Author: michellepuzzo
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Manchester High School Students Honor Veterans with Engaging Learning Event
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Manchester High School students joined UR Community Cares at the Midwest Food Bank for a memorable Veterans’ Learning Event. The day was filled with heartfelt conversations, interactive activities, and a shared sense of gratitude for those who served. Click here to watch the recap: https://youtu.be/vqd5aN-YU-Y?si=hJf09hXCi5liOeus I was happy to kick…
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A High School Students Perspective
Manchester High School offers job shadowing “While volunteering at UR Community Cares, I learned a lot about the importance of cognitive health in late adulthood. One of the things I realized is that even though older adults might experience some decline in things like processing speed and memory, they still have a lot of valuable…
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Catching Up in a World That Left Us Behind: A Call for Empowerment
Catching Up in a World That Left Us Behind: A Call for EmpowermentI graduated from UConn in 1998 as a physical therapist. My world was hands-on, not tech-driven. I remember the sound of dial-up internet, my first flip phone, and my first smartphone, which was a BlackBerry. I still have it today hidden in a…
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Thank you COX Charities
Celebrating New Career Paths: Healthcare Partnership with Manchester High We are thrilled to announce a significant new initiative made possible by the generous funding from COX Charities. This collaboration allows us to partner directly with Manchester High School to create meaningful career learning opportunities for their students! The enthusiasm from the high school has been…
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A Volunteer’s Story of Friendship
Gail is a retired nurse who wanted to volunteer to help an older resident stay independent at home, and that is exactly what she has been doing since September 2021. Her journey with Stella is one that has spanned years and multiple addresses. As a volunteer, she has had the privilege of being a small,…
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The Sounds of Change: When Construction Inspires Community
There’s something powerful about the sound of construction in a neighborhood. The steady beat of a hammer, the buzz of a saw, the unrelenting roar of a jackhammer, these aren’t just noises. They’re signals of progress. They tell us something new is being built, something better is on the horizon. And maybe that’s a lesson for all of us.…
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What Becomes of the Brokenhearted? Creating Your Own Destiny…
Jimmy Ruffin’s timeless song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” speaks to something we’ve all felt at one point in our lives: heartbreak, loss, disappointment, and the question of what comes next. The truth is, every one of us has walked through hardship. We’ve faced moments that could have stopped us in our tracks. But the real…
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Manchester’s Veteran Banner Program
Meet Richard Zaremba, the heart behind the Manchester Veteran Banner Program, a beautiful tribute that honors local veterans by displaying personalized banners along Main Street. As a retired teacher and dedicated crossing guard, Richard saw a need to recognize the brave men and women who served our country, and he made it happen. Watch his inspiring…
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A Day in Stamford Filled with Accessibility, Inspiration…and a Proposal?
Today was one for the books. I had the pleasure of attending the Disability and Job Fair at UConn Stamford, a day dedicated to accessibility, resources, education, and real job opportunities. The City of Stamford and its partners deserve a standing ovation for pulling off such a thoughtful and well-organized event. I set up my table…
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Building Bridges Through Human Guide Training
Last week, on a bright day inside the rotunda at CT State Community College Manchester, something powerful happened. The space itself, a beautiful, welcoming setting, became the backdrop for an event that was more than just training. It was about understanding, connection, and creating a stronger, more compassionate community. Vendors came together to share resources and…
