Branford, Guilford, East Haven Communities Respond to Tragedies

Branford, East Haven and Guilford are three towns similar in population, located back-to-back-to-back on the shoreline. All three have much in common, from heated high school sports rivalries to beautiful shoreline scenery.

Unfortunately, in recent months, all three have been tied together by unspeakable tragedy. In East Haven, a teenager was badly injured while mowing his lawn by a falling tree; in Guilford a boy was killed by a gun shot in a home; and in Branford, a young boy drowned while swimming with his brothers.

But out of these terrible tragedies that has tied the three towns together in many conversations amongst families and friends the past few months another bind has become clear - the incredible community support each town has for one of its own.

From candlelight vigils, to GoFundMe pages, to fundraisers, to setting up foundations, the efforts to help the families impacted by both the families themselves and their friends has been nothing less than amazing and inspiring.

Patch would like to remind everyone of the unfortunate incidents that happened in each community - and - the efforts that were and still are being made to help those impacted.

We'll start with Branford.

BEN CALLAHAN

Ben Callahan was 10 years old. Last July he was playing outside with his two brothers when he lost his footing, fell down an embankment, and into a pipe along the Branford River.

He couldn’t be saved.

In the immediate days after his death, the town of Branford could not be consoled.

A vigil on the Branford Green on a hot summer night was attended by thousands.

In the days and weeks after his death, with his family leading the way, numerous measures were taken in town to make sure Ben’s short life will not be forgotten.

Ben’s dad is a fitness instructor and a few days after Ben’s death hundreds of people - not just in Branford but across the state and country - participated in a Ben Callahan tribute workout

The money raised at the event went to the Ben Callahan Foundation, set up in Ben’s name to benefit causes the Callahan family believes in.

The foundation has already helped feed the hungry on the New Haven Green and funded a Christmas party for foster kids this December.

But there was so much more.

There was a benefit motorcycle ride in September of last year, where hundred of motorcyclists helped raise money for the Foundation.

In November, a Ben Callahan Memorial Garden overlooking the Branford River, near where Ben drowned, was dedicated. The garden was put together through the efforts - and is maintained - by many volunteer people and businesses in town.

NICK VESSICCHIO

Nick was critically injured over the summer when a tree fell on him while he was mowing his lawn at his home.

He has been hospitalized since - though the hope is he will soon return to his East Haven home to continue his rehabilitation from his crippling injuries sustained when the 30-foot tree fell on him.

On February 2nd, 600 people attended and thousands of dollars were raised at a dinner for Nick and his family.

The dinner organized was organized by Joann Gondek, Caroline Vitale-Koziatek and Joseph Carfora and was held at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden from 6-11 p.m., where all the proceeds from the evening will be given to the Vessichio family.

Carfora, who gives much of the credit for the organizing to Gondek and Koziatek, did sum up the effort best though by stating: "In the hardest of times the town of East Haven came together for a great cause," said Carfora, who added that other surrounding towns also reached out to help make the night a success.”

Meanwhile, efforts to help the family are continuing back in East Haven.

Toward that end, East Haven contractor Anthony Bianco, who runs A&G Contracting in town, has volunteered to head up the efforts to make the house ready for Nick.

Koziatek has been fielding calls from those who have volunteered to join A&G in the effort to make the house as comfortable for Nick as possible.

According to Koziatek much progress has been made at the house: demolition work has been done, framing is almost done, heating and plumbing is in progress.

She added, however, much still needs to be done, including finishing heating and plumbing, flooring, finishing work, painting, outside access and other work.

Koziatek said: "The family is overwhelmed and lifted up by the outpouring of financial and physical help to get Nick home."

Bianco is receiving no money for his time and efforts. "We still need electricians, plumbers, laborers, contractors," said Koziatek. She said anyone that wants to help Bianco with the work should contact her, not him, at (203) 467-8824.

ETHAN SONG

It has been less than a week since 15-year-old Ethan Song tragically died from a gun shot while he was in a Seaside Avenue home in Guilford.

Much is still not known about what happened that day in the house where Ethan was with a fellow teenager.

What is known is the incredible way the Guilford community - and Ethan’s family - responded.

School, police, town and community officials immediately took steps to ensure that Ethan’s classmates were comfortable returning school the next - even having service dogs at the school to make sure the students - and others - had the comfort they needed.

A prayer vigil on the Guilford Green was attended by hundreds of people on Friday night - two days after the shooting - even though the temperature was barely above zero degrees.

People were glad to be shivering to pay their respects to Ethan.

But perhaps the most incredible testimonial to the love and support in the Guilford community for Ethan and his family was the incredible response to a GoFundMe Page started by Ethan’s parents and siblings.

Over a few days, more than $90,000 was raised on a page which had a stated goal of $5,000.

Over 1,300 people had made contributions.

What seemed to touch people the most was the note left by Ethan’s family - that all the donations were going to causes that Ethan cared about.

Here is that note:

This is a memorial fund to honor the life of Ethan Miller Song who passed away tragically on 1/31/2018. Money raised will go to support causes that Ethan believed in such as Animal Rights, Human Rights, and Gun Education and Advocacy. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, and love.

Mike, Kristin, Emily, and Evan Song

We tell the story of Ben, Ethan and Nick - their families - and the efforts of the townspeople of Branford, Guilford and East Haven to highlight what is so special about all of our hometowns - it is our home.