. Nearly a decade later, the foundation’s work has expanded to twenty two countries on five continents, where Artists for World Peace has helped build schools, created safe houses for battered women and children, and sponsored the living and educational expenses of dozens of children. For Wendy, her work fits into her life and she views her roles as wife,mother, artist, and peace activist as a unified experience in life’s journey. Source: http://artistsforworldpeace.org/wendy-black-nasta-president/ Image Attribution: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150603564174415&set=a.439804274414.238182.347668069414&type=3&theater
7.2.2009
Al Terzi
News Anchor

Al Terzi
" I was originally AJ the DJ."
7.2.2009
One of the state's most-respected broadcast journalists since the 1960s, Al Terzi anchors the weekday editions of WFSB Eyewitness News at noon and 5:00 P.M. Mr. Terzi started at WFSB in January 1994. He previously worked for WFSB from 1968 to 1978, and then spent two years in Florida working as a news anchor and news director at a station in West Palm Beach. In 1980, Mr. Terzi returned to Connecticut to work at WTNH-TV in New Haven, where he worked for 14 years until returning to WFSB. Mr. Terzi has shared two Emmy awards since rejoining WFSB. He recieved one Emmy award for "Best Newscast" and a second was for a series of specials on the UConn Huskies basketball team. Mr. Terzi's education includes undergraduate work at both Yale and Central Connecticut State universities. He also holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. A military veteran, Mr. Terzi served more than seven years of active duty with U.S. Air Force intelligence operations in Taiwan and South Korea. He is also a long-standing member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Courtesy of www.wfsb.com
4.4.2011
Paul Assaiante
Squash Coach, Trinity College

Paul Assaiante
“Live every day like your hair is on fire.”
4.4.2011
Entering his eighteenth year as head coach of the Trinity College Men's Squash team, Paul Assaiante is coming off his thirteenth consecutive winning season. The Trinity Bantams have won 282 out of 292 matches, and have a record of 224 consecutive victories. Paul has also coached the Trinity Men's Tennis Squad for 15 of the last 17 seasons, having a 163-71 record. In 2010, Paul coached both the United States Squash Team, and the USA Men's team, which played at the World championships. Paul was named the United States Olympic Committee Coach of the Year twice, and was given the USSRA President's award in 2003-4 for his lifelong contribution to the sport.  Besides coaching squash, Assaiante has served as the director of athletic development at Trinity for six years, spearheading the College's effort to upgrade its athletic facilities. In a short time, Assaiante has played a pivotal role in the fund-raising efforts, which have already produced two new synthetic outdoor fields and the nation's premier squash facility for the College. In all, more than $7 million has been raised. Paul has been called the “Winningest” coach in college sport history, and is also a professional speaker and author. He has written two books, Championship Tennis by the Experts: How to Play Championship Tennis, with Vic Braden and Run to the Roar: Coaching to Overcome Fear with James Zug. Paul is a very committed coach and thinks of his Trinity as less of a team, and more of a family. His athletes come from a very diverse ethnic background, and despite their differences Paul pushes them to perfect their sport, stating that he “Cannot accept anyone ever not trying their best,”. Paul declares that he could care less about whether his team wins or loses, he just wants to see their best effort. (Bio information obtained from http://athletics.trincoll.edu/sports/msquash/coaches/ASSAIANTE_PAUL)
10.29.2010
George Jepsen
Candidate for Connecticut Attorney General

George Jepsen
"I have a passion for helping people."
10.29.2010
George C. Jepsen has been a practicing lawyer for more than 26 years and currently serves as of counsel to the Hartford law firm of Cowdery, Ecker and Murphy, LLC, where he has been employed since April, 2003 in the practice areas of corporate transactions and civil and appellate litigation. Previously, Jepsen served as of counsel to the trust and estates team at Shipman & Goodwin in Hartford for five years and was of counsel to the Stamford firm of Abate & Fox where he practiced general law, which included: estate planning, probate, real estate and business transactions, employment matters and minor criminal defense for five years. Jepsen began his legal career in 1982 as general counsel to Carpenters Local 2010 in Norwalk where he represented 4,000 working men and women on legal matters, which included: contract negotiations, wages and benefits, workers’ and unemployment compensation and other employment issues for nearly 10 years. Jepsen grew up in Greenwich, attended public schools and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1972. Jepsen attended Dartmout University where he graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1976 with a B.A. degree in Government with high distinction. During that time, he also studied Chinese and completed foreign study in France and Taiwan. In 1982, Jepsen earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School and simultaneously earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he was a teaching fellow for Richard Neustadt for “The American Presidency” and for former Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox in “U.S. Constitutional Law.” Jepsen was first elected state representative in 1987,representing Stamford’s 148th State House District. In 1990, he was elected state senator in the 27th State Senatorial District, representing Stamford and Darien through 2003. While in the state Senate, Jepsen was chairman of the Judiciary Committee (1993--‐1995) and ranking member of the Finance Committee (1995--‐1997). He was elected Senate Majority Leader from 1997--‐2003. Jepsen was a candidate for Governor, who became the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2002. He also served as Democratic State Party chairman from 2003--‐2005. Bio courtsey of: http://www.georgejepsen2010.com/user-uploads/GeorgeC.JepsenBio.pdf
8.25.2010
Edward Cumming
Conductor of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Edward Cumming
"Life in the arts saved my life."
8.25.2010
Edward Cumming is in his ninth season as Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, hailed for its remarkable artistic growth during his tenure. In September 2010, he became Interim Director of Orchestral Activities at The Hartt School. Before coming to Hartford, Cumming was Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, where he stepped in for an ailing Mariss Jansons to conduct a program including Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and Debussy’s Jeux, of which the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, “some conductors could not do as well even with months to prepare.” During his time in Pittsburgh, he was Music Director of the nationally-acclaimed Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, which was one of five orchestras invited to the biennial National Youth Orchestra Festival in 1998 and 2002. World premieres in Hartford include Valerie Coleman’s The Painted Lady, Richard Cumming’s Aspects of Hippolytus, Michael Gatonska’s Wandering the Moon Nursery, Stephen Michael Gryc’s Passagi, and in May 2010, a new orchestration by Mr. Cumming of Charles Ives’s Violin Sonatas, Sonata Set for violin and orchestra. In 2003 and 2006, the League of American Orchestras awarded Mr. Cumming and the Hartford Symphony the ASCAP award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. As Resident Conductor of the Florida Orchestra from 1989 to 1993, Cumming conducted a recording of the “Star Spangled Banner” with Whitney Houston and the Florida Orchestra for Super Bowl XXV. After filling in as guest conductor in 1996, he was appointed Artistic Director of the Flagstaff Festival of the Arts the following summer. In Europe, Mr. Cumming has led La Orquesta Ciudad de Granada (Spain), the South Bohemian State Orchestra in the Czech Republic, the BBC Ulster Orchestra in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and most recently, the Sinfonica di Roma. In the United States, he has conducted the Philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, Rochester and Buffalo, as well the San Diego, Oregon, San Antonio, Santa Barbara and Detroit symphony orchestras. In Asia, he has conducted the Singapore Symphony, and most recently made his Israeli debut with the Be’er Sheva Sinfonietta. In June 2010, he made his South American debut with the Filarmónica de Bogotá, conducting Schoenberg’s Pelleas und Melisande on short notice. Mr. Cumming studied with Otto-Werner Mueller at Yale University, where he received a Doctorate in Music in 1992. As an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley, he was awarded the prestigious Eisner Prize for Creative Achievement in the Arts. In May 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity College. Bio courtsey of: EdwardCumming.com
6.4.2009
Joe Amarante
Journalist

Joe Amarante
"Having a sedentary job, I basically shake my leg for exercise."
6.4.2009
Joe Amarante is a writer for the New Haven Register. Known for his humorous columns, Amarante covers entertainment and media-related topics. He also blogs about all things media at J4: Java Joe's Journal Jive . Check out the blog for his latest insights on everything from network television programming to local news. Amarante describes himself as a writer, editor, family guy, softball and baseball fan with an interest in conservation, peace, health, travel, justice, and a good sandwich. Courtesy of http://www.blogger.com/profile/00869625038366415860
10.25.2011
Tommy Simpson
Artist

Tommy Simpson
"I had a sort of a Tom Sawyer growing up."
10.25.2011
Tommy Simpson’s artwork transcends craftsmanship, fine art, and whimsy. He is an “imaginist” who has worked in nearly every medium, including; woodworking, painting, printmaking, clay, woodcarving, bookmaking, jewelry, and even prose. In each work of art the artist “puzzles together” the his personal and cultural references into a signature blend of joyfulness and subtle commentary. “The ultimate goal, “Tommy says, “is to bring the artwork to life, so that the viewer can identify the human spirit behind the work, and experience its poetry.” Courtesy of www.TommySimpson.net
6.28.2011
Jeff Wiggins
Veteran, WWII

Jeff Wiggins
"You can go as far as your ability will take you"
6.28.2011
Jefferson Wiggins is an author, educator, lecturer, mentor and community leader. Born in rural Alabama to sharecropper parents, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager and received a field commission during World War II. He was one of the few black officers of that era. Despite a high enlistment rate in the U.S. Army, African Americans were not treated equally. Racial tensions existed. At parades, church services, in transportation and canteens the races were kept separate. Most black units were given non-combat support tasks to help the white combat troops. Jeff is the only surviving member of his all black unit, which had the task of digging 28,000 graves for fallen soldiers in the fields of Margraten, a small town in the Netherlands. Jeff describes this experience as the most difficult thing he has ever done in his life. Jeff has since left the army to become an accomplished teacher and author. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Briarwood College in Southington, Connecticut. In 2001, he was named Connecticut Multicultural Educator of the Year. He is founder of the Wiggins Institute for Social Integrity and co-author , with Laura Stegmaier-Pettinato, of Hearts of Believers, the screenplay adaptation of his memoir; Another Generation Almost Forgotten. (Bio information obtained from http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/author.aspx?authorid=9543)
7.14.2011
Simon Konover
Real Estate Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Simon Konover
"If it [the holocaust] never happened..., where is my father, mother, sisters, brothers?"
7.14.2011
Simon Konover is the founder of The Simon Konover Company and serves as the company’s Chairman. Immigrating to the United States following World War II, Mr. Konover built a real estate company of national stature based upon strong ethics and innovation. The organization, which he founded over 50 years ago, has developed, constructed, owned and operated properties throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. Today, its portfolio includes shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, multi-family housing, and specialty properties. Nationally recognized as a real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Konover is a Junior Achievement Laureate and a member of its Business Hall of Fame. He has been recognized as Hotelier of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and the Connecticut Lodging Association. Mr. Konover’s success, generosity and contributions to the community have earned him the respect of his peers and the appreciation of numerous organizations worldwide. He was instrumental in the creation of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut, and the Campus Center at the University of Hartford bears his name. Mr. Konover donated construction management services to Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Camp for seriously ill children in Ashford, Connecticut. Mr. Konover’s community contributions are countless and his recognitions include the Prime Minister’s New Life Award from the National Committee for Israel Bonds and the Distinguished Service to the Cause of Good Relations from the National Conference for Community and Justice. Mr. Konover was a Founder of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC and served as President and Chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. He is a Life Director of the Federation, and chaired numerous committees. Mr. Konover received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the University of Connecticut. Courtesy: simonkonover.com
8.16.2011
Chion Wolf
WNPR producer, announcer, photographer queen

Chion Wolf
"I sounded like I was imitating an announcer sarcastically."
8.16.2011
The Media Lab is conveniently situated between the 3rd floor elevator bank and the WNPR studios. While mixing audio or rummaging through drawers for USB cables, our interns would often cast a curious glance hallway-ward when the guests for "The Colin McEnroe Show" would walk by. Though the cast of characters would change - one day a troupe of musicians, the next a posse of politicians - invariably escorting them, crowned by blonde dreadlocks, tattooed arms raised in welcome, and a witty remark in that unmistakable radio cadence, was the illustrious and mysterious Chion Wolf. As the voice of midday continuity breaks, the number of folks who have heard Chion is disproportionately larger than those who have seen her. Our purpose with this (I)NTERVIEW was to correct such an imbalance. Beyond pairing a face with a name, we hope to provide a story for a person and in the case of Chion, the stories were abundantly supplied and endearingly told. Perhaps it is because her story reminds us so much our own: NPR fans who listened until the listening wasn’t enough and had to get involved. In a matter of four years, Chion has involved herself to the fullest and through a determination to dream big, become one of the most recognizable and refreshing voices on Connectict public radio. Chion Wolf was born Marie Julia Gladis in Hartford, Connecticut. A self-acknowledged class clown and presidential impersonator, Chion was raised in Farmington and legally changed her name after graduating from high school (we won’t ruin the story with a spoiler, you’ll have to watch our video). She began as a rabid WNPR listener, until one day heeding Bill Henry’s call for volunteers to answer phones for the upcoming fund drive. After meeting News Director John Dankosky, Chion started an internship in January of 2007 and began to hone her production skills working with the local morning show, “Where We Live.” Chion began photographing the guests and pairing herself with staff journalists to document their stories. With the help of Dankosky, she set up the official WNPR Flickr picture site. Now, every member of the reporting staff could contribute to the visual aspect of radio journalism and Chion’s own passion for the medium grew. She upgraded from a point-and-shoot to two Canon EOS 5D Mark II cameras and never looked back. In 2009, Colin McEnroe hand-picked Chion to join him and producer extraordinaire Patrick Skahill to complete the trifecta that has become “The Colin McEnroe Show.” These days, Chion voices breaks for the station between 10:19am and 2:40pm every week day, announces, chooses music and writes songs & essays for the Colin McEnroe Show, helps manage their website, uploads hand-picked music to the station's music bed and brings her photojournalism skills to events and stories generated by WNPR. She recently earned her staff wings as a producer for "The Colin McEnroe Show" and has her eye on more voice work in the future. For more of Chion’s photography, check out: Chion’s Website: http://www.chionwolf.com/ WNPR Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wnprimages/ For those who made it to the credits, there’s more Gaelic where that came from. Chion’s Songs: http://www.yourpublicmedia.org/content/wnpr/wolfies-songs
6.25.2009
Jason Hawkins
Eating CT Host

Jason Hawkins
"I'd play coffee-fetcher for the Red Sox."
6.25.2009

Jason Hawkins is originally from the Hartford area. He has written and produced a number of series for major networks such as the Food Network, HGTV and the Discovery Channel. Jason has also done extensive work in front of the camera, doing food segments for a popular Boston food show, appearing in a number of commercials and lending his voice to the Food Network's "Great American Beer Festival" special. - Courtesy of www.cpbn.org

11.19.2009
Colin McEnroe
Journalist

Colin McEnroe
[The newspaper] was kind of a different business then...first of all, they were printed on papyrus.."
11.19.2009

Colin McEnroe has been a columnist and reporter for the Hartford Courant for over 30 years and currently maintains a weekly column in the Courant’s Northeast Magazine. McEnroe’s columns have appeared in newspapers nationwide as well as abroad. A significant contributor to Men’s Health, Best Life, McSweeney’s, Cosomopolitan, Maribella, Mademoiselle, Family Fun, and Verge (to name a few), McEnroe is also a contributing editor to the New York Times op-ed page.

Having hosted a weekday drive-time talk show on WTIC-AM, McEnroe is recognized as a radio personality and is currently hosting the new “Colin McEnroe Show” on WNPR, a media service of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network. The program is broadcast live Monday through Friday at 1:00 p.m. from WNPR's Hartford studio, and is also available live and on-demand at WNPR.org. In 2003, McEnroe’s play, “A Woman of a Certain Age,” was produced in collaboration with former Courant colleagues, Steve Metcalf and Lary Bloom, at the Ivoryton Playhouse in Connecticut. As the author of three books, McEnroe received the Connecticut Book Award in 2004 for the biography on his father, published by Warner Books, titled, My Father’s Footprints. When McEnroe moderated the Connecticut Forum featuring Anthony Bourdain, Alice Walters and Duff Goldman in 2009, it marked the sixth time he has performed that task in the seventeen year history of the Connecticut Forum, the most of any moderator.

Colin McEnroe was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and graduated from Kingswood-Oxford and then Yale University. He began his writing career with newspapers and magazines in the 1980’s and is currently teaching a course on old and new media at Trinity College.

Courtesy of Connecticut Forum

3.4.2010
Doug Henry
Motocross champion

Doug Henry
"The struggles are what makes it worth more when you do succeed. If it comes too easy, it doesn't get you inside."
3.4.2010
Doug Henry is a three-time national championship winning motocross racer. Throughout the 1990’s Doug amassed a number of career wins and was the first rider to switch from the traditional two-stroke to a four-stroke engine. He was inducted into the American Motocross Association Hall of Fame in 2005. Tragedy struck in 2007 during a crash in a Supermoto race in Florida, after which, Doug was partially paralyzed from the waist down. Known for his relentless determination, Doug has resumed his active lifestyle spending his freetime skiing, snowmobiling, and riding his custom made dirt bike. In January of 2010, Doug went to the X-Games in Apsen, Colorado, where he competed in Adaptive Snocross and claimed the bronze medal. He now lives in Torrington, Connecticut, with his wife Stacey and their two children.
7.13.2009
Lindsay Whalen
Former CT Sun Basketball Player

Lindsay Whalen
"I still have a little of the hockey mindset."
7.13.2009
Lindsay Whalen starred for the Golden Gophers from 2000-04, culminating her Minnesota career at the Final Four in 2004. She was a three-time All-American, an Academic All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2002. She is Minnesota’s all-time leading scorer with 2,285 points to her credit. Whalen’s number 13 is retired and honored with a banner hanging from the rafters in Williams Arena. Whalen entered her first season on Pam Borton’s Minnesota women’s basketball staff as an administrative assistant. She returned to her alma mater after leading the Connecticut Sun to the 2006 Eastern Conference regular-season title and the second round of the WNBA playoffs. Whalen will assist with the team’s community service projects, marketing, alumni relations and other administrative aspects of the program. Whalen earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2005. On Monday, January 11, Lindsay Whalen was traded by the CT Sun to the Minnesota Lynx. See how the story was received in Minnesota, as reported by Tim Leighton in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and in Connecticut by John Perez from the Norwich Bulletin. St. Paul Pioneer Press It took six years, but the Minnesota Lynx finally got their Golden Girl. Former University of Minnesota women's basketball star Lindsay Whalen is coming home to play for the Lynx after being traded by the Connecticut Sun in a deal that was completed late Monday. Minnesota sent point guard Renee Montgomery and the No. 1 overall pick in April's college draft to the Sun for Whalen and Connecticut's first-round pick, No. 2 overall. Read the full story: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/wbasketball/story.asp?list_id=20&story_id=3382041 Norwich Bulletin Mohegan, Conn. — The Connecticut Sun’s trade of Lindsay Whalen Tuesday came with mixed emotions within the organization. Whalen, who spent the first six years of her WNBA career with Connecticut, was dealt to Minnesota on Tuesday, along with the second overall pick in April’s college draft, in exchange for former University of Connecticut star Renee Montgomery and the draft’s top pick, expected to be UConn senior Tina Charles. Read the full story: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x1689202978/Sun-Trading-Whalen-not-easy
10.29.2010
Stephen Fournier
Candidate for Connecticut Attorney General

Stephen Fournier
"I'm a real gut-fighter as a lawyer, I'm bad news."
10.29.2010
Stephen Fournier, who closed his law practice last year when the real estate market collapsed, is an outspoken writer and critic. His essays, circulated to email subscribers, appear online at www.currentinvective.com, and he has appeared from time to time on Hartford Public Access Television, discussing current events on a program entitled “Green Vision.” He is a self-taught computer programmer and has had a presence on the Internet since 1995 at www.stepfour.com. In 1995, Fournier was elected to the Hartford Board of Education. He served a portion of a four-year term, resigning in protest over corruption on the part of some of his fellow board members. Soon after his resignation, that board was dissolved by the Connecticut General Assembly because of gross mismanagement. Admitted to the practice of law in 1978, Fournier has had diverse experience as an attorney. His first assignment was as Staff Attorney and Lecturer in Law in the University of Connecticut School of Law Criminal Clinic, where he supervised student attorneys in the representation of indigent defendants. He had been a student in the clinic and was invited by Professor Michael Sheldon to continue for a year as a member of the faculty. Throughout his years as an attorney, and from the time of his discharge in 1970 from the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a foreign language specialist, Fournier has been active in the antiwar movement and in the movement for social justice. This involvement drew him eventually to the candidacy of Ralph Nader in 1996 and to the Green Party, just then organizing in Connecticut. He served two terms as state Green Party co-chair and was the party's 2008 nominee for U. S. House of Representatives in the First District. Fournier sums up his candidacy as follows: "Racketeers and their henchman govern us now, openly and without apology. The two major political parties are complicit, facilitating the rackets by trashing the Bill of Rights, undermining the rule of law, and effectively repealing all checks on government power, including the power to wage war and the power to poison the earth. Most recently, our leaders opened a passage to hell on our property under the Gulf of Mexico, and the accumulated filth of 100 million years flowed into our waters in volumes too vast to comprehend. "Our leaders have long since quit regulating the big, anti-national corporations that control public policy, resulting in the widespread abuse of workers, poor quality goods, mass export of jobs, declines in public health and personal quality of life, environmental pollution, the concentration of wealth in a few hands, and a failing economy. These problems can't be addressed until the people undertake the restoration of constitutional government. This candidacy--the candidate is a troublemaker and whistleblower--is an expression of urgency." From criminal law he moved in 1979 to a position as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Hartford, under Attorney Hubert Santos, Corporation Counsel. Most of his duties involved the representation of the Tax Collector in lien foreclosures, but he was assigned to a number of other civil matters and handled miscellaneous real estate transactions for the City, as well. Fournier's assignment with the City lasted until early 1981, when he opened his sole practice, also taking on a regular free-lance legal editing assignment with Business and Legal Reports, Inc. (BLR), then of Madison, Connecticut. BLR publishes compliance aids for business managers, and Fournier was responsible for creating and maintaining a line of products offering compliance assistance to environmental and work safety managers. He also served as BLR's general counsel, drafting documents and handling real estate matters. Aside from his legal editing duties, Fournier's sole practice was general at first, including criminal defense, domestic relations, real estate, probate, bankruptcy, collections, and personal injury. In 1985, Fournier left BLR to devote full time to his law practice. Over the next several years, his focus narrowed somewhat, so that, by 1988, the practice focused principally on residential real estate. In 1988, the local real estate market collapsed, and Fournier's practice slowed to a crawl. In 1990, he returned to BLR full-time and disengaged from his private law practice, continuing to function as BLR's general counsel. This time, the assignment was to a line of compliance products for personnel managers, and Fournier developed and improved that line as a legal editor and, later, as team leader and managing editor. He also took up computer programming during this period and helped develop a line of electronic compliance products for BLR, some of which are still in use. Fournier left BLR after the company moved from Madison to Old Saybrook in 1998, but he continued free-lancing as a writer and editor, generating copy for several legal and business publishers. He underwent open-heart surgery in late 2001, and, in 2002, as part of his recovery from the surgery, he and his wife opened a restaurant in downtown Hartford. The restaurant wasn't successful, but Fournier’s recovery from the surgery was, and Fournier closed the restaurant and resumed his real estate practice in 2004, devoting most of his efforts to refinancing transactions for various lenders. Last year, having had enough of crooked bankers, Fournier closed his practice, and he now spends the school year preparing and serving lunch in the Portland Public Schools. Fournier is a lifelong Hartford resident. He is a graduate of Hartford Public High School, as are all three of his children. He is married to the former Ruth Tomasko, of Manchester. The couple met at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. They dote on their five grandchildren, and Fournier often remarks that his political involvement is motivated by his concern for their future. Bio courtsey of: http://www.stepfour.com/fournier2010/index2010.htm
7.15.2009
Walmart Jeff
Kiss 95.7 Radio Personality

Walmart Jeff
"I talk a big game on the radio, but when it comes down to it, I'm pretty shy"
7.15.2009
Walmart Jeff joined Kiss 95.7 in October of 2002. Jeff was born and raised in Enfield and enjoys watching sports. He loves the Red Sox and any team that beats the Yankees. Jeff is married and is expecting a baby girl in August (2009).
2.1.2012
Wally Lamb
Author

Wally Lamb
Oprah called one day and that changed the equation.
2.1.2012
Wally Lamb is the author of four New York Times bestselling novels—Wishin’ and Hopin’, The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much is True, and She’s Come Undone. He is currently at work on his fifth, We Are Water. Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he has been a volunteer facilitator for the past twelve years.
7.12.2010
Peter Schiff
Candidate for Senator

Peter Schiff
"I can go to Washington with my perspective...and hopefully convince enough politicians to do the right thing."
7.12.2010
Right on the Economy. Right for Connecticut. Right Now. Peter Schiff is a successful businessman, bestselling author, and economic expert widely credited with foretelling the U.S. economic crisis years before it occurred.

Peter is not a politician and has never held elected office, instead dedicating his entire adult life to economics and finance.  A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Peter studied finance and accounting before joining a prominent brokerage firm. In 1996, he acquired Euro Pacific Capital, a small brokerage with no clients or revenues, building it into an industry leader in international investment strategies with thousands of clients and six offices nationwide.

In 2006, Peter sounded the alarm that the U.S. economy was facing significant challenges as the credit and housing bubbles neared deflation. Established insiders met his numerous appearances on national television predicting the recession with skepticism, but Peter continued to warn of the coming economic collapse.

Peter maintains that government intervention through regulation, stimulus programs, and corporate bailouts can only worsen our economic crisis. 

Peter is a Connecticut native, and the third generation to call the Nutmeg State home.  His paternal grandfather settled in Connecticut at the turn of the century, working as a skilled laborer on a number of local landmarks including the Yale Bowl.  Connecticut continues to play a central role in Peter’s life.  He chose Westport as the headquarters for his business and lives in Weston, where he is raising his seven-year-old son.

Peter embraces strong fiscally conservative principles and believes that our economic recovery should be left to the free market through businesses and individuals – not the federal government. He believes that, out of 100 members of the U.S. Senate, at least one should have real world experience in finance and economics. Courtesy of Jennifer Millikin
6.22.2010
Brad Drazen
NBC Morning News Anchor

Brad Drazen
"I feel like I'm an easy mark."
6.22.2010
Brad Drazen can be seen bright and early every weekday morning as the co-anchor of NBC Connecticut News Today. He has won several awards for his work, including four Boston/New England Emmy Awards: for Feature Reporting, News Writing and as Executive Producer and Host of the NBC Connecticut specials "Connecticut Discoveries" and "Destination Education." Brad grew up in Binghamton, N.Y., and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at UCLA. Before coming to NBC Connecticut, Brad worked as a reporter at the CBS affiliate in Traverse City, Michigan, and in marketing for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. When he is not at work, Brad enjoys playing golf, basketball and acoustic guitar. Most importantly, he likes to spend time with his wife and three children. Bio Courtesy of nbcconnecticut.com
7.17.2009
Steve Roslonek
Singer/Songwriter

Steve Roslonek
"I’ll tell you what my secret talent is not- Ventriloquism."
7.17.2009
Steve Roslonek is an American children's music performer whose band SteveSongs has garnered several awards from parenting organizations, such as the Parents' Choice Award and the iParenting Media Awards. His music is featured on CPTV in the Miss Lori and Hooper segments of PBS Kids Preschool Destination, where he appears as "Mr. Steve" and performs original songs between other programs. Prior to his career as a recording artist, Roslonek graduated from Wesleyan University and performed with a professional a cappella group on Martha's Vineyard. After graduating, he worked as a business and technology consultant with Anderson Consulting. He began performing in 1997 and moved to a full-time recording career in 1999. He tours extensively around the country, performing between 200 to 400 concerts in a year. Roslonek resides with his wife and child in Connecticut. -Courtesy of Wikipedia
8.3.2010
Rob Simmons
Candidate for Senator

Rob Simmons
"I love my country and I don't like where it is going."
8.3.2010
Rob Simmons is the great grandson of Irish immigrants who fled their homeland in search of a better life in the United States. Within a generation, America’s promise and free enterprise system gave Rob’s grandfather the opportunity to send his only son – Rob’s father – to college and retire as a successful owner/operator of five small family businesses. On his mother’s side, Rob’s grandfather was a newspaper editor who in 1934 won a Pulitzer Prize for “meritorious public service” for his campaign against “unscrupulous politicians” who were exploiting the Depression economy and utilizing violence to seize political power in Oregon. The family passed the Pulitzer medal to Rob in recognition of his own dedication to public service. Rob’s public service career began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 as a Private, and spent 19 months in Vietnam where he earned two Bronze Star Medals. Rob continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Military Intelligence Officer, retiring as a Colonel in 2003 with over 37 years of active and reserve service. He is past commander of the 434th Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment New Haven, CT, which won the Reserve Officers Association’s Outstanding Small Unit Award in 1996. In 1998, Rob was recognized by for his contributions to the Military Intelligence Corps with the Knowlton Award for "Integrity, Moral Character, Professional Competence and Selflessness.” Following his active duty service in the Army, Rob joined the Central Intelligence Agency, working as an Operations Officer for a decade, including five years on assignment overseas in East Asia where he participated in difficult and dangerous missions to protect America’s national security. Upon his return from East Asia, Rob left the CIA to join the staff of Senator John H. Chafee (R-Rhode Island) where he was Legislative Assistant for Military, Foreign and Veterans Affairs. In 1981, he was assigned as a staff member to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and soon thereafter was appointed by Chairman Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona) to serve as Staff Director of the full committee. Rob worked with the committee and the Reagan Administration on some of the most important national security challenges of the Cold War. CIA Director Casey presented him with the Agency Seal Medallion – its highest civilian award – in 1985. That year, Rob returned to his hometown of Stonington, Connecticut where he chaired the Police Commission, and taught courses on government at both Yale College and the University of Connecticut. In 1991, Rob was elected by the people of Stonington and North Stonington, and the villages of Mystic, Old Mystic and Pawcatuck to represent them in the Connecticut General Assembly. In his first term, Rob opposed the imposition of a state income tax, fought for fiscal responsibility and took a lead role on transportation issues. Rob developed a reputation as a strong advocate for his constituents. As a result, he won reelection four times. Troubled that entrenched 10-term 2nd District incumbent Congressman Sam Gejdenson had lost touch with his constituents, Rob challenged him in 2000 in a campaign many said a Republican could not win. In that race, Rob came back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Gejdenson in a district where Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 34,000 voters. He was the first Republican in 50 years to win three terms in the district. While in Congress, Rob fought to make sure his fellow veterans received the benefits they were promised. He helped pass the historic “concurrent receipt” legislation that allows military retirees to collect their military retirement and the disability benefits to which they are entitled, and secured critical funding for new construction at the Veterans Home in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Rob’s landmark accomplishment was working with Team Connecticut to save the Groton Submarine Base when it was targeted for complete closure by the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Rob led the fight to keep the base operating, saving 31,000 Connecticut jobs and a critical national security asset in the “Submarine Capital of the World.” After three terms in Congress, Rob was appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell as Connecticut’s first Business Advocate. During his two year term, Rob visited over 400 local small businesses to listen to employers and workers, and help them address the challenges facing small businesses in Connecticut. Rob Simmons is a 1965 graduate of Haverford College, PA, where he won six varsity letters and was captain of the cross-country and track teams. He earned a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 1979, where he was a Littauer Fellow. Rob and his wife, Heidi, have been married for 35 years. She is a public school teacher at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, CT, specializing in early childhood education and literacy. Rob and Heidi are blessed with a daughter, Jane, who is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford and lives in New York City; and a son, Robert, who is a graduate of Providence College and lives in Boston. Rob and Heidi live with their three dogs -- Bailey, Lucy and Grigio -- in Stonington, CT. Bio courtesy of http://beta.joinrobsimmons.com/meet-rob
9.13.2010
Richard Blumenthal
Candidate for Senator

Richard Blumenthal
"Throughout my life I've really worked for people, fought for them."
9.13.2010
U.S. Senate candidate, Richard Blumenthal, is currently serving an unprecedented fifth term as Attorney General for the State of Connecticut. Early in his career, Attorney General Blumenthal served as aide to Senator Daniel P. Moynihan when Mr. Moynihan was Assistant to President Richard Nixon, and as Assistant to United States Senator Abraham A. Ribicoff. He later served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. He became United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut in 1977, serving until 1981. As the chief federal prosecutor for Connecticut, he successfully prosecuted major cases involving drug trafficking, organized crime, white collar crime, civil rights violations, consumer fraud, and environmental wrongdoing. From 1981 to 1986, he was a volunteer counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where he saved the life of an innocent, wrongly convicted death row inmate, who came within hours of execution. Richard was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1983, representing citizens of the 145th district in Stamford. In 1987, he won a special election to fill a vacancy for the 27th State Senate District in Stamford and Darien. In 1990, Connecticut elected Richard to his first term as Attorney General. Since then his relentless commitment to consumer protection, environmental stewardship, labor rights and personal privacy has helped reshape the role of state attorneys general nationwide. In that time he has also recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers. Attorney General Blumenthal helped lead the national fight against Big Tobacco to stop deceptive marketing aimed at children -- a victory that significantly lowered youth smoking rates and resulted in a multibillion dollar settlement for Connecticut taxpayers. He successfully fought unfair utility rate charges and skyrocketing costs of heating oil, natural gas, and other vital sources of energy. In addition, he has fought environmental polluters and lawbreakers as well as scams and frauds that victimize consumers. His advocacy forced reforms in the health insurance industry to assure critical health care coverage and lower pharmaceutical drug prices. Richard graduated from Harvard College (Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude), and Yale Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Yale Law Journal. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, honorably discharged as sergeant. He and his wife, Cynthia, have four children. Bio courtesy of http://richardblumenthal.com/
7.14.2009
Carl Salsedo, PhD
Extension Educator, Sustainable and Environmental Horticulture

Carl Salsedo, PhD
"Maybe we should refer to organic as more of a natural process."
7.14.2009
Dr. Carl A. Salsedo is the host of CPTV's Gardening with Nature series. Carl has been an Extension Educator in Horticulture with the University of Connecticut's Cooperative Extension System (CES) since 1975. He has collaborated on various programs with the commercial green industries in Connecticut, including nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and landscaping operations. His work also includes the Master Gardener Program, coordinating a training and volunteer service based out of the University of Connecticut's West Hartford Campus. An avid "plantsman", he gardens with his family on a hillside location in Burlington, Connecticut. His research interests include sustainable landscaping and the use of plants within the suburban landscape. Gardening with Nature http://www.cpbn.org/program/gardening-nature
7.17.2009
David Glass
Gourmet Dessert Chef

David Glass
"Yak tastes like something sent by the Gods."
7.17.2009
David Glass went to Paris to further his studies in art history but took a slight detour after a mind-blowing meal at Archestrate. Never had he tasted, or even heard of, mussel souffle, sea bass with beurre rouge (red butter sauce), filet of beef with a foie gras sauce, frise salad with truffle oil and aged sherry vinegar, and chocolate chestnut torte. Quickly changing professions, David worked at Archestrate (now called Lucas Carton) in Paris, Troisgros in Roanne, and Girardet in Crissier, Switzerland, all Michelin 3-star restaurants, the finest restaurants in the world. To round out his training, he then proceeded to work at restaurants in Istanbul, Tehran, Delhi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo. He also hiked in the Himalayas where he learned to cook rice, potatoes and yak. His company is committed to making the most delicious desserts in the world. Drawing upon ideas and ingredients from all over the world, they create stunning, unique flavors for your ultimate dining pleasure. Courtesy of davidglass.com
5.29.2009
Doug Schwartz
Director of the Quinnipiac Polling Institute

Doug Schwartz
"Gotta eat!"
5.29.2009
Douglas Schwartz, PhD, director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, is responsible for the poll’s methodology and all aspects of the survey process, directing each project from conception through analysis. He is also the chief spokesperson for the Connecticut polls. Schwartz began his career as a survey associate with the CBS News election and survey unit and as an election night analyst for the late 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley. He has taught courses at Quinnipiac on polling methodology and has served as president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s New England Chapter. He earned a BA from Connecticut College, and both an MA (in political science with a concentration in survey research) and PhD (in political science) from the University of Connecticut. Courtesy of Quinnipiac University Polling Institute