www.northhavencitizen.com
Volume 17, Number 19
Friday, May 13, 2022
Teenagers’ nonprofit benefits community By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
the community taking part in service activities.
Ranciato wants to help teens see North Haven High School junior Alex Ranciato is determined to make their worth, and that they’re far greater than the amount of likes a difference in his community. their social media posts receive. Bullied as a youngster, Ranciato founded “More Than Likes” back in And Ranciato is not alone in this 2020, a non-profit run by young peo- venture. His cousin, NHHS senior ple, for the benefit of young people. Mya Xeller, is his business partner. “It started after I experienced bullying/cyberbullying at my previous school,” Ranciato said.
Together, they seek to make a difference in their community, one step at a time.
“More Than Likes” aims to get teens away from their devices and out into
Cousins Alex Ranciato and Mya Xeller stand at the entrance of North See Nonprofit, A2 Haven High School. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen
Local family purchases iconic property By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
WALLINGFORD – John Massella was not in the market for a full-service restaurant when he went in search of a new home to open the family’s third Bagelicious location. Juno Wingardner, 17, works on a painting at Art Beat.
Nicole Zappone, The Citizen
For Art Beat, the show goes on By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
come back the long-standing popular event that began over 20 years ago,” North Haven schools art coordinator Diana Blythe said.
Following a two-year hiatus, Art Beat returned to North Haven High School on May 5 to celebrate the artwork and “As a culminating highlight, Advanced Placement L4 talents of local students in portfolio work is featured,” grades K-through-12. Blythe said. “It represents “The schools and communi- the high-caliber, college-levty were overjoyed to wel-
el work produced by students, many of whom will be attending prestigious colleges and art schools to prepare for art-related careers.” Also, award-winning pieces were displayed throughout the hallways. See Art Beat, A10
But after meeting owner Joseph Gouveia and touring the former Wells Fargo bank on North Main Street, he discovered a new opportunity. Massella saw that the drive-thru in the rear of the former mansion turned bank would not suit the needs of his eatery. However, he learned The Library Wine Bar & Bistro next door, also owned by Gouveia, was for sale. “My family fell in love with the building,” said Massella, of North Haven. “It’s beautiful.” After seven years in the food industry, Massella bought The Library Wine Bar & Bistro. He intends to keep the operation the same, retain head chef Jonathan Harris and other employees, and honor existing gift cards and future bookings. See Property, A13