Guilford Eyes $12M in Road, Seawall, Bridge Improvements
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
The Guilford Engineering Department is eyeing several infrastructure improvements in the Sachem Head section of town, along with upgrades to a bridge over the East River that provides access to the eastern part of town near the Madison border. One of the key projects involves Falcon
Road, which has been reduced to a one-lane route for the past few years due to storm damage, according to Town Engineer Janice Plaziak. The proposed work will elevate the road by 18 inches and replace the existing seawall with a taller structure.
“The goal is to make it more resilient,” said Plaziak. She explained that the current seawall along Falcon Road stands only a few inches above the road and has been
“undermined from wave damage.” The new wall will be built higher than the elevated road to better withstand future coastal impacts.
The town has secured approximately $7 million in state funding for the project through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP). The work
See Guilford page 7
In Remembrance
Members of American Legion Post 48’s honor guard stand on the Town Green during a Memorial Day ceremony in Guilford on May 26. The event followed the town’s annual parade, which began at Alderbrook Cemetery and concluded with tributes at the Green.
Closing out the Season
Guilford girls' tennis won its regular season finale, and boys' tennis won twice to finish strong...................14
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheCourier
Shiavone Invites Hands-On Summer Learning at GAC
Senior Staff Writer By Pam Johnson
For Claudia Shiavone, summer programming at Guilford Art Center (GAC) is perhaps the most exciting time on campus. She’s looking forward to seeing the interaction of kids, teens, adults, and creative minds of all ages unfold. Registration is underway now at guilfordartcenter.org for a wide range of exciting summer programming that will be filling the GAC buildings and grounds at 411 Church Street.
“There are so many classes and workshops over the summer for all levels and at all different times of the day and evening and weekends,” says Claudia. “The campus is also just so beautiful. It really comes alive in the summer.”
One very special opportunity at GAC is its Summer Art Pro-
Person of the Week
gram for Kids, a nine-week art camp experience for ages 5 and up, which opens Monday, June 23, and runs through Friday, Aug. 22. With morning or afternoon sessions, GAC summer art camp offers a range of opportunities to explore art, develop new skills, and make friends in art. Working with experienced instructors, campers are exposed to a wide range of art, including blacksmithing, ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, sewing, metals, comic book making and characters, mixed media,
See Shiavone page 10
ceramics studio manager, and a talented instructor and artist (shown here with her pottery inspired by coral reefs).
Photo courtesy Claudia Shiavone
For Claudia Shiavone, summer programming at Guilford Art Center (GAC) is perhaps the most exciting time on campus. She is GAC's
Top of the Standings
The Braves had a standout week in Week Four of the Deep River Horseshoe League, moving into first place in the standings 15
Stars and Stripes Week Ahoy! Check out a sneak peek of Captain Morgan's weekly fishing column ................................................. 17
Leader With a Milestone Ella Munson recently recorded her 100th hit with Guilford softball as a captain and the lone senior on the squad 16
impact extended far beyond the stat sheet— she brought leadership, experience, and a calm confidence to the field every day.”
I have lived in Guilford for the past 50 years, and I have yet to see anything done at Jacob’s Beach to remove the sharp shells and rocks/stones that line the bottom of the beach bed. I now have to wear rubber slip-ons to protect my feet when going into the water.
As a kid, I lived in West Haven, and every year, they would clean the water of all these obstacles, thus leaving a nice smooth patch of sand to walk on when entering the water. It appears that the
leadership of Guilford is doing everything it can to appease the children in Guilford with a new playground, splash pad, etc. while ignoring the adults that have to pay for all this.
It would be wonderful to have a nice beach with a “walkable” entrance to the water. I know that I am not the only adult that feels this way.
Frank Ceruzzi Guilford
RTPEC Summer Camp Open for Registration
Registration is open for the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC) summer camp. Each session of the summer camp features a natural science focus. The camp will take place at RTPEC, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, and run from Monday, June 16, to Friday, Aug 15. Each weeklong session will focus on a project relevant to the week’s theme, allowing children to participate in a hands-on curriculum tailored to meet each child’s interest and skills. Campers are organized in groups based on their ages. The camps for ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 are as follows: Eco-Adventures, Art and Discovery, Estuary Explorers, and Super Scientists. The camps for ages 11 to 13 are Eco Engineers and River Rangers. Camp fees vary. For more information or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/rtp-summer-camp.
GriefShare Meetings
GriefShare is a weekly faith-based bereavement support group that offers help, encouragement, and support after the death of a spouse, child, other family member, or friend. The support group meets from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays through June 8 in the cafe at Christ Chapel, 1185 Durham Road, Madison. (No session on Mothers' Day, May 11, and possibly May 25, the Sunday preceding Memorial Day.) The weekly format includes supportive discussion about video content and a journaling workbook reinforcing each week’s topics. A journal/workbook can be ordered directly through GriefShare when participants register. All are welcome. For more information or to register, call Sue Granniss at 860-913-1654 or specify “Madison, Connecticut” at griefshare.org/findagroup.
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-453-8001 or visit the Guilford town website at www.guilfordct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings:
Saturday, May 31
Inland Wetlands Commission
Monday, June 2
p.m.
June 3
June 4
Thursday, June 5
Obituaries
Obituary Gregory Lentz Greer, SC
Gregory Lentz, 66, of Greer, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on May 3, 1959, in Old Bethpage, New York, Greg remained a New Yorker at heart throughout his life.
He was the proud and loving father of his two beautiful children, Rachel (26) and Andrew (21), and the love of his life, Gretchen Anderson Lentz, will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Amy and Lawrence Lentz of Guilford. Greg is survived by his sisters, Karen Magovern (Bob Wilsusen) of Manhasset, New York; Cindy and Jonathan Wallace of Guilford; and Jodi Lentz Crimmins of Natick, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind three nieces, five nephews, and assorted
greats. His German shepherds, Ace and Maya, will miss him dearly.
Greg lived in Greer for the past 27 years, where he built a successful career as a real estate developer. He was a man of many talents- an exceptional networker and communicator who had a rare ability to connect with everyone he met. His warmth and charisma made people feel at ease, regardless of background.
Greg had a vast knowledge of the world and was a true risk-taker. He lived life on his terms with integrity and heart - his word and handshake were his bond. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering honesty, and the love he poured into his relationships.
God has taken him too soon, but he will remain in our hearts forever. "We love you, Dad."
Following cremation, Greg will be laid to rest with his loving mother and father in Guilford.
GAC Opens
Registration for 2025 Summer Youth Program
Registration for Guilford Art Center’s Summer Youth Art Program is open. Geared toward nurturing children’s creativity, refining their artistic skills, and fostering meaningful social connections through hands-on activities, the program offers weekly sessions for children ages 5 to 12 and special teen classes and workshops for those 12 and up. The Summer Youth Art Program runs from Monday, June 23, through Friday, Aug. 22. Parents and guardians can choose from morning and afternoon sessions for their children or sign up for bridge care and create the full-day of sessions. For more information, call the Guilford Art Center at 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
The Guilford Keeping Society is hosting its annual tag, plant, and bake sale on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the field at the Thomas Griswold House, 171 Boston Street, Guilford. The rain date is Sunday, June 15. Vendor spaces are $20 for nonmembers or $15 for members and nonprofits. For more information or to reserve a seller space, contact Meghan at 631-835-5473 or email millsmt81@gmail.com.
The Guilford Conservation Commission recently modified the original management plan for the East River Preserve regarding mountain biking, which is now seasonally permitted on the yellow-, orange-, and white-blazed trails in the preserve, and on the trail that circles the northern meadow, a portion of which is blue-blazed. Due to the sensitive nature of the terrain and the need to protect water quality, mountain biking will continue to be prohibited on the green- and red-blazed trails, and on a majority of the blue-blazed trail. Signage indicating “No Biking” or “Foot Travel Only” will be clearly visible at appropriate locations on these trails. The Conservation Commission requests that all users of the East River Preserve respect these trail designations and any notices regarding seasonal and temporary trail closures due to saturated and or muddy trail conditions. Users are asked to stay on marked trails and not create any new trails. For more information, call 203-453-8015.
Contacting Guilford Courier
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 Wednesday at noon, eight 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 860-701-4412.
CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6510 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.
Annual Tag, Pant, and Bake Sale
East River Preserve Mountain Biking
Guilford Social Services Programs
The Renter’s Rebate program is a state of Connecticut program that offers a one -time payment to seniors aged 65+ or disabled persons 18+ who paid rent in CT in the previous year and currently live in Connecticut.
To be eligible for a $50 to $900 rebate on your 2024 rental & utility expenses, you must have been at least 65 years old or a totally disabled CT renter in 2024 with income less than $45,200 for an individual & $55,100 for couples. Call 203-453-8009 to make an appointment.
Is Your Household in Need of Extra Food Support?
The GFB is available to Guilford residents in need of nutritional support. Perishable and non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and toiletries are available and distributed according to household size. Please call Guilford Social Services at 203-453-8009 for information
Senior Farmer’s Market
Nutrition Program (SFMNP) cards are available for seniors 60 years of age and older with a maximum annual income of not more than: $28,953 for a household of 1/$39,128 for a household of 2. Each eligible participant will receive a prefunded card to purchase fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey at participating SFMNP authorized locations throughout Connecticut.
If you are a Guilford resident, income eligible and would like to receive a card or have any questions, please call Guilford Social Services at (203) 453-8009.
The Bare Necessities Adult and Children’s Diaper Programs (Guilford) offer eligible Guilford individuals a supplemental supply of adult briefs or children’s diapers once per month.
EDC Charts Course for Growth in Fiscal Year
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
The Economic Development Commission is aligning its fiscal year goals with ongoing development priorities, including business retention and attraction, affordable housing, and transportation access, according to town officials.
One method the town has used to support local businesses is connecting them with resources that offer low-interest loans, grant funding, or other business support, said Economic Development Coordinator John Tarutis. The most recent success was a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support operational renovations at H2O Farm on Boston Post Road.
“That’s substantial,” Tarutis said. “They’re bringing new technology to the United States from Israel that is a noncarbon-footprint way of creating fertilizer for use in hydroponics.”
Other business developments include the upcoming openings of Target and T.J. Maxx, both expected later this year. Target will move into the former Walmart location, and T.J. Maxx will open in the Guilford Commons plaza, which is “one of the largest tax-paying sources” in town, Tarutis said.
While affordable housing is a statemandated goal, the town also recognizes the importance of housing options for a range of demographics. Tarutis and the Affordable Housing Commission continue to hear concerns from both younger and older residents struggling to find affordable homes.
“I hear the stories time and again where kids who grew up in town and are now professionals out of state want to move back, and they either can’t find anything that’s affordable, or the market is such that things are still going for over asking price and closing very quickly,” Tarutis said. “So there’s a need for something affordable.”
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Leo Bugg, Jr. (25-0099)
Guilford Eyes $12M in Road, Seawall, Bridge Improvements
Guilford Courier
As previously reported in the , the town is in the process of finalizing the purchase of 505 Whitfield Street, a former restaurant property that may be redeveloped into a community space with federal support. EDC Chair Wendy Dockray said the site presents opportunities for “quality of life” and “tourism,” offering more waterfront access and enhancing Guilford as both a residential and visitor destination.
Dockray also praised the ongoing success of the XtraMile pilot program, which provides on-demand transportation for employees at major retailers. Now in its second year, the program supports workers without reliable transportation, helping them remain employed and contributing to local economic activity.
“They just passed their 10,000 customer mark for Guilford, so it’s taken hold,” Tarutis said.
However, Tarutis emphasized that continued economic growth hinges on modernizing the town’s septic infrastructure, which he called “one of the biggest hurdles for business in Guilford.” An updated system is necessary to support both new housing and incoming commercial developments.
To that end, the Guilford Health Department is conducting a study to evaluate how seasonal precipitation and groundwater fluctuations are affecting subsurface sewage disposal systems (SSDS) near the town center.
According to the department, “Findings from the investigation will be used in the future to assist in developing a potential remedy for affected properties.” The results are expected to provide public health and environmental benefits.
Several EDC priorities are also expected to become foundational elements of Guilford’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which is currently being updated.
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated May 13, 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
The fiduciary is:
KHALID M ALI, ALI LAW FIRM, LLC, 150 NEW HAVEN AVENUE, MILFORD, CT 06460
Continued from page 1
is nearly ready to go out to bid, pending final approvals.
“We have to obtain some easements from adjacent property owners, which I hope to complete within the next month or two,” said Plaziak. Once the easements are secured, the town will submit final documents to the South Central Regional Council of Governments and the state Department of Transportation.
Construction on Falcon Road could begin as early as this fall.
The Falcon Road improvements are being planned alongside work on nearby Chimney Corners Circle and Prospect Avenue. Both roads are prone to frequent flooding, which has made them impassable at times. They will also be elevated as part of the town’s mitigation efforts.
The elevation on those roads will vary, with the lowest points being raised by two feet. “They’ll still flood during significant storms,” Plaziak acknowledged, “but we’re hoping to reduce the frequency—so they’re not flooding during high tides and things like that.”
Summer 2025 Adult Art Program
Plaziak said the town has received the necessary permits and is preparing to enter the design phase for the project. The work is expected to go out to bid next year. Unlike the Falcon Road project, the Chimney Corners and Prospect Avenue work will be funded entirely with local dollars. A cost estimate will be available once the design is complete.
In addition to these road projects, the town is moving forward with plans to replace a bridge on Clapboard Hill Road that spans the East River. The project was prompted by a recent state inspection that identified structural deficiencies.
The town issued a request for quotes last year and the project is now in the design phase.
“This is a major response road,” said Plaziak, referring to its role as a key route for emergency vehicles. During construction, the town plans to keep at least one lane open to maintain emergency access. A public information meeting will be scheduled once the design concept is finalized. The town has already secured $4.9 million in LOTCIP funding for the project.
The Guilford Art Center (GAC) announces that registration is open for its summer 2025 adult art program. The seasonal program offers various art classes and workshops designed for adults of all skill levels—from complete beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their practice. For more information, call GAC at 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Calling All Photographers
Shoreline Arts Alliance’s IMAGES is accepting digital submissions for its annual exhibition. IMAGES 2025 is a jury-curated photography exhibition to be held from Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 24, at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Shoreline Arts Alliance encourages Connecticut photographers of all skill levels to submit their work to IMAGES via the Shoreline Arts Alliance website at shorelinearts.org through Thursday, June 12. For more information on submission rules and cost, email office@shorelinearts.org or visit shorelinearts.org.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Brian M. Hanrahan (25-0125)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated May 1, 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
The fiduciary is: Cynthia M. Hanrahan, 412 Little Meadow Road, Guilford, CT 06437
Facts About Max
Story by Carol Andrecs
a kitten was moved into an assisted living facility and the house was being sold. Imagine losing your mother and home after 15 years. He is a very special boy who would prefer to be your only spoiled fur baby. Will you open your heart and give Max a forever home for the rest of his life? For a private appointment to meet him, please fill out an adoption application online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Photo by Genevieve Ray
are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.
Guilford’s five history museums invite members of the community to visit their sites and all they have to offer. Each museum has its own architecture, time periods, collections, and stories to explore. The participating museums are The Dudley Farm Museum, Henry Whitfield State Museum, Hyland House Museum, Medad Stone Tavern Museum, and Thomas Griswold House Museum. The program is open to adults and children, and the goal is to encourage residents to visit and support the history museums right in their own backyards. To begin, residents can visit any of the museums during regular hours to pick up a passport, then get their passport stamped when they tour each site. The program begins Sunday, June 1, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 28. For more information on the sites, call the museums or visit their websites to check for hours, admission, and other details. Participants who visit all five museums and return their completed passport to any of them by Sunday, Sept. 28, will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize basket of museum swag and donated merchandise from local businesses, valued at over $300. For more information, contact the Henry Whitfield State Museum at 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov.
Shiavone Invites Hands-On Summer Learning at GAC
Continued from page 2
kitemaking, drawing, monster art, and much more. Registration is open through Tuesday, June 10, at guilfordartcenter.org
Registration is also open now for teen and adult classes and workshops, which will keep GAC buzzing all summer with busy and budding artists involved in many different mediums.
As a non-profit organization, GAC serves the shoreline beyond with classes, exhibitions, and events to support its mission of fostering a love and understanding of the visual arts.
Prior to taking on her new role in January as GAC’s ceramics studio manager,
Claudia’s GAC connection includes being both a long-time ceramics instructor as well as a former studio assistant and student. During her years at GAC, Claudia has seen that initial GAC artistic childhood experience take root, turn into a passion, and become a life-long interest.
“We see kids coming in when they’re five years old, and then they’ll keep coming in as teens and young adults. I’m sure many of them are blowing away their high school classes with their skill levels, and then they go on to college, and they’re taking ceramics in college. So it’s really kind of exciting for us to see that happening,”
Claudia says.
Claudia holds a BA in Ceramics from
LEGAL NOTICE
Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission
The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action:
APPROVED: Katharine Bernstein, located at 24 Sunset Ridge Drive, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 91, Lot 59, Regulated Activity, Septic system repair within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse.
Dated at Guilford Connecticut this nineteenth day of May, 2025. Jeff Parker, Chairman
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, June 4, 2025 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:
17 Benton’s Knoll (Map 8, Lot 24 17, PDD). Applicant/Agent: Dominick Serignese of Torrison Stone & Garden on behalf of Owner: John Franchi. Special permit for landscape improvements within Benton’s Knoll.
45 Stone House Lane (Map 33 Lot 15, Zone R-3). Applicant: Todd K. Anderson of Anderson Surveying LLC on behalf of the Town of Guilford. Re-subdivision of parcel for affordable housing development.
1940 Boston Post Road (Map 79 Lot 41 and Map 78 Lot 39, Zone BMU and SC). Agent: Attorney Marjorie Shansky for Applicant/Owner: Robert Sachs (Principal) of 1940 Boston Post Road LLC. Special Permit to allow building height in excess of 40’ per §4.5.D table notes 4.
1940 Boston Post Road (Map 79 Lot 41 and Map 78 Lot 1, Zone SC). Agent: Attorney Marjorie Shansky for Applicant/Owner: Robert Sachs (Principal) of 1940 Boston Post Road LLC. Special Permit to allow two drive-throughs in the SC zone per §4.11.C.2.c.
1940, 1960 and 1968 Boston Post Road (Map 79 Lot 41, Map 78 Lot 1, Map 78 Lot 42, Map 78 Lot 43 and Map 78 Lot 39, Zones SC and BMU). Agent: Attorney Marjorie Shansky for Applicant/Owner: Robert Sachs (Principal) of 1940 Boston Post Road LLC. Special Permit for earthworks per §8.3 Excavation, Fill and Grading.
Text amendment: Site Plan Approvals for Sign Applications. Applicant: Abby Hally, ZEO, on behalf of the Town of Guilford. Text amendment to clarify provisions for approval process for signs.
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 22nd of May 2025 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman
Southern Connecticut State University. In addition to teaching at GAC, she’s taught adult education courses and classes with the Branford After School Program. Her first GAC connection began in 1985 when she took a few adult pottery classes.
“It’s like a family there,” says Claudia of those who work together in GAC’s remarkable ceramics studio. “Everybody is so welcoming and helpful, from the instructors to the other students to the resident potter. Everybody’s there to help everyone else out. It’s a great place.”
The studio welcomes students of any ability, and that mix of experience is part of the magic.
“Beginners are mixed in with advanced students, so if you’re sitting on the wheel as a beginner, whoever’s next to you might lean over and say, ‘Hey, try this!’” says Claudia. “It’s just a great place. And that’s just in the pottery studio.”
With its wide range of options to develop abilities in many mediums for kids, teens, and adults, GAC has something for everybody.
“I would say that’s the best thing about Guilford Art Center — there are so many opportunities to try different things out,” says Claudia. “The instructors are very knowledgeable, and they’re all great teachers. They just offer such a variety of courses to choose from, like jewelry making, weaving, different two-dimensional art. I’ve taken different painting classes, and it’s the same thing as the pottery studio - it’s all levels, and everyone helps you out, and you become close in the course of the class.”
GAC is also notable for having one of the most well-equipped instructional ceramics studios in the area.
“We have a lot of different opportunities because we have our studio and the space outside. We have a lot of firing techniques that we can use - you can do a Raku firing, a pit firing, the gas firings; you can experiment with glazes,” says Claudia.
Running safety-minded Raku firings outdoors is always an especially exciting event for her students and for Claudia.
“You bring the kiln to temperature in an hour, and then you open the kiln up, and the glaze is molten — it looks like a volcano. You take the pots out with tongs and put them into a barrel of newspapers and sawdust, which flares up; and then you close the lid, and an hour later, you take out your finished piece with its iridescent colors. It’s just such a blast,” she says.
Claudia says an important component of every GAC experience is the center’s warm and welcoming environment, which encourages students of all abilities. She truly enjoys sharing that sentiment in the pottery studio.
“When you have a mixed class, it can be very intimidating for first-time students when other people are throwing beautiful forms, and you’re trying to get something that’s round off the wheel,” says Claudia. “One of the things I keep trying to say to them is that we all started there. Our first pots were an inch tall, and they weren’t round! I say, ‘Just wait — when you glaze it, you’re going to end up liking it!’ Everybody started in the same place, and I think that’s why everybody is so encouraging to new students.”
Claudia especially noticed the special atmosphere after students were allowed to come back following the pandemic shutdown.
“Students returned with such a longing for the community and the feeling they have when making art. I think everyone recognized and appreciated how much they depend on the studio for both their social and mental health!”
Speaking of socializing, GAC also offers special options such as birthday parties and group sessions for kids, teens, and adults, she notes.
“If you have a group of people, whether it’s a birthday party or not, they will find an instructor for your interest. I teach a Friday night class twice each term where participants can make a pot and glaze it in the same night, and so people can request that as a group. There’s a lot of opportunities for both adults and kids of all ages to have special events there.”
As one who has experienced other studios and art enclaves and has shown her work in gallery shows in Oregon and at GAC, Claudia has a special place in her heart for the unique opportunities GAC presents.
“There’s just such a wide variety of opportunities at Guilford Art Center,” says Claudia. “They bring in special artists for weekend workshops; we have the great blacksmithing program, which is a tremendous opportunity; there’s weekly jewelry making, and then there’s special workshops on the weekend in jewelry making, and really in all the arts. There’s a large variety to choose from. I think that’s something we have that’s really special.”
GAC summer sessions feature hands-on art classes and workshops for all levels, taught by professional instructors. Classes (daytime and evening) begin the first week of July; applications are due June 10. Options range across a variety of mediums, including ceramics, painting, blacksmithing, drawing, fiber arts, leatherworking, metalsmithing, glass, collage, weaving, and more. Visit guilfordartcenter.org to view the full summer catalog, register, or for information about financial aid that may be available; or call 203-453-5947.
- Aquatic Team
SHORELINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SHORELINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Serving the towns of Branford, Guilford, and North Branford
Serving the towns of Branford, Guilford, North Branford and Beyond…
764 Boston Post Road, Branford • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com
2614 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437 • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com
The Shoreline Chamber is the trusted business association of the CT Shoreline. Our mission is to foster the visibility and economic success of our member and communities. CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS AND NEWS
Business After Hours (BAH) at Page Hardware in Guilford!
We had an incredible evening at our Business After Hours on Thursday, May 15, hosted by Page Hardware in Guilford! A special shoutout to Andrew Page and his team for their outstanding hospitality. Your warmth and generosity truly made the event memorable.
We’re so grateful for Page Hardware’s continued support and for welcoming our members into your space for such a fun and engaging evening. Guests enjoyed a fantastic BBQ right outside among Page Hardware’s beautiful grill displays. With delicious food, cold drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect night to connect and unwind.
The evening was filled with networking, relationship-building, and great conversation. Our Business After Hours (BAH) events are a wonderful opportunity for members to come together, support one another, and strengthen our Shoreline community.
Not a member yet? Our BAH events are also open to nonmembers for a fee—come see what the Shoreline Chamber is all about and discover the value of connecting with local professionals and businesses. Visit shorelinechamberct.com or email info@shorelinechamberct.com.
Member Ribbon Cuttings, Milestones and Celebratory Events
The Shoreline Chamber and Town of Branford celebrated the Legacy Theater’s 5th season. Founded during COVID, the Legacy Theatre is proud to serve the community through a fully restored, historic venue. From Mainstage professional productions and Broadway concerts to Family Series shows, special events, new works, classes, and more—Legacy Theatre continues to bring vibrant, high-quality arts and entertainment to the Shoreline.
Mainstage season passes are still available and make fantastic gifts for friends, family—or even yourself! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a full season of outstanding performances while supporting local arts. Don’t miss a moment of the magic!
For the 2025 upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit legacytheatrect.org.
Shoreline
Chamber Celebrates 40 Years of Parthenon Diner in Branford!
The Shoreline Chamber was proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Parthenon Branford, a beloved community staple and longtime Chamber supporter. For four decades, the Parthenon has served the Shoreline with delicious food and warm hospitality.
The celebration was attended by State Sen. Christine Cohen, Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, and Shoreline Chamber President Dee Jacob, who joined John Sousoulas, his son Kostas, and their family to mark this incredible milestone. We are honored to recognize the Sousoulas family’s dedication and the lasting impact Parthenon has had on our community. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!
Join Us for the 10th Annual Women of Excellence Awards!
The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the exceptional women who make a lasting impact in our communities.
Each year, we honor two outstanding women from Branford, North Branford, and Guilford for their contributions, leadership, and dedication.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Ann Nyberg as emcee for this inspiring evening!
Tuesday, Aug. 5
The Woodwinds, Branford Registration is now open: www.shorelinechamberct.com
BCTV Opens State-of-the-Art Podcast Studio
BCTV has officially opened its brand-new podcast studio—a professional, comfortable, and fully equipped space built to elevate content creation for our local community. Whether you’re launching a show or leveling up your current podcast, this studio has everything you need.
We were proud to celebrate with Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove; former State Rep. Lonnie Reed; Economic and Business Development Manager Perry Maresca; Shoreline Chamber Vice President Tina Strell; BCTV President Ted Ebberts; and BCTV Secretary Chip Marsh.
Also in attendance were Chamber Membership and Operations Manager Diane Laffitte and Chamber Ambassadors Matthew Rader (Tech Fix) and Chris Weiler (Guilford Insurance).
The studio is now open for bookings! Visit branfordtv.org to schedule a tour or learn more.
Risk Strategies Shoreline Office Open in Guilford!
Familiar Shoreline businesses have joined together under a new name and at a new location—Risk Strategies opened their new office at 405 Church St., Guilford. The Stone Agency, Pawson Group, and Gowrie Group were acquired during the past year by Risk Strategies and will now serve the Shoreline by combining their decades of experience and expertise to offer clients a broader range of tailored insurance solutions.
Their expertise, paired with technology offerings, delivers top-tier insurance for the home, auto, boat, or business. With over 150 years of trusted service, they’re your go-to for smart coverage and lasting relationships along the Shoreline.
Contact Risk Strategies to learn more about their products and solutions!
The Shoreline Chamber Presents Artisan Market at the Branford Festival
The Shoreline Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of the Artisan Marketplace, happening Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, as part of this year’s Branford Festival. Presented by CrossPoint Federal Credit Union, this beloved community event will take place outdoors at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, adjacent to Hammer Field—the heart of the Branford Festival.
The Artisan Marketplace is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to enjoy a festive day of shopping, exploring, and connecting with local talent.
Mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you there!
Girls’ Tennis Wins Regular Season Finale, Softball Takes Two Losses
By Gabby Maljanian
Boys’ Outdoor Track
On May 20, the Guilford boys’ outdoor track team competed in the SCC East Sectional Championship and placed fifth with 57 points. James Oberg won the shot put with a throw of 55’1” and placed fifth in the discus with a throw of 132’7”. The Guilford 4x400-meter relay team (Xavier Chieffo, Gabe Grassi, Max Freeman, and Ethan Wienkamp) took second with a time of 3:26.58. The 4x100 team of Chieffo, Grassi, Freeman, and Wienkamp took fourth with a time of 44.06, which is a new school record in the event. Ben Glascoff placed fourth in the long jump with a personal best jump of 21’3” and took fifth in the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.37. He also placed eighth in the triple jump with a jump of 39’8”. Wienkamp took third in the 400-meter race with a time of 50.48, and Freeman took fourth in the 400 with a time of 50.94. The 4x800 relay team of Lewis Thoreen, Jordan Espinosa, David Zhang, and Tyler Mezrich took fifth place with a time of 8:52.52. Wesley Tandler placed sixth in the discus with a throw of 124’9”.
Boys’ Tennis 6, 10-7 at No. 1 singles, and Niko Piironen won 6-3, 6-0 at No. 2 singles. In the No. 3 singles spot, Brant Sankey won 6-4, 6-2, and Milano won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles. For doubles, Wertheim and Greif recorded a 6-0, 6-2 victory at No. 1. Avelin and Dong won at No. 2 doubles, and Dadak and Chase Tuttle earned a 7-6, 6-4 victory at No. 3 doubles.
The Guilford boys’ tennis team traveled to Haddam-Killingworth on May 19 and won 4-3. Zach Milano won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles. Logan Wertheim and Nate Greif won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles. Eamonn Avelin and Asher Zide won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 doubles, and Johnson Dong and Damian Dadak earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 3 doubles.
The next day, the Grizzlies hosted Masuk and won 7-0 to close out the regular season. Tomas Kharabadze won 6-3, 0-
Girls’ Tennis
On May 19, Guilford girls’ tennis traveled to Wilton and won 4-3 to conclude the
regular season. Caroline Hergan won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, and Sophie Gochman won 7-6, 6-4 at No. 2 singles. At No. 3 singles, Zoe Tsoukanelis earned a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory, and Olivia Cowperthwait picked up a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 4 singles.
earned runs. She walked one and struck out six.
The Guilford softball team traveled to North Haven on May 19 and lost 6-1. Peton Lemay drove in the lone run for the Grizzlies, and Sarah O’Brien pitched six innings, giving up nine hits and four
The next day, the Grizzlies closed out the regular season at East Lyme and fell 10-9. Runs were driven in by Ava Eagleson (two), Madelaine Aguilar (one), Lemay (two), and O’Brien (one). O’Brien pitched 6.2 innings, giving up 15 hits and seven earned runs. She walked three and struck out eight.
Softball
Sports Editor
Photo courtesy of Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media
Zoe Tsoukanelis earned a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory in Guilford girls' tennis's 4-3 win vs. Wilton on May 19.
Braves Take First Place in Week Four of Deep River Horseshoes
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Gray skies and cool temperatures were quite a change from Week Three of the Deep River Horseshoe League, but it did little to affect the scoring, as seventeen B and C division players improved on one or more statistical categories of their game in Week Four. The average series for a B player was 84 points, and for the C player it was 71 points.
The Braves scored 316 points, as Frank Rausch had a season best scoring night, and the team moved into first place. The Rockies swept the White Sox, the Mets topped 300 points but fell to the Orioles 42, the Yankees halted the Pirates’ sting of 300 points per game, and the Cubs grabbed third place with their fourth 4-2 win.
For the second time in three weeks, Braves’ Rausch was the “A” division’s top scorer, as they faced off against Tony Cutone’s Angels. After a mediocre start in losing game one, Rausch found his stroke in game two. He had a personal best game of 51 points, 15 ringers, and five doubles, and no open boxes. The Braves went on to win the next three games. In game three, Peter Furmonavicius singlehandedly outscored the Angels. In game four, Rausch scored 40 points with 12 ringers, and then in game five, Rausch scored 37 points, and Furmonavicius added 34 points for the team’s fourth win. Rausch finished the night with a season best series of 158 points, 43 ringers, and nine doubles. Furmonavicius’s 107-point series was “B” division’s third leading scorer. The Braves topped 300 points for the second time this season with 316 points. Angels’ Cutone had a season best 121-point series. With the 4-2 win, the Braves are alone in first place.
Being a high scoring team like Skip Robinson’s Pirates means you must score better than your average to overcome handicaps in order to win. This was the case as they played Todd Nuhn’s Yankees. The Yankees were getting thirteen points in games one and four, ten points in games two and five, and nine points in games three and six. The Pirates won game one easily, as Robinson and Anthony Conkling scored 63 points to win by double-digits. In the next three games, the Pirates were unable to score their averages, while the Yankees scored at or above their average for the wins. The Pirates won the last two games and gained a split 3-3 with the Yankees. Conkling’s 97-point series (second week in a row) was “C” division’s leading scorer, while Yankees’ Paul Stevens’s 91-point series was “C” division’s
second leading scorer. The Pirates finished with 291 points, ending their 300-point matches at three. The Pirates are in second place.
Damin Roberts’s Rockies were tied with Brady Miller’s White Sox for 10th place entering the night. Roberts was noted for his slow start in game one, and it offered an opportunity for a win by his opponent. Roberts and Miller had subpar games, but the Rockies won by four points. Except for Brian Walsh, the White Sox’s scoring woes continued throughout the match. Walsh’s 84-point series was the high score for the White Sox, but the Rockies won all six games. Deb Scully’s 81-point series was a season’s best. The team scored 287 points and is fourth in total team points. The Rockies scored on 191 of the 288 shoes they tossed (66%), which is a league season high.
Mark Goodale’s Mets were coming off a sweep in Week Three but decided to
change to a different shoe after a team’s practice session. The results are in their scores. Goodale had a 111-point series, Mike Shashok’s 109-point series was second leading “B” division scorer, and Leif Selander’s 83-point series was a season’s best, and the team totaled 303 points. They played John Durinick’s Orioles who only won one game the week before. Fred Hill subbed on Durinick’s team. The Mets overcame seven points of handicap for a win in game one, but the Orioles won the next four games. Butch Carotenuto found his scoring touch in the next two games, and the Orioles made use of their handicap for the next two wins. The Mets won the last game, as Shashok and Selander closed out the match with their best games of the night. Carotenuto’s 125 point series was the top score for “B” division, and the Orioles won 4-2. The Mets are tied for sixth place.
Joe Heery’s Rangers faced Kris Toohey’s
Cardinals last week. The Rangers’ goal was to try win the B/C games by taking advantage of the handicap and hope that Toohey would not have a repeat of Week Three’s scoring. Matt Mule was a lastminute substitute for the Cardinals and resulted in the handicap, favoring the Cardinals in four of the six games. Toohey singlehandedly won game one and tied the Rangers’ score in game four. Heery’s 34 points in game two and Hunter Beckwith’s 34 points in game three gave the Rangers two wins. The Cardinals won game five benefit of the handicap, and in the last game, Beckwith topped the Cardinals’ score, but with the handicap, the game ended in a tie. Toohey finished the night with a 135-point series and was “A” division’s second leading scorer. The Cardinals won 3.5-2.5 and moved into fourth place.
Cody Layton’s Cubs gained their fourthstraight 4-2 win, as they played John Hutra’s Marlins. Layton had a season’s best 118-point series, while Marlins’ Dennis Allen had his season best 100-point series. In game five, the Cubs led by four points going into the last box, and the Marlins outscored them 8-1 for a threepoint win. Cubs’ Paul Chrystal’s 33 points in game six gave the Cubs their fourth win, and Chrystal’s 88-point series was the third highest for “C” players. The Cubs are currently in fourth place.
Bill Beckwith, noted for tossing doubles, has struggled so far. He feels confident he made the necessary changes in his delivery, as the Red Sox faced Chip Goodrich’s Reds. He had three doubles in each of his first two games, and in game five, his 38 points (including two doubles) singlehandedly won the game. In the last game, the Red Sox held a one-point lead going into the last two boxes, but the Reds came away with a three-point win. Beckwith had nine doubles for the night, and his 126-point series was the third highest for “A” division. The Red Sox won 4-2.
In other matches, Mike Zanelli Sr.’s Giants split 3-3 with Jeremy Davis’s Dodgers. The match featured three games decided by one point - two won by the Dodgers and one by the Giants. Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers split 3-3 with John Sciacca’s Diamondbacks. Adam Fortier subbed in place of Serviss. The Diamondbacks decided to change shoes, going from Mustangs to EZ-Flips. The Tigers won game one by handicap and then went on to win the next two games by double-digits. The Diamondbacks won the last three games.
For more information regarding the Deep River Horseshoe League, head to http://www.deepriverhorseshoes.com/ contacts.
Photo courtesy of Joe Heery
Pictured are the Braves of the Deep River Horseshoe League in Joe Machado, Peter Furmonavicius, and Frank Rausch.
Munson Reaches 100-Hit Milestone with Guilford Softball
By Jenn McCulloch
Special to Guilford Courier
As a lifelong softball player, Ella Munson is making the most of her last season playing organized ball. The senior captain is not only enjoying every minute with her Guilford Grizzles, but making a big impact on the team as well.
This season, Ella is batting .491 with a .628 on-base percentage and a .807 slugging percentage for a 1.435 OPS. She has 28 hits — including eight doubles, two triples, and two homers — 17 Runs Batted In (RBI), 24 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. This season, she also reached a goal she and her dad set her freshman year.
“My dad always would joke that I should get 100 hits and 100 RBI in high school, and after freshman year, I felt like I was on track,” says Ella. “My dad recently told me I was four hits from 100, and when I got my 100th hit, everyone stopped, and it felt surreal to reach that goal from freshman year.”
Ella is hoping to check 100 RBI off her goal list as well. She has hopes for a solid postseason run. Last year’s team reached the state semifinals, and despite losing six seniors from that team and Ella being the only senior this year, she is still optimistic.
“After losing six seniors, we were a little nervous about how this season would go with such a young team, but I’m very happy with our season so far,” says Ella, an honors student who will attend University of Alabama in the fall. “We have a shot at going
Sports Person Week of the
far in states — this year we could do some damage.”
Ella is hoping to extend this season as long as possible, as it will be her final season in a Guilford uniform. While she will play her last game for the Grizzlies in the coming weeks, she will still have one more season of competition ahead of her, as she will play her third and final season with the Connecticut Charmers out of North Branford this summer.
Ella began playing when she was five years old in tee ball. By the time she was eight, she was ready for more competition and started travel softball, playing for Shoreline Sting and Diamond Zone before joining the Connecticut Charmers. She has had the opportunity to compete throughout the region, traveling to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida.
“Traveling around the country to play softball is an amazing experience,” says Ella. “I play with a great group of girls, and the coaching staff helps us grow as players.”
Ella is grateful for the support she has received from all of her coaches over the years, including hitting coach Pete Katyski, Charmers Coach Russ, and her Guilford High School coaches through the years in Kelliann Connors, Don Connors, and Meghan Wiese. Her dad also coached her throughout her years
with Guilford Little League.
“My dad really made me the player that I am now, and he taught me everything I know,” says Ella. “Learning from him as a role model shaped my love for the sport. He and my mom took me to everything. Seeing them at my games was always enough to feel all the love and support, and coming home and hearing them say ‘good game’ makes you feel content and supported.”
Ella’s deep experience playing softball led to her successful career at Guilford High School. She earned a varsity spot as a freshman and was named Second Team All-Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC). Ella was a First Team All-SCC selection as a sophomore and Second Team AllSCC as a junior.
Throughout high school — and most of her travel career — Ella played first base. This season, though, Guilford softball Head Coach Horace F. Smith III made some changes to his fielding team, which included moving Ella from first base to shortstop.
“Ella truly stepped up during her senior year—not only was she named a team captain, but for the first time ever, she took on the role of shortstop and handled it with incredible poise,” says Smith. “Ella’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet—she brought leadership, experience, and a calm confidence to the field every day. She set the tone for the majority of the season from the leadoff spot and had the best overall statistical year of her career under the new staff.”
“It’s been really fun to try a new position even though it was hard to move from one side of the field to the other and not know a lot about playing in that spot,” says Ella. “Learning and growing to be able to take that position on was very good for me. Coach wanted me there because of my glove work, so that was good praise to be able to move to that position.”
While Ella was originally nervous about the switch, she found
Ella also found out just prior to the season that she would co-captain the team with junior Kenna Tansey. She and Tansey worked
“I found out I was captain before our first game,” says Ella. “I’m the only senior this year, so I was prepared to take on that role and was excited to be able to do so. I’ve had a lot of support from teammates and family behind me. Kenna and I took on the leadership role and have been teaching the girls what it means to be a team. We are a very close team, and that plays into how we play on the field. That bond has been a key thing that has helped us win all these games.”
Photo courtesy of Ella Munson
Captain Ella Munson is the lone senior on the Guilford softball team this spring, and she recently recorded her 100th career hit.
Schedules
Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament Qualifying Round
Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament First Round
Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Saturday, June 7: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, June 10: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Friday, June 13 or Saturday, June 14: Class L State Tournament Finals
Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Wednesday,June4:ClassLStateTournamentFinals
Tennis
Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament First Round
Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Girls’ Lacrosse
Tuesday, June 10: Division I State Championship at 8 a.m.
Friday, May 30: Class M State Tournament First Round
Wednesday, June 4: Class M State Tournament Second Round
Saturday, June 7: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals
Wednesday, June 11: Class M State Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, June 14: Class M State Tournament Finals
Saturday, May 31: Class MM State Championship meet at 11 a.m.
May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament First Round
Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Semifinals Wednesday,June4:ClassLStateTournamentFinals Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament First Round
Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Friday, June 6: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Tuesday, June 10: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Sunday, June 15: Class L State Tournament Finals
Softball
Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament Qualifying Round
Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament First Round
Wednesday, June 4: Class L State Tournament Second Round
Friday, June 6: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals
Monday, June 9 or Tuesday, June 10: Class L State Tournament Semifinals
Saturday, June 14: Class L State Tournament Finals
It’s a salute to the Red, White, and Blue and a big welcome to the unofficial first day of summer. As expected, the Sound is simmering with fish but about to boil over with striped bass. The migration down the rivers and up the coast has been a good one. Black sea bass is on par for the season opener, while fluke hunters are finding a better bite west more than central Soundalthough murmurs have crept in at the eastern end. Porgies are warming up along
with the water temperatures, as the midSound school is moving on in along with other bottom fish. Cast to the north, and anglers will find excellent fishing in the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds with a fair amount of activity in brackish waters. For more on this really active time, click over to Captain Morgan’s weekly column featured on zip06.com. Search for: “A Salute to the Fallen and the Stars and Stripes.”
more information and to apply online: https://www.region18.org/district-information/employment Deadline is until filled / EOE.
Secretary at Mile Creek School (full-time position)
DECK RESTORE
Fun By The Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
By Karen Isaacs
at Ivoryton Looks Inside Katharine Hepburn’s Life Tea at Five
Katharine Hepburn was not only born in Hartford, but she made her home on Fenwick Point in Old Saybrook a principal residence in the latter part of her life. She had visited and stayed at the family home throughout her life, finding it a sanctuary from the vicissitudes of Hollywood. , now at Ivoryton Playhouse through Sunday, June 8, is a one-person show whose title reflects a Hepburn family tradition from her childhood: the daily tea and conversation at 5 p.m.
One-person shows provide challenges for playwrights. Why is the person telling these stories? How can additional information be provided? Playwright Matthew Lombardo uses triedand-true methods – phone calls and doorbells- to provide the opportunity to bring in action and new information. He never addresses why Hepburn is telling all of this. She recognizes there is an audience and asks, “You may wonder why I….” but it is never clear. Are we just passive listeners, an interviewer, or perhaps a ghostwriter for a memoir? More unlikely, is she just talking to herself?
The actress playing Hepburn also has a tightrope to negotiate. The best shows of this type give us an impression of the subject, but not an imitation. In this case, Carlyn Connolly mostly succeeds. She may not have all the gestures or a consistent accent, but she has enough of them to let us recognize Hepburn. We might not instantaneously recognize it is Hepburn, but within minutes, we accept that it is her.
The show is broken into two acts; the first is set in 1938, during a low point in her Hollywood career, and the second in 1983, when she has “retired” and is bat-
Vivien Leigh was announced for the role in 1939, after Act One ends. Perhaps it is poetic license.
tling physical problems; it is thought she had Parkinson’s which would account for the movements of her head and hands, but she adamantly denied it. Hepburn died in 2003. Lombardo has to be blamed for
some factual errors. In the play, Hepburn desperately wants the role of Scarlett O’Hara in . While that is true (every actress in Hollywood wanted or tested for the role), that was in 1936, not 1938. Gone with the Wind
Bringing Up Baby Holiday
Act One is set after a series of six box office failures; even the films that got good reviews ( and ) did poorly at the box office, which was blamed on Hepburn. She was viewed as “arrogant” and “difficult.” It didn’t help that one of the most powerful gossip columnists (Louella Parsons) constantly attacked her. No doubt she was she was a woman who spoke her mind and did not easily acquiesce.
The second act is less careercentered; she talks more about her home and her family. The portraits of her father and mother are less rosy than those mentioned in Act One. They were not very emotionally open, and she seems to have always wanted to gain her father’s approval.
She focuses more on the difficulties except for a humorous anecdote about Stephen Sondheim. They lived next door to each other in NYC.
The act is darker as she
recounts her brother’s suicide when he was 15 and her life with Spencer Tracy, that seemed less loving and more emotionally abusive. They never married but lived together for years; Tracy, a fine actor, was also an alcoholic. It is here that Connolly seems to overdo the emotion. Her raw outpourings seem out of character. One can question both Connolly’s and director Jacqueline Hubbard’s decisions in the scenes.
Starlet Jacobs’ scenic design provided an appropriate 1930s summer house, but it is strange that so little has changed in Act Two; the house was destroyed during the hurricane of 1938 and rebuilt, apparently exactly the same as it was. It also appears that except for some changes in pictures, Hepburn did little updating of the house since then.
But that is a minor concern.
For audiences who remember and admire Hepburn, a very independent woman, will enjoy this fictionalized portrait of her.
For tickets, visit IvorytonPlayhouse.org.
Tea at Five
Special to Living
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse
The show is broken into two acts; the first is set in 1938, during a low point in her Hollywood career, and the second in 1983, when she has “retired” and is battling physical problems.
Carlyn Connolly stars as Katharine Hepburn in at the Ivoryton Playhouse. Tea at Five
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse , now at Ivoryton Playhouse through Sunday, June 8, is a one-person show whose title reflects a Hepburn family tradition from her childhood: the daily tea and conversation at 5 p.m.
Tea at Five
Comedy, Mythology, and Live on CNN
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater
By Karen Isaacs
Columnist
A
Aisle ON THE
Maybe Happy Ending Death Becomes Her Buena Vista Social Club
Spamalot
Annie’s Composer
Annie Bye-Bye Birdie
Comedic Look at the Von Trapps
The Sound of Music
: Baroness Els Schraeder is a minor character in ; the woman who was supposed to marry the Captain. Now, Connecticut’s own playwright, Jacques Lamarre, has written
The Baroness: what happens when the jilted fiancé plots revenge
. Its world premiere is at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park from Wednesday, June 4, through Sunday, June 22. For tickets, contact Playhouse OnPark.org.
Care Giving in the Digital Age
Your Name Means a Dream
: TheaterWorks-Hartford is ending its season with by José Rivera, who was an Oscar-nominee. The press materials describe the play as set in the not-too-distant future when an elderly woman finds her new caregiver is not quite human. The play runs from Tuesday, June
3, to Sunday, July 6. You can get tickets at TWHartford.org.
Not So Mythic
Golden Boy
Applause
Hurricane Diane
: Hartford Stage’s final production of the season, , reimagines Greek mythology in a suburban New Jersey setting. The play runs from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 29. It is described as a “smart, funny, and thought-provoking look at how we connect with the planet.”
Avenue Q
Avenue Q
: Center Stage in Shelton presents the award-winning musical, , from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 15. The show, about a college grad who moves to a shabby New York apartment, and finds friends who help him discover his purpose in life. For tickets, visit CenterStageShelton.org
Going on Tour
: Some musicals have announced national tours for 2025. They
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 29
Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force Meeting
: 9 a.m. Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) Carriage House, 96 Fair St., Guilford. The mission of the task force is to provide education, coordinate resources, and aid in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault across Shoreline communities. Virtual participation by Zoom is an option. For info, contact 203458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.
Opening Reception for Spring 2025 Art Show
: 5 to 7 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. The show runs through Monday, June 30. For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@ gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.
Live on CNN
Maybe Happy Ending
trend. picked up four awards from the Outer Critics Circle (best musical, outstanding book and score of a musical, and outstanding direction). The group also named as outstanding play. The Drama League also named as best musical as well as for best direction, with as best revival of a musical.
Time for Ragtime
John Proctor is the Villain Maybe Happy Ending Sunset Blvd. Ragtime
Annie All in the Family
Good Night and Good Luck
include the current Broadway shows, , , and . Also planning on a national tour is the revival of . : Charles Strouse, who composed and which both won Tony Awards, has died at the age of 96. But he wasn’t a two-hit wonder. Strouse also composed , that starred Sammy Davis, Jr., and starring Lauren Bacall, among other shows. Most people know at least one of his songs – “Tomorrow” from , but he also wrote “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” as well as the theme song for and the film score for . : You can see George Clooney’s Tony-nominated performance in (the play is also Tony-nominated) without having to move from your living room. It will be aired live on Saturday, June 7, on CNN at 7 pm. I saw the play; it is thought-provoking.
Bonnie and Clyde
NYC Award Winners
: While the Tony Awards won’t be presented until Sunday, June 8, other groups have announced their winners. These can sometimes indicate a
: Goodspeed is presenting an excellent production of , one of my favorite musicals. Now Lincoln Center has announced a revival of the show beginning in September. It will star Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Caissie Levy as Mother, and Brandon Urbanowicz as Tateh. The three were in the acclaimed NYC City Center Encores! concert in 2023.
Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women, and the American Theatre Critics Association.
Calendar for the Week of May 29, 2025
: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features performances, discussions, instruction, and more. Led by local guitarist and teacher Neal Fitzpatrick. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
: 7 p.m. Stony Creek Church Fellowship Hall, 192 Thimble Island Rd. Attendees will make terrariums. Cost: $30 suggested donation. Supplies and light refreshments provided. Proceeds benefit the church’s Take a Vet Fishing program. For info or to register, contact 203-4887827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.
Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe New York Times
:
7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Carl Zimmer, author and columnist. For info or to register, call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
FRIDAY, MAY 30
Friday Movie Matinee
: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Author Event: Martha Hall Kelly in Conversation with Beatriz Williams
The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club
: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Cost: $5 includes admission for one with the ticket serving as $5 coupon toward purchase of a copy of the book at the event or $30 admission for one and a copy of the book. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Concert by Tom Rush
: 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.
An Evening of Guitar at the Blackstone
Craft Night
Immersive Long Wharf Theatre Exhibition Now Open
Invita-
tion to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond
Theater fans, rejoice! A new multi-gallery exhibition is bringing the vibrant history of Long Wharf Theatre to life at the New Haven Museum (NHM). , which opened on May 21, invites visitors into an immersive celebration of stage royalty, featuring costumes, posters, and rare archival treasures. The exhibition will remain on view through February 2026.
Spanning three museum spaces—the NHM’s elegant upper rotunda, gray gallery, and center gallery— invites guests to step inside six decades of theatrical history. Attendees can try on costumes, explore immersive set recreations, flip through original scripts, and engage with interactive rehearsal spaces. A dedicated gallery also spotlights the next generation of Long Wharf Theatre artists.
Dozens of original production photos, programs, and archival gems take center stage in the rotunda. Jessica Durdock Moreno, Long Wharf Theatre’s chief of staff and the exhibition’s project manager, delves into the context and resonance of productions from 1965 to today.
In the gray gallery, visitors can explore a reconstructed rehearsal room, handle props, try on past costumes, and view the Tony Award that helped define Long Wharf Theatre’s legacy.
Invitation to Engage El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom
The center gallery highlights the theatre’s 60th anniversary season, inviting guests into the world of and encouraging them to craft their own stories and contribute artwork to a communal gallery wall. The season’s theme, “Building Our Future Together,” serves as both inspiration and invitation.
“When we began shaping this exhibition, we wanted to do more than just look back—we wanted to create something that feels alive,” said Moreno. “Every script, every photo, carries a story. This is a chance to honor the artists and audiences who built this legacy, while also inviting our
The Gin Game The Shadow Box Wit
telling. More than 30 Long Wharf productions have transferred to Broadway and Off-Broadway, including three Pulitzer Prize winners: , , and . The theatre received a Regional Theatre Tony Award for its achievements and has earned Connecticut Critics Circle honors across multiple categories.
Now in a transformative new phase, Long Wharf Theatre is redefining what it means to make theatre accessible and community-driven. No longer tied to a single venue, the company is bringing live performance to unexpected spaces throughout Greater New Haven. In 2023 alone, residents experienced productions in seven towns and neighborhoods at free or affordable prices. The 2024 season continues this innovative approach with projects ranging from A View from the Bridge at Canal Dock Boathouse to celebrations of the 60th anniversary. This movement aims to connect neighbors through storytelling and shared experience.
community to imagine what comes next.”
Let Me Down Easy Wit
Exhibition highlights include more than 100 enlarged production photos spanning six decades; never-before-seen rehearsal photographs; autographed show posters featuring A-list performers; hand-painted set-design renderings; and archival materials such as scripts, costume and prop bibles, and stage manager binders from landmark productions like Anna Deavere Smith’s and the Pulitzer Prize–winning . Also on view are programs from the theatre’s inaugural season, a handwritten subscription ledger, displays from costume stock, and multimedia elements including audio clips from artist interviews and videos of special projects.
Since 2023, Long Wharf Theatre has pioneered a new model of presenting work in 26 venues across seven cities.
“No longer confined to a single stage, the company is expanding its reach, transforming unexpected locations into places of performance, and bringing the-
atre to audiences where they are,” said Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón. He noted that the interactive exhibition reflects the theatre’s bold evolution. “ honors six decades of transformative theatre-making while casting a bold vision for the road ahead.”
Haven icon and a pillar of American regional theater.”
Invitation to Engage
“We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with Long Wharf Theatre,” said NHM Executive Director Margaret Anne Tockarshewsky. “This exhibition is more than a retrospective; it’s a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of one of New Haven’s most influential cultural institutions. It reminds us how theatre can reflect our world, challenge us, and bring us together.”
Jason Bischoff-Wurstle, director of NHM’s photo archives, coordinated the exhibition at the museum. “It’s been wonderful to welcome Long Wharf Theatre to the New Haven Museum,” he said. “Through daily collaboration with their incredible team, this exhibit offers a vast and intimate look at the legacy of a true New
In addition to the exhibition, Long Wharf Theatre is offering a robust calendar of community events across New Haven. The programming includes workshops, readings, parties, pop-ups, virtual programs, and a mobile museum experience that will bring the story to neighborhoods across the city.
The Crucible
Founded on July 4, 1965, with Arthur Miller’s , Long Wharf Theatre emerged as a cornerstone of America’s regional theatre movement. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón, the company has produced more than 400 works, from beloved musicals and classic plays to world premieres by groundbreaking playwrights such as Anna Deavere Smith, Paula Vogel, Lloyd Suh, and Dominique Morisseau. Long Wharf Theatre is internationally recognized for its commitment to commissioning, developing, and producing new plays that expand the boundaries of American story-
The New York Times The Washington Post American Theatre PBS NewsHour
Long Wharf Theatre’s pioneering model has garnered national attention in , , magazine, and . Padrón was named among Town & Country’s 2023 “Creative Aristocracy” and was honored as 2023 Person of the Year by the National Theatre Conference, joining the ranks of August Wilson, Lloyd Richards, and Joseph Papp.
Since its founding as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862, the New Haven Museum has preserved, interpreted, and celebrated the heritage of Greater New Haven. Located at 114 Whitney Avenue in downtown New Haven, the museum brings over 375 years of local history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the NHM offers free admission year-round to active-duty military personnel and their families, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Learn more at newhavenmuseum.org or follow @NewHavenMuseum. For more information, call 203-562-4183.
Press Release from the New Haven Museum
Photo by T Charles Erickson
Exhibition highlights include enlarged production photos spanning six decades; never-before-seen rehearsal photographs; autographed show posters featuring A-list performers; hand-painted set-design renderings; and archival materials such as scripts, costume and prop bibles, and stage manager binders.
Page Turners E
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.
TheDevilThreeTimes
ByRickeyFayne
TheEmperorofGladness By
OceanVuong
An old woman stops a young man from jumping off a bridge, and what follows is a portrait of humanity, the good and the bad. This novel is a masterclass in craft, with lyrical prose and a tone that perfectly balances the comic and the tragic. Reading this will break your heart and give you so, so much hope. Bonus: it takes place in Connecticut!
— Marisa, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
The Devil Three Times is an epic, genre-bending debut from Fayne. I knew from the goosebumps that broke out after reading the first three pages that this would be one of my favorite books of the year. Yetunde wakes on a slave ship headed for the US, and she strikes a deal with the Devil himself- who agrees to protect Yetunde, and in turn her bloodline, if it means he can get right with God. I loved the way the Devil was characterized, it was so unlike anything I’ve read before. Following eight generations of Yetunde’s family, Fayne created original and exceptionally clear voices for each character that I truly adored. You will run through a gamut of emotions while reading this creative and thought-provoking piece. I can’t wait to read what Rickey Fayne writes next!
— Maeve, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
TheNames
ByFlorenceKnapp
What’s in a name? Perhaps absolutely everything. This beautiful, painful story imagines how a boy’s life will play out if he is named after his abusive father, if he’s given a name favored by his mother, or if his sister names him. It’s a fascinating concept and would make for a great book club discussion.
— Karen, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
FeverBeach
ByCarlHiaasen
No one does crazy Florida better than Carl! This new one may seem extra unhinged, but no more so than what’s going on in our mad world! Enter a notso-bright white supremacist, a congressman with some very bad habits, and a few flawed but principled nemeses for the offenders. Enjoy this gleefully hilarious ride through some spectacular comeuppances!
— Julie A., R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Page Turners
Continued from page 28
Continued from page 26
SATURDAY, MAY 31
The Wampanoag Legend of Baby Maushop
: 10 a.m. Munger Barn at The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. Features Robert Peters, a Native American artist and author of . His artwork will also be on exhibit and for sale in the yellow Munger Barn. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
Guilford Keeping Society House
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Green, Broad and Whitfield streets. All tour locations are within a one-mile walking distance from the Guilford Green. Shuttle service will be available to tour book holders at stops throughout the tour area. Tickets: $40 advance purchase, $45 day of tour. For info, visit guilfordkeepingsociety.org.
:
1 p.m. Madison Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Rd. Running time: 215 minutes with an intermission. Shoreline Opera Club will lead a 30-minute talk-back after the broadcast. For info or tickets, call 203-2452456 or visit madisoncinemas2.com.
TheDarkMaestro
ByBrendanSlocumb
The prologue of this book had me hooked! I needed to find out more and fast. Slocumb expertly weaves together classical music, comic books, and drug dealers in a unique thriller that I loved. I really had no idea how the story was going to play out, which kept me invested and the pages turning.
— Julie G., R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
JVs.K
ByKwameAlexanderandJerryCraft
Pick this up because they are two blockbuster authors, but stay for the jokes, the friendship, and the final twist. I loved every page!
— Jamie, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Let’s Play! Video Game Music Reimagined
: 3 p.m. Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and DiscoCactus, a collective of composers, performers, and arrangers who reimagine video game soundtracks. For info or tickets, call 203693-1486 or visit newhavensymphony.org.
Linguistic Codebreakers: Cracking the Mystery of Pronouns
: 3 to 4 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Presented by Claire Bowern, professor of linguistics at Yale University. Sponsored by Tilde Café, an interactive platform to demystify science and make it more accessible to the community. For info or to register (required), email admin@tildecafe.org or visit tildecafe.org.
RemarkablyBrightCreatures
ByShelbyVanPelt
Just out in paperback, this is a remarkably delightful novel you don’t want to miss. The story follows Tova, an elderly widow, who forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a Pacific octopus at the aquarium where she works. The story is told from three points of view: Tova, Marcellus, and Cameron, a young man new to town looking for his father. This is a story of love, loss, grief, friendship, and healing, and a remarkable bond between animals and humans. Also, a mystery is uncovered that will pique your interest. Highly recommend.
—
Sue, Breakwater Books, Guilford
See page 31
The
Tour 2025
Met in HD Live: Big Baby Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Witness Stones Old Lyme to Install 12 New Plaques
In the final year of its five-year project, Witness Stones Old Lyme will install 12 new plaques commemorating the lives of enslaved African Americans in the region. The small brass markers, known as Witness Stones, will be placed in late May at the Sill Lane Green and the Florence Griswold Museum.
This year’s plaques will honor Prince Freeman, Sabina Freeman, Jordan Freeman, Caesar, Prince, Cesar, Zacheus Still, Philis, Dorcas, Lewis, Robin Freeman, and an unnamed woman listed in records only as “Negro Woman.” The additions bring the total number of Witness Stones in Old Lyme to 60. Previous plaques were installed between 2021 and 2024 on Lyme Street, McCurdy Road, Old Shore Road, and at the Lyme Public Library.
To commemorate the new installations and celebrate Juneteenth, the Old Lyme Witness Stones Partnership will host two free public events:
The Witness Stones Installation Ceremony will be held Friday, May 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. on the lawn of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Lane. The program will include music, poetry, and remarks from community partners. The keynote speaker is Kate Rushin, professor of English and poet in residence at Connecticut College. Additional speakers and participants include Dennis Culliton, cofounder of the Witness Stones
Continued from page 29
Music Connections
Project; Michelle Dean, director of curriculum at Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools; Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker; and student poets and singers from Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
On Saturday, June 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Juneteenth Celebration with Jazz and Poetry will take place on the north lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme St. The program will feature acclaimed bassist and composer Avery Sharpe and his quartet, along with Connecticut poets Marilyn Nelson, Kate Rushin, Rhonda Ward, and Antoinette Brim-Bell. Sharpe’s quartet includes Zaccai Curtis on piano, Haneef Nelson on trumpet, and Yoron Israel on drums. Seating will be provided under a tent, and attendees are welcome to bring additional lawn chairs. In case of rain, the event will move to the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Road.
Following the celebration, the Florence Griswold Museum will offer free admission from 3 to 5 p.m. for visitors to view the final day of Their Kindred Earth: Photographs by William Earle Williams, an exhibition that explores sites of enslavement in Old Lyme and beyond. Williams will be present to sign copies of the exhibition catalogue, which will be available for purchase.
Witness Stones Old Lyme is part of a growing national coalition of communities working to restore history and honor the lives of those once enslaved. The project is a local initiative of the
: 3 to 5 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features the theme of "The Fan Club." Participants can share their favorite band or artist. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Bestseller Book Club
Rabbit Moon
: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: by Jennifer Haigh. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info or to register, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Saturday, June 22, the
Witness Stones Project, a nonprofit that helps communities memorialize individuals once held in bondage through historical research and public art. In Old Lyme, each Witness Stone is embedded flush with the ground and includes the name and life details of an enslaved person, drawn from historical documents such as land records and emancipation certificates. An interpretive sign on the lawn of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Family Astronomy Night
includes a map of plaque locations throughout the town. The project has been made possible through support from the Lyme-Old Lyme community, including schools, museums, churches, and civic organizations. Founding partners include the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Additional partners include the Roger Tory Peterson
: 8:30 p.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by the Astronomical Society of New Haven, Shoreline Astronomical Society, and Thames Amateur Astronomical Society. Registration not required. Sponsored by the Friends of Hammonasset. Bring binoculars if preferred. Cover flashlights with red cellophane or red plastic to preserve everyone’s night vision. For info, call 203-245-8743 or visit meigspointnaturecenter.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Forging Bracelets Workshop
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will learn handforging techniques to transform steel into personalized
Estuary Center, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Lymes’ Youth Services Bureau, and the Old Lyme Historical Society.
The partnership has received funding from the Health Improvement Collaborative of Southeastern Connecticut Partnership Grant for Racial Equity and the Connecticut Arts Council. For more information, visit www.WitnessStonesOldLyme. org.
bracelets. Open to all levels. Tuition: $135 for members, $150 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable to the instructor at class. For info, or to register, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Owls Among Us
: 2 p.m. Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Presented by Gwen Rice, owl rehabilitator, educator, and co-founder of Freedom First Wildlife Rehab. Free admission. For info or to register (required), visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Pride in the Park(ing Lot)
: 2 to 5 p.m. Elm City Wellness Parking Lot, 774 Orange St., New Haven. Features story time, performances, and more. For info, email elmcitywellness@gmail.com.
See page 32
Press Release from Witness Stones Old Lyme
Photo courtesy of Zaccai Curtis
On
Juneteenth Celebration with Jazz and Poetry will feature Avery Sharpe and his quartet, including Zaccai Curtis on piano.
A Musical Tribute to Stephen Schwartz
Madison Lyric Stage will celebrate the music of legendary composer Stephen Schwartz with , a concert running June 20 to 22 under the theater tent on the grounds of the historic Deacon John Grave House.
We’ve Got Magic to Do: The Music of Stephen Schwartz
The performance will feature a cast of eight vocalists and a live band, performing selections from Schwartz’s most iconic works, including , , and , as well as music from his acclaimed film scores for and
Wicked Pippin Godspell The Hunchback of Notre Dame The Prince of Egypt
The show highlights more than five decades of Schwartz’s contributions to American musical theater, with familiar favorites such as “All Good Gifts,” “Corner of the Sky,” “Day by Day,” “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” “Meadowlark,” “Magic to Do,” “Morning Glow,” and “Popular.”
“We are thrilled to honor Stephen Schwartz, whose extraordinary contributions have profoundly shaped the world of musical theater,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. “Our production will celebrate his enduring legacy, and we invite everyone to join us for a night of unforgettable performances.”
The concert is directed by Deaton, with musical direction by Nathaniel Baker.
Show The Baker’s Wife Working Rags Children of Eden Pocahontas The Hunchback of Notre Dame Enchanted
Schwartz’s Broadway credits also include , , , , and . He has collaborated with composer Alan Menken on scores for Disney films including , , and . His accolades include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. He is a member of both the Theater Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Performances will be held Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Deacon John Grave House, 581 Boston Post Road. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at madisonlyricstage.org.
The 2025 season will continue with Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus in July and August, followed by Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium in September.
Continued from page 31
Hiking Ruins of Southern New England
: 4 p.m. Bishop’s Orchards, 480 New England Rd., Guilford. Presented by Connecticut state archaeologist emeritus Nick Bellantoni. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) as part of its annual meeting. Features a short business meeting of the GLCT followed by the talk and slide presentation. Open to the public. For info, contact 203-4579253 or info@guilfordlandtrust.org.
Guilford Land Trust Annual Meeting
: 4 to 6 p.m.
Bishop's Orchards Red Barn, 1355 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Features a short business meeting followed by a talk by Nick Bellantoni, past Connecticut state archeologist and author of
Hiking Ruins of Southern New England: A Guide to 40 Sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
. Rain or shine. For info, visit guilfordlandtrust.org.
John Grave House.
Madison Lyric Stage is a professional non-Equity theater company that presents accessible, inclusive, and affordable opera, musical theater, and drama to the Connecticut shoreline. It is supported in part by The Commu-
MONDAY, JUNE 2
Shoreline Opera Club Discussion of the Met in HD Live Broadcast:
Il Barbiere di Siviglia
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Open to all. For info, email MetOperaMadison@gmail.com.
Author Event: Abraham Verghese
nity Foundation for Greater New Haven, Guilford Savings Bank, The Madison Foundation, the Madison Rotary Foundation, and the Connecticut Office of the Arts. For more information, visit madisonlyricstage.org.
Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
The Covenant of Water: A Novel
: 7 p.m. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info, call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
What Do Goldfish, the CAT Scan, Ice Beer, and Computer Chips Have in Common: Cases I Have Litigated
:
10 a.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. Presented by attorney Ethan Horwitz. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL).
: 4 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Fabiana Papaleoni. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Voices of Italy: A Musical Exploration Across the Centuries 2025 Regional Real Estate Forum
: 4 to 7 p.m. Woodwinds, 29 School Ground Rd., Branford. Features an outlook of the economic growth in Greater New Haven. Includes a panel discussion with real estate developers who will share updates about projects already underway in the region. Sponsored by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $65 for members, $80 for nonmembers. For info or to register, visit gnhcc.com.
See page 33
The Magic
Press Release from Madison Lyric Stage
Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage
Madison Lyric Stage will celebrate the music of legendary composer Stephen Schwartz with We’ve Got Magic to Do: The Music of Stephen Schwartz, a concert running June 20 to 22 under the theater tent on the grounds of the historic Deacon
ChoralFest 2025 Brings Together 100 Voices for Sacred Music Celebration
Press Release from the First Congregational Church of Madison
Music at the Meetinghouse, a concert series presented by the First Congregational Church of Madison, will host its third annual ChoralFest on Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m. The sacred music festival will feature 100 voices from area church choirs performing individual anthems and three combined pieces, accompanied by piano, organ, and a string orchestra.
Held in the church’s historic Meetinghouse, ChoralFest is free and open to the public, with donations welcome.
First launched in 2023, ChoralFest was created to bring together church choirs following years of pandemic-related separation. The inaugural festival was a success, and last year’s event filled the sanctuary with nearly 130 singers and a 20-piece orchestra.
Continued from page 32
luegrass Jam at the Museum
ChoralFest will feature 100 voices from area church choirs.
: 6 to 8 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. All levels welcome. Donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Shoreline Trolley Museum. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
The Concept of Reincarnation and Past Lives
: 10 a.m.
Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Presented by Kristen White, mystic and shaman. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Extinctopedia: A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is At Risk, and What To Do About It with Smithsonian Scientists
: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:
Extinctopedia: Discover What We have Lost, What is At Risk, and How We Can Preserve the Diversity of Our Fragile Planet
. Presented by Brian Gratwicke, a conservation biologist for the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and Gina Della Togna, executive director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a research associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.
“This is an opportunity for church choirs of varying skill levels and sizes to come together in a spirit of unity to sing and support each other,” said Nathan Bayreuther, director of music ministry at the First Congregational Church of Madison. “It’s a real thrill for everyone, especially when they have the chance to sing with professional instrumentalists.”
Participating choirs represent congregations from Madison, North Madison, Guilford, North Guilford, Clinton, Westbrook, North Haven, and East Haven. The event celebrates sacred choral music across denominations and encourages fellowship through music.
ChoralFest will take place at the First Congregational Church, 26 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison. For more information, visit fccmadison.org.
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Joshua Toenyes, CEO of Cardsetter. Free. Hosted by SCORE Southeastern Connecticut Chapter. Series sponsored by Berkshire Bank. For info or to register, visit score.org/easternct/local-workshops
Win Customers with Your Website New Reach Annual Auction
: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Rd., Branford. Features a silent auction, small-plated buffet dinner, open bar, and more. The event honors Jim Sonet for his dedication to the mission of FISH to provide food to those households who are unable to access a local food pantry. Tickets: $125. For info, email mgrande2@newreach.org or visit newreach.org.
North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT) Annual Meeting
: 6 p.m. North Branford Police Station Community Room, 305 Forest Rd., Northford. Guests can enter by the right side door. Features a presentation on "Bobcats, Connecticut’s Secretive Cat" by Gail Cameron, a master wildlife conservationist volunteer with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. For info or to register, contact NBLCT at 203-4844566 or info@nblandtrust.org, or visit nblandtrust.org.
Crash Course Cooking: Pizza Making
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Matt Yanarella. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Thinking Ahead: Legal and Financial Planning for Your Child's Future
: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Features speakers on special needs trusts, power of attorney and guardianships, supported decision-making, estate plann-
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Guilford Community Fund (GCF) Annual Meeting
ing, financial planning, Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services. For info or to register, email Rachel Berliner at rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com. : 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. GCF will present the 2025 grantees with their awards. For info, email info@guilfordcommunityfund.org or visit guilfordcommunityfund.org.
Open Mic Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by Madison’s Poet Laurate Ed Lent. Sign-ups begin at 5:45 p.m. The first 12 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
The Poetry of Protest: Just in Case This is Not a Perfect World
: 6 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library 67 Park St. Features a discussion led by Guilford Poet Laureate Mark McGuire-Schwartz. For info or to register, call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Author Event: Sanibel in Conversation with Tory Bilski
To Have and Have More: A Novel
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
See page 39
Photo courtesy of the First Congregational Church of Madison
estate
A Stunning Luxury Home with Water Views
Staff Report
With beautiful water views and a prime location just moments by golf cart from the prestigious Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, this exquisite property offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and an unparalleled lifestyle that invites you to indulge in the beauty of coastal living. Discover and enjoy the nearby amenities of the private yacht club — tennis, golf, live entertainment, and dining options.
10 Island View Avenue is beautifully situated on a double, corner lot, enclosed by a classic white picket fence, enhancing its curb appeal and creating a sense of privacy. This unique home boasts three distinct levels. At the heart of the house is a custom, gourmet kitchen equipped with premium appliances, an impressive quartzite hand-crafted island with a built-in beverage fridge, and an open layout that flows seamlessly into the inviting family room.
With water views enhancing the ambiance, the central gas fireplace adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. Custom windows and a stunning glass wall allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. At the same time, architectural details like floor-to-ceiling columns and integrated ceiling speakers add a sophisticated touch. The living room, water views, and the dining area create the perfect setting for entertaining guests.
Upstairs is home to six distinct bedrooms, including the luxurious primary suite. This serene retreat is accessible by elevator and features an electric fireplace, a private deck with water views, and a beautifully designed ensuite bathroom.
The finished basement offers an additional 1,400 square feet of living space. This lower level leads to a heated, three-car garage, thoughtfully designed with a dedicated bay for a golf cart. Outdoors, you will find an expansive deck, beach rights, nearby trails, and a dog park. With an easy commute to Yale-New Haven, this magnificent property blends sophistication and convenience, making it a rare find you won’t want to miss.
This home is being offered for sale by William Raveis Real Estate for $2,950,000. For more information or a showing, contact Vicky Welch at 203-215-4990.
With beautiful water views and a prime location just moments by golf cart from the prestigious Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, this exquisite property offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and an unparalleled lifestyle that invites you to indulge in the beauty of coastal living.
At the heart of the house is a custom, gourmet kitchen equipped with premium appliances, an impressive quartzite hand-crafted island with a built-in beverage fridge, and an open layout that flows seamlessly into the inviting family room. The living room, water views, and the dining area create the perfect setting for entertaining guests.
Real Estate Transactions
GUILFORD
: Katherine M. Fleischauer to Oconn Properties LLC, $285,000 on May 7
: Deborah L. Harris to Michael and Nicole Mcgovern, $587,000 on May 7
: Roger W. and Nancy J. Babbitt to Ryan Marti and Abigail Kramer, $686,000 on May 8
on May 6
103 Plymouth Colony Unit 103
Yizzel Abreu to Frank and Toni Varriale, $374,000 on May 5
70 Quarry Dock Road Unit 70
:
Richard J. and Kathleen M. Allison to Robert G. and Jo A. Ferguson, $655,000 on May 5
730 Robert Frost Drive Unit 730
Kolbie M. Brenner to Yi Gong, $310,000 on May 9
MADISON
EAST HAVEN
162 Charter Oak Avenue
:
Elizabeth Vollono to Mario G. Cabrera, $290,000 on May 8
375 Coe Avenue
: Devin and Richard Piscatelli to Andrew and Abigail Stein, $180,000 on May 5
106 Dewey Avenue
: Giovanni and Rosaria Fappiano to Daniel P. Milano, $485,000 on May 9
12 Dwight
: Sgrignari Ft and Lawrence C. Sgrignari to Juan C. Bonilla, $341,000 on May 8
: 200 East
: Yin Lawn to John Crosby, $318,000 on April 29
: Anthony Depaola to Lcm Prop LLC, $45,000 on April 29
: Myung S. Park to Augustin K. and Elisabeth N. Yao, $530,300 on May 5
: Patricia L Zaweski RET and Patricia L. Zaweski to Cheryl Levensaler, $545,000 on May 7
: Raechel G. Cappiello to Robert and Hun Millard, $222,500 on May 6
: Jason M. and Valerie E. Graf to Paul and Kate Keating, $1,360,000 on May 5 : Federal Natl Mtg Assn to Bryn Berg and Nicholas Kaye, $570,000 on May 8
BRANFORD
Haven LLC to Jose Martinez and Kaeila S. Vidro, $366,000 on May 7
: Syed M. Rahman and Mesbahur R. Syed to Javed Nawabi, $530,000 on May 5 :
Susan Vanech Builds LLC to Adriana Deamicis, $600,000 on May 5
: Michael Fronte to Market Equities Grp LLC, $255,000 on May 1 : Shelley A. Deproto to Samuel and Rebecca Stamatiou, $515,000 on May 8
: Steven C.
Ganci to Kathleen E. Barnett, $202,000 on May 7
: Colleen R. and Dominick J. Cetta to Jessica L. and Matthew H. Kerr, $876,000 on May 5
: Michael K. and Carol Ahlijanian to Dominic and Lindita Zanfardion, $1,010,000 on May 6
: Kathryn L.
Hunter to Robert S. and Jane E. Kragh, $1,325,000 on May 6
: John and Nancy V. Sutton to Eric F. and Amanda Steinlauf, $510,000 on May 6
: Louis M. Signor to Sarah E. Pierson, $332,000 on May 6 :
Katherine Iannucci to Jose Kaiser, $580,000 on May 9
: Jose Colon to Rosewood Home Bldrs LLC, $55,000 on May 9
: John M. Rosen to Raymond A. and Eloise Macaluso, $595,000 on May 6
: Donald and Maria E. Schilder to Rebecca Kobrin, $1,150,000 on May 6 : Lisa Fricker to Randall Varasteh, $261,000
: Mclynn S. Kumar to Pamela M. Nettles and Fred J. Federico, $1,010,000 on May 7
: Ghadimian Ft and Michael M. Ghadimian to M Ferrara Dev LLC, $500,000 on May 8 : Ghadimian Ft and Michael M. Ghadimian to M Ferrara Dev LLC, $500,000 on May 8
: Kevin P. and Sally M. Obrien to Sheila F. Mccloskey and Megan M. Wall, $649,000 on May 7
: Christine Gustafson
Qprt and John M. Gustafson to Nancy Nishball and Judy Israel, $800,000 on May 8
: Heather
Moore and Kristin Cafferty to Thomas J Miele RET and Thomas J. Miele, $890,000 on May 5
: Melissa D. Polson to Terry L. Camputaro, $390,000 on May 6
: Monica P. Lopez to Nadia Ramirez, $430,000 on May 5 49 Cottage Road Unit 16
: Estate of Kathleen Czarniak and Thomas Czarniak to Shanhan A. Williams, $220,000 on May 6
: David Carvalho to Lori A. Maslowski, $456,000 on May 9
: Happy
Days Holdings LLC to Victor H. Hernandez and Victor M. Velasquez, $630,000 on May 5
:
Charles Santelli to Christopher and Sonia Carrillo, $275,000 on May 6
: Carmelo and Maryann Rivera to Susan Sirica, $245,000 on May 7
: David Sullivan and April Loiseau to Timothy L. and Lynne R. Okeefe, $630,250 on May 5 : Troy J. Clifton to Erik Bentley and Mallory Daley, $513,000 on May 7 : Lisa A. Axlerod to Dana and Ryan Kavakrsky, $15,000 on May 8 : Lisa A. Axlerod to James K. and Debora L. Dunlop, $17,000 on May 8
: Thomas A. and Belinda N. Ahern to Douglas and Elizabeth Kartsen, $1,250,000 on May 6
: Kenneth W. and Judith A. Miller to William P. Miller, $165,000 on May 7
: Z & R
Prop LLC to Jinette Estevez, $180,000 on May 7
: Estate of Joseph Nichols and Susan A. Nichols to Ata General Contractor LL, $550,000 on May 8
KILLINGWORTH NORTH BRANFORD NORTH HAVEN
: Bruce Berthel to Thomas J. Babcock and Rebecca C. Andranovich, $360,000 on Feb. 7 : Pat Demaio to Kathleen A. and Thomas Morse, $420,000 on Feb. 7
: Acl Dev LLC to Toniann Carey, $205,000 on Feb. 4
: Sam Chang to Lawrence A. Wells, $345,000 on April 29
$320,000 on Feb.
to
on Feb. 3
Sea Music Festival Returns to Essex June
The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9, offering a weekend of maritime music, history, and family-friendly fun along the Connecticut River.
The festival will feature free daytime concerts and workshops with local, regional, and international maritime performers. Highlights include a symposium on the music of the sea, a family stage, traditional sailor skill demonstrations, Irish currach rowing, and late-night chantey sings at the Griswold Inn and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. A revival-style hymn sing will take place Sunday morning.
Evening concerts at the Connecticut River Museum are ticketed events. Visitors can stroll along Main Street with an ice cream cone and enjoy sea chanteys and maritime tunes from around the globe.
For full schedule details and to purchase evening concert tickets, visit ctseamusicfest.org. The festival also shares updates on Facebook at facebook.com/CTSeaMusicFest and on Instagram @ct_sea_music_festival.
The Connecticut Sea Music Festival is organized by the Maritime Music & Tradition Society Corp., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The event is made possible by major sponsorship from Privé-Swiss, with additional support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Folk Music Society of New York, 4Imprint, the Paul Foundation, the Griswold Inn, and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.
For more information, email contact@ctsea musicfest.org.
Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival
Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival
The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.
The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.
6–9
Press Release from the Connecticut Sea Music Festival
Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival
The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.
Continued from page 33
ONGOING EVENTS
Art Exhibits
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery
: 1004 Main St.: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.
Branford High School Art Show
: Runs
Spring 2025 Art Show
through May 27. : Runs May 29 through June 30.
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery
: 360 State St., New Haven: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org/events.
Vibrant Vision of Painter Howard Fussiner
Runs through Aug. 31.
Guilford Art Center (GAC)
: 411 Church St.: For info, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Dear Mother
: Runs through June 1.
James Blackstone Memorial Library Upper Rotunda Gallery
Essex Historical Society to Open Pratt House for Summer Season
enjoy a special talk on blacksmithing and visit the on-site Pratt Smithy.
: 758 Main St., Branford: For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
:
Bingo
: 7 p.m. Mondays. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. Doors open 5 p.m. Light refreshments. Cost: $15. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928. For info, call 203-453-2801.
Blackstone Fiber Art Community:
6 to
8.m. Wednesdays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. All experience levels in fiber art forms are welcome. Registration is not required, drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-4881441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Blackstone Library Tour:
10 a.m. Second Saturday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration encouraged, but drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Book Club:
Noon to 2 p.m. Third Thursday. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, including book titles, or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Chair Yoga with Martha:
6:30 p.m.
The Essex Historical Society will open the historic Pratt House for the 2025 summer season beginning Sunday, June 1. The town’s only historic house museum, Pratt House will welcome visitors on Saturdays and Sundays through September, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Trained guides will offer free tours of the 300-year-old home, giving visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich past. New this year, the museum will feature two rotating exhibit spaces showcasing artifacts and photographs from Essex’s history. The first exhibit focuses on blacksmithing, the trade of the Pratt family.
Several special events are also planned for June. The front lawn will feature Art on the Lawn: Works by Horace Miller, now on display through the end of the month. As part of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, musical performances will take place at the Pratt House on June 7 and 8.
On June 14, the museum will participate in Connecticut Open House Day, a statewide initiative encouraging residents to explore the culture and history in their own communities. That day, visitors can
The Essex Historical Society will also launch its new Connecticut History Book Club this season. In partnership with the Essex Library and the Ivoryton Library, the group’s inaugural meeting will include a discussion of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. The club will meet quarterly to explore titles that connect with local and state history.
For more information about Pratt House, upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, or the work of the Essex Historical Society, visit essexhistory.org.
The Essex Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community across Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. In addition to seasonal programming in all three villages, EHS offers guided tours of the 1732 Pratt House and maintains its library, archives, and office at Hills Academy, built in 1832. Each year, EHS collaborates with more than 30 partner organizations to deliver educational programs, walking tours, speaker series, research projects, and community events. Learn more at essexhistory.org.
Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval
: Runs through June 30.
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Keyes Gallery
: 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek: For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/gallery.
The Missing Pictures: Photographs by Sean Kernan
: Runs through May 26.
Music
Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:
104
Mill Rd., Guilford. No cover. For info, call 203-214-5874.
Mondays: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Big Swing Band with Tuxedo Junction.
The Shore Line Trolley Museum:
17
River St., East Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
Fourth Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Farmers Market
Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds
: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 23 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordfair.org.
Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 7 through October. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/farmers-market.
Groups and Activities Banned Book Club:
First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
First Tuesday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
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.
Photo courtesy of the Essex Historical Society
The Essex Historical Society will open the historic Pratt House for the 2025 summer season beginning Sunday, June 1.
