Guilford Courier 02-05-26

February 5, 2026

Guilford

Vol. XXIX Iss. 6

Town Officials to Meet On Town Green Traffic Study

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

The Guilford Engineering Department is looking to have a formal meeting with its staff and the First Selectman’s Office to discuss forward motion on recommendations laid out in a study for improved transportation infrastructure around the Town Green. Guilford Town Engineer Janice Plaziak

informed the Guilford Courier that she has “requested an internal meeting with staff and the First Selectman to discuss” what are “clear” recommendations within the Guilford Green Transportation Study that was finalized last year. The study was a collaboration between the Town of Guilford and the South Central Regional Council of Governments and considers several traffic flow and infrastructure alterations and additions based on

data analysis, technical review, and public input on preferred needs and measures for multiple transportation options.

In order to improve overall traffic safety conditions the study broadly recommends “enhancing multi-modal access, improving pedestrian safety, and optimizing traffic flow around the Guilford Green.”

See Town Officials page 10

The Gift of Life

Emily Song is prepped to donate blood during the fourth annual Ethan Song Blood Drive on Saturday, Jan. 31, at East Creek Landing banquet facility in Guilford. More than 100 donors participated in the drive, held on the anniversary of Ethan Song's passing in 2018. Emily is Ethan's sister. Since his death, Ethan Song's Acts of Kindness has raised more than $500,000 to support causes to keep kids safe. The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. To donate in your area, visit redcrossblood.org.

Season Sweep

Guilford boys’ basketball falls to Hand for a second time this season as the Tigers sweep the series.....11

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Like all forms of art, poetry has the ability to bring people from all ages and walks of life together and bond over memories, worldviews, and beautiful crafted sentences. This is the sense of community that local poets like Guilford resident Juliana Harris have found for 17 years with the Guilford Poets Guild.

Juliana joined the Guilford Poets Guild in 2008, “on behalf of my dear friend Yvonne Scott,” she says. It was the “wonderful, warm supportive group” that compelled Juliana to keep returning and participate in biweekly shared poetry review sessions.

“We meet every two weeks, and we submit a poem to be critiqued, and the critiques are always insightful, but very supportive and kind,” she says.

Some creative artist-types, writers or not, may find inspiration only as it appears in a serendipitous way. But for Juliana, knowing her poetry will

month, Feb. 12, will mark a particularly exciting day for Juliana, when her “dearest, old friend” and distin-

Letters Editor to the

Thank

You, Guilford

Guilford Social Services would like to thank the Guilford community for the kindness shown during the 2025 holiday season.

During the Thanksgiving and December holidays, 204 holiday meals were distributed, assisting 357 residents. The generosity of this community humbles us. Thank you to all the agencies, organizations, volunteers and Guilford residents associated with this annual pro-

ject, including but not limited to: Rotary Club of Guilford, Guilford Parks and Recreation, Munger Construction, Guilford Art Center, Guilford Foundation, Soccer Club of Guilford, Guilford Big Y, Guilford Police Department, CT Water Company, Palumbo’s Automotive and countless private residents.

Donna Grieder

Guilford

Town Officials Detail Snow Removal Effort

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Guilford received up to 12 inches of snowfall in the wake of Winter Storm Fern, with its northern neighborhoods hit the hardest, according to town officials.

First Selectman Matt Hoey told the Guilford Courier that despite Fern being a “significant storm, the impact was, I think, minimal.” He praised the Guilford Public Works Department for their efforts in clearing out the streets in a timely manner so they were driveable following the passing of the storm.

Public Works Director Dave Castro painted a timeline of events for the Courier, which began with pre-treating Guilford’s roads with salt brine. This year marks the first time the department has used the solution as an effective treatment for preventing ice and snow bonding to the pavement.

“We started that on the 23rd, which was that Friday, and then we had a couple people come in on the 24th to continue salt brining the roads,” said Castro. “And then we came in for the actual storm at 6:30 a.m. on the 25th.”

A total of 19 plow trucks worked around the clock from Sunday morning to 3:30 p.m on Monday until the roads were passable, said Castro. Afterwards, crew members arrived in town at 2 a.m. on Tuesday to plow “all of the roads in town,” he said, clean around the Town Green, and “locate any areas that were slick” that required more salt or snow pushback.

Castro said neighborhoods in the northern part of town and the area around Guilford Lakes Golf Course were hit the hardest by the storm.

Hoey said the effective response time by Public Works can be owed in part to their in-town living quarters at its headquarters.

“What most people don’t realize is we have a bunk room above the Public Works offices for the guys to sleep there,” he said. “That’s particularly important because we have a number of public works guys who do not live in town. The reason they bunked there was because they were scheduled, per Dave’s direction, to be in to get back out on the roads at 4 a.m. on Monday morning.”

The impact of Winter Storm Fern on the town’s budget is currently unknown. Hoey said he was unclear about the challenges the town may face financially in the immediate future, “because we’re not done with winter yet.”

“But,” he added, “we monitor that closely. There is a capacity to move funds within the budget categories, like Public Works, to accommodate shortages in one area. Budgeting for municipal expenses is often an art rather than a science, because we never know how many storms we’re going to get or what is going to pop up that we have to take care of. So the challenge is for us to be as flexible as we can, budget as accurately as we can, but knowing that unforeseen circumstances may have a dramatic impact on what we’ve budgeted for.”

Obituaries

Obituary Elizabeth Heery

Guilford

Contacting Guilford Courier

As your hometown paper, the Guilford Courier welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention.

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On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, Elizabeth (Benzi) Heery known to her family and friends as “Betsy,” passed at home peacefully with her family at her bedside. She was the daughter of the late Angelo D. Benzi and Mary (Natowich) Benzi. Betsy was born and raised in Guilford with a brief stay in Ansonia where she graduated high school in 1955, then returned to Guilford. She was the beloved wife of Nicholas Heery for 66 years. Before they were married, Nicholas saw Betsy walking on Church Street and told his sister, Maureen, “I’m going to marry her.” During this time, she worked for SNET Co. as an artist for the Yellow Pages. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters. They raised their family in their first home, a cottage in Mulberry Point. While raising children, Betsy opened The Village Seamstress on Water Street where she was an exceptional seamstress. When she retired to St. Augustine, Fla., she opened a seamstress shop named Sew On and Sew Fourth, gaining faithful

friends and customers.

Betsy is predeceased by her first daughter, Kathleen Heery-Novinski; brothers Arthur, Ronald, and John Benzi; and son-in-law Brent Zira. She leaves behind her loving husband Nicholas William Heery; daughters Nikki Heery (James Cacopardo), and Kelly Heery-Zira; and son-in-law Martin Novinski; granddaughters, Kathryn (Novinski) Munday (Keith), Isabella Zira; grandson Nicholas Zira; and greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth “Betsy,” VeraKate and Hayes Munday; brother William Benzi of Florida; and sister Mary Ann (Benzi) Bippus of Maryland; and many, many loved nieces and nephews. At the time of her death, Betsy resided in Madison.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betsy’s memory to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405; https://www.hospice.com/ Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford.

To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.

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OBITUARIES The Guilford Courier publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06. com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com.

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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.

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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Lightspeed Monitoring Geared to Student Safety

Staff Writer By Aaron Rubin

In the interest of safety and fostering sensible digital citizenship, Guilford Public Schools have implemented a new AI-based system that can detect concerning messages sent by students and other inappropriate online activity.

The monitoring program, Lightspeed Systems, was installed by the school district as a successor software to Blocksi. While both serve a similar function, Lightspeed’s algorithm is more effective at catching inappropriate online activity due to its “human reviewer component,” said Doug Hammel, Assistant Superintendent for Operations.

This component allows the software to recognize explicit content unfit for consumption by minors. The software flags the inappropriate activity, such as specific searches or aggressive messages sent over Google chat features on their school-issued Chromebooks, and then notifies school administrators.

So far, the district has not reported any negative feedback about the software from Guilford parents or students, officials report. According to Guilford High School

has quickly adapted to the measure.

Getting students familiar with Lightspeed Systems has been of particular importance at the middle school level, according to Superintendent Paul Freeman. He said it is advantageous for students in these grades — when they receive their first Chromebook devices — to learn early on about the “real-world” consequences from questionable social media activity and to carry those habits onto their high school years.

Ensuring this is part of the student’s mindset is something of which Baldwin Middle School Kevin Buno is aware.

“Because students and families become more and more aware of the fact that this is a system that’s going to flag those types of comments,” said Buno, “I think, like anything else, it’s going to condition them to better understand how they can be responsible on those platforms.”

There are consequences for a student’s inappropriate activity online as flagged by the software. But rather than approaching the incident “in a reprimanding type of tone,” said Buno, a conversation would instead be had about why the student engaged in the inappropriate behavior and

decided to search for on their school-issued device now becomes a part of their digital footprint.”

Or, in the spirit of Baldwin school’s mascot, a student’s “digital pawprint,” said Buno.

Many conversations with middle school students have resulted, and the results have been “overwhelmingly positive in the outcome of that conversation,” according to Buno.

“We have mitigated some safety concerns with students as a result of this monitoring, which has been so incredibly appreciated by our parents,” said Buno.

Chaffe also reported positive mental health effects through language flagging at the high school level, specifically on the subject of students in serious personal crises. Notification of messages referring to self-harm “allows us to have really educational conversations with students about not casually tossing around language about harming oneself,” said Chaffe.

Freeman added, “If we’re going to ask students to use this tool, and we think that they’re suggesting that there’s an interest or an intent to harm themselves, then it’s our obligation to make sure that we inter-

child the support they need, and that we loop their parents into wrapping around that kid and giving them the support that they need,” said Freeman.

Lightspeed’s detection of violent or disturbing language, especially as it pertains to a student in crisis, can support the district’s Sandy Hook Promise crisis intervention program and the work of its other mental wellness personnel.

Education leaders acknowledge both the difficulty of constantly policing online student behavior on district-owned devices and the view that this new technology measure could encroach on a student’s privacy. In light of this, Freeman draws a parallel between Chromebook usage as a “digital hallway” and locker usage in a physical hallway.

“They need to know that, just as we might monitor your locker, we’re going to monitor the way you use this space as well to keep you safe and to help you learn in a safer place,” he said. “We know that students will have private devices and private email addresses and private conversations outside and away from us. And while I may worry about how they use those

Precious Bubbles

Story by Carol Andrecs

Bubbles, a handsome 9-month-old gray tabby, was rescued on the property of a shoreline home with his two siblings. No mom was found and the kittens were scavenging for food until a caring person started to feed them, and a friend called Forgotten Felines to rescue the babies. Bubbles’ siblings were adopted together, and he is waiting anxiously for his turn. He is so sweet, playful, cuddly and snuggly, and would love a quiet home with another young cat. Can you give this precious kitten a loving home? Come meet Bubbles at our open house or apply to adopt him online at 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@ forgottenfelinesct.org.

GriefShare Meetings Start February

Photo by Genevieve Ray

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 860-9131654 or specify “Madison, CT” at griefshare.org/findagroup.

Guilford Scouts Complete Summit

From

a Press Release

On Friday evening, Jan. 16, seven members of Guilford Boy Scout Troop 444 traveled to Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, for a weekend of hiking and tent camping. On Saturday, they successfully hiked to the summit of the 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock. The hike took them over five hours on icy trails and in snowy conditions.

They arrived safely back to their campsite for an additional night of camping and returned to Guilford on Sunday.

This outing helped the boys complete requirements towards achieving rank advancement and their camping merit badge. It was also an opportunity for the scouts to test their fitness and gear for more ambitious outings in the future, including a possible winter summit of Mount Washington.

For each outing, one scout acts as the Senior Patrol Leader, the youth leader for the event. Chase Gunningsmith was the Senior Patrol Leader for this event. The three adult leaders were Damian Gunningsmith, Tim Omlor, and Al Kovalik.

Lightspeed Monitoring Geared to Student Safety

spaces and are they being safe, I know that that is not my responsibility, and I have no intention to pry into those areas.”

Freeman acknowledges that the platform can create more work for school administrators if they receive notices on late weekend nights or any other time after school hours.

But, ultimately, a platform like Lightspeed can contribute to each student’s

responsible behavior in both physical and digital learning spaces, officials said, and is viewed as an extension of all student safety and health protocols the district has practiced in and outside of school.

“Every year, we’re always looking at our safety and health protocols and we always talk about the fact that it’s a layered system,” said Freeman. “It’s just one more component, one more way to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to help our students be safe and healthy.”

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

creative people for one thing. But, of course, it is beautiful graphically.”

Juliana has contributed poems to The New York Times and her hometown paper The Kansas City Star. One poem was published in the Times’ Metropolitan Diary, and three were printed in the Star while Juliana was a member of the Kansas City Writers Group.

She is also the author of two novels“The Fork in the Road” and “Pacific Heights” - and the poetry collection “Portraits,” a chapbook about Juliana’s family, dedicated to her grandchildren. When it came to its publication, once again guild members expressed their support “I was encouraged by the guild to create a chapbook, because I had read these poems and shared them with the guild over the years, and they said, ‘You got to put these together,’” she says. “I come from a very interesting family. That was part of it. But, over the years I had written a poem about my great uncle, or I had written a poem about my grandmother, and the guild said, ‘Hey, let’s put these together.’”

Juliana is also the author of two murder mysteries that take place in Guilford titled “Murder at the Tavern” and “Murder at Pine Brooks.” She was inspired by a strange occurrence that happened one night involving a local man named Rufus Bishop.

“I was late for a PTO meeting at Cox [Elementary] School on a November night ,and Rufus appeared out of the darkness carrying a big walking stick and he greeted me and went on his way. I thought, ‘What in the world was Rufus doing out here at

this time of night?’ And I further thought that would make a good start for the mystery: a member of a prominent family out late at night. That sat in the back of my brain for many years, and for some reason it came out about five years ago and I thought ‘I’m gonna start writing that.’”

She has already found success and a following with her mystery stories, having garnered the attention of local readers hungry for more murder mysteries.

“’The Murder at Pine Brook’ was the last one that I wrote, and several people have said ‘When is the next one?’ And several people have said, ‘I’m interested in one particular character. I think you should follow him and write the next one about him.’”

Whether they are interested in poetry, murder mysteries, or stories about family, all those interested in writing are encouraged to swing by the Guilford Free Library on the open mic poetry nights. It could be an inspirational occasion for Guilford High School students, whose young writers Juliana is particularly fond of having supported up to today.

“I think probably the most important thing to me about the guild is our support of our young students,” she says. “We go to the high school every April during National Poetry Month, and we speak with the students, and we encourage them, and they submit to our contest. We have an annual contest, and they are just amazing.”

For more information on the Guilford Poets Guild and the upcoming reading by Patricia Cleary Miller, visit https://guilford poetsguild.wordpress.com/.

Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10:00 am. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192 Meeting ID: 639 632 0192 The following Deliberations will be heard:

Step inside and experience the energy of our community for yourself. Stroll through beautiful spaces, meet the people who make this place so special, and get a taste of the extraordinary lifestyle our residents enjoy every day. With exceptional amenities, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll see how life here truly lets you Elevate Your Everyday.

Hugs

Town Officials to Meet On Town Green Traffic Study

Continued from page 1

According to the study, “key elements” to achieving this include “reconfiguring intersections, implementing traffic calming measures, and expanding pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.” Funding sources for these initiatives may be state and federal grants, most of which would require a match from the town. Other sources may be capital funding in Guilford’s capital budget.

Plaziak told the Guilford Courier, “In case there is a priority established for work to be done, I have included capital funding requests of $500k for FY 2028, 2029 and 2030.”

Recommended road reconfigurations and new infrastructure respond in part to comments heard at public information sessions and field work that gathered opinions and concerns from Guilford residents and downtown businesses. Common concerns centered on general frustration and confusion about the intersections and safety for pedestrians. Local business people, according to the reported, have stated “they almost get hit every day at various intersections and crosswalks” and are concerned about business losses since parking is sometimes “impossible” for customers during events.

The study did find the Green to be a near-universally safe area. Crash data from the University of Connecticut within the study found that between 2019-2023, 91 collisions between automobiles occurred around the Green, with 95% of those incidents resulting in “no apparent injury.” No fatal accidents or serious injuries were reported in the university’s findings out of the 4,000-6,000 vehicles that may travel on the central downtown roads daily.

However, concerns about crashes and near misses, as well as speeding, remain points of concern for both residents and business owners.

One of the study’s biggest recommended alterations to Green-centered traffic flow is to reconfigure traffic flow for one-way travel.

“All conceptual improvements developed,” said the study, found that only northbound commuting along Whitfield Street and only southbound commuting along Park Street produces the most efficient and safe form of one-way travel. This was specifically requested by the town.

“One-way northbound operation on Whitfield Street would eliminate 40% of the intersection conflict points at the Boston Street/Water Street intersection by removing traffic coming from the north,” said the study. “This operation also makes it possible to create a more structured and safe intersection by allowing separation of movements at Whitefield Street/Boston Street and Whitfield Street/Water Street.”

Other recommended measures to provide greater safety and access for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists include the construction of sidewalks along Whitfield Street and Park Street, curb extensions at crosswalks, and parking spaces angled for one-way travel. Proposed stop controls are also mapped out in the study, including at both ends of Boston Street, a recommendation based on a “major point of concern” expressed by the public.

These and other proposed measures can support the study’s overall goal of improving safety conditions for all Guilford residents and visitors in the Town Green area and maintaining its status as the commercial, civic, and cultural hub of the town.

Additionally, statistics from the Connecticut Department of Transportation within the study found that single-unit or combination trucks account for “no more than 4% of vehicle traffic” around the Green.

The study concludes, “By following the study’s recommendations, the Town of Guilford can foster a more vibrant, accessible, and safe community for residents and visitors alike.”

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

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

Hand Inches Closer to Playoffs as they Sweep Season Series Against Rival Guilford

The Guilford Grizzlies and Hand Tigers boys basketball teams met Thursday for a rematch of an intense rivalry game from earlier in the month. While both teams competed to the end in a physical matchup, the results ended the same.

Hand swept Guilford in the regular season series by defeating Guilford 56-48. The game doubled as a much-needed victory for both teams as both programs are aiming to go on a late-season run to punch their ticket into the postseason.

Guilford coach Jeff DeMaio said the game was similar to the first time that the team met this season. He said the difference ended up being the play of Hand’s Jonas Markovitz. The senior captain scored all 10 points for the team in the third quarter, which allowed Hand to secure the victory.

“To some levels, the games were similar in the sense they were very physical and very closely contested, and it turned out the difference in the Hand game was their guy Markovich,” DeMaio said. “He had 18 points in the second half and finished with 23. Down the stretch, he proved to be the difference, and consequently, we ended up losing it.”

DeMaio added that despite the final scoreboard, the game was mostly a onepossession game for most of the second half.

“It was typical of most of those games. Both of us are scrapping for wins. It was certainly one that both teams needed, and unfortunately, they made a couple more plays down the stretch,” he said. “They were able to get us again. It hurt because it was our home game and we were hoping to get some revenge after the close one the first time around, but we just fell a little bit short.

With four games left in the season for Guilford, the team will have to eke out three more wins to qualify for the state tournament. The Grizzlies will face West Haven, North Haven, Shelton, and Amity down the stretch for a chance to punch their ticket.

DeMaio said the message for the team

hasn’t changed despite the increased pressure to win games to extend their season. He said it’s a one-game-at-a-time mindset and they won’t look too far ahead.

For Hand, the team only needs one additional game to secure its spot in the postseason, as it currently sits at 7-7 after wins over Guilford and Lyman Hall last week. The Tigers’ remaining schedule is Notre Dame-West Haven, North Haven,

Hamden, Hillhouse, West Haven, and Morgan.

“We have a really tough schedule down the stretch here,” Hand coach Jimmy Economopoulos said. “ We just have to come out and compete, and we have to find a way to win the eighth game just to make sure that we can get into the postseason and then kind of figure things out from there.”

Economopoulos added that it would mean a lot to the team, especially the seniors, if they are able to extend the season into the playoffs.

“We have a really good group of seniors on this team, and I know that that’s something that they’re really trying to accomplish,” he said. “Getting that eighth win with this tough schedule that we’ve had this year would mean a lot.”

Recent Snow Storm Reflects Long Island Sound History

While rebounding from the most recent winter storm and entering a near-recordbreaking deep freeze, ice fishers scattered throughout Connecticut to set up on its frozen lakes and ponds. As expected, ice fishing conditions through mid-February are on track to be better than in the past few years as temperatures continue to be favorable. That’s for the inland outlook. However, when was the last time anyone attempted to sink a line through the ice in Long Island Sound? We know marine fish, such as striped bass and white perch, are caught during February, through the ice, in Connecticut tidal rivers and coves. Therefore, they most likely exercise their fins and tails when traveling from the Sound into the rivers. Right? Of course, the Sound can be unsafe for ice fishers due to undulating tides that can create cracks and fissures. But to be on the safe side, it is best to obtain permission to fish the marinas and coves that are tucked away and much safer.

Nevertheless, sometimes in the past when frost fish were running, along with cod and pollock, fishers either made the attempt or were successful ice fishing the ‘Big Hard Pond.’ After all, Long Island Sound does have a history of freezing overand that includes the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven to Old Saybrook and beyond, including across to Long Island. It froze solidly enough for travel or was covered in severe ice, most notably in 1857 and during the winter of 1917-1918. The 1857 freeze (“glade of ice”), however, was considered historic and rare, allowing people to walk completely across the Sound. Other, perhaps less extensive, severe freezes occurred in 1934 and 1976-1977. Nevertheless, it was the 1857 freeze that was known as the year when people walked between the Connecticut shore and Port Jefferson, NY - prime fishing waters.

The ‘Great Freeze’, as it was known, was the 1917-1918 one, which caused significant issues for maritime travel with ice accumulation of 12-20 inches thick. Blocking ships and trapping submarines in massive ice cakes inside both New London and Groton harbors, the frozen Sound was broken apart by the United States Coast Guard (then Revenue Cutter Service) that employed vessels like the Ossipee and Apache, which had reinforced hulls for ice duties. The Ossipee was a 165 steel cutter assigned to New England in 1915. The Apache (formerly Galveston) was a steelhulled cutter often used in the Chesapeake and the Mid-Atlantic. Additionally, the years 1934-1936 and 1976-1977 were recorded as years with potentially danger-

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

ous icing, particularly in coastal areas like Branford, where ice was thick enough to support cars and fuel trucks.

While central Long Island Sound rarely freezes solid today, digging deep into historical records, one will find several years where significant ice formation or complete freezes occurred along the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven to Old Saybrook. Major deep freezes include1698 when one reached as far as Fisher’s Island. In 1780, reports indicate the Sound was “completely frozen over,” allowing travelers to drive across the ice from Connecticut to Orient Point using a horse-drawn sleigh, carriage, or wagon in -20ºF temperatures.

And then there was 1875, when the Sound froze from Norwalk to Huntington Bay; 1976-1977 where the last 20th-century freeze packed ice for 2 months dragging buoys ashore and trapping oil tankers; 2004-2005 when local marine authorities considered the Sound “completely frozen” in some sections; and finally 20142015 and 2018 when recent bitter winters caused significant shoreline freezing and “historically frigid” temperatures in New Haven - though the entire Sound did not freeze solid. So while chilling out and reflecting on these earlier deep freezes, our last winter storm does not seem that bad after all, does it?

On The Water:

Two days of bone-chilling temperatures and high snow totals were the partial results of the recent ‘massive winter event’ that battered the shoreline. Back-to-back single-digit temps, sub-zero wind chill, and 16.1” of snow were conditions not felt in recent years. A series of cold fronts pushed through the waters, and a strong area of low pressure then moved up into the eastern portions of the waters. Long Island Sound water temps dropped to 30ºF, small craft advisories warning mariners of 45 knot winds were common as angry seas to 6 feet blew freezing spray through poor visibility. Let’s see what Mr. Groundhog, the Great prognosticator, says. Does he see his shadow and predict 6 more weeks of winter or not?

Even under the unfulfilling threat of another coastal winter storm and the Full Snow Moon, persistent cold weather this week should produce good ice fishing con-

While ice often forms in marinas, harbors and along the shoreline in many New England winters, a complete, solid freeze of the entire Long Island Sound, such as in 1698 and 1857, are historically rare. Nevertheless, spanning those years through 2018 revealed notable freezes occurring between western and eastern ends of the Sound.

ditions - providing the wind behaves itself. Relentless freezing temperatures definitely built up the ice thickness throughout the state. Still, south of I-95 can be iffy even in these below-average temps. Most of the state - especially north of the ‘Demolition Turnpike’ - heading north to mid-state and toward the Massachusetts border, where double-digit snow topped the ice like a snow cone, incidental issues could crop up.

Uncleared parking lots and pathways could make pulling a sled full of gear through 15” of snow problematic. Without recent noticeable activity on the hard water, ‘safe’ solid ice could be difficult to determine. Windy conditions will only complicate matters, as will false flags and freezing ice lines. However, hitting the well-stocked lakes and ponds has produced

some decent trout catches. Black crappie, yellow perch, and bluegills (some largemouth bass) have been more than cooperative, along with chain pickerel. Ice fishing beneath hard water that has had some penetrating warmth and overcame the shock of sudden freezing is the best bet. Grabbing a pair of ice awls and testing ice thickness with a ‘spud’ - working from shore outward - is highly recommended before blindly stepping out.

Until the weather eased, winter stocking did get interrupted when heavy snow, interspersed with ice, clogged the program. Scheduled ice derbies also had to be postponed or cancelled. However, a mix of trout species from the Burlington hatchery, including colorful, broodstock

See page 13

Hand Fencing Defeats Rival

Guilford for the Men, But Falls to Grizzlies in the Women’s Bracket

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Daniel Hand High School fencing teams continued a strong January schedule with league action against Guilford and Cheshire Academy, along with several athletes competing at the State Novice Tournament.

The Hand men’s team improved to 9–0 overall, while the women now stand at 6–3.

At the State Novice Tournament on January 31, freshman Ellie Haggan placed third overall in women’s foil. Haggan fenced consistently throughout the day, earning her way onto the podium in a competitive novice field.

Earlier in the week, Hand traveled to Guilford for a tightly contested meet. The women’s team entered the match down one sabre fencer, resulting in three forfeited sabre bouts. Despite the disadvantage, senior captain Kasey Chen and junior Neveah Hastings kept the weapon close, pushing Guilford to the final bout before a 5–4 loss.

On the men’s side at Guilford, Hand picked up key wins in foil (5–4) and sabre (6–3). In sabre, Junior Owen Swift, senior

Josh Lee, junior Eli Boyer, and Senior Captain Adam Stotz contributed victories, while senior captain Gedeon LaRiviere, senior David Bixon, sophomore Erick Picon, and senior Declan Mahoney anchored foil. Guilford took the épée bout, despite solid fencing from senior captain Robbie Ginsburg, junior Jack Johnson, and junior James Boyd, giving the men a narrow 14–13 match win.

Hand followed with a strong performance against Cheshire Academy.

The men’s team earned a 17–10 victory, led by an 8–1 sabre win from Swift, Lee, and Stotz. LaRiviere, Bixon, Picon, and Mahoney secured a 6–3 win in foil, while the épée squad of Ginsburg, Johnson, and Boyd battled through a close bout against Cheshire’s lineup.

The women swept Cheshire Academy, winning foil (9–0), sabre (7–2), and épée (8–1). In épée, senior captain Amber Kittel, junior Emily Mathews, and freshman Tess Brandoff controlled the strip, combining for eight bout wins. Chen, Hastings, and sophomore Josephine Blankenship led the sabre effort, while the foil squad delivered steady contributions throughout the lineup.

Recent Snow Storm Reflects

Long

Island Sound History

Continued from page 12

Seeforellen brown trout from Kensington hatchery, is about to be or already has been stocked throughout the state. There will be plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers getting out in February since upwards of 50,000 trout have been projected to be stocked.

Ready for the spotlight? Email us your fishing photos to share with our shoreline and worldwide community. Through our

The Legacy Theatre Announces Classes

comprehensive involvement, we live and breathe inland and marine fishing, delivering weekly columns that don’t try to ‘create’ the fisherman, but instead strive to inform and empower the one you already are.

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

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.

Madison Hoop Dreams to Hold Camp Over February Break

Madison Hoop Dreams has arranged for the use of the Robert H. Brown School, located at 890 Durham Road in Madison, for their co-ed February vacation camps on Feb. 16-17.

The goal of the organization is to help each camper improve their basketball skills and deepen their enjoyment of the game. Madison Hoops Dreams also recognizes the importance of providing parents with a structured, well•supervised, and fun environment that promotes good sportsmanship and positive social interaction. The camp is open to players in grades 3–8, and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited to 60 campers, and the camp typically draws participants from more than 15 towns in the surrounding area.

Each day begins with an hour of skill development, followed by competitive basketball games for the remainder of the day. During games, coaches provide instruction to help each player improve their understanding of the game. This is an excellent opportunity for all players to sharpen their skills.

Early registration is encouraged. The cost is $60 per day for each six•hour

Schedules

Monday, Feb. 9: vs. North Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6: at Amity at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10: at Branford at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7: at New Fairfield at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10: vs. Morgan at 6 p.m.

camp. To encourage teammates to attend together, the organization offers the following team discounts: Three to four teammates pay $55 per player per day, or five or more teammates pay $50 per player per day.

They are also offering a family discount for households attending a total of four days of camp. Two siblings attending two days pay $55 per player per day. Three or more siblings attending two days pay $50 per player per day.

To register, parents can text coach Bill Barker at (203) 494•6905 with the names of the teammates attending. Madison Hoop Dreams will place teammates on the same team whenever possible, though trades may be needed to balance competition.

Please select whichever discount—team or family—provides the greatest benefit. Financial assistance is available upon request. For more information and to register, visit www.madisonhoopdreams.com.

Any additional questions or need financial assistance, please call or text coach Barker or email at wab6933@gmail. com.Hoop Dreams.

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Fun By The Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Celebrating the Creative Spirit of LAA Artists An Exhibition in Five Acts:

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) welcomes the public to its sky-lit galleries this spring for , a show displaying the diversity of artistic styles of its talented membership.

Each juried show in looks at the world through a different lens: , , , , and celebrates the ever-changing landscapes that surround people. Artists’ pieces express humanity’s connection to place, and explore how land shapes identity, memory, and belonging.

The animal world has long inspired creativity, symbolism, and storytelling. In , artists explore people’s relationship with animals as companions, muses, and metaphors by creating artwork that captures the beauty, spirit, and complexity of the animals that share the world inhabited by humans.

The still life tradition has endured for centuries, offering artists a way to find meaning in the quiet arrangement and beauty of everyday objects. In , artists reimagine this timeless genre through classical interpretation, contemporary experimentation, or symbolic storytelling.

Abstraction opens a space for artists to move beyond representation by exploring form, color, line, and gesture as expressions in themselves. From pure non-objectivity to works that balance between the recognizable and the abstract, artworks in push boundaries, distill ideas, and experiment with visual language while celebrating the power of art to evoke emotion, energy, and imagination.

In , artists explore portraiture and figurative work in all its forms from realistic depictions to expressive interpretations. This exhibition examines how artists—through emotion, gesture, and presence—capture humanity, identity, and the stories written on the body and face.

is on view from Friday, Feb. 27, through Friday, April 10. The opening reception takes place Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m.

About the Lyme Art Association

Founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists, the Lyme Art Association continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork as well as

offering art instruction and public programs for the community. The LAA is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, in an iconic 1921 building designed by renowned architect Charles Adams Platt and listed on the National Register of His-

toric Places. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, visit www.lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802.

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Mental Health Break

: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Branford Green. Features the East Shore Health District (ESHD) mobile public health clinic van which will be on-site and ESHD staff who will be available to discuss physical and mental well-being, self-care strategies, and more. Includes free hot cocoa, resources, and community referrals. For info, call ESHD at 203-481-4233 or visit esdhd.org.

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.

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.

Lab

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 6 to 12. Participants will learn about states of matter and will complete a slime lab. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.

National Theatre Live in HD Encore:

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 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

: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel

: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel

: 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.

Rethinking Conservation “Success”: Mitigating the Climate Crisis While Benefiting Biodiversity and People

: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Emily Feng, a graduate student in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

FRIDAY,

FEB. 6

Shoreline Village Walking Group

: 1 to 2 p.m. Foote Memorial Park, 19 Melrose Ave., Branford. Meet at the parking lot. Features a walk on a flat, paved trail. Dress according to the weather and wear good sturdy shoes. Inclement weather cancels. Sponsored by Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact SVCT at 203-747-5939 or sylvia@shorelinevillagect.org, or visit shorelinevillagect.org.

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.

Winter Concert by Guilford High School (GHS) Music Department

: 7 p.m. Guilford High School Performing Arts Center, 605 New England Rd. Features the GHS

Calendar for the Week of February 5, 2026

music department including voices, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, and the A.W. Cox Howlers. Includes a silent auction of art-related items. No tickets needed; goodwill donations appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Guilford Meals on Wheels. For info, call Christi Burton at 203-453-8359.

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.

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.

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

: 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

SATURDAY, FEB. 7 Goodbye 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.

Madison Chocolate Festival at the Kindness Café

:

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.(

See page 21

Two Connecticut Theaters Start 2026 With New Space, New Leadership; Marks 10th Year Anastasia

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Daily Routines

: TheaterWorks Hartford’s next offering, , explores how our daily routines can lead to friendships and the sharing of secrets. The show—which is billed as “funning, surprising, and moving”—is set in a diner in upstate New York. The show runs Wednesday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, March 15. Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero directs the three-person cast. Tickets are available at TWHartford.org

Aisle ON THE

The Counter director, and chair of the University of Cincinnati’s Musical Theatre program.

Braving the Cold

: State-elected officials, as well as Ivoryton Playhouse staff and supporters, braved the cold on Thursday, Jan. 15, for an official ground-breaking ceremony for the new Sally & George Mayer Rehearsal Studio. The building will also serve as storage. The event marked the kick-off of a $1.5 million capital campaign to support the facility and to fund upgrades to the historic theater building.

New Leadership

: As Legacy Theatre in Branford begins its sixth year, it will do so under new artistic leadership. Keely Baisden Knudsen, co-founder and executive artistic director of the theater, is stepping down. Eric Santagata has been named the new artistic director. Santagata has an impressive resume as an actor,

Continued from page 20

: Peter Jacobson will star as Willie Loman in Hartford Stage’s production of the Arthur Miller classic, . Jacobson, who has extensive stage credits, is best known for his role as Dr. Christopher Taub on the TV series . The show runs Friday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 29. is considered a classic of American theater. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.

Death of a Salesman House

Death of a Salesman

News from the Terris

: Goodspeed has announced that its Terris Theatre in Chester will be dark for 2026. The theater said that despite successful runs of two new musicals in 2025, the management team needs to consider how the theater will operate given the new realities of costs and audience preferences. The Terris specializes in minimally staged productions of

Valentine Bouquets for Teens and Adults with Special Needs Parent/Child Together: Valentine's Day Love Box Workshop

: 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.

: Noon to 2 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. Tuition and material fee are per person. Reduced tuition rates on youth classes requires family level membership. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-4535947.

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

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

9 to

Valentine Card Party for Kids

About Time

new musicals. Recently, the revue , which debuted at the Terris last spring, announced it will open off-Broadway on Friday, Feb. 27. It also had a performance at 54 Below.

Celebrating an Anniversary

: Hart-

Anastasia

ford Stage is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the world premiere of the musical with a fundraising event featuring Christy Altomare, who originated the title role, and director Darko Tresnjak (former artistic director of the theater). Additional special guests will be announced. The show began its journey at Hartford Stage, then had a successful run on Broadway, and later, productions around the world. The event on Tuesday, March 10, features performances from the show and behind-the-scenes stories. A champagne-and-dessert reception follows the event. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.

Sharon Playhouse

from Away

Prestigious Award

out more at SharonPlayhouse.org. : Guildford’s own, Will Aronson and Hue Park, who won Tonys for their musical , have received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. The award is given to “promising composers of musical theatre who have made a significant contribution to American music culture.” Prior recipients include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul.

NYC Notes

Swingtime Canteen 42nd Street Come

: A sign that spring will come is the 2026 season announcement from Sharon Playhouse. The season opens with from June 19 to July 5, followed by from July 25 to Aug. 9, and ending with from Sept. 11 to Sept. 27. In addition, there are Youth Stage presentations and one-night events. You can find

Haven. Free with museum admission. For info or to register, contact 203-562-4183, ext. 120 or matockarshewsky@newhavenmuseum.org, or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Cost: $20.25 for members, $22.50 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. Reduced tuition rates on youth classes requires family level membership. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947.

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.

The Beatitudes as Interpreted by St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

: 7 p.m. Saint Catherine Center, Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, 11 Race Hill Rd., North Guilford. Part of the "Evening with a Friar" series. Presented by Fr. John Mark Solitario. Hosted by the Aquinas Guild. To enroll in the guild, visit dominicannuns.org/aquinas-guild. For info or to register for the event, visit dominicannuns.org/posts.

Maybe Happy Ending Kitchen Chess Just in Time

Hell’s

: Alicia Keys’ musical, , will close on Feb. 22. The show opened in 2024; when it closes, it will have played nearly 800 performances. The revival of has extended its run to June 3, which may improve its chances for Tony Award victories as more voters will have a chance to see the show. Multiple Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan will take over for Tony winner Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin in

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

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

Sweet Saturday Nights: Brian May

: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Tickets: $10. Service fees apply. Refreshments are available for purchase. For info or tickets, visit musicnowfoundation.org/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.

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Inaugural Soup-er Bowl Chili

: 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, visit guilfordartcenter.org.

See page 22

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.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

: 2 to 4 p.m. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Rd., Madison. First in a three-part series called "To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor,” featuring panel discussions surrounding nine faith traditions. Co-hosted by Mercy by the Sea and the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). Free admission. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-0401, ext. 114, or visit mercybythesea.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 9

: 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

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.

: 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.

: 2:30 to 4 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.

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.

Chocolate Layer Cake with Frosting

: 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. Family-friendly. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Pickin’ Party

: 6 to 8 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door. For info, call 860-434-1961 or visit danstevens.net or musicnowfoundation.org/events.

From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in and

Junior Chefs: Indoor S’mores

: 2 p.m. 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.

The Three Musketeers Continued from page 21

: 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. :

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.

6:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features video clips and discussion with performer and storyteller Michael Langlois on how the two musicals portray the nation’s founding from different perspectives. Free. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.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

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11

Live Theater: 1776 Hamilton The Day the Crayons Quit :

: 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.

: 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 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 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.

Connecticut and the Road to Victory at Yorktown Acoustic Artists Storyteller Series: Barbara Harvey Madison Kindness Week: Card Angels Pop-up Meeting

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by the Card Angels, a group of volunteers who make homemade cards with happy messages to send to those in a rehabilitation facility or cancer treatment center. All materials provided. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

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

: 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 203-488-5693 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.

Guilford Job Network Meet

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

Concert by The Young Dubliners

Hollywood Gems: THURSDAY, FEB. 12

: 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. : 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.

Guilford Art Center Opens Summer Youth Program Registration Early

Guilford Art Center (GAC) has opened registration for its summer youth program early this year to allow families more time to plan for their children this summer.

Designed for ages 5 to 12, GAC’s art camp program offers art classes in painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, sewing, and more. All classes are taught by experienced, professional teaching artists in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The program will run in weekly half-day or full-day sessions from Monday, June 22, through Friday, Aug. 21.

“We know families are juggling a lot when it comes to summer planning,” said GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden. “By opening summer youth program registration earlier this year, we wanted to give parents more time to review our offerings, consider what’s the best fit for their child, and feel confident getting their summer camp plans in place—rather than waiting until later in the spring. With a wide range of art experiences and many new instructors this year, there’s something to spark every child’s creativity.”

To make the program more accessible for working parents and caregivers, Guilford Art Center offers Bridge Care—supervised care between the morning and after session, creating a more flexible full-day option. Whether your child is enrolled in a morning or afternoon camp, Bridge Care ensures they’re cared for in a safe, welcoming space with creative materials and gentle guidance.

Financial aid is available and open to everyone.

“We never want cost to be a barrier,” says Belden. “Thanks to generous supporters and community partners, we’re able to offer

tuition assistance for families who need it. It’s part of our mission to make the arts truly accessible to all.”

The financial aid application process is simple and confidential, and families are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited. Class registration remains open through summer.

For more information or to enroll or apply for financial aid, call 203-453-5947 or visit www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Program Highlights

Weekly camps from June 22 trough Aug. 21

Options in drawing, ceramics,

comics, metals, sewing, painting, stained glass, mixed media, beading, and more

Sessions grouped by age for appropriate skill-building Small class sizes for personal attention

About Guilford Art Center

Guilford Art Center is a nonprofit organization that serves the shoreline community and beyond with classes, exhibitions, and events that foster a love and understanding of the visual arts. Through its programs, GAC nurtures individual creativity and promotes the cultural vitality of the region.

Continued from page 22

Tips for Managing Loneliness

: 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.

2026 Internship and Career Fair

: 1 to 4 p.m. 101 College St., New Haven. Free admission. Features networking opportunities with more than 30 organizations. Hosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. For info, visit gnhcc.com/events.

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 Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

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 Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.

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.

Growing Annuals From Seeds

: 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.

Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us

: 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 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Drive-In Movie Night

: 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.

Bird Migration in Offshore Wind Energy Areas: Informing Collision Risk and Mitigation

: 7 p.m. Webi-

nar. Presented by Shannon Curley, a migration ecologist studying offshore bird movements using weather surveillance radar to help inform wind energy development. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

Women in Business Luncheon

: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saybrook Point Resort and Marina, 2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. Features a talk by Linda Albright of Albright AI Agency on "AI Without the Hype: How Women Business Owners Are Using AI to Grow Their Companies and Free Up Time.” Hosted by the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers For info or to register, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com/events.

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features an adult writers group exploring various genres. Sharing optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Opening Reception for BACA Winter ’26 Art Show

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Features new work by 50 artists in painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, turned wood, textiles, and jewelry. Light fare and refreshments will be available. Free. For info, visit bacagallery.org.

Valentine Portraits: BYOB Paint and Sip

: 6 to 8 p.m.

Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For participants ages 21 and up. BYOB. No partner needed. No art skills required. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203453-5947.

SoMA Creative Crawl

: 6 to 9 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features three mini workshops for participants to create winter watercolors

landscape with Shell & Bee, make a glass fusion dish with RiverFire Glass, and learn from an introduction to social dance with River Valley Dance Project. Cost: $72. Service fees apply. Child care available through Artsistic Babysitter. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.

Author Event: James Ponti

: 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.

Europa

Open Mic with Terri Lachance

: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Café, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Minimum three songs for each performer, more if time allows. House piano and sound system available. Admission: $5 donation at the door. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.

: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Woolsey Hall, 500 College St., New Haven. Features a performance with Thomas C. Duffy, music director. Free admission. For info, call 203-432-4111 or visit bands.yalecollege.yale.edu.

Yale Concert Band Winter Concert Concert by Mullett

: 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. 14

37th Annual Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River

: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison at 7:45 a.m. or the first stop at Haddam, Eagle Landing State Park, at 8:30 a.m. Features a land-based trip along the shore of the Connecticut River to spot bald eagles and other wintering birds from a variety of locations and discuss the birds’ natural history. Not a boat trip. Led by Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop. Cost: $33, includes soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant, Old Saybrook. Binoculars recommended and available to rent. Pre-payment required. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.

Saturday Sleuths Book Club

The Mystery Guest

: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: by Nita Prose. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Sweetheart Twill Weaves Workshop

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will use 100% cotton loop materials from a New England familyowned mill and a sturdy metal peg loom to create a coordinating pair of potholders. Printed weaving charts and cotton weaving loops are included in materials fee. Bring embroidery scissors. Metal peg loom and hooks will be available in class for $20 purchase. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $12 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947.

See page 25

Working 9 to 5: New Haven Museum Recalls a Movement

Fifty years ago, Ellen Cassedy co-founded and led the 9 to 5 movement of working women that began in Boston. On Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m., Cassedy will be at the New Haven Museum (NHM) for a screening of the documentary film, by the Academy Award-winning team Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, in which she appears. Attendance is free with paid museum admission.

9to5: The Story of a Movement

Working 9 to 5: A Women’s Movement, A Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie

Cassedy is the author of (foreword by Jane Fonda) and several other books. The film tells the story of how women workers began in a circle talking about their jobs and went on to build a nationwide movement that won rights and respect for millions of women workers—and inspired a hit movie and an enduring song along the way. After the film, audience members will be invited to share their thoughts and questions about women and work.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven (JHSGNH), the screening is part of the 2026 Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Film Series which was designed to examine the issues faced by women as clerical work-

Continued from page 24

ers, factory workers, and teachers. The series previews the fourth annual Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program at NHM on Sunday, March 1, which will focus on Jewish women involved in organizing unions for social workers, New Haven Public School teachers, and Yale University clerical and technical workers in the 20th century.

Cassedy became interested in women’s rights as an office worker in the early 1970s.

“Office workers were influenced by the civil rights and women’s movements and eager to win our rights,” she says. “We won a lot, but there’s a long way to go. Today’s working people struggle to make ends meet and care for their families.”

She adds that she hopes to inspire others to speak up.

For more information or to register for the event, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 5 to 12. Participants will cut, tie, and stuff a heart-shaped pillow—no sewing required. Free. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children up to age 8 and their families. Participants make pine cone and Victorian-style birdthemed Valentines. For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 210 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

About the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven began in the attic and basement of Harvey N. Ladin’s Central Avenue home. After years of collecting pictures and memorabilia about Jewish life in New Haven, Ladin helped to organize and found the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven in 1976. He became its first president. Since its origin, the society has been collecting and cataloging the Greater New

Saturday Cinema

Haven Jewish community’s eventful past, publicizing its history, and preserving its heritage for future generations. The JHSGNH is located in the Ethnic Heritage Center, on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University, 270 Fitch Street, New Haven. For more information, call 203-392-6125 or visit jewishhistorynh.org.

About the New Haven Museum

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

: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Tea and light refreshments served. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Concert by Roomful of Blues

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $45. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14 AND

SUNDAY, FEB. 15

Maple Sugaring Time

: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Weather permitting, volunteers will demonstrate traditional maple sugaring methods at the sugar house behind the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum and Munger Barn. Features sap collection and syrup-making using a historic “cooker,” along with wood-

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 designated 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 from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org or Facebook.com/ NewHavenMuseum.

fired cooking, stories, and hands-on opportunities. Continues Wednesday, Feb. 21, and Thursday, Feb. 22. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 15

Tractor Parade

: 1 to 3 p.m. Main Street, Chester. Tractors roll at 1:30 p.m. Includes music and chili. Proceeds benefit the Chester Hose Company. For info, visit facebook.com/chesterct.

Concert by The Dave Matthews Band

: 7 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 25

MONDAY, FEB. 16

Youth Art Class: Artistic Penguins

: 10 a.m. to noon. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features a winter-themed art class where participants will create an artistic penguin project. For ages 8 to 12. Led by artist Sharon Hart. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.

Teen Drawing Class

: 1 to 3 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Features a drawing skills class where participants refine their techniques and explore creative expression. For ages 12 to 18. Led by instructor Edith Reynolds. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

Kate Classic Film:

prior experience required. Cost: $64. Service fees apply. Some beginner projects may require additional fee paid in cash, check, or Venmo on the day of class. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.

Comic Crew:

Warrior Cats

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 8 to 12. Features games, contests, crafts, and activities inspired by the graphic novel series. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Senior Series 2: All About Senior Living Communities

:

5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. Second 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.

: 2 and 7 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.

Math Mania

: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Elementary-age students will play math games with the theme of Abe Lincoln and money. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

LEGO STEM Club

: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 4. Participants will explore engineering concepts with a focus on "logo shadows." For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Calligraphy that Inspired a Nation

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a 90-minute workshop on colonial calligraphy using dip nib and ink. Includes signature-making activity. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Pickin’ Party

: 6 to 8 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door. For info, call 860-434-1961 or visit danstevens.net or musicnowfoundation.org/events.

Author Event: Rick Tulsky in Conversation with Emily Bazelon

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

Morning Glory Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18

Afternoon Pick Your Project

: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advanced beginner class depending on what the participant wants to make. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. No

Annual Madison and Clinton Chamber Joint Business After Hours Event

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Donahue’s Beach Grille, 1320 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Co-sponsored by the Madison and Clinton Chambers of Commerce. For info, contact the Madison Chamber at 203-245–7394 or chamber@madisonct.com, or visit madisonct.com.

Family Paint Night: Tiny Art Returns

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants create tiny art pieces for the community exhibit. Supplies provided. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Books and Boos

: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers. For info or to register, call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Writing Injustice Book Discussion:

Their Eyes Were Watching God Warrior Cats

: 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Led by Hazel V. Carby and Donna Daniels, this session explores Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 novel about independence, love, and self-discovery. Copies available at the Reference Desk. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Chinese New Year

: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-age students. Includes story time, a horse decoration craft, and noisemaking to welcome the Year of the Horse. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: Exciting Discoveries in Art History

: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a two-part series. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Our Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England

: 6:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Presented by Shaun Roche of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Features historic images and stories of sustainable farming along coastal marshes. Co-sponsored by the Guilford Conservation Commission. Free. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.

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.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

Book Club

The Frozen River: A Novel

: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Ariel Lawhon. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Shoreline Diner, 345 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to RSVP, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Shoreline Village Tea and Talk Junior Librarians

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a four-session program for ages 8 to 12 offering a behind-the-scenes look at library operations with the children’s and teen librarians. Participants will learn how librarians select books for the collection, how much they can spend, and how they decide when it is time for a book to retire. Free. Commitment to all four sessions and celebration is expected. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: Held in the Keyes Gallery. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

Author Event: Gish Jen in Conversation with Barbara Pearce Concert by Journeyman (Tribute to Eric Clapton)

:

7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Stage Door Medium Live With Jimmy Moses Bad Bad Girl FRIDAY, FEB. 20 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 21

: 7 p.m.

The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features live audience readings and an interactive Q&A with Stage Door Medium Jimmy Moses. For info or tickets, call the box office at 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us

In an enlightening presentation about the contributions of Black innovators who helped shape history, Ainissa Ramirez will share inventions that were created by Black inventors—from the light bulb to the mailbox to the ice cream scoop—during her presentation, “Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us.”

The event, which takes place at the New Haven Museum at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, is part of the NH250 series to complement America’s semiquincentennial celebration. The presentation is free with regular museum admission and will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. From Jim West’s microphone to mathematician Gladys West’s pioneering work in creating GPS, Ramirez will feature the life and work of Black innovators who made things we use every day. She will also share the work and life of New Haven’s own Sarah Boone (1832-1904), who was awarded one of the first U.S. patents given to an African American woman for her improvements to the ironing board. Her invention made it possible to iron corsets and other tight-fitting clothing that were in fashion at the time. Boone worked as a

dressmaker and lived at 30 Winter Street in New Haven and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Ainissa Ramirez is a scientist and writer from New Haven interested in uncovering the little-known innovators who contributed to the everyday lives of people. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her doctorate from Stanford, both in materials science and engineering. She began her career as a scientist at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, and later joined the faculty at Yale University. She wrote the awardwinning book, , as well as the children’s book,

The Alchemy of Us Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone

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

Continued from page 26

FRIDAY, FEB. 20

Crescendo and Cayenne: A Mardi Gras Epicurean Dinner and Blues Revival

:

7 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd., Madison. Features a multicourse Mardi Gras–inspired dinner with wine pairings and live blues by Paul Gabriel. Cost: $150. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

Concert by Lunasa

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $50. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

37th Annual Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River

: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison at 7:45 a.m. or the first stop at Haddam, Eagle Landing State Park, at 8:30 a.m. Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop leads this land-based trip along the shore of the Connecticut River to spot bald eagles and other wintering birds from a variety of locations and discuss the birds’ natural history. Not a boat trip. Cost: $33, includes soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant, Old Saybrook. Binoculars recommended and available to rent. Pre-registration and payment required. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.

Create a Succulent Terrarium

: 10:30 a.m.

Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Garden Club. All supplies provided. For grades K to 4. Registration required. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

STEAM Saturday: Make Your Fake Snow

: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free and open to children in ages 5 to 12. Participants will conduct an experiment to make fake snow that even feels cold. Seating and materials are limited. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Polar Bears and How They Live in the Arctic

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 and older. Led by Bauer Park educator Julie Ainsworth. Includes interactive learning sta-

tions and puppet-making. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. First in a three-class series featuring instruction from a professional chess coach. Open to children, teens, and adults. Funded by Deep River Cares and sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middlesex Country. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

Chess Workshop Series : Interactive Author Talk

: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Authorillustrator Adam Wallenta and his son read from their graphic novel, share their creative process, and lead a drawing demonstration. Book signing follows. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. : Noon to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Alicia Farrell, cognitive psychologist and parenting professional. Designed for parents and caregivers of elementary and intermediate school children. Hosted by HaddamKillingworth Youth & Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org.

Parenting Power Hour Elementary School (K-5): Encouraging Independence and Building a Healthy Relationship with your Children

by Best of the Eagles (Tribute to Eagles) A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

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

: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by Changes In Latitude. 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.

Rent: In Concert

: 7 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.

Dance Party

: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford. Admission: $20, includes a group lesson from 7 to 7:30 led by Karen Pfrommer. For info, email info@timetodanceballroom.com.

See page 28

Annual Blues Concert with Jake

and the Modern Vandals

: 8:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd., Madison. Features Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals, with guest performances by Tommy Castro and James Montgomery. Doors open at 8 p.m. Cost: $45. For info or tickets, call 203-245-1404 or visit eventvesta.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 AND

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Maple Sugaring Time

: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Weather permitting, volunteers will demonstrate traditional maple sugaring methods at the sugar house behind the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum and Munger Barn. Features sap collection and syrup-making using a historic “cooker,” along with wood-fired cooking, stories, and hands-on opportunities. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

:

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

Presentation by Decoda, Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall

: 9:30 a.m.

Saint Ann’s Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Presented by Steve MacAusland. Part of the church’s Griswold Forum series of lectures. For info, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org.

Sunday Broadway Concert Series with John McDaniel and Matt Doyle

: 2 p.m. The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Ticket subscriptions are available. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, contact the Legacy Theatre at 203315-1901 or Info@LegacyTheatreCT.org, or visit legacytheatrect.org.

:

2 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Features songs from Flood’s upcoming 2026 album and past works. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

and

:

3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features Vince

Witness the Wild: Where Eagles Fly

Press Release from The Audubon Shop

Winter’s cold brings dozens of bald eagles down the Connecticut River from Canada in search of ice-free fishing.

Last year, over 50 eagles wintered on the lower Connecticut River. Its 6- to 8-foot wingspan makes the bald eagle the largest predator in North America. The comeback of the bald eagle is an ecological success story.

On Saturdays, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, The Audubon Shop in Madison will present its 37th annual eagle watches on the Connecticut River. Leader Jerry Connolly of

The Audubon Shop will help participants spot eagles from a variety of locations on this land-based trip along the shore of the river and will discuss the bird’s natural history. A variety of wintering birds will be seen. Binoculars are recommended and available to rent.

Tickets cost $33, which includes a soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant in Old Saybrook.

Preregistration and prepayment are required. To register, call 203-245-9056.

For more information, visit the audubonshop.com/events.

Giordano and the jazz orchestra The Nighthawks. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860-272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

: 4 p.m.

Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Charlie Fischer, former Daniel Hand High School history teacher. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Part of the 2026 Frederick Lee Lectures series. Admission: $5 suggested fee, free to MHS members. For info, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

The Occasional Coffee House: Rees Shad

: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. Features live music, coffee, and a relaxed evening with friends. Tickets: $20, available online or at the door. Space is limited. For info or tickets, call 203-421-3241 or visit northmadisoncc.org/occasional-coffeehouse.

Concert by American Elm (Electric) and The Bargain

MONDAY, FEB. 23

Artist2Artist Enrichment Program: Macro Photography Workshop

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org. : 10 a.m. to noon. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA), 1004 Main St. Presented by photographer Robert Thomas. Part of a program of free workshops covering various aspects of professional art practice. For info or to register, contact 203-2324384 or baca06405@gmail.com.

Staying Strong and Steady: Fall Prevention

: 3 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Presented by Dr. A.J. Gagliardi and Dr. Jill Caruso. Learn ways to improve bone density, enhance balance, and reduce fall risk. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

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

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

DEEP RIVER

29 Blackstone Avenue

: Doris J Shelton T and Christian B. Shelton to Eric and Carol A. Zima, $1,200,000 on Jan. 13

16 Business Park Drive

: Business Pk Hldg Co LLC to Sz&i LLC, $2,400,000 on Jan. 16

196 Cherry Hill Road

: Bc Inv

Propertys LLC to Adam and Rebecca Gerber, $300,000 on Jan. 14

22 Hickory Hill Lane

: Jason Quido and Thomas Moore to Roberto F. Barrera and Andrea C. Fernandez, $700,000 on Jan. 16

93 Montoya Drive Unit 93

: Placeay Action Prop LLC to Grzegorz Andrzejczyk, $260,000 on Jan. 12

13 Pond View Terrace

: Jeffrey Henry and Erica Rodriguez to Emily Leaghty, $1,225,000 on Jan. 14

CHESTER

35 Maple Street

: David Placeatt to Wayne F. Dailey and Leslie D. Sandin, $780,000 on Jan. 15

CLINTON

:

Casandra and Laura Garceau to Lynn Stevens and Raymond Kowalsky, $195,000 on Jan. 14

: Colin L. Mcevily to Philip Wieloch, $550,000 on Jan. 12

: Steve Defrancesco to Vinnie and Mary E. Defrancesco, $300,000 on Jan. 12

Plains Road

: Alan A. and Laura H. Miezejeski to Dianne N. and William B. Hearn, $450,000 on Jan. 15

EAST HAVEN

642 Bradley Street

: Arman

Construction LLC and Luis F. Badillo to Elizabeth J. Sudac, $415,000 on Jan. 15

8 Circlecle Drive

: Estate of David J. Martin and Sandra E. Martin to Elisa Coppola, $335,000 on Jan. 15

130 Coe Avenue Unit 18

: Deborah S. Palmieri to Susan Kiley, $115,000 on Jan. 15

GUILFORD

666 Boston Post Road Unit 4

Ronald A. and Ernestine R. Cwik to Durham Partners LLC, $311,500 on Jan. 12

15 Briarwood Drive

: Frank L. and Rosita O. Tomaszewski to Krystina and Brandon Gomez, $850,000 on Jan. 13

: Ronald G. Harpell to Alan and Carolyn Rilla, $575,000 on Jan. 12

: Jeremy F. Bell to 12 Forest Hills LLC, $90,000 on Jan. 12

: Victor and

Allison Desimone to David J. Munro, $550,000 on Jan. 13

: Alessandro and Deborah A. Dipalma to Dean and Christa Lockery, $558,000 on Jan. 12

372 Cosey Beach Avenue 72 Gene Street

: Estate of Louis West Palmieri and Melissa Stone to Long Tu, $1,050,000 on Jan. 12

: Ann Roseberry and Marie Carrano to Mario D. Hernandez, $320,000 on Jan. 13

Hemingway Avenue

: Vilma G. Crespo to Frederik J. Vasquez, $470,000 on Jan. 12

: Marcia C.

Ortiz to Manuel M. Pelaez, $280,000 on Jan. 16

: Carmine and Rosina Carpanzano to Dominic D. and Zoie A. Walker, $385,000 on Jan. 16

: M & D Investors

LLC to Carmen Clarkin, $371,000 on Jan. 16

: Estate of Carol Rowe and Shakira Holland to David Cushing, $206,500 on Jan. 13

: Rebco

Property Mgmt LLC to Antim J. Libretti, $420,000 on Jan. 14

: Brian Luckey to Francis B. Dowling, $500,000 on Jan. 15

: Robert K.

Mongillo and Barbara J. Giordano to Canterbury Fund LLC, $221,500 on Jan. 15

ESSEX

: Blaine and Christopher Heck to Joann and Kevin F. Soja, $1,232,000 on Jan. 13

Walnut Street

: True Home Offer LLC to Executive Ests Rlty LLC, $415,000 on Jan. 16

: Estate of Michael T. Korwek and Kevin J. Korwek to Durham Road LLC, $240,000 on Jan. 13

Durham Road 288 Jefferson Drive

: Estate of Camille Bonito and Frank Bonito to Matthew Mandel and Angela N. Adinolfi, $575,000 on Jan. 12

Moose Hill Road

: Ruben and Marlene Parra to Craig and Mary Labossiere, $620,000 on Jan. 13

Tanner Marsh Road

: Ahd

Holdings LLC to Evan N. Woodford and Isabella Y. Chen, $1,385,000 on Jan. 15

Weatherly Trail

: Amparito and Ivan Pozo to Colton and Abigail Fetters, $500,000 on Jan. 14

MADISON

: Paul & Bridie H Tracy Real Estate Trust and Paul Tracy to John M. and Rebecca Gushen, $450,000 on Jan. 13

: Rocco A. and Carol A. Difronzo to Jason D. Wilkerson and Emilie C. Wilkinson, $620,000 on Jan. 16

: Janet M. Brown to John A. and Alina V. Coppola, $660,000 on Jan. 12 : Matilda Boateng to Anthony Cafiero, $343,500 on Jan. 16

Bradley Corners Road

: Richard

East Nelson Real Estate Trust and Peter W. Nelson to Frank Capuano, $411,500 on Jan. 14

7 Brantwood Drive Unit 7 97 Kelsey Springs Drive

: Sara B. Molgano to Julian Mayor and Bethany Lawrence, $238,000 on Jan. 15

: John D. and Tonya M. Mastrobattisto to Christopher and Blaine Heck, $1,022,500 on Jan. 13

37 Quail Run

: Kevin P. Becker to Nicole and Michael P. Lee, $1,010,000 on Jan. 15

: Richard J. and Elaine G. Cornwall to Katherine George and Zachary P. Duhaime, $493,000 on Jan. 15 : Annie Mac Pvt Eqty Cash2k to Michael Dibona and Ann M. Obrien, $535,000 on Jan. 13 : Michael R. Pimer and Colin R. Sullivan to Nelson Estevez-Coppiano, $410,000 on Jan. 13 : Julie Carroza and Renee P. Walsh to Sarante Athenson Lt and Sarante Athenson, $565,000 on Jan. 12 : Margaret A. Dana to Phyllis B. and Patrick Jones, $890,000 on Jan. 13

Simplifying Your Life: How to “Retire” Your 1031 Exchange and Avoid Capital Gains Tax

Dear Neighbor,

As life evolves, many of us start looking for ways to simplify—maybe by downsizing, reducing maintenance, or stepping back from managing investment properties. For some, that means selling investment real estate they’ve owned for years. But the thought of paying a large capital gains tax can make that decision feel overwhelming.

Recently, a number of my clients who own 1031-eligible investment properties have expressed exactly this concern. They no longer want the responsibility of being landlords, yet they also don’t want to lose a significant portion of their profits to taxes. Fortunately, there is an option that allows you to “retire” your 1031 exchange without buying new real estate or managing tenants—while avoiding capital gains taxes.

Here’s a simplified look at how it works:

A Modern Approach to the Traditional 1031 Exchange

1. Sell your property through a Qualified Intermediary (QI).

The QI handles the sale and holds the proceeds, as required by 1031 rules.

2. Instead of purchasing another property, your funds can be redirected into a DST (Delaware Statutory Trust).

A DST is a passive, professionally managed real estate investment approved by the IRS in 2004 for 1031 Exchanges.

•    No landlord responsibilities

•    Monthly income distributions

•    Tax-deferred growth

This gives you the ability to step away from hands-on ownership while keeping your tax benefits intact.

3. After two years, your DST investment may be eligible to convert into a REIT through a 721 Exchange.

This makes your investment even more passive and diversified, with the potential for steady income distributions.

4. From an estate planning perspective, your heirs will also receive a “stepped-up” cost basis along with immediate liquidity options for each beneficiary.

This will eliminate capital gains taxes for the next generation.

Why Clients Love This Strategy

•    No more property management

•    Ongoing income potential

•    Tax deferral on the sale of appreciated real estate

•    Elimination of Capital gains tax.

•    A smoother, simpler financial transition into the next phase of life

Learn More

For many property owners, the real challenge isn’t the transaction itself—it’s the uncertainty, the risk, and the fear of making a costly decision. My role as your neighbor and realtor is to help you de-risk the process so you can preserve the value you’ve worked a lifetime to build. That’s why I’ve partnered with Guilford’s own Eric Lawton, Principal at Impact Financial Wealth Management, to offer a clear, intentional, and turnkey pathway forward. Think of it as a value-preserving next step.

We will be hosting an informational event soon to help explain the 1031/DST/721 pathway in more detail. If you would like to attend, or simply want your name added to the interest list, please reach out.

As always, I’m here to help guide you through real estate decisions that support your goals and simplify your life.

Warm regards, John Campbell

Eric Lawton

203 884 0120

www.impactyourgoals.com

Four Unique Offerings

153 Middle Beach, Madison

Charming beach home with full guest apartment above garage across the street from Long Island Sound. Perfect opportunity for personal use, 1031 exchange or investment property. Main house and guest apartment both enjoy decks that overlook beautiful marshes with abundant wildlife. Main house has views of Long Island Sound from the second floor. Guest apartment embraces a full kitchen, family room with dining area, and bedroom suite all overlooking the tidal marshes. Offered at $2,400,000.

1455 Chapel Street, New Haven

Situated in the heart of the Yale Medical Community, and directly across from Saint Raphael’s, this offering includes two parcels totaling .51 acres, both in an RO zone. The first is 1455 Chapel which is a 6,343 square foot medical office / residence sitting on .35 acres. The second is an additional .16 acre parking lot adjacent to 1455 Chapel on Sherman Avenue. The Sherman Lot has a 15 foot entrance off Sherman Avenue. 1455 Chapel has 71 feet of frontage on Chapel Street. Property is currently a mixed use offering with 2,016 sf of office space on the first floor complimented by 4,327 sf of residential space on the two floors above. Offered at $2,495,000.

75 Half Mile Road, Guilford

Your own resort-like getaway minutes from Guilford’s renown Town Green, sandy beaches and parks. Great sites to experience should you decide to venture out of your private oasis. Spring and summer enjoy your heated Gunite pool adjacent to the homes expansive covered deck cooled by ceiling fans. Or challenge family and friends to a game of tennis or pickleball on your private courts. In the evening enjoy your favorite beverage by the homes’ outdoor fireplace adorned with a pizza oven. Offered at $2,450,000.

76 Sachem Head Road, Guilford

Resort-like gated estate perched high above Sachem Head Road overlooking a saltwater tidal marsh nestled on 2.3 professionally landscaped acres, a short bike ride to the Town center. Grab your morning cup of coffee or favorite evening beverage and step outside to your private resort complete with infinity pool, dual spas, pizza oven and outdoor bar surrounded by gates adorned with grape vines. Spectacular outdoor environment complimented by views of the meadow below. Offered at $2,950,000.