September 11, 2025
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Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 37
New Walsh Athletic Complex Officially Opens By Pam Johnson Sound Senior Staff Writer
On Sept. 5, Branford cut the ribbon to officially open its new Walsh Athletic Complex at Walsh Intermediate School (WIS), 185 Damascus Road. Hailed as a modern athletic facility and hub for community fitness, wellness, and sports, the complex was celebrated
by students, district and town leaders, staff, and community partners. The project officially broke ground on July 12, 2024, and was completed ahead of schedule last month. Use of the facility by school teams and WIS students began on Aug. 25. Many years in the making, the facility was celebrated as a remarkable accomplishment involving the Town of Branford and Branford
Public Schools (BPS) boards, commissions, committees, and staff—as well as community supporters, said First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove. Cosgrove called the new facility a “true community asset.” “It’s not just a school asset; this is a
Kelley Hanke is helping celebrate agricultural history.........................2
See New page 12
Pedaling for a Cure
Kelly Wirtz, participating in her ninth Closer to Free Ride, is greeted by family along Indian Neck Avenue in Branford on Sept. 6, 2025. Welcoming her are Tara Lubeski (from left), Lori Lubeski, who embraces her, and Ann Lubeski. The event drew 2,000 riders and 600 volunteers, with 100 percent of funds raised supporting life-saving research and compassionate patient care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
Back in Action The Branford field hockey team split the opening week of the season, and cross country made noise in its season opener..............................14
The Lesson of 9/11 Remembering Sept. 11 24 years later.............................................25
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