When it comes to heroes in Branford, age has no boundaries.
The American Red Cross honored a talented group of youngsters and a Branford legend at the ninth annual Heroes of South Central Connecticut awards breakfast at the Omni New Haven Hotel.
About 375 people attended the breakfast ceremonies Wednesday and were greeted by Branford’s Lemonade Gang (pictured above), who sang the National Anthem a capella. The Lemonade Gang, ages 10 to 16, received the Youth Good Samaritan Award. Dan Cosgrove, who turned 91 last November, received the Humanitarian Award.
The Red Cross honored heroes in six other categories, with awards going to people from Madison, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, West Haven and Hamden. Branford had the youngest and eldest recipients.
“I think the age difference shows anyone can be a hero,” Ryan Bloomquist, one of the co-founders of the Lemonade Gang, said in an interview. “I don’t think of myself as a hero, but it’s important to do what you can to help. At this time in the world, it’s tough out there with the economy and the war. It’s great when you can do something for the community, and that one good deed spreads.”
Cosgrove, who has been honored as a Red Cross hero before, has devoted a lifetime to Branford — philanthropically and politically. He was long known as the Boss of Branford for his ability to get things done his way. For decades he wielded enormous political power over town and state affairs. He was also a tough businessman.
At the same time, Cosgrove (pictured left) is also a philanthropist who has given generously to many Branford organizations and charities over the years. He tends not to brag about his accomplishments. In an interview last week he said, “I don’t know why they’re making a fuss over it,” he said in regard to his philanthropy. “I’ve been very successful in business. I made a lot of money, and I felt the need to help.”
Although the Lemonade Gang may seem young, what is even more remarkable is that the two co-founders were only 6 years old when they started staging musical performances to raise money for worthy causes. The group, which functions without adult intervention, is truly a kid-run organization. They have raised more than $60,000 in the past 10 years.
It all began when Ryan Bloomquist and Greg Nobile decided to sell lemonade to help out a friend. That single act of charity escalated over the years to an extent that the two young founders never imagined.
“Once we got that feeling of giving, even at age 6, we just kept going,” Greg said. “And there’s no sign of slowing down.”
Although the youngsters liked selling lemonade, they quickly learned they could attract a bigger audience by doing song-and-dance skits in their backyards. Ryan’s sister, Tess, now 14, was one of the original group, and a number of current members have been involved for several years. The early neighborhood skits evolved to twice-yearly performances in Branford with a summer musical at the Owenego Beach Club, and a Christmas concert at the First Baptist Church.
“At the time, we didn’t know what we got ourselves into,” Greg says of those early days. It’s certainly grown since then.”
The impetus for their fund-raising was a friend, Brian Kelley of Branford, who was diagnosed with a rare disorder — adrenoleukodystorphy — when he was 6 years old. The condition, also known as ALD, destroys the myelin nerve coverings and affects the central nervous system.
Money from the summer musicals supports the Myelin Project, which spearheads research into myelin disorders such as ALD and multiple sclerosis.
Their Christmas concerts raise money for the Adopt a Family project, which helps youngsters with cancer whose families cannot afford holiday gifts. Childhood cancer is particularly poignant to the Lemonade Gang since Ryan’s youngest sister, Hanna, was born with a rare form of cancer about six years ago.
Recipients of the American Red Cross Heroes awards are nominated by members of the community.
“We were really humbled when we heard about the award and want to thank all those who wrote and nominated us,” Greg said. “That kind of support is what keeps us going.”
“To get recognized by the community and the Red Cross feels amazing,” Ryan said.
Ryan and Greg are the heart and soul of the group, and serve as co-directors to supervise endless hours of rehearsals. In addition, this will be the third year the Lemonade Gang will hold a summer camp at the Owenego Beach Club for children ages 5 – 12.
Greg, who is the son of Brian and Maureen Nobile; and Ryan, the son of John and Pat Bloomquist, both attend Camp Broadway and have appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have performed in a number of school musicals, including starring roles in the Pirates of Penzance, which was just staged at the Branford High School where they are sophomores.
The current members of the Lemonade Gang, in addition to Greg and Ryan, are
Tess Bloomquist, Ellie Bloomquist, Jonathan Carlson, Ricky Weiss, Jessica Carlson, Sara Mahoney, Patricia Liu, Katrice Kemble, Coral Serrano-Bennitt, Christopher Lemieux, Luke Jenusaitis, Rand Lewis, Meg O’Brien, and Catherine Pierre-Louis.
Over the years Dan Cosgrove has had many philanthropic interests, but the one that tops his list is the Connecticut Hospice, which he helped found 35 years ago. Branford’s hospice was the first in the nation. He has served on the hospice’s board of directors for many years, and a wing at the facility was dedicated in his honor.
In a recent interview he said another favorite was the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace in North Guilford, where he has been a benefactor since 1947. “That’s been one of my favorite charities,” he said.
Since his love of dogs is legendary, it was no surprise that the Branford animal shelter was named in his honor. “I like dogs,” he said in an understatement. “I’ve owned over 300 in my life. I liked to take in strays, and I had 25 at once one time.”
He’s also noted for his affinity for sports and recreation, and numerous projects have benefited from his contributions. Most recently, he donated funds in his niece’s memory to build a park and soccer fields — Patty’s Park, which is adjacent to the Mary T. Murphy School on Brushy Plain Road.
His generosity has extended to several area schools including St. Mary’s School in Branford; Notre Dame High School in West Haven; and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, where the athletic center bears his name.
In the 1930s, he made a name as a welterweight boxer before founding the construction company that bears his name. As a contractor, he was instrumental in the development of the Long Wharf complex in New Haven, and numerous projects in Branford and across the country.
His years in the political arena include heading the 12th District Democratic State Central Committee for more than 20 years. “I got a lot of satisfaction out of being involved in politics,” he said, admitting he made enemies along the way.
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