The concession stand at Guilford High School’s football field recently received structural and operational upgrades to better serve patrons during home games. What may appear to be a simple project turned out to be a collaborative effort that encapsulates the Guilford community.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Freeman
said the project is a “really good example [of] how Guilford works collaboratively.” That collaboration included the Board of Education (BOE), Town Hall, the Guilford Foundation, and several vendors.
While the athletic fields are maintained by town employees, “the snack shack is an extension of that shared responsibility,” Freeman said, making the upgrades essential.
First Selectman Matt Hoey said he was alerted to the stand’s former condition after hearing from the Guilford Health Department about concerns over its noncompliance with certain regulations.
Ultimately, 10 vendors contributed to the renovation, which was completed in 30 days, according to the First Selectman’s office. The
See Guilford Unites page 8
Pozole with a Purpose
Carlos Dominguez of Mexitale Kitchen ladles out samples of his pozole for guests outside Ella, Where She Shops, near the Guilford Green on Sept. 28 during the Chowder Challenge and Artisan Marketplace, hosted by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured local artists, live music and businesses including Page Hardware, Jaipore Xpress, Star Gourmet and Chapter One competing for best chowder while raising funds for local charities.
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheCourier
Gagne Helps BCC Bring Animal Awareness Day to the Shoreline
By Pam Johnson
Senior Staff Writer
As a veteran volunteer event planner for nonprofit Branford Compassion Club’s (BCC) Animal Awareness Day, perhaps no one is better equipped to manage this year’s change of venue—from the Branford Green to the Guilford Fairgrounds—than Chris Gagne. The BCC board member has organized Animal Awareness Day since 2018.
The location change was required due to proposed construction on the Branford Green. Now, with the big day nearly here, Chris is thrilled to invite all to enjoy BCC’s 2025 Animal Awareness Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Lane in Guilford. Admission is free to this pet-friendly event.
“Traditionally our largest fundraiser of the year, it’s a fun day for everyone, including live music, children’s activities, food trucks, live animals, live animal
Person of the Week
educational demonstrations, a huge bake sale, booths featuring a variety of area animal care and rescue groups, as well as craft and business vendors,” says Chris. “It’s an event not to be missed by animal lovers in the community.”
One silver lining to this year’s move to Guilford is that Animal Awareness Day will take place rain or shine, as the fairgrounds include barns and pavilions to help house the event.
“It’s not quite as visible as being on the Branford Green, but there are a lot of benefits to it.
The biggest perk for us is that most of it will be indoors. It’s also a bigger venue, and there’s plenty of parking,” says Chris. “Our committee has done a lot of
publicity about moving to Guilford this year, and we hope it will help attract a lot of people.”
A big draw for Animal Awareness Day is always the Blessing of the Animals, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. The blessing is a nod to the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals large and small.
“An interesting array of pets always makes their way to the event to be blessed by local clergy from several denominations,” Chris says.
In past years, that parade has ranged from dogs and cats to gerbils, horses, rabbits, and birds, she notes. Other highlights at the event include live music, a DJ, WPLR tent, children’s activities, a photo booth, dog kissing booth, visits with mini therapy horses and therapy dogs, Turtle Haven rescue turtles, a dog training demonstration, ECAD—Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities—and
See Gagne Helps page 8
to 3 p.m. Admission is free to this pet-friendly event.
Photo courtesy Chris Gagne
Branford Compassion Club (BCC) board member and event coordinater Chris Gagne invites all to BCC's 2025 Animal Awareness Day at a new location this year, the Guilford Fairgrounds, on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.
Stars of the Region
After
Midway Vibes
Many fall teams have reached the halfway point of their seasons. Check out this week’s upcoming schedules 17
“During the parade, I just stared in awe, looking at our players, and then the crowd, standing and clapping, cheering, yelling how proud they were of them, there were definitely many moments that brought tears to my eyes.” - Andrea Klein 15
Letters Editor to the
Patience, Understanding, and Kindness
I am writing in strong support of Seth Klaskin for probate judge. I have had the privilege of working alongside Seth on the Madison Board of Education, where he has led with fairness, compassion and integrity. These are exactly the qualities that make him the right person to serve our community in this important role.
When I was younger and grieving the loss of my father, I remember meeting with the probate judge. It was an intimidating and emotional time, yet a necessary step. That experience showed me how important it is for a probate judge to be more than a legal authority.
Families walking into probate court are often facing some of the most difficult and stressful moments of their lives. What they need most is someone who has both the legal expertise and the
A Different Direction
After living in our lovely town for over 23 years, I have observed two trends that I believe have done harm to residents and must be reversed.
First and most importantly, our town’s annual budgets grew moderately until 2000 under two consecutive Republican first selectmen. But in the last two and a half decades, they’ve continued to expand under mostly Democratic leadership, with compounding year-over-year increases growing the budget by nearly 50% in the time I’ve lived here. The end result is a lack of affordability for a growing segment of our fellow citizens, including younger people like my daughters, who increasingly cannot establish themselves in the town they grew up in.
The second, less obvious trend is the marginalization of the minority Republican Party through the rise of the small
GUILFORD TOWN
MEETINGS
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-453-8001 or visit the Guilford town website at www.ci.guilford.ct.us to learn how to participate in the following meetings:
Oct.13
empathy to guide them with patience, understanding and kindness.
That is who Seth is. As chair of the Board of Education, Seth has consistently put politics aside and led with a steady hand, compassion for people, and a commitment to fairness. He has proven he can handle complex responsibilities with wisdom and care. Combined with his legal experience, Seth brings the perfect balance of professional ability and human decency to the probate court.
Our communities of Madison and Guilford would be fortunate to have Seth Klaskin serve as probate judge. I strongly urge voters in both towns to support him at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Maureen Lewis Madison
Independent Party and the resulting lack of diversity of opinion on Guilford’s volunteer boards and commissions. This has led to increasingly one-sided economic and planning decisions, without the restraining influence of balanced discourse.
Enter Jon Trotta, who has served on four commissions and boards over 16 years, including three terms on the Board of Finance. His tireless work to minimize the impact of tax increases, thoughtful suggestions to streamline services, and efforts to save taxpayers money all stem from a core Republican tenet: fiscal conservatism.
I urge your readers to vote for Jon Trotta for first selectman this Nov. 4 and give him the opportunity to lead us in a different direction.
Patrizia Di Lonardo Guilford
Oct.14
Oct.15
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Obituaries
Obituary Harold Phelan Jr. Guilford
On Sept. 15, 2025, Harold R. Phelan Jr., 96, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away at his home. He was the husband of the late Lois (Voets) Phelan.
Mr. Phelan was born in West Haven on Sept. 25, 1928, son of the late Harold R. Phelan Sr. and Mary Matilda (Halbing) Phelan. He was the loving father of Lisa Schwoerke and her husband, Karl, of Burlington, and Hal Phelan III of West Haven. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Keiran P. Schwoerke of San Diego, Calif., and Hunter P. Schwoerke (Rebecca) of Bristol; and his great-granddaughter, Sawyer.
Harry honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the end of World War II. He was a 1946 graduate of West Haven High School and was a member of the first four-year accredited program at Quinnipiac College, graduating in 1952 with a B.S. in business and administration. Before retirement, he worked as a supervisor for Armstrong Rubber Company for 41 years. He was a member of the Hamden Fish and Game Club and the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club. In later years, he was a proud member of the bocce group at the Guilford Senior Center.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, walking in the woods, canoeing, and camping—anything that took him outside into nature.
Family and friends were invited to calling hours on Sept. 23 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford, prior to a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Burial with military honors followed in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St., Guilford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, or at www.hospice.com.
To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Obituary Joan Rossiter Guilford
On Sept. 16, 2025, Joan Rossiter, 74, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joan was born in New Haven on April 16, 1951, daughter of the late Daniel Leland Rossiter and Eileen (Hansen) Rossiter.
She was the sister of Nancy Belekewicz (Richard) of Manchester, Daniel Rossiter Jr. (Sharon) of Mannsville, N.Y., and Susan Curtin (George) of Nantucket, Mass. She is also survived by a niece; five nephews; four great-nieces; and a great-greatniece and nephew. She was predeceased by a nephew, Stephen Grabowski, and a great-niece, Ashley Belekewicz.
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Joan grew up on a farm, where she developed a love for animals, especially cats. She played piano and was active at the Pilgrim Fellowship in church. After volunteering at the Day School for children with special needs, she graduated from CCSU with a teaching degree and taught elementary school for 30 years at Melissa Jones in Guilford.
She loved her plants, her yard, and her home, and spent lots of time at the beach. Following many local bands, she often danced the night away. She led a simple life and cherished her few lifelong friends.
A private graveside service will be held for the family at North Guilford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, Closer to Free Ride, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979, at www.rideclosertofree.org/home; or Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413, at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
See Obituaries page 11
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For more than 150 years, Guilford Savings Bank has been part of the shoreline’s story, helping individuals and businesses thrive Our community has always been at the center of everything we do
That’s why we acquired another community bank - Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank - to bring even more resources, financial expertise, and banking convenience to you together as Ascend Bank.
• In-House Dental Savings Plan
Letters Continued from page 4
Effective and Tireless Leadership
If one has lived in Guilford as long as I have, it’s easy to take our many local treasures for granted: our historic Town Green, breathtaking harbor and beach, and inviting lakes and trails are among them.
However, there is one treasure I have never ceased to value and fully appreciate. That treasure is our current first selectman, Matt Hoey. As I calculate it, Matt has devoted more than three decades—half his life—to helping Guilford be the coveted and livable community it is today. For 24 years, he chaired the Board of Finance, and for eight years has served as our first selectman. Thanks to Matt’s leadership over the years, our town has secured a triple-A bond rating; our town budget has consistently remained below the national inflation rate; our educational system is ranked among the highest in the state relative to the cost of maintaining it; our
Honor this Milestone
This year marks a momentous milestone—the 50th anniversary of The Guilford Foundation. On this special occasion, I extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of our Guilford Foundation family, both past and present.
As a board member for six years, including my roles as treasurer and vice chair, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact our work has on the community. We are fortunate to have a fantastic board and an exceptional staff, united by a shared commitment to make a difference in Guilford.
But none of this would be possible without our incredible community of donors, whose passion and generosity fuel our mission. The effect of your contributions may not always be visible, but please know that they create ripples of positive impact that touch nearly everyone in our remarkable town.
Thanks to your support and sound
town has thoughtfully balanced environmental sustainability and sensible economic development; and our principal governing bodies—the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Board of Education—are among the most bipartisan and collaborative in the state.
And thanks to Matt’s measured leadership, we were calmly guided through the worst days of the COVID pandemic. Who can forget the steady hand of his yearslong Friday afternoon communication dispatches?
a Wonderful Life
Time For a Change
This summer, my wife and I walked and biked around our beautiful and safe town, reminding us how lucky we are to live here.
But for some, housing costs are a burden, and each year is worse with increased spending and another tax hike.
Here is the dichotomy: To provide subsidized housing for some, we donate valuable land for development instead of selling it at market value and using the proceeds to reduce tax increases for existing taxpayers.
Similarly, the house next to the Community Center was acquired to provide parking but was later found to have architectural value and also cannot be cleared.
The Guilford Mooring was not acquired as planned and is now mired in a legal dispute. Again, we seem to have acted without proper research.
Finally, the school superintendent’s headquarters was vacated. It could have been sold and returned to the tax rolls. Instead, we’re spending a large sum to renovate it for further town use.
It’s
Like the fictional George Bailey of , Guilford would not be the treasured town it is today without Matt playing such an effective and tireless leadership role. As such, I fully endorse Matt’s candidacy for first selectman in the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Robert Leonard Berkowitz Guilford
We hope our town is well run, but is there motivation to focus on serious cost containment when voters keep accepting spending increases at referendum?
Let’s consider waste. Several properties have been acquired without prior research. The house by Lake Quonnipaug was to be razed for road improvements but was later found to have historical value and cannot be destroyed.
Five Decades of Community
management of our assets, our endowment has grown to an impressive $7.9 million, as neighbors and friends have established 80 named charitable funds that are the backbone of our community giving. Since 2010, we have granted a remarkable $2.9 million to local organizations, with $360,000 awarded to nonprofits this year alone.
These investments address a range of critical community needs—from enhancing mental health resources to supporting educational initiatives and many additional important causes—that empower individuals to thrive.
We invite you to honor this 50th anniversary milestone by contributing to The Guilford Foundation. Your generosity will help us continue making a meaningful impact on our community today and for generations to come.
John Hyman Guilford
Legal Notice
Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission
The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action:
APPROVED: Stephen Szufnarowski, located at 154 Deer Lane, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 8, Lot 105-20, Regulated Activity, Above ground pool within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 26th day of September, 2025. Jeff Parker, Chairman
This year, The Guilford Foundation (TGF) marks its 50th anniversary—five decades of strengthening and supporting our community. For me, serving as a board member is both an honor and a responsibility. I believe deeply that we all have a role in giving back to the places where we live and raise our families, and TGF embodies that spirit of shared responsibility.
The Foundation is an organization that enables progress and responds to community needs in meaningful ways. Whether supporting local nonprofits, investing in programs for youth, or helping our town and neighbors address unexpected challenges, TGF has been a steady and thoughtful partner to Guilford.
One of the proudest moments in my journey with the Foundation was transitioning the Guilford Fund for Education (GFFE) to become a donor-advised
New Regional Collaboration
A new regional collaboration has been launched to address the growing crisis of homelessness along the Connecticut shoreline. The Shoreline Homeless Taskforce, comprised of 14 nonprofit and municipal partners across four towns, has united to coordinate resources, strengthen services, and advance solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those at imminent risk of homelessness.
I suggest it’s time for a change at the top. Jon Trotta, the voice for common sense and prudency on the Board of Finance, is now running for first selectman.
Let’s elect Jon Trotta on Nov. 4—someone who will look out for Guilford taxpayers.
David Roberts
fund. TGF took on the administrative function, allowing the volunteer GFFE team to focus on supporting innovative learning through its grantmaking. This is just one example of how the Foundation provides a lasting framework for community generosity and enables other local nonprofits to be even more effective.
As we celebrate this milestone, I am grateful to live in a town that values its history, invests in its people, and looks ahead with purpose. TGF has spent five decades enhancing the life of our community, and I look forward to the impact it will continue to make for generations to come.
We hope all Guilford citizens show support for our trusted community foundation by donating to its 50th Anniversary Community Campaign. NiCole Schlagheck Guilford
While homelessness has often been viewed as an urban issue, data shows that suburban towns across Connecticut—including shoreline communities—are experiencing sharp increases in homelessness and housing insecurity. The Shoreline Homeless Taskforce brings together a diverse group of partners committed to collective action:
See Letters page 8
Guilford
Guilford Unites to Renovate Beloved Snack Shack
Continued from page 1
total cost was $39,500, with an additional $2,000 contributed by the BOE.
According to Guilford Boosters head Nicole White, the stand required several key upgrades. Improvements included commercial-grade kitchen and sanitary appliances, fiber-reinforced polymer paneling, and new cabinets and containers to keep food safe for preparation and sale.
The project was completed in time for the first home game of the high school football season on Sept. 19—an accomplishment Hoey said was a “great positive.”
“The response from the community was amazing,” Hoey said. “Contractors stepped
up and donated time, services, and products to make sure this happened in an amazingly short time frame.”
White said the effort was especially meaningful to her family.
“It was a full-circle kind of moment,” she said, noting her family’s long involvement with GHS athletics.
Freeman said the Guilford Boosters’ involvement underscores the community’s commitment to supporting youth sports without turning to a pay-to-play model.
“In Guilford, we’ve always avoided that, and we’ve been able to because of the booster clubs, the volunteers, and the contributions people make,” Freeman said.
See Guilford Unites page 13
Gagne Helps BCC Bring Animal Awareness Day
Continued from page 2
more than 40 vendors and rescue group booths, from pet-centric to traditional craft and business vendors. Three food trucks will also be on site.
BCC was founded in 1997 to care for a growing number of feral cats—including neuter/spay and vaccinations—in the Branford community. Today, with community support and more than 100 volunteers, BCC provides food, shelter, and outsourced veterinary care to felines at its Feline Rescue & Adoption Center in North Branford, as well as for feral cats in managed colonies. Since BCC began keeping official records in 2008, loving homes have been found for more than 3,300 rescued cats and kittens. More information about BCC can be found at www.branford compassionclub.org.
BCC’s Feline Rescue & Adoption Center opened its doors at 2037 Foxon Road in North Branford in 2011. A North Branford resident, Chris brought her fundraising
experience from previous volunteer work when she joined.
“I knew of Branford Compassion Club, and I knew a couple people that were involved with it, so I just reached out to see if I could help with fundraising,” says Chris, who went on to join the board’s development team.
Chris credits past BCC Animal Awareness Day organizers with growing the event from its origins as a Blessing of the Pets ceremony to the annual celebration it is today. She also thanks the event’s many sponsors, the supportive BCC board and event committee members, and the many volunteers who help make the day a success.
In addition to chairing Animal Awareness Day, Chris also chairs other fundraisers for BCC.
“Fundraising is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun, and it’s very necessary,” Chris says. “We all do it because we believe in the organization we’re supporting.”
Letters Continued from page 7
BHcare, Blackstone Library, Branford Community Foundation, Branford Counseling Services, Beth-El Center, Community Dining Room, Continuum of Care Inc., First Congregational Church of Branford, Guilford Social Services, Madison Senior Services, Madison Youth and Family Services, The Guilford Foundation, United Way of Greater New Haven, and Women & Family Life Center.
As a collaborative network of providers and community partners, the Shoreline Homeless Taskforce will work together to extend resources, share
Keep Guilford Thriving and Safe
Guilford has become a leader on sustainability thanks to Matt Hoey and Democratic leaders. It makes me proud to live here.
From banning plastic bags and fracking waste to creating the Sustainable Guilford Task Force and earning Silver Certification and Climate Leader designation from Sustainable CT, our town has made real progress.
The Sustainable Guilford Task Force is helping us think long-term about cli-
Leadership That Unites
This November, Guilford has an important choice to make for the Board of Selectmen (BOS).
At a time when national politics feels more divisive than ever, our town deserves leaders who put community over party. That’s why I urge you to support Charles Harvda for reelection as an independent candidate for the BOS.
Charles is not running to serve a political party. He is running to serve you—the people of Guilford. With 16 years of experience on the BOS, Charles has proven that he makes decisions based on common sense, fiscal responsi-
knowledge, and coordinate care for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness—promoting dignity, stability, and long-term solutions. Led by the values that we are stronger together.
For more information on the Shoreline Homeless Taskforce, please reach out to Justin Zeigler, assistant director of community support at Madison Youth and Family Services, at zeiglerj@madisonct.org or 203-245-5645. Donna Grieder Guilford
mate change, while sustainable actions supported by our town leaders are protecting people, homes and ecosystems along the shoreline.
We need to both continue and expand on actions that support our community’s resilience. I’ll be voting for Matt and the candidates who take climate change seriously and are working to keep Guilford thriving and safe.
Terri Cain Guilford
bility, and what is best for our town, not on party agendas.
Charles Harvda is the kind of leader Guilford still needs: independent, experienced, and focused solely on the people he serves. He has served under both Republican and Democrat administrations with distinction. Despite his independence, he is always cooperative, gaining the respect and admiration of those who serve with him.
Regardless of your party preference (or not), this election is your chance to
Haddam Historical Society Presents With Goosefare Antiques & Promotions
30+ of New England’s best dealers Historic Preservation Fair Oct. 11, 10am–5pm Oct. 12, 11am–4pm
HK Intermediate/Middle School 451 Route 81, Killingworth TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.haddamhistory.org
Dudley Farm’s ‘Giving Tree’ Lives On in Carved Sculpture
The Giving Tree
Much like Shel Silverstein’s beloved , the sugar maple that graced the main slope of the Dudley Farm Museum for decades gave joy and sustenance to generations—tapped for sap in winter, offering shade and a swing in summer, and blazing with color in fall. But when the tree became diseased and its large branches posed a safety hazard, the museum called on longtime friend David Slade of Family Tree Service to take it down. A portion of the trunk was saved.
This fall, thanks to funding from an anonymous donor and the skill of chainsaw artist Jared Welcome of Hamden, the tree has found new life as a carved tribute to the farm. Topped with a crowing rooster and anchored by a calf at its base, the sculpture features carved motifs that honor the property’s agricultural heritage. Visitors will find horseshoes and
the “three sisters” of Native American planting—corn, squash, and beans—etched into the wood.
The sculpture was unveiled on Sept. 6. It will be featured as part of Dudley Farm’s annual Harvest Day celebration, set for Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes a naming contest for the tree, a pumpkin weight-guessing game, familyfriendly activities, old-time craft demonstrations, and a farmers market.
The Dudley Farm Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is located at 2351 Durham Road, at the corner of routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford. The 10acre site includes a house museum, the Quinnipiac Dawnland collection of Indigenous artifacts, and exhibits in historic barns and outbuildings that tell the story of a late 19th-century Guilford family farm.
For more information, visit www.dudleyfarm.com or call 203-4570770.
Chainsaw artist Jared Welcome of Hamden stands by his latest creation at the Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Road in North Guilford. A contest to name the tree sculpture will be held as part of the Farm’s annual Harvest Day on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 am to 2 p.m. For more information, visit dudleyfarm.com.
Photo courtesy of Mary Norris
Letters Continued from page 8
send an independent leader back to the BOS. Guilford deserves a leader who rises above party politics to proudly represent its residents.
On Election Day, please join me in voting Row “C” and cast your vote for
Respected and Supported
I am a longtime Guilford resident and raised my family here. Now that I’m retired, I’m grateful to live in a town with leaders like Matt Hoey who take care of all its residents—especially its seniors.
Through Matt Hoey’s smart planning and management, our town’s budget provides for vital services for our senior community. Our seniors have access to 3,500 meals-on-wheels, 7,700 meals served at the Community Center, and more than 6,500 miles of transportation for grocery shopping, errands and doctor visits.
Recently, Hoey implemented ondemand bus service between Guilford and Madison for all ages, and we were
Leads, Organizes, and Collaborates
I am writing in support of Amy Fenollosa, running as an Independent on Row C of the ballot, for the Board of Education.
Amy and I met 15 years ago when our children were in second grade at A.W. Cox. My daughter came home one day reporting that she, Amy’s son and another classmate wanted to host a party to raise money for dolphins. I reached out to Amy to ask if she wanted to work together to support the kids’ ambitions, and she immediately agreed. So began many years of working together to support Guilford’s schoolchildren—from the dolphin fundraiser to Kids HUGS, an organization Amy started after losing her husband, Nat, to cancer. During Nat’s illness, Amy sought peer support groups for her two
Charles Harvda and the entire Independent ticket. Together, we can keep Guilford moving forward with leadership that unites, not divides.
James F. O’Keefe Guilford
able to acquire a new bus for senior transportation services. The town has also helped keep taxes low for seniors relying on Social Security so more of us can stay in our homes without being priced out.
These programs allow those who made Guilford what it is today the ability to enjoy it with dignity and security. That kind of care and planning doesn’t just happen—it takes leaders who are willing to listen and act.
I’m voting for Matt Hoey and the Democratic team to make sure Guilford continues to be a place where seniors are respected and supported.
Suzanne Carlson Guilford
Purrfect Angels
Story by Carol Andrecs
These identical gray babies were born to a stray mom the night before the little family was rescued. All 6 of them are perfect in every way. Each kitten is an affectionate, playful, cuddly purring machine. Anyone fortunate enough to adopt will be unconditionally loved and constantly entertained. As soon as you meet them, you will be smitten with these kittens. How can you resist? For an appointment to meet these precious nuggets, apply online at www.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.
young boys and discovered that services in our area were lacking. Undaunted, Amy started her own group to bring together children with seriously ill parents. She recruited volunteers, secured training, sought professional advice on healing activities, and organized fundraisers.
Amy not only cares about kids but also leads, organizes and collaborates to fulfill their needs. She is strong and smart, and Guilford would be lucky to have her continued service on the Board of Education.
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, I will be voting for Independent Guilford candidate Amy Fenollosa on Row C of the ballot.
Jen Milano Guilford
Do you remember the “A + C = BOE” message from 2022? Do you remember the energy around supporting candidates who were focused on Guilford, not tethered to national platforms or partisan talking points?
That energy is still here, and so are we.
Row C—Independent Guilford—continues to grow as a voice for thoughtful, community-first leadership. Since 2022, we have become the strongest minority party in Guilford, with nearly 50 elected or appointed officials now serving on our boards and commissions.
These are your neighbors, volunteers, and public servants who care deeply
AAUWShorelineOpens2025FallScholarshipAward
The AAUW Shoreline Branch welcomes applications for the 2025 fall scholarship award. Women of all ages may apply. Applicants must have completed at least 60 credits of study at an accredited college or university by the time the scholarship is awarded and must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time or part-time. They must be residents of the Connecticut Shoreline (Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Killingworth, or Westbrook) and cannot be related to an AAUW Shoreline Branch member. Scholarships are based on a student's financial need, academic performance, and personal qualifications. Completed applications must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 15. For more information or an application, email AAUW at pellegriniusa@gmail.com.
UnderstandingTidesandCurrents
about Guilford’s future. This fall, you have a choice. You can vote strictly along party lines and stay within the national narrative, or you can support candidates who are focused only on what is best for Guilford. Our candidates are not driven by ideology or outside interests. They are committed to respectful dialogue, practical solutions, and responsible governance that reflects the values of our town.
If you value independence, transparency and collaboration, we invite you to vote Row C this November. Put Guilford first.
New Haven Sail & Power Squadron (NHSPS), part of America’s Boating Club, offers a two-hour boating seminar called Tides and Currents on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Indian Neck Yacht Club, 87 Harding Avenue, Branford. Experienced coastal boaters will instruct students on how tides and currents affect a boat's performance. Students will learn the causes and effects of tides, ways to predicts the time of highest tide before it falls and the vertical movement of the water, factors in tides and currents when anchoring, and more. The cost is $10. All students must sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 15. The class costs $10 per person. To register and pay online, visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/tides-and-currents-seminar. For more information, text Peter DePascale at 203-671-2420.
Photo by Amy Petrone
Michael J. Mikolay Guilford
Put Guilford First
Obituary
Nicholas Sacco
Guilford Obituaries Continued from page 5
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas H. Sacco, a beloved husband, father, and longtime resident of Guilford. Nick peacefully departed this world on Sept. 13, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, overlooking the serene Long Island Sound.
Born on Feb. 3, 1931, in New Haven, Nicholas was the son of the late Anthony Sacco and Mary (Gullo) Sacco. He was a devoted husband to Joan (Edwards) Sacco for 59 years, a union that was the foundation of his life.
IBEW Local 90 electricians’ union, where he remained until his retirement in 2001.
Nick was an avid sailor, owning three sailboats over the years—Imp, Lyra, and Sundance—and was a member of several yacht clubs, including West Haven Yacht Club, Branford Yacht Club, and North Cove Yacht Club. He also briefly owned a powerboat (Imagination) during his children’s early years. He was a true jack-of-alltrades, known for his self-reliance and skill in repairing and maintaining his boats and home.
Strong and Positive Voices
I am writing to strongly and enthusiastically support the re-election of Charles Havrda to the Board of Selectmen, running with the Independent Guilford Party—Row C on the ballot.
I have known Charles for over four decades and watched his dedication to the betterment of Guilford. Whether as a small business owner, appointed member to numerous town boards, elected official, or volunteer, Charles has always worked tirelessly to keep Guilford the special town it is for all its residents.
In pursuing these goals, Charles
adheres to the principle of working together, regardless of party affiliation, for the best solution. I know that Charles believes we move forward when we all work positively for Guilford, and he has demonstrated these beliefs in his actions for many decades.
Our town needs to continue to have strong and positive voices like Charles on the Board of Selectmen.
Vote for Charles Havrda for Board of Selectmen—Independent Guilford Party—Row C on Nov. 4.
Stephen B. Dudley Guilford
Nick is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Sacco of Guilford and Kevin Sacco of Long Beach, Calif.; as well as his grandchild, Tabitha Sacco of Windham, Maine. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Bathrick (Ronald) of North Haven, and brother, Kenneth Sacco (Marion) of West Haven. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Anthony Sacco and Ronald Sacco, and his sister, Gloria Rubino, all of whom he held dear.
Nick was a 1949 graduate of West Haven High School and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a ship’s electrician. His service included a memorable breakfast with President Harry Truman while stationed in Key West. After his discharge, Nick joined the
Nick was a faithful member of St. George Parish throughout his life and had a special affection for his animal companions. He was grateful for the care provided by his physician, Dr. Catherine Arnold, as well as the team at U.S. Renal Care in Branford.
Family and friends were invited to calling hours on Sept. 27 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Military honors followed the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, 1625 Eye St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, at www.nfwf.org/programs/long-islandsound-futures-fund, or to any animal charity.
To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Balanced and Independent
I represent a demographic not typically found in this section of the paper. I’m 22 and a voter registered with the Independent Party. I’ve attended the schools, learned to ride a bike in the Baldwin parking lot, hiked in Westwoods, scooped ice cream at Bishop’s, interned at the Women & Family Life Center, and volunteered for local political campaigns, including those of State Senator Christine Cohen and other Democrats.
Guilford makes me proud all the time. When the successful Protect Guilford Schools campaign reached national media, friends from college reached out to say, “Hey, isn’t this where you’re from?”
But the kind of work that makes Guil-
ford great does not happen in big public bursts. It happens at the regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the Board of Education and more. To keep these boards balanced and independent of extreme voices, I will be voting for the Independent candidates on Row C.
They include Charles Havrda, a trusted and long-serving selectman (who is married to my second-grade teacher), Jeff Beatty and Elias Kabeche for the Board of Finance, and Jen Baldwin, Ralph Brooks and Amy Fenollosa for the Board of Education.
Join me in supporting these candidates on Row C on Nov. 4.
Obituaries Continued from page 11
Obituary
David Schancupp
Guilford
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend, David E. Schancupp of Guilford, who died at home on Aug. 25, 2025, from an apparent heart attack. He was born on May 11, 1941, to the late Roye Schancupp and Isador Schancupp.
David was an accomplished and respected trial attorney for more than 50 years, as well as a longtime, enthusiastic member of the New Haven County Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association. He became known as the dean of the landlord-tenant bar in New Haven County, often assisting other attorneys with their cases and always dispensing advice freely and generously.
But David was much more than an outstanding attorney. He was truly a Renaissance man, a gifted actor and singer who appeared in countless musical productions around the state. While he had a particular fondness for Gilbert and Sullivan, he took great pride in his role as Tevye in two productions of Fiddler on the Roof, the most recent with the First Church Theatre Group in Guilford in 2015.
He was a lifelong, loyal fan of the New York Giants and a member of the Walter Camp Football Foundation. For
more than 25 years, David served as 50% of the “chain gang,” moving the chains from the sidelines at every Yale football game.
David earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut and his law degree at Columbia University. He then joined the Judge Advocate Corps of the United States Air Force, serving for many years and retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He leaves behind his beloved nephew, Jason Kahn, and countless friends. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his sister, Isabel Kahn; his brother-in-law, Julius Kahn; and his stepfather, Morris Doff.
His services were held on Sept. 15 at the Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, 543 George St., New Haven.
According to his wishes, donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to any of the following organizations, which he strongly supported in his lifetime: The Towers Foundation, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven, CT 06519; Troupers Light Opera Company, 304 Main Ave., #456, Norwalk, CT 06851; The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, 4 Hamilton St., New Haven, CT 06511; or Gilbert & Sullivan Society, P.O. Box 313, Middlefield, CT 06455.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Charles R. Fiskio, AKA Charles Robert Fiskio, AKA Charles Fiskio (25-0272)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated September 18, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF John H. Johnson (25-0281)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated September 18, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Eleanor Johnson
c/o VANESSA FULLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, LLC, 1139 BOSTON POST ROAD, P. 0. BOX 246, GUILFORD, CT 06437
Obituary Marcia Holland Guilford
On Sept. 22, 2025, Marcia (Winters) Holland, 80, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Richard Holland for 58 years.
Marcia was born in Providence, R.I., on July 1, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Francis Winters and Marion (Green) Winters and sister to the late Ann Adam and Barbara Purcell.
She was the loving mother of Heather Stobin (Andrew) of Killingworth, Michael of Guilford, and Patrick (Kristin) of Old Lyme. She was the devoted Gramma to her seven grandchildren: Taylor, Hunter, Isabel, Thatcher, Abigail, Parker, and Bodie.
Mrs. Holland was a graduate of the Sisters of Mercy High School and Portsmouth General Hospital School of Nurs-
Wanted:Artists,Artisans,andCrafters
ing. She spent her entire career as an RN, with the last 30 years at The Connecticut Hospice, primarily as a home care nurse.
She was an avid reader, passing her love of books to her children and grandchildren, and she loved to knit. When not traveling with her husband, Marcia enjoyed backyard birdwatching and spending time with family and friends.
Friends are invited to calling hours from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford, prior to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Burial will follow in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St., Guilford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, or at www.hospice.com.
To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Guilford Art Center is now accepting applications for its holiday 2025 expo. Applications are open to artists and crafters from the local community, Connecticut, and New England who work in various media, including but not limited to ceramics, woodworking, glass, jewelry, metalwork, stationery, leather goods, personal care items, candles, homewares, textiles, and fiber arts. For more information or an application, visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Legal Notice
Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission
The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action: APPROVED: Peter Woerner, located at 94 New Quarry Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 66, Lot 9A, Regulated Activity, 168 square foot shed within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 11th day of September, 2025.
Jeff Parker, Chairman
LEGAL NOTICE
Town of Guilford
The Guilford Library Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be in person in the Library’s meeting room. All members of the Association are invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting will be to nominate members to the library’s Board of Directors, to receive the annual reports, and to conduct any other necessary business which may come before the meeting. Anyone who has contributed to the 2025 Books & More Fund is eligible to vote.
Veena Kapadia Secretary Guilford
Library Association
Obituaries Continued from page 12
Obituary
Lorri Hahn Guilford
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lorri L. Hahn, 65, who died peacefully at her home on Sept. 23, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on July 18, 1960, in Hartford, Lorri was the daughter of Frank and Grace Cohen. She grew up in Newington and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in fashion merchandising. It was at URI in 1982 that she met her husband, Jeffrey L. Hahn. From the day they met, they were inseparable, marrying in 1984 and building a life together rooted in love, laughter, and family.
Lorri began her career running a design studio for Frank Hardee Advertising in Dubuque, Iowa, before embarking on a 20-year tenure as communications director for the Guilford Board of Education. In her professional and volunteer life, Lorri was a trusted col-
league, mentor, and friend—described by many as a “work sister,” a “shero,” and “one of the kindest and sweetest people” they had ever known. She was admired as a gifted businesswoman and communicator who always brought creativity, grace, and dignity to her work. Her dedication extended far beyond her career. Lorri gave her time generously to the community she loved, serving on numerous boards including the Guilford Women and Family Life Center and Guilford D.A.Y. She was the welcoming face that greeted countless new families moving to town, and her warmth and care left a lasting impression. Many recalled how she made them feel instantly at home, and how her inclusive spirit taught others the true meaning of community.
Above all, Lorri’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her two sons, William and Nicholas, and was immeasurably proud of the kind, accomplished men they have become. She delighted in celebrating their milestones, sharing their successes, and seeing them grow into adults who reflect her values of kindness, resilience, and love. To Lorri, being a mother was her life’s most meaningful role, and William and Nicholas were her proudest legacy.
Guilford Unites to Renovate Beloved Snack Shack
Continued from page 8
“They get their cars washed by teams and all that stuff. It’s what makes Guilford really special.”
Beyond offering food during games, the stand will help raise funds for athletic programs.
“Youth sports organizations who utilize [the football] field and occasionally use the concession stand will be able to continue to raise funds through it,” Hoey said.
White called the concession stand a “hub of our community where families gather and so many memories are made.”
The upgrades made an impression at the first home game.
“Everybody enjoyed being there,” White said. “It was a space that they wanted to support. I hope that the people visiting, whether they’re in Guilford or not, feel the same way.”
The Guilford Foundation supported the project with a $10,000 donation. Executive Director Liza Petra said the foundation
was “very excited” to support the “incredible initiative,” which she called “its own philanthropic entity” in support of local athletics.
According to Petra, the foundation played a facilitative role, helping the boosters connect with Town Hall and find the resources needed. She said the community aspect of the project was clear when White first approached the foundation.
“When you see someone come in with this vision that’s not about themselves, but it’s bigger than them—and they have the opportunity to do it—we really want to figure out a way to help,” Petra said.
The collaboration behind the renovation, the stand’s support of youth sports, and its role as a gathering space all reflect the Guilford spirit, Hoey said.
“This is the epitome of what makes Guilford so special,” he said. “When a need arises, people step up, they participate, they contribute, and they work hard to make things happen.”
Lorri’s life was also filled with joy and passions shared with Jeffrey—dancing in Nashville, traveling to the Caribbean, cheering for the New England Patriots, and listening to their favorite band, The Mavericks. Friends and colleagues will remember her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and her gift for lifting others with kindness, humor, and steadfast support.
Lorri is survived by her beloved husband, Jeffrey; her loving sons, William Hahn and Nicholas Hahn; her brother, David Cohen, and his wife, Mary Digiacomo-Cohen; and her cherished niece, Angelina Cohen.
Funeral services were held on Sept. 26 at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe
Zedek in Chester, followed by a graveside service at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River, and back at the temple. Arrangements are in the care of Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorri’s memory to Masonicare Charities at www.masonicare.org/support-masonicare/donatenow.
Her legacy of love will live on in her sons, her family, and the countless people whose lives she touched. shiva
GUILFORD SHELLFISH COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Guilford Shellfish Commission will hold a Public Hearing at its October 15, 2025 regular meeting, to hear the following lease application for Commercial Shellfish Grounds : Lot #MP2 Licensee: Jack Creamer, 83 River Street, Guilford, CT 06437
Duration of Agreement: October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2030
Location: TBDacres adjacent to Indian Reef Clockwise from northwest: 41.15.081’ N; 72.40.471’ W / 41.15.038’ N; 72.40.396’ W / 41.14.837’ N; 72.40.545’ W / 41.14.881’ N; 72.40.627’ W
NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN, that the Guilford Shellfish Commission will hold a Public Hearing at its October 15, 2025 regular meeting, to hear the following lease application for Commercial Shellfish Grounds : Lot #867 Licensee: Jack Creamer, 83 River Street, Guilford, CT 06437
Duration of Agreement: October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2030
Location: 1.5 acres within natural confines of the East River at mean high tide. 41,17.019’ N; 72.38.782’ W (Northern Boundary) 41.16.927’ N; 72.38.782’W (Southern Boundary)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Guilford Shellfish Commission will hold a Public Hearing at its October 15, 2025 regular meeting, to hear the following lease application for Commercial Shellfish Grounds : Lot #41 Licensee: Jack Creamer, 83 River Street, Guilford, CT 06437
Duration of Agreement: October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2030
Location: 5.71 acres adjacent to Grass Island.
Clockwise from the northwest: 41.16.2035’ N; 72.39.7844’ W / 41.16.0940’ N; 72.39.6770’ W 41.16.0600’ N; 72.39.7280’ W / 41.16.1560’ N; 72.39.8259’ W
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Guilford Shellfish Commission will hold a Public Hearing at its October 15, 2025 regular meeting, to hear the following lease application for Commercial Shellfish Grounds : Lot #89 Licensee: Keegan Jalbert, 175 Noah Lane, Tolland, CT 06084
Duration of Agreement: August 1, 2025 to December 31, 2030
Location: 4.85 acres south of Joshua Cove
Clockwise from the northeast : 41.250001 N;72.72437 W41.24835’ N;72.72435’ W / 41.24837’ N ; 72.72568’ W / 41.25000”N;72.72559 W
NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN, that the Guilford Shellfish Commission will hold a Public Hearing at its October 15, 2025 regular meeting, to hear the following lease application for Commercial Shellfish Grounds : Lot #112 Licensee: Kim Granbery, 982 Leete’s Island Road, Guilford, CT 06437
Duration of Agreement: October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2030
Location: 2.0 acres, Hoadley Creek, downstream from Lot #53, within natural confines of riverbank mean low tide.
Clockwise from the northwest: 41.15.7698” N; 72.33.0879’W / 41.158320”N, 72.43.8611’W 41.15.8245’N; 72.43.8605’W / 41.15.7558’N; 72.44.0617’W
All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written communications will be received for entry into the record prior to the Public Hearing.
Chair Robert Burger
Guilford Courier
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Football Wins Big, Field Hockey Sweeps the Week
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Football
The Guilford football team hosted Stamford on Sept. 27 and won 44-7. Alex Tafro threw a touchdown pass to Bodhi Clime for 12 yards, and Tafro also had an 11-yard touchdown rush. Aiden Ruotolo added a 47-yard touchdown run, and Tafro added another touchdown run, this time going for two yards. Shane Connelly had a two-yard touchdown run, and Tafro threw a pass to Ruotolo for a 32-yard touchdown reception. Zisis Vasiliou also added a defensive safety in the third quarter.
The Guilford boys’ cross country team competed in the Ocean State Invitational in Rhode Island on Sept. 27 and placed 14th out of 40 teams. The top five runners for Guilford included junior Lewis Thoreen Boys’ Cross Country
in 23rd (17:20), junior Jordan Espinosa in 40th (17:34), junior Tyler Mezrich in 77th place (18:11), junior David Zhang in 102nd (18:32), and junior Caleb Hansen in 123rd (18:53). Thoreen recorded a personal record (PR) and was solid start to finish.
“This was a real test to find out where we are right now. We have a lot we need to clean up and work on but proud of the effort,” said Head Coach Jonathan Rivera. “We will get better going forward.”
Field Hockey
On Sept. 27, the Guilford field hockey team traveled to Stonington and won 5-0.
The Grizzlies had three total shutouts on the week, defeating Sheehan on the road on Sept. 22 (6-0) and Shelton at home on Sept. 25 by a score of 8-0.
For the week, Zoe Tsoukanelis had six goals, and Erin Randall, Abbey DellaVentura, and freshman Zoe Bonanno each had two goals.
“It was a good week to gain a lot more experience playing together for the entire team,” said Head Coach Kitty Palmer.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier
Captain Aiden Ruotolo had a 47-yard touchdown run and caught a 32-yard touchdown pass in Guilford football's 44-7 win vs. Stamford on Sept. 27.
Guilford Little League Softball All Stars Honored at Parade, Red Sox Game
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
The Guilford Little League Softball All Stars team had a very successful summer, making it all the way to the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, NC. On Sept. 20, the squad was invited to be on a float to lead the Guilford Day Fair parade. The Guilford Fair Committee invited the girls to be guests in the parade and provided them with a tractor.
“We were very honored that our players would be recognized by our hometown and to be able to experience the excitement and support of the community during such a special town event, although we were just as excited to have the opportunity to show our gratitude and to thank our community for all their support and believing in us throughout our journey as we chased our dreams to play in the Little League World Series,” said Head Coach Andrea Klein. “The well wishes, the texts, the phone calls, social media posts, the
watch parties, the fundraising support... the Guilford community is like none other. During the parade, I just stared in awe, looking at our players, and then the crowd, standing and clapping, cheering, yelling how proud they were of them, there were definitely many moments that brought tears to my eyes. We are very thankful to the Guilford Fair Committee for their recognition, as well as the community. It was truly an honor to represent Guilford.”
Additionally, the girls were invited to the Boston Red Sox game on Sept. 27 and were honored in a pregame ceremony for their accomplishments, as the team became the first team from Guilford to represent the New England region in the Little League Softball World Series.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Klein
The Guilford Little League Softball All Stars team was honored in a pregame ceremony prior to the Red Sox game on Sept. 27.
Pictured is the Guilford Little League Softball All Stars team at the Guilford Day Fair parade on Sept. 20.
Photo courtesy of Vitad Pradith
Striped Bass Draft Addendum III
Recently, there have been important public hearings sponsored by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) from Maine to the DelMarVA region to garner input on solutions for achieving a 12% harvest reduction that would be required by 2029. Under the current Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), the probability of rebuilding the stock by then by maintaining the status quo is estimated to be only 30%. This is unacceptable! Consequently, there have been several options put on the table in order to achieve a 50% probability of rebuilding the stock by 2029.
Options discussed were: Method to measure total length; Commercial tagging point of tagging; Maryland recreational season baseline; and Reduction in fishery removals. Within that scope, placing states within regions that would require the same management regulationsincluding No-Target and No-Harvest closures - were the Hot Button agenda items. Optimally, Connecticut would be better off if it was part of the New England region that would generally include Maine to Rhode Island. Unfortunately, it was included in the Mid-Atlantic region with North Carolina.
Offered were the options of Rhode Island (along with Connecticut) to be included in the Mid-Atlantic region, or Rhode Island to remain in the New England region, separating it from Connecticut altogether. As a Connecticut Yankee and one looking out for the best interests of our state, the decision was made to include RI with CT - which meant moving RI to the Mid-Atlantic region joining CT, already placed there.
The primary reason for this is that different regions of the
GUILFORD
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
Atlantic coast have varying striped bass migration patterns and population dynamics, requiring more tailored regulations to achieve conservation goals. The largest, most productive spawning females tend to migrate to the northern part of their rangeNew England. Aligning northern states would focus on protecting these larger, older fish. Therefore, Northeast regulations would be specifically tailored to those striped bass migrating in both the spring and fall. Separating Rhode Island from Connecticut would not be in the best interest of those spawning females. The best option would be to keep New England states grouped together or, at the very least, Rhode Island and Connecticut together.
The second Hot Button item focused on the type of closure that would be best. Broad agreement selected a No-Harvest Closureeasier to enforce, and in all probability, would not increase release mortality - especially in warm water. Closures determined by monthly waves piqued interest!
Additionally, most agreed that fish measurement should be status quo - snout to tail as opposed to squeezing the tail - due to complications from handling live fish longer that could promote injury. Also, commercial tagging done at the point of harvest seemed to get the nod, and discussion regarding the slot limit of 28” to 31” to remain status quo for all was debated. Closures by area states and a new baseline for Maryland Chesapeake Bay to include a 10% uncertainty buffer were also on the table.
All in all, these public hearings
brought large numbers of attendees together from all sectors along the Atlantic coast. They offered input in hopes of eventually coming to a consensus that would create a fair balance between the need of protecting striped bass stocks and the recreational, for-hire, and commercial sectors. One thing is for sure, there will be action taken that, in all probability, include some form of seasonal closure.
On The Water
High pressure that brought in the Fall Equinox remained just offshore for another day before a cold front approached and stalled for a short period. A slow moving area of low pressure approached from the west and impacted the region for the next four days. Daytime air temperatures ranged from the low 70s to 80 degrees before reversing trend, while predawn temperatures remained in the 60s before ratcheting down to the low 50s. After a small stretch of late day rain, skies were mixed with sun and clouds, while Long Island Sound predominately saw five to 10-knot south/southwest winds that shifted to east and north. Seas did remain generally calm at around a foot.
Finally, some albies popped in (bonito, too), but not deep enough into the Sound to cause a stir. It was a week of hit or miss almost across the board. East winds and the threat of late day rain altered some after work plans. During the day, when conditions were somewhat calmer and the air clearer, black sea bass fishers chased these beauties but continued to come up with short catches - more so than the previous week. Those fish that broke the 16” barrier and approached three pounds followed some hard fishing. Porgy sizes also reflected the spawn, as there were plenty of smaller fish in among the fall slabs. Fluke catches were inconsistent with shorts and a few keepers dominating one day, while the next day or two made all the difference, as these summer flounder responded better to rigs and bucktails trimmed with squid, teasers, and Gulp mullets. Still,
the best that were hooked only approached mini-doormat status. Weather fronts and temperature fluctuations did cause striped bass to move in between tidal rivers and the near and offshore reefs. When baitfish moved, so did the linesiders. Smaller natural and artificial baits seemed to be most preferable, including swimming jigs, bucktails, topwaters, swimmers, and soft plastics. Slot limit and below fish were numerous, while locally, over 40” fish eased off - unless fished for in deep structure or shallow, narrow channels leading to deep water. These fish exhaled live eels, chunk mackerel, and bucktails.
Small bluefish have been been chasing silversides, sand eels, squid, mackerel, and spoons both in the Sound and tidal rivers. These harbors are putting up a fuss and have been loads of fun on light gear. Snappers are getting bigger! Weakfish have been in the mix, along with some larger choppers feeding in the Big Pond. Sharks continue to engage hooked stripers, dogfish remain plentiful, skate and cownose stingrays are numerous, and a few pufferfish surfaced. Some white perch are calling. Large blue crabs continue to grow, and clams are being raked in the bays.
Simply put, inland lake and pond fishing has not let up for large and smallmouth bass! Pick-
erel and panfish (including carp and catfish) in the upper tidal rivers are more active now that water temperatures are dropping. Trout fishing remains variable and challenging, but new rainfall helped the rivers and streams. We are in a good time to fish those waters!
Tournament: The Eighth Annual Tightlined Slam 2025 is set for Friday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 12. This fly and light tackle event to be held in Western Long Island Sound has proven to be a crowd pleaser as well as a popular conservation-oriented tournament held on our waters. This full four-person team and two-person skiff division focuses on striped bass, bluefish, and hardtailswith an awards event to follow along with a raffle and silent auction, and great Sponsors. To register or for more info, check out tightlinedslam.com, or contact Taylor Ingraham at 203-8569750.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more,
See Striped Bass page 17
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan
Chesapeake Bay stripers on their impressive 500 nautical mile migration to New England after experiencing six consecutive years of poor recruitment signal problems ahead without a focused effort on adopting an aggressive approach to the fisheries management plan.
Schedules
Friday, Oct. 3: vs. Foran at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. North Haven at noon
Monday, Oct. 6: at Jonathan Law at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9: at Fairfield Prep at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Cheshire at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6: at Branford at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9: vs. Sacred Heart Academy at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7: vs. Sacred Heart Academy at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9: at Coginchaug at 6 p.m.
Swimming and Diving
Tuesday, Oct. 7: at Lyman Hall at 5 p.m.
Volleyball
Friday, Oct. 3: vs. Amity at 5:45 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6: at Wilbur Cross at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8: vs. Foran at 5:45 p.m.
Boys’ Cross Country
Wednesday, Oct. 8: at Shelton w/ Career Magnet, Fairfield Prep at 3:45 p.m.
Girls’ Cross Country
Wednesday, Oct. 8: at Shelton w/ Career Magnet, Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m.
Striped Bass Draft
Addendum III
Continued from page 16
swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated fall hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.
Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa@hotmail.com captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa
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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!
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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!
Title: Multimedia Sales Executive
Salary: $40,000-$100,000 (includes commission)
Effective Date: September 3, 2025
Position Summary:
Department: Advertising
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Incumbent in this position is responsible for prospecting, qualifying, selling, and closing new clients to increase revenue within designated territory. Incumbent will leverage our extensive portfolio of both print and digital services and audience insights to create and recommend personalized multimedia marketing campaigns for our business customers, connecting them to prime prospects and maximizing their return on investment.
Essential Duties:
Collaborate with marketing representatives to fully understand product and communication needs. Identify, locate, and develop new customers through a variety of methods including networking and cold calls. Maintain existing relationships with customers. Partner with customers to help them reach their goals, owning the entire sales process from start to finish. Create and recommend products and services that meet the customer’s needs, based off a Customer Needs Analysis.
Provide exceptional customer service, maintaining the highest levels of personal and professional behavior in the market and in the workplace. Provides information, quotes, credit terms, and other bid specifications to clients. Develop and demonstrate knowledge of The Days sales and marketing portfolio, including newspaper products, digital marketing services and non-traditional offerings (events, promotions, etc.).
Consistently meet and strive to exceed print and digital revenue targets. Regularly communicate with management and completion of all required sales process activities. Embrace new products or programs as the company continues to diversify and test new revenue streams.
Other Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Confidentiality:
Maintains confidentiality records and information.
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Always Represents The Day and Shore Publishing Company in a professional and courteous manner.
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Reports to Regional Advertising Manager.
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Knowledge of competitive media landscape; use for new business development and sales analysis.
Ability to prospect new business via cold calling and other prospecting techniques including social media where applicable. Highly motivated, self-starting individual with initiative and drive to succeed.
Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening and the ability to build and deliver effective presentations. Strong networking and community involvement skills.
Eagerness to learn, continually seeking to improve sales skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.
Proficient computer and software skills (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams) Must possess a valid state driver’s license, safe and reliable transportation, including maintaining registration and insurance.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in media sales. Prior experience in digital marketing sales highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and telephone. Must be able to lift 45 pounds at times.
Travel to meet with clients or potential clients.
Goodspeed’s ‘A Chorus Line’ Is a ‘Fabulous Sensation’
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
Touching, deeply emotional, heartwarming—just a few of the many adjectives that describe the brilliant production of at Goodspeed, now extended through Sunday, Nov. 2.
A Chorus Line
Director Rob Ruggiero once again proves how talented and sensitive he is. He respects the material and rejects the notion that it needs to be “spun” in a new direction to showcase his directorial credentials. Instead, he lets the work speak for itself, while offering thoughtful touches—including excellent casting.
The 1975 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical was developed through workshops with “gypsies”—the dancers who move from Broadway show to Broadway show—who shared stories of their lives, childhoods, and heartbreaks. (It’s worth noting that another iconic show, , also opened in 1975. At the time, earned rave reviews, perhaps because is more cynical compared to the heartfelt . Ironically, the revival of will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.)
Chicago
Chicago
A Chorus Line
Chicago
Chorus Line
I’ve seen the show multiple times, including the most recent Broadway revival in 2006. This production surpasses them all.
A Chorus Line
For those unfamiliar, follows a group of dancers auditioning for a Broadway show. As part of the process, the director, Zach, asks them to share their personal stories—how they grew up, why they dance, and what drives them. For the men (or “boys,” as they’re often referred to), stories touch on natural talent discovered by chance, issues of identity around ethnicity or sexuality, and often, a longing for their father’s approval.
For the women, themes include fulfilling their mothers’ dreams, navigating unhappy homes, and yearning for connection with distant fathers.
Several stories center the show: Cassie (Karli Dinardo) once had a moment in the spotlight as a featured dancer who moved to Hollywood, only to learn she couldn’t act. Now, she’s hoping for a chorus job—just to dance again.
The complication? She and Zach were a couple for several years.
Paul’s story is almost impossible to summarize—it’s a heartbreaking search for acceptance, and Diego Guevara gives the best performance I’ve ever seen in the role. The character can be played with excessive emotion, but Guevara finds the perfect balance of vulnerability and stoicism. I admit, it brought tears to my eyes.
Other standout moments include Val (the girl who discovered her looks were holding her back), Donna (Mikaela Secada), whose high school acting teacher said she’d never make it, a married couple, the youngest dancer hoping for his first job, and Sheila, the older, more cynical dancer who knows her time is nearly up.
For most of the show, Zach remains an offstage voice. But Clifton Samuels brings depth to the character, especially in scenes with Cassie and Paul. You can see him
processing Cassie’s words about why their relationship failed, and in Paul’s scene, his compassion is palpable. Being cut from consideration is emotional—even in performance. Some dancers are dismissed early, but the rest endure a grueling process, pouring their hearts out and learning the number “One,” only to be turned down at the end. It must remind the actors of their own disappointments after countless auditions. Even though the outcome isn’t real, the rejection still stings.
Karli Dinardo is a terrific Cassie. Her solo, “The Music and the Mirror,” powerfully shows what dance means to her. But Zach questions whether she can suppress her individuality enough to blend with the ensemble.
Multiple cast members deserve praise for creating such distinctive, memorable characters.
Of course, the choreography and dancing are outstanding. Parker Esse serves as principal choreographer, with additional choreography by Baayork Lee, an original Broadway cast member. It’s difficult to know how much draws directly from Michael Bennett’s original work and how much is subtly reimagined—but it’s effective either way.
Music director Adam Souza delivers his usual fine work, supported by sound designer Jay Hilton, a Goodspeed mainstay. To open up the stage, the orchestra was relocated behind the audience, with live music piped in—a solution that worked seamlessly.
Ruggiero’s attention to detail makes this production shine. Lighting and spotlights (designed by John Lasiter) are used effectively, and small moments—like the look Sheila (Scarlett Walker) gives Zach as she exits the stage—add depth.
That level of detail helps the audience quickly connect with the characters. When dancers are cut, you feel the sting. By the end, it’s genuinely upsetting when a favorite doesn’t make the final cut.
Make an effort to see this fabulous production. Tickets are available at Goodspeed.org.
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
The cast of Goodspeed's A Chorus Line Jonah Nash and the cast of Goodspeed's A Chorus Line
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Clifton Samuels, Karli Dinardo and the cast of Goodspeed's A Chorus Line.
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States
Author Event and Book Signing: Dale DeGroff
: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Book:
The New Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist, with 500 Recipes
. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Friday Night Pottery Workshop (Session A)
Calendar for the Week of October 2, 2025
per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
Church Tag Sale
: 2 p.m. Online event. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.
Pulse and Fly Fall Mixer Happy Hour Networking Event
: 5 to 7 p.m. Barracuda Bistro and Bar, 196 Crown St., New Haven. Co-hosted by the Greater New Haven Young Professionals Pulse, a group for local young professionals aged 21 to 40. Presented by Southern Connecticut State University. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), visit gnhcc.com/events.
Make a Hat Pumpkin
: 6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants will make a pumpkin from a hat. All material provided. A second session takes place Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants can register for either event but not both. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2 THROUGH SATURDAY, OCT. 4
Designers Circus Pop-up Shopping Event
FRIDAY, OCT. 3
Opening Reception for Jeanne Rosier Smith's solo show,
Songs of the Seasons with Smithsonian Educators
: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center (GAC), 411 Church St. Features women’s clothing and accessories created by over 70 local, national, and international designers with 50% to 90% below boutique prices. Hosted by Designers Circus, a Boston-based clothing pop-up event and social commerce. Free admission. Open to all. For info, contact GAC at 203-453-5947 or info@guilfordartcenter.org, or visit designerscircus.com. : 5 to 8 p.m. Susan Powell Fine Art, 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Nov. 1. For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will hand-build and glaze a unique piece. Students come with an idea of the project, like a bowl, vase, platter, or garden art. Finished pieces will be available for pickup two to three weeks later. Tuition: $49.50 for members, $55 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Epicurean Dinner Experience
: 7 to 10 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features a curated multicourse dinner prepared by a culinary team led by Executive Chef Peter Hamil with cocktails and stories from Dale DeGroff. Wine and beverage pairings included with each course. Attire: Jackets. Cost: $150. Eventbrite fees apply. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotelcurio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.
Yale Concert Band Season Opener: Precious Metals
7:30 p.m. Woolsey Hall, 500 College St., New Haven. Performed by the Yale Concert Band. Features Thomas C. Duffy, director of Yale Bands, and Tara Helen O’Connor, Yale School of Music professor of flute as guest artist. Free. For info or tickets, call 203-693-1486 or visit newhavensymphony.org.
FRIDAY, OCT. 3 AND
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
The Haunted Trolley Alien Invasion: Connecticut
:
: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham. Outdoor tables will have records, tapes, CDs, books, pictures and frames, baskets, electronics, sporting equipment, and miscellaneous tag sale items. Indoor tables will have clothing, toys, jewelry, china, linens, kitchen supplies, craft supplies, and more. Rain or shine. For info, call the church office 860-3493058.
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
Saturday Fall Migration Bird Walk
Scheduled rides: 6 to 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features a one-hour interactive trolley event. Limited to 40 passengers per ride. The 6 p.m. slots are family- and child-friendly rides. Children ages 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP haunted ride. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit thehauntedtrolley.com. : 8 to 10:30 a.m. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6
: 9 to 9:45 a.m. Building lot at 24 Old Schoolhouse Rd., Madison (gifted by Kent and Susan Allen). No RSVP needed. To help with the build, email contactus@raisetheroofct.org. For info, visit raisetheroofct.org.
Raise the Roof Kick-off Build in Madison Work party at Beech and Pomps
: 9:30 a.m. Beech and Pomps. Park between 149 and 171 Beech St. Volunteers help clean up freshly mowed new trails. Wear gloves, bring small cutters, loppers, or a rake. Hosted by the North Branford Land Conservation Trust. For info, email info@nblandtrust.org.
Branford First Saturday Family Walk
: 10 a.m. Meet at the Shoreline Greenway Trail kiosk parking lot on Tabor Drive, Branford. Walk starts at Tabor and proceeds to Young’s Pond Park and back along the Branford Trail. The trail passes Chuck’s Pond, the Branford labyrinth, community garden, solar array, and other points of interest. Length is about four miles on paved/hiking paths and packed gravel. A shorter loop of 2.8 miles and a 1.5 paved section (wheelchair accessible) are also available. Leashed dogs allowed. Hosted by the Shoreline Greenway Trail. Bring water. Wear good hiking shoes. For info, call Judy Miller at 203-589-8335 or visit shorelinegreenwaytrail.org/calendar.
: 10 a.m. to noon. Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the Sam Hill Road parking lot. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT President Janet Ainsworth. Features a two-hour hike beginning on the White Circle, then proceeding on the Blue Trail, and returning on the Orange Circle Trail. There are a few rock scrambles along the way. For info, call 203530-7826 or visit guilfordlandtrust.org.
Westwoods Hike See page 28
The Laughs Come Fast & Furious During ‘Noises Off’ at the Legacy Theatre
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for at the Legacy Theatre in Branford, prepare yourself for riotous laughter.
This farce by Michael Frayn combines a behind-the-scenes look at a play (Nothing On) with the complicated relationships among the cast.
The premise is that a group of actors is setting out on tour with a typical British farce—about an author who is a tax exile, the estate agent (real estate agent) trying to rent the house, a young woman from Inland Revenue (think IRS), and the housekeeper. Add the director, multiple romances, and plates upon plates of sardines, and you can see that mayhem will ensue.
Frayn depicts the final rehearsal, which doesn’t go well; a performance halfway through the tour, when things have seriously deteriorated; and finally, the last tour stop, where the show is barely comprehensible.
I’ve always been a fan of this show. I’ve seen multiple productions over the years and enjoyed the movie version as well, which starred Carol Burnett as the housekeeper, Michael Caine as the director, and John Ritter and Christopher Reeve as the two leading men.
Overall, this cast—headed by James Roday Rodriguez as the director of the play-within-a-play and Allison Miller as the actress playing the housekeeper—is very good. But it’s Jimmy Johansmeyer, as the actor Gary (he plays the real estate agent), who steals the show.
Director Keely Baisden Knudsen keeps the pace moving, though she’s made some inexplicable choices. Perhaps it made sense to replace references to the English cities on the tour stops with American ones, but it doesn’t seem necessary. After all, the cast is still supposed to be British. The most egregious decision is having Jamie Gray Hyder, who plays the actress Brooke Ashton (the play’s sex symbol), use an almost incomprehensible French accent. The character in Nothing On, Vicki, is the Inland Revenue agent, so the French accent is wildly inappropriate. The role already has enough comic elements—she keeps losing her contact
lenses and doesn’t seem very bright. Adding the accent is simply too much.
As with most British farces, expect multiple double entendres, which is why the show isn’t recommended for children. You’ll also get the slamming doors typical of the genre and lots of physical comedy—actors are constantly falling downstairs and tripping over things.
Kim Zhou’s set design features seven doors, so characters are always entering and exiting, just missing one another. The set has the look of a low-budget tour, which fits the play’s premise. In Act Two, the set rotates, revealing the backstage chaos. Frayn plays with stereotypes about actors and casts. The director, like Zach from A Chorus Line, is often just a voice from the back of the theater. Actor Frederick Fellowes (played well by Michael Trotter) stalls the final rehearsal by asking questions like why he carries a box of stage props—what’s his motivation? Gary is hilariously inarticulate.
Allison Miller plays Dotty, who plays the housekeeper. Dotty is supposed to be an older actress financing the tour to earn some money. Even with a wig streaked with gray, Miller doesn’t quite carry it off. Melanie Martyn plays Belinda, the “mother” of the cast—always explaining the personal intrigues to Lloyd, the direc-
We also meet the aging actor Selsdon, played well by Kurt Fuller. He’s hard of hearing and fond of drink.
Even the backstage crew members fit their own stereotypes. As the stage manager, Emily Gardt is constantly frantic, and as Tim, Mariah Sage plays the typical overworked crew member who hasn’t slept
If the cast and crew aren’t searching for Brooke’s contact lenses, they’re looking for Selsdon (who falls asleep) or trying to keep him away from the booze.
Director Baisden Knudsen and the cast generate so many laughs in Acts One and Two that by the time we reach the final stop on the tour, the audience seems all laughed out.
You might check with the box office in case of cancellations.
runs through Sunday, Oct. 12. Noises Off
Photo by Sam Bibbins
From left, Jimmy Johansmeyer, Melanie Martyn, Michael Trotter, Allison Miller, James Roday Rodriguez, Kurt Fuller and Jamie Hyder share the stage in Noises Off
Photo by Sam Bibbins Mariah Sage and Allison Miller in at the Legacy Theatre. Noises Off
Connecticut and New York Theater Scenes Are Heating Up for Fall
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
The theater calendars are filling up in both Connecticut and New York. The summer-oriented theaters are wrapping up their seasons, and our major producing houses are gearing up for theirs.
Looking over the fall lineups, several productions jumped out at me. Here are the ones I’ve starred on my calendar.
Shows in Connecticut
English
— This Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores how language shapes culture and identity. Set in Iran, an English teacher helps adult students prepare for a proficiency exam that could enable them to emigrate. A joint production of TheaterWorks and Long Wharf, it runs at TheaterWorks Hartford through Sunday, Nov. 2. Long Wharf will then present it at SCSU in January.
Spunk
— Zora Neale Hurston, best known for her novels and stories, also wrote this rarely seen play, discovered only in 1997. Yale Rep is giving it its first-ever staging, which is reason enough to see it. It runs Friday, Oct. 3, through Saturday, Oct. 25.
Almost Famous
— The musical version of the film had a short Broadway run and may not have been quite ready. Now, Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt have revised the book and score. ACT of Connecticut in Ridgefield presents this new version from Wednesday, Oct. 18, through
Continued from page 26
Open House
USS Monitor
Sunday, Nov. 23. I hope they get it right this time.
Rope
— Who doesn’t enjoy a good thriller? Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted several Hitchcock films for the stage. Hartford Stage presents his latest adaptation, about two men who murder a friend, running Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Lucky Stiff
— The new leadership at Seven Angels in Waterbury kicks off their season with this lesser-known farce. It was the first musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, later known for Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. A young man must complete a bizarre task to claim an inheritance. I’ve heard the score — it’s tuneful and well suited to the Seven Angels stage. It runs through Sunday, Oct. 12.
A Chorus Line The Importance of Being Earnest
— This Goodspeed production, celebrating the Pulitzer-winning musical’s 50th anniversary, has already been extended through Sunday, Nov. 2. I’ve seen it — and it’s well worth the trip. — One of the greatest comedies of all time. Anytime I can catch a production, I do. This one is at Westport Country Playhouse from Wednesday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Nov. 15.
The Great Emu War
— The title alone intrigues me. This new musical is based on a true 1930s event in which the Australian government attempted to cull emus that were interfering with farming. It runs at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Features exhibits about the , the first ironclad ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy, as well as paintings by Madison-born artists Gilbert Munger and Clarissa Munger Badger. Free admission but donations are welcome. For info, visit madisonhistory.org.
Second Annual Killingworth Town Picnic
: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deer Lake, 101 Paper Mill Rd., Killingworth. Features live music, food trucks, vendors, beer and wine garden, games and activities, a luminary wish walk, a raffle, and more. Hosted by Killingworth Women’s Organization and All Things Killingworth. Donations welcome. For info, visit allthingskillingworth.com.
Curator Tour
Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond
: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition, . Other tours are scheduled through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
through Sunday, Oct. 26.
As You Like It
— This musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy will be staged by Connecticut Repertory Theatre at UConn from Thursday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 22. Shaina Taub, the creative force behind Suffs, wrote the music and lyrics.
Hedda Gabler
— James Bundy, the outgoing dean of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, directs this production of Ibsen’s classic, which features one of his most fascinating characters. It runs Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 20.
In New York
The fall season is taking shape more slowly, but here are a few standouts so far:
Ragtime
— Lincoln Center is reviving one of my favorite musicals, using much of the 2024 City Center Encores! cast, including Joshua Henry, Brandon Uranowitz, and Shaina Taub.
Kyoto
— On Lincoln Center’s off-Broadway stage, this new play reminds me a bit of Oslo. It centers on the 1997 international climate conference and has had successful runs in London and Stratfordupon-Avon.
Two Strangers Carrying a Cake Across
— My English friends say this musical is a must-see. It sounds quirky and sweet, possibly another surprise hit like Maybe Happy Ending.
Queen of Versailles
Art Oedipus Rex
— This revival of Yasmina Reza’s award-winning play stars James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris, and Bobby Cannavale. The play may feel a bit dated, but the cast should be terrific.
— Seldom performed but always referenced, this acclaimed West End production of the Greek tragedy is coming to New York for a limited run.
Waiting for Godot
— Beckett’s classic draws actors and comedians alike for its challenges. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter star in this new staging.
Chess
— Fans of this musical by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus have waited years for a revival. This version, with a new book, stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher.
Fireside Chat with a Local Author: Sheila Dietz
berger
: 1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features readings and discussions with local authors in front of the fireplace in the Reading Room. Book: . For info, call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
The Berry and the Bee
: 1 to
3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For children ages 8 and up. Students will draw, color, cut, and construct 3D Halloween-themed paper characters. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
92nd Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
: 2 p.m. Oak Lodge Nature Center at the Chatfield Hollow State Park, 381 Rte. 80, Killingworth. Feature a talk about the history of the CCC by historian and author Marty Podskoch. Sponsored by the Friends of Chatfield Hollow. For info, visit facebook.com/friendsofchatfield hollow.
Autumn Seed Swap
: 2 to 4 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Features seeds for vegetables, flowers, natives, and more.
The Baker’s Wife New York
— This is the season’s big new musical, starring Kristin Chenoweth with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It’s not about Marie Antoinette — it’s based on the documentary about a Florida woman who built a ginormous mansion and decorated it in lavish, over-the-top style. I have some doubts, but I’m curious.
— Classic Stage Company is reviving this Stephen Schwartz musical with a starry cast: Ariana DeBose, Scott Bakula, Robert Cuccioli, and Judy Kuhn.
Of course, Broadway and off-Broadway will offer some surprise hits. For now, the fall season seems to favor plays over musicals.
And don’t forget — discount tickets are available for many shows. Just be sure to use a reliable source.
Includes seed-saving information, seed bomb making for children, microscope observation of seeds, books and handouts, snacks, and more. All ages welcome. For info, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Second Annual Light the Night
: 6 p.m. Clinton Town Beach, 96 Waterside Ln. Hosted by VFW Auxiliary #9918. Features luminaries that will light a path along the beach. Cost: $10 for each luminary which can have up to four names of people to honor or remember. Each name will be read aloud at the lighting ceremony. Proceeds benefit the VFW Auxiliary #9918 in its work to help local veterans and their families. For info or to purchase a luminary, email Auxiliary president Sheila at mckinshe21@gmail.com.
Harvest Moon Benefit
: 6 to 9 p.m. Adam Stanton House and General Store Museum, 63 E. Main St., Clinton. Features food and beverages served in decorated and candlelit historic rooms. Includes live music and an auction. Cost: $35 for nonmembers or $30 for members. Proceeds benefit ongoing restoration and preservation projects. Open to the public. For info or tickets, contact the Adam Stanton House at 959-625-2046 or
See page 29
Bonen-
Terrifying Paper Toys: Halloween Workshop
Agnes—Adrienne Jones, Mark Saunders and Margo Hennebach—bring their genredefying folk sound and signature three-part harmonies to Friday Night Folk in New London on Oct. 10.
Mad Agnes Brings Harmonies to Friday Night Folk
The genre-blurring folk trio Mad Agnes returns to Connecticut with a live performance on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Unity Hall in All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 19 Jay St., New London.
Praised for their “dazzling harmonies, terrific instrumental virtuosity, [and] brilliant original songs” by in Devon, U.K., the trio—Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones and Mark Saunders—blends intricate vocals, compelling songwriting and a passion for musical storytelling.
Folk on the Moor
Performing around a single microphone in the spirit of early radio shows, Mad Agnes brings a warm, inclusive energy to
Continued from page 28
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
2025 Connecticut Cleanup: Branford
:
8:30 a.m. to noon. Branford Point. All cleanup materials will be provided. Sponsored by Save the Sound. For info or to
For info, call or text 203-208-8406 or visit branfordmicrofund.org.
39th Annual Antique Car Show and Flea Market
: 11:30 a.m. Palmer Field, Bernie O'Rourke Dr., Middletown. Car registration begins 9:30 a.m., judging starts 11:30 a.m., trophies awarded to the top vehicles 1:30 p.m. Cost: $3 general admission, free for children 12 and under. For info, call Deborah Shapiro at 860-3440033.
Annual Fall Festival and Marketplace
:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features live music, familyfriendly activities, crafters and artisans, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Outside food and beverage are not permitted. Free admission. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.
Documentary Screening
: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 203-4881441 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Autumn Moonlight Walk
the stage. Their performances are rich with spontaneous vocal improvisation, stories, and selections from their 13-album catalog, including their latest release, Likely Story.
Expect a vibrant array of instrumentation—guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano, melodica—and harmonies described as “tight as jeans from the dryer.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To reserve, visit Humanitix or call All Souls at 860-443-0316 by Oct. 9. A livestream will be available on the All Souls YouTube channel at youtube.com/@AllSoulsNewLondon. All are welcome.
Follow Friday Night Folk on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more about Mad Agnes at madagnes.com.
sign up, email apaltauf@savethesound.org or visit savethesound.org/takeaction.
Branford MicroFunDay
: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Foote Memorial Park, 12 Melrose Pl., Branford. Features food, music, games, yoga, vendors, and more. Free admission.
: 7 p.m. Meet by the flag at the Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Features an evening stroll on the Garvan Trail at the Surf Club. A bagpiper will lead the way. Bring a flashlight. After the walk, refreshments will be served in the Surf Club building, and members of the Astronomical Society of New Haven will set up telescopes for viewing the night sky. Open to all ages, but the trail is not suitable for strollers. Sponsored by Madison Beach and Recreation and the Madison Land Conversation Trust. Rain date: Sunday, Nov. 2. For info and weather updates, visit madisonlandtrust.org.
MONDAY,
OCT. 6
Book Discussion
The Emperor of Gladness
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Book: by Ocean Vuong. Facilitated by Pamela Asmus, a former educator at the University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University, and Wesleyan University, and writer Joanna Baymiller. 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.
Author Event: David Daley
: 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.
Getting Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Voice-Over Work
TUESDAY, OCT. 7
Staying Present: Letting Go of Worry, Regret, and Distraction
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $30 class fee. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org. : 10 a.m.
Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Gabriella DeLorenze, health coach and yoga rehabilitation specialist. 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.
Medicare and How it Works with Skilled Nursing and Homecare
: 2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Molly Standley, Janet Woxland, and Steve Cudgma, professionals in eldercare and Medicare services. Co-sponsored by the Guilford Free Library and Shoreline Eldercare Alliance. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Anniversary Reception
: 4 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, Jonhson Room, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. The event marks the 125th anniversary of the Women's Club of Madison. The library's Lifelong Learning Room also displays an exhibit through Saturday, Oct. 11, showcasing the history and accomplishments of the Women's Club. For info about the event and the Women’s Club of Madison, visit womensclubmadisonct.com.
Author Event: James R. Benn in Conversation with John B. Valeri
Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right's 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections A Bitter Wind
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: (A Billy Boyle WWII Mystery #20). For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
See page 30
Photo courtesy of Friday Night Folk
Mad
Press Release from Fright Night Folk
Continued from page 29
: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Bernard Shea, outreach and recruitment specialist for Connecticut State Community College. Free and open to all high school students and their families. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6 per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
: 9 a.m. to noon. Chatfield Hollow State Park, 381 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Sponsored by the Madison Art Society (MAS). Open to all MAS members. Nonmembers are welcome to join for one or two paint outs as guests but are requested to become members to continue with other paint-out events. For info, visit madisonartsocietyct.org/plein-air.
Trip: New Britain Museum of American Art
: 9:30 a.m.
Meet at the St. George Church parking lot, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a docent-led tour of the general collection the museum. Participants have lunch on their own in the museum café. The tour is followed by time to shop at Roly Poly Bakery, a Polish bakery and supermarket. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $35. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Women and Money Roundtable Series: Retirement by Design: Creating a Future You can Count On
: 1 to
2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. First in a threepart Women and Money Roundtable series designed specifically for women of all levels of financial knowledge. Facilitated by wealth and financial advisors Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
gram is held alternatingly with the Edward Smith Library. Each session builds on the previous, and attendance in all sessions is recommended. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.
Rockfall Foundation 90th Anniversary Celebration
:
5:30 to 8 p.m. Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown. Features a keynote address, awards presentation, live music, food, and displays from the 2025 Rockfall grant recipients. Tickets: $75 for members, $90 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit Rockfall's work. For info or tickets, visit rockfallfoundation.org.
Understanding Medicare
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Covers Medicare parts A, B, C, and D; expected costs for specific services; prescription drug coverage; and enrollment how-tos. Cost: $10. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Let's Make Bagels!
: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $22 class fee plus a $25 materials fee (exact change requested). All ingredients provided. Bring an apron, a clean dish towel, and a sponge for cleanup. Bring a pen for notes if preferred. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Author Event: Gina Barreca in Conversation with John Guillemette
: 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.
THURSDAY, OCT. 9
Cutting the Cord
Author Event: Gary Myers
: 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.
Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
Author-Illustrator Event: Gayle Boss and Sharon Spitz Librarians in Training
All Creation
: 2 to 4 p.m. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Rd., Madison. Book: . Cost: $35. For info or to register, visit mercybythesea.org.
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Third in a fourweek program for children in grades 2 to 5 to build useful skills and learn what it takes to be a librarian. The pro-
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a talk by computer specialist Chris Vanderweide on of cable, TV, and streaming options for consumers. 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.
Opening Reception for
Pronounced Ah-Beetz
la pizza
Foam Pumpkin Painting Gina School
Pronounced Ah-Beetz
: 5:30 p.m.
New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. The exhibit’s title, , comes from the way many people mispronounce the word "apizza," which originally grew out of the Italian . Slices from Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern will be available. Free admission. While the exhibit will highlight the “Big 3” original apizza spots in New Haven, it will also extend through other New Haven pizzerias, including Ernie’s, Zuppardi’s, BAR, Zeneli’s, Olde World, and the Big Green Pizza Truck. The show runs through October 2027. For info or to register, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
: 5:30 to 6 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 6 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.
10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in Young Adult (YA) Fantasy with Leigh Bardugo
: 7 p.m.
Online event. Book: . Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.
How to Help Motivate Your Kids to Perform Academically While Building Their Grit and Resilience
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
Take 5: A Gala Celebration of Legacy's Fifth Season
: 7 to 9 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Alicia Farrell, speaker, cognitive psychologist, and parenting professional. Hosted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org/event. : 6 to 9 p.m. Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, 2 Club Pkwy., Branford. Features cocktails, dinner, performances, live auction, and karaoke after-party. Includes the inaugural Anchor Award ceremony honoring Ted and Tina Ells. Tickets: $135. For tickets, visit legacytheatrect.org/take-5-gala. For info, email elaine@legacytheatrect.org.
FRIDAY, OCT. 10 AND SATURDAY, OCT. 11
The Haunted Trolley Alien Invasion: Connecticut
: Scheduled rides: 6 to 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features a one-hour interactive trolley event. Limited to 40 passengers per ride. The 6 p.m. slots are family- and child-friendly rides. Children ages 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP haunted ride. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit thehauntedtrolley.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 11
Saturday Fall Migration Bird Walk
: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6 per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate Six of Crows
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Various jigsaw puzzles will be available to work on as a group or individually. Registration is not needed. For info, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
page 31
Why Choose Community College
Concert by Shawn Mullins
Wednesday Fall Migration Bird Walk
Wednesday Paint Out 2025
Autumn Arts Popup at Spectrum Gallery, Oct. 11–12
Spectrum Art Gallery in Centerbrook will celebrate the season with a special Autumn Arts Popup on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 12, from noon to 5 p.m.
Visitors can stroll among tents filled with artwork and fine crafts set up in front of the gallery at 61 Main St., as well as in its newly expanded arts space next door. Just minutes from downtown Essex, Centerbrook also offers multiple local dining options within walking distance.
The Popup coincides with Spectrum’s current exhibition, Emerging Autumn (on view through Nov. 8), which features paintings, mixed media, photography and sculpture. Guests may also explore the gallery’s Artisans Store, which carries original works in wood, glass, ceramics, fabric, jewelry and more—ideal for early holiday shopping or adding to a personal collection.
This year’s Autumn Arts
Popup is partially sponsored by Renewal by Andersen, provider of custom windows and doors.
Spectrum Art Gallery and Store is an expansion of the non-
profit Arts Center Killingworth. The gallery showcases both emerging and established artists and offers workshops and classes for all ages.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit spectrumartgallery.org or shop
validation stamp at The Shops at Yale tent during the event. For info, visit theshopsatyale.com/chalkart.
:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Using 100% cotton loop material from a New England family-owned mill and a sturdy metal peg loom, students will create a coordinating pair of potholders in their color choice. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $32 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
: 1 p.m. Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the Dunk Rock Road entrance. Features a two-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The hike includes natural science observations, varied terrain with numerous roots, some mud, and some ups and downs. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by Nature Trail Guide contributor Nicole Crane and Westwoods Trail Committee Chair Paul Proulx. Open to adults and children. Heavy rain cancels. For info or weather-related updates, call 646-797-9637.
Connecticut Cleanup Program: New Haven
: 1 to 3 p.m.
Long Wharf, New Haven. Hosted by Save the Sound as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. For info or to register (required), email cleanup@savethesound.org or visit the Connecticut Cleanup program at savethesound.org/takeaction/upcoming-events.
Halloween Zines Workshop
: 1 to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For children ages 8 and up. Students will write, draw, and color their favorite or original spooky story in a simple zine format. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
An Evening with the Spirits
online anytime at spectrumany time.com. The gallery can also be reached at 860-767-0742.
SATURDAY, OCT. 11 AND SUNDAY, OCT. 12
Madison Autumn Arts Festival
SUNDAY, OCT. 12
Benhaven Walk for Autism
: Noon to 4 p.m. Downtown New Haven. Features family-friendly chalk art designs made by artists at Broadway Island, 56 Broadway, and on Elm Street. Includes music, food, a roaming magician, face painting, and a family fun zone where children get face painting, draw freestyle with free chalk, and receive free drawing lessons from a professional artist with The Giggling Pig. Free and open to the public. Free parking at the 150 York Street Garage with a
: 7 to 9 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For guests 21 and older. Features whiskey and spirits tasting by Coastal Wine and Spirits, readings by mediums, raffles, and light fare. Tickets: $45. Ticket add-on: $10 for individual readings. Proceeds benefit programs and services offered at the library. For info or tickets, contact 203-4881441 or rwilliams@blackstonelibrary.org, or visit blackstonelibrary.org.
: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Madison Town Green. Features works of representational and abstract painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, original printmakers, fabric artists, glass and wood artisans, and jewelry designers. Free entry. Rain date: Monday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Arts Center Killingworth and Spectrum Gallery. For info, visit spectrumartgallery.org. : 8 a.m. Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Features the annual two-mile walk and a celebration with live music, food truck, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. Includes WTNH co-chief meteorologist Joseph Furey as guest with the mobile weather lab. Packet pick-up and registration at 8:15 a.m.; walk starts at 9:30 a.m. The event also offers a virtual walk option. Virtual walkers receive a bib and T-shirt in the mail and log their walk on their own. Cost: $30 for in-person or virtual walk. Service fees apply. Proceeds benefit Benhaven, a local nonprofit that serves individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and related disabilities. For info or to register, visit jbsports.com.
Continued from page 30 See page 32
Press Release from Spectrum Art Gallery
Bernadette Prue, Quilling Mixed Stars Eric Ambler, Shizzle-Swizzle Trinket Box
Potholder Weaving: Tabby Weaving on a Peg Loom
Nature Trail Hike
Eighth Annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival
Continued from page 31
Sculptural Mini Book
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Students will create, cut, and recombine papers into a sculptural book that pops with the impact of stained glass in 3D. Cost: $50.40 for members, $56 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
through Jan. 11, 2026.
Nusantara: Six Centuries of Indonesian Textiles Music
Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:
ONGOING EVENTS
Art Exhibits
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery
: Runs
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 203467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org. First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music.
: 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.
Bingo Bingo:
7 p.m. Tuesdays. St Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave. North Haven. For info, visit stelizabethofthetrinity.org.
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 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Blackstone Library Tour:
BACA Summer Art Show
: 1004 Main St.: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org. : Runs through Oct. 11.
The Wharf:
Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For info, call 203-350-0014 or visit thewharfmadison.com. Fridays: 8 to 10 p.m. Acoustic Fridays. Various performers.
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.
: 360 State St., New Haven: For info, contact 203433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org/events.
BACA West Fall Exhibit
: Runs through Dec. 31.
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery City Gallery
Groups and Activities
Breastfeeding Support Meeting:
: 994 State St., New Haven: For info, email info@city-gallery.org or visit city-gallery.org. : Runs Oct. 3 through Oct. 26..
A Journey Through America’s Past:
Open Studios
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library
125th Anniversary of the Women's Club of Madison
: 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, visit womensclubmadisonct.com. : Runs through Oct. 11.
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library
Photographic Art Exhibit and Sale by Frank Bartlett Sr.
: 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, email Frank@thechurchillgallery.com. : Runs through Oct. 10.
James Blackstone Memorial Library Upper Rotunda Gallery
10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Free. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. For info, contact 203-245-5695 or gillespiee@madisonct.org.
Acoustics Club:
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. On temporary break for winter. Bring your own acoustic instrument. No registration required. For info, call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Art Critique Series (General Critique Session):
10 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Second Wednesday. Grace and St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Sponsored by the La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven. For info or to RSVP, email Anne.M@LLLCT.org or visit lllct.org/hamdennorthhaven.
Chair Yoga with Martha:
6:30 p.m. 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.
Christ Episcopal Church Choir Rehearsal:
7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurchguilford.org.
Christian Science Church Service and Sunday School:
Local Artists Exhibit
: 758 Main St., Branford: For info, call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org. : Runs through Oct. 31.
Madison Center for History and Culture
to noon. First Thursday. Via Zoom. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.
Art Critique Series (Special-Themed Session):
10 a.m.
Christian Science Testimony Meeting:
This Side of Paradise
: Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison: For info, call MHS at 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org. : Runs through March 2026.
New Haven Museum
: 114 Whitney Ave. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond Pronounced Ah-Beetz
: Runs through February 2026.
: Runs Oct. 9 through October 2027.
Susan Powell Fine Art
: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
Summer in New England Songs of the Seasons
: Runs through Sept. 28. : Runs Oct. 3 through Nov. 1.
Yale University Art Gallery
Romney: Brilliant Contrasts in Georgian England
: 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, call 203-432-0600 or visit artgallery.yale.edu/visit/exhibitions. : Runs through Oct. 19.
to noon. Third Thursday. Via Zoom. Runs November through April. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.
Ask-A-Lawyer: A Free Legal Clinic:
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
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.
Banned Book Club: Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group:
10:30 a.m. First Sunday. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. For grieving parents, grandparents, and siblings suffering the loss of children and family members. For info, call Vanessa Pentz at 203-645-7777.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203-453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford.
Coastal Camera Club Meeting:
7 p.m. First and third Wednesdays. Via Zoom. To register (required), contact wfrprs@att.net. For info, visit coastalcameraclub.org.
Color and Conversation:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Monday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-4881441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Community Breakfast
: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Hosted by The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries, Madison. For info, email mainoffice@fccmadison.org or visit shorelinesoupkitchens.org.
page 33
1970s Nostalgia and Family Chaos Take the Stage
Dust off your bell-bottoms and turn up the Bob Dylan—Ivoryton Playhouse is heading back to the 1970s with , a heartwarming and hilarious family comedy by Kate Forgette. The show opens Thursday, Oct. 2 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 26.
Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Set in 1973 Boston, the play follows 19year-old Linda O’Shea as she navigates the bumpy road from high school to college. Madly in love with her scruffy boyfriend, Buzz, and dreaming of freedom, Linda finds herself stuck at home juggling her pesky little sister Becky, her ironwilled father Michael, her kind but distracted mother Jo, and her firebrand feminist Aunt Terri.
But when Linda gives Becky the “birds and bees” talk—and their parish priest happens to overhear—holy hell breaks loose. The O’Sheas must scramble to outwit the priest, confound a nosy neighbor, and discover that nothing is more sacred than family.
“This play spoke to me right away,” says Jacqueline Hubbard, Ivoryton’s executive director and the show’s director. “The older we get, the more we realize those teenage ‘end of the world’ moments become the stories we laugh about and treasure for the rest of our lives. Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help captures that perfectly.”
Continued from page 32
This female-centered story is brought to life by a powerhouse creative team led by Hubbard. The production features scenic design by Starlet Jacobs, audio engineering and sound design by Shyloh-Symone Bailey, lighting design by Autum Casey, props design by Kat Schorn, and costumes by Liz Saylor and Sean Spina. James Joseph Clark* serves as stage manager.
The cast includes Rod Brogan*, Rebecka Jones*, Amber Quick*, Maggie Hamel, and Autumn Eliza Sheffy.
*These actors appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Performances are scheduled for Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Ivoryton Playhouse is located at 103 Main St. in Ivoryton. Tickets are available at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860-767-7318.
The show is recommended for all ages. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Ivoryton Playhouse is a professional theater on the Connecticut Shoreline known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Duplicate Bridge:
Fiber Arts Club:
6 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
: 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Group:
6 p.m. Second Monday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Second Thursday. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Free. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Discussion Group: The Atlantic Magazine:
10:30 a.m. Fourth Wednesday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, call 860-669-2342 or email sarah@hchlibrary.org. Craft of the Month:
12:30 p.m. Fridays. Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St., Branford. For info, call 203-915-5987 or email tillerjock@gmail.com.
Ekphrastic Poetry Trust:
3 to 4:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create poetry from art. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Exploring Our Grief Journey: A Grief Support Group:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
F3 Shoreline Men’s Bootcamp Workout:
5:30 a.m. Fridays. Madison Town Campus, 8 Campus Dr. Free and open to all men. Held outdoors rain or shine. For info, email F3shoreline@gmail.com.
Family Support Group:
6 p.m. First Monday. Via Zoom. Offered by BHcare. A group for family members and caregivers who assist people through their journey of mental wellness. For info, call 203-800-7177 or visit BHcare.org.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own project. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Forever Young: A Young Adult Book Club:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Wednesday bimonthly. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Friday Movie Matinee:
2 to 4 p.m. Second and fourth Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Guilford Job Network Meeting:
7 to 8:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Via Zoom. Includes guest speaker. All job seekers are welcome. For info or to register (required), call 203-457-0121 or email RussAllen2@aol.com.
Press Release from the Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse
The cast of brings 1970s family life to the stage in Ivoryton Playhouse’s upcoming comedy, running Oct. 2 through Oct. 26.
Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Continued from page 33
Guitar Club:
12:30 p.m. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Bring your own instruments. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Harrison House Museum Tours:
1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Harrison House Museum, Barn, and Gardens, 124 Main St., Branford. Open to the public. Free admission but donations are welcome. Runs through September or by appointment. For info, contact 203-488-4828 or info@branfordhistoricalsociety.org.
iPhone Photography Collaborative:
6:30 p.m. First Monday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All levels are welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-2457365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
La Leche Virtual Meetings:
7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Via Facebook. Sponsored by La Leche League of Connecticut. For info, visit facebook.com/groups/ LLLofCTDiscussionForum.
Letter Writing Social:
1 to 5 p.m. First Friday. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Writing implements, stationery, postcards, and stamps available. No registration. For info or to register (required), call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Love2Sign with Jaye:
10:45 a.m. Thursdays. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 6 months to 6 years. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Madison Movie Chat:
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
First and third Mondays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Maker Meet-up:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. All ages welcome. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Master Gardener Clinic:
Noon. Mondays.
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All specimens must be in sealed containers. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Meditation Class:
11 a.m. Mondays. Online. Sponsored by the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Led by certified mindfulness and meditation teacher Joanne Vannelli. Free. For info or to register (required), contact sarah@hchlibrary.org.
Monday Night Mah-jongg:
6 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Some previous knowledge or experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome. Bring your own mah-jongg set. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Music with Margie:
11 a.m. Fridays. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children and their family members. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
NAMI Shoreline Family Support Group
:
7 p.m. Last Wednesday. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Facilitators trained by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer peer-led support to adults caring for a loved one ages 18 and over experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. For info, call 860-876-0236 or visit namishoreline.org.
Nimble Thimble:
1:30 p.m. Mondays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. A needlepoint group led by Cynthia Barker. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-5627.
10 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Needle Arts Group: Noon Meditation Music:
Noon to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurcguilford.org.
Open Mic Night:
6 to 7:30 p.m. First Thursday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group Meeting
: 1 to 3 p.m. First Saturday. Branford Community House, 46 Church St. Includes guest speakers and care partner sharing sessions. For info, email allysonk11@yahoo.com.
Author and Illustrator Behind Advent Book to Visit Madison
They may be separated by oceans, but author Gayle Boss and illustrator Sharon Spitz found creative harmony in their collaboration on
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
—winner of the 2025 Christian Book Award. The two will come together in person for the first time on Wednesday, Oct. 8, for a book talk and signing at Mercy by the Sea in Madison from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Sharon and I had never heard of each other before the project,” said Boss. “[The publisher] knew the style of illustration I envisioned and showed me Sharon’s work. I could see her love for animals as animals, as themselves—not what we want to make them into.” That mutual understanding sparked the long-distance partnership.
Boss lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while Spitz divides her time between Haifa, Israel, and Berlin, Germany. The two collaborated virtually to bring the book to life. Spitz was unfamiliar with many of the woodland animals native to North America, so Boss sent numerous photos showing the creatures in their habitats, across seasons and postures. Spitz drafted illustrations capturing the heart of each animal’s winter adaptation.
“It was a remarkable process requiring us both to be humbly honest and to trust the other’s art,” Boss said.
All Creation Waits
Their October event will highlight the children’s edition of , part of a three-edition, multi-award-winning series from Paraclete Press. The conversation will explore how children connect with animals and the quiet wisdom they offer—especially during Advent and other reflective seasons.
“The children’s edition of
All Creation
Continued from page 34
Farmers Market
City Seed Edgewood Park Farmers Market
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
Author Gayle Boss collaborated virtually with illustrator Sharon Spitz to create , a multi-award-winning children’s book that explores the wisdom of animals in winter.
Waits
is as important for teachers as it is for families,” said Karin Nobile, program director at Mercy by the Sea. “The book nurtures children’s awe, wonder and reverence for our animal kin, as it depicts in words and gorgeous imagery the wisdom animals hold as they wait faithfully in darkness for the return of light and warmth.”
Each spread of the children’s edition features one of 24 animals—including black bear, loon, muskrat and firefly—adapting to the season of dark and cold, preparing to wait until the earth warms again. The refrain is simple but profound: the dark is not an end—it’s a door.
Durham Farmers Market
niques. All Creation Waits
Tickets for the event are $35. Mercy’s bookstore will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all of Boss’s books available for purchase. To register, visit mercybythesea.org or call Guest Services at 203-245-0401.
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 23. Edgewood Park, Corner of West Rock and Whalley Avenue. For info, visit cityseed.org/cityseed-markets.
City Seed Q-House Farmers Market
: 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 22. Q House Farmers Market, 197 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. For info, visit cityseed.org/cityseed-markets.
City Seed Wooster Square Farmers Market
: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 22. Conte West Hills Magnet School, 511 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, visit cityseed.org/cityseed-markets.
East Haven Farmers Market
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
Gayle Boss is the author of the original edition of , written for adults and available in paperback and gift editions. She also wrote Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing. She lives in southwest Michigan with her husband.
Sharon Spitz is an illustrator focused on nature, animals and sustainability. She has illustrated six children’s books and won the 2022 Jewish Children’s Book
: 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through Oct. 4. Durham Community Center grounds, 144 Picket Ln., or on the Town Green. For info, email farmersmarket@townofdurhamct.org or visit townofdurhamct.org/articles/summer-farmers-market-update.
: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12. East Haven Town Green. For info, call 203-468-3204 or visit easthaven-ct.gov/farmers-market.
Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds
: 4 to
7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 30 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.
All Creation Waits
The children’s edition of features 24 animal portraits and reflections designed to help young readers—and the adults who guide them—find hope in the dark season of Advent.
Award for illustration. Her work combines traditional and digital techniques and has appeared in books, magazines and other media.
Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center is located on 33 acres along the Long Island Sound. The center offers contemplative programming and gathering space that fosters spiritual reflection, personal growth and connection with the natural world. It welcomes guests into a spirit of hospitality and spaciousness that supports meaningful relationships with the Sacred, self, others and creation.
Madison Farmers Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
Old Saybrook Farmers Market
: 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October. Parking lot at 210 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-833-0095.
The Dudley Farm Farmers Market
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through October. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/farmers-market.
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.
Press Release from Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center
Photo courtesy of Mercy by the Sea Photo courtesy of Mercy by the Sea
Photo courtesy of Mercy by the Sea
Illustrator Sharon Spitz, based between Haifa and Berlin, brought North American woodland creatures to life in using both traditional and digital tech-
Shore Publishing’s annual Beacon Awards recognize outstanding individuals who selflessly step up to help fulfill the Shoreline community’s promise as a place of opportunity, well-being, and safety for all.
Each year we recognize, honor, and thank these distinguished members of the community for all they do at a dinner and celebration event in October.
This four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is a masterfully built retreat set on 3.6 acres of sunlit, professionally landscaped grounds. Designed for privacy and relaxation, the property includes a heated gunite saltwater pool, multiple patios, and beautifully fenced gardens, with a separate enclosed area for pets.
The first-floor primary suite offers a fireplace, walk-in closet, laundry facilities, and a spa-like en suite bath with a steam shower and Jacuzzi tub. Upstairs, a private study with custom cabinetry provides the perfect space for work or organization.
Additional features include a detached threebay garage with an unfinished second story, newly installed oversized custom windows and French doors, a marble-surround center chimney fireplace, and a new gas fireplace in the family room. Gleaming hardwood floors run throughout the home. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with a quartz island, wine storage, prep sink, granite double sink, Kucht gas range, and wall ovens. With a serene natural setting and convenient access to I-95, 14 Ely Lane offers better-than-new construction and is ready to welcome its next owner.
This home is being offered for sale by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty for $1,349,000. For more information or a showing, contact Laurie McCann at 508-237-5700.
This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is a masterfully built retreat set on 3.6 acres of sunlit, professionally landscaped grounds.
Highlights include a chef's kitchen with quartz island, wine storage, prep sink, granite double sink, Kucht gas range, and wall ovens.
Designed for privacy and relaxation, the property features a heated gunite saltwater pool, multiple patios, and beautifully fenced gardens—plus an additional fenced area for pets.
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
92 Main Street Unit 214
: Susannah
H. Wood and Paul H. Tavernier to Kadri Karmo, $235,000 on Sept. 8
MADISON
: Gary A. and Janet M. Dermer to Maria Magistro, $380,000 on Sept. 8
: Paul J. Costanzo to Christy Ann Rodgers T and Christy A. Rodgers, $905,000 on Sept. 10
: Timothy W. Fennell to Michele Manas, $270,000 on Sept. 10
: Manika LLC to Arthur J. Kelly and Sophia Klump, $607,000 on Sept. 11
: Rachel M. Murratti to Richard Mingione, $205,000 on Sept. 9
: Tess Edge to Sergio B. Toalongo and Diana M. Quizhipi, $90,000 on Sept. 12
: Tess Edge to Sergio B. Toalongo and Diana M. Quizhipi, $90,000 on Sept. 12
: Deanna Mozzochi to John Volpe, $45,000 on Sept. 9
: Lgdbgd LLC to Lara Bickford, $339,000 on Sept. 11 : Estate of John M. Macmillan and Amy Macmillan to Halle Barron and Jeremy Conboy, $506,000 on Sept. 8
: Deep River Town Of to Olson Property Holdings L, $102,000 on Sept. 10
EAST HAVEN
1 Atwater Street
: Mary J.
Massimino to Kristen Vance, $310,000 on Sept. 8
1 Barberry Road
: One Barberry Re Hldg LLC to 1 Barberry Prop LLC, $4,000,000 on Sept. 9
99 Barberry Road
: One Barberry Re Hldg LLC to 1 Barberry Prop LLC, $4,000,000 on Sept. 9
672 Bradley Street
: Francesca
Dalessandris to Marcus T. Jackson, $390,000 on Sept. 10
Foxon Road
: Arvind Patel to 744 Foxon Road Corp, $700,000 on Sept. 10
: Joan
Simonetti to Maritza Lugo and Scott Stalker, $648,500 on Sept. 10
: Mack Building LLC to Jonathan and Leanne R. Mccloskey, $1,425,000 on Sept. 11
: Steve Porter to Jeffrey Smith and James Stricker, $505,000 on Sept. 8
: Mozzillo
Family Trust and Nicholas W. Andrew to Nicholas Iacono, $475,000 on Sept. 9
: Richard P. and Linda L. Sylvia to John Santry, $625,000 on Sept. 12
: Imacs LLC to 122 College St LLC, $850,000 on Sept. 10 : Estate of
Timothy D. Emrich and Thomas L. Emrich to Robert Dillon, $375,000 on Sept. 8 : Radnka and Charles Maric to Rachel Karasik, $1,200,000 on Sept. 8 : First Cong Church Of Westbrook to Toni and Michael V. Iandoli, $385,000 on Sept. 8
15 Harbor View
: Andrew D. and Lisa A. Woodward to Andrew T. and Lisa S. Brazer, $822,500 on Sept. 12
65 Main Street
: Andrew Mitchel LLC to Kmg LLC, $650,000 on Sept. 11
20 Meadow Woods Road
: Elizabeth
G. Jardine to Patricia Brunetto, $385,000 on Sept. 9
5 South Main Street
: 5 South Main LLC to Katherine Trautlein, $750,000 on Sept. 11
GUILFORD
: Edev Ventures LLC to Jeffrey C. Bosch, $490,000 on Sept. 10
: Michael W. Lombard to Gc3 Capital Corp LLC, $320,000 on Sept. 12
: Lochthofen Family Trust and George C. Schmeizl to Meredith S. Dawson, $381,444 on Sept. 8
: Cynthia
M. Hanrahan to Karim B. Smires and Lisa D. Stein, $825,000 on Sept. 11
Two New Unique Offerings
76 Sachem Head Rd, Guilford
Resort-like gated estate perched high above Sachem Head Road overlooking a saltwater tidal marsh nestled on 2.3 professionally landscaped acres, a short bike ride to the Town center. Grab your morning cup of coffee or favorite evening beverage and step outside to your private resort complete with infinity pool, dual spas, pizza oven and outdoor bar surrounded by gates adorned with grape vines. Spectacular outdoor environment complimented by views of the meadow below and the various forms of wildlife that enjoy it. Offered at $2,950,000.
66 Beaver Pond Rd, Madison
Spacious Colonial close to Town Center boasting unique first floor in-law apartment with separate entrance, full kitchen, large family room and bedroom suite. Main house embraces a renovated granite kitchen, 4 additional second floor bedrooms including primary suite and great room with fireplace and expansive screened in porch. Offered at $995,000.
