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Marcia Chambers | Dec 1, 2017 9:33 am
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It’s all about the holidays. We see the emphasis on giving through special events that benefit pets, the Blackstone Library, and support of the new Ben Callahan Foundation. We’re encouraged to shop locally through open houses and enjoying our picturesque downtown. We can enjoy the season through classics such as the Messiah and the Nutcracker and concerts at the libraries, as well as art shows featuring talented locals. Goes to show you that the holidays don’t have to be about bow-bedecked cars and crowds at the malls. Got a cool event? Email sebahner@snet.net by Wednesday noon.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 30, 2017 8:42 am
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The state’s Bond Commission yesterday approved a $500 million allotment for school construction statewide, including $30.7 million toward the renovation of the town’s Walsh Intermediate School and the reconstruction of the Board of Education’s (BOE) central office. Walsh was one of the schools on the state’s priority list.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy chaired the special meeting, the first following the adoption of Connecticut’s long delayed budget. While the Bond Commission approved the funding, the state’s budget challenges are far from over and how quickly this moves forward remains to be seen.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 29, 2017 8:12 am
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Bill O’Brien Photo
It couldn’t have been a better night. On Saturday, the 19th Annual Branford Tree Lighting Parade stepped off from Branford High School and headed to the Town Green with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on a vintage fire truck to light the town’s Christmas tree.
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The temperature was in the low 50s and that had a lot to do with the several thousand residents and friends that were lined up to 6‑to-10 deep on sections along Main Street. They had waited for this moment. Especially the kids.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 28, 2017 9:00 am
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What will Branford look like in 10 years?
Remember: The only public workshop to make suggestions for Branford’s 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) will be this Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Walsh Intermediate School cafeteria, 185 Damascus Road. The state requires municipalities to update the POCD every 10 years. There will also be discussions and surveys with boards and commissions and a phone survey of residents. The POCD committee meetings are open to the public, and comments can be sent to Town planner Harry Smith at hsmith@branford-ct.gov.
In the spring, there will be a public meeting to discuss the proposed draft, and there will be a public hearing in the fall to discuss the proposed plan. Click here to read more about the POCD.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 27, 2017 9:00 am
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Newly re-elected Board of Education members were sworn in during the November meeting and the administrators of the district’s schools discussed goals that support their work.
In the November election there were three seats on the Board of Education and four contenders. Long serving member Judy Hotz won re-election for a three year term as did incumbent Shannen L. Sharkey, a teacher and a former assistant principal in the Oxford schools. John Prins, a long-serving BOE member, faced what might have been a run off against fellow Democratic candidate Sarah Lockery. Lockery decided not to contest the race.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 24, 2017 8:42 am
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By now the bird has been consumed and leftovers are stuffed into the fridge. Turkey soup, anyone? Thanksgiving has made its brief appearance, squeaking in between the candy of Halloween and the car commercials of Christmas. Do take some time amid the chaos to enjoy our beautiful town – the exciting parade and tree lighting, the festive stores – and the opportunities to give to others during the holiday season. And get ready for the Messiah.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 23, 2017 9:28 am
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Lt. Dave Galdenzi.
The Branford Police Department and the Big Y supermarket joined forces this Thanksgiving for their annual turkey fundraiser to benefit the Community Dining Room and the Branford Food Pantry. By the end of the day the cops had collected a record 182 turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners.
Lt. Dave Galdenzi (top photo) parked a police van outside of the Big Y on Saturday where he and his partner collected the turkeys and put them in the back of the truck.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 22, 2017 10:20 am
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Swearing-In of RTM.
Twelve hours after he was sworn in as the town’s first selectman, Jamie Cosgrove presided over the town’s newly elected Representative Town Meeting (RTM). As required, he took their attendance, witnessed their swearing-in, oversaw the appointment of the RTM’s top officers and welcomed the town’s legislative body to its new term.
The voters who gave Cosgrove a resounding victory over Democrat Lynda Mollow did so as well for the RTM. While the Democrats picked up one RTM seat, the Republicans won an 18 – 12 majority. Since 2013, the R’s have held a majority on the RTM.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 22, 2017 9:50 am
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The Republicans had a lot to be thankful for as town officials were sworn into office two days before Thanksgiving.
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(L-R)Roberta Gill-Brooks, Michael Nardella, Lisa Arpin, Jack Ahern, Joe Higgins, Jr. and Jamie Cosgrove.
For a third time, First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and his Republican team swept to decisive victories in the Nov. 7 election. Joining them were Selectman Jack Ahern and Tax Collector Roberta Gill-Brooks, both Democrats.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 21, 2017 10:45 am
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The Public Building Commission and the Board of Education met jointly recently to review the initial construction document budget for the $88.2 million renovation of the Walsh Intermediate School prior to submittal to the state.
Before the meeting, the Building Commission met in executive session to discuss the hiring of a “clerk of the works” for the Community House-Senior Center project and subsequently voted to recommend that the town enter into a contract with Arcadis, out of Middletown.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 20, 2017 10:04 am
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Bill O’Brien Photo
Amid a chorus of her beloved students, Cathyann Roding was honored for her dedication to Branford High and her musical profession at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday night.
Then the Branford High School Auditorium was officially renamed as the Cathyann Roding Auditorium. Roding retired this year are more than 30 years of directing choral groups and producing musicals at the high school.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 20, 2017 9:41 am
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P&Z Commission
Public hearings for the Parkside Village 1 affordable housing proposal are nearing completion, and the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission could reach a decision in December or early January.
About 120 people attended the third session of hearings Thursday at the community room at Branford Fire Headquarters. The next session will be Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the same location.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 17, 2017 10:16 am
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Yes, Thanksgiving is arriving and the signs of Christmas are evident. Do take some time and enjoy these fall moments – the colors are still vibrant – before the Christmas crush. Put on your walking shoes and join the Branford Land Trust for its annual pre-Thanksgiving walk in the woods. In this season of giving, there are plenty of good causes to support – the Community Dining Room, the Counseling Center, Branford Compassion Club, Feed Branford Kids, Toys for Tots, the Ben Callahan Memorial Fund, and more. Pick your favorite and lend your support. Got a cool event? Email sebahner@snet.net by Wednesday noon.
And don’t forget to give a “Give A Cop The Bird” this weekend. Then, take a deep breath and prepare for the next round of holiday activities.
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Marcia Chambers | Nov 16, 2017 10:58 am
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Sally E. Bahner Photo
It’s no secret that the town’s go-to source for newspapers, magazines, books, and lottery tickets for 40 years has been for sale.
Branford Book and Card Shoppe’s owner, Bob Esposito, wants to retire, “the first chance I get.” A large sign in the window announces a retirement sale.
