Seventh Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along a Success

Despite inclement weather, all had a good time at the seventh annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along this past Sunday at St. Margaret's Chapel in Bridgeport. Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 graduate Tony Procaccini served as Music Director for the day, and the chorus was accompanied by The Mike Pontecorvo Brass Quartet.

Admission to the event, which is sponsored by the Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization (BACIO), was a non-perishable food item for Operation Hope, a homeless shelter in Fairfield. According to Carla Miklos, the executive director of Operation Hope, the food drive from Sunday's event provided three bins of food, containing 10 bags of groceries.

"Many thanks to all," Miklos said. "Those in need will appreciate the generosity of those who donated."

In addition, Santa Claus made an appearance for the children, and the chorus was, without a doubt, the best ever, according to Procaccini. Fairfield Warde High School Choral Director Lauren Harmata and five of her top singers were in the chorus. Many local churches supplied a large number of singers as well.

Former Bridgeport Mayor Len Paoletta, who has served the community for 28 years, is the founder and president of BACIO, which was created in 2003.

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