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Articles by Daniel Passapera
What does it mean to help others?
Opinion Daniel Passapera, Former Digital Managing Editor When I first came to Quinnipiac, I didn’t know if journalism was the right path for me. If you told me I would go on to lead an entire section within the Chronicle, let alone become a managing editor, I would’ve laughed. I was hesitant to join student media because I didn’t know if there was anywhere for me to fit in. That was until then-Editor-in-Chief Michael Sicoli kept encouraging me to join, for which I am grateful.
What footprint did Don Sawyer have on Quinnipiac University?
Creating inclusive spaces for students should be a priority in higher education, according to Don Sawyer. As vice president for equity, inclusion and leadership development at Quinnipiac University, Sawyer has coordinated and led events and initiatives about diversity, equity, inclusion, leadership, indigeneity, intersectional identities and culture. After the university released its 10-Point Plan, Sawyer launched " The Cut," in August 2020 as a video-style outlet for Black students at Quinnipiac.
Quinnipiac president buys $3.85 million home in Arizona
Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian and her husband Peter Liberti finalized a $3.85 million purchase on Oct. 11, for a 4,899-square-foot home in Arizona, according to property records obtained by the Chronicle. The records indicate that Olian, the university’s ninth president, and Liberti paid $1.78 million in cash for a down payment on the five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom residence at 10929 E Fortuna Drive in Scottsdale, Arizona.
National student loan relief provides hope to QU students
Two months ago, President Joe Biden announced a student loan relief plan that would erase a sum of federal student loans from borrowers. On Oct. 17, the application to apply for loan cancellation became available, providing a sense of relief for many students at Quinnipiac University. The program promises $10,000 in debt cancellation for individuals who earned less than $125,000 in 2020 and 2021 in income. Families who earned under $250,000 in those years would also qualify.
Meriden welcomes back homegrown singer-songwriter Gary Burr
MERIDEN — The Olde Church Summer Spin-Off Series has brought in several musicians throughout the summer to perform at Hubbard Park. However, Thursday night the crowd was in for a special treat. Singer-songwriter Gary Burr, a Meriden native, has written and co-written multiple top 10 hits with the likes of Juice Newton, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers and more. But before the accolades, there was a time when the Platt High School graduate was finding his way.
Families meet police comfort, therapy and service dogs
Daniel Passapera, Special to The Day Groton — It was puppy love at the Cops and Comfort Dogs meet and greet Saturday at the Thrive55+ Active Living Center, 102 Newtown Road. The event, hosted by the Town of Groton Police Department, highlighted nearly 30 police comfort, therapy and service dogs from across New England. Some of the dogs performed tricks while others just relished in all the attention.
Rose Arts Festival returns to Norwich
Daniel Passapera, Special to The Day Norwich — The Rose Arts Festival, held at Chelsea Parade Park and including venues throughout downtown, returned Saturday after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus. The event features live music, food trucks, a kids play area, art displays and other creative stations.
Commencement exercises for the Fitch High School Class of 2022
Sky Rhymer smiles and looks towards the crowd after receiving her diploma Friday, June 17, 2022, during commencement exercises for Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton. (Daniel Passapera/Special to The Day)
Old Lyme marks 'Witness Stones' memorializing enslaved people
Daniel Passapera, Special to The Day Old Lyme — The town held an installation ceremony Friday for the Witness Stones Old Lymes plaques that have been installed throughout Lyme Street, memorials to enslaved residents who one lived here. During the event at Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, community members, Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School students and organizers gathered for music, poetry and remarks in remembrance of those residents.
The U.S. Navy commissions the USS Oregon (SSN 793) at the sub base in Groton
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown arrives on stage for the beginning of the U.S. Navy's first in-person commissioning ceremony in three years, honoring the USS Oregon (SSN 793) on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. Prior to COVID-19 and restrictions on gatherings, the last commissioning ceremony was held for the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) on Feb. 2, 2019.
East Lyme Girl Scouts send first aid kids to Ukraine
Girl Scouts from Troop 63023 of East Lyme gathered at the Flanders Fire Department on Saturday to assemble 100 first aid kits to send to Ukraine to assist the injured. The East Lyme Ambulance Association and Flanders Fire Department provided materials for the kits which included vinyl gloves, surgical dressings, alcohol wipes and other items.
Local spots to explore this summer
Explore hidden local gems As the warmer weather approaches summer activities are on the horizon and it’s never too early to start planning. As a photographer and student, I enjoy my free time by exploring the unfamiliar and hidden beauty in the surrounding area. Wadsworth Falls State Park on the Middlefield-Middletown line provides a serene escape from everyday life. The park offers designated swimming areas too, as well as a stunning waterfall with its own parking.
Eye-catching mural unveiled at Meriden underpass
MERIDEN — The once dreary and dull concrete underpass on Bunker Avenue is no more as a new vibrant mural was revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday just prior to the Daffodil Festival. Dubbed the “Rainbow Underpass” the mural is a collaboration between Sustainable Meriden, a student-led initiative, and two art-focused non-profits, RiseUp for Arts and Meriden’s own Gallery 53. Mayor Kevin Scarpati joined the organizers in revealing the mural and applauded the impact of the project.
Daffodil Dash kicks off festival fun in Meriden
Nearly 200 runners participated in the Daffodil Dash on Sunday at Hubbard Park in Meriden. April 24, 2022. |Daniel Passapera, special to the Record-Journal { %> Doug Wiegert, 63, of Bristol, has the finish line in sight as he completes the Daffodil Dash 5K in Hubbard Park on Sunday. April 24, 2022. |Daniel Passapera, special to the Record-Journal { %> Kayleigh Townsend, 34, of Wallingford, receives her Daffodil Dash first-place medal for finishing first in the women’s 30-39 age group. April 24, 2022.
Deaf child prompts Wallingford church to host sign language classes
WALLINGFORD – It’s been nearly three weeks since “CODA” – a film about the hardships within a deaf family – won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film and award called attention to the deaf community, but prior to Oscar night a Wallingford church was two weeks into hosting a workshop on American Sign Language. Christ Presbyterian Church at 20 N. Whittlesey Ave. began hosting the six-week workshop on March 3.
Cheshire church donates relief kits to Ukrainian refugees
CHESHIRE — On Saturday, nearly 150 people gathered at Cornerstone Church to assemble relief kits for women seeking refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The church, located at 1146 Waterbury Road, raised over $40,000 in donations for kits that will carry hygiene products, underwear and other essential items. In collaboration with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based relief non-profit, the church was able to curate 6,000 kits.
Tips for starting a garden, growing unusual produce
Hopefully, when you think of spring you think of the endless backyard garden possibilities rather than seasonal allergies. Or perhaps, if you’re like me, you think of both. As a college student and someone who rarely touched a shovel, let alone gloves, gardening wasn’t necessarily an interest. But as the pandemic rolled around I found a new hobby amidst the unknown. Gardening at the entry level can be intimidating but with a little research and creativity, it can be an rewarding experience.
PHOTOS: Over 1,000 runners participate in O'Shenanigans race in Southington
Over 1,000 runners registered for the O'Shenanigans event and despite the rain, sleet and snow 918 runners participated in the 5K race on March 12, 2022. | Daniel Passapera, special to the Record-Journal Advertisement { %> The O'Shenanigans 5K course utilized the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and extended from Southington to Cheshire on March 12, 2022.
Wallingford and Meriden show support for Ukraine
Since Russia invaded Ukraine almost two weeks ago, locals with personal ties to the conflict, business owners and others have displayed support. Kouign Bakery on North Colony Road in Wallingford is supporting relief organizations aiding Ukraine, with a sweet gesture. Throughout this month, the bakery will offer the Kyiv Cake – a traditional Ukrainian cake layered with hazelnut and other confections. All proceeds from sales of the Kyiv Cake will be donated.
Locals with connections to Ukraine and Russia react to invasion
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine started Thursday, the crisis became a sad reality for local residents with connections to the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” – giving the go-ahead to Russian forces to execute a full-scale invasion. The offensive began with the bombardment of several cities including Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.
Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield snow scenes captured on film
On a day dedicated to the last two remaining NFL teams, comedic commercials, food and gatherings, snow transformed the landscape, bringing a change of scenery after the previous stretch of warm weather. Residents in Meriden, Cheshire and Middlefield ventured to area parks and trails to enjoy the fresh snowfall prior to game time. The moments were captured using a 1970s-era Nikon camera on 35 mm film.
Meriden educator brings lessons on diversity to the classroom
Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series marking Black History Month. Throughout the month read stories about the people who contribute to our community and learn more about Black history and how it influences us today. MERIDEN — In her youth, Symone James was teaching dolls and stuffed animals on a miniature whiteboard with the dream of becoming a teacher. Today, the 27-year-old is a leader and educator at Roger Sherman Elementary School.
Plantsville resident uses art to fight through a rare disease
SOUTHINGTON — At just 13-months-old doctors told Alecia Maringola’s parents she wouldn’t live past three. Now, 34 years later, the Plantsville native is defying the odds through a pandemic with the help of an artistic escape. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that weakens muscles and destroys nerve cells, Maringola’s health progressively worsened in her youth.
Ice skaters enjoy ponds in Meriden and Southington
Whether it was lacing up the skates for the first time or playing some pickup hockey, Meriden and Southington residents took advantage of the recent cold spell to do some ice skating on area ponds and lakes. A quiet, clear evening at Mirror Lake in Meriden’s Hubbard Park provided perfect practice conditions for 5-year-old Camilla Sita, a first-time ice skater. “She loves being outside, this is working on balance and just enjoying some new sports,” said her aunt Ashley Brant, a Meriden resident.
Hartford HealthCare to invest $5 million in Quinnipiac health services, academics and career opportunities
Melina Khan and Daniel Passapera January 19, 2022 Quinnipiac University administrators and Hartford HealthCare executives gathered at the Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences on Jan. 19, 2022 to launch the new initiative. Hartford HealthCare will give Quinnipiac University $5 million over the next five years to improve on-campus health services, enhance health care academic programs and increase career opportunities for Quinnipiac students and HHC employees.
Falling for Quinnipiac
The NFL is caught in another scandal — it’s time for change
‘I don’t think that I can do this anymore’: A former RA breaks the silence about mental health and the struggles associated with the position
“You’re going to talk to people about things that are going on in your life and there were times, where I’d say to my friends like ‘I’m sorry, I’m really tired,’” said a former RA who requested to remain anonymous for personal reasons. “‘I’m sorry I’m really out of it, I was up until 4 a.m. last night,’ and then naturally they’d be like, ‘why?’” Sugebo isn’t the only RA at Quinnipiac to leave due to the mental toll the position can entail.
Quinnipiac’s 2018 finances give insight in how COVID-19 accelerated past spending
William Gavin and Daniel Passapera April 29, 2021 Quinnipiac University’s 2018 tax filings reveal a history of sizable spending, long-standing debts and arising budget issues with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 990 tax forms are the public filings for nonprofit organizations such as Quinnipiac and serve as the primary (and only) public insight into how private nonprofit organizations spend their money.
Who’s running for SGA President?
Q&A session with presidential candidates Ciampanelli and Mello Daniel Passapera, Contributing Writer April 12, 2021 Wondering why your Instagram feed is flooded with campaign messages and lists of promises about enacting change in Quinnipiac University’s community? As April 13, election day, quickly approaches, many newcomers and familiar faces are in the running for a position in the Student Government Association (SGA).
Administration faces criticism amid racism allegations and its poor response
Daniel Passapera, Contributing Writer March 23, 2021 Quinnipiac University has been heavily criticized by students for its lack of respect toward its minority populations while failing to address the issues outside of emails and hollow efforts. The university released a statement on March 19, in solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities following the events in Georgia.
The ball is in your court, Quinnipiac
The SGA puts administration on blast with its support for commuters Daniel Passapera, Contributing Writer March 16, 2021 Nearly 15 days after Quinnipiac University announced a $90 semesterly fee for commuter students, the Student Government Association (SGA) released a compelling rebuttal favoring students. The statement, a complete masterpiece, echoed the deep-rooted division between the administration and its students’ concerns.
How will the queen be remembered?
The year Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, Mr. Potato Head and Slinky Dog made their first appearances on store shelves, the U.S. president was Dwight Eisenhower and Rick Astley hadn’t yet been born to “rick” his first “roll.” On Sept. 8, at age 96, the queen died at her Balmoral Castle estate in Scotland, marking the end of a prominent and tumultuous seven-decade tenure on the throne.
Quinnipiac’s money struggles shouldn’t make commuters feel unwelcome
Daniel Passapera, Contributing Writer March 2, 2021 On Feb. 25, Quinnipiac University Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett announced in an email that undergraduate commuter students would be subject to a $90 fee per semester to park on university grounds starting in the fall 2021 semester. It was an act of economic discrimination. In short, it’s Quinnipiac’s subtle way of indicating it needs more money while prioritizing on-campus students.
Life flows through Hamden’s Mill River, and many are trying to save it
In the early 1900s, a water purification system was installed along Lake Whitney to ensure better water quality. However, the facility, which utilized sand filters to treat water, shut down in 1991 after becoming outdated and obsolete. “That system started to be inadequate, but the Regional Water Authority had many other sources of water, so they stopped using Lake Whitney as one of their reservoirs,” said Gaboury Benoit, director of the Hixon Center for Urban Ecology at Yale University.
The Essential Worker
Mark Venice, 18, working the register at a local supermarket in Cheshire during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Taken on April 19, 2020. The faces and stories of the unsung heroes of Connecticut’s workforce during COVID-19. — Photos and text by Daniel Passapera For hundreds of thousands of Connecticut workers, being essential means being on the frontlines during one of the worst public health crises since the Spanish Flu of 1918.
A lawyer in #TheResistance just forced Paul Manafort into permanent disbarment
The 21-month fight ended today with the former Trump Campaign Chairman surrendering his law license. A Massachusetts lawyer’s disbarment complaint just led Paul Manafort to abandon his law license permanently. J. Whitfield Larrabee filed a 63-page complaint against Manafort with the Connecticut Bar on April 17th, 2017, over six months before Special Counsel Robert Mueller filed his first indictment for acting as an illegal foreign agent.
The Woman Who Was Robert Capa
Of course you’ve seen the following picture before. A man with his arms outstretched and his eyes closed. He’s dropping his rifle, his body falling down as a fatal bullet fatally strikes: The Falling Soldier. It’s the most iconic picture of those taken by Robert Capa and Gerda Taro during the civil war. The man in the picture was part of a militia defending the Spanish Republic against the fascist uprising led by general Francisco Franco.
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