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Gina Macdonald: In the Spirit of ‘Dana’

 February 7, 2012

In Sanskrit, "dana" means "generosity" or "giving." Perhaps no better term describes Gina Macdonald's annual yoga benefit for Branford Food Pantry (formerly Branford Food Council).

Author Bill James, 101, Instructs How to Become a Great Nation Again

 January 30, 2012

If wisdom comes with age, then America should listen to 101 year-old William H. James, Ph.D.

Stoeckle Invites Public to Fun Feb. 4 Event

 January 23, 2012

NORTH BRANFORD - Each year, Karen Stoeckle organizes an International Dinner to help send teens on missions that make a difference.

Gail Flores: Spicing Up Senior Programs

 January 16, 2012

Jalapeno Heaven owner Gail Flores likes giving back to her community and especially enjoys spicing up Canoe Brook Senior Center programs with her flair for fundraising.

Anderson Restores, Donates Safe to Animal Shelter

 January 9, 2012

In Director Laura Selvaggio Burban's office sits an old-school black safe with "Cosgrove Animal Shelter" painted in gold on its door. It may look like it came with the place, but if not for Branford's Skip Anderson, it wouldn't be there at all.

Joan Pirtel: A Helping Hand under Abraham's Tent

 January 2, 2012

As winter's grip closes in, St. Mary's Church prepares to open Abraham's Tent, providing homeless men with seven nights of warm shelter, home-cooked meals and a bit of socializing in the Parish Hall.

2011 Persons of the Week

 December 26, 2011

Jan. 6: Claire Bennitt

Jan. 13: Holly Haringa

Jan. 20: Lynn Riordan

Jan. 27: Karen Bloomquist

Jeanne Hyatt Receives Distinguished Service Award

 December 19, 2011

On a quiet corner of the Green sits the 1820 Academy. But the tidy white school house has only been there since the early 1970s, when Jeanne Hyatt and four friends rallied to save, move, and restore it.

Of Kittens & Firefighters: Mary Johnson's BCC Fundraising Calendars

 December 12, 2011

Mary Johnson had just delivered copies of her Branford Compassion Club (BCC) 2012 fundraising calendar-featuring fuzzy felines of BCC-when the Branford photographer thought of another great idea for a fundraising calendar: "Firefighters and Kittens."

Wendy Cowles Heads Up All-Volunteer Branford Food Pantry

 December 5, 2011

As the economy continues to stall, Wendy Cowles hopes more Branford residents in need will find they can get help from the Branford Food Pantry (BFP). She's also hoping more individuals and organizations capable of assisting this non-profit in its mission will...

Villa Inspiring a New Christmas Tradition

 November 28, 2011

Branford children's author Leesan Villa's first picture book, The Angel on Top of the Tree, is a story of faith and family. The story of how this mom of four came to write her book, which led to establishing her publishing company, is one of faith and...

Rotary’s Mary Donaruma: Defining the Dictionary Project

 November 21, 2011

Watching Mary Donaruma captivate and engage a kid-filled audience, it's not hard to imagine her in front of a classroom. In fact, the Branford resident is a retired Branford Public Schools teacher of 20 years, and that's why chairing the Branford Rotary's...

More Than a Wish: MacNeil, DesignWish Team Seeking Nominations

 November 14, 2011

Certified interior designer Patty MacNeil knows the value of transforming spaces. As a DesignWish team member, this Branford resident also knows the joy and privilege of giving her time and talent to help create peaceful retreats for deserving community...