Library director retiring after 34 years

NORTH HAVEN — After 34 dedicated years, the director of library services for the town of North Haven, Patricia LaTerza, is retiring.

LaTerza joined the staff at the North Haven Library as head of Children’s Service in November 1985. She immediately took the department under her wing and created countless new programs for children, including Adventures in Art, Baby Bounce, Sensory Storytime and a Story

Walk along the town green.

She was responsible for developing the children’s department collection, including an extensive selection of fairy tales and special collections such as “sick kid kits” and “sensory kits.”

She added cake pans to the circulating collection in 2010, and the North Haven Library was among the first in the nation to offer them. This was featured in a New York Times article and on NPR.

Her Summer Reading Program for children was enjoyed by over 1,000 children each summer. For many years, she organized and ran a carnival on the library grounds to kick off summer reading.

In 2014, she worked with more than 50 local businesses to help sponsor the townwide “One Town, One Book” program, Reading is Your Golden Ticket.

LaTerza became the assistant director of Library Services in 2015. In this role, she brought her vision to the rest of the library, creating enticing displays that incorporated the bookstore feel.

She increased programming for adults, bringing in many new programs on art and history. She was appointed director of Library Services in 2016. She added more displays, rearranged the second floor to offer more comfortable seating, and created much needed quiet study space.

Programming for adults has continued to expand; she implemented a coffee and snack bar with new cafestyle seating and has forged many relationships through the years, working with local groups in the North Haven community.

A reception in LaTerza’s honor will be held in the library’s community room Thursday from 35:30 p.m. with refreshments. The public is welcome.

New Haven churches offer free Thanksgiving dinners

NEW HAVEN — A free Thanksgiving Day dinner, sponsored by Church of God and Saints of Christ, 109 Beers St., New Haven, will be held on

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at the church.

Volunteers and donations are needed and appreciated.

To volunteer, call Carolyn at 2039014236.

To donate or volunteer for dinner delivery, call Tanya at 2036273916

Dinners may be picked up at the church between 10 a.m. and noon; pickup reservations must be made by Nov. 25; call Carolyn at the number above.

Dinners will be delivered to seniors and shutins only upon request.

To ensure delivery on Thanksgiving Day, call Carolyn or Tanya at the numbers listed above.

16th annual Shopper’s Delite

CHESHIRE — The St. Bridget of Sweden’s Women Society of Cheshire will hold its 16th annual Shopper’s Delite and Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Parish Center.

There are a few spaces available for artisans, crafters, home demonstrators and small businesses to be vendors for this event.

Past vendors include Tastefully Simple, Pamper Chief, Party Lite and Tupperware.

Vendors have also sold specialty gift items such as leather goods, baked goods, toys, linens and sports memorabilia.

Crafters have made wreaths, doll clothes, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations.

The Shopper’s Delite is a fundraiser for several scholarships that are sponsored by the St. Bridget of Sweden’s Women’s Society.

For more information contact Patti at flynnharrispatti@gmail.com.

Fundraising continues for family

EAST HAVEN — Robert Savarese and his family suffered a house fire on Nov. 6 at their home in East Haven. The house sustained extensive damage.

The family lost two dogs and cats in the fire, and another dog is in critical condition.

Robert Savarese is a captain at Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton, and members of the East Haven Fire Department are raising funds to help purchase food, clothing, and housing for his family.

To make a donation, go to gofundme.com/f/ pleasehelpthesavaresefamilyafterahousefire? utm_medium=referral&utm_ source=unknown&utm_ campaign=comms_6dh+pleasehelpthesavaresefamilyafterahousefire