News in Brief: Baldwin and a Blood Drive

Baldwin (Portrait) Hanged: The hanging jokes abounded at the unveiling of the portrait of former First Selectman Ray Baldwin Jr., a democrat, Wednesday night.

It was commissioned by the Trumbull Democratic Town Committee, said committee Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo.

"It's an honor to be on the wall, with Paul [Timpanelli]," Baldwin said, standing on the inside steps of Town Hall.

He added he appreciated his "public hanging." The picture was placed next to previous first selectmen dating back to the early 1900s.

He said his story started when his father uprooted his family from Bridgeport to Trumbull. "I've had a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the town," he told the crowd of people watching.

After using a long pole to remove the covering of the painting, he began to nudge the picture with it.

"I don't want to lean too far to the right," he joked.

After the brief ceremony, Baldwin and the crowd went out to eat.

Herbst Accepts Honor for Trumbull: The office of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy honored Trumbull for its work with blood drives and the Red Cross at a drive at the Trumbull Marriott Thursday afternoon.

"This recognition is a testament to your outstanding service to the American Red Cross and the State of Connecticut. Through the number of pints of blood you collected in 2010-2011, which supported many hospital patients, you have truly made a difference in the lives of others. This occasion offers the opportunity to thank you for your generous contributions to the. American Red Cross and the entire State of Connecticut. I congratulate the Town of Trumbull and wish you continued success in the future. Therefore, I, Dannel P. Malloy, Governor of the State of Connecticut,do hereby convey honor and recognition upon Trumbull," the proclamation reads.

Shop and Donate at  and : Shop at Old Navy in the and donate items for the troops.

According to the Westfield website, "In honor of Independence Day, Old Navy and Operation: Care & Comfort are joining forces to honor U.S. Troops deployed overseas and here at home with 'Operation Troop Donation.'

"Bring your donations of basic items (socks, flip flops, solid color tees, etc.) to Old Navy July 1-4 and receive 10 percent off your Old Navy purchase. All items collected will be sent in care packs to troops serving overseas and at home," it states.

For more information on Operation: Care & Comfort visit www.occ-usa.org.

On July 2 and 3, the Trumbull Bipartisan Coalition will be sponsoring a food drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Porricelli’s Market located at 902 White Plains Road in Trumbull Center. 

All proceeds will benefit the Trumbull Food Pantry. “The Food Pantry is in dire need of re-stocking and the Coalition is delighted to once again band together and help on this effort to assist the residents of Trumbull who use it.” said Andrew Palo, Vice-Chairman of the Trumbull Board of Finance. 

Questions regarding this event can be directed to the Chairman of the Bipartisan Coalition, Tom Kelly, via email at tommyk8@aol.com.