Two new faces join St. Stephen's Church
By David DeLucia
Exciting things have been happening at St. Stephen's church in East Haddam. Two new
employees have joined the ranks. Jennifer Dugan is the new director of children's
ministries while Steven Fasano is the recently appointed director of music.
Dugan originally attended the University of Connecticut to study nursing, then decided
to switch gears. She became the Head Teacher at Young Horizon's Daycare in
Higganum where she has worked for the last 17 years. Jennifer specializes with the
four-to-five-year age group. In her new position at St. Stephen's, she organizes Sunday
school lessons from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. She typically has a dozen children that range
in age from three-years-old to nine-years-old. Liz Johnson and other church volunteers
help Dugan with the children every week.
Two events are coming up which Dugan is excited about. The annual October Fest will
take place Sept.12 at Heritage Park. This will be followed closely by Welcome Back
Sunday on Sept. 13 which will feature a potluck picnic from 11 a.m. to noon. Dugan will
also work with a children's group during the annual Applepalooza in October. Among
her other duties is writing for the family stewardship brochure every week.
Steven Fasano, who started as director of music in June, earned a double major in
music education and vocal performance from Westminster Choir College in New Jersey.
He went on to get his master's degree in vocal pedagogy and performance from the
University of Connecticut in 2011. He also holds an administraton certificate and is
currently in his third year of a doctoral program at Central Connecticut State University
where he is studying educational leadership.
As director of music, Fasano is responsible for directing the adult choir, which is about
12-15 strong. He also plays a prelude and postlude for each service and accompanies
three hymns on the organ. During the offertory, a choir anthem is presented. Fasano
also plays the piano where appropriate, especially when extra services are added
during the Lent and Advent seasons.
Dugan and Fasano are both looking forward to collaborating when the new school year
begins. Fasano is going to add some music to the Sunday school curriculum right after
it normally meets at 11 a.m. He will be leading simple religious songs which will be
tailored to an elementary school level. Both new faculty members enjoy working with
Rev. Erin Flinn, who has been very supportive.
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