As we come out of two difficult years that presented several obstacles surrounding the pandemic, the North Branford Rotary Club is preparing to recognize individuals who have made a difference to the North Branford community. The club is requesting nominations from individuals in town who know someone deserving of the Service Above Self Award. The award represents individuals in our community who actively help others, demonstrate meaningful humanitarian service, and have made an impact to the community as a result of their efforts. While volunteer efforts are preferred, recognition for paid employees for outstanding achievement for the benefit of the community will be considered. The club also welcomes posthumous nominations to be recognized.

The club recognized three distinguished North Branford residents last year. Judy Bannon, Laura Burich, and Victoria Lanza were presented with the Service Above Self award at the well-attended annual event.

Club President Melinda Fonda said, “Last year the club decided there’s no better way to say thank you to distinguished individuals in our town than to recognize them with an award that symbolizes dedication, compassion, and generosity. We intend to bring out the best of our community with these awards. I believe we were successful in achieving that last year and we look forward to doing it again this year.”

The club will hold the event this year on Thursday, June 23, at the Mill Pond Tavern. Individual nominations can be made by going to the North Branford Rotary website northbranfordrotary.org or Facebook page where a nomination form can be submitted online. The form will ask for basic information of the individual being as well as specific details about times when the individual has displayed “service above self.” The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, April 15.

For more information, email NorthBranfordRotary@gmail.com or call Committee Chair Alex Casella at 203-433-3415 or Club President Melinda Fonda at 203-988-0883.