Guilford Courier 01-22-26

January 22, 2026

Guilford Vol. XXIX Iss. 4

School Cell Phone Ban to Start in Fall

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

All Guilford Public School students will be barred from using their personal mobile devices during school hours starting Sept. 1, 2026, following the approval of a new policy by the Guilford Board of Education. The board last month updated its Student

Justin Brownell: Walking the Woods with Spirit

By Nicholas Checker

Special to The Courier

“I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more,” said John Burroughs, American naturalist of the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

Burroughs’ wistful sentiments are shared by many … and for those who do embrace Mother Nature’s soulful essence, you’ll want to attend the Branford Land Trust’s free public event, “Access to the Outdoors,” on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6-7:30 p.m. at the James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. The 53-yearold Justin Brownell will share with the audience those same environmental insights on embracing the natural world … and a good deal more.

Justin is a living personification of what the natural world offers us all … if we take the time to visit and explore its spiritual grace. And given what Fate doled out to him, only a few years back, he is most certainly qualified to speak on the healing

essence that it to be experienced from trekking bountiful woodland realms.

“My upcoming appearance as the Land Trust’s guest speaker actually came about through a chance meeting at the Stony Creek Farmer’s Market with Land Trust board member Julie Wagner. My fiancée, Adrenna Paolillo, who is a committee member for the Market, knew Julie, and they both happened to be there on that day,” said Justin. “So, we got to talking and the subject of the new trails came up. They want these trails to be accessible to everyone, and are looking to me for input regarding overcoming disabilities, since I’ve not allowed that to get in my way.”

And Justin Brownell knows quite a

bit about transcending tragedies of the past and forging a promising path to the future. In July 2018 he suffered a devastating injury from a severe accident that might well have sent him plummeting into the lower depths of despair.

“I was performing some basic maintenance on a second-story window when I took a brutal fall,” Justin reflects. “And at first, I did not realize the source of my injury because I didn’t have even a scratch on me. Then I learned that I’d ruptured my aorta (largest artery in the body), and badly enough that it was the impetus for an amputation of my right arm from the bicep down,” he explained. “But, in retrospect, I realize it all could have been a lot worse.”

Justin recalls raising his 13-yearold daughter, Kaya — as a single parent — and feeling an obligation to her to remain strong throughout the ordeal … which he did.

“My moment of resilience came in

See Justin page 6

Guilford’s Hometown Newspaper Founded in 1998

Letters Editor to the

Thank You for Thanksgiving

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving meal delivery so special. Thank you to The Fresh Market for the fresh fruit; Daisy Troop # 62330 for the wonderful crafts; and Janice Ametrano for going above and beyond — both for coordinating her family to help with deliveries and for making 75 decorative pumpkins that beautifully filled the holiday bags.

A heartfelt thank-you to the DeMartino family for heading up the

Grateful for Holiday Support

On behalf of the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, I would like to express my gratitude to the Guilford community for helping make the Meals on Wheels holiday delivery extra special.

Our Meals on Wheels program delivered approximately 90 meals and gift bags on Christmas Day. Many thanks go to the dedicated hard working kitchen staff headed up by Larry Santamaria for making a delicious Pot Roast meal. Many thanks to Cynthia Pullman for putting in time and effort and donating her beautiful hand knit blankets as she has done for Meals on Wheels for many years. Thanks to Fresh Market for donating fresh fruit. Holiday gifts were added to the delivery bags due to

Support

Library Hours Expansion

Our public library is one of the most valuable and well-loved resources in our community. It is welcoming, educational, and truly one of the few places where people of all ages come together in a shared public space. Because of that success, it is time to ensure the library’s hours reflect the community’s needs.

For young families, weekends are often the only time to visit. During the winter months, there are limited options for affordable, indoor activities, and the library is consistently full during its short weekend hours. In the summer, it serves as one of the few comfortable places to escape the heat. Reducing hours during the summer only limits access at a time when families, students, and seniors rely on it most. Extending weekend hours and maintaining consistent hours year-round

effort. Also, to the Brisbois family for their help, to Melissa Jones Elementary school for the thoughtful cards, to the kitchen staff for preparing such delicious food, and to our dedicated drivers for ensuring all 98 meals were delivered on Thanksgiving Day.

Your generosity, time, and teamwork made this holiday meaningful for so many families.

Christi Burton Director of Meals on Wheels Guilford

the generosity of Page Hardware and their customers who participated in the “adopt a senior” holiday gift tree. Thanks to the elementary school students of Guilford Lakes, Melissa Jones and Country Day School for making handmade holiday cards which always bring a smile to our MOW clients. Without the volunteer drivers who sacrificed their time on Christmas Day these meals and gift bags would not be delivered. I feel blessed to be a part of such a giving community.

Pat Colburn Vice President of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers Guilford

would significantly improve access for working parents, children, and caregivers. The cost to extend hours is relatively modest compared to the broad educational, social, and community benefits the library provides.

Beyond books, the library offers programming, learning opportunities, and a sense of connection that strengthens our town. It is a space where children learn, seniors engage, and neighbors meet, all under one roof. I encourage the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to recognize the library’s value and include funding for extended hours in the FY27 budget. Investing in our library is an investment in our

nity.

Blaize Levitan Guilford

Obituaries

Obituary

Brent Lee Thomsen

Guilford

Brent Lee Thomsen of Guilford, formerly of Nickerson and Omaha, Neb., passed away in Branford Jan. 1, 2026.

He was born Nov. 20, 1963, to LeRoy and Eldene (Paulsen) Thomsen of Pender, Neb. He moved with his family to Nickerson in 1967. He attended Logan View High School where he was active in sports and music. He attended the University of Nebraska and then moved to Arizona where he started his career in hospitality, working at various resort hotels.

tor of Conferences and Retreats. He and Andrew moved to Guilford in 2022 to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

He and Andrew were active members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Omaha and First Congregational Church of Guilford. While living in Omaha, they were also active in numerous non-profit organizations that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion.

He was preceded in death by his father LeRoy; stillborn sister Shelly; grandparents, Herma and Anna Thomsen, Elmer, Berdina and Ruth Paulsen; and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his husband Andrew; mother Eldene Thomsen; brother Mark; children, Brian (Ashley) and Hannah Rouillard; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Madison and Vincent.

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He returned to Omaha, Nebraska in 1997 where he met his husband, Andrew Rouillard. They were married Sept. 3, 2016. He continued to work at various hotels before joining Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries as Direc-

Obituary

John Warren

South Dennis, PA

John Paul Warren of South Dennis, Mass., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, with his family present. He was 95.

Known to many as Jack, he was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Clare; and his son, Jack, both of whose memories he held close to his heart every day. He is survived by his daughter Mary Beth Molloy of Guilford, and her children, Julianna, Charlie, and Shane; his son Francis Warren of South Dennis, Mass., and his children William and Emilie; his son Thomas (Carole) Warren of Duxbury, Mass., and their children Patrick, Matthew, and Bridget; grandchildren, John (Katelynn), Catherine, and Edward; and great-grandchildren, Isla, Madeleine, and John "Jack" Paul IV. Jack was born in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, the youngest of five children of John William and Julianna Langlois

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT; Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, Ashland, NE; The Connecticut Hospice, Branford, CT.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 24, 2026, at First Congregational Church of Guilford.

Warren. After brief studies at AIC and Louisiana Tech, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 14 months in Korea as a military police officer. After his service, Jack earned a degree in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 1970, Jack began Warren Business Forms, Inc., starting a very successful 35-year career in the printing industry. As an independent businessman, Jack was known for forming lasting relationships that extended well beyond his work. He earned the respect and trust of those he worked with, many of whom became lifelong friends.

He loved his family, travel, tennis, golf, gardening, growing tomatoes, playing cards, and fishing, and enjoyed sharing these pastimes with family and friends alike. In retirement, Jack and Clare split their time between Marco Island, Fla., and Cape Cod. He was a steady and dependable presence, known for his sharp mind and quiet humor, and his absence will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held at Hallett Funeral Home in South Yarmouth, Mass., on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a service at noon.

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School Cell Phone Ban to Start in Fall

Continued from page 1

administrators, teachers and Guilford parents and students.

In a survey conducted by TEAG of over 1,400 Guilford community members — including teachers, parents, and students — 82% of parents and 85% of educators said they support more restrictive policies, while parents put forth “resounding requests to preserve access to direct communication to their child for emergencies,” according to the committee’s executive summary of their effort.

According to the policy, students may be allowed to use cell phones during an emergency situation when specifically directed by staff.

The survey found 78% of students expressing concerns with a district-wide ban. TEAG’s executive summary said students “strongly oppose being fully separated from their phones” and seek fair application of any policy that does not inhibit their “ability to develop a relationship with technology that prepares them for the real world.”

Some students specifically pushed for allowed use during study hall and lunch hours, something that Freeman acknowledged “would have been a logical compromise,” but would not have fully achieved the social and mental health benefits the district wanted to see in its students through the policy.

Ultimately, the committee’s findings came to inspire the Board of Education’s cell phone ban with the intention to

“minimize classroom distractions and disruptions; promote student social-emotional well-being; and protect student privacy and safety.”

Freeman said, “We decided, based on the TEAG report and based on what a lot of research says, that if you’re going to get a benefit from it, it really needs to be a significant chunk of fallow time away from your phone… we were concerned about undermining any of the benefits that we were striving for.”

In response to a request for comment, Christopher Tranberg, superintendent of Branford Public Schools, told the Guilford Courier that “feedback is largely positive” on the cell phone ban his district implemented this year, with improvements already seen in student socialization and a “reduction in student discipline.”

“Students have adopted really well,” said Tranberg. “If we could do it all over again, we absolutely would.”

Madison Public Schools has also implemented a bell-to-bell cell phone ban to which students have shown “very good compliance,” according to Superintendent Craig Cooke.

In the case of Guilford’s policy, it does make a few exceptions for cell phone usage. Students with “documented medical needs may use devices as required for health monitoring or emergency communication.” Devices are also permissible for use by students with special needs and for “specific, pre-approved education activities under staff supervision.”

Enforcement of the policy will be

directed by in-school staff. Students who violate the policy on their first offense will receive a verbal warning and reminder of the policy. Further offenses will see their devices taken from them by staff for the remainder of the period or the day.

All staff are expected to consistently uphold the policy and demonstrate model behavior by not being on their own devices.

While cell phones are banned in classrooms, the use of laptops remains permitted. However, Freeman said the use of such devices during lessons is different in practice from cell phones.

“Most students have a school-issued Chromebook. Some do bring in private laptops from home,” he said. “The Wi-Fi signal in our school and the Chromebooks in our school are regulated. We know - and it’s not perfect - but most students using a school-issued Chromebook can’t get to most social media sites, gaming sites.”

Most classrooms in Guilford schools are configured for students to sit around tables that teachers can walk around, making it harder for students to conceal classroominappropriate information, added Freeman.

The district plans to provide educational resources to families to help support healthy device usage from home to school. Freeman recognizes that even with a strict policy a voluntary system remains crucial for its effectiveness, and that includes support from parents.

“They could really help us out in enforcing this rule and changing this culture,” he said. “Wherever possible, I’m asking par-

Justin Brownell: Walking the Woods with Spirit

Continued from page 2

the commitment to my daughter and still being a good parent. That proved to be the genesis of my recovery. I didn’t want Kaya thinking I could not prevail. So, I set personal goals to begin the healing process and to ultimately still feel good about myself.”

And ironically enough, Justin also found inspiration from another familiar source.

“While at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I was reunited with my high school sweetheart, Adrenna, who was working there. She stayed by my side the whole time offering constant support. We are now engaged.”

From tragedy to a fairy tale finish, Justin also reveals the immense positive level of support he has received from various organizations after being discharged from the hospital … and from people who had also dealt with the demands of overcoming debilitating injuries. One such organization is NO BARRIERS in Colorado … and Eric Weinmeyer, a blind skier who climbed Mount Everest.

A number of the organizations through which he has received support also offer grants and scholarships for adaptive equipment for participating in adventure sports. Justin has since become a triathlete and an avid mountain climber, among his athletic triumphs … and, as he terms it, “A better person.”

He maintains a mantra of his own now for his ongoing pursuit of a fulfilling life that keeps him from dwelling on the past and staying the course forward: “’Grit’ stuck in my mind for a framework that’s composed of grace, resolve, inner strength, and transformation.”

And on the evening of Jan. 27, he will speak to the public about that very mantra, and how retaining a positive outlook has been especially reinforced via time spent in the outdoors. Trails made accessible by the Branford Land Trust will take center stage that night.

“I’ve gained a greater perspective on life now … A neardeath experience can do that for you, and you realize the fragility of your own existence and how precious it truly

ents to talk to their kids about just leaving your phones at home.”

While the TEAG committee plans to review the policy’s effectiveness during its first year in practice, they and all Connecticut school districts may already be met with a permanent requirement before that time. Statewide policy similar to Guildford’s is already being considered at the General Assembly in Hartford, such as S.B. 580.

The bill was introduced in the state Senate last year and would “require the Department of Education to establish a model policy banning the use of cellular mobile telephones during the school day for students in grades kindergarten to twelve” in all of Connecticut’s public schools.

TEAG references the possibility of policies like S.B. 580 going from bill to official state policy for 2026-2027 academic year in its executive summary report to the Board of Education.

TEAG acknowledges in its summary report that “there simply is no perfect policy solution” to this issue. Nonetheless, action like a bell-to-bell cell phone ban may be necessary to support all stakeholder groups, especially students and their future in the “ever changing technological age.”

“This isn’t limited to cell phone use in the classroom,” reads the committee’s report. “But also in terms of sharpening our students’ abilities to navigate appropriate and responsible use of emerging technologies in the future.”

is,” he explains.

Having previously worked in television production, Justin now readies himself to utilize a degree in psychology from the University of Southern New Hampshire, as a therapist working with people who are undergoing trauma.

“I encourage people to.spend more time in the outdoors as the kind of place where they can benefit themselves. I have to say that the Forest is where I feel most at home.”

If anyone is in a position to speak in such wistful ways about the healing insights of nature itself, it surely must be this man who has faced the darkest of nights and now reflects on the absolute marvel of life … and with a rare vibrance and reverence. (Hopefully he will also someday do so in a book.)

For now, though, it will be articulated at the public gathering Jan. 27, where nature’s healing hands will be on full display, as the words of fabled naturalist and writer John Burroughs reverberate in the background: “I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.”

Obituaries Letters Editor to the

Continued from page 5

Obituary

Philip Edward Long

Guilford

Philip Edward Long was born Dec. 6, 1948, in Bethesda, Maryland to Helen Leavenworth Long and Maurice Edwin Long and passed away Jan. 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

His family moved to Strafford, Penn., where he lived until attending university. He graduated from Conestoga High School and attended Yale University.

He loved swimming and the excitement of competition, which manifested as his swimming career. He began swimming at 8 years old at the Colonial Village Summer Swim Club then moved to the Suburban Swim Club where he began perfecting his breaststroke and competing more seriously. He joined the club’s Travel Team and became a champion in his age group.

He later swam on the Conestoga High School team and continued to compete with Suburban Seahawks Club in Philadelphia. He went on to swim for the Yale University varsity team, and in 1968 won the NCAA title in the 200yard breaststroke, and placed fifth at the AAU meet in the 200-meter breaststroke. In 1968, he made the Olympic team by placing third in the U.S. Olympic Trials, then as a member of the U.S. Swim Team at the Mexico City Olympics, he placed 7th in the 200meter breaststroke competition.

Sports, the great teacher, remained a passion throughout his life. He was often spotted on the golf course or at the driving range.

Philip graduated from Yale with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1971 and was hired by Yale’s Information Technology Services where he spent his entire career. He became Director of Academic Computing in 1999, and in 2001 was appointed Yale’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) -– a position he held until his retirement in 2010. His retirement capped 40 years of service to the Yale community.

Creatively and ethically using infor-

mation technology for a higher good was Phil’s passion which he continued through consulting and volunteering with other universities and institutions including California Institute of the Arts, University of North Carolina, Duke University, Washington University in St Louis, Stonybrook University, Williams College, the Mellon Foundation, Educause, BITNET, and Networks for Minority and Underserved Communities (NMUC). He spent his career thinking about the role computers and the Internet play in shaping education and society.

Philip was an insatiable learner, ever curious with infectious energy. He could chat up anyone he met and come away friends. He was an engineer by nature and loved figuring out the details of how things worked. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren and sharing the joy of discovery. His learning and teaching as well as his strong sense of integrity were infectious to the benefit of everyone he knew.

Philip’s family was his bedrock. His wife, children and grandchildren were a source of pride and joy every day. He enjoyed close friends and his Louisiana family which extended his circle.

He leaves behind his wife Ninette "Nettie" of Guilford; his daughter Eliza White and husband Douglas White and their sons, Maxwell White and Jameson "Mookie" White of Pidemont, California; his son James Long of Hackensack, New Jersey; and his sister Patricia Lisensky of Boulder, Colorado; his brother Lawrence Long and wife Cassie Long. Philip is predeceased by his brother Robert Long.

“Pay it forward” was a favorite commitment of Phil’s. Performing a small act of kindness for others without any expectation of reciprocation but instead to pass it on and create a ripple effect. Therefore, In lieu of flowers please “pay it forward.” Contributions in his name can be made to the Amyloidosis Research Foundation at www.amyloidosisresearchfoundation.org.

A celebration of his life is being planned for the spring.

Continued from page

Thank You, Guilford

As we conclude The Guilford Foundation’s 50th anniversary year, we want to pause and say thank you.

What began in 1975 as a bold idea led by a small group of neighbors, under the leadership of Betty Stevens, has grown into a permanent community resource with profound and lasting impact. For five decades, hundreds of volunteer board members, donors, and partners have shaped The Guilford Foundation, grounded in the belief that local philanthropy is one of the strongest forces for community good.

This anniversary year allowed us to reflect and celebrate together. We kicked things off in the spring at The Marketplace, gathered again in November for a joyful 50th Anniversary celebration, revisited our history through a community “story walk,” and shared a video that captured, in many voices, how The Guilford Foundation turns generosity into meaningful and enduring impact. Each moment reminded us

how deeply this foundation belongs to Guilford.

We are deeply grateful for the community’s support. Our endowment now exceeds $8 million, sustained by more than 83 charitable funds that fuel our grantmaking. Since 2022 alone, annual grants have grown from $261,000 to $384,000, enabling local nonprofits to respond to a wide range of community needs.

Our goal for the 50th Anniversary Community Campaign was to raise $500,000. We are proud to have significantly exceeded that milestone, raising over $800,000 to strengthen this legacy for the next generation.

Fifty years in, the story of The Guilford Foundation is still being written, by this community, for this community. On behalf of the Board, thank you for believing in what’s possible.

Christopher Hodgson Board Chair, The Guilford Foundation

Guilford Police Request Purchase of License Plate Reader System

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

The Guilford Police Department is seeking the purchase of a fixed license plate reader system to enhance its crime-solving missions on a local and regional level.

The department is one the last on the shoreline that does not have a “fixed LTR system,” police chief Christopher Massey told the Guilford Courier. While Guilford officers do have mobile readers in their vehicles that are similar in their capabilities, a permanently deployed fixed system placed at major intersections in town sees a “different application of that technology,”

collecting data that mobile readers could miss, Massey said.

First Selectman Matt Hoey expressed support for the department acquiring the technology.

“I’m very much interested in the capabilities and the opportunities to better protect our community with the license plate reader system,” said Hoey.

Selectwoman Susan Renner has also expressed support for acquiring the system, according to Board of Selectmen meeting minutes.

The police department is looking to purchase of the system in the 2027 fiscal year. The town would purchase the technology

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Richard Kevin Clancy (26-0005)

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 8, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Klayton Clancy, 48 Richard Road, Guilford, CT 06437

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Ann M. Laurie (25-0372)

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 9, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Jennifer Laurie

c/o ALISON LYNN BROAD, PARRETT PORTO PARESE & COLWELL, P.C., ONE HAMDEN CENTER, 2319 WHITNEY AVENUE, HAMDEN, CT 06518

LEGAL NOTICE GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL Public Hearing

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6 P.M. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192

Meeting ID: 639 632 0192

The following applications will be heard:

236 Church Street (Map 461 Lot 1, Zone R-1). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Nicholas Esposito (Principal) of Nima Associates LLC. Special Permit to modify ADU provisions including a detached ADU for a dual-family dwelling and an increase in interior finished floor area per §3.9.A.1.e.

470 County Road (Map 104 Lot 39, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Gail and Nick Thompson-Allen. Special Permit to enlarge an existing non-conforming structure per §8.2.E. 1509 Little Meadow Road (Map 97 Lot 34, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent: Chuck Mandel of Stevens & Associates on behalf of Owner: Jennifer Amasino. Resubdivision of parcel into two lots per subdivision regulations.

Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the Town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to planning.zoning@guilfordct.gov 24 hours prior to the meeting day. Documents are available at the Planning & Zoning office. Dial 203-453-8039 for assistance.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 22nd of January 2026 – Sean Cosgrove, Chair

using capital monies, with a current estimated cost of $165,000. Massey said the cost could change in two years similar to changes in costs elsewhere in the town’s municipal and capital budgets. On top of that, use of the technology involves a fiveyear investment, he added, including costs for overhead, licensing, and maintenance.

The technology would enhance the ability for police agencies in Guilford and other towns as part of the South Central Connecticut Regional Traffic Enforcement Unit - whose membership stretches from Madison to East Haven - to solve criminal cases involving vehicles on a regional scale.

The Guilford Police Department has already seen the capabilities of plate reading technology deployed by other regional agencies in their towns and when used to salvage criminal activity that has migrated to Guilford.

“We’ve been able to work together and leverage the technology that exists in these other communities to help solve crimes here in Guilford, which has been extremely helpful,” said Massey. “We’re hoping to be able to also fill the gap in where this technology is located in our community so that we can be part of this regional safety net.”

Plate readers systems can be particularly helpful for more serious crimes such as a bank robbery. If the Guilford police can get a description of the vehicle used in the robbery, they can use data collected from the reader system to match a plate

Free Online and In-Person GED Program

with the vehicle. The department would cooperate with other communities to share data collected from their system, bringing them closer to identifying a suspect’s whereabouts in the region.

While the crime-solving benefits are recognized by both the police department and selectmen, both also recognize privacy concerns associated with the technology. Hoey and Renner are supportive of the department using the technology as they intend, but both have raised concerns at previous meetings about the security of a system’s collected data. Massey said the data is “within our purview,” referring to the Guilford department. Police officials can work with the Board of Selectmen to implement safeguard policies on who is allowed to access potentially sharable information with other departments, he added.

Ultimately, a balance needs to be found between the supportive crime-solving capabilities of a license plate reader system and responsible leveraging of the technology to meet community expectations, said Massey.

“We want to work hand-in-hand with other town officials, the Board of Selectmen in particular, to make sure that whatever we do moving forward, that we’re balancing the need to be able to have this technology to be able to improve our investigative abilities, while also balancing those community expectations and privacy needs,” he said.

Middletown Adult Education offers a free online or in-person GED program to residents of Old Saybrook, Madison, and Westbrook as well as Regional District #4 (Chester, Deep River, Essex, Centerbrook, Ivoryton) and Regional District #17 (Haddam, Higganum, Killingworth). The program provides instruction for participants to learn the skills necessary for employment. In-person classes take place at the Middletown Adult Education, 210 Main Street, Old Saybrook or at 398 Main Street, Middletown. COVID-19 safety guidelines may be required. For more information, call 860-343-6044 or visit www.maect.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

Sachem’s Head Association Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE is hereby given that on Wednesday January 28, 2026 the Sachem’s Head Association Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual Public Hearing at 6:30pm on Google Meet meet.google.com/trs-honr-vew for the following purpose:

Leighton III and Marie Lee, 600 Colonial Road, Map No. 001041, House No. 600, Assessor’s Lot 0941/0538, Zoning District B, request for a variance, from the side yard setback requirement for the construction of a 14’ x 24” pergola set along the south side of an existing pool.

Copies of the application are on file with the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 200 Uncas Point Road, Guilford, CT. Copies can be requested by e-mail from the Chairman at: jeffhcooper@gmail.com.

Jeffrey H. Cooper Chairman

Stolen Identity? Take These Steps

By Officer Scott Gingras

If you’ve ever been a victim of identity theft, you know that dealing with the aftermath is often stressful and overwhelming. You’ll likely be on the phone with your bank and credit card companies, canceling accounts, changing passwords, talking with police, and spending hours trying to mitigate the fact that your personal information is now out there, in the hands of scammer. Here are a few important tips for what to do if you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft:

1. Call the companies where the fraud occurred to notify them that your identity was stolen. For example, if you find that someone else applied for an American Express credit card in your name, contact American Express Customer Service and ask to speak to the Fraud Department. Tell them to close or freeze the account in question.

2. Place a fraud alert and/or freeze on your credit. A fraud alert lets lenders know that you have been a victim of identity theft and so they must verify your identity before opening a new credit account in your name.

A freeze blocks a creditor from accessing your credit report at all, so a new credit account cannot be opened in your name. To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. Whichever bureau you place the fraud alert with must notify the other two. An initial fraud alert is free and lasts up to one year, but can be renewed. An extended fraud alert can also be placed for up to seven years. Credit freezes are also free. To place a freeze on your credit, you must contact each of the credit

Scam SmartS

bureaus individually. Note that you will have to temporarily lift the freeze when doing things like applying for a credit card or loan, renting an apartment, buying insurance, etc.

3. Review your credit report and look for any suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts that may have been opened in your name.

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228 to obtain a free copy of your credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a week from each of the three credit bureaus.

4. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and file a report with your local police department. For internetrelated identity theft scams, you can also make a report directly to the FBI via the online Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov. Contact each of the three credit bureaus at:

-Experian.com/help

888-397-3742

-TransUnion.com/credit-help 888-909-8872

-Equifax.com/peronal/credit-reportservices

800 685-1111

If you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft, contact GPD or your local police department as soon as possible. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for more information and resources.

Legal Notice

Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission

At its regular meeting on January 14, 2026 the Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission took the following action:

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: David Sakheim, 1171 West Lake Avenue, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 95, Lot 34, After the Fact Regulated Activity, Removal of trees from lake, removal of two stumps, regrading area disturbed by tree removal within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/ or watercourse.

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: APT Foundation, Pustola & Associates PLLC (Agent), 415, 417 & 439 Boston Post Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 49, Lot 27, Regulated Activity, Combining lots 439, 417 & 415 Boston Post Road; Demolition of existing structures at 415 Boston Post Road; New office & garage; new septic system and new parking lot within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

Jeff Parker, Chairman

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Barry J. Ward

(25-0378)

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 6, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is: Nancy Ward c/o MATHEW H GREENE, MUELLER GREENE, LLC,

LEGAL NOTICE

A certified list of 56 Democratic party-endorsed candidates for the town of Guilford for election as Members of the Town Committee At-Large is on file in my office at 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut and copies are available for public distribution. The number of Town Committee Members to be elected, under party rules, is 75.

A Primary will be held March 3, 2026, if 25% of the number of town committee members to be elected by such party in the municipality are filed in accordance with Section 9-382 to 9-450, inclusive, of the General Statutes, by persons other than party-endorsed candidates, not later than 4:00 p.m. of January 28, 2026, provided the number of such candidacies plus the number of endorsed candidates, exceeds the number of town committee members to be elected. (If the number of opposing candidacies filed is reduced to less than such 25%, no primary will be held.) Petition forms, instructions and information concerning the procedure for filing opposing candidacies, may be obtained from Lisa Kops, Democratic Registrar of Voters, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.

Anna J. Dwyer, CCTC Guilford Town Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE OF DECISION GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission held a virtual meeting on January 7, 2026, and at this meeting the following actions were taken:

Approved with conditions:

405 Whitfield Street (Map 28 Lot 5, Zone I and R-3). Applicant/Agent: Russell Campaigne of Campaigne Kestner Architects on behalf of Owner: Kurt Wittek of Eagleview Homes LLC. Modification of existing Special Permit to allow for 2 (modified) condominium buildings with 14 total units per §9.4.G.6.

405 Whitfield Street (Map 28 Lot 5, Zone I and R-3). Applicant/Agent: Seamus Moran of H+H Engineering Associates on behalf of Owner: Kurt Wittek of Eagleview Homes LLC. Modification of existing Coastal Site Plan Review to allow for 2 (modified) condominium buildings with 14 total units per §5.7.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 22ND of January 2026 – Sean Cosgrove, Chair

LEGAL NOTICE

A certified list of 30 Republican party-endorsed candidates for the town of Guilford for election as Members of the Town Committee At-Large is on file in my office at 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut and copies are available for public distribution. The number of Town Committee Members to be elected, under party rules, is 72.

A Primary will be held March 3, 2026, if 25% of the number of town committee members to be elected by such party in the municipality are filed in accordance with Section 9-382 to 9-450, inclusive, of the General Statutes, by persons other than party-endorsed candidates, not later than 4:00 p.m. of January 28, 2026, provided the number of such candidacies plus the number of endorsed candidates, exceeds the number of town committee members to be elected. (If the number of opposing candidacies filed is reduced to less than such 25%, no primary will be held.) Petition forms, instructions and information concerning the procedure for filing opposing candidacies, may be obtained from Gloria Nemczuk, Republican Registrar of Voters, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.

Anna J. Dwyer, CCTC

Guilford Town Clerk

American Legion Guilford Post 48 invites local veterans to join the post and meet fellow veterans with similar interests and experiences. The post addresses veterans’ issues, organizes community projects such as food baskets for those in need, and sponsors programs such as Boys and Girls State, an oratorical contest for high school seniors, and a scholarship for Guilford High School students. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, except for July and August. Meetings begin with a short ceremony to honor MIAs and POWs. Locations and times of the meeting vary. For specific times and locations or for more information, call Fred Brisbois 203-6057747.

Scholarships for Connecticut Women

The Connecticut Federation of Women’s Clubs announces two scholarships for Connecticut women pursuing advanced courses of study at institutions of higher learning. Awards are granted on the basis of future promise, scholastic ability, and financial need. The Dorothy E. Schoelzel memorial scholarship has a maximum award of $2,000. Candidates must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher in the field of education. The Phipps scholarship has a maximum award of $1,000. Candidates must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher toward a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree. Completed applications, including general and personal information, a financial statement, instructor/employer references, and an official transcript of at least the most recent two years of undergraduate or graduate work, must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. To download an application form, visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org/ education. For more information, call Rose Lynch at 203-483-8395.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Guilford and North

Guilford

District 20 of Connecticut (Area 11) of Alcoholics Anonymous has dozens of meetings throughout the week to help carry the message to people in recovery and those who may still be suffering from this disease. The meetings are held at various locations, as well as online. For more information and a list of meetings, email the public information officer at d20a11pi@gmail.com or visit https://d20a11.org.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group

The Estuary, located at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, holds the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff, the group provides conversation, support, and resources for grandparents who—for a variety of reasons—become parents to their grandchildren. Registration is not required. All area towns are welcome. For more information, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.

Tandler Named All-State for Guilford Football

Sports Editor By Serenity J. Bishop

The Guilford football team finished one of its most successful seasons in program history this year as the team reached the postseason for only the second time. Guilford finished the regular season 8-2 and reached the first round of the tournament.

However, with all the team’s success, one player on the roster was recognized for his individual performance. On Jan. 11, Guilford offensive lineman Wesley Tandler was recognized as a Class M/Class MM All-State player. Tandler received the award with the rest of the state’s top players at the All-State banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

Tandler has been a starter for Guilford since his sophomore season and has been one of the anchors on the offensive line ever since.

“I was really proud to just be able to represent Guilford at the banquet,” Tandler said. “I’m just thankful for being on the team and all the support my coaches and teammates have given me.”

Tandler first found out about the award while training as part of the Guilford Indoor track team. The team was sharing the weight room with the lacrosse team, where football coach Brian White doubles as the lacrosse coach.

White told Tandler at that time, and the moment shocked the longtime Guilford starter.

“I was definitely shocked by it,” he said. “Going into the season, I made sure I prepared myself every day. I was definitely working hard, but I also have a really strong team surrounding me. It takes11 guys to be on the same page and to be successful.”

He said it was also shocking that not just his coach believed he was worthy of the world, but coaches across the state also believed he was as well.

“I was super proud that other coaches recognized me,” he said. “I’m super happy about that, but I’m just really proud that people are noticing Guildford football and that I got to kind of represent the town.”

Tandler said that despite being the sole recipient of the all-state honor, the individual award was not something that he was even thinking about, and that it is actually a team award. He said not only is it the overall team, but it’s especially an offensive line award and his success would not

have been possible if it weren’t for the rest of the line.

The offensive line unit included Jayden Gravel, Dominick Verme, Domenico Dambrosio, Lucio Nastri, and Zisis Vasiliou

“I was really happy I got to play with those guys. We definitely couldn’t have got anything done without them,” Tandler

said. “They supported me, I supported them, and the O-line doesn’t get anything done unless everyone’s on the same page, and everyone is all doing their jobs and working together.”

Tandler is currently hard at work continuing his athletic career in indoor track. Recently, Tandler traveled with the team

to Boston, where he broke the school record in the weight throw. Tandler threw 58’ 6” to break the school record, place fifth in the event, and provisionally qualify for Nike Indoor Nationals.

He plans to attend UConn in the Fall after gaining acceptance in the early decision process.

10-Year-Old Hunt Raises Nearly $7,600 for Arthritis Foundation by Sharing Her Journey with It

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

When it comes to making a difference or exemplifying the definition of perseverance, friendship, teamwork, and community, that spark can come from any age and any cause. In Madison, that message has come from a 10-year-old, Samantha Hunt.

Hunt recently organized a charity team to run in the 2025 Jingle Bell Run 5K on Dec. 21, to support the Arthritis Foundation and, in this case, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Hunt’s team consisted of pledged runners and financial contributors comprised of family, friends, and her peers in Madison Little League softball. Her team generated $7,535 for the donation and was recognized as the largest contributor for the event.

“I was really proud to represent all the little kids and grown-ups

Samantha Hunt said. “Because I put myself out there and shared my story, I was able to raise a lot of money that could help find a cure for kids with arthritis. This event is really important to me, and I can’t wait to be back next year.”

Samantha Hunt’s journey to the 5k run started when she was just 17 months old. Her mother, Stefanie, noticed that her right knee was swollen and she had a little bit of a funny gait to her walk. After several doctor appointments with many different specialist they discovered that she had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that means her immune system will attack her joints and cause stiffness, swelling, pain, and warmth to the touch.

So from an early age, she’s faced challenges that most kids never have to think about, but

down. Hunt’s contagious smile and an unstoppable spirit have been evident in her love for skiing in the winter, dancing to her favorite music, and playing softball and lacrosse with her friends. Her desire to tell her story came in line with the longing to help others in her position. The idea for the 5k came at a suggestion from her mother after seeing it on the Connecticut branch of the Arthritis Foundation. Her mother presented her with the idea of raising money to help one day cure the invisible disorder. The younger Hunt paused for a second, thought about it, and then said it would be really cool to create her own team for the cause.

“We put together a small group of friends that she felt comfortable sharing her story with, and before you knew it, she was sending out videos to family who live

“She was posting videos to her friends, encouraging her friends to fundraise. She then asked her brother’s friends to fundraise as well.”

In the first year participating in the event in 2024, Samantha Hunt raised over $6,500 and was recognized as the top team fundraiser. That year, she was asked to be the youth honoree for the 25’ Jingle Bell run.

Hunt was able to raise even more this time around by sharing her story little by little. As outgoing and vibrant as the 10-year-old Hunt is, sharing her story with so

many took her out of her comfort zone.

As much as she loves to sing and dance, she’s not necessarily one to be on the front stage.

“Initially, she started with a little bit of hesitation. She knew what she wanted to say, and she knew the message that she wanted to get across. She put the ask out there to come support her, and as a result, her efforts paid off,” Stefanie Hunt said. “That’s kind of been my conversation with her is look how brave See page 14

Fiery End to a Vessel Evolving with the Times

One of the most historically significant and frequently referenced shipwrecks in Long Island Sound is the fast steamboat Lexington, commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt - sometimes referred to as the SS Lexington. On Jan. 13, 1840, at 3 a.m., the vessel caught fire. It was a paddle wheel steamboat and today lies broken up on the bottom at approximately 41º1’56”N, 73º7’21”W in 80 to 140 feet of water, south of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Attempts to raise it in 1842 failed when chains holding the hull gave way, and it sank once again. Although several unsuccessful attempts have been made to recover it and/or a large amount of silver estimated to be over $100,000 that is still believed to be somewhere on board, all efforts met a dead end - except for $50,000 in melted silver coins.

The fire erupted around its smokestack casing and quickly spread to cotton bales stored onboard. Rescue was chaotic and tragic: lifeboats capsized or were destroyed, and many passengers and crew desperately clung to floating cotton bales. Only four people out of about 143 on board survived! An investigation revealed that issues with how its boilers were converted for coalburning contributed to the fire. By all accounts, this wreck is considered one of the worst maritime disasters in Long Island Sound’s history.

Given the depth and structure, this wreck (and portions of it) offer potential for anglers looking to fish multi-species habitats. In season and more often than not, its depth and bottom contour attract black sea bass, tautog, scup, and summer flounder. Add schools of baitfish and an ample predatory seascape, and fishers can catch striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish, as well as perhaps running into a feeding school of bonito or false albacore.

The wreck makes for good jigging and trolling and is best suited for medium or mediumheavy gear setups - although there can be some topwater action where lighter configurations might be preferred. These are grounds for good electronics and detailed nauti-

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

cal/bathymetric charts. However, wire cables from previous salvage operations and miscellaneous debris surround the steamboat Lexington’s pieces and parts, including its paddlewheel, massive boiler, and engine. It is a destination worth investigating.

On The Water:

High pressure to the south moved well offshore as a cold front approached and moved across the waters. The Arctic cold associated with the Jet Stream brought colder air temperatures along with the threat of snowfall to southern Connecticut. However, at that time, an offshore pressure system brought a mostly rainy event to the shoreline, shifting any accumulating snow farther north. High pressure returned but moved to the east and offshore. A series of weak lows followed with their associated frontal systems, then moved across the area. During and through the January thaw, predawn air temperatures fluctuated from the mid-teens to a high of 39ºF while daytimes swung from the mid-20’s to a high of 46 degrees. Days generally were a mix of sun/clouds broken up by a few rainy days and some light snow followed by a shift to more snow along the eastern shoreline. Meanwhile, under sea advisories, Long Island Sound saw some gusty 35 knot, south/southwest winds driving seas to 5 feet occasionally while maintaining water temps between 35-37 degrees. January’s thaw changed any icescape south of I-95 that Arctic blasts and dropping jet streams contributed to creating hard water. Ice fishers had some action just north of the shoreline, but for the most part, the best action was found farther north. Even then, the ice softened in several areas, creating risky conditions. However, those areas that somehow remained protected from the heavy winds and had established enough hard water during the cold spell still managed to pro-

duce limited activity with catches of bass, pickerel, and panfish. As we enter another cool-down, ice fishing in those areas should get back on track, leaving tip-up and jigging stick action along the shoreline limited while north of I95 cranks back up. The upside for the past week has been more open water angling for trout, Atlantic salmon, and holdover striped bass in a few of the key tidal rivers. It was a good opportunity for trout anglers to make use of their fly rods or ultralightweight finesse set-ups in the rivers, trout parks, and Class brookie rivers and streams. Long Island Sound has had more than its share of high winds and angry seas. After these events, it is quite revealing to do a little beachcombing to observe any new structural/contour changes. Fishers kept busy with other fishing-related alternatives

from tinkering with gear in the ‘cave’ to heading out for a little exploring along the beaches to see what washed up - even taking a trip to fish the warmer latitudes. Some even headed north to ski country or where the ice was much thicker to plan out and pop a few holes. For many, birds of prey hold interest and are what to watch, as well as observing wildlife as they navigate through the wintry woods. Just think! Due to earlier sunrises and later sunsets, by Jan. 31, we’ll have gained approximately 47 minutes of total daylight.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media. Or, contact Captain Morgan for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime to a remote national or international fishing destination.

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop, located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated winter hours. Until next time, from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa @hotmail.com captainmorgan-fish. blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

10-Year-Old Hunt Raises Nearly $7,600 for Arthritis Foundation by Sharing Her Journey with It

Continued from page 12

you are and look what you accomplished just by putting your story out there, and you have no idea how many people you may have helped that have a similar disorder.”

Her mother was impressed with how mature and poised her daughter was throughout the process.

“I was really impressed with her. I even get choked up just thinking about it because I understand that it takes a lot to put yourself out there at the age of 10, and yet she was willing to,” she added. “She knows that there are a lot of kids in the United States who deal with this invisible disorder, and I know that she desperately would love for this money to go towards finding a cure for it.”

To the average person, if you were to meet Samantha Hunt, they would never know that she dealt with this invisible disorder. Some days are better than others. Sometimes, after a full day skiing on the mountain, her ankles may bother her, or if she’s playing basketball or lacrosse, you might catch a little bit of a limp.

At times, without her medication, her disorder can affect her to the point where the pain won’t allow her to walk, but while

Schedules

Friday, Jan. 23: at Sheehan at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26: vs. Daniel Hand at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23: vs. Daniel Hand at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27: vs. Hillhouse at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24: at Ridgefield at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28: at

she is on her medication, it doesn’t get that bad.

Hunt’s softball coach, Mike Phelan, said even as her coach, he may still not know because she doesn’t complain about it. He said she just smiles through it and continues to compete and have fun.

“I’ve had the privilege to coach and work with Sam for several years now, and she’s always a delight on the field at practice and in games,” Phelan said. “She just has that smile that brings so much energy to the field. Some days she just may not be feeling her best, but comes out there and gives it her all anyway, and to be honest with you, you would never even know if she’s having a good day or not.”

Phelan added his desire to participate on Hunt’s team was to simply show support for one of his outstanding players.

“If by me signing up, kickstarted something to help her in her journey and her fundraising efforts, all the more,” he said. “It’s so important to me personally to show your players that you support them in all their endeavors, not just on the field, but in their personal lives as well. I know this fundraiser meant so much to Sam, and to put herself out there to tell her story and reach out and try to pledge money in support of it, I just felt I had to contribute and support her in that fashion.”

Shoreline Deck Company, LLC

Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200

broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Showcases Mixed-Media Art at Guilford Library All Mixed Up

Mixed Up,

A mixed-media exhibit, featuring the art of Eileen Clark, will be held from Sunday, Feb. 1, through Friday, Feb. 27, at the Guilford Free Library Community Room, 67 Park Street. The artist hosts an opening reception for conversation and refreshments from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours.

Library visitors and viewers of Clark’s work are advised to check the program schedule of the library’s community room to ensure that the room is available during their visit.

Clark also exhibits her work throughout the year at outdoor festivals and Guilford Art League exhibitions. Her work is an eclectic mix of vibrant colors and three-dimensional textures. Found objects, thrift store finds, and natural treasures find their way into her abstract and representational art.

Whether it is a garden made of paper flowers or an autumn scene using Tyvek, brush bristles, and tree bark, viewers delight in discovering the identity of the elements.

Clark has been a lifelong creator. Before exploring this new

medium, she was known for her sea glass jewelry under the moniker “Odonata Seaglass.”

nest was growing under the eaves of her Guilford home.

As with her beach-themed jewelry, her work is greatly influenced by things seen and collected in nature.

Goddess of The Forest

Her new piece, , was created from the paper and combs of an abandoned bald-face hornet nest.

Throughout the summer, the

Clark shares, “I could not wait for the cold weather to arrive. After several hard frosts, the residents either move on or die. When it was safe to do so, I cut it down and stored it in my garage freezer for two weeks. I did not want to find any angry critters as I opened the nest.”

With tweezers and an X-acto knife, she carefully dismantled the natural wonder, revealing a tower of combs and many layers of ‘paper.’ This paper is created by the hornets from wood pulp and saliva. The creatures collect material and build the layers creating beautiful patterns and sometimes colors.

In addition to the hornet nest, Eileen incorporated found items such as driftwood twigs, butterfly wings, and feathers.

All her art is an experiment and an adventure. She relishes problem-solving as she digs through her color-sorted treasures to find just the right thing to create a desired texture, color, or effect.

Clark earned a bachelor of fine arts which gave her a foundation of color design and composition. However, her mixed-media tech-

niques are all self-taught.

“Once I decide to try something, I am fiercely driven to figure it out. Occasionally, I do have to surrender and try to appreciate the ‘learning experience’ as I fill a trash bag with creative disaster,” she says. The best remedy for her is beginning an all-new project.

Clark’s full portfolio is available to view online at www.Eileen ClarkArt.com.

For more information, contact the artist at 203-535-9442 or EileenClarkArt@gmail.com.

Calendar for the Week of January 22, 2026

For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.

THURSDAY,

Junior Librarians

JAN. 22

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a new four-session program for ages 8 to 12 offering a behind-the-scenes look at library operations with the children’s and teen Librarians. Participants will explore organizing materials, designing displays, planning programs, and more. Free. Commitment to all four sessions and celebration is expected. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Colorful Paper Weaving

: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 3. Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Connecticut River Ferries: Past, Present, and Future with Captain Paul Costello

: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on the histories of the ChesterHadlyme and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries, the challenges both ferries faced, the reason they survived, the improvements made to them over the decades, and the future of the two remaining ferries. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Drive-in Movie Night

: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Decorate a file box with paper plates for wheels and bring it to the library for a “drive-in” movie. Participants can sit in the “car” (or on the floor) in the children’s room for the film showing. Popcorn served. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Puzzles and Pizza

: 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Small teams and families will assemble puzzles in celebration of National Puzzle Day. Pizza will be served. Intended for all ages. Space is limited. For info or to register (required by Tuesday, Jan. 20), call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.

Author Event: Jen Hatmaker Awake: A Memoir

: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

National Theatre Live in HD Encore:

: 7 p.m.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 150 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

: 7•p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a dramatic performance celebrating the works of Poe. For info or to register, call 203•453•8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Guilford Job Network Meet

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.

FRIDAY, JAN. 23

Aging Well Expo

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features exhibitors and speakers on healthy aging, with information on fitness, wellness, downsizing, transportation, home care, and more. Free. For info, call 860-388-1611 or visit yourestuary.org.

Friday Movie Matinee

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, including the movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

How to Use ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence: A Basic Introduction

: 4 to 5 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

ChatGPT Side Hustle: 20+ Ways to Make an Income with ChatGPT, Working from Home

: 5 to 6 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Prior knowledge of ChatGPT is not required. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Concert by Ellis Paul

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

Winter in Broomstick Ledges Life of Pi

: 8:30 a.m. Broomstick Ledges, Guilford. Meet at the Bluff Head parking lot on Route 77. Features a 3.5-mile hike with a steep section and some rocky portions. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT Director Sam Mandel. Precipitation may cancel. For info or weatherrelated updates, text 347-969-4178.

Practice SAT Exam

: 9 a.m. to noon. Virtual event. Features a full-length practice SAT hosted by the library in partnership with C2 Education. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Get Grounded for the New Year EFT Tapping and Boundaries Workshop

: : 10 to 11:30 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a workshop led by energy practitioner Jess Leone introducing EFT tapping techniques focused on stress reduction and boundary setting. For info or to register (required), visit northbranfordlibraries.org.

Volunteer Fair

: 10 a.m. to noon. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Representatives from local nonprofits provide information on community work and volunteer opportunities. Free. For info, call 203488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Kids Create: Axolotl Keychains

: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Kids ages 6 to 12 will design and assemble beaded axolotl keychains using colorful pony beads. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Fourth Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Teams (maximum four members) race to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The winning team receives a gift card to a local business. Free and open to all. Limited seating. Sponsored by the Friends of the Acton Library. For info or to register (required), call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Cheap Flights, Hotel Deals, and Grocery Savings with AI

: 11 a.m. to noon. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Features a beginner class and students are not required to have prior knowledge of ChatGPT. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Native Plant Seed Exchange

: Noon to 3 p.m. Munger Barn, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Hosted by The Wild Ones. Features seed sharing and selection focused on species native to ecoregion 59 and nearby regions, with a curated offering of ecologically functional species from outside the area. Includes displays and demonstrations of winter sowing in pots. Free. For info, visit wildones.org.

Concert by Suzanne O Davis: Tapestry: the Carole King Songbook:

3 and 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

See page 21

Reviews of Theater Shows in Early 2026; Tributes to Those We Lost in 2025

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Women and the Vote

: I highly recommend the Broadway musical, , that is at the Bushnell from Tuesday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Feb. 1. It tells the story of the fight from 1912 to 1920 to secure women the right to vote. The show received multiple Tony Award nominations and won the Tony for best book and best score, both by Shaina Taub. It focuses on the conflict over strategy among the groups working for women’s suffrage and on the tactics the government used to suppress the movement. Tickets are available at Bushnell.com.

Returns Suffs English English

: Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, , opened the TheaterWorks Hartford season as a co-production with Long Wharf Theater. Now, it will play at the Kendall Drama Lab on the Southern Connecticut State University campus through Thursday, Feb. 1. I found the play a fascinating exploration of the relationships among language, culture, and self-image. One cast member has changed since the Hartford production. For tickets, visit LongWharf.org.

Continued from page 20

Aisle ON THE

The Weir

The Guardian

From Edinburgh to Yale Great Show

: The next show at Yale, , is a solo performance by Julia Masli, which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it was named best of the year by newspaper. It has since played in Melbourne, New York, and D.C. The show changes each performance based on audience participation. It’s at the Yale Rep through Saturday, Feb. 7. For tickets, visit YaleRep.org.

Broadway Baby

: I’d see , singer/actress and cabaret star Karen Mason’s show at MTC in Norwalk on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., if I could. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment. I saw Mason in a different show as part of The Legacy Theatre’s Sunday afternoon series and loved it. Tickets are available at MusicTheatreofCT.com.

The Cottage

Guttenberg! The Musical

: Currently on stage in Connecticut are , a new drawing room comedy at Hartford Stage, and at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford.

Also Playing Two Plays in 2026 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

: The New Haven Theater Company, which performs at

: 2 to 4 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Hosted by Peace Islands CT. Features presentations, demonstrations, activities, and Q&A exploring Turkish coffee culture. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

A Tribute to The Eagles

: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by The Eagles Experience. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

Put the Phone Away, Let the Marbles Pla

y: 10 to 11 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a story with Mrs. Fig while adult caregivers and parents join a discussion with experts from the Shoreline Therapy Center on the topic, "Unplugging our Kids Without Losing Ourselves." Adults get practical tips, tricks, and strategies to help their family step away from screens, reclaim their time, and break the device habit. Co-sponsored by the Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services, HK

EBM on Chapel Street, will produce two plays this year. The first, , sounds fascinating. In France, with war at the door, seven exceptional women gather for a dinner party—Gertrude Stein, Dorothy Parker, Agatha Christie, and others. It runs for three weekends beginning March 5. Beginning April 30, they will produce by Conor McPherson. Set in a remote Irish pub, the local bachelors tell stories of ghosts, graveyards, and fairies. For more information, visit NewHavenTheaterCompany.com.

NYC Notes

Bake-Off

SUNDAY, JAN. 25

Take Me Out

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Annie

: will open off-Broadway at the end of January. I saw a version of the show about contestants in a small-town baking contest at The Legacy Theatre in Branford. The off-Broadway version stars Kela Blackhurst among other Broadway veterans. Sean Hayes—who won raves for the London production of Good Night, Oscar (he also won the Tony Award)—will star in The Unknown off Broadway beginning Jan. 31. It’s about a writer struggling to cure his writer’s block.

In Memoriam

The Gin Game

Just Desserts: A Musical

: Let’s take time to remember some of the theater people we lost in 2025. The year ended with the death of Carmen de Lavallade, a dancer, actor, and choreographer who performed at Yale Rep and was on the faculty. Earlier in December, we lost D. L. Coburn, author of , a play that Long Wharf Theatre presented in the show’s early days. won the 1978 Pulitzer Little Wars

The Gin Game

Unplugged, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the Killingworth Library. For info or to register (required), call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

Open House at East Shoreline Catholic Academy

:

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. East Shoreline Catholic Academy, 62 Cedar St., Branford. Families with children in grades preK3 to 6 can tour the school and learn about its project-based STREAM curriculum. Snow date: Saturday, Feb. 22. For info or to schedule an appointment, contact 203-488-8386 or admissions@eastshorelinecatholicacademy.org.

Lava Lamp Making Workshop

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features a hands-on workshop for children exploring solubility and density while creating a lava lamp to take home. Led by STEAM Dreamers LLC. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

Prize for Drama. Two major playwrights—Tom Stoppard and Athol Fugard—died last year, as did Richard Greenberg ( ), composer/lyricist William Finn ( ), Charles Strouse ( ), and Alan Bergman. Actors who had Broadway (and Connecticut) credits and died include Joan Plowright, Tony Roberts, Richard Chamberlain, Harris Yulin, Elizabeth Franz, Patricia Routledge, Cleo Laine, and George Wendt. Among those performers we lost who did not often appear on Broadway are Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, Taina Elg, Jerry Adler, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton. The directing ranks lost Mark Brokaw. For the theater world and Connecticut, the death of George C. White, who established the O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, was significant. Finally, while he was involved in stage plays only early in his career, everyone mourns the loss of TV actor and film director Rob Reiner.

To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association. Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

Essex Winter Series (EWS): Timeless Bonds and New Horizons

: 3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features the inaugural Mihae Lee legacy concert with new Artistic Director Tara Helen O’Connor joined by Ani Kavafian, violin; Peter Wiley, cello; and Shai Wosner, piano. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

Who Were the Hammonassetts? The Interrelationship of Indigenous Communities at the Time of English Colonization:

4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Jim Powers. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Part of the 2026 Frederick Lee Lectures series. Admission: $5 suggested fee, free to MHS members. For info, call 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

Concert by The Meadow Brothers and Belle of the Fall

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $29. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Page Turners

MeettheNewmans

ByJenniferNiven

The Newman family have been playing themselves on TV for two decades, but, in the changing world of the ’60s, they’re no longer relevant. As their perfect family facade falls away, they’re forced to reckon with the truth of each other. This book is a great historical fiction with some romance, some mystery, and amazing characters.

— Marisa

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.

EveryDayIRead

ByHwangBo-reum

Whether you’re looking to rediscover or simply reignite your love of reading, this slim book is full of practical advice and personal anecdotes to get you back into a productive and joyous routine. These essays encourage newer bookworms to put down the stories they don’t connect with, emphasize how parents need to be readers themselves in order to raise young readers, inspire you to read broadly inside and outside of your comfort zone, and always to “read books that preserve your sense of self.”

— Mel

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

TheFirstTimeISawHim

ByLauraDave

TheStorm

ByRachelHawkins

The Last Thing He Told Me

Some books leave you wanting more, and now we finally have it! This story picks up right where left off, delivering just as much emotion and excitement. Get ready for another fast-paced adventure and a powerful narrative about family and the lengths we are willing to go for the ones we love.

—

Tijae

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Secrets, scandal, and a storm on the horizon—this twisty, small town thriller kept me guessing until the very end. Filled with plenty of drama, suspense, and shocking twists, this is one of those books you can easily devour in a single sitting.

— Tijae

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Page Turners

Continued from page 22

ASnowDayforAmosMcGee

ByPhilipC.Stead

This is a beautiful story with incredible illustrations. It is the third book about Amos McGee who works at the zoo taking care of his animal friends. The first snow of the season is on its way and his animal friends have all received knitted cozy gifts from him. When the snow finally arrives they all have a wonderful time. I highly recommend this story for elementary-age children.

— Sue Breakwater Books, Guilford

TheBorrowedLifeofFrederickFife

ByAnnaJohnston

This is a debut novel about 82-year-old Frederick Fife who is a lonely, warmhearted man facing eviction from his apartment. Through no fault of his own, Frederick finds himself being mistaken for a grumpy old resident of the local nursing home named Bernard Greer. Unfortunately, after finding Bernard dead in his wheelchair with his body falling into the river, everyone assumes that Frederick is Bernard. The resemblance between the two is amazing and adds to the fact that everyone assumes he is Bernard. As Frederick adopts his new home, you will watch how his kind heart makes a difference among the other residents and staff at the nursing home.

— Sue Breakwater Books, Guilford

BethIsDead

ByKatieBernet

This stunning debut novel by Katie Bernet is not a retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s . It’s a stand-alone whodunit with everyone a suspect. While it might be fun to compare and contrast to this book (or watch the movie on Netflix like I did), the reader does not need knowledge of the classic to enjoy this page-turner. Beth is dead and everyone has a motive.

— Little Women Little Women Judi

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Skylark

ByPaulaMcLain

In two timelines set in Paris nearly 300 years apart, Paula McLain tells the story of Alouette, a gifted, defiant young woman who, in 1664, is wrongly imprisoned in the infamous Salpêtrière asylum, and Kristof, a young doctor who, in 1942, makes a life-changing choice. Riveting, heartbreaking, yet full of hope and courage. I couldn’t put it down!

— Marilyn

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

MONDAY, JAN. 26

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS): Intro Class

: 6 to 8 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St. CPS is an approach to reduce challenging behavior, teach kids the skills they lack, and build relationships with the adults in their lives. For info or to register, email jessica.wood@oldsaybrookct.gov.

Songs and Stories with Patti Smith

of Angels

: 7 p.m. The Lyman Center at SCSU, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Book: . Cost: $55, includes admission for one attendee and a copy of the book; $20, admission for one student. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27

History of Nintendo Playable Museum

: 3:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Retro Nintendo consoles and history on display. For info or to register, call 203453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Math Mania

: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-aged children. Features games and activities to reinforce math skills. Focus for the session is addition. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

History Comes Alive: The History of Nintendo

: 5 p.m.

Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Interactive learning event about Nintendo’s evolution for children. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Kids' Movie Showing

Desserts that Dazzle

: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Features a hands-on class to make a three-layer almond tart and a French chocolate dessert. All ingredients and equipment provided. Cost: $30 plus a $30 materials fee to cover all supplies (exact change requested). No experience needed. Participants take home what they make. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28

Hollywood Gems:

The Marrying Kind

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

National Lego Day

: 4 to 5 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features Lego free play and theme builds, with stop-motion projects using the Lego Play app. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Kindergarten Kickback with Legos and Cars

: 6 p.m.

Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Bring your favorite matchbox racers or try the cars provided by the library. Dinner will be served. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org/events.

Nourishing and Affordable Batch Cooking for a Healthier Lifestyle

ages 2 and up. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Red Cross Blood Drive

: 1 to 6 p.m. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. The event marks the 20th annual blood drive in honor of the 20th anniversary of the loss of Nicole Flagge, daughter of Jay and Barbara Flagge. For info or to make an appointment, call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

: 5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison. Features a screening of a movie (rated PG) with snacks and popcorn. Registration is required. For info on the movie or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Pickin’ Party

: 6 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door, free for first-time guests. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.

The Anatomy of Grit: A Journey From Survival to Purpose

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a talk by Justin Brownell. Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Adult and Pediatric CPR Awareness Training:

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. No certification is available with this class. Cost: $25. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $40 plus a $40 materials fee due one week before the class via Venmo or Zelle. Bring a dish towel, containers for leftovers, one glass container for a recipe, and an (optional) apron. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. To pay by Venmo, visit https://venmo.com/u/breathe-n-bloom. To pay via Zelle, contact 203-506-1101 or eliana.serna.info@gmail.com. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Author Event: Kat Ashmore in Conversation with Diane Morrisey

Big Bites: Time to Eat!

: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church, 26 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Book: . Ticket options available. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore

: 7 p.m.

Online event. Book: Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29

Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess

Concert by Lee DeWyze Story and Craft: :

: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. 10 to 10:45 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a reading of (Anna Dewdney) followed by a craft; for

The God of the Woods: A Novel Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess

: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Social-emotional learning workshop for ages 9 to 12. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 5 to 10. Features a hands-on STEAM experience that blends science, nature, and art. Presented by the Steward Outdoor Day School. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

SEL-Based Theater Workshop with Wilder Moon Collective Migrate, Hibernate, and Adapt

Opening Reception for the Whitney Literary Society Inaugural Event

: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Clinton Art Society 2026 Winter Juried Member Artists Show

Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. The exhibit runs through Thursday, April 23. For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions.

: 5:30 p.m.

New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features an informal, bimonthly book discussion on U.S. history with a focus on New Haven, which was once the center of governance, education, trade, and culture in Connecticut. Includes a discussion of a book along with a viewing of materials in the New Haven Museum collection, a visit from an author, or a guided tour of a related exhibit. Book:

The Case of the Piglet's Paternity: Trials from the New Haven Colony, 1619-1963 Continued from page 21

by Jon C. Blue. Snow date: Thursday, Feb. 5. Visitors may register to read and discuss any or all of the books. Free and open to all. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Understanding Electric Rates in Connecticut

: 5:30 p.m.

Essex Town Hall, Room A, 29 West Ave. Features a presentation by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on how electric rates are set and regulated in Connecticut and what future power demands may mean for residents. Hosted by Sustainable Essex. For info, email sustsxct@gmail.com.

Senior Series 1: Housing Decisions for Seniors in Transition

: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. First in a six-part educational series designed for older adults and the adult children who support them. Each session offers practical guidance on topics related to aging in place, downsizing, home care, and senior living options. Participants can attend any or all sessions; there is no obligation to attend the full series. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

See page 26

Love is in the Air at Spectrum Gallery with Signs of Love

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents , a seven-week show celebrating images and symbols of love and affection as well as interactions and expressions of fondness of people with each other and with animals.

Discover new fine art, mixed media, Signs of Love photography, sculpture, and other unexpected pieces by emerging and established artists who represent these ideas in both subtle and bold, as well as personal and universal interpretations.

weekend, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 5 pm. The exhibit runs through Saturday, March 14.

The gallery is hosting an opening reception, Friday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy the fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments at the opening reception and throughout the open house

As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys.

Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main Street, Centerbrook. Gallery and

store hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Patrons can shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the United States.

For more information about gallery exhibits as well as classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call 860767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

Continued from page 24

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

Nuno Felting-a-Scarf Workshop

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

Hike on Westwoods West

: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Covers sourdough starter care, fermentation and proofing basics, dough shaping, and baking techniques. For info or to register (required), call 860-7671560 or visit essexlibrary.org.

Introduction to Sourdough Scrapbooking Class

: 6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants can bring their own projects or blank pages along with photos and supplies. Stickers, paper, and decorative scissors provided. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Author Event: Harper Ross in Conversation with Kristan Higgins

The Unwritten Rules of Magic

: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Willoughby Book Talk About Reading Books

: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features guest Barbara Pearce on 100 Notable Books of the Year. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

The New York Times

Concert by Satisfaction (Tribute to The Rolling Stones)

: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

An Evening with Author and Film Director John Sayles

: 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a presentation on Sayles’s forthcoming historical novel . Copies of the book will be available for purchase courtesy of Breakwater Books. Free and open to all. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4538282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Knitting With Knightley

Crucible Pride and Prejudice

: 6 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Features a potluck-style gathering, so attendees may bring an entrée, appetizer, or dessert to share. Includes a free showing of . Attendees may bring knitting or other fiber crafts. Free. For info or to register (required), visit chester.recdesk.com.

Antique Map Collecting 101: Foxing, Soiling, and Worm Holes

: 6 to 7 pm. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Presented by Brian Tims of the Connecticut Map Society. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Concert by Jesse Cook

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will use fine merino and a laminated felting technique to create a unique accessory. Cost: $63 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203453-5947.

STEAM Saturday: Make Your Own Butter

: 10:30 a.m.

Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free and open to children in ages 5 to 12. Participants will explore the science behind turning cream into butter and enjoy the tasty results of their hard work. Seating and materials are limited. For info or to register (required), contact the library at 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Get Published on Amazon in 24 Hours

: 11 a.m. to noon. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

How to Grow Your Small Business

: Noon to 1 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Met in HD Encore:

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 192 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Soap Making with Shell & Bee

: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Space is limited. For info or to register, contact 860-526-0018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com.

ChatGPT Side Hustle: 20+ Ways to Make an Income with ChatGPT, Working from Home

: 1 to 2 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Prior knowledge of ChatGPT is not required. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Concert by EWF (Tribute Earth, Wind & Fire)

: 8 p.m.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Saturday Cinema

: 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info about the movie or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

A Tribute to Bon Jovi

: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by 1 Wild Night. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

: 10 a.m. Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the southern Moose Hill Road entrance, across from Landon’s Way. Features a 1.5-hour exploration of Westwoods, including a new acquisition by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) off Moose Hill Road. The hike includes hemlocks, small waterfalls, caves, roots, rocks, mud, and a few steep climbs. Hosted by the GLCT. Led by GLCT Director David Grigsby and Secretary Sarah Williams. Heavy rain cancels. For info, call 203-915-0663.

Essex Ed Parade (Groundhog Parade

): 2 p.m. Parade kicks off at the Essex Boat Works, 9 Ferry St. In celebration of Groundhog Day, a community organization dresses Essex Ed, a 12-foot paper-mâché version of a groundhog. Essex Ed’s costume recognizes a person or special occasion. Sponsored by the Essex Board of Trade. Parade takes place rain, snow, or shine. For info, visit essexct.com/events.

Concert by Chrome Horse (Tribute to Bob Dylan)

MONDAY, FEB. 2

Author Event: Stephen Fishbach

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org. : 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

Andrews Memorial Town Hall

: 54 E. Main St., Clinton: For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions. : Runs Jan. 26 through April 23.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery

Clinton Art Society 2026 Winter Juried Member Artists Show

: 360 State St., New Haven: For info, contact 203433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org/events.

Artists in Exhibition: Barbara Fenton, Lisa Hess Hesselgrave, Molly McDonald, Edith Reynolds, and MJ Stevenson

: Runs through March 31.

Connecticut River Museum

Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Holiday Train Show

: 67 Main St., Essex: For info, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org. : Runs through Feb. 1.

Essex Library

: 33 West Ave. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Lyme Art Association Exhibit: Runs through Jan. 31.

Guilford Free Library Escape!

: 67 Park St. For info, contact 203535-9442 or EileenClarkArt@gmail.com.

All Mixed Up

: Runs Feb. 1 through Feb. 27.

See page 27

Librarian Emma Norden

New Haven Museum Launches the Whitney Literary Society

While July 4, 1776, is considered the birthdate of America, it is the events prior to and since that define much of our shared history.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m., the New Haven Museum will debut the Whitney Literary Society, an informal, bimonthly book discussion delving into that colorful history, with a focus on New Haven which was once the center of governance, education, trade, and culture in Connecticut. Entry is free with museum admission, though registration is required. The snow date is Thursday, Feb. 5.

“This book group is ideal for New Haven enthusiasts who are eager to explore the city’s history and want to experience that history firsthand with original documents and manuscripts,” says Librarian Emma Norden, who researched and developed the project.

Each Whitney Literary Society event will include a discussion of a book and either an up-close viewing of materials in the New Haven Museum’s vast collection, a visit from an author, or a guided tour of a related exhibit. Visitors may register to read and discuss any or all of the books.

Continued from page 26

Lyme Art Association

: 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme: For info, call 860-434-7802 or visit lymeartassociation.org.

: Runs through Feb. 20.

Mondays: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Big Swing Band with Tuxedo Junction.

Nightingale’s Acoustic Café:

: Runs through Feb. 20.

First Impressions: 34th Annual Associate Artists Show Congratulations The Artists Garden

This Land is Your Land

: Runs through Feb. 20. : Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Animal Kingdom

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Stillness: A Still Life

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Abstracted

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Madison Center for History and Culture

: Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison: For info, call MHS at 203245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

This Side of Paradise

: Runs through March.

68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Donation $5 to $10 at the door. For info, email gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org or visit musicnowfoundation.org.

Tuesdays: 6 to 8 p.m. Ramblin’ Dan Stevens.

Last Friday: 7 to 9 p.m. Teen Open Mic. Sweet Saturday Nights: 7 to 9 p.m. Various performers.

Seaview Bistro at Water's Edge Resort & Spa

: 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 9 p.m. to midnight. Various performers.

On Thursday, March 26, the series continues with by Connecticut author Eric Lehman. Norden notes that interest in Arnold has increased in recent years, and Arnold’s life, career, and motivations will be popular topic on the state and national level. The discussion corresponding with Lehman’s book will include a showing of the Whitney Library’s impressive Benedict Arnold Manuscript Collection.

New Haven Museum

Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London

: 114 Whitney Ave. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond

: Runs through February.

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

: Runs through October 2027.

Spectrum Art Gallery

Captive of the

Labyrinth Winchester Pizza in New Haven Griswold V. Connecticut: Contraception and the Right of Privacy Murder in Model City: The Black Panthers, Yale, and the Redemption of a Killer

Also in the series will be by Mary Jo Ignoffo, the first fulllength biography of Sarah Winchester of New Haven, who was the subject of the movie , starring Helen Mirren. Other books in the series are by Colin Caplan, by Susan Wawrose, and by Paul Bass and Douglas W. Rae.

Signs of Love:

Golden Threads: Runs March 27 through May 9.

Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery

: 61 Main St., Centerbrook. For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org. Runs Jan. 23 through March 14. :

Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center, 250 Flat Rock Pl., Westbrook: For info, email galleryonect@gmail.com or visit MiddlesexHealth.org/ZahnGallery.

: Runs through Feb. 27.

2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-395-2000. Thursdays and Sundays: 6 to 9 p.m. Live music.

The Choo Choo Lounge at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina: The Highliner III:

139 Essex Rd., Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-5042 or visit thehighliner3.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Live music.

Second and fourth Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Open mic.

The Tap Room at The Griswold Inn:

36 Main St., Essex. No cover charge. For info, call 860-767-1776 or visit griswoldinn.com.

Fridays: 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Psychedelic ‘60s.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.

First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music.

The yearlong series will progress through the Puritan, Colonial, and industrial eras into more contemporary New Haven history. The first discussion will include several chapters from by Jon C. Blue, which explores judicial trials in the early New Haven Colony.

The Whitney Literary Society is offered in partnership with the New Haven Free Public Library, allowing easy access to the books in the series. Registrants can opt to have the Whitney Library reserve a copy of each book at the main branch of the New Haven Free Public Library. To register, visit newhavenmuseum.org. For more information, email library@newhaven museum.org.

Music

Bill’s Seafood Restaurant:

Rte. 1, Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-7224 or visit BillsSeafood.com.

First and third Wednesdays: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Corinthian Jazz Band.

The Case of the Piglet’s Paternity: Trials from the New Haven Colony, 1619-1963

“These stories of real people are riveting especially chapters 24 and 30, which involve indentured servitude, and divorce, which was highly unusual in the 1600s,” Norden says. The event will include a rare viewing of the original town records of New Haven.

This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement America 250. Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.

First and third Fridays: 7 to 9 p.m. Bill’s Seafood All-Star Jazz Band.

Second and fourth Fridays: 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Modeans.

Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Various performers.

Sundays: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Various performers.

Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:

104

Mill Rd., Guilford. No cover. For info, call 203-214-5874.

The Wharf:

Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For info, call 203-350-0014 or visit thewharfmadison.com.

Fridays: 8 to 10 p.m. Acoustic Fridays. Various performers.

Groups and Activities

A Journey Through America’s Past:

10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Free. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. For info, contact 203-245-5695 or gillespiee@madison ct.org.

Women’s Club Announces

Cash-Only Food Drive for the Madison Food Pantry

The Women’s Club of Madison announces the launch of a “cash-only food drive” through the month of February to collect donations for the Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry in Madison. Proceeds benefit the food pantry with the purchase of meats and other essential items for the pantry’s freezer, which needs replenishment after the holidays.

The Madison Food Pantry provides essential groceries to Madison residents, offering fresh produce, nonperishable items, and personal care products.

Funded entirely through donations, the pantry is an all-volunteer organization, ensuring that every donation goes directly toward helping neighbors. Currently, the pantry serves approximately 110 families per month.

According to pantry director Mary Hake, the contributions raised by this fundraising drive will allow the pantry to

and improve its ability to provide nourishing food to clients.

Donors can mail a check to The Women’s Club of Madison, P.O. Box 691, Madison, CT 06443.

To donate online to the cash-only food drive, visit womensclubmadisonct.com/ cash-only-food-drive.

About the Women’s Club of

The Women’s Club of Madison is a dedicated group of women doing community service improvement projects. It is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international nonprofit organization whose objective is the improvement of educational, cultural, and civic conditions.

In 2025, the Women’s Club of Madison celebrated 125 years of service to the community.

For more information, visit womens clubmadisonct.com.

Acoustics Club:

Continued from page 27 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. On temporary break for winter. Bring your own acoustic instrument. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Art Critique Series (General Critique Session):

10 a.m. to noon. First Thursday. Via Zoom. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.

Art Critique Series (Special-Themed Session):

10 a.m. to noon. Third Thursday. Via Zoom. Runs November through April. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.

Ask-A-Lawyer: A Free Legal Clinic:

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Banned Book Club:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

First Tuesday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group:

10:30 a.m. First Sunday. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. For grieving parents, grandparents, and siblings suffering the loss of children and family members. For info, call Vanessa Pentz at 203-645-7777.

: 7 p.m. Mondays. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. Doors open 5 p.m. Light refreshments. Cost: $15. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928. For info, call 203-453-2801.

7 p.m. Tuesdays. St Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave. North Haven. For info, visit stelizabethofthetrinity.org.

Blackstone Fiber Art Community:

6 to

8.m. Wednesdays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. All experience levels in fiber art forms are welcome. Registration is not required, drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-4881441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Blackstone Library Tour:

10 a.m. Second Saturday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration encouraged, but drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Bowties and Books:

10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features songs and stories for ages 6 months to 4 years with a parent or caregiver. No registration. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Breastfeeding Support Meeting:

9:30 a.m. Second Wednesday. Grace and St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Sponsored by the La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven. For info or to RSVP, email Anne.M@LLLCT.org or visit lllct.org/hamdennorthhaven.

6:30 p.m.

Fourth Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurchguilford.org.

Chair Yoga with Martha: Christ Episcopal Church Choir Rehearsal: Christian Science Church Service and Sunday School:

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203-453-1975 or visit christian-scienceCT.org/Guilford.

Christian Science Testimony Meeting:

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203453-1975 or visit christian-scienceCT.org/Guilford.

Coastal Camera Club Meeting:

7 p.m. First and third Wednesdays. Via Zoom. To register (required), contact wfrprs@att.net. For info, visit coastalcameraclub.org.

Color and Conversation:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Monday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-4881441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Continued from page 28 : 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Hosted by The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries, Madison. For info, email mainoffice@fccmadison.org or visit shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

6 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

: 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

6 p.m. Second Monday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.

: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For children ages 18 months and up and their siblings. No registration. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Laid-Back Levi

Forever Young: A Young Adult Book Club:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Wednesday bimonthly. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Guilford Job Network Meeting:

7 to 8:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Via Zoom. Includes guest speaker. All job seekers are welcome. For info or to register (required), call 203-457-0121 or email RussAllen2@aol.com.

12:30 p.m. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Bring your own instruments. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Harrison House Museum, Barn, and Gardens, 124 Main St., Branford. Open to the public. Free admission but donations are welcome. Runs through September or by appointment. For info, contact 203-488-4828 or info@branfordhistoricalsociety.org.

6:30 p.m. First Monday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All levels are welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-2457365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:

Second Thursday. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Free. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Discussion Group: The Atlantic Magazine:

10:30 a.m. Fourth Wednesday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, call 860-669-2342 or email sarah@hchlibrary.org.

Duplicate Bridge:

12:30 p.m. Fridays. Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St., Branford. For info, call 203915-5987 or email tillerjock@gmail.com.

Ekphrastic Poetry Trust:

3 to 4:30 p.m.

Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create poetry from art. No registration required. For info, call 203-2457365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Exploring Our Grief Journey: A Grief Support Group:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Story by Carol Andrecs

Levi, a handsome 4-year-old black-andwhite cat, is gentle, mild-mannered, sweet, and a tad shy. If you approach him quietly, he enjoys pets and listening to whatever you have to tell him. He loves hanging out in front of the window and basking in the warm sunlight on these cold winter days. Levi would be a welcome addition to any cat-loving family. Come meet this special boy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@ forgottenfelinesct.org.

Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. Runs Jan. 20 through Feb. 7. For info, call 203432-1234 or visit yalerep.org. The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs Feb. 20 and Feb. 21. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

F3 Shoreline Men’s Bootcamp Workout: Family Support Group:

5:30 a.m. Fridays. Madison Town Campus, 8 Campus Dr. Free and open to all men. Held outdoors rain or shine. For info, email F3shoreline@gmail.com.

6 p.m. First Monday. Via Zoom. Offered by BHcare. A group for family members and caregivers who assist people through their journey of mental wellness. For info, call 203-8007177 or visit BHcare.org.

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own project. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Fiber Arts Club: Friday Movie Matinee:

2 to 4 p.m. Second and fourth Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. Runs March 6 through March 28. For info, call 203-4321234 or visit yalerep.org.

To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

CLINTON

240 Austin Ryer Ln Unit 240:

Harrison Robbins and Kenneth Pesce of Branford to Mickell Hindman, $310,000 on 01/02/2026

550 E Main St Unit 22:

Sxs

Solutions LLC of Branford to Stonewall Estates LLC, $225,000 on 01/02/2026

192 Monticello Dr Unit 192:

Lee

Letourneau and Sandra A. Ohare of Branford to Kathy Lawruszko, $312,500 on 12/31/2025

18 Ridge Acres Rd:

Lauren R. Cortez of Branford to Eric and Annette Colacino, $720,000 on 01/02/2026

10 Davis Farm Rd:

Melissa A.

Suprin of Clinton to Christa and Nicholas Lewis, $800,000 on 12/29/2025

3 Jamaica Rd:

Zachary A. and Jennifer A. Kirby of Clinton to Richard Atkinson, $265,000 on 12/29/2025

6 Osprey Cmns:

David R. and Dorinda S. Hardy of Clinton to Pestritto Ft and Chelsea L. Pestritto, $1,150,000 on 12/31/2025

Riverside Dr Unit 36-17:

Robert J. Lyons of Clinton to Garth L. and Kimberly A. Colegrove, $13,475 on 12/31/2025

DEEP RIVER

Mitchell Ln:

Adam D. Schwartzman of Deep River to Janice Weinstein, $366,000 on 01/02/2026

200 Westbrook Rd:

Lsf9 Master Participation and Us Bank TNa of Deep River to Pauline Mcdougall, $414,900 on 12/29/2025

EAST HAVEN

Bradley Ave:

356 Main LLC of East Haven to Fuel Maxx Realty LLC, $1,650,000 on 12/29/2025

130 Coe Ave Unit 68:

Sharon A.

Dellacamera and Breezewood Condo Assn Inc of East Haven to Robert Dixon, $96,500 on 01/02/2026

53 Cosey Beach Rd:

Henry 168 LLC of East Haven to Edison R. Wamputsrik, $423,000 on 01/02/2026

645 Foxon Rd:

Choice Financial Group of East Haven to 645 Foxon Properties LLC, $2,105,000 on 12/29/2025

60 Iver Ave:

Jeffrey L. Stoddard of East Haven to Pane T and Louis Pane, $228,000 on 12/31/2025

7 Jeffrey Rd:

Annette and Eric Colacino of East Haven to Antonio P. Allevato, $410,000 on 12/30/2025

184 Laurel St:

Gloria J. Griffin of East Haven to Frank Suraci, $168,000 on 12/30/2025

2 Lombard Cir Unit 1:

Ral North

Haven LLC of East Haven to James and Beth E. Wallace, $615,000 on 01/02/2026

ESSEX

15 Cedar St:

Loretta Thorpe RET and Frederick E. Thorpe of Essex to Patrick J. and Assunta A. Moynihan, $455,000 on 12/29/2025

GUILFORD

79 Fall Rd:

Roxanne L. Tulenfeld of Guilford to Gina B. Nichol, $425,000 on 12/31/2025

KILLINGWORTH

48 Bar Gate Trl:

Steven J. and Cynthia A. Fetteroll of Killingworth to Nicholas R. Sharkey and Allison Parente, $699,000 on 12/29/2025

MADISON

John M. and Connie W. Walker of Madison to Katherine A. and Zachary T. Long, $618,660 on 12/31/2025

James W Durkin T and James W. Durkin of Madison to Aidan and Samantha V. Dalton, $520,000 on 12/30/2025

Robert C Gerard T and Robert C. Gerard of Madison to Ian R. Lemieux, $730,000 on 12/30/2025

Mary L. Dobson of Madison to Mallory Widlansky, $725,000 on 12/31/2025

Pamela Bonavita of Madison to Michael L. and Emily B. Smith, $1,600,000 on 12/30/2025

Real Estate Transactions

NORTH BRANFORD

Christopher E. and Autumn E. Burns of North Branford to Michael and Jillian J. Bontempo, $510,000 on 12/30/2025

Kevin A. Stevens of North Branford to Dominika A. Baczek, $415,000 on 01/02/2026

Leah M. Imperial of North Haven to Jayden M. Tinney and Mary R. Harding, $480,000 on 12/22/2025

Rocco T. and Sandra L. Ditullio of North Haven to Vincent H. Ditullio, $370,000 on 12/23/2025

John W.

and Mark S. Buciak of North Haven to Leona Atkins, $225,000 on 12/29/2025

Kolesnik

Anthony Lucatino of North Haven to Joshua Piscitello and Margaret Falkowski, $550,000 on 12/22/2025

139 Summit LLC of North Haven to Sophia and Kenroy Mccormack, $395,000 on 12/22/2025 Nicole Mason of North Haven to Meghan Krause, $310,000 on 12/23/2025

John Halovatch of North Haven to Halmeech LLC, $120,000 on 12/31/2025

Ral North Haven LLC of North Haven to James and Beth E. Wallace, $615,000 on 01/02/2026

Joanne Fowler of North Haven to Madeline Kerins and Evan J. Chrustic, $462,500 on 12/19/2025

36 Bayard Ave:

White Flt and Thomas F. White of North Haven to Younjun Kim, $330,000 on 12/26/2025

Catherine E Est and Mark S. Buciak of North Haven to Leon Atkin, $225,000 on 12/29/2025

Justine Dr:

Andrew and Carmella Proto of North Haven to Claudia Capozzo and Vincentgianni Paolillo, $640,000 on 12/22/2025

Matthew Lee of North Haven to Charles F. Fifield, $410,000 on 12/29/2025

Alvin S Berger

1999 Famil of North Haven to 70 Washington Avenue LLC, $2,200,000 on 12/19/2025

John Halovatch of North Haven to Halmeech LLC, $120,000 on 12/31/2025

Beverly Wilusz and Lenore I. Johnson of Old Saybrook to Aaron Torrison, $850,000 on 12/29/2025