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Benvenuti! (Welcome!)
Welcome To The Branford Italian-American Social Club.
Founded in 1938, the Branford Italian-American club is located on
Hamre Lane. The Club is an independent social organization for men
and women of Italian-American descent to preserve its members'
traditions, heritage, and culture.
Over the years, the Club’s purpose has become more community-oriented participating in the Branford Festival, providing a scholarship to a graduating Branford High School senior, and supporting the Columbus Day weekend activities in New Haven county. The Branford Italian-American Club has donated more than $100,000 to cancer research, hospice, local families in need, and youth activities.
The Club members have enjoyed a wide range of fun activities such as the annual porchetta dinner, monthly dinner socials, bocce games, and other camaraderie of activities. Club members attend at their own pace and guests are always welcome.
The Club membership generally meets the second Friday at 7:30 pm in our Clubroom.
If you would like additional information or would like to become a member, please use the form on our Membership Page or email us at branfordiaclub@gmail.com.
Thanks so much for your interest.
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Sincerely, Jeff Vailette
Italian Easter Tradtion
Easter is one of Italy's most important religious holidays, celebrated with great devotion and joy. The celebration of Easter in Italy is steeped in religious and cultural traditions that vary from region to region. Let's explore some of the ways Italians celebrate Easter.
The Holy Week, or Settimana Santa, is the week leading up to Easter, and it is a time for solemn processions, church services, and religious events. Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, is celebrated with great fervor. Many Italians attend church services where palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The palms are then kept in homes as a sign of faith and good luck.
On Holy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper, many Italians attend church services and participate in the ritual washing of the feet. Good Friday, a day of mourning and reflection, is marked by processions that reenact the Stations of the Cross. The procession, usually held in the evening, features statues of the Virgin Mary and the crucified Christ. It is a solemn and moving event.
Holy Saturday is a time for joyful celebration as the resurrection of Jesus is proclaimed. The Easter Vigil occurs after sunset; many Italians attend this religious service. It is a time for the Paschal candle's lighting, the Easter message's proclamation, and the singing of hymns. The service ends with the ringing of church bells, which symbolizes the joy of the resurrection.
Easter Sunday is a day for feasting and family gatherings. Many Italians attend Mass in the morning and then enjoy a big meal with their loved ones. Traditional Easter foods include lamb, artichokes, and various cakes and pastries. Colomba, a dove-shaped cake, is a traditional Easter dessert. It is made with flour, sugar, butter, and candied orange peel and is often eaten with sweet wine.
Easter Monday, also known as Pasquetta, is a national holiday in Italy. Many Italians spend the day with their families, often going on picnics or outings to the countryside. Pasquetta is a time for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Easter is a time for religious devotion, family gatherings, and good food in Italy. The Holy Week and Easter Sunday celebrations are steeped in tradition and essential to Italian culture. The customs and traditions associated with Easter vary from region to region. Still, they all share a common theme: the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and the renewal of hope and faith.


In Memory

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Thomas A Vailette, 91, of Branford, CT, entered the rest on February 12, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 65 years to Anna-Marie Bontatibus Vailette. Tom was born in New Haven on April 29, 1931, the son of the late Peter and Mary Falanga Vailette.
He is survived by his beloved children, Thomas Vailette, Jeffrey Vailette (Theresa), Christopher Vailette, Michele Ranucci, and Ann-Marie McCarthy (Thomas). He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jr., Melissa Sundholm (Scott), Andrew, Christopher, Kelly, Alena Ranucci, Cecelia Ranucci, Ryan McCarthy, Sean McCarty, Lauren McCarthy, and Allison McCarthy. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Ella and Matthew Vailette and George and Edison Sundholm.
After serving in the Korean Conflict, Tom earned an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He returned to work at Ude, Murray & Cannan, where he was the assistant manager until he opened Tom’s Atlantic, a gas and service station in North Haven, in 1960. After ten years, he returned
to Branford, where he owned and operated Vailette Auto Parts until his retirement in 1993.
Tom was also very talented, as evidenced by the home he built for his family.
Tom was a lifetime member of the Branford Italian-American Social Club, where he was past president. He also was a past member of the Branford Lions Club and the Pine Orchard Yacht
& Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf.
His family would like to thank everyone at The Guilford House for Tom's extraordinary compassion and care during his illness.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 4 - 7 pm at the W.S.
Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, CT, and are invited for
a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10:30 am at St John Bosco
Parish at St Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford, CT. Interment with military honors
will follow at St Agnes Cemetery. For directions and online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com

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MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022


At the Branford, CT Italian American Club Annual Membership Dinner, Stephen Perotti was honored as Club Member of The Year 2022.
The Member of the Year recognizes the member who distinguishes themselves for outstanding contributions to the Club. This year it is Steve Perotti.
“Great achievements are nurtured with the cooperation of many minds with a common vision working toward a common goal. Steve has proved this with the exceptional feats he has achieved and the single-minded commitment he has shown toward business growth. A big thank you to Steve for all your hard work.” Says Jeff Vailette, Club President

How To Play Bocce
Italian-American Bocce League 2022
IAC Branford, CT
40 Hamre Lane
Branford, CT 06405
Email branfordiaclub@gmail.com
Phone: 203-488-9327
We have a highly active seasonal Bocce League, which begins in May and ends in September with a dinner for all participants. The league is made up of 12 4-person teams which rotate play each week.
The games are held on Thursday evenings starting at 6 pm, followed by a second and third match at 6:45 and 7:30 pm.
Come down and enjoy the fun! Bocce, the game is simple and can be played by people of all skill levels.
If you are interested in participating, contact Chris Vailette at (203) 804-1583.
If you cannot commit weekly, be an alternate player.
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