Guilford Courier 01-29-26

New Employment Highlights Preliminary Budget in Guilford

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Following two workshops by the Guilford Board of Selectmen, new hires at Town Hall have emerged as one of the prominent aspects of the new municipal budget to be adopted later this year.

Multiple departments, including public works, fire, building, and planning are seeking new full-time or part-time employees to

support and expand the delivery of their department’s services. Compared to the most recent budget, some of their staffing needs are “consistent with last year,” said First Selectman Matt Hoey.

The Board of Selectmen has not determined exact figures for costs of new individual staff, but could expect to see the line items “somewhere in the neighborhood” of $40,000 to $50,000, said Hoye.

ing one new mechanic and one new maintainer. The request is based upon the upward trend of new employees added throughout the previous decades to meet department needs.

1994 we had five mechanics maintaining 80

Chris Bousquet And American Elm Come to The Kate

By Eric O'Connell

Staff Writer

Next month, Clinton native Chris Bousquet will have a homecoming of sorts as for the first time with a live band, American Elm will play a show at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. For Chris, it’s the latest chapter in a life full of music.

Chris, who has performed solo as American Elm, has been releasing music since 2008. Now, with a live band, American Elm is part of a co-bill along with The Bargain at The Kate on Sunday, Feb. 22. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased for $26 on thekate.org.

“I think live music is always thrilling. And The Bargain is as a great a band as you will hear live,” Chris tells . In describing the sound of American Elm, Chris says “It’s called Americana as a generic

The Courier

Person of the Week

name, or indie folk or roots rock.

But the lyrics and melody are what’s most important.”

Chris says he’s been excited to play with band. After performing mostly as a solo artist for several years, about six months ago Chris was able to find other musicians to put on live shows as part of a band.

“Until now, there was no American Elm band. But it was so much fun to play in a band again,” says Chris.

For Chris, the ability to collaborate with others is a positive aspect of working in a band. “The best part of being in a band is everyone has ideas! It’s full of excitement and these dynamics

that make it special,” Chris says.

Since beginning his music career, Chris has played with bands such as Nathaniel Ratcliff and the Night Sweats, Rhett Miller, Crash Test Dummies, Mercury Rev, Howe Gelb, Mark Mulcahy, Taylor McCall, and William Elliot Whitmore.

Even though he’s played with some notable names and at some famous venues, Chris says his favorite part of being a musician is seeing the effect music has on a live audience.

“It’s like a universal language. Just to be in a room with people sharing a moment and sound,” says Chris.

Additionally, Chris points to the smaller, more intimate moments he’s able to share with family and friends who come to his shows. “I remember one show one of my best friends came with the woman who then eventually

See Chris Bousquet page 8

Letters Editor to the

Kayaks Threaten Shore Wildlife

Cheers to Captain Morgan for the important and brave feature he wrote in the January 14th Courier. In the space normally allotted to news about fishing catches, he wrote a warning about a serious new danger to the birds and aquatic wildlife of our shoreline who are about to become unintended casualties of the boom in new stealth kayaks piloted by local anglers. He noted there is a new generation of kayaks that are highly portable and which allow easy access to previously inaccessible fragile wetlands.

The domino effects he enumerates from this casual recreation activity are potentially catastrophic for untold numbers of native fish in nurseries, aquatic and avian wildlife, and the aquatic vegetation critical to wetlands health and wildlife survival.

Captain Morgan has done us a great service in sounding an urgent warning. We need to take immediate action to

address uncontrolled access to these sensitive, previously untouched nurseries and nesting habitats. Although he is clearly pro-fishing, he is also pro-sustainable use of nature and concerned about the scars and hull drag created by these kayaks destroying seagrass and sensitive aquatic vegetation in previously in accessible nesting and spawning wetlands areas.

Living in harmony with the beauty of the environment that draws us here is always an act of balancing personal recreation with respect for the health and longevity of our companion wild residents of the shoreline. The headline for Captain Morgan’s feature implied that yak anglers are “safeguarding refuge habitats” – tragically this is not yet the case, and in fact, the reverse is unfolding.

Janice Ross Guilford

Children’s Charity to Launch March 1

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

A new venture spearheaded by Guilford Interfaith Volunteer launches this year with the goal of distributing free and lowcost pediatric medical equipment to families and children through the state of Connecticut.

The new venture, Chloe’s Closet, launches on March 1 as partnership between Guilford Interfaith Volunteer and the family, the latter of whom’s late daughter Chloe is the charity’s namesake. Chloe Negron passed away last year from Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder. The Negron family experienced firsthand the difficulty of finding and affording medical equipment to help children like Chloe with their specific conditions, and the overwhelming “emotional, logistical, and financial challenges that come with serious pediatric illness,” according to a release from the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers.

“Chloe’s Closet will help ease that burden,” they said. “By making essential equipment more accessible, we hope to support families with dignity, compassion, and practical help—exactly when they need it most. This new division is a continuation of GIV’s legacy: meeting people where they are, responding to real needs, and ensuring that no family feels alone.”

Rennie Negron, Chloe’s mother, provided a comment for the Guilford Courier on the value of the charity’s mission.

“As a family, we do hope to improve the quality of life for medically fragile children and their families by simply existing. Chloe’s Closet, to us, is a statement that says loudly, there are people here who care and that we see you and that you’re not alone,” said Negron. “This is such an important moment for our family. We feel honored to partner with [Guilford Interfaith Volunteers] in launching Chloe’s Closet.”

Chloe’s Closet’s co-director Christi Burton - who runs the Guilford Meals on Wheels program - said the charity aligns with the Guilford Interfaith Volunteer’s mission of “neighbors helping neighbors.”

Burton and her co-director Tony Sicignano expressed their gratitude to the support they have received from Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey and the Guilford Foundation.

The program is located in a small wing of the Lathrop House on 55 Park St., where medical equipment can be received. According to Sicignano, the charity will run for a “couple of hours” in the afternoon each week. He will be at the Lathrop House on Friday afternoon, while co-

Obituaries

Obituary

Phillip Kenny II

Guilford

Phillip Dean Kenney II was born on Aug. 14, 1982, and passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. He was a lifelong Guilford resident and 2000 GHS graduate.

If you knew Phil, you knew he was loyal. It was not situational or selective. He was loyal to his family, his friends, his word, and to his dog, who technically belongs to our mom but was truly Phil’s buddy and misses him deeply. Loyalty was not something Phil tried to be. It was simply who he was at his core.

Phil was a craftsman in every sense of the word. From a young age, he was drawn to building and fixing things, a passion that grew into true skill. He became an accomplished carpenter and later pursued his electrician certification. His latest work was as a mechanic. He had a rare mind, brilliant, complex, and always working a few steps ahead. Things that felt difficult or impossible to others often came naturally to him. He built a huge network of friends in different industries over the years.

He spent many years as a Boy Scout and carried a lifelong love for the outdoors. Hiking, nature, and adventure were part of his identity. At one point, Phil and a friend set out to hike the Appalachian Trail. Phil completed the stretch from Maine to Massachusetts, much of it entirely on his own, an achievement that still leaves us in awe. I like to believe he will get the chance to finish that trail someday.

Phil was a lifetime member of the Guilford Agricultural Society and found peace in being outside, riding his quad, and working with his hands. He spent time living in California, but home

always called him back. In recent years, he lived with his parents, Phillip Sr. and Barbara Kenney, in the house and neighborhood he loved deeply. He was fiercely protective of his home and of our parents, and proud of the life he built there.

Phil adored his one and only niece, Emma. She was the light of his life. He loved her without limits and would have done anything for her. When she was little, he would scoop her up, hug her tight, and swing her around, moments that will live on in our hearts forever. He was always picking up little trinkets and surprises for her.

And then there were his trucks. Phil loved his trucks. They were his pride and joy, each one with its own personality and story. He had been saving to work on his latest project, getting his big blue truck back on the road, and was excited to finally begin.

Phil is survived by his parents, Barbara Kenney and Phillip Kenney Sr.; his sister, Kristen Forster (Blake); and his beloved niece, Emma Forster.

We are all truly devastated. Phil was truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved.

Friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford, followed by a prayer service at Guilford Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m.

Phil really loved Guilford and what better way to honor him than to donate to one of these great local charities in his name: Guilford Land Trust, PO Box 200, Guilford, CT 06437 (www.guilfordlandtrust.org) or Guilford Agricultural Society, PO Box 290, Guilford, CT 06437 (www.guilfordfair.org/.) To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.comKENNY.

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The incorrectly reported last week that Madison Schools have a bell to bell cell phone restriction. According to officials, the middle school has a bell to bell cell phone restriction and the high school allows phones during passing time and lunch. The regrets this error in the front page story Sept. 22 headlined “School Cell Phone Ban to Start in Fall.”

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New Employment Highlights Preliminary Budget in Guilford

Continued from page 1

vehicles, or 75 or 80 vehicles. And today, between vehicles and big equipment, mowers, that kind of stuff, we have 150,” said Hoey. “There’s a demonstrated need, we knew it last year. We had it in the preliminary budget last year, but we wound up taking it out when the Board of Finance made their cuts.”

The lack of sufficient public works staff to meet the growing volume of work could cause significant delays in vehicular repairs and usage, added Hoey.

Employee benefits for public works and other town employees benefits will see an increase by “more than little bit,” said Hoey. The town is currently working with its insurance consultant and awaiting new data that could see benefit numbers “soften a little bit.”

New employment could be budgeted for in the form of a new permit technician who would work with both the Planning Department and the Building Department. Hoey said the two departments are bottlenecked in delivering permits due to new regulations and a small staff between the two areas, and a technician could help expedite the process.

There is precedent for the new employee as the Building Department had a similar employee added two years ago to help “to

streamline the process [of] getting permits out the door in a quicker fashion, so that residents and contractors can actually get work done,” said Hoey.

The Parks and Recreation Department may be getting new staffing to support maintenance at its facilities, a “theme that we haven’t really addressed fully,” said Hoey, “but they’re looking to streamline that process” to keep parks, beaches, and playgrounds clean.

Public safety officials are also seeking new employment in their departments.

The Police Department is requesting new long-term resources in the area of employment, including a traffic control officer who would focus on the “significant number of the calls” the department receives regarding speeding. Hoey said the infraction is “an issue that many folks are concerned about” as is the Guilford Safe Streets Task Force.

The Police Department is also asking to add a new member to its detective bureau to focus on an observable increase in cybercrimes.

The Guilford Fire Department is seeking new part-time EMS personnel to meet an observed increase in need for help, mostly for medical emergencies. Department data calculates that 70% of calls that they receive are for medical emergencies “and the number of trips has gone up dra-

LEGAL NOTICE

At the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following a Public Hearing held Monday, January 5, the Board of Selectmen adopted the following:

Ordinance to Amend Section 9-29 of the Town Code of Guilford, Standing Fields Committee § 9-29 Standing Fields Committee.

The Standing Fields Committee was established by the authority of Section 4-12(c) of the Town Charter for the purpose of the implementation of the Town Master Plan for the improvement of Town and school playing fields, as such plan may be amended and restated from time to time. The Committee shall consist of five voting members appointed by Board of Selectmen for four-year terms. One member shall be a representative from the Board of Education. The Parks and Recreation Director shall be a nonvoting member who shall serve as a liaison to the Committee. Terms shall be staggered. There shall be two alternate members of the Committee, serving four-year terms. Any such alternate member shall, when seated, have all the powers and duties of a member of the commission. The Committee shall conduct regular meetings at least quarterly.

Dated at Guilford this 20st day of January, 2026, in accordance with Section 3-4 of Guilford Town Charter. This ordinance shall become effective March 1st, 2026.

Matthew T. Hoey, III

Jonathan Trotta

Sandra Ruoff

Susan Renner

Louis Federici

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

TOWN OF GUILFORD

matically,” said Hoey. Call volume for all department services has increased from 3,577 in 2021 to 4,519 in 2024. In the latter year, 72% of all calls were for EMS services. Many of those calls are coming from medical providers during the evening hours.

The department is currently staffed for two ambulances. Under the current fire budget, the staffing for three vehicles leaves unavailable resources for the rest of the department in a firefighting mission, and requires additional overtime pay. It is also important financially for the town to maintain certain full-time staffing levels to “keep our rating with the insurance companies” and demonstrate compliance with standards established by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

“If we can’t do that, we’re sending these calls to the private ambulance companies,” said Hoey. “What [the department’s] concerned about is by depleting the number of firefighters that you have on duty…you got six guys out on the road and you’re only staff for 10, response times become somewhat of a problem as well.”

The part-time EMS personnel would be paid at a lower rate than full-time staff for daytime hours Monday through Friday, and would not receive overtime pay. The cost to implement these additions is anticipated to be less than $200,000.

All told, the town estimates a $300,000 increase in revenue for the Fire Department “from sending their billables for ambulance runs from the current level of $1.1 million to $1.4 million as a result of implementing this program,” said Hoey. This rate of return would surpass the cost of the new part-time staff.

In the area of capital expenses, the town anticipates $1.7 million in requests whittled down from its five-year capital plan. These projects likely would be funded by town reserve funds rather than bonds. According to Hoey, Guilford is “not going to be recommending any bonding projects to referendum” as they pertain to line items in the municipal budget. This will differ from bonding projects as they will appear on the Board of Education’s comparatively more expensive budget.

There will continue to be some challenges within the next budget, one of them being an expected increase in employee health insurance costs. According to Hoey, “preliminary numbers are about 20% (higher),” and the town’s “ability to mitigate some of those with the use of reserve funds from the health care account are limited.”

“Last year, we were able to utilize some funds to offset the increases,” said Hoey. “That’s probably not going to happen this year. It’s going to be very difficult to do.”

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF GUILFORD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS NOTICE OF HEARING AND MEETING DATES

All taxpayers of real property, personal property and motor vehicles in the Town of Guilford are hereby warned by the posting of this notice upon the signpost in front of the Town Hall, the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Guilford website and the Guilford Courier that the Board of Assessment Appeals will hold 2026 appeal hearings for the October 1, 2025 Grand List Real Estate, Personal Property and October 1, 2024 Grand List Supplemental Motor Vehicle only are held by appointment only on the following dates:

March Hearings for the 2025 Grand List Real Estate, Personal Property & 2024 Supplemental Motor Vehicle only:

Evenings 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM on:

Mondays – March 2nd & 9th

Tuesdays – March 3rd & 10th

Thursdays – March 5th & 12th

Mornings 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on:

Wednesdays – March 4th & 11th

Saturday – March 7th

Applications will be available on our website and in our office on January 30, 2026. All appeal applications must physically be in the Assessor’s Office no later than 4:30 PM February 20, 2026. No exceptions and no extensions. Appointment notices will be mailed to all applicants by March 1, 2026.

Appeal applications and Affidavit for Agent forms are available in the Assessor’s Office or on the Town of Guilford’s website under Commissions and Boards then Board of Assessment Appeals.

Paula Lenihan, Clerk Board of Assessment Appeals

LEGAL NOTICE

All persons liable to pay real estate, personal property or motor vehicle supplemental taxes in the Town of Guilford on the October 1, 2024 grand list, are hereby notified that the second installment of real estate tax, personal property, and motor vehicle supplemental tax, are due on January 1, 2026.

If payment is not made by February 2, 2026 interest will accrue to the original due date of January 1, 2026 at the rate of 1 ½%per month, or 18% per year from the date of the installment.

Payments can be mailed to the Town of Guilford: Tax Collector, 31 Park Street, Guilford, CT 06437. Please return part B of your tax bill with payment. Payments may be made in person at the Tax Office located at 31 Park St Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, checks, money orders or cashier’s check. Please bring your bill with you.

Payments can also be made on the Town of Guilford website at guilfordct.gov There is a convenience fee for making payments.

For questions regarding your tax bills, please call the Tax Office at 203- 453-8014.

Deborah Milano Tax Collector, CCMC Town of Guilford

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

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF GUILFORD PUBLIC HEARING February 12, 2026 8:30 A.M.-GUILFORD

TOWN HALL

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 8:30 a.m., in the Guilford Town Hall, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut and via Zoom at Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85760395338?pwd=Hmj6aTJkTqvmg31PTp4m4QvD3C709a.1 Meeting ID: 857 6039 5338

Passcode: 342640

to consider an ordinance amendment to Town Code Chapter II, Article II, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Section 2-7 C. (1). Expenditures from fund; in order to change the allowed expenditures from the fund. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written communications will be received. This notice is published pursuant to Section 3-4(8) of the Charter of the Town of Guilford.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 20th day of January, 2026.

Matthew T. Hoey III

Jonathan Trotta

Louis Federici

Susan K. Renner

Sandra Ruoff

BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN OF GUILFORD

Fabulous Fritz

Story by Carol Andrecs

Fantastic and funny Fritz is a handsome 3-year-old gray tabby with the perfect personality. He is the absolute sweetest boy who loves all the attention he can get, and he will gladly reciprocate your affection. Fritz was rescued as a stray when it was reported that he was hanging around someone’s property for some time. Fabulous Fritz would be a welcome addition to any family with kids or a gentle dog. Come meet this special boy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

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@forgotten felinesct.org.

Chris Bousquet And American Elm

Continued from page 2

became his wife. It’s great to share moments like that.”

Chris says his interest in music started at a young age, and he credits his mother who would play records from her collection of 45s — especially The Everly Brothers — with starting his musical interest.

“I was enthralled from a young age. Music just fills me with a light and a joy. I

The Legacy Theatre Announces Classes

remember when I was younger, I wanted to be Glenn Campbell, “ Chris recalls with a laugh.

In his spare time, Chris can be found riding bikes, walking, hiking, or spending time with family and friends. Chris grew up in Clinton and now lives in Deep River but his hometown still has his heart.

“I like Clinton because its people are real. It’s a great middle ground,” Chris says.

In partnership with the Branford Parks and Recreation and Shoreline Adult Education, The Legacy Theatre offers its performance classes for students across ages, ranging from toddlers to adults. Classes take place either at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, Branford, or at Branford High School, 185 East Main Street. For more information on the class offerings, call The Legacy Theatre at 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org/classes.

GriefShare Meetings Start February

GriefShare is a weekly faith-based bereavement support group that offers help, encouragement, and support after the death of a spouse, child, other family member, or friend. Sponsored by Christ Chapel of Madison, this support group meets on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. The next session starts Sunday, Feb. 8, to provide support for the loss of a spouse. The regular GriefShare cycle will start Sunday, Feb. 15, and will run through early June. The weekly format includes supportive discussion about video content and a journaling workbook reinforcing each week’s topics. The workbook will be available to purchase at the meetings for a one-time fee of $20. The book for the loss of a spouse program is $12. All are welcome. The 13 sessions follow a logical progression from initial grief to the process of moving on and finding a “new normal.” If registered participants miss a session, they can view the video at griefshare.org. For more information or to register, call Sue Granniss at 860-913-1654 or specify “Madison, CT” at griefshare.org/findagroup.

The Shoreline Arts Alliance announces it is accepting applications for the 26th annual New Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Awards contest. The competition affords unpublished Connecticut authors and illustrators of children’s books the opportunity to have manuscripts and portfolios reviewed by literary agents, editors, and art directors at some of the major publishing houses for children’s literature. The New Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Awards contest is a Connecticut statewide, juried competition open to writers and illustrators who are not yet published or under contract for publication. The categories are as follows: picture book (for text only), illustrated picture book (if author and illustrator are the same person), children’s book illustrator portfolio, middle grade novel, and young adult/teen novel. Writers and illustrators may submit up to two entries per category. Submissions are due Tuesday, Feb. 3. For more information, including the entry form and guidelines for submission, visit shorelinearts.org.

Children’s Charity to Launch March 1

Continued from page 4

director Burton will be in the space on Wednesday afternoons.

The new charity is the second of its kind operated under the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, with Charlie’s Closet operating since 1998. Whilst Charlie’s Closet also had a focus on providing medical equipment, Chloe’s Closet marks the organization’s first venture into providing equipment specifically for pediatric patients. Resonating with Chloe’s and her family’s story and the widespread need, Siciginano said “This was a perfect opportunity for us” to support families in need.

“We’re looking forward to this exciting venture for us,” said Sicigano Negron understands from experience the “difficult journey” families go through when caring for their child, from the limited time to care for them to the lack of access some may encounter for the appropriate medical equipment according to their condition. Through Chloe’s Closet, families can access the latter resources“that extra help you know that you might have just to feel OK” - Negron said, to ease

some of the strain they are managing.

“This is also an opportunity for families who have been in our shoes to give back,” she added. “For example, a child might outgrow a walker and be ready to pass it on, or maybe there was a piece of equipment that they never got to use, because by the time they got it, it no longer worked. We know that happens. So by donating equipment in good condition, it provides families an opportunity to help others too, and in helping we may find healing.”

A website for Chloe’s Closet is currently in the process of being built through which equipment and monetary donations can be made. Donations to the charity will, for Rennie, can resonate on a deep level for Chloe’s family as they are reminded of the kind of support their daughter received before the end of her life.

“Chloe’s life and memory will forever be a reminder of community, love, and support. That’s really special to us and knowing that through Chloe’s Closet we can support other children and their families is a perfect way to honor her here in our community.”

Nathanael B. Greene Communit y Center Open to communit y members of all ages!

Guilford Boys Hockey Has Trouble with a Very Hot East Haven Team as Cantele Earns 100th Point

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Easty Haven boys’ coop ice hockey team has had a dominant season all year long, and as the regular season begins to wind down, the Yellowjackets are sitting at a comfortable 12-1.

The impressive season started with 11 consecutive victories before falling to Daniel Hand 5-6. However, the Yellowjackets, who include players from Morgan and Valley Regional, got back on track Saturday with a 7-1 victory over Guilford.

The Guilford Grizzlies dropped 4-7 and continued a five-game losing streak. East Haven not only celebrated the victory, but they also celebrated the individual achievement of Preston Cantele.

The senior defenseman scored his 100th point against Guilford, an achievement he set out to achieve heading into the game.

“That was the goal for today,” Cantele said. “It was a really great milestone. I couldn’t have done it without my team-

mates. Everybody around me makes it possible, and without them, great coaching and great teammates around me…that’s what makes it achievable.”

Individually, the effort Cantele put forth to put himself in positon to be successful, of course, stemmed from developing the basic fundamentals of ice hockey, but also becoming a better leader.

He said working on being a better leader has allowed him to help his teammates, which also helps him in the rink.

“Just working on being a leader on and off the ice and helping the team out in any way that I can because, as I said, without them it wouldn’t be possible,” he said. “So if I can help them out, it helps me out. It’s a give-and-go thing.”

East Haven was able to play two-way hockey on Saturday. Offensively, they executed on each opportunity they had on the goal, and defensively, Cantele and the Yellowjackets played stingy team defense and didn’t allow Guilford to get many shots on goal.

Cantele’s 100th point was the sixth goal of the night for the Yellowjackets.

East Haven coach Lou Pane spoke highly of his standout leader, calling him the best defenseman in program history.

“He’s been a great captain for us. He’s a two-time All-State player. It’s a coach’s luxury,” Pane said. “You only get a player like that once in a lifetime sometimes, and I have been here for 40 years, and this is clearly the best defenseman we’ve ever had.”

Pane added that East Haven has had a number of players come through the program that were great defenseman, but Cantele stands apart because of his versatility to do everything.

“It’s a great moment to see him get his 100th point today. It meant a lot to all of us because he leads the way,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the teams that he is on, the teams that help him get to these special moments, and other players that get special moments. With that being said, it was a special day for all of us.”

When it comes to how East Haven will finish off the regular season, the Yellowjackets will face Lyman Hall, Watertown Co-op, Westhill-Stamford, North Haven, JBWA, Hamden, and Fairfield Prep

Cantele is confident that Yellowjackets will continue to find success individually and collectively with the remainder of the year.

“Even in preseason, I saw the potential of this team, and 12-1 is a really good place for us to be. It’s really what we expected,” Cantele said. “Just keep it going, honestly, we look good right now. I like where we’re at, so keep building every day, and we will be better as the season goes on.”

Guilford, on the other hand, will hope to get back on track. The Grizzlies finish the regular season against JBWA, West Haven, Cheshire, Watertown co-op, E.O. Smith co-op, Amity, Hamden, and Hall.

From Ice-Age Glaciers to Game Fish

Long Island Sound’s varied depths and underwater terrain, effectively produced on bathymetric charts and displayed on today’s high-quality electronics, pinpoint numerous locations identified as productive fishing sites. One of these popular fishmagnets that is just offshore and fished quite regularly - but unnecessarily comes up short with too many anglers - is this one distinctive, c.17,500 year-old spot.

It is approximately 1.5 miles south of Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook/Westbrook, six miles long east to west and ranges from four to 14 feet deep. Just knowing the location of Long Sand Shoal (or any other place, for that matter) is not enough to consistently catch fish. So, let’s dig in. This particular shoal is productive because it stacks structure, current and food in one place and the nearby Connecticut River strongly influences how and when fish feed there.

To name a few, striped bass, summer flounder, bluefish, black sea bass and scup are attracted here. For one, it is a hard structure with changes in depth. The shoal rises from deeper water into a broad, sandy ridge with edges, drop-offs and scattered shells. There is a strong tidal current that accelerates over the shoal, concentrating baitfish (menhaden, sandeels, silversides) and crabs. As a result, faster water requires less effort for predators to feed. Additionally, Long Sand Shoal is a central location in Long Island Sound, sitting on a natural travel lane between deeper basins and inshore areas.

The nearby Connecticut River is a major tidal river and it easy to understand how its flow and conditions affect feeding. A plume from this watercourse can make or break a bite. A moderate to strong flow brings nutrients and bait into the Sound, which yields better fishing. A very high flow following a heavy rain or snowmelt pushes a lot of cold, fresh water and debris that invariably can spread bait out or

CAPTAIN

MORGAN’S

Fishing report

temporarily move fish deeper or off the shoal entirely.

One thing an angler notices and remarks on fairly often is how clear the Sound is today compared to a decade ago. Curls in the waves rolling to shore highlights that. In fishing, water clarity is key. On the contrary, slightly nutrient-stained water (‘green’ water) is actually considered ideal. Too muddy and fishers will experience a slowdown in sight-feeding. However, in ‘gin-clear’ water, bites can be short or sporadic.

Water temperature and fish activity are inseparable. It affects spawning, feeding, health and life cycles. River water can cool the shoal in the Spring. It can advance or retard fish appearances. In summer, it can create temperature edges that hold fish. As fresh runs into brackish and finally saltwater, one will find that the salinity is another factor influencing fish behavior. Fish that can tolerate lower salinity will stay closer to any plume that forms downriver. Fishers will also find that other fish preferring higher salinity will be found just outside higher concentrations of freshest water.

Of the many fish that can be found on Long Sand Shoal, two popular fish species are striped bass and summer flounder. The following helpful pointers could put a fisher on them and should be noted. Striped bass patrol the up-current edges and drop-offs where bait gets funneled. Summer flounder (fluke) lie on the sand along the slopes, waiting to ambush any prey swept by. Bass are especially key on the leading edge of the flood and the downcurrent edge of the ebb. Migrating bass use the shoal as a stopover, whereas fluke use it as a summer home range.

In slightly stained water, bass feel safer and feed aggressively. Fluke, on the other hand, ambushes better when visibility

is reduced. Stripers most often feed at dawn, dusk, or at night, whereas fluke become more selective and hug the bottom. In the early season, cooler temps can delay fluke showing up, but stripers can better tolerate it. Bass tolerate lower salinity, but conversely, fluke prefer it to be higher.

Overall, Long Sand Shoal fishes best in moving water, midto-strong tide,s and is optimal when the Connecticut River has a moderate flow with a light stain. Overcast skies or low-light periods have proven to be best on the edges of the shoal where the current meets a change in depth. In short, Long Sand Shoal works because current and structure concentrate food, and the Connecticut River controls how comfortable fish feel feeding there. Watch the river flow and water color, and adjust where on the shoal you fish - edges, depth, and timing matter more than exact spot - and your catch rate will go up.

On The Water:

A second January thaw sneaked in between another Arctic blast and a dropping jet stream setting the stage for a new developing wintry system. After the most recent stretch of bonechilling air temperatures accompanied by negative wind chills, northeast weather conditions returned bringing more winds, mixed precipitation and snow. The area waters were in-between a departing low pressure system and a high pressure building in from the west. The high moved over the area, then to the southwest. A cold front approached and passed before another cold front came through, after which high pressure built in from the west. Air temps ranged from single digits to barely breaking 20ºF - even when sun poked through. Long Island Sound water temps dipped to 33ºF while continuing mariner warnings were posted as gusty, variable winds reached 35 knots and seas from 4-6 feet.

After a battle lasting over an hour, Dan Carter of Guilford caught this exceptional 8.13 Lb, 23” rainbow trout on a jig using a 9.5 foot rod rigged with thin braid and 2# test leader. For his accomplishment, CT DEEP recognized Dan as Top Angler for the species ‘Largest Catch 2025’ trophy fish award.

smile again, they get slapped with another January thaw - and of course, more wintry weather. The following sudden and severe drop in air temperatures immediately went to work on re-building ice. Without the stiff winds, it was not long before jigging and popping flags resumed.

However, the most recent major winter storm (Fern) wreaked havoc as snowfall dumped up to 15” of the white stuff, sleet/freezing rain covered everything, solid ice formed, negative wind-chill temps prevailed and more gusty winds than any ice fisher should endure blew. Of course, Sunday and Monday cleanup took priority.

were at a premium as single-digit air temps packed those ice molecules together. As winds subsided, silence was broken when many frozen lakes and ponds resumed ice fishing activity. The shock of sudden drops in water temps gradually wore off and mostly panfish (perch, crappie, sunfish), pickerel, trout and a few bass flipped flags or took small jigs. Keeping warm and safe was key.

Just when ice fishers began to

Flowing rivers and streams

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

Hand Girls Basketball Sweeps Regular-Season Series with Rival Guilford

By Abby Li

Special to The Courier

The Guilford Grizzlies and the Hand Tigers girls basketball teams met for the second time this season on Friday, and unlike the first game, where the Tigers cruised past their long-time rival, both teams battled until the very end.

Guilford entered the matchup 6-6, while Hand rode in high with a 9-3 record and had won their last eight out of nine games. However, records aside, the outcome was surely unclear from the beginning as the action went back-and-forth throughout the game.

In the end, after the long fight, Hand defeated Guilford 51-40. The victory marked a second consecutive win over their rivals and a regular-season sweep by Hand.

Schedules

Friday, Jan. 30: at Xavier at 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 2: vs. Career Magnet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5: at West Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30: at North Haven at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3: vs. Lyman Hall at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31: at Newington at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4: at Foran at 6 p.m.

Guilford Coach Thatcher Zuse said even with the results from losing the regular season series, he acknowledged the effort his team put in and the improvement they made from the previous game.

“They beat us pretty handily the first time,” Zuse said. “We kind of beat ourselves pretty badly the first time, so I was really happy to see that we were much more disciplined and made a lot fewer mistakes to beat ourselves in this game.”

Zeus added that, regardless of the scoreboard, it was the best effort the team had given all season long.

“It’s probably our best game of the season. I think it could have gone either way,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of hope that we are going to just continue to get better.”

Guilford’s starting five for the night was led by junior captain Emmy Votto, sopho-

mores Ava Eagleson and Caitlyn Barlage, and freshmen Charlotte Parent and Claire Boyce.

The five Grizzlies showed heart right out of the gate and exchanged points throughout the first half. The first quarter ended with Hand taking a slight lead at 13-10, but strong performances from Barlage and three three-pointers from Liza Jobson would allow Guilford to eventually tie the game going into the half at 17-17.

Hand struck first coming out of the break and managed to go on a run to separate themselves on the scoreboard. Guilford would later climb back late in the quarter with big shots by Votto, Eagleson, and Barlage, but Hand would ultimately take the lead 39-32 heading into the fourth.

The Tigers would limit Guilford to just

eight points in the final quarter to secure the victory Hand coach Tim Tredwell said there are no easy wins in rivalry games, and he recognizes how much Guilford has developed throughout the year. Hand defeated Guilford 55-35 during the first matchup, but only won by 11 this time.

“Guilford’s a tough team. It’s a rivalry game,” Tredwell said. “They’ve worked very hard. They’ve got a lot better.”

Guilford will return to the court on Friday, Jan. 30, for an away game against North Haven before returning home on Tuesday, Feb. 2, for a matchup against Lyman Hall. Hand will head out on the road for a two-game away stretch against Cheshire on Friday, Jan. 30, and East Haven on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

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.

Jan. 31: vs. Lyman Hall at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4: vs. West Haven at 3:10 p.m.

High school students are invited to audition for a place in The Anglican Singers, artists-in-residence at St. James Episcopal Church in New London. The choir is dedicated to preserving the English choral tradition of choral evensong. Selected singers will rehearse weekly from September through May in New London, receive instruction from Music Director Simon Holt, and sing alongside experienced vocalists. The group performs up to eight services and concerts during the season at St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street, New London, and at venues from Mystic to New Haven. Students accepted into the program must pass an audition with Holt and will receive a $500 stipend toward voice lessons or relevant training. Positions are open in the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. For more information or to audition, email Simon Holt at smo.artisticdirector@yahoo.com.

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Frontier offers Lifeline service which is a nontransferable government assistance program that provides a $5.25 discount on the cost of monthly telephone service or $9.25 on eligible broadband or bundled voice and broadband products (where available) and is limited to one discount per household. In addition to Basic Lifeline, individuals living on federally recognized Tribal Lands who meet the eligibility criteria may also qualify for additional monthly discounts through Enhanced Lifeline and up to $100.00 toward installation fees through the Tribal Link-Up program. You may also qualify for an additional state discount where available.

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Frontier offers Lifeline service which is a nontransferable government assistance program that provides a $5.25 discount on the cost of monthly telephone service or $9.25 on eligible broadband or bundled voice and broadband products (where available) and is limited to one discount per household. In addition to Basic Lifeline, individuals living on federally recognized Tribal Lands who meet the eligibility criteria may also qualify for additional monthly discounts through Enhanced Lifeline and up to $100.00 toward installation fees through the Tribal Link-Up program. You may also qualify for an additional state discount where available. If you have any questions regarding Frontier’s rates or services, please call us at 1-800-FRONTIER for further information or visit us at www. Frontier.com. 1/29/26 CNS-4003906# VALLEY COURIER

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Frontier offers Lifeline service which is a nontransferable government assistance program that provides a $5.25 discount on the cost of monthly telephone service or $9.25 on eligible broadband or bundled voice and broadband products (where available) and is limited to one discount per household. In addition to Basic Lifeline, individuals living on federally recognized Tribal Lands who meet the eligibility criteria may also qualify for additional monthly discounts through Enhanced Lifeline and up to $100.00 toward installation fees through the Tribal Link-Up program. You may also qualify for an additional state discount where available. If you have any questions regarding Frontier’s rates or services, please call us at 1-800-FRONTIER for further information or visit us at www. Frontier.com.

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Fun By The Numbers

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles

numbers

through 9 must

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,

it gets to solve the

Legacy Co-Founder Passes Artistic Director Role to Broadway Veteran Eric Santagata

The Legacy Theatre’s focus for 2026 is “There’s no place like home”, a key expression from its upcoming production of . For Eric Santagata, those words have an incredibly special meaning as he succeeds Keely Baisden Knudsen as the venue’s new artistic director. He assumed the role of artistic director for The Legacy Theatre Jan. 19.

It was the vision of Knudsen and fellow co-founder and president of the Board of Trustees Stephanie Stiefel Williams that brought The Legacy Theatre to life over five years ago. Knudsen has other opportunities in front of her that she would like to pursue, with a priority of spending more time with her family. Knudsen plans to remain involved in Legacy’s future as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Knudsen says, “In 2011, Stephanie and I incorporated Legacy Theatre as a new nonprofit on the shoreline, working tirelessly to inhabit the historic Stony Creek Theatre, and completely restore the building to a state-of-the-art professional regional theatre. I have been proud to be at the artistic helm these past five seasons in its full operation as an award-winning theatre.”

She continues, “As I move on in my personal, professional, and creative endeavors, I could not be more thrilled to pass the baton to Eric for what will assuredly be a fabulous new chapter in The Legacy’s book.”

Stiefel Williams adds, “We are thrilled that Eric has agreed to take the helm as Legacy’s new artistic director. He possesses an incredibly impressive pedigree in theater as a performer, educator, and an administrator. We are so lucky to have him return to his Stony Creek roots to help us continue the theatre’s mission.”

Santagata brings a broad background in the arts. He is an

the shoreline, and to re-immerse myself in the community that supported so many of my early dreams. I hope to provide creative programming, first-rate theatrical education, and an inviting artistic environment for all.”

accomplished creator, performer, and educator who has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in London, on national tours, and at regional theaters across the country. He has served as associate director to Pulitzer Prize-winning Writer/Director James Lapine and is a longtime Associate Director/Choreographer to fivetime Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman. Additionally, Santagata is the former chair of musi-

cal theatre at the worldrenowned University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, the country’s premier musical theatre program.

Santagata says, “Growing up, Stony Creek was the backbone of my childhood, and The Puppet House (now, Legacy Theatre) taught me some of my earliest theatrical lessons—lessons I would take with me for the rest of my life. I’m excited to be back on

Santagata will work alongside Managing Director Jeff Zeitlin, a longtime Guilford resident.

Zeitlin comments, “2026 is a tremendous opportunity for Legacy. Our Mainstage subscriptions have more than doubled our best year. We are excited about the artistic vision that Eric will bring and look forward to our patrons enjoying all that he will lead on stage and behind the scenes.”

The Legacy Theatre is conveniently located at 128 Thimble

Islands Road, in the Stony Creek Village of Branford, steps from the Long Island Sound. The Legacy Theatre, a fully accessible, nonprofit, professional theatre company and training center, is a cultural hub along the Connecticut shoreline, uniting audiences through timeless classical works and fresh contemporary theater. The theatre, fully renovated prior to its opening in 2021, is housed in the former Stony Creek Puppet Theatre, a building with more than a century of rich history that includes performances by Orson Welles and, in 2024, a musical directed by Julie Andrews.

For more information about The Legacy Theatre, visit legacytheatrect.org.

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 29

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.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

Calendar for the Week of January 29, 2026

Helping Kids Navigate Hurtful Behavior and Build Resilience

: Noon to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Alicia Farrell, cognitive psychologist and parenting professional. Designed for parents and caregivers of middle schoolers. Hosted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org.

Story and Craft: :

Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess

Llama Mess, Mess, Mess

10 to 10:45 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a reading of the book, by Anna Dewdney, followed by a craft; for 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

Llama

: 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.

SEL-Based Theater Workshop with Wilder Moon Collective

: 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.

Migrate, Hibernate, and Adapt

: 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.

Opening Reception for the

Clinton Art Society 2026

Winter Juried Member Artists Show

: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. The exhibit runs through Thursday, April 23. For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions.

Whitney Literary Society Inaugural Event

: 5:30 p.m.

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.

Opening Reception for

: 5 to 8 p.m.

Susan Powell Fine Art, 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. The show features smaller works by artists in oil, acrylic, and pastel. Landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life paintings, and romantic scenes on view. Reception includes wine, prosecco, hors d'oeuvres, and artist meet-and-greet. Complimentary bottle of champagne with each ingallery purchase during the show. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Feb. 28. For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.

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

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: 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.

: 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.

Social Media and Responsible Technology (SMART)

:

6:30 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Covers social media apps, picture-sharing concerns, cyberbullying, gaming safety, impact of a digital tattoo, and others. For parents/adults. For info, visit InternetSafetyConcepts.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.

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.

6th Grade Neon Dance

: 7 to 9 p.m. The Madison Arts Barn, 8 Campus Dr. Features dancing to the music by DJ Bry, game tables with friendly competition, prizes for best dancers, snacks, drinks, and novelties. Dress code: neon, glow-in-the-dark, and UV-reactive colors. Tickets: $25. Service fees apply. Financial assistance available. For tickets, visit madisonartsbarn.org. For info, email robyn@madisonartsbarn.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.

See page 22

GAC and SAQA Explore Circles in Local Color 7: Circular Thinking

Guilford Art Center (GAC) announces the new gallery exhibition, , featuring fiber art created by the Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA-CT). It kicks off with a free opening reception, open to the community, on Sunday, Feb. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. The show will be displayed in the GAC gallery through Saturday, Feb. 28.

This exhibition of fiber art by members of SAQA-CT is designed to explore the varieties of meanings, images, and experiences evoked by the circle. The circle can be appreciated as a shape, a symbol, a concept, or a metaphor. This exhibition seeks to celebrate diverse explorations of this image that has permeated cultures across the world and across time.

“Guilford Art Center is delighted to present this exhibition celebrating the creativity of these fiber artists. We are all part of an interconnected circle, as this show highlights, inspiring and encouraging creative engagement from local and regional artists” says GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden.

Betty Busby, an independent SAQA juried artist and the chairperson of SAQA’s Exhibitions Committee, was selected to jury this exhibition. She is a published fiber artist and teacher and maintains a busy exhibit schedule nationally and internationally. She considered each of the 72 entries from regional artists and has selected 36 pieces for the final collection.

The gallery, located at 411 Church Street (Route 77), Guilford, is open seven days a week. Admission is free,

Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

The Guilford Art Center (GAC) is a nonprofit school, shop, and gallery established to nurture and support excellence in the arts. Through classes for adults and children, gallery programs, a shop of contemporary crafts, and special events, GAC fulfills its mission to provide opportunities for the public to participate in the arts, to experience their cultural and historical diversity, and to appreciate the process and product of creative work.

Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt, “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.” Its vision is that the art quilt is universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

Over the past 35 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors, and art professionals located around the world.

With exhibitions, resources, publications, and membership opportunities, the organization seeks to increase the public’s appreciation for the art quilt and support its members in their artistic and professional growth.

Continued from page 20

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

Nuno Felting-a-Scarf Workshop

: 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.

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

Hike on Westwoods West

: 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.

Held in the Grasp of War: Union Veterans and the Road from Appomattox

: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Presented by historian Brian Matthew Jordan. Part of the Shoreline Civil War Roundtable monthly meeting. Meeting starts at 6:15 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For info, contact the group’s facilitator at 860395-1124 or olivia.jean@sbcglobal.net, or visit facebook.com/shorelinecivilwarroundtable.

Author Event: Gayle Feldman in Conversation with Roxanne Coady

Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built

: 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.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4

Super Bowl Craft Party

: 2 p.m.

The American Revolution and the Abolitionist Movement: Chester’s Legacy of Liberty and Equality

Masonicare at Chester Village, 317 W. Main St. Features an illustrated lecture by Don Perreault. Part of the Chester 250 celebration. Free and open to the public. No registration required. For info, contact 860-558-4701 or chestercthistoricalsociety@gmail.com or visit chesterhistoricalsociety.org.

Concert by Chrome Horse (Tribute to Bob Dylan)

:

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.

MONDAY, FEB. 2

Author Event: Stephen Fishbach

: 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.

TUESDAY, FEB. 3

Zentangle Valentines

: 4 to 5 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For children ages 5 and up. For info or to register (required), call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Create a Vision Board

: 5 to 7 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For teens through seniors. Participants will use collage materials to map out personal goals for 2026. All supplies provided. Space is limited. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

APL Poetry Writing Group

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by Old Saybrook poet laureate Sandra Yannone. Open to all experience levels. Supplies available. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

An IDEA for Education: Albertus Magnus College’s Multicultural Identity

: 6 p.m. Virtual event. Hosted by the New Haven Museum. Presented by Catie White. Part of the college’s 100th anniversary series. Free. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Author Event: William J. Mann

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:

Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood

: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Old Saybrook Middle School cafeteria, 60 Sheffield St. For students in grades 5 to 8. All supplies provided. Hosted by Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS). Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 860-510-5050 or jessica.wood@oldsaybrookct.gov.

Build a Cardboard Kingdom

: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Participants create a cardboard castle or other imaginative constructions using kid-friendly tools and cardboard. Drop-ins welcome. No registration required. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Candle Making Workshop: Galentines Dough Bowl Edition Escape!

: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $35 class fee plus a $25 materials fee (exact change requested). Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Concert by Gadan

: 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.

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Art with Kristin: Van Gogh Watercolors

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 5 to 8. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

See page 24

Marks the Holiday at Susan Powell Fine Art Valentine Gems

Susan Powell Fine Art presents its popular annual show, , a celebration of beauty and this romantic holiday, showcasing smaller works by award-winning artists.

This festive show offers a wide variety of painting styles, sizes, and subjects at affordable prices. Landscapes, seascapes, still life, floral, and romantic scenes in oil, acrylic, and pastel, will be on view.

For Valentine’s Day, an original work of art may be the perfect thoughtful and personal gift to give to a loved one. All works are exquisite gems to start or add to a collection.

Exhibiting artists are the following: Thomas Adkins, Kathy Anderson, Del-Bourree Bach, Nancy Bass, Paul Batch, Paul Beebe, Peter Bergeron, Zufar Bikbov, Ken DeWaard, David Dunlop, Laurie Flaherty, Vincent Giarrano, Marc Hanson, Tom Hughes, Eric Jacobsen, Susan Jositas, Jim Laurino, Christina Grace Mastrangelo, Anne McGrory, Jonathan McPhillips, Jim McVicker, Mo Myra, Cora Ogden, Larry Preston, Deborah QuinnMunson, Shauna Shane, Jeanne Rosier Smith, Kyle Stuckey, Katie Swatland, Sandra Wakeen, and Laura Westlake.

Opening reception for is Friday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. The reception will include wine, prosecco, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to meet the artists.

As a special treat, a complimentary bottle of champagne will be added to each in-gallery purchase for the show, which continues through Saturday, Feb. 28.

Susan Powell Fine Art Gallery is located at 679 Boston Post Road, Madison. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as any day by appointment.

For more information, contact 203-318-0616 or susanpowell fineart@gmail.com, or visit www. susanpowellfineart.com.

Continued from page 22

Pizza: A Love Story Screening and Exhibit Tour

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

Pizza: A Love Story

: 5:30 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Includes a tour of the exhibit with co-curator Jason Bischoff-Wurstle, followed by a 6 p.m. screening of and a Q&A with filmmaker Gorman Bechard and co-producers Dean Falcone and Colin M. Caplan. Free with museum admission. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

National Theatre Live in HD Encore:

Take Your Child to the Library Day

: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features all-day drop-in crafts and a performance by Mystic Paper Beasts Theater at 2 p.m. No registration required. For info, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Inaugural Soup-er Bowl Chili

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 180 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel Hamlet

: 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.

Shoreline Sailing Club Event

: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and over. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time guests, $10 for others. BYOB. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

First Friday Stroll

: 5 to 8 p.m. Main Street, Chester. Hosted by the merchants of Chester. Features a stroll on Main Street that showcases new art exhibitions at galleries, seasonal menus at restaurants, and shopping specials. Includes traditional and original Irish, Scottish and American fiddle tunes by Paddy Whack, and anecdotal tales about the paintings at Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com.

Winter Jams for Camp Fundraiser Concert

: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Features performances by Someone You Can XRay, Shorebreak, and The Gleeful Conspiracy. Suggested donation: $10 individual, $20 family. Proceeds benefit the Chester Park & Rec summer camp funds. For info, visit facebook.com/chesterct.

Concert by Laurel Canyon Band (Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)

: 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, FEB. 7

Take Your Child to the Library Day

: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Includes a bunny scavenger hunt (no registration required) and story time with craft featuring Snow by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace and Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., registration required). For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a Pokémon party, crafts, snacks, games, and a terrarium gym project. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. No registration. While supplies last. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

River Tales

Winter, Hello Spring

: Two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Connecticut River Museum (CRM), 67 Main St., Essex. For children ages 4 and up and their caregivers. Features a story, a craft activity, and more. Book: by Kenard Pak. Tickets: $3 per learner, free for members. Museum admission is not included with the ticket purchase. For info or reservations (required), call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.

:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Includes a café with lunch and chocolate desserts, a bake sale, cookie walk, music, silent auction, gift basket raffle, and kindness open-mic. Proceeds benefit the church’s weekly community breakfast. Part of Madison Kindness Week. For info, email kevinhkane@yahoo.com.(

Valentine Bouquets for Teens and Adults with Special Needs

: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 16 and older. Participants will create a Valentine bouquet using provided supplies. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Curator Tour

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

: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition, . For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement

: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center (GAC), 411 Church St. Pickup of preordered food and bowls only. The event is an extension of GAC's Soup for Good event and features a choice of a handmade bowl made by GAC pottery instructors and students, a serving of homemade chili (meat or vegetarian), a bag of Fritos for topping, and a can of beer or seltzer. Tickets: $40. Proceeds benefit GAC arts education and outreach programs and the Guilford Food Bank. For info or to purchase tickets (by Sunday, Feb. 1), visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Tote Bag Decorating Workshop

: 2 to 3 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. All supplies provided. Limited spots. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

MONDAY, FEB. 9

Pottery Painting with Fired Up!

: 6 to 8 p.m. Fired Up Studio, 1060 Main St., Branford. Cost: $39. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

Pruning Woody Plants in the Landscape

: Noon to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Hosted by Leete’s Island Garden Club. Felicia Millett, licensed arborist and CAES plant diagnostician, presents on pruning objectives, techniques, tools, and timing. Free. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 203-453-0780 or email kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

Art with Kristin: Flamingo Canvas

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 8 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Safe at Home

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement

: 2 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features the screening of followed by discussion with Ellen Cassedy, co-founder of the 9 to 5 movement. Presented with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven. Free with museum admission. For info or to register, contact 203-562-4183, ext. 120 or matockarshewsky @newhavenmuseum.org, or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

A Tribute to U2

: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by The Joshua Tree. 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.

Concert by Bobby Rush

: 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.

: 6 to 7:15 p.m. Old Saybrook Middle School, 60 Sheffield St. Presented by Heather McNeil and Jessica Wood of the OSYFS. For grades 4 through 6. Students receive safety training that will help them be prepared to stay at home alone, with parent permission/knowledge. Only a student’s parents can make the decision that their youth is ready to stay at home alone based on age, maturity, skills, experience, and confidence level. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 860510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.

Make a Heart-Felt Gift with Mrs. Fig

: 3 to 4 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-age students. Participants will craft a Valentine-themed gift. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

See page 25

Albertus Magnus College Lecture Highlights Diversity

YA Library Advisory Board Planning Meeting

: 3:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. For ages 12 to 18. Participants plan programs, displays, and collections. Service credit available. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Junior Chefs: Indoor S’mores

: 2 p.m.

The New Haven Museum will host Catie White, Albertus Magnus College interim director of library services and archivist, for a virtual lecture, “An Idea for Education: Albertus Magnus College’s Multicultural Identity,” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. The event will be recorded and posted on YouTube.

As the first female, Catholic, residential, liberal arts college in New England, Albertus Magnus College welcomed those who were not expected to get a higher education. With the school’s opening in September 1925, Albertus Magnus College students were women who sometimes faced marginalization due to their religion; many may have been the first in their family to attain a higher education.

During her lecture, White will highlight the history of diversity at Albertus Magnus College. In 2023, the school published its first diversity statement. White notes that the college strives to promote a richly diverse and inclusive community and cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and ethical behavior, with particular attention to the underserved and historically marginalized members of the Albertus community whether they be students, staff, or faculty.

White notes, “From our opening day in 1925 with a student body of 50, Albertus Magnus College has expanded into a diverse and multicultural coed student body of close to 1,500. We’ve become an inclusive institution that will not turn anyone away from seeking an education.”

The event is the second of the “Celebrating a Century” lecture series commemorating the college’s 100th anniversary. The series will continue on Wednesday, March 18, with another lecture by White, “Fearless Females of Albertus Magnus College.”

A related “What’s in the New Haven Museum’s Whitney Library” program, “The Evolution of Girls Education,” will highlight the topic using documents, books, and materials from the Albertus Magnus College archives and the Whitney Library on Saturday, April 11.

About Albertus Magnus College

a Top 10 Military-Friendly School. For nine consecutive years, at least 95% of Albertus graduates have attained employment or gone on to graduate studies within six months of completing their degrees. The college has an enrollment of approximately 1,300 students across its traditional undergraduate, accelerated adult undergraduate, and graduate program levels. In 2025-’26, Albertus is celebrating its 100th anniversary and completing implementation of the Albertus 2025: Lighting the Way to a Second Century strategic plan, with a vision to “be a destination liberal arts-based college, distinguished in its interdisciplinary and experiential approach to education, rooted in Dominican values, that prepares students for lifelong civic engagement and success.” For more information, visit albertus.edu.

About the New Haven Museum

Chocolate Layer Cake with Frosting

U.S. News & World Report Money

The New York Times

Founded in 1925, Albertus is a coeducational Catholic college in the Dominican tradition. Albertus’ values- and liberal arts-based education is recognized by external rankings from publications such as , , and , and has been named

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information, call 203-5624183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $35 plus a $20 materials fee to cover all supplies (exact change requested). Bring two dish towels, a container to bring home your cake, and an (optional) apron. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org. :

What a Glorious Crash They Made

6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features Revolutionary-era songs and hymns performed by tenor and harpsichordist Richard Franklin Donohue. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Pajama Story Time

: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features bedtime stories by Jan Brett read by Mrs. Fig, with puppets and sound effects. Familyfriendly. For info or to register, call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Peaceful Pause

: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $44. Bring a yoga mat, towel, blanket, and anything needed for a comfortable breathwork experience. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid Awareness Training

Live Theater: WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11

The Day the Crayons Quit

: 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 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org. : 10:30 to 11 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Presented by Grove School Children's Theater Troupe. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 5 to 12. Children ages 5 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will learn simple steps to make s’mores without a campfire. Free. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Connecticut and the Road to Victory at Yorktown

: 3 to 4 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Killingworth resident Kelvin Cole presents a talk and slideshow on Connecticut’s role in the Revolutionary War. For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Acoustic Artists Storyteller Series: Barbara Harvey

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features stories and songs paired with pictures and visuals. For participants of all ages. For info or to register, visit actonlibrary.org/events.

Fuel Your Body: Master Meal Planning for Inflammation Relief Desserts that Dazzle

Guilford Job Network Meet

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $30. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

: 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. : 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.

Concert by The Young Dubliners

: 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.

Continued from page 24 See page 26

from page 25

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

ONGOING EVENTS

New Haven Museum

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

Hollywood Gems: Tips for Managing Loneliness

The Three Musketeers

: 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.

: 1 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Presented by Wendy Hurwitz. Covers strategies for managing isolation and loneliness followed by a discussion with audience questions. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-5266039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Lindsey Stewart

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic

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

Gracias a la Vida: Spanish and Latin Songs of Life and Romance.

: 5:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a concert by the Entwyned Early Music group, presenting Free and open to the public. Space is limited; registration is suggested. For info or to register, visit youressexlibrary.org or call the library at 860-767-1560.

: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Covers plant selections, materials needed, and scheduling, including which annuals are suitable to start indoors. Hosted by the Essex Library in collaboration with the Essex Garden Club. For info or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

: 6 p.m.

New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features a presentation by Ainissa Ramirez on Black inventors who contributed to everyday innovations, including New Haven’s Sarah Boone. Preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. Free with regular museum admission. Part of the NH250 series. For info or to register, call 203-5624183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Children decorate cardboard cars and watch a short film. Smartfood popcorn provided. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Guilford Poets Guild: Patricia Cleary Miller

: 6:30 to

8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features an open mic followed by a reading from Patricia Cleary Miller, author of , , and Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Starting a Swan Dive Can You Smell the Rain? Warmer Than Yesterday.

Concert by Stephane Wrembel

: 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.

Art Exhibits

Andrews Memorial Town Hall

: 54 E. Main St., Clinton: For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions.

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

: Runs through February.

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

: Runs through October 2027.

Clinton Art Society 2026 Winter Juried Member Artists Show

: Runs through April 23.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery

: 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

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

Steve Cryan’s 32nd Annual Holiday Train Show

: 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

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

All Mixed Up

: Runs Feb. 1 through Feb. 27.

Lyme Art Association

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

First Impressions: 34th Annual Associate Artists Show

: Runs through Feb. 20.

Congratulations

: Runs through Feb. 20.

The Artists Garden

: Runs through Feb. 20.

This Land is Your Land

: 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 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

This Side of Paradise

: Runs through March.

Spectrum Art Gallery

: 61 Main St., Centerbrook. For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

Signs of Love:

Golden Threads: Runs March 27 through May 9.

Susan Powell Fine Art

Runs through March 14. : 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, call 203-318-0616, email susanpowellfineart@gmail.com, or visit susanpowellfineart.com.

Valentine Gems

: Runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 28.

Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery

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

Visual Dialogues

: Runs through Feb. 27.

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.

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

Nightingale’s Acoustic Café:

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.

See page 27

Pizza Takes Its Place of Honor at New Haven Museum

Pizza: A Love Story

For those who missed the documentary, , here’s a chance to attend a screening with filmmaker Gorman Bechard at the New Haven Museum on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m.

Pronounced Ah-

A curator’s tour of the exhibit with co-curator Jason Bischoff-Wurstle will be offered at 5:30 p.m. A Q&A with Bechard and co-producers Dean Falcone and Colin M. Caplan will follow the screening.

The film, tour, and Q&A are free with regular museum admission.

In the documentary, Bechard tells the story of the evolution of this modern-day food staple, which he claims is “the only pizza that can really be called ‘pizza.’” From the rusted wheels of Frank Pepe’s bread cart to the black charcoal on fingertips, visitors will journey from old-world Italy to present-day New Haven.

According to Bechard, the “Holy Trinity”

Acoustics Club:

The Choo Choo Lounge at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina:

2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-3952000.

Thursdays and Sundays: 6 to 9 p.m. Live music.

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.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

Fridays: 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Psychedelic ‘60s. 17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.

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

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@madisonct.org.

Pizza, A Love Story

of Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern serves as a cornerstone of New Haven’s Italian-American heritage and set the bar for this hallowed comfort food. is not just a tale of three restaurants but of three families that have the power to polarize, captivate, and delight. is co-curated by Bischoff-Wurstle, director of photo archives at the New Haven Museum, and Bechard, Falcone, and Caplan. The exhibit includes first-hand oral histories and pizza-related artifacts from personal collections, video footage adapted from the documentary, and photographs.

The exhibit’s title, , comes from the way many people mispronounce the word “apizza,” which originally grew out of the Italian “la pizza.” The exhibit will remain on view through Octo-

For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

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 203245-7365 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.

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.

Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group: Bingo:

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Cost: $12 per person. For info, call 860-3881611.

Bingo Bingo:

: 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 203-488-1441, 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 203-315-6020 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.

Continued from page 26 See page 28

from page 27

Chair Yoga with Martha:

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.

Christ Episcopal Church Choir

Rehearsal:

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

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.

Community Breakfast

: 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.

Craft of the Month:

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.

istration. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:

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

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.

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.

Who Will Essex Ed Be in 2026?

: 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.

Creative Craft Night Dance Mode

: 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 reg-

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.

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

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.

Fiber Arts Club:

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.

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.

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.

Essex Ed will make his big reveal on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. when he emerges from Essex Boat Works for his annual procession up Main Street in Essex Village.

Each year in celebration of Groundhog Day, a local community organization dresses Essex Ed in a costume that honors a person or special occasion. The organization and costume remain top secret until Essex Ed appears for his journey and takes his place of honor at the roundabout at the top of Main Street.

In 2025, Essex Ed was dressed as a bald eagle to honor the Connecticut River Museum and celebrate the amazing comeback story of eagles from near extinction to successful repopulation along the Connecticut River.

The Essex Ed tradition began in 1978, thanks to resident Mary Ellen Brophy. During what she described as an extremely cold and unpleasant winter, Brophy and her friends decided to inject some silly winter fun into the season with Essex Ed’s surprise appearance at the Essex Square roundabout.

Now, 48 years later, the winter festivity continues. Essex Ed has become a beloved “celebrity groundhog,” attracting Groundhog Day fans from near and far. Paradegoers celebrate by wearing groundhog hats and sounding traditional noisemakers, from pots and lids to spoons and trumpets.

The parade takes place rain, snow, or shine.

For more information about the Essex Ed Parade, visit www.essexct.com.

Incorporated in January 1999, the Essex Board of Trade (EBOT) is an organization of businesses within Essex Township’s three villages of Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. EBOT is dedicated to promoting a vibrant community for businesses, residents, and visitors to enjoy and thrive in. The organization produces special events, enhances Main Street seasonal décor, and supports local nonprofit initiatives.

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

420 E Main St Unit 3:

Evan And Alex LLC of Branford to Laura C. Sundstrom and Joshua E. Sloat, $137,000 on 01/08/2026

525 E Main St:

509 Branford LLC of Branford to John Kouremetis, $127,500 on 01/08/2026

25 Florence Rd Unit 71:

Donato

Moccia Irt and Anthony M. Moccia of Branford to Steven Beresner, $247,500 on 01/08/2026

47 Jerimoth Dr Unit 47:

W E &

Billie A Brown RET and William E. Brown of Branford to Sandra L. Palotto, $430,000 on 01/08/2026

372 Old Rock Rd Unit 372:

Melonie

Rohde of Branford to Kimberly W. Doheny, $427,000 on 01/05/2026

16 Pine Orchard Rd Unit 23:

Arooba Sholmiyet of Branford to Paul and Christine Murray, $240,000 on 01/05/2026

CLINTON

Harold T. and Christine D. Daley of Clinton to Maria Mate and Sean Liston, $433,000 on 01/06/2026

Audrey D Dahlberg RET and Douglas Dahlberg of Clinton to Connecticut Water Co, $750,000 on 01/07/2026

Jeffrey and Frances L. Van Tienen of Clinton to Brittney Dorflinger, $15,000 on 01/08/2026

GUILFORD

Newton C. and Ruth A. Mead of Guilford to Amy Etzel, $588,000 on 01/06/2026

Paula and Robert Accomando of Guilford to Furaha M. Mitima and Richard Fitzpatrick, $450,000 on 01/07/2026

Richard N Formica RET and Matthew R. Peterson of Guilford to James J. and Joan Mummery, $665,000 on 01/08/2026

Thomas B. Shepard of Guilford to James A. Shanley, $350,000 on 01/08/2026

Jonathan T. Howey of Guilford to Julia Bancroft and Matthew Mikhail, $1,887,000 on 01/08/2026

3-11 LLC of Clinton to David J. and Dawn E. Farrell, $449,300 on 01/05/2026

29 Brush Hill Rd: Clinton Yacht Haven Docko:

Arthur Peters of Clinton to Betulia Realty LLC, $30,000 on 01/08/2026

246 Cow Hill Rd:

Zira Bruce J Est and Courtney L. Ardito of Clinton to Miroslaw Pienkos, $55,000 on 01/08/2026

79 Fairy Dell Rd:

Thomas M. and Kathleen A. Fitzgerald of Clinton to Ryan T. Brady, $445,000 on 01/05/2026

25 Kelseytown Bridge Rd:

Michael D. Paradis of Clinton to James P. and Camille A. Carney, $545,000 on 01/05/2026

Mary L. Dobson of Madison to Drew A. and Pamela E. Landon, $115,000 on 01/06/2026 Habitat For Humanity Of G of Madison to Deya Honore, $530,000 on 01/08/2026

Trust. Professionalism. Excellence. The Hallmarks of Every RE/MAX Agent!

RE/MAX Alliance is proud to recognize our 2025 Production Award winners for their exceptional performance and dedication. These accomplishments are earned through consistency, experience, and a genuine commitment to serving clients with care and confidence. Congratulations to the agents whose results speak for themselves.

For questions or more information contact Steve Wollman (860) 205-5999 or Jillian Wollman (860) 205-5039.