January

The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) approved amendments to its regulations, paving the way for developers of a new Hilton Hotel & Resorts hotel to appear with a site plan at its next meeting.

The North Haven Fire Department announced that it had raised $43,000 to increase its supply of fire and rescue equipment. The funds went toward the purchase of a drone and an all-terrain vehicle.

At a special meeting of the Board of Education (BOE), a unanimous vote approved the appointment of Ridge Road Elementary School Principal Patrick Stirk as superintendent of schools.

The Montanari Brothers Powerhouse Gym held its third annual Women’s Day, offering support and inspiration to women in need.

The North Haven Memorial Library held its Puzzle Off contest. The first-place team “Piecing It Together” included: Team Leader Karen Godere, Melissa Godere, Laura Trgnonsini, Carol Killeen, and Denis Killeen.

The 124th Mayflower Society Banquet commemorating the 399th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims on Dec. 21, 1620, was held at Fantasia in North Haven.

February

North Haven First Selectman Mike Freda (R) announced his intention to run for a sixth term.

A special town meeting approved allocating $750,000 for a new pumper truck for the North Haven Fire Department.

Freda made his State of the Town address in which he announced that the town achieved 2.8 percent growth in the Grand List of Taxable Properties last fiscal year, which translated to roughly $2 million in incremental revenue for the town.

The town’s Conservation Commission encouraged residents to actively support and lobby for a ban on single-use plastic bags at both the town and state level, citing dangers to the environment and the financial cost of those bags to businesses.

The NHHS Drama Club produced Beauty and the Beast, casting Olivia Scopetto and Olivia O’Connor as Belle and Erich Reinholtz and Jackson Tubis as the Beast.

A group of students involved with the North Haven Middle School’s Therapeutic Learning Service participated in a school-to-school collaboration program, visiting the Small Animal Technology Program at Lyman Hall High School.

The Bookmark Café, a new coffee station, opened at the North Haven Memorial Library.

The NHHS cheerleading team finished first in the All-Girl Division at SCC Championship, its third conference title in the program’s history.

March

First Selectman Mike Freda joined state officials from neighboring towns at Wallingford Town Hall to announce his opposition to legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use.

Maureen Munzner, 57, was struck and killed by a car as she was walking with her two children on the 1500 block of Ridge Road. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene.

The NHHS cheerleading team finished first at the Class L State Championship.

The NHHS Sports Hall of Fame inducted nine new members in a ceremony in Wallingford. Inductees included: Jessica Leigh Broadbent, Federico Fiondella, Joan and Rene Genest, Timothy John Gilbride, David Keith Miller, Alyssa A. Nargi, Gia Alice Paturzo, and Thomas William Prefontaine.

April

Members of the Local 371 UFCW-AFLCIO union walked off the job and out onto the sidewalks in front of their employer, Stop & Shop, as ongoing union contract negotiations failed.

The BOF approved a proposed 2019-’20 town and school budget that would increase town spending without upping taxes; the mill rate would remain at 31.18.

The North Haven Education Foundation held its fifth annual Spelling Bee fundraiser at NHHS with 35 teams participating. The team Core-Beeings, made up of three North Haven teachers, Sue Bass, Patti White and Jill Mets, won the competition.

The town’s Conservation Commission held an Earth Day event that included face painting, a cookie truck and a scavenger hunt at the NHHS.

The Easter Eggstravaganza hosted by the North Haven Recreation Center was a big hit with kids throughout town.

The American Legion held a Kids Walk on April 27 to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

May

The North Haven’s proposed $103,785,950 budget for fiscal year 2019–’20 passed in a town-wide vote by a margin of 197 votes, with 581 votes in favor and 384 opposed. In the budget, town spending increased by $2,954,085 or 6.6 percent to a total of $47,959,637, in order to fund rising debt payments, and improvements at the police and fire departments. The BOE received $54,590,313, a $1,537,477 or 2.9 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

After a two-year effort, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Ridge Road Elementary School’s new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playground.

The North Haven Fire Department hosted an annual Memorial Day Collection Drive and Touch-a-Truck to benefit area veterans in need.

The inaugural Spring Festival was held on the North Haven Town Green featuring Maypole dance demonstrations, live entertainment, food trucks and the crowning of Miss Spring Princess.

An in-school field trip was hosted at NHHS in which students heard firsthand accounts from veterans, speech writers, professors, stockbrokers and others on topics ranging from the Woodstock music festival to the events of 9/11 and the war in Iraq.

June

As a crew of first responders worked to rescue victims of a rollover accident near exit 10 on I-91, the North Haven Fire Department’s fire engine, which was acting as a blocking apparatus, was badly damaged. The apparatus was removed from service indefinitely.

At a special town meeting, nearly $2 million was approved to fund the milling and paving of the 130 miles of roads for which the town is responsible.

The annual Connecticut Irish Festival was held on the North Haven Fairgrounds, including food, face painting, a dart tournament, music, a 5k road race, and more.

A series of job fairs for the new Amazon fulfillment center at 409 Washington Avenue was held throughout the month.

The NHHS football team hosted its 15th annual Spring Brawl at Vanacore Field. The game was held in support of 15-year-old town resident Zak Radziunas in his fight against leukemia.

July

The PZC approved plans for the construction of a Hampton Inn and Suites on Universal Drive.

The Democratic party did not endorse a candidate for first selectman in the upcoming November election, leaving Mike Freda unopposed.

The PZC approved a proposal to allow the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club (UBGC) to expand into North Haven’s Hope Christian Church. The PZC gave approval on the condition that it cap enrollment at 70 students.

Mark Rubino of Meriden was charged in the hit-and-run accident that killed Maureen Munzner in March as she walked with her two children on Ridge Road.

The Democratic Town Committee voted to endorse Jennie Caldwell for a seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners over 24-year incumbent Peter Criscuolo.

The North Haven Police Department moved back to its headquarters on 8 Linsley Street after renovations and a small addition to the existing building were completed.

August

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce held its 35th annual Golf Classic.

NHHS earned continuing accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

September

The 77th annual North Haven Fair took place at the North Haven Fairgrounds.

Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidate Jennifer Caldwell earned a spot on the November ballot for the Board of Fire Commissioners by 68 votes, beating out longtime Fire Commissioner Peter Criscuolo in the Democratic primary.

North Haven voters weighed in on issues such as volunteer firefighter tax abatements at the Annual Town Meeting. All resolutions on the agenda passed.

A Walk for Autism took place at the North Haven Middle School, with all proceeds benefiting Benhaven School.

October

The Town of North Haven adopted a new town policy that stopped sports and recreational outdoor programs and activities on all town property and BOE fields and parks, due to the threat of mosquitoes carrying the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE).

The North Haven Police Department announced that its outdoor firearms training would take place on private property, located at Sackett Point Road in North Haven.

In conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Town of North Haven’s Substance Abuse Action Council hosted a drug take back day at Fire Headquarters.

November

In the municipal election, uncontested incumbent Republican Michael Freda won his sixth term in office with 4,789 votes. Republican incumbent Second Selectman William Pieper earned 3,473 votes and Democratic incumbent Third Selectman Sally Buemi, 1,896 votes. Voter turnout was 32 percent, with 5,678 of the town’s 17,745 registered voters participating.

Democrat Jennifer Caldwell beat incumbent petitioning candidate Peter Criscuolo in the race for a seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Assistant Director Sue Griffiths replaced retiring Director Pat LaTerza at the North Haven Memorial Library.

December

Residents gathered on the North Haven Green to partake in a tree lighting ceremony to celebrate the holiday season.

The PZC elected officers in its first meeting since the November elections. Vern Carlson was re-elected chairman; Richard Wilson was elected vice-chair and Theresa Ranciato-Viele was chosen as secretary.

First Selectman Michael Freda was appointed president of the non-partisan municipal organization, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.