Hello Connecticut!
Hello Connecticut, the podcast! This will be an extension of Hello Connecticut the talk show on WFSB Channel 3, The Wax and streaming platforms! We’ll highlight community-focused individuals and advocate for animals, law enforcement, and other local leaders. Amplifying the voices of non-profit organizations and causes that often go unnoticed, fostering positive community engagement across both on-air and digital platforms.
Most Recent Episode
Fidelco Guide Dog Client Gary Traynor
On this Hello Connecticut podcast we chat with Fidelco Guide Dog client Gary Traynor! Gary has been partnered with his second Fidelco guide dog, “Denver,” since August 2024, and Gary said he “could not be prouder of him.” His first guide dog Rubin worked by his side for 13 years and he shares their story too! Gary and his wife, Sharon, love to travel and they own and operate a lakeside lodge and pontoon vacation rental. Gary also loves to fish and over the years has built or remodeled many parts of his properties in Wisconsin.
Gary joined the Air Force in 1982 as an aircraft welder machinist. He experienced sight loss while serving and was medically retired as a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant in 1999. Since that time, Gary has continued to dedicate much of his time helping the local and worldwide blind community and is very involved in low-vision support groups as well as a guide dog handlers group with veterans. To help continue Fidelco’s mission, please consider donating: www.Fidelco.org
More Episodes
Connecticut Museum Celebrates 200 Years!
Hartford, CT: Connecticut Museum celebrating 200 years! Renee DiNino spoke with Samantha Skeels, Marketing and Communications Manager from the CT Museum. Just celebrating their 200th year with plans for another 200! Smantha shared updates on exhibitions, important dates, a children's book and coffee table book! Plus their overall mission and goals and recent rebrand and emphasis on cultural heritages across the state.
- Fun facts
- Since 1825 - original CT Historical society
- Originally the home of inventor Curtis Veeder
- Museum began as a way to collect/preserve revolutionary war history but has since evolved
Exhibitions department and Education department were newer additions to the museum and now extremely robust! Some of their projects: Cultural sustainability - SNEAP, Civics Education Program, Community History Project!
Visit www.connecticutmuseum.org for more fun!
The 9th Annual FACT Voices for Victory Fundraiser Dinner
Renee DiNino spoke with FACT founder Bod D’Angelo and committee members Jason Perrone and Olivia Hansel. FACT – (Find A Cure Together) is a CT-based, 501(c)(3) company, founded in 2015 by Bob D’Angelo and Mike Boissonneault. FACT was founded specifically to align with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as an annual fundraising partner. Their history with the V Foundation for Cancer Research goes back to its inception in the mid 1990s. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, award-winning basketball coach and commentator. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses.
Tickets for the event: www.V.org/Voicesforvictory
Please like and follow FACT: https://www.instagram.com/fact_vfoundation/
Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration
Enfield, CT: 3 Cares is excited to partner with the Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration! In our latest Hello Connecticut podcast Renee DiNino chatted with Izzy Post Ruhland! Get ready for another amazing event! Enfield Fourth of July Town 40th Celebration - 40th Celebration- July 11, 12, 13, free to attend! The band lineup is on their website, www.enfieldcelebration.org - Headliners are Nigh Noon, Draw the Line, Savage Brothers Band, other great bands as well! Renee DiNino will be on site the weekend to host the parade on Saturday and for the K9 Demonstration son Sunday!
- Signups are available for road races craft fairs/ community tables, parade!
- They are looking for sponsors! Individuals and businesses, this is a volunteer board funded by sponsorships and donations
- Socials: Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration, @enfieldfojtc, enfieldcelebration.org
Bristol Boys & Girls Club Gala
On Saturday, April 5, 2025 the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol is hosting their Masquerade Ball Gala to be held at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT from 5-10pm. Guests will enjoy fine dining with dinner and dessert, an open bar, and live music. A silent and live auction featuring a wide array of exciting items will be held. Emcees: WFSB’s Scot Haney and Renee DiNino
For information on sponsorship opportunities, purchasing a table, or individual tickets, please contact Keleigh Courtney at 860-540-3101 or KCourtney@bbgc.org. To buy tickets directly: www.bbgc.org
Proceeds from the event will support the transformational youth programs that we provide to the thousands of children and families across our network of 13 sites in our community.
For all Ages is here to help!
For All Ages is the convener of the “Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness”. (CCEL)
“An alliance to foster social connection across CT for people of all ages!” I chatted with Deb Bibbins, Founder & CEO, For All Ages – convener of The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness and Gary Sekorski, Co-Founder - For All Ages, Inc.
For all Ages is here to help!
For All Ages is the convener of the “Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness”. (CCEL)
“An alliance to foster social connection across CT for people of all ages!” I chatted with Deb Bibbins, Founder & CEO, For All Ages – convener of The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness and Gary Sekorski, Co-Founder - For All Ages, Inc.
RSCO School Choice Program
Today we’re speaking with Kerry Mattson and Laura Lyon from the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Regional School Choice Office or RSCO to talk with us about RSCO’s school choice program, what families need to know before they apply, and an upcoming FREE event their hosting for families. Through RSCO’s program, families with students entering Pre-K through Grade 12 can apply to attend free public schools in the Greater Hartford Region, including: 45 magnet schools incorporating specialized themes, Open Choice program and 3 regional technical high schools or CTECS. Go to ChooseYourSchool.org to learn more and apply before the deadline on February 7, 2025
Fidelco Client Grej Pesjaka and his guide dog Windsor
Hello Connecticut shares another client story with our partners The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation! Meet Grej Pesjaka and his guide dog Windsor! They share a special bond and the name Windsor has special meaning too! Grej was born with sight, but due to a rare retina disease is now legally blind and his best friend and guide dog Windsor is helping to navigate his way through life! All the way from Austin, Texas this team shares their story! To find out more about Fidelco please be sure to visit: www.fidelco.org
Hello Connecticut with Renee DiNino
Hello Connecticut with Renee DiNino is proud to partner with the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation! Each month we will introduce you to the people and dogs that make Fidelco an exceptional organization providing German Shepherd guide dogs with the visually impaired! This episode introduces you to a puppy raiser family! Visit: www.Fidelco.org to learn more and follow @Fidelco on all social media platforms!
Follow me @ReneeDiNino on all platforms too!