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Mission Accomplished

We thank all who worked very hard to make the April 28 fourth annual East Haven's Week of the Young Child Children's Fair such a huge success. The goal was to bring the East Haven community's attention on the needs of young children and their families, to recognize the importance of early childhood programs and services, and show the commitment to meet those needs. We accomplished this goal. We're extremely grateful for all the food donations to the East Haven Food Pantry and Animal Shelter. It was wonderful to see East Haven families come together to share in the fun. Children were dancing, doing crafts, playing games, getting their face painted, sitting in the trucks, and playing with small creatures. There were a lot of smiling faces.

This event helped the East Haven community focus on the many positive experiences it offers. Special thanks go to: Overbrook School Principal Karen Schmidt; Bob Petrucelli of Youth Services; Sasha Gardner from the Hagaman Library; Old Stone Church Playschool Director Marion Burkhart; Little Jacket Director Cathy Finkle and Head Teacher Elizabeth Hume; Family Resource Center staff members Lucia Labagnara, Parent Educator Marissa Velazquez, Dawn Ford, Alicia Ranfone, and Maryann D'Auria; Curious Creatures; East Haven Fire and Police departments for the trucks and motorcycle; East Haven Rotary Club for the Amber Alert; and Briana and fellow East Haven High School students. Thanks go to East Haven businesses Home Depot, Jennifer's Ice Cream, Dunkin Donuts, Goodys Hardware, Rib House, Aniellos Pizza, Sweet Shop, Stop & Shop, Tolli's, Petonitos Bakery, IGA Supermarket, Chili's, Twin Pines Diner, Forbes Gas, and Minnervinis.

The raffle funds were divided between the East Haven Food Pantry and Animal Shelter. Most of all we thank The William P. Casper Graustein Memorial Fund and East Haven Early Childhood Collaborative for their continued support!

Mary VarunesBob Petrucelli Week of the Young Child Committee Chairs