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Health & Fitness

Chris Murphy at the Greek Festival

State Rep. Candidate Aldon Hynes talks about campaigning at the Greek Festival with U.S. Senate Candidate Chris Murphy.

For the past few years, my wife and I have always looked forward to the Greek Festival at St. Barbara's Church.  Over the years, my daughter has gone from looking forward to the loukamades to looking forward to saganaki.  This year, she was all about the grape leaves.

She likes to pick up a stuffed animal or some other trinket at the treasures and trinkets, as well as see some of her friends dance.

This was my first year going to the festival as a candidate.  It felt a little awkward, because St. Barbara's is the church my opponent goes to and many people there are good friends with her.  Yet campaigns are about more than just good friendships and I wanted to talk with people about why they should consider me when they vote in November.

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As I spoke with friends and neighbors, I ran into a new friend of mine, the campaign coordinator in the Third Congressional District for the Chris Murphy for Senate campaign.  Chris was on his way.

When he arrived, he spoke with voters with an ease and confidence that was truly inspiring.  As is often the case with candidates in state wide races, his staff let him know when it was time to head out to the next event.  Labor day weekend is a very busy one for politicians.  Chris took time for a few last quick conversations and headed off to the next event.

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Events like the Greek Festival at St. Barbara's Church provide a great opportunity for people to come together as part of a community.  It is a great time to speak with those who seek to represent us, either up in Hartford, or off in Washington.  It was an honor to accompany Chris Murphy in Orange.

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