Pressroom

Spotlight on “Kindness Counts” – one yummy taste at a time!

Bravo, Munson’s Chocolates!

Cynthia Clegg, Dave Director, Jim Florence, Karen Munson

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s Council of Business Partners is delighted to present its “Spotlight Award” to Munson’s Chocolates, a third generation family-owned business, based in Bolton, Connecticut.

The Spotlight Award is given to organizations who take a proactive role in encouraging our young people to be “Upstanders, not Bystanders.” It is awarded by the Council of Business Partners, who established a Fund at the Community Foundation with the mission to stand up to bullying and all mean-spirited behavior.

Munson’s Chocolates fits the bill in so many sweet and delicious ways with its “Kindness Counts” school project. They asked Connecticut elementary and middle school students to come up with a design for a chocolate bar wrapper that conveyed a positive message encouraging everyone to treat all with respect. The winning label, reading “Kindness Counts”, was created by Ashford, Connecticut student, Anna. Not only did Anna’s school receive a $500 grant, but Munson’s Chocolates went the extra (sweet) mile by donating part of the proceeds of the sale of Kindness bars to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Connecticut.

Munson’s Chocolate has a history of supporting our young people and our schools. They are extremely proud to provide “first job experiences to many young people.” Now they can add “Upstander” to their many acts of kindness.

Read more about the Spotlight Award HERE from the Hartford Courant.

The controversial Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has highlighted the need for continued awareness and education on the factors that can lead to teen suicide, and how to recognize and respond to those who are struggling.  Working with RUSHFORD, a Hartford Healthcare Partner we have compiled additional information and guides for your use within your school community:

13 Reasons Why: Considerations For Educators

13 Reasons Why: How School Counselors Can Help

Tips For Parents: Talking About 13 Reasons Why

Nick Blue, Cynthia Clegg (CFMC), and David Maloney, CT Association of Schools joined CT Style to talk about National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, the Council of Business Partners Campaign for Bully-Free Communities, and how to be an Agent of Change in our community.

Watch the segment HERE – WTNH CT Style, October 12, 2016

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BULLYING AND HOW CAN WE STAND TOGETHER TO END IT?

What is BULLYING?

It is bullying if: Continue Reading »

Highlights include: Upcoming Third Annual Rally for Bully-Free Communities on October 6, in Middletown, Conn., coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month; Implementation of bullying prevention training program in East Hampton schools.

The Council of Business Partners at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) Continue Reading »

Local leaders group photo July 27, 2016, Wadsworth Mansion. Front Row: Sarah Cody (Fox61), Rosario “Riz” Rizzo, Liz Shulman, Gail Morris, Cindy McNeil-Sola, Lynda Hunnicutt, Bernadette Jones, Laura Pedersen, Linda Bradshaw, Sharon Griffin, Deb Moore. Second Row: George “Sonny” Whelen, Dave Shulman, Bob Shulman, Andy Morris, David Director, Marc Levin, John Biddiscombe, John Bradshaw, Biff Shaw.

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is fortunate to be surrounded by “Good People Doing Great Things.”  Every day the Community Foundation is reminded that everyone in the region truly cares about their friends and neighbors and where they live, work and play.

This spring the Community Foundation asked for nominations of those individuals, organizations, or businesses who should be recognized and thanked – our community’s Local Leaders, Local Legends.  The Community Foundation asked members of the community to think about those they believe go above what would be expected. The Corporate Supporter award highlights organizations that make a difference every day, Continue Reading »