Larson Loves Archives

I toured an interesting Bristol business last week with Congressman John Larson, Dupont Business Archives.

This company stores paper and electronic records, manages archival storage and delivery of wanted documents and more. They've got a snazzy climate-controlled, fireproof vault and about three stories of nothing but shelving units with boxes and boxes and boxes.

Larson, whose First District includes Bristol, was riveted.

The congressman is a former history teacher, so naturally he has an appreciation for archives, records and all that. But this went beyond an appreciation. He was truly fascinated by the materials and methods Dupont uses (double walled cardboard boxes are the key in that place) and it didn't take long before Larson had decided he wanted these professionals to take care of his own records.

As someone with a long career in public service -- I think it goes back to his local school board in East Hartford -- Larson has good reason to want to keep his records organized and available.

It's a feather in Dupont's cap if he brings them his business, and I think he will. They do work for many municipalities in Connecticut, including Bristol, East Hartford and Waterbury, to name a few. They store records for law offices, medial professionals and other businesses.

They also sell the materials for the people who want to keep their own records on site. I wrote about all of this for The Bristol Press. I think you can see the story online at http://www.bristolpress.com/.

The reason Larson toured Dupont in the first place is becuase the Bristol business, which got a city grant when it moved to town a couple years ago, also is a beneficiary of the federal stimulus program.

Dupont got a loan through Farmington Bank that was backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration using funds from the Recovery Act.

Larson told me that one of his frustrations is that a lot of Americans don't see the results of the Recovery Act. His stop at Dupont was a way to highlight the stimulus program in Bristol, but I think he was more excited by the arhive possibilities.

As my husband Steve Collins is a former history major at the Univerity of Virginia, and as someone who also loves the written word and keepsakes of all sorts myself, I totally get why the congressman felt he'd struck gold.

I'm glad he found it in Bristol.

Larson Will Attend Crocodile Club

I just learned from Congressman John Larson's aide that he will be attending the Crocodile Club dinner on Tuesday at Lake Compounce.
The Crocodile Club is being revived after a break of several years. It will benefit the New England Carousel Museum.
Lake Compounce is donating the use of the uber cool Starlite Ballroom, Nuchies is catering and Ray Dunaway is the emcee.
This is an event not to be missed, especially in this election year.
I'm not sure what political heavy hitters will be making an appearance besides Larson but I will try to find out and pass it along to you.

Larson Honors Victims of Manchester Violence

Congressman Larson led the U.S. House of Representatives in a moment of silence today in honor of the eight workers from Hartford Distributors who were murdered on the job last week in Manchester.
The moment is preceeded by Larson speaking for a few minutes about what happened and reading the names of those who were killed in that terrible violence, including Francis Fazio Sr. of Bristol.
Here's the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udqUYyYPqJ4

Who Was That Robo Caller?

I was standing in the ShopRite plaza parking lot Wednesday afternoon, waiting for Democrat Dan Malloy to show up for his stop in Bristol when some local pols started talking about robo calls.

    State Rep. Chris Wright, a Bristol Democrat, said he got three robo calls asking him to vote for Malloy for governor in the primary Tuesday -- one from Congressman John Larson, one from Mayor Art Ward and one from himself.

    “It was a little strange,” Wright said, getting a call from himself urging him to vote.
     Hearing his own recorded voice was weird, Wright admitted.
    “That’s how I sound?” he said he asked himself. “No wonder everyone calls me ‘ma’am’ on the phone.”
     Wright blamed his high-pitched vocal chords on his dad, former state Rep. Gardner Wright, who’s been known to sound a bit squeaky.
     Ward said he gets the robo calls, too, but doesn't always listen to them.
     “I was supposed to get one from me,” Ward said. “I refused it.”

The Shooting at Hartford Distributors

While we at The Bristol Press don't cover Manchester, I'm sure everyone is paying some attention to the terrible loss of life in the workplace shootings at Hartford Distributors today. I don't have anything to add to the story other than my own thought that it is horrible and probably reminds us all of the Connecticut Lottery killings. But Bristol's congressman, John Larson of East Hartford, has a big district that includes Manchester and he has a personal connection to the Hollander family. Larson was at the scene this morning and released these comments this afternoon:


"First of all, I send my deepest condolences to the Hollander family and the employees of Hartford Distributors affected by today's events. I am fortunate to call Ross Hollander a close, personal friend and over the years, I have gotten to know many of the great employees of the company. I visited the site earlier today to offer my support. This is a day or emotions no person, family, or loved one should have to experience.

“The Hollander family and the workers of Hartford Distributors have donated to our local charities and provided their time to bettering our state. I ask that we all be there for them during this critical time. My heart is with the deceased, the Hollander family and all those affected by this morning's tragedy.”

Larson: Club "Richly Deserved" Federal Help

U.S. Rep. John Larson

The Bristol Boys and Girls Club "richly deserves" the $1 million in federal aid that Congressman John Larson secured in a housing and transportation appropriations bill Friday, he said.

"They do great work," Larson said.

The East Hartford Democrat pushed for funding for the club, which aims to build a new facility in downtown Bristol in 2013.

Michael Suchopar, who leads the club, said he was honored that Larson chose their project to get behind. He said it's like Larson signed on to the club's "back a kid" fundraiser in a big way.

Suchopar also praised Larson's staff for their diligence. They followed through every time, he said, and once they were on board, didn't let up.

Larson deferred credit to the club. He said the competition for the money is tough and that projects are scrutinized before they get approved.

"We're certainly happy to push it," said Larson, saying the club is "a much needed and well used facility."

Before the club can get the cash, the bill still has to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Obama.

Larson Bringing Home $1 Million for Bristol Boys and Girls Club

Tucked in a federal transportation and housing bill passed last night is $1 million for the Bristol Boys and Girls Club's new building.
The club has veteran Congressman John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat who represents Bristol, to thank for that.
Now headquartered in a rundown building on Laurel Street, the club has plans to move to a brand new facility on West Street and is in the middle of raising funds for the project. ESPN already kicked in a sizeable chunk to help buy the land.
Looks like the club, which serves a lot of Bristol kids, many of them from poor families, has some pretty valuable support. That's gratifying to see.
I'll be working on a story about this today for The Bristol Press.