Valley Courier 03-12-26

March

Voters OK $175K for Fire Engine Repairs, Animal Control

By Christian Maldonado

Staff Writer ESSEX

Voters approved transferring $175,000 from town sinking funds during a March 4 special town meeting to pay for fire engine repairs and begin planning for a new animal control facility.

The largest portion, $75,000 from the

Essex Fire Department Sinking Fund, will be used to repair Engine 656, a Pierce fire engine purchased in 2015. According to the meeting agenda, $50,000 will go toward major mechanical repairs, including work on the engine’s transmission and pump system.

The remaining $25,000 will be used to purchase a respirator fit-testing machine used to ensure firefighters’ air masks prop-

erly seal and meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards.

First Selectman Norm Needleman said the repairs are unrelated to a separate fire engine, Engine 7, that caught fire during the Ivoryton Illuminations celebration in December.

See Voters OK $175K page 10

Paws Meet People

Robin Esposito, founder of Operation Save the Paws Rescue, tends to Copper and other adoptable dogs during an adoption event at Kaleidoscope, a Chester art collective, on March 8. The event partners with Kaleidoscope as part of the collective’s one-year anniversary community give-back effort.

Mary Charlton: A Year to Remember

By Rita Christopher

Courier Senior Correspondent

Mary Charlton will remember 2025 not simply because she had a landmark birthday, or a long-awaited trip, or even that she made it through another year.

What Mary, who lives in Deep River, will remember as she looks back on 2025 is that the Valley Shore YMCA, where she has worked for more than a decade, honored her as Employee of the Year.

“I was shocked because there are so many great people who work here, extremely honored,” she says. “Everybody here is fantastic. It is such an upbeat place to work.”

Valley Shore YMCA CEO Tony Sharillo says that during the discussion of annual awards, when Mary’s name came up, “everybody said oh yes, she is the right person.” Sharillo added that members are enthusiastic about Mary and the classes she teaches.

In addition to doing personal training, Mary leads classes in Pilates, Chair Yoga, Lifting, and Mindful Motion, an exercise session that focuses on balance, posture,

Person of the Week

and flexibility. She points out that for older people, balance is a significant issue because falls can lead to broken bones and hospitalizations.

Mary also serves as an instructor for a program called Delay the Disease, designed for people with Parkinson’s disease.

The virtues of exercise, she points out, extend even further than moving muscles. Exercise classes, Mary notes, lessen isolation, an issue for many senior citizens who live alone. “The classes can help socialization and help minimize depression,” she says.

Moreover, she adds that exercises can always be modified to suit the physical abilities of each individual participating.

The key, according to Mary, is getting started. And the key to getting started can be something as simple as writing exercise class or personal training down on the calendar. “If you’ve written it down, you are much more likely to come,” she says. “I think people want to exercise and want to be healthy. It’s often a question of getting started.”

Mary did not start out as an exercise instructor. She went to Wagner College on Staten Island, majoring in nursing. She worked as a nurse both on Long Island, where she grew up, and continued after she and her husband moved to Connecticut.

A combination of family issues and the death of her husband took her out of the employment market for a number of years. “I knew I needed to go back to work for my own sanity,” she recalls, but she was not sure that nursing was the field she wanted.

She knew there would be some retraining required to resume her nursing career, and indeed she did decide to retrain, but in

See Mary Charlton page 9

An

America’s 250th Event

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Frost to Flowers

In the Heart of Deep River

9:00 am - Yoga at High Nine Brewery

12:00 pm - Fountain Hill Cemetery History & Nature walk

At Town Hall & Veterans Way

12:00 pm-Garden Kit Giveaway, Tri-Town

12:00 pm - Deep River Historical Society Artifacts, Town Hall

12:30-1:30 pm - Paint A Plant Pot, Shell & Bee Studio

1:00 pm - A Place Called Hope, Owl & Raptor Greet

1:30-3:30 pm - Face Painting

2:30 pm - DR Sustainability Monarch Butterfly Flim

“Find Your Heart in Deep River” Treasure Hunt! 13 red, white, & blue glass hearts will be hidden downtown, symbolizing the 13 original colonies in the Celebration of America’s 250th. If found, follow instructions to redeem a treat.

Participating Businesses

Anchor & Compass and Compass Rose, Celebrations, Chris’ Dog House, Deep River Hardware, Deep River Roasters, Enchanted Blooms, FaceArts Music, Pet’s Choice, Razz Salon, Red House Restaurant, Riverfire Glass, River Valley Dance Project, Shell & Bee Studio

the ride, the course of the nation’s history would have begun much differently than it did.”

Letters Editor to the

More Like Neighbors

Three of my fellow Essex Meadows residents and I organized a modest Valentine’s party for the residents at Meadowbrook Manor, the adult residential care home just up the road from where we live.

We made a Valentine card for each resident. We wanted the cards to be large, bright, handmade, and welldesigned to show that we cared and that each resident was important.

We cut hearts, flowers, and other shapes out of construction paper and arranged them a bit differently on each card. We incorporated the person’s name into the design of the card.

On the envelope we placed a cut-out colored star blast with the resident’s name on it, and under the seal flap we slid a paper doily that would serve as a placemat for cookies.

Two of us had baked cookies — dainty tea, peanut blossoms, and chocolate chocolate chip.

They were sorted and placed in separate Ziploc bags for each resident.

We had arranged with the director to arrive as the residents were finishing their lunch.

With a basket of cookies and envelopes in hand we entered by introducing ourselves and wishing them a Happy Valentine’s Day.

We read off the name on each envelope and distributed the cards followed by the individual bags of cookies.

We spent time opening the cards, eating the cookies, talking, and getting used to each other.

As we were getting ready to leave, we mentioned coming back to play bingo sometime.

It seemed as though we were less “us and them” now and more like neighbors.

Gary Comstock Essex

Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, hosts Signs of Love through Saturday, March 14. The seven-week exhibit celebrates love through romantic relationships and shared connections among people, animals, and the world around us. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

Ivoryton Library will host its fourth annual escape room fundraiser, “Wonderland Conundrum,” from Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 29, at Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton. This year’s theme is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The interactive experience challenges participants to solve puzzles and clues as part of a timed adventure. Proceeds benefit the Ivoryton Library. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, call 860-767-1252 or visit ivorytonlibrary.org.

Essex Library will present a five-week Italian language class for adult beginners beginning Monday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m., at Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. The class will meet on Mondays, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 13. Instruction will be led by Middletown Adult Education instructor Mary Saraceno, who lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants will learn practical vocabulary and expressions for travel situations and cultural understanding. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is required due to limited seating. For more information or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit essexlib.org.

Correction

The Feb. 19 article “Motley’s Legacy Lives On in Chester” included incorrect hours for the Chester Historical Society museum. The museum, 9 West Main St., Chester, is open June through October on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The online version has been corrected.

Obituaries

Obituary

Kevin Smith Chester

Kevin M. Smith, born June 28, 1965, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 15, 2026. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, especially Martha, his wife and partner of 30 years.

Born in Middletown to the late Darrel and Rosemarie (Englert) Smith, and raised in Deep River, where he graduated from Valley Regional High School and then attended Porter and Chester Institute. Kevin cherished his childhood filled with outdoor adventures with his brothers, cousins, and neighborhood friends. He married Martha Mustaro in 2002, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Kevin’s trademark smirk, quick wit, infectious laugh, and brilliant blue eyes brightened every room. He supported the NRA and loved Looney Toons, Elvis, Jeff Dunham, and UConn Women’s Basketball, rarely missing a game and always ready with commentary.

most to Kevin was simply being together, whether exploring a new destination or relaxing by the woodstove watching a movie, nature documentary, or cooking program.

Professionally, Kevin was a respected mechanical design engineer who devoted 32 years to Whelen Engineering in Chester, and was most recently employed at Sound Manufacturing in Old Saybrook. He was known for his integrity, technical skill, mentorship, and steady encouragement. Generous, thoughtful, and protective by nature, Kevin was always ready to lend a hand, or ear, and could always be counted on to carefully watch over those in his company.

Kevin was predeceased by his brother, Duane; his father, Darrel; and his mother, Rosemarie. He is survived by his loving wife Martha; his brother, Brian of Deep River; Martha’s family in Madison and Clinton; his extended family in Chester, Deep River, and Gray, ME; as well as numerous friends whom he often affectionately considered and referred to as his “fr-amily.”

Contacting Valley Courier

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The ValleyCourier encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues.

Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter.

Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters.

Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined.

For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal.

Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor.

Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor.

Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication.

These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0.

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

Kevin found joy in nature, whether kayaking, biking, hiking, snowmobiling in Vermont, watching birds in his backyard, or tracking the latest weather system. He was an avid photographer and a passionate classic car enthusiast, especially proud of his 1968 Camaro. Weekly gatherings with his close-knit friends in the Hulkatorium brought him immense happiness and brotherhood. He took pride in caring meticulously for his vehicles and was known for always being prepared, with several flashlights and pocketknives constantly in hand. He loved to grill and cook alongside Martha, perfecting favorite recipes and crafting signature drinks for family and friends. Travel brought him great joy, from St. Lucia to Italy, Croatia, Hawaii, India, and beyond, as well as scenic drives closer to home. What mattered

Visiting hours will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Robinson Wright Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, followed by a service. A reception and celebration of Kevin’s life will immediately follow at Body Karma Studio, 16 West Main Street, Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s memory may be made to: Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, VT 05843; Hardwick Fire Department, 333 Wolcott Street, Hardwick, VT 05843; Greensboro Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Greensboro, VT 05841; Chester Hose Company, 6 High Street, Chester, CT 06412.

May Kevin always and forever be remembered in the sound of shared laughter, in the clink of an adult beverage, in the sizzle of a perfectly grilled steak or burger, and in the steady rumble of a classic engine cruising alongside good friends.

See Obituaries page 11

ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason.

LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410.

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com.

CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com.

Valley Courier 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com 203-245-1877

Fax 203-245-9773

SPONSORED CONTENT:

Find Obituaries

Posted Daily Online

While our press schedule often does not allow us to publish death notices in time to announce memorial services, readers can find obituaries posted to the Valley Courier website, www.zip06.com, five days a week as they arrive.

Stories and features denoted with the Shore Publishing “Sponsored” icon are sponsored by advertisers. Sponsored content is content created or commissioned by advertisers in collaboration with Shore Publishing’s marketing team. As with all advertising, sponsored content does not necessarily reflect the views of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing will ensure the treatment and design of Advertising and Sponsored Content is clearly differentiated from its editorial content.

Con Brio Marks U.S. 250th With ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’

By Christian Maldonado

Staff Writer

Con Brio Choral Society will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with its upcoming concert, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” a program of patriotic music and works by American composers.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River.

Hammonasett State Park

1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT

To Sign Up Click: marketing and materials sponsor

Sunday April 13, 2025 from

Ticket Price is $34.92 to run and includes a T-shirt

https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/iorehvnfo34n23

and materials sponsor

https://runsignup.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=176875

presented by Sunday April 13, 2025 from 9-10:30 am

Hammonasett State Park

1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT

presented by Sunday, April 13, 2025 9-10:30am Hammonasett State Park 1288 Boston Post Road Madison, CT Ticket Price is $34.92 to run and includes a T-shirt To sign up, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/ Madison/iorehvnfo34n23

Sunday March 29th 2026 Go to the link below or scan here to register:

Ticket Price is $34.92 to run and includes a T-shirt

The concerts will feature more than 110 performers from the Con Brio Chorus and the Con Brio Festival Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Dr. Chris Shepard. Guest soloists include soprano Lyndie Laramore and tenor Ransom Bruce.

According to Shepard, assembling the program required balancing familiar patriotic favorites with works that reflect on the ideas and history behind the nation’s founding.

“We ended up taking two different angles,” Shepard said. “There are a lot of people’s favorite patriotic songs, such as ‘God Bless America’ and a terrific arrangement of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’ I also wanted to highlight a number of very famous American composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, as well as Randall Thompson.”

presented by Sunday April 13, 2025 from 9-10:30 am

To Sign Up Click:

https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/iorehvnfo34n23

Hammonasett State Park

choir have been singing for decades,” he said. “I love to learn new things. A lot of people do research and listen to new recordings… my job is to see how all of these pieces of the puzzle can fit together.” He said he hopes audiences not only enjoy the performance itself but also reflect on the themes behind the music.

“It’s not just a patriotic concert, but also music that is more thoughtful and sophisticated,” Shepard said. “It is really great to have occasions where you think more deeply as to who we are as Americans.”

To Sign Up Click: marketing and materials sponsor

Among the featured works is Thompson’s “The Testament of Freedom,” a choral work that sets texts by Thomas Jefferson. Shepard said the piece connects the concert’s musical selections with the words and ideals of the nation’s founding genera-

The program will also include works by Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein, along with well-known patriotic songs such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.” Some selections will invite audience participa-

Founded in 1997, Con Brio is an auditioned classical chorus with more than 80 singers. The ensemble performs regularly for audiences across the shoreline and has toured internationally, most recently visiting Germany, France, and Switzerland in 2025.

Shepard became Con Brio’s music director in 2025 following the retirement of founding music director Dr. Stephen Bruce.

Shepard said he welcomed input from members of the chorus while planning the

1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT Ticket Price is $34.92 to run and includes a T-shirt

“I love getting input from people, because a lot of the people singing in this

Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit conbrio.org or call 860526-5399.

https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/iorehvnfo34n23

Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, continues its series of Little Learners story times with stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts around a designated theme. Children and their caregivers can enjoy story time on Fridays at 10 a.m., with the theme of Lions and Lambs on Friday, March 13, Spring on March 20, and Celebrate Daffodil Days on March 27. The program is best for children ages 2 to 5 to learn early literacy concepts of colors, shapes, opposites, the alphabet, and more. Little Learners story times take place at the library, 33 West Avenue. For more information or to register, contact the library at 860-767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com or visit youressexlibrary.org. Little Learners at the Library

Essex Begins Early Budget Discussions

By Christian Maldonado

Staff Writer ESSEX

Town officials have begun early discussions on Essex’s next municipal budget, as department representatives outline funding needs and rising costs that could shape spending decisions in the coming year.

During a March 4 budget workshop with the Board of Selectmen, representatives from the Essex Library spoke about the library’s request for additional funding to support programming, staffing and building improvements.

“Libraries today are way more than just books,” Essex Library Treasurer Stephen Brinkmann told the board. “We have all of these programs that are going on in the library, coupled with all of these programs that are going on. We have a building that was built 20 years ago, and that needs significant upgrades…we have just under $2 million worth of projects over the next couple of years.”

Library officials said the funding request would help expand programs and increase staffing levels. One proposal would involve promoting a part-time

employee to a full-time position and adding another part-time staff member.

“We are not asking to increase our headcount randomly,” Essex Library Secretary Andrew Corbin said. “We just want to be closer to what we were before COVID.”

First Selectman Norm Needleman said town officials support the work of both libraries in Essex but must balance requests with other budget priorities. In addition to the Essex Library, the town also provides funding to the Ivoryton Library.

“We love both of our libraries, there is no favorite child,” Needleman said. “What we do for one is what we do for the other.”

Needleman said the town faces several factors that could affect next year’s budget, including uncertainty around school funding and costs related to a winter that brought several major snowstorms to the area.

Education spending is the largest portion of the town’s budget, and officials said changes in student enrollment — measured through Average Daily Membership, or ADM — can affect how costs are shared among the three towns in the

Region 4 school district.

“We understand that ADM is a crapshoot every year for every town in the district,” Needleman said. “Some years we have been on the good side of it, and some years we are on the bad side of it.”

Needleman also noted that snow removal and infrastructure damage from winter storms could increase costs for the public works department.

“This was a bad winter that cost a lot of money,” he said. “It’s not just the cost of plowing, sand, salt and contractors — it’s the damage to our infrastructure.”

Officials said preliminary discussions suggest the municipal portion of the town budget could increase by roughly 3.6% compared with the current year, though no draft budget has been finalized.

Selectmen said the budget process will continue in the coming weeks as they review department requests and refine spending plans.

The Board of Finance is scheduled to discuss the budget next on March 19 at 7 p.m. in Essex Town Hall. A public hearing on the proposed town budget is expected to take place May 11.

A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra

Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM

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

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

Silly Sammy

Story by Carol Andrecs

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

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@ forgottenfelinesct.org.

Friends of the Essex Library Hold March Book Sale

The Friends of the Essex Library will hold a book sale throughout the month of March in the foyer of the library, 33 West Avenue. The March sale will highlight fiction and mystery titles. Unless otherwise noted, hardcovers are priced at $3 each or two for $5, and paperbacks are $2 each. For more information, visit the Friends tab at youressexlibrary.org.

Mary Charlton: A Year to Remember

Continued from page 2

an entirely different field: exercise.

Mary had been a member of the Valley Shore YMCA and was a regular exerciser. “Staying healthy had always been a personal goal,” she says.

Instead of returning to nursing, Mary decided to become a personal trainer. “I thought why not,” she says. “I had a medical background. I knew the importance of exercise. My gut told me it was what I wanted to do.”

She enrolled in a program to become a certified personal trainer and did the

internship that was required for certification at the YMCA. At the completion of the course, she had a lucky break: a position had opened up at the Y. “I didn’t know if they would take me. I hoped they would,” she recalls. Mary got the job.

She credits many members of the YMCA staff with mentoring her, mentioning in particular Kate Wilson-Perez.

“People took me by the hand and encouraged me,” she says. “The more I did, the more I learned, and I met wonderful people along the way.”

Since her original training, she has pursued certifications in related areas, widen-

Shoreline Arts Alliance Announces Student Art Competition

ing the number of courses she is qualified to lead at the Y. She is already certified as a chair yoga instructor and is now working to add certification for floor yoga classes.

Mary, who has three grown children, two sons and a daughter, now lives in what she describes as a small house on a large piece of property. That gives her ample space to do the gardening she enjoys.

Still, she says what she really enjoys is introducing people to the benefits of exercise. “It is the most potent medicine for longevity and good health,” she says.

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

Voters OK $175K for Fire Engine Repairs, Animal Control

Continued from page 1

“There were a few issues with this truck, but nothing like the fire that the other truck experienced,” Needleman said. “Those repairs are being covered by the insurance company.”

Town officials said Engine 7 is out of service and is not expected to return until September.

Voters also approved transferring $100,000 from the town’s Municipal Property Sinking Fund to the town’s Grant Fund to begin pre-construction work on a new animal control facility as part of the Essex Public Works Campus Improvements project.

The funding will cover design and planning costs for the facility, which will be built near the town’s fire department training site off Plains Road. The current

animal control space, located within the existing public works garage, will be replaced with a new two-bay garage, lunchroom, and lavatories as part of the project.

“The $100,000 is the first step in the project,” Needleman said. “It is the design phase and planning costs for the new animal control facility.”

Essex received a $1 million state grant for the project as part of a statewide infrastructure funding initiative announced last year by Gov. Ned Lamont. The town is expected to bond an additional $1 million to complete the project.

Selectman Bruce Glowac, who oversees capital projects in Essex, said the total project cost is expected to be around $2 million. If funding is approved, construction could begin as early as late summer.

MCRC 2026 Business Operating Grants Program

The application for the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission’s (MCRC) 2026 Business Operating Grants Program will open online through Sunday, March 15. The program, funded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, offers grants of up to $25,000 to qualified small businesses in Middlesex County. The 2026 application is for the fourth year of a five-year program aimed at providing financial and technical assistance to business owners so they can continue operations and sustain—as well as expand—employment opportunities for Middlesex County residents. Applicants are encouraged to consider how the requested funds will positively influence the growth and development of their business or help mitigate the negative effects of any hardships they are currently experiencing. Grant funding can be used for equipment and/or technology, leasehold improvements, and other fixed costs—including expenses related to supply chain disruptions, increased employee travel time/mileage, higher vendor costs, loss of income, and additional marketing expenses. For-profit businesses that apply must be based in and have operated in a Middlesex County town for at least 24 months, have 50 or fewer employees, generate less than $8 million in revenue, and be in good standing with all municipal, state, and federal authorities. For more information on eligibility and application requirements, visit mxcrc.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

ESSEX ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Essex Zoning Board of Appeals will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by in person meeting at Town Hall (see agenda on Town’s website www.essexct.gov for further details), at 6:30 p.m. to hear the following applications:

Application No. 26-2 on behalf of Marc Nadeau and Patricia Kennedy, 22 West Avenue Essex, CT, Assessor’s Map 32 Lot 65, VR District, requesting variances of Sections 40D, 40E, 40I.1, and 50D for the construction of a second-floor area above an existing non-conforming first floor located within the side yard setback.

Copies of the application are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office and Land Use Department at Essex Town Hall and can be viewed on the Town’s webpage.

Carey Duques, Land Use Official

Obituaries

Continued from page 5

Obituary

Carol MacElwee

Essex

Carol MacElwee, a resident of Essex since 1994, and of Essex Meadows, passed away surrounded by family on Feb. 23, 2026. She is survived by her son John; and her daughter and son-inlaw, Elizabeth and Bill Jones, all of Essex. She is also survived by her grandson, a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at Cherry Point, NC. She is predeceased by her husband Jack; and her son Douglas.

reception at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The following year, their son, John, was born, followed two years later by a daughter, Elizabeth.

The family moved East to Norwalk, where Jack had more career opportunities in his point-of-sale advertising field. A third child, Douglas, was born four years later.

Dedicated to family, friends, and community, Carol lived a life filled with making connections and helping others. She was motivated to make a difference. Born in Los Angeles, Carol grew up in San Francisco and spent her high school years in Beverly Hills. She attended Beverly Hills High School, where she worked on the school paper. She studied at Stanford University, where she made lifelong friends, and the University of California at Berkeley, earning a journalism degree. After graduation, Carol lived with friends in San Francisco. At a mixer at her rooming house, Carol spotted Jack MacElwee across the room and made her way over. They married at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, with a

While Jack commuted into New York City, Carol’s career path began to take shape as she started volunteering with the League of Women Voters. As Chairman of the Norwalk Alliance for Voters, she arranged for civil rights leader James Meredith to assist in a voter drive. She later took a job as Career Development Coordinator for Head Start, the federal program conceived as part of the effort to break the cycle of poverty through free pre-school education. Carol coached the students’ mothers as they completed their high school education, with some moving on to college.

Carol eventually earned a master’s degree in Guidance and School Psychology from Fairfield University. The following year, she became a Project Director of Infoline of Southwestern Connecticut, one of the state’s Infolines dedicated to information and referrals to health and human service resources. Under her tenure, calls increased dramatically. The separate Infolines were consolidated under United Way of Connecticut, and Carol was hired as Executive Director, later becoming President and CEO. United Way of Connecticut blossomed under Carol, turning into a multifaceted organization, including

Artists and craftspeople are invited to participate in the Essex Summer Arts Festival, scheduled for June 20 through June 21 on the Essex Green in Essex. The outdoor event features fine art and crafts displayed in the historic walkable town overlooking the Connecticut River. Essex is a popular tourist destination known for its restaurants, coffee shops, and marina, and the festival typically attracts strong visitor traffic. Space is limited and early reservations are encouraged. For more information or to reserve a spot, email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.

Essex Historical Society seeks sculptors for its 2026 Art on the Pratt House Lawn exhibition at 19 West Ave., Essex. Four artists will be selected to display up to three outdoor sculptures for two-month periods: June 1 through July 31; Aug. 1 through Sept. 30; and Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. (The April 1 through May 31 session is filled.) Participation is free. Works must be suitable for outdoor display and approved by the selection committee. Artists are responsible for installation and removal. Submit images to Kate Savage at membership@essexhistory.org. For more information, call 860-767-0681 or visit essexhistory.org.

programs such as “Birth to Three” and specialized “Child Care Infoline,” which was funded by corporations and private donations after the Social Services Block Grant was curtailed in the early 1980s. Over the 24 years she headed the organization, Carol fostered relationships with government agencies and United Ways throughout the state, mentored a growing staff, and made Infoline the first statewide 211 system in the country. Carol continued the effort by getting the Federal Communications Commission to designate 211 as a national number for information and referrals. The number was established in 2000 and continues to this day. When she retired in February 2002, former Governor John Rowland declared the day as “Carol MacElwee Day” in honor of her work.

Carol and Jack had discovered Essex on one of their many bike rides. They relocated in 1994, and enjoyed sailing their Pearson 28 out of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, and continued to be active with camping and biking.

Their grandson, Banning, spent summers with them to attend the Pettipaug Sailing Academy. In retirement, Carol continued to serve, with active participation as a board member of the Essex Land Trust. She was in charge of membership and organized the Trust’s 40th anniversary. She served on the board of The Ivoryton Playhouse. She also volunteered for The Essex Historical Society and SCORE, which provides guidance to businesses. Upon moving to Essex Meadows with Jack, Carol continued to be active developing programs for those, like her, with low vision: scenic bus tours to nearby locales and golf-carts rides around the Meadows property. She also served on the Residents’ Council.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Essex Meadows at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, friends can make a donation to either The Essex Land Trust: essexlandtrust.org; The Essex Historical Society: essexhistory.org; The Ivoryton Playhouse: ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Q: We just moved into a new house last fall. My neighbor told me the previous owner planted hundreds of crocuses. I’ve never had crocuses before, what are they like? - Donna

A: Crocuses are fascinating. They are perennials that tolerate cold temperatures well and are among the first bloomers in the garden every year. Crocuses are members of the iris family that bloom in an array of colors: yellow, white, blue, violet and striped. There are over 80 varieties known around the world and over 30 are cultivated commercially. While most crocus varieties bloom in the late winter and spring, there is one particularly interesting variety, the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), that blooms in the fall. The saffron crocus has been around for thousands of years and bred to have especially long threads, which when picked and dried, are used to make the well-known saffron spice. Amazingly, it takes about 80,000 crocus flowers to produce 1 lb. of saffron! To satisfy the estimated 600,000 lb. annual worldwide demand for saffron, over 50 million crocuses contribute their stigmas! That’s a lot of hand-picking! Not surprisingly, Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, selling for up to $5,000 per oz.! Thank you for a great question.

Valley Falls to Comp Sci in States First Round

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Valley Regional boys basketball team left it all on the court March 7, as the Warriors fell in the Division V State Tournament after a tough performance against Comp Sci in the first round.

The game came down to the final seconds. Down by three points, the Warriors had a chance to take a last-second shot to tie the game but were unable to push it into overtime, losing 71-68.

Senior Noah Dolinsky finished his high school career strong, leading the Warriors with 25 points and six 3-pointers. Sophomore Brady Evans also delivered for the Warriors, finishing with 19 points.

Valley Regional coach Kevin Woods said that, despite the result, he was pleased with the team’s performance. He said the loss was not due to a lack of effort.

“We really battled, we just couldn’t get over the hump, but we came really close,” Woods said. “We left everything out there. That’s all you really ask for. You want to make sure, win or lose, that you give everything, especially in a state game. We could have tightened some things up execution wise, but I don’t think we could have played harder.”

During the fourth quarter, the Warriors trailed by as many as 12 points but rallied to cut the deficit to one. They then fell back behind by 10 before closing the gap again to one point.

The high effort—and the up-and-down nature of the game—resembled the season overall. The team finished 10-10 in the regular season, reached the conference tournament, and qualified for the state tournament but faced plenty of adversity throughout the year.

The team started the season 0-3 while playing without its star point guard, then turned things around. However, it lost one of its top players to injury right before the postseason. Woods said that even with the ups and downs, he would consider the year a success.

Valley Regional fell to Comp Sci, 71-68, in the first round of the Division V State Tournament.

“We were on pace to maybe have a 14-6, 15-5 season, but really when you look at it from a whole it started with adversity, we had adversity in the middle, had adversity at the end and we always came back, whether we came up with the right result all the time or maybe not,” Woods said.

“You can’t question these guys’ hearts. I’m proud of them. It was definitely a success, and they’re young. This is foundation-setting season. We’re going to be really good for the next upcoming years.”

Woods credited the senior class for its leadership and for showing the underclassmen what it takes to be successful. He

said that while the seniors may not be the beneficiaries of the program’s future success, they played a major role in creating the environment of growth and discipline.

The Valley Regional senior class includes Dolinsky, Logan Prue, Michael Spencer, Cody Saunders, Tsering Samphel, and Eli Torres.

Dolinsky finished just 19 points short of scoring 1,000 points in his career.

“They really embody the values and characteristics we’re looking for with people,” Woods said. “Hopefully, that will rub off on these younger guys and stay with those guys for a while here.”

Captain Morgan Weighing Anchor: A Note to My Readers

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

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

Fishing report

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

The Beacon on the Horizon

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

School of Basketball Spring Clinics Begin March 17

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

Sessions begin March 17 and run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through April 10. Each clinic meets from 5 to 6 p.m.

Players may attend as many sessions each week as their schedule allows.

The cost is $20 per session. Payment is accepted by check, cash, or Venmo (203824-8897).

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

Academic and Enrichment Classes Offered

Registration is now open for Shoreline Adult Education’s catalog of free academic programs and affordable enrichment classes. The free academic programs are open to adult residents of Branford, Clinton, Guilford, and North Branford. With federal funding from a grant, adults living outside this four-town region are eligible to enroll in the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), an alternative to the GED. Multiple program options are available for adults interested in earning their high school diploma. Confidentiality and flexible class schedules are available to those enrolled in the NEDP. In addition, English for speakers of other languages is offered for nonEnglish speakers, as well as workforce preparation classes and courses for families with young and school-aged children. Citizenship preparation is offered with a twosemester class designed to support adults in their pathway to U.S. citizenship. Shoreline Adult Education has also partnered with local business owners and instructors to offer enrichment classes through June. Course topics include retirement planning, arts and crafts, music, dance, health and wellness, lectures on local Connecticut history, computers, and foreign languages. For more information or to register in any of the classes, call the Branford office at 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

A Battle Worth Fighting

If there is one heartbeat that has pulsed through this column more than any other, it is that of the Atlantic striped bass (Morone saxatilis). The striper is the soul of our coastline, a silver ghost that embodies the constant battle for survival. We have watched the populations swing like a pendulum. We have debated slots, gear, and seasons. But through it all, my heart has remained with the fish. Their survival is our survival; their health is the ultimate litmus test for the Sound. As I step back, I ask you to keep up that fight. Don’t let the pressure off. The bass don’t have a voice—they only have us.

The Course Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

VRHS Trades Award Fund Accepting Applications

The Valley Regional High School (VRHS) Trades Award Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) is accepting applications for its annual trades award through the VRHS School Counseling Office. Two awards of $2,000 each will be presented on VRHS Awards Night in the spring. Established by members of the VRHS Class of 1982 to encourage careers in the trades, the award is open to VRHS seniors pursuing employment in the trades and/or entrepreneurship. Applicants must be in good academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to positive community involvement and service to others. Students may obtain applications and additional information through the VRHS School Counseling Office. The VRHS Trades Award is an educational award fund of CFMC. For more information about the fund or to support it, call 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.

RogeR CRampton

PLUMBING HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING

Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200

Fun By The Numbers

mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from

put your sudoku savvy to

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!

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

Florida Keys Unlocked: Sailing Aboard American Pioneer

Postcards

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

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The author's husband, Bob,

America 2.0

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

extremely clean and not at all crowded. While we were told there are roughly 500 liquor licenses in a compact area (less than 4 square miles), the legendary bar scene was completely under control. There are bars on top of bars, which is how there are so many licenses!

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

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

See Florida Keys page 21

21

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

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

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

Painting Treasure Boxes

: 6 to 8 p.m. BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Led by Edith Reynolds. Participants will design decorative boxes for personal treasures. Cost: $45. For info or to register, text 203-232-4384 or visit branfordarts.org.

Community Navigator

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

Mario Kart Tournament

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Youth ages 10 to 14 are invited to play rounds of Mario Kart. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4840469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

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

: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. Third in a sixpart educational series designed for older adults and the adult children who support them. Each session offers practical guidance on topics related to aging in place, downsizing, home care, and senior living options. Participants can attend any or all sessions; there is no obligation to attend the full series. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

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

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

Tackling the Depths

Calendar for the Week of March 12, 2026

Box Painting Class

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

Secure Your Future: Retirement Planning

: 6 to 8 p.m.

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

Glass Art Workshop:

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

Continued from page 20

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

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

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

: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Lyman Allyn Museum curator Tanya Pohrt presents an illustrated lecture in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting works from the museum’s collection. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

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

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

See page 22

Florida Keys Unlocked: Sailing Aboard American Pioneer

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

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

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

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

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

cruiselines.com

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

Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade

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

Paul Revere Comes to New Haven Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working from his dramatic new narra-

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

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

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

“It’s another reminder of how relatively

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

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

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Adult writing group exploring genres including memoir, essay, poetry, and fiction. Sharing is optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Afternoon Movies

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

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

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

About the New Haven Museum

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

Open Mic Night

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

Last 6th Grade Dance of the Year

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

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

Continued from page 21 See page 23

Shoreline Soul Returns for its Choral Gospel Workshop and Concert

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

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

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

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

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

The workshop registration fee is $95,

Continued from page 22

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Friends of APL Library Book and Bake Sale

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

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

About Angela Clemmons

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 THROUGH

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

“Wonderland Conundrum” Escape Room:

Ivoryton

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Anastasia: The Musical

: 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. Sunday. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Presented by Valley Regional Musical Productions. Musical with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Tickets: $15. For info or tickets, call 860-526-5328 or visit hq.gofan.co.

Library, 106 Main St. Fourth annual escape room themed around Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Timed escape room experience for groups. Tickets required. For info or tickets, call 860-767-1252 or visit ivorytonlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Catch a Leprechaun 5K

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

Hand Embroidery Workshop: Session One

: 10 a.m. to noon. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Session one of a two-part hand embroidery workshop led by Sally Strasser and Sharon Hart. Covers foundational embroidery stitches and techniques. Participants receive an embroidery kit to keep. For info or to register, call 203433-4071.

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

Squid Dissection for Tweens and Teens

: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Environmental educator Julie Ainsworth leads a hands-on squid dissection and discussion of cephalopod anatomy. For ages 9 and older. For info or to register (required), call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

The Secret Garden

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For info, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

Saturday Cinema

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

How to Use ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence: A Basic Introduction

: 4 to 5 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

page 24

Continued from page 23

: 4 to 10 p.m.

Face Arts Music, 448 Main St., Bldg. 2, Deep River. Food-raiser concert to benefit the Deep River Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to bring 10 or more nonperishable food items and/or toiletries for admission. Proceeds benefit the Deep River Food Pantry. For info, call 860-5261190 or visit faceartsmusic.com.

: 5 p.m.

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

Flights, Hotel Deals, and Grocery

: 5 to 6 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Features a beginner class and students are not required to have Prior knowledge of ChatGPT. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

: 5 to

9 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Essex Library. Features casino-style games including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, with professional dealers and prizes awarded based on play. Includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Cost: $100 per person; adults only. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. For info or tickets, contact the library or visit its website.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

AND SUNDAY, MARCH 15

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

Lecture Features the Golden Age of Spanish Painting and Collecting

Press Release from Shoreline Village Connecticut

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

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

Slepian holds a PhD from Yale University in the history of art. Her specialty is Renaissance and Baroque art.

The event is co-sponsored by the Guilford Free Library and Shoreline Village Connecticut. For more information, visit guilfordfreelibrary.org or shoreline villagect.org.

walk along the refuge trails at dusk to observe the courtship flight. Inclement weather may cancel. For info or to register (required), contact 860-399-2513 or Shaun_Roche@fws.gov.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Madison Movie Chat

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

Working with Transgender Youth in Trying Times

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Concert at the Meeting House: Bards of Gungywamp

: 1 to 2 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Performance by the folk group Bards of Gungywamp, featuring styles including Celtic, sea songs, oldtime, and bluegrass. For info, call 860-5260018 or visit chesterctlibrary.com.

CPR Course

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

(required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Ramblin’ Dan Stevens

: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shunock River Brewery and Village Cafe, 2 Wyassup Rd., North Stonington. Features an acoustic blues performance. For info, call 860-415-9941.

The Kate’s 16th Annual Oscar Night Party

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

Games at Gladeview

: 2:35 to 4:30 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 312 Main St., Old Saybrook. For students in grades 5 to 8. Participants will walk from school to Youth and Family Services after dismissal and visit Gladeview Health Care Center to play games with residents. Pickup at 4:30 p.m. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-395-3190.

Shorebirds of Connecticut: Migration, Survival, and Conservation

: 2 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Planting activity open to all ages. Free. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-

Paint a Pot and Plant a Seed 8702.

The Kerry Boys in Concert

: 2 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features a performance by The Kerry Boys, Irish balladeers. Registration required. For info or to register

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

Free Nature Presentation: The American Woodcock

: 6 p.m. Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook. Features a presentation by naturalist Patricia Laudano on the American woodcock, a shrubland bird that returns to Connecticut in spring. Includes a PowerPoint on the bird’s natural history and behavior, followed by a

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

See page 25

Old Saybrook Rotary Club Announces 2026 Events

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

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

Wine/Beer Tasting and Silent Auction

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

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

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

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

Shredding Day

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

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

Continued from page 24

Read to a Therapy Dog

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

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

: 5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Children in grades 3 to 5 will take turns reading to Libby, a trained therapy dog. Participants may bring a favorite book or choose one from the library. Registration required. For info or to register (required), email cveenema@nbranfordlibraries.org.

LEGO STEM Club:

5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Participants in grades 1 through 4 complete a STEM design challenge focused on wind racers. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

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

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

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

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

100-Year Birthday Celebration

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

For more information about the Old Saybrook Rotary Club,

Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog

: 5:15 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Children and families may sign up for a private 15-minute session to read to and interact with Louie, a licensed therapy dog. Free and open to the public. Registration required due to limited space. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Handsewn Log Cabin Mug Coaster: America 250 Program

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hands-on sewing workshop led by Andrea Buka of Glimmering Girl Studio. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free. For ages 14 and up. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Glass Art Workshops

: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass, 500 Main St., Deep River. Hands-on glass art class covering glass history, safety, cutting, and design. Participants choose from beginner-friendly projects; materials and one kiln firing included. Additional project upgrades available for a fee. For info or to register (required), call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.

Continued from page 25

: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Participants create flower lanterns in celebration of the spring solstice. For teens through seniors. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Spring Equinox Creative Awakening: Visions of

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Led by Asami Green. Features meditation and art journaling with mixed media. Cost: $44. For info or to register, text 203-232-4384 or visit branfordarts.org.

: 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Features a honey tasting with local beekeeper Tammi Worsham, followed by a documentary film screening. Registration preferred. For info or movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

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

Green Burials and Eco-Friendly End-ofLife Options: A Meaningful Return to Nature

Unforgettable Sister Amnesia: DeLaurentis Reprises Her Role in Nunsense

Press Release from The Legacy Theatre

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

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

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

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

by Shoreline Village CT. For info or to register (requested), contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillageCT.org.

Pottery Workshop: Session One

: 4 to

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

Library Lab: Milk and Cookies

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features a hands-on science activity exploring the scientific method by predicting whether cookies will sink or float. For ages 6 to 12. Note: Program contains dairy and gluten. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Candle Making Workshop: Soy Wax Candle: Spring Tulip Bowl

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

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

: 6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features a seminar on sustainable end-of-life disposition planning. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org. : 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Facilitated by Tom Lee, a member and moderator of the Great Decisions discussion group. Produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Second of four Thursday sessions through April 9. The series has a morning and afternoon session and participants can enroll in either session for

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

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

Nunsense

the series. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $40 for all four sessions and a 2026 briefing book that covers the topics. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Theatre. Nunsense

The Legacy Theatre is located at 128 Thimble Islands Road, in the Stony Creek Village of Branford. Legacy is a fully accessible, nonprofit, professional theatre and training center along the Connecticut shoreline. The theatre, fully renovated prior to its opening in 2021, is housed in the former Stony Creek Puppet Theatre, a building with more than a century of rich history that includes performances by Orson Welles and, in 2024, a musical directed by Julie Andrews.

For tickets, call 203-315-1901 or visit LegacyTheatreCT.org. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the theatre on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Book Club

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

Tea and Talk Night Watch: A Novel

: 2 p.m. The Brownstone House, 961 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Informal conversation gathering hosted

: 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.

Author Event: Casey Elsass Madison Newcomers Club March General Meeting

: 6 p.m. Deux Bisous, 73 Wall St., Madison. Open to new and prospective members. Features light refreshments, fellowship, and a raffle of curated gifts from the shop. For info, visit www.madisonnewcomersct.com.

Growing Annuals from Seed: What Can I Bring?

6:30 p.m.

Clinton Town Hall Green Room, 50 E. Main St. Hosted by the Clinton Arbor Garden Club. Felicia Millet of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will discuss how to start annual plants from seed indoors and which varieties perform well when started this way. Growing from seed can reduce costs and provide more plant varieties than typically available each spring. Free admission. Refreshments included. For info, email ClintonArborGardenClub@gmail.com.

See page 27

Continued from page 26

Peaceful Pause

: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. North Branford Intermediate School, 654 Foxon Rd. Cost: $44. Bring a yoga mat, towel, blanket, and anything needed for a comfortable breathwork experience. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

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

Chess Workshop Series

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

High School Lunch Power Hour: When and How to Let Go Without Losing Control During the High School Years

Wesleyan University professor of music

: Noon

to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Dr. Alicia Farrell, cognitive psychologist and parenting expert. Designed for parents and caregivers of middle and high schoolers. Hosted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org.

Tween Time: Ultimate Oreo Taste Test

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Program for ages 8 to 12 celebrating National Oreo Day. Participants will sample Oreo flavors from around the world and vote for a favorite. Free and open to the public. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 22

: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Guilford High School Auditorium, 605 New England Rd. Presented by the Guilford High School Theatre Arts (GHSTA). Tickets: $22 reserved seating; $18 students, seniors, and Guilford Public Schools employees. The show runs through Sunday, March 29. For info or tickets, visit ghsta.weebly.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Early Childhood Expo

: 9 to 11 a.m. Deep River Elementary School. Hosted by TriTown Youth Services. Features information on preschool and child care options, local library offerings, art, dance, and music classes, community resources, and early intervention specialists. Includes lawn games, arts and crafts, and family activities. For info, call 860-526-3600 or visit ttysb.org.

Tristan und Isolde

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Shook Up : 9:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. St. Patrick’s Day story time featuring stories and a craft, followed by participation in the Essex Go Bragh Parade at 11 a.m. Free and open to the public. Registration encouraged. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Essex Go Bragh Story and Craft Time

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

Tristan und Isolde

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

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

Veteran Fair and Open House

: 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. Haddam Community Center, 7 Candlewood Hill Rd., Higganum. Features resources and vendors including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Inc., Paws for War, Community Renewal Team, and Willow Clauson: Education for PTSD. TBI, and Suicide prevention. For info, call Sheldon Potesak at 475-2610232. :

Noon to 3 p.m. Main St., Old Saybrook. Hosted by the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce. Features chili tastings from participating restaurants and community voting. Ballots: $15 per person. For info or tickets, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.

Volunteer Expo 2026

: 1 to 3 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second annual Essex Library Non-Profit Volunteer Expo. Opportunity to meet representatives from local nonprofit organizations and learn about volunteer opportunities in the community. Free and open to the public. No registration required. For info, call 860-7671560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John

Saturday Sleuths Book Club

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

Hand Embroidery Workshop: Session Two Never Lie

: 10 a.m. to noon. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Session two of a

two-part hand embroidery workshop led by Sally Strasser and Sharon Hart. Builds on foundational skills and focuses on embellishing personal items such as garments or tote bags. For info or to register, call 203-433-4071.

Wizard Head Bottle Openers Workshop

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will hand-forge bottle openers from mild steel while practicing blacksmithing techniques including drawing down, punching, chiseling, scrolling, and finishing. Instructor Greg AmEnde. Tuition: $175. For info or to register, contact 203-453-5947 or info@guilfordartcenter.org, or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

:

: 2 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Tribute performance featuring pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels. Sponsored by the David J. Hughes Memorial Fund. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

The Art of Home Organizing

: 3 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Lecture presented by Stephanie of Mayflower Home Organizing. Focuses on strategies for home organization and practical tools that can be implemented in daily life. Includes discussion of organizing experiences and time for questions. Participants may bring questions and a photo of a problem area in their home for suggestions. Registration required. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.

page 30

Horoscopes Crossword

For the week of March 12 - March 18

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Sometime this week you may discover a hidden talent you didn’t know you have, Aries. Embrace this new aspect of your identity and put it to good use.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

This is a time when you might feel grounded and secure, Taurus. Your inner strength will allow you to take a calculated risk that will pay off, either with your finances or relationships.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

You might find that this week a mental fog will lift, leaving you with a crystal-clear vision for the future, Gemini. Start moving toward your goals as soon as possible.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

Your emotional intelligence is your greatest asset right now, Cancer. You help a friend navigate a tricky situation with ease midweek, and by the weekend you’re still going strong.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Right now your confidence is unshakable, Leo. Use all of your energy to advocate for something you fully believe in. Chances are you will evoke some change as a result.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, order brings you joy, which means you may want to tackle transforming your work space into a more detailed operation. This will boost your mood and your performance.

MARCH 12

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Romance is a priority right now, Libra. Whether you are single or in a relationship, expect a moment this week when the spark is ignited once more.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

A small change in your routine may lead to a big increase in energy, Scorpio. Try rearranging your schedule to see what works best for you, and then make it a habit.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, a dream you had is more attainable than you might think. Take the first step and quickly the path will open up for you. Enlist friends to push you even further along.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Leadership comes naturally to you now, Capricorn. People will be looking to you for guidance this week. Try to deliver it with kindness and no sense of ego.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Your “Eureka!” moment might come sooner than you would imagine, Aquarius. Pay attention to the details this week and tune your way of thinking toward innovation.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Nature walks or creative hobbies may nourish your soul this week, Pisces. You might find yourself deeply attuned to the world around you and the beauty you discover.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

Malina Weissman, Actress (23) MARCH 13

William H. Macy, Actor (76) MARCH 14

Steph Curry, Athlete (38) MARCH 15

Kellan Lutz, Actor (41)

MARCH 16

Lauren Graham, Actress (59) MARCH 17

Rob Lowe, Actor (62) MARCH 18

Adam Levine, Singer (47)

CLUES ACROSS

1. Blockchain-based entity

4. A woolen cap of Scottish origin

7. Painted with glue

12. Legendary crooner

15. Structure made with strips of wood

16. Tropical fruits

18. Commercial

19. Comedienne Gasteyer

20. The Ocean State

21. Ancient Scot

24. Basics

27. Stated propositions

30. Scottish island group

31. Expression of annoyance

33. Large tree

34. Engine additive

35. Conspiracy

37. Drunkard

39. Someone who is morally reprehensible

41. Ancient Syrian city

42. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls

44. Carry (slang)

47. Sweet potato

48. European river

49. The Golden State

50. Windy City ballplayer

52. New Testament

53. Possess spiritually

56. A treeless grassy plain

61. Popular historical novel

63. In a law-abiding way

64. A place to sleep

65. Criticize

CLUES DOWN

1. Impression in a surface

2. Computer language

3. Relating to the ear

4. Occupant

5. Member of Great Plains people

6. Social media firm

7. Digital audiotape

8. Midway between east and southeast

9. Chronic, progressive disease

10. Chinese lute

11. Not wet

12. Moves wings up and down

13. Communication devices

14. Swiss river

17. Female sibling

22. Receive

23. Relating to a type

24. General’s assistant (abbr.)

25. Steep bank

26. Taxi driver

28. Moves into without difficulty

29. Bicycle manufacturer

32. Traditional rhythmic pattern

36. Fugitives are on it

38. Bitter-tasting organic substance

40. Die

43. Matched

44. Literary genre __-fi

45. Cannot

46. Pounded

51. British rock group

54. Debt relief order

55. 2006 NL Cy Young winner

56. Green vegetable

57. Tough outer skin of fruit

58. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

59. Ailments

60. Famed singer Charles

62. Camper

Word Search

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.

HOME REPAIR WORD SEARCH

BACKSPLASH BUILDING CASING CIRCUIT CONTRACTOR

CURB APPEAL

DRAIN FLASHING GROUT JOIST LOAD

MOLDING OUTLET PERMIT PIPES

ROUGH-IN SHIM SIDING SILL

SOFFIT

SUBFLOOR VALVE VENEER WALLS

Word Scramble

Word Scramble solution for March 5, 2026: DIGEST

Word Search solution for March 5, 2026

CBSRZ Hosts Exhibit of Chester’s Own Native Son

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

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

Feinstein developed a number of styles over his 65 years of painting, and three are featured at the exhibit: vibrant landscapes, bold figures, and geometric abstractions.

Feinstein, who passed away in 2014, said of himself, “I’m an expressionist by temperament, I’m seeking to develop an art that people at large can understand.”

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

Malcolm Feinstein (1922-2014) grew up

Continued from page 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Creek

: 4 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 50 Emanuel Church Rd., Killingworth. Performance by Trolley Creek. Free. For info, call 860-6631234.

Frederick Lee Lecture: A Postcard History of Madison in the 20th Century

: 4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Presented by Madison Historical Society. Talk by Municipal Historian and MHS trustee Henry Griggs. Suggested donation: $10; free for MHS members. No preregistration required. Zoom access available. For info, visit madisonhistory.org.

: Session 1, 4:30 to 6 p.m. (ages 9 and under); Session 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (ages 10 and up). Madison Arts Barn, Madison. Features dancing with Royal Jester DJ Bry, open game tables, and a Sweets and Treats room with snacks and drinks. Guests are encouraged to dress in royal attire. Session 1 includes special princess guests. Each young attendee will receive a commemorative gift. Cost: $60 per adult-child pair; additional guests may be added. Tickets sold online only. For tickets and info, visit madisonartsbarn.org.

: 7 to 10 p.m. “Time to Dance” Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford. Group lesson with Karen Pfrommer from 7 to 7:30 p.m., followed by open dancing. Light refreshments provided. Admission: $20. For info, contact 203-710-2805 or info@timetodanceballroom.com.

A Postcard History of Madison in the 20th Century

:

: 9 a.m. North Quarter Park, 145 Main St., Chester. Participants will remove barberry and other invasive plant species. For info, contact 860-526-0013, ext. 223, or parkrec@chesterct.org.

Invasive Party at North Quarter Park 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.

Invasive Party at North Quarter Park

: 1 p.m. North Quarter Park, 37 North Quarter Rd., Madison. Community volunteer event focused on removing barberry and other invasive plant species. For info, visit madisonct.org.

Essex Winter Series (EWS): French Impressions, American Echoes

: 3 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 E. Kings Hwy, Chester. Features Trio Animoso with artists Sophia Jean, flute; Julian Seney, viola; and Subin Lee, harp. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860-272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

Essex Winter Series: Trio Animoso

: 3 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 E. Kings Hwy., Chester. Performance by Trio Animoso featuring Sophia Jean, flute; Julian Seney, viola; and Subin Lee, harp. Program, French Impressions, American Echoes, includes Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp and works by Rameau, Ravel, and Bonis. Adult: $45; student: $5. For info or tickets, call 860-272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Henry Griggs, Madison municipal historian and MHS preservation chair. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Part of the 2026 Frederick Lee Lectures series. Admission: $5 suggested fee, free to MHS members. For info, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

The George Flynn Classical Concerts Presents: A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra

: 4 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. Performance by A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra. The program includes works by Copland and Beethoven. Free tickets must be ordered in advance. Clinton residents may reserve tickets one month prior to the concert; non-residents may reserve two weeks prior, based on availability. For info or to order tickets (required), visit georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com.

Work Like a Dog

: 4 p.m. First Congregational Church, Guilford Green. Cabaret performance by Schuyler Beeman featuring songs and stories from her work as a professional animal handler with William Berloni Theatrical Animals. Free-will donation to benefit the church’s music and deacon funds. For info, visit instagram.com/arborfarmct.

Introduction to Needle Felting Series: Spring Fox

: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $45 class fee plus a $15 materials fee (exact change requested). Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

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

Real Estate Transactions

OLD SAYBROOK

: James P. and Kimberly A. Corbett to Francisca Ibarra and Edward P. Roosevelt, $385,000 on Feb. 18 : Gregory Pinski to Jacob F. Pickerell and Jesica Raingo, $330,000 on Feb. 17

: Say Main LLC to Jerome Prop 162 LLC, $2,000,000 on Feb. 18 : Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shorepublishing.com

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

Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group. For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.