This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Chamber Corner with Larry McHugh

Last week was another busy one in Middlesex County, highlighted by Tuesday evening’s terrific Chamber Member Business After Work networking event at Water's Edge Center For Health & Rehabilitation in Middletown.  Over 235 Chamber members enjoyed the fun atmosphere, great food, cold drinks, and of course, the best networking around.  The Water’s Edge team did an excellent job putting together this event, and I would like to again thank Rich DeMio, Administrator, and Laura Falt, Director of Community Relations, for their hospitality and for their support of the Chamber.  This event at Water’s Edge has become an annual event on the Chamber Calendar, and our members enjoy it every year. 

The Chamber’s Durham and Middlefield Divisions met last week on the Durham Fairgrounds.  Durham Agricultural Fair Association President Daniel Miramant provided a preview of this year’s event and led members on a tractor ride around the 55 acre fairgrounds.  Dan and his team of volunteers are working hard ahead of this year’s fair, its 94th annual edition, which will be held from September 26 – 29.  Up and coming country music artists Justin Moore and Josh Turner will perform live at this year’s event, and The Durham Fair will host the Connecticut Wine Festival for the first time.  I look forward to seeing everyone out on the fairgrounds from the 26th to the 29th.  For more information, please visit www.durhamfair.com

A 9/11 Remembrance and Memorial Garden Dedication was held last Wednesday morning at the South Fire District in Middletown.  While I could not attend the morning ceremony because of the Chamber division meeting in Durham, I did stop by the Memorial Garden later in the day and was very impressed.  I would like to recognize the great work of the 9/11 Memorial Garden Committee of the South Fire District staff, and the donors who made this beautiful memorial possible. 

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Chamber’s Cromwell Division met last Thursday morning at The Mattabassett District facility.  Cromwell Town Planner Stuart Popper provided a local update to the group and introduced Cromwell Town Engineer Jon Harriman and Deputy Town Engineer Michael Shewokis for some remarks.  We had over 30 members in attendance as the Cromwell Division continues to be a strong Chamber sub group. 

I was happy to attend the official Grand Opening for Big Lots, Washington Street in Middletown, last Friday, September 13th, along with Deputy Mayor Bob Santangelo and Chamber Chairwoman Darlene Briggs.  As I noted last week, Big Lots is a quality national company that will bring economic development and jobs to Middletown.  I would like to thank Armando Ferreira, District Manager, Store Operations, and Miguel Arroyo, Store Manager, for inviting me, and our elected leaders from the city, to help celebrate this Grand Opening.     

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tuscany Grill in Middletown will hold a Grand Re-Opening tonight at its 600 Plaza Middlesex location.  Owners Brenda Reilly and Lynne Reilly, along with General Managers Meghan Wrinn and Ruth Shea, have led a recent restoration of Tuscany Grill and the place looks terrific.  I look forward to celebrating the new look Tuscany Grill with Mayor Drew and this team of committed businesswomen.  Brenda, Lynne, Meghan and Ruth, also operate Baci Grill in Cromwell, another outstanding local restaurant. 

The Chamber’s September Member Breakfast Meeting, featuring United States Congressman John B. Larson, will be held on Monday, September 23rd, at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell.  Networking begins at 7:00 A.M., Breakfast Buffet opens at 7:45 A.M., and the Meeting Program runs from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M.  Cost is $20 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members.  We are expecting a large crowd of over 500 for this event, and I would like to again thank Pratt & Whitney for sponsoring the event and for their continuing support of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.  The Governor William A. O’Neill Public Service Award will be presented to Tom Serra at the Larson Breakfast.  We look forward to having Nikki O’Neill in attendance as we honor Tom with this prestigious award named after Governor O’Neill. 

The Chamber will once again offer complimentary tickets to two Yale football games this season.  Thanks to the Yale University Athletic Department, tickets are available for Bulldogs games on Saturday, October 19th vs. Fordham University, kickoff at 12 Noon, and Saturday, November 9th vs. Brown University, kickoff at 12 Noon.  These complimentary tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.  Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Middlesex Chamber, 393 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457, or come to the Chamber office to collect your tickets to see some exciting Ivy League football. 

The Chamber’s October Calendar will once again be full of events and activities.  October’s Member Breakfast Meeting will feature UCONN Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Ollie, and will be held on Tuesday, October 8th at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell.  We are looking forward to hearing what Coach Ollie has to say about the upcoming season and are expecting a sell-out crowd for the breakfast event.  The month of October also features the Chamber’s Business to Business EXPO.  This year’s event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th, at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell, will once again be a full day of events featuring the Middlesex County Career Fair, a Health and Wellness Fair, over 110 exhibitors, a Breakfast Meeting, a Small Business Awards Luncheon, and much more.  I will be sure to provide more detailed information as we get closer to this year’s Middlesex Business to Business EXPO. 

We have reached the middle of September, and the Middlesex Chamber is on the move. 

For more information on Chamber events and activities, please contact Jeff Pugliese at jpugliese@middlesexchamber.com


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?