Here is What April, Jacqueline and Juan Learned...

July 24, 2008

Christopher Murphy is a Congressman for District 5 in Connecticut, which includes the towns of Danbury, Meriden, New Britain, and Waterbury. Students from Klingberg Family Centers interviewed him. We interviewed him on what he does and how he does it. Congressman Murphy serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as well as the Financial Services Committee. He plays a role in investigating and proposing solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues, which include management of government, the war in Iraq, and Medicare. In addition to his office in New Britain, Congressman Murphy has an office in Washington, D.C.

In addition to describing the nature of his work, Congressman Murphy spoke on a number of specific issues as well. When asked to comment on gas prices, Congressman Murphy said, “The places we are getting our gas from are the places we are not getting along with right now like Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.” When asked about congressional involvement in the baseball scandal, Congressman Murphy responded that he thought Congress had made a mistake. While Congress had a legitimate role in investigating the use of performance enhancing drugs in professional sports, it should have done so through public hearings and testimony from a number of players.

On a more personal note, Congressman Murphy shared that like the students interviewing him, he also gets nervous. However, it was obvious in his thoughtful responses that he cares about the people he serves and is deeply interested in their needs. He is known for listening to the concerns of others. Congressman Murphy was described as nice, understanding, and helpful during the interview.

Congressman Murphy has been of particular help to Klingberg Family Centers. He was instrumental in the government providing money to Klingberg to purchase computers in the school and to help pay for the vocational program. The students are very grateful for this help.

Founder’s Great, Great Granddaughter Raises Funds As She Runs

July 14, 2008

Jobi Klingberg Ledger’s love of family and exuberance for life inspired her to train for and complete a half marathon run to benefit Klingberg Family Centers. This young wife, mom and descendent of our founder, the Rev. John E. Klingberg, has recently taken greater interest in her family’s history and the tremendous legacy she inherited from Rev. Klingberg. In response, Jobi raised nearly $2,000 from family and friends who sponsored her athletic accomplishment.

“It did my heart good to know that I was helping to support not only my family legacy, but an extremely worthy cause,” says Jobi. “Now, if I could really have my wish, I’d like to meet him (Rev. Klingberg). That would be the icing on my cake! Then again, he might think I’m nuts for running so much.” 

And here is the family tree. Jobi’s dad, Jim Klingberg, is the son of John, whose father Robert was one of John & Magdalene Klingberg’s children.