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"Midlife Matters" interview recorded 10.20.26 in studioW, hosted by Georgian Lussier, featuring Lindy Lee Gold, a Connecticut economic development professional, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s leadership. Career in Economic Development Lindy Lee Gold has spent nearly 30 years with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development after transitioning from entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Her work includes business recruitment, retention, expansion, workforce initiatives, and helping companies navigate state government resources. Collaboration as a Key StrategyShe emphasizes that organizations should collaborate rather than duplicate efforts, especially as funding becomes more limited. Her advice is to identify existing assets and fill genuine gaps rather than "reinventing the wheel." Community and Economic RevitalizationGold discusses projects that transform underused or contaminated properties into community assets, highlighting developments such as the Ball & Socket (Cheshire, CT) project as examples of collaboration among economic development, arts, culture, and community stakeholders. Supporting Women and Workforce DevelopmentMuch of her philanthropy focuses on women and girls, particularly programs that help break cycles of poverty through education and career training. She co-founded workforce training initiatives designed to help women enter manufacturing careers by accommodating family responsibilities and providing paid training. Re-entry ProgramsGold describes successful training programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, arguing that meaningful employment and family reintegration are critical to reducing recidivism. Personal Career PivotsOriginally a theater arts major, she moved through several careers, including commercial design, travel business ownership, and construction management, before joining state government. She encourages people, especially midlife professionals, to recognize their transferable skills and remain open to reinvention. Women in Leadership Academy (WILLA)She founded the Women in Leadership Academy at Southern Connecticut State University, pairing students with mentors in their chosen fields and helping first-generation students build confidence, networks, and professional skills. Influences and PhilosophyGold credits her parents, both lawyers, for teaching her that women can pursue any career. She discusses the Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"), which guides her commitment to service and philanthropy. Key TakeawaysSelf-esteem is foundational to success. Career and life reinvention are possible at any age. Collaboration creates stronger communities than competition. Education, mentorship, and workforce opportunities can create lasting generational change. One of her favorite sayings:"No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care."

Recorded at studioW on Oct 14th Host GiGi About the Guest: Tom Pender is a Wallingford-based artist, educator, and community advocate whose work spans portraiture, fine art, commissions, teaching, and public engagement. A lifelong student of art, he continues to explore new creative directions while encouraging others to discover their own artistic voice. For More about Tom: TomPenderArtist.com Topics Discussed • Growing up in a family of artists  • Learning to paint as a child  • Commercial art and professional design work  • Artistic influences and creative inspiration  • Portrait painting and memorable client experiences  • Overcoming self-doubt and creative challenges  • AI and the future of art  • Teaching and mentoring emerging artists  • The role of community arts organizations  • Wallingford's artistic heritage and future Memorable Quote "I haven't painted my masterpiece yet." Episode Highlights In this episode of MakingItArtisan$tories, GiGi sits down with Wallingford artist Tom Pender, whose creative journey began with a set of oil paints at age seven and grew into a career spanning commercial art, graphic design, Disney-related projects, portrait commissions, and fine art. Tom shares stories from his childhood in a family of artists, including drawing lessons from library books and selling his sketches to siblings long before he imagined art as a profession. He reflects on the mentors and influences that shaped him, from Norman Rockwell and John Singer Sargent to the emotional power of classical music. The conversation explores the personal side of creativity as Tom discusses overcoming childhood shyness, finding inspiration in everyday life, and why he still believes his greatest painting is yet to come. Along the way, he shares memorable stories from portrait commissions, candid reflections on self-criticism, and the lessons learned through decades of artistic practice. We also dive into one of the most talked-about topics in today's art world: Artificial Intelligence. Tom offers a thoughtful perspective on how AI can be used as a learning tool without replacing artistic skill, creativity, or personal vision. Later, we discuss his teaching philosophy, favorite artistic mediums, the importance of community arts programs, and his hopes for the future of the arts in Wallingford. From studio life to public engagement, Tom reminds us that creativity belongs to everyone.

Recorded Oct 12 in StudioW Candidates for: Connecticut State Representative, 85th & 90th District Sam (1st 19 minutes)

Producer David Rooney Co-Host Andrew Rice and David Rooney 'On This Side of Common' will explore 'Where We Already Agree,' But it may take conversations among 'common' people to determine just what the agreement looks like. Our shared experiences, values, and needs lie just beneath the surface of disagreement. We all depend on trust, public spaces, institutions, and a sense of neighborhood.  We are not loud, extreme media; we are community media of, for & by the people.

Every Voice Adds Something A place for conversations about people, families, health and the issues that touch our everyday lives. Community Matters with host Brenda Shuler. A conversation with Guest: Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman Title: Coalition Director Organization: Child Care for Connecticut Host: Brenda Shuler The conversation highlights childcare affordability and accessibility, the experiences of Connecticut families and childcare providers, workforce challenges, advocacy efforts, and the importance of childcare to the state’s families, businesses, and economy.

Every Voice Adds Something A place for conversations about people, families, health and the issues that touch our everyday lives. Community Matters with host Brenda Shuler. A conversation with Guest: Ann Zak Title: Executive Director Organization: Wallingford Senior Center and Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc. Host: Brenda Shuler The conversation highlights the Wallingford Senior Center’s programs and services and the ways it helps older adults remain active, informed, independent, and connected. We will also discuss caregiver and family resources, changing needs among older adults, and ways residents can become involved.

Every Voice Adds Something A place for conversations about people, families, health and the issues that touch our everyday lives. Community Matters with host Brenda Shuler. A conversation with Julieth Callejas, a licensed day care provider. She provides insights into costs, programs to help with costs, and what to look for in a facility with a focus on communication.   Host: Brenda Shuler

Every Voice Adds Something A place for conversations about people, families, health and the issues that touch our everyday lives. Community Matters with host Brenda Shuler. A conversation with Executive Director Julieth Callejas of End Hunger CT in studioW on Sept 14, 2026. Julieth wants to be put out of her job by solving the hunger situation in Connecticut.  Host: Brenda Shuler

Recorded Sept 9 AA Preamble Guest Speaker  Responsibility Statement

Recorded Sept 2026 Dave Fritz 40 seconds to 20 minutes continuing with Sam Carmody

Recorded Aug 2026

Recorded Aug 11 AA Preamble Guest Speaker Dave 5:23 Responsibility Statement

Recorded July 2026 Topics: Roles Women can play in adoption and development direction of AI, Global trends & bad actors, workforce impact & reskilling. What is a Queenager? Advice to younger self.

About NECYPAA Backstory for the young at heart version of AA and the Conference Planned as you welcome in the new year. Retool. Reset with a Joyous Vibe.

AA Preamble Guest Speaker Caitlyn 1:04 Responsibility Statement