Meriden CT Elisa

This morning we are in Connecticut. How we made it here from Virginia and where we ended up, not sleeping the night but being able to lay down for a few hours is quite a story for another time. We are exhausted and it's only day 3. Luckily for us this stop is being hosted by Conneticut State Coordinator Donna Gore and not only is it set up well but even more importantly for us this morning, there is food and COFFEE. Way to go Donna! It's being held at the Conneticut State Museum. The podium is set at the top of a grand front staircase and the tables in the side parking lot. Multiple quilts made out of missing persons T-shirts hung on the back brick wall. I believe they came from Missing William Smolinski Jr's parents, only because I remember discussing it with them back when Mathew was missing. There was the CUE table (love coordinator hosts), with posters hung behind and a tree decorated with butterflies and ribbons.

I believe there were at least 5 missing persons's families represented. Besides the Smolinski's were the families of Evelyn Frisco, Jose Ortiz, Jerry Dolphin and Lisa Calvo. Evelyn Frisco went missing in 2004 when she was 42 years old. Her mom has spent the last 10 years not knowing what happened to her daughter. Jose Ortiz was 19 years old in 2005 when a firefighter witnessed his abduction, saw him being pulled off of a bicycle and into a car. He hasn't been seen since. Jerry Dolphin disappeared in 1994 at the age of 20. His family had to move out of town to escape the memories of the neighborhood. His aunt shared his story and her memories with us. Lisa Calvo disappeared in 2005, she was 40 years old when she was last seen. Billy Smolinski has been missing 10 years. He was 31 years old in 2004 when he disappeared. Other missing represented included Mary Baderacco who disappeared in 1984 at the age of 38, and Bernadine Paul who went missing at the age of 37 in 2000.

After everyone spoke the families gathered together and released yellow balloons. This was a different take on the usual  balloon release and  it seemed more intimate. Afterward, there was time to mingle and tour the museum. Law enforcement present included members of the Conneticut State Police and the Cold Case Unit. There was a gentleman I saw wandering, he asked me about the posters. I thought he was looking for something or someone and I brought him to Monica. As I walked away I could hear that his son was missing. He was here with his wife. I think he expected to see his son's poster but we were unaware of his case. I hope that they can now get the help that they need. As we pack up to head to another state and another rally I'm no longer so tired. This is why we do this.

Elisa