Michael Paulhus, Plainville’s town manager, plus don’t miss CRCOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan public meetings on Nov. 16 and 17 and more

November 2, 2022 | Issue 21

The CRCOG Connection

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Welcome back! We’re glad you’re here. This newsletter is 1144 words, approximately a 6-minute read.

In this issue you’ll learn about:

CRCOG’s public meetings on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan on Nov. 16 and 17
Plainville’s Town Manager, Michael Paulhus
The seafood restaurant More than Just Lobster (Plainville and Hartford locations)
The importance of getting vaccinated for the flu
And more

CRCOG’s Pic du Jour

CRCOG staff had a fun day participating in the United Way’s “Jumpstart Read for the Record,” on Thursday, October 27. The staff read the book “Nigel and the Moon” to elementary school students in Hartford. In addition to the United Way, the event was hosted in collaboration with the Hartford Public Library and Hartford Public Library.

ICYMI

Don’t miss the Leadership Development Roundtable: An Introduction with Jason Fredlund and Randi McCray with Five Frogs on Friday, November 18, 2022. Look at the full schedule of offerings and register at Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative.
15 CT towns receive funds to start food scrap recycling programs.

You’re invited! Don’t miss CRCOG’s public meetings on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan

CRCOG is updating our Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which establishes the vision for the region’s transportation system - highways, local roads, bicycle, pedestrian, and more - for the next 25 years. Join us at one of our hybrid kick-off meetings on November 16 and 17! We are offering two opportunities for participants to learn about the plan and begin to provide input. Visit the website at www.crocg.org/mtp to learn more about the meetings and to register for the Zoom meeting information.

Get to know Michael Paulhus, Plainville’s new Town Manager

Michael Paulhus was appointed Plainville Town Manager on August 15, 2022. Before he accepted this role, he was the Town Manager in North Branford. His previous experience also includes working in the private sector at RBC Wealth Management as well as serving the Town of Windham as Executive Administrator and then as First Selectman.

Mr. Paulhus received his Master of Arts in Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut, Master of Arts in International Affairs from Ohio University, and his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Blackburn College.

Q: What are some key projects you will focus on?

A: I'm looking forward to working on the White Oak Development Project, Charter Revision, Airport Renovation, Landfill Closure, and Highway Facility Study. All these projects will have significant benefits to the residents of Plainville.

The White Oak Development Project is a Main Street Revitalization effort to turn a vacant building into a new mixed-use opportunity with housing units.

Robertson Airport is undergoing a facelift with a newly remodeled lobby and classroom space in addition to navigation enhancements.

Q: How do you define your leadership style?

A: I have a collaborative leadership style. Using a collaborative approach allows me to continue my learning while also sharing my knowledge with others.

Q: What’s your favorite live show and why?

A: I enjoy live sporting events because they are high energy and fun to watch.

Q: Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

A: I like to keep active, outside of work I enjoy running, playing golf, and traveling.

C2B Series: Love seafood, it’s time for a visit to More Than Lobster

Demetrius Mack loves seafood. After the New York City native moved to New Britain, he still found himself driving back to the city to get good seafood. The two-plus hour drive started to get to him, so he started making seafood dishes at home. He shared his dishes with family and friends, and they loved it.

There’s not one item on the menu that he doesn’t like. “This is food I love to eat and am passionate about making for others," said Demitrus. “I definitely overthought a few things trying to make sure it was all perfect.”

He was working in the night club business and was ready to transition into something new. “I took my recipes, put his money together and with support from family and friends opened More than Just Lobster in 2019,” said Demitrus. “The community loved it.”

The menu has steamed lobster, crab, shrimp, clams, crawfish, oysters and mussels' bags, seafood sandwiches, and salads, but you’ll also find some unique items like the “cheat day,” a baked potato with baked mac-n-cheese and your choice of seafood, shrimp, lobster, or salmon. Another popular item is the hot and buttery, Connecticut-style lobster roll. You can order in a regular or jumbo size.

Word of mouth about his dishes made its way to Hartford residents, who drove to New Britain to have their “More Than Just Lobster” dining experience. He kept getting requests to open a store in the capitol city. In May of 2021 More than Just Lobster 2 opened at 485 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut (about a block away from the Hartford Public Library.

“I have a lot to be proud of, but the thing that wakes me up every day is making my customers happy,” Demitrus said. “I look forward to seeing the smiles on their faces.

It’s flu season, get vaccinated and make sure you boost your immunity

Cold and flu season is here. This year don’t get caught using one of the following excuses for not getting your flu shot:

“I don’t have the time.”
“I’ll be safe, I never get sick.”
“Flu shots only work sometimes.”

The flu spreads easily, by coughing, sneezing, and close contact with someone who may be infected. Once sick, individuals can experience several intense symptoms such as fever, chills, extreme tiredness, headaches, runny and stuffy nose, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The seasonal vaccine protests you by boosting your immune response to create antibodies that protect you from severe infection. There's still a chance of catching the flu after being vaccinated, however, your chances are considerably lower.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Call your doctor or visit your local pharmacy and schedule your flu vaccine today!