All-Stars Among Us

Updated: Tuesday, 15 Jun 2010, 10:06 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 14 Jun 2010, 10:08 PM EDT

MYFOXNY.COM - In a nationwide campaign, Major League Baseball and People magazine have joined together to nominate exceptional people who are serving the needs of their community in exceptional ways. The three finalists representing the Yankees ball club visited Good Day NY.

PETER BRADY FROM BROOKFIELD, CONNECTICUT

In 1998, Brookfield, Connecticut resident Peter Brady started volunteering as a part-time handyman for seniors in his church's parish community. He raked leaves, changed light bulbs, and fixed leaky faucets. Today, the Handy Dandy Man Ministry is an official nonprofit with more than 1,000 volunteers helping 400 seniors in seven greater Danbury towns. His ministry also includes performing Extreme Home Makeovers for the less fortunate.

CATHLEEN LAPORTE FROM NEW YORK CITY

Six years ago, Cathleen Laporte founded Athletes for Charity, a volunteer-based organization, to benefit disadvantaged youth. The organization works with professional athletes, sports leagues and teams, various sports professionals, foster care agencies and related organizations, as well as volunteers and mentors, to empower and support the development of underprivileged youth.

CURTIS HILL FROM NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

For many children in underserved communities, owning a computer is only a dream. In 2002, Curtis Hill co-founded the non-profit Concepts for Adaptive Learning, which provides computer training, computers, tech support and free internet access to low-income families in New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport and Waterbury, Connecticut. To date, the team at Concepts for Adaptive Learning has trained and given computers to more the 1,600 families.

The nominees selected based on those who did amazing work in their community. Nominees can be from anywhere in the country. These 3 finalists said they most identified with the Yankees - all are big fans of the Yankees.

To vote for your favorite local All-Star, see:

• www.mlb.com/peopleallstarsamongus

Peter Brady of Brookfield. Contributed photo.

By Alice Tessier

Peter Brady of Brookfield is well known for his activities in leading the Handy Dandy Handyman ministry (HDHM), but now he has a new title—“All Star.”

He was one of the 30 winners chosen in the All Stars Among Us contest sponsored by People magazine in conjunction with the Major League Baseball (MLB) Association.

“It’s incredible,” Mr. Brady said in an interview. “I didn’t even know about the contest at the beginning.”

Two people familiar with HDHM had learned about it, and each submitted an essay explaining why they thought he was deserving of the recognition, he said.

Mr. Brady, who retired several years ago from Nestles in New Milford, volunteers his time throughout the year through HDHM, an outreach ministry of his church, Saint Joseph in Brookfield, to do home repairs for people in need. It began as a local program but has grown to include other communities in the Greater Danbury area, with more than 1,000 volunteers. HDHM’s latest project was a major home makeover in Bethel, which was recently covered in The Housatonic Times (June 18th issue). He led HDHM's two previous homemakeover projects, in New Milford in 1998 and in Brookfield in 1999. Several years ago, he was named a recipient of Rell’s Reward, a state recognition that Gov. M. Jodi Rell initiated when she was serving as lieutenant governor.

“They stated the case, and then on June 15 the three finalists for my club—the Yankees—out of the thousands of entries in May were on Good Morning New York, where we were interviewed,” said Mr. Brady, who obviously was not only among them but also the one picked to win for that club.

He went down to New York accompanied by three family members, and all were treated to dinner and a game.

“We saw the Yankees play the Phillies, were down on the field for batting practice, in the dugout, and I was given a ball signed by all the starters,” Mr. Brady recounted, adding that he’s been “a Yankees fan since day one!”

The winners, he said, get to go to Anaheim, Calif., to see the 81st Major League All Stars Game, which, Mr. Brady said, which will be played July 13 and “broadcast worldwide.“ It will be broadcast nationally by the Fox network, and the pre-game ceremony will kick off at 8 p.m. ET.

According to Mark Newman on the MLB.com Web site, there were 90 finalists—three per club—and after more than 1.7 million votes were tallied, 30 stories of inspiration … are about to be recognized.”

“It’s totally amazing,” Mr. Brady said of the four-day, all-expenses-paid trip he will be taking with his wife, Carol Ann, July 11.

“We will be down on the field for the [pregame] ceremony,” he added, regarding the winners, who will take part in the Red Carpet Parade, which is sponsored by Chevy.

Mr. Newman noted that the recognition program was launched last year “as part of MLB's ‘Going Beyond’ initiative, and recognizes individuals who are serving their communities in extraordinary ways.”

He quotes baseball Commissioner Bud Selig as saying, "Major League Baseball is privileged to recognize this team of 'All-Stars' whose selfless and tireless work is making a significant impact within communities across the nation. Together with People magazine, we look forward to using the All-Star Game, the premier sporting event of the summer, as a platform to honor these 30 winners and their worthy causes."

Mr. Newman quotes People’s managing editor, Larry Hackett, as saying, “"For the last 36 years, People magazine has celebrated everyday 'heroes' whose acts of courage, commitment, strength and compassion are changing the lives of others. These stories of ordinary individuals -- who dedicate their lives to making their communities a better place -- continue to inspire our more than 45 million readers."

He noted that one of the winners will be featured in the July 19 issue of People magazine.

Vinti Singh, Staff Writer
Published: 10:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2010


BROOKFIELD -- The Handy Dandy Handyman and his ministry are well known in Brookfield. Peter Brady organizes the annual Rake n' Bake and oversees 1,000 volunteers who do everything from odd jobs to major home renovations for the community's less fortunate.

The local hero was recently recognized as an "All-Star" in the "All-Stars Among Us Campaign," a contest sponsored by Major League Baseball and People magazine.

More than 1.7 million fans voted for a volunteer to represent each of the 30 major league baseball teams, and Brady won the vote to represent the New York Yankees.

Brady was invited to attend a Yankees game along with the other two finalists. They watched the game from a luxury suite and got to go down to the dugout to meet the players and get their autographs. Before the game started, they went out onto the field and were introduced to the crowd.

Brady and his family will travel to Anaheim, Cali., to attend the All-Star game on July 13.

"We're going to see what goes on and meet a few of the players," Brady said. "They told us they have a few surprises for us as well."

One of Brady's latest projects was helping a Shop Rite cart collector who was in danger of getting evicted. Joe Casolone has worked at Shop Rite for 18 years and has lived in his Bethel home for 60 years. He was in danger of getting evicted because his home violated health codes. Brady amassed contractors and volunteers to renovate the home in April. The project took about one month, and cost about $52,000 in labor and supplies.

This is not the first time Brady has been nationally recognized. In 2009, he was a finalist in ABC's "The View" Ultimate Volunteer Contest. He finished in second place.

Contact Vinti Singh

at vsingh@newstimes.com

Connecticut’s Peter Brady to be Honored at the 2010 All-Star Game on FOX and Featured in Special Pre-Game Ceremony July 13^th at Angel Stadium

 Major League Baseball, PEOPLE and the New York Yankees today announced Peter Brady as the Yankees’ “All-Star” of the “All-Stars Among Us” campaign, which debuted in 2009 and recognizes individuals who are serving their communities in extraordinary ways.  Out of the three “All-Star” finalists representing the Yankees, Peter Brady from Brookfield, Conn., has been chosen by fans across the nation for his community service through the Handy Dandy Handy Man Ministry.  Brady, plus the other 29 “All-Stars Among Us,” one representing each MLB Club, will attend and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 81^st Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 13 on FOX beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET).

                Fans across the nation cast 1.7 million votes – more than double the amount of votes from the previous year – at PeopleAllStars.com to select the 30 “All-Stars Among Us” winners out of the pool of 90 finalists who are serving as leaders within their communities. 

                In 1998, Brookfield, Connecticut resident Peter Brady started volunteering as a part-time handyman for seniors in his church’s parish community.  He raked leaves, changed light bulbs and fixed leaky faucets.  Today, the Handy Dandy Handy Man Ministry is an official nonprofit with more than 1,000 volunteers helping 400 senior in seven greater Danbury towns.  His ministry also includes performing extreme home makeovers for the less fortunate.

        About the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

The 81^st Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 13^th in Anaheim and will feature the best of the American League taking on the top players of the National League. Building up to the excitement of the All-Star Game, Major League Baseball will conduct a wide variety of special events and charitable activities for fans both inside and outside of Angel Stadium of Anaheim. At the ballpark, the events will include Taco Bell All-Star Sunday on Sunday, July 11 featuring the XM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, and Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday, July 12 featuring the State Farm Home Run Derby on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio. Outside of the ballpark, fans will have an opportunity to experience All-Star Summer through a variety of special events including Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest, the five-day interactive fan festival; the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Sports Authority and  Nike, a charity run/walk on a baseball-themed route to benefit four cancer organizations; and the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Chevrolet, a free parade of All-Stars through the streets of Anaheim, which will be broadcast on MLB Network. The Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally on FOX, broadcast on ESPN Radio and will be shown around the world by Major League Baseball International. For more information about 2010 All-Star Summer, visit www.AllStarGame.com.

About PEOPLE magazine

PEOPLE revolutionized personality journalism in 1974 and is today the world’s most successful and popular magazine. Each week, the PEOPLE brand brings more than 43 million consumers the latest news, exclusive interviews and in-depth reporting on the most compelling people of our time.  In addition to unparalleled access to the entertainment community, the stories of real-life “Heroes Among Us” remain an essential component of PEOPLE’s editorial approach.  PEOPLE.com is the premier web destination for celebrity news, photos, style and entertainment coverage. With reporters across the globe, PEOPLE is headquartered in New York City.  For more information visit www.people.com.

Many Volunteers Tackle Home Makeover

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

By Alice Tessier

Volunteers painting the Casalone house, including Peter Brady at the top of the ladder.

It’s not often that one bad thing on top of another leads to something good, but that’s what has happened to a longtime Bethel resident when an unhealthy living situation led to a homemakeover, thanks to a huge community effort spearheaded by the Brookfield-based Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry (HDHM).

Joe Casalone, who works at ShopRite in Brookfield, found himself in one tough position after another earlier this year. He was the victim of a home intruder, and heavy winter rains flooded his basement, leaving him without water and electricity for a while, according to Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker.

“Joe, who is 63, has lived in his family home for 60 years,” said Peter Brady, who spearheaded HDHM many years ago, when it originated as an outreach endeavor of St. Joseph Church parish in Brookfield.

“I had met Joe at Thanksgiving time, and later a friend at church later told me he needed help. Thankfully, he wasn’t harmed by the intruder, but he needed help with his house,” Mr. Brady said.

The Brookfield resident noted that more than 50 volunteers and “between 15 and 20: professionals, including skilled contractors, turned out to work on the makeover project, over a two week period, at no cost to Mr. Casalone.

It was brought to a successful and joyful conclusion thanks to the generosity of those who donated to the effort as well.  

Joe Casalone, left, shakes hands with Alan Smith from Smith Brothers Construction in Brookfield, the lead carpenter, who donated $7,000 of his work in renovating the kitchen and bathroom on his own.

As always, the home makeover project ended with a celebration.

“They had a block party, and lots of people were there to help Mr. Casalone celebrate,” said Mr. Knickerbocker. “It really was wonderful what people did for him.”

Mr. Casalone was not available for comment, but both Mr. Knickerbocker and Mr. Brady said he was “very happy” that there was “so much support for him.”

Mr. Brady said volunteers cleared the house out. The bathroom and kitchen were gutted and redone, and new floors. Volunteers then painted it “inside and out” and some “major tree work” was done. Some furniture was also provided to make the resident more comfortable in his newly renovated home.

“It was a terrific outpouring of help,” said Mr. Knickerbocker, noting that help came from “the area community.”

Mr. Brady, who retired several years ago from Nestles in New Milford, volunteers his time throughout the year through HDHM, an outreach ministry of his church, to do home repairs for people needing assistance.

What began as a Brookfield program in 2000 has grown over the years to include other communities in the Greater Danbury area, in terms of both households receiving assistance and volunteers who contribute their time and effort.

In 2008, HDHM undertook its first home makeover, at a residence in New Milford. Last year, a residence in Brookfield was chosen.

Vinti Singh, STAFF WRITER

Published: 10:19 p.m., Saturday, May 15, 2010

Peter Robb, of Brookfield, with his children, left to right, Logan, 8; Lily, 12 ;and Liam,10. The photograph was taken shortly after a fire destroyed their home on Elbow Hill Road in Brookfield in January. Photo: Contributed Photo / The News-Times Contributed

Peter Robb, of Brookfield, with his children, left to right, Logan, 8; Lily, 12 ;and Liam,10. The photograph was taken shortly after a fire destroyed their home on Elbow Hill Road in Brookfield in January. Photo: Contributed Photo / The News-Times Contributed Page 1 of 1

BROOKFIELD -- "Why am I awake on a Sunday morning?" Peter Robb asked himself on a chilly January morning. He was up well before dawn, and couldn't get back to sleep. He made his way downstairs, put on a pot of coffee, restocked the wood stove and settled in front of the TV.

Then he heard a crackling noise. It sounded like a mouse was trying to chew through some cellophane. The cottage he lived in was built in the 1850s, so mice were part of the territory.

He got up to check out the noise. The stove was working fine. He looked up, and that's when he saw, through a small slit in the vent, that the roof and rafters were on fire. The blaze was so intense, he could hear it on the first floor.

Still in a T-shirts and boxers, he woke up his three children and piled them into the car. He couldn't find his home phone and his cell phone wasn't picking up a signal.

He had no choice but to drive from Elbow Hill Road to the police station and tell them his house was on fire.

Barefoot and barely clothed, Robb and his children watched crews put out the flames. Their house was destroyed. They lost everything except for a few clothes, toys, photos and odds and ends.

Logan Robb, 8, said what he missed most was his stuffed animal Tiddly, that he and his father would cuddle with at bedtime.

"But I told my kids, the stuff we lost is just stuff," Robb said. "And we can replace things."

The date was January 31. As a single dad trying to support three children on his own, Robb did not have renter's insurance. He is a professional tree trimmer, but had gotten no work in the winter months and was basically unemployed. He wanted to stay in Brookfield to keep his kids in the school system. Also, the children's great aunt lives there.

A friend of Robb's got in touch with Peter Brady, known locally as the Handy Dandy Handyman, later that day.

When he retired in 2000, Brady devoted himself full-time to his non-profit ministry , which is spiritually based out of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Brookfield. The ministry builds ramps for handicapped seniors to get out of their homes and does odd jobs for seniors, widowed, sick and unemployed people.

"I heard he was a single dad with three children," Brady said. "When I hear about children, that gets to me."

Robb and Brady met on Feb. 1 at Panera Bread for lunch. Brady listened to Robb's story and said he would do whatever he could to help.

"He put all his other projects on hold for us," Robb said.

Brady has an e-mail contact network of more than 2,000 people in Connecticut and New York.

He had recently reached out to the network to help out two cancer patients. "I hate to ask again," he titled the e-mail. He asked them for cash and gift card donations.

Less than two weeks later, 140 people responded from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Maryland, New Jersey, Florida and Illinois. They donated $10,000 in cash and $600 in gift cards.

Robb and his children lived with their great aunt while he looked for a new home. He finally found a three-bedroom home on Nabby Road that is owned by the Brookfield Nature Conservancy.

Brady reached out to his network again, this time asking for furniture and other home goods. The response, again, was overwhelming. With donations from 13 families, there was enough to furnish the entire house.

Saturday, March 18, a crew of volunteers moved all of the furniture into the house by 11:30 a.m.

Afterwords, the crew went out to John's Best Pizza in Brookfield.

"The two boys liked their new room so much they didn't want to leave it to go to lunch," Brady said.

Brady said checks and gift cards are still trickling in for the family.

"It's been overwhelming," Robb said. "I have to hold back sometimes because I feel like I am going to explode. I don't feel deserving of all this generosity. It's very hard to put your pride in your back pocket and receive when you just want to give."

Robb said he is there to help the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry whenever he is needed, and his oldest child, Lily, 12, said she looked forward to volunteering in the Rake n' Bake, the ministry's biggest event.

Brady said the Robbs are back on their feet and they will be just fine.

"(Peter Robb) is a hard worker and an aggressive worker, and I like supporting people like that," Brady said. "I like people that don't just take, but ask how they can give back."

Liam Robb, 10, said he was impressed with the community support and happy to get a new house.

"I'm thankful," he said.

Peter Brady was selected as one of the top ten in ABC's"  the View" Ultimate Volunteer Contest.

America's Ultimate Volunteer Search

The View launched its search for this super-volunteer in late September, encouraging viewers to log on to its website to nominate individuals in their local communities who go above and beyond to help others, and who inspire others to take action.

Grocery employee benefits from Handyman's work
By Emily Froehlich, Contributing Writer

Published: 08:43 p.m., Thursday, December 24, 2009

BROOKFIELD -- Braving the cold winter wind, about 40 people gathered in the ShopRite parking lot.
In the center of the gathering Tuesday stood Peter Brady, organizer of the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry and of the day's events. Beside him was a white 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and a beaming Joe Casalone.

Click on the video panel play arrow to begin the video

DANBURY-- A local restaurant community came together Thursday to give the gift of a Thanksgiving meal to people who may not have had it otherwise."

"It's the best of both worlds," said Caitlyn Healy, a hostess at Bertucci's. "We get to help others and everybody will be home in time for a dinner with family. It makes you really appreciate what you have."

 Caitlin Healy, standing left, and Stefan Van Wareren, standing center, of Bertucci's Italian Resturant cater to clients of the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry during Thanksgiving dinner at the resturant, in Danbury, on Thursday, Nov.26,2009. Seated from left are: Mariela Lunetta, Marcus Lunetta, 12, and Matthew Lunetta. Photo: Michael Duffy / The News-Times

With 5 of the children from age 7 to 15, along with their dad and our client Lee (with faded HDHM red shirt), we were able to complete the job in 3 hours and off to lunch at the local pizza restaurant.

1.  Photo of the family and the client before starting at 9:15AM.