Valley Courier 08-21-25

A Little Compassion Shutters The Nest

By Christian Maldonado

Staff Writer

After six years of serving coffee, creating jobs, and building community for people with neurodivergent challenges, A Little Compassion has closed its Deep River coffee shop, The Nest. The shop, which officially shut down on Aug. 10, provided employment opportunities for individuals with autism

and other neurodivergent conditions, helping them develop workplace and communication skills in a supportive setting.

Founder and former Executive Director

Jane Moen said the decision was purely financial.

“As important as The Nest is, as our backdrop for all of our other programs, it has to be sustainable,” she said. “Over the past several

years, it has been difficult to have that essentially small business even come close to breaking even.”

Moen’s inspiration for A Little Compassion began at home. Her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, participated in social programs that she felt—while helpful—could

See A Little Compassion page 10

Conquering

the Current

Dozens of paddlers launch from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam on Aug. 16 as the Conquer the Current race begins its ninemile downstream course to the Connecticut River Museum. The event, open to kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and surf skis, supports the museum’s educational programs.

James Paisley: Time for Collomore

By Rita Christopher

Courier Senior Correspondent

James Paisley doesn’t have to rely on the natural world to see that the seasons are changing. As co-chair of the Robbie Collomore Music Series, he knows autumn on the Shoreline is marked by four concerts at the Chester Meeting House.

This year, the concerts run from Sunday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Nov. 23. Chester resident John Williams serves alongside James as series co-chair.

The series honors Robbie Collomore, former proprietor of Robbie’s soda fountain and general store, once located on Chester’s Main Street in the space now occupied by River Tavern.

James notes that Chester’s location—and the concerts’ 5 p.m. Sunday start time—make it an ideal stop for artists, including internationally known musicians. “You can play a big concert in Boston on Saturday night and stop in Chester on your way home to New York City,” he says.

The Chester Meeting House’s acoustics also draw performers. “It’s a great place to play,” James says.

Person of the Week

“Musicians like having the sound bounce off 240-year-old wood.”

The lineup includes two classical concerts and two performances featuring other genres, from jazz and folk to bluegrass and world music.

This year’s non-classical acts are Kyshona, a Nashville-rooted rhythm and blues singer performing Saturday, Oct. 12, and Anat Cohen and her group, Quartetinho, on Saturday, Nov. 23. Cohen has been named Clarinetist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association annually since 2008 and was previously recognized as Up and Coming Artist of the Year.

“She’s a world beater, just wonderful,” James says.

Of Kyshona, James adds, “She’s sensational. It’s energy, soulfulness, connecting with deep emotion. It’s

going to be great.”

The classical performers are the Amara Trio on Saturday, Sept. 28, and pianist Eun Young Lee on Friday, Nov. 22. The Amara Trio concert is the annual Juilliard Showcase, as the renowned music school regularly sends rising talent to perform at Collomore.

Lee, a Guggenheim fellowship winner, will be teaching at the Community Music School in Centerbrook this fall.

“We hope this concert will be community-building and spread the word

Attention Chester Voters DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY SEPT. 9

Democrats

& Unaffiliated*

Voters

*Unaffiliated voters only can vote by changing party registration by Sept. 8. Then, within a few months, they can change back to unaffiliated. Republicans cannot change.

If you are fed up with:

• Record 10% plus tax increases (2024-25, 2025-26)

• Divisive development

• Lack of responsive government

• Lack of seniors’, others’ services especially housing

VOTE Democrat

JOE COHEN

Chester high taxes, little-to-no services, spending $35,000 per student (Farmington spends $21,000) yearly – way above Connecticut average.

This year, prompted by cries for change from Republicans, Unaffiliated voters and Democrats, I decided that if nothing else, a primary challenge would spark debate, voter interest, and maybe positive change. The Chester Republicans are not running a candidate for First Selectman. The Sept. 9, 2025 primary is our only opportunity.

It’s your town.

Voting and registration information is available from the Town Clerk (860-526-0013 x510). Primary Day is Sept. 9; early voting days are Sept. 2-7; Unaffiliated voters must change registration in advance of voting. I would appreciate your vote.

Thank you.

Joe Cohen, Brooks Lane.

Essex, Chester, & Deep River’s Hometown Newspaper Founded in 2001 Published by Shore Publishing, LLC ©2025 All Rights Reserved ISSN www.zip06.com • 203-245-1877

Letters Editor to the

Just the Beginning

Chester’s first selectwoman, Cindy Lignar, is running for a second term, with a primary election in September 2025. Chester residents, businesses, and the broader community deserve a leader who governs in an inclusive, positive, vision-driven way, someone who sets effective goals, stays solution-focused, and brings people together around shared priorities. That is the leadership Cindy Lignar has delivered over the past two years.

Cindy has strengthened town-wide communication through regular emails, an upgraded town website, and consistent engagement with committees, boards, and residents. She brings people together to ensure input and is accessible. These processes bring citizens, staff, and committee members together to build a base of input through meetings and conversations.

Selectwoman Lignar’s accomplishments in her first term are significant. Her budget process features open town discussions and public votes. She has overseen numerous grant applications to ease the local tax burden. Under her

ConBrioChoralSocietyAuditions

leadership, Chester has secured approximately $1.5 million in grant awards for town projects. The town has also advanced an extensive slate of improvements, including multiple street upgrades, renovations, and new community recreational spaces and services for residents of all ages. She further improved public safety by bringing the EverBridge alert system to all residents. In a time of division, Cindy Lignar offers collaborative, transparent, and empowering leadership. This progress reflects a steady plan, not a happy accident, and it is visible townwide. Her intelligence, values, and ability to bring out the best in people, along with her integrity, respect, and authenticity, serve our town well. Chester benefits from leaders who approach the job with commitment and respect, and Cindy has the temperament and steady personality to keep getting work done in a nondivisive way. And this is just the beginning.

Caryl Horner Chester

Con Brio Choral Society will hold auditions for all voice parts on Monday, Aug. 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main Street, Old Saybrook. The season features Chris Shepard as the group’s new music director. Con Brio rehearses on Monday evenings in Old Saybrook. To book an audition time, call 860-575-1533. For more information, visit conbrio.org/audition.

ESSEX TOWN MEETINGS

Thursday,Aug.21

Thursday,Aug.21

Capital Committee Board of Finance

Thursday,Aug.28

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-7674340, ext. 129, or visit the Essex town website www.essexct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 10:30 a.m. : 7 p.m. : 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday,Aug.26

Planning and Zoning Commission Board of Selectmen

Harbor Management Commission : 7 p.m. : 6:30 p.m.

DEEP RIVER TOWN MEETINGS

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-526-6024 or visit the Deep River town website www.deepriverct.us to learn how to participate in the following meetings:

Monday,Aug.25

Tuesday,Aug.26

Cedar Lake Watershed Commission Board of Selectmen

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-5260013, ext. 511, or visit the Chester town website www.chesterct.org to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 7 p.m. : 6 p.m.

Obituaries

Obituary

Kathy Doering

Deep River

Kathy Cynthia (Carlson) Doering passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on Oct. 30, 1957, in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Kathy was the beloved daughter of John Carlson and the late Jean Carlson of Valhalla, N.Y..

Raised in a home filled with love and grace, Kathy carried those values with her throughout her life, generously sharing them with everyone she met.

Kathy shared an extraordinary 52year journey with her soulmate, Tom Doering, including 45 years of marriage. Their deep connection earned them the affectionate nickname “TomKat,” and Kathy often expressed her love through her favorite phrase: “TomKat forever.”

Family was at the heart of everything Kathy did. She found her greatest joy surrounded by loved ones and took pride in nurturing not only her children and grandchildren, but also anyone who entered her life. A true caregiver and a spirited soul, Kathy had a unique way of making everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Her compassion extended to animals of all kinds, and her home reflected that spirit — filled with birds, dogs, turtles, iguanas, ferrets, and fish over the years. Her loyal dog, Sadie, shared a deep bond with her and remained faithfully by her side until the end.

Kathy lived a life rooted in faith, grat-

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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.

itude, and grace. She never missed an opportunity to share a kind word or a smile, and her warmth, humor, and wisdom touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was truly a rare and radiant soul.

A lover of nature, Kathy found peace near the water — whether at the lake, the ocean, or a quiet pool. Her final days were spent in the peaceful, oceanside care of Connecticut Hospice in Branford, a place that offered the serenity she loved so much.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her father, John Carlson; her children: Brian Doering and his wife Jenna, and their children Arianna (14) and Zachary (10); Demetrio Caridi; Krystle Schultz and her husband Brian, and their son Lucius (6); and Amber Snyder and her husband Matt. She is also survived by her siblings, Karen Arnone, Kristy Sica, and Johnny Carlson; along with many beloved aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws who each held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by her mother, Jean Carlson, and her brother, Carl Carlson.

Kathy gave generously of her time and talents, including volunteering at Kirtland Commons, where she shared her love of cooking and taught crochet classes to a group affectionately known as The Happy Hookers. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Kathy’s memory to: Kirtland Commons - Checks payable to: DRHA - Senior Support Services, 60 Main Street, Deep River, CT 06417.

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Russell Launches Second Run for First Selectwoman

Staff Writer By Christian Maldonado

Current Deep River Board of Selectmen member Kathryn Russell has announced she will again run for First Selectwoman, setting up a rematch with incumbent Carol Jones in the Nov. 4 municipal election. Russell, a Republican, lost to Jones by just 27 votes in 2023 — one of the closest races in recent town history.

Jones, a Democrat, is seeking her second term, and current selectman Duane Gates has also declared his candidacy. The 2023 contest was marked by high turnout and reflected the heightened polarization of politics nationwide.

Russell said she enjoys her current work on the Board of Selectmen and wants to build on that experience in the town’s top job.

“After the last election, I realized I have a strong backing, and I really enjoy doing work for the town,” she said. “I think I can amplify my success and even grow it in this campaign. I want to focus on two things — cutting costs and growing revenue.”

One of her first priorities, she said, would be identifying and selling unused

town property. As a selectman, she helped facilitate the sale of two such properties, including one in the industrial park, bringing in about $265,000 for the town.

“I thought to myself, if I can do things like that as just one of the selectmen, what can I do as the leader?” she said.

Russell said she frequently hears from residents concerned about the cost of housing and living in Deep River.

“Cost is their number one concern,” she said. “We can help with the cost of living by lowering our ongoing costs where we can, while expanding our revenue. Any extra

The Day Presents

revenue that the town gets will help to lower the cost of owning a piece of property.”

Improving communication with residents is another priority.

“I think the current board does its part to communicate effectively, but what people want to see are some actual results when it comes to the issues they raise,” she said.

Russell will run alongside Cynthia Torres, the town’s director of emergency management and a member of the Board of Finance. Russell cited Torres’s emergency management background, her perspective as a parent with a child in the school system, and their strong working relationship.

“I really do feel like Cynthia and I complement each other very well,” she said. Russell’s 2023 campaign slogan, “It’s About Deep River, Not Politics,” will again be her guiding message.

“I have felt that a large group of people were not having their voices heard here in the town,” she said. “I do not feel like I have finished the job I want to do yet — I am just revving up.”

The 2025 College Fair at Great Wolf Lodge

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

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

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

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

Whether it is buying or selling your home or business, dealing

get more than a lawyer, you get a full-service law firm.

It’s no secret that social interactions, healthy eating habits, and staying active throughout the day are contributing factors to not only living longer, but living better. is is what we mean when we say, “Adding life to your Golden Years.” Have you heard of a Blue Zone? Our communities and Signature Programs are designed to duplicate the magic of a Blue Zone and help residents live their best lives.

just take our word for it!

us and hear Commonwealth residents share their journey to living their best lives at our community.

WeekendWiggleWorms

The Essex Library offers Weekend Wiggle Worms, an added session of Wiggle Worms, the library's regular Tuesday story time. Weekend Wiggle Worms is a playbased music and movement story time for children ages 3 and younger and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome. Weekend Wiggle Worms takes place at the Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, on Saturdays, Sept. 6, 20, and 27, at 9:30 a.m. For more information or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560.

PreschoolTuitionAssistanceAvailable

Tri-Town Youth Services has funds available for children from Chester, Deep River, and Essex entering preschool this fall for families that qualify. The Preschool Tuition Assistance fund seeks to assist families in financial need to provide their child or children with a structured preschool experience prior to entering kindergarten. Partial assistance may be awarded up to but not exceeding $2,000 to offset tuition costs depending on the availability of funds. Priority for tuition assistance will be given to children entering kindergarten the following year who have not previously had a preschool experience; tuition assistance may be available to 3-year-olds only as funding allows. For more information or an application, email info@ttysb.org.

Notice of Primary Notice of Primary of Democratic Party

“To Kathryn Hair, the Town Clerk of Chester:

Notice is hereby given that a Primary of the Democratic Party will be held in the Town of Chester, on September 9, 2025, for nomination to the following Municipal Office to be filled at the Town Election to be held on November 4, 2025:

Office Term

First Selectman 11/18/2025 – 11/16/2027

Notice is also hereby given that the following is the party-endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party for nomination to said Municipal Office, together with the street address of said candidate:

Name Address Office Term

Cynthia Lignar 18 Pleasant Street First Selectman 11/18/2025 – 11/16/2027

Notice is also hereby given that the following enrolled member of the Democratic Party has filed a petition in conformity with Sec. 9-406 of the General Statutes, as a candidate for nomination to said Municipal Office:

Name Address Office Term

Joe Cohen 5 Brooks Lane First Selectman 11/18/2025 – 11/16/2027

Dated at Chester, Connecticut, this 7th day of August 2025. Registrar of Voters of the Democratic Party.”

The foregoing is a copy of the notice which I received from Victor Fetter, Registrar of Voters of the Democratic Party, in accordance with Sec. 9-435 of the General Statutes. As provided in said notice, a Primary of the Democratic Party for nomination of a candidate to the office therein specified will be held on September 9, 2025; the hours of voting at said Primary will be from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the location of the polls will be as follows:

Location of Polling Place for September 9 Primary: Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, CT 06412

Location of Early Voting from September 2 through September 7: Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, CT 06412

Hours of Early Voting:

Tuesday, Sept. 2 – 8:00am to 8:00pm

Wednesday, Sept. 3 – 10:00am to 6:00pm

Thursday, Sept. 4 – 8:00am to 8:00pm

Friday, Sept. 5 – 10:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday, Sept. 6– 10:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday, Sept. 7 – 10:00am to 6:00pm

Absentee Ballots will be counted at Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Avenue, Chester, CT 06412.

Dated at Chester, Connecticut, this 7th day of August 2025.

James Paisley: Time for Collomore

Continued from page 2

James suggested the idea. “It’s not an original idea; it’s been done in other places but not around here. It’s a partnership that should benefit both,” he says. “I guess I get the credit—or the blame.”

That creative thinking is no surprise given James’s background in marketing. For the last 20 years of his career, he worked exclusively for the Chicago-based Semrad Law Firm, which specializes in bankruptcy.

“It was a brand-new firm when I started; now it’s number one in the country,” he says.

James began his career as a photographer before moving into commercial production. He made ads for products ranging from beer to mouthwash. He describes his work as “going to a prospective client and saying I can do it—and then figuring out how.”

One of his favorites: a 1984 phone com-

pany commercial featuring then-18-yearold Courteney Cox, shortly after she appeared in Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” music video. “I don’t know if she talks about the commercial, but I know she talks about the Springsteen video,” he says.

James and his wife, Gail Stanton, a retired English professor from Manchester Community College, moved to Chester in 2014 from Collinsville.

“We fell in love with it,” James says. Their daughter Sarah and her husband have since followed them to town.

Though James started on clarinet and later switched to guitar, he stopped playing for nearly 50 years—until about four years ago. He bought a guitar at Acoustic Music in Chester and now takes lessons online.

He’s rediscovered a timeless truth: “Practice—like your mother told you.” For information and tickets, visit www.collomoreconcerts.org.

NewGroup:FriendsofIvorytonLibraryAssociation

The Ivoryton Library is hosting a meeting of the new Friends of Ivoryton Library Association (FoILA) on Monday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. Individuals interested in joining the group are invited to the meeting at the library, 106 Main Street. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information or to register, visit the calendar link at https://ivorytonlibrary.org.

Notice of Decision

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at their regular meeting on Tuesday August 12, 2025 the Essex Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Wetlands Commission took the following actions:

- IWWC #25-13, 65 Main Street Ivoryton, trimming and maintenance work within upland review area, as of right activities, and work within the 100-foot upland review area is maintenance and tree trimming not removal. Ground disturbance not planned. Applicant/Owner: Riversedge Association, LLC CONCURRED WITH AGENT

Respectfully Submitted, Carey Duques, Wetlands Enforcement Officer and Land Use Official

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

ESSEX PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Essex Planning and Zoning Commission will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Essex Town Hall 29 West Avenue Essex, CT (see agenda on Town’s website www.essexct.gov for further details), at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following application:

- PZC #25-10 Special Exception under Section 82.A.2(R) of the Essex Zoning Regulations for a stone and masonry construction business with rental equipment component at 12 Plains Road Essex. Applicant: Maggie and Aaron Torrison; Owner: Charles J and Janet A Irving

Kathryn Hair, Town Clerk Town of Chester

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.

Essex Planning and Zoning Commission

Russell Smith, Chairman

In Everyone’s Best Interest

It turns out Chester will have a choice regarding its Board of Selectmen in this year’s election. For the first time, Chester will have a primary, and on Sept. 9 the best choice will be Democrat Joe Cohen.

I was the unsuccessful Republican candidate running against the team of Cynthia Lignar and Patricia Bandzes two years ago, warning that if LignarBandzes took over Town Hall, we could expect tax increases, a bad charter proposal, and a lack of respect for neighbors and neighborhoods. I won’t say I told you so, but closely examine the LignarBandzes record, and I don’t think you will find a single success or real gain for residents or taxpayers.

This year, the Republicans aren’t putting up a first selectman candidate. No race – the Democrats would have glided to victory. Then along comes Joe Cohen, a Democrat seeking election as first selectman. Despite my being a

Republican and Joe being a Democrat, I’ve learned Joe is highly experienced, well-educated and trained, and is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve met regarding local government. Joe Cohen also exhibits straight talk, loyalty and trust – something I don’t see often enough.

I suggest you ask people who really know Joe and look at the people backing Joe in the Democratic primary Sept. 9 for first selectman. I’m convinced that for the good of Chester, where I’ve lived for three decades and raised my three children, anyone who can vote in the Sept. 9 primary should vote for Joe. Chester needs Joe Cohen to stop these tax increases and divisiveness, and voting for Joe is in everyone’s best interest. In two years I hope I can say again, “I told you so.”

Ron Amara Chester

On Sept. 9, there will be a primary for the Chester Democratic first selectman position. The Democratic Party has endorsed Cindy Lignar, who is presently serving as first selectman. Her opponent in this primary is Joe Cohen. Cohen has run for selectman in the past, but the only elected position he has held in the last several years is town treasurer. He ran for this position (at the same time he was running for selectman) in 2021 as a write-in candidate. He was elected with 17 votes, as neither party had a candidate for the position. Cohen served as treasurer from Nov. 16, 2021, to Jan. 26, 2022, when he resigned. His letter of resignation stated: “The Town Treasurer position …is best filled by someone with significant knowledge, skill, training, and experience in municipal finance, accounting/bookkeeping, and treasury operations; I was a novice and poorly equipped in most ways, and thus faced a

steep learning curve.”

Could a similar scenario play out if he were elected to the selectman’s position?

As a public librarian and municipal employee for most of my 40 professional years, I have seen many people think they can easily take over a position of responsibility in government, only to realize that governing takes skills learned through years of service, plus patience, as almost nothing can be done without committee approval, town meetings, and expertise in the workings of town government.

I do not believe Joe Cohen has the experience or temperament necessary for the position. Having seen the work accomplished by Selectman Cindy Lignar over the past two years, she has earned my vote on Sept. 9 (or during early voting from Sept. 2 to 7).

Patricia Holloway Chester

The free group promotes fun, friendship, and great conversation. For more information, contact Ellie Gillespie at 203-245-5627 or gillespiee@madisonct.org.

Marvelous Misty

Story by Carol Andrecs

Elegant young Misty showed up on someone’s porch one night, crying and meowing for attention. The next day she gave birth to 6 beautiful, identical gray kittens. Misty is as friendly as she is gorgeous. She is super sweet, loves attention and affection, and would probably be happiest in a home with no other cats. There will be nothing but sunshine with Misty in your house. For an appointment to meet Misty, apply online at www.forgotten felinesct.org.

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines:

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. Call the volunteer line at 860

A Little Compassion Shutters The Nest

Continued from page 1

feel segregated from everyday life.

“I wanted them to feel like these programs were just some place to go, and you don’t feel ‘other-ed’ or different,” she said. “The plan was to get that model down here at ‘A Little Compassion’ so that we could bring that into other communities.”

Although the coffee shop is gone, the organization will continue to host events and serve as a gathering space until Sept. 15. Dates and locations for future programs are still being determined, but Moen said they remain committed to supporting the community.

In the meantime, A Little Compassion is

selling merchandise, furniture, and eventually appliances from the shop, with proceeds benefiting future events. On Sept. 20 at 12 p.m., the organization will partner with local antique furniture store G’s Treasures for a public auction of the remaining items at the former coffee shop location at 162A Main Street, Deep River.

Moen hopes the community will turn out for the auction — one last visit to The Nest before it’s gone for good. She said the shop’s impact will endure long after the espresso machine goes quiet.

“I’m glad it was able to benefit so many people,” Moen said, adding that updates on future programs will be posted to the group’s website and Facebook page.

Letters Editor to the

Continued from page 9

Shoreline Arts Alliance will hold its 45th annual exhibition, IMAGES 2025, through Sunday, Aug. 24. A jury-curated photography exhibition, IMAGES 2025 takes place at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. For more information, visit shorelinearts.org. ShorelineArtsAlliance toHoldIMAGES2025

LIQUOR PERMIT Notice of Application

This is to give notice that I, MELISSA MARIE VITTI, 161 Deep River, CT 06417

Have filed an application placarded 08/20/2025 with the Department of Consumer Protection for a RESTAURANT CATERER PERMIT for the sale of alcoholic liquor on the premises at Lace Factory 161 River Street Deep River, CT 06417

The business will be owned by: MVP Catering Corp Entertainment will consist of: Disc Jockeys, Live Bands

Objections must be filed by: 10-01-2025

Visit: https://portal.ct.gov/remonstrance for more information MVP CATERING CORP

Respect for Tradition and Practicality

I’m a candidate for selectman in Essex in the Nov. 4 election.

I have organized events to discuss the abandoned piano factory and to honor the elephants and people whose lives were taken by the ivory industry.

Essex has not publicly or officially atoned for the deaths and suffering of those victims. To do so would require a simple but sincerely felt act — a public ceremony to express genuine regret and our humblest gratitude for their lives.

The abandoned piano factory should be cleaned up and returned to nature. Its adjacent land on the south side of Falls River should be ceded to the town and allowed to connect the Millrace Preserve with the corridor of wetlands that extends into Westbrook.

The town has also taken a questionable approach to Thatchbed Island in South Cove. Ignoring its own study that wave action caused by boat traffic is

AreYouReadytoSing?

responsible for the erosion of the island and that trees floating down the river can be gathered and easily put in place to prevent erosion naturally, the town has turned instead to an expensive, insufficiently tested plan of manufacturing huge tubes to be filled with dredged material and placed in overlapping rows as a barrier running the length of the island.

Centerbrook has supported the town agriculturally, industrially, and commercially from colonial times to the present. To rename parts of it the Central Area District dismisses the village’s historic and current importance.

I have the energy and desire to address current town issues with new ideas, respect for tradition, and practicality.

Gary Comstock Essex

Cappella Cantorum announces that registration starts 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, at John Winthrop Middle School cafeteria, 1 Winthrop Road, Deep River. First rehearsal follows at 7:30 p.m. No audition required. Music selections this semester include Bach’s Magnificat, three traditional carols by John Rutter, and other pieces. For more information or pre-registration, call 860-532-0454 or visit cappellacantorum.org.

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

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

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

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

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

hey tallied 118 points, and Hutra had 103 Cody Layton’s Cubs, now in sixth place, were as high as fourth in the standings in Week 13 and were looking to stop their slide in Week 16’s match against Todd Nuhn’s Yankees. The Cubs won the first two games. Paul Chrystal’s 27 points in game one and Layton’s 35 points in game two outscored the Yankees. The Yankees squeaked out a one-point win in game three. Nuhn, whose score after his first two games was one of his lowest of the season, must have felt rejuvenated after seeing his teammates win game three. In game four, Layton edged Nuhn 32-31, but Yankees’ Paul Stevens outscored Chrystal 28–20 for the win and to tie the match. Layton again edged Nuhn 33-30 in game five, but Yankees’ Matt Valentin edged Cubs’ Warren Bellows 19-17, and the Yankees used their handicap for a two-point win. Stevens and Valentin saved their best games for last and secured the Yankees’ fourth win. Stevens had a 95-point series for the third week in a row and was the top “C” scorer. Chrystal’s 90-point series was the third highest for “C” division. The Yankees outscored the Cubs 267-263, and the Cubs slipped to seventh in the standings.

The match between Skip Robinson’s Pirates and Joe Heery’s Rangers featured the league’s third Father vs. Son match of the season (Pirates’ Bob Beckwith vs. Rangers’ Hunter Beckwith). Mom, who was watching, was secretly rooting for her son. Additionally, Pirates’ Anthony Conkling was celebrating his birthday. The Pirates began celebrating in game one, as Robinson and Conkling scored 62 points and had no open boxes for a double-digit win. This set the tone for the rest of the match, as the Rangers experienced their worst scoring night of the season. They scored their fewest points (214), had the fewest ringers (35), most opens (35), and averaged 16 open boxes or ones in each game (94 total for the match). The Pirates easily won the first five games. In the last game, Hunter Beckwith’s two in the 11th box cut the Pirates’ lead to three points. Both teams scored two in the last box, and with the four handicap points, the Rangers won by one point. The father did not show any mercy, as he soundly defeated his son 94-62. Conkling wanted to top the century

See Father-Son Duo page 13

What to Know When Stormy Weather Hits

Fishers have entered tournament time. We also have entered the stormy season, when notable storms can greatly affect fishing in Long Island Sound. As we all know, changes in barometric pressure influence fish behavior. As a storm approaches and the pressure drops, fish often react to those changes - very often leading to increased activity and aggressive feeding in many species. Some species, especially those in shallower areas, may seek shelter or move to deeper waters as waves and currents intensify. The churning effect of a storm in a cauldron, like the Sound, can increase dissolved oxygen in the water, potentially stimulating fish activity. Additionally, water quality and clarity are affected by storms that can stir up sediment, causing reduced clarity. While this might deter sight-feeding fish, it can also chum up food sources, attracting other species that rely on smell, vibrations, and/or other senses. These are some of the more prominent, immediate, or short-term effects

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

from stormy conditions that can very well affect the bite.

However, long term effects on the habitat and ecosystem include alterations of underwater structures and habitats impacting where fish live and feed. Those may encompass tidal wetlands, critical fish nurseries, and erosion, protecting solutions that can be damaged or lost. Water quality degradation due to heavy rainfall is also a serious consideration due to increased runoff that could carry pollutants and nutrients into the Sound. Those, too, can adversely affect water quality and dissolved oxygen levels. Furthermore, storm surges can introduce saline water into typically freshwater areas, or heavy rain can lower salinity in coastal waters. That would affect fish that are intolerant to such changes. Add fluctuating temper-

atures, and fish activity and distribution can be adversely affected as well. If that were not enough, storms can introduce or redistribute invasive species, further altering the delicate balance of the Sound’s ecosystem.

Once a storm passes and conditions stabilize, fish become more active, feeding on the churned-up food sources and potentially being more accessible to anglers. It should be noted that rough waters and strong currents following a storm can pose safety risks, especially for small boaters venturing in the Sound. During hurricane season, major storms can significantly impact Long Island Sound’s fishing, as many species (like summer flounder, black sea bass, scup, weakfish, bluefish, striped bass, etc.) transition into deeper water during their migration. Therefore, notable storms can have a mixed and sometimes unpredictable impact on fishing in our Sound. While immediate benefits, like increased feeding activity, might be experienced, long-term ecosys-

tem and habitat changes are also a concern, since they can disrupt the normal fishing grounds. These are some thoughts to think about when contemplating plans for a fishing tournament during a potentially stormy weather outlook. Above all, stay safe.

On The Water

High pressure remained centered just offshore in the Western Atlantic before it slowly began weakening. A frontal system then approached, along with an associated cold front as high pressure returned. Another warming trend developed, raising air temperatures into the

high 80s and low 90s before moderating into the 80s. Sunset to sunrise generally remained in the 60s, occasionally breaking into the low 70s. Mixed sun and clouds, along with associated thunderstorms and rain, persisted during the week. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound maintained nearshore water temperatures in the low to mid-70s, experienced variable 5 to 10-knot winds, and seas around one foot. Eyes will be on Tropical Storm Erin as it churns in the Atlanticprimarily with respect to high surf and rip currents that could impact the coast.

What to Know When Stormy Weather Hits

Continued from page 12

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

The transition of new fish moving in and/or through the Sound is adding another dimension to one’s fishing. Recently, fishers have been credited with catching more slot fish, several shorts, and a lion’s share of catch and release over-theslot fish. Catches have been better out on the reefs and in the rips due to cooler, more oxygenated water. Trolling umbrella shadbody parachute rigs, drifting live eels and jerking bucktails, along with tandem parachute mojos in deep water have beaten the heat. Of course, diamond jigs are always a go-to!

Some fishers are asking where the bluefish are. Others are making catches of

average sized fish - some in the low doubledigits. Of course in a tournament, what matters is the heaviest legal fish caughtregardless of weight. Fishing boundaries are a big consideration, and all contestants need to be aware of them or run the risk of disqualification, as has been the case in the recent past. It is also important that established boundaries be clear. In one popular upcoming tournament, a boundary point is stated as “near.” No other competitive sport uses ‘near’ in its rules - as in near in/out of bounds. That only invites challenges! There is no doubt there will be some big choppers caught, but will they be caught prior, during, or after the tournament takes place? It should be an exciting time of year.

It has been another good stretch for weakfish - mostly out on the Sound with some caught from shore as anglers were looking for stripers or bottom fish. Snapper blues have been high on some anglers lists and found an incoming tide to be best when using small spoons and snapper poppers. Porgy continue to be a popular catch, as the bite morphed into ‘Scup Fever’ with the stock continuing to yield slabs down to to small ones. Spot croaker are also being caught, since they both share the same habitat preferences and feeding grounds - especially during the warmer months. Add some blackfish to the day’s catch, since their summer bite has be quite good and mealtime options increase. Flukers are chasing all depths for a mini-

doormat or better. Shorts are still a common catch - however, searching and drifting various depths can boat a 21 to 22” summer flounder or better. Meanwhile, we are still looking for hardtails to break into mid-Sound waters and staying put in order to make for a good tide of fishing.

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

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

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

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by

the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for summer hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines, Captain Morgan

captainmorganusa@hotmail.com captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

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

Continued from page 11

mark for his birthday, but again, he came up seven points shy in his last game. His 93-point series was the second leading “C” division score.

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

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

Bill Beckwith’s Red Sox were in seventh place entering their Week 16 match against Mark Goodale’s Mets. Although their chances were slim, the Mets were still hoping for big wins in the next two weeks to make the playoffs. Beckwith said before the match that “the team is championship bound.” Goodale and Beckwith’s head-to-head match was just another example of the many they have had over the years. Goodale won 3-1 and outscored Beckwith 129-119. They each had three games in the 30 points or more range and one 28-point game. What the Mets did not foresee was Red Sox’s Gerry Hines, who

had a seasons best series of 89 points, 21 ringers, and five doubles that were key to two of the Red Sox’s four wins. The Red Sox moved up to sixth in the standings.

Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers came into their match 1-1/2 games out of a playoff spot. Dodgers’ Jeremy Davis would have two substitutes joining him - Emily Taylor for Ed Turner, and Matt Mule for Andy Turshen. Although the handicap favored the Dodgers in every game, the Tigers would have to overcome double-digit handicaps in four of the six games to maintain their playoff chances. The Dodgers used the handicap to win three of the first five games. Tigers’ Harvey Strausser’s season best series of 120 points, 33 ringers, and six doubles was key to two wins for the Tigers, and he tied for the “B” division’s top scorer. Despite the 4-2 loss, the Tigers remain 1-1/2 games out of eighth place.

In other games, the Rockies defeated the

Orioles 4-2, ending their streak of winning on even-numbered games. The Angels suffered a 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks, their fourth week in a row of losing five games. Diamondbacks’ Mike Zanelli Jr.’s 136point series was the third highest “A” score. Reds’ Chip Goodrich’s 119-point series, his best since week two, led his team to a 4-2 win over the White Sox. Here are the current standings:

1. Cards

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

Fun By The Numbers

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

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

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

Review THEATER

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

By Karen Isaacs

Special to Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Delightful Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are available at Ivoryton Playhouse.org.

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

Grove Street Story Time

: 10 a.m. Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St., Essex. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring a blanket and snacks. In case of rain, the event takes place at the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

End-of-Summer-Reading Field Day

: 1 p.m. Main Street Park, 14 Main St., Essex. Features games, contests, prizes, face painting, and more. Hosted by the Essex and Ivoryton libraries. Registration encouraged but not required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org or ivorytonlibrary.org/childrens-room.

Hollywood Gems:

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

Author Event: Nalini Jones

Calendar for the Week of August 21, 2025

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

End-of-Summer-Reading Field Day

: 1 to 3 p.m. Main Street Park, 12 Main St., Essex. Features games, face painting, book prizes, and more. Co-hosted by the Essex and Ivoryton libraries. Free and open to the public. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Thursdays on the Dock Series: Local Honey

: 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Bring a blanket or chair. Free but donations can be placed in a hat that is passed around. No BYOB. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org/events.

The Unbroken Coast: A Novel

Concert by Ruthie Foster

: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

2025 Grassy Strip Music Series

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

See page 23

Comes to ‘Midsummer’

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York professional theater

By Karen Isaacs

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

Aisle ON THE

Sweeney Todd In the Heights Boys in the Band

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Bushnell.org.

My Friends

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

: You have an extra week

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

TV Stars

Broadway Tunes

Celebrating an Anniversary

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

Summer Fun

: Elm City Shakespeare

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

Psych A Million Little Things A Million Little Things

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

Noises Off Spamalot

Tickets on Sale

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

onty Python and the Holy Grail

Wonderful Town Damn Yankees How to Succeed in Business Wicked

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

To read her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association. Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

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

By Karen Isaacs

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

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

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

In reality, this production is a bit of both.

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

Review THEATER

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

Other aspects were less effective.

Sound design often presents a challenge for many theaters.

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

Sweeney Todd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.

from page 21

FRIDAY, AUG.

22

Book-to-Screen Movie Matinee

12:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For info, including the movie title, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Vista Life Innovations Graduation Ceremony 2025

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Vista Life Innovations is a nationally accredited post-secondary program that supports the personal success of individuals with disabilities. Free and open to families and friends of the graduates as well as community members. Seating is limited. For info or to RSVP, visit vistalifeinnovations.org/graduation.

Writers Writing

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

Friday Movie Matinee

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-2457365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Back-to-School Book Bingo

: 3 to 5 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features rounds of Bingo, and winners choose a book from a selection of children and teen titles. No registration required. For info, contact the library at 860-767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.

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

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

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Harveys Beach, 29 Plum Bank Rd., Old Saybrook. Music by Kathy Thompson Band. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping. Presented by the Old Saybrook Rotary

Club. Sponsored by Sharon Linder of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. For info, call 860-3953152 or visit the link for the Summer Concert Series at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.

Chestnut Hill Concerts: Geminiani, Dohnányi, and Dvořák

: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, visit chestnuthillconcerts.org or thekate.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22 AND SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Shakes-faire

As You Like It Twelfth Night Hamlet

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

FRIDAY, AUG. 22

THROUGH

SUNDAY, AUG. 24

Chester Fair

: Friday, 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chester Fairgrounds, 11 Kirtland Terr. Features live music, food, animal shows, tractor and horse pulls, amusement rides, exhibits, children’s games, and more. Tickets: $10 general admission, $8 for seniors and military with ID, free for children 12 and under, $25 for a three-day pass. For info, call 860-526-5947 or visit chesterfair.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

16th Annual Saybrook Point 5K Road Race

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

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

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

New England Landscape Timeless

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

deserving college-bound seniors from Old Saybrook and Westbrook high schools. For info or to register, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.

Annual Killingworth Road Race

:

8:30 a.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Features a 4-mile run through Killingworth countryside. Awards for top runners in various categories. Cost: advance registration $28 for 18 and over, $20 for under 18 years; day of

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

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

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

race $30 for 18 and over, $22 for under 18 years. Service fees apply. Proceeds benefit the church mission budget that con-tributes to the Eddy Homeless shelter in Cromwell and local shoreline food pantries. For info or to register, contact 860-663-2842 or kwroadrace@snet.net, or visit killingworthroadrace.org.

See page 24

BLT Hosts Salt Marsh Plant Walk on the Trolley Trail

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

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

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

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

Continued from page 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canoe/Kayak Paddle: Exploring Turtle Creek

: 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Turtle Creek, part of the Turtle Creek Preserve. Hosted by the Essex Land Trust in celebration of its recent acquisitions of Turtle Creek and Toby Hill Ridge Preserves. Led by Essex Land Trust President Jeff Croyle. Following the paddle, a picnic and social gathering takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Essex Town Green. Features live music by the Corinthian Jazz Band. Bring a picnic lunch, refreshments, and a blanket or chairs. The event is weather-dependent. Dogs are permitted but must be secured on the water and on leash on land. For info, visit essexlandtrust.org/events.

Digging for Good

: 2 p.m. Pratt House, 19 West Ave., Essex. For ages 8 to 18 and their parents/guardians. Participants will try to find objects embedded in the lawn using metal detectors. Dress for the outdoors and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Co-hosted by the Essex Library, Essex Historical Society, and the Digging for Good team from Haddam. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org or essexhistory.org/events.

Mania!

: 3 and 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Concert in the Garden: Old Dog New Trick

: 7 to 9 p.m.

Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St., Chester. Cost: $20 suggested donation. Outdoor bistrostyle seating in the amphitheater. BYOB and picnic. Gates open 6:30 p.m. First come, first to be seated. No pets. No unattended children. Rain or shine. For info, call 860-5262077 or visit nilssonstudio.com.

SUNDAY, AUG. 24

2025 Summer Concert Series

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

Concert by Stephen Kellogg and Javier Colon

: 7 p.m.

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

MONDAY, AUG. 25

Meeting of the New Friends of Ivoryton Library Association (FoILA)

: 5 to 6 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Individuals interested in becoming part of the group are encouraged to attend. For info or to register, visit the calendar link at https://ivorytonlibrary.org.

Con Brio Choral Society Auditions

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook. To book an audition time, call 860-575-1533. For info, visit conbrio.org/audition.

TUESDAY, AUG. 26

Informational Session for the Tri-Town Youth Action Council and Peer Ambassador Program

: 1 to 2 p.m. TriTown Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.

Pickin’ Party

: 6 to 8 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door. For info, call 860-434-1961 or visit danstevens.net.

See page 25

Continued from page 24

Author Event: Karen White in Conversation with

That Last Carolina Summer

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

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27

Wednesday Paint Out 2025

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

Medicare 101

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 28

Kate Classic Film:

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

Andrew Pauls Kicks Off Labor Day Weekend at Occasional Coffee House

FRIDAY, AUG. 29 THROUGH MONDAY, SEPT. 1

113th Haddam Neck Fair

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

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

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

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

Long Day’s Journey Into Night for purchase. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org/events.

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

Tasha Eurich

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

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

. Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

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

Tasha Eurich

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

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

. Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-7671560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.

Thursdays on the Dock Series: Not Sorry

: 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Bring a blanket or chair. Free but donations can be placed in a hat that is passed around. No BYOB. Food, beer, and wine are available

Author Event: Sam Tanenhaus in Conversation with Jill Abramson

: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:

Buckley: The Life and the Revolution that Changed America

. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Night of Comedy in Support of Acton Public Library

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. A VIP pre-show cocktail party takes place at 6 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only. Proceeds benefit the Acton Public Library’s upcoming renewal project. The renovations will focus on the teen space, the children's office and work area, reconfigured staff spaces, expanded meeting rooms and gathering Spaces, improved outdoor programming areas and patios, and revitalized library collections and services. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

The Occasional Coffee House: SingerSongwriter Andrew Pauls

: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271

: Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Haddam Neck Fairgrounds, 26 Quarry Hill Rd. Features rides, food, exhibits, concessions, displays, tractor parade, truck pull, pony pull, live music, karaoke, children’s contests, and more. Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 seniors/military, $35 general weekend pass, $30 seniors/military weekend pass, free for children under 12. For info or tickets, visit haddamneckfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Farmers Market

Chester Sunday Market

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12. Chester Center, Main St. For info, visit chestersundaymarket.jimdo.com.

Deep River Farmers Market

: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 11. First Congregational Church in Deep River, 1 Church St. For info, contact Paul Santowski at 203-305-5429 or paulsantowski@outlook.com.

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

FRIDAY, AUG. 29

Book-to-Screen Movie Matinee

: 1 p.m.

Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For info, including the movie title, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Summer Concert Series 2025

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

Concert by Ted Vigil (Tribute to John Denver)

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

Durham Farmers Market

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

Madison Farmers Market

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

Old Saybrook Farmers Market

: 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October. Parking lot at 210 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-8330095.

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.

Horoscopes Crossword

For the week of August 21 - August 27

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

You are likely to experience a week full of thoughtfulness and introspection, Aries. You are searching for a new source for self-fulfillment, and may be inspired by anotherÕs ideas.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, now is the time to identify your priorities. Figure out what you want or would prefer to do before you start taking any steps forward. This is the only way to get satisfaction.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Prepare for a week that will pose some challenges, Gemini. A last-minute project at work may test your mettle.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

The plan may have been to stay isolated until you get all of your tasks done, Cancer. But those closest to you have some other ideas; they might invade your quiet cocoon.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, there’s more than one way to approach a project. Remain receptive to new ideas and take time to think things through before choosing a path forward.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, your independent streak may need to be tempered in the days ahead. Teamwork is the name of the game so make a concerted effort to be a good team player.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Right now you might not feel you are in the correct place in your profession, Libra. Is your current role too restrictive or does it not challenge your skills? You might want to start looking around for new challenges.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, now is a great time to take the bull by the horns. An opportunity to be assertive and take on a leadership role presents itself this week. You’re ready.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you may be taking stock of your professional life and goals. Be sure you plan accordingly to balance the work side with your personal needs.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Something unusual may happen to you this week, Capricorn. Be ready for the unexpected. This also is a good time to tie up some loose ends that you have been overlooking.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

There is nothing to stop you from asking for help from time to time, Aquarius. While you certainly enjoy the satisfaction of getting things done, assistance is necessary from time to time.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Hard work is starting to pay notable dividends, Pisces. Enjoy the fruits of your labors, but remember to keep your nose to the grindstone.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST 21

Hayden Panettiere, Actress (36) AUGUST 22

Dua Lipa, Singer (30) AUGUST 23

Shelley Long, Actress (76) AUGUST 24

Rupert Grint, Actor (37)

AUGUST 25

Blake Lively, Actress (38) AUGUST 26

Macaulay Culkin, Actor (45) AUGUST 27

The Great Khali, Wrestler (53)

CLUES ACROSS

1. Mongolian politician

5. Coconut palms

10. Rounded knob

14. Japanese city

15. Covers in soft material

16. Walk around

17. Ancient region in Syria

18. French painter

19. Grandmother

20. Cow part

22. Rocky peak

23. Secret plan

24. Sings to one’s lover

27. More (Spanish)

30. Father

31. Chinese philosophical principle

32. Hat

35. In agreement

37. A personÕs brother or sister

38. Evil spirit

39. Monetary units

40. Partner to cheese

41. About Sun

42. A place to dance

43. Performer __ Lo Green

44. Beach accessory

45. Recipe measurement (abbr.)

46. Partly digested food

47. Pooch

48. Honorific title added to family name

49. Salts

52. Lichens genus

55. Lowest point of a ridge

56. Type of sword

60. Albanian language

61. Gold measurement

63. Italian seaport

64. Longtime late night host

65. Extremely angry

66. U. of Miami mascot

67. Mid-month day

68. Omitted from printed matter

69. Upper body part

CLUES DOWN

1. Two-toed sloth

2. Cooking ingredient

3. Iranian city

4. Publicly outs

5. Steep-sided hollow

6. Spoke

7. General law or rule

8. Extravagantly theatrical

9. Very fast airplane

10. Arm bones

11. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea

12. __ fide: legitimate

13. Gemstone

21. Counsels

23. Top exec

25. Cool!

26. Touch lightly

27. Extract money via taxation

28. Dyes

29. Cloying sweetness

32. Soft drinks

33. Capital of Guam

34. Chemical compound

36. The bill in a restaurant

37. Car mechanics group

38. Late comedian Newhart

40. Health care for the aged

41. Wise individuals

43. A passage with access only at one end

44. Trim

46. Former OSS

47. The upper surface of the mouth

49. Edible lily bulbs

50. Type of reef

51. Vaccine developer

52. Mottled citrus fruit

53. A place to store lawn tools

54. Rare goose native to Hawaii

57. Hollywood pig

58. Musician Clapton

59. Take a chance

61. Spanish soldier

62. Mark Wahlberg comedy

Word Search

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

FARMERS MARKET WORD SEARCH

APPLES BASKET BREAD CHEESE CIDER CORN EGGS FARMER HERBS JAM OIL ORGANIC PEACHES PICKLES PLANTS PUMPKIN SAMPLES SCALE SEASONAL SIGN STRAWBERRIES SYRUP TOMATOES TOTE

Word Scramble

Word Scramble solution for August 14, 2025: BEACH

Word Search solution for August 14, 2025

SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2025 EVENT

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

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

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

Presented by:

Real estate

Serenity on the Shoreline

Embrace the enchantment of shoreline living with this sun-drenched haven at 3 Arrowhead Road, a jewel nestled in a quaint community with the river at your doorstep.

3 Arrowhead Road, Madison Year Built: Sq. Feet:

Staff Report

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

The heart of the home is the designer kitchen, which seamlessly transitions into an elegant dining room and a spacious living room, crafting an ideal setting for memorable gatherings. Journey upstairs to discover the luxurious primary bedroom, a sanctuary featuring a stone-adorned en-suite bathroom and a private deck that beckons you to unwind and soak in the picturesque views. Two generously sized bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, and a convenient laundry area complete the upper level. Ascend to the versatile, spacious living area offering a half bath, additional sleeping quarters, a dedicated office space, and a cozy reading nook, all complemented by the comfort of central air. Outside, the property is framed by verdant lawns, meticulously curated shrubbery, and an expansive patio that’s perfect for alfresco entertainment or quiet reflection. This home is not just a residence; it’s a lifestyle awaiting your arrival.

This home is being offered for sale by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty for $875,000. For more information or a showing, contact Diana Hartman at 917-509-4700. 2015 2,235 0.19 Cape Cod, Colonial 3 2 full, 2 half $875,000

Real Estate Transactions

CHESTER

: Pamela Egan to Catherine and Jeffrey Harrison, $875,000 on July 28

: Carol E. Kuzaro to Lara N. Novinski, $330,000 on July 28

: Jeffrey F. Gates and Mary C. Rudd to Theodore A. and Mandy A. Kulpik, $610,000 on Aug. 1

: Kathleen E. Ryan to Marguerite J. Milton and Mark Mckenna, $715,000 on July 28

: Christopher Pinkham to Melissa Carpenter and Matthew Dolbey, $525,000 on July 28

: Carl Hansen and Virginia H. Cuneo to Aschly C. Daggett, $425,000 on July 28

: David J. Macdonald to Anthony Starkey, $285,000 on July 30

OLD SAYBROOK

: Anita L.

Gorman to Baharak Bagheri, $800,000 on July 29

: Michael West

Cummins Relt and Michael W. Cummins to Patrick and Louise Wiley, $925,000 on July 30

: Corey L. and David Borzain to Luke Martin, $799,900 on Aug. 1

: Nancy South

Neibrief 2018 T and Nancy S. Neibrief to Ross and Hannah Mullaney, $499,000 on July 31

: Nicole Phaneuf to Joanne Vitarelli, $625,000 on Aug. 1

: Emme L

Deland Real Estate Trust and Emme L. Deland to Samantha E. Grass and Gerald T. Carlone, $1,550,000 on Aug. 1

: Christopher A. South and Lorraine Carbonaro to Tanner A. Orlowski and Devin Mulvihill, $390,000 on July 31

: John H. Carlson to Cf Marketing LLC, $575,000 on July 29

: Peter T. and Lilith Z. Fondulas to J Scott Neumann T and J S. Neumann, $1,387,000 on July 28 : Estate of Adrienne M. Samuelson and Scot P. Sauelson to Todd Brownell, $498,000 on July 31

Kelsey Point LLC to David and Amy Raisner, $1,525,000 on July 29

: Ashmike

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

: Kathleen M.

Joanis Real Estate Trust and Kathleen M. Joanis to Manuel R. Romero, $675,000 on July 29

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

: Taras

Lemekha to Tin S. and Thandar Tun, $387,500 on July 30

: Olivia R.

Nosal to Annie M. Caro and Carmelo B. Cruz, $215,000 on July 29

:

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

: Kehoe

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

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

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

KILLINGWORTH

: Terracerence Chioffi to John H. Bolster and Grace E. Stanton, $772,000 on July 30

MADISON

: Daniel E.

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

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

: R-R 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

GUILFORD

: Todd P. and Lindsey K. Hurst to Silvija Isaku and Austin A. Pokluda, $1,230,000 on July 29

: Maxine N.

Bruno to Bryan T. and Karissa Richardson, $825,000 on July 31

: 66 High St Guilford LLC to Ruth S. Weinstock, $1,625,000 on July 28

: Christine and Linda Dahlin to Maxwell L. Decataldo and Mariah J. Neknez, $650,000 on July 30

: Charles Tirrell to Michael Roberts, $400,000 on Aug. 1

: Ke Braza Const LLC to Kaia M. and Parrish W.

Rarick, $650,000 on July 28 : Marlene C. Kruczek to Andrew and Martha Shelton, $594,500 on July 28

: Camille M Solbrig Lt and Camille M. Solbrig to Beth and Joshua Davis, $780,000 on Aug. 1

: Paige C. Peterson and James C. Stayne to Paul Giamatti and Clara J. Wong, $1,495,000 on July 28

: Xinyao Tang to Anthony A. and Deidre C. Luongo, $610,000 on July 29

: Estate of Gisela K. Parmelee and Janice Wingo to Kathy P. Fairbanks, $646,250 on July 30

: Estate of Janet M. Distasio and Lauren Distasio to Jennifer L. and Henry S. Julier, $580,000 on July 29

: F Vigliotti Const Co LLC to Yun Liang, $795,014 on July 28

: Isaac W. and Jacqueline M. Hite to James and Taylor Redditt, $532,000 on July 31

: Steven M. and Maryann Pascarella to Catherine E. Embriano, $629,000 on Aug. 1

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

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

: Nft

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

: Stephen Gaffney and Jacquelyn M. Yavarone to Valerie Calfous, $270,000 on July 28 : Talia Polino to Holden King and Madison Daily, $630,000 on July 31 : Carrie A. Lakin to Stephen and Tracy Scafariello, $525,000 on July 30 : Donna and Michael Pantaleo to Kelly Martens, $920,000 on July 31

- CORNFIELD POINT BEACH ASSOCIATION!