Guilford Courier 01-01-26 by dayshorepublishing

January 1, 2026

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Guilford Vol. XXVIV Iss. 1

Year in Review: Guilford Faced Major Challenges in 2025 By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

The year 2025 was an eventful one in Guilford, and we covered local elections and several infrastructural improvements, as well as major town property acquisitions and large-scale development projects. These are the biggest stories to emerge from Guilford this year. b

January The Engineering Department spoke with the Guilford Courier about the $53 million in infrastructure projects planned for the imminent future including roads, bridges, public buildings, and sidewalks. The Affordable Housing Commission sat down for a lengthy conversation with the Guilford Courier on the numerous goals laid out in their plan. These goals reveal a need to

address various needs and methods in order to boost the town’s housing stock to meet state mandates and the needs of multiple demographics in Guilford. Through 2025, the commission held several public information sessions to hear opinions from residents on what they would like to in terms of affordable housing developments, the challenges they currently face, and how the commission can

An introduction to our new Shore Publishing sports editor, Serenity Bishop, who is looking to cover high school athletics like never before.................................2

See page 6

Special Olympics participant Cisco Keyes joins law enforcement officers and other runners as they make their way down the Boston Post Road in Guilford during the Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 6. The torch run, which raises awareness and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Connecticut Special Olympics, traveled through multiple towns along the shoreline before concluding at the olympics host site at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Courier

Sports Year in Review Shore Publishing provides its annual roundup of all the top high school athletic accomplishments seen in our local towns, along with a plethora of great photos summarizing the high points of our young students as they compete for titles...12

Living Year in Review Check out what’s hot at the 20th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals from Friday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 18...........................19

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

An Introduction to Shore’s New Sports Editor By Lee Howard Acting Managing Editor

Welcome to 2026! We open the new year with town-bytown wrap-ups of all the major news in all five of our Shore Publishing publications, but we also start 2026 with a new sports editor, Serenity Bishop, who has replaced Gabby Maljanian, who did such a great job ensuring high school coverage over the past few months. Gabby has become a leading sports podcaster in Connecticut, and we wish her well. Serenity Bishop is a known quantity to many of you. A resident of Bristol, he has freelanced for Shore in the past and his experience includes work as senior sports editor for The Bristol Press, where he covered both the WNBA and UConn basketball. My impression of Serenity is that he loves all sports and will do a great job covering the local high school sports scene, from Deep River to Branford. He hit the ground running just last week by knocking

WHAT'S GOING ON Lee Howard

out year-end reviews of all the local teams who made an impact in the area in 2025, so he quickly became familiar with the best of the best. He’ll be covering all sports, including ones that sometimes get short shrift. But he needs your help. Feel free to send him an email at serenity.bishop@ shorepublishing.com to offer tips, send

results and generally ensure that the teams you care about get good coverage. He’ll also take nominations for Sports Person of the Week, a regular feature. We can’t do it without you, so welcome him aboard. And to all those high school journalists out there who might be interested in writing stories, please reach out to Serenity. He has a lot to cover, and we could use a little help! Having a byline in the paper looks good on your college resume as well. We at Shore Publishing believe in the power of local sports to motivate students who otherwise might be floundering and teach them several important skills, including dedication, leadership, teamwork and the importance of hard work. Ask any high school athlete what effect sports teams had on their lives, and they will inevitably cite these important qualities and more. We rely heavily on local coaches to provide us information to cover your teams, but not every coach has the time or inclination to do so. So we will count sometimes

on others, including athletic directors, parents and even student athletes themselves to keep us on our toes and give local teams their moment in the sun. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at l.howard@theday.com or to Serenity if we are missing some important competitions and teams that are competing well. Serenity has covered basketball, football, baseball, hockey and many other sports. He knows the turf, and he’s going to be out there in the stands and locker rooms compiling information in a firsthand way. Whatever he can’t cover, he will get in the paper thanks to the dedication of coaches, a few freelance writers and help from the public who have an interest in giving students credit for all their hard work. Please welcome him to your town when you see him out and about, and help provide him the information he needs to tell a complete, interesting and accurate. Lee Howard is Shore Publishing’s acting managing editor.

Scholarships for Connecticut Women

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The Connecticut Federation of Women’s Clubs announces two scholarships for Connecticut women pursuing advanced courses of study at institutions of higher learning. Awards are granted on the basis of future promise, scholastic ability, and financial need. The Dorothy E. Schoelzel memorial scholarship has a maximum award of $2,000. Candidates must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher in the field of education. The Phipps scholarship has a maximum award of $1,000. Candidates must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher toward a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree. Completed applications, including general and personal information, a financial statement, instructor/employer references, and an official transcript of at least the most recent two years of undergraduate or graduate work, must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. To download an application form, visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org/ education. For more information, call Rose Lynch at 203-483-8395.

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Inside Living

The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery features artwork by Patricia Shoemaker, a Shoreline Arts Trail artist whose paintings explore the relationship between place, light, and everyday life.......... 23

Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for the 46th annual Scholarships in the Arts program..............................................29

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“We are proud to mark the 20th anniversary of our Festival of New Musicals. I am humbled that the festival, which was a simple idea 20 years ago, has now become a major industry event showcasing incredibly talented writers and their new musicals.” - Goodspeed Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton...................19

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(usps 019-979) Published weekly, 52 times per year by Shore Publishing, LLC 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 Periodical postage paid Guilford, CT 06437 Postmaster: Send address changes to Guilford Courier, 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320

Index Letters................................................... 4 Obituaries............................................ 5 Sports..................................................12 Classifieds..........................................15 Sudoku...............................................18 Living..................................................19 Calendar.............................................21 Real Estate.........................................31

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Growing up in Guilford, I’ve always known there’s something truly special about this town. It provides a spirit of community, connection, and generosity that inspires so many of us to give back and, like me, to return here to raise our families. My parents modeled that spirit for me. They believed deeply in local philanthropy and showed me that when you give close to home, you can see the difference your support makes. My father proudly served on The Guilford Foundation’s Board, and his commitment inspired me to follow in his footsteps. For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board in a variety of roles and on several committees. Since 2010, The Guilford Foundation has distributed more than $2.9 million to local nonprofits, supporting essential services, youth programs, and community spaces that strengthen the fabric of our town. Every dollar invested through TGF directly benefits Guilford residents, making a real difference in the lives of

our neighbors and friends. What makes TGF so special to me isn’t just the grantmaking or the endowment, it’s the connections it creates. Time and again, casual conversations on the sidelines of soccer games or at school events have sparked new ideas and inspired people to get involved in causes that matter, like the recent effort to revitalize the GHS snack shack. As we celebrate five decades of community impact, I invite you to help strengthen local giving for the next 50 years. A donation to our 50th Anniversary Community Campaign directly supports the future of Guilford, ensuring we can continue meeting emerging needs and investing in the people and places that make this town extraordinary. Together, we can ensure that Guilford’s spirit of generosity thrives for generations to come. Ashley Fernandez Guilford

Auditions for Annie Jr. Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Editorial Staff

The Guilford Youth & Family Services (GY&FS) is holding auditions for youth in grades 4 to 8 on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for the GY&FS Family Theatre production of Annie Jr. The auditions will be held at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford. Performances will be held at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. There is no fee to audition, but registration is required. To register, call 203-4538047. For more information, visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.

Shoreline Arts Alliance Accepting Applications for Scholarships in the Arts Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for its annual Scholarships in the Arts program, open to juniors and seniors (or homeschooling equivalent) residing within Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region who will be pursuing an education in the arts. Eligible students may apply in the fields of creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. Deserving students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews and auditions. Students who are interested in the arts and reside in the 24town region (covering all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, and East Haven) are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 8. A nonrefundable fee of $25 is required with each application. The Jeffrey Dobbs Scholarship for Excellence in Painting and Richard S. Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship are also offered as part of the Shoreline Arts Alliance’s Scholarship in the Arts program. To submit an online application, visit shorelinearts.org. For more information, contact the Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203421-6739 or office@shorelinearts.

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Obituaries

Contacting Guilford Courier

Obituary

family. He went to Europe several times with his wife. Bill loved to work in his William Sennett yard and enjoyed many hours on his Guilford John Deere tractor. There he built beautiful stone walls and spent many hours cooking barbeque for friends and William "Bill" James Sennett, 81, longtime resident of Guilford and Madi- family. He even competed in barbecue cook-offs and traveled across the counson, passed away at Hospice of Brantry with his wife to participate. ford on Monday Dec. William was a devout Catholic and 15, 2025. served in the Knights of Columbus. WilWilliam was born liam was promoted to grand knight and April 11, 1944, in contributed to his community for years. Philadelphia, Penn., He managed the St. George Carnival son of William Clifand helped to support the community ford Sennett and including St. George Church, St. MarCatherine Donovan garet Church and the Knights of Sennett; stepson of Columbus for many years. William was Maryellen Sennett. a trusted board member in several orgaHe spent part of his nizations and always looked out for the youth in Poultney, Vermont, and later in Bennington. William attended Benn- welfare of others. After retiring, he volunteered at the ington Catholic High School where he was a good student and athlete playing Columbus House for years and was later hired to help manage their football and basketball. He was an finances. He was a humble and honoractive member of the community and able man who took pride in helping an altar boy. others and doing the right thing. His William was a proud graduate of family will miss him and cherish his Stonehill College in North Easton, Mass. It was there he met his beautiful wonderful memories forever. William is predeceased by his loving wife Christine Mary Sennett in French wife Christine Mary Sennett. William is class. William and Christine enjoyed their time at Stonehill and made many survived by his sister Mary (Bob) Guare of Bennington, Vt.; his sister Anne lifelong friends. (Daniel) McDonald of Cohasset, Mass.; William was also a graduate of Western New England Law School. Wil- brother Jerry (Karen) Sennett of Charlotte, N.C.; and Edward (Collins) Senliam spent his career as a trust and nett of Bennington, Vt. He was a loving estate banker, retiring from Bank of father to his son William Jonathan SenAmerica after many years.| nett of Yakima, Wash., and his William was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, friend, granddaughter Kristin (Patrick) Elizabeth Holland of Old Lyme; and grandfather father, confidant and trusted advisor. to his two grandsons, Parker Francis William and Christine had quite a Holland, and Bodie Liam Holland of social life with friends as far back as Old Lyme. grade school. Calling hours were at 8:30 a.m. TuesWilliam and Christine enjoyed playday, Dec. 23 at Guilford Funeral Home. ing pinochle with friends, trips on his boat, and they had a love for the Giants. Mass was at 10 a.m. at St. George’s Church and lunch to follow at the GuilIn Bill’s downtime he enjoyed cooking and entertaining his friends and family. ford VFW. Bill enjoyed planning trips with his See Obituaries page 8

Spectrum Holiday Show: The Art of Dreaming Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, hosts its holiday show, The Art of Dreaming through Saturday, Jan. 10. The gallery showcases representational and abstract art in all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—that explore the many dimensions of dreaming. Spectrum’s artisans store also offers fine crafts in wood, ceramic, pottery, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry, and more. In addition, the gallery has handmade ornaments in its six-foot holiday tree and seasonal items in all mediums. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

As your hometown paper, the Guilford Courier welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention. LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Guilford Courier encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues. Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters. Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined. For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal. Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor. Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication. These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0. OBITUARIES The Guilford Courier publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06. com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com. ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason. LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410. CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com. CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com. Guilford Courier 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com 203-245-1877 Fax 203-245-9773

SPONSORED CONTENT: Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

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

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

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Year in Review: Guilford Faced Major Challenges in 2025 Continued from page 1

April

The town announces the launch of a new online permitting system intended to make applying for permits more efficient b February and convenient for residents, contractors The Board of Selectmen signed off on and businesses. grants and amendments to treat the Town electors approve the adoption of a threat of invasive plant species at Lake $48 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal Quonnipaug, infrastructural improveyear. Town leadership at Town Hall and ments at the Boston Terrace independent Guilford Public Schools expressed gratiliving facility, and to revise the Senior Tax tude towards town electors for the Relief Program. The latter program conapproval of the budget during what both tinues to allow Guilford’s senior residents sectors of town recognized as a challenging aged 65 years or older to receive a freeze on budget year given the impacts of inflation real estate taxes, while revisions were and on employee healthcare. approved to increase the program’s income Members of the Marina Commission thresholds based on inflation. This was inform the Guilford Courier on their comparticularly important for Social Security mitment towards ensuring the marina beneficiaries, including seniors, who see remains a vital hub for recreation, comannual adjustments to their cost of living, merce, and tourism, something that will be according to First Selectman Matt Hoey. achieved through various efforts. Nearly 900 Guilford residents approved Old Whitfield Street, Whitfield Street, a $3 million purchase of 505 Whitfield and Seaside Avenue are identified by the Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Street. The 1.9 acre property that sits Engineering Department for paving before adjacent to the Town Marina was of inter- Assistant Waterfront Director Santino Gambardella sits in the lifeguard chair next to Head the summer begins. Lifeguard Nate Pizzuti at Jacob's Beach in Guilford on Tuesday, June 3, as they watch over b est to the town as a valuable coastal beachgoers one sunny day with temperatures in the upper 70’s. May resource and new public space, while fedGuilford Public Schools Superintendent eral support for the project was also available through FEMA. Few spoke against March menorah that sat on the Town Green a few Paul Freeman informs the Guilford Courier that the school district remains the purchase but expressed affordability Guilford High School stages a produc- months before. The department’s investi- steadfast in not eliminating DEI programconcerns. Those who spoke in favor tion of the musical “Urinetown.” gation was a collaborative effort with town ming as part of its curriculum and related endorsed the public space vision and The Guilford Police Department identi- businesses and community organizations means to protect the property that is sus- fied two suspects who perpetrated an anti- who provide surveillance footage and other federal funding. This commitment was off ceptible to flooding. Semetic hate crime by vandalizing the resources to help identify and arrest the b See page 10 suspects. collaborate with other town agencies on shared development goals.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF William L. Dwyer (25-0381) The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 18, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim. Priscilla H. Geer, Clerk The fiduciary is: Shawn Dwyer c/o CHELSEA ELIZABETH KROMBEL, LAW OFFICES OF PAULE. FARREN, JR., P.C., 129 WHITNEY, AVENUE, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILFORD DEMOCRATIC PARTY CAUCUS To enrolled members of the Democratic Party of the Town of Guilford, Connecticut. Pursuant to the Rules of the Democratic Party and State election laws, you are hereby notified that a caucus will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Nathanael Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford, CT to elect members of the Guilford Democratic Town Committee. Dated at Guilford, Connecticut on the 1st day of January, 2026 Tara Hunt Melvin, Chair Guilford Democratic Town Committee

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Thomas F. Gavaghan (25-0221)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Vienna Lucia Rossetti, AKA Vienna L. Rossetti (25-0341)

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 15, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 18, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk

Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk

The fiduciary is: Beatriz Gavaghan c/o JEFFREY A NIRENSTEIN, NIRENSTEIN HOROWITZ, & ASSOC, PC, 200 GLASTONBURY BLVD 202, GLASTONBURY, CT 06033

The fiduciary is: Lawrence R. Rossetti c/o JEFFREY THOMAS BEATTY, LAW OFFICES OF JEFFREY T. BEATTY, LLC, 20 WATER STREET, GUILFORD, CT 06437

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Obituaries Continued from page 5 Obituary

Obituary

Dorothy Ruotolo Guilford

Robert Gottlieb Guilford Robert Alan “Bob” Gottlieb, of Guilford, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 75. Gottlieb was born in New Haven on Dec. 22, 1949. He grew up in Milford in a loving household with his sister, parents and maternal grandparents. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State College and was heavily involved in protest movements against the Vietnam War and nuclear power. After getting his start in radio during his college days, he served as a host, producer and news director at station WPKN for nearly two decades. He worked for over 30 years as a copy

editor for The Connecticut Post before retiring in 2018. A stickler for accuracy both on and off the clock, he had an eagle eye for mistakes, errors and inconsistencies of all kinds. He was an extraordinarily devoted husband and dad. Having lost his own father at an early age, he was determined to always be there for his children. He had a wry sense of humor, never failing to crack a joke and charm those around him. He held an extensive knowledge and deep love of jazz, folk music, film, television and radio. He was a champion of progressive politics and quality journalism. He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Ruth Gottlieb. He is survived by his wife Gail Feld; sister Judy Gottlieb (Rod Ross); children, Amy (Lev Goltseker) and Andy Gottlieb; and grandchildren, Avi and Aya Goltseker.

LEGAL NOTICE GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL Public Hearing Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6 P.M. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192 Meeting ID: 639 632 0192 The following applications will be heard:

Dorothy "Dotty" Grace Monte Ruotolo, age 99, peacefully entered into her eternal resting place on Dec. 19, 2025, embraced by the love of her family. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna Monte. Dorothy is survived by her children: Deborah Marenna (Fred) of Branford; Randy Ruotolo (Charlen) of Madison; Kathy Ruotolo Demeter (John) of Bridgeport; Tom Ruotolo (Heidi) of Texas; and Michael Ruotolo (Kathleen) of Guilford. She also leaves behind her cherished legacy of 16 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 20 great-grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Monte; her sister, Eleanor Ruotolo; her beloved granddaughter, KathyAnn Robinson White; and her spouse, Clement A. Ruotolo. Born on Aug. 16, 1926, Dorothy attended Guilford High School, where she participated in many sports, especially basketball, and was voted Best Athlete in her class. During her married years, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family and even helped raise thousands of chickens in the backyard coop — a task she took on with determination and pride.

Dorothy was a devoted longtime communicant of St. George Catholic Church in Guilford. She was an active member of the Ladies Guild and volunteered for 25 years, preparing meals — especially her famous tomato sauce — for Martha’s Partners in the church hall. She also worked tirelessly at the annual church fair, proudly overseeing the pizza stand. Above all else, Dorothy’s greatest joy was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — especially during summers spent by her pool, tending her gardens, and admiring her beautiful flowers. She also treasured the many winters she spent at her second home in Fort Myers, Fla. Friends are invited to attend visitation hours from on Monday, January 5, 2026,9 to 10:30 a.m. at Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will take place at Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston Street, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. George Catholic Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437, or online at: https://stgeorgeguilford.org/online-giving-option-2/.To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.GuifordFuneralHome.com. See Obituaries page 9

236 Church Street (Map 461 Lot 1, Zone R-1). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Nicholas Esposito (Principal) of Nima Associates LLC. Special Permit to modify ADU provisions including a detached ADU for a dual-family dwelling and an increase in interior finished floor area per §3.9.A.1.e. 470 County Road (Map 104 Lot 39, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Gail and Nick Thompson-Allen. Special Permit to enlarge an existing non-conforming structure per §8.2.E. 430, 1403, 1439, 1463, 1498, & 1509 Little Meadow Road, 75 Shaker Court, 11 & 22 Laurel Cliffs Road (Map 97 Lot 11-01, Map 97 Lot 35-02, Map 97 Lot 58, Map 97 Lot 59, Map 97 Lot 11-02, Map 97 Lot 34, Map 97 Lot 67, Map 97 Lot 37-07, Map 97 Lot 11-04, and Map 97 Lot 11-03; Zone R-8). Agent: Chuck Mandel of Stevens & Associates on behalf of Applicant/Owner: Jennifer Amasino. Proposed map amendment for 10 parcels currently in the R-8 zone to the R-5 zone per §9.6. 1509 Little Meadow Road (Map 97 Lot 34, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent: Chuck Mandel of Stevens & Associates on behalf of Owner: Jennifer Amasino. Resubdivision of parcel into two lots per subdivision regulations. 405 Whitfield Street (Map 28 Lot 5, Zone I and R-3). Applicant/Agent: Russell Campaigne of Campaigne Kestner Architects on behalf of Owner: Kurt Wittek of Eagleview Homes LLC. Modification of existing Special Permit to allow for 2 (modified) condominium buildings with 14 total units per §9.4.G.6. Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the Town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to planning.zoning@guilfordct.gov 24 hours prior to the meeting day. Documents are available at the Planning & Zoning office. Dial 203-453-8039 for assistance. Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 25th of December 2025 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL SPECIAL MEETING Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192 Meeting ID: 639 632 0192 The following Deliberations will be heard: Deliberations on DRAFT Plan of Conservation and Development Copies of the materials are available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the Town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to planning.zoning@guilfordct.gov 24 hours prior to the meeting day. Documents are available at the Planning & Zoning office. Dial 203-453-8039 for assistance. Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 1st of January 2026 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026 Obituaries Continued from page 8 Obituary

cherished great-grandmother to Egan Zuppardo. Beverly was predeceased by her first husband, Jack White; her husband, Bob Beverly Butler Lentz, 94, of Madison, Lentz; her sons, Bill and John Lentz; and her beloved granddaughter, Rachel died peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, following a sudden heart Garcia, all of whom she carried in her heart every day. attack. She was surHer home was her passion, beautiful, rounded by the love warm, and constantly evolving, as she that defined her life. joyfully redecorated with love and intenBorn in Bridgeport, tion, sometimes daily. Beverly was the Beverly never met a stranger. She daughter of the late made friends everywhere she went, Eli and Roxana Butforming connections that often lasted a ler; and the beloved lifetime, including friendships dating sister of Bob Butler. A back to grade school. She was fiercely proud New Englanloyal, deeply caring, and always ready der, she made Madiat a moment’s notice for a spontaneous son her home for 53 years and carried deep pride in her com- road trip with her dear friends. Beverly’s life was filled with laughter, munity and roots. Beverly was a woman of unwavering kindness and an enduring love for her family and friends. She will be rememfaith whose strength was grounded in bered for her welcoming spirit, her joyher church and her trust in God. Even ful heart, and the steady faith that through life’s greatest losses, she lived guided her through every season of life. with grace, positivity, and resilience, A Mass of Christian Burial will be never complaining, always choosing hope, gratitude, and laughter. Her faith celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at St. Margaret Roman Catholic and inner strength became her legacy and a source of comfort and inspiration Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. Burial will follow at West Cemetery, 71 to all who knew her. Jannas Lane, Madison. In lieu of flowShe is survived by her devoted ers, contributions in memory of Beverly daughters, Susan Zuppardo and her Lentz may be made to the American partner Jennifer, Nancy Sylvain and her husband Don, and Kelly Lentz. She Red Cross or St. Jude Children’s was a loving and proud grandmother to Research Hospital. Beverly’s love lives on in the many Adam Zuppardo and his wife Kelsey, lives she touched, and in the home, Peter Zuppardo and his wife Shivani, faith, and family she so beautifully Jenna and Matthew Parcells, and cherished. Aaron and Christina Garcia; and a

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Need Help with Challenging Children? Struggling to understand your child's behavior? National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Shoreline and Guilford Youth and Family Services are offering free Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) classes. CPS is a non-punitive approach to helping adults care for challenging children of all ages, grounded in 50 years of neuroscientific research. The class runs for six weeks, starting Thursday, Jan. 8, through Thursday, Feb. 12. Sessions will take place on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required. To register, email DivinnaSchmitt@gmail.com. For more information, text Divinna Schmitt at 860-876-0236 or visit ThinkKids.org.

Legal Notice: Notice is hereby given that there will be a caucus of all enrolled Republicans in the Town of Guilford on Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 at 7 pm in the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437 Faulkner Room to endorse candidates for the Republican Town Committee.

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Year in Review: Guilford Faced Major Challenges in 2025 Continued from page 6 the strength of a court ruling that defied executive orders by the Trump administration to freeze funding for DEI programming at public schools, but Guilford was one of the many school districts in Connecticut not obliged to comply with federal orders given a court ruling against the current administration. Guilford Community Garden begins plans to create an inclusive garden at Nut Plains Park, which would include a children’s garden and provide a new public space in town. The Engineering Department seeks quotes and plans from a consultancy group on how to provide a safe and interconnected multimodal transportation configuration around the Town Green. Members of the Guilford Economic Development Commission discuss the new development projects for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Transportation, providing more Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier affordable housing, and recreation domi- Guilford High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on June 13 on the nate the check list of the commission as town green. Co-Vice Presidents Sydney Hahn and Sophie Pascarella unveil the class areas to see greater improvements and shield. delivery of services. About $12 million in beach area roads and seawall improvements at Sachems ment. They held their first meeting in the Preserve – West Side property by the Head are being eyed by the Engineering process, where they heard from planning Board of Selectmen and the town’s recepDepartment to protect private properties consultants about demographic changes, tion of a state grant towards the hopeful and roads. land analyses, and housing needs that will purchase of the Westwoods West property. b influence actions to meet goals laid out in Both parcels are cited by land trust offiJune the plan. cials as ways to preserve more open space Guilford High School graduation takes The Board of Selectmen approved plans in Guilford, protect wildlife and water place. for facilities upgrades to 52 Church Street sources, and provide access to other nearby The Board of Selectmen hosted a public and the historic Major Jedediah Lathrop natural resources. hearing to act on two public access ease- House at 55 Park Street. The former prop- b ments and maintenance agreements sur- erty was poised for expanded parking to August rounding a viewing platform at Eagleview meet demands at the adjacent Guilford The town maintained its AAA bonding Condominiums that would grant commu- Community Center, while the latter build- rate as designated by major credit institunity access to a popular coastal resource. ing was in need of several system and tions, signaling a fiscally strong commuGuilford receives $17,528 in opioid set- infrastructural upgrades, especially to nity based on its budget and operational tlement funds that is directed towards accommodate the eventual relocation of practice and the resiliency of its financial Guilford Youth and Family Services for several town departments to the building. policies. them to continue regional prevention and Both Target and T.J. Maxx opened First Selectman Matt Hoey informs the education efforts in order to combat the Guilford Courier he does not anticipate a stores at the Big Y Plaza and Guilford national opioid epidemic. major impact to the town’s renewable Commons, respectively. Target replaced The Guilford Police Department initi- energy goals with the elimination of tax the former underperforming Wal-Mart ates a study for multiple infrastructure credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. that departed from the Big Y Plaza in improvements at its headquarters, includ- Commitments to acquiring town-owned 2022. Town officials touted the economic ing system upgrades, ceiling repairs, and hybrid vehicles, exploring solar panel benefits of both stores moving into town, facilities to the women’s locker room. installations, and other clean energy not the least of which includes significant b investments for town properties and build- tax revenue for the town into two popular July shopping areas. ings are still ongoing. The Guilford Human Rights CommisMore protected open space in Guilford The Guilford Food Bank said it expects sion issued a Letter of Support for the an impact on the Guilford community and arrived when the Board of Selectmen Jewish community. Commission members greater need for food following cuts to the approved the $2.45 million purchase of said the letter was spurred by a nation- federal SNAP food assistance program by 24.5 acres of land at Tanner Marsh and wide increase in anti-Semeitc hate speech the implementation of the One Big Beauti- Pine Grove roads, expanding the amount and other incidents. of preserved open space under town ownful Bill. The Planning and Zoning Commission The Guilford Land Conservation Trust ership to support public access, ecological begins its process to meet the goals laid out celebrated the purchase of the East River health, and wildlife protection. in the Plan of Conservation and Developb

September The Planning and Zoning Commission approved plans for a substantial mixeduse development at 1940 Boston Post Road across from Guilford Commons. The development - one of the most significant in recent memory in Guilford - will include a commercial area abutting the route and four residential buildings with 162 units, including several affordable units. The Hyland House Museum continued bringing education and history to its patrons with a quilt history talk and assessment presented by subject expert Pam Weeks. The Guilford Parks & Recreation Department added a new bus to its senior transportation program, adding another transportation resource for residents to get to grocery stores, medical and cosmetic appointments, and other errands. The town designated the week of Sept. 14 as SepticSmart Week to bring awareness to continued efforts by the Health Department to educate residents and seek improvements in septic systems. A community-wide effort led by the Board of Education, Town Hall, the Guilford Foundation, and several vendors saw the renovation of the beloved snack shack at Guilford High School. The project symbolizes the collaborative spirit of the town, according to project leaders, and their commitment to bring families and students together. b

October The Women & Family Life Center partners with educators to launch the EmpowHER: Girls In STEM pilot program to bring hands-on science and engineering opportunities to middle schoolaged women. A successful dog rescue event co-sponsored by Jenny’s Rescue Ranch in Texas returned to Bishop’s Orchards for the third time. In conjunction with the Town of Madison, Guilford was awarded a grant from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the development of a new food scraps separation program to build upon the success of the pay as your throw program at the Guilford Madison Transfer Station. The expectations of what would be a pilot program is that it would be a successful example of an effort that could operate on a regional level between towns of the South Central Regional Council of Governments. This is especially as the City of New Haven plans to open a new sorting facility that would take in See page 11

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Year in Review: Guilford Faced Major Challenges in 2025 Continued from page 10 collected food scraps from haulers collecting waste in Madison and Guilford. November Local elections saw Guilford Democrats and Independents dominate the polls, as members from both parties will occupy all seats on the Board of Education and Board of Finance. Incumbent Democrat First Selectman Matt Hoey was reelected to his position, defeating challenger Republican Jonathan Trotta. Trotta now sits on the Board of Selectmen. Democrat Seth Klaskin also won the seat for the MadisonGuilford Probate Court. Several town departments, including Engineering and Economic Development, have finally moved into the historic Lathrop House following several structural and systems upgrades. The town received a state grant to help fund the establishment of a Co-Collection Task Force that will oversee the new food scraps co-collection and hauler program. The Engineering Department is aiming to complete a $4.9 million project on the highly traveled Clapboard Hill Road bridge. They are expecting it to be completed by funding through the Local

Transportation Capital Improvement grant program. b

December The Parks and Recreation Department gave an overview of completed projects and to-be addressed projects at Bittner Park. The brick patio was completed following donations from the community, while improvements to the back side of the parking lot, storage units, and other accommodations for its pickleball courts are being investigated by the department. December 10 is declared Human Rights Day in Guilford. The Human Rights Commission said the day of observance for recognizing equality and human rights falls on the same day as it was announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Renovations are finally completed at Temple Beth Tikvah after an eight-year process, bringing new life to a building that draws members from across the shoreline Jewish community. The Town of Guilford is accepting applications to sit on the Charter Revision Committee to see what changes could be made to Town Hall procedures

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Hundreds of demonstrators holding signs gathered on the Guilford Green during the Hands Off 2025 protest on Saturday, April 5. The Guilford protest, part of a one-day nationwide protest against the administration of President Donald Trump and the actions of Elon Musk's DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency.

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Sports

GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026 • SPORTS

Guilford Courier Valley Courier Thursday, January 1, 2026

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Guilford boys lacrosse defeated Daniel Hand 12-11 on June 14 at Fairfield University to claim the 2025 Class M state championship.

Sports Year in Review: Guilford Boys Lacrosse Wins State Championship, Uzzo Claims Class M Title teams managed to take home champion- Winter Sports ship titles, while other teams fell just short As winter sports began to get underway of their season goals. for the 2025-2026 season, last season feaGuilford has been the home of many Here is a look back at some of the sports tured moments with taking a lock back on. exciting moments in sports this past sea- teams from the area in 2025: At the height of the previous winter season. Each team from Guilford High School son, then-junior wrestler Alex Uzzo led the achieved varying degrees of success. Some b By Serenity J. Bishop Shore Sports Editor

Guilford wrestling team to a successful season. Uzzo led the team to an above .500 regular season record, a top five finish in the Southern Connecticut Conference and a Top 10 finish in the Class M State See page 13

SPORTS • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Sports Year in Review: Guilford Boys Lacrosse Wins State Championship Lyman Hall. Guilford fell 3-0 to Lyman Hall. Championship. They previously fell to Brookfield 2-0 in Individually, Uzzo claimed the SCC their 2023 state championship appearchampionship in the 144 weight class as ance. well as went on to claim the Class M State The baseball team finished the season Championship with a win over Berlin’s with a 14-6 regular-season record and 19-8 Hiram Sepulveda. He also became one of overall record. three Guilford wrestlers to represent the The boys lacrosse team managed to school and compete at the State Open. claim the program’s first state title victory This season, Uzzo has stepped into a in the Class M State Championship over leadership role as the team captain as he rival Daniel Hand. The team finished the hopes to lead a young Grizzlies team back regular season 9-7 and earned the third to prominence. Uzzo aims to reclaim the seed in the class. conference and class titles and hopes to go The season at that point of the year had further in the state open. already been considered a success since The Guilford wrestling is back on the the team had originally entered what mat this season with their next matchup many people considered a rebuilding year. on Saturday, Dec. 27 at Ledyard High However, Guilford began their rise to a School in a four-team tournament. The state title with a first-round victory over Grizzlies lost their season-opening match No. 14 Watertown, 21-1. against Cheshire on Wednesday, Dec. 17. They followed it up with a 12-3 victory over No. 6 East Lyme in the quarterfinals b Spring Sports and an 8-7 victory over No. 7 Joel Barlow Guilford doubled-down on their winter in the semifinals. The postseason success success heading into the spring season, as led the Grizzlies on a collision course with both the Guilford baseball and boys’ Southern Connecticut Conference rival lacrosse team advanced to state champiand top-seeded Daniel Hand. onships. Both championship appearances Hand had been one of the top teams in were not exactly in the cards for the teams Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier the state and was the reigning state chamat the beginning of the year, but they each pions after beating Joel Barlow in the title managed to pull together as they Nora Stewart (47). Guilford defeated Daniel Hand 3-0 on Sept. 26 at Guilford High School. game in 2024. Guilford defeated Hand 12approached the post season. 11 to end Hand’s back-to-back title aspiraThe storyline for the baseball team at tions, but also pushed Hand’s all-time the start of the year was about finding record in state championship games to 1-9. players to fill the gap in production from b Fall Sports two All-State players, who had graduated the year before. It’s safe to say they did just Guilford’s success continued this fall that. across all of their sports. The football team Guilford’s post-season run began with a finished the regular season 8-2 and earned trip to the semifinals in the Southern Conits first playoff berth since 1993. necticut Conference (SCC) tournament. The team defeating Bristol Eastern, The Grizzlies defeated Fairfield Prep 4-2 Stamford, Foran, Shelton, Platt, Hamden, in the quarterfinals of and then advanced Amity and Lyman Hall during the regular to the semifinals to face Amity. season and only fell to Daniel Hand and Amity would eventually come out on Newtown. Their regular season accomtop, defeating Guilford, but it ultimately plishments earned them the fourth seed in became the driving force of their run to the the Class M tournament behind St. state tournament. The Grizzlies took on Joseph, Berlin and Rockville. North Haven in the first round of the Class Guilford, however, fell in the first round L State Tournament, coming away with a of the playoffs to No. 5 Brookfield, 24-17. 7-6 win. The 12 graduating seniors included Alex In the second round, Notre Dame of Tafro (quarterback), Aiden Ruotolo West Haven scored three in the top of the (running back/defensive back), Aidan Confirst inning, leaving Guilford to chase the nelly (running back/linebacker), Andrew lead through the bottom of the fifth inning, Plancon (wide receiver/defensive back), eventually mounting a 9-5 win. For the Aaron Bergantino (running quarterfinals, Guilford had to make two back/linebacker), Ares Vasiliou (kicker), trips to Brookfield due to a rain delay Bodhi Climie (wide receiver/defensive before coming home with a 5-4 win. back), Wesley Tandler (offensive Guilford put together 15 runs on 18 hits line/defensive line), Zisis Vasiliou to take a 15-1 win over Berlin in the semiPhoto by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier (offensive line/defensive line), Lucio Nastri finals and then went on to appear in their Gumwel Malek (13). Guilford boys’ basketball defeated North Haven 61-59 on Jan. 2 at second championship in three years to face Guilford High School. See page 14 Continued from page 12

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • SPORTS

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Julie Ferguson (3). Guilford defeated Daniel Hand 3-0 on Sept. 26 at Guilford High School.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Katherine Eaton (34), and Shelby Grinold (55). Guilford defeated Daniel Hand 3-0 on Sept. 26 at Guilford High School.

Sports Year in Review: Guilford Boys Lacrosse Wins State Championship Continued from page 13 (offensive line/defensive line), Dominick Verme (offensive line/defensive line), and Domenico D’Ambrosio (offensive line/defensive line). Head coach Brian White was named SCC Coach of the Year. The boys’ and girls’ soccer teams also clinched a spot in the state tournament. The boys’ team finished 8-4-4 and earned 20th seed in the Class L State tournament. They defeated No. 13 Kaynor Tech in the first round 2-0 and lost to No. 4 Wethersfield, 2-0. The girls’ soccer team finished 10-5-1, earned the tenth seed in the Class L State Tournament and defeated No. 23 Berlin, 2-0 in the first round before falling to No. 7 Brookfield,1-0 in second round. The Guilford volleyball team finished just short of reaching the Class L State Championship. After finishing the regular season 15-5 and reaching the semifinals of the SCC tournament, the team earned the sixth spot in the class tournament. The volleyball team defeated Rocky Hill (3-0), Wethersfield (3-0), and Rockville (3-2) before falling to powerhouse Bristol Central (3-0) in the semifinals. Guilford’s field hockey team finished 11-4, earned the sixth seed, but fell to New Milford in the Class M quarterfinals, 2-1. The 2025 calendar year showcased the tremendous talent of the athletes in the area. Many of the school’s teams reached the state tournament and even reached the state title games. As 2026 approaches, Guilford will surely be aiming to replicate the success that 2025 year brought to Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier the school. Reed Hovick (12) celebrates a goal with Ryan Gribbon - Captain (4). Guilford boys lacrosse defeated Daniel Hand 12-11 on June 14 at Fairfield University to claim the 2025 Class M state championship.

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GUILFORD COURIER • CLASSIFIEDS • 15

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LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of Photosynthesis at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of Photosynthesis at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Goodspeed Announces 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals Press Release from the Goodspeed Musicals

Come in from the cold and check out what’s hot at the 20th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals from Friday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 18. The muchanticipated three-day festival of brandnew works will light up the Goodspeed campus with a weekend filled with insider events, seminars, a cabaret, staged readings, and a special 20th Anniversary Festival Concert. The Festival of New Musicals kicks off Jan. 16 at The Goodspeed with a staged reading of Miss Hysteria. Inspired by true events, Miss Hysteria follows the wrongly institutionalized Louise Gleizes, a young actress in 19th-century Paris, who strikes a bargain to perform symptoms of “hysteria” for freedom and discovers the power—and peril—of owning her own story. It features a book and lyrics by Laura Schein and Ben Zeadman with music by Zeadman. The highlight on Saturday, Jan. 17, will be a staged reading of F Word, a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Tessa, a teenager on the brink of aging out of the foster care system, as she faces the future and finds family where she least expects it.

Music and lyrics are by Alyssa Payne with holders are invited to add-on tickets to the a book by Sara Matin. Friday evening cabaret ($18 each) and The final day of the festival features 20th Anniversary Festival Concert ($30 Foolproof, a brassy, toe-tapping musical each). Package holders and those with sincomedy that reimagines The Three Stoo- gle tickets can add on the Saturday ges as three sisters, Mo, Mary, and Curly, evening pre-show dinner at the Gelston who land punches and punchlines in their House for $36 per person. Single-show effort to apprehend a notorious robber, tickets and festival packages are available claim the cash reward, and save their fam- through the Goodspeed box office at 860ily boutique. The book is by Megan 873-8668, open weekdays at 10 a.m. and Loughran and Sonya Hayden, lyrics by weekends at 11 a.m. Single-show tickets Loughran, and music by Hayden. Addi- can also be purchased online at tional festival events•including seminars, goodspeed.org. an exclusive cabaret (an informal gather“We are proud to mark the 20th ing showcasing new songs by new and anniversary of our Festival of New Musiestablished artists) and a special 20th cals. Over the past two decades, the festiAnniversary Festival Concert•will round val has launched more than 50 new musiout this exciting weekend. cals, including the Tony-winning sensation Single tickets for each reading are $30 Come From Away, Band Geeks! and The and $15 for students. Single tickets are Snow Goose, which will premiere on The $20 for the Friday evening cabaret and $35 Goodspeed stage next summer,” says for the 20th Anniversary Festival Concert. Goodspeed Artistic Director Donna Lynn Goodspeed’s festival gold package will offer Hilton. “I am humbled that the festival, patrons a weekend full of special events. which was a simple idea 20 years ago, has The $156 package includes admission to now become a major industry event showall three staged readings, several festival casing incredibly talented writers and seminars, the 20th Anniversary Festival their new musicals.” Concert, and the meet-the-writers Q&A. “I can’t wait to experience my first festiThe festival silver package includes all val,” says Goodspeed Managing Director three staged readings for just $81. Package Vanessa Logan. “I’ve heard so many fabu-

lous stories about the weekend, the energy of the writers, performers, and the audience. New work is essential to the future of musical theatre, and Donna Lynn’s vision, paired with Goodspeed’s commitment to nurturing it, is one of the reasons I’m so proud to be here. I’m especially looking forward to meeting the Friends, an extraordinary group of donors who champion the Festival of New Musicals and our new works. I know people won’t want to miss out on being part of the creation of a new musical because there’s nothing quite like seeing a story come to life from the very beginning.” The Goodspeed festival offers new and established artists the rare opportunity to thoroughly work on their projects with the help of Goodspeed’s renowned resources and within its artistic environment. Preparations for the festival begin on Monday, Jan. 5, when the three teams of writers and composers arrive on the Goodspeed campus and dedicate their time to further writing and composing their musicals in development. They are joined by musical theatre students from The Hartt School and Western Connecticut State See Goodspeed page 20

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Goodspeed Announces 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals Festival Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Gelston House

Continued from page 19 University who take part in rehearsals and continued development of the material. The intensive retreat culminates with Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals, which showcases staged readings of the new musicals developed during the twoweek program. The festival weekend culminates in a question-and-answer session with some of the writers and creative teams behind Miss Hysteria, F Word, and Foolproof. The staged readings and schedule of special events for festival package holders follow: b

Friday, Jan. 16 Miss Hysteria 7:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Book and lyrics by Laura Schein and Ben Zeadman Music by Ben Zeadman Festival Cabaret: Rona Siddiqui 10 p.m. at Gelston House

F Word 7:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Music and lyrics by Alyssa Payne Book by Sara Matin 20th Anniversary Festival Concert 9:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed b

Sunday, Jan. 18 Foolproof 1 p.m. at The Goodspeed Book by Megan Loughran and Sonya Hayden Lyrics by Megan Loughran Music by Sonya Hayden Meet the Writers Q&A 3:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Goodspeed Musicals is located at 6 Main Street, East Haddam. For more information, visit www.goodspeed.org.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of The Snow Goose at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Saturday, Jan. 17 Seminar Sessions 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Gelston House The seminars include the following (more will be announced at a later date): Not Throwing Away My Shot: Theatrical Photography 101: Goodspeed staff photographer Diane Sobolewski and Marketing Associate Director Katie Desjardins will pull back the curtain on how some of our most iconic production photos were captured. Do You Hear the Writers Sing?: Join us as we do a mock share session with alumni of our writer residency program, the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed. You’ll have the opportunity to hear songs from alumni of the Grove, guided by the Grove’s resident dramaturgs, Rose Oser and Blair Russell! Money, Money, Money…In Goodspeed’s World: From foundations to corporate giving, Managing Director Vanessa Logan and Director of Development Frank Stilwagner take a deep dive into Goodspeed’s strategies to get dough and the tremendous ‘knead’ for it. The Snow Goose Flies Again: Conclude your day of seminars by getting the inside scoop on The Snow Goose. You’ll hear about the show’s history from inception, Grove residency, festival presentation, New York workshop, and a full production on The Goodspeed stage next fall. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of The Snow Goose at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Calendar for the Week of January 1, 2026

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 1 Annual Frosty 5K Road Race: Race day check-in and bib collection from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a 5K race, a kids fun run, and a 2M walk. All events begin at the Guilford Green. Kids fun run starts 10:30 a.m.; 5K race and 2M walk start 11 a.m. Post-race celebration at 11:45 a.m. Cost: 5K run and 2M walk, $35; kids fun run, $10 through race day. Proceeds benefit local community programs. Hosted by the Guilford Rotary Club. For info or tickets, visit guilfordrotaryclubct.com or runsignup.com/Race/CT/Guilford/GuilfordFrosty5K. Sixth Annual New Day Hike: 11 a.m. Chatfield Hollow State Park, meet at the toll booth. Hosted by the Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park. Features a pine-cone birdfeeder activity for children at the Oak Lodge Museum led by naturalist Wray Williams. For info, call Cheryl Buckley at 860-391-1919. First Friday Stroll: 5 to 8 p.m. Main Street, Chester. Hosted by the merchants of Chester. Features a stroll on Main Street that showcases new art exhibitions at galleries, seasonal menus at restaurants, and shopping specials. Includes anecdotal tales behind the paintings at Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com. First Night: Bonfire Night 2026: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Branford Town Green. Features entertainment, ice carvings, wood carvings, s’mores, and a bonfire. In celebration of the New Year and America's 250th milestone anniversary. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department. For info, visit branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2

Cupcake Celebration: 2:15 to 4 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, Community Room, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Children will frost and decorate cupcakes to mark the arrival of 2026. For ages 4 and older. Drop-ins welcome. No registration required. For info, call 860-399-6422. Tween Time: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features an introductory session on the basics of Dungeons & Dragons for ages 8 to 12. Includes character creation and gameplay concepts. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 Magic Wand Workshop: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a craft program for children ages 6 to 12 led by polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. River Tales: Two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Connecticut River Museum (CRM), 67 Main St., Essex. For children ages 4 and up and their caregivers. Features a story, a craft activity, and more. Book: Little Fox in the Snow by Jonathan London. Tickets: $3 per learner, free for members. Museum admission is not included with the ticket purchase. For info or reservations (required), call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org. Curator Tour: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition, Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond. Other tours are scheduled through Saturday, Feb. 7. For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 4 Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio Concert: 2 to 3:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a performance of violin, cello, and piano. Free. Hosted by the Musical Arts Society of Branford. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Prehistoric Games with Janet Lawler: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. For ages 3 to 7. For info or to register (required), call 860-526- Winter Lecture Series: The Powder Alarm of 1774: 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. 6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com. First in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Friday Movie Matinee: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memo- Series, highlighting the American Revolution. Features a talk by J. L. Bell, author of The Road to Concord: How Four rial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features an Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War. Doors open afternoon film screening. Popcorn and soda provided. at 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Registration is Registration preferred. For info, visit scrantonlirequested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, brary.org/events. visit essexhistory.org/events.

MONDAY, JAN. 5 Auditions for Con Brio Choral Society: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook. Open to auditionees for all voice parts. Con Brio rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. To book a time slot, call Larry Hamre 860-575-1533. For info, visit conbrio.org/audition.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6 Hammonasset Beach Walk: 1 p.m. Meet at the Gateway Eastern trail head parking lot adjacent to the entrance of the Hammonasset State Park, 1280 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a one-mile walk with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT) through Hammonasset Beach Park to Webster Point. For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org. For info, visit ShorelineVillageCT.org. Qìgōng for the Aging: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a program that emphasizes stretching, strength, stability, and stamina. Presented by martial arts instructor Stephen Watson. All levels welcome. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. YA Library Advisory Board Planning Meeting: 3:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants ages 12 to 18 are invited to help plan games, displays, programs, and collections. Service credit available for active participation. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Tinker and Take it Apart: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 to 11. Bring safety goggles. Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. SECWAC Book Group: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Book: When the Clock Broke by John Ganz. Co-hosted by the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) and the Essex Library. For info or to register, visit youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/book-groups. Creative Craft Night: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Offers drop-in crafting time with access to library supplies and equipment. Staff available for assistance. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

See page 22

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Continued from page 21

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

Haiku Workshop : 6 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. For teens and adults. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Tweens Writing: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a program for ages 9 to 12 to write and share their stories with others. Participants explore different kinds of narratives, including fantasy, family stories, essays, and research. This group is based on a workshop model. A writing prompt is completed and shared at each meet-up. The shared prompt is then developed into a piece to share at the next meeting. Participant sharing of written work is not mandatory. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7 Candidly Chris: Composing the Photograph: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Photographer Peter Glass presents a program on photographic composition techniques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Concert by Alison Brown: 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.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 AND SUNDAY, JAN. 11 VIBE Cabaret: Murder on the Orient Express: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon and 3 p.m. Daniel Hand High School, 286 Green Hill Rd., Madison. For info, visit dhhsvibe.com.

One Night in Memphis (Tribute to Sun Record Artists: Presley, Perkins, Lewis, and Cash): 8 p.m. The Katharine SUNDAY, JAN. 11 Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old SayDocumentary Screening: Inhabitants: 1 to 3 p.m. James brook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. FeaTabletop RPG Game Night: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, thekate.org. tures a screening of Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to on Restoring Our World and a talk by Jesse Rose and Clan all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonMother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper of the Golden Hill library.org. Paugussett Tribe, a Connecticut state-recognized tribe. SATURDAY, JAN. 10 Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to Adult Movie Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Who’s Been Walking in These Woods? A Family register (required), call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit Nature Hike: 10 a.m. Falls River Preserve, Falls River Rte. 81. Bring snacks and a beverage (covered, nonalcoevents.blackstonelibrary.org. Drive, Ivoryton. Meet near the parking area on Falls River holic). For info, including the movie title, or to register Drive. Features a one-hour hike led by local naturalist (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthliWinter Lecture Series: The Burning of New London: Phil Miller. No dogs. Hosted by Essex Library, Essex Land brary.org. 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. Trust, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. For trail Second in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture maps, visit essexlandtrust.org. For weather-related Series on the American Revolution. Features a talk by Eric updates, visit facebook.com/EssexLibrary. For info or to THURSDAY, JAN. 8 register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexli- Lehman, author of Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London. Doors open at 3 p.m. Peace Crane Folding: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old brary.org. Seating is first-come, first-served. Registration is Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features an inaugural event that continues every Thursday to fold and comMet in HD Live: I Puritani: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events. plete 1,000 origami peace cranes. The purpose is to bring Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown people together and find inner peace while folding the cranes. Once 1,000 cranes are reached, they will be donated to a charity of the group's choosing. No experience needed. Directions and materials provided. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Creative Crafts with Jesse: Paper Quilling Make-up: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For ages 18 and over. Features a make-up class for missed paper quilling classes, including those to make pumpkins, a coastal scene, flower, and fall tree. Materials provided. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 225 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Sashiko Mending Workshop for Beginners: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a hands-on workshop for adults nineteen and older. Materials provided; participants may bring an item to mend. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Auditions for Annie Jr.: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Auditions are for grades 4 to 8. Free to audition but registration is required. Hosted by the Guilford Youth & Family Read to a Therapy Dog: 5 to 6 p.m. Edward Smith Services (GY&FS) Family Theatre. Performances will be Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Children in grades held at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center three to five can read to Libby, a trained therapy dog. on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. To register, Participants may bring a book or select one from the call 203-453-8047. For info, visit guilfordyouthandfamilylibrary. Registration required. For info or to register, email services.org. Mary Wilhelm at mwillhelm@nbranfordlibraries.org. Healthy Kids Today, Healthier Futures Tomorrow: The Whales, Whaling, and Whalemen: A History of 19thRole of Food Policy: 3 p.m. Willoughby Wallace MemoCentury Whaling: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Pre- rial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Presented by Mystic Seaport Museum. For info or to register sented by Susan Mayne, adjunct professor at the Yale (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the School of Public Health and former director of the U.S. events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Sponsored by Tilde Café. Free and National Theatre Live in HD Encore: The Fifth Step: open to all ages. For info or to register (required), visit 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 tildecafe.org. Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 100 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

General Putnam: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Features a presentation about General Putnam by Kenneth Noll, a community theater performer in Storrs and professor emeritus of microbiology at the University of Connecticut. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. To register, contact the Chester Public Library at 860-526-0018 or library@chesterct.org. For info, visit chesterctlibrary.com/adultprograms. On a Winter's Night: 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, JAN. 12 Social Justice Book Discussion (America 250 Event): 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Book: Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth by Claire Bellerjeau and Tiffany Yecke Brooks. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the library. Virtual participation via Zoom is an option. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

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LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Belle Vie Café Gallery Showcases Local Artist Press Release from Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery

The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery is currently featuring the artwork of Patricia Shoemaker, a Shoreline Arts Trail artist whose paintings explore the relationship between place, light, and everyday life. Harmony of Land and Life: Reflections from an Italian Journey showcases Shoemaker’s work, which is rooted in a deep fascination with place—how light, atmosphere, and human presence combine to form the quiet poetry of a landscape. In this exhibition, Shoemaker presents a series of oil paintings created during her time in Italy, where the rhythm of the countryside and the energy of its cities offered an endless source of inspiration. The Fountain, oil, by Patricia Shoemaker “My figurative and landscape paintings grow from direct experience: walking through olive groves, studying the geometry of narrow streets, watching people weave their stories through piazzas. Each painting is an attempt to hold onto those fleeting moments when light transforms the ordinary into something resonant and meaningful. Ultimately, this body of work reflects what Italy offered me: a conversation between land, people, and light.” The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery, located at 20 Church Street, Guilford, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Feb. 11. For more information, visit the local art link at belleviecafe.com or the artist’s website at patriciashoemaker.com.

Photo by Patricia Shoemaker

Contemplation by Patricia Shoemaker

About the Artist Patricia Shoemaker works in oil, pastel, and watercolor. She studied fine arts at Wells College, attended the Art Students League, and received her BFA from the University of Georgia. She attended the Yale Brissago (Switzerland) Program, and Umbria II, oil, by Patricia Shoemaker received her MFA from the Yale School of Art.

Photo by Patricia Shoemaker

24 Continued from page 22

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Met in HD Encore: I Puritani: 10 a.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 210 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Gardening with Mosses: Noon to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a talk on moss ecology, horticulture, and ideas on how moss can be utilized in the garden. Presented by Christine Cook, owner of Mossaics Ecological Landscape Design. Part of the Leete’s Island Garden Club monthly meeting. Guests are welcome. For info or to register, contact 203-453-0780 or kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING Author Talk: Lauren LaRusso: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Beyond Infidelity: How to Turn the End of Your Relationship into the Beginning of Your Life. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Book Club: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

American Girl Doll Club: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children in grades 1 through 4. Features a story or discussion, activities, and a craft from a different history time period. Dolls don’t have to be American Girl. The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Deeply with David Brooks: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply. Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: The DisHosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partncovery of a Masterpiece: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored ership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on how Mortillaro identified and authenticated an Auguste Rodin sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte hiding in plain sight in Art with Kristin: Cardinals and Birch Tree Collage: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Bos- New Jersey. Second in a two-part series, “Exciting Discoveries in Art History.” Free and open to all. For info or ton Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 5 to 8. For info or to visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org. register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org. Shoreline Sailing Club Event: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and LEGO Stem Club: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, over. New members are welcome and sailing experience 301 Rte. 81. For grade 1 to 4. Project for the session is is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time foosball. Participants will use the STEM steps to solve a guests, $10 for others. BYOB. For info, visit shorelinesailproblem, plan and create a design, and then test their project. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), ingclub.com. call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. In Public: 50 years of Candid Street Photography with George Schaub: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park The Art of 18th-Century Chocolate Making (America St. For info, email schaubphoto@gmail.com. 250 Event): 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features historical chocolateConcert by Albert Lee: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn making techniques and authentic methods from the Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info 1700s. Attendees will enjoy samples of the chocolate or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. products made on-site. Presented by Robert Lecce of Pewter Pot Chocolates. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. FRIDAY, JAN. 16

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Designing with Containers: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. Presented by Rene Marsh, founder and owner of A Simpler Place in Monroe where she is a garden designer, horticulturist, and flower farmer. Free and open to the public. For info, visit guilfordgardenclub.org/events. Acoustic Artists Storyteller Series: Terri LaChance: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features stories and songs paired with pictures and visuals. For participants of all ages. For info or to register, visit actonlibrary.org/events.

Miss Hysteria: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 Weaving Mug Rugs Workshop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will complete four tabby patterns inspired by classic fabric arts: a ninepatch quilt block, plaid, gingham, and bordered square. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $12 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947. Stop Motion Animation Workshop: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Drop-ins welcome by space is limited. Participants may stay longer to finish their projects. For info or to register, contact 860-5260018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com. Frames in Film Encore: Hopper: An American Love Story: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold Museum. Running time: 90 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Festival Seminars: 1 to 4:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. Creative Crafts with Jesse: Birthday Cards: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create three birthday cards using stamping, embossing, and die-cut techniques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events. Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Teams work on identical puzzles within a set time; prizes awarded to the first three teams to finish. Team size: two to four participants. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org. A Tribute to Prince: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by Purple Luscious Love. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events. Festival Dinner at Gelston House: 5:30 p.m. Gelston House, 8 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-8738668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Concert by Kashmir (Tribute Led Zeppelin): 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit Winter Dance Party: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballthekate.org. room Dance Studio, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford. Admission: $20, includes a group lesson from 7 to Cabaret Performance by Rona Siddiqui: 10 p.m. The 7:30 led by Karen Pfrommer. For info, email info@timetoGoodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Gooddanceballroom.com. speed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. See page 27

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Page Turners Hunter's Heart Ridge By Sarah Stewart Taylor November 1965. A man is found dead near a hunter’s lodge in Vermont. State Police Detective Franklin Warren quickly rules out a hunting accident, but the motives, movements, and backgrounds of the other lodge dwellers are not so easily understood. The many layers of the mystery reflect the depth of the characters, while Cold War spycraft and the looming Vietnam War add tension to this taut tale. — Drew Breakwater Books, Guilford

Wild Dark Shore By Charlotte McConaghy Imagine living on a remote island between Antarctica and New Zealand. Just you and your young family and the many creatures that also call the island home. You are charged with preserving a global seed bank. The island’s inhabitants constantly face dangerous threats to survival, but are also awed by the beauty and fragility that surrounds them. Then, a woman is suddenly washed up on the shore. Is she friend or foe? The author shows us a rapidly changing climate with compelling images of wildlife and terrain. A great novel for appreciating climate change and inner strengths. — Jeanne Breakwater Books, Guilford

very other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.

Damaged People By Joe McGinniss Jr. At 26, Joe McGinniss Sr. became the youngest writer since Anne Frank to reach the New York Times bestseller list. More hits followed, but behind that success lay alcoholism and a deteriorating home life. In Damaged People, Joe McGinniss Jr. chronicles his father’s rise and decline and what it meant to grow up in that shadow. He also turns the lens on his own struggles with fatherhood. The result is a candid portrait of generational struggle—and of the small but meaningful ways each generation can choose to do better. — Rob Breakwater Books, Guilford

The Award By Matthew Pearl Aspiring author David Trent is negatively impressed by the third-floor Cambridge apartment he and his fiancee really can’t afford until he discovers who occupies the lower two floors. Silas Hale, renowned author and David’s idol is now his neighbor! What could possibly go wrong? A fun read. — Ginger Breakwater Books, Guilford

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Page Turners Continued from page 25

Startlement By Ada Limón This award-winning poet laureate’s newest collection is steeped in storytelling, skillfully balancing joy and despair while offering a fresh perspective on nature and poetry. I was elated to read and reread this glorious collection. Consider this line: “Startle the sad spring air with the whirring of your wings.” — Roxanne R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Puzzlemania! By Joel Fagliano For the puzzler—what a great collection of New York Times games. Whether someone does one or many, whether they do them everyday or occasionally, having this book to work through will be fun and, at times, challenging. Get ready for some brain action! — Lori R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Letters From the Edge By Jeff Wilser From the isolation of the Arctic to deepsea dives and volcanic landscapes, these firsthand accounts reveal the courage and curiosity that drive humanity forward. It is a riveting and inspiring read for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the frontiers of discovery. — Tijae R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Something From Nothing By Alison Roman Knowing this cookbook exists because of Alison’s love for soups, but has way more to offer, is all you need to know! The recipes are straightforward, with the goal of using ingredients already in your pantry (mostly). What a great gift for new cooks as well as those who really know their way around the kitchen. — Lori R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

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LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Page Turners Continued from page 26

Sweet & Salty! By King Arthur Baking Company This book is a must-have for any young baker on your list! Every recipe (I started with the pink lemonade cake) is tantalizing and very easy to follow. I loved the 10 quick lessons for baking success and the many tips, including how to knead dough by hand, frost cupcakes, and choose the right pans and tools. Bonus points for the book lying flat when it’s open and for the red ribbon bookmark—King Arthur has thought of everything. Adults will love it, too! It’s a great way to make memories with your kids in the kitchen this holiday season and all year long. — Karen F. R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Continued from page 24 F Word: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. Concert by the Amish Outlaws: 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.

Après Ski: The Scene, the Style, the Menu By Erin Isakov In my youth, I probably skied a thousand miles and loved it. In the second half of my life, I have dropped the skiing and embraced the “après” winter lifestyle. A little bit hygge, a little bit posh city night life, a lot bit fireplaces, Après Ski shows the hippest, most delicious ways to enjoy those magical 3 to 6 p.m. winter hours. — Andrew R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Winter Lecture Series: The Woman Who Printed the Declaration: 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. Concluding program in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series on the American Revolution. Features a talk by Dr. Emily Sneff, author of the forthcoming When the Declaration of Independence was News. Doors open at 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, firstserved. Registration is requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events.

Meet the Writers Q&A: 3:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 20th Anniversary Festival Concert: 9:30 p.m. The Good- Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of speed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Fes- New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or tival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873visit goodspeed.org. 8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 Foolproof: 1 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. Sunday Afternoon Concert: The Kenn Morr Band: 2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features music by Kenn Morr with bandmates Tom Hagymasi (violin), Pat Ryan (bass), and Tido “T-Bone” Holtkamp (drums). Free and open to all. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 19 41st Annual MLK Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. Branford High School (BHS), 185 E. Main St. Features a presentation by civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale, “Now Is the Time to Take a Stand,” with music by the BHS Music Makers. Hosted by the MLK Heritage Foundation and Branford High School. Tickets: $20 general admission, $5 for students. Includes full breakfast. Proceeds benefit scholarships for BHS students who embody the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For info or tickets, visit mlkheritage.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. Sip and Paint Polar Bears: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 2 to 4. Participants will follow step-by-step directions to paint a polar bear, learn new art techniques, and sip on healthy juice boxes (provided). Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Pajama Story Time: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For families with children of all ages. For info or to sign up for a spot, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Author Talk: Madeleine Dunnigan: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Jean. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

THURSDAY, JAN. 22

Fourth Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Colorful Paper Weaving: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Parenting in the Smartphone Years: 7 p.m. Via Zoom. Old Saybrook. Teams (maximum four members) race to Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 3. Space and supplies complete a 500-piece puzzle. The winning team receives Parents and guardians will learn how to reset expectaare limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663- a gift card to a local business. Free and open to all. Limtions with the Family Tech Agreement, spot red flags, lead the five must-have safety conversations, and partner 2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. ited seating. Sponsored by the Friends of the Acton with their child for healthier tech use. Part of the Family Library. For info or to register (required), call 860-395Connecticut River Ferries: Past, Present, and Future Tech Roadmap series. Hosted by the Center for Online 3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Safety. For info or to register (required), visit centerforon- with Captain Paul Costello: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on the histories of the Chester- Turkish Coffee Tasting: 2 to 4 p.m. James Blackstone linesafety.com/haddam. Hadlyme and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries, the chal- Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Hosted by lenges both ferries faced, the reason they survived, the Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story Time: 7 p.m. Peace Islands CT. Features presentations, demonstraOnline event. Features author Pat Zietlow Miller and illus- improvements made to them over the decades, and the tions, activities, and Q&A exploring Turkish coffee cultrator Jerry Jordan reading Unstoppable John, discussing future of the two remaining ferries. Free and open to all. ture. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. their creative process, answering questions, and leading For info or to register (required), call the library at 860Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlia brief drawing activity. Cost: $10 for the secure link to x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org. brary.org. the live event; $30 for the full package, which includes the link, a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, Concert by Suzanne O Davis: Tapestry: the Carole sketch pad, and additional materials shipped to the pro- Drive-in Movie Night: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 King Songbook: 3 and 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Rte. 81. Decorate a file box with paper plates for wheels vided address. Presented by Read to Grow in Branford. Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info and bring it to the library for a “drive-in” movie. ParticiFor info or to register, call 203-488-6800 or visit reador tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. pants can sit in the “car” (or on the floor) in the children’s togrow.org. room for the film showing. Popcorn served. For info, A Tribute to The Eagles: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & including the movie title, or to register (required), call Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by The 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Eagles Experience. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will Shoreline Village Tea and Talk: 2 p.m. Parthenon Diner, National Theatre Live in HD Encore: Life of Pi: 7 p.m. be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reserva374 E. Main St., Branford. Features a conversation with The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., tions, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresormembers of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running tandspa.com/events. register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineViltime: 150 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 lageCT.org. or visit thekate.org. Put the Phone Away, Let the Marbles Play: 10 to Continued from page 27

11 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a story with Mrs. Fig while adult caregivers and parents join a discussion with experts from the Shoreline Therapy Center on the topic, "Unplugging our Kids Without Losing Ourselves." Adults get practical tips, tricks, and strategies to help their family step away from screens, reclaim their time, and break the device habit. Co-sponsored by the Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services, HK Concert by Ellis Paul: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cul- Unplugged, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the Killingworth Library. For info or to register (required), call 860tural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or 663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Kate Classic Film: Adam's Rib: 2 and 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old FRIDAY, JAN. 23 Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit Friday Movie Matinee: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memothekate.org. rial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, including Inside the World of Hummingbirds: 4 p.m. Guilford the movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events. Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a program on hummingbird species, behaviors, adaptations, and conservation concerns. Presented by Joe Attwater, conservation and education coordinator for the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Roger Tory Peterson (RTP) Estuary Center. Free and open to all. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Greater Old Saybrook Chamber (GOSC) 2025 Annual Awards Night: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features a silent auction, a wine pull, live music, awards honoring community standouts, and more. Tickets: $45. For info or tickets, visit goschamber.com. Author Event: David Borges: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Hurley's Heroes. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com. Community Storyteller and Poetry Slam: 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org/events.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 Winter in Broomstick Ledges: 8:30 a.m. Broomstick Ledges, Guilford. Meet at the Bluff Head parking lot on Route 77. Features a 3.5-mile hike with a steep section and some rocky portions. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT Director Sam Mandel. Precipitation may cancel. For info or weatherrelated updates, text 347-969-4178.

SUNDAY, JAN. 25 Essex Winter Series (EWS): Timeless Bonds and New Horizons: 3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features the inaugural Mihae Lee legacy concert with new Artistic Director Tara Helen O’Connor joined by Ani Kavafian, violin; Peter Wiley, cello; and Shai Wosner, piano. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

Volunteer Fair: 10 a.m. to noon. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Representatives from local nonprofits provide information on community work and volunteer opportunities. Free. For info, call 203- Concert by The Meadow Brothers and Belle of the Fall: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org. 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $29. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

See page 29

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Photo courtesy of the Shoreline Arts Alliance

The 2025 Scholarships in the Arts winners at Shoeline Arts Alliance's Celebration of the Arts

Shoreline Arts Alliance Now Accepting Applications for the 46th Annual Scholarships in the Arts Press Release from the Shoreline Arts Alliance

Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for the 46th annual Scholarships in the Arts program. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are pursuing further study in the arts and reside within Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region—which covers all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, East Haven, Lyme, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Salem. Applicants may apply in the fields of creative Continued from page 28

writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. Deserving students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist. Applications are now available through the Shoreline Arts Alliance website and will be accepted through Jan 8. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews and auditions.

Students who are interested in the arts and reside in the 24-town region are encouraged to apply. The applications are judged by professional, working artists in each field of study who provide valuable feedback to each student. A $25 nonrefundable fee is required with each application, and students may apply in multiple categories. For more information or to apply, visit shoreline arts.org. b

TUESDAY, JAN. 27

Math Mania: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-aged children. Features games and activSongs and Stories with Patti Smith: 7 p.m. The Lyman ities to reinforce math skills. Focus for the session is addiCenter at SCSU, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Book: Bread tion. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), of Angels. Cost: $55, includes admission for one attendee call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. and a copy of the book; $20, admission for one student. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

MONDAY, JAN. 26

About the Shoreline Arts Alliance Since 1980, Shoreline Arts Alliance has evolved from an arts-presenting organization to one that focuses on professional arts development, creating supportive communities in which artists thrive through recognition, mentorships, networking, and education. These communities encourage, empower, and develop talented artists while transforming their lives. For more information, contact 203-4216739 or office@shorelinearts.org, or visit shorelinearts.org.

The Anatomy of Grit: A Journey From Survival to Purpose: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a talk by Justin Brownell. Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

See page 30

30 Continued from page 29

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

An Evening with Author and Film Director John WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 Sayles: 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a Hollywood Gems: The Marrying Kind: 1 p.m. The presentation on Sayles’s forthcoming historical novel Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Crucible. Copies of the book will be available for purchase Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit courtesy of Breakwater Books. Free and open to all. Regthekate.org. istration required. For info or to register, call 203-4538282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Open Sew: 5 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Drop-in sewing program Knitting With Knightley: 6 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, with space for hand or machine projects. Participants 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; movie begins at may bring their own machine or use one provided by the 6:30 p.m. Features a potluck-style gathering, so attenlibrary. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonli- dees may bring an entrée, appetizer, or dessert to share. brary.org/events. Includes a free showing of Pride and Prejudice. Attendees may bring knitting or other fiber crafts. Free. For info or Kindergarten Kickback with Legos and Cars: 6 p.m. to register (required), visit chester.recdesk.com. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Bring your favorite matchbox racers or try the cars Antique Map Collecting 101: Foxing, Soiling, and provided by the library. Dinner will be served. Free and Worm Holes: 6 to 7 pm. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or Presented by Brian Tims of the Connecticut Map Society. visit actonlibrary.org/events. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Author Event: Kat Ashmore in Conversation with Diane Morrisey: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church, 26 Concert by Jesse Cook: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Meeting House Ln., Madison. Book: Big Bites: Time to Eat!. Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info Ticket options available. For info or to register (required), or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: The God of the Woods: A Novel. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. Concert by Lee DeWyze: 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.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29 Migrate, Hibernate, and Adapt: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 5 to 10. Features a hands-on STEAM experience that blends science, nature, and art. Presented by the Steward Outdoor Day School. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Introduction to Sourdough: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Covers sourdough starter care, fermentation and proofing basics, dough shaping, and baking techniques. For info or to register (required), call 860-7671560 or visit essexlibrary.org. Author Event: Harper Ross in Conversation with Kristan Higgins: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: The Unwritten Rules of Magic. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31 Nuno Felting-a-Scarf Workshop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will use fine merino and a laminated felting technique to create a unique accessory. Cost: $63 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203453-5947. Met in HD Encore: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 192 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 1 Hike on Westwoods West: 10 a.m. Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the southern Moose Hill Road entrance, across from Landon’s Way. Features a 1.5-hour exploration of Westwoods, including a new acquisition by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) off Moose Hill Road. The hike includes hemlocks, small waterfalls, caves, roots, rocks, mud, and a few steep climbs. Hosted by the GLCT. Led by GLCT Director David Grigsby and Secretary Sarah Williams. Heavy rain cancels. For info, call 203-915-0663. Concert by Chrome Horse (Tribute to Bob Dylan): 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

MONDAY, FEB. 2 Author Event: Stephen Fishbach: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Escape!. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 Concert by Gadan: 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.

THURSDAY, FEB. 5 National Theatre Live in HD Encore: Hamlet: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 180 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel. Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

Soap Making with Shell & Bee: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Space is limited. For info or to register, contact 860-526-0018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com. Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: Concert by EWF (Tribute Earth, Wind & Fire): 8 p.m. Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel. Hosted by the Essex Library The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., through a partnership with the Library Speakers ConsorOld Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or tium. For info or to register (required), call the library at visit thekate.org. 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib. Saturday Cinema: 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info about the movie or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

A Tribute to Bon Jovi: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by 1 Wild Night. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Concert by Satisfaction (Tribute to The Rolling Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at Stones): 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresor860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. tandspa.com/events.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.

REAL ESTATE • GUILFORD COURIER • JANUARY 1, 2026

Real Estate Transactions BRANFORD Rhonda Young

860.876.7340

rhonda@ctshoreandmore.com RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT

978 Main Street | Branford

8 Autumn Ridge Rd: Gary H. and Deborah B. Komoroski of Branford to Christopher Fuller and Anna Keeney, $1,185,000 on 12/10/2025 77 Chestnut St: Mary J. Kenley of Branford to Richard T. Branch, $336,000 on 12/09/2025 Corbin Cir: S Gordon Demetre of Branford to Ernest W Glidden Jr T and Ernest W. Glidden, $615,000 on 12/09/2025 103 Fresh Meadow Rd Unit 103: Anna Keeney of Branford to Dana C. and Orlando J. Estrada, $421,000 on 12/10/2025 25 Gray Ledge Rd: Edan F. Calabrese of Branford to Stephen Malarney and Priscilla Perdomo, $430,000 on 12/09/2025 27 Hickory Hill Ln: Thomas P. and Suzanne E. Smith of Branford to Matthew V. and Dawn M. Pandolfi, $765,000 on 12/11/2025 60 Montoya Dr Unit 60: Kjs Interests LLC of Branford to Clare Collins, $260,000 on 12/12/2025 49 Riverside Dr: John T. Mcgow of Branford to Justine Cormier, $808,000 on 12/09/2025 22 Rock Pasture Rd: Joseph J. and Patricia T. Scalabrino of Branford to Garrett M. Graham and William H. Tarkenton, $484,900 on 12/05/2025 62 S Montowese St: Salvatore N. Pannone of Branford to Kevin Odell and Kyeana Martone, $430,000 on 12/12/2025 19 Stonegate Unit D: Judith A. Libero of Branford to Fmp Properties LLC, $245,000 on 12/10/2025

CLINTON 12 Circle Dr: Golden Prop Solutions LLC of Clinton to Michele Geist, $360,000 on 12/09/2025 76 Fairy Dell Rd: Marilyn R. Haut of Clinton to Shannon Dobney, $330,000 on 12/10/2025

18 Hammock Rd: Blanche Coogan Ft and Jennifer Spinach of Clinton to Katelyn Baron, $600,000 on 12/10/2025 52 High St: Joshua and Sara Mengel of Clinton to Ryan P. Pickering and Anna M. Mesham, $375,000 on 12/08/2025 40 Kelseytown Rd: Patricia S. Fraser of Clinton to Neal A. and Joan L. Lewis, $675,000 on 12/11/2025 26 Menunketesuck Dr: Jonathan J. Ranno of Clinton to Unit Secure Capital LLC, $330,000 on 12/10/2025 36 Silver Birch Ln: Daniel J. Figuenick of Clinton to Zachary F. and Jessica L. Faiella, $530,000 on 12/08/2025 7 Tamarack Dr: Peake Samuel R Est and Sally Redfern of Clinton to Michael C. Fraenza, $435,000 on 12/08/2025

DEEP RIVER Castle Hts: Richard J. Lof of Deep River to Andrea Lanoux and Christopher Colbath, $105,000 on 11/19/2025 69 High St: Foltz Robert D and David Devlin-Foltz of Deep River to Brandon G. and Jessica L. Green, $407,000 on 11/25/2025 15 Prospect St: Fraser Caroline Joyce Amb and Lisa Fraser of Deep River to Bradley P. Kline and Katherine E. Straka, $393,000 on 11/25/2025 152 Union St: Danielle Thompson of Deep River to John C. Felix, $379,000 on 11/26/2025

EAST HAVEN 83 Bradley Ave: Steven R. and Violetta Prinz of East Haven to Steven Prinz, $389,900 on 12/12/2025 19 Clark Ave: Freedman Re Hldg Iii LLC of East Haven to Jessica Pedrosa, $400,000 on 12/09/2025 46 County Walk Ln Unit 46: William M. Lupi of East Haven to Michele M. Albino, $331,000 on 12/10/2025 265 Grannis St: John A. Vuolo of East Haven to Giovanni and Vincenza Deluca, $335,100 on 12/11/2025 14 Harmac Dr: Joseph P. and Donna R. Consiglio of East Haven to Kellie Consiglio, $365,000 on 12/10/2025 105 Laurel St: Robert L. and Sally Cole of East Haven to Abel D. Velez, $535,000 on 12/11/2025

111 Laurel St: Robert L. and Sally Cole of East Haven to Abel D. Velez, $535,000 on 12/11/2025 111-A Laurel St: Robert L. and Sally Cole of East Haven to Abel D. Velez, $535,000 on 12/11/2025

ESSEX 1 Foxboro Rd: Tevis Holdings Lp of Essex to Mary E. Coons, $3,650,000 on 12/10/2025 7 Foxboro Rd: Michael L. Tevis of Essex to Norman M. Needleman, $1,600,000 on 12/09/2025 85 River Rd Unit H1: Raymond G H Seitz Irt and Rm B. Seitz of Essex to Philip L. Ross, $395,000 on 12/11/2025

GUILFORD LEIGH WHITEMAN 203-430-1467

208 Route 80 Unit 33-19: Michal and Theresa Reilly of Killingworth to 208 Route 80 LLC, $400,000 on 12/08/2025 208 Route 80 Unit 33-19: Michal and Theresa Reilly of Killingworth to Killingworth Design & Dev, $75,000 on 12/08/2025

MADISON 66 Beaver Pond Rd: Kevin V. and Kristine W. Kehoe of Madison to Clayton Cassone, $95,000 on 12/11/2025 93 Deepwood Dr: Shawna Barker of Madison to Jonathan and Scott Gordon, $350,000 on 12/08/2025 73 Middle Beach Rd W: William C. Pfister of Madison to Lewis M Pfister Jr Lt and Lewis M. Pfister, $487,666 on 12/12/2025 21 Parker Ave: David C. and Mary C. Fleming of Madison to John A. Pescatore and Anne Martin, $1,025,000 on 12/11/2025

Leigh@TheWhitemanTeam.com Call to talk with Leigh about your Real Estate needs!

330 Foxwood Rd: Andrew and Christine Daigle of Guilford to Matthew S. Miller, $722,000 on 12/11/2025 599 Goose Ln: Rosemary F. Gatti of Guilford to Ricky A. Flores and Megan A. Robbins, $532,000 on 12/10/2025 102 N Mill Cir: Kortleven Simon Est and Michael J. Sweeney of Guilford to Lisa Mccabe, $632,000 on 12/08/2025 324 Tanner Marsh Rd: Richard and Victoria Gersten of Guilford to John and Stephanie Mcgow, $1,645,000 on 12/10/2025 134 Water St: S Robert Jelley Ft and David W. Kesner of Guilford to Philip D. and Stephanie M. Johnson, $550,000 on 12/08/2025

KILLINGWORTH 36 Kenilworth Dr: Paulo Duhl of Killingworth to Marianela Torres, $175,000 on 12/04/2025 8 Linnea Ln: Mary P Garrelts RET and Mary P. Garrelts of Killingworth to Ryan A. Derry and Rachel W. Szabo, $815,000 on 12/04/2025

NORTH BRANFORD 34 Birchwood Rd: Carol C Sacco T and Carol C. Sacco of North Branford to Nicholas D. Vatteroni, $480,000 on 12/10/2025 27 Coach Dr: Carol A. Camera of North Branford to Tristan and Rebecca L. White, $515,000 on 12/09/2025 1616 Middletown Ave: Stapleton T and Edward R. Stapleton of North Branford to Arthur and Gail Bellucci, $525,000 on 12/12/2025 107 Woodhouse Ave: Jeremy S. Bales of North Branford to Joseph Iossa and Candice Paragano, $510,000 on 12/11/2025

OLD SAYBROOK 5 Fox Hollow Rd: Sharon A. Mahoney of Old Saybrook to Lydia E. and William B. Ryan, $722,500 on 12/08/2025 26 Meadowood Ln: Css Bldg Remodeling Inc of Old Saybrook to Frank H. and Alana B. Mueller, $1,169,000 on 12/11/2025 6 Westeria Ln Unit 8: Jp Properties LLC of Old Saybrook to Russell and Leigh Rankin, $210,000 on 12/08/2025 Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group. For past transactions, visit zip06.com/realestate.

JANUARY 1, 2026 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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