Printer Friendly Version - Branford375 Asks: What Makes Branford Special?

Here's one thing people love about Branford: community gatherings on the town green, like this huge turnout for Branford375's First Night kickoff celebration on Jan. 4. More Branford375 events and programs will be taking place throughout 2019.Kelley Fryer/The Sound

If you know what makes Branford special to you, now's the time to share your thoughts. During the month of February, Branford's 375th Committee invites residents to answer the question, "What makes Branford special?" at www.branford375.com

It's the committee's way of gathering at least 375 reasons why this town is so special to so many, all of which will be shared in a commemorative Branford375 album to be published in 2020. This public participation effort goes live on Friday, Feb. 1, when a form will be accessible at www.branford375.com. Participants can also connect by emailing Branford375@gmail.com

Branford's year-long 375th birthday celebration kicked off with a hugely successful, family-friendly First Night event on the town green on Jan. 4. A huge crowd of revelers filled the town green to enjoy live music, free hot cocoa and s'mores and plenty of community spirit. It was organized by Branford 375th committee members including First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and First Selectman's office executive administrator Trista Milici, Recreation Dept. Director Alex Palluzzi, Assistant Director Dale Izzo and Program Supervisor Victor Amatori; Recreation Commission chairman Paul Criscuolo, Town of Branford Economic Development/Special Projects' manager Terry Elton, and Colin Sheehan of Branford Community Foundation (board member), Shoreline Theatre Company (co-founder), Tabor Arts (artistic director) and Colin Sheehan Events.

On Jan. 15, a number of interested groups and organizations attended a public workshop to brainstorm on creating their events or projects with a Branford375 connection. The committee continues to welcome participation from individuals, families, groups and organizations. Find a participation request form at the website or contact the committee by email at branford375@gmail.com for a form. All approved events will receive support and publicity through Branford375. The committee can also be contacted by calling (203) 488-8304. To view the committee's growing list of events, dates and locations planned over the coming year, visit www.branford375.com

The committee is also running updates and an ongoing conversation on all things Branford375 at its Facebook page (@Branford375) and on Instagram (@branford375). Don't forget to check in on their social media on Fridays, when Branford375, with assistance from James Blackstone Memorial Library, publishes a new "Factual Friday" post highlighting historic happenings in town. Recent posts have shared a photo of the Hindenburg hovering over Branford, hours before its fateful crash in 1937; and a newspaper report about "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias playing in a friendly competition at the Pine Orchard Yacht Club & Country Club's golf course in 1948.