Welcome to Branford Patch

Hi, I am Nicole Ball, your Branford Patch editor. Some of you may recognize me from the weekly news segment I did on Branford Community Television.

In early November I accepted the opportunity to launch www.branford.patch.com ­­­ – a job I just could not turn down. Who wouldn't want to work covering the news and events unique to our special town on the Connecticut shoreline?

Since my first day on the job I've been buzzing around town learning about our local government and finding interesting stories about the people who make Branford such a vibrant place to live.

In my travels, I was building a comprehensive directory with a team of freelancers to provide useful information about businesses, restaurants, government departments and more. While I was busy working on this, my calendar editor was filling our Patch with great events to help you choose how to spend your day.

Before my website launched, I attended the Second Annual Coat and Blanket Drive put on by Steve Potter at the Branford Elk's Club. Without a home for this great story, I used my Facebook and Twitter accounts to share the news. 

Now that Branford Patch has launched, you'll find some timely stories in the news section.

Did you know the James Blackstone Memorial Library efforts are now on hold? I took a ride in a construction bucket up to the dome to check it out; a video I think you'll enjoy.

And of course while I've been busy in buckets, high up in the sky, my great team of freelancers has been hitting the streets writing stories as well.

Julie Sopchak has a piece about the inaugural season. Sports Editor Kyle Sorice added a great video.

I've hired Roger Miller to help me cover town meetings. He's got the latest scoop on the between the Board of Education and Queach Corp.

Also, on our website, you'll find regular columns. Self-proclaimed as wedding-obsessed, Branford native Erin Ethier gives you the skinny on local nuptials in her bi-weekly . Be sure to send her your wedding news!

Alana Abbott, a former James Blackstone Memorial Library reference desk employee and current freelance writer, will offer you a bi-weekly feature, , which highlights the past and present of Branford's neighborhoods. She's looking for you to share the stories that make your block unique to Branford.

Victoriaanna Adinolfi (I call her V) dishes up weekly offering you recipes, that when possible, will feature local foods. I must tell you, she's got a great sense of humor and terrific taste.

You'll also find some regular contribution from Rick Hart, training officer at the Branford Fire Department as well as the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Director Laura Burban's weekly column.

In the following days I'll have some festive stories including a holiday house decorating tour and a video about a quaint Christmas gathering in Stony Creek.

So, Branford, I look forward to working with you and for you. Please me with news tips, story ideas, upcoming events and, of course, just to say hi.

A big thank you to all the people working hard to make this website "launch" and to the town for answering all of my many questions.

Your Patch Girl,

Nicole Ball

nicole.ball@patch.com