
Our community service initiatives have received significant media coverage, being featured by major local, regional, and national outlets. These include CBS News, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3, FOX 61, NBC 30, News 12, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, The Record-Journal, Republican-American, CTInsider / Hearst Media, The Day, Shore Publishing, The Sound, Guilford Courier, Shoreline Times, The Patch, and various radio programs such as WPLR 99.1 (Chaz & AJ), WELI 930 (Vinnie Penn), WICC 600 AM (Lisa Wexler Show), and WPKN (Richard Hill). Our nonprofit initiatives have also been highlighted on podcasts, including 'Good Things with John and Joyce,' hosted by radio personality John 'Cadillac' Saville and Dr. Joyce, showcasing our ongoing volunteer programs.

In April 2024, we launched our pilot program that connects local nonprofits with students in need of community service hours to graduate, fostering mutually beneficial outcomes. This initiative showcases our commitment to enhancing volunteer programs and supporting nonprofit initiatives in the community. For more details, read about it in the media coverage here: https://www.zip06.com/news/20240421/branford-nonprofits-meet-bhs-students-at-community-service-fair/

In November 2024, we successfully hosted our second community service program, which matched local nonprofits with students in need of volunteer hours to graduate. This initiative highlights our commitment to supporting nonprofit initiatives in the community. You can read more about the media coverage of this successful pilot program here: https://www.zip06.com/news/20241120/community-service-pilot-program-proves-successful-at-ehhs/

In November 2025, we were honored to be invited back to host our 3rd 'match' program, aimed at expanding community service initiatives across all schools in Connecticut. This program not only focuses on fostering volunteer programs but also highlights the importance of media coverage in promoting nonprofit initiatives.

Graphic Artist/Designer Matt Miklus created this initial flyer for our community service initiatives, highlighting our nonprofit programs and encouraging media coverage for our volunteer efforts.

Our community service initiatives have received significant media coverage, being featured by major local, regional, and national outlets. These include CBS News, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3, FOX 61, NBC 30, News 12, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, The Record-Journal, Republican-American, CTInsider / Hearst Media, The Day, Shore Publishing, The Sound, Guilford Courier, Shoreline Times, The Patch, and various radio programs such as WPLR 99.1 (Chaz & AJ), WELI 930 (Vinnie Penn), WICC 600 AM (Lisa Wexler Show), and WPKN (Richard Hill). Our nonprofit initiatives have also been highlighted on podcasts, including 'Good Things with John and Joyce,' hosted by radio personality John 'Cadillac' Saville and Dr. Joyce, showcasing our ongoing volunteer programs.
“Hero’s Last Ride” Staged By the Patriot Guard Riders in CT. A heartfelt request came from the CT Patriot Guard to provide a Hero's Last Ride for US Marine Jack, who courageously battled Glioblastoma. Member Andy Sollecito, through dedicated community service, provided a motorcycle with a sidecar to help fulfill this final wish. Such nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs showcase the strength and compassion within our community. RIP Jack. Photo by Bud Wilkinson of www.Ride-CT.com

Members Mike and Kathy Barbour volunteered through local volunteer programs to help a couple in the community surprise their ailing father/father-in-law with an all-day fishing trip in the Long Island Sound. Their efforts not only brought joy to the family but also highlighted the importance of community service, which deserves recognition through media coverage of such nonprofit initiatives.

Member John 'Cadillac' Saville introduced me to Kristen Gauvin, the President of the nonprofit initiative Boxes to Boots, which focuses on community service by sending care packages to deployed troops overseas. In October 2021, we will organize a massive Connecticut motorcycle riding experience as part of our volunteer programs to help raise money for the shipping costs of these essential care packages, aiming to garner media coverage for our efforts.

The 1st and 2nd annual Stony Creek Duck Race fundraiser showcased our commitment to community service by supporting the nonprofit initiatives of the Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center in Branford. We joyfully dropped 1,000 runner ducks into the Branford River and awarded prizes to the winners. Rest assured, we meticulously collected all the ducks after the race, emphasizing our dedication to the environment. A special thanks to Kelley Fryar for the media coverage!

(WTNH) — The Pets for Vets program is a remarkable community service initiative aimed at helping veterans and rescue animals find comfort in companionship. Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons sits down with Didi Tulloch, the Connecticut Chapter President of ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue), and volunteer Ken Engelman to celebrate the success of their nonprofit initiatives during their 10th Anniversary in October 2019, highlighting the impact of their volunteer programs.

Member Carol, an inspiration to all volunteers in our community service initiatives, needed to replace her vehicle. In a remarkable display of support, many members rallied together to help her buy a used car, enabling her to continue her volunteer programs and inspire us all to contribute more to our community. This heartwarming act even caught the attention of local media coverage, highlighting the spirit of our nonprofit initiatives.

Joined Mayor David Cassetti of Ansonia, CT for the Naugatuck River Cleanup 2020, an initiative that highlights the importance of community service. Mayor Dave, a proud member of CVA, actively supports nonprofit initiatives and emphasizes the value of volunteer programs in improving our environment and community.

Member Jacqueline Halten Ford recently hosted a virtual collection drive as part of her community service efforts, helping donors purchase and drop-ship new, life-like baby dolls. These donations are intended for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, with support from Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center in Branford. This initiative is an example of nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs aimed at making a positive impact in our community.

'Mangia for Meows,' a community service event held at Branford's Rosso Vino restaurant in October 2019, featured (l-r): Melissa Lyons, from Murphy Distributors; Joe Flores and Lisa DeGenaro of Rosso Vino; and Ken Engelman, a volunteer from the Branford Compassion Club who organized this nonprofit initiative, which received significant media coverage for its support of local volunteer programs.

The Community Dining Room (CDR) celebrated its 35th anniversary by launching the 'Shoreline' T-shirt fundraising initiative, aimed at promoting community service. This special T-shirt, designed by artist Matt Miklus of Special Events Screenprinting, is available for those who donate $35 or more, supporting various nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs. The event also garnered positive media coverage, highlighting the vital role CDR plays in the community.

'Roses for Seniors'. Spreading The Love, One Rose At A Time. As part of our community service efforts, hundreds of roses were distributed to seniors across Branford, bringing a touch of Valentine's Day joy thanks to Cynthia's Flower Shop, Savino's, Engelman's, and the Orchard House. This initiative also showcases the importance of nonprofit initiatives and the impact of volunteer programs in fostering connection and support within our community.

Our community service initiatives have received significant media coverage, being featured by major local, regional, and national outlets. These include CBS News, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3, FOX 61, NBC 30, News 12, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, The Record-Journal, Republican-American, CTInsider / Hearst Media, The Day, Shore Publishing, The Sound, Guilford Courier, Shoreline Times, The Patch, and various radio programs such as WPLR 99.1 (Chaz & AJ), WELI 930 (Vinnie Penn), WICC 600 AM (Lisa Wexler Show), and WPKN (Richard Hill). Our nonprofit initiatives have also been highlighted on podcasts, including 'Good Things with John and Joyce,' hosted by radio personality John 'Cadillac' Saville and Dr. Joyce, showcasing our ongoing volunteer programs.

“Hero’s Last Ride” Staged By the Patriot Guard Riders in CT. A heartfelt request came from the CT Patriot Guard to provide a Hero's Last Ride for US Marine Jack, who courageously battled Glioblastoma. Member Andy Sollecito, through dedicated community service, provided a motorcycle with a sidecar to help fulfill this final wish. Such nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs showcase the strength and compassion within our community. RIP Jack. Photo by Bud Wilkinson of www.Ride-CT.com

Members Mike and Kathy Barbour volunteered through local volunteer programs to help a couple in the community surprise their ailing father/father-in-law with an all-day fishing trip in the Long Island Sound. Their efforts not only brought joy to the family but also highlighted the importance of community service, which deserves recognition through media coverage of such nonprofit initiatives.

Member John 'Cadillac' Saville introduced me to Kristen Gauvin, the President of the nonprofit initiative Boxes to Boots, which focuses on community service by sending care packages to deployed troops overseas. In October 2021, we will organize a massive Connecticut motorcycle riding experience as part of our volunteer programs to help raise money for the shipping costs of these essential care packages, aiming to garner media coverage for our efforts.

The 1st and 2nd annual Stony Creek Duck Race fundraiser showcased our commitment to community service by supporting the nonprofit initiatives of the Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center in Branford. We joyfully dropped 1,000 runner ducks into the Branford River and awarded prizes to the winners. Rest assured, we meticulously collected all the ducks after the race, emphasizing our dedication to the environment. A special thanks to Kelley Fryar for the media coverage!

(WTNH) — The Pets for Vets program is a remarkable community service initiative aimed at helping veterans and rescue animals find comfort in companionship. Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons sits down with Didi Tulloch, the Connecticut Chapter President of ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue), and volunteer Ken Engelman to celebrate the success of their nonprofit initiatives during their 10th Anniversary in October 2019, highlighting the impact of their volunteer programs.

Member Carol, an inspiration to all volunteers in our community service initiatives, needed to replace her vehicle. In a remarkable display of support, many members rallied together to help her buy a used car, enabling her to continue her volunteer programs and inspire us all to contribute more to our community. This heartwarming act even caught the attention of local media coverage, highlighting the spirit of our nonprofit initiatives.

Joined Mayor David Cassetti of Ansonia, CT for the Naugatuck River Cleanup 2020, an initiative that highlights the importance of community service. Mayor Dave, a proud member of CVA, actively supports nonprofit initiatives and emphasizes the value of volunteer programs in improving our environment and community.

Member Jacqueline Halten Ford recently hosted a virtual collection drive as part of her community service efforts, helping donors purchase and drop-ship new, life-like baby dolls. These donations are intended for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, with support from Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center in Branford. This initiative is an example of nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs aimed at making a positive impact in our community.

'Mangia for Meows,' a community service event held at Branford's Rosso Vino restaurant in October 2019, featured (l-r): Melissa Lyons, from Murphy Distributors; Joe Flores and Lisa DeGenaro of Rosso Vino; and Ken Engelman, a volunteer from the Branford Compassion Club who organized this nonprofit initiative, which received significant media coverage for its support of local volunteer programs.

The Community Dining Room (CDR) celebrated its 35th anniversary by launching the 'Shoreline' T-shirt fundraising initiative, aimed at promoting community service. This special T-shirt, designed by artist Matt Miklus of Special Events Screenprinting, is available for those who donate $35 or more, supporting various nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs. The event also garnered positive media coverage, highlighting the vital role CDR plays in the community.

'Roses for Seniors'. Spreading The Love, One Rose At A Time. As part of our community service efforts, hundreds of roses were distributed to seniors across Branford, bringing a touch of Valentine's Day joy thanks to Cynthia's Flower Shop, Savino's, Engelman's, and the Orchard House. This initiative also showcases the importance of nonprofit initiatives and the impact of volunteer programs in fostering connection and support within our community.

Our community service initiatives have received significant media coverage, being featured by major local, regional, and national outlets. These include CBS News, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3, FOX 61, NBC 30, News 12, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, The Record-Journal, Republican-American, CTInsider / Hearst Media, The Day, Shore Publishing, The Sound, Guilford Courier, Shoreline Times, The Patch, and various radio programs such as WPLR 99.1 (Chaz & AJ), WELI 930 (Vinnie Penn), WICC 600 AM (Lisa Wexler Show), and WPKN (Richard Hill). Our nonprofit initiatives have also been highlighted on podcasts, including 'Good Things with John and Joyce,' hosted by radio personality John 'Cadillac' Saville and Dr. Joyce, showcasing our ongoing volunteer programs.

“Hero’s Last Ride” Staged By the Patriot Guard Riders in CT. A heartfelt request came from the CT Patriot Guard to provide a Hero's Last Ride for US Marine Jack, who courageously battled Glioblastoma. Member Andy Sollecito, through dedicated community service, provided a motorcycle with a sidecar to help fulfill this final wish. Such nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs showcase the strength and compassion within our community. RIP Jack. Photo by Bud Wilkinson of www.Ride-CT.com

Members Mike and Kathy Barbour volunteered through local volunteer programs to help a couple in the community surprise their ailing father/father-in-law with an all-day fishing trip in the Long Island Sound. Their efforts not only brought joy to the family but also highlighted the importance of community service, which deserves recognition through media coverage of such nonprofit initiatives.
Our community service initiatives have received significant media coverage, being featured by major local, regional, and national outlets. These include CBS News, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3, FOX 61, NBC 30, News 12, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, The Record-Journal, Republican-American, CTInsider / Hearst Media, The Day, Shore Publishing, The Sound, Guilford Courier, Shoreline Times, The Patch, and various radio programs such as WPLR 99.1 (Chaz & AJ), WELI 930 (Vinnie Penn), WICC 600 AM (Lisa Wexler Show), and WPKN (Richard Hill). Our nonprofit initiatives have also been highlighted on podcasts, including 'Good Things with John and Joyce,' hosted by radio personality John 'Cadillac' Saville and Dr. Joyce, showcasing our ongoing volunteer programs.

“Hero’s Last Ride” Staged By the Patriot Guard Riders in CT. A heartfelt request came from the CT Patriot Guard to provide a Hero's Last Ride for US Marine Jack, who courageously battled Glioblastoma. Member Andy Sollecito, through dedicated community service, provided a motorcycle with a sidecar to help fulfill this final wish. Such nonprofit initiatives and volunteer programs showcase the strength and compassion within our community. RIP Jack. Photo by Bud Wilkinson of www.Ride-CT.com
Members Mike and Kathy Barbour volunteered through local volunteer programs to help a couple in the community surprise their ailing father/father-in-law with an all-day fishing trip in the Long Island Sound. Their efforts not only brought joy to the family but also highlighted the importance of community service, which deserves recognition through media coverage of such nonprofit initiatives.





