The Year in Review - Branford Review

The Year in Review

By: Staff

01/05/2004

2003 - Seasons of Change

January

The North Branford High School Band and Chorus gives an inspiring inaugural performance at the Dedication Ceremony of the fabulous new NBHS auditorium/classroom addition. Led by director John Congo, the band and chorus play and sing a wide variety of Christmas songs.

The town is forced to make tough fiscal decisions as First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos gets ready to institute a town-wide spending freeze. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bruce Storm freezes the Board of Education budget.

The Branford Recreation Department takes a chance again by putting an ice-skating rink on the town green for the second straight winter.

Virtual golf thrives at the Connecticut Sportsplex in North Branford.

Soon after most believed that controversy within the Fire Department had subsided following the departure of Chief Peter Buonome, Firefighter Dante Ghiroli files a lawsuit claiming that he was improperly overlooked for a promotion to the position of Acting Deputy Chief.

After a long, contentious relationship between the town and Fire Chief Peter Buonome, which led to a controversial $292,000 retirement package, interim Fire Chief Jack Ahern is universally praised for helping create a better relationship.

The 10th annual Soup-for-All takes place at the First Congregational Church of Branford to raise funds for the benefit of area agencies serving the needy. Local civic and political leaders volunteer to wait on guests.

Once again, the community room at the Recreation Department on Church Street was a bustle of activity as the American Red Cross and the Branford Women's Club held one of their four local Blood Drive's. Billed as the "Branford Community House Memorial Blood Drive," the successful effort is dedicated to celebrating the lives of "Baby Mick" Moody and Sally Rupert-Cavallaro.

The Representative Town Meeting holds a special session at the Canoe Brook Senior Center on the arbitration of the Branford teachers' and administrators' contracts. Those contracts were rejected by the RTM in December by votes of 19-6 and 23-2, respectively.

Developer Anderson Wilcox proposes a 23-unit, single-family subdivision project on Gilbert Lane.

Nick Cusano is named the new president of the Branford Chamber of Commerce.

After an extensive yearlong investigation by five agencies, including the Branford Police, leads to seven arrests of employees for alleged fraud, Shoreline Mitsubishi closed its doors for good.

In what can only be described as the most extensive re-organization in the department's history, Police Chief Robert Gill and newly appointed Deputy Chief John DeCarlo "delegated" various administrative responsibilities, traditionally held by chiefs, to Lieutenants Michael Carasone, Thomas Fowler, Geoffrey Morgan and Arthur Kohloff.

The Wightwood School holds the first Kaplan Lecture on School and Family Life. The lecture series honors Bill Kaplan, who was Head of School at Wightwood from 1986 to 1995.

The RTM names Democratic RTM Ways and Means chairwoman Kathy Fox to be its representative at the arbitration hearings for the Branford teachers' and administrators' contracts.

The Board of Education approves the formation of an exploratory committee to look at the possible benefits of pushing the start of the school day back.

Less than one month after Firefighter Firefighter Dante Ghiroli filed suit, alleging wrongdoing on the part of Assistant Fire Chief Robert Massey Sr., and his son, Fire Commission Board Chairman Robert Massey Jr., the fire official's attorney, Joseph Yamin of Waterbury, announces plans to file a counterclaim asking for a dismissal of the suit.

State Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) is named co-chair of the state legislature's Environment committee. Widlitz is among several state lawmakers who adamantly opposed the Cross Sound Cable and Islander East Pipeline, believed to pose a potential threat to Long Island Sound.

Students at Walsh Intermediate School receive an education outside of the normal book learning. The program "Character Counts" developed by Walsh teachers Dianne Dadio and Mildred Frumento, with some help from Principal Robin Goeler, teaches how to treat and respect other people and themselves.

The Board of Education and the two unions come to stipulated agreements on three-year contracts that began July 1, 2003. Administrators get an annual increase of 3.95 percent; while same-sex benefits taken out of teacher's contract.

Over the next 10 years, every Board of Education and school staff across the country has a tremendous task on its hands thanks to a new law called "No Child Left Behind." By 2013, every child across the country must be able to meet adequate yearly performance guidelines set forth by the federal government via testing programs such as the CT Mastery Test and CT Academic Performance Test.

A controversy started when a BHS junior Jason Greco writes a letter to the New Haven Register alleging that he had become seriously ill due to the quality of the air in the high school.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Branford Food Council recognizes one of their "Most Valuable' volunteers, Marge Cowles, who, along with her husband, has been actively involved in feeding Branford residents since the inception of the Food Council.

Principals at the five Branford schools ask the Board of Education to add $643,159 to the 2003-2004 budget for new personnel. The request for four additional teachers is because of additional enrollment.

BHS athlete Tahari James qualifies for the national scholastic track meet.

February

Branford High School's Model Congress presents the seventh annual Yale Whiffenpoofs and BHS Music Makers Concert.

Branford awaits the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program to allot funds amounting to $661,342 for the fiscal year 2002-2003.

Shortly after midnight, two men enter the office at the Economy Inn at 309 East Main St., and robbed the night clerk of an undetermined amount of cash.

Dana Corporation Foundation, Engine Management Division in Branford is selected by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Connecticut Chapter to receive a contribution of $10,000.

The Board of Education listens to requests for major budget increases ranging from 4.88 to 31.36 percent.

With the U.S. Armed Forces ready to take action again in their fight against terrorism, the students at Mary T. Murphy School feel that they needed to give their hearts to the U.S. Troops before they were deployed around the world. Anita Otten-Ramm, who is an assistant, teacher volunteer at Murphy, contacts the Connecticut State Army Reserves and tells them that the students had made 100 Valentine's Day cards and wrote 100 letters for troops around the world to show their appreciation.

With North Branford facing state funding cuts and less consumer spending, the town offers local businesses a plan for growth. The "CERC Study" allows officials to better understand the needs of the local businesses and devise a plan to recruit new business in the area.

Workers at Source Inc., 101 Fowler St., North Branford, which make nutritional supplements for people and animals, are hospitalized from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a malfunction in a propane-powered forklift.

The Fire Commission votes unanimously to award 26-year veteran, Jack Ahern a full-time job as the department's ninth fire chief in the 104-year history of the Branford Fire Department.

Alert and aggressive Branford Police Officers apprehend a suspect in an armed robbery at the Thornton Gas convenience store. The next day, police capture one of the two suspects fleeing the scene of a burglary at the Cue and Brew Restaurant on Commercial Parkway.

Branford High School Seniors show how they've used their creative energy at the Blackstone Library for their Senior Projects - a mandatory requirement for graduation.

Kohl's Department Stores held its third annual Kohl's Kids Who Care volunteer recognition program.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT3) announces that a public hearing would be held in Connecticut concerning the natural gas pipeline proposed by the Islander East Pipeline Company.

Branford's top 50 delinquent taxpayers owe the town $2.9 million, which would equal approximately two mils on the town tax rate if all of it were collected.

A firefighter/paramedic who was embroiled in a controversy with an assistant fire chief and the chairman of the board of fire commissioners was suspended for 60 days without pay amid allegations that he falsified a Fire Department document.

Thanks to revaluation of real estate property by the town for the first time in 12 years, the Branford grand list saw a significant increase as of Jan. 31. The grand list was $2,038,883,517 in 2002, but it jumped to $2,722,638,500 for 2003. The increase is a whopping 33.5 percent over last year.

The Board of Education attempts to whittle away a budget proposal with an 8 percent increase, without suggesting teacher layoffs or "pay for play" fees.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approves a zone change and subdivision plan for Gilbert Lane, paving the way for 23 single- family homes to be built on a 9.41-acre lot.

A Vigil for Peace takes place at the First Congregational Church of Branford.

The Branford High School Gymnastics team scores its highest total ever (128.00) when they place second the SCC championships.

The RTM approves the education contracts. Teachers get a 3.5 percent annual raise over the next three years.

Walsh Intermediate School students were given the unique opportunity to enjoy a performance by the touring theater company Masque, sponsored by the school's Cultural Arts Program.

St. Mary School celebrates Catholic Schools Week with the theme "Catholic Schools: Making a World of Difference."

After spending two hours on how to cut the 2003-2004 Board of Education budget down to a number that will be acceptable to the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, the Board of Education votes to ask for a 4.92 percent increase over the current year budget.

Newly appointed Fire Chief Jack Ahern unveils his plan to add two full-time firefighters, and said he will do it with no crease in cost to taxpayers.

With the nation on high alert for the possibility of a terrorist strike, Branford Police and the Connecticut Light and Power Company announce that the helicopter seen "hovering" over various parts of town is nothing to worry about as CL&P will be conducting aerial maintenance inspections of its transmission lines throughout Connecticut.

Kiop Branford LLC of 1025-91 West Main Street headed the real estate town grand list a $7.14 million.

Mary T. Murphy School students recognize Black History Month by making cards for Rosa Parks, wishing her "Happy Birthday."

The Branford High School hockey team secures an invitation to the Division II state tournament.

It may not have looked it during the height of Storm Daniel, but Branford does not suffer any major problems during and in the aftermath of a blizzard that left close to two feet of snow in parts of the state.

Branford resident, Barry Fritz, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Quinnipiac University, is the featured presenter at a March 11 symposium on university student problem gambling.

The First Baptist Church of Branford participates in the World Vision 30-Hour Famine.

Turtle Bay residents demand changes to a swim and tennis club. They voice their opinions during the public hearing on the application of the Thompson Hospice Institute, in which the Hospice was looking for a special exception approval to conduct a non-profit swim and tennis club in conjunction with Soundview YMCA.

The busiest day in the history of the Branford Assessor's office may have been Feb. 20, when approximately 960 residents - unhappy with the revaluation of their property - file appeals with the town. Most of those who filed are owners of property near or on the waterfront, and claim that the town and Vision Appraisal Technologies were unfair in their assessments.

Mary Tisko School teachers, Mrs. Hammond and Mrs. McDonald's fourth grade classes celebrate the birthday of the famed author of the Little House series, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos holds the annual community discussion to help residents understand the process of the property assessment.

Branford High wrestlers, Ciro Martone and Dan DiBisceglie, win wrestling state crowns at the CIAC Class L state wrestling meet in Bristol.

March

Children and adults get the opportunity to meet and bowl with some of the National Football League's top players as the United Way of Branford presents its annual NFL/United Way Bowling Tournament at Cherry Hill Lanes.

Water damage occurs in the downstairs of the Mary T. Murphy School affecting 10 classrooms. Classes are held in the gym, teacher's lounge and lab.

Longtime Branford Review columnist, Judy Dube, wins the state's Classic Lotto drawing on Valentine's Day.

A group of residents who believe that the town had targeted waterfront and water-view property in the revaluation process file a Freedom of Information request with the town. Residents demand correspondence between the town and Vision Appraisal Technology.

Mary T. Murphy School staff and students celebrate Read Across America 2003 and Dr. Seuss' birthday.

With Americans at a heightened awareness of possible terrorist attacks in the country, The Branford Review speaks with officials from the town and Board of Education on crisis management. In Part I of a two-part series, town officials admit they have changed the way they do things.

Boy Scout Troop 428's annual Pinewood Derby takes place at St. Mary's School. The event features a weigh-in the night before opening ceremonies, a car shop for some last minute repairs, and an exciting day of racing.

Seventeen students of longtime Branford piano teacher Barbara Soffer participate in the Young Musician's Festival at Fairfield University. Sponsored by the Shubert Club of Fairfield County, Inc., Gold Cups are awarded to four of Soffer's students: Eliza Coan, Eric Sachs, Leah Sachs, and Sarah Sachs.

The Community Dining Room reaches out to the public for their first annual appeal. Entering its 19th year of service to the community, the Community Dining Room's programs experience an increase of almost 30 percent in meals served this year.

The East Shore Health Department (ESHD), along with health departments from Guilford and Madison, release the latest facts concerning their plans to vaccinate the general public in the event of a smallpox outbreak.

Officer Richard Kenny is struck by a car and injured. Branford Fire Department paramedics race to Kenny's aid and find that he has sustained injuries that were not life threatening.

Director Donna Lolos leaves the Blackstone Library to become director of the West Haven Public Library.

On March 19, at the BHS auditorium, one of the most famous Broadway musicals in history, 'Les Miserables' debuts. It is the most adventurous musical that the BHS Performing Arts Club has ever put on.

The Board of Education loses $375,000 to budget cuts; Superintendent Bruce Storm threatens the loss of sports, music, and personnel. The Finance board sets 22.79 as the town mil rate.

A Branford woman accidentally hits the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal while trying to park and drives through the front foyer of the Dunkin' Donuts at 112 North Main St.

A Hamden woman who worked in a Branford doctor's office is arrested on 610 various counts, all stemming from a scheme to call in fraudulent narcotic prescriptions to pharmacies in the New Haven area.

Rogers Island is sold for $22.3 million.

Jen Owen and Abbey Kent of Branford High School are award winners at the annual Harvard University Model Congress.

The Soundview Family YMCA is allowed to conduct a non-profit swim and tennis club in conjunction with the Thompson Hospice Institute on Short Beach Road during the summer.

Longtime Branford Recreation Director Joe Trapasso dies at age 83.

Concentration and labor camp survivor Ruby Fabian speaks at Branford High School about the Holocaust.

Seventy Branford women gather at the United Methodist Church to celebrate 2003 World Day of Prayer.

Frederick Cowern, 34, of North Haven, pleads no contest to charges of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and driving under the influence in the death of North Branford resident and Wallingford constable Robert Kelsey.

April

With the war in Iraq still raging, the Branford Choir decides to cancel its scheduled summer trip to Europe amidst safety concerns.

Several local citizens threaten to sue the town over home assessments taken, claiming that the town did not conduct the assessments fairly. Over 950 real estate appeals are filed with the town after the grand lost is cut by $6.5 million.

The Board of Education comes under attack for holding a meeting at a private residence and listing it as a retreat. Board members Daniel Caruso and Edward Struzinsky criticize the board for holding the meeting and state that things clearly went "over the line."

Sara O'Connor, 7, dies at Yale New Haven Hospital after being shot in the chest by her mother, Jennifer O'Connor, while at her home.

Subaru Premier Dealership on North Main Street opens a new site across the street on the old Mitsubishi Shoreline lot.

Kim Tyler, 29, dies after being hit by several large pieces of concrete from a falling chimney in the rear part of her home.

Branford High School holds its fifth annual 'Veterans Appreciation Day', which featured lectures from over 42 military guests on every conflict from World War II to the Persian Gulf War.

The Gardenside Terrace Assisted Living Center dedicates its activity center to life long Branford resident and educator Ingeborg Hallden. The event brings out leaders of the community, including State Representative Pete Panaroni and State Senator Bill Aniskovich.

The Daniel Cosgrove Animal Shelter, which cost the town $600,000 to construct, is opened. It is the the first animal shelter to be opened in Branford. Cheryl Ann Fernandes takes over as the towns Director of Animal Control.

May

Several citizens form a committee to oppose the projected Rose Court Project, which calls for a 39 home development to be built on Hillside Avenue and Cedar Street.

Michael Bonfiglio, a 17 year veteran of the Branford Police Department, is named the towns first School Resource Officer

A last minute push by several RTM representatives on behalf of the Board of Education saves the BOE from having $250,000 cut from its budget.

Larry DeNardis, President of the University of New Haven and the President of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority, talks with Branford business leaders at the State of the Town Breakfast to explain why the expanding airport will improve local business.

First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos announces that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming November election.

John Opie announces that he will run for the First Selectman seat in November on the Republican ticket. Opie is a veteran of the Representative Town Meeting and a life long Branford resident.

The RTM approves a measure to raise elected town officials salaries by three percent each of the next two years by a 20-1 vote. Republican representative John Prete is the lone dissenting voice.

The town decides to take the 77-acre land at Tabor Drive by eminent domain, citing environmental concerns on the site. New England LLC, who had proposed to build 268 condos on the property, vows to fight the towns attempt to take the land.

Richard Wetmore, 41, who apparently suffered a seizure while driving on Route 1, lost control of his Nissan Maxima and hit another vehicle and a school bus. No one was seriously injured.

June

Anthony "Gene" Bontatibus, former owner of Day Floors and More, sues the town of Branford and Branford Detective Duncan Ayr for $5 million. The lawsuit is filed in response to what Bontatibus calls "malicious prosecution" over the death of volunteer firefighter Edward Ramos in 1996. Bontatibus was suspected of setting fire to his own store.

Over 2,000 people participate in the 24th annual Fathers Day Road Race. The five-mile race, which starts at the Branford Green, is one of the largest and most popular races in New England.

Outspoken Republican representative Carol Fox is forced to resign from her seat on the Representative Town Meeting because of health concerns. Fox had previously suffered a stroke in April.

In a close 4-3 vote, the Board of Education votes to allow five days to be set aside during the year for 90 minute delays in order to use the time for professional development. Opponents of the vote cited the nearly eight hours of teacher contact with students that would be missing during those five days.

Budget cuts in excess of a $370,000, proposed by Superintendent of Schools Bruce Storm, is approved by the Board of Education Personnel and Finance Committee. The cuts do not include any programs or teachers.

Branford holds its 19th annual Branford Festival on the town green.

Frank Kinney, 57, is chosen as the Democratic candidate for First Selectman in the November election. Kinney is a veteran of both the Representative Town Meeting, which he served on for six years, and also served on the Board of Education.

Amid serious public opposition, the developers for the proposed Rose Court project decide to withdraw their application to the Inland Wetlands Commission. Vigliotti Construction, who filed the original application, suggests that they may again, in the future, file with the board to build on the site.

Frederick Cowern of North Haven is sentenced to 10 years in prison for a DWI accident that took the life of North Branford resident Robert Kelsey in 2000.

In a unanimous decision the Planning and Zoning Commission approves the application for the Sterling Ridge 15 unit condominium project that would be built at the corner of Cherry Hill Road and Main Street. The approval of the application comes despite overwhelming public opposition to it.

July

A Hamden man, his wife and two of their friends, narrowly escaped serious injury when their 25-foot yacht exploded at the Branford Yacht Club gas dock on Goodsell Point Road.

Thirteen-year-old Spencer Rentas escapes serious injury when he was hit by a van in front of the East Main Sreet Dunkin Donuts.

Branford's Peggy Clapp is named Mrs. Connecticut.

Jennifer O'Connor pleads not guilty in the April 4 shooting death of her seven-year-old daughter, Sara.

Organizers of the Shoreline Greenway Trail - a 25-mile, multi-use nature trail for bicyclists, walkers and runners from Lighthouse Point in New Haven to Hammonassett State Park in Madison - garnered support from area officials to establish the trail.

A team of Connecticut High School Football All-Stars defeat Rhode Island, 41-17, to win annual Governor's Cup Game.

Father Vincent Brown, pastor of St. Mary Church since 1986, died unexpectedly at age 72. He is a succeeded by the Rev. Christopher M. Ford, associate pastor of St. George's in Guilford.

New Haven County defeats Fairfield County, 42-19, in the annual National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Football Classic at Hamden High School. Branford's Dan DiBisceglie and North Branford's Greg Jordan were members of the New Haven County team.

Route One Limited LLC has filed an application with the Planning and Zoning Commission for the establishment of a Staples store at 85-89 North Main Street.

Stop and Shop makes plans for a 10.5-acre parcel of land across the street from the 1-95 South entrance ramp.

Branford High School baseball coach Walt Novak, who guided the Hornets to its only state championship in 1998, resigns after 13 seasons.

Branford Democrats formally nominate Frank Kinney for First Selectman at the party's convention at the Canoe Brook Senior Center. The Dems also choose Nancy McCormack for Second Selectman.

The Branford Republican Town Committee officially endorses John Opie of Stony Creek for First Selectman on its November ticket. The GOP also picks Judy Myjak for Second Selectman.

New England Estates, LLC, which is looking to build a condominium complex on Tabor Drive, sues First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos over the town's eminent domain action.

Michael Stackpole and John Planas are appointed to full-time status with the Branford Fire Department.

After several months of holdups due to minor structural changes, the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter receives state approval to receive dogs and cats.

Branford Post 83 qualifies for the state American Legion baseball tournament.

August

The town wins the Queach lawsuit when a New Haven Superior Court jury decides that the town did not break a land swap agreement with the Queach Corporation and Vivian Vigliotti.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection denies approval of the Islander East pipeline company's Coastal Zone Management application.

Close to 700 people filled the Branford High School auditorium to voice their opposition to the Islander East pipeline proposal. The public hearing was scheduled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Agents from the New Haven Police, State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms descend on the Howard Avenue mobile trailer home of Vincent Pergolotti, Jr., 37. The investigation may have been related to the May bombing at the Yale University Law School.

Board of Education member Dan Caruso, who lost the final nomination on the BOE's Democratic ticket in a controversial vote, forces a primary challenge against school board member Marie Watson and candidate Frank Carrano.

Volunteer firefighter Daniel Blakely, 54, was charged with second-degree larceny and conspiracy for stealing under $5,000 in company recreation funds from Volunteer Fire Company 8.

Despite the protests from various groups in the area, the demolition of several buildings begins at the site of the former Malleable Iron Fittings factory. The MIF/Anchor Reef project will include condominiums, a hotel and conference center, a restaurant and two buildings with office space.

Lawyers for the town begin negotiations with approximately 200 residents who have filed lawsuits concerning property assessments based on the 2002 revaluation by Vision Appraisal Technology.

Five thousand residents lose power during a major power outage throughout the Northeast. The outage is the largest in U.S. history.

The RTM approves bonding for the eminent domain action of a 77-acre parcel on Tabor Drive.

Volunteer firefighter Diane McDade, 43, becomes the second member of Company 8 to be charged with second-degree larceny and conspiracy.

The Blackstone Library appoints Kathy Reiger as its new director. Reiger was the manager of the Johnson County Library in Kansas.

Attorneys for the town file a motion in New Haven Superior Court asking the court to dismiss the New England Estates request for an injunction to stop Branford's plan to take a 77-acre parcel by eminent domain.

Citing personal and family reasons, Superintendent of Schools Bruce Storm decides to withdraw his request for a contract extension through 2006.

The Board of Finance approves a new ordinance for tax relief. The plan will enable the town's elderly and disabled citizens to defer up to 75 percent of the property taxes on their homes.

Quietly becoming an annual end of the summer rite on the Branford Town Green, Branstock '03, a musical and arts festival for charity, is another huge success.

September

Two dead crows and mosquitoes found in Branford test positive for the West Nile virus.

Ed Harney, a supervisor for the Islander East pipeline company, file suit against the town for violating his civil rights. Harney claims that he was falsely arrested in Oct. 2001 after the company did some test borings into the oyster beds in Stony Creek.

Short Beach residents participate in their annual Short Beach Day's activities, culminating with their traditional Short Beach Labor Day parade.

Frank Carrano and Marie Watson defeat challenger Dan Caruso in the Democratic primary for the two Board of Education spots on the November ticket.

The Branford Education Association sues the school board over the town's sale of Anthem stock.

A complaint was filed with the Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission accusing school board member Marie Watson of an election violation during the Democratic primary.

Town leaders prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Isabel.

The RTM unanimously approves a tax relief plan for the town's elderly and/or disabled residents.

Branford police investigate a major water leak at Branford High School.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Rick Goodwin asks that town attorney Penny Bellamy and her law firm, Wiggin and Dana, withdraw as town counsel.

A new proposal to build a Holiday Inn Express on East Main Street is met with skepticism by the PZC.

October

Board of Education member Ellen Ferguson, a veteran teacher who retired in 1999, passes away at her home.

East Haven resident Mohammed Rasheduzzaman, 38, is named the town's assistant planner.

Despite heavy protests from area residents, the controversial Rose Court project is slated to before the Inland Wetlands Commission.

The Friends of the Blackstone Library's 16th Annual Book Sale on the Green raises a record-breaking $28,580.02.

The groundbreaking ceremony for The Shoreline Greenway Trail, a multi-use trail proposed to connect New Haven's Lighthouse Point to Madison's Hammonasset Beach Park, takes place in East Haven.

A state-wide, smoke-free law takes effect, causing controversy among local restaurant, café and bar owners.

The East Shore District Health Department informs residents between 483 and 545 East Main Street that soil in the area has tested positive for toxins.

David Gibson, the attorney for developer Alex Vigliotti, requested that the Inland Wetlands Commission postpone the public hearing on the Rose Court project.

The PZC announces a special meeting in December to discuss possible changes to the town's zoning regulations.

Branford High's Orlaith Cunningham wins her second consecutive Southern Connecticut Conference cross-country championship.

First Selectman candidates John Opie and Frank Kinney debate at a forum hosted by the Branford Chamber of Commerce.

November

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration holds a public hearing on the Islander East pipeline application at the Omni Hotel in New Haven.

RTC chairman Rick Goodwin withdraws his complaint against town attorney Penny Bellamy and her firm, Wiggin and Dana.

State funding in the amount of $70,000 was awarded to the town of Branford for the completion of the Stony Creek Dock project.

The North Branford High School boy's soccer team defeats Haddam-Killingworth, 2-1, to win the Shoreline Conference championship.

First Selectman candidate John Opie and running-mate Judy Myjak lead a decisive GOP victory on Election Night. Opie sweeps all five town-wide districts, defeating and Democrat Frank Kinney by 870 votes. Other winners include Democrat Georgette Tootsie Laske (town clerk) and Republican Robert Denhardt, Jr. (town treasurer). The RTM is split - 15 Republicans and 15 Democrats.

The site of the former Pete's Stonewall Tavern, Smitty's Stonewall Tavern, the Garage Café and the Short Beach Saloon was razed to make way for the new home of Branford Jewelers.

The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps announces that it will begin the restoration process of historic Seaside Hall.

Kimberly Candelora, 37, sustains serious burns to her upper torso, arms and face during a fire at her Branford home.

Residents in the Montoya apartment complex are forced to evacuate their apartments around noontime when a plumbing company hit a gas line while replacing a sewer drain.

A drug bust nets approximately 20 bags of cocaine in Branford. The 10-month long investigation spread to East Haven and Clinton and results in numerous arrests.

The Branford High School girl's swim team captures its fourth consecutive state championship.

The North Branford High School boy's soccer team wins its first ever state soccer championship. The Thunderbirds defeat Ellington, 2-0, at Hartford's Dillon Stadium.

Nick and Joan Hackett of Brookwood Drive donate a Christmas Tree for the town green.

First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos says goodbye after six years in office.

After numerous votes and political posturing end with 15-15 ties, Democrat Ray Dunbar, in a deal between the two sides, is elected moderator of the RTM for the second consecutive term.

A hidden provision inserted into a Republican energy bill by New York Democratic senators Chuck Schumer and Hilary Clinton that would have drastically curtailed the authority state and federal agencies have over the proposed Islander East pipeline and other gas projects is defeated, 58-40.

Robert Ruthven is named Corcoran-Sundquist American Legion Post 83 Legionnaire of the Year.

Branford High School teachers Joel Hinrichs and Christian "Bing" Miller coordinate a special exchange visit by Chinese educators. The visitors from the Peoples Republic of China are given a tour of Branford High, visiting several classes.

Branford ties its lifetime series with East Haven (29-29-4) with a 50-12 Thanksgiving Day victory at the Branford Athletic Complex.

December

After 93 years of operation, the Branford Fire Commission votes to disband Volunteer Fire Company No. 8.

For the second time in less than a month, Branford police are successful in arresting a pair of local residents who were involved in the sale and possession of a significant amount of narcotics.

Robin Sandler, a former member of the Representative Town Meeting and the chairman of the Branford Housing Authority, is named town attorney.

The winter's first snowstorm arrives over the weekend, costing $20,000 in the town's public works overtime budget.

Former Branford High School teacher Harold Van Hofe receives a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty in New Haven Superior Court to one count of the sale of a controlled substance.

The Branford High hockey team topples North Branford in overtime, 4-3, in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Northford Ice Pavilion.

Judge Anthony Demayo denies New England Estates request for a temporary injunction against the town of Branford's eminent domain action for a 77-acre parcel on Tabor Drive.

In the wake of questions being raised at a Representative Town Meeting over the disappearance of nearly $15,000 worth of fuel, gas pumps at the town's Public Works facility may soon get a new tracking system.

The town deposits $1.16 in New Haven Superior Court for a tract of land at 48-86 Tabor Drive.

A "Pet Pictures with Santa" fundraiser nets over $4,000 for the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.

Flu bug hits local residents.

Walsh Intermediate School students collect 3,471 items for the Branford Food Council.