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Quote of the Month
"Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace."
- Arianna Huffington
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From the Desk of
Ana Gopoian
Gratitude, Gatherings, and Grace
As the holiday season approaches, the pace quickens in every corner of the nonprofit world. The phones ring a little more often, inboxes overflow, and the list of needs—both from the community and within our own teams—seems endless. Yet, amid the whirlwind of year-end reports, events, fundraising campaigns, and holiday programs, this season also brings with it three quiet gifts: gratitude, gatherings, and grace.
Gratitude reminds us why we do this work. It surfaces in the handwritten thank-you notes to and from donors, in the smiles of volunteers who show up week after week, and in the small victories—an individual helped, a family supported, a goal met. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s still undone, but pausing to recognize what has been accomplished refuels our sense of purpose. Gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance.
Gatherings—whether around a table, in a meeting room, or at a community event—remind us that connection is the heartbeat of service. These moments allow us to look one another in the eye, share stories, and remember that none of this work happens alone. They strengthen not just our organizations, but our shared humanity.
And then there is grace—the gentle acceptance that we cannot do everything, at least not all at once. Grace gives space for rest, forgiveness, and kindness toward ourselves and others when plans go awry or when the to-do list spills over into tomorrow. It’s what allows us to keep showing up, even when we’re weary.
This season, may we carry gratitude in our hearts, gather with intention, and move through each day with grace. Because while the work may never truly slow down, these three gifts can help us remember why we began—and how much good can grow when we nurture both our mission and one another.
Together WE are Stronger!
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November's Spotlight
Melanie Tarr
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In 2023, Melanie began subcontracting with TriCircle after learning from Jennifer Nuzzo of DiversaFit that the organization was seeking retreat facilitators. What started as leading meditative art projects at TriCircle’s Annual Self Care Retreats soon grew into volunteering at Memorial Quilt events and supporting additional community projects whenever possible.
By 2024, Melanie was also became the co-facilitator at Harmony Within and collaborated monthly with Dana to create nurturing self care experiences featuring yoga, sound healing, and meditation.
Most recently, Melanie earned an opportunity to be one of the participants in a pilot program called The Collaborative, a training track in partnership with TriCircle, the Open DOHR Program at WFC, and the United Way of Meriden & Wallingford. To date, she has successfully completed specialized trainings and certifications, including Mental Health First Aid, SMART and SMART Family & Friends Facilitator Trainings, De-escalation, QPR, Naloxone (NARCAN), CPR/ AED/First Aid, and became a State Certified Recovery Support Specialist. She now serves as one of TriCircle’s SMART facilitators at weekly Tuesday groups held at Master’s Manna and also contributes as TriCircle’s new data reporter.
Melanie’s work is deeply rooted in her passion for mental health and healing. As a certified Holistic Life Coach, she offers classes, intuitive mentorships, one-on-one coaching and Reiki sessions which focus on helping clients reclaim their well-being and personal power.
TriCircle is deeply grateful for the compassion and dedication Melanie brings to the communities we serve—reminding us that Together WE are Stronger!
Learn more about Melanie at www.MelanieTarr.com.
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A SMALL amount of your time
can make A BIG difference!
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Lend a Hand With Events!
Shape the future with a
purpose driven,
fun and fulfilling opportunity
to give back!
TriCircle is looking for people who are action oriented and
passionate about our cause to work with us.
Please consider leading or joining the Fundraising Committee!
Contact ana@tricircle.org to sign up.
Community Service Hours Are Available for All of the Above.
Together WE are Stronger!
| | Check out our November calendar below. So many meaningful ways to get involved, events to attend, and groups for support, Together WE are Stronger!! | | |
Drop In Setback Middlefield at 1741 Pub & Grill - First and Third Wednesday of each month,November 5 and 19 (we are celebrating our 4 year anniversary at this location on the 19th) at 72 Lyman Road, Middlefield. Registration opens at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)
Drop In Setback at Sliders in Wallingford - Second Wednesday of each month, November 12, located at 950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)
TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups - Thursdays, November 6,13, 20 (Thursday the 27th will not be held due to the holiday) and every Thursday in 3 separate rotating locations throughout the year. Every group, no matter where or when, has a virtual option! (click here for full schedule with times and locations)
TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Groups - Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 24 and every Monday in 3 separate rotating locations throughout the year. Every group, no matter where or when, has a virtual option! (click here for full schedule with times and locations)
SMART Family & Friends Fun APG Wallingford - Paused until further notice
SMART Group Wallingford - Every Tuesday November 4, 11, 18, 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St Wallingford.
SMART Group Family & Friends Wallingford - Paused until further notice
TriCircle's 7th Annual Gala Brunch at The Farms Country Club, Sunday, November 2, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Click here for tickets and more information, tickets are also available at the door.
TriCircle's Annual Meeting - Monday, November 10. 2025
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve - Dinner and a Show, Mohegan Sun Earth Sky Box Suite, Sunday afternoon, November 30, doors open at 2:00 pm, show starts at 3:00 pm, $160 per person, amazing raffles and dinner included, proceeds benefit TriCircle. Limited seats available - see flyer below
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It's Time for Dinner and a Show!
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We are very pleased to announce we have secured the Earth Sky Box Suite with dinner for a breathtaking performance by
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve
on Sunday afternoon, November 30th, at 3pm!
We hope you can join us just in time for the holidays!
See below for concert details and stay tuned to our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and TriCircle's website.
To get tickets please contact Melissa Gionfriddo at Melissa@TriCircle.org
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The Amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Sunday Afternoon, November 30, at 3:00 pm
For more details click here.
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TriCircle has moved to:
The Carriage House
116 S Main Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
TriCircle has been looking forward to relocating, in the town of Wallingford, where Founder and Executive Director Ana Gopoian
grew up! We are certain that our new Wallingford
location will be instrumental in the furthering
of our mission in the community.
Alternative Address:
Master's Manna, 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, CT 06492
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