Joe Henry and Priscilla Adams
The April 2008 winner was Joe Henry. Priscilla Adams' nomination letter said:
Please
select my brother-in-law Joe Henry for the Ray of Sunshine Award.
There are so many reasons he deserves a "big night out," it could fill
a book. He doesa so much for others, always good naturedly and never
expects anything in return.
He
is always there to help someone who needs a hand moving, fixing
something, needs a ride, fixing cars, building or remodeling homes, or
cooking delicious gourmet meals for family and friends.
He
is a true hometown hero. He grew up in Columbia, graduated from
Windham High School and Thames Valley Tech. He married my sister on
Memorial Day 1969. They traveled the country while he served in the
Navy, then settled in Willimantic to raise their son Jason. He became
"Papa Joe" to everyone, mentoring many young men through the years -- a
second father to my two girls..
He
has coached softball teams, supported all Windham school sports and
Windham rec teams, helped build the Natchaug School playground, cooked
the first St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage meal at Blarney's, drove a truck full of kids in the first Boom Box Parade (and
many more). He has his own stone mason business with his brother Mike
-- Henry Brothers -- yet two years he drove in the Boom Box Parade
promoting MY business (then Cafe Downtown). He made most of the
delicious soups there.
He
is the proud grandfather of Nadia Henry (her Papa', she said it with a
French accent as a toddler). He is now active doing whatever needs
doing at the Oak Grove Montessori School which Nadia attends. He is an
avid fan of all of Nadia's sport events. He is also and avid UConn
Husky and Boston Red Sox fan.
He
supports local businesses, eating at local breakfast spots, shops at
IGA, gets his building supplies from Willards, he drinks Hosmer
Mountain Soda and Mountain Dairy milk. Joe is turning 60 years old
on May 5 and will have his 39th wedding anniversary on May 30th. I
would like to have a hand in making sure they have a nice celebration.
Thank you sincerely, Priscilla (Petey) Adams
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