Person of the Week - Zip06.com

Thursday, December 02, 2021

Person of the Week

Guilford Courier

A longtime volunteer at A Place Called Hope, Terry Shaw has been a part of 118 osprey platform builds. Photo by Ben Rayner/The Courier

Terry Shaw: Safe Landings

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

Connecticut’s shoreline has seen a fortunate improvement in the health of a number of animal species in the last few decades. Marine mammals, fish stocks, birds, and other mammal have all received support, in no small part due to the efforts of people like Terry Shaw who have devoted their time to saving our precious resources.

The Sound

Now in his 75th year in scouting, John Karl Zane has made quite an impact on scouts along the shoreline, and beyond. He recently penned the first part of his scouting memoir, Ever a Scout, recounting his boyhood scouting experiences. Photo courtesy of John Zane

‘Ever a Scout’: John Zane Celebrates 75 Years in Scouting

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

Now in his 75th year in scouting, John Karl Zane has made quite an impact on scouts along the shoreline, and beyond. His journey started in March 1946 in New Haven when he mustered in with his local cub scout pack.

Valley Courier

Steve Bruce, Con Brio’s founding principal conductor, will lead the chorus in its 25th Anniversary Concert on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12.

Photo by Rita Christopher/The Courier

Steve Bruce: Sing, Sing, Sing

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

Steve Bruce has done the same thing at Christmas for the last 25 years. It’s goes beyond the obvious—decorating the tree, opening presents, enjoying a holiday meal.

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.

Harbor News

Peter Nye has made his mark on the Clinton community in many ways, most recently in being elected to the Board of Education. Photo courtesy of Peter Nye

Peter Nye: Teaching, Learning, and Leading

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

Not many teachers can say their start actually began at training camp for the New York Giants, but Peter Nye can. It’s a path that’s led him to become a very recognizable face around Clinton.

The Source

Longtime Madison Human Resources Director Deb Milardo is stepping down from her post, but hopes she has left a lasting impact on her colleagues. Photo by Ben Rayner/The Source

Deb Milardo: Focusing on the Human Factor

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

“There are going to be some big shoes to fill”—that was the quote from last week’s Board of Selectman meeting by First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons when announcing the retirement of the town Human Resources Director Deb Milardo. Deb has dedicated her entire professional life to public service. She’s now moving on, but she has left an indelible mark on the town’s workforce.

The Source

Oakley Walker is one of the organizers of Madison’s annual Pride Festival and hopes the tradition continues to gather strength. Photo courtesy of Oakley Walker

Oakley Walker: Fostering Pride in Madison

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

Of the many reasons for residents to feel Madison pride, such as the town’s history or its parks and shoreline, another is Oakley Walker. This recent graduate has been an important voice in the town’s LGBTQ+ community and hopes that tradition continues now that they have begun tackling college duties.

East Haven Courier

When Joyce DiLauro first produced The Magic Toyshop almost three decades ago, she didn’t realize she’d start a shoreline holiday tradition as beloved for many at The Nutcracker. The show returns Friday to Sunday, Dec. 17 to 19 at Andrews Memorial Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Joyce DiLauro

Joyce DiLauro: Passing the Torch on a Holiday Tradition

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

For almost 30 years, Joyce DiLauro of Starship Dance Studio and Starship Dance Theatre has attracted East Haven performers and audiences with her annual winter production of the ballet The Magic Toyshop. Now, the show is coming to the auditorium in Clinton’s Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, Dec. 17 to 19.

The Sound

On Monday, Dec. 6, join Cosgrove Animal Shelter program coordinator Lena Carlson and shelter staff, volunteers, and community supporters at Home Restaurant, 1114 Main Street, Branford, for a special Home for the Holidays fundraising cocktail party from 5 to 9 p.m. to benefit the shelter’s medical fund. Tickets, $25, are on sale now at www.branfordanimalshelter.org or at the shelter’s temporary location, 11 Cherry Hill Road in Branford. The shelter is open to the public.

Photo courtesy of Lena Carlson

Carlson Helps ‘Home for the Holidays’ Support Shelter Animals’ Medical Care

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

Fundraising for Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is a job Lena Carlson is happy to take on, especially when every dollar raised will help fuel a fund that helps ensure needed medical care will be provided to give shelter animals a second chance at life, and a shot at finding their forever home.

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.

Valley Courier

It was at a Festival of Trees hosted by the Deep River Historical Society that Leslie Kane found a new home, literally and figuratively. She not only liked the community enough to settle here, she’s also found a place to volunteer her skills, assisting the historical society with the 2021 Festival of trees as a board member. Photo by Elizabeth Reinhart/The Courier

Leslie Kane: Lighting a Path Forward

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

When Leslie Kane was house hunting in 2018, she unexpectedly came upon the Deep River Historical Society’s Festival of Trees, an annual event that features Christmas trees that have been decorated by various individuals or groups from the community.

Harbor News

When Joyce DiLauro first produced The Magic Toyshop almost three decades ago, she didn’t realize she’d start a shoreline holiday tradition as beloved for many at The Nutcracker. The show returns Friday to Sunday, Dec. 17 to 19 at Andrews Memorial Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Joyce DiLauro

Joyce DiLauro: Passing the Torch on a Holiday Tradition

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

For almost 30 years, Joyce DiLauro of Starship Dance Studio and Starship Dance Theatre has attracted audiences far and wide with her annual winter production of the ballet The Magic Toyshop. Now, the show is coming to the auditorium in Clinton’s Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, Dec. 17 to 19.

Guilford Courier

Now in his 75th year in scouting, John Karl Zane has made quite an impact on scouts along the shoreline, and beyond. He’s still a registered member of Guilford Troop 471 sponsored by St. George Catholic Church, which also sponsored a cub pack Zane started up. He recently penned the first part of his scouting memoir, Ever a Scout, recounting his boyhood scouting experiences. Photo courtesy of John Zane

‘Ever a Scout’: John Zane Celebrates 75 Years in Scouting

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

Now in his 75th year in scouting, John Karl Zane has made quite an impact on scouts along the shoreline, and beyond. His journey started in March 1946 in New Haven when he mustered in with his local cub scout pack.

The Sound

Whitney Murphy counts herself lucky to be part of an extraordinary family and group of dedicated supporters inspired by her six-year-old nephew, Max Herzog (shown here riding with Murphy) as part of a team effort that’s raised more than $1.3 million, in just three years, to assist the research of non-profit biotech Cure Rare Disease through events held at Pine Orchard Club including “Love Fore a Cure,” which raised $600,000 on Sept. 10.

Photo courtesy of Whitney Murphy

Inspired by Max: Murphy Part of a Team Effort Supporting Cure Rare Disease

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

When it comes to accelerating the race to find a cure for the rare disease of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Whitney Murphy counts herself lucky to be part of an extraordinary family and group of dedicated supporters helping to make great strides toward the goal.

The Source

A lifetime of health challenges has led Faith Tremblay to see the value in showing young patients some support. Her effort, Faith’s Annual Toy Drive, collects toys and raises funds for the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Faith Tremblay

Faith Tremblay Pays It Forward with Toy Drive

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

The gift of generosity and the blessing of kindness for others can be inherited, and can sometimes be learned from hard experience. Faith Tremblay has both—and her annual Toy Drive for children who have survived critical medical crises like her is set for a record year.

East Haven Courier

Marc Amato, a lifelong East Haven resident, volunteered his time and services landscaping at the East Haven Town Green as part of the beautification project. Photo courtesy of Marc Amato

Marc Amato’s Homegrown Landscaping Business Gives Back to Hometown

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

As a lifelong East Haven resident who has been building his own landscaping business since he was 16 years old, Marc Amato always wants to do what he can for the community. When Charlie Coyle and Tony Torello approached him about helping with the beautification project on the East Haven Town Green, Marc didn’t hesitate.

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.

Harbor News

Calling April Godwin Shuman a fan of Clinton history is a serious understatement. Now in retirement, she’s working hard to ensure others get a chance to learn the local stories.

Photo courtesy of April Godwin Shuman

April Godwin Shuman: Holding History to Heart

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

“Clinton history and Morgan history is a passion of mine,” says April Godwin Shuman. “It’s vital to who I am.”

Valley Courier

The Little Free Library on Baker Road is the handiwork of Adrian Nichols.

Photo by Rita Christopher/The Courier

Adrian Nichols: He Knows How to Help

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

Adrian Nichols’s career trajectory has taken him from motorcycle repair to electronics, but it never included carpentry.

Guilford Courier

Having struggled as a young widower raising four children, Bruce McIntyre learned the importance of addressing the grieving process, leading him to become one of the founders of The Cove Center for Grieving Children, which got its start in Guilford in 1995. November is national Children’s Grief Awareness Month. Photo courtesy of Bruce McIntyre

Bruce McIntyre: Triumph Over Tragedy

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

Bruce McIntyre’s efforts have been a lifeline to countless families for decades, via The Cove Center for Grieving Children, which got its start in Guilford in 1995. As shared at the Cove’s website, www.covect.org, November is national Children’s Grief Awareness Month.

The Source

Write-in candidate Dylan Stella won a seat on the Madison ZBA and, at age 18, is the youngest elected official in recent memory. Photo courtesy of Dylan Stella

Stella Is Eager to Serve in Public Office

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

Don’t let Dylan Stella’s youth fool you. This dedicated college student just won a seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate, and that win is just part of his goal to give back to his home town.

The Sound

U.S. Navy veteran Thomas Spivey has a place in history as one who stood Honor Guard over a casket bringing home the Unknown Soldier representing the last of the fallen of World War II. Shown here, the Branford resident shares a photo of himself, age 18, standing guard over the casket returning from Europe aboard the USS Blandy in 1958.

Pam Johnson/The Sound

Bringing the Unknown Solider Home: U.S. Navy Veteran Thomas Spivey

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

Branford’s Thomas Spivey has a place in history as one who stood Honor Guard over the Unknown Soldier of World War II, as the remains were carried home across the Atlantic.

Valley Courier

Korean War veteran Don Babcock first signed up for Army service in 1950 at age 16. He later served in the Navy. Photo by Rita Christopher/The Courier

Donald Babcock: You’re in the Army Now

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

Shaving a few years off your age in mid-life is a national sport. Don Babcock once did the exact opposite.

East Haven Courier

On Nov. 14, Mary Correia-Bucko and her family will be collecting non-perishable donations for the East Haven Food Pantry with their Can-the-Van fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Correia-Bucko

Mary Correia-Bucko Ready to Can-the-Van on Nov. 14

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

This past spring, Mary Correia-Bucko decided she wanted to hold a food drive for the East Haven Food Pantry. After talking about the idea with her family, though, her grandson, eight-year-old Connor Vece, wanted to make some adjustments.

Harbor News

As a member of the Westbrook Forest Commission, Gene Van Blaricom has made trail maintenance a priority. Photo by Eric O’Connell/Harbor News

Making Westbrook Trails More Traveled

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

If you’ve enjoyed time in Westbrook’s town forest over the last three years, the man you have to thank is Gene Van Blaricom.

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.

The Sound

Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster is the new executive director of the Women & Family Life Center. The non-profit, now in its 30th year, serves 16 towns across the shoreline.

Photo courtesy of the Women and Family Life Center

Wenderoth-Holster Dives In to Lead Women & Family Life Center

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

On Oct. 18, Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster officially started first her day as the new executive director of the Women & Family Life Center (WFLC). She’s still pinching herself.

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.

The Source

Having struggled as a young widower raising four children, Bruce McIntyre learned the importance of addressing the grieving process, which led to him becoming on e of the founders of The Cove Center for Grieving Children. Photo courtesy of Bruce McIntyre

Bruce McIntyre: Triumph Over Tragedy

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

Simply listing, even without any description details, the number of organizations Bruce McIntyre and his wife Renee have devoted time, to would take up an entire issue of The Source.

East Haven Courier

Trish Norwood led the charge in collecting $10 gift cards to Stop & Shop for the East Haven Food Pantry. The collection continues through Wednesday, Nov. 10.

Photo courtesy of Trish Norwood

Trish Norwood Continues Family Tradition of Supporting the Community

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

Trish Norwood grew up in East Haven, learning the importance of giving back to the community from her parents, Patty and Phil Esposito.