AREA PEOPLE OF NOTE

⏩ West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, 5th District Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton, George S. Synodi, the University of New Haven’s vice president for finance and administration, and Ronald M. Quagliani, UNH’s associate vice president of public safety and administrative services, celebrate the newly lit Christmas tree in Brent Watt Park on Tile Street on Dec. 15. The tree’s electrical hookup was made possible and paid for by the university, said a grateful Watt Hamilton, who represents the district that includes the UNH campus. The 97-by-110-foot park, just a block west of Ruden Street near the UNH and Notre Dame High School campuses, is near and dear to Watt Hamilton’s heart. The pocket park was dedicated on July 1, 2017, in honor of her brother, the late Democratic Councilman Brent Watt, who served Allingtown’s 5th District from Dec. 4, 2011, until his death on June 25, 2016, at age 54.

⏩ Realtors from Pearce Real Estate made and donated Thanksgiving holiday baskets for those in need within their communities. The 25 “baskets” are actually foil roasting pans festively wrapped and filled with all the Thanksgiving staples plus a $25 grocery gift card to purchase a turkey. The holiday baskets were donated to Clinton Social Services, Community Dining Room in Branford, Women & Family Life Center in Guilford, Rotary Club of Milford, North Haven Congregational Church, Youth Continuum in New Haven, New Opportunities in Greater Meriden, and Community Action Agency of New Haven.