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Health & Fitness

99 year-old Trumbull Resident get his Birthday Wish

CTV-21 was asked to grant the wish of a Trumbull resident before his 100th birthday...we were happy to oblige.

At CTV-21 we have the good fortune to be part of many special things going on in the community. Not only do we get to cover parades and festivals, forums, and concerts, but sometimes more personal events. It was just a few years ago that a local person wanted to use the airwaves to propose to his fiancé.

On CTV21 you can tape just about anything and we’ll put it on the air. We are also open to suggestions -   In late June a Trumbull visiting nurse contacted us because a gentleman who was in her care had made a special request.  The man was going to be celebrating his birthday in a few weeks and he had a special wish: to sing on TV before his birthday.

We have invited scores of community members over the years to share something special that they do. Why was this request so special? Because Don Carrie was going to turn 100 on July 16! The staff immediately took a shine to this special request and reserved studio time for the big day. Don Carrie would get his wish, but it was felt that rather than let him just sing for the cameras why not interview him and learn something about this Trumbull resident who had seen so many years?

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On the day of the taping we arranged to have the Phyllis Cortese, host of our public affairs series, “Local Edition,” sit down with Don and ask him some questions.  We learned that he was born in Italy, and arrived in 1915 with his parents to live in the United States.  He always enjoyed singing and on a whim travelled across the country in the 1930s to see Los Angeles. He worked in several professions and got married and raised a child. He has seen a lot in his life but nothing brings him more joy that when he can sing for an audience.

During the 30 minute interview, host Phyllis Cortese prompts Don to sing some of his favorites. He regales the audience with “When Your Hair Turns to Silver” and “As Time Goes By.” Phyllis enjoyed learning about Don’s travels and his love of singing and invited him to sing one more during the credit sequence at the end of the program.

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Click this link to see a clip of the show on our website.

Don Carrie (his “stage” name) proved something we have said around here for a long time, “You’re never too old to get involved in community television.”  Don got his wish, call CTV21 today and get your wish, too.

CTV-21 is the community access channel for residents of the Charter service area. Anyone who lives within Charter’s 14-town coverage area may produce or provide a program to CTV-21. We provide a range of opportunities for anyone who wants to produce from quick and simple custom training to a comprehensive production workshop. All these services are provided free, but there are some restrictions. Please call the department (203) 304-4050, visit us online – either facebook/CTV21, or at www.communityvision21.com – for more information.

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