Local
391 AFSCME, representing 1,800 employees of the Department
of Correction, donated $1,500 worth of equipment to the
Elite Martial Arts Center, located in the Thompsonville
section of Enfield.
Elite Martial Arts is run by Myron Levy, an 18-year Correction
Officer and member of Local 391. Levy works first shift
at the Enfield Correctional Institution, and dedicates his
spare time to helping the many children who train at the
facility. He started Elite Martial Arts three years ago
with his own money and sweat equity.
“We’re
trying to get kids to find an alternative,” Levy said.
“We want to help them build some self-esteem.”
Levy, 44, grew up in a rough neighborhood in Hartford. “I
was with the wrong crowd,” he reflected. So he took
up the martial arts – particularly judo and tae kwon
do – and immediately discovered both psychological
and physical benefits.
“It’s
given me the self-discipline to make good decisions about
my life,” he reflected.
When
Local 391 leadership learned about Levy’s efforts to
help Enfield youngsters in need of guidance and direction,
they stepped to the plate with their donation, which includes
brand new sparring equipment such as head gear, chest pads,
mouth protectors and durable travel bags for tae kwon do
tournaments.
“We’re
extremely pleased to help Myron and the Elite Martial Arts
Center,” said Local 391 Secretary Paul von Eisengrein.
“This is a program that’s making a real difference
in the lives of children of all ages.”
