New Haven Independent

The night was all about celebrating success and civic engagement. All of the honorees were surrounded by colleagues, extended families, supporters and friends. The two venues dueled for top honors in their cordial service and abundantly generous epicurean offerings. Although it was difficult, this Dish was mindful of the price of overindulgence!

Mitch Young (pictured at top with Dale Kroop) and Michael Bingham of Business New Haven co-hosted the “Rising Stars” at Amarante’s. Those two amazing men knew every person on that bustling deck, and almost everything about their businesses and professional lives. They network as a great duo. All of their nominees were very accomplished, leaving me to wonder: when, exactly, you are deemed to have fully risen? Ages and accomplishment levels offered no clues. Each of the awardees had distinguished achievements in careers and civic contributions. It is wonderful to know that they identify such a cadre of outstanding people each and every year. New Haven is blessed!

The other question that keeps nagging is, “when do you know if you are a falling star??”

Rising star honorees were Andy Boone (UBS Financial Services, Elm City Shakespeare and LEAP), Krista Computaro (Sogno Boutique-President of Audobon Arts and Retail Association), Dr. Jack Hauser (Cardiologist and Founder/CEO of CT Weight and Wellness Centers), Joe Bottone (Worx Group, Prospect-Leadership Greater Waterbury and other municipal civic engagement) Evelyn Gard (Gateway Community College’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing-mentor and musician), Ray Andrewson (General manager, WQUN 1220 AM radio, Christian Community Action and Schooner, Inc.), Matthew Feiner (Devil’s Gear Bike Shop owner, Elm City Cycling), Katie Tuttle (President, Mascola Advertising), Roger J. Sciascia (CPA Managing Partner of Weinstein and Anastasio-American Red Cross and GNHCC), Sal Annunziato (Managing principal, Nexgen Solutions, LLC), Julie Braun (Owner of Julie Braun Design marketing company-Big Brothers Big Sisters), Art Randolph (Geenty Group, Realtors, Branford. and a principal of Nutmeg Wireless, a telecom consultancy-Rotary Club and a youth soccer coach), Ronald Hansen, Jr (President and CEO, Component Engineers Inc., Wallingford- Freemasons), Michele Zettergren and James Augur (both Vice Presidents of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield) and Dale Kroop (Director of economic and community development, town of Hamden).

Lesley Mills (owner of Griswold Special Home Care), a real community star in her own right was there to cheer on Ray Andrewson. Kevin and Kristin Geenty, Barry Stratton and other realtors served as the galley for Art Randolph. Jack Hauser’s fan club included wife Deb and their young son, his mother, Dr. David Goodkind and lots of staff representation.

Randi Whitcomb of the United Way was in full campaign networking mode, admiring all of the winners and their friends. (Pictured: Lesley Mills, Kevin and Kristen Geenty.)

On to Anthony’s, then; we will take a look at some more amazing stars. The room was not filled with all of the “ordinary suspects”! Probate Judge Jack Keyes and his staff have worked, tirelessly, to improve the quality of life for custodial grandparents, an ever expanding population. Jack’s hard work is a tribute to his late father, the beloved Probate Judge Thomas Keyes. Emma Jones (pictured) coordinates these extraordinary efforts.

In collaboration with the CT State Department of Social Services, they administer The Kinship Fund. The program provides small grants for orphaned or abandoned children in the care of relatives who are court-appointed legal guardians. These grants range from $50 to $250 per child and up to $1,000 for all children living in a household. This money may be used for clothing, medication, food, school supplies, tutoring, after-school enrichment, extracurricular activities and other expenses critical to a child’s healthy development.

Pictured: Tyra DeBoise with Grandmother Susan Simmons of Lazy Susan’s Cafe,
honorees.

The Grandparent Respite Fund provides grants in amounts up to $2,000 for grandparents and relative caregivers. Recipients may use the money for anything that brings them respite and helps them take the child into their home, including housing, transportation and child care expenses. The Kinship Fund and Respite Fund ease this transition by providing what the guardian and the child need during this difficult adjustment period to make life more normal.
It was ironic that a dinner in the adjoining ballroom was for the Criminal Law Division of the CT Bar Association. Super attorneys Tara Knight and Willie Dow were spotted making their entrances. The Dish would have done some serious fund raising there. Many of the families and their circumstances were probably sadly familiar to that group!

Pictured: Lindy Lee Gold and Tyra DeBoise.

The group was celebrating the achievements of the families; some of the younger beneficiaries are about to start their college careers.

Pictured: Jack Keyes with DCF social worker Norleen Ponte and her baby Mia, Probate Court volunteer Jessica Quiones; and Maryann Townley, DCF social work supervisor.

What an assignment! Unless applause can be considered aerobic, the Dish had best diet and exercise to prepare for the next such evening……ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!

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