Hamden|News|
VISIONS FOR VACANCIES: Nicolino's
The former kitchen and gift shop on Whitney Avenue in northern Hamden has been empty for a while -- what would you like to see to in there?

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.
The former kitchen and gift shop on Whitney Avenue in northern Hamden has been empty for a while -- what would you like to see to in there?

The Hamden resident's funeral is Friday at Blessed Sacrament Church, where she was a Eucharistic Minister.
She allegedly tried to leave the store with more than $400 worth of groceries she didn't pay for, and then hit several cars as she left the parking lot, according to police.
The long-time Hamden High School Spanish teacher died Saturday. Her funeral is today.
Police make arrests on charges of assault, breach of peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, among other things.
Carly means business! Her demands are: more snacks, extra snuggles, and a forever home of her own!
This handsome medium size young male mixed breed has been at the North Haven Animal Shelter for too long and needs to go home!
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder came to New Haven to talk up a new community-based program, according to this press release.
“We teach real-world, social-emotional skills and approaches that set our seniors up for future leadership positions,” according to the program advisor.
The restaurant wants to either use it to expand its business or its parking lot, depending on who you talk to.
He was allegedly found in a State Street parking lot with items stolen out of other cars in the same lot, according to police.
He's waiting for a home and is available through Hamden Animal Control.
Quinnipiac will now face Yale in National Championship Saturday.
This month is the biannual Bulk Pickup, but don't put out electronics.
The state Department of Consumer Protection offers tips not to get ripped off while shopping online for holiday gifts.
The two, one from Hamden, the other from New Haven, allegedly stole a cell phone and threatened to shoot the victim Sunday night, according to police.
Anyone recognize this boy? He's at the North Haven Animal Shelter.