James (Jim) lives in South Dakota with his wife, Linda and is the parent of two adult children. He partnered with Fidelco guide dog, “Dax” in May 2022. Diagnosed with glaucoma in the early 2000’s, Jim was declared legally blind in 2013. He is a retired forester and veteran. When Jim’s doctor told him he was eligible for services through the Veterans Administration, he decided to take advantage of these services and traveled to Chicago where he received six weeks of orientation and mobility training and support at the Hines VA Blind Rehabilitation Center. As a result of his training, Jim became a proficient white cane traveler and utilized the life skills training that he received to continue his hobbies of gardening (he’s a master gardener) and woodworking. Jim recognized that in his small community, people needed to be better educated about white cane travel by individuals with vision impairment and how to support them. With a retired teacher, Joanna Jones, who was also a parishioner at his church, Jim co-authored a children’s book, Grandpa’s White Cane, which was published in 2003. To further his goal of educating the community about white cane travel, Jim and Joanna began making presentations to students in local elementary schools. While Jim had become a proficient white cane traveler, he wanted to gain even greater independence with a Fidelco guide dog. Jim has said that having a literal set of second eyes to help him navigate has been a game changer. Busy man that he is, Dax has enabled him to travel more quickly and safely.

Photo by Spearfish Creek.  Photo of Jim in classroom with Dax with “Grandpa’s White Cane” book cover on screen behind them.

“Free to Be Me” — The Social Chase Hosts First Fundraiser Concert Gala to Support the Autism Community

Waterbury, CT — November 20, 2025 — Local nonprofit The Social Chase, Inc. is inviting media outlets to cover — and request interviews for — its First Fundraiser Concert Gala, an uplifting evening of music, celebration, and community advocacy for neurodivergent teens and adults.

The event will take place Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury, Connecticut.

Headlining the evening:

Guests will enjoy dinner, live music, auctions, raffles, and dancing — all in support of inclusive programming for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities.

Hawk Studios CT – remember that name! I had a chance to chat with Joe Hawk, founder of this powerhouse local film house! Already known for Article 92 a sci-fi drama available on Amazon Prime video, now has a new project filming in Connecticut right now!

The White House is Fake…before you get excited, it’s not about any current political issues. It’s dating back to 1957! It’s a political thriller with secret tunnels that truly exist here in CT! He’s also looking for extras in November (details about where in the podcast)! The production has filmed all over CT and will be in Ansonia, Tolland, Putnam, Farmington, Old Wethersfield and event shooting scenes at West Haven PD!!!

The White House Is Fake..coming soon!!!

Stay updated with Hawk Studios CT: www.thehawkstudios.com

About Joe Hawk:

Joseph D McGee (also known as J.D. Hawk) was born in Hartford, CT and started in the industry as a writer while his early work in 2016; served as a fiction and non-fiction author. After finding the passion for writing, he formed McGee Productions in 2016 to serve video clients needs on the East Coast. After the passing of his father Stephen McGee, he re-branded the company into Hawk Studios. He operates a video production company and serves clients all over the USA and acts as Writer, DOP, Producer, and Director. He is a 10 time award winning winner indie filmmaker.

Fidelco Apprentice Instructor Saige Grace Martinelli shares her journey with Fidelco Guide Dogs with Renee DiNino.

“Why I started at Fidelco was because I fell in love with working with dogs but always wanted to do something that helped people and made a difference. During Covid I watched the documentary, Pick of the Litter, and quickly into watching it, I realized what I wanted to do with my life. Working with Fidelco has taken the two things I'm extremely passionate about, dogs and helping people, and made it my reality. I love getting asked what I do for a living because I cannot brag enough about what we do here at Fidelco. I hope someday young adults can see and here what we’re doing and have the same realization that I had.” - Sage

About

Fidelco German Shepherd Dogs are bred from Bavarian stock to ensure ideal characteristics for guide dog work such as intelligence, temperament, stamina and stability. Fidelco guide dogs are responsible for our clients’ safety at all times. This formidable task requires an uncompromising focus on the quality of the breed, extensive training, and thoughtful matching and placement.

TO find out more ways to help Fideoc visit: www.Fidelco.org

On behalf of the Simsbury Police Union, the Hometown Foundation and ACI Dynamix please join us for a special car show fundraiser in honor of Simsbury PD Animal Control Officer, Deb Clark. This community gathering will feature new and classic cars and local support from police and fire departments. 

About Deb Clark

Deb Clark has dedicated her life to public service and helping both people and animals. Her journey is one of compassion, strength, and commitment:

Let's come together and show support for Deb in her courageous battle with stage 4 bile duct cancer (a rare and aggressive cancer). The fundraiser will directly support her medical expenses, travel for treatments and overnight stays in Massachusetts, food, and transportation. We are calling on all Connecticut Police and Fire Departments, community members, car enthusiasts, and local businesses to bring together the strength and compassion of our community. Every donation, every car entry, and every volunteer effort will make a difference!

Believe 208 Run for the Brave and the Finest 5K takes please on Sunday 9.28.25

Renee DiNino spoke with founder Trish Buchanan about the importance of this event and the impact it has on law enforcement and first responders everywhere.

The Believe 208 Run for the Brave and Finest is a chip-timed, certified USATF 5K race. The 'out and back' course begins at the Knights of Columbus, 1871 Main Street, East Hartford and continues along beautiful (and flat!) "Old Main Street" from East Hartford into South Windsor.

The Believe 208 5K Run for the Brave and Finest, in Memory of East Hartford Police Officer Paul Buchanan, supports "Believe 208", an initiative in collaboration with the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE). Believe 208 works with CABLE to provide resources, training and information on all aspects of first responder well-being. The Believe 208 mission is to increase awareness of the unique challenges facing first responders and to be a trusted, influential source for first responders, their families, agencies and community stakeholders. Proceeds from the race help to fund education and training efforts and provide resources to first responders and families in need.

Visit www.cablect.com for more information

Join us for an evening of fantastic fun and fundraising.  There will be food, drinks, live music, and live and silent auctions. 

Renee DiNino speaks with Shelly Whitlock Pope, Executive Director

Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center is holding their 20th Anniversary Celebration! 10.4.26

Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year!  Funds raised during the event will aid our mission to support the growth and overall well-being of all individuals, including those with special needs, by providing equine-assisted services (EAS) in a safe, caring and professional environment.  We can't wait to celebrate our horses, programs, and facility during this wonderful evening at the farm! www.shepardmeadows.org/farmyardparty

Renee DiNino spoke with Teresa Wierbicki, Director of Strategic Development
ImmaCare Inc. and ImmaCare Solutions LLC and Fr Ray Kelly! With over 94 million views on one beautiful video singing at a wedding, Hallelujah, that started it all to his winning performance on Britain’s Got Talent with over 18 million views!
Fr. Ray Kelly—the beloved Singing Irish Priest from Britain’s Got Talent—is coming to West Hartford for one night only!

Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 PM
Northwest Catholic High School

See the Northwest Catholic High School Choir sing with Father Ray for one night only!!!

Known for his moving voice, heartfelt storytelling, and charming audience engagement, Fr. Kelly delivers a concert experience you won’t forget!

Tickets start at $25 — all proceeds support ImmaCare and our work to serve individuals experiencing homelessness.

Watch Fr. Ray's rendition of "Everybody Hurts" during his audition on Britain's Got Talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qynf7CzzuLc

Watch Fr. Ray surprise a Bride and Groom with the Wedding Hallelujah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYKwqj5QViQ

 Get yours today: https://immacare.org/fr-ray-concert/ 

Abandoned New Haven Dog Still Needs A Home

Jesse Shaw, Co-founder Fetch Dog Rescue in Connecticut shares an update on Bradley the abandoned dog from the streets of New Haven. He was named after the street he was found on and has gone through extensive training to be the best good boy ever.

Earlier this year he was left out in the cold, tied to a pole at the end of a block in New Haven. Luckily, someone from the rescue family found him. Since then, he went from the New Haven Animal Shelter, Rescue 22 Foundation and is now with the B.A.R.K. Institute.

To help Bradley find his forever home, share this story and of course visit www.fetch-rescue.com for more information.

Justin Rigney has over 25 years of professional dog training experience and was a Law Enforcement Officer for 17 years. He spent 10 years as a K-9 handler and trainer. His unique background and experience in civilian dog training and as Police service dog training sets him a part from other trainers in his field.