Guilford Courier 03-12-26

Town Budget Calls for 6.15% Increase

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

The town operating budget projects a 6.15% increase in annual spending for the 2026 fiscal year, an increase “never seen” in town over the last 30 years, according to First Selectman Matt Hoey.

The first selectman presented the proposed budget, which calls for a total of $51,132,844 in spending over the next fiscal year starting in July, at a public meeting with the Board of Finance on March 3.

“When I first looked at this number it scared me,” Hoey said. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years. I’ve never seen the town come in

with a number this high, but I’m not apologizing for it. And I don’t think the Board of Selectmen is apologizing for it.”

Hoey emphasized that the budget was passed “in a bipartisan fashion … after a significant amount of discussion” by the

See Town Budget page 8

Spring Fever Strikes

Dganit Zauberman gets an early start on her spring garden while purchasing supplies at Page Hardware in Guilford on March 10. With temperatures climbing into the mid-50s and sunny skies overhead, many residents head outside to tackle early-season yard projects.

Call it a Career Alex Uzzo wraps his career with the Grizzlies with a third place finish at the State Open............................20

Gerardo Martinez: Building Community Through Education

By Pam Young

Special to the Courier

Dr. Gerardo Martinez traces his career in education back to a lifelong love of literature and the classics he once hoped to share with students in the classroom.

The Odyssey

“I am an avid reader. I loved Shakespeare, , and all the classics,” Gerardo says. “I wanted to introduce students to the classics and get them excited about it, which led me to public education.”

That passion for teaching now guides Gerardo as he prepares to become the new principal of Elisabeth Adams Middle School in Guilford. He will begin the position in July 2026.

“I was the lucky one selected by the committee,” Gerardo says.

Originally drawn to journalism, Gerardo says he was enrolled in a law and communication program before deciding to pursue a degree in English literature.

“I was on the route to becoming a journalist and decided that it made more sense to give back to the community in terms of becoming a ‘mini’ professor of literature,” he says.

Person of the Week

Born and raised in New York, Gerardo is bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese. He holds a doctorate in education and policy studies, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a bachelor’s degree in English and education.

Gerardo began his career teaching English literature at William H. Taft Middle School in Boston.

“Being a middle school teacher was an amazing experience,” Gerardo says. “I feel my mission as a teacher was to provide the most amazing educational experience and exposure to English language and literature.”

During those years in the classroom, Gerardo says his work as an educator was highlighted in a four-part series by The Christian Science Monitor

“I was selected as an exemplary teacher and these were fond years for me,” Gerardo says. “It connects me very closely to the work I will be doing at Adams.”

Gerardo later moved into school leadership, becoming principal at Mary E. Curley Middle School in Boston.

“I was proud of the accomplishment, being the youngest principal at the time in a complicated school,” Gerardo says. “There was a need for continuity, education, and stability for all students. With a K-8 program, you can have control over the learning at a young age and be more impactful in terms of their learning experiences.”

Gerardo later served as principal at Edward Devotion K-8 School in Brookline, Massachusetts, and Otho Schofield Elementary School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He currently serves as principal at Estabrook Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts, where the school recently received the National Blue Ribbon School award.

In addition to his work in schools,

See Gerardo Martinez page 4

School in Guilford in July 2026, bringing decades of experience in teaching and school leadership.

Letters Editor to the

A Happy Success

The staff and board members of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV) want to thank the Guilford High School music department and others who made this year’s Meals on Wheels benefit a happy success. On Feb. 6, a capacity audience in the GHS Performing Arts Center enjoyed “Peace, Love & Happiness,” music by the jazz and wind ensembles, voices, symphony orchestra and A.W. Cox Howlers.

After sampling appetizers donated by Pasta Avest & Pizzeria, Star Fish Market, Mary’s Culinary Classes and Chef Larry Santamaria, guests were led to the auditorium by a New Orleans-style second-line parade. An arts-themed silent auction featured donations by Mary Beeman, Michael Crampton,

Arthur Murray Dance, Guilford Art Center, Madison Arts Cinemas, Legacy Theatre, Paperscapes, Julie Heudorfer and Madison Lyric Stage Theatre. After the concert, guests were served assorted desserts donated by GIV’s staff and board members. GHS student volunteers served all the food throughout the evening.

This annual event is a key fundraising event for GIV, as well as a unique opportunity for Guilford’s youth to directly support our many elderly recipients of Meals on Wheels. We are grateful for the generosity and support of all the GHS music department staff.

Gerardo Martinez: Building Community Through Education

Continued from page 2

Gerardo contributed to the book .

Data

Wise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning (3rd edition)

“The book introduces a system of three parts really: preparing data, inquiring about it, and acting on the data,” Gerardo says. “It creates a community within the school where we are using a different lens to think about the work we are doing. It is allowing us to be more mindful, having discipline, conversations, and digging deeper for impactful action plans.”

Gerardo says the work reflects a broader effort among school leaders to improve outcomes for students.

“I am proud of that work because it speaks to the struggles we were going through as school leaders, rising up to make a difference to support all learners,” he says.

Looking ahead, Gerardo says he is encouraged by new ideas and research shaping education.

“There is some exciting recent research,” he says. “Boaler talks about math and the mindset around it; you aren’t born smart, you become smart through disciplined work. There is work on the importance of grit, developing perseverance, and problem solving in the field too.”

Gerardo also points to sustainability and science education as areas that interest him.

“In a past school, we were piloting things like tablets before anyone else started using them,” he says. “Students growing and eating what they grow, from different types of lettuce and herbs. I am really excited about science sustainability and involving kids in the process of taking over leadership and generating ideas for how to make the school a better place.”

Middle school, Gerardo says, is a particularly important stage in students’ development.

“People joke about how challenging middle school is,” he says. “I believe it’s an exciting and developmental time where students find their voices, where they develop both socially and academically, and look to us as adults for a path forward.”

As a school leader, Gerardo says collaboration and community are essential.

“I feel that life choices are a result of important chance encounters with people who see things in you,” he says. “They guide you in particular directions.”

Gerardo recalls a professor who encouraged him to pursue education.

“The professor was wonderful and saw

See Gerardo Martinez page 13

Obituaries

Obituary Deborah Davis Madison

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah Davis on Feb. 26, 2026. Born in 1953, to her loving parents, Deborah was a lifelong resident of Madison before making Clinton her home in 1994. After graduating from Daniel Hand High School in 1971, she attended Curry College, graduating in 1975. She dedicated nearly four decades to the accounting field, retiring in 2022.

Deborah’s true joy, however, was found outside of the office. As a member of the Guilford Agricultural Society, she was a fixture at the Guilford Fair for decades, where her passion for canning and gardening led her to serve as the

chairperson for the canning department. An avid bowler, she spent years traveling across the country for competitions, returning home with more stories to share after every trip.

A beloved sister and aunt, Deborah’s favorite place was always at the "kids' table" during the holidays, where she could laugh and connect with her nieces and nephews. Her family will miss her smile, hugs, companionship, and sense of humor.

She is survived by her sisters, Beverly and Diane (Don); brothers, Harcourt (Michelle) and Andy; her nieces, Jennifer (Nick) and Christine; and her nephews, Daniel (Stephanie), Jonathan (Ali), Zachary (Emily), and Christopher. Calling hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Swan Funeral Home in Madison. A private burial will be held at a later date.

See Obituaries page 11

Shoreline Arts Alliance Announces Student Art Competition

Shoreline Arts Alliance (SAA) invites high school students in its 24-town region to submit artwork for its 42nd Annual Future Choices Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition. The exhibit will be held Wednesday, April 8, through Saturday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 22, through Monday, April 27, at Flat Rock Gallery, 314 Flat Rock Place, Suites F135 and F140, Westbrook. Artwork in ceramics, drawing, digital media, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video must be submitted by Friday, March 27, by either the student or a teacher. Cash awards will be presented in each category, along with special honors including Best in Show and the Earl Grenville Killeen Founders Award. For guidelines and submission information, visit www.shorelinearts.org/future-choices. For more information, call 203-421-6739 or email office@shorelinearts.org.

Programs Offered at W&FLC

Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), located at 96 Fair Street, Guilford, offers Lawyer Time, a program to allow individuals to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to discuss legal questions and better understand one’s personal rights and the legal process. Attorneys can discuss most civil matters. W&FLC does not provide pro bono services or legal representation. W&FLC also offers Financial Consults, a program that involves one-on-one appointments with a volunteer financial coach to review finances of participants and help them take control of their economic independence and success. Topics cover budgeting, divorce, finances, debt, death claims paperwork, and more. Lastly, W&FLC offers a guided assistance program with a social worker who can connect individuals with community resources on crisis services, social services, mental health, financial assistance, and legal services. For more information or an appointment, contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org.

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Madison Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charge

Staff Report

Guilford police arrested a Madison man Feb. 26 following an investigation that began in 2024 into the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.

Police said the department received a CyberTip on Oct. 1, 2024, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an individual suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material.

As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Madison, Connecticut, on Jan. 7, 2025, and seized numerous electronic devices.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Kenneth Sloan, 78, of Madison, charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material in the second degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes 53a196e.

Sloan was arrested Feb. 26 and transported to New Haven Superior Court, where he was held on a $50,000 bond.

The Guilford Police Department said it worked with several agencies during the investigation, including the Madison Police Department, Wallingford Police Department, Westport Police Department, New Britain Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.

Men and Women Invited to League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters seeks new members who have an interest in areas such as voter registration, open government, environmental protection, or social policy. The league welcomes women and men of all ages and from all political persuasions. For more information, visit www.lwvct.org.

Goodspeed Seeks Local Girls for 50th Anniversary Production of Annie

Goodspeed Musicals will hold an Annie Audition Experience to find local Connecticut girls to play Annie and the orphans in its 50th anniversary production of Annie this fall. Children ages 8 to 12 may participate on Saturday, March 15 or March 22 at Goodspeed, 20B Norwich Road, East Haddam, or Saturday, March 29 at Hartford Stage Rehearsal Studios, 942 Main Street, second floor, Hartford. Registration runs from 9 a.m. to noon, or until 100 children have registered, with the first audition experience beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will take part in an acting game and learn a brief dance and song from the show. No preparation is required. Participants must be available for rehearsals and performances from Sept. 29 through Jan. 2, 2027. For more information, contact Jakob Harding at jharding@goodspeed.org or visit www.goodspeed.org.

A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra

March 22nd at 4:00 PM

Described as “a refreshing corrective to classical music’s rigid hierarchies,” A Far Cry was recently praised for delivering “top-notch, finely crafted, precisely delivered, performances while retaining and exhibiting a robust communal expressiveness.”

A Far Cry was founded on the belief that every voice deserves to be heard; so instead of one artistic director, the collective of musicians (“Criers”) curate and submit program ideas inspired by individual curiosities, the greater musical community, and what is happening in the world at large. The March 22nd concert will include works by Copland and Beethoven.

Town Budget Calls for 6.15% Increase

shared by Hoey. The town is also interested in expanding the information technology capabilities of Town Hall.

selectmen—although not unanimously—and was constructed with awareness of the financial pressures the town is facing and to “restore the funding cuts” made in last year’s budget, mainly overtime payments for various departments.

Budgeting more overtime in the proposed budget partly responds to the harsh winter the town endured, including two major snowstorms that required many hours of work by departments involved in cleanup and safety efforts. As previously reported in the , the town’s current budget is more than $77,000 over budget due to the storms, according to the Finance Department.

One way the budget aims to fulfill those objectives is by hiring a new permit technician in the Planning and Zoning Department, “which will be shared by the Health Department,” Hoey said. The new hire—which was originally proposed but rejected in last year’s budget—could help the town adapt to changing state permitting laws and issue permits more efficiently.

$453,000 from the capital budget. Regarding the latter, Hoey said it is more appropriate to view the reductions as “defraying” them to another fiscal year while looking for other revenue to fund capital projects.

Hoey anticipates that as the debt from constructing Guilford High School drops “precipitously” over the next decade, “that’s when we’re going to be able to start to afford other more significant projects.”

Other major drivers include maintenance costs and the rising cost of employee health care, the latter category also a major driver of the proposed education budget. The town is looking at an increase of more than $689,000 in medical benefits, marking an almost 16% increase over the current budget.

Paired with the Board of Education’s proposed budget, overall town expenditures for the next fiscal year would total $130,163,203.

Among the objectives of the town budget are goals to “maintain high level of services,” “assure appropriate staffing levels to meet community expectations while optimizing employee performance,” and “expand tax relief programs for veterans, elderly and disabled” residents in the Guilford community, according to presentation slides Guilford Courier

“We fully believe this is something that is going to change the timeliness of how we deliver services,” Hoey said.

Two new hires—a mechanic and a maintainer—are also being proposed for the Public Works Department to meet the department’s efficiency needs and help maintain its new base at the Lathrop House building, Hoey added.

Other areas of the budget seeing proposed increases include the Transfer Station and the fire department. The latter, which Hoey described as a “health department” given the high number of calls it receives for emergency medical services, is projected to receive a financial boost of just under $467,000 to support those services, specifically with part-time EMS employees.

Hoey said the selectmen see value in investing more in the fire department’s medical services area given the growth of related calls and the need to provide “quicker service” in both North Guilford and the rest of town.

The budget proposes a reduction of approximately $876,000 across multiple departments and more than

Hoey also shared some “good news” about the town receiving local revenues of “almost a million dollars,” more than half of which came from increased permit fees and EMS services from the fire department. The increase in revenue is projected to bring in up to $6.4 million to the town, according to the proposed budget.

Despite the unusual financial year ahead, the town’s objective remains to meet community expectations. Results from a recent survey conducted by the town found that 57% of respondents were “satisfied with overall quality of services provided by the town,” Hoey said.

“To me, that says we have to do better,” Hoey said. “Whatever those expectations are, we need to understand them and we need to adjust our service delivery goals and methodology to meet those expectations.”

Guilford taxpayers can view the proposed budget and submit public testimony regarding its contents by visiting the Board of Finance webpage at guilfordct.gov. The budget will be discussed again at the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, in the auditorium at Guilford High School.

Silly Sammy

Story by Carol Andrecs

Funny and animated Sammy is full of antics and quite entertaining. This handsome 3½-year-old tabby will keep you on your feet, as he performs tricks and plays with his toys. Sammy can be a little shy at first but warms up quickly for a game of interactive playtime. He is quick on his feet and quick to draw attention. When Sammy tires out, he is ready for cuddling and naps. This sweet boy would probably prefer a home with other cats but no dogs. Come meet silly boy Sammy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Meals on Wheels

Photo by Genevieve Ray

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.

Guilford Meals on Wheels provides a nutritious, midday meal to Guilford residents having trouble preparing well-balanced meals. For more information, call 203-4538359.

GAC Opens Early Registration for Summer Program

To help families plan ahead for a creative summer, the Guilford Art Center (GAC) has opened early registration for its Summer Youth Art Program. Running in weekly sessions from Monday, June 22, through Friday, Aug. 21, the program offers flexible, engaging art classes for children ages 5 to 12 and teens. Designed with busy parents in mind, the weekly format allows families to register for individual weeks that fit their summer schedules while ensuring kids and teens have consistent, high-quality creative experiences throughout the season. Led by professional instructors, classes feature a range of art including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, metals, sewing, weaving, blacksmithing, stained glass and mixed-media. Families can choose a halfday or full-day weekly session. GAC offers bridge care, providing supervised care between morning and afternoon sessions. For more information, visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Obituaries

Continued from page 5

Obituary

William Elder

Madison

The Ten Commandments

William Allison Elder, 84, of Madison, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 27, 2026, after a long and courageous decline due to complications of Alzheimer’s dementia. Surrounded always by the love of his family and sustained by a deep and abiding faith, Bill’s life was a quiet testament to devotion — to God, to family, and to community.

Born on Jan. 7, 1942, in Indianapolis, Ind., Bill was the son of the late Helen G. Costello and William H. Elder of Hamden. His early years were shaped by adventure and resilience as his family moved across the country, living in Pittsburgh, Pa. — his favorite city — and San Francisco, Calif. As a young boy in San Francisco, Bill had a paper route and proudly saved his tip money to return to Pittsburgh for visits. He loved to tell the story of delivering newspapers to baseball legend Willie Mays, recalling Mrs. Mays’ kindness and generosity to a young paperboy who never forgot the encounter. Bill remained a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, loyalties that connected him to his childhood roots.

Between 1966 and 1967, Bill served a brief but meaningful stint in the National Guard, answering his country’s call with the same quiet sense of duty that would mark the rest of his life. Bill met the love of his life, Joan Barny, while they both worked at Sec-

ond National Bank. He asked her to dinner, and on their third date — while watching at the Milford Drive-In — he proposed during the scene when Moses meets his mother. They had known each other less than a year when they married, beginning a partnership that would last more than 58 beautiful years. Their marriage was one of deep faith, laughter, shared purpose, and unwavering loyalty.

Professionally, Bill devoted 25 years to United Illuminating, ultimately serving as treasurer and assistant secretary before his retirement. He was respected not only for his integrity and competence, but for the fairness and compassion he brought to every decision. In public life, he served on both the Madison Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance. Troubled by extreme points of view, Bill worked tirelessly to bring people together for the common good. He was a master of compromise — a true peacemaker who believed in respect, dignity, and thoughtful dialogue. Bill was also a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5780, serving as grand knight for five years.

Faith was the cornerstone of Bill’s life. He and Joan became deeply involved at St. Margaret Church, where Bill directed Religious Education, recruiting teachers and working closely with parents and children. Feeling called to deeper service, Bill entered the diaconate formation program, attending four years of study alongside Joan. He was ordained a permanent deacon in June 1992, and served faithfully for more than 34 years.

As a deacon, Bill assisted at Mass, celebrated weddings, presided at funerals, and offered comfort to families in

Volunteers Needed to Tutor Valley Shore Residents in English

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore (LVVS) is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Tutor Training Workshop to prepare volunteers to teach English to adult residents from around the world. No experience is required. The 12-hour training runs over eight sessions. Participants may attend morning sessions from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in person at the Westbrook Library or evening sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m., offered in a hybrid format with Zoom. Sessions are scheduled for April 9, 14, 16, 21, 28, and May 7, 12, and 14. An online self-facilitated option is also available. A $40 donation is requested for materials. For more information, contact Joanne Argersinger at 860399-0280 or jargersinger@lvvs.org, or visit www.lvvs.org.

their most vulnerable moments. Writing his homilies was a sacred labor of love — he would spend an entire week preparing, refining, and prayerfully revising each one, often making final adjustments just before preaching. After retirement, at the encouragement of Monsignor Shanley, Bill began visiting nursing homes, a ministry he cherished deeply. He brought compassion and presence wherever he was needed.

Bill was equally devoted at home and on the ball field. He coached Little League for both of his children, cherishing one particular championship day at Strong Field when his daughter Beth won her game playing second base on one field, while his son Bill pitched a victory on the other. It was a day that captured everything he loved — family, teamwork, and quiet pride.

He and Joan shared a lifelong love of Boston College football, returning year after year for over two decades to tailgate, reconnect with friends, and make new ones. Four of those years were especially meaningful when their son was a student there. Bill loved the Jesuit tradition of service and education, and often said, “The two best things a father can do for his children are to love their mother and educate them.” He lived those words every day.

Summer trips to Cape Cod, family travels to Indiana, Notre Dame and Boston College games, and a treasured journey to Ireland filled their years with memory and joy.

Above all, Bill adored his six grandchildren: Jeb, Sam — a proud Boston College graduate — and Tim, a student at Holy Cross; Jack, a senior at Iona College and member of the track team; Brigid, a senior at Penn State pursuing a career in law enforcement; and Meghan, a sophomore at Purchase Col-

NAMI Shoreline Support Groups

lege studying interdisciplinary design. Each of them carried forward his legacy of faith, education, and service. Nothing brought him greater happiness than sitting among them, listening, encouraging, and quietly loving them.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his daughter, Elizabeth Maria O’Keefe, and her husband, Michael, and their children, John William, Brigid Clare, and Meghan Elizabeth; and his son, William Arthur Elder, and his wife, Joan, and their sons, Jeb, Sam, and Tim. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen, in 2017.

Bill was a gentle man — soft-spoken, attentive, and deeply kind. He always made time for anyone who needed him. He treated every person with dignity and respect, believing firmly in God’s goodness, and often remarking how blessed he had been.

He depended on God in all things and trusted Him until the very end. In life, Bill was a bridge over troubled waters for so many — steady, faithful, and strong. In death, he leaves behind a family and community forever shaped by his quiet example. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 9, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437; stgeorgeguilford.org/online-giving-option-2/. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Shoreline hosts two family support groups for the caregivers of individuals 18 and older who struggle with mental health challenges. One group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. The other group meets on the last Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford. NAMI-trained facilitators offer these monthly support meetings to anyone who is striving to understand and help a family member who is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. For more information, call 860-876-0236 or visit NAMIShoreline.org.

LEGAL NOTICE GUILFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a VIRTUAL Meeting Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82716000143?pwd=4ZnmZnIYnaJmZT2cKjFO1S2FWP9wSI.1 Meeting ID: 827 1600 0143

The following will be heard:

Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation: Marinis v. Guilford Zoning Board of Appeals, NNH-CV25-6155555-S (Appeal from approval of variances to allow reconstruction of dwelling at 117 Tuttles Point Road).

Discuss Proposed Bylaw Revisions Annual Meeting

Approval of December 10, 2025 minutes

Copies of this agenda is available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the Town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to HallyA@guilfordct.gov. Dial 203-453-8039 for assistance.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 12th day of March 2026 - Steve Kops, Chairman

Notice of Application for Demolition Permit

Notice is hereby given that an application for a zoning permit was applied on 2/5/2026 with the Town of Guilford Planning and Zoning Dept for partial demolition of the following structure:

Property address is 19 Union St, Guilford, CT 06437

Structure was built at 3 different times, front original house is 1734, middle lean-to addition built around 1840 and back addition built in 2000.

Property owner is Teresa Buchanan of 2 Market Place, Guilford CT 06437 Phone (203) 675-0389

Proposal is to demolish the back addition built in 2000 and replace it with a new addition. The lean-to portion in the middle will have the ceiling replaced on the ground floor. The original 1734 portion will be restored with a bedroom wall partition removed upstairs.

A copy of the application is on file with the Guilford Zoning Dept.

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILFORD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MONDAY March 16, 2026 – 8:30 A.M.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing and Special Town Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room in Town Hall, 31 Park St., Guilford CT, and via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85760395338?pwd=Hmj6aTJkTqvmg31PTp4m4QvD3C709a.1

Meeting ID: 857 6039 5338

Passcode: 342640

To consider and act on the following proposed resolution:

RESOLVED: To approve the non-exclusive leasing of Town-owned property, located at 55 Park St, Guilford, to Guilford Land Conservation Trust Inc. and Guilford Interfaith Ministries Inc. dba Guilford Interfaith Volunteers.

Dated at Guilford this 17th day of February, 2026.

Matthew T. Hoey III

Louis Federici

Jonathan Trotta

Sandra Ruoff

Susan Renner

BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN OF GUILFORD

I hereby certify that on the 17th day of February, 2026, I posted the within warning upon the signpost of the Town of Guilford and on the 5th day of March, 2026, and the 12th day of March, 2026. caused the same to be published in the Guilford Courier, a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Guilford.

Matthew T. Hoey III

Gerardo Martinez: Building Community Through Education

Continued from page 4

something in me that perhaps I did not see in myself in that moment,” he says. “I went in that direction.”

That perspective shapes his approach to leadership.

“Serving the community, knowing its values, hopes, and dreams, and forging a path forward are important,” Gerardo says. “It’s about working with people and collaborating.”

One aspect of the Guilford district that stood out during the hiring process was its focus on instruction.

“One of the components of the interview process for this position consisted of observing a seventh-grade math lesson,” Gerardo says. “One thing that struck me were the teachers. They want growth and to open up the classrooms to observe the work being done.”

Gerardo says he plans to spend significant time in classrooms.

“I plan on spending the bulk of the time in the classroom observing, getting to

know the kids, being curious about what is happening, and supporting the teachers to do their best work,” he says.

Gerardo says he was selective about the districts he applied to before accepting the position in Guilford.

“I applied to those with clear, proven records in supporting all learners and investing in that vision,” he says. “Adams has values for their students which aren’t just things on documents. I can tell from conversations I have had. It is part of everyday work.”

Outside of school, Gerardo enjoys reading and staying active. A former boxer, he still spends time at the gym “hitting the bag and skipping a rope.”

As he prepares to begin his work in Guilford, Gerardo says he is eager to meet the Adams school community.

“I am committed to your learning and growth,” he says. “We are going to have fun together. I can’t wait to feel the energy and excitement the students have for their community.”

LVVS Offers Workplace Literacy Program

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore offers free workplace literacy programs to improve employee productivity for businesses in Guilford. The free program matches volunteer tutors with employees, working together to customize a program that meets workplace and student needs. For more information or to participate in the program, contact John Ferrara at 860-399-0280 or jferrara@lvvs.org.

Veterans Welcome at American Legion Post

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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Susan C. Williams, AKA Susan Daly Schneider (26-0054)

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated February 24, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

•

•

• Marvel at Alaska’s natural beauty in Denali National Park

• Visit Alaska’s most famous locals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Cruise past the glaciers of Glacier Bay and Wrangell St. Elias National Park

• Travel through the legendary Inside Passage

Obituaries

Continued from page 11

Obituary

Richard Mulqueen

Guilford

Richard Joseph Mulqueen, a locomotive engineer whose steady hand guided trains through four decades of American railroading and whose quiet humor and warmth anchored his large Irish family, died on Feb. 22, 2026, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a long illness. He was 89, and a longtime resident of Guilford.

finance was quickly recognized, and he was sponsored to attend a management program at Yale, a forerunner of today’s Yale School of Management. Though he showed promise in the field, Mr. Mulqueen felt the pull of something less predictable and more romantic: the railroad.

Born at home in New Haven on Oct. 22, 1936, to William Dennis Mulqueen and Maryann Emily (Sobotka) Mulqueen, Mr. Mulqueen was raised in a bustling household that shaped his lifelong devotion to family. A 1954 graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1954 to 1958 in Korea in the Inchon/ASCOM area, contributing to peacekeeping and stabilization efforts following the war.

After his honorable discharge, he began a career in banking at Connecticut Savings Bank. His aptitude for

In 1959, he began what would become a 40-year career as a locomotive engineer. Over the decades, he worked for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, Penn Central, Conrail, Metro-North, and ultimately Amtrak. Through mergers and the transformation of American rail travel, he remained a constant presence in the cab, known for his steadiness, professionalism, impeccable dress, and a work ethic that never wavered. He was especially fond of the Shore Line route between Boston and New York and often used layovers during his children’s college years to visit them, quietly turning his work schedule into acts of fatherly devotion.

In the summer of 1960, after what family members fondly described as a determined campaign to persuade her to speak with him, he secured a first date at Lake Quonnipaug with a college student named Corinne Fappiano. They married in 1961 during a blizzard, beginning a partnership that would span 65 years. Their marriage was

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILFORD, CT.

HISTORIC

DISTRICT COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday 18th March, 2026 at 7:00p.m. in the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford, CT to consider the following: -

1. Application by Ciao Angie for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two (2) outdoor advertising signs on property located at 51 Whitfield Street, Assessor’s Map 39, Lot 94A.

2. Application by Christopher A. Buchholz and Lori M. Lombardo for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove/replace an existing addition with associated exterior work and lighting, all on property located at 76 Fair Street, Assessor’s Map 46, Lot 34.

3. Application by Erik H. and Annamaria Forselius for a Certificate of Appropriateness to restore front porch on a dwelling located at 24 High Street, Assessor’s Map 33, Lot 76.

The above applications and accompanying documents are on file for inspection in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Guilford Historic District Commission, Town Hall, Guilford. At this hearing, written communications will be received and all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard relative to the above applications.

TERESA BUCHANAN Chairman

marked by visible affection, deep loyalty, and a shared delight in one another’s company. Where Richard was the steady rock of their relationship, Corinne was his North Star; he was unabashed in his devotion to her. They laughed easily and often; the kind of laughter that carried across rooms and through decades. It seemed a fitting, if poignant, symmetry that he passed during our recent blizzard, as if the weather itself had marked both the beginning and the close of their long life together.

If the railroad was his profession, the shoreline was his refuge. Mr. Mulqueen and his wife built their dream home on Guilford Point in 1977, and “40 RPL” became the heart of family gatherings, countless parties, family weekends, and dinners where drop-in guests were always welcomed. He loved the water in all its forms: boating, fishing, clamming, and pursuing blue crabs with particular zeal, and shared that love with his children and grandchildren. He could return from a brief clamming expedition with buckets full, to the admiration and occasional disbelief of those around him. Summers on Block Island with his closest friend, the late Bill O’Brien, and their two families became a cherished ritual, marked by boats filled with kids and friends, salt air, song, storytelling, and purely joyful memories.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Corinne; his daughter, Cara Mulqueen-Teasdale and her husband, William, of Guilford; his son, Jeffrey Mulqueen and his wife, Sarah, of Bristol, RI; and four grandchildren: Kennedy Teasdale of Guilford, and Griffin, Meredith, and Cormac

LEGAL NOTICE

Mulqueen of Bristol, RI. He is also survived by his siblings, William Mulqueen Jr., Mary Ann Bartolotta, Jane Reilly, Elizabeth Torello (Alexander), Maureen Bencivengo (Nicholas), and Emily Carol Onofrio; his beloved sister-in-law, Angela Fappiano Arnone, and many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, John and Charles.

Mr. Mulqueen filled rooms not by dominating them, but by enlarging them. His wit was dry but never unkind, his presence calm and reassuring. His love and generosity of time and spirit was a way of life. He attended his grandchildren’s school events, soccer and lacrosse games, swim meets, religious ceremonies, awards ceremonies, horse shows, dance recitals, musicals, concerts, and house concerts and cabarets with quiet pride, content to be present, attentive, and constant. He had a gentleman’s ability to put others at ease and a steadiness that made people feel secure simply by standing beside him.

Friends called on March 3 at Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 4 at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, followed by burial at St. George Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 310 State Street, Suite #200, Guilford, CT 06437; givct.org/meals-on-wheels; or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675; woundedwarriorproject.org. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.

GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT

Notice is hereby given that that two Public Workshop Listening Sessions will be held in March 17 and March 19, 2026 at 6 PM to discuss the ongoing updates to the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.

Representatives from the consultant team will present the planning work completed-to-date, including the draft theme, goals and strategies for the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development. We encourage anyone interested in the Plan to join us for the discussions in the First Selectman’s Conference Room, Guilford Town Hall, 31 Park Street.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 12th of March 2026 – Anne Hartjen, Town Planner

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Guilford Courier Thursday, March 12, 2026

Guilford’s Uzzo Places Third at Wrestling State Open

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

It has been a stellar career for Guilford standout wrestler Alex Uzzo, and even after becoming a two-time state champion two weeks ago, the senior is still adding to his list of accomplishments.

The 138-pound Uzzo recently placed third at the State Open and then went on to finish 2-2 at the New England tournament. Those results put Uzzo in rare company as one of the most decorated wrestlers from Guilford.

As a sophomore, Uzzo finished 42-12 with 18 pins at 132 pounds. He then went 41-9 as a junior with 20 pins and earned the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship and the Class M State Championship at 144 pounds.

However, Uzzo was unhappy with his performance at last year’s State Open. He entered this season hoping to take the crown at 138 pounds but believed he would be satisfied with a top-three finish.

The senior reached that goal after

falling in the quarterfinals on the first day.

He came back and won four straight matches to place third at the State Open. The result adds to a 41-7 season that included another conference and state championship.

Uzzo placed third behind State Open champion Lukas Boxley from Ledyard and Ethan Bochman Rodriguez from Terryville.

“I was pretty happy about it. I thought I was going to place top three,” Uzzo said. “The goal is to place number one obviously, and I thought I could have won my quarterfinals match that I lost, but I was really proud of myself to be able to wrestle back after that loss and went out to place third.”

Uzzo said he was very upset after the quarterfinal loss to Bochman Rodriguez but had to shake it off for the second day.

“I was really upset at the end of the first day when I lost,” he said. “I kind of just decided that I had to be ready for the next day. By the time I went to sleep, I had to calm myself down and focus on the next match.”

Uzzo came out on the second day and defeated Anthony Fusco from New Britain, Harrison Accorsi from Somers, Mark Zolotarevsky from Greenwich, and Trevin Guardarrama from Bristol Eastern.

The Guilford wrestler said the experiences at the State Open and New Englands were great moments of competition. The New England bracket includes the top five finishers at each weight class from each state in the region.

“I was pretty happy with how I did. It’s great wrestling. It’s super high-level stuff, so it’s a pleasure to be there,” Uzzo said. “New Englands was definitely a much higher level than even State Opens. All my matches were super competitive for the most part.”

The success Uzzo has had at Guilford was not always what he thought he would accomplish in high school. In fact, when Uzzo finished eighth-grade wrestling, he believed he could become a state champion. That changed once he saw what high school wrestling was really like.

He said he realized how much work he

would have to put in, and after his freshman season he joined a club wrestling team immediately after the season ended.

Guilford wrestling coach Craig Vedrani said it was during Uzzo’s sophomore season that he saw the significant improvement and the potential for a future state champion.

“We saw Alex wrestle in middle school, and when he came in his freshman year, he was already competing at a pretty good level,” Vedrani said. “His sophomore year, he just took off and really started winning a bunch of matches. We saw from an early age that Alex was going to be good, and he’s just always been a very driven, goaloriented person. I had no doubt that he was going to be successful.”

Vedrani also gave Uzzo high praise for his leadership ability. Uzzo served as the team’s only captain this season. Vedrani said he was impressed by how Uzzo led the team while continuing to perform well on the mat.

“He really just approaches everything

See Guilford page 21

Captain Morgan Weighing Anchor: A Note to My Readers

For 30 years, we’ve shared the tides together. Since I first sat down to write about the fisheries and the fragile beauty of Long Island Sound, the world has changed more than a shifting sandbar after a nor’easter. We’ve seen seasons of plenty and seasons of scarcity; we’ve fought for the health of our tributaries and cheered the return of bunker and osprey. But after 1,500 weeks of deadlines, tide charts, stewardship calls to action, and much more, even the most seasoned captain eventually feels the pull of a quiet harbor.

It is time for me to take a breather from the wonderful, albeit transformational, folks at Shore Publishing who chronicled and shared my thoughts through the years, and to thank Lori (my First Mate) for her never-ending support.

Fishing report

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

A Battle Worth Fighting

The Beacon on the Horizon

Whenever I’ve been out on the water—navigating the complexities of fisheries management or the physical chop of a falling tide—I have always looked toward the silhouette of Faulkner’s Island. That historic “Inner Light” has been more than just a navigational aid; it is a statuesque reminder of our history and our permanence on this coast. Like that lighthouse, my goal has always been to provide a steady beam of information regarding our entire coastal ecosystem—sometimes warning of rocks ahead, sometimes guiding us toward better stewardship.

If there is one heartbeat that has pulsed through this column more than any other, it is that of the Atlantic striped bass (Morone saxatilis). The striper is the soul of our coastline, a silver ghost that embodies the constant battle for survival.

We have watched the populations swing like a pendulum. We have debated slots, gear, and seasons. But through it all, my heart has remained with the fish. Their survival is our survival; their health is the ultimate litmus test for the Sound. As I step back, I ask you to keep up that fight. Don’t let the pressure off. The bass don’t have a voice—they only have us.

The Course Ahead

This isn’t a permanent “goodbye,” but rather a “changing of the watch.” I’m step-

School of Basketball Spring Clinics Begin March 17

The School of Basketball will be held at Adams Middle School, 233 Church St., in Guilford. These clinics give players in grades 3–8 the opportunity to improve their ball-handling skills and shooting form, build confidence, and make the game more fun for every participant.

Sessions begin March 17 and run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through April 10.

Each clinic meets from 5 to 6 p.m. Players may attend as many sessions each week as their schedule allows.

The cost is $20 per session. Payment is accepted by check, cash, or Venmo (203-824-8897).

Please feel free to invite friends to join us. With any questions, please call or text Coach Bill Barker at 203-494-6905 or email wab6933@gmail.com.

Guilford’s Uzzo Places Third at Wrestling State Open

Continued from page 20

the right way,” he said. “He’s a very intellectual kid. He thinks about his matches, and he studies his opponents. He trains well, he trains smart, he diets the right way, he trains outside of practice the right way, and he’s really put his blood, sweat, and tears into the sport for the last four

years. We’re proud of him, and we’re going to miss him next year.”

Uzzo’s wrestling career at Guilford has now come to a close. As he continues narrowing down which college he will attend, he has chosen to step away from the sport and throw his wrestling shoes on the power lines. Uzzo intends to major in finance in college.

The Guilford Police Department, in cooperation with the It’s Worth It initiative and the Connection, Inc., have installed a pharmaceutical collection drop box in the lobby of the Guilford Police Department, 400 Church Street. Area residents can dispose of unused and unneeded medications at any time. For more information, call the Guilford Police Department at 203-453-8061. Rx Disposal Box

GUILFORD

ping back only from the weekly grind of my featured newspaper column to spend a little more time on the water without a notebook in my hand. I want to see Faulkner’s Light from the deck of a boat without worrying about the word count of the sunset.

Atlantic fisheries, those of Connecticut, and the health of our inland waters and estuaries remain my greatest passion. I’ll still be around—likely at an unmarked hump, an island someplace, or a management or conservation meeting—watching the horizon with the same hope I’ve always had.

For now, I’m weighing anchor and heading for some open water. Keep your lines tight, your hearts open to the environment, and always keep an eye on the tide.

The Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV) seeks to promote the well-being of Guilford residents who are homebound, elderly, or have special needs by providing them with food, friendship, or functional medical equipment. GIV’s primary goals are to provide residents with nutritious food, reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness in its clients, and provide services that enable clients to remain in their homes, thereby postponing the necessity of moving to personal care facilities. Its motto is “Neighbor Helping Neighbor.” For more information about medical equipment, friendly visits, or food from Meals on Wheels, call the GIV offices at 203-453-8359.

Workforce Alliance Connect Youth and Young Adults to Training and Jobs

Workforce Alliance offers training, certificates, and job search assistance to youth and young adults living in south central Connecticut who are not currently enrolled in high school or college. Workforce Alliance also provides tuition assistance, academic help, internships, GED completion, and guidance toward higher education. For more information, visit www.workforcealliance.biz.

Tax Exemptions

The Assessor’s Office for the Town of Guilford offers property tax exemptions for veterans, including disabled veterans; active-duty military personnel; disabled or blind taxpayers; specially equipped or modified vehicles for transporting an incapacitated individual; farm machinery and farm buildings; and farm, forest, and open space land. For more information, including deadlines, call 203-453-8010 or visit ci.guilford.ct.us/departments/assessor.

How did Dry Tortugas get its name? When Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon discovered the island in 1513, he also found an abundance of sea turtles, leading him to name the island “Las Tortugas,” which is Spanish for “the turtles.” But as beautiful as the island was, it lacked one vital resource: fresh water. So, the word “dry” was added to the name to inform sailors and seafaring visitors to bring their own fresh water to drink.

Florida Keys Unlocked: Sailing Aboard American Pioneer

Postcards from Afar: Second in a Two-part Travel Series on the Florida Keys

By

The Florida Keys, particularly Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park, have been on my to-do list for years. So are cruises—unpack once, visit different destinations, have tons of fun along the way. I particularly love small ships—hop-on hopoff, no “hurry up and wait,” more personal, go a bit off the beaten path.

So, when I learned that the small ship operator American Cruise Lines (ACL) offered a Florida Gulf Coast and Keys cruise, my bags practically packed themselves. Even better—the trip was aboard ACL’s brand new ship, .

The nine-day trip (round trip from St. Petersburg, visiting ports including Marco Island, Key West, and Punta Gorda) spends two full days in Key West, a rarity for cruises which typically stop for a few hours.

But why were Key West and Dry Tortugas on my bucket list, you ask? Two reasons: First, I’ve been a Jimmy Buffett fan for decades and second, I’m hooked on national parks.

Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., is quirky and wild at times, but also has that laid-back live-andlet-live attitude. The “Conch Republic” has

The Southernmost Point Buoy claims to mark the southernmost point in the continental U.S. It’really a tourist attraction and not technically the true southernmost point.

historic charm, stunning turquoise waters, and endless sunshine. It’s also one of the warmest spots in the U.S., so visiting in February after the Arctic winter in the Nutmeg State, the timing couldn’t have been better. The sunsets are iconic—among the best in the U.S.—and celebrated every evening at Mallory Square with street performers, vendors, live music, and a festive crowd.

Though I really wanted to visit, I expected Key West to be crazy-wild and overcrowded, Times Square but tropical. Wow, was I wrong! Key West was

The author's husband, Bob,

America 2.0

. This boat operates in New York City from June through October and in Key West from November through May.

extremely clean and not at all crowded.

While we were told there are roughly 500 liquor licenses in a compact area (less than 4 square miles), the legendary bar scene was completely under control. There are bars on top of bars, which is how there are so many licenses!

Speaking of counts, the more entertaining one is the number of free-roaming chickens and roosters strutting around streets, parks, and cafes—the population of “gypsy chickens” is estimated in the thousands. These characters certainly add to the island’s character.

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the lower 48 due to its isolation and access challenges. I felt fortunate to be one of the few who ever get to visit. Dry Tortugas is 70 miles west of Key West, 90 miles from Cuba, and accessible only by boat (the ferry, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way, or a private boat) or by seaplane (about 35 to 40 minutes from Key West). Both are pricey field trips, the ferry costing about $235 per person and the seaplane over

See Florida Keys page 24

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Great Decisions: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy

: 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Facilitated by Tom Lee, a member and moderator of the Great Decisions discussion group. Produced by the Foreign Policy Association. First of four Thursday sessions through April 9. The series has a morning and afternoon session and participants can enroll in either session for the series. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $40 for all four sessions and a 2026 briefing book that covers the topics. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Painting Treasure Boxes

: 6 to 8 p.m. BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Led by Edith Reynolds. Participants will design decorative boxes for personal treasures. Cost: $45. For info or to register, text 203-2324384 or visit branfordarts.org.

Community Navigator

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Farah, a community navigator with United Way of Greater New Haven, will provide information and connect community members with resources related to employment, financial assistance, and supportive services. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Youth ages 10 to 14 are invited to play rounds of Mario Kart. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Senior Series 3: Selling Your Home with Confidence and Peace of Mind

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

The Monthly Slice: What’s Doug Got to Do with It? Everything!

Calendar for the Week of March 12, 2026

: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Features a conversation with Big Green Truck founder Doug Coffin on how he helped popularize the pizza truck industry in Connecticut. Part of The Monthly Slice program series and presented in conjunction with the exhibition Pronounced Ah-Beetz. Coffin will be joined by Colin M. Caplan, co-curator of the exhibition. Free with regular museum admission. For info or to register, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

American Perspectives with Tanya Pohrt

: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Lyman Allyn Museum curator Tanya Pohrt presents an illustrated lecture in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting works from the museum’s collection. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call 860-7671560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

See page 26

Marcie Slepian holds a PhD in history of art with a specialty in Renaissance and Baroque art.

Lecture Features the Golden Age of Spanish Painting and Collecting

Press Release from Shoreline Village Connecticut

The artistic treasures of the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain, are the subject of Marcie Slepian’s presentation at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street, on Tuesday, April 7, at 1 p.m.

“The Golden Age of Spanish Painting and Collecting” will highlight the career and works of Diego Valesquez as well as the works of Francisco Goya, Titian, and Rubens. Slepian will also discuss art collecting by the monarchy and some of the museum’s “misfortunes.”

Slepian holds a PhD from Yale University in the history of art. Her specialty is Renaissance and Baroque art. The event is co-sponsored by the Guilford Free Library and Shoreline Village Connecticut. For more information, visit guilfordfreelibrary.org or shoreline villagect.org.

Florida Keys Unlocked: Sailing Aboard American Pioneer

Continued from page 23

$500 per person for a half-day, $890 for a full day, plus the national park fee. What you get, though, is spectacular and well worth every dime. The park is known as the home of the magnificent Fort Jefferson as well as natural wonders below the water’s surface. Dry Tortugas is widely known for its exceptional snorkeling; the park’s remoteness means less boat traffic and human impact, resulting in clearer visibility, healthier corals, and more diverse wildlife.

We booked the Seaplane Adventure to Dry Tortugas as pas- American Pioneer

sengers—this sold out quickly! Our other excursions in Key West included the classic sailing schooner, the Key West trolley tour, and four museums with a culture pass. What we didn’t have time for (and wish we did) were the Hemingway Rum Company and Cigar Rolling, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, an Old Town Literary Walking Exploration, and HydroThunder Electric Cars.

Of course, there were fantastic excursions in the other ports, including an Everglades and 10,000 Islands Exploration, a dolphin exploration, Iguanaland, Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden, and the Punta Gorda Artisans Village. America 2.0

On board there was just as much to do—enrichment presentations, games, crafts, and evening entertainment ranging from magicians to musicians.

I’ve sailed ACL from its most northern destination, Alaska, to its most southern, the Florida Gulf Coast and Keys, but nothing in between…yet. While I would gladly do both destinations again, I plan to cruise with ACL on the Columbia and Snake rivers or the Mississippi or Puget Sound. With over 50 itineraries and nine new ships under construction, the bucket list just keeps getting bigger.

For more information on this cruise as well as others, visit www.american

cruiselines.com

Susan Cornell, owner of Moppet Magic Publishing and Public Relations, is an independently contracted photographer, marketing and public relations consultant, and writer specializing in business, boating, home and garden, and, of course, travel. She handles public relations for several art galleries and is the author of the children’s book

Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade

. In her free time, she hikes, kayaks, serves on the advisory board for the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, and is a steward for the Essex Land Trust. She has two grown children and lives in Essex with her husband and rescue Puggle.

Shoreline Soul Returns for its Choral Gospel Workshop and Concert

Are you ready to experience the uplifting power of gospel singing?

Join Shoreline Soul for an uplifting community choral gospel workshop and concert in Guilford. This workshop is primarily designed for adults, but youth who can follow a lyric sheet are also welcome to join the fun. All levels are encouraged to participate.

Led by professional singer Angela Clemmons, this five-session workshop explores the rich sounds of both traditional and contemporary gospel. All sessions are lively, fun, and taught by ear—there is no sheet music. Participants receive recordings to confidently practice at home.

“Our workshop sessions aren’t religious services—they’re joyful celebrations of gospel music that welcome everyone,” says Clemmons. “It’s all about the music, the energy, and the celebration of unity. By the end, you’ll be amazed at what we can achieve together.”

The five sessions take place from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. on Mondays, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 18, and June 1 at First Congregational Church, 122 Broad Street, Guilford. The concert will be held Sunday, June 14, at 3 p.m. with a pre-concert rehearsal at 1:15 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

The workshop registration fee is $95,

tration is encouraged. Registration is only complete after payment has been received. For more information, contact 203-6191415 or shorelinesoul@gmail.com.

with an early registration of $85 (by Monday, April 6). The registration fee includes a guide vocal digital recording (CD available if needed). Some scholarships are available. Space is limited and early regis-

About Angela Clemmons

Angela Clemmons is a professional singer with a career spanning over four decades, performing with legends, includ-

ing Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, and Steely Dan, and appearing on national television shows such as and the Tony Awards. As daughter of a Pentecostal pastor, she brings a deep love for gospel music and extensive professional experience to every workshop. Angela resides in Westbrook.

Saturday Night Live

CBSRZ Hosts Exhibit of Chester’s Own Native Son

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, Chester, announces its newest gallery exhibition, , now on display through Thursday, April 30.

The Paintings of Malcolm Feinstein, Chester’s Native Son

Feinstein developed a number of styles over his 65 years of painting, and three are featured at the exhibit: vibrant landscapes, bold figures, and geometric abstractions. Feinstein, who passed away in 2014, said of himself, “I’m an expressionist by temperament, I’m seeking to develop an art that people at large can understand.”

The Chester Historical Society will be co-sponsoring the reception on Sunday, March 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is a reform synagogue located at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester.

Malcolm Feinstein (1922-2014) grew up

in Chester, Connecticut, living in the apartment above his family’s dry goods store at 1 West Main Street. His talent in the visual arts was recognized early. During his grade school years, he painted murals on many of the old school’s walls.

After graduating from Chester High School in 1940, he attended Pratt Institute where he studied lettering and package design. During his long career as lead artist with Irv Koons Associates, he was involved in the design or redesign of some of the most recognizable products in America, including Mueller’s noodles, Dixie Cups, and Scotties tissues. Some, such as the redesign of the Good and Plenty box, are still in use today.

Feinstein’s first love, however, was painting. In 1947, following his service as a phototopographer in World War II, he used the GI bill to study painting at Ecoles d’Art Americaines, Palais de Foun-

tainebleau, and two years later, in Paris with Edouard Goerg at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. He would set up his easel along a Parisian street or country road and banter good-naturedly with passersby who did not hesitate to comment on his work.

Back in the U.S., he continued to paint at his studios in Connecticut and Massachusetts, creating a total of 300 paintings. He did not want to exhibit his paintings during his lifetime, but now that he has passed, his children, for the first time, are bringing his paintings into public view.

For more information about Feinstein and his paintings, visit malcolm feinstein.com.

For more information or to RSVP for the reception, email office@cbsrz.org.

For gallery inquiries and showings by appointment, email CBSRZgallery@ gmail.com.

Paul Revere Comes to New Haven Museum

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere… ”

On Saturday, April 18—the anniversary of the most famous horse ride in American history—author Kostya Kennedy will visit the New Haven Museum to present littleknown aspects of a beloved story in his talk, “The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night that Saved America,” based on his book of the same title. The free NHM250 event will be held at 2 p.m. and preceded by a reception at 1:30 p.m.

Revere, a Boston-based silversmith, engraver, and staunch anti-British political operative, inspired the poem and legend of “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” But, according to Kennedy, the story of Revere’s ride to warn of approaching British troop is deeper and richer than previously assumed.

“That night in 1775 was 12 hours that changed the world,” Kennedy says.

Revere was not the only rider that April night in 1775, but he was by far the most critical. The patriots’ best and most trusted “express rider,” he had already completed at least 18 previous rides throughout New England, disseminating intelligence about British movements.

But this ride was like no other, Kennedy asserts, and its consequences in the months and years following—as the American Revolution transitioned from isolated skirmishes to a full-fledged war—became one of our founding tales.

“There’s a layered story to Paul Revere’s ride, a story that speaks directly to the tenor, values, and resolve of America’s founding,” Kennedy says. “Without the ride, the course of the nation’s history would have begun much differently than it did.”

Working from his dramatic new narra-

Continued from page 24

the Depths

small actions, and a relatively small network of people, can have an enormous impact,” he adds.

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.

tive of Revere’s ride and informed by fresh primary and secondary research into archives, family letters and diaries, contemporary accounts, and more, Kennedy will show the historic event to be vastly more complex than usually portrayed.

It was a coordinated ride of some 40 men that included near-disasters, capture by British forces, and ultimately, success. While Revere was central to the ride and its plotting, Kennedy will highlight myriad other men and women who proved crucial to the events that helped set in motion

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Workshop led by angler and educator Mark Gostkiewicz on bottom fishing in Long Island Sound. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Box Painting Class

: 6 to 8 p.m. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Participants will paint a wooden treasure box using acrylic paint. Materials provided. Cost: $30. For info or to register, call 203-433-4071.

what would lead to America’s independence. He will also dispel some of the myths around the legend, including that of Revere purportedly saying, “The British are coming!” during the ride.

The notion of acting at great personal risk for a principle much larger than oneself resonates through history. Kennedy notes that today, groups and individuals across the political spectrum and from any number of societal perspectives still cite Revere, and his ride, as inspiration.

“It’s another reminder of how relatively

Secure Your Future: Retirement Planning

: 6 to 8 p.m.

Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Workshop presented by Lou and Jessica Pelletier covering Social Security options, recent government changes affecting non-spouse beneficiaries, retirement income strategies, and essential legal documents. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4840469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Glass Art Workshop:

6 to 8:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass, 500 Main St., Deep River. Hands-on glass art class with instruction, tools, materials, and one kiln firing included. Additional project upgrades available for a fee. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 860864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.

Sports Illustrated The New York Times 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports Pete Rose: An American Dilemma True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson

Kennedy is editor in chief of Premium Publishing at People Inc., and a former senior writer at . He is the author of bestselling , , and . All three won the Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year. He has taught at Columbia University and New York University.

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

in Hand Auction Live Event

: 6 to 9 p.m. American Legion Post 79, 43 Bradley Rd., Madison. Annual fundraiser supporting Madison’s Project Graduation “Nite in Hand,” a substance-free, all-night celebration for graduating seniors. Features online, silent, and live auction bidding on donated items and experiences. Online bidding is open to the public and continues through the close of the live event. For info, tickets, or to register to bid, visit givebutter.com/NIHAuction.

Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic with Kate Quinn The Astral Library

: 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.

Continued from page 26

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Afternoon Movies

: 2 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Rated PG-13. Registration required. For info about the movie or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Open Mic Night

: 6:30 p.m. Marketplace at Guilford Food Center, 77 Whitfield St. Sign-up begins at 6 p.m. Names are selected at random. Hosted by GreenStage Guilford. Free and open to all ages. For info, email office@greenstageguilford.org or call 203-654-9482.

Last 6th Grade Dance of the Year

: 7 to 9 p.m. Madison Arts Barn, Madison. For grade 6 students. Features dancing with DJ Bry, open game tables, and a café selling treats and drinks. Financial assistance available. Admission required; tickets available online only. For tickets and info, visit madisonartsbarn.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 AND

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Friends of APL Library Book and Bake Sale

: Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Fundraiser featuring books, puzzles, and baked goods. Proceeds benefit library programs and resources. For info, email nancyaprescott@gmail.com or emilylebovitz@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Catch a Leprechaun 5K

: 10 a.m. Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex. Presented by the Region 4 Education Foundation. Road race with age group awards from under 12 to 70 and older. Packet pickup begins at 8:30 a.m. on race day. For info or to register, visit runsignup.com (search “Catch a Leprechaun 5K”).

Hand Embroidery Workshop: Session One

: 10 a.m. to noon. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Session one of a two-part hand embroidery workshop led by Sally Strasser and Sharon Hart. Covers foundational embroidery stitches and techniques. Participants receive an embroidery kit to keep. For info or to register, call 203-433-4071.

Music Professor to Present Opera Lecture on Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde

Wesleyan University professor of music

sored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

AND SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Garden Tools Workshop

Tristan und Isolde

Roger Matthew Grant will discuss the upcoming Metropolitan Opera performance of Richard Wagner’s on Thursday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street.

Grant is the deputy provost and dean of arts and humanities at Wesleyan University. A music theorist and cultural historian, he has worked on research that includes affect theory and the history of music theory.

He is the author of two award-winning books, and

Peculiar Attunements: How Affect Theory Turned Musical Beating Time & Measuring Music in the Early Modern Era

. He is currently completing a new book on mission music in 18th-century Bolivia.

A lifelong opera fan, Grant has held fellowships from the University of Michigan Society of Fellows, the Stanford Humanities Center, and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundations.

The free program is co-sponsored by the Guilford Free Library, the Shoreline Opera Club, and Shoreline Village Connecticut. Registration for the lecture is at the library’s events webpage, guilfordfreelibrary.org/upcoming-events.

The Secret Garden

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For info, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Saturday Cinema

: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free. Registration suggested. For info or movie title, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

How to Use ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence: A Basic Introduction

: 4 to 5 p.m.

Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Roger Grant is a professor of music, deputy provost, and dean of arts and humanities at Wesleyan University.

Tristan und Isolde

The Metropolitan Opera’s production of will be broadcast live in theaters on Saturday, March 21.

For information on the Shoreline Opera Club, email Sheryl Culotta at shorelineoperaclub@gmail.com.

Harmonies

of Hope for Ukraine

: 5 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Features an evening of classical music performed by Yevgenia Strenger (violin), Dan Berlinghoff (piano), Sheryl Henze (flute), and Sander Strenger (viola), with works by Cesar Cui, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Julius Zellner. Proceeds benefit “Remember Us,” a nonprofit distributing aid in Ukraine. Minimum donation: $20; guests under 16 admitted free. For info, contact 203-245-2739 or mainoffice@fccmadison.org, or visit fccmadison.org.

Cheap Flights, Hotel Deals, and Grocery Savings with AI

: 5 to 6 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Features a beginner class and students are not required to have Prior knowledge of ChatGPT. Spon-

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Instructor Mace Vitale will lead a workshop on forging hand garden tools including a trowel made from a railroad spike, a hand rake, and possibly a weeding tool. Participants should bring safety glasses and leather work gloves and wear closedtoe boots. Bring a lunch. Tuition: $300 plus materials fees of $20 and $25. For info or to register, contact 203-453-5947 or info@guilfordartcenter.org, or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

CPR Course

: 1 to 4 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1272 Durham Rd., Madison. Day two of a two-part babysitting and CPR course for Madison-area youth. Covers CPR and first aid. Participants receive a certificate of completion from ESRI. Tuition: $60. Bundle discount available for registering for both sessions. For info, contact 888-212-3837 or info@yourafterschool.com, or visit northmadisoncc.org/babysittingcourse.

Paint a Pot and Plant a Seed 8702.

Ramblin’ Dan Stevens

: 2 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Planting activity open to all ages. Free. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-488: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shunock River Brewery and Village Cafe, 2 Wyassup Rd., North Stonington. Features an acoustic blues performance. For info, call 860-415-9941.

The Kate’s 16th Annual Oscar Night Party

: 6 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Hosted by the Kate’s Volunteer Guild and honorary chair Ann Nyberg. Emcee: Devin Carney. Features hors d’oeuvres, desserts, viewing of the 98th Academy Awards live on the Kate’s big screen, and a chance to participate in an online auction and participate in a raffle. Cash bar. Tickets: $75 for members, $85 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Katharine Hepburn Museum and education programs. For info, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

See page 28

Free Nature Presentation: The American Woodcock

: 6 p.m. Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook. Features a presentation by naturalist Patricia Laudano on the American woodcock, a shrubland bird that returns to Connecticut in spring. Includes a PowerPoint on the bird’s natural history and behavior, followed by a walk along the refuge trails at dusk to observe the courtship flight. Inclement weather may cancel. For info or to register (required), contact 860-399-2513 or Shaun_Roche@fws.gov.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Madison Movie Chat

: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Virtual movie discussion hosted by E.C. Scranton Memorial Library. Film is available to stream on Kanopy, a free streaming service accessible with a library card. Participants can watch the movie at their leisure and participate in a patronled discussion via Zoom. Registration is preferred. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

Working with Transgender Youth in Trying Times

: 10:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Dr. Stuart Weinzimer, professor of pediatrics and medical director of the Yale gender program, and Christy Olezeksi, associate professor of psychiatry; both are from the Yale University School of Medicine. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.

Shorebirds of Connecticut: Migration, Survival, and Conservation

: 4 to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Joe Attwater of the Connecticut Audubon Society. Learn about shorebird migration, conservation efforts, and species found in Connecticut. Free and open to all. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Read to a Therapy Dog

: 5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Children in grades 3 to 5 will take turns reading to Libby, a trained therapy dog. Participants may bring a favorite book or choose one from the

Unforgettable Sister Amnesia: DeLaurentis Reprises Her Role in Nunsense

Press Release from The Legacy Theatre

Award-winning actress Semina DeLaurentis will reprise her famed role as Sister Mary Amnesia in The Legacy Theatre’s upcoming production of . The show kicks off the Mainstage Season which opens Thursday, April 23, at the Stony Creek venue.

DeLaurentis, a member of the show’s original cast, won an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Debut Performance in 1985. Subsequently, she went on to film , , and with Rue McClanahan, firmly embedding herself in the show’s legacy.

Following her prized New York City debut, DeLaurentis brought to Waterbury in December 1989. The overwhelming success of the show led to the launch of the Seven Angels Theatre, a mainstay for theatrical productions in the Waterbury area. DeLaurentis served as artistic director at the organization for 35 years, having recently retired in 2025.

Legacy Artistic Director Eric Santagata says about the casting, “We are overjoyed to welcome Semina to our stage. Her performance as Sister Mary Amnesia is nothing short of exquisite, and we can’t wait for our audiences to experience it first-hand.”

As an artistic director, DeLaurentis produced more than 6,000 performances, approximately 250 plays and musicals, and over 45 world premieres. She is an actress, singer, director, and producer whose widely recognized cabaret work has been seen across the country.

Commenting on her return to the role that put her on the map, DeLaurentis says, “To have the opportunity to re-create Amnesia again is such a gift. I am so grateful to Eric and Legacy for asking me.” runs from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, May 17.

Nunsense

Theatre. Nunsense

The Legacy Theatre is located at 128 Thimble Islands Road, in the Stony Creek Village of Branford. Legacy is a fully accessible, nonprofit, professional theatre and training center along the Connecticut shoreline. The theatre, fully renovated prior to its opening in 2021, is housed in the former Stony Creek Puppet Theatre, a building with more than a century of rich history that includes performances by Orson Welles and, in 2024, a musical directed by Julie Andrews. For tickets, call 203-315-1901 or visit LegacyTheatreCT.org. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the theatre on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

honey tasting with local beekeeper Tammi Worsham, followed by a documentary film screening. Registration preferred. For info or movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Reception at 5:30 p.m. Presentation by Catie White, interim director of library services and college archivist at Albertus Magnus College. Concludes the “Celebrating a Century” lecture series and highlights key female figures in the history of Albertus Magnus College from 1925 to the present, including faculty, staff, and alumnae recognized for notable achievements and “firsts.” Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Spring Equinox Creative Awakening: Visions of Healing Workshop

library. Registration required. For info or to register (required), email cveenema@nbranfordlibraries.org. : 5:30 to 7 p.m. BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St., Bran-

ford. Led by Asami Green. Features meditation and art journaling with mixed media. Cost: $44. For info or to register, text 203-232-4384 or visit branfordarts.org.

Movie Screening and Honey Tasting

: 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Features a

Great Decisions: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy

: 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Facilitated by Tom Lee, a member and moderator of the Great Decisions discussion group. Produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Second of four Thursday sessions through April 9. The series has a morning and afternoon session and participants can enroll in either session for the series. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $40 for all four sessions and a 2026 briefing book that covers the topics. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Book Club

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Night Watch: A Novel

: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Jayne Anne Phillips. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Pottery Workshop: Session One

: 4 to 6 p.m. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Session one of a two-session pottery workshop led by Ken Hurd. Session two takes place Thursday, March 26. Participants will use quick-drying clay and rolling-pin techniques. Cost: $50 for both sessions. For info or to register, call 203433-4071.

Old Saybrook Rotary Club Announces 2026 Events

The Rotary Club of Old Saybrook announces its upcoming events and fundraisers for 2026.

With a motto of “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club of old Saybrook holds its events focused on developing fellowship, promoting local endeavors, and supporting education in Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, and Westbrook, as well as the international community.

Wine/Beer Tasting and Silent Auction

The Rotary Club of Old Saybrook will hold its 28th annual wine/beer tasting and silent auction on Friday, April 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, 2 Bridge Street.

Hosted by Scot Haney, Channel 3 meteorologist and TV host of , and Nicole Nalepa, TV personality and podcaster, the event features fine wine and craft beer tasting, exceptional food by Saybrook Point, and a silent auction with at least 3 “live” items. Haney serves as auctioneer for these “live” items. Music will be provided by Susie and The Q-Tips.

Great Day @9A Paradise Wines & Spirits, or from any Old Saybrook Rotary member. Tickets can also be purchased at www.osrotary.org.

For more information, call Marty Drobiarz at 860-391-3539 or Pete Zucco at 860-391-2438.

Shredding Day

Proceeds from the event benefit many community projects, including scholarships to graduating seniors from Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook high schools; the Rotary Club Dictionary Program; the Estuary Council Meals on Wheels and Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries; community outreach; and many other community and international service projects.

Tickets cost $50 and are available from Seaside Wine & Spirits,

Continued from page 28

Tea and Talk

The Old Saybrook Rotary Club plans service projects that also focus on environmental sustainability. Part of the group’s mission is to enhance the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conversation.

Members of the community can also do their part by participating in the eighth year of the Old Saybrook Rotary Shredding Day that takes place on Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon at Old Saybrook High School.

: 2 p.m. The Brownstone House, 961 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Informal conversation gathering hosted by Shoreline Village CT. For info or to register (requested), contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillageCT.org.

Library Lab: Milk and Cookies

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features a hands-on science activity exploring the scientific method by predicting whether cookies will sink or float. For ages 6 to 12. Note: Program contains dairy and gluten. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4840469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

The shredded material collected on shredding day will be 100% recycled. This includes fullscale repulping into consumergrade content products, such as light-grade cardboard packages, pizza boxes, paper towel rolls, and low-grade paper (newspapers and thermal receipts).

The cost for shredding is a donation of $10 per box (copy paper size). The event takes place rain or shine. Proceeds from this event benefit the towns of Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. In addition, the Rotary Club will be collecting nonperishable food items to benefit the Shoreline Food Pantries.

The Old Saybrook Rotary Club members are creating more ways to bring about positive change and increase impact on an everchanging environment. Rotary Clubs all over the world are involved in projects that provide clean water and fight diseases such as polio eradication.

For more information, contact John Aforismo at 860-794-5009 or johnaforismo07@gmail.com.

100-Year Birthday Celebration

The Old Saybrook Rotary Club will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2027, with plans already in the making.

For more information about the Old Saybrook Rotary Club,

Candle Making Workshop: Soy Wax Candle: Spring Tulip Bowl

: 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. North Branford Intermediate School, 654 Foxon Rd. Cost: $30 class fee plus a $20 materials fee (exact change requested). Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Author Event: Casey Elsass What Can I Bring?

: 6 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.

Peaceful Pause

: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. North Branford Intermediate School, 654 Foxon Rd. 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.

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

EAST HAVEN

60 Coleman Street Unit 15

:

: Jennifer Viglione to Kendra A. Tyska and Benjamin I. Baril, $375,000 on Feb. 20

: Roy A. and Veronica D. South to Linda L. Romanowski, $358,500 on Feb. 17

: Kimberly Swann to Gita Pandey, $295,000 on Feb. 20

: Pyun Prop Holdings LLC to Sound View 49 LLC, $480,000 on Feb. 18

: Rita Santoroski to Ankit Khadka, $312,000 on Feb. 20

Elizabeth J. Clark to Rochelle Bronit, $275,000 on Feb. 19

123 Cosey Beach Road Unit 1

Estate of Mary A. Barile and John F. Williams to John Williams, $109,900 on Feb. 18

17 Guilford Court LLC to Elsa Rodriguez and Glenda Flores, $155,000 on Feb. 18

: Loandepot Com

17 Guilford Court

: Estate of Paul

M. Zachey and Elaine M. Fuller-Zachey to Elsa Rodriguez and Glenda Flores, $155,000 on Feb. 18

118 Hellstrom Road

: Karen F. Wade to Dajanese Polk, $385,000 on Feb. 20

4 Sorrento Avenue

: Dorothy A. Palmer to Darrell and Shannon Jones, $393,000 on Feb. 20

44 Woodland Avenue

: Estate of Clara Maruca and Louise M. Wood to Woodland Avenue Court LLC, $251,250 on Feb. 17

GUILFORD

MADISON

: Gretta E. Macmillan to Samuel M. and Evguenia S. Winn, $535,000 on Feb. 17

: Rachel Nicoletti and Scott Janus to Graziella and Andrew Luzzi, $770,000 on Feb. 18

: George K. and Mary Jo Shuey to Joseph and Kellie Lombardi, $630,000 on Feb. 20

OLD SAYBROOK

: Say Main LLC to Jerome Prop 162 LLC, $2,000,000 on Feb. 18

: Guthrie and Melissa Mitchell to Paul Stranieri, $675,000 on Feb. 20

WESTBROOK

1 Spencer Plains Road

: Estate of Jean Robinson and Christine Suntheimer to David R. Viracacha and Yeraldy R. Guzman, $500,000 on Feb. 17

Note

: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com

Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group.

For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.

: James P. and Kimberly A. Corbett to Francisca

20 Carriage Drive Ibarra and Edward P. Roosevelt, $385,000 on Feb. 18

: Gregory Pinski to Jacob F. Pickerell and Jesica Raingo, $330,000 on Feb. 17

: Better Buyer

LLC to Michael A. Walsh and Andrea K. Scott, $400,000 on Feb. 17

: Housing and Urban Development Of Washington D.C. to Rosa L. Sanchez, $310,000 on Feb. 18

368 Boston Street 491 Little Meadow Road

: Overt Properties LLC to Christopher Sluyter, $785,000 on Feb. 17

: Turner

L. Carnes to Hope G. Dieffenbach, $20,000 on Feb. 18

: Paul W. Mei to Restfulbluff LLC, $103,000 on Feb. 20