January

North Branford's Fire Chief of 16 years, William Seward III, retires Jan. 1, one month after he was not put up for reappointment to a new term by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Residents queue up Jan. 4 for drive-up COVID-19 rapid test kits distributed at Wall Field. The Town’s allotment of 990 kits is given away in about 30 minutes.

The 2021 Grand List stands at $1,372,706,140 and shows a net taxable increase of $42,186,041 or 3.17 percent over 2020. Largely fueling growth is motor vehicles due to supply chain issues creating increased market values.

North Branford is enjoying continued fiscal strength and economic activity in a year that will add some major new projects, creating what Town Manager Michael Paulhus sums up as "very exciting times for North Branford” in his State of the Town report.

After more than a year and a half negotiating all permitting and approvals, construction is getting underway to build Citrine Power's 2.6-megawatt solar array in a farm field at 127 Forest Road.

Input is gathered Jan. 18 at public hearing which will continue on the proposed ordinance to regulate operation and use of certain motorized recreational vehicles including pocket bikes, minibikes, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles.

With the state Supreme Court's December 2021 decision declining the Town's petition to review an Appellate Court decision, North Branford's town attorney says the Town has "exhausted its legal remedies" to fight a court order compelling the zoning commission to approve a 60,000-gallon bulk propane facility at 40 Ciro Road. As a result, the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) must approve a site plan application for JJ Sullivan Inc. (Guilford), doing business as 2772 BPR LLC.

A long-standing citizens' case, pending during the Town’s appeals process, is going forward to seek a court injunction to prohibit bulk propane storage at the 40 Ciro Road site.

February

With two changes, including one striking proposed hours of permitted operation on private property, the Town Council approves a new ordinance regulating the use of motorized recreational vehicles.

After two long years, the biggest weekend of the summer is on again, with a special night added to welcome residents back. The Potato and Corn Festival (POCO) committee announces the festival will take place Aug. 4 to 7.

The Board of Education (BOE) proposes a 2022-’23 school budget of $33,937,673.89 with an annual increase of $1,501,959.89 or 4.63 percent. The budget now heads to the Town Council for review.

March

As of March 1, North Branford Public School (NBPS) students and staff are no longer required to wear a facial mask while in school buildings.

Steel work for the new North Branford High School (NBHS) academic wing is complete at three stories tall on the school campus. On March 2, school and community leaders and project team members attended a topping out ceremony.

An elderly woman reported missing from her North Branford home since March 6 is located, deceased, by Wethersfield police on March 9.

Town government leaders and staff, leaders and members of NBPS and the BOE lead a joint community-wide effort to raise over $11,000 for the people of war-torn Ukraine.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D, D-3) visits North Branford Police Department (NBPD) with news of $1 million in federal funding which will be provided to upgrade the Town’s outmoded emergency operations communication center.

The Town Council will have its Finance Committee take on further review of whether North Branford will help fund a share of capital costs for Branford's $4.595 million Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter facility expansion and renovation project. North Branford has a municipal use agreement with Branford for animal control services based out of the shelter.

April

The Town Council recommends a 2022-'23 Town of North Branford budget of $58,704,902, an increase $3,684,472 or 6.7 percent over the current budget.

Written public comments are being accepted through April 14 on the siting of a proposed 110-foot-high cell tower planned for land leased at 222 Clintonville Road (Route 22) in Northford.

Area business owners, corporate leaders, organization representatives, and local leaders attend a State of the State event steeped in rustic charm at Northford’s new Millpond Gatherings on April 21. Nearly 100 gather to hear from keynote speaker David Lehman, CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, Millpond Gatherings owner Andrew Bozzuto, and others. The event is hosted by North Branford Economic Development Commission and Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

NBPD and the Town receives news of approval of a $4.5 million grant from the state to help construct a new, state-of-the-art police facility.

May

On May 3, NBPD charges 36-year-old Killingworth resident Amanda Mark in connection with an Oct. 16, 2021 fatal pedestrian hit-and-run accident at 27 Branford Road (Route 139). Mark, a Branford Deputy Fire Marshal, is placed on administrative leave following her arrest.

North Branford’s Police Commission recognizes Officer Kristen Fitzgerald with a Life Saving award for her response with North Branford Fire Department (NBFD) on April 22 resulting in the resuscitation of an unresponsive person.

The Town's Budget Referendum question brings 1.5 percent of registered voters to the polls on May 10. The Council’s recommended $58,704,902 with mill rate of 33.23 mills is adopted.

After 32 years as a probate judge, Frank J. Forgione announces he will retire when his current term as Branford-North Branford District 35 probate judge ends in January 2023. Prior to state redistricting splicing Branford and North Branford in one probate court district as of January 2011, Forgione served as North Branford probate judge from 1990 to 2010.

Following the act of a lone gunman killing 19 children and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker talks to The Sound about becoming one of the first districts in the state to bring in armed security shortly after the Dec. 14, 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings.

NBHS is awarded continued accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), following a decennial accreditation evaluation visit and report. NBHS receives several commendations in specific areas directly related to NEASC standards.

In accordance with a court order, the PZC approves the installation of a 60,000 gallon bulk propane storage facility at 40 Ciro Road.

State Representative Vincent Candelora is endorsed by the Republican committee to run in the November state election for a ninth consecutive term for the 86th Assembly District.

Democrats endorse Christine Cohen to run for a third term representing State Senate District 12 in the Nov. 8 election.

Republicans endorse Paul Crisci as their candidate for State Senate District 12 in the Nov. 8 election.

Democrats endorse attorney Charles “Chuck” Tiernan III to run for the 35th District Probate Judge seat, covering Branford and North Branford, in the Nov. 8 election.

Republicans endorse attorney Al Ippolito to run for the 35th District Probate Judge seat, covering Branford and North Branford, in the Nov. 8 election.

After a two-year hiatus, the annual Memorial Day Parade returns on Monday, May 30, stepping off on Middletown Avenue to the Northford village center.

June

East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) announces the newly-released COVID vaccine for children ages 6 months to 11 years old is now available through free local clinics in North Branford run by Griffin Hospital.

Town Manager Michael Paulhus announces he will resign from his post of nine years as of Aug. 5. Paulhus has been hired as the next town manager of Plainville.

Students and staff at Totoket Valley Elementary School (TVES) welcome the opening of the Ed Cann Bird Sanctuary. It is designed, built, and maintained by TVES staff members in honor Cann, a TVES custodian for over 48 years who passed away in 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Three North Branford residents are awarded North Branford Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Community Service Award on June 23: Ken Ash, Fran Murphy, and Mary Giovanni .

Sunny skies and some sage advice help 127 members of the NBHS of 2022 celebrate commencement exercises on the school field June 15.

NBPD joins the new South Central Regional Traffic Enforcement Unit to create an increased presence for motor vehicle enforcement on the shoreline this summer; together with departments from North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Guilford, and Madison.

The Town Council, BOE, and NBPS seek community support to help fill sparse shelves at the Food Pantry of North Branford with a food collection drive at public schools.

July

The JoeAbate Charitable Foundation is awarded a $10,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation to provide scholarships and to support the organization’s academic and career planning program for local high school students.

ESDHD, in conjunction with Albertus Magnus College, UCONN, and Yale University, holds community conversations on climate change in the region and its effects on health; residents bring questions and concerns.

The Totoket Historical Society (THS) launches a fundraising campaign spearheaded by Andy Bozzuto, local entrepreneur, to restore The Little Red School House on Northford’s Old Post Road.

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce (SCC) is launching a series of new post-pandemic business programs designed to mentor area entrepreneurs and provide small loans to put solutions into action.

North Branford’s shiny, brand-new “show mobile” mobile stage is now in town, and will premiere at the POCO as the main stage next month.

Due to some field site configuration work organizers announce POCO will now have a a larger midway area – with some surprises, new rides, and New England’s third largest traveling Ferris Wheel. The 2022 POCO coordinator team includes Rose Marie Angeloni, Mary Giovanni, Elisa Pannone, and Steve Torino.

Parks and Recreation’s playground installation at North Farms Park is completed with several new components.

August

At its Aug. 2 meeting, the Town Council appoints Town Clerk Lisa Valenti to serve as Acting Town Manager as of Aug. 6 and until a new Town Manager is hired. Mayor Jeffrey Macmillen thanks Valenti for accepting the additional role at Town Hall.

Four days of fun, entertainment and community are celebrated during POCO’s 20th anniversary year Aug. 4 to Aug. 7.

In meetings held in July in August, actions taken by the BOE include extending the Superintendent’s contract for three years, and discussion on work underway at the NBHS new building project.

The BOE is updated on research underway to develop a clean manufacturing associates degree training program at the high school, which would involve creating stand-alone building on the school campus in the future.

Registered Democrats and Republicans voting in the Aug. 9 primaries align with overall statewide voting to help pick party candidates for the Nov. 8 election.

U.S. House Appropriations chair Rosa DeLauro and U.S Representative Jim Himes come to the North Branford-based global manufacturer Honeywell to celebrate the bi-partisan House passage of the CHIPS and Science Act.

On Aug.16, the Town Council names a new Town Manager, Michael Downes, a North Branford native with a 25-year career in public service. Most recently, Downes had served a second term with the Town Council as an elected member (R). He resigned his council seat on Aug. 15 in order to accept the position of Town Manager. His first day on the job will be Sept. 13.

Caroline Anne Ashworth, a 21-year-old female Branford resident, is fatally shot on Aug. 27 by Michael Mollow, a 59-year-old Branford man with a North Branford dental practice, who then committed suicide at the scene, according to Wethersfield police.

Schools’ Chief Scott Schoonmaker says there’s something special about seeing students’ smiling faces as they arrive for the first day of school Aug. 31: no masks.

September

A significant, 24-hour rain event leads to some water damage to interior sheet rock and insulation beneath a section of incomplete roofing under installation at the NBHS building project.

On Sept. 5, police report a male suspect armed with a knife attempted to rob the Cumberland Farms Store on Foxon Road, and was fought off by a female clerk during the attempted robbery. She was not injured. Police are seeking any assistance from the public to help locate the suspect, who fled the scene in a vehicle.

On Sept. 6, the Town Council unanimously votes to appoint Republican Nicholas Palladino to the council, to fill a seat vacated by Michael Downes, who begins his role as Town Manager Sept. 13.

North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT) holds a ribbon cutting event on Sept. 24 at the new bridge and trail at Harrison Farm Preserve. Built by NBLCT volunteers, it connects the Harrison Farm Preserve to a half-mile tract of Regional Water Authority land.

A Phase 1 archaeological review needs to be conducted on a portion of the property at 305 Forest Road before federal funds can be provided for the new police facility and Emergency Operations Center. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) storm water discharge permit is also required in order to receive the funds.

With compassion, community, and cats, Branford Compassion Club (BCC) has been devoted to shoreline feline rescue for 25 years. Since 2011, BCC has operated from its Feline Rescue and Adoption Center at 2037 Foxon Road in North Branford.

October

A serious three-vehicle accident on Oct. 15 at 8:46 a.m. brings NBPD and NBFD responders to the area of Forest Road (Rte 22) near Gulf Brook Drive. One of the operators sustains serious injuries, one operator sustains minor injuries and one operator sustains life threatening injuries.

On Oct. 16, police share condolences for the family and share the identity of a community member who died as a result of a serious three-vehicle accident in town on Oct. 15; Northford resident Jeffrey DeFranseco, 40.

On Oct. 21, North Branford police representatives travel to Hartford to join thousands of officers attending a ceremony honoring two Bristol police officers shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call in Bristol.

During the 32nd annual community round-up Oct. 22, NBPS/North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) staff and students collect 4,740 pounds of food donations, enough to help the Food Pantry of North Branford supply 3,950 meals for neighbors in need.

November

North Branford’s new Police Department construction project is reported to the Town Council as on target for a January 2023 start date.

With work to address damage caused by a September rain storm and supply chain issues at play, plans for the move in-date into the new, three-story NBHS academic wing remain fluid. To date, $275,000 of the project’s $1.75 million in contingency monies have been utilized to address issues mainly created by rain infiltration during construction.

The interactive, CT-based Save a Life Tour visits NBHS on Nov. 4 to raise awareness among students regarding the dangers of distracted driving.

On Nov. 5, Northford Troop 463 recognized four new Eagle Scouts during special ceremony; including Luke Izzo, Andrew Amendola, Grant Bogardus, and Rich LaBree Jr.

North Branford voters showed their Republican roots on Nov. 8, with all GOP candidates on the ballot favored by the majority of registered voters coming to the polls at the town’s three polling places; although some Democratic candidates prevailed in races where North Branford was a partial district town. Of North Branford’s 9,505 registered voters, 66 percent, or a total of 6,277, came out to vote on Nov. 8, according to Town Clerk Lisa Valenti. In statewide election results, unchallenged Republican Vincent Candelora wins re-election to a ninth term as State Representative of the 86th District. Democratic State Senator Christine Cohen wins re-election to a third term representing District 12. Republican State Representative Paul Cicerlla wins re-election to District 34, which now includes a small segment of North Branford/Northford due to redistricting. Democrat Charles “Chuck” Tiernan III is elected as next Judge of Probate for Branford-North Branford District 35.

On Nov. 9, collaboration by NBPD detectives with local, state and federal agencies helps bring federal charges against two Bristol residents for numerous violent store robberies across the state, including an attempted robbery in North Branford on Sept. 5. A federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Bristol residents Lonny Cross, 44, and Rebecca Barbera, 40, with “...conspiring to commit numerous violent robberies across Connecticut in September and October of this year.” Cross received an additional charge for narcotics distribution.

Over $1,000 is raised and donated to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer through NBPS “Hats for Hope” campaign, organized by eighth grader and childhood cancer survivor, Nicolas Salvati.

The onsite Veterans Day Celebration returns to NBHS on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Veterans speak to students during the event, sponsored by the NBHS Wounded Warrior Organization.

When Debbie Verrillo joined Northford’s Edward Smith Library as Children’s Librarian, she had no idea it would become her second home for the next 34 years. On Nov. 19, a special open house retirement celebration honors Verrillo, who will retire in December.

A 62-year-old pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck by a pick-up truck at Central Plaza, 280 Branford Road, on Nov. 22. Emergency responders immediately performed life saving measures. He was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. An investigation into the accident is underway.

December

North Branford’s Tree Lighting is held Dec. 2 at the Town-owned Augur property, 290 Forest Road, in Northford. In partnership with North Branford Rotary Club, North Branford Parks and Recreation provides hay rides, musical entertainment, a petting zoo, ice sculpting demonstration, marshmallow toasting, hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa Claus.

The Town Council is updated on the progress of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter expansion and renovation project underway in Branford, which plans to open in January 2023. The shelter also serves as North Branford’s municipal animal shelter providing animal control officer services for North Branford and Northford.

Town Manager Michael Downes reports an offer has been accepted for a new Town Planner.

An early January 2023 start is anticipated for construction work to begin at the site of the new police facility at 305 Forest Road. The project contractor is working with the architect to review submittals, and a clerk of the works in now on board.

As part of a plan for cohesive building signage at the NBHS/NBIS buildings sharing the same campus, the illuminated insignia sign on the NBIS building will come down.

Delay of building rooftop units (HVAC) for the NBHS academic wing under construction lead to what is now anticipated to be a mid-February 2023 move-in to the building.

Since the South Central Regional Traffic Enforcement Team’s creation in June 23 deployments have taken place across the towns of East Haven, Branford, Guilford, North Haven, North Branford, and Madison. A total of 1,315 motor vehicle stops have been made and 426 infractions were issued. Officers also issued 48 misdemeanor summonses for more serious violations, whose penalties include mandatory court appearances.

On Dec. 14, NBFD quickly knocks down a structure fire on Marjorie Drive as first responders also assist residents with exiting the home, which sustained serious damage. No injuries are reported.