Hello Connecticut!

Renee DiNino

Hello Connecticut, the podcast! This will be an extension of Hello Connecticut the talk show on WFSB Channel 3, The Wax and streaming platforms! We’ll highlight community-focused individuals and advocate for animals, law enforcement, and other local leaders. Amplifying the voices of non-profit organizations and causes that often go unnoticed, fostering positive community engagement across both on-air and digital platforms. 

  1. 19/11/2025

    Jim Hoxie and Dax: A Fidelco Guide Foundation Story

    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.

    2 min
  2. 10/10/2025

    Simsbury Rallies for one of their own!

    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.  Date: October 11, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Commuter Lot, Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury, CT Food: Burgers and hot dogs freshly prepared during the event 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: Fire Service: Served 10 years as a firefighter in Farmington, CT. Search & Rescue: Former member of the Farmington CERT team, where she was a K9 handler for their search and rescue unit. K9 Handler: Over 25 years of experience as a K9 handler, most recently training K9 Leo with the Canton Police Department and K9 Maverick with the Burlington Police Department. Animal Control Service: Currently serving as the Animal Control Officer for Simsbury, CT, a role she has held for the past three years. 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!

    8 min

About

Hello Connecticut, the podcast! This will be an extension of Hello Connecticut the talk show on WFSB Channel 3, The Wax and streaming platforms! We’ll highlight community-focused individuals and advocate for animals, law enforcement, and other local leaders. Amplifying the voices of non-profit organizations and causes that often go unnoticed, fostering positive community engagement across both on-air and digital platforms.