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Marcia Chambers | Jan 19, 2018 10:17 am
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The winter chill continues, but there are plenty of activities to warm the heart. For those missing the fruits (and veggies) of summer, there’s a farmers market. Activists can take part in the Women’s Marches in Hartford and in New York City. And there are cool events for book lovers, would-be artists, film buffs, and music lovers, and much more. Got a cool event? Email sebahner@snet.net by Wednesday noon.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 19, 2018 10:08 am
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Engineer John Schmitz
A retail project on a vacant 14-acre site along Route 1 was unanimously approved by the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) last week. Plans call for two retail buildings, but the names have not been made public. Apparently there is no town requirement to do so.
The property is located at 250 N. Main St., adjacent to the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home on one side; and United Tire Inc. and Greystone Manor condominiums on the other side.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 18, 2018 8:11 am
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Marcia Chambers Photo
“Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about things that matter,” state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. said as he spoke the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., to roughly 230 people gathered at St. Therese’s Catholic Church in Stony Creek on Monday. Then he said the words again. And he said them slowly, so their meaning would be felt.
Dr. King’s words formed the theme for the annual King breakfast held each year. Jan. 15 would have been Dr. King’s 89th birthday, a birthday now celebrated as a national holiday. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, nearly 50 years ago this year. He was 49 years old.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 17, 2018 8:38 am
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BCTV
(L-R) RTM Admin.Services Chair, Anthony Alfone, and (standing) Frank Twohill, Chair RTM Education Committee.
A three-year contract between Branford public school teachers and the Board of Education (BOE) gives teachers lower yearly salary increases than in past years, requires teachers to pay an increasing amount toward their health costs, and overall, makes significant changes in how the teacher salary system works.
The $22.4 million-a-year contract between the BOE and the Branford Education Association (BEA), the union for the teachers, runs from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. The BEA represents 283 full-time teachers down from 310 teachers in 2014. This means in the first year the $22.4 million contract will increase by $526.000. In the second year the contract increases by an additional $629,000 and in the third year by an additional $656,000.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 16, 2018 8:31 am
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Diana Stricker Photo
One suggestion for updating Branford’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) includes forming a permanent town board or commission to deal with coastal issues and climate change.
The possibility was mentioned at a meeting of the POCD Steering Committee Wednesday, and it’s included in Booklet 4C, which is part of the POCD materials available on the town’s website.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 14, 2018 9:08 am
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Bill O’Brien Photo
Sophomore Sophia Araneo gets fouled on her way to the basket. She scored 11 points.
The Branford girls’ basketball team had high hopes going into the game against their long time rival, the East Haven Yellowjackets, now ranked no. 8. But they fell short in their quest to upset their rivals, falling 67 – 39.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Victoria Raffone fights to get a shot
of for the Hornets.
Branford entered the game with a 4 – 3 record with wins over North Haven, North Branford, Wilbur Cross, and Foran. East Haven came in at 6 – 1 with their only loss coming at the hands of the New London Whalers, the no. 1 girls team in the state.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 12, 2018 11:09 am
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Mary Johnson Photo
The foot-high snowfall is giving way to expected torrential rains. Rising temperatures are causing the ice in Branford Point to break up – see the great photos by Mary Johnson on our Facebook page. Inside activities dominate the listings, but looking ahead, nature lovers can check out Branford Land Trust’s animal tracking classes. In the meantime, explore the area’s art, music, and cultural events.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 11, 2018 3:31 pm
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Beacon Communities
New Parkside sketch.
The Parkside Village I proposal could be approved by the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission next week or in early February. However, a simple majority vote may not be enough to approve one of the three applications involved in the project.
At a special meeting Monday night, a majority of the commissioners directed the town planner to draw up resolutions in favor of the Parkside affordable housing project.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 11, 2018 1:45 pm
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Marcia Chambers Photo
Library Officials Address RTM
In a bi-partisan vote, the Blackstone Library project was adopted last night by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) after strong views were voiced by residents, virtually all of whom came to support the $5.2 million renovation. The vote was 15 – 11.
All the Democrats present for the two-hour meeting voted for the renovation, and so did a number of Republicans. Republican RTM member Robin Sandler, vice-president of the Blackstone Library Trustees, recused himself. Two RTM members were absent. The moderator only votes to break a tie.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 10, 2018 9:01 am
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With Permission
In a unanimous vote last month, the Board of Finance approved a $5.4 million bond authorization for the renovation of the Blackstone Memorial Library. The BOF recommended the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) do so as well. Tonight the RTM gets to vote.
Residents should make their voices heard at the RTM meeting tonight. It will take place in the community room at Fire Headquarters, 45 North Main St., starting at 8 p.m.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 9, 2018 11:54 am
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With Permission
State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D‑Guilford-Branford) announced today he will seek a third term in the Connecticut General Assembly.
Scanlon, 31, ran unopposed in the 2016 election. He said he plans to seek public campaign financing. Scanlon represents Stony Creek and Pine Orchard in Branford and the town of Guilford.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 8, 2018 9:50 am
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Bill O’Brien Photo
Susan Froshauer displays a plaque presented by EDC Chair Perry Maresca (rightt). Also in picture are (L-R): Town EDC Coordinator Terry Elton, new CURE CEO Dawn Hocevar, and First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.
This past month members of the Branford Economic Development Commission, Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, Branford High School along with Town Hall department heads joined with Branford biotech officials at the Blackstone Memorial Library to say “farewell and thank you” to Susan Froshauer, outgoing CEO and president of Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc. (CURE). Then they welcomed incoming CEO Dawn Hocevar. They also welcomed a new name for the organization: BioCT.
Branford, with dozens of life science companies, has been a CURE member since 2001, the first municipality to join the organization.CURE is a not-for-profit organization that works to keep Connecticut competitive in bio-science by building and supporting educational and business networks in order to maintain a critical mass for the industry in Connecticut.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 5, 2018 10:45 am
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Jeff Fuller
The new year has brought with it a massive snow storm. By this weekend, cabin fever will be sure to set in, so head for the library for a screen-free game night or the Branford Forum talk. Check out Guilford for Quattro’s jazz brunch or Ayuthai for some jazz and great Thai food; Bassist Jeff Fuller heads up both gigs. Whether you prefer the great indoors (films, art classes) or the great outdoors (BLT’s animal tracking class), there are lots of ways to stave off the winter blues.
Friday, Jan. 5
First Friday Game Group at the Blackstone Library
Game night at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., will feature all types of board games, from fast-paced, hilarious party games to highly strategic games that will leave your head spinning!
F2G2 is all about having fun, learning new games, and making friends. There are games for everyone, regardless of experience level. Participants can bring their own games, as well. Adults of all ages welcome. To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318, or visit www.blackstonelibrary.org.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 5, 2018 10:27 am
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Marcia Chambers Photo
Frozen Farm River
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove says the town’s main roads remain open and in relatively good shape despite stiff blowing wind and a fast rate of snowfall that quickly descended upon the town and left one foot of snow yesterday.
Snow and wild wind enveloped the town for more than 12 hours yesterday as the state’s first nor’easter bashed the state. Schools were closed and will be closed again today. All school-related evening classes and events are also cancelled this evening.
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Marcia Chambers | Jan 4, 2018 1:10 pm
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Sally E. Bahner Photo
After more than two years of planning and meetings concerning design and educational specifications, bids will be advertised for the $88.2 million renovation to Walsh Intermediate School.
The Public Building Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to advertise for bids starting Jan. 12 for a 3 1/2 –week period ending Feb. 7.
