North Haven Courier Person of the Week - Zip06.com

Thursday, December 02, 2021

North Haven Courier Person of the Week

North Haven Courier

Suxiao Yang is hoping to bring together crafters to join her in giving back to those in need.

Photo courtesy of Suxiao Yang

Suxiao Yang Looks to Knit Together Crafters to Give Back to Community

Published Dec. 01, 2021 08:30 a.m.

One year ago, Suxiao Yang and her husband, Augustine Hadelich, were on his family’s farm in Italy when the country again went into a pandemic lockdown. Little did Suxiao know that she would find a new passion after taking the time to sew a hole in one of her husband’s suits.

North Haven Courier

Megan Leubner, a recent award recipient for her volunteer efforts helping the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, will graduate from Quinnipiac University in 2023 with an M.D. degree. Photo courtesy of Megan Leubner

Megan Leubner: Crisis Hero Award Winner

Published Nov. 24, 2021 08:30 a.m.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of businesses and schools, most people could shelter-in-place in the comfort of their own homes. The folks in homeless shelters, however, did not have such luxury. One local shelter, Columbus House in New Haven, had little choice but to remove its residents from the close quarters of its facility and place them in available apartments.

North Haven Courier

David Yaccarino is hosting a cold-weather collection for homeless veterans through Friday,

Dec. 3 in honor of Veterans Day with collection points throughout town.

Photo courtesy of David Yaccarino

David Yaccarino Gives Back to Veterans as Navy Helped Him Find His Path

Published Nov. 17, 2021 08:30 a.m.

When David Yaccarino was young, he wasn’t sure what path he wanted to take in life. He decided to try to enlist in the Marines, but since he was not yet 18, he couldn’t. From there, David joined the U.S. Navy Reserves, which helped him build a foundation for the rest of his life.

North Haven Courier

Marjorie Dauster has been involved with the annual Holiday Food Drive sponsored by the churches of North Haven, for nearly two decades. Photo courtesy of Rip Dauster

Dauster Heads Up Annual Holiday Food Drive

Published Nov. 10, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Every fall for the past 20 years, Marjorie Dauster has volunteered with North Haven’s annual Holiday Food Drive. The food drive was conceived by the North Haven Fire Department, but when storage became an issue 20 years ago, it was taken over by the churches of North Haven.

North Haven Courier

Angelo Appi leads the largest team of volunteers in the Veterans Day Project, an event Paulette DeMaio organizes in which volunteers do fall cleanups for veterans.

Photo courtesy of Angelo Appi

Angelo Appi Ready to Lead a Team in Veterans Day Project on Nov. 13

Published Nov. 03, 2021 08:30 a.m.

When Angelo Appi found out that volunteers were needed for The Veterans Day Project, he jumped at the opportunity. The event was started by Paulette DeMaio in 2014 with a goal of helping veterans in North Haven with fall yard cleanups.

North Haven Courier

After blazing the trail as one a woman studying sciences, Dr. Marie Zuckerman has spent the majority of her career working in her hometown of North Haven.

Photo courtesy of Marie Zuckerman

Dr. Zuckerman Honored at Women of Innovation Awards for 60-Year Science Career

Published Oct. 27, 2021 08:30 a.m.

For as long as she can remember, Marie Zuckerman has had an interest in math and science. While she didn’t realize it at the time, she blazed a trail for women in science as she earned advanced degrees and held a postdoctoral research position at Princeton

North Haven Courier

Caitlin Hyatt is chairing Vox Church’s Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Hyatt

Hyatt Building Connections as Vox’s Director of Community Outreach

Published Oct. 20, 2021 08:30 a.m.

After joining Vox Church in March, Caroline Hyatt immediately got involved as a member of VoxKids, helping the VoxKids director. Soon Caitlin began asking about different community outreach opportunities and learned that the former director was unable to continue the role.

North Haven Courier

Lil Cooney has worked in the bussing industry for more than 30 years and is now a dispatcher for M&J Bus Inc. in North Haven. Photo courtesy of Lil Cooney

Lil Cooney Puts Puzzle Pieces Together as M&J Dispatcher

Published Oct. 13, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Throughout Lil Cooney’s 31-year career in the busing industry, the past 18 months have proved to be the most challenging of any time she has ever seen. Lil is a dispatcher for M&J Bus, Inc.’s North Haven location and every day seems to bring new challenges.

North Haven Courier

Sam Richardson is enjoying settling into her role as the technical services librarian at North Haven Memorial Library. Photo courtesy of Sam Richardson

Check Out Sam Richardson: North Haven Library’s New Technical Services Librarian

Published Oct. 06, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Sam Richardson is a first-generation college graduate, though it didn’t always look like college would be her path. After graduating from Bristol Central High School in 1994, Sam got a job in health insurance that took her to New Orleans and then San Diego.

North Haven Courier

Despite his hectic schedule, Ed Cohen makes time to give back to the community as president of the North Haven Lions Club. Photo courtesy of Ed Cohen

Cohen Enjoys Giving Back to Community as Lions President

Published Sep. 29, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Ed Cohen has been involved with the Lions Club since 2008 and currently serves as president of the North Haven Lions Club. Ed has only been involved in North Haven since he moved back to the area in October 2019.

North Haven Courier

Maria Yankura is excited to bring the community together with the Scarecrows on the Green event, which she is co-chairing with Dianna Ramadei. Photo courtesy of Maria Yankura

Maria Yankura Ready to Scare(crow) Up Fun on North Haven Green

Published Sep. 22, 2021 08:30 a.m.

The North Haven Garden Club (NHGC) Scarecrows on the Green annual event was just gaining momentum when it had to be canceled in 2020 due to COVID.

North Haven Courier

Jennifer Giering, co-president of the North Haven Public School PTA Council, has a goal of uniting the PTAs throughout the district for the betterment of North Haven’s students.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Giering

Ready to Run? PTA Council Sponsors North Haven Road Race

Published Sep. 15, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Jennifer Giering began volunteering with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Ridge Road Elementary School seven years ago when her younger son entered kindergarten.

North Haven Courier

Mark Lesage recently completed his term as president of the North Haven Rotary and continues to volunteer with the group. Photo courtesy of Mark Lesage

Joining the Rotary Led Mark Lesage in a New Direction

Published Sep. 08, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Seven years ago, Mark Lesage was at his cousin’s birthday party where he began talking to Rick DiNorscia about his involvement with the North Haven Rotary Club. DiNorscia told Mark about the different fundraisers the club was hosting including a can drive and a nickel drive. Mark was intrigued by the Rotary’s service to the community.

North Haven Courier

Diane Tanenbaum was recently honored for her career at HART United, retiring after 38 years of service. Photo courtesy of Diane Tanenbaum

Retirement is New Chapter as Diane Tanenbaum Retires from HART United

Published Sep. 02, 2021 08:30 a.m.

When Diane Tanenbaum first started her career, she worked in the education field. After starting her family, however, Diane came across a listing for an executive director for a newly forming non-profit. She was so intrigued by HART United’s mission of helping individuals with developmental disabilities that she applied for the job.

North Haven Courier

Christian Strickland is excited to welcome staff and students back to school as the new principal of Green Acres Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Christian Strickland

Green Acres New Principal Christian Strickland is Ready to Greet Students

Published Aug. 25, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Since he was young, Christian Strickland was drawn toward the education field.

North Haven Courier

Dawn Brooks is chairperson of St. John’s Episcopal Church Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Oct. 7. Photo courtesy of Dawn Brooks

‘Fore’ the Fuel Banks: Brooks Organizes St. John’s Golf Tourney for Oct. 7

Published Aug. 16, 2021 07:59 a.m.

Nearly two decades ago, St. John’s Episcopal Church in North Haven began a golf tournament to benefit local fuel banks

North Haven Courier

Brittany Pearson, the new reference librarian at North Haven Memorial Library, enjoys bringing programming to library patrons, including being a part of the committee seeking a town poet laureate. Photo courtesy of Brittany Pearson

As New Reference Librarian, Pearson Looks Forward to Poet Laureate Program

Published Aug. 04, 2021 02:08 p.m.

Brittany Pearson first discovered her passion for library science when she was in high school in East Hartford.

North Haven Courier

Chris Murray retired from the North Haven Fire Department on July 30, having worked as a career firefighter for 41 years. Photo courtesy of Chris Murray

Chris Murray Retires from NHFD After Four Decades of Service

Published Aug. 04, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Throughout his 41-year career as a firefighter, Chris Murray has seen a lot change, particularly when it comes to firefighters’ safety gear and technology. He remembers his gear included a “thick raincoat” and 3/4 rollup boots when he was hired by the North Haven Fire Department in 1980 instead of today’s full gear with air packs. He and his fellow firefighters rode on the back tailboard on trucks with open jump seats instead of today’s fully enclosed trucks.

North Haven Courier

Sotonye Douglas has made North Haven her home while going to med school here, but her efforts are helping students of medicine, law, and more across the country.

Photo courtesy of Sotonye Douglas

Sotonye Douglas: Finding Medicine’s Intersections of Art and Science, Ability, and Need

Published July 28, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Sotonye Douglas was born in Brooklyn to a Nigerian father and a Jamaican mother who met after immigrating to New York. Now living in North Haven as a third-year medical student at Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Sotonye has established herself as an achiever and a guiding force for others who may encounter obstacles along their journey to success.

North Haven Courier

Inspired by an Instagram post, Jenn Cecarelli and her husband Rich launched Peace, Love, Books!, a mobile used bookshop that supports local independent booksellers and gives back to the community. Photo courtesy of Jenn Cecarelli

Cecarelli’s Peace, Love, Books! Bus Combines Passion for Reading and the Community

Published July 21, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Last summer, Jenn Cecarelli was scrolling through Instagram when she was drawn in by a post @CincyBookBus, a mobile bookstore set up in a classic VW bus.

North Haven Courier

After working for eight years as a guidance counselor at North Haven High School, Anthony Mastriano has taken over as coordinator of counseling for grades 6 to 12 for North Haven Public Schools. Photo courtesy of Anthony Mastriano

Mastriano Strives to Create Connections with Students as NHPS Coordinator of Counseling

Published July 14, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Though Anthony Mastriano has always known he wanted to work in the field of education, he wasn’t sure what path he would take in his career.

North Haven Courier

Steven Stellato, owner of Stellato’s Deli and Catering, will be the head chef for the upcoming farm-to-table fundraiser dinner to benefit the historical society and the Daytime Gardeners. Photo courtesy of Steven Stellato

Chef Stellato Helps Bring Farm to Table in Fundraiser for North Haven Organizations

Published July 07, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Throughout his life, Steven Stellato has given back to his community in any way he could.

East Haven Courier

East Haven resident Maria Rivera recently published her first novel, Chasing the Wind, inspired by her experiences growing up in Washington Heights, her family, and mission trips with Hope Christian Church in North Haven. Photo courtesy of Maria Rivera

Lifetime of Experiences Come Together in Maria Rivera’s First Novel

Published June 30, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Even though Maria Rivera has always loved reading and writing—she has now been teaching English for more than 25 years—it wasn’t until this year that she finally shared her own writing with the world.

North Haven Courier

Officer Steve Sudac helped begin a monthly outreach program to connect with the youth in the North Haven community. Photo courtesy of NHPD

Sudac Looks to Build Relationships through Community Events

Published June 23, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Last month the North Haven Police Department (NHPD) kicked off a new event to help strengthen the bond between officers and North Haven’s youngest citizens. The idea for the event came from Officers Steve Sudac and John Battick.

North Haven Courier

Ray Andrewsen, who has a lifelong history of working, volunteering, and living in North Haven, was named executive director of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce in March. Photo courtesy of Ray Andrewsen

Ray Andrewsen Brings Deep Roots to Quinnipiac Chamber

Published June 16, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Ray Andrewsen’s family history in North Haven dates back to the 1920s when his grandparents moved to town from Norway with Ray’s mother. They built one of the first houses on Sackett Point Road and set their roots in town for generations to come.

North Haven Courier

Carly Fresher was named valedictorian on North Haven High School’s Class of 2021.

Photo courtesy of Carly Fresher

Valedictorian Carly Fresher Inspired by Those Closest to Her

Published June 09, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Carly Fresher has always set high standards for herself. She remembers an assignment she received her freshman year at North Haven High School (NHHS).

North Haven Courier

Lisa McCann is one of the troop leaders of Girl Scout Troop 60387, of which her daughter has been a part since she was in kindergarten. Photo courtesy of Lisa McCann

From Daisies to Cadets, McCann Sees Her Troop Grow

Published June 03, 2021 12:01 a.m.

As one of the troop leaders for Girl Scout Troop 60387, Lisa McCann has seen her troop, which includes her older daughter Teagan, grow from the Daisy level when they began in kindergarten to the Cadet level as they finish up their 6th-grade year.

North Haven Courier

Roger Poggio, a board member of the North Haven Fair Association, has organized monthly collections to benefit local community organizations.

Photo courtesy of Roger Poggio

Volunteering is ‘Fair’ Game for Roger Poggio

Published May 26, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Roger Poggio realized the benefit of giving back and getting involved in the community when his now-grown son was just five years old. Roger had been a boy scout growing up and when he signed his son up, he began to volunteer.

North Haven Courier

North Haven native Kevin Puzycki, a veterinarian, recently illustrated the cover for his brother Matt Puzycki’s book, Forming the Javelin. Photo courtesy of Kevin Puzycki

Kevin Puzycki Continues Lifelong Passion for Art & Animals

Published May 19, 2021 08:30 a.m.

Growing up in North Haven, Kevin Puzycki always looked for ways to nurture his passion for both art and animals. He remembers spending his days asking his parents for different pets, connecting with nature outside, and then drawing while watching cartoons.

North Haven Courier

Don Rocklin combines his passion for the outdoors and photography by helping with the North Haven Camera Club and North Haven Trail Association’s Marsh Walk Photo Contest. Photo courtesy of Don Rocklin

Don Rocklin Combines Passion for Outdoors and Photography with Photo Contest

Published May 12, 2021 08:30 a.m.

As a member of both the North Haven Trail Association (NHTA) and the North Haven Camera Club (NHCC), Don Rocklin is excited about the groups’ dual efforts in hosting the Marsh Walk Photo Contest, which is open through Thursday, July 1. All images must be taken of or from the Tidal Marsh Trail, which can be accessed behind Target in North Haven.