Rec Dep’t Honors Family, Friends

Before the Town’s Recreation Department and the Community House, which is its headquarters, undergoes a major building renovation this year, the department honored family and friends for all they do for the town. The Konesky family donated a wheelchair swing at Foote Park. The cutting of the ribbon signifies the swing is ready to be used.

And Dylan Palluzzi was recognized by the Recreation Board with a plaque, thanking him for 15 years of volunteering at the Community House in various capacities, including teen travel counselor, coach, and assisting with the town’s After School Program. (Full disclosure: The writer of this story is a member of the Rec Board.)

Chairman Paul Criscuolo (pictured) presented Palluzzi with a plaque and photos were taken with his colleagues in the Department and his family members. He is the son of Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi and his wife, Karen.

Grandparents John and Marie Heatley (left) and J and Alex Palluzzi Sr. celebrate with their grandson.

Konesky Family Donates Wheelchair Swing at Foote Park

The Konesky family, Stan and his wife, Sandy and their sons, ​“Stosh” and Andrew, have given their time and resources over the years to recreation activities in town. For many years they have volunteered at the Kenney and Bradley basketball tournaments at the Community House, operating the snack bar. They could be found cooking hotdogs or selling coffee, candy, and energy drinks. Here Sandy Konesky presents a check to Alex Palluzzi while sons ​“Stosh” and Andrew, husband Stan and grandchildren look on.

In 2016, they were at Hammer Field when they saw a mother and her child falling while she was trying to get the child into a handicap accessible swing. That led them to speak to Recreation Director Palluzzi about securing a piece of equipment that would allow a wheelchair to swing, gently bringing joy to the youngster within. 

Last month their dream came to fruition with the installation of a wheelchair swing at Foote Park. The Konesky family donated $1,000 toward the cost of the swing; the town contributed another $1,000, and the swing was purchased.

The contribution was donated in memory of Sandy Konesky’s sister, Geraldine ​“Gerri” Cipriani, who had lived with a mental handicap since childhood. She died in 2005. ​“This is something we wanted to do for all the special needs children in Branford,” Sandy Konesky said. ​“This will also allow my sister’s name to live on.” A metal plate on the swing commemorates the gift in memory of Gerri. Andrew Konesky wrote a moving tribute to his aunt Gerri after she died. 

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove thanked the Koneskys for their generosity and encouraged others to think about contributing funds in order to add to park facilities. Palluzzi echoed his thoughts and thanked the Konesky family for their gift. 

The family then cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the new swing and Rec Department Lead Man Marcel Cote, who installed the new swing, showed how the swing operates. 

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