The campaign is on for who Madison and Guilford residents will elect for the next judge in the Madison-Guilford Probate Court. The choice is between Democrat can-
didate Seth Klaskin and Republican candidate Tom Virgulto. Both candidates have practiced law for around 30 years, have lived and raised their families in Madison over the same period, and have been involved in community affairs centered around families and students. The candidates spoke to The
Source about their qualifying legal backgrounds for the job, their love of community, and the temperament that is required for a probate judge.
See Probate Court page 12
Children in costume walk across the Guilford Green during Guilford's annual Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 26. The familyfriendly event featured game stations, inflatables, and music for trick-or-treaters.
is an award-winning producer and director who resides in
High-Level Success
The Guilford girls’ cross country team placed fifth at the state championship meet, and football earned a big win..........................21
Sue Wolf
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheCourier
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Person of the Week Sue Wolf Is At Home in Flourishing Performing Arts Scene
When Sue Wolf moved back to the East Coast from California around 10 years ago, she says her original intention was that she wanted to be “near the water and have a pony.” She eventually found herself living in Guilford, a “beautiful, bucolic New England vibe of a town.”
“I love Guilford so much,” says Wolf. “There’s a poem I wrote a long time ago about Guilford that was sort of a love affair to Guilford … it’s just called ‘Guilford.’”
Sue, a director, producer, and dramaturg originally from New York also fell in love with the Connecticut shoreline “one hundred percent,” partly because of its thriving arts scene in which Guilford makes a strong presence.
“Artists are my people,” she says. “Guilford is a sweet spot for 14 theaters: the Bushnell, Yale Rep, Goodspeed … the Kate, the Legacy Theatre.”
Wolf has been in conversation with leadership at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven about staging solo shows and the other “many possibilities of doing much more local stuff that excites me.” Sue’s resume includes winning acco-
lades at the Cable ACE Awards, an Emmy Award nomination, and the producer of boundary-pushing programs for HBO and Comedy Central. Her career took her to being a part of the casting department for the iconic TV comedy “All In the Family” to being a producer for Eddie Murphy’s “Uptown Comedy Express,” one of the first all-black comedy shows.
Watching the production of “All In the Family” was a major influence on Sue, who was impressed by how director Paul Bogart and his producers “treated the half hour sitcom as a play” right down to the editing.
“Paul Bogart was the director that I worked for for many years, and this was a man who shot ‘All In the Family’ with less shots than most other sitcoms of that era,” said Sue. “He let things breathe, he let the
camera wander and pick up people instead of cut, cut, cut. That love of theater ... changed my life for the better, and enabled me to say, ‘Wait, you do it this way, but how about we try it this way?’ It gave me the courage to speak up.”
Her work at HBO also included producing stand-up specials including the allfemale “Women of the Night” production — which featured a then-unknown Ellen DeGeneres; Paula Poundstone’s “Cats, Cops, and Stuff,” and the “One Night Stand” show that featured DeGeneres, Damon Wayans, Bill Maher. Her time at Comedy Central saw more work around the art of humor such as producing documentaries on Richard Pryor and Rodney Dangerfield, and working a pair of “young geniuses,” named Trey Parker and Matt Stone, best known as the creators of “South Park.”
“I actually worked on the very first home video release of ‘South Park’ with the South Park boys which was called the fireside chats, where they introduced a handful of their episodes on a collected box set,” says Sue.
In fact, one of the dogs Parker and Stone pet during the fireside chat segments belonged to Sue.
Sue is currently enjoying a slew of shows being staged in Los Angeles and New York which she directed. One of them, titled “I Get No Respect: My Life as a Foreign Policy Pundit,” features political scientist William Hartung blending standup comedy with tales of his contributions of expertise to major news outlets.
Aside from a busy life in the performing arts, Sue is also busy as the head of Foster Your Dream, a nonprofit with the mission to provide opportunities for children currently in foster care.
“I started that years ago with the intention of connecting foster kids with dreams, whatever their dream was,” says Sue.
Through her experience as a respite foster caregiver, Sue says she “became so well versed in the difficulties of foster care that I said, ‘I want to make a difference.’ That’s when I started Foster Your Dreams.”
Through her organization and show business connections, Sue — who was a foster child as an infant — wants to ensure the children her nonprofit supports can “have a voice themselves,” and encourages them to pursue writing and share their stories with others. She has encouraged them to share their stories with television writers like those with the “Law and Order” franchise to better understand the experience of foster children.
“We need to support them to get their own stories out,” says Sue. “That’s my inspiration: to tell the stories of my observations and then help them tell their own stories from their experiences.”
Photo Courtesy of Paul Siebold
Sue Wolf is an award-winning producer and director who has been proud to call Guilford home for ten years.
On November 4th, Vote for Consistency, Community and Commitment to Guilford. These candidates put our town first, stay focused on local issues and bring the experience Guilford can count on!
2025 INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
Charles Havrda (BOS), Jeff Beatty (BOF), Elias Kabeche (BOF), Jennifer Baldwin (BOE), Ralph Brooks (BOE), Amy Fenollosa (BOE)
The Maxwell Quartet VOTE ROW C
Sunday, November 9th at 4:00 PM
Hailed as “brilliantly fresh, unexpected and exhilarating” by The Scottish Herald, the Maxwell Quartet is now firmly regarded as one of Britain’s finest young string quartets, with a strong connection to their folk music heritage and a commitment to expanding the string quartet repertoire.
The group officially began in 2010 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where its founding members met as postgraduate students. Currently, the quartet performs regularly across the UK and Europe. In 2019, their debut tour of the USA garnered critical acclaim and saw the group performing to sold out venues in New York, Florida, California and Washington.
Academic
Assessments
Running
First Selectman Candidates Tout Accomplishments, Electability
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Guilford residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to vote for members of the boards of education, finance, selectmen, and assessment appeals. They will also be voting on who will be their First Selectman for the next two years: incumbent Democrat Matt Hoey or his Republican challenger Jonathan Trotta. The Guilford Courier spoke with both candidates about their backgrounds, policy priorities, and leadership attributes that will inform their time as First Selectman of Guilford.
resources” including multiple town departments in an effort to keep the Guilford community safe during the health crisis.
“That was probably one of the hallmarks of my eight years here - the way that we effectively communicated with our community, letting them know that we were paying attention to what was going on,” said Hoey.
He is also “particularly proud of the collegial and cooperative nature of the Board of Selectmen (BOS)” he has led in the past eight years. He attributes this to having cultivated a “culture where people are respected, their views are respected, and you work in a collaborative manner to resolve issues,” he said.
assess what the impact is going to be on our support services” and on Guilford Public Schools and the tax base.
“That’s one thing we need to focus on,” said Hoey.
For the incumbent First Selectman, another term will be marked not just by ensuring Town Hall is efficient and structuring “well-justified budgets,” he said. It also means consistently “finding out what’s important” to a proud Guilford community that values its families and seniors, and respects and builds upon the town’s nearly four centuries of history.
“It’s been an honor for me to serve in the community that I greatly love and have called home for 40 years,” said Hoey.
Incumbent First Selectman Matt Hoey is running for a fifth term as Guilford’s top executive leader, and is looking to further the success he said his administration has delivered to taxpayers.
Hoey said his past eight years in office have been marked “effective leadership” and “sound financial management.” Hoey cited examples such as Guilford’s reaffirmed AAA bonding rating this year and an average tax increase of 2.15%, outside of revaluation years.
Demonstrating key leadership qualities such relationship-building, communication and collaboration is integral to the role of First Selectman, said Hoey, and are qualities he views as necessary in working with town agencies, local nonprofits, and the Guilford community.
Hoey said those leadership qualities were put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he “effectively utilized the resources of our team and
The result of this has been “less than a dozen votes in those eight years [that] have not been unanimous,” which Hoey said marks a “significant achievement” for the selectmen.
The collaborative spirit of the Board of Selectmen has seen them do a “good job of planning for the future,” said Hoey. This is found in the approved property purchases to boost government efficiency and preserve open space, and by securing grant monies for various infrastructure projects that have saved taxpayers nearly $35 million, he said.
Determined to see more growth in town, Hoey is looking forward to increased housing developments — including affordable — but is cognizant of the “effective management” required for them. The incoming mixed-use development at 1940 Boston Post Road — which includes 162 units — will present a significant task for the town “to
Tom has been practicing law for over 30 years and currently serves as a partner at Hill & Hill, LLC just steps f rom Madison’s Town Hall and Probate Court.
Republican candidate Jonathan Trotta is positioning himself as the conservative alternative to town leadership of the previous eight years. He is looking to bring his 16 years of municipal service to the First Selectman’s Office, having served on the Harbor Management Commission, Marina Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals. He has also served on the Board of Finance for the past 12 years.
One of his main priorities is to restore minority rule on boards and commissions, which he said is integral part of representation and discourse in Guilford’s town government. He claims this has been “circumvented by the Guilford Independent Party” in a collusive effort with the Guilford Democrats to “quash” conservative voices.
See First Selectman Candidates page 9
In the past year, Tom has appeared in 40 probate hearings, 28 of them right here in the Madison-Guilford Probate Court, and maintained appearances in 140 Superior Court cases. The courts in Madison-Guilford, East Haven-North Haven, Saybrook, and Niantic have appointed Tom to serve families in need. This experience has shaped his belief that a probate judge must be prepared, impartial, and deeply committed to service.
Tom’s goal is to make our Probate Court a true asset to the community a place where people feel supported, heard, and treated with dignity. He wants to ensure the Court remains open, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Local elections will probably affect your life more directly than the state and national votes that seem to grab all the headlines. It’s these folks in your town who will cut or raise taxes, build your schools, educate your kids, oversee the police force, decide on whether major construction projects are undertaken or prohibited and ensure, generally, whether your town continues to be the place you want to call home.
At the Shore Publishing newspapers, we are serious about covering all these races and have tried to bring you as much information as possible about who you will be voting for. We’ve published many articles and hundreds of letters, both in the newspaper and online at Zip06.
Blame it on AI and the ease of writing letters these days, but we were recently hit with a deluge of letters that our small staff simply couldn’t manage. So I made the tough decision to shut it all down and reduce the number of letters in the paper to give our overworked crew a chance to breath. We also instituted a new rule that we would not publish letters the week before an election from now on, as there will always be controversy over who got in and who was excluded (in fact, we did include one political letter that slipped through the cracks, but only because we had promised the letter would get in last week and it didn’t make it).
Instead, all the letters that we are able to confirm and conform to our editorial policies will appear online in Zip06 on your town pages. We are not taking any letters that accuse a candidate of wrongdoing or seem excessively negative, as we are hop-
FallFestival
WHAT'S GOING ON
ing to raise the level of discourse locally and, frankly, we don’t have the time to deal with the fallout of a negative letter so close to an election.
Most of you understand we are just trying to do our job the best way we know how: honestly and fairly. A few of you have accused us of bias or worse, and you are entitled to your opinion. But the fact is I took over these papers just a couple weeks ago, and I know little about the politics or the players in your town. I needed to make some quick, difficult decisions, and I hope you appreciate that we have not shut down the conversation, we have just moved it online, where many people already live.
We appreciate the conversations that you engage in through the newspaper, and we hope over the next few months to be even more inclusive in inviting people to contribute photos and stories to the paper. As always, if you have questions, ideas or concerns, please reach out and I will get back to you ASAP. My email is l.howard@theday.com.
Now get out and vote!
Bishop's Orchards continues its annual Fall Festival through Sunday, Nov. 2, featuring apple picking, corn maze, activity area, wagon rides, cider, and more. The festival takes place at Bishop’s Orchards in the big red barn, 480 New England Road, Guilford, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit bishopsorchards.com.
IntroductiontoMarineBatteries
New Haven Sail & Power Squadron (NHSPS), part of America’s Boating Club, offers a two-hour seminar for boaters who need information about marine batteries. The seminar will cover how to choose and maintain marine batteries, optimize battery performance, work safely with batteries, and more. The class will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Indian Neck Yacht Club, 87 Harding Avenue, Branford. All students must sign up by Wednesday, Nov. 12. The class costs $10 per person. To register and pay online, visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/introduction-tomarine-batteries. For more information, contact Squadron Education Officer Peter DePascale at 203-671-2420 or bathworksinc@gmail.com. For more information about New Haven Sail & Power Squadron, visit nhsps.org.
Lee Howard
Christian Maldonado Valley Courier
Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130
Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167
Maria Caulfield Living Editor
Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor
Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304
Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119
Alan C. Ellis Production Director
Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122
Eric O’Connell Harbor News
Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor
Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent
Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant
Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier
Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography
Editorial Staff
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The best available cancer care is close to home. In fact, Smilow Cancer Hospital is conveniently located all across the region. So you can meet with our team of renowned cancer experts right away, develop a personalized treatment plan together, and have direct access to genetic testing, tumor pro ling, and clinical trials through our af liation with Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Because at Smilow Cancer Hospital, we’re committed to treating you with the greatest of care.
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For appointments and information: 203-453-9192
Arlene Mingione, RN Medical Oncology
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Contacting Guilford Courier
As your hometown paper, the Guilford Courier welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Guilford Courier encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues.
Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter.
Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters.
Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined.
For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal.
Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor.
Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor.
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While our press schedule often does not allow us to publish death notices in time to announce memorial services, readers can find obituaries posted to the Guilford Courier website, www.zip06.com, five days a week as they arrive.
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Obituaries
Obituary Constance Bruzy Guilford
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, Constance "Connie" (Monte) Bruzy, 71, longtime resident of Guilford and most recently of Madison, passed away at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown. She was the wife of the late John J. Bruzy.
Connie was born in New Haven July 16, 1954, daughter of the late Charles Monte Jr. and Mary Veronica (Los) Monte. She was the loving mother of John Monte and his wife Jennifer of Shelton.
She is also survived by three granddaughters, Phoebe, Julia and Seraphina Monte. She was the sister of Barbara Monte of Tehachapi, CA., Patricia Aronson of Killingworth, Linda Monte of Mitchellville, MD., Mary Sanderlin of Groveland, FL., Robert Monte of Petaluma, CA., and the late Charles Monte III.
Before retirement, she had worked at the Lee Company in Westbrook for over 30 years. She enjoyed gardening and her love of cats.
Family and Friends are invited to calling hours from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. Burial services will be held privately. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Ann B. Seseske, 99, formerly of Boston Post Road, Guilford, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Born on Whitfield Street in Guilford on May 12, 1926, she was the daughter of Richard Bremmer and Mae Butler Bremmer.
She was educated in Guilford Public Schools and graduated from Larson Business School in 1945. Ann worked for the New Haven Railroad for a few years before the births of her two sons. She then enjoyed over 38 years as secretary at Calvin Leete Elementary School, retiring in 1999. She and her husband also ran a roadside stand on Route 1 in Guilford for nearly 60 years, selling chrysanthemums, fruits, and vegetables.
(Paula Inglese) of Branford. She was beloved Grammy to four grandsons: Glenn Jr. (Kristen), Scott (Megan), Daniel (Jessica), and Jeffrey (Leah) Seseske; two granddaughters, Stacey (Bill) Palm and Amy (Brian) Ferris; 16 great-grandchildren, Ava, Lily, Xander, Annabelle, Wesley, Evelyn, Camille, Natalie, Mary, Veronica, Zelie, Dominic, Josephine, Samantha, James and Simon; her sister Loretta Hocking; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Bremmer; and sisters, Olive Lawler and Lillian Bavin Holden.
The family would like to thank the entire staffs of Atria Larson Place and Seacrest Retirement Center for their loving and respectful care of Mom.
Ann loved caring for her large flower gardens, was an excellent cook, and enjoyed traveling, reading, and keeping up with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Her husband of 63 years, Alexander Seseske, died on Dec. 30, 2012. Ann leaves two sons, Alex Seseske (Susan) of Pittsfield, MA and Glenn Seseske
Family and friends are invited at noon on Thursday, Oct. 23, to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will follow in Westside Cemetery, 55 Three Mile Course, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405; https://www.hospice.com/ or St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437; https://stgeorgeguilford.org/. Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Obituary Ann Seseke Guilford
First Selectman Candidates Tout Accomplishments, Electability
Continued from page 5
“The conservative voter is really feeling alienated,” said Trotta. “I really wanted to run to try and be the candidate that can stop the division and get people to realize that we probably agree on 80% of everything, and to start bringing a vision to Guilford where we do projects and policies that really benefit everyone.”
Trotta added that “respecting the minority rules” and bringing “diversity of thought” to boards and commissionsobserved most significantly through winning the First Selectman’s Office - will help the town identify projects “that we can all agree on.”
For Trotta, the projects and policies that will benefit Guilford as a whole are those that are enacted under the umbrella of responsible government spending and reducing waste. He said the town’s current leadership has excessively spent taxpayer dollars and other budgeted monies on various property purchases that have not delivered benefits to Guilford residents. Alternatively, Trotta said his “experience on the Board of Finance will help give me insights … to what’s going on in town and where we’re spending money,” and how
CallingAllArtistsandArtisans
the town can “deliver more value to more residents by spending taxpayer money wisely.”
Guilford schools — the “jewel of our community,” said Trotta — is one of the major areas where responsible spending practices will be concentrated if he is elected.
He said it is “long overdue” that the town explore new possibilities for its school system. He wants to conduct a study to see if the town can modernize three district schools through infrastructure and facilities upgrades to accommodate most of the student population and meet community needs. The ultimate result should be “state-of-the-art” schools that are “energy efficient” and “gives us a smaller financial footprint to maintain the school system, yet provides tremendous benefit to students,” he said.
If feasible, Trotta said the town should then consider selling three of the properties on which schools currently operate.
Trotta’s priority of a more efficient education system extends to his interest in following the directive of the federal government to eliminate “woke” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the district and return to a greater emphasis on
Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, invites artists to submit work for its holiday show, The Art of Dreaming. The gallery welcomes representational and abstract art in all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—that explore the many dimensions of dreaming. Artists may submit works that capture fantasy, invention, romanticism, or surrealism, with unexpected juxtapositions and mysterious images. The show runs Friday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Jan. 10, with artwork receiving from Sunday, Nov. 9, to Thursday, Nov. 13. Spectrum’s artisans store also seeks fine crafts in wood, ceramic, pottery, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry, and more. In addition, the gallery invites submissions of handmade ornaments for its six-foot holiday tree and seasonal items in all mediums. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
“traditional education” in writing and arithmetic.
“I believe doing so would bring our community together as many residents I have spoken with see this type of instruction and other policies and practices within the school system as political indoctrination,” he added.
He worries that not stripping DEI initiatives could result in a potential loss of millions in federal funding to the district, which “is going to become a real town issue.”
Reducing government waste is an important task in order to support struggling individuals and families is another priority for Trotta. While he lauds the more than 3,000 acres of open space in town utilized by an active public, he worries about the town borrowing too much money for more space at a time when
“seniors [are] struggling to pay their expenses on fixed income” and the education budget is excessive.
“You have to consider, ‘Do we have enough open space? Is there a better priority for that?’ I think there’s a better priority for that,” he said.
If elected, Trotta promises he will work “relentlessly” to ensure the efficiency of Town Hall, reduce wasteful spending, and deliver conservative policies that are friendly to the taxpayer.
“I offer the town this completely different culture for local government; an absolutely different philosophy, and that is that I think I should serve the residents, and not the other way around,” he said. “Government should stay out of your affairs and out of your pocket to the greatest extent possible, and that is what I plan to do.”
ShorelineSoulCulminatesWorkshopwithConcert
Shoreline Soul announces it is holding its concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., with a preconcert rehearsal at 1:15 p.m. The concert takes place at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad Street, Guilford. The event, which is the culmination of a fivesession community choral gospel workshop, is free and open to the public. Space is limited. For more information, contact 203-619-1415 or shorelinesoul@gmail.com.
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated October 15, 2025, 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.
Priscilla H. Geer, Clerk
The fiduciary is: Brooks Richards, 1674 Long Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06443
LEGAL NOTICE
GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL Public Hearing
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 6 P.M. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192
Meeting ID: 639 632 0192
The following applications will be heard:
102 Broad Street (aka 20 Church Street) (Map 30 Lot 37A, Zone R-1). Applicant/Agent: Ava Anderson and Marci Palluzzi on behalf of Owner: Douglas Anderson of 96-102 Broad Street Associates. Special Permit for modification, expansion, extension or expansion of an existing non-conforming use in the R-1 zone per §8.3.E.
405 Whitfield Street (Map 28 Lot 5, Zone I and R-3). Applicant/Agent: Russell Campaigne of Campaigne Kestner Architects on behalf of Owner: Kurt Wittek of Eagleview Homes LLC. Modification of existing Special Permit to allow for 2 condominium buildings with 14 total units per §9.4.G.6.
Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to planning.zoning@guilfordct.gov 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 23rd of October 2025 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF GUILFORD NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MONDAY November 17, 2025 -8:30 A.M.
Notice is hereby given that a Special Town Meeting of the electors and citizens qualified to vote in Town meetings of the Town of Guilford, Connecticut, will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 31 Park St., Guilford CT on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. to consider and act on the following: Acceptance of four conservation easements for Bluff Head Subdivision Section 9, pending recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission under CGS 8-24 and in accordance with Town Charter 7-7.
450 Bluff View Drive; 105 Blue Hills Drive; 123 Blue Hills Drive; 147 Blue Hills Drive
Dated at Guilford this 20th day of October, 2025.
Matthew T. Hoey, III
Charles L. Havrda
Sandy Rouff
Susan K. Renner
Louis Ferderici
BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN OF GUILFORD
I hereby certify that on the 23rd day of October, 2025, I posted the within warning upon the signpost of the Town of Guilford and on the 30th day of October, 2025 caused the same to be published in the Guilford Courier, a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Guilford.
Matthew T. Hoey, III First Selectman
Obituaries Continued from page 8
Obituary Claire Kavanagh Guilford
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Claire Elizabeth Kavanagh (Canavan), who died peacefully at home in Guilford, surrounded by her family and under the compassionate care of hospice, on Oct. 14, 2025.
Born on June 26, 1938, in New Haven, to Eugene James Canavan and Mary Estelle Canavan (Hogan), Claire was a loving wife, devoted mother, sister, and friend. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel E. Kavanagh of Madison.
She is survived by her sister, Mary C. Bacque of Branford; and her brother, Eugene J. Canavan Jr. of Branford. She leaves behind her cherished daughters, Kelly Anne Anderson (Rick) of Guilford, and Katie E. Hackbarth (Michael); and her beloved grandchildren: Ryan Patrick Baker (Lisa), Cullen Daniel Baker, Brendan Michael Baker, and Mary Kate Green (Ricky). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Brooks Perez Baker and Meadow Perez Baker, who brought her great joy.
Claire graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Hamden, in 1956, the Hospital of St. Raphael School of Nursing in New Haven, in 1959, and earned her Bachelor of Science in professional arts from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, in 1983.
She married the love of her life, Daniel E. Kavanagh, on April 22, 1961, and together they built a life filled with
love, faith, and dedication in the communities of Guilford and Madison. Claire devoted her life to caring for others as a nurse specializing in addiction and mental health. With deep compassion and unwavering commitment, she supported countless individuals on their paths to recovery— offering not only skilled care but also hope, understanding, and dignity in life’s most difficult moments. Her gentle presence, listening ear, and fierce advocacy for mental health awareness touched many lives and left an enduring legacy of healing.
Beyond her professional life, Claire gave generously of her time to local civic organizations. She was a longtime volunteer with the Girl Scouts, serving as cookie chairwoman, and was an active supporter of her daughters’ schools and PTOs. She also shared a lifelong passion for travel, proudly visiting all 50 states by car, train, and cruise. She especially loved her adventures with Danny, “digging” for rocks and minerals and exploring nature’s treasures together.
A service to celebrate Claire’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Family and friends are welcome to gather as we honor her memory and say our farewells. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Meals on Wheels and Charlie’s Closet in Guilford, in Claire’s memory.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and asks for your continued prayers as we navigate this profound loss. Shoreline Cremation, 1315 Boston Post Road, Guilford, is entrusted with her arrangements.
LEGAL NOTICE
GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given that on October 8, 2025, the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission held a virtual meeting and approved the request of the Zoning Enforcement Officer to impose daily fines on John and Grace Young related to the incomplete restoration of clear cutting that had taken place in the conservation easement area on the property located at 14 Benton’s Knoll (Map ID 00802414, Zone R-5).
Legal Notice
Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission
The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action: APPROVED: Richard Lynch, located at 242 Old Sachems Head Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 4, Lot l Regulated Activity, Covered front porch with accessible ramp within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 15th day of October, 2025
Jeff Parker, Chairman
Gorgeous Gidget
Story by Carol Andrecs
Shy but sweet Gidget was a pregnant stray cat that gave birth to a litter of kittens. The babies were rescued but no one took Gidget until Forgotten Felines learned of her plight, trapped her, and took her to the shelter. It took some time for her to trust people, but she now responds to kind and gentle petting. Young Gidget, with her extraordinary markings, would love to be in a quiet house with someone patient whom she can trust. Can you offer her a forever home filled with unconditional love? Come meet this sweet and affectionate girl at our open house or apply to adopt her online at www.forgotten felinesct.org.
Find Your Match At Forgotten
Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.
Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We
by Genevieve Ray
Felines 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. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a curious and motivated reporter who will be responsible for covering a wide range of news from assigned towns within Shore Publishing.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Familiarity with the latest multimedia reporting skills, including audio and video interviewing.
Excellent editing, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build and deliver publications.
Ability to meet deadlines and work well with others.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient with text management and desktop publishing software. Proficient computer and software skills (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Sheets, Teams, PresTeligence – Content Management Software.).
Highly motivated, self-starting individual with initiative and drive to succeed.
Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work weekends, night and irregular hours are required.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., in the Guilford Town Hall, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut and via Zoom at Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88596868021?pwd=OUd3enZEdmJlbC92ZGtUSm1Za3pFQT09
Meeting ID: 885 9686 8021
Passcode: 347837
to consider an ordinance amendment to Chapter 247 Article X of the Town Code (Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption) in order to Adopt Additional Municipal Options available under recently enacted Public Act 25-168.
All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written communications will be received. This notice is published pursuant to Section 3-4(8) of the Charter of the Town of Guilford.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 20th day of October, 2025.
Matthew T. Hoey, III
Charles L. Havrda
Sandy Rouff
Susan K. Renner
Louis Ferderici
BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN OF GUILFORD
I hereby certify that on the 30th day of October, 2025, I posted the within warning upon the signpost of the Town of Guilford and on the 30th day of October, 2025 caused the same to be published in the Guilford Courier, a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Guilford.
Matthew T. Hoey, III First Selectman
Education
& Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or related field required. Two years of reporting experience preferred. Bilingual candidate preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements:
Must possess a valid state driver’s license, safe and reliable transportation, including maintaining registration and insurance. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and telephone.
Must be able to traverse various terrains, on foot and in a motor vehicle, to cover stories and conduct interviews.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
Ability to cover events as required.
Ability to work remotely.
Anyone interested in applying should submit their resume to r.magyar@theday.com.
Photo
Probate Court Candidates Seek ‘Pinnacle’ Role
Continued from page 1
Klaskin said he has “long been interested in serving as probate judge,” a position that offers him a “tremendous opportunity to deeply impact the lives of youth, children and families in our community.”
Possessing a “very strong foundation in legal theory,” he said, Klaskin is looking to bring his nearly 30 years of a varied legal career that has seen him represent many clients over the years in various legal settings, including probate courts. Aside from practicing at his own firm he also helped craft legislation for the General Assembly in Hartford, something that gives him a “tremendous advantage” in understanding how to interpret law in the probate court.
“It’s a good skill set that helps me to understand what the legislative intent is behind a law, so that I can apply it appropriately to a matter before me in the court,” he said.
He touted his experience as a government lawyer — specifically working as the Director of the Business Services Division for the Secretary of State’s Office — as another major qualifier for the role. He said this position “required a lot of daily legal work” on statutory intent and saw him argue on state legislation that would’ve impacted his and other state agencies, all while managing his own division.
Broadly, Klaskin was in a ”position of public trust,” developing public administration skills that “will serve me well” in the multiple administrative and legal responsibilities as probate judge.
“Probate judges are required not only to manage their docket, which is the case load, but they’re also required to manage the business affairs of the local court,” he said. “They have to prepare and manage the budget. They have HR issues. There are aspects of management that the voters can trust me to handle well, because I’ve done this work and I’ve done it well.”
Klaskin is known in Madison for his two decades of involvement in municipal affairs, most notably being Chair of the Madison Board of Education for five years.
FundraiserforFelines
He said his experience in town government will help inform his role as probate judge. The issues he has tackled on the school board revolve around issues of families and students and required fairness, consensus-building, and impartiality to all viewpoints, as is required in a probate court, he said.
For Klaskin, becoming probate judge would be the “pinnacle of positions” within public service to positively impact families and children.
Probate judges preside over cases that deal with sensitive family matters, from estates, adoptions, and conservatorship for adults with disabilities to seniors experiencing mental and physical decline.
Klaskin said his experience with issues on the BOE that impacted families and children in Madison informs him on the kind of temperament required of a probate judge that includes “patience, kindness, tolerance, compassion, empathy and the ability to relate to people well.”
“I have over 22 years in elected public volunteer positions where the public has placed me in the public trust and in that time — and in all those positions of public trust — I have proven my qualities in that regard.”
Klaskin relates his time as an entrepreneur outside of legal practice to his ability to “understand a broad base of litigants before the court and to be able to put myself in their shoes” and know their concerns.
Ultimately, Klaskin brings a “broad base of experience to the judgeship that would serve the community,” he said.
If elected, Klaskin looks forward to working with the Madison and Guilford communities on the difficult issues they face individually and as families and ensuring they’ve been heard in a setting of fairness and justice.
“As long as people feel like fair justice has been afforded and that they’ve been listened to compassionately, then I think I’ve done my job. If I’m impacting lives in a positive way, in that fashion, one case at a time, then I think I’m going to feel very fulfilled.”
The Greater New Haven Cat Project (GNHCP) announces its Feral Feline Festival, the annual raffle fundraiser featuring themed raffle baskets. The festival features an inperson raffle on Saturdays, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 1874 Middletown Avenue, North Branford, and an online silent auction with bidding starting Nov. 1 and ending Nov. 8. For the raffle event, tickets cost $5 available at the event. For the online auction and details on the auction items, visit gnhcp.org/feralfelinefestival. For more information, contact GNHCP at 203-782-2287 or gnhcp1@gnhcp.org.
Tom Virgulto
Virgulto’s 33-year legal career has taken him to various fields of practice, from family, worker’s compensation, and civil and criminal, among others. But the “lion’s share” of his legal practice has been in probate courts along the shore line, including the Madison-Guilford court. He added that he has “learned a lot” about the role, appearing with clients before this court’s current judge Peter Barrett, who is set to retire.
“I’ve become someone that the court appoints very often,” he said.
For Virgulto, the probate field is a way for him to help ordinary people address the sensitive issues nearly all of them will eventually face.
“I like the idea of trying to help people through tough things — people passed away, someone’s incapacitated or has dementia, and we need to take care of things. It’s challenging but it’s rewarding, because you really are trying to help people through tough times.”
Virgulto said his practice in other areas of law like family law, divorce law, and personal injury, will help inform his time on the bench. He sees the commonality between these areas and probate is understanding the perspectives of all parties involved in a case, and is important to sensitive matters frequently appearing in probate court like conservatorship.
“Having that understanding of how the emotional side of it goes, how the personal side of it goes, I think makes a huge difference and will help you get to the finish line in those cases much easier than if you don’t have that experience,” he said.
Considering his broader legal experience and his frequent appearances in probate courts, Virgulto said his election to the Madison-Guilford court is the “next logical step.”
An approach to probate that Virgulto is looking to apply as the next probate judge is one similar to a mediator but without making his own decisions. This involves facilitating the ability for people before the court “reaching the middle” and helping them to “make their own decision,” not the probate judge.”
VendorsWanted
“That’s a win for everybody,” said Virgulto. “There’s a lot of hearings that are just kind of formality as opposed to testimony and evidence. I would want to keep it as much as you could in the informal state.”
Like Klaskin, Virgulto agrees that despite being in ideologically polarizing time, there is not a place for personal political opinions in the serving probate court of the local community.
“If either one of us injects politics into it in any way, shape or form, we shouldn’t be in the job,” said Virgulto. “There’s no conservative judge, there’s no liberal judge…the whole is who’s everybody sitting there in front of you has to have a fair shake.”
When it comes to the temperament of a probate judge, it comes down to patience, compassion, and empathy, said Virgulto, and that all parties are heard when they focus on a sensitive case for families and individuals.
“You want to make sure that they’re not just heard, that they’re listened to,” he said. “Sometimes you have to have let people kind of run their emotional streak out because they need that. Even if it has nothing to do with the ultimate decision, you have to be able to basically let the people work through what they’re working through in the process and not shut them out.”
Virgulto said if elected, he looks forward to working with members of the Madison and Guilford communities. He is also interested in providing education on what probate law is, such as organizing seminars and talks featuring attorneys on the field. Most of all, he is looking forward to serving those he has gotten to know over the years and who can trust him as a familiar face that will apply fairness to all cases.
“It’s a nice way to try to help the people that you live with that you see in Stop and Shop, or formerly Robert’s, or Big Y. The great thing is that you already know the people that are coming before you so you can really feel like you’re helping out your fellow neighbor.”
Vendors are welcome to apply to be part of the annual holiday fair hosted by the Griswold Post 79 Auxiliary of The American Legion. The annual holiday fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 79's Legion Hall, 43 Bradley Road, Madison. For an application or more information, contact Donna Farrell at 203-804-2693 or farrell.donna@gmail.com or Marie Pohlman at 203-421-3123 or mspohlman@yahoo.com.
Seth Klaskin
HEAT, HT WATER, ELECTRIC & GARAGE. 860-917-1898 (Credit/ background check)
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Interior/Exterior Painting Power Washing - Staining
Interior/Exterior Painting Power Washing - Staining
Interior/Exterior Painting Power Washing - Staining
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Title: Multimedia Sales Executive
Salary: $40,000-$100,000 (includes commission)
Effective Date: September 3, 2025
Position Summary:
Department: Advertising
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Incumbent in this position is responsible for prospecting, qualifying, selling, and closing new clients to increase revenue within designated territory. Incumbent will leverage our extensive portfolio of both print and digital services and audience insights to create and recommend personalized multimedia marketing campaigns for our business customers, connecting them to prime prospects and maximizing their return on investment.
Essential Duties:
Collaborate with marketing representatives to fully understand product and communication needs.
Identify, locate, and develop new customers through a variety of methods including networking and cold calls. Maintain existing relationships with customers. Partner with customers to help them reach their goals, owning the entire sales process from start to finish. Create and recommend products and services that meet the customer’s needs, based off a Customer Needs Analysis.
Provide exceptional customer service, maintaining the highest levels of personal and professional behavior in the market and in the workplace.
Provides information, quotes, credit terms, and other bid specifications to clients.
Develop and demonstrate knowledge of The Days sales and marketing portfolio, including newspaper products, digital marketing services and non-traditional offerings (events, promotions, etc.).
Consistently meet and strive to exceed print and digital revenue targets.
Regularly communicate with management and completion of all required sales process activities.
Embrace new products or programs as the company continues to diversify and test new revenue streams.
Other Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Confidentiality:
Maintains confidentiality records and information.
Conduct:
Always Represents The Day and Shore Publishing Company in a professional and courteous manner.
Dependability:
Regularly attend and are punctual for work.
Supervision Received: Reports to Chief Revenue Officer.
Supervision Exercised: None.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of competitive media landscape; use for new business development and sales analysis.
Ability to prospect new business via cold calling and other prospecting techniques including social media where applicable. Highly motivated, self-starting individual with initiative and drive to succeed.
Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening and the ability to build and deliver effective presentations. Strong networking and community involvement skills.
Eagerness to learn, continually seeking to improve sales skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.
Proficient computer and software skills (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)
Must possess a valid state driver’s license, safe and reliable transportation, including maintaining registration and insurance.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in media sales. Prior experience in digital marketing sales highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and telephone. Must be able to lift 45 pounds at times.
Travel to meet with clients or potential clients.
Please send resume to l.giannelli@theday.com
Guilford Courier
Courier
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Cross Country Wins Frosh-Soph Invitational, Football Earns Shutout Victory
By Gabby Maljanian
Editor
The Guilford football team hosted Hamden on Oct. 24 and won 23-0. Alex Tafro threw a 52yard touchdown pass to Reed Hovick, Aiden Ruotolo had 24 carries for 160 yards with a seven-yard touchdown run, and Shane Connelly added a six-yard touchdown run.
The Guilford boys’ cross country team competed in the Class MM State Championship on Oct. 25 at Wickham Park. The team finished in a disappointing seventh place in a very loaded class this year but had some strong performances on what would wind up being the final race for the varsity squad. The boys were led by junior Jordan Espinosa in 29th in a time of 17:39, followed by teammate and fellow junior Lewis Thoreen in 30th in a time of 17:42. Next for Guilford was junior David Zhang in 18:08 in 49th, with junior Luca EspositoLanglais taking 51st in 18:10. Rounding out the top five scorers on the day was junior Caleb Hansen in 58th in a time of 18:17. Finishing sixth for Guilford was junior Tyler Mezrich in 18:36, followed by senior captain Gabe Grassi in 19:00.
“The boys came up short of their goal of making it to State Opens, but they had a very solid season - very proud of the work this group put in,” said Head Coach Jonathan Rivera. “It is always tough when your season comes to a sudden halt, but the
majority of this team is coming back next year, and we plan on being stronger, faster, and better than we are right now.”
Girls’ Cross Country
The Guilford girls’ cross country team raced in the Class MM State Championships on Oct. 25.
The race was at Wickham Park in Manchester. Guilford finished fifth overall, behind Mercy, East Lyme, Pomperaug, and Woodstock Academy.
Olivia Jackson was 11th overall in a time of 20:02.91. Her performance earned her All-State status. Finishing behind Jackson were Anna Gunderson, Abbie
White, Ciara Davenport, Reese Joshi, Clara Clavert, and Dalia Dadak. Jackson’s All-State finish extends her season by qualifying her for the State Open. Jackson will be back at Wickham on Friday, Oct. 31.
On Oct. 21, the Guilford girls won the Old Saybrook High School Frosh-Soph Invitational.
Clara Calvert medaled by racing to third place with a personal best time of 21:52.80. Close behind were Ella Joorman in fifth, Megan Mariano in sixth, and Eva Danilowicz in seventh. Also running were Paulina Gracia-Scalisi, Shari Silva, Vivienne Van Steenbergen, and Alyssa Austin.
Football
Boys’ Cross Country
Sports
Photo courtesy of Jay Criscuolo
Pictured is the Guilford girls' cross country team that won the Old Saybrook High School Frosh-Soph Invitational.
Clifford and Grassi Named Guilford’s SCC Fall Scholar Athletes
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Every fall, winter, and spring season, the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) names talented individuals as Scholar Athletes. The recipients of this honor display exemplary performances both in the classroom and on the athletic circuit.
Schools in the conference select two students each season who have demonstrated leadership, a strong work ethic, and a minimum B (3.0) average, in addition to being varsity letter winners. Emma Clifford of the Guilford field hockey team and Gabriel Grassi of the cross country team were named Guilford’s Scholar Athletes for the fall.
Long Island Sound gave up a mixed bag of fish this week and will get busier as Daylight Saving Time nears ending. On a faster note, anglers continued to hook blitzing hardtails while they crashed through rainbaits in nearby waters. For sizes caught, bluefish have been testing gear, but locally it’s serious choppers that are really being
Fishing report
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
questioned. Find the forage and you will be on striped bass. They want calories! You know fall is here when stripers run and blackfish are heading up dock talk. The tog bite is good - very
Schedules
Boys’ Soccer
Friday, Oct. 31 or Saturday, Nov. 1: Class L State Tournament First Round
Monday, Nov. 3: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Thursday, Nov. 6: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Nov. 11, Wednesday, Nov. 12, or Thursday, Nov. 13: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, Nov. 15 or Sunday, Nov. 16: Class L State Tournament Finals
Field Hockey
Thursday, Oct. 30: Class M State Tournament Qualifying Round
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Class M State Tournament First Round
good - but shorts and small fish are almost everywhere. There are porgy, spot weakfish, and more! Some of the best freshwater fishing has yet to come! Where are adult bunker is the big question! That and more can be found on Captain Morgan’s weekly column when you click over to zip06.com and search for “Assessments Gone Wrong.”
Thursday, Nov. 6: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Class M State Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, Nov. 15: Class M State Tournament Finals at Wethersfield
Girls’ Soccer
Friday, Oct. 31 or Saturday, Nov. 1: Class L State Tournament First Round
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Friday, Nov. 7 or Saturday, Nov. 8: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Nov. 11, Wednesday, Nov. 12, or Thursday, Nov. 13: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, Nov. 15 or Sunday, Nov. 16: Class L State Tournament Finals
Oct. 30 to Nov. 5
Girls’ Swimming and Diving
Thursday, Nov. 6: Class M State Diving Championships at Sheehan at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8: Class M State Championship Swimming Trials at Cornerstone at 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Class M State Swimming Championships at Cornerstone at 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Saturday, Nov. 1: Class L State Tournament PlayIn Round
Monday, Nov. 3: Class L State Tournament First Round
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Friday, Nov. 7: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Friday, Nov. 14 or Saturday, Nov. 15: Class L State Tournament Finals
Friday, Oct. 31:
Friday, Oct. 31:
State Open Championships at Wickham Park at 10 a.m.
State Open Championships at Wickham Park at 10:45 a.m.
Girls’ Cross Country
Boys’ Cross Country
Emma Clifford and Gabriel Grassi were named SCC Scholar Athletes this fall.
Photo courtesy of GHS Athletics
Adams Middle School Cross Country Teams Make Noise in Old Saybrook Invitational
By Gabby Maljanian
The Adams Middle School cross country teams participated in the Old Saybrook Middle School Cross Country Invitational on Oct. 22. The boys took first place out of 14 teams, and the girls placed second out of 12 teams.
For the boys, Willem Boemmels took first place, Hunter DePasquale took sixth place, and Myles Jones placed ninth. Connor Schraf took 12th, and Justin Key took 23rd. On the girls’ side, Lily Ridge took sixth place, Victoria Gwaizda took ninth, Emma Parmlay took 12th, and Alexa Joshi placed 28th. Avery Ehlert finished in 30th place.
Photo courtesy of Monica Brackney
Pictured is the Adams Middle School boys' cross country team that placed first at the Old Saybrook Middle School Invitational.
Sports Editor
Pictured is the Adams Middle School girls' cross country team that placed second at the Old Saybrook Middle School Invitational.
Photo courtesy of Monica Brackney
You Want Them to Get Caught. Will They? at Hartford Stage Will Keep You Guessing Rope
Review THEATER
By Karen Isaacs
Nothing is quite as enjoyable as watching a villain get played. Murder mysteries can be interesting if you try to figure out who did it, but it is more fascinating to know who-done-it and see if (and how) they get caught. Jeffrey Archer’s adaptation of , now at Hartford Stage through Sunday, Nov. 2, provides that.
Rope’s End
It’s a thriller, dressed up as a drawing-room comedy about two cold-blooded killers and whether they will be found out. has a long history. It was a British play ( ) by Patrick Hamilton, in the 1920s, loosely based on the U.S. Leopold and Loeb case. If you don’t remember, two very intelligent young men kill, if not for the joy of killing, then to prove their superiority to those who were trying to catch them. They were caught, tried, and executed. Post World War II, Alfred Hitchcock made a film of the play using some very interesting cinematographic techniques.
I’m not sure how Hatcher’s world premiere play varies from either the original play or the film. I’ve seen neither. It is set in London in the 1920s, where Brandon views himself as intellectually superior to the world. He leads his partner Lewis, a composer, to help murder a mutual friend for no other reason than to commit the perfect crime.
Underlying the act are the ideas of the philosopher, Frederich Nietzsche, who rejected absolute truths and traditional Christian morality. Instead, he promoted the concept of the Superman, who overcomes the moral status quo and generates his own set of values and beliefs. In a touch of either sadism, arrogance, or mistaken humor, the two men, apparently lovers, have invited to dinner the murdered
man’s fiancé, his friend, his parents, and the professor who introduced them to Nietzsche’s ideas. The body is hidden in a chest in the room. Throughout the evening, all the guests wonder why Ronald, the victim, is taking so long to arrive.
As we hope, the two murderers are, in fact, found out, and justice will take its course. I don’t want to give too much away about how that happens. Let us say that part of it is due to Brandon’s hubris; he is so sure that he is superior that he almost dares the guests to discover the truth.
The Hartford Stage production is terrific. It starts with a gorgeous set by Riw Rakkulchon of a luxurious traditional apartment
with books in cases and paintings on the wall. It defines Old Money—the London home of the English upper class. Then add in terrific sound effects, including thunder, lightning, and a rainstorm (by Jane Shaw), and costumes by Risa Ando, which perfectly fit the 1920s style. The costumes help define the characters—from the too-formally dressed Kenneth, the victim’s friend, to the tweedy suit of Mr. Kentley, the victim’s father. The cast works together like a well-oiled machine. Daniel Neale creates a Brandon that you will love to despise—he’s supercilious and smug to the extreme. As Lewis, his partner in crime, Ephraim Birney brings out the
character’s weakness. He is as manipulated by Brandon as the others are. Fiona Robberson plays Meriel, Ronald’s fiancée, who may be the least interesting character; she is too typical of a 1920s debutante. James Riodan plays Ronald’s father, who becomes exasperated at his wife’s frequent phone calls; she stayed home because of an illness. As Ronald’s friend, Kenneth, Nick Saxton highlights the character’s sense of being an outsider. While he is part of the student group, you believe he was on the fringes.
As the tutor who introduced these young men (including Ronald and Kenneth) to Nietzsche’s ideas, Mark Benninghofen makes him a bit of a
showman. You wonder whether he really espouses the views he discusses, or if he talks about them just to be outrageous.
Director Melia Bensussen keeps the suspense ongoing with tight pacing and a cast that creates multi-dimensional characters.
Bensussen added a touch of irony at the end that made me smile. As Lewis awaits the arrival of the police, he sits down at the piano and begins playing Noël Coward’s “Poor Little Rich Girl.” The lyrics, which apply to Brandon in particular, include “laughing at danger, virtue a stranger, better beware.”
Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.
Rope Rope
Special to Living
Photo courtesy of T. Charles Erickson
The cast of Rope
Page Turners
DarkRenaissance
ByStephenGreenblatt
Stephen Greenblatt’s latest is not only a fascinating look at the life and work of acclaimed poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe, but it also provides an in-depth account of his place in the dangerous, rapidly changing world of Elizabethan England. This is a compelling book that sheds new light on an enigmatic figure.
— Marilyn
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.
Widow'sPoint
ByRichardChizmar,W.H.Chizmar
Widow’s Point
MirageCity
ByLevACRosen
Lavender House
The Evander Mills series is one of my favorites, and I swear it gets better with each book! It’s not often that you find a series where each book is better than the last, but this is just that series. From through this newest, the stories grow alongside the growth of the protagonist. In this newest adventure, we see Andy return to LA and face his hometown and his relationship with his mother. And of course there are a couple of missing folks, and maybe a dead body or two. An excellent addition to the series.
— Julie G.
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
The Blair Witch Project
is a chilling novel that blends supernatural horror with foundfootage storytelling—think . The narrative follows paranormal hunters investigating the infamous Widow’s Point Lighthouse and its gruesome, deadly history. What begins as a curious investigation quickly unravels into a descent into madness. A creepy, spooky read perfect for fans of haunted house tales and atmospheric horror. Bring your flashlight!
Sharon
—
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Through the eyes of the wax child—a doll molded by a Danish noblewoman later executed for witchcraft—we see the injustices of the witch trials in Northern Europe as communities of women are formed, prosper, and are then shattered by zealous priests and paranoid, unctuous statesmen. Based on real court records from the early 1600s, and real medieval grimoires and spell books, Olga Ravn weaves a hauntingly beautiful story with rich, lyrical prose.
— Will
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
TheWaxChild ByOlgaRavn
Calendar for the Week of October 30, 2025
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, OCT. 30
Great Decisions
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Topic: International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil. First of four consecutive Thursday sessions through Nov. 20. Led by Tom Lee, a facilitator of Great Decisions discussion groups. Great Decisions is a program produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $5 for all four sessions plus $35 for a 2025 briefing book. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Shoreline Village Tea and Talk
: 2 p.m. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.
Willoughby Book Talk: by Ivan Turgenev
: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Open to all. For info or to register, call the library at 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.
FRIDAY, OCT. 31
Witness to History: Abraham Baldwin, Slavery, and the Constitution Fathers and Sons :
: 7 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Glenn Falk, professor of the Practice in Public Policy and Law at Trinity College in Hartford. Free admission. Co-sponsored by Witness to History. For info or to register, visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Witch-Crafts: Halloween Broom-making Workshop
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For high school-aged teens. Part of GAC's drop-in art club. Free. No prior registration or Guilford residency required. For info, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Annual Trunk or Treat
: 4 to 6 p.m. Madison Town Green. Features vehicles with decorated trunks, free candy and treats from businesses and organizations, and Halloween festivities. Presented by the Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison Police Department. For info, call the Madison Chamber of Commerce at 203-2457394 or visit madisonct.com.
See page 27
A Stuffy Country Club, A Classic Comedy, A Murder Mystery, and More
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater
By Karen Isaacs
Columnist
Golf for Laughs
Aisle ON THE
Strike Still Possible:
day, Nov. 2. Streaming ticket holders have 24 hours to watch the performance, which will begin simultaneously with the Broadway curtain time. In reality, you will not see the live performance but a pre-taped one. For tickets, visit LOLST.org. Tickets are $75.
: , written by Ken Ludwig, is billed as a tribute to classic English farces that also recalls the Marx Brothers’ classic films. It’s set in a stuffy private country club. You can expect slamming doors. Ludwig is known for his farces, including and . This runs at Norwalk’s MTC from Friday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 23. Tickets are available at MusicTheatreOfCT.com.
The Fox on the Fairway Lend Me a Tenor Moon Over Buffalo
tickets, visit WestportPlayhouse.org.
Murder Mystery
: Next up at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is , about an eccentric painter who plans to kill his art dealer. Will he? Won’t he? Is something else going on? The play by Joe DiPietro won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play. It runs from Friday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 30. For tickets, visit SevenAngelsTheatre.org.
A Masterpiece Comedy
: Many believe that Oscar Wilde’s comedy, , is one of the best comic plays ever written. Westport Country Playhouse is producing the play through Saturday, Nov. 15. It features some of Wilde’s most famous lines and a delightful plot about love and marriage. Two eligible bachelors pursue love while landing in a web of complications, including mistaken identities, secret engagements, and a very formidable aunt. For
The Importance of Being Ernest
An Evening with Tituss Burgess Beauty and the Beast
: Tickets are now on sale for on Friday, Nov. 7. Also on sale are tickets to , which will play the Bushnell from April 7 to 12. Visit Bushnell.org.
Bushnell Tickets Snow Will Fall Art of Murder
White Christmas
: Goodspeed is in rehearsal for its Christmas show, Irving Berlin’s . Hunter Foster will direct, with Omar Lopez-Cepero (who was Emile de Becque in the Goodspeed production of ), as Bob Wallace, the Bing Crosby role. Clyde Alves will
South Pacific
play Phil Davis, with Jonalyn Saxer and Lauren Nicole Chapman as the two sisters. It opens on Friday, Nov. 14. To learn more about the special events or to purchase tickets, visit Goodspeed.org. Although Actors’ Equity has reached a contract agreement with the Broadway League, which represents Broadway producers, the threat of a strike is still possible. That’s because the Broadway musicians’ union is still negotiating. That union has said it will call a strike soon if negotiations remain unproductive. It would affect all Broadway shows using musicians.
Veterans Day Special:
PBS will air on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. It will feature many Broadway performers and others featuring selections from Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, and others. The songs will guide us through WWI with both real-life and fictional characters.
Is Livestreaming a New Trend?
The
American Heart in WWI: A Carnegie Hall Tribute Punch
Broadway production of , now at the Manhattan Theatre Club, will be available for people everywhere to see during its last week of performances. The British play about the reconciliation between the parents of a man killed and his killer will be available from Tuesday, Oct. 28, to Sun-
NYC Notes: Working Girl. Smash Schmigadoon! Cats: The Jellicle Ball
A new Cyndi Lauper musical (with a book by playwright Theresa Rebeck) may be headed to Broadway depending on how the current production at La Jolla Playhouse goes. The musical is based on the 1988 film Last season, tried to go from TV series to Broadway; unfortunately, the show did not run. Now, will try to make the transition work. The stage adaptation of Apple TV+’s satire/homage of musical theater will open on Broadway in April. will open on Broadway in March. This production sets the musical in a ballroom with the cats convening for the annual ball. It was a hit off-Broadway last season.
To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association. Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
Open House
Continued from page 26
FRIDAY, OCT. 31 AND
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
The Haunted Trolley Alien Invasion: Connecticut
: Scheduled rides: Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features a one-hour interactive trolley event. Limited to 40 passengers per ride. The 5 and 6 p.m. slots are familyand child-friendly rides. Children ages 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP haunted ride. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit thehauntedtrolley.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Saturday Fall Migration Bird Walk
: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6 per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
Annual Harvest Fair
: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Features jewelry, estate treasures, records, tools, bakery, knitting, toys, Christmas items for gift-giving, furniture, a breakfast and lunch cafe, and more. Payment for purchases by cash and check only. For info, contact the church at 203453-5249 or office@firstchurchguilford.org.
Drop Spindle Wool Spinning Workshop (Session B)
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Students will learn fiber preparation, spinning techniques, and ways to ply yarn. Materials provided. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $18 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Turkish Coffee Tasting
: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features authentic Turkish coffee, Turkish delights, and snacks, along with an exploration of Anatolian history and culture. Free. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
For Medicinal Purposes Only
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The AllisBushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Features exhibits about the USS , the first ironclad ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy; paintings by Madison-born artists Gilbert Munger and Clarissa Munger Badger; and the exhibit, . Free admission but donations are welcome. For info, visit madisonhistory.org.
Curator Tour
: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition,
Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond
. Other tours are scheduled through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Harvest Supper
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Ave., Northford. Features dine-in or take-out options and raffles. Take-out orders may be picked up from 4 to 5 p.m. Dine-in is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Menu: roast beef, roast turkey, baked ham, side dishes, and desserts. Cost: Take-out or dine-in, $25 for each adult; $8 dine-in for children ages 12 and under. Raffle tickets are $1. Proceeds benefit the church’s community outreach programs. For info or reservations, contact Nan Monde at 203-7107005 or nanmonde@comcast.net.
Drag Bingo and Auction
: 6 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. Tickets: $40. For info or tickets, call 203-421-3241 or visit northmadisoncc.org/bingo.
A Diamond Homecoming Concert
:
6:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Features Kyle Bejnerowicz, a former Shoreline Arts Alliance scholarship awardee in vocal music, and the group he co-founded, The Diamond Baritones. Tickets: $39 in advance for adults and $19 for students, $49 at the door. Proceeds benefit Shoreline Arts Alliance’s scholarship and leadership development programs. Includes cocktails and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 8 pm. For info or advance purchase of tickets, visit shorelinearts.org.
SUNDAY, NOV. 2
Mexican Day of the Dead Monitor
: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For children ages 7 and up. Students will explore the art and culture of Mexico by creating skull luminaries in the tradi-
Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale Joins Carter Gowrie for 2025 SSKP Matching Challenge
Press Release from Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, the beloved shoreline seafood restaurant destination, is proud to serve alongside Carter Gowrie as a co-lead sponsor for the 2025 Matching Challenge for Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP). The annual fundraising campaign, running from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, aims to raise $250,000 to address the rising need for food among shoreline residents.
Now in its 22nd year, the Matching Challenge has become a trusted and impactful tradition, raising over $3.1 million for SSKP since its inception. In 2024 alone, SSKP provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food to the community, highlighting the urgent and growing need for food security in the region.
In a powerful return to his philanthropic roots, Carter Gowrie, the original founder of the challenge, has rejoined the effort as a co-lead sponsor, bringing renewed energy and personal leadership to the cause he started in 2004.
“We’re honored to stand beside Carter Gowrie and so many other generous community leaders in this important effort,” said Jim Schreck, owner of the Madison Fish Tale and former SSKP board member. “Helping our neighbors is part of who we are, and we’re proud to support the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and their mission to fight hunger with dignity and compassion.”
tion of Mexican Day of the Dead. Cost: $33.75 for members, $37.50 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
: 1 to 4 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a community event where people can bring their broken items and get help fixing them by volunteers free of charge. Items that can be repaired are electrical appliances such as toasters and lamps, clothing and jewelry, toys, audio/visual equipment, computers, dull tools for sharpening, and others. Residents can bring up to two broken items. Sponsored by Repair Café Guilford and Repair Café
Six local businesses have returned as partner sponsors: BrandTech Scientific, Essex Financial, L.C. Doane Company, Sound Rigging, Risk Strategies, and Tower Labs. This year’s campaign has raised $105,000 in matching funds to date, doubling the impact of every dollar donated by the public. Additional businesses that would like to become a partner sponsor by providing $5,000 or more in matching funds are encouraged to call Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries at 860-388-1988.
“For over two decades, the Gowrie Challenge has connected individuals and businesses to help ensure no one along the shoreline goes hungry,” said Amy Hollis, executive director of SSKP. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the spirit of kindness that ensures neighbors and friends have access to food. Thank you! :
About Fish Tale
The Fish Tale is an award-winning Connecticut shoreline restaurant destination with locations in Madison and Westbrook. Founded in 1979 as a humble roadside clam stand, the Fish Tale has grown into a beloved institution known for exceptional seafood and warm, family-friendly service. Conveniently located across from Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and just a block from the beautiful Westbrook beaches, each location offers its own unique coastal charm. For more information visit www.ljfishtale.com.
Sustainable Guilford Task Force. For info, email sgtf@guilford.ct.gov or visit facebook.com/sustainableguilford.
Opening Reception for
Lifetime/Lifeline: A Collaboration Between Roberta Friedman and Stanley Friedman
: 2 to 5 p.m. City Gallery, 994 State St., New Haven. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Nov. 30. For info, email info@city-gallery.org or visit city-gallery.org.
Concert by Eight to the Bar
: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
See page 28
Annual
Kaleidoscope Opens: New Art Gallery and Gift Store
Showcasing Connecticut Creativity
Press Release from Kaleidoscope
The local arts scene is shining brighter with the opening of Kaleidoscope, an art gallery and gift store dedicated to celebrating the unique talents of Connecticut artists. Located at 56 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, Kaleidoscope offers an inspiring collection of one-of-a-kind art and handmade crafts, all created by over 60 local artists and authors.
Kaleidoscope stands out as more than just a retail space. The gallery is committed to fostering creativity and community engagement by offering a variety of workshops and classes for all ages and skill levels. From painting and fused glass to fiber art and woodburning, these hands-on experiences invite participants to learn new skills directly from the artists whose work fills the store.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant hub where people can discover original art, connect with local makers, and explore their own creativity,” said Kaleidoscope co-
Continued from page 27
MONDAY, NOV. 3
founder Carrie Yenovich. “Every item in our store is carefully selected for its quality and uniqueness, and our workshops and classes are designed to inspire and bring people together.”
Yenovich co-owns Kaleidoscope with Rose Lafleur, Joanne Boudah, and Sally Murray.
Visitors to Kaleidoscope will find an ever-changing selection of paintings, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, jewelry, and books, ensuring that each visit offers something new. The store also plans to host regular events such as book signings, artist talks, and community gatherings.
Kaleidoscope is now open to the public, inviting everyone to experience the best of Connecticut’s creative spirit. For more information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events, drop by the store, reach out at 860-460-8273 or Chester@kaleidoscopeartists.com, or visit www.kaleidoscopeartists.com.
Trip: Connecticut State Capitol and Museum
: 9 a.m.
Meet at the St. George Church parking lot, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a docent-led tour of the Connecticut State Capitol and Museum, including a discussion of the building's history, art, and architecture. Participants have lunch on their own on-site. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $15. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4
Acting with Emily D
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Julie Fitzpatrick, writer, actor, and theater teacher. 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 203453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Connecticut Cleanup Program: Madison
: 1 to 4 p.m. Madison Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd. Hosted by Save the Sound as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. For info or to register (required), email cleanup@savethesound.org or visit the Connecticut Cleanup program at savethesound.org/2025cleanups.
For Goodness Snakes!
: 2 to 3 a.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Pre-
sented by Meigs Point Nature Center. Sponsored by the Allan Louis Loeb Foundation. For info or to register, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Puzzling Puzzlers
: 3 to 4 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features word puzzles, figuring out math brain teasers, and more. Participants will also make a pinball puzzle game. For grades 1 to 3. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
Humanitarian Aid to War-Ravaged Ukraine
: 10 a.m.
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Carl Harvey, former science at Baldwin Middle School, retired Naval officer, and a member of the Ukrainian American Veterans Post #33 in New Haven. 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 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
in from home. For info or to register (required), call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Foraging 101
: 6 to 7 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a talk on items to forage, places to finds them, tools of the trade, safety do's and don'ts, and prepared things from foraging. Includes a Q&A. Presented by Gina Pagano. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Candle Workshop: Iced Peppermint Latte Soy and Gel
: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $32 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.
Let's Make Bagels!
: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $22 class fee plus a $25 materials fee (exact change requested). All ingredients provided. Bring an apron, a clean dish towel, and a sponge for cleanup. Bring a pen for notes if preferred. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:
Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity
Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.
Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee Tips and Tricks with Tammy
: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features an overview of the various resource at the library, plus directions for logging
Yale Jazz Ensembles Big Band Season Opener
: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sprague Memorial Hall, Morse Recital Hall, 470 College St., New Haven. Features a performance with Wayne Escoffery, music director, in celebration of the centennial of the birth of American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Miles Davis. Free admission. For info, call 203-432-4111 or visit bands.yalecollege.yale.edu.
Photo courtesy of Kaleidoscope
Assisted Living
Drama Works Theatre Company
Presents the Heartfelt Comedy
Continued from page 28
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5 AND THURSDAY, NOV. 6
Creative Crafts with Jesse: Grateful Cards
: Wednesday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For ages 18 and over. Participants will use die cuts, embossing folders, and stamps to make three Thankful/grateful cards. No previous experience needed. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6
Great Decisions
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Topic: The Future of NATO and European Security. Second of four consecutive Thursday sessions through Nov. 20. Led by Tom Lee, a facilitator of Great Decisions discussion groups. Great Decisions is a program produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $5 for all four sessions plus $35 for a 2025 briefing book. For info or to join SSILL, call 203453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
: 1:30 to 7 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Children will use acrylic paint to stamp a handprint onto one of the snow plows that will be active this winter season. Children are advised to dress appropriately for the painting event. Free. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
and The Shore Line Trolley Museum. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
Open Mic Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. Poets, singers, musicians, and comedians welcome. Sign-ups begin 5:45 p.m. First 12 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. For info or to register (required), call 203-2457365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Pelli Clarke & Partners: Stony Creek Granite in Four Buildings
: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Presented by Fred W. Clarke, founder and partner emeritus of Pelli Clarke & Partners. Free. Part of a series of events marking 25th anniversary of the publication of the book,
Flesh and Stone: Stony Creek and the Age of Granite
FRIDAY,
NOV. 7
Friday Night Pottery Workshop (Session B)
. For info, call the library at 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events. : 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will hand-build and glaze a unique piece. Students come with an idea of the project, like a bowl, vase, platter, or garden art. Finished pieces will be available for pickup two to three weeks later. Tuition: $49.50 for members, $55 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
ONGOING EVENTS
Farmers Market
Assisted Living
Drama Works Theatre Company, a resident performing arts company in Old Saybrook, is thrilled to present its final production of the 2025 season with the comedy by Deirdre O’Conner. The play will run Friday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 16, with Friday and Saturday performances starting at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The play centers around Anne, a woman desperate for help around her house. She’s pushing 40 and still lives with her mother. Her deadbeat brother won’t return her calls, and the ancient family home seems to be falling down around her. When a younger man with a troubled past comes into her life, Anne begins to see the upside of not always being the grown-up. is a funny and surpris-
Assisted Living
ing look at the struggle to discover where our families end, and we begin.
The production is directed by Ed Wilhelms and features actors Chloe Parrington, Macho Kimaru, Nick Perry, Amanda Amitan, Ellen Atwood, and Dorian Mendez. The show will conclude the theatre company’s 2025 season. Next year’s season of plays as well as company auditions and other exciting developments will be announced later this year.
Drama Works Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, resident performing arts company dedicated to producing thought provoking, inspiring and relevant theatre. The 48-seat, off-Broadway style theatre is conveniently located at 323 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. Tickets for are available online through dramaworkstheatre.org or may be purchased in cash at the door.
Assisted Living
: 6 p.m. Lost Lake, Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the end of Three Corners Road off Sam Hill Road. Features a one-hour hike to see the full moon over Lost Lake. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT Directors Jamie Bruce and Jodie Lang. Rain or heavy clouds cancels. For info or weather-related updates, call 203-7475356.
The Branford Electric Railway: 125 Years of History
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a talk by John Proto, executive director of The Shore Line Trolley Museum, on the history and impact of the Branford Electric Railway. Co-presented by the Branford Historical Society
Madison Farmers Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
Stony Creek Farmers Market
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 2. Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd., Branford. For info, email Clara.pagliaro@gmail.com or visit scfarmersmarket.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.
Photo courtesy of Drama Works Theatre
The cast of (back row, from left): Ellen Atwood, Dorian Mendez, Nick Perry, and Amanda Amitan, with (seated, from left) Chloe Parrington and Macho Kimaru
Paint a Plow
Full Beaver Moon Hike
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
140 Austin Ryer Ln Unit 140:
Brendan C. Moran of Branford to Adara Holecz, $290,000 on 10/06/2025
4 Laura Labucki of Branford to Good Life Prop Group LLC, $328,000 on 10/09/2025
Chambers T and Christiane Fowler of Branford to 197 Main St Branford LLC, $500,000 on 10/08/2025
Chambers T and Christiane Fowler of Branford to 197 Main St Branford LLC, $500,000 on 10/08/2025
John E. and Yvette Chambers of Branford to 215 Main St Branford LLC, $500,000 on 10/08/2025
Joseph D Nardini T and Joseph D. Nardini of Branford to Stacey Fulton and Themis Kyriakides, $900,000 on 10/06/2025
Chambers T and Christiane Fowler of Branford to 197 Main St Branford LLC, $500,000 on 10/08/2025
16 Commerce St Unit 15:
Johannemann T and John P. Johannemann of Clinton to Belkis Schwarz, $265,000 on 10/06/2025
Kehoe T and Michael Kehoe of Clinton to Edward E. Regan, $336,000 on 10/06/2025
Silverbrook Ln Unit 9:
EAST HAVEN
Richard and Lee Brittain of Clinton to Roger and Nancy Babbitt, $500,000 on 10/07/2025 Planet Home
Lending LLC of East Haven to Gersh Ct LLC, $242,900 on 10/07/2025
Coleman St Unit
14: Kristen
Spivey of East Haven to Maria C. Coleman, $245,000 on 10/07/2025
Foxon Rd:
Phyllis C. Massey of East Haven to David Greco, $440,000 on 10/08/2025
Golf Dr Unit 304:
Fabian and Kirsis M. Hernandez of East Haven to Mark and Justine Busco, $286,000 on 10/07/2025 3 Founders Rd Unit 3:
GUILFORD
Janice Despotakis of Guilford to Quanette Kirby and Andre D. Alexander, $460,000 on 10/08/2025
Keith and Sandy Robinson of Guilford to Andrew J. and Maryann J. Montgomery, $1,405,000 on 10/06/2025
Keith and Sandy Robinson of Guilford to Andrew J. and Maryann J. Montgomery, $1,405,000 on 10/06/2025
Robin L. and Paul P. Ehrlich of Guilford to Nicolas A. and Jillian Lussier, $800,000 on 10/09/2025
206 Peddlers Rd:
Secretary Of Hsng & Urban of Guilford to Vincent Engingro, $615,000 on 10/06/2025
195 Sachems Head Rd:
Meagan
Seacor of Guilford to Nina Rapuano, $428,000 on 10/07/2025
46 Sperry Dr:
Global Machine Movers LLC of Guilford to Cody Schimetschek and Anna Kilty, $403,000 on 10/07/2025
KILLINGWORTH
8 Jacob Ln:
Frasher Lulaj of Killingworth to Jacobs Lane Estates LLC, $1,185,000 on 10/06/2025
Roast Meat Hill Rd:
1st Cong Ch Of Madison of Killingworth to Killingworth Land Conserv, $60,000 on 10/09/2025
590 Route 148:
Jeannette and Nuno Ferreira of Killingworth to Tyler Camp, $625,000 on 10/08/2025
MADISON
Nobuhisa and Marcia Ishizuka of Madison to Christopher S. Becker, $2,600,000 on 10/06/2025
Igor and Mirela Leko of North Branford to Keith Butkus, $500,000 on 10/06/2025
Anthony J. Mancini of North Branford to Ashley Whitman and Heather G. Bryant, $325,000 on 10/07/2025
Erika P. Smith of North Branford to Joshua P. Ruotolo, $295,000 on 10/07/2025
Anthony L. Battista of North Branford to David Balali, $317,000 on 10/08/2025
Peggy A. and
100 Broadway North Haven of North Haven to 100 Broadway LLC, $1,100,000 on 10/02/2025
Christine A. Fonda of North Haven to Nicholas J. Mel and Caroline Henry, $420,000 on 10/02/2025
William P. Keenan of Madison to Julie A. Blum, $537,500 on 10/09/2025
Green Hill Rd:
Anne C. and Adam Kissack of Madison to James and Patricia Labanca, $590,000 on 10/07/2025
Brian P. and
Rachel Rachler of Madison to Kaitlin Mcdonald, $850,000 on 10/09/2025
Gene and Mary S. Goodman of Madison to Katherine and Nicholas Brandt, $726,200 on 10/09/2025 40 Green Acres Dr:
Richard A. Glendon and Suzanne S. Crouse of North Haven to Jeffrey Rogers and Michelle Lee, $564,000 on 10/01/2025 Farzana and Sohan Chowdhury of North Haven to Joan Malinak-Kardos and Terence Kardos, $430,000 on 10/02/2025
Hunters Trl: 32 Liberty St: 11 Pent Rd:
Nancy Simmons of Madison to Homevisors Collective LLC, $1,100,000 on 10/08/2025
Cynthia M. Seale and Julie O. Coia of Old Saybrook to Summer Bay Hldg LLC, $520,000 on 10/06/2025
