Remembering Paul Newman

1. According to Weather.com, the Tolland forecast calls for cloudy skies with a small chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The high will reach 80˚F. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with possible showers and thunderstorms. The low will reach 60˚F. 

2. The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Hicks Memorial Municipal Building. The commission will hold discussions with the Water Pollution Control Authority from 7:30 to 8 p.m., according to the posted agenda. 

3. On this day in 2008, famous blue-eyed screen legend, Paul Newman, died at the age of 83 in Westport after a long battle with lung cancer. Newman was one of the top box office draws of the 1960s, starring in such films as The Hustler, The Prize, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 
 
Prior to his death, Newman had become known as a generous, philanthropic icon, who donated millions to charity from sales of his successful line of "Newman's Own" food products. Newman's "Hole in the Wall Gang Camps," which he founded in 1988, were opened for children diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia and other serious and life-threatening conditions. The camps provide year-round programming, as well as 24-weekend programs from fall through spring for campers, along with their families and caregivers. The Camp’s year-round Hospital Outreach Program provides services to approximately 11,000 children in sixteen hospitals from New York to Boston each year. Altogether, the Camp will serve more than 17,500 children this year, all of it free of charge. 
 
Click here to read Newman's official obituary. 
 
4. Coming up at the Ashford Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the 16th Annual Walkathon will take place on Oct. 16. According to a press release from Committee Chairwoman Cindy Lehmann, "The Walkathon to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is held rain or shine. Over the years, we’ve walked the main Camp road on sunny days, rainy days and even in a snowstorm." Each year, anywhere from 100 to 200 walkers participate.

If you would like to participate, contact Cindy Lehmann for more information and pledge sheets at 860-684-4796, or Sandy Ouellette at 860-928-5422 or 860-933-9388.
 
5. Newman's Own started off as a tiny boutique selling wine in antique glass bottles. No one expected the endeavor to make much money, but in the past 26 years, product sales blossomed, and the Newmans have made more than $300 million, which the family has given, and continue to give, to charity. These days, Newsman's Own products include salad dressing, sauce, salsa, marinades, drinks, cereal, popcorn and now, their newest line... complete skillet meals. Products can be found online as well as many recipes and information about the charity.