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December 30, 2009
Grocery employee benefits from Handyman's work
Grocery employee benefits from Handyman's work
By Emily Froehlich, Contributing Writer
Published: 08:43 p.m., Thursday, December 24, 2009
BROOKFIELD -- Braving the cold winter wind, about 40 people gathered in the ShopRite parking lot.
In the center of the gathering Tuesday stood Peter Brady, organizer of the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry and of the day's events. Beside him was a white 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and a beaming Joe Casalone.
Casalone, of Bethel, has rounded up shopping carts at ShopRite for 18 years.
"Shopping is no fun," said Brookfield's Mary Dandanell. "But every time I come here, Joe makes a happy moment of it."
At the beginning of December, Casalone was told his car was beyond repair. Since then, he has taken the bus to work.
Brady met Casalone at the Thanksgiving dinner the ministry co-hosted with Bertucci's restaurant on Newtown Road in Danbury. When Brady heard of Casalone's plight, he wasted no time.
"I sent out an e-mail to (the ministry's) more than 2,000 followers to see what we could do," Brady said.
Less than two weeks later, a local family stepped up to donate the car.
"When Peter calls, we answer," Don Mitchell, co-owner of Mitchell Oil, told the crowd.
Everyone in the crowd knew Casalone, and he knew most of them by name.
Kathy Wieck, of Brookfield, said she moved to the area from Stamford and frequents ShopRite once or twice a week.
"When I started coming here, I'd get out of my car and Joe would say, `Hello, ma'am. How are you? What's your name?' " Wieck said. "After two or three weeks, he knew me by name."
In addition to the car, community members heaped Casalone with other gifts, including a new winter coat and hat, cards, gift certificates and more.
Rep. David Scribner, R-Brookfield, presented Casalone with a certificate in recognition of his service to the community.
Casalone's neighbors, Fred and Charlene Yorks, said they have known Casalone for a long time.
"It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy," Charlene Yorks said. "He deserves it."
Casalone said he was excited but humbled by the community's generosity.
"I never expected this to happen to me in my lifetime," he said. "A car buys you freedom. ... I'm thankful for this humanitarian gesture."
Contact Emily Froehlich at
efroehlich@newstimes.com
or 203-731-3370.
Posted by hdhm at 12:59 AM
December 23, 2009
The St. Joseph Caroleers Christmas 2009
Peter Brady and the St. Joseph's Brookfield Caroleer's singing for the seniors at Glen Crest and the Gardens
Click on the video panel play arrow to begin the video
Posted by hdhm at 8:36 AM