Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Pulse of the Region, brought to you by
the Metro Hertford Alliance. The Metro Hertford Alliance collaborates with
investors and partners to elevate the Hertford region through economic
development work, convening the community and providing chamber support for
the City of Hartford. Learn more about their mission and
how to get involved at Metrohartford dot com. Pulse of
the Region is produced in partnership with oak Hill. Oak
(00:23):
Hill was originally founded as a school for the blind
in eighteen ninety three. Oak Hill has provided holistic, person
centered services for individuals with disabilities for over one hundred
and thirty years. With empowerment and independence as its guiding principles.
Oakhill works in partnership with the individuals it serves to
provide residential education and enrichment opportunities. Learn more at oakhillct
(00:48):
dot org. Now here's your host for Pulse of the Region,
Kate Fauman.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hello, and welcome to Pulse of the Region, the show
where we highlight all of the wonderful, incredible things happening
here throughout our green Hartford region. I'm your host, Kate Alman.
Here today in the Candy Cane Building in Hartford, as
I like to refer to it. We're at iHeartMedia here
in downtown, our capital city. Very excited to have all
of our guests here in person with us here today.
(01:13):
We're gonna have a good little show as today we
are getting the pulse about the Oak Hill Golf Classic
in its thirtieth year. This year we will hear about
the tournament impact on not only oak Hill is the organization,
but also our local community. So thrilled to have all
of our guests joining us here today. And first he
is I think maybe probably I guess my co host
(01:34):
to the show. I don't know, Barry if that feels
like it.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
At times, but you always enjoy being here.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
He has fantastic So so we have Barry Simon. He
is the president and CEO at Oakhill and oak Hill
certainly is a wonderful partner to Pulse of the Region,
to iHeart and to the Metro Hartford Alliance and the
Connectic Health Council.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Yeah, so happy to be here and thank you of course.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Of course. And our next guest he is with Monico Ford.
It is Blake. So Blake, welcome to Pulse of the region.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Thank you, Kate, thanks for having me. Excited to be
here today.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Of course, no, we're very pleased to have you. And
then last, but certainly not least, is he's on the
oak Kill Golf Committee. He's the oak Kill Golf Committee
member and also on the Oakill Foundation Board of Directors. Correct,
that's correct, All right, perfect. I was like, this is
a long one in front of me here, so it
is Anthony Angeloni. So Anthony, welcome to the show. Thanks Kate,
(02:25):
appreciate it of course, of course. So first things first,
we love to always do some introductions around here. So
you know, Barry, I think many people and our listeners
know about oak Hill, but as I say on every
single show you come on, there's always something new to
learn about. Oh year, it never disappoints. So that's right,
you don't mind just high level reminder kind of on
(02:48):
just who Oakhill is and really the footprint you have
here in the state of captins Way.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
So we're statewide and we do intellectual developmental disability services,
we do mental health, we do substance abuse, assistant technology education.
Our schools are also you know, situated around the state,
residential placements, all of it is to empower people with
disabilities and to provide that continuum of care so people
(03:15):
with complex needs are able to get the services that.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
Make it happen.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
And as I said, we're you know, in one hundred
and sixty some odd programs around the state in you know,
blanket the state with our services.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Fantastic. Thank you, Barrian. We'll definitely talk more about the
new items happening here, but first would love Blake if
you talk a little bit about Monico Ford certainly another
brand that we are all very aware, well aware of
a strong history here in our communities.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 6 (03:47):
So. Monica Ford has been a family dealership in out
of Glastonbury for the last one hundred and three years
now certainly too so long time, fourth generation.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
The Monicos are there every day. I'm pretty big in
the community.
Speaker 6 (04:01):
Love to give back, which is great and now currently
the Ford lineup has never been better.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
We've got lots of great vehicles, our inventories are full.
Things are going well.
Speaker 6 (04:11):
We just are in the midst of completing our charger installation,
so we'll have a.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
Public charging center for anybody with electric vehicles. Should be
open in the next month. Okay, that's going to have.
Speaker 6 (04:23):
Four level three chargers, ten level two chargers, plenty of
charging for anybody with an electric vehicle.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Very exciting. So we have a lot of new things happening,
yas yare. That's great. Well, excited to learn more on
your connection and Monica Ford's connection with OKELL. But first,
Anthony would love if you could talk a little bit
about your relationship with the OKILL organization.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
Sure.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Yeah, So I was introduced to OKILL a number of
years ago just as a participant in the golf tournament. Actually,
I have a good friend, Matt, who is also on
the golf committee, who is the chair of the foundation board,
and he and I have worked together and been friends
for many years. He introduced me to the golf tournament
and then from there it was kind of a natural
(05:04):
progression for me to see the amazing impact that it
has on our community, the valuable work that it does,
and it was just kind of a natural move to
get more involved. It started with the golf committee. Now
on the foundation board. You know, I have an investment background,
so it's a natural fit there as well. So nice. Yeah,
(05:24):
it's just been a great growing relationship and something I'm passionate.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
About that's fantastic and advice to others don't stay late
at the tournament because that's when you get hooked in.
And Anthony was great about like hanging out with us
at the end of the tournament and just really that
the mission clicked and he clicked with the mission and
it really was that's how.
Speaker 7 (05:46):
You end up that night and that will do it
to you.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
No, today we're supposed to be encouraging and promoting everyone
to come.
Speaker 7 (05:54):
Absolutely, Yeah we'll get you too.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, you'll get me to the other at least you're
warning me. I apre that. So let's talk about the
golf tournament. So this is I know it is personally
one of my favorite days of the year. So Barry,
if you could talk a little bit about the Oak
Hill Golf Classic by.
Speaker 5 (06:11):
The official name, so you know, as you're saying, you know,
as you were saying, I mean, it's an important way
for us to have individuals come to know us. Our
partnership with Monaco around the tournament has been great. You know,
as Blake said that, you know, Chrissy and Mike are
there all the time, but you know, I go back
to when Dave was there all the time. And it
(06:32):
is you know, it's been a really positive supportive relationship
we you know as we go because you know, I
mentioned we're statewide. Were two hundred vehicles you know, flowing
around you know, the state, and this partnership has been great.
So their willingness and ability to to stand up and
be the title sponsor has been huge to our ability
(06:54):
to make this tournament work. And the tournament is all
about raising funds for the services that we do and
you know, subsidizing and allowing opportunity to be there. So
these funds are contributing to whether it is you know,
our support of our residential clients being able to do stuff,
(07:16):
people in our education system being able to do things
in the community, the ancillary supports, and our assist of
technology supports with veterans. I mean, all these things are
things that when people don't have the ability to pay
or we want to do something that's outside of a
normal opportunity. This tournament is a part of what makes
(07:38):
it happen. It's a great thing.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
And when is the tournament this year?
Speaker 5 (07:43):
So the tournament is October seventh, which is a Monday, so.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yes, perfect, and it's held at.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
At the TPC same place the Travelers is held, so
people actually get to play the course that the Travelers
players get to play on.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
That's right, And I'm always shocked every time. The fifteenth
hole is one of my favorites. Kind of a short
part for but I'm always you know, really humbled when
I hit mine from the women's tease take that and
I'm like a quarter of the way down and that
was a great shot for me, but compared to what
the pros are, it's unbelievable.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
So my favorite hole, though is whole one, when everybody
gets to come around and I get to say hello
to everybody and thank everybody.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Yes, and we're going to talk more about that because
that's I think certainly one of the things that makes
the tournament so unique. And actually, Barry, I don't know
if you or if Anthony kind of want to touch
on that, just really the integration beyond a fun day
of golf and you know, the eighteen holes plus the
nineteenth where then you know, Barry kind of sits there
and ties you in to doing more and more with okill.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Right, absolutely, yep.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
So you know, from from our standpoint, yeah, as I
was mentioning, as you were saying, you know, at hole one,
we always provide a new and unique opportunity for people
to basically touch our mission and see what it is
we do. So every year we present a surprise, so
we're not you know, letting it out of the bag
what we're doing this year, but whether it is giving
(09:07):
people an opportunity to experience what it would be like
to you know, take a strike at the wall while
blindfolded because we serve you know, individuals who are blind,
or whether we have a braille machine there, or whether
we have an opportunity for a different piece of assistive technology,
you know, and our participants are there to to you know,
(09:29):
send the golfers off, you know as they get into
their carts and go off and thank them. But it
is absolutely a tournament where you get to see, feel,
and you know, touch our mission with what we're doing.
And again that's what this tournament is about, is supporting
us and our mission and the and making it to
the people we serve are able to get that the
(09:51):
services that they need.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Definitely, anything you'd like to add.
Speaker 7 (09:54):
To that, yeah, I mean there's there's an amazing opportunity
to learn about the mission and experience it as as
Barry mentioned, this is the thirtieth year. I started as
a thank you event and now it's you know, the
largest fundraiser of the year for us. It's really a
top tier event too. I mean the experience you've been
(10:17):
part of it. I've been a part of it for
a number of years. We can get a little bit
more into that, maybe, but the experience is just, you know,
one that you're not going to forget.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Definitely. I think from the swag bag you get right
in the beginning. Someone just tried recently stealing one of
my sweatshirts. I've gone from there like this is the
nicest thing I've seen in a while. I'm like, you
can't take that.
Speaker 7 (10:39):
Yeah. So, I mean it's in addition to that, right,
so we have some thoughtfully curated player gifts that really
enhanced the experience. You know, I have a couple pair
of brand new golf shoes from past years. The food,
the beverages, everything about the tournament in terms of experience.
(11:02):
We sort of leave no stone unturned. And it's really,
like I said, a top tier.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Event definitely, And you know, certainly I don't know if
it's been all thirty years, but I know many of
the years as Monica Ford, as Barry mentioned, has been
the title sponsor, and you know, like if you could
talk a little bit on just really kind of why
is it so important for the you know, Monaco to
support every single year.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (11:26):
Absolutely, So I've personally been with Monico for the last
six years and that's when I started to learn about
oak Hill and Barry and get to see everything that
they actually do. And you know, the nice thing about
oak Hill is they touch a lot of communities throughout Connecticut.
They've got homes and people working in schools and classes
(11:46):
all over the place to help these people with disabilities.
And so that's important to us that you know, we
can be connected with somebody that does have a big reach, right,
somebody that can see lots of towns in the state
and help all sorts of people, various demographics and ages
and disabilities and stuff.
Speaker 4 (12:04):
So that certainly is important.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
And you know, just to touch on what Barry had said, right,
I think the first hole is my favorite as well.
Golf is hard enough as it is an able body
and you try it blindfolded or try it with some
of the assistant technology, and it really puts it into perspective,
you know.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
So it is a great event and it's.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
A lot of fun.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Definitely. So is there anything we can share Anthony about
this year? Kind of a little teaser. I don't want to,
you know, we won't steal the show, but anything unique
that may be on the horizon for this year.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
Yes, So, I mean there'll be an opportunity to learn
about I think a multitude of different things. Given us
that it's the thirtieth year, there's going to be a
contest at the nineteenth hole. Okay, I mentioned the nineteenth
hole before this. The TPC actually has a physical sort
of short nineteenth hole. We will be at the nineteenth
(12:56):
hole i e. The bar later, but.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
The twentieth yeah, we'll have to move up there.
Speaker 7 (13:04):
But yeah, so it'll be something fun going on there.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Okay, nice.
Speaker 7 (13:08):
I don't want to spill too many details there, but
it's there's there's always a twist. There's always something special
each year that keeps you coming back. It's very easy
to keep people in the ecosystem. I would say, once
you experience it, once you you you're coming back.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Definitely.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
What's nice about it too, is that you know we
were talking about and you were saying, somebody stealing your sweatshirt,
but when you see somebody else in the community. I
mean I've been walking around you know, Glastonbury or you know,
a different town with my sweatshirt.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
On it, and somebody will come up to me and say, oh,
were you Were you at the tournament?
Speaker 6 (13:44):
You know?
Speaker 4 (13:45):
I was like, yeah, yeah, I was there.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I was there.
Speaker 5 (13:49):
But it also I got to say, it's that experience,
whether it's like, you know, one year we did art
therapy and another year, you know, we did you know,
the music therapy stuff or alternative communications, and I got
to say that when I run into people, that's what
they remember, you know, when we start talking about the tournament,
(14:10):
and it really does connect people with our mission.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
So it's really it's great.
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Great a lot about the robots. We had a year.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Where were Yeah, we had a year where we Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
I was actually just thinking of the robots when you
said you remember it, like, I definitely remember the yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
So yeah.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
Within our school for kids with autism, we have, yeah,
we have a way of learning about communication and the
little robot that we use that helps people, you know,
kids when they have trouble communicating. It really does help
them teach how and learn how to communicate and that
was a big hit that year. So yeah, it really
(14:45):
Again every year it's something different, and so this year
will be another surprise.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
I've got very neat, very neat, and certainly very a
lot of in addition to Monico Ford, a lot of
other organizations, you know, support. Could you talk a little
bit about the support you receive from the business.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Community, Absolutely, and that you know, that is another thing
that's so important. I love, you know, I love being
in Hartford and the metro Hartford area and you know,
from around the state and are you know, a lot
of the people that we do business with and a
lot of places you know, in the community. This is
an opportunity to come together and you know, see each other,
interact with each other. And again, the support that we
(15:21):
get from the business community is huge in making this
tournament a success.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
So you know, I always appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Fantastic And one of the pieces you touched on the
food and I don't Anthony, if you want to take
this one, but one thing that's always stood out to
me is there's a lot of local food vendors that
you have participating. I know, it's where I was introduced
first to blue Chip Creamery and those ice cream cookie sandwiches.
If anyone's not ever had one of those, they're the
greatest things ever. But so do you talk a little
bit of the importance of kind of sticking local.
Speaker 7 (15:50):
Yeah, sure, I mean so I think blue Chip will
be there again this year, is that right?
Speaker 3 (15:54):
We're working on We are working on it, I hope.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
So, yes, Well that's why I yeah, So I'm with you, ay.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
And it kind of depends like you sort of hit
them when you go around the golf course. So I've
had a cookie sandwich at like eight thirty in the
morning before, But it happens. You got to do what
you have to do. But yeah, I mean we you know,
we've we've had lobster rolls at the turn, We've had
you know, the cookie sandwiches. We get a lot of
support from TPC and their staff there. They really, you know,
(16:24):
know how to throw a tournament. Obviously with their experience
with Travelers Championship, they certainly are professionals there and they
take great care of us every year. So yeah, we
should expect the same.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Yeah, and you know, you mention of blue blue Chip
is really important because that's again a relationship that we
have where you know, blue Chip has been great about
having our students from our classroom working with them and
learning like how to make ice cream, how to.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Package ice cream, how to put those.
Speaker 5 (16:53):
Together, and then when they come to the tournament, our
students are in the truck helping to you know, serve
out the ice cream sandwiches.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
So again it's just another you know, part of the
tournament that shows the relationship that we have and how
we put our mission to work.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Okay, so nice. Yeah, and kind of looking at you know,
the thirty years and it may be tough to have
kind of what's that number that's been raised around this,
but you know, Anthony will start with you first on
this is kind of really what do you see is
the impact as you know, Barry started to you know,
kind of started to touch on it where it's really
above and beyond. You know, these dollars go to support
things that may be new or you know, where individuals
(17:31):
and families need additional financial support. What is the other
impact that you've seen kind of from your vantage point
just of the tournament.
Speaker 7 (17:38):
I mean, it just brings people into the community, right Like,
Okill is a kind of a family. I mean you
feel that when you become a part of it and
you see the impact. I mean there's there's I think
last year we had over forty you know o kill
folks with disabilities attend. So it's not only about you know,
(17:59):
don't get me wrong. The tournament experience is great, the
golf is amazing, the course is beautiful. But you see
the impact that your donations and your dollars and your
support and your sponsorships are making on the lives of
these folks so that they can have, you know, every
opportunity available to them to live a full and robust
life and have you know, the same opportunities offer to anyone.
(18:22):
And that's kind of what the goal is.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Definitely, definitely and blake from your perspective too. And it's
always great because I know there's many employees from Monico
that participate in the tournament every year. And what's been
some of the feedback You shared your own personal experience,
but what is the feedback you receive from other colleagues
who participate.
Speaker 6 (18:41):
Yeah, every year when we go and we generally have
a large group of us, everybody is really impressed.
Speaker 4 (18:47):
One like it.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
You said, right, the golf course, the golf experience, the food,
the lustrials at the turn all great stuff. But everybody else,
you know, when they start hearing some of the stories
afterwards that people share over dinner, you know, and as
they're asking for donations and stuff, it really kind of
puts it all in perspective that it is a good cause, right.
(19:09):
It does go to help support the individuals, but.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
More so, you know, their entire families.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
Right, some of these people, you know, face the fear
that they could be living at home and living with
somebody that needs extra help for their entire life, and
it gives the entire family a place to go and
a place to be supported, not just that one, you know,
person with the disability and stuff.
Speaker 4 (19:36):
So it's a very big endeavor that they have, right.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Definitely, no, very well said, and so very companies individuals
interested in getting involved. What's kind of the best way
and the opportunities for people.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Yeah, the you know, our website okilct dot org, slash
signature events.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Is really the easiest way to do it.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
And even if you know you can't be at the tournament,
certainly it's a way that you can make a donation
but that's yeah, that's that's the way we hope that
people will sign up.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Okay perfect and still accepting foursomes.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Yeah, yeah, we usually sell out, but yes, I think
as of now there's still a couple of forsomes fantastic
and certainly sponsorships available.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
Okay perfect Perfect. So well to kind of pivot a
little bit, you know, for the tournament coming up, but
also too, I want to talk just a little bit
more on that larger community impact, So both of okill
and also for Monica Ford. So I Blake will put
you on the hot seat first, but you know, in
addition to lucky you, right, lucky you so, but in
addition to sponsoring this tournament, is you know, really Monica
(20:49):
Ford does a lot to support just our communities in general,
I know throughout my career here. So you see your brand,
your logo at a lot of community events. If you
talk a little bit on just kind of your up
approach to that community support.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
Yeah, you know, the nice thing about the Monicos is
they've been in Glassonbury their entire lives, right, and so
their community is really important to them and they know
that the community community is also who supports us as
a dealership, right, those are people that are coming in
buying vehicles and servicing vehicles with us, So we certainly.
Speaker 4 (21:20):
Want to be involved. So whether it is the YMCA.
Speaker 6 (21:24):
Whether it is a touch a truck event with fire departments,
you know, anything that is veteran related. Mike Monico is
a marine veteran, so he's heavily involved in that community
as well.
Speaker 4 (21:35):
So them giving back is part of.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Who they are, you know, and they're really appreciative of
their customers and it's their way to be able to
show everybody you know, that they can give back.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
Fantastic, that's great. And you know, Barry, we tease at
the beginning of the show new things at Okay, so
we don't have i mean, thirty minutes left in the show,
but we've got a little time because I feel like
you probably have more than we'd have time for. So
so where were starting.
Speaker 5 (22:03):
Yeah, a couple a couple of things that are new
that I'm really excited to talk about. We have a
new classroom that's opening up in Hebron. It's kind of
a Nature's experiential learning classroom where the kids will be
out you know, Hebron, and it's located at our Camp
Hemlocks facility. The classroom will be there. We're going to
(22:26):
be opening up with twenty kids, okay, and it's going
to allow the kids to be you know, all of
the learning is going to be experiential with a nature
flair to it. So that's going to be an expansion
of the classroom that's already there, okay, but it's really
going to allow more kids to have more opportunity and
for us to be able to build out that facility
(22:48):
in a way that is going to be going year
round and that's going to be a great thing. The
other thing that we're doing is a joint program with
Gilead Community Services are Mental Health Division, Yes, and that's
a program that's going to allow people with intellectual developmental
(23:09):
disabilities with mental.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
Health issues the ability to get out of.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
More institutional care into a step down kind of facility
that's going to allow them to get out into the
community and get back to living more independently and enjoying
being citizens in whatever local community they transition to. So
that's another really exciting program that we're doing.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Definitely, and you know, Anthony, from the board of director's perspective,
you kind of touch on you know, what you're seeing
kind of what's coming up ahead and what you're maybe
most excited about.
Speaker 7 (23:47):
Yeah, I mean the tournament is definitely like the pinnacle
of my year for sure. But you know, the terms
of the Foundation Board were focused on, you know, sort
of mad the the Foundation Fund, making sure that we
take good care of that money, that we're good fiduciaries there,
(24:08):
so that the the that oak Kill can you know,
get the full benefit of all the donations. So you know,
our mandate as the Foundation Board is to make sure
that we're you know, we're positioning Okill to be able
to provide these services for you know, decades and centuries
to come.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Right, definitely, Yeah, the impact today will not only impact tomorrow,
but certainly years and years down the road, which is
absolutely incredible. So all right, Barry, so remind us when
is the tournament?
Speaker 5 (24:39):
So October seventh, it's a Monday, and it's you know
the best way to get there is o KILLCT dot
orget and yep.
Speaker 3 (24:50):
Looking forward to everybody we're going to see there.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
All right, fantastic. Well, I'm gonna ask each of you
a I want one maybe like a one word answer.
This is what or maybe multiple words, but what would
you say. We've mentioned so many wonderful things and going
back to that player experience, because this truly is. You know,
there's a lot of wonderful golf tournaments that happened throughout
our community, but this one's definitely an elevated experience. And
(25:15):
so why not if each of you could say what
you're most excited for for this year? Blake, I keep
putting you on the hot seat first. I don't know
if it's just because you're sitting next to me on
my left here, so sorry, I'm me.
Speaker 6 (25:26):
Right, you know. So for me, it's it's hard to
put one word right.
Speaker 4 (25:33):
It's fun.
Speaker 6 (25:34):
All of it is just fun, from the interactions with
the other golfers to being there with my coworkers, even
the staff at TPC. Everybody makes it a really fun experience.
Speaker 5 (25:47):
Definitely very I get two words, people, an impact.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
I like what I like? I like.
Speaker 5 (25:52):
You know, our fundraising goal is two hundred thousand. We've
been meeting our goals, you know, in years pass, so
we're hoping to achieve this one. And the impact that
this has on the people we serve as huge and
enjoying the people who are at the tournament.
Speaker 3 (26:08):
Is you know, just a fun part of my day.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
Definitely? How about you, Anthony can do You can definitely
do too, because I was going to answer myself and
I'm like, I don't even know what I'm My.
Speaker 7 (26:19):
First one is three words and that's hand rolled cigars.
If that's your thing, we do have that there. It's
been a staple for years and it is awesome. But
more seriously, it's just being a part of the community,
witnessing it all come together and you know, enjoying that
(26:40):
day golf, but really seeing the impact of the work
that we're doing and the sponsorships and all the money
that's coming in. It really goes a long way to
improving the lives of these folks with different disabilities, and
we're going to continue to fight for them and put
on this tournament to give everyone a great But it's
(27:00):
it's all driving at that mission, and that's that's the
best part of the day for.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
Me, definitely. And I was going to say inspiration, and
I had a lot of time because you guys each
had the answer first. But so with that, Perry, do
you want to touch because it's inspiring. You have many
individuals who participate in Oakhill programs that are there throughout
the day as well, and that to me is always
something that really touches my heart. I know, if you
could talk a little bit on that involvement.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
Yeah, I mean, just you know, and to see one
of my favorite times of the year, I'll say, is
graduation and I get to go to graduation where I see,
you know, the kids who have been in our school
for years, and when they're graduating, to see one of
the kids who can walk up to the mic and
you know, be singing a song or leading something that's
(27:46):
going on at graduation, and this is a child who
came in, you know, when they were really young and
were nonverbal, or to see an individual who is you know,
now walking with a walker, but when they came into
our pro they weren't able to you know, stand up
out of a wheelchair. And so, you know, with all
of the staff that we have on whether it's in
(28:07):
our residential programs or in our school, you know, OTPT, speech,
social work, I mean, all these specialty services that are
focused on high end need individuals, you know the impact
of that is success. And to see these kids at
that moment in time is just one of my favorite things.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Extremely special, so well, very excited to hope to see
everyone out there on October seventh, a TPC in Cromwell.
And so for just kind of one last reminder, where
can people go to sign up for the tournament?
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Okillct dot org.
Speaker 2 (28:42):
Fantastic And Blake, where can people go to learn more
about Monico Ford and all the work you're doing here
in our communities, So they can.
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Come down to the dealership in glass and Bery, Connecticut
on New London Turnpike or just visit us online at monico.
Speaker 4 (28:54):
Ford dot com.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Fantastic. Well, thank you all so much. It was great
to see today, and we'll definitely see everybody on the seventh,
if not sooner than you Yeah, of course, of course.
And before we close out our show today, we would
like to welcome a new investor to the Metro Hertford Alliance.
We refer to our members as investors because they're investing
in the work that we're doing to help promote the
region and grow the region. So today we welcome the
(29:18):
Newington Geico Office. The Newington Geico Office is a local
that are an owned insurance agency serving clients in the
Greater Hertford area. They offer a full suite of personal
insurance products such as auto, home, renter's boat, and motorcycle insurance.
Thank you for joining the MHA team, Geico, and for
(29:38):
all the details about today's show, you can visit Pulseofthregion
dot com. A big thank you again to our show partner,
okal So. Thank you, Barry, to you and your entire
team for all of your support, and lastly, thanks to
you for listening. I'm Kate Bauman. Go out and make
today a good day here in Connecticut.
Welcome to Pulse of the Region, brought to you by
the Metro Hertford Alliance. The Metro Hertford Alliance collaborates with
investors and partners to elevate the Hertford region through economic
development work, convening the community and providing chamber support for
the City of Hartford. Learn more about their mission and
how to get involved at Metrohartford dot com. Pulse of
the Region is produced in partnership with oak Hill. Oak
(00:23):
Hill was originally founded as a school for the blind
in eighteen ninety three. Oak Hill has provided holistic, person
centered services for individuals with disabilities for over one hundred
and thirty years. With empowerment and independence as its guiding principles.
Oakhill works in partnership with the individuals it serves to
provide residential education and enrichment opportunities. Learn more at oakhillct
(00:48):
dot org. Now here's your host for Pulse of the Region,
Kate Fauman.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hello, and welcome to Pulse of the Region, the show
where we highlight all of the wonderful, incredible things happening
here throughout our green Hartford region. I'm your host, Kate Alman.
Here today in the Candy Cane Building in Hartford, as
I like to refer to it. We're at iHeartMedia here
in downtown, our capital city. Very excited to have all
of our guests here in person with us here today.
(01:13):
We're gonna have a good little show as today we
are getting the pulse about the Oak Hill Golf Classic
in its thirtieth year. This year we will hear about
the tournament impact on not only oak Hill is the organization,
but also our local community. So thrilled to have all
of our guests joining us here today. And first he
is I think maybe probably I guess my co host
(01:34):
to the show. I don't know, Barry if that feels
like it.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
At times, but you always enjoy being here.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
He has fantastic So so we have Barry Simon. He
is the president and CEO at Oakhill and oak Hill
certainly is a wonderful partner to Pulse of the Region,
to iHeart and to the Metro Hartford Alliance and the
Connectic Health Council.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Yeah, so happy to be here and thank you of course.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Of course. And our next guest he is with Monico Ford.
It is Blake. So Blake, welcome to Pulse of the region.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Thank you, Kate, thanks for having me. Excited to be
here today.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Of course, no, we're very pleased to have you. And
then last, but certainly not least, is he's on the
oak Kill Golf Committee. He's the oak Kill Golf Committee
member and also on the Oakill Foundation Board of Directors. Correct,
that's correct, All right, perfect. I was like, this is
a long one in front of me here, so it
is Anthony Angeloni. So Anthony, welcome to the show. Thanks Kate,
(02:25):
appreciate it of course, of course. So first things first,
we love to always do some introductions around here. So
you know, Barry, I think many people and our listeners
know about oak Hill, but as I say on every
single show you come on, there's always something new to
learn about. Oh year, it never disappoints. So that's right,
you don't mind just high level reminder kind of on
(02:48):
just who Oakhill is and really the footprint you have
here in the state of captins Way.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
So we're statewide and we do intellectual developmental disability services,
we do mental health, we do substance abuse, assistant technology education.
Our schools are also you know, situated around the state,
residential placements, all of it is to empower people with
disabilities and to provide that continuum of care so people
(03:15):
with complex needs are able to get the services that.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
Make it happen.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
And as I said, we're you know, in one hundred
and sixty some odd programs around the state in you know,
blanket the state with our services.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Fantastic. Thank you, Barrian. We'll definitely talk more about the
new items happening here, but first would love Blake if
you talk a little bit about Monico Ford certainly another
brand that we are all very aware, well aware of
a strong history here in our communities.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 6 (03:47):
So. Monica Ford has been a family dealership in out
of Glastonbury for the last one hundred and three years
now certainly too so long time, fourth generation.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
The Monicos are there every day. I'm pretty big in
the community.
Speaker 6 (04:01):
Love to give back, which is great and now currently
the Ford lineup has never been better.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
We've got lots of great vehicles, our inventories are full.
Things are going well.
Speaker 6 (04:11):
We just are in the midst of completing our charger installation,
so we'll have a.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
Public charging center for anybody with electric vehicles. Should be
open in the next month. Okay, that's going to have.
Speaker 6 (04:23):
Four level three chargers, ten level two chargers, plenty of
charging for anybody with an electric vehicle.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Very exciting. So we have a lot of new things happening,
yas yare. That's great. Well, excited to learn more on
your connection and Monica Ford's connection with OKELL. But first,
Anthony would love if you could talk a little bit
about your relationship with the OKILL organization.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
Sure.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Yeah, So I was introduced to OKILL a number of
years ago just as a participant in the golf tournament. Actually,
I have a good friend, Matt, who is also on
the golf committee, who is the chair of the foundation board,
and he and I have worked together and been friends
for many years. He introduced me to the golf tournament
and then from there it was kind of a natural
(05:04):
progression for me to see the amazing impact that it
has on our community, the valuable work that it does,
and it was just kind of a natural move to
get more involved. It started with the golf committee. Now
on the foundation board. You know, I have an investment background,
so it's a natural fit there as well. So nice. Yeah,
(05:24):
it's just been a great growing relationship and something I'm passionate.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
About that's fantastic and advice to others don't stay late
at the tournament because that's when you get hooked in.
And Anthony was great about like hanging out with us
at the end of the tournament and just really that
the mission clicked and he clicked with the mission and
it really was that's how.
Speaker 7 (05:46):
You end up that night and that will do it
to you.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
No, today we're supposed to be encouraging and promoting everyone
to come.
Speaker 7 (05:54):
Absolutely, Yeah we'll get you too.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, you'll get me to the other at least you're
warning me. I apre that. So let's talk about the
golf tournament. So this is I know it is personally
one of my favorite days of the year. So Barry,
if you could talk a little bit about the Oak
Hill Golf Classic by.
Speaker 5 (06:11):
The official name, so you know, as you're saying, you know,
as you were saying, I mean, it's an important way
for us to have individuals come to know us. Our
partnership with Monaco around the tournament has been great. You know,
as Blake said that, you know, Chrissy and Mike are
there all the time, but you know, I go back
to when Dave was there all the time. And it
(06:32):
is you know, it's been a really positive supportive relationship
we you know as we go because you know, I
mentioned we're statewide. Were two hundred vehicles you know, flowing
around you know, the state, and this partnership has been great.
So their willingness and ability to to stand up and
be the title sponsor has been huge to our ability
(06:54):
to make this tournament work. And the tournament is all
about raising funds for the services that we do and
you know, subsidizing and allowing opportunity to be there. So
these funds are contributing to whether it is you know,
our support of our residential clients being able to do stuff,
(07:16):
people in our education system being able to do things
in the community, the ancillary supports, and our assist of
technology supports with veterans. I mean, all these things are
things that when people don't have the ability to pay
or we want to do something that's outside of a
normal opportunity. This tournament is a part of what makes
(07:38):
it happen. It's a great thing.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
And when is the tournament this year?
Speaker 5 (07:43):
So the tournament is October seventh, which is a Monday, so.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yes, perfect, and it's held at.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
At the TPC same place the Travelers is held, so
people actually get to play the course that the Travelers
players get to play on.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
That's right, And I'm always shocked every time. The fifteenth
hole is one of my favorites. Kind of a short
part for but I'm always you know, really humbled when
I hit mine from the women's tease take that and
I'm like a quarter of the way down and that
was a great shot for me, but compared to what
the pros are, it's unbelievable.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
So my favorite hole, though is whole one, when everybody
gets to come around and I get to say hello
to everybody and thank everybody.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Yes, and we're going to talk more about that because
that's I think certainly one of the things that makes
the tournament so unique. And actually, Barry, I don't know
if you or if Anthony kind of want to touch
on that, just really the integration beyond a fun day
of golf and you know, the eighteen holes plus the
nineteenth where then you know, Barry kind of sits there
and ties you in to doing more and more with okill.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Right, absolutely, yep.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
So you know, from from our standpoint, yeah, as I
was mentioning, as you were saying, you know, at hole one,
we always provide a new and unique opportunity for people
to basically touch our mission and see what it is
we do. So every year we present a surprise, so
we're not you know, letting it out of the bag
what we're doing this year, but whether it is giving
(09:07):
people an opportunity to experience what it would be like
to you know, take a strike at the wall while
blindfolded because we serve you know, individuals who are blind,
or whether we have a braille machine there, or whether
we have an opportunity for a different piece of assistive technology,
you know, and our participants are there to to you know,
(09:29):
send the golfers off, you know as they get into
their carts and go off and thank them. But it
is absolutely a tournament where you get to see, feel,
and you know, touch our mission with what we're doing.
And again that's what this tournament is about, is supporting
us and our mission and the and making it to
the people we serve are able to get that the
(09:51):
services that they need.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Definitely, anything you'd like to add.
Speaker 7 (09:54):
To that, yeah, I mean there's there's an amazing opportunity
to learn about the mission and experience it as as
Barry mentioned, this is the thirtieth year. I started as
a thank you event and now it's you know, the
largest fundraiser of the year for us. It's really a
top tier event too. I mean the experience you've been
(10:17):
part of it. I've been a part of it for
a number of years. We can get a little bit
more into that, maybe, but the experience is just, you know,
one that you're not going to forget.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Definitely. I think from the swag bag you get right
in the beginning. Someone just tried recently stealing one of
my sweatshirts. I've gone from there like this is the
nicest thing I've seen in a while. I'm like, you
can't take that.
Speaker 7 (10:39):
Yeah. So, I mean it's in addition to that, right,
so we have some thoughtfully curated player gifts that really
enhanced the experience. You know, I have a couple pair
of brand new golf shoes from past years. The food,
the beverages, everything about the tournament in terms of experience.
(11:02):
We sort of leave no stone unturned. And it's really,
like I said, a top tier.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Event definitely, And you know, certainly I don't know if
it's been all thirty years, but I know many of
the years as Monica Ford, as Barry mentioned, has been
the title sponsor, and you know, like if you could
talk a little bit on just really kind of why
is it so important for the you know, Monaco to
support every single year.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (11:26):
Absolutely, So I've personally been with Monico for the last
six years and that's when I started to learn about
oak Hill and Barry and get to see everything that
they actually do. And you know, the nice thing about
oak Hill is they touch a lot of communities throughout Connecticut.
They've got homes and people working in schools and classes
(11:46):
all over the place to help these people with disabilities.
And so that's important to us that you know, we
can be connected with somebody that does have a big reach, right,
somebody that can see lots of towns in the state
and help all sorts of people, various demographics and ages
and disabilities and stuff.
Speaker 4 (12:04):
So that certainly is important.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
And you know, just to touch on what Barry had said, right,
I think the first hole is my favorite as well.
Golf is hard enough as it is an able body
and you try it blindfolded or try it with some
of the assistant technology, and it really puts it into perspective,
you know.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
So it is a great event and it's.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
A lot of fun.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Definitely. So is there anything we can share Anthony about
this year? Kind of a little teaser. I don't want to,
you know, we won't steal the show, but anything unique
that may be on the horizon for this year.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
Yes, So, I mean there'll be an opportunity to learn
about I think a multitude of different things. Given us
that it's the thirtieth year, there's going to be a
contest at the nineteenth hole. Okay, I mentioned the nineteenth
hole before this. The TPC actually has a physical sort
of short nineteenth hole. We will be at the nineteenth
(12:56):
hole i e. The bar later, but.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
The twentieth yeah, we'll have to move up there.
Speaker 7 (13:04):
But yeah, so it'll be something fun going on there.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Okay, nice.
Speaker 7 (13:08):
I don't want to spill too many details there, but
it's there's there's always a twist. There's always something special
each year that keeps you coming back. It's very easy
to keep people in the ecosystem. I would say, once
you experience it, once you you you're coming back.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Definitely.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (13:27):
What's nice about it too, is that you know we
were talking about and you were saying, somebody stealing your sweatshirt,
but when you see somebody else in the community. I
mean I've been walking around you know, Glastonbury or you know,
a different town with my sweatshirt.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
On it, and somebody will come up to me and say, oh,
were you Were you at the tournament?
Speaker 6 (13:44):
You know?
Speaker 4 (13:45):
I was like, yeah, yeah, I was there.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I was there.
Speaker 5 (13:49):
But it also I got to say, it's that experience,
whether it's like, you know, one year we did art
therapy and another year, you know, we did you know,
the music therapy stuff or alternative communications, and I got
to say that when I run into people, that's what
they remember, you know, when we start talking about the tournament,
(14:10):
and it really does connect people with our mission.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
So it's really it's great.
Speaker 7 (14:15):
Great a lot about the robots. We had a year.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Where were Yeah, we had a year where we Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
I was actually just thinking of the robots when you
said you remember it, like, I definitely remember the yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
So yeah.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
Within our school for kids with autism, we have, yeah,
we have a way of learning about communication and the
little robot that we use that helps people, you know,
kids when they have trouble communicating. It really does help
them teach how and learn how to communicate and that
was a big hit that year. So yeah, it really
(14:45):
Again every year it's something different, and so this year
will be another surprise.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
I've got very neat, very neat, and certainly very a
lot of in addition to Monico Ford, a lot of
other organizations, you know, support. Could you talk a little
bit about the support you receive from the business.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Community, Absolutely, and that you know, that is another thing
that's so important. I love, you know, I love being
in Hartford and the metro Hartford area and you know,
from around the state and are you know, a lot
of the people that we do business with and a
lot of places you know, in the community. This is
an opportunity to come together and you know, see each other,
interact with each other. And again, the support that we
(15:21):
get from the business community is huge in making this
tournament a success.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
So you know, I always appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Fantastic And one of the pieces you touched on the
food and I don't Anthony, if you want to take
this one, but one thing that's always stood out to
me is there's a lot of local food vendors that
you have participating. I know, it's where I was introduced
first to blue Chip Creamery and those ice cream cookie sandwiches.
If anyone's not ever had one of those, they're the
greatest things ever. But so do you talk a little
bit of the importance of kind of sticking local.
Speaker 7 (15:50):
Yeah, sure, I mean so I think blue Chip will
be there again this year, is that right?
Speaker 3 (15:54):
We're working on We are working on it, I hope.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
So, yes, Well that's why I yeah, So I'm with you, ay.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
And it kind of depends like you sort of hit
them when you go around the golf course. So I've
had a cookie sandwich at like eight thirty in the
morning before, But it happens. You got to do what
you have to do. But yeah, I mean we you know,
we've we've had lobster rolls at the turn, We've had
you know, the cookie sandwiches. We get a lot of
support from TPC and their staff there. They really, you know,
(16:24):
know how to throw a tournament. Obviously with their experience
with Travelers Championship, they certainly are professionals there and they
take great care of us every year. So yeah, we
should expect the same.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
Yeah, and you know, you mention of blue blue Chip
is really important because that's again a relationship that we
have where you know, blue Chip has been great about
having our students from our classroom working with them and
learning like how to make ice cream, how to.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Package ice cream, how to put those.
Speaker 5 (16:53):
Together, and then when they come to the tournament, our
students are in the truck helping to you know, serve
out the ice cream sandwiches.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
So again it's just another you know, part of the
tournament that shows the relationship that we have and how
we put our mission to work.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Okay, so nice. Yeah, and kind of looking at you know,
the thirty years and it may be tough to have
kind of what's that number that's been raised around this,
but you know, Anthony will start with you first on
this is kind of really what do you see is
the impact as you know, Barry started to you know,
kind of started to touch on it where it's really
above and beyond. You know, these dollars go to support
things that may be new or you know, where individuals
(17:31):
and families need additional financial support. What is the other
impact that you've seen kind of from your vantage point
just of the tournament.
Speaker 7 (17:38):
I mean, it just brings people into the community, right Like,
Okill is a kind of a family. I mean you
feel that when you become a part of it and
you see the impact. I mean there's there's I think
last year we had over forty you know o kill
folks with disabilities attend. So it's not only about you know,
(17:59):
don't get me wrong. The tournament experience is great, the
golf is amazing, the course is beautiful. But you see
the impact that your donations and your dollars and your
support and your sponsorships are making on the lives of
these folks so that they can have, you know, every
opportunity available to them to live a full and robust
life and have you know, the same opportunities offer to anyone.
(18:22):
And that's kind of what the goal is.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Definitely, definitely and blake from your perspective too. And it's
always great because I know there's many employees from Monico
that participate in the tournament every year. And what's been
some of the feedback You shared your own personal experience,
but what is the feedback you receive from other colleagues
who participate.
Speaker 6 (18:41):
Yeah, every year when we go and we generally have
a large group of us, everybody is really impressed.
Speaker 4 (18:47):
One like it.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
You said, right, the golf course, the golf experience, the food,
the lustrials at the turn all great stuff. But everybody else,
you know, when they start hearing some of the stories
afterwards that people share over dinner, you know, and as
they're asking for donations and stuff, it really kind of
puts it all in perspective that it is a good cause, right.
(19:09):
It does go to help support the individuals, but.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
More so, you know, their entire families.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
Right, some of these people, you know, face the fear
that they could be living at home and living with
somebody that needs extra help for their entire life, and
it gives the entire family a place to go and
a place to be supported, not just that one, you know,
person with the disability and stuff.
Speaker 4 (19:36):
So it's a very big endeavor that they have, right.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Definitely, no, very well said, and so very companies individuals
interested in getting involved. What's kind of the best way
and the opportunities for people.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Yeah, the you know, our website okilct dot org, slash
signature events.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Is really the easiest way to do it.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
And even if you know you can't be at the tournament,
certainly it's a way that you can make a donation
but that's yeah, that's that's the way we hope that
people will sign up.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Okay perfect and still accepting foursomes.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
Yeah, yeah, we usually sell out, but yes, I think
as of now there's still a couple of forsomes fantastic
and certainly sponsorships available.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
Okay perfect Perfect. So well to kind of pivot a
little bit, you know, for the tournament coming up, but
also too, I want to talk just a little bit
more on that larger community impact, So both of okill
and also for Monica Ford. So I Blake will put
you on the hot seat first, but you know, in
addition to lucky you, right, lucky you so, but in
addition to sponsoring this tournament, is you know, really Monica
(20:49):
Ford does a lot to support just our communities in general,
I know throughout my career here. So you see your brand,
your logo at a lot of community events. If you
talk a little bit on just kind of your up
approach to that community support.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
Yeah, you know, the nice thing about the Monicos is
they've been in Glassonbury their entire lives, right, and so
their community is really important to them and they know
that the community community is also who supports us as
a dealership, right, those are people that are coming in
buying vehicles and servicing vehicles with us, So we certainly.
Speaker 4 (21:20):
Want to be involved. So whether it is the YMCA.
Speaker 6 (21:24):
Whether it is a touch a truck event with fire departments,
you know, anything that is veteran related. Mike Monico is
a marine veteran, so he's heavily involved in that community
as well.
Speaker 4 (21:35):
So them giving back is part of.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
Who they are, you know, and they're really appreciative of
their customers and it's their way to be able to
show everybody you know, that they can give back.
Speaker 2 (21:48):
Fantastic, that's great. And you know, Barry, we tease at
the beginning of the show new things at Okay, so
we don't have i mean, thirty minutes left in the show,
but we've got a little time because I feel like
you probably have more than we'd have time for. So
so where were starting.
Speaker 5 (22:03):
Yeah, a couple a couple of things that are new
that I'm really excited to talk about. We have a
new classroom that's opening up in Hebron. It's kind of
a Nature's experiential learning classroom where the kids will be
out you know, Hebron, and it's located at our Camp
Hemlocks facility. The classroom will be there. We're going to
(22:26):
be opening up with twenty kids, okay, and it's going
to allow the kids to be you know, all of
the learning is going to be experiential with a nature
flair to it. So that's going to be an expansion
of the classroom that's already there, okay, but it's really
going to allow more kids to have more opportunity and
for us to be able to build out that facility
(22:48):
in a way that is going to be going year
round and that's going to be a great thing. The
other thing that we're doing is a joint program with
Gilead Community Services are Mental Health Division, Yes, and that's
a program that's going to allow people with intellectual developmental
(23:09):
disabilities with mental.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
Health issues the ability to get out of.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
More institutional care into a step down kind of facility
that's going to allow them to get out into the
community and get back to living more independently and enjoying
being citizens in whatever local community they transition to. So
that's another really exciting program that we're doing.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Definitely, and you know, Anthony, from the board of director's perspective,
you kind of touch on you know, what you're seeing
kind of what's coming up ahead and what you're maybe
most excited about.
Speaker 7 (23:47):
Yeah, I mean the tournament is definitely like the pinnacle
of my year for sure. But you know, the terms
of the Foundation Board were focused on, you know, sort
of mad the the Foundation Fund, making sure that we
take good care of that money, that we're good fiduciaries there,
(24:08):
so that the the that oak Kill can you know,
get the full benefit of all the donations. So you know,
our mandate as the Foundation Board is to make sure
that we're you know, we're positioning Okill to be able
to provide these services for you know, decades and centuries
to come.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
Right, definitely, Yeah, the impact today will not only impact tomorrow,
but certainly years and years down the road, which is
absolutely incredible. So all right, Barry, so remind us when
is the tournament?
Speaker 5 (24:39):
So October seventh, it's a Monday, and it's you know
the best way to get there is o KILLCT dot
orget and yep.
Speaker 3 (24:50):
Looking forward to everybody we're going to see there.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
All right, fantastic. Well, I'm gonna ask each of you
a I want one maybe like a one word answer.
This is what or maybe multiple words, but what would
you say. We've mentioned so many wonderful things and going
back to that player experience, because this truly is. You know,
there's a lot of wonderful golf tournaments that happened throughout
our community, but this one's definitely an elevated experience. And
(25:15):
so why not if each of you could say what
you're most excited for for this year? Blake, I keep
putting you on the hot seat first. I don't know
if it's just because you're sitting next to me on
my left here, so sorry, I'm me.
Speaker 6 (25:26):
Right, you know. So for me, it's it's hard to
put one word right.
Speaker 4 (25:33):
It's fun.
Speaker 6 (25:34):
All of it is just fun, from the interactions with
the other golfers to being there with my coworkers, even
the staff at TPC. Everybody makes it a really fun experience.
Speaker 5 (25:47):
Definitely very I get two words, people, an impact.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
I like what I like? I like.
Speaker 5 (25:52):
You know, our fundraising goal is two hundred thousand. We've
been meeting our goals, you know, in years pass, so
we're hoping to achieve this one. And the impact that
this has on the people we serve as huge and
enjoying the people who are at the tournament.
Speaker 3 (26:08):
Is you know, just a fun part of my day.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
Definitely? How about you, Anthony can do You can definitely
do too, because I was going to answer myself and
I'm like, I don't even know what I'm My.
Speaker 7 (26:19):
First one is three words and that's hand rolled cigars.
If that's your thing, we do have that there. It's
been a staple for years and it is awesome. But
more seriously, it's just being a part of the community,
witnessing it all come together and you know, enjoying that
(26:40):
day golf, but really seeing the impact of the work
that we're doing and the sponsorships and all the money
that's coming in. It really goes a long way to
improving the lives of these folks with different disabilities, and
we're going to continue to fight for them and put
on this tournament to give everyone a great But it's
(27:00):
it's all driving at that mission, and that's that's the
best part of the day for.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
Me, definitely. And I was going to say inspiration, and
I had a lot of time because you guys each
had the answer first. But so with that, Perry, do
you want to touch because it's inspiring. You have many
individuals who participate in Oakhill programs that are there throughout
the day as well, and that to me is always
something that really touches my heart. I know, if you
could talk a little bit on that involvement.
Speaker 5 (27:25):
Yeah, I mean, just you know, and to see one
of my favorite times of the year, I'll say, is
graduation and I get to go to graduation where I see,
you know, the kids who have been in our school
for years, and when they're graduating, to see one of
the kids who can walk up to the mic and
you know, be singing a song or leading something that's
(27:46):
going on at graduation, and this is a child who
came in, you know, when they were really young and
were nonverbal, or to see an individual who is you know,
now walking with a walker, but when they came into
our pro they weren't able to you know, stand up
out of a wheelchair. And so, you know, with all
of the staff that we have on whether it's in
(28:07):
our residential programs or in our school, you know, OTPT, speech,
social work, I mean, all these specialty services that are
focused on high end need individuals, you know the impact
of that is success. And to see these kids at
that moment in time is just one of my favorite things.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Extremely special, so well, very excited to hope to see
everyone out there on October seventh, a TPC in Cromwell.
And so for just kind of one last reminder, where
can people go to sign up for the tournament?
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Okillct dot org.
Speaker 2 (28:42):
Fantastic And Blake, where can people go to learn more
about Monico Ford and all the work you're doing here
in our communities, So they can.
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Come down to the dealership in glass and Bery, Connecticut
on New London Turnpike or just visit us online at monico.
Speaker 4 (28:54):
Ford dot com.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Fantastic. Well, thank you all so much. It was great
to see today, and we'll definitely see everybody on the seventh,
if not sooner than you Yeah, of course, of course.
And before we close out our show today, we would
like to welcome a new investor to the Metro Hertford Alliance.
We refer to our members as investors because they're investing
in the work that we're doing to help promote the
region and grow the region. So today we welcome the
(29:18):
Newington Geico Office. The Newington Geico Office is a local
that are an owned insurance agency serving clients in the
Greater Hertford area. They offer a full suite of personal
insurance products such as auto, home, renter's boat, and motorcycle insurance.
Thank you for joining the MHA team, Geico, and for
(29:38):
all the details about today's show, you can visit Pulseofthregion
dot com. A big thank you again to our show partner,
okal So. Thank you, Barry, to you and your entire
team for all of your support, and lastly, thanks to
you for listening. I'm Kate Bauman. Go out and make
today a good day here in Connecticut.
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