2025 Service Above Self Awards 

The North Branford Rotary is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Service Above Self Community Service Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to serving others.

Earlier this year, we invited members of the community to submit nominations, and the response was overwhelming. The number of heartfelt submissions made the selection process incredibly difficult—a testament to the many individuals in North Branford who go above and beyond to make a difference.

After careful consideration, we are thrilled to honor Daniel Armin, Randall Chittenden, and William DellaCamera as the 2025 recipients of the Service Above Self Award. These three outstanding volunteers represent the very best of our community through their tireless efforts, leadership, and selfless contributions.

Please join us in congratulating Dan, Randy, and Will on this well-deserved recognition. Their service inspires us all.

Join us at our annual recognition Dinner honoring our award recipients on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 6:00PM at Woodwinds in Branford. More information on this event is available via our website (NorthBranfordRotary.org) & Facebook (facebook.com/northbranfordrotaryclub).    

Daniel Armin is a dedicated and selfless leader whose unwavering commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement has made a profound and lasting impact on the Town of North Branford. For nearly a decade, Dan has served as the Board Chair of the Community Dining Room, a vital organization that provides nutritious meals and essential support services to individuals and families across the region, including those in North Branford.

Under Dan’s leadership, the Community Dining Room has significantly expanded its homebound meal delivery program, ensuring that North Branford residents who are unable to leave their homes still receive hot, nutritious meals. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening and maintaining all meal programs, advancing the organization’s mission of combating food insecurity with dignity, compassion, and effectiveness.

Dan’s commitment to service extends far beyond this role. He contributes his time and expertise to numerous other local organizations, including his service on the Totoket TV Board, the Economic Development Commission, and a wide array of other town boards and committees. His leadership has driven meaningful progress in these groups, fostering innovation, growth, and a deeper sense of community engagement.

Whether he's attending local events, offering his skills behind the scenes, or simply lending a helping hand, Dan is a constant and reassuring presence in the life of North Branford. His generosity of spirit and willingness to serve exemplify the values of the Service Above Self Award, reflecting a deep and enduring commitment to humanitarian service and the enrichment of community life.

Daniel Armin’s example inspires us all. Through his actions, he builds unity, promotes kindness, and encourages others to step forward in service to others. North Branford is stronger, more compassionate, and more connected thanks to his leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

For over a decade, Randy Chittenden has been the driving force behind the “North Branford Community Pride” Facebook page—a trusted source of real-time updates and essential town information. With over 8,000 followers, the page has become a lifeline for residents, and it’s Randy’s tireless dedication that keeps it running smoothly and respectfully. From car accidents and road closures to town meetings, bulk pickups, and live sports updates—especially during playoffs—Randy ensures that the community stays informed.

He also works diligently behind the scenes to keep the page civil and respectful, often de-escalating conflicts with good humor and grace. He’s brought people together, kept them informed, and continuously reminded us what true community pride looks like.

And that’s just one of the many ways Randy serves our town.

In addition to managing the page, Randy is a firefighter in the neighboring town of Branford, a role that speaks volumes about his selflessness and commitment to public service. Despite the demands of both roles, Randy never hesitates to step up when help is needed. Whether he's videotaping sports games, hauling out his sound system to DJ or MC events, or jumping in wherever he’s needed, Randy is always there—often putting his own plans or family time on hold to support others.

He doesn't do it for recognition. He does it because he cares.

Randy Chittenden truly exemplifies the best of North Branford. Through his countless volunteer hours, unwavering community presence, and deep love for his town and its people, he has become an irreplaceable part of what makes North Branford so special. Honoring him for his dedication and selflessness isn’t just well deserved—it’s long overdue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In recognition of his extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment to the agricultural community, William “Will” DellaCamera exemplifies the very essence of Service Above Self.

Will has been a fixture at Cecarelli Farms since childhood—always eager to listen, learn, and participate in the daily workings of farm life. After college, he returned to the farm to work alongside Nelson Cecarelli, embracing progressive farming techniques and helping to modernize operations. Today, Will continues to honor that legacy while expanding the farm’s reach and impact.

He is an active leader in agriculture, serving on both local and state committees, and he engages deeply with the community. Will participates in events such as Farm Days, Plowing Days, and Eco Fairs. He is a consistent presence at programs hosted by the Totoket Historical Society, the North Branford Conservation Land Trust, North Branford Recreation, North Branford Rotary, and North Branford Public Schools. Notably, he helped organize the first Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration at the farm in October 2024, overlooking the Totoket Mountains.

Will has made a steadfast commitment to food access by managing a successful CSA program and providing produce boxes to local food banks. He continued this work even after federal funding for the USDA’s COVID-era food distribution program ended, ensuring families in need still had access to fresh produce.

In August 2024, a devastating 13-minute hailstorm destroyed Will’s entire crop. Yet instead of focusing on personal loss, Will rose to the moment and became a powerful advocate for small farmers across the state and nation. He reviewed the gaps in the existing crop insurance system, listened to other farmers’ frustrations, and began speaking at town meetings and state forums.

Then, in a bold and symbolic act of advocacy, Will drove his tractor from Connecticut to Washington, D.C.—stopping at farms along the way to raise awareness about the growing challenges faced by small farmers due to extreme weather. His efforts captured national attention and helped secure a $220 million federal grant for farmers affected by weather-related losses during the 2023–2024 growing seasons.

Will’s advocacy didn’t end in Washington. He continues to be a tireless voice for those too often unheard—listening, learning, and fighting for policy change. His passion for farming, dedication to public service, and commitment to lifting others make him a shining example of what Service Above Self truly means.

William DellaCamera is not only a steward of the land—he is a steward of his community.