Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP) is having their 30th Annual LEAP Year Event, taking place on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Dixwell Community (Q) House in New Haven, CT. This year's event will begin with a reception at the Q House, where we will honor Ann Baker Pepe and Ed Cleary, Co-Board Chairs, with the LEAP Community Leadership Award. Following the reception, guests will attend intimate dinner conversations hosted by LEAP's generous supporters.

Hello Connecticut, the Podcast recently chatted with Sgt Mark Tappan and his K9 best friend retired K9 Mattis from the Alpharetta PD in Georgia! He is the most decorated K9 in the department’s history! These two are making a difference creating awareness for working K9’s everywhere and many other causes. His book, A Dog Named Mattis licked off their literary career and you can find his books anywhere you buy them! These two are an inspiration and we were honored to have this conversation! Like and follow them for more fun!

Today we’re speaking with Kerry Mattson and Laura Lyon from the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Regional School Choice Office or RSCO to talk with us about RSCO’s school choice program, what families need to know before they apply, and an upcoming FREE event their hosting for families. Through RSCO’s program, families with students entering Pre-K through Grade 12 can apply to attend free public schools in the Greater Hartford Region, including: 45 magnet schools incorporating specialized themes, Open Choice program and 3 regional technical high schools or CTECS. Go to ChooseYourSchool.org to learn more and apply before the deadline on February 7, 2025

Hello Connecticut shares another client story with our partners The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation! Meet Grej Pesjaka and his guide dog Windsor! They share a special bond and the name Windsor has special meaning too! Grej was born with sight, but due to a rare retina disease is now legally blind and his best friend and guide dog Windsor is helping to navigate his way through life! All the way from Austin, Texas this team shares their story! To find out more about Fidelco please be sure to visit: www.fidelco.org

Hello Connecticut with Renee DiNino is proud to partner with the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation! Each month we will introduce you to the people and dogs that make Fidelco an exceptional organization providing German Shepherd guide dogs with the visually impaired! This episode introduces you to a puppy raiser family! Visit: www.Fidelco.org to learn more and follow @Fidelco on all social media platforms!

Follow me @ReneeDiNino on all platforms too!