The Guilford Board of Selectmen and Board of Education collectively cut $700,000 from their budgets during meetings June 1, marking the second attempt to revise spending plans ahead of a third budget referendum scheduled for June 16.
The latest reductions lower total townwide expenditures to just over $127 million. The proposed budget represents a 4.41% spending increase over the current fiscal year, but a projected tax increase of 2.73%, according to First Selectman Matt Hoey.
“That’s because of grand list growth, additional departmental revenues generated through permits and fees and so forth, and
some minor additions to state funding,” Hoey said.
Hoey said the anticipated mill rate would be 28.4 if the revised budget is approved. He also noted that the projected 2.73% tax increase is below the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8%.
See Town, Schools Cut $700K page 6
Fairytale
is ready for his new role at the Rotary..........................2
Three-Peat Complete
The Grizzlies have captured a
Maeve Mongelli and guest artist Jorge Villalobos Jr. rehearse the roles of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip for Shoreline Ballet's upcoming production of . The Guilford-based company will perform the ballet Saturday, June 6, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at The Morgan School in Clinton. Sleeping Beauty
Matthew Rader
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheCourier
Matthew Rader: Saying Yes to Community Service
By Pam Young
Correspondent
When Matthew Rader launched his own technology company in 2024, he thought joining the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce would be a good way to meet people and build a client base.
Instead, it opened the door to something much bigger.
In the span of less than two years, Matthew has become involved with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Guilford, the Economic Development Commission, the Guilford Community Fund, the Green Merchants Committee, the Guilford Mentoring Program, and the local Repair Café. Along the way, he has helped support local businesses, mentored students, worked on community projects, and prepared to step into a new role as president of the Rotary Club of Guilford on July 1.
For Matthew, each opportunity has led naturally to the next.
“When I joined, I became an ambassador, participating in ribbon
Person of the Week
cuttings and ceremonies,” he says of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.
“I was told about the chamber and the networking it could bring. It gave me a lot of confidence and support and once I met those in leadership at the meetings, I saw they could relate to my story too.”
Born in New York and raised in Simsbury, Matthew developed an interest in technology at an early age. By 16, he was already working in information technology and website development at Hartford Insurance while attending school. After graduating from the University of Hartford in 2004 with a degree in Interactive Information Technology, he built a career helping businesses and homeowners solve technology problems.
For 15 years, he worked for Nerds-
ToGo in Guilford before the company unexpectedly closed in 2024.
“In 2024, I launched Tech Fix and opened an office,” Matthew says. “The drive to start this company came from wanting to save computer repair on the shoreline. My former company up and left with no warning and these local companies and other folks would have lost their internet. I wanted to save it, so they did not miss a beat or lose anything.”
While establishing the business, Matthew continued becoming more involved in the community around him. Through the chamber, he met local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers who encouraged him to participate in additional organizations and projects.
One of those introductions led him to the Rotary Club of Guilford.
“When I started my business in 2024, it was right before LobsterFest,” he says. “I wanted to volunteer and meet people in the community.”
What convinced him to stay was
See Matthew Rader page 7
Photo courtesy of Matthew Rader
Matthew Rader will begin serving as president of the Rotary Club of Guilford on July 1 while continuing his involvement with several local civic organizations.
“It just says a lot about the girls and their commitment to the team. We have five outstanding seniors on the team, and we have a couple of great underclassmen who are coming up. We just have so many players who are anxious to play more and to prove themselves.” — Chris Marra 20
So, Guilford’s proposed budget increase for this year has been rejected by the voters for a second time. That should be telling our leaders something: We are not all made of money, and even if we were, how much is reasonable to be taken in taxes? And how big an increase is acceptable in one year?
Think of it: In our little town, a more than $6 million increase in spending in one year is proposed. That’s not including the extra $1.8 million borrowing for other projects already approved. If this passes, what might we face next year? And all the years after that?
At times like this, when we have had to, and still have to, factor increased
Concerned
With taxpayers twice voting down the budget, I am concerned where the school budget will be cut. Over the years, Dr. Freeman built a new layer of bureaucracy that most taxpayers are unfamiliar with because the salaries for these positions are included with those of teachers. But they are not teachers; they are academic coaches.
Academic coaches don’t work with students. They observe, evaluate and instruct teachers and report to administrators. It should be noted here that academic coaches were originally used only in failing schools. Public schools have since brought them into almost every school in the country, which is not surprising since schools in the United States typically have top-heavy bureaucracies.
On the Guilford Public Schools administration page, eight people are listed as either superintendent, assis-
inflation into our household budgets, we see no hesitation in our leadership in pursuing ever-increasing spending. It makes me wonder: While we continually hear that Guilford is too expensive for many who aspire to live here, our leaders make matters worse with unreasonable tax increases.
Their answer, of course, is to provide subsidized housing for some new residents, this inevitably in some way at taxpayers’ expense.
I suggest continuing to vote no until our leaders get the message and moderate their spending ambitions.
Dave Roberts Guilford
tant superintendents or coordinators. Then each school has a principal. In addition, the middle schools have assistant principals and the high school has three assistant principals. Now add to that academic coaches. Is this bureaucracy financially sustainable?
The budget will only continue to grow. All of these administrators make much more money than the person in the classroom who is actually doing the educating.
I have two questions: Can Dr. Freeman and the Board of Education provide evidence that the cost of these coaches measurably improves student outcomes? If positions have to be cut, will the cuts be to the teacher teaching in the classroom or the person observing the teacher in the classroom?
Anna Smith Guilford
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Obituaries
Obituary Lynne Johnston Guilford
Lynne F. Johnston passed away peacefully May 9, 2026, at the age of 88, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Johnston of Guilford; her sons, David (Christine) Schoenrock of Darien, and Peter Schoenrock of Decatur, Georgia; her stepdaughter, Martha Johnston of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; four grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Sandra E. Flatow; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick A. Flatow Jr., M.D. Born on Feb. 5, 1938, Lynne was the
daughter of Frederick A. Flatow and Doris K. Flatow of Meriden. She was educated at Northfield Mount Hermon School and Skidmore College.
Lynne loved her family, spending time at the beach on Overshore Drive in Madison, and traveling abroad. She will be remembered for her warmth, sense of humor, and appreciation for the people and places she loved most.
Services will be private. Donations in Lynne’s memory may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, www.hospice.com.
Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
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Obituary Robert Roman Guilford
Robert George Roman, 87, of Guilford and formerly of Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, May 18, 2026. He was born in Bridgeport on Feb. 22, 1939, the son of the late Joseph Roman and Mary (Nemergut) Roman.
Robert honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a 1957 graduate of Harding High School and a graduate of the University of Bridgeport. Before his retirement, he enjoyed a long career in retail management, spending the majority of his time with Arthur’s.
mer wife and dear friend, Bonnie Roman. He is further survived by six grandchildren: Zane Cooke, Carter Cooke (Grace Cooke), Brody Cooke, Ally Garner, Kennedy Roman, and Quinn Roman.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Roman; and his brothers, Joseph Roman Jr. and William Roman.
Family was his greatest joy and his life’s work. He delighted in the warmth of a full house, in the simple rituals of shared meals and lingering conversations. To his children, grandchildren, and all who called him family, he was a constant — someone whose presence made any place feel like home.
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.
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He is lovingly remembered as the devoted father of Robyne Cooke (Bob Berry) of Amston, Jeanine Garner (Brad Garner) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Brian Roman (Megan Roman) of Guilford. He is also cherished by his for-
Friends were invited to calling hours on May 29 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. Funeral services were held at Christ Episcopal Church, 11 Park St., Guilford. Burial will be held privately. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
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Town, Schools Cut $700K Ahead of Vote
Continued from page 1
The Board of Finance directed the selectmen to cut $175,000 from the municipal operating budget. The selectmen identified those reductions in employee benefits and public safety accounts, including $62,151 from the town’s OPEB contribution for employees, $88,160 from a proposed fire department emergency medical services program, and $20,689 from the police department’s overtime account.
According to Hoey, the cuts were approved unanimously.
Regarding the OPEB reduction, Hoey said there was “general reluctance” among both the selectmen and the town’s finance director.
He said the reduction “may or may not have impacted what is known as a laddering schedule to get us to a point where we will be able to utilize those funds to pay for pay-as-you-go retirees’ health benefits.”
The $88,160 reduction came from a new part-time EMS staffing program the fire department hopes to launch.
Following discussions with town finance officials and the fire chief, the selectmen concluded the program was unlikely to begin before the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
“We haven’t done anything to get people on the job and doing it by July 1,” Hoey said. “What we decided to do was start paying for the EMS staffing model as of Jan. 1, which results in $88,160 in savings.”
The board also reduced the police overtime account by $20,689. Hoey said the savings were achieved in part because selectmen agreed to forgo a proposed
$2,000 increase in their annual stipends. The funds were reallocated from the capital budget, which will be reduced by a total of $58,151.
Asked where those capital reductions would be made, Hoey said the finance director will work with department heads to refine project estimates and identify possible reductions.
“We’ve left that to the discretion of the finance director to work with all of the departments on further fine tuning their cost estimates on the capital projects and coming up with a recommendation on how we can either cut some of them or cut something in its entirety to make up that cost,” Hoey said.
The combined $700,000 in municipal and education budget reductions exceeded what town officials had requested.
At a May 26 Board of Finance meeting, Hoey asked the board to consider no more than $500,000 in total cuts and urged members to consider the effects of inflation on both municipal government and the school district.
“That would bring the tax increase down to 2.9%, close enough to the Cost of Living benchmark but well below the current rate of inflation,” Hoey said. “Please remember that while inflation impacts all of our households, it also impacts municipal government and schools as well.”
The Board of Finance ultimately approved the larger reduction.
A public meeting on the revised budget is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Guilford High School auditorium. Voters will decide the proposal at a Tuesday, June 16, referendum.
The application process portal for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) has opened for Connecticut residents who qualify. Online applications are currently being accepted. If approved, an applicant may receive benefits that can range from $100 to $600. Benefits depend on an applicant’s income level, household size, and if there is a vulnerable member in the household. The Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair Street, Guilford, may be able to assist qualified residents in submitting their applications. To request assistance in applying, call the W&FLC at 203-458-6699. For more information or to apply online, visit the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program link at portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security.
The Guilford Police Department, in cooperation with the It’s Worth It initiative and the Connection, Inc., have installed a pharmaceutical collection drop box in the lobby of the Guilford Police Department, 400 Church Street. Area residents can dispose of unused and unneeded medications at any time. For more information, call the Guilford Police Department at 203-453-8061.
Matthew Rader: Saying Yes to Community Service
Continued from page 2
not the networking but the service work itself.
“What sold me on it was when I went on a service project — the Thomas Griswold House,” Matthew says. “As a team we provided a service to the community. The heart of it was the service for me.”
The deeper he became involved, the more responsibilities followed. Matthew joined committees, supported fundraising events, and helped strengthen the organization’s social media presence. He also became involved in planning for LobsterFest, the Rotary’s longtime annual fundraiser, which this year will honor the late Jean Bishop of Bishop’s Orchards, who helped start the event four decades ago.
Eventually, fellow Rotarians approached Matthew about becoming president-elect.
“I was asked by the group to be the
Want to Play Chess?
president elect and was not expecting it at all,” he says. “I said I would do it and I am very happy to do it.”
His involvement extends well beyond Rotary.
Matthew serves on the Economic Development Commission, where he focuses on tourism initiatives and technology-based programs designed to connect visitors with local businesses. One project includes a QR-code system that helps visitors discover local retailers and community events while providing businesses with another way to connect with customers.
He is also a board member of the Guilford Community Fund, which supports local nonprofit organizations, and participates in the Green Merchants Committee, where business owners discuss issues ranging from traffic and safety to holiday events and community programming around the Guilford Green.
“It is really great,” Matthew says. “I can also be involved in planning community
Shoreline Chess Club welcomes new members. The club meets from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays at the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church Street. All levels are welcome. For more information, call 203675-7717.
events with different businesses in town.”
Some of his most rewarding work, however, involves mentoring.
Through the Guilford Mentoring Program, Matthew works with a student from Adams Middle School. The program pairs adult mentors with students and provides ongoing training and support throughout the year.
“It is great to be able to bond with and mentor students,” he says.
One recent project involved refurbishing computers alongside a student. Matthew plans to use those computers in classes at the Guilford Community Center, where he hopes to teach seniors about internet safety and basic computer skills.
“Not everyone has a computer,” he says. “I am looking for other ways to donate computers to the community as well.”
He also volunteers with the Repair Café, a community initiative focused on repairing and repurposing household items rather than throwing them away.
“It’s like a live version of Antiques Roadshow,” Matthew says. “The focus is on recycling and repurposing instead of throwing things away.”
Looking ahead, Matthew says he hopes to continue building opportunities for people to become involved in community service. As Rotary president, he would like to expand hands-on projects and encourage more residents to participate in volunteer efforts.
“The aspect of having community volunteers and business owners be hands on and doing service work together is key,” he says.
For someone who originally joined the chamber looking for business connections, Matthew says the biggest reward has been discovering how many people are working behind the scenes to make Guilford stronger.
“The more you get involved, the more you get out of it,” he says.
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Each year we recognize, honor, and thank these distinguished members of the community for all they do at a dinner and celebration event.
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WEDNESDAY 6:00-9:00 PM THE 2026
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Joseph Secki (Killingworth) | Laura Downes (Madison) | Virginia Baltay (Guilford)
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Elaine Vance Beckman, 83, of Guilford, passed away May 19, 2026. She was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, to Elroy Vance and Eileen Bresnahan Vance. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sister, Jeanne Mae Chistolini, of Westfield. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Charles Beckman, and their four children: Charles Jr. “Chuck” of Milford, Karen of Marco Island, Florida, Christopher of Newport Beach, California, and Geoffrey of Guilford. She is also survived by Chuck’s wife, Mindy; Karen’s husband, Anthony Iaconis, and their two sons, Aidan and Alec Iaconis; Christopher’s wife, Zaneta; Geoffrey’s wife, Amy, and their three children, Zoë (“Bee”), Logan, and Liam; Elaine’s brother-in-law, John Chistolini of Westfield, Massachusetts; niece Tammy Carrasquillo and her husband, Luis, of Naugatuck; niece Marybeth Shippole and her husband, Mark, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; and sister-in-law Martha Beckman Garrett and her husband, Jim, of Branford. Elaine won the Miss Westfield pageant as a senior in high school. She later became a registered nurse after earning her nursing diploma at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts. During her time in
nursing school, she met her future husband, Charles, whom she married in 1965. As a nurse, she worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, Joslin Diabetic Clinic, and Baltimore City Hospital, before starting her family. Elaine watched her family grow while living at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas; Caldwell, New Jersey; and Westfield, Massachusetts, while her husband served in Vietnam; in St. Paul, Minnesota, Branford, Leeds, England, Deerfield, Illinois, and then Guilford, where she resided for the past 46 years.
Besides her RN diploma, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Albertus Magnus College and a Master of Arts degree at Wesleyan University.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed decorative painting, quilting, raising her children, and spending time with her five grandchildren. She had been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Madison for the past 28 years.
Family and friends were invited to calling hours on May 26, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. Funeral services followed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 275 Warpas Road, Madison. Burial will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, www.heart.org.
To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Notice is hereby given that on May 29, 2026, Jane and Clifford Bechtold of 395 Bartlett Dr, Madison, CT 06443, filed an application to demolish an 85-year-old Garage located at 34 South Fair St., Guilford, CT
This structure is being demolished to make way for a new garage to be located near the current site as part of a plan to renovate the property at 34 South Fair St. A copy of the application is on file with the Guilford Zoning Department.
The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action:
APPROVED: Miriam Schroers, located at 401 Three Comers Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 70, Lot 5-64, Regulated Activity, Septic tank replacement within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 27th day of May, 2026. Jeff Parker, Chairman
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Obituaries Continued from page 9
Obituary Susan Leete Guilford
Susan Grafflin Leete, 84, longtime resident of Guilford and formerly of Niantic and Scotland, Connecticut, passed away May 19, 2026, at her home in the company of her niece, Dr. Wendelyn Reymond, and her caregiver, Samke. She was the wife of the late Robert Burnap Leete.
Susan was born in Pleasantville, New York, on March 17, 1942, daughter of the late Douglas Grafflin and Alice Wardell Grafflin. She is survived by two sisters, Sally Klingener of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and MaryEllen Chijioke of Enugu, Nigeria. Her brother, Douglas Grafflin, and her sister, Wendelyn Reymond, passed before her.
Susan was the loving mother of Jonathan and his wife, Virginia Stouffer, of McLean, Virginia, and Stephen and his wife, Anne Miracle, of Guilford. She is also survived by her grandsons, Carter and Scott; her granddaughter, Cindy; and her step-grandson, Tyki.
Family was central to Susan’s life, and she dubbed herself “Grandy” to her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, a role she cherished for 25 years. Summer picnics, vacations, and holidays were all made brighter by her warmth and wisdom.
Susan was a graduate of Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York, and Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., in 1964, to work for the Central Intelligence Agency. It was there she met Robert Leete, and they were mar-
ried in June 1966. As women’s agency careers were subordinated to their husbands’ at the time, Susan diversified hers: she continued with the agency at times and worked at embassies and consulates around the world, but also supported the Refugee Office in Hong Kong, worked as a legal secretary in Reston, Virginia; a tax preparer in Willimantic; and a financial aid staffer at Eastern Connecticut State University, among many other pursuits.
She also engaged strongly with her community no matter where she lived. In the 1970s, she was an active participant in the League of Women Voters; after moving to Connecticut in the 1980s, she served as a poll worker and moderator of elections for many years, supported her church’s fundraising and modernization, and served as treasurer of her condo association. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and endless patience made her an asset to every committee lucky enough to have her.
Susan enjoyed the company of close friends, who were a source of great comfort and happiness in her later years. Friends are invited to a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at the First Congregational Church, 100 Broad St., Guilford. Burial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Foodshare, www.ctfoodshare.org, an organization Susan and Bob supported directly and indirectly for more than 40 years.
Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
LEGAL NOTICE
A certified list of Democratic and Republican party-endorsed candidates for the Town of Guilford for election as Registrar of Voters will be on file in the Office of the Secretary of the State, 30 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut, and copies thereof will be available for public distribution.
A Primary will be held August 11, 2026 if the required primary petition(s) for opposition candidate(s) is filed, pursuant to Sections 9-382 to 9-450 of the Connecticut General Statutes, not later than 4:00 p.m. on June 9, 2026. Petition forms, instructions and information concerning the procedure for filing of opposing candidacies, including schedules, may be obtained from: Lisa Kops, Democratic Registrar of Voters, and Gloria Nemczuk, Republican Registrar of Voters, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut.
Anna J. Dwyer, CCTC Guilford Town Clerk
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Every year, Shore Publishing/Zip06.com recognizes 15 volunteers in the communities we serve who help fulfill the Shoreline’s promise as a place of opportunity, wellbeing, and safety for all. The honorees will be celebrated at a special event at Woodwinds on June 24th surrounded by their peers and fellow community leaders.
Sponsorship packages provide excellent advertising opportunities - but most importantly, align your brand or business with the mission of The Beacon Awards.
For additional information about opportunities, contact your Sales Representative or Elle Rahilly (e.rahilly@theday.com) to learn more.
Warm Your Hands With Mittens
Story by Carol Andrecs
Beautiful, 2-year-old Mittens is a supersweet and loving tortoiseshell appropriately named for her polydactyl paws, which make her even more special. She is super friendly and affectionate, rolling on her back for belly rubs whenever she gets attention. She would be so happy to find a home that reciprocated with lots of love, cuddling, and playtime. Could that be your home? For an appointment to meet Mittens, apply online at forgottenfelinesct.org.
Find Your Match at Forgotten Felines
: Forgotten Felines holds an Open House every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.
Photo by Tracye Mueller
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Fun By The Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
Last Week’s Answers
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Grizzlies Capture Third Straight SCC Championship
By Serenity J. Bishop
Editor
The Guilford girls tennis team is putting together a season to remember. First, the Grizzlies stormed through the regular season with an 18-1 record, and now they have another Southern Connecticut Conference championship trophy to show for it.
On May 27, Guilford continued its dom-
inance of the SCC, defeating No. 3 Lauralton Hall 4-3 to capture its third consecutive conference championship. The title follows 4-3 championshipmatch victories over Cheshire in 2024 and Amity Regional in 2025. It also marks Guilford’s fifth consecutive appearance in the conference championship match after runner-up finishes to Amity Regional in 2022 and 2023.
Guilford coach Chris Marra said the team entered the season hoping to contend for another conference title, although he did not necessarily expect the season to unfold the way it has.
“It’s always something you hope for, and I think when we start the season you’re never really sure what the other teams offer in terms of competition,” Marra said. “So you hope that it’s going to be some-
thing that’s going to happen, but until you get there and start to play, you don’t really know.”
Marra said the Grizzlies began to believe another championship was possible after regular-season victories over top programs such as Daniel Hand, Amity and Lauralton Hall.
See Grizzlies Capture page 21
Photo courtesy of Chris Marra
The Guilford girls tennis team celebrates an 18-1 regular season before capturing its third consecutive Southern Connecticut Conference championship.
Sports
Guilford Courier
Shaw Earns SCC Golfer of the Year Honors
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
It’s not often that a young player emerges as the best golfer in a conference. Most athletes need years to develop their skills, gain experience and build the mental approach needed to compete at the highest level. That has not been the case for Guilford’s Bobby Shaw. As a sophomore, Shaw has already established himself as one of the top golfers in the state, earning Southern Connecticut Conference Player of the Year honors after a standout season for the Grizzlies.
Shaw said he knew he had a strong case for the award after spending much of the season atop the leaderboard in several statistical categories.
After earning co-medalist honors at the SCC tournament, comments from league members suggested an even bigger award might be coming.
“It made me feel like I had a lot in the future to look forward to and made me feel like I was going to succeed,” Shaw said. “I had a feeling it would happen because for the rankings in the CIAC and the SCC I had the best differential in the state. So I had a feeling that it might happen, but I wasn’t too sure because it was the coach’s votes. It felt pretty good hearing my name after being named player of the year.”
Shaw’s development has come quickly, in part because golf was not always his primary focus. Before high school, baseball occupied most of his attention, and he viewed golf more as a recreational activity.
That changed during his freshman year.
Shaw said once he committed himself to the sport and increased his practice time, the improvement in his game became noticeable.
“I didn’t take it seriously until my freshman year.
That’s when I was practicing a lot, but I’ve been playing pretty much my whole life,” Shaw said. “I was always baseball. I only played golf for fun, and when I had to make the choice between golf and baseball for high school spring season, I chose golf, so I really dialed in and practiced all the time.”
The decision has paid dividends.
Shaw said the hours he has invested in practice have been the biggest factor in his rise from a solid golfer to the SCC’s top player.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement. Last year, I was not nearly as good as I am right now,” he said. “I feel that it’s only going to get better for me, and the amount of practice I’ve put into it has come around and shown in the past year.”
Two areas of growth stand out most to Shaw: his mental approach and his confidence.
He said one of his goals is to limit the damage from a bad hole by quickly resetting and focusing on the next shot rather than dwelling on mistakes.
“If I have a blow-up hole, then making sure to try and minimize that as much as I can so then it’s not a terrible hole,” Shaw said. “Then have a short-term memory to come back the next hole with a different mindset going into it and just trying to have a nice bounce back from it.”
Confidence has also played a major role in his success. Shaw said believing in his abilities has helped him elevate his game and trust himself in difficult situations.
“I personally just have a lot of confidence and just saying in my head like if I know that there’s water somewhere I’m not saying don’t hit it in the water,” he said. “Instead I’m saying this fairway is huge and I’m never going to miss this in my life and this shot is not going to be that one.”
Grizzlies Capture Third Straight SCC Championship
Continued from page 20
“The team played great. We had a really great tournament, and solid wins over Foran and Amity,” he said. “The team played really well. Our singles players really did a fantastic job.”
In the championship match, Guilford’s Zoe Tsoukanelis defeated Val Ramirez 6-1, 6-1 at first singles, Brielle Lucas defeated Leela Farzam 6-2, 6-1 at second singles, and Claire Cummin defeated Ara Costeines 6-2, 6-1 at fourth singles.
Lauralton Hall’s Chloe Costeines earned the lone singles victory for the Crusaders, defeat-
ing Guilford’s Illiana Buekoff 6-3, 6-0.
At doubles, Guilford’s Ryan Cohen and Vera Lim defeated Emilia Coppola and Clare Conlon 6-1, 6-4.
Lauralton Hall claimed the other two doubles matches. Maddie Tenaro and Anna Morris defeated Guilford’s Kate Gasparini and Breann Shelton 7-5, 64, while Kate Leavey and Tanner Lovegrave defeated Guilford’s Makenna Clark and Juliette Kellner 6-4, 0-6, 7-6.
Tsoukanelis was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
“Zoey was great. She earned
that,” Marra said. “Lucas at number two won all three of her matches. She was right behind, so we just had a really solid run.”
As Guilford shifts its focus to the Class L State Tournament, the Grizzlies will look to add another state championship to the program’s resume after winning back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. Guilford reached the championship match in 2024 before falling short and did not return to the final last season.
Marra said the program’s ability to consistently compete for championships reflects the commitment of its players.
“It just says a lot about the girls
and their commitment to the team. We have five outstanding seniors on the team, and we have a couple of great underclassmen who are coming up,” Marra said.
“We just have so many players who are anxious to play more and to prove themselves. It just shows the level of commitment the girls have and how every year we’re just trying to keep growing as a program.”
Photo courtesy of Bob Shaw
Guilford sophomore Bobby Shaw earned SCC Golfer of the Year honors after finishing among the conference's top performers throughout the season.
Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure
By Susan
Everyone who’s been to Southeast Alaska — and Alaska in general — raves about the wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. I thought our 49th state was overrated and overtouristed, but I was willing to give it a try last summer. Travelers were not exaggerating; I fell in love.
We booked a second trip for May. Before we left, we checked the weather forecast. Gawdawful. Rain every day for 10 days, with some days expected to exceed an inch, and cold temperatures that would never top 50 degrees. We considered canceling, but then figured a rainy cruise was better than no cruise. Plus, I had promised.
On the second day of our trip last summer, my husband’s knee went “pop” halfway into an eightmile hike, and only one of us truly experienced what Southeast Alaska had to offer. I said, “We’ll be back someday,” trying to make him feel better. So when the opportunity arose for a doover, the luggage flew down from the attic.
The commute is a bit long. We flew from JFK to Seattle to Juneau and were picked up by UnCruise Adventures for our expedition aboard Safari
Endeavour. We’ve been on many cruises, from a freighter in French Polynesia to a phinisi sailing vessel in Indonesia to the mega-lines, but we’d never tried UnCruise.
UnCruise Adventures is a small-ship, expedition-style cruise line focused on immersive, active exploration in off-thebeaten-path destinations in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Panama, and the Galápagos. What puts the “Un” in “UnCruise” is the emphasis on nature, wildlife, and adventure as opposed to the shows, casinos, and crowds found on traditional cruises.
There’s much less of a day-today sailing schedule. The itinerary is really just a starting point. Instead, the captain and expedition leader make decisions depending on weather, wildlife sightings, sea conditions, tides, and a whole laundry list of variables. So what you see on the website is not necessarily where you’ll go or what you’ll do.
You really only know that you’ll get off the boat to do “stuff” — exploring on land and in the water. Variable is the key word. So if you’re the type who plans out every detail, this may not be the cruise — or UnCruise — for you.
We landed at midnight and stayed at the Ramada Wyndham, a few yards from the UnCruise office and check-in. Since embarkation wasn’t until 5 p.m., we had the day to explore Juneau along with thousands of others, as the Queen Elizabeth and a Carnival ship were also in town.
The plan was to take the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts and hike at the top. The tram is Juneau’s No. 1 attraction, but just days before our arrival, an accident shut down operations for what was expected to be at least a month.
As often happens when plans go out the window, a better opportunity arose. A quick walk in the other direction led us to Juneau’s Maritime Festival. The annual event featured Indigenous dancers, the canoe society, music, artisans, harbor cruises, and food including reindeer and all the free fish one could imagine.
After checking out Juneau, we boarded the ship and settled in over champagne, safety drills, and the lowdown on how the week of adventure might play out. Remember: flexible and variable.
See Postcards page 23
Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell
Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell
Sea lions gather along a rocky shoreline in Southeast Alaska.
Travelers cross a footbridge during a guided wilderness hike in Southeast Alaska.
Special to Living
Cornell
Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell
Guests hike through rainforest terrain on George Island during an UnCruise Adventures expedition in Southeast Alaska.
Calendar for the Week of June 4, 2026
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Immigrants: Connecticut’s Diverse Ethnic Heritage
: 10 a.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Presented by Bruce Clouette, a specialist in the field of Connecticut history and historic preservation. 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.
Access Health CT:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features appointments with trained enrollment specialists for health insurance assistance. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Shoreline Opera Club Discussion of the Met in HD Live Broadcast:
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Opening Reception for
Light and Vibration :
Continued from page 22
We sailed overnight to the Inian Islands, where we started the day with skiff rides in the rain followed by kayak and land-orientation training. The Inian Islands sit right on the Pacific shelf, which wells up an abundance of food and makes the area a wildlife hotspot. Our skiff trip yielded sea lions, sea otters, eagles, guillemots, and pelagic cormorants. Wildlife success right off the bat.
Our afternoon activity choices took place on George Island, a World War II Army outpost. This was one of only two locations where the trails were actual trails as opposed to animal paths or bushwhacking terrain.
We had the option of the “George Stroll,” an easy interpretive eco-walk; a medium hike called the George Meander; or a tougher trek, “Run to the Gun.” We didn’t know at the time that the “gun” was a surprise coastal defense cannon at the end of the trail. Those not wanting to hike could opt for a skiff ride, which likely meant better wildlife viewing. We chose the harder hike, though it turned out not to be as tough as expected.
Activities on UnCruise are called OPS, short for operations. Most days on this particular cruise, guests could choose two.
5:30 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Open to all. For info, email ShorelineOperaClub@gmail.com.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 AND
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
: 5 to 8 p.m.
Susan Powell Fine Art, 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features an opportunity to meet artist David Dunlop and preview the exhibition. For info, contact 203-318-0616 or susanpowellfineart@gmail.com, or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
Occasional Coffee House: Laura Clapp Live Album Release Event El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, “The Church at the Circle,” 1271 Durham Rd., Madison. Features live music by Guilford native Laura Clapp celebrating the release of a new album. Includes coffee, tea, and homemade cookies. Sponsored by
Plein Air by the Sea Competition and Sale:
Shoreline Pastoral Counseling. Hosted by Milton BrasherCunningham and Heather Arcovitch. Tickets: $20. For info or tickets, call 203-421-3241 or visit northmadisoncc.org/occasional-coffeehouse. Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Clinton, Clinton Town Beach, and Clinton Town Dock. Features artists painting outdoors at locations throughout Clinton as part of a plein air painting competition hosted by the Clinton Art Society. For info, email casclinton@gmail.com or visit clintonartsociety.org.
See page 25
Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure
OPS might include light or intense bushwhacking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiff tours, and “yak and whack” — kayaking combined with a picnic lunch and bushwhacking.
After dinner and the rundown of the next day’s activities, we saw a spout, then another, and another.
Whales.
Just 28 hours into our adventure, humpbacks appeared in clear view from both our cabin and the deck — a dreamlike ending to a fun and fulfilling day.
Next week: Glacier Bay, kayaking along-
Susan Cornell, owner of Moppet Magic side humpback whales, and bushwhacking through bear country.
Publishing and Public Relations, is an independently contracted photographer, marketing and public relations consultant, and writer specializing in business, boating, home and garden, and travel. She handles public relations for several art galleries and is the author of the children’s book “Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade.” In her free time, she hikes, kayaks, serves on the advisory board for the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, and is a steward for the Essex Land Trust. Susan has two grown children and lives in Essex with her husband and rescue puggle.
PhotosbySusanandBobCornell
A World War II-era coastal defense cannon remains on George Island in Southeast Alaska, one of the stops during an UnCruise Adventures expedition.
Page Turners
SharknadoWarning(MaxBeast#1)
ByMaddyMara
There’s almost no time to process “I’m a shark?!” before dangers surround Max. I still have so many questions about the amulet, but there are more books on the way, promising answers. Meanwhile, this is a great undersea adventure for outdoor kids — the next one is on a hike.
Sophisticated and engaging.
— Jamie, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Every 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.
TheShippers
ByKatherineCenter
Wardrobe malfunctions, sun poisoning and confusing hickeys won’t stop JoJo on her mission to fix her cursed love life by seducing her unrequited teenage crush on her sister’s destination wedding cruise. This book is hilarious, chaotic and has banter that will make you shout, “Shut up and kiss already!” Katherine Center doesn’t disappoint with yet another mustread rom-com.
— Becky, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
OnWitnessandRespair
ByJesmynWard
With this collection, Jesmyn Ward firmly cements herself as one of the most intelligent and powerful writers of her time. Her talent knows no bounds. I knew she was a master of magical realism, but I hadn’t spent much time with her nonfiction work, and I’m so glad I finally did!
— Mel, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
ByPaigeLewis
This book has it all: adventure, introspection, romance and a talking whale! It’s a modern take on the Homeric epic with a queer spin that follows two heroes vying for God’s favor. I loved how whimsical the book was without sacrificing meaningful conversations about war, mental health and relationships. Incredibly weird and deeply moving.
— Marisa, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Canon
Continued from page 23
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Shred-a-thon
: 9 a.m. to noon. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features secure on-site document shredding from participants’ vehicles. Prepaid cards available through Friday, June 5, at the library for $10 and valid for two copy-size boxes. Day-of-event cost: $7 for the first box and $5 for each additional box. Cash, card, and checks accepted. Proceeds benefit the James Blackstone Memorial Library. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Madison Green, 8 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Annual flea market with vendors, food, and the ABC Bike Sale. Free admission. For info, call or text 860-227-8045.
: 10 a.m. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln., Guilford. Kids Fun Run begins 9:45 a.m. Features a 5K run and walk benefiting child safety initiatives, followed by food, drinks, live music, and awards. Virtual participation option available. Cost: $35 for adults after May 31; $10 Kids Fun Run; $30 virtual participation. For info or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/CT/Guilford/SongStrong5K.
: 11 a.m. Twin Lakes Golf Club, 241 Twin Lakes Rd., North Branford. Hosted by the Northford-North Branford Women’s Club. Lunch follows at 1 p.m. at Arturo’s Restaurant, 53 School Ground Rd., Branford. Benefits Hope After Loss and other local charities. Cost: $50 per person. Limited to 36 golfers. For info or to register, text 203-214-0147.
Stony Creek Strawberry Festival
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Island Rd., Branford. Food includes hamburgers, hot dogs, and strawberry shortcake. Rain or shine. For info, contact 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.
Outdoor Storytime with A Place Called Hope
: 2 to 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a bird-themed story and live birds from A Place Called Hope rehabilitation and education center. Sponsored by the Clinton Land Conservation Trust. For grades K to 4. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Essex Shad Bake
: 3 to 6 p.m. Essex Island Marina, 11 Ferry St. Features a traditional plank-roasted shad dinner, clam chowder, oyster and clam appetizers, and live music by the As Time Goes By Swing Band. Cash bar available. Dinner served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Essex. Tickets: $50 in advance through June 5; $60 at the event. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club of Essex charitable and community initiatives. Guests should park in Essex and take the ferry from the corner of Pratt and Ferry streets. For info or tickets, visit rotaryclubofessex.com.
Reception and Awards for Plein Air by the Sea Competition and Sale
: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall, Clinton Art Society Gallery, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. Features an exhibition and sale of plein air paintings, awards presentation, and light refreshments. Free and open to the public. For info, email casclinton@gmail.com or visit clintonartsocietyct.org.
Connecticut Water to Host Trails Day Hike in Killingworth
Connecticut Water employee volunteers will lead a guided hike in Killingworth during Connecticut Trails Day Weekend on Sunday, June 7.
The family-friendly hike will explore the Killingworth and Kelseytown Reservoir watershed area and include the Menunketesuck River footbridge, Pete’s Pond, and trails bordering Cockaponset State Forest.
The 1.5-mile loop begins at 10 a.m. Participants
should meet at the Platt Nature Center, 344 Roast Meat Hill Road, Killingworth. Connecticut Water owns and maintains more than 6,500 acres of watershed land as protected open space to help safeguard drinking water sources while supporting wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.
Dogs are permitted if leashed. The trail is not handicapped accessible, and there is no rain date. For more information about Connecticut Trails Day, visit ctwoodlands.org.
See page 27
Photo courtesy of Connecticut Water
A frog rests among lily pads in a freshwater wetland habitat managed by Connecticut Water.
Press Release from Connecticut Water
Photo courtesy of Connecticut Water
Hikers and their dogs cross a footbridge during a guided outdoor hike organized by Connecticut Water.
Madison Lions Club Flea Market
SongStrong 5K
Charity Golf Tournament
Dunlop Exhibit Explores Light and Vibration
invited to meet the artist and preview the collection.
Susan Powell Fine Art will present , a solo exhibition by artist David Dunlop, from June 5 through July 5 at the gallery in Madison.
The exhibition features 40 new paintings exploring the effects of light moving through water and atmosphere. According to the gallery, Dunlop’s work examines translucence and shifting light across landscapes, coastlines, city scenes, meadows, and waterways through layered color and reflective surfaces.
An opening reception will be held Friday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests are Light and Vibration
The gallery also will host a live oil painting demonstration by Dunlop on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the gallery garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Reservations are requested by calling 203-318-0616.
Susan Powell Fine Art is located at 679 Boston Post Road in Madison. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment.
For more information, call 203-3180616, email susanpowellfineart@ gmail.com, or visit www.susanpowellfine art.com.
Photo courtesy of Susan Powell Fine Art
Photo courtesy of Susan Powell Fine Art , by David Dunlop, oil on laminated aluminum, 48 by 48 inches
Waters of March by David Dunlop, oil on brushed gold aluminum, 32 by 32 inches.
Shimmer Across the Water,
Press Release from Susan Powell Fine Art
Photo courtesy of Susan Powell Fine Art
, by David Dunlop, oil on laminated aluminum, 36 by 36 inches.
Forest Flower
Whitfield Museum Celebrates Make Music Day
longest day of the year. The event at the museum will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.
tales, historical fiction, and narrative medicine into vivid portraits of the human experience.
The Henry Whitfield State Museum will join the free global celebration of music on the summer solstice with an outdoor performance by Kala Farnham on the front lawn of Connecticut’s oldest house.
Make Music Day originated in France in 1982 and has grown into a global annual event held each June 21, the
Continued from page 25
SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AND
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Sleeping Beauty
: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Morgan School Auditorium, 71 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Full-length ballet featuring more than 150 local students presented by Shoreline Ballet. For info or tickets, visit shorelineballet.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Community Worship Service
: 10 a.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Hosted by Emmanuel Church, Killingworth; St. James, Higganum; and St. Andrews of Northford as part of the Middlesex Area Cluster Ministry Network. Open to all spiritual backgrounds. For info, email roseprel@gmail.com.
Connecticut Trails Day Hike
: 10 a.m. Platt Nature Center, 344 Roast Meat Hill Rd., Killingworth. Guided 1.5-mile loop hike through the Killingworth and Kelseytown Reservoir watershed area led by Connecticut Water employee volunteers. Features views of the Menunkete-
Kala Farnham crafts contemporary folk songs with roots and wings, weaving age-old truths into modern grooves. The 18th Connecticut State Troubadour and award-winning artist draws on a background in classical piano, musical theater, and therapeutic sound to offer a signature reinvention of the folk tradition, infusing fairy
suck River and Cockaponset State Forest. Part of Connecticut Trails Day Weekend. Appropriate for families and children. Leashed dogs permitted. No rain date. For info, visit ctwoodlands.org.
:
2 p.m. Red Hill Woods Preserve, Branford. Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Features guided 1.2-mile and 1.6mile walks through displays of blooming mountain laurel and along a section of the Branford Trail honoring trail founder Chet Blomquist. The longer walk includes the preserve’s elevated bogwalk. Free. For info, call 203-4835263 or visit branfordlandtrust.org.
STEAM Program: The Great Adaptation Design Challenge
: 2 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Presented by STEAM Dreamers LLC. Features a workshop on animals adapted to extreme environments, followed by a clay animal and habitat design activity. Includes a “Survival Showcase.” For ages 5 to 12. Free. Limited space. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-8702.
Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. The concert will be held indoors in the event of rain.
For more information, call 203-453-2457, email whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov/ECDHenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.
Concert by The Bargain
: 2 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features Frank Critelli on vocals, Muddy Rivers on guitar, and Shandy Lawson on mandolin. Free and open to all. For info, call 203-488-8702.
Sunday Broadway Concert Series: Matt Doyle
: 2 to 3:30 p.m. The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Rd., Branford. Features a performance by actor and singer Matt Doyle as part of the Sunday Broadway Concert Series. For info or tickets, visit eventvesta.com/ events/139854/t/tickets.
Buddhism, Unitarian Universalism, and Hinduism
: 2 to 4 p.m. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Rd., Madison. Third in a three-part series called "To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor,” featuring panel discussions surrounding nine faith traditions. Co-hosted by Mercy by the Sea and the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). Free admission. For info or to register (required), call 203245-0401, ext. 114, or visit mercybythesea.com.
Photo courtesy of the Henry Whitfield State Museum
Connecticut State Troubadour Kala Farnham will perform June 21 at the Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford as part of the global Make Music Day celebration.
The Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford will host a Make Music Day performance by Connecticut State Troubadour Kala Farnham on June 21.
Press Release from the Henry Whitfield State Museum
Mountain Laurel Walk at Red Hill Woods Preserve
Members of Shoreline Soul gather during a recent community gospel workshop. The 90-voice choir will perform June 14 at First Congregational
Shoreline Soul Returns for Spring Gospel Concert
Press Release from Shoreline Soul
“Joyful Noise!” will welcome back Shoreline Soul for a spring gospel concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Led by professional singer and choir director Angela Clemmons, Shoreline Soul’s 90-voice community choir
Continued from page 27
MONDAY, JUNE 8
Trip: Harkness Memorial State Park and Eolia Mansion in Waterford, Connecticut
: 9:30 a.m. Meet at St. George Church parking lot, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a docent-led tour of the 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion overlooking Long Island Sound and its elaborate gardens. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $10. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
13th Annual Golf Tournament
: 11 a.m. Fox Hopyard Golf Club, 1 Hopyard Rd., East Haddam. Hosted by the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. Features a scramble-format tournament with driving range access, prizes, raffles, box lunch, and barbecue dinner. Cost: $250 includes golf cart, lunch, and dinner. For info or to register, call 860388-3266 or visit goschamber.com.
beyond following a five-session gospel workshop.
The concert will also feature guest soloists Adam Spiegel, Anthony Smith, and T’zelle Wilson.
Organizers describe the event as “an afternoon overflowing with energy, uplift, and music that sparks the soul,” featuring gospel music intended to bring the community together through song.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
From Forks to Pharmacies: America’s Obesity Crisis and the GLP-1 Fix:
10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Dr. Michael Saxe, former chairman of the Middlesex Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Virtual Author Talk with Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel
: 2 p.m.
Online. Features a discussion on aging and wellness with Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Open Mic Night
: 5:30 p.m. Henry on Main, 10 W. Main St., Clinton. Features poetry readings hosted by Clinton Poet Laureate Bethany Howard. For info, call 860-6692342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
son ABC House (A Better Chance), an organization that provides educational opportunities for young people of color.
For more information, contact Angela Clemmons at shorelinesoul@gmail.com.
Tassy Walden Awards for New Voices in Children’s Literature Reception
: 6 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Shoreline Arts Alliance will honor the winners and finalists of the 26th Annual Tassy Walden Awards for New Voices in Children’s Literature. Sponsored by Branford Community Foundation and Ascend Bank. Free and open to the public. For info, email office@shorelinearts.org or visit shorelinearts.org.
Smart Start for Safe Paddling
: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford Community House, 46 Church St. Presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in partnership with the American Canoe Association. Features instruction on paddling safety, equipment, skills, planning, and local waterways including the Thimble Islands and area lakes and rivers. Cost: $30, includes class and book. For info or to register, visit branfordct.myrec.com.
Photo by Robin Buckley of Riverstone Images
Church in Guilford.
Hyland House to Celebrate America’s 250th With Music and Tours
and celebrate its grand opening as a museum in 1918.
Continued from page 28
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
A Sanctuary Kitchen Feast
: 11 a.m.
Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a catered lunch by Sanctuary Kitchen, which provides culinary training programs, professional development, and employment for new residents of New Haven. 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.
Colonial Cooking with Matt Yanarella
6 to 8 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features demonstrations of Revolutionary-era New England cooking, including Johnny cakes, apple fritters, and succotash. Part of events marking America’s 250th anniversary. Presented by Matt Yanarella. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Honor Them With a Flag Ceremony
:
: 6 to 8 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants will create pencil portraits of figures from the American Revolution, including George Washington, Abigail Adams, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Presented by Patty Meglio. Materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Lauren Bernofsky, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and other violinist-composers. Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
ONGOING EVENTS
On Saturday, June 20, the Hyland House Museum will host a special musical event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event will be open to both members and nonmembers and will include food, drinks, and music in the house’s colonial garden. In addition to music, the celebration will feature a raffle and tours of the Hyland House.
The Hyland House is an independent historic museum in Guilford, named for George Hyland, the English settler who in 1657 purchased the land on which it stands. The two-story structure was built in 1713 by Hyland’s son-in-law, Isaac Parmelee. The National Register of Historic Places describes it as a “landmark building in the history of domestic architecture.”
In 1917, The Dorothy Whitfield Society purchased the house from Gov. Woodruff, and after a summer of fundraisers, “The Dorothys” were able to restore the house
Inhabitants of the house included master clockmaker Ebenezer Parmelee and Candace, an enslaved woman in honor of whom Guilford’s first Witness Stone was placed in the museum’s front path.
For more than a century, the Hyland House has operated as an independent museum sharing Guilford’s colonial history through tours highlighting its extensive colonial furniture and textile collection, events for members and nonmembers, and, in recent decades, the annual Early Guilford Days workshops for local fourth-grade students.
The Hyland House is open for guided tours every weekend from late spring to early fall. The museum’s team of docents has extensive knowledge of the house’s history and its significance in the daily life of Guilford through the centuries.
For tickets and more information, visit www.hylandhouse.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Support Group for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers
7 p.m. North Branford Town Hall lawn, 909 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a ceremony honoring military personnel, veterans, first responders, and loved ones as part of the “Honor Them With a Flag” display sponsored by the Northford-North Branford Women’s Club, GFWC. Open to the public. For info, call Mary Ellen Collett at 203-484-9079 or visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org. : 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Facilitated by Karen LaBanca. Features a monthly dropin support group for caregivers to share information, advice, and encouragement. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Pat’s Picks Movie Club
: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Screening of a 2016 musical film starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and Rosemarie DeWitt. For info, including the movie title, call 203-3156020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 6 through Oct. 31. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, live music, children’s activities, and seasonal events. For info, email marketmanager@dudleyfarmfoundation.com or visit dudleyfarm.com.
: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through October, weather permitting. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. Features locally grown produce, baked goods, artisan breads, meats, seafood, fresh pasta, eggs, specialty foods, and Connecticutmade crafts. Rain or shine. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, June 7 through Nov. 1. Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek. Features a weekly market with local produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, crafts, live music, and family activities. For info, call 203-988-9335 or email shreichert@gmail.com, or visit scfarmersmarket.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 Hyland House Museum
The Hyland House Museum in Guilford will host its “Fife and Drums to Jazz” celebration June 20 as part of events marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Press Release from the Hyland House Museum
Portrait Drawing of U.S. Revolutionary Heroes
Violin Recital with Ilana Zaks
Farmers Markets
Dudley Farm Farmers' Market
Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds
Stony Creek Farmers’ Market
CT Sea Music Festival to Return to Essex in June 2026
The 5th Annual CT Sea Music Festival will drop anchor in historic downtown Essex Friday, June 12, through Monday, June 15, 2026.
The family-friendly weekend celebration will feature a Sympo-
sium on the Music of the Sea, free daytime workshops and concerts with local and regional maritime performers, a family stage, Connecticut River sails, a hymn sing, and late-night pub sings.
Festival activities also include demonstrations of sailor skills and Irish currach rowing, a fife
and drum parade down Main Street on Saturday morning, and a Revolutionary War reenactment on the Pratt House grounds honoring America’s Semi-Quincentennial celebration.
Evening concerts at the Connecticut River Museum are ticketed events.
For schedules, tickets, and more information, visit ctseamusicfest.org, Facebook at CTSeaMusicFest, Instagram @ct_sea_music_festival, or email contact@ctseamusicfest.org.
The CT Sea Music Festival is a project of the Maritime Music & Tradition Society Corp., a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The festival receives sponsorship support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, The Folk Music Society of New York Inc., The Paul Foundation, The Griswold Inn, and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.
Photo courtesy of the CT Sea Music Festival
Photo courtesy of the CT Sea Music Festival
Sally Rogers and Howie Bursen will bring decades of folk music experience to the CT Sea Music Festival lineup Saturday in Essex.
David Coller and Diane Chodkowski, both longtime performers of folk and sea music, are scheduled to appear Saturday at the 2026 CT Sea Music Festival in Essex.
Press Release from the CT Sea Music Festival
Photo courtesy of the CT Sea Music Festival
Photo courtesy of the CT Sea Music Festival Vancouver-based group The Dreadnoughts will bring their acoustic nautical music set to the CT Sea Music Festival on Saturday in Essex.
The Ship’s Company Chanteymen, known for maritime music inspired by the Chesapeake Bay and historic reenactment traditions, will perform Friday at the CT Sea Music Festival in Essex.
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
: Estate of Deborah Parlatore and Jennifer Casanova to Jennifer M. Vorel, $300,000 on May 12
: Laurie M. Shalagan to Matthew Wiener, $320,000 on May 13
: Lisa M. Schneider to Jacqueline Pawlowski, $290,000 on May 12
: Benjamin Backes and Jessica Giunta to David Pandolfi, $310,000 on May 12
:
Michael A. Caruso to Thomas and Janet Andrew, $390,000 on May 15
2 Riverwalk
: Deluca 3rd Joseph Est and Anthony J. Deluca to Roy G. Roper and Barbara A. Kemp, $740,000 on May 12
49 Stannard Avenue
: Donna L. Bozzuto and Laura L. Josephson to Joseph A. Saracco, $533,500 on May 13
176 Shore Road
: Ricky Au to
Alessandro Boscarino and Kimberly Zengerle, $1,000,000 on May 15
10 Stonewall Lane
: Andrew D. and Shannon M. Robinson to Nicholas and Colleen Giori, $705,000 on May 14
EAST HAVEN
: Jose L. and Maria G. Euyoque to Srikar R. Tallavajhala and Henna Ragoowansi, $470,000 on May 15
: Estate of Sr
Edward Dilieto and Edward Dilieto to Keith E. and Gina M. Mccants, $410,000 on May 11
: Court Yankee Council Inc to Luz E. and Claudia M. Orrego, $45,000 on May 11
: Bilal W. Ansari and Colleen M. Keyes to Wig Realty LLC, $675,000 on May 12
: Soft Placeace To Land LLC to Tom Tang, $1,280,000 on May 11
Street Unit G
: Anthony Simmons to Carol Concelman and Nancy Martin, $224,900 on May 13
GUILFORD
: John Galayda and April E. Ita to Noelle C. Dollar, $540,000 on May 13
: T & Bonnie
Coley Real Estate Trust and Thomas P. Coley to Eric and Heidi Hobert, $625,000 on May 13
: Crafting 1092 Durham Road Masters LLC to Zachary R. Burke, $616,000 on May 14
42 Granite Road Unit 42
: Mazen G. Bahri to Jonathan Patterson and Caitlyn Lacovara, $360,000 on May 14
2923 Long Hill Road
: Ann Grossman to Scc Enterprises LLC, $200,000 on May 15
: 16 Yankee Peddler Path LLC to Veronica and Wilson Caguana, $645,000 on May 12
: Nicole and Andrew Ducharme to Adam and Allen B. Rubin, $209,900 on May 12
: Leslie A. Findlen to William J. Creighton, $280,000 on May 13
66 Mohawk Trail Unit 66 7 River Colony 91 Russo Drive
: Christopher Dosin to Bianca A. and Conner A. Fallon, $565,000 on May 15
25 Sullivan Drive
: Rivers & Ng Lt and Nelson P. Rivers to Rebecca Velez Frey Real Estate Trust and Rebecca V. Frey, $1,495,000 on May 12
MADISON
24 Cherry Lane
: Alan L. Blake to Jeanne M. Cervini, $1,186,900 on May 13
35 Governors Way
: Beth E. Otworth and Bk Of Ny Mellon T Co Na to Mtg Assets Mgmt Series I T and Bk Of Ny Mellon T Co Na Tr, $604,000 on May 11
40 Hull Road
: Bradley and Lisa A. Rathe to Michael J. and Amanda Dibella, $825,000 on May 15
144 Middle Beach Road
: Bolanda
Holdings Iii LLC to James Henry LLC, $3,100,000 on May 12
: Estate of
49 Middle Beach Road William P. Burks and Katharine B. Hackett to Susan and Sean Brennan, $750,000 on May 12
50 Nortontown Road
: Suzanne Cannon to Elizabeth J. and Elijah C. Ouellette, $500,000 on May 15
: Niziolek
NORTH BRANFORD
: 286 Branford Road Assoc LLC to Chail Properties LLC, $2,519,000 on May 13
: Marjorie J Healy T and Marjorie M. Healy to Mitchell L. Healy and Claudia H. Simone, $450,000 on May 13
: Lisa and Francesca Dalessandris to Vincent R. and Madison S. Graziano, $665,000 on May 12
: Donald C. and Margaret R. Frawley to Madeline Meyer and Shane Burns, $436,000 on May 11
: Rachel Psaradellis to Brianna Cuchara and Darius Blagmon, $480,000 on May 13
WESTBROOK
: Bradford J. and Melissa X. Porter to Court Coastal Homes LLC, $450,000 on May 15
Estate of Peter J. Sr and Peter Niziolek
370 Opening Hill Road to Jackie and Stephanie F. Yu, $660,000 on May 12
12 Rustic Lane
: Nutmeg Flips LLC to Christopher D. Donofrio and Sandra L G. Castro, $620,000 on May 13
: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com
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