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Community Ties

by Nancy on Norwalk

Hosted by Romney Donald, Community Ties dives into conversations with people who have vision, drive, and passion, and choose to invest it in Norwalk. Presented by Nancy on Norwalk, the podcast looks to highlight the stories of people, businesses, and organizations in Norwalk.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 12, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Understanding Family Mental Health & In-Home Support with Sidnee Streater

    In this episode of Community Ties, we talk with Sidnee Streater, psychotherapist and Multisystemic Therapy Manager at Family & Children’s Agency (FCA), about the mental health and behavioral health needs facing children, youth, and families across Norwalk and Fairfield County. Sidnee gives us a...

  2. Connecting Families, Community & Local Government with Julie Foy

    In this episode of Community Ties, we get to know Julie Foy beyond her title as the City of Norwalk’s Chief of Community Services. Julie shares the experiences and relationships that have shaped her approach to community work, from supporting children and families to her years of work in Norwalk....

  3. Preserving Norwalk’s History & Expanding Inclusive Storytelling with Diane Jellerette

    On this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Diane Jellerette, Executive Director of the Norwalk Historical Society, for a conversation about the stories that shape Norwalk and the importance of preserving history in ways that feel relevant, honest, and connected to community. Together, we...

  4. Mentorship, Mental Health & Education in Norwalk with Jasmine Prezzie

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Jasmine Prezzie, Director of the Norwalk Mentor Program, Board of Education member for Norwalk Public Schools, and a licensed clinician providing mental health services. Together, we explore the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the…

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  5. Building Systems of Care with Anavivian Escalante and Anamilena Lonergan

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Anavivian Escalante, CEO of Norwalk ACTS, and Anamilena Lonergan, Social Emotional Health Initiative Manager at Norwalk ACTS, for a conversation about mental health, leadership, and the systems that shape community well-being. As Mental Health...

  6. Finding Your Voice in Local Government with Jalin Sead

    In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with Jalin Sead, Majority Leader of the Norwalk City Council and Commissioner of the First Taxing District of Norwalk. The conversation explores his path into public service and what it means to serve in a local government role where...

  7. Turning Grief Into Purpose: Inside the Mission of EJ’s H.E.A.R.T.

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Fritzsa Gilmore and Tremain Gilmore to talk about the heart behind EJ's H.E.A.R.T. and the journey that brought it to life. They share how, in the face of unimaginable loss, they were able to build something that now provides scholarships,...

  8. The Story of NancyOnNorwalk with Ashley RK Smith

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, Jack talks with NancyOnNorwalk Managing Editor Ashley RK Smith about her background in media, the issues with a corporate-controlled news environment, and how NancyOnNorwalk is run and has diversified its output.

  9. Speaking Up with Purpose with Iliana Zúñiga-Miranda / Hablar con propósito con Iliana Zúñiga-Miranda

    In this episode of Community Ties, podcast host Romney Donald sits down with Iliana, a wife, parent, community advocate, and the creator of Latinos Unidos, for a reflective conversation about voice, authenticity, and community care in Norwalk. Iliana shares how expectations around who we are...

  10. Former State Senator Will Haskell on Young People in Politics

    In 2018, Will Haskell declared his intention to run for the 26th District of the Connecticut State Senate. Running on gun control, a stronger transportation system, and paid family leave, among other progressive causes, he would be going up against Republican incumbent Senator Toni Boucher…

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  11. Community Care Across Generations with Eva Beau

    In this episode of Community Ties, podcast co-host Romney Donald sits down with Eva Beau, Director of Social Services at the Norwalk Senior Center, where she has worked for the past 10 years. Eva’s work in Norwalk spans generations. Beyond supporting older adults with dignity and care, she has...

  12. The Role of Political Communications with Michelle Woods Matthews

    2026 is an incredibly interesting time to be a political communications professional as changing technology, politics, and generational differences have never been more clear. Outgoing Communications Director at City Hall Michelle Woods Matthews has extensive experience in the field, from working...

  13. Introducing the Voices Behind Community Ties

    In this special co-host episode of Community Ties, Jack and Romney start the New Year by introducing themselves and sharing how the podcast came to be. They reflect on the experiences that shaped who they are, why local government and community care matter so deeply to them, and what they hope...

  14. Sustainability in Norwalk with Jodi Trendler

    In this episode, host Jack Pavia has on Norwalk's first-ever Director of Sustainability and Resilience, Jodi Trendler. They dive into not only her job in City Hall, but her thoughts on the evolution of the environmental movement and the long-term trajectory of ensuring there exists a healthy and...

  15. Leadership Rooted in Community with Dajuan Wiggins

    In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with newly re-elected District B Councilman, newly appointed Constable, and community leader Dajuan Wiggins. From growing up in Norwalk, rebuilding his life after a turning point that required courage and accountability, to becoming…

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  16. Organizing 101 with Tanner Thompson

    Tanner Thompson has spent years as an organizer for pedestrian and bike infrastructure, public transportation, housing, and tree canopy in Norwalk. In this episode, host Jack Pavia dives deep with Tanner into his background and how he gained the confidence necessary to bring politicians,...

  17. Purpose and Community Legacy with Dr. Julia Moore

    In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald talks with Dr. Julia Moore, salon owner, entrepreneur, and founder of YL Trapped, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Norwalk. Once a week, she transforms her Wall Street salon into a space for young women to grow, learn, and lead. From advocating…

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  18. The Search for Community with Tony Bacigalupo

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, Jack interviews Tony Bacigalupo, a local community organizer. In 2008, Tony founded New Work City, leading a global movement towards co-working. Ever since then, he's been laser focused on creating community wherever he goes; in the…

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  19. Creativity and Community Power with Norwalk Artist Jahmane Artz

    In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with Norwalk native and artist Jahmane Artz, whose work spans painting, photography, fashion, and large-scale murals. Together, they explore his artistic journey, the inspirations behind his themes of spirituality, mythology, and...

  20. Davette's Story

    Davette grew up in Norwalk and Stamford. She got into trouble at school, was sent to jail as a teenager, and has been working towards a better life ever since. However, along the road has been a considerable amount of struggle; being fired from jobs because of her record, getting burned by broken...

  21. State of the Arts in Norwalk with Duvian Montoya

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk Podcast, host Jack Pavia speaks with Norwalk Art Space Executive Director Duvian Montoya. In his role, he fosters relationship with artists, shapes educational programming, and leads collaboration with nonprofit organizations and Norwalk Public...

  22. Housing & Homelessness in Connecticut with State Rep. Kadeem Roberts and DesegregateCT Director Nick Kantor

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk Podcast, host Jack Pavia speaks with Connecticut State Representative and co-founder of the End Homelessness Caucus Kadeem Roberts and director of DesegregateCT Nick Kantor. Jack asks them about Connecticut's interconnected housing and...

  23. Connecting Fairfield County with the Norwalk River Valley Trail

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, host Jack Pavia speaks with Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) Executive Director Andrea Gartner and NRVT board member and Chair of the Norwalk Bike/Walk Commission Emily Burnaman. Jack asks them about the trail, which, when complete…

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  24. Mayor Harry Rilling's Reflections on Governing Norwalk

    In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, host Jack Pavia speaks with Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, who decided against running for re-election this year after serving the City in that role for over a decade. They cover everything from his experience in the Police Department and...

  25. Norwalk Public Schools Adapting Post-COVID

    In the first episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, host Jack Pavia speaks with Norwalk teacher Rachael Carson and student Conny Galvez to review the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as it pertains to Norwalk Public Schools.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hosted by Romney Donald, Community Ties dives into conversations with people who have vision, drive, and passion, and choose to invest it in Norwalk. Presented by Nancy on Norwalk, the podcast looks to highlight the stories of people, businesses, and organizations in Norwalk.

HOSTED BY

Nancy on Norwalk

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Community Ties have?

Community Ties currently has 25 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Community Ties about?

Hosted by Romney Donald, Community Ties dives into conversations with people who have vision, drive, and passion, and choose to invest it in Norwalk. Presented by Nancy on Norwalk, the podcast looks to highlight the stories of people, businesses, and organizations in Norwalk.

How often does Community Ties release new episodes?

Community Ties has 25 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Community Ties?

You can listen to Community Ties on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Community Ties?

Community Ties is created and hosted by Nancy on Norwalk.
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