2024 Winners
The 12th annual Beacon Awards was held on Oct. 8, 2024 and honored 15 members of the shoreline community.
Michael Barbaro
Michael Barbaro has a long history of providing financial support to numerous East Haven, New Haven, and Branford organizations for over two decades. Inspired by Neil Mellen, founder of Town Fair Tire, Michael is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. His contributions have supported New Reach, St. Martin DePorres School, the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven, the Sarah Foundation, Connecticut Hospice, Wreaths Across America, Feeding Families Foundation, and Fair Haven Community Health.
Cathy Weiss
Cathy Weiss has dedicated herself to various volunteer efforts, including serving as the Clinton Town Poet Laureate, organizing a community poetry project, and establishing the Cathy Weiss Sunrise Fund during COVID-19 to assist residents in Clinton. Inspired by the challenges of the pandemic, Cathy stepped up to support her community, granting 17 funds to those in need and demonstrating her commitment to making a difference. She also runs support groups for seniors and serves as a mentor to students. She loves the fulfillment and “helper’s high” she receives from her volunteer efforts.
Nicole Talmadge
Nicole Talmadge hopes that her work will help break cycles of generational poverty. She wishes to honor her mother’s legacy, who was also a volunteer in Madison. As Executive Director of the Kids’ Scholarship Fund, Nicole has worked hard to award scholarships that connect underprivileged children with schools where they can find safety and support. She also started the OutRun 38 foundation, uniting over 6,000 runners, walkers, hikers, and triathletes worldwide to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
Jack Stacey
Jack Stacey is always ready to offer a helping hand when needed. During COVID-19, he ensured homeless people throughout East Haven and New Haven were provided with lunches. He and his wife, Susan, also often went to pick up food donations a few times a week for the East Haven Food Pantry. He has served nine years on the Civil Service Commission and is currently in his third term as a member of the East Haven Board of Education. Along with general community support, he is chairman of East Haven’s Veteran’s Council. He is heavily involved in organizing many activities to honor those who have served, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veteran’s Day Services.
Cindy Sparago
Cindy Sparago co-founded East Haven Pride, an organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in East Haven. She aims to create spaces where all are welcome. She also dedicates hours every weekend to providing labor assistance to the East Haven Food Pantry. She loves working with like-minded people who also want to serve their community. She is always searching for ways to give back and has tirelessly worked to make sure every resident of East Haven feels welcome.
Jean Schneider
Jean Schneider has volunteered for the Essex Community Fund for 15 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including secretary, vice president, president, and treasurer. Inspired by her parents’ hard work, she felt it was important to volunteer for organizations that helped Essex residents have the best quality of life. Through ECF, she has fundraised to give grants to non-profits that help Essex residents with food insecurity, transportation, mental health insurance, fuel assistance, and educational opportunities.
Lorenzo Santamaria
Lorenzo Santamaria, a Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, has lived his life serving his community and fellow veterans. As commander of the Edward A. Norton VFW Post #7666 since 1979, he has been at the heart of organizing Memorial Day parades and ceremonies for veterans. Beyond his leadership, he provides thousands of meals through Meals on Wheels and community events like the Guilford Veterans Day Lasagna Dinner. He was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2024 for his community work and generosity.
Jackie Peters
A cancer survivor, Jackie Peters is dedicated to helping others through their fight. As the leader of Team Pff, Jackie has expanded the team from supporting breast cancer research to raising over $100,000 for assorted causes, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Make A Wish, The Cove, and several families coping with tragic circumstances. She wants to give back to the community who cared for her through both of her cancer diagnoses. Jackie also walks every year for Alzheimer’s. She says if she could walk a few miles to help with research for a cure, sign her up!
Eileen Parlato
Eileen Parlato of East Haven has volunteered with various local organizations, including the East Haven Food Pantry, East Haven Pride, and Team Rubicon. She spearheaded the creation of a formal and consistent home delivery program for the food pantry, now serving nearly 50 households monthly. Along with managing this program, she also helps to distribute food at the pantry on Saturdays. Inspired by her parents, Noreen and Fred Parlato, who are East Haven Merit Award winners, Eileen believes that volunteering strengthens community connections, fosters empathy, and brings a deeper sense of purpose to those who give back.
Paul Muniz
Paul Muniz has been an avid server of Branford organizations for over two decades. As a chairman of the Branford Solid Waste Management Commission, he has led studies on Branford’s trash and recycling program, paving the way for new collection methods and improved cost controls. He has also increased flood risk awareness among Branford residents through volunteering for the Branford Coastal Vulnerability Working Group. As President of the Hotchkiss Grove Shore District, he spearheaded recovery efforts following two hurricanes. Inspired by his father-in-law and neighbor, Paul is driven by the belief that when you have the knowledge to help, it’s your responsibility to give back.
Lorrie Maiorano
Lorrie Maiorano of East Haven has built meaningful connections with the community through understanding the unique needs and aspirations of the people she has served in many communities, including East Haven. She strives to grow personally through connections with others, and in exchange, she shares her skills, time, and care. Inspired by her upbringing and experiences as a parent, she has volunteered for organizations such as the East Haven Chamber of Commerce, the East Haven Economic Development Commission, and the New Haven Middlesex Association of Realtors.
Nancy Leckerling
Inspired by her Christian faith and her family, Nancy Leckerling of Madison has dedicated decades to volunteering with various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, Raise the Roof, IRIS, and the Environmental Ministry Team for the First Congregational Church in Guilford. Her efforts have ranged from building homes and organizing volunteer groups to settling refugees from Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Syria—two of whom became part of her family. Additionally, she co-founded the environmental ministry team to lead initiatives aimed at “greening the church.”
Bernadette Carver
Bernadette Carver has volunteered in the communities of Westbrook and Essex for almost thirty years. Since 1995, she has held multiple leadership roles and organized major fundraisers for the Exchange Club of Old Saybrook/Westbrook. Her passion for supporting others extends to causes such as the Beach Jam for Cancer Patient Care and Warm the Children, helping families in need. Fueled by seeing smiling faces, she was inspired by her mother, her time as a Girl Scout, and the rewarding experience of co-chairing the activities committee for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in Connecticut.
David Blifford
David Blifford is a dedicated resident of Deep River. For the past 10 years, he has worked with the Fountain Hill Cemetery Board of Directors to maintain and preserve the cemetery according to bylaws. He has even worked on the restoration of the cemetery’s pond and the installation of a water fountain. He also assists with local elections and helped fundraise and purchase food for the community health committee’s backpack program, ensuring elementary students have meals after school. David finds inspiration in his like-minded neighbors, who strive to make a meaningful impact in their small town.
Barbara Barrett
Barbara Barrett, President of Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library, supports literacy and enrichment programs for Branford and surrounding communities. Barrett brings leadership skills from her management background to sharpen the group as an organization and engage more people. Over her time as president, she has recruited more volunteers and helped the Friends raise an annual income of over $160,000 to support the library. She is grateful for the giving and supportive community.
