The Sound 08-21-25

Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 34

Branford Lab, Owners to pay $1.2M in False Claims Settlement

By Pam Johnson

Sound Senior Staff Writer

On Aug. 13, State Attorney General William announced Genco Lab, LLC, which has offices in Branford, and owners and officers, Paul Conroy, Tricia Conroy, and Charles Orefice, entered into a civil settlement agreement to pay over $1.2 million to settle allegations of having submitted false and fraudu-

lent claims to federal and state governments’ healthcare programs for medically unnecessary urine drug tests.

A press release issued by Attorney General Tong on Aug. 13 listed Paul Conroy as the majority owner of Genco Lab, Orefice as a part owner, and Tricia Conroy as Chief Operating Officer. To resolve the government’s False Claims Act allegations, Genco and its owners and officers have agreed to

pay $1,255,825 covering the period from September 2021 through December 2023.

According to the press release, Genco and its owners and officers allegedly violated federal and state False Claims Acts in two ways: “First, they submitted claims for medically unnecessary urine drug tests for Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid beneficiaries

See Branford Lab, Owners page 5

The CT Ballers, the Over-60 Basketball Group, recently earned a bronze medal in a national competition....11 com August 21, 2025

Packed With Purpose

Community Dining Room volunteer Annie Kluetsch, Grieco Ford employee David Hammett, and Grieco employee Dale Clark help fill backpacks with essential school supplies at the Branford dealership on Aug. 18. Volunteers assembled hundreds of backpacks for underserved students, thanks to generous donations from Grieco Ford and local community members.

National Success

Melissa Keefe: Supporting Cats with Compassion and Care

By Pam Johnson

Senior Staff Writer

Melissa Keefe’s volunteer work at Branford Compassion Club (BCC) has a title — volunteer coordinator — but that can’t possibly describe the compassion and care Melissa provides as she supports BCC’s mission to shelter rescued cats and kittens and find their forever homes.

Serving the shoreline and beyond, BCC is an independent non-profit organization totally supported by private donations and the dedication of volunteers. Melissa’s role is to manage more than 100 volunteers who help BCC to feed, clean, and provide required medication to cats at its feline rescue and adoption center. BCC volunteers also help maintain feral colonies, foster special needs cases, and contribute their time and talents to event organization and management.

Founded in Branford in 1997 by six dedicated women, BCC grew to open its present-day center in North Branford in 2011.

Person of the Week

Since BCC began keeping official records in 2008, more than 3,300 rescued cats and kittens have been adopted into loving homes.

At the center, Melissa’s job is a big one, as Margaret “Peg” Johnson knows. Johnson has volunteered with BCC since 2006, serving in roles including volunteer coordinator, fundraising coordinator, and past BCC board president, to name a few.

“Melissa has been a dedicated, hardworking volunteer,” says Peg. “She wears many hats in the organization, including volunteer coordinator, one of the most important jobs at the shelter. As volunteer coordinator, Melissa recruits, interviews, and trains all new volunteers, and organizes the weekly morning and evening schedule of over 100 shift workers

to ensure that the more than 50 cats at the shelter are fed and watered and have clean condo cages.”

Melissa also has a special skill for socializing shy, fearful cats to help them gain the trust they need to be adopted, says Peg.

“While all of that could be the work of multiple people, Melissa also pitches in with fundraising, both in ideas and helping with events. Come holiday time, she somehow finds the time to use her top-notch baking skills for her delicious holiday cookie sale side hobby,” Peg adds.

Melissa’s cookies don’t just taste great, they’re a treat to see. For the BCC’s recent Kitten Shower fundraiser, Melissa baked and decorated dozens of cat-shaped cookies to share with guests.

A true cat lover, before joining BCC, Melissa had experience as a foster volunteer with another animal agency and as a mom to cats of her own. About four years ago,

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Published by Shore Publishing, LLC ©2025 All Rights Reserved ISSN www.zip06.com • 203-245-1877

Diamond, Fernandez Recognized as SCC Women of Excellence

and as a member of the North Branford Town Council since 2015.

Congratulations to Marie Diamond and Ashley Fernandez on receiving the Women of Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce (SCC) at the chamber’s annual ceremony at Woodwinds in Branford.

Diamond received the Chamber’s Educational Leadership Award, celebrating her lifelong dedication as an educator and lengthy and distinguished career in the North Haven School system. She is also a dedicated local volunteer in North Branford, having served on the Board of Education, the Parks & Recreation Commission,

UMCServicesandMinistries

Ashley Fernandez was recognized with the Chamber’s Philanthropic Leadership Award for her passionate advocacy for Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) following her daughter’s diagnosis in 2013. She has served in multiple roles with the CdLS Foundation, currently as Family Service Coordinator. She has also worked to promote literacy as well as supporting the nonprofit work of SNORT Rescue (Short Noses Only Rescue Team) fostering dogs to safe loving homes.

Congratulations to these two amazing North Branford residents who have truly made a difference for our community.

The United Methodist Church, 811 East Main Street, Branford, celebrates worship services every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The church also has its Prayer Shawl Ministry at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, when those who can knit or crochet can use their talents by creating shawls as a way to reach out to people in need of comforting. Still another ministry is Sewing for God, a venue for quilters to gather and create quilts to be distributed to those in need. All materials are provided. The group meets at 1 p.m. every Monday. The church also has Bible study small group every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m. For more information or schedule updates on these and other ministries, contact the church at 203-488-0549 or umcbranford1966@gmail.com, or visit umcbranford.org.

BRANFORD TOWN MEETINGS

NORTH BRANFORD TOWN MEETINGS

Thursday,Aug.21

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-315-0678 or visit the Branford town website at www.branford-ct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 5:30 p.m.

Thursday,Aug.21

Monday,Aug.25

Public Building Commission Board of Finance

Thursday,Aug.28 Community Forest Commission

7:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

Board of Fire Commissioners Inland Wetlands Commission

Monday,Aug.25

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-484-6015 or visit the North Branford town website at www.northbranfordct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 6:30 p.m. : 6:30 p.m. : 6 p.m.

Tuesday,Aug.26

Wednesday,Aug.27

Aug.28

6 p.m. : 6:30 p.m.

Branford Lab, Owners to pay

$1.2M

in False Claims Settlement

Continued from page 1

residing in sober homes solely for the purposes of ‘residential monitoring,’ which was explicitly prohibited. Second, they submitted claims for medically unnecessary, duplicative urine drug testing.”

According to government allegations, no practitioner reviewed the results of screening (presumptive) tests first to determine if it was medically necessary to also utilize the more expensive and precise definitive test. As a result, government healthcare programs were being billed for both presumptive and definitive tests each time a Connecticut Medicaid or Medicare patient was tested.

“For two years, Genco repeatedly billed Connecticut Medicaid for these medically unnecessary urine tests,” Attorney General Tong said in the press release. “My office stands ready, with our federal and state partners, to take strong action against anyone who misuses our state’s

BereavementSupportGroup

Medicaid program to the detriment of both taxpayers and patients.”

Additionally, Genco and its owners and officers have also entered into a Compliance Agreement with the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The agreement requires Genco to adopt and implement a new compliance program and return any overpayments found by an independent auditor. A series of audits will take place over the next 18 months.

Anyone with knowledge of suspected fraud or abuse in the public healthcare system is asked to contact the Attorney General’s Government Fraud Section at 860- 808-5040 or email ag.fraud@ct.gov; the Connecticut Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 860-258-5986 or email conndcj@ct.gov; or the Connecticut Department of Social Services fraud reporting hotline at 1-800-842-2155, online at ct.gov/dss/reportingfraud, or by email to providerfraud.dss@ct.gov.

The Women & Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street, Guilford, is hosting an eight-session bereavement support group from noon to 1:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 8. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact 203-458-6699 or programs@womenandfamilylife.org.

WorshipServicesattheNorthBranfordCongregationalChurch

North Branford Congregational Church, UCC, 1680 Foxon Road, offers worship services every Sunday at 10 a.m. The public is also invited to share communion on the first Sunday of each month. Nursery care is available. For more information, contact the church at 203-488-8456 or nobdcong@sbcglobal.net, or visit northbranfordcongregational.org.

Contacting The Sound

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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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Affordable Family Dining Where the Food is Good & The Price is Right!

Private banquet room available for all occasions.

Early Voting and More Details for Branford 2025 Municipal Election

By Pam Johnson

Sound

Ahead of Branford’s Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election, Branford Registrars of Voters Darren Lawler and Jeff Rowan are alerting electors to several important details, including giving notice of the Town’s Early Voting location, dates, and times.

Branford’s in-person early voting be available at a single polling place, the Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, in the multipurpose room. Early voting days and hours are as follows: Monday, Oct. 20 through Monday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents who are not registered, but want to vote during the early voting period, may register in person any day during Early Voting at the voting location in the Community House.

As previously reported, on Election Day, Nov. 4, Branford’s District 4 polling site will be moved from Branford Fire Headquarters to the Joe Trapasso Community House in the multipurpose room. All future District 4 elections will be back at the Fire Department Headquarters.

On Election Day, Nov. 4, all polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Branford polling

VolunteersNeeded

locations are: District 1 – Joe Trapasso Community House gymnasium, 46 Church Street; District 2 – St. Therese Church Hall, 105 Leetes Island Road; District 3 – The Orchard House, 421 Shore Drive; District 4 – Joe Trapasso Community House, multipurpose room, 46 Church Street; District 5 - Indian Neck School, 12 Melrose Avenue; District 6, Mary T. Murphy School gymnasium, 14 Brushy Plain Road; District 7 – Walsh Intermediate School gymnasium, 185 Damascus Road.

Residents who are not registered, but want to vote on Election Day, may register in person on Election Day at their Election Day Registration site.

Additional important voter registration information shared by the registrars ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election specifies Friday, Oct. 17 is the deadline for post-mark of voter registration by mail; the deadline for voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles (by close of business); the dealind for online voter registraion (by 11:59 p.m.); and the deadline for voter registration in-person (by 8 p.m.). For more information, visit the Registrar of Voters page at branford-ct.gov

The registrars also share the following state channels: to receive important election updates, text VOTE to 860-321-4221. To find your Early Voting location, and for all you need to know about elections in Connecticut, visit MyVote.CT.gov or call 860-509-6200.

The nonprofit Connecticut Hospice is seeking new volunteers to help serve patients during homecare visits in various locations and at its inpatient hospice facility in Branford, 100 Double Beach Road. Volunteering is an opportunity to serve others in the community. Volunteers are needed to provide bereavement calls, companionship, certified pet therapy, and massage therapy. Clerical roles are also available at the Branford location. For more information, contact Joan Cullen at 203-315-7510 or jcullen@hospice.com.

StrategiesforManagingLifeTransitions

Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair Street, Guilford, announces it will hold an eight-session support group called “Strategies for Managing Life Transitions” on Mondays beginning Sept. 8. The sessions are facilitated by Margo Merin, a certified practitioner in meditation and mindfulness, as well as grief and bereavement counseling. Services at the W&FLC are available at no charge to residents of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. For more information or to register (required), contact 203-458-6699 or programs@womenandfamilylife.org.

HELP US CARE FOR ANIMALS NOW — AND FOREVER

Branford Community Foundation & Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter to care for animals for generations to come.

We’ve partnered to create the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Medical and Wellness Endowment Fund—ensuring lifelong medical care, surgeries, and wellness support for every animal at the Shelter. Do you want to leave behind a Legacy, when its time to create your will or your estate planning, think of The Dan Cosgrove Animal Fund.

$2 MILLION

For questions about donating or the endowment fund, contact Liza Petra at 203-444 4898 or at lpetra@branfordcommunityfoundation.org

Volunteer

Would you like to be outdoors, get a good workout, meet like-minded people, and help the environment and community at the same time? If so, then Branford Land Trust (BLT) welcomes you as a volunteer. From spring through fall, the Native Plant Protection Corps works to suppress non-native, invasive plant populations on BLT and town preserves. On the third Saturday morning of each month, year-round, work parties keep trails clear, pick up trash, remove invasives, and improve drainage and water crossings. Also, every Monday and Wednesday, year-round, the trails crew clears downed trees, prepares fields for mowing, performs larger-scale invasive control, builds and repairs bridges, and works to keep trails safe and passable. Volunteers work as their schedules allow, and all are welcome. For more information, contact 203-483-LAND (5263) or info@branfordlandtrust.com.

ShorelineArtsAlliancetoHoldIMAGES2025

Shoreline Arts Alliance will hold its 45th annual exhibition, IMAGES 2025, through Sunday, Aug. 24. A jury-curated photography exhibition, IMAGES 2025 takes place at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. For more information, visit shorelinearts.org.

RestartDivorceSupportGroup

Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) is hosting its Restart Divorce Support Group, a divorce support group facilitated by relationship and divorce coach Thea Bourke. The group will meet 6 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 16 through Oct. 21 (no meet on Sept. 23) at W&FLC, 96 Fair Street, Guilford. W&FLC services are free to residents of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. To access services at W&FLC, participants must complete an intake process with a referral navigator. For more information or to register, call 203-4586699 or visit womenandfamilylife.org.

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

The Auditor’s Report of the Town of Branford, Connecticut for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 has been received in the office of the Town Clerk and is open for public inspection (per CGS 7-394.)

Dated this 13th day of August 2025

Lisa E. Arpin, MMC MCTC Branford Town Clerk

WPCA LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

WPCA SEWER UTILITY USE FEE NOTICE DUE DATE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Branford, resident and non-resident, that the WPCA SEWER UTILITY USE FEE BILLS will become due on September 1, 2025.

Bills become delinquent after September30, 2025 and shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.50 percent per month and SHALL incur a lien fee. THERE IS A MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE OF $2.00 ON ANY DELINQUENT SEWER USE FEE.

Please mail or bring a copy of your sewer utility invoices when making payments. Sewer Utility payments should be made payable to “WPCA Town of Branford” and may be mailed to: WPCA, Town of Branford DEPT. 000303

P O BOX 1380 HARTFORD, CT 06104-1380

Payments may also be made in person between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at the Tax Office in the Town Hall located at 1019 Main Street Branford Ct.

Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax and respective penalties should the account become delinquent.

Unpaid taxes will be considered delinquent as of October 1, 2025. On that date, interest will be charged from the original due date of September 1, 2025. Interest is charged at a rate of 18 percent per year (1.5% percent per month) in accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. Sec.12-146.

Robert M Imperato Tax Collector Town of Branford

Van Wilgen’s Supporting Local Teachers With August Classroom Supply Drive

Press Release from Van Wilgen's Garden Center

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center is launching a school supply drive to support local teachers and students as they prepare for the new school year. The drive aims to help educators, who spent an average of $895 of their own money on classroom essentials in 2024, by encouraging the community to donate much-needed supplies.

Throughout August, anyone who brings new and unopened classroom supplies to its garden centers in North Branford or Clinton will receive a same-day voucher for 20% off any houseplants and pottery. Supplies will be donated to the Branford, North Branford, and Clinton school districts.

“We know how much teachers pour into their classrooms, often spending their own money to make sure their students are equipped with the tools they need,” said Ryan Van Wilgen. “It’s an incredible commitment, and we want to help ease that burden. This school supply drive is our way of giving back and making sure these dedicated educators feel supported.”

Through Sunday, Aug. 31, customers

are encouraged to bring unopened classroom essentials to either Van Wilgen’s North Branford or Clinton Garden Center. Participants will be handed a same-day voucher for 20% off any houseplants and pottery. Suggested supplies (new and unopened only): packaged pencils and pens, dry-erase markers, composition notebooks and folders, tissues, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, erasers, glue sticks, highlighters, Post-It Notes, small sketch books, and stickers.

“We know firsthand the rewarding nature of planting a seed and watching it grow,” said Van Wilgen. “Our teachers do the same thing every single day. This supply drive is our way to honor that dedication and help them cultivate a bright future for our students.”

Items collected at Van Wilgen’s North Branford location, 51 Valley Road, will be distributed to the Branford and North Branford school districts. Items collected at the Clinton Location, 58 West Main Street, will benefit the Clinton school district. For additional details and store hours, visit vanwilgens.com or call 203-488-2110.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Pasquale F. Iamele, AKA Pasquale Iamele

(25-00262)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated August 5, 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.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Michael Iamele

c/o ANTHONY E MONELLI, CRETELLA FAPPIANO & MONELLI PC, 935 WHITE PLAINS ROAD, STE 213, TRUMBULL, CT 06611

LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS THE PINE ORCHARD ASSOCIATION

PINE ORCHARD, CONNECTICUT

The Pine Orchard Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public meeting on Monday August 25th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pine Orchard Association Municipal Building, 180 Pine Orchard Road, Branford, Connecticut, relative to:

A hearing concerning the application of Julia O-Dowd, appealing a denial of an Application of Zoning Ordinance Conformity, and requesting variances of the west side yard setback – a requirement in Section 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. In addition, a requested variance to the overall buildable area from a non-conforming 32% to 33% which is in violation of Section 10 of the Ordinance. Said expansions are to accommodate construction of an elevator improvement located at 17 Island View.

James Killelea, President POA Zoning Board of Appeals

Melissa Keefe: Supporting Cats with Compassion and Care

Continued from page 2

the Wallingford resident was looking for a new hands-on volunteer role.

“My son was going off to college, and my daughter and I were looking for something to do together. We live near Northford, and BCC is a great rescue that was also close to home, so we applied to volunteer there,” says Melissa.

Melissa started as a shift volunteer, but within a year, she worked her way up to serving as a shift lead for a couple of volunteer work shifts. Her dedication and abilities soon led to an invitation to follow in Peg Johnson’s footsteps as the next Volunteer Coordinator.

Thanks to the well-known mission of BCC, finding volunteers is not Melissa’s main concern.

“We have volunteers from all over — Guilford, New Haven, East Haven, Hamden, Branford, North Branford... I’m constantly getting an influx of applications,” she says.

Having a full complement of volunteers is essential to running things smoothly, allowing Melissa to schedule several people at a time to come in and cover morning and afternoon shifts each day.

“We currently have 105 volunteers, and it’s extremely useful having that many. Right now, we have 50 cats at the shelter, and we have capacity for 55. We’re in the process of intaking a few more right now. We’re typically always at capacity,” says Melissa.

Away from the shelter, foster care volunteers assist by caring for kittens and expecting mother cats in their homes.

“Technically, we’re in kitten season right now,” says Melissa. “We have between 40 and 50 kittens in foster care.”

Adoptions are made by appointment arranged through the center. All of the coordination and hard work is well worth the effort, because so many BCC cats and kittens have found loving forever homes.

“Our adoption team is wonderful. They do a great job of matching cats with appro-

MotorVehicleAppealsHearing

priate families,” says Melissa, who has adopted two BCC cats herself.

One of her adoptees was a cat who needed care for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). After living in the shelter for about a year without adoption, Melissa took him into her home, where he lived happily with her three other cats until his recent passing.

“He lived with us for about 20 months. A lot of people aren’t aware that FIV-positive cats can live in a home with other cats, because there is such a small amount of risk that goes along with that,” says Melissa.

Her other BCC adoptee, Denji, joined her family at five months old about three years ago.

While it’s not required, being a “cat person” can be helpful for those interested in volunteering at a feline shelter, Melissa notes.

“You should have some basic knowledge of cat care and be comfortable around them,” she says.

BCC’s volunteer training ranges from feline feeding and care to helping to socialize shy or frightened cats so that they will become adoption-ready.

Melissa’s grateful to be able to help support the mission of BCC as a volunteer and as part of the BCC family.

“I love that it’s really like a family. All of the volunteers get along with each other extremely well, and everyone is very helpful,” she says. “It’s a cohesive group of people that are really invested in the lives of these cats. Our cats get a lot of love and attention. It’s a great environment for people who are looking to help out in animal rescue.”

For those who may not be able to put in volunteer hours, support for the shelter as monetary contributions or donated items is always appreciated. BCC shares links to donate, volunteer, adopt, or learn more at its website, branfordcompassionclub.org. BCC also reaches out for assistance and support on Facebook @BranfordCompassionClubCT.

In accordance with Connecticut General Statute §12-110, the North Branford Board of Assessment Appeals will convene to deliberate motor vehicle appeals only for the 2024 Grand List. Applications are available online or in the Assessor’s Office. The deadline for submission of applications to the Assessor’s Office is Monday, Sept. 1. The hearing takes place on Monday, Sept. 8,  and Tuesday, Sept. 9,  at 7 p.m. at the North Branford Assessor’s Office, 909 Foxon Road. For more information, call 203484-6013.

Legal Notice Branford Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 beginning at 5:00pm for MOTOR VEHICLES APPEALS ONLY. Owner of the vehicle or agent must appear in person with the vehicle. Applications are available at the Branford Assessor’s Office, 1019 Main Street, Branford, CT on August 1, 2025 or online at www.branford-ct.gov and must be filled out and returned by Friday, September 5, 2025, 4:30 pm. Hearings times will be provided on a First Come First Serve basis starting by 5:15pm at the Branford Assessor’s Office. This session will affect any vehicle on the 2024 GRAND LIST.

For further information please call the Branford Assessor’s Office at (203) 488-2039 between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

Branford Public Schools

August 11, 2025

Notice of Destruction of Records

In accordance with Section 7-109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Branford Public Schools will destroy special education records which have been inactive for a period of at least six years, based on the actual or projected graduation date. Special education records include, but are not limited to:

• All special education-related documents

• Confidential data related to exceptional students

• Diagnostic medical information

• Psychological data

• Social worker case reports

• Speech/language/hearing evaluation data

Individuals wishing to review or obtain any portion or all of their special education records must contact the Student Services Department in writing or in person at:

Branford Board of Education Student Services Department 185 Damascus Road, Branford, CT 06405

Deadline: September 18, 2025

On September 19, 2025, all inactive special education records meeting the above criteria will be destroyed. No information from any destroyed records will be maintained.

For additional information, please call the Office of Student Services at 203-488-5000 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Charles J. Cicarella

Chief of Student Support Services

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Branford, Connecticut hereby gives notice of Public Hearings to be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM by remote technology to consider the applications listed below. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the Commission’s meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

1. Application #25-6.6 Special Exception for a Summer Camp located at 103 Cherry Hill Road. John & Yvette Chambers-Applicants & Owners

2. Application #25-7.1 Zoning Regulation Amendment to Sections 2.2,4.8.L and 7.20.B to add Cannabis Establishment- Micro Cultivator. Cristopher Rousseau, Esquire-Applicant.

3. Application #25-7.2 Special Exception for an Animal shelter for Cats located at 53 East Industrial Road (Unit 1) . A Chance for Love Rescue Inc. c/o Adriana Pepe-Applicant. Padula LLC- Owner

4. Application #25-7.3 Zoning Map Amendment – Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) at 230 East Main Street. Shretsha Management LLC- Applicant & Owner.

5. Application #25-7.4 Special Exception to Construct 6 Residential Units located at 230 East Main Street. Shretsha Management LLC-Applicant & Owner.

At said hearings all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies are on file in the Planning & Zoning Commissions office at the Planning & Zoning Department (1019 Main Street) Branford, CT 06405. Written communications may be sent to the above address or to: PlanningandZoning@ branford-ct.gov.

BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION C. ANDRES, CHAIRPERSON

Media Release for Connecticut School Nutrition Programs

The Branford Public Schools announced today its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reduced-price meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), or free milk served under the Special Milk Program (SMP).

The Branford Public Schools announced today its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reduced-price meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), or free milk served under the Special Milk Program (SMP).

Local school officials have adopted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for family size and income criteria for determining eligibility. The following income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, for determining participant’s eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).

Local school officials have adopted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for family size and income criteria for determining eligibility. The following income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, for determining participant’s eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).

Income Guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs: July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026

Income Guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs: July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 Free Meals

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State Department of Education • July 2025

The income calculations above are based on the following formulas:

• monthly income is calculated by dividing the annual income by 12;

• twice monthly income is computed by dividing annual income by 24;

• income received every two weeks is calculated by dividing annual income by 26; and

• weekly income is computed by dividing annual income by 52.

All numbers are rounded upward to the next whole dollar.

Students residing in households with income at or below the levels shown in the chart above are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals or free milk through SMP Applications are available in Parent Square. To apply for free or reduced-price school meals or free milk through SMP, households should fill out the application and return it to the Branford Board of Education, 185 Damascus Road, Branford, CT 06405. Additional copies are available at the Branford Board of Education or at the individual school. Only one application is required per household and an application for free or reduced-price school meals cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.

The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purposes of determining eligibility and for administration and enforcement of the lunch, breakfast, and milk programs through SMP. Additionally, all school-aged students in incomeeligible households can receive school meal benefits regardless of a student’s immigration status and the district/school does not release information for immigration-related purposes in the usual course of operating the CNPs. Note that the district may share your eligibility information with education, health, social service, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules. This information may also be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

No application is required if the district directly certifies a student based on a household member receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program. All students in these households are eligible for free school meals or free milk through SMP. The school district will notify households receiving assistance under the SNAP/TFA programs of their eligibility and all enrolled students residing in the household will be offered free school meals or free milk through SMP unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses to decline benefits. If any students were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free meal or milk benefits extended to those students. Households receiving SNAP or TFA benefits for their children should only submit an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 30, 2025

Some students may be directly certified for free or reduced-price meals or milk through SMP based on HUSKY A (Medicaid). No application is required if the district directly certifies a student based on participation in HUSKY A (Medicaid). Students in these households are likely eligible for free or reduced-priced meal or milk benefits and will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be offered free or reduced-price school meals or milk through the SMP, unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses to decline benefits. If any students were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free or reduced-price school meals or milk benefits extended to those students.

If a student is not directly certified, the household should complete and submit a free and reduced-price meal application form. The application for households receiving SNAP or TFA benefits require the SNAP or TFA client ID number and the households may be asked to provide proof of the SNAP or TFA client ID number. The signature of an adult household member is also required.

Students in households participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Please complete and submit a free and reduced-price meal application or contact the determining official for more information. For a tutorial on how to complete the application, visit How to fill out the Application for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk and Summer EBT.

When known to the district/school, households will be notified of any student’s eligibility for free school meals if the individual student is “Other Source Categorically Eligible” because the student is categorized as either: homeless; runaway as defined by law and determined by the district’s or school’s homeless liaison; or enrolled in an eligible Head Start or pre-kindergarten class as defined by law. Households with students who are categorically eligible under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs should complete and submit a free and reduced-price meal application and check-off the relevant box. Questions should be directed to the determining official. For any student not listed on the eligibility notice, the households should contact the school or determining official about any student also eligible under one of these programs or should submit an income application for the other students.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the determining official or school if it chooses to decline the free school meal benefits. If households/students are not notified by the district/school of their free meal benefits and they receive benefits under qualifying public assistance programs or under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs, the parent/guardian should contact the determining official for their school.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are categorically eligible for free school meals. A foster parent does not have to complete a free/reduced-price school meal application if they can submit a copy of the legal document or legal court order showing that the student is a foster child. Additionally, a foster child may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-price school meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free school meals. A foster child’s eligibility for free school meals does not automatically extend to all students in the household.

Free and reduced-price school meals application forms for all other households require a statement of total household income, household size, and names of all household members. The last four digits of the social security number of an adult household member must be included or a statement that the household member does not have one. The adult household member must also sign the application certifying that the information provided is correct.

Under the provisions of the policy for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals, the determining official will review applications and determine students’ eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals. If a parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, they may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. If they wish to make a formal appeal, a request either orally or in writing, may be made to Christopher J. Tranberg Ph.D., Superintendent, Branford Public Schools, 185 Damascus Road, Branford, CT 06405 or by calling 203-315-7809 for a hearing to appeal the decision.

The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure. Each school and the central office of the school district has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by an interested party.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes at any time, the household should contact the school to file a new free and reduced-price school meals application. Such changes may make the students of the household eligible for reduced-price school meals, free school meals, or free milk, if the household income falls at or below the levels shown in the Income Eligibility Guidelines.

Questions regarding the free and reduced-price school meals application process may be directed to the determining official at 203-315-7806. A video tutorial on how to complete a free and reduced-price school meals application can be viewed at How to fill out the Application for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk and Summer EBT.

Sports

CT Ballers Win Bronze Medal At National Tournament

By Jennifer McCulloch

Special to The Sound

For many years, the Over-60 Basketball Group has met to play basketball at the Surf Club in Madison, drawing players in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Bob Ceccolini joined the group three years ago.

Early in 2024, Ceccolini began a conversation with Lee Negip about putting a 7075 team together to play in the Connecticut Senior Games, which are held in Middletown each May. The pair put together the CT Ballers and not only played in the state tournament, but qualified for Nationals where they earned a bronze medal.

“I began playing three years ago and have formed many lifelong friendships from this group,” said Ceccolini. “We have a strong group of players in their early 70s and thought we would have a strong chance of success and might even qualify for the National games, which are played every other year in various cities around the country.•We were very proud to be a bunch of local guys who just followed our hearts and tried to compete at a national level.”

The CT Ballers included seven men from Madison, Guilford, Old Saybrook, Cheshire, and Branford. The team won Connecticut’s state tournament, as well as Rhode Island’s to actually qualify for the National Games in Des Moines, Iowa, twice over.

“With none of us having experience at that level, we were unsure of how well we might compete but confident we wouldn’t be embarrassed,” said Ceccolini. “Our goal was to represent our state and our fellow players back in Madison and play hard, have fun, and kind of feel like kids again as we played real games against quality competition.”

In Iowa, the CT Ballers started competition with four straight wins. The Ballers took two wins on July 29, topping Rhode Kill 66-34 and Buckmasters 61-44. The next day, they beat Land of Waterfalls 5452 and Legends 70-38.

Those wins put the Ballers in the top division of the playoffs. In the Round of Eight, they topped Capo Classics 51-47. In the final four, the Wazee Nickles took a 4229 victory over the Ballers to send them to a game to compete for third place.

On Aug. 1, the Ballers had a rematch against the Land of Waterfalls — a team that won the championship two years

ago — for the bronze medal. The Ballers took a 53-52 overtime victory to bring bronze medals back to Connecticut.

“The team’s strength came in the form of what each of us could do. Lee Negip probably had 30 three-pointers in the seven games. I was also a scorer but usually guarded their best ball handler. We had three pretty big guys with Mark Nemeth at 6-3, Brian Fischer at 6-4, and Don Younquist at 6-5 doing battle underneath the boards, and•Jim Coyne was our super sub, coming in to play tough

defense and give us a few minutes off during those busy days of games. Jimmy ‘The Bull’ Maher is a beast on defense but couldn’t accompany the team to Iowa due to illness.”

The Ballers were thankful for the community support they received, getting sponsorships from S&B Cafe of Madison and Bucky Carr Comedy of Branford. In addition, members of their hometown league cheered them on throughout.

“We had the emotional support of about 30 ball players from Madison who lit up

our phones as soon as each result was posted in Iowa,” said Ceccolini.“It was an amazing experience, and we all agreed it would be one and done for us. The top teams all grab players from other states and teams, as, once you qualify on a team to play, you can jump to other teams that make the tournament. It’s kind of like the current situation in college basketball where players can move from team to team depending on who they’d like to play for. We truly had the time of our lives.”

Father-Son Duo Clashes in Week 16 of Deep River Horseshoe League

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

For the second week in a row, the weather was on the players’ side, as teams prepare for the playoffs in the Deep River Horseshoe League. With sunsets now coming before 8 p.m., several teams will likely finish in the dark.

Following the completion of Week 15, a look at the current standings, and the remaining schedule, it is a good bet that the current top eight teams will be in the playoffs. Six of the top eight teams played each other last week, and the results provided a better picture of where the teams will be seeded. Here is a quick look at the top eight teams’ results from Week 16: The Cards won 4-2 over the Marlins, the Braves scored 324 points in a sweep of the Giants, the Yankees recovered from a slow start for a 4-2 win over the Cubs, the Pirates stifled the Rangers 5-1, and the Red Sox rebounded late for a 4-2 win over the Mets.

John Hutra’s Marlins are in eighth place, as they faced Kris Toohey’s first place Cards. Hutra’s goal was to keep his score within 20 points of Toohey’s score. However, going up against the league’s top scorer and knowing Toohey’s reputation for outscoring opponents in the first game must have intimated Hutra in game one. Hutra’s score was his season low, and Toohey outscored the Marlins. This marked the 10th time this season Toohey has outscored his opposition in a game. After getting over the first game jitters, Hutra did his best to match Toohey’s scoring in game two. His back-to-back doubles tied the game going into the last box, but Toohey’s double gave the Cards a one-point win. Marlins’ Dennis Allen and Mike Beckwith overcame the 13-point handicap in game three. In game four, Hutra again did his best to keep up with Toohey, but it was Cards’ Tanner Steeves’ 28 points that gave the Cards the win. Hutra edged Toohey in game five 36-35, and it was Allen’s 32 points that led the Marlins to a doubledigit win. The Cards used the handicap to win game six. Toohey’s 147-point series was the second leading “A” score, and Steeves’ 80-point series was his season’s best. Allen’s 120-point series tied for the top “B” score, and the Marlins outscored the Cards 300–297. Putting game one aside, Hutra stayed within 20 points of Toohey during their last three games. Toohey tallied 118 points, and Hutra had 103 points.

Cody Layton’s Cubs, now in sixth place, were as high as fourth in the standings in Week 13 and were looking to stop their slide in Week 16’s match against Todd Nuhn’s Yankees. The Cubs won the first two games. Paul Chrystal’s 27 points in

and secured the Yankees’ fourth win. Stevens had a 95-point series for the third week in a row and was the top “C” scorer. Chrystal’s 90-point series was the third highest for “C” division. The Yankees outscored the Cubs 267-263, and the Cubs slipped to seventh in the standings.

The match between Skip Robinson’s Pirates and Joe Heery’s Rangers featured the league’s third Father vs. Son match of the season (Pirates’ Bob Beckwith vs. Rangers’ Hunter Beckwith). Mom, who was watching, was secretly rooting for her son. Additionally, Pirates’ Anthony Conkling was celebrating his birthday. The Pirates began celebrating in game one, as Robinson and Conkling scored 62 points and had no open boxes for a double-digit win. This set the tone for the rest of the

up seven points shy in his last game. His 93-point series was the second leading “C” division score.

The match between Frank Rausch’s Braves and Giants’ Mike Zanelli Sr. featured two of the league’s top three scorers – No. 2 Rausch vs. No. 3 Zanelli Sr. Although the Braves managed to win game one, Rausch and Zanelli Sr. each had scores well below their average. The Braves went on to win the next five games, and with the sweep, they cut the Cards’ first place lead to four games. The Braves’ “scoring duo” of Rausch and Peter Furmonavicius teamed up for a combined score of 266 points, while the Giants only scored a team season low of 210 points. The Braves finished the night scoring 324 points, 80 ringers, and 15 doubles.

Rausch’s 151-point series was the leading score for the night, and Furmonavicius’ 115-point series was the third leading “B” division score. Zanelli Sr. commented after the match that his score was his worst since he was a “B” player – but failed to say the year.

Bill Beckwith’s Red Sox were in seventh place entering their Week 16 match against Mark Goodale’s Mets. Although their chances were slim, the Mets were still hoping for big wins in the next two weeks to make the playoffs. Beckwith said before the match that “the team is championship bound.” Goodale and Beckwith’s head-to-head match was just another example of the many they have had over the years. Goodale won 3-1 and outscored Beckwith 129-119. They each had three games in the 30 points or more range and one 28-point game. What the Mets did not foresee was Red Sox’s Gerry Hines, who had a seasons best series of 89 points, 21 ringers, and five doubles that were key to two of the Red Sox’s four wins. The Red Sox moved up to sixth in the standings. Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers came into their match 1-1/2 games out of a playoff spot. Dodgers’ Jeremy Davis would have two substitutes joining him - Emily Taylor for Ed Turner, and Matt Mule for Andy Turshen. Although the handicap favored the Dodgers in every game, the Tigers would have to overcome double-digit handicaps in four of the six games to maintain their playoff chances. The Dodgers used the handicap to win three of the first five games. Tigers’ Harvey Strausser’s season best series of 120 points, 33 ringers, and six doubles was key to two wins for the Tigers, and he tied for the “B” division’s top scorer. Despite the 4-2 loss, the Tigers remain 1-1/2 games out of eighth place. In other games, the Rockies defeated the Orioles 4-2, ending their streak of winning on even-numbered games. The Angels suffered a 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks, their fourth week in a row of losing five games. Diamondbacks’ Mike Zanelli Jr.’s 136point series was the third highest “A” score. Reds’ Chip Goodrich’s 119-point series, his best since week two, led his team to a 4-2 win over the White Sox.

Here are the current standings:

For more information regarding the Deep River Horseshoe League, visit www.deepriverhorseshoes.com/contacts.

What to Know When Stormy Weather Hits

Fishers have entered tournament time. We also have entered the stormy season, when notable storms can greatly affect fishing in Long Island Sound. As we all know, changes in barometric pressure influence fish behavior. As a storm approaches and the pressure drops, fish often react to those changes - very often leading to increased activity and aggressive feeding in many species.

Some species, especially those in shallower areas, may seek shelter or move to deeper waters as waves and currents intensify. The churning effect of a storm in a cauldron, like the Sound, can increase dissolved oxygen in the water, potentially stimulating fish activity. Additionally, water quality and clarity are affected by storms that can stir up sediment, causing reduced clarity. While this might deter sight-feeding fish, it can also chum up food sources, attracting other species that rely on smell, vibrations, and/or other senses. These are some of the more prominent, immediate, or short-term effects from stormy conditions that can very well affect the bite.

However, long term effects on the habitat and ecosystem include alterations of underwater structures and habitats impacting where fish live and feed. Those may encompass tidal wetlands, critical fish nurseries, and erosion, protecting solutions that can be damaged or lost. Water quality degradation due to heavy rainfall is also a serious consideration due to increased runoff that could carry pollutants and nutrients into the Sound. Those, too, can adversely affect water quality and dissolved oxygen levels.

Furthermore, storm surges can introduce saline water into typically freshwater areas, or heavy rain can lower salinity in coastal waters. That would affect fish that are intolerant to such changes. Add fluctuating temperatures, and fish activity and distribution can be adversely affected as well. If that were not enough, storms can introduce or redistribute invasive species, further altering the delicate balance of the Sound’s ecosystem.

Once a storm passes and conditions stabilize, fish become more active, feeding on the

Fishing report CAPTAIN

churned-up food sources and potentially being more accessible to anglers. It should be noted that rough waters and strong currents following a storm can pose safety risks, especially for small boaters venturing in the Sound. During hurricane season, major storms can significantly impact Long Island Sound’s fishing, as many species (like summer flounder, black sea bass, scup, weakfish, bluefish, striped bass, etc.) transition into deeper water during their migration. Therefore, notable storms can have a mixed and sometimes unpredictable impact on fishing in our Sound. While immediate benefits, like increased feeding activity, might be experienced, long-term ecosystem and habitat changes are also a concern, since they can disrupt the normal fishing grounds. These are some thoughts to think about when contemplating plans for a fishing tournament during a potentially stormy weather outlook. Above all, stay safe.

On The Water

High pressure remained centered just offshore in the Western Atlantic before it slowly began weakening. A frontal system then approached, along with an associated cold front as high pressure returned. Another warming trend developed, raising air temperatures into the high 80s and low 90s before moderating into the 80s. Sunset to sunrise generally remained in the 60s, occasionally breaking into the low 70s. Mixed sun and clouds, along with associated thunderstorms and rain, persisted during the week. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound maintained nearshore water temperatures in the low to mid-70s, experienced variable 5 to 10-knot winds, and seas around one foot. Eyes will be on Tropical Storm Erin as it churns in the Atlantic - primarily with respect to high surf and rip currents that could impact the coast.

More and more anglers are experiencing jarring hookups, strong, determined runs, and sudden break-offs. Since we have

been made aware of various migrating fish species moving further north - some of which brutally test reel drags and a fisher’s stamina in the process - it may be hard to pinpoint the exact fish species if not actually landed. Such is the case with a large stingray, shark, sturgeon, striped bass, or even a tarpon. Yes, the Sound is seeing some unusual fish that can cause such a run. Even smaller fish, like a spot croaker, that are becoming more noticeable but considered less formidable, are not readily identified by some anglers. Shark vs. striped bass encounters are up, so check the water before lipping your catch.

The transition of new fish moving in and/or through the Sound is adding another dimension to one’s fishing. Recently, fishers have been credited with catching more slot fish, several shorts, and a lion’s share of catch and release over-the-slot fish. Catches have been better out on the reefs and in the rips due to cooler, more oxygenated water. Trolling umbrella shad-body parachute rigs, drifting live eels and jerking bucktails, along with tandem parachute mojos in deep water have beaten the heat. Of course, diamond jigs are always a go-to! Some fishers are asking where the bluefish are. Others are making catches of average sized fishsome in the low double-digits. Of course in a tournament, what matters is the heaviest legal fish caught - regardless of weight. Fishing boundaries are a big consideration, and all contestants need to be aware of them or run the risk of disqualification, as has been the case in the recent past. It is also important that established boundaries be clear. In one popular upcoming tournament, a boundary point is stated as “near.” No other competitive sport uses ‘near’ in its rules - as in near in/out of bounds. That only invites challenges! There is no doubt there will be some big choppers caught, but will they be caught prior, during, or after the tournament takes place? It should be an exciting time of year.

It has been another good stretch for weakfish - mostly out on the Sound with some caught from shore as anglers were look-

ing for stripers or bottom fish. Snapper blues have been high on some anglers lists and found an incoming tide to be best when using small spoons and snapper poppers. Porgy continue to be a popular catch, as the bite morphed into ‘Scup Fever’ with the stock continuing to yield slabs down to to small ones. Spot croaker are also being caught, since they both share the same habitat preferences and feeding grounds - especially during the warmer months. Add some blackfish to the day’s catch, since their summer bite has be quite good and mealtime options increase. Flukers are chasing all depths for a mini-doormat or better. Shorts are still a common catch - however, searching and drifting various depths can boat a 21 to 22” summer flounder or better. Meanwhile, we are still looking for hardtails to break into mid-Sound waters and staying put in order to make for a good tide of fishing.

Talks of blue crab catches are bringing crabbers into the estuaries to scoop, hand-line, and trap. Catches continue to be very good with points-to-points reaching over 7,” as some soft shells top 3.5”. Tides have been good this past week for the clammers looking for their limits in the Guilford bays. Recent re-stocking is an added bonus.

In spite of water fluctuations in levels, flows, and other conditions, inland fishing across the board remains good. That goes for the aggressive predators, bottom feeders, as well as staged and topwater panfish in the lakes and ponds. Catfish and carp are being caught in key upper tidal rivers, and of course, trout anglers are finding a way to beat summer challenges. Early morning and evening hours have been best when casting natural, artificials,

scents, baits, and flies.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for summer hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

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

Fun By The Numbers

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

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

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

Review THEATER

Ivoryton’s Proves You Don’t Need a Large Cast or Orchestra for a Successful Production My Fair Lady

By Karen Isaacs

Special to Living

Ivoryton’s Proves You Don’t Need a Large Cast or Orchestra for a Successful Production

Ivoryton Playhouse is presenting one of the best musicals ever written –– through Sunday, Sept. 7, and you will have a delightful time.

This production is blessed by a fine cast who do full justice to the score and by imaginative direction. You won’t notice that the ensemble is small.

Director Brian Feehan exhibits a mostly sure hand with this piece that some may view as misogynistic. Given that George Bernard Shaw, who wrote the original , was a fervent advocate for women’s rights, that is a mistake. The attitudes expressed by Professor Higgins were those of the period (early 20th century). Unfortunately, some continue to hold those views.

By focusing on the relationship between the diehard bachelor, the phonetician Henry Higgins, and Eliza Doolittle, the Cockney flower girl who wants to become a shop assistant, Feehan reveals two individuals whose determination and intelligence are well matched.

From the very opening, you realize that this will be a more intimate production. After the two pianists are seated on opposite sides of the stage and begin the abbreviated overture, the actress playing Mrs. Pierce looks out at the audience. Behind and around her, the other ensemble members move; soon a clothing cart is rolled on, and performers put on parts of their costumes. Then we move into the opening scene.

In transforming the Shaw play into a musical, composer Frederick Loewe and book/lyricist Alan Jay Lerner include multiple lines from the original and use others as inspiration for the musical numbers. While Shaw adamantly said that there

A Delightful Time

The secondary plot revolves around Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Doolittle, who proclaims himself a member of the undeserving poor. Higgins finds Doolittle’s philosophy of life original and recommends that an American philanthropist support him.

As Alfred, Scott Mitka is terrific. His performance rivals many of the top performances of the role that I’ve seen. He captures the rhythms of Doolittle’s words as well as putting over his two songs – “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time” – with verve and charm. He was a delight.

Claire Marie Spencer gives Eliza the spunk and determination that the character deserves, as well as exhibiting a delightful lyric soprano. By the end of the show, you know that Eliza is equal to Higgins in determination. Earlier in the show, she may have acquiesced to his tough teaching techniques, but she never becomes brow-beaten or subservient. When Higgins says, “Now you are a tower of strength,” he is merely stating the obvious.

As Higgins, Trevor Martin is hampered by two things – Feehan too often has him sing downstage, facing the audience, rather than appearing involved in the scene. It reminded me of the “park and bark” style that was once the norm for many opera singers. The other is the memory of prior actors who have played the role, especially Rex Harrison, who originated it. Martin sings more of the score; Harrison used a quasi-spoken singing. While Martin does capture many of the elements of the character, he does not always convey Higgins’ underlying rebellious charm.

The scenic design by Cully Long provides a backdrop of grey, shelved books. The multiple scenes are suggested with the addition of simple pieces. Elizabeth Saylor did a good job with the Edwardian period costumes. Also effective were the lighting by Marcus Abbott and the sound design by Dustin Pfaender.

Jill Brunell handled the music direction and played one of the two grand pianos, with David Marotollo playing the other. The two-piano transcription of the score was located by Feehan; composer/arranger Gertrude Rittman had done it when the show was created.

was no romance between the pair, Lerner and Loewe at least hint strongly that there is; the same was done in the film of the original play.

Eliza overhears Higgins boast to Colonel Pickering, an expert in Indian dialects, that he could transform Eliza into a shop assistant by teaching her to speak proper

English. The next day, Eliza shows up at his home wanting lessons. Instead, Pickering and Higgins make a bet that Higgins will be able to take her to the Embassy Ball and pass her off as a lady. He drills her mercilessly, but despite a misadventure at Ascot, succeeds. She charms everyone at the Embassy Ball.

Yes, not everything is perfect. The accents come and go at times; even Higgins often minimizes his.

But this is a production that I would happily recommend to anyone who loves musical theater.

Tickets are available at Ivoryton Playhouse.org.

For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

Freshman Orientation Program

: 10 a.m. to noon. North Branford High School (NBHS), 650 Foxon Rd. Students and parents will receive information about school policies and procedures, learn how to get involved in the school community, tour the building, and hear directly from current NBHS student leaders about their high school experiences. Chromebooks will also be dis-tributed at the event. Lunch will be provided for parents and students in the cafeteria. For info, call 203-484-1465.

Shoreline Village CT (SVCT) Coffee Hour

: 10 a.m. to noon. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Features a conversation over coffee and muffins for attendees to learn about SVCT and the community of active seniors helping each other. For info, contact 203-7475939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Music Together Demo Class

: Two sessions: 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For babies, toddlers, and big kids, with their caregivers. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Author Event: Nalini Jones

Land Trust. Part of the series of free educational events to kick off the Jarvis Creek Farm Salt Marsh Migration and Restoration Project. Led by library staff member Rabia Ali. For info, visit branfordlandtrust.org.

Outdoor Summer Concert Series

: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library Patio, 67 Park St. Music by Phil and Dan Rosenthal and Naomi Sommers. Seats are available but may be limited. Bring your own chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the meeting room. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

2025 Grassy Strip Music Series

: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Music by Gold Dust Woman (a Stevie Nicks tribute). Free and open to the public. The show starts with the Pledge of Allegiance; music begins at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale on the lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

FRIDAY,

AUG. 22

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:15 p.m. Killingworth Library, 31 Rte. 81. For teens through seniors. Features a writing workshop with a focus on personal writing, memoirs, and personal essays. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Friday Movie Matinee

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

address, and email) to NoBranfordHSClassof1975@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22 AND

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Italian Festival 2025

: Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 3 to 10 p.m. Behind St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features live music, Italian food, family-friendly activities, and more. Sponsored by the St. George Men's Group. For info, visit stgeorgemensgroup.org.

Shakes-faire

Calendar for the Week of August 21, 2025

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

16th Annual Saybrook Point 5K Road Race

The Unbroken Coast: A Novel

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Branford Jazz on the Green 2025

: 6:30 p.m. Branford Town Green. Music by Jumaane Smith. Free. No dogs. No alcoholic beverages. Presented by the Town of Branford and the Branford Parks and Recreation Department. For info, visit branfordjazz.com.

Book Bedazzling

: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants bedazzle a book cover with rhinestones. Bring a favorite book or buy one from the book sale. All other materials provided. Only individuals who have not participated in the bedazzle event at the Atwater Library can register. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Tween and Teen Event: Summer Reading Finale Party

: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features pizza, games, prizes, crafts, and more. Only patrons who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge will be eligible to win raffle prizes. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Summer Concert Series 2025

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westbrook Town Green. Music by Train Wreck. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol. No pets. Presented by the Westbrook Recreation Board. For info, visit the summer concert 2025 link at westbrookrec.com/info/activities.

Frogs with Ranger Russ

Book Talk: by Henry Beston

The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod

: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Co-sponsored by the Branford

: 6 p.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Free admission. No registration needed. For info, visit MeigsPointNatureCenter.org.

North Branford High School Class of 1975 50th Reunion

: 6 to 10 p.m. Amarante’s Sea Cliff, 62 Cove St., New Haven. For info, email your contact information (name,

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shoreline Theater Academy lawn, 61 E. Main St., Clinton. Features a trilogy of 30-minute Shakespeare plays: , , and . Presented by Shoreline Theater Academy Advanced Musical Theater Troupe. Free. Includes face painting and other medieval-style activities as well as intermission entertainment from the Magic of Bob Hale. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, blanket, and bug spray. For info, contact 860-227-2363 or shorelinetheateracademy@gmail.com or visit shorelinetheateracademy.org.

Annual Killingworth Road Race As You Like It Twelfth Night Hamlet

: 7:30 a.m.

Race begins at Fort Saybrook Monument Park, 150 College St., Old Saybrook. Check-in and race-day packet pickup starts 7:30 a.m.; the race begins 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Old Saybrook-Westbrook Exchange Club and the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce. Online registration only. Cost: $25 per person. Proceeds benefit the Exchange Club Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) scholarship program and the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial scholarship for deserving college-bound seniors from Old Saybrook and Westbrook high schools. For info or to register, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.

: 8:30 a.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Features a 4mile run through Killingworth countryside. Awards for top runners in various categories. Cost: advance registration $28 for 18 and over, $20 for under 18 years; day of race $30 for 18 and over, $22 for under 18 years. Service fees apply. Proceeds benefit the church mission budget that contributes to the Eddy Homeless shelter in Cromwell and local shoreline food pantries. For info or to register, contact 860-663-2842 or kwroadrace@snet.net, or visit killingworthroadrace.org.

See page 23 LIVING • THE SOUND • AUGUST 21, 2025 21

Blood, Revenge & Tragedy Highlight Legacy Theatre’s Sweeney Todd

By Karen Isaacs

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Stephen Sondheim’s (book by Hugh Wheeler) is a masterpiece, but also a difficult show to produce successfully. If Sondheim’s music and lyrics are notoriously challenging for singers, Sweeney Todd’s score is even more so, with its atonal harmonies. The show has even been produced by multiple opera companies.

That the Legacy Theatre in Branford has attempted a production (which runs through Sunday, Aug. 31) could be either very brave or foolhardy.

In reality, this production is a bit of both.

Some elements of the show are very good, particularly the scenic design by Jamie Burnett, who also designed the lighting, and

Review THEATER

the costumes by Jimmy Johansmeyer and Pantochino Productions. The set features two spiral staircases and an upper-level walkway, giving the industrial, urban feel the show needs. However, if you sit toward the rear, the actors’ heads are not visible when they are on the walkway. The front of the pie shop turns around for the scenes in the living area. Another plus is the barber chair Sweeney uses, which slides victims to the basement.

Other aspects were less effective.

Sound design often presents a challenge for many theaters.

During this production, the threemusician ensemble sometimes drowned out the singers, while at other times the overall sound was too loud for the small theater. The voice of Ava Broneer, playing Johanna, sounded screechy — though I wasn’t sure if that was due to the sound design. The result was that the lyrics were difficult to understand. is emotionally difficult for many audiences, though it is one of Sondheim’s masterpieces. It draws from both the Jacobean tragedy and Grand Guignol (horror) genres, telling a tale of obsession and revenge. Sweeney escapes from exile in Australia and returns to London to seek revenge against Judge Turpin, who defiled his wife and wrongly exiled him. In his mad obsession, he ends up destroying everything he loves.

Sweeney Todd

Director Colin Sheehan handles the ensemble effectively, though at least once I was puzzled by the purpose of the choreography by Paola Rarick. Sheehan made the Beggar Woman (played by Sarah Anne Hughes) more prominent and showed her face more than usual, which makes it more surprising that Todd does not recognize her.

A highlight of the evening — and it often is in any production — is “Not While I’m Around,” sung beautifully and simply by Brayden Esler as Tobias. It is one of the few touching moments in the show. He also scored in Act One with “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir.”

While both Karl Gasteyer as Sweeney and Stefanie Stiefel Williams as Mrs. Lovett had good moments, their performances — both vocally and acting — were uneven. What was lacking

throughout was a sense of connection between the two. Multiple interpretations are possible, but the audience must sense that Mrs. Lovett has her sights set on Sweeney and that they are allies in the enterprise.

“Pretty Women,” the duet featuring Judge Turpin (Eric Santagata) and Sweeney, was very effective, as was “By the Sea,” sung by Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney.

Amron Salgado was very good as the egotistical Pirelli. As the sailor who helps Sweeney and later falls in love with Johanna, Charles Romano displayed a pleasant tenor voice.

Though this production has multiple flaws, it is also a good value and an opportunity to see a unique musical.

Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.

Continued from page 21

Work Party at Tabor Marsh

: 9 a.m. to noon. Tabor Marsh, Branford. Volunteers will learn to identify and then remove invasive plants along the marsh. Sponsored by the Branford Land Trust. For info, visit branfordlandtrust.org.

Seventh Annual Bluegrass Festival

:

3 p.m. Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 129 Ledge Hill Rd., North Guilford. Features Blue Sky Girls, Amber Anchor, The Zolla Boys, and Shoregrass Bluegrass Band. Open jam and picking from 1 to 3 p.m. Bands start at 3 p.m. Bring a blanket, chairs, and picnic. Cost: $20 in advance online (service fees apply) or $25 at the door, free for children under 12. Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 24. For info or tickets, email bluegrassfestival@yahoo.com or visit stjohnsguilford.org.

SUNDAY, AUG. 24

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

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

2025 Summer Concert Series

: 6 to 8 p.m. Madison Town Green. Music by Eddie Seville. Free. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. No alcohol. Sponsored by Madison Beach and Recreation. For info, visit madisonct.org/710/Summer-Concerts.

Summer Sounds: Concerts on the Green Series

ginia, and the Great Courses DVD series. Covers earth’s formation, plate tectonics, and more. No registration needed. For info, call 203-530-4554 or 203-484-0873.

TUESDAY, AUG. 26

Shoreline Village Tea and Talk

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Lillian’s Landing Pergola by Pa's Place, 514 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

History Book Group

MONDAY, AUG. 25

Summer 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle Contest

: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Music by I Petty the Fool (Tribute to Tom Petty). Sponsored by Guilford Parks and Recreation. For info, call 203453-8068 or click on the link for the spring-summer 2025 brochure at guilfordparkrec.com/newslist.php. : 6 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Teams of two to four contestants race to complete a 300-piece puzzle. Best for participants ages 10 and up. Puzzles and prizes provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Geology Course

: 7 to 8 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Presented by the New Haven Mineral Club. Part of a weekly geology course through August. Features a presentation developed by John Renton, a professor from the University of West Vir-

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I

: 6 p.m. Madison Center for History and Culture at Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Book: by Douglas Brunt. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Virtual participation by Zoom is an option. Copies of the book may be available at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For new participants to join, email director@madisonhistory.org. For info, call MHS at 203-2454567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

Author Event: Karen White in Conversation with Beatriz Williams

LAA to Open ‘New England Landscape’ and ‘Timeless’ Exhibitions

That Last Carolina Summer

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: For info or to register (required), call 203245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Music Under the Stars Concert Series

:

7 p.m. North Haven Town Green. Music by Raise Your Hands (Tribute to Bon Jovi). Sponsored by the North Haven Department of Recreation in partnership with the North Haven business community. Free admission. For weather updates, call the Recreation Center at 203-672-0541 after 5 p.m. For info, visit northhavenct.gov/government/town_departments and click on the Recreation link and Music Under the Stars.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27

Wednesday Paint Out 2025

: 9 a.m. to noon. Hammonasset State Park/Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Meet at the parking lot. Sponsored by the Madison Art Society (MAS). Open to all MAS members. Nonmembers are welcome to join for one or two paint outs as guests but are requested to become members to continue with other paint-out events. For info, visit madisonartsocietyct.org/plein-air.

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) will present , an annual member exhibition celebrating the timeless beauty and character of the East Coast. On view from Sept. 19 through Nov. 6, the show features work that captures the moods, colors and textures of the New England region, from autumn foliage to summer trees, lonely roads to rolling hills. Through a variety of media, LAA artists share their deep connection to the land in all its seasonal splendor.

New England Landscape Timeless

Presented simultaneously in the Goodman Gallery is , the American Artists Professional League’s national juried member exhibition. With a contemporary take on realism, the show features exquisitely detailed work that highlights the interplay of light, shadow and form in moments of everyday life.

The Eugenics Movement in Connecticut: Psychology and Community Resistance

: 12:30 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Eve Galanis, historian and New Haven Museum educator. Hosted by the New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

New England Landscape is generously supported by Ascend Bank in partnership with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.

Both exhibitions run from Sept. 19 to Nov. 6. The public is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Founded in 1914 by American Impressionists, the Lyme Art Association continues its mission of presenting and selling representational artwork by members and invited artists. The nonprofit also offers art classes, lectures and public programs for the community. The LAA is located at 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme, in a gallery designed by architect Charles Adams Platt. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, visit www.lymeart association.org or call 860-434-7802.

: 2 to 3 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Sharon Gaiser from DLS Insurance Services. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com. Medicare 101

See page 24

BLT Hosts Salt Marsh Plant Walk on the Trolley Trail

The Branford Land Trust’s Salt Marsh Celebration continues with a Salt Marsh Plant Walk on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stony Creek Trolley Trail. The walk will be led by botanist Lauren Brown and Jack Matthias, manager of Coastal Resilience for Audubon Connecticut.

Participants will explore the unique ecology of the salt marsh and learn how plants survive and thrive in environments regularly flooded by saltwater. Brown and Matthias will also discuss the difference between native and invasive species and highlight how marsh vegetation supports habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The Trolley Trail, a longtime favorite of Branford residents, offers intimate views of the tidal wetlands and the chance to observe ospreys nesting on platforms maintained by the Land Trust. The trail is complemented by the adjacent Goss Preserve and the Vedder Preserve along Pleasant Point Road, both of which offer exceptional views of Long Island Sound, the marsh, and the Thimble Islands.

Participants should meet at the far end of West Point Road in Stony Creek, across from the Willoughby Wallace Library. The terrain is mostly flat with one steep, rocky hill. Families are welcome, but dogs are not permitted. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes, appropriate clothing, water, bug spray, and walking sticks are recommended.

Continued from page 23

Land Trust, and built with the help of Boy Scout Troop 422 and the New Haven Trap Rock Co. (now Tilcon). Today, it remains a scenic, historic route through Branford’s coastal landscape.

The trail is enhanced by nearby protected areas including the Goss Preserve and Vedder Preserve. The 15-acre Goss Preserve in Pine Orchard, donated by Nancy B. Goss in the 1980s, features a gently rolling loop trail through the woods.

The 27-acre Vedder Preserve, donated in 1980, rewards visitors with a climb to the Vedder monument and sweeping views of the Sound, the marsh, the Trolley Trail and the Thimble Islands. A nearby plaque tells the remarkable story of donor Jennie Vedder, who grew up in Pleasant Point and taught school in Branford before moving to Greenwich Village to work and study at night. Despite a modest lifestyle, Vedder quietly acquired land around her childhood home, ultimately donating nearly all of it to the Branford Land Trust. She died in 1981 at age 90, and her poetry is available at both Branford libraries.

All Salt Marsh Celebration events are free and open to the public.

The ongoing series helps kick off the Jarvis Creek Farm Salt Marsh Migration and Restoration Project and includes a variety of free, educational, and hands-on programs for all ages.

Once part of the shoreline’s early 20thcentury trolley line, the Trolley Trail follows the original rail bed through the salt marsh. The trail was conceived in the 1970s by David Anderson of the Branford

Established in 1967, the Branford Land Trust is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. Run by volunteers and supported by local families and businesses, the Trust protects more than 1,000 acres in Branford across 130 parcels, with conservation easements on an additional 400 acres. It maintains over 30 miles of public hiking trails and promotes stewardship and education through year-round programming.

THURSDAY, AUG. 28

How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos with Organizational Psychologist Tasha Eurich

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Stony Creek Trolley Trail, Branford. Part of the series of free educational events to kick off the Jarvis Creek Farm Salt Marsh Migration and Restoration Project. Led by botanist Lauren Brown and Jack Matthias, manager for coastal resilience for Audubon Connecticut. Co-sponsored by the Branford Land Trust. For info, visit branfordlandtrust.org. : 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn’t Enough)

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

Author Event: Sam Tanenhaus in Conversation with Jill Abramson

Buckley: The Life and the Revolution that Changed America

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

Meet the Cast of (SUSO)

Stand Up and Speak Out

: 6 to

8 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. In partnership with the Legacy Theater. Features guests from the Bully Prevention Production. Includes a silent auction, refreshments, sneak peaks of songs from the musical, and time to meet the cast. Cost: $20 admission, free for those with a SUSO ticket at the Legacy Theater. Proceeds benefit the arts. For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.

The Occasional Coffee House: Singer-Songwriter Andrew Pauls

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

Outdoor Summer Concert Series

: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library Patio, 67 Park St. Music by Take Two and Call Me in the Morning. Seats are available but may be limited. Bring your own chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the meeting room. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

2025 Grassy Strip Music Series

: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Music by Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals. Free and open to the public. The show starts with the Pledge of Allegiance; music begins at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale on the lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

FRIDAY, AUG. 29

Summer Concert Series 2025

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westbrook Town Green. Music by Shoreline Connection. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol. No pets. Presented by the Westbrook Recreation Board. For info, visit the summer concert 2025 link at westbrookrec.com/info/activities.

Concert by Ted Vigil (Tribute to John Denver)

: 8 p.m.

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

See page 25

Oddfellows Playhouse Opens Fall Registration for Theater, Circus Programs

Press Release from

Registration is now open for fall classes at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, located at 128 Washington St. in Middletown. Beginning Sept. 8, classes in theater and circus arts will be offered for ages 15 months to 20 years. Teenagers are also invited to audition for this fall’s mainstage production.

The Teen Repertory Company, for ages 14 to 20, will hold auditions for Shakespeare’s on Sunday, Sept. 8, and Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. Directed by ARTFARM Artistic Director and Shakespeare specialist Marcella Trowbridge, the production gives teens a unique opportunity to dive into one of the most iconic plays in the Western canon.

All auditioners must pre-register for one of the two evenings, arrive on time, and plan to stay for the full session. Everyone who auditions and commits to the rehearsal and production schedule will be cast. Rehearsals take place Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and performances are scheduled for Nov. 13–15 and Nov. 21–22.

Circophony Teen Circus, for ages 12 to 20, offers serious circus training for young performers, with no previous experience required. Tuesday evenings feature Acro Focus with Naja Muller, a session that includes stretching, flexibility, partner acrobatics, tumbling, mini-tramp, and contortion. Wednesday evenings are Juggling Plus with Joel Melendez, covering juggling, balancing, rola bola, unicycles, rolling globe, diabolo, flower sticks, and other forms of object manipulation and performance. Students may register for one or both evenings.

Saturday morning classes for the youngest performers begin Sept. 13 and continue for 10 weeks, culminating in a Share Day on Nov. 22. Meg Berritta leads these sessions, which include Acrobabies (ages 15 months to under 3, with caregiver) from 9:15 to 9:55 a.m.; Mixed-Up Fairy Tales (ages 3 to 6) from 10 to 10:55 a.m.; Circrobatics (ages 3 to 6) from 11 to 11:55 a.m.; and Circrobalance (ages 5 to 8) from noon to 1 p.m. There will be no classes on Oct. 11.

After-school classes for ages 6 to 14 begin Sept. 15 and run for 10 weeks, concluding with a Share Week Nov. 17–20. Most classes meet from 4:50 to 5:50 p.m.

Stage One, for ages 6 to 8, includes Intro to Shakespeare (Bard for Beginners), Circus I, Heroes and Villains, and Contortion and Flexibility. The flexibility class is also open to students ages 6 to 11.

Continued from page 24

SATURDAY, AUG. 30

Perennial Plant and Shrub Sale

: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. United Methodist Church (UMC), 811 E. Main St., Branford. Features flowers, shrubs, tall grasses, and more. Propagated by UMC Branford congregation member Ruby Lawrence. Prices range from $10 to $55. For info, call the church at 203-488-0549, Ruby at 203-494-6911, or Cindy at 203-843-4207.

by Bill De Kine

Waffle & Friends: A Puppet Palooza

:

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Part of the Legacy Theatre 2025 Family Series. Tickets: $25. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, contact the Legacy Theatre at 203315-1901 or Info@LegacyTheatreCT.org, or visit legacytheatrect.org.

Sunflower Painting Demonstration

:

Stage Two, for ages 9 to 11, offers Acting in Motion, Circus II, Getting Creative With Shakespeare, Story to Stage, and Contortion and Flexibility. Hip Hop Dance is open to students ages 9 to 14.

Stage Three classes, for ages 12 to 14, include Theater Design, Introduction to Commedia dell’Arte, Theater Improvisation: Scenes and Games, and Complete Actor III. These classes meet from 4:30 to 5:50 p.m. Hip Hop Dance, also open to ages 9 to 14, meets from 4:50 to 5:50 p.m.

Middletown Public School students can extend their experience through Oddbridge, an after-school program that provides transportation from Middletown schools to the Playhouse, as well as a snack, supervised arts activities, games and homework help. This year, Oddbridge runs Monday through Thursday from Sept. 15 to Nov. 20, and resumes for a special Mini Production Intensive Dec. 1–12. The program also offers special activities and field trips on early dismissal days.

For full class descriptions, tuition information and registration,

A scene from Oddfellows Teen Repertory Company’s 2024 production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”

visit www.oddfellows.org. Questions may be directed to info@oddfellows.org or (860) 347-6143. Financial aid is available for all programs. Oddfellows Playhouse maintains a firm policy: no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Founded in 1975, Oddfellows Playhouse is Connecticut’s oldest and largest performing arts program for young people. Its programming is made possible through support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts; Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; City of Middletown; The Fund for Greater Hartford; American Savings Foundation; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; Liberty Bank Foundation; Middletown Health Department; Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation; Middlesex United Way; the George & Grace Long Foundation; and many generous individual donors.

SUNDAY, AUG. 31

Botanical Exploration of New Acquisition, Westwoods West

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by artist Brendan Loughlin. Hosted by Madison Art Society. To RSVP, email Marianne@RTDTECH.com. For info, visit madisonartsocietyct.org/events. : 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at the trailhead across from Landon’s Way on Moose Hill Road, Guilford. Led by Guilford native and author Lauren Brown and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station ecologist Scott Williams. Dress for dense vegetation, occasional steep rocky terrain, and the possibility of ankle-deep wet spots. For info, text 203-804-6134 or visit guilfordlandtrust.org.

Swallow Cruise

: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Departure from Essex Steam Train Station, 1 Railroad Ave. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Features an avian treat when thousands of tree swallows settle in at sunset on the lower Connecticut River during their fall migration. Food, a full bar, and restrooms are onboard. Departure and arrival times are approximate. Cost: $55. For info, call 860-767-0660 or visit the day trips link at ctaudubon.org/ecotravelhome.

2025 Summer Concert Series

: 6 to

8 p.m. Madison Town Green. Music by Take Two and Call Me in the Morning. Free. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. No alcohol. Sponsored by Madison Beach and Recreation. For info, visit madisonct.org/710/Summer-Concerts.

Continued from page 25

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery

: 1004 Main St.: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.

BACA Summer Art Show

: Runs through Oct. 11.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery

Andrew Pauls Kicks Off Labor Day Weekend at Occasional Coffee House

Press Release from the North Madison

The Occasional Coffee House, “the coffee house we hold whenever we feel like it,” kicks off Labor Day weekend a day early, welcoming singer-songwriter Andrew Pauls on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m.

Acoustics Club:

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

Vibrant Vision of Painter Howard Fussiner

BACA West Fall Exhibit

: 360 State St., New Haven: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org/events. : Runs through Aug. 31. : Runs Sept. 11 through Dec. 31.

City Gallery

: 994 State St., New Haven: For info, email info@city-gallery.org or visit city-gallery.org.

Served: Wrongful Convictions and the Death Penalty

: Runs through Aug. 24.

Guilford Art Center (GAC)

: 411 Church St.: For info, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Into the Deep: A World Within

: Runs through Aug. 31.

Guilford Art League 77th Annual Juried Exhibit and Sale

: Runs Sept. 8 through Sept. 27

James Blackstone Memorial Library Upper Rotunda Gallery

: 758 Main St., Branford: For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Robert Jawitz: Animal Portraiture

: Runs through Aug. 30.

Kehler Liddell Gallery

: 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven: For info, visit shorelinearts.org.

A 2025 Telluride Troubadour finalist, Pauls writes songs about everything from rainy days to Spain to space travel. Listeners may hear echoes of John Prine and David Wilcox, blended with contemporary influences like Watchhouse. His songs share a common thread: the relationships we have with ourselves, each other, and the places we call home.

Hosts Heather Arcovitch and Milton Brasher-Cunningham will welcome guests for a relaxed evening of live music, local coffee and tea, homemade cookies, and community.

Tickets are $20 and can be reserved at www.northmadisoncc.org/occasional-coffeehouse. The “Church at the Circle,” North Madison Congregational Church, is located at 1271 Durham Road, Madison. For more information, call 203-421-3241.

New Haven Museum

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

Music

Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:

104

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

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

Ask-A-Lawyer: A Free Legal Clinic: Banned Book Club:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group:

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

Bingo

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

Blackstone Fiber Art Community:

IMAGES 2025 Photography Competition

: Runs through Aug. 24.

Mary C. Daly Art Gallery at Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center

: 167 Neck Rd., Madison: For info, visit mercybythesea.org.

: Runs through Sept. 14.

Nathanael B. Greene Community Center

: 32 Church St., Guilford: For info, visit guilfordartleague.org.

Seasons Guilford Art League Summer Show

: Runs through Oct. 1.

: Runs through February 2026.

Susan Powell Fine Art

Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond Summer in New England

: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com. : Runs through Sept. 28.

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

Keyes Gallery

The Annual Stony Creek Summer Art Show

: 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek: For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/gallery. : Runs through Aug. 24.

Yale University Art Gallery

: 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, call 203-432-0600 or visit artgallery.yale.edu/visit/exhibitions.

: Runs through Oct. 19.

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

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

17

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

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

The Wharf:

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

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

Groups and Activities

A Journey Through America’s Past:

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

Blackstone Library Tour:

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

6:30 p.m. Fourth Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Chair Yoga with Martha: Christ Episcopal Church Choir Rehearsal:

Romney: Brilliant Contrasts in Georgian England Nusantara: Six Centuries of Indonesian Textiles

: Runs Sept. 12 through Jan. 11, 2026.

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

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

Continued from page 26

Christian Science Church Service and Sunday School:

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

Christian Science Testimony Meeting:

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

Coastal Camera Club Meeting:

7 p.m.

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

Color and Conversation:

6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

: 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through Oct. 4. Durham Community Center grounds, 144 Picket Ln., or on the Town Green. For info, email farmersmarket@townofdurhamct.org or visit townofdurhamct.org/articles/summer-farmers-market-update.

: 8 a.m. to

1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12. East Haven Town Green. For info, call 203-4683204 or visit easthaven-ct.gov/farmersmarket.

Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds

: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 30 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.

: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.

:

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

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:

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

Duplicate Bridge:

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

Exploring Our Grief Journey: A Grief Support Group:

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

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through October. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/farmers-market.

: 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 15. Doolittle Park, 78 S. Elm St., Wallingford. For info, call 203-294-2120 or visit facebook.com/wallingfordgardenmarket.

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.

O’Neill Founder Remembered, ‘In the Heights’ Turns 20, Bollywood Comes to ‘Midsummer’

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York professional theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Aisle

O’Neill Center Founder Extra Week

: The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford exists because of one man: George C. White, who died in early August. Without the center, who knows if playwrights such as August Wilson, Lee Blessing and Lanford Wilson — as well as hundreds of actors, directors, production personnel, composers and lyricists — would have achieved their full potential? White saw the Hammond Estate in Waterford, which was to be used as a training exercise for firefighters, and vowed to save the property. Through his leadership, he turned the estate into a center where theater artists could come and develop new works. Additionally, he taught at the Yale School of Drama and regularly directed plays. His influence will continue.

: You have an extra week

to see the Legacy Theatre’s production of . The show has been extended through Sunday, Aug. 31. For tickets, visit LegacyTheatreCT.org.

Sweeney Todd In the Heights Boys in the Band

Twenty years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first hit musical, , was developed at the National Musical Theater Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford. It went on to Broadway and has been produced worldwide. On Monday, Sept. 8, the O’Neill Center will celebrate this anniversary with an all-star benefit at the Garde Arts Center in New London. Among the performers is Robin de Jesús, a member of the original cast, a Tony nominee for the show and a Tony winner for . For tickets, visit GardeArts.org.

: Elm City Shakespeare

Celebrating an Anniversary Summer Fun

:

is partnering with The Shakespeare Company of India to present in Egerton Park through Sunday, Aug. 31. The outdoor show is free (a $30 donation is suggested), and audience members are encouraged to bring a chair and a picnic. The romp about magic and lovers will have a definite Bollywood feel. For information, visit ElmShake speare.org.

Bushnell.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

My Friends

: My Friends: A Sondheim Concert will kick off TheaterWorks Hartford’s 40th season on Saturday, Sept. 13. The one-night benefit concert features Nikki Renée Daniels, Jenn Gambatese, Adam Heller and others. Tickets are available at TWHartford.org.

Broadway Tunes

TV Stars

Psych A Million Little Things A Million Little Things Noises Off

: James Roday Rodriguez ( , ) and Allison Miller ( ) will lead the cast of Legacy Theatre’s production of . The backstage farce about a touring company where everything goes wrong is a perennial laugh fest. It will run Thursday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 5. Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.

Tickets on Sale

Spamalot

: Individual tickets for the national tour of the Broadway musical are now available. The show features book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez. Based on the film M , it will be at the Bushnell from Dec. 9 through Dec. 14. For tickets, visit

onty Python and the Holy Grail

The Day Presents

Join us Saturday, September 27 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. for a dynamic, one-day college fair at the brand-new Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket. Designed to bring together students, families, and educational institutions from across the Northeast, this event offers a fresh, inspiring approach to the college search process— set in a venue families will love.

Visit theday.com/collegefair to register. Scan the QR code to learn about opportunities for exhibitors.

Wonderful Town Damn Yankees How to Succeed in Business Wicked

: MTC in Norwalk will present Sue Matsuki and David Maiocco in a program of Broadway songs on Saturday, Aug. 23. The performance will include selections from such popular shows as , , , and many more. The theme is “songs they would never get to sing on stage.” Matsuki is an established New York cabaret and jazz vocalist. For tickets, visit MusicTheatreofCT.com.

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

To read 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.

The 2025 College Fair at Great Wolf Lodge

Attendees will meet with admissions reps, explore academic options, and gather helpful resources—all in one convenient, family-friendly setting. All participants will receive a printed College Fair Guide with important takeaway information. Other highlights include prize giveaways, an engaging atmosphere, and discounted lodging at Great Wolf Lodge.

Whether you’re helping students find their next step or taking that step yourself, this is a college fair you won’t want to miss. Admission is free.

SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2025 EVENT

Every year, Shore Publishing/Zip06.com recognizes 15 volunteers in the communities we serve who help fulfill the Shoreline’s promise as a place of opportunity, wellbeing, and safety for all. The honorees are celebrated at a special event at Woodwinds in the fall surrounded by their peers and fellow community leaders.

Sponsorship packages provide excellent advertising opportunities - but most importantly, align your brand or business with the mission of The Beacon Awards.

For additional information about opportunities, contact your Sales Representative or Elle Rahilly (e.rahilly@theday.com) to learn more.

Presented by:

Serenity on the Shoreline

Staff Report

Embrace the enchantment of shoreline living with this sun-drenched haven at 3 Arrowhead Road, a jewel nestled in a quaint community with the river at your doorstep. As you step in, you’re welcomed by a symphony of natural light and the serene melodies of local birdsong. The home’s design harmoniously blends the outdoors with the indoors, creating a tranquil retreat.

The heart of the home is the designer kitchen, which seamlessly transitions into an elegant dining room and a spacious living room, crafting an ideal setting for memorable gatherings. Journey upstairs to discover the luxurious primary bedroom, a sanctuary featuring a stoneadorned en-suite bathroom and a private deck that beckons you to unwind and soak in the picturesque views. Two generously sized bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, and a convenient laundry area complete the upper level.

Michelle and Mark exclusively represented the sellers and ensured a seamless transaction showcasing the effectiveness of their luxury marketing and strategic methods. MAKE THEIR REPUTATION YOUR ADVANTAGE.

Contact Michelle or Mark for a private consultation.

860.707.5389

mwininger@wpsir.com

michellewininger.williampitt.com

Mark McElrath

860.951.4918

mmcelrath@wpsir.com

markmcelrath.williampitt.com Michelle Wininger

Ascend to the versatile, spacious living area offering a half bath, additional sleeping quarters, a dedicated office space, and a cozy reading nook, all complemented by the comfort of central air.

Outside, the property is framed by verdant lawns, meticulously curated shrubbery, and an expansive patio that’s perfect for alfresco entertainment or quiet reflection. This home is not just a residence; it’s a lifestyle awaiting your arrival.

in a quaint community with the river at your doorstep.

This home is being offered for sale by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty for $875,000. For more information or a showing, contact Diana Hartman at 917-509-4700.

BRANFORD

299 Valley Road

: Marylou S. Regan and Joseph P. Regan to Daniel Liguori and Renee Russo, $465,000 on July 29

: Daniel E.

and Jennifer G. Foito to John T. Kelley, $725,000 on July 30

M. Joanis to Manuel R. Romero, $675,000 on July 29

4 Castle Rock Unit 4

: Estate of Nathan M. Silverstein and Robert Silverstein to Melissa A. Cheevers, $550,000 on July 29

560 East Main Street

: Jonathan Smith Real Estate Trust and Andrew Ullman to 560 East Main Hldg LLC, $1,515,000 on July 28

25 Florence Road Unit 84

: Nft

Vault LLC to Enrico Silvestri, $275,000 on July 28

19 Harbour Village Unit B

: Stephen Gaffney and Jacquelyn M. Yavarone to Valerie Calfous, $270,000 on July 28

29 Hotchkiss Grove Road

: Talia Polino to Holden King and Madison Daily, $630,000 on July 31

170 Turtle Bay Drive Unit 170

: Carrie A. Lakin to Stephen and Tracy Scafariello, $525,000 on July 30 : Donna and Michael Pantaleo to Kelly Martens, $920,000 on July 31

30 Valley Brook Road S

NORTH BRANFORD

: Robert A. Rolston to Britten Rolston, $115,558 on July 29

: Mark and Lori A. Bogue to Michele Valauskas and Dean Falcon, $605,000 on July 29 : Jonathan E. Guillen to Christopher T. and Tiffany N. Olsen, $764,000 on July 29

Building 5 Assoc LLC to Bs Associates LLC, $510,000 on Aug. 1

: Carlos M. and Sandra I. Sarmento to Stephen and Andrew Saramento, $500,000 on July 29 : Elizabeth T. Larson and Elizabeth M. Reed to Gabriela V. Salas, $396,000 on July 29

EAST HAVEN

32 Brazos Road

: Shaun P. Kennedy to 32 Brazos LLC, $298,900 on July 28

: Maureen Massa to Terracery J. Dawson and Alexandra K. Wilson, $1,200,000 on July 30

: R-R 2006

Family Trust and Richard C. Griffiths to Edward D. Braumann, $400,000 on July 29

: Estate of William A. Bussmann and Andrew Bussmann to Stephen B. and Maura H. Herlihy, $1,200,000 on July 31

: Thomas N. and Marcia P. Beatty to Sl Defelice Family LLC, $855,000 on July 30

:

: Shaun P. Kennedy to 32 Brazos LLC, $128,100 on July 28

: St Bari

Cap New Hvn 1 LLC to Laurie E. Felner, $130,000 on July 30

36 Brazos Road 130 Coe Avenue Unit 83 116 Crest Avenue

: Camille J. and Thomas J. Chapman to Kenneth Horton, $400,000 on July 28

GUILFORD

: Gino V. and Sara N. Morada to Cartus Financial Corp, $652,500 on July 28

: Cartus

Financial Corp to Matthew A. Lubanko and Catherine Boeth, $650,000 on July 28

: Matthew P. Stephens to Gary and Christina Marquis, $705,000 on July 31

NORTH HAVEN

: Todd P. and Lindsey K. Hurst to Silvija Isaku and Austin A. Pokluda, $1,230,000 on July 29 : Maxine N. Bruno to Bryan T. and Karissa Richardson, $825,000 on July 31 : 66 High St Guilford LLC to Ruth S. Weinstock, $1,625,000 on July 28

Ely Lane

: Terracerence Chioffi to John H. Bolster and Grace E. Stanton, $772,000 on July 30 9 Bailey Drive 31 Christopher Lane 66 High Street

124 Bailey

: Michael and Jillianne M. Decaprio to Paul D. and Elvira Cuomo, $335,000 on July 24

: Estate of Gary West George and Eric George to Vito Associates LLC, $306,000 on July 11

: Victoria

Grillo to Mariana Torres-Viso and Geoffrey Croteau, $460,000 on July 28

: Elizabeth A. Tully to Tara M. Cantore and Louis A. Colello, $365,000 on July 30

: Taras Lemekha to Tin S. and Thandar Tun, $387,500 on July 30 : Olivia R. Nosal to Annie M. Caro and Carmelo B. Cruz, $215,000 on July 29

: Christine Seely to Michael E. Blomberg, $285,000 on July 31

: Kehoe

Family Trust and Michael K. Kehoe to James P. Craco, $229,000 on July 30

: Lgdbgd LLC to Thomas and Ellen Boudreau, $509,796 on July 31

: Anna Laporta and Joseph Balsamo to David R Colon T and David R. Colon, $2,500,000 on Aug. 1 28 Bluff Avenue

OLD SAYBROOK

: Anita L. Gorman to Baharak Bagheri, $800,000 on July 29

: Michael West Cummins Relt and Michael W. Cummins to Patrick and Louise Wiley, $925,000 on July 30 : Corey L. and David Borzain to Luke Martin, $799,900 on Aug. 1 : Nancy South Neibrief 2018 T and Nancy S. Neibrief to Ross and Hannah Mullaney, $499,000 on July 31 : Nicole Phaneuf to Joanne Vitarelli, $625,000 on Aug. 1 : Old Kelsey Point LLC to David and Amy Raisner, $1,525,000 on July 29 : Ashmike

LLC to Karen Kraft, $1,835,000 on July 31