Hamden|News|
Samuel "Sam" A. Bria, 104
"Dancing Sam" lived in Hamden for 82 years and in addition to dancing, loved bowling and playing billards.

kathleen.ramunni@patch.com
Phone
203.654-0466
Hometown
Hamden, Conn.
Birthday
April 15
Bio
Kate Ramunni grew up in Hamden and has lived in the northern section of town since 2002. She attended Alice Peck School, Sleeping Giant Jr. High School and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy.
Kate began her journalism career with Hometown Publications, where she was the founding editor of the Hamden Journal. From there she covered the Naugatuck Valley for the Connecticut Post for 12 years before coming to Patch.
Kate is an animal lover and spends her free time working with rescue groups to help find homes for homeless dogs. She has several dogs of her own, most of whom were adopted from area animal shelters.
Kate can be reached at kathleen.ramunni@patch.com or at (203) 654-0466.
Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
Since moving back to Hamden in 2002 I have been registered as a Democrat, but only so that I could vote in the Democratic primaries for mayor. I agree with the Republican Party on some issues and with the Democrats on others.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I am Roman Catholic and it is a very important part of my life.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Hamden today is a very different town than it was when I was growing up. The population has grown and in many ways so have the problems. Like most communities, Hamden's greatest challenge is providing services at a cost affordable to taxpayers. The potential for economic growth is mostly limited to what is already in place because there is little open space left available for development. Therefore, town officials have limited options in attracting new revenue.
"Dancing Sam" lived in Hamden for 82 years and in addition to dancing, loved bowling and playing billards.

They will address concerns about the Newtown school shooting with parents and staff Sunday at Hamden Middle School.
Bethany will honor the victims of the Newtown shootings tonight at a vigil at the Bethany church.
The United Way of Western Connecticut has set up a fund to benefit the victims and families of the Newtown shootings.
There will be more paving done in the spring, according to town officials.
A look, in photos, of the highest selling houses in our town and neighboring ones.
From our neighborhood to the towns around us, if you're looking for something to do this weekend we've got you covered.
Quinnipiac will join the MAAC, effective on July 1, 2013 with competition slated for the 2013-14 academic year.
The sales and use tax exemption for prescription medicine will not apply, according to the state Department of Revenue Services.
Woodbridge woman charged with stealing money from two residents of the residential care facility she owns and manages.
Connecticut state police say an investigation is underway to piece together what motivated the gunman that killed 20 children, six adults and himself Friday morning.
Quinnipiac University Professor Raymond Foery writes the definitive book on Hitchcock’s final and for some, most admired film.
The Hamden resident was the Dean of the School of Nursing and Professional Studies at SCSU, a member of the Board of Directors at LuLac Head Start, a member of the Black Nurses Association and parishioner of Our Lady of Mt.Carmel Church.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.
As state unemployment remains high, a stronger national economic recovery is seen as the answer, according to one report.