Local 391 Contributes To Boundless Playground... Somers Family Raising Funds to Honor Son

Local 391, representing 1,900 employees of the Department of Correction in northern Connecticut, honored the memory of five-year-old Connor Swan by presenting a grant in the amount of $1,000 to assist in the construction of a boundless playground in Somers. Pictured in front are Camryn Swan, 4, and Haley Swan, 3. Back row: Kurt Swan and Natalie Swan, Local 391's Todd Sokolowski and Paul von Eisengrein, and Sen. John Kissel.

Local 391, representing 1,900 employees of the Department of Correction in northern Connecticut, honored the memory of Connor Swan by presenting a grant in the amount of $1,000 to assist in the construction of a boundless playground in Somers.

Connor, 5, passed away last year because of a malignant tumor. His parents, Kurt and Natalie Swan of Somers, created the Connor Swan Memorial Fund to help raise the monies needed for a boundless playground in Somers. The playground will be accessible to children regardless of their physical or developmental abilities.

Local 391 was eager to help with this cause after being approached by Sen. John Kissel (R-7th), who praised the union's civic-mindedness.

"You're about making the community a better place to live," Kissel told Local 391 during a ceremony with the Swan family - Kurt, Natalie and their daughters Camryn, 4, and Haley, 3.

The Swans, too, were appreciative.

"We want to do something special for our son," Kurt Swan said. "We appreciate what you're doing. It shows you care."

Local 391 Treasurer Todd Sokolowski and Secretary Paul Von Eisengrein presented the check to the Swans.

"We're impressed with the courage and determination the Swans have shown in turning their tragedy into something constructive," Von Eisengrein said. "Our local is proud to support this effort."

The Somers Playground Committee, which is sponsoring the project, has raised $25,000 and has received an additional $50,000 from the Connor Swan Memorial Fund. The total cost of the playground will be $250,000.

If you'd like to support the boundless playground project in Somers, please make a check payable to The Somers Playground Committee, 600 Main St., Somers, CT 06071, Attn: Mike Provencher.