One dozen golden shovels went to work at the October 27 groundbreaking ceremony for Branford's expanded and renovated Senior Center/Community House, as local officials and citizens celebrated the construction start of a new facility described as a "community hub."

The transformation of the former Community House, built in 1962, takes the facility back to its roots as a place that was home to senior center offerings as well as programs for residents of all ages, said Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi.

"A lot of people forget the seniors were here back in 1962, when it first started," said Palluzzi, later adding, "...welcome home, seniors."

Palluzzi was mentored in his role by the late Joe Trapasso, who rallied the community to help build the town's first Community House at 46 Church St.  Among the crowd of about 40 gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new facility that be expanded at that site were two of Trapasso's daughters, Patricia Trapasso and Margaret Trapasso. Palluzzi said the new facility is an homage to their father's vision, and to the vision of First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

"It was Jamie's vision that led us to this point that everything could happen," said Palluzzi.

Senior Center Director Dagmar Ridgway also thanked Cosgrove for, "...taking a vision, not that I just had but the seniors had, and it really has come from the people of this community and the seniors."

Cosgrove said the need for a new senior center was evident and a priority when he first took office in 2013, but the process to reach this shovel-ready point took the time he said was needed to engage the community.

"We were going to make sure that we, as community, go through a process that will not only have the support of the appropriating bodies and the departments; but the community as a whole," said Cosgrove.

In September 2014, the town hired Arbonies King Vlock of Branford to consult, gather community input, and help determine the best approach. The study resulted in the decision to combine a Senior Center with the Community Center as one renovated, expanded facility.

"It was very important that it was built as something that served the entire community," said Cosgrove. "So from a financial standpoint and planning standpoint, we are addressing [not only] two department needs but the entire community's needs served through this facility [and] giving greater flexibility in the future to add additional programs."

The project's $12.1 million price tag received bonding approval in late 2016. On Sept. 20, the Board of Selectman approved a contract bid by A. Secondino & Son (Branford) for $10,482,000 with an additional $65,000 for additional parking space to be constructed.

On October 27, Cosgrove pointed out another often overlooked component of the Arbonies King Vlock study is the intent to create a "hub and spoke" community-use model with the new facility.

"This was to be the hub of our community, this was to serve everyone," said Cosgrove. "But it was the spokes that lead out to all the other assets we have in town -- the parks, the library [and] other facilities. And ultimately, I hope that plan comes to fruition."

Cosgrove also noted that, in addition to Ridgway's efforts to represent Branford's senior community's call to address problems and issues with the current Canoe Brook Senior Center, the citizens' group Voices for Branford Seniors played an important role in the process which began in 2013. The group, founded by four residents, included Helen Kelsey, who attended the groundbreaking. Cosgrove asked Kelsey to join officials and others in taking up the day's groundbreaking shovels.

"Helen Kelsey held my feet to the fire [from] Day One to getting the appropriation," said Cosgrove, telling her, "I'm so happy you're here."

Kelsey, who was 88 years old when she helped found Voices for Branford Seniors four years ago, told Zip06/The Sound she was delighted to see the project construction starting, adding, "I'm just lucky I've lived this long to see this! We started in 2013, and had a meeting at the library in October before the elections. That's where we started; and this is what finally has come through."

Cosgrove also praised the efforts all town staff, commission members and community members involved in the project. He also recognized

Project Architect Thomas P. Arcari of Quisenberry Arcari Architects, LLC (Farmington), saying Arcari, "...listened to what the people wanted, the seniors and the community as a whole, and listened to staff to ensure it was built into this facility."

Cosgrove also thanked project contractor A. Secondino and Son, which undertook construction work at the site beginning on Monday, October 24. The facility has a completion target date of October, 2018.

"I'm pleased to see a local contractor not only get the project; I want to thank [them] for working with us and ensuring that we're able to start this year on this project," said Cosgrove.