nothin New Haven Independent | Eunice Lasala Honored at Hometown Harmonies

Eunice Lasala Honored at Hometown Harmonies

All photos by Bill O’Brien

The Branford Community Foundation pulled out all the stops last Friday at its first Hometown Harmonies, Celebration of Our Community program at the Owenego Beach and Tennis Club, recognizing Branford community icon Eunice Lasala, who encouraged people to get involved” and enjoy the experience.

Owenego owner John Bloomquist greets guest of honor Lasala.

The organization set a goal of having 250 people. What they ended up with was 665 who registered in advance and another 200 showed up at the door to honor Lasala and enjoy the musical program. The large crowd filled the tent and overflowed to the perimeter.>

Our goal was to raise awareness of the Branford Community Foundation and we feel we did that and more,” said Liza Petra, executive director of the foundation. The tent overflowed with mission, music, joy, and laughter. And beyond that, the generosity of the community through the free-will ticket price, donation jar, and sponsorships was beyond our wildest expectations.”

Liza Petra and host Colin Sheehan shared a laugh.

Retired Branford High School musical director Cathyann Roding honed her well-known skills, leading the talented groups. Their outstanding performances resulted in a number of standing ovations. …

… for the youngest, including members of the Tabor Performing Arts …

… and the Shoreline Theater Company’s cast of Hairspray and Aladdin

… to high schoolers. (ere, the cast of the play Shrek and other performers gather before they go on stage) .…

And adults. Musicians for the night included Emmett Cassidy (left), John Tedeschi, John Prins, and Cathyann Roding.

Individuals performed as well.

Kelsey Mulligan received a standing ovation after belting out a song.

And the always-entertaining Colin Sheehan hosted the evening with his charm, charisma, and humor. His comments were lighthearted and reminded some of comedian Don Rickles, especially when he good naturedly pestered his mother because she didn’t bring him a drink when he asked her. It resulted in four patrons buying him drinks, which he shared with others. The audience loved it.

Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi said he always wanted to win a Tony Award and Sheehan made it happen.

Midway through the program, Liza Petra spoke about the Branford Community Foundation and its recent impact on providing community support.

She said, The weather was beautiful and Colin Sheehan created an amazing show. The progression of singers from the elementary school students to those that have experienced Broadway success was powerful.”

She added, It was heartwarming to hear Colin, and Greg Nobile, Branford’s Tony Award-winning producer, share their own stories of why they created funds with the foundation and also hear from Cathyann, whose programs at the high school the foundation was pleased to support through the years.”

Petra then introduced First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and State Rep. Sean Scanlon, who presented Eunice with proclamations, which acknowleged her long and distinguished community service. Petra and Sheehan joined them on stage.

Lasala was cited for her 13 years of service on the board of the Community Foundation, including six as president, and on the boards of the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, the Branford Garden Club, and the Branford Compassion Club among others.

The program was deemed a huge success and the audience showed their support for a repeat next year when Colin asked if they would come back again.

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