West Hartford ShopRite's 'Help Bag Hunger' Event A Success

Here's all you need to know about the Help Bag Hunger Event at the Joseph Family Market/West Hartford ShopRite on Thursday:

• I was prepared to talk smack about how superior my bagging skills were to that of Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, who was also at the event. Well, she rocked it. I mean, she was a total natural. She jumped in and did her part, all while giving interviews with various media outlets.

• Over $10,000 was raised and will be donated to nine different food pantries in town.

• Wyman said it best: "We know how many millions of kids and families don't have food. We have to do something to feed America. If we want kids to do well in school and be good citizens, you've got to feed them."

• Wyman, despite her innate talent for bagging groceries, remained humble. "They're not going to hire me," she said. "I'm slowing things down."

• ShopRite customers got a huge kick out of seeing Connecticut's lieutenant governor bag groceries for them. "That was awesome," said Darcelle Long of Hartford. "She did awesome. I'll vote for her."

• I wasn't as good as Wyman - this time - but I definitely improved from my first foray on the checkout line. Employee Feliccia Cotto, my biggest detractor from last week, said I "definitely improved." Miriam Ramos, also an employee, gave me a B+ for the day, a grade I will happily accept without complaint. If there is an outbreak of salmonella in the area, you know who to blame.

• ShopRite's staff and management are incredibly gracious and kind. The store, incidentally, looks amazing.

• Store Director Charles Joseph III was grateful for the 12 guest baggers who participated in the event throughout the day. "It's a pleasure to host the lieutenant governor and other dignitaries who took the time out of their busy schedules to help bring awareness of hunger in our local community," Joseph said.