2025 Winners

Patrick Bryan of Chester is the creative force behind Chester Elementary School’s Halloween Town, one of the school’s largest annual fundraisers. He has dedicated hundreds of hours to designing and building structures, carnival games, and animatronic decorations, as well as organizing the popular cemetery walk. Beyond Halloween Town, Patrick also builds sets and props for theater productions at John Winthrop Middle School, Valley Regional High School, and the Community Music School. Throughout his more than 10 years as a Chester Elementary PTO volunteer, Patrick has been known for stepping in wherever he’s needed, whether it’s repairing equipment or lending a hand with after-school activities and events.

Jaye Carlson of Guilford has championed inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities over the past 15 years through her leadership with Special Olympics Connecticut, Guilford Public Schools Unified Sports, and teaching American Sign Language. As head coach, Jaye expanded the Central Shoreline Special Olympics program from one team to ten, while also growing Unified Sports in middle and high schools, organizing social events, and mentoring youth. Known affectionately as “Mama Jaye” to her students, she remains dedicated to creating opportunities and inclusive spaces for all students, athletes, and families across Guilford and the shoreline community.

Laura Francis of Madison is a strong advocate for making public spaces inclusive and accessible for everyone. As a board member of Peace Love ACCESSibility, she has driven awareness and improvements for individuals with mobility and cognitive disabilities. In her roles as a Girl Scout leader, past Jeffrey Elementary School PTO president, and Corner Nursery School board member, she has led initiatives including accessible beach mats, playground upgrades, and other inclusivity projects. Laura also helped launch the Bench Cancer fundraiser, raising more than $45,000 to support local families. She enjoys involving her children in volunteering and participating as a family in fundraisers including the Closer to Free ride supporting cancer research and patient care.

Tim Gannon of Killingworth has been the driving force behind the transformation of Parmelee Farm over the past 20 years, turning what was once an abandoned turkey farm into a thriving 132-acre community space. As longtime chair of the Parmelee Farm Steering Committee, Tim has organized restoration efforts, volunteer groups, and popular events at the farm including artisan markets, the summer concert series, and Christmas at the Farm. He also founded the Parmelee Farm Maple Sugar House, raising funds and helping to build the facility, which today serves as both a working sugar house and an educational center for schools, scouts, and visitors. In addition to his work with Parmalee Farm, Tim is a 40-year member of the Killingworth Lions Club and a founding member of the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce.

Vincent Giordano of Branford has dedicated more than five decades to service through civic leadership and advocacy for veterans. A retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers captain, he earned the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and has since been a cornerstone of community life in Branford. Vincent is a longtime member and past president of the Branford Lions Club, as well as a former president of both the James Blackstone Library and the Pine Orchard Association. He also supports the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance by donating the use of his winery and vineyard for fundraising events. Vincent has served as Master of Ceremonies for Branford’s Memorial Day Parade for the past 53 years and as Parade Marshal for the Veterans Day Parade for the past 40 years.

Mike Lawton of Westbrook has committed his time and talents to giving back to shoreline communities since his retirement from Pfizer. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in technology, he tutors English learners through Literacy Volunteers in Westbrook, streamlines operations at Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, and has previously assisted clients at New London’s homeless shelter with navigating websites, securing employment, and accessing transportation. Mike is currently developing a digital check-in system for several pantry sites that will allow for a smoother sign-in process and distribution of food and services. At Bikes for Kids in Essex, he helps to repair bicycles and provides riders in need with safe, reliable equipment. More than 30,000 bikes have been distributed to date.

Cinzia Lettieri of Clinton has devoted her time and focus to strengthening her community, with a passion for environmental causes. She currently serves on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Water Pollution Control Commission, where she works to guide responsible development and safeguard natural resources. Appointed by Governor Lamont to the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality, Cinzia helps monitor environmental health, advise state agencies, and respond to citizen concerns. As an educator, she has expanded STEM and civic programs in Hamden schools, while continuing her service through local initiatives—from managing Girl Scout cookie sales to supporting libraries, fundraisers, and historic preservation.

Jim Lockhart of Deep River has spent more than 20 years fostering public awareness of Connecticut’s coastal habitats for people of all ages. A retired teacher, Jim volunteers with the Friends of Outer Island and the Greater Stewart B. McKinney Refuge Association, where he leads school field trips, environmental education programs, and public kayak tours. Jim also contributes to habitat restoration and maintenance across the McKinney Refuge, from building wildlife blinds to protecting nesting sites. Much of his volunteer time is spent on Outer Island conducting environmental education and research, and on Faulkner Island preserving wildlife nesting areas.

Michael Rafferty of Old Saybrook is a retired educator and former middle school principal who has dedicated his career and volunteer service to youth development. Michael co-founded the Old Saybrook Healthy Community–Healthy Youth Initiative in 1990, which went on to become a statewide model for positive youth programming. He has served on the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services Commission for more than seven years and is currently its chairperson. Michael’s volunteer commitments also include the Acton Public Library Foundation, the Old Saybrook Education Foundation, and an educator training board for the Connecticut Department of Education.

Doreen Shirley of Madison has spent more than 30 years nurturing generations of students with a love of reading. She taught first and fourth grades before serving as a reading specialist in Madison Public Schools. Named Jeffrey School’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Doreen balanced her teaching career while raising four sons. Since retiring, Doreen has continued her passion for literacy as secretary of the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library Board and co-chair of its Development Committee, leading fundraising efforts like the library’s annual Beachside Bash and its Heart of Madison Raffle. Doreen champions literacy because she believes a literate society creates more opportunities and stronger, safer communities.

Bill Stableford of Madison has devoted more than 40 years to public service through leadership and volunteerism along the shoreline. As president and long-time board member of Madison A Better Chance, he has guided the program’s scholastic mission for more than 25 years. He has also provided leadership to the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, the Rotary Club of Guilford, and the Academy School Community Center Advisory Committee. Bill enjoys giving back to communities both locally and globally, from organizing youth Habitat for Humanity projects to supporting refugee resettlement with the Integrated Refugee and Immigration Service in New Haven, as well as international aid through the Haitian Help Foundation.

Lorena Venegas of East Haven has dedicated herself to connecting families with the resources they need to thrive, from education and healthcare to housing and food security. She guides Spanish-speaking parents, educates residents on local government and policy, and helps neighbors engage on issues such as zoning, development, and stormwater management. A board member of the Greater New Haven Green Fund, Lorena also volunteers with the Citizen Climate Lobby, Neighborhood Housing Services, and other local organizations, sharing her expertise on environmental justice. Through bilingual outreach, programming, and mentorship, Lorena works to strengthen support for families and help build a more connected, resilient shoreline community.

Maureen Westbrook of Deep River retired in 2022 as President of Connecticut Water Company after a  distinguished 34-year career in leadership and public service. She has served the Town of East Windsor, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and numerous water industry associations. Marueen has also served on the Westbrook Board of Education, the Westbrook Library Board, and in various volunteer capacities with school and community organizations. She currently chairs the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and serves on the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce board, forging new partnerships and spearheading initiatives such as the Deep River Cares Fund, which she founded in 2024 to support local families. Grant recipients have included the Deep River Public Library, Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, and Deep River Elementary School.

Christina Zarotney of Old Saybrook leads the Connecticut branch of Empower, a nonprofit supporting children and young adults who have lost a parent. She oversees the program’s mentorship initiatives, carefully matching grieving children with adults who share similar experiences, and organizes statewide events—including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gatherings—to foster community and healing. A former language arts teacher and current literacy coach for Madison Public Schools, Christina is equally devoted to education and service, volunteering extensively with the Old Saybrook Public Schools PTO. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping young people discover resilience and hope.