Engaging Neighbors, Building Communities: Featured Guest Bios

Can one person really make a difference? How does a community become strong and successful? What happens when one person begins to create change?

Our October 14, 2010 Salon with feature the following guest speakers:

Nicola Allen

Community Builder

As a community volunteer, Nicola got her start sweeping city streets and cleaning neighborhood parks. over the years, through the help of Neighborhoods of Hartford Pride Block Initiative, Nicola has created gardens on Burton Street for any neighbor who wanted a garden at no cost. With the support of the Knox Parks Foundation, she has spearheaded two annual beautification days at the Breakthrough Magnet School in Hartford. With the emphasis on spreading blooms, Nicola and a team of over 50 parent volunteers planted more than 1,000 daffodil bulbs that bloom every spring to light up the school's entry. When her retired neighbor living on a fixed income became discouraged about the deteriorating paint on her home, Nicola organized a painting party. Neighborhoods of Hartford paid for the materials, and 14 volunteers and neighbors painting the house in two days, restoring the home's beauty and Victorian charm. Nicola's family moved to the Upper Albany neighborhood from Jamaica in 1981.

Reverend Dr. Edward Hortsmann

Immanuel Congregational Church

Ed is a resident of Hartford, where he lives with his son, Kyle. He has served Immanuel Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, for nearly twelve years as its Senior Pastor. In those twelve years the congregation has experienced growth in a variety of ways, especially through its commitment to mission endeavors that contribute to the well-being of the Greater Hartford Region and beyond. Ed is passionate about urban ministry, and hopeful about the future of Hartford. To maintain balance in his life he plays tennis as much as possible, and by taking long walks, reading, watching movies, and creating art through the use of pastels.

Cary Wheaton

Billings Forge Community Works

Cary is the Executive Director of Billings Forge Community Works, a 501c3 located in Frog Hollow, Hartford aimed at transforming peoples' lives through job creation, improved housing, farm to table programming and arts and enrichment opportunities. Cary oversees Firebox Restaurant, the Kitchen@Billings Forge, The Studio, The Farmers Market, Garden, and residences. Cary has created and owned five award winning restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Previously, she oversaw Nuestra Culinary Ventures in Boston, a shared use commercial kitchen which was the home to more than sixty start up food businesses. Cary has a long history of consulting to non profits in small business development and operations; specializing in the culinary field. She has made her home in Connecticut since relocating to assist the Melville Charitable Trust in the opening of their farm to table restaurant, Firebox, in 2006.

Can't make our October 14th Salon? Post your questions in the comments section and we'll ask them during the salon for you and post the answers here!