Bittner Park in Guilford boasts numerous recreational assets for various forms of play. But the range of activities regularly occurring in the back part of the facility is keeping the Parks and Recreation Department interested in some necessary improvements for their users.
Department head Pamela Gery said the back area of Bittner is “so busy now with the permanent pickleball courts and our basketball court,” along with the skate park, and the woodland trails and disc golf area. However, there are concerns about the 60,000 square feet of unpaved gravel parking lot leading up to the courts, where numerous potholes can be found.
To fix this, Gery said “the town has
approved the budget for getting it repaved” with a goal to go out for a bid this winter and “look to get it done in the spring” of 2026.
“It’ll be a very nice improvement for the people,” said Gery.
The back parking lot will be funded with capital monies, she said, and be paved with a “fresh coat of asphalt up to the courts.” The
See Department Eyes page 6
Taking the Field
Members of the Guilford football team take the field for the annual Thanksgiving game against Hand High on Thursday, Nov. 27. Guilford lost 41-3 but gained a spot in the playoffs nonetheless. Story on Page 19
com
will be playing the baritone at the upcoming performance of Tuba Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Clinton.............................2
Staying Competitive
Despite a Thanksgiving week loss, the Guilford football team finished with an 8-2 regular season..........19
Check out the recipes for several different types of shortbread cookies for the holiday season.................23
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheCourier
Holiday Cookie Recipes
Rich Benoit
Rich Benoit: Time for Tuba Christmas
By Rita Christopher
Senior Correspondent
At music night, when parents came to pick instruments for their elementary school children in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Rich Benoit had given his mother very specific instructions: He wanted to play the flute. But there were no more flutes area, as well as some who travel farther distances to participate.
the Clinton Schools for 36 years and is now the Assistant Director of the New Horizons Band at the Community Music School, and Vidal Orduz, site coordinator, who is a current music and band instructor in Clinton.
Rich will also be playing with
Tuba Christmas, which started with an outdoor concert in 1974 at Rockefeller Center in New
On behalf of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers’ Meals on Wheels program, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make our 5th Annual Disc Golf Tournament such a great success.
We were blessed with beautiful weather and had a great enthusiastic group of participants. A special thankyou to our sponsor the UPS store of Guilford and Clinton & Guilford Parks & Recreation for their continued partnership and support. We are also so grateful to Dunkin’ Donuts for keeping everyone energized with coffee and donuts, Naples Pizza for the delicious lunch, and Athletic Brewing Company
Guilford’s Embrace of Compassion
Six weeks ago, our 18-year-old son suffered a massive brain bleed that nearly took his life. It was the most terrifying time of our lives — but in the midst of that fear, something extraordinary happened.
From the moment word spread, our family was surrounded by love. Messages, cards, meals, thoughtful gifts, and an overwhelming number of prayers poured in. It felt as though all of Guilford wrapped its arms around us.
Every church around our beautiful green — Catholic, Episcopalian, Congregational, Christian Science — prayed for him, both inside their sanctuaries and beyond. It didn’t matter whether some-
for donating refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
We’d also like to thank our generous local businesses for donating wonderful prizes — Page’s Hardware, Ashley’s Ice Cream, Deli-U, Bradley & Wall, Lenny & Joe’s, and the new Char-Lemon.
Your kindness and community spirit make this event possible each year. All proceeds directly support Meals on Wheels, helping us continue to deliver nutritious meals and friendly visits to those in need. Thank you.
Christi Burton
Executive Director of Meals on Wheels
Guilford
one was Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Faith, political preference, or background made no difference. Everyone came together for one purpose: to help bring our son home.
In a world that often feels divided and weighed down by negativity this community reminded us what it looks like to show up with compassion and unity. We experienced firsthand the power of collective care, and we will never forget it.
To everyone who prayed, reached out, or simply kept us in your thoughts: thank you. You helped carry us through, and because of you, our son is home.
Sarah Celotto Guilford
Free Online and In-Person GED Program
Middletown Adult Education offers a free online or in-person GED program to residents of Old Saybrook, Madison, and Westbrook as well as Regional District #4 (Chester, Deep River, Essex, Centerbrook, Ivoryton) and Regional District #17 (Haddam, Higganum, Killingworth). The program provides instruction for participants to learn the skills necessary for employment. In-person classes take place at the Middletown Adult Education, 210 Main Street, Old Saybrook or at 398 Main Street, Middletown. COVID-19 safety guidelines may be required. For more information, call 860-343-6044 or visit www.maect.org.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group
The Estuary, located at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, holds the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff, the group provides conversation, support, and resources for grandparents who—for a variety of reasons—become parents to their grandchildren. Registration is not required. All area towns are welcome. For more information, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.
Christian Maldonado Valley Courier
Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130
Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140
Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167
Maria Caulfield Living Editor
Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor
Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304
Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119
Alan C. Ellis Production Director
Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122
Eric O’Connell Harbor News
Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor
Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent
Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant
Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier
Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography
Editorial Staff
Letters Editor to the
Continued from page 4
50 Years of Community Impact in Guilford
What an unforgettable celebration.
The Guilford Foundation’s 50 & Forward event marked not only our 50th anniversary, but five decades of neighbors coming together to strengthen and support our community. We were thrilled to see such tremendous participation, from longtime supporters to residents discovering the Foundation’s impact for the first time.
The evening reflected the very best of Guilford. Thanks to our generous supporters, guests enjoyed wonderful food, meaningful conversations about our history, and extraordinary performances. We are grateful to Rachael Allen and GHS Voices, storyteller Julie Fitzpatrick, board member Stephanie Little Brown, and the quartet led by AW Cox music teacher Russell Kleiner. A special highlight was The Wave serving gelato, a grantee whose storefront provides vocational training for young adults.
This celebration would not have been possible without the many individuals, businesses, and organizations who stepped forward.
Our sponsors included Ascend Bank, Berchem Moses, Bishop’s Orchards, Campaigne Kestner Architects, Car-
Scholarships for Connecticut Women
mody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, Dr. Derek Steinbacher, Cilantro Specialty Foods, East River Energy, the Gavigan Family, Killingworth Cranberries, Hanler Building Company, Mikolay Jet Group, Petra Construction, Piagentini Distributors, Primary Residential Mortgage Inc., Sightline Wealth Advisors, Meagan DeJesus & Sound Generational Wealth, Sound Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Yale New Haven Health.
Our in-kind partners included Flowers on the Green, Amy Kaneko, Matt Lebow & GCTV, Hannah Lintner Hickey, La Cuisine Catering, GHS digital media teacher Nick Ripa and his class, our Youth Advisory Group, and The Wave.
As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we remain committed to strengthening our Guilford for generations to come. We invite our community to be part of this story because every gift, of any size, is an investment in Guilford’s future.
Liza Janssen Petra Executive Director The Guilford Foundation Guilford
The Connecticut Federation of Women’s Clubs announces two scholarships for Connecticut women pursuing advanced courses of study at institutions of higher learning. Awards are granted on the basis of future promise, scholastic ability, and financial need. The Dorothy E. Schoelzel memorial scholarship has a maximum award of $2,000. Candidates must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher in the field of education. The Phipps scholarship has a maximum award of $1,000. Candidates must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher toward a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree. Completed applications, including general and personal information, a financial statement, instructor/employer references, and an official transcript of at least the most recent two years of undergraduate or graduate work, must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. To download an application form, visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org/ education. For more information, call Rose Lynch at 203-483-8395.
Contacting Guilford Courier
As your hometown paper, the Guilford Courier welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Guilford Courier encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues.
Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter.
Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters.
Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined.
For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal.
Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor.
Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor.
Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication.
These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0.
OBITUARIES The Guilford Courier publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06. com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com.
ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason.
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Guilford Courier
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Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online
Guilford Courier The Courier Correction
A photo on the front page of the Nov. 20 gave the incorrect spelling of the artist who participated in the Open Studio Weekend, part of the Shoreline Arts Trail 2025. Her full name is Marjan Babaie Nasr. regrets the error.
While our press schedule often does not allow us to publish death notices in time to announce memorial services, readers can find obituaries posted to the Guilford Courier website, www.zip06.com, five days a week as they arrive.
Stories and features denoted with the Shore Publishing “Sponsored” icon are sponsored by advertisers. Sponsored content is content created or commissioned by advertisers in collaboration with Shore Publishing’s marketing team. As with all advertising, sponsored content does not necessarily reflect the views of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing will ensure the treatment and design of Advertising and Sponsored Content is clearly differentiated from its editorial content.
INVEST IN GUILFORD WITH A DONATION TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN
O u r M i s s i o n T h r o u g h o u r l e a d e r s h i p a n d g r a n t s w e p a r t n e r w i t h l o c a l n o n p r o f i t s t h a t p r o v i d e c r i t i c a l p r o g r a m m i n g t h a t e n r i c h e s t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e i n G u i l f o r d O u r f u n d i n g i s d i r e c t e d t o a r a n g e o f s e r v i c e s i n c l u d i n g y o u t h b a s i c n e e d , a r t s & c u l t u r e
Photo: Richard Madonna
tickets must be ordered via the georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com website. Sunday, December 14th at 4:00 PM The
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, The Latin Grammy® Award-winning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (NYABABB) is an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble featuring first call Jazz and Afro-Cuban musicians based in New York City who collectively perform with the greatest names in the business. For this concert, the band will be presenting their own unique version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, complete with dancers!
NYABABB was founded and is led by drummer and Clinton resident, Joe McCarthy. The music of NYABABB has long been inspired by the great Bebop tradition, married to the rich cultural stylings of African, Afro-Caribbean, Brazilian and other multi-ethnic styles of music. The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band has been featured at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and The Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Series, among many others.
For further information visit: www.georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com • www.facebook.com/GeorgeFlynnClassicalConcerts
Helps to Support
Together, We Can Warm the Children
Together, We Can Warm the Children
Together, We Can Warm the Children
Rich Benoit: Time for Tuba Christmas
added six years in the Reserves.
as “pretty outrageous” Christmas t-shirts.
The Rotary Clubs of Madison and Guilford are committed to making sure no child faces winter without proper clothing. Through Warm The Children, 100% of your donation buys brand-new winter wear for kids in our community.
Growing up in Gloucester, Rich played in an award-winning high school band where practice consumed much of his free time. By the time he got to Boston College, he had had enough.
The Rotary Clubs of Madison and Guilford are committed to making sure no child faces winter without proper clothing. Through Warm The Children, 100% of your donation buys brand-new winter wear for kids in our community.
The Rotary Clubs of Madison and Guilford are committed to making sure no child faces winter without proper clothing. Through Warm The Children, 100% of your donation buys brand-new winter wear for kids in our community. Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can reach $20,000 and give local children warmth, dignity, and joy this winter.
Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can reach $20,000 and give local children warmth, dignity, and joy this winter.
Donate now to make an immediate impact.
Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can reach $20,000 and give local children warmth, dignity, and joy this winter.
Donate now to make an immediate impact.
Donate now to make an immediate impact.
Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children PO Box 335, Madison, CT 06443
Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children PO Box 335, Madison, CT 06443
“I took a 24-year vacation,” he says.
Then a friend who played in the Old Lyme Town Band suggested Rich join. He took some flute lessons at the Community Music School but when he saw the large number of flute players in the band, he wondered if any more were needed.
Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children PO Box 335, Madison, CT 06443
Rich has had an office in Old Saybrook since 1994, now practicing with Lifelong Dental. He also teaches twice a week at Goodwin University in East Hartford in a program concentrating on dental hygienists.
In his free time, he has recently taken up woodworking, creating a workshop in his basement and embarking, with the help of a friend who is a professional craftsman, on a serious of ambitious projects including cigar humidors and a number of jewelry boxes.
“I see people all day. This is a quiet time for me,” he says.
The Madison Rotary Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Every few years, technology takes a significant leap forward. The Doctors of Audiology at County Hearing and Balance use this new technology to help improve your hearing in ways never even imagined just a few years ago. Sound is crisp, clear, and more natural, providing a truly advanced listening experience.
Trust your hearing to a Doctor of Audiology at County Hearing and Balance. We are the area’s oldest, locally owned, full service Audiology Center. We provide a professional and thorough assessment of your hearing ability and provide several options if improvement is needed. If hearing aids are necessary, we work with several of the largest manufacturers to ensure that you are getting the right instrument for your hearing loss, at the right price. Plus, we participate or process most insurance and discount plans, including Medicare, Medicare supplements, Anthem, United Health, Tricare, Aetna, Sterling, Connecticare, Cigna, Electric Boat, Pfizer, all current and retired State and Federal Employees and AARP.
The friend, who played the baritone, suggested he could teach Rich how to play the instrument. Since the friend was at that point the only baritone in the band, Rich agreed, and finding a used baritone for $50 began what turned out to be informal lessons and cocktail hour.
Rich’s father, a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, had wanted him to go into that specialty. But Rich was aware, given that babies tend to born at night, of how many family and school events his father had missed as a result of his practice.
Instead, Rich chose dentistry and graduated from Tufts Dental School. Before graduation he had already joined the Navy.
“My dad served and I wanted to,” he says.
His started as a dentist at Parris Island with the Marines, but first like all service personnel he had to go through basic training.
“Run, run, salute,” he recalls.
He served three years active duty, first on shore rotating through different dental specialties and then aboard ship, and
Even if the projects he builds are not for him there is always a reward, “Every time I start a new project, I buy myself a new tool,” he admits.
He also likes to do some auto repairs and is thinking of once again taking flying lessons to get his private pilot’s license. Whatever else, there is always time for music. “Even when I am tired, when I don’t feel like going to band, I get the baritone and sounds come out. It’s the endorphins, the harmonies,” he says. “Maybe it’s the artistic urge coming out after pursuing sciences for so long.”
December 6, 1 p.m.
Morgan School, 71 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton Admission is Free
December 17, 7 p.m.
The Kate, Old Saybrook Tickets at Box Office
High school students are invited to audition for a place in The Anglican Singers, artists-in-residence at St. James Episcopal Church in New London. The choir is dedicated to preserving the English choral tradition of choral evensong. Selected singers will rehearse weekly from September through May in New London, receive instruction from Music Director Simon Holt, and sing alongside experienced vocalists. The group performs up to eight services and concerts during the season at St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street, New London, and at venues from Mystic to New Haven. Students accepted into the program must pass an audition with Holt and will receive a $500 stipend toward voice lessons or relevant training. Positions are open in the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. For more information or to audition, email Simon Holt at smo.artisticdirector@yahoo.com.
Choral Scholarship Program for High School Students
The Madison Rotary Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
The Madison Rotary Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Home for the Holidays:
Submitted by Carol Andrecs
Six-month-old Bubbles and Bruno are best buddies. Although not related, they play, cuddle, wrestle, snuggle, and sleep together. Bubbles, a handsome brownish tan-and-gray tabby, was rescued on the property of a shoreline home with his siblings. Since there was no mom found, the kittens were scavenging for food until a caring person started to feed them, and a friend called Forgotten Felines to rescue the babies. Bruno, a darling orange-andwhite tabby, was rescued with his mom.
Budding Bromance
No other siblings were found, so he decided to make Bubbles his brother. Bruno is so darn cute and has such an endearing personality. Are you the lucky person to welcome these boys into your home for the holidays? For an appointment to meet these buddies, apply online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Find Your Match at Forgotten Felines
Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.
Volunteers are needed to offer local seniors and/or veterans companionship through the Agency on Aging’s RSVP Volunteer Program. Volunteers should be at least 55 years of age and willing to visit a senior and/or veteran in their home for one hour a week. For more information, call Cherie Strucaly 203-752-3059. Agency on Aging Seeks Volunteers
Photo credit: Genevieve Ray
Dear Reader,
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of Shore Publishing’s newspapers for your past contributions to our Voluntary Pay efforts. Your generosity has made a significant difference, and we are truly thankful for every donation.
Local journalism is a vital pillar of our communities, serving as the voice that shares the stories of our friends and neighbors, celebrates our successes, and addresses our challenges. Small businesses depend on local newspapers to connect with customers and promote their services. When local journalism thrives, so does our community and economy.
As the last independently owned newspaper in Connecticut, our mission has always been to provide local news, share meaningful stories, and elevate the voices within our community. Each week, you can count on our reporters for the latest coverage, including:
• Person of the Week Profiles
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While delivering news free of charge is our goal, it is costly. Unlike larger media outlets, we rely heavily on the support of readers like you. We are reaching out to ask for your continued support to keep Shore Publishing thriving and independent.
In 2015, we launched our Voluntary Pay program to help sustain our mission and enhance our resources for even better coverage. Due to the evolving media landscape and rising production costs, we now seek your voluntary contribution to help sustain our publication. Your donation will directly support printing and editorial work, continuing to maintain our editorial independence.
Thanks to your contributions, in 2024, we donated $40,150 worth of advertising space to several non-profit organizations, including Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. These donations allowed these vital organizations to promote fundraising events that support their initiatives.
We appreciate each of our donors and invite you to make a difference. If you value our weekly product, please consider contributing. We understand everyone’s financial situation is unique, and any gift—large or small—helps us continue delivering the local news that matters.
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Thank you for your support of Shore Publishing. Together, we can ensure our community remains informed and connected.
Sincerely,
President & Publisher, The Day & Shore Publishing Companies
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Shoreline Soul announces it is holding its concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., with a preconcert rehearsal at 1:15 p.m. The concert takes place at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad Street, Guilford. The event, which is the culmination of a five-session community choral gospel workshop, is free and open to the public. Space is limited. For more information, contact 203-619-1415 or shorelinesoul@gmail.com.
District 20 of Connecticut (Area 11) of Alcoholics Anonymous has dozens of meetings throughout the week to help carry the message to people in recovery and those who may still be suffering from this disease. The meetings are held at various locations, as well as online. For more information and a list of meetings, email the public information officer at d20a11pi@gmail.com or visit https://d20a11.org.
GriefShare Meetings
GriefShare, a faith-based bereavement support group sponsored by Christ Chapel, 1185 Durham Road, Madison, meets for 13 weeks to offer help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. The weekly format includes supportive discussion and a journaling book reinforcing each week’s topics. For more information or to register, call Joanne Baker Deal, 860-304-5695 or visit christchapelcma.org/grief-share.
American Legion Guilford Post 48 invites local veterans to join the post and meet fellow veterans with similar interests and experiences. The post addresses veterans’ issues, organizes community projects such as food baskets for those in need, and sponsors programs such as Boys and Girls State, an oratorical contest for high school seniors, and a scholarship for Guilford High School students. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, except for July and August. Meetings begin with a short ceremony to honor MIAs and POWs. Locations and times of the meeting vary. For specific times and locations or for more information, call Ron DeMartino 203-4536256 or Fred Brisbois 203-605-7747.
Shoreline Soul Culminates Workshop with Concert
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Guilford and North Guilford
Guilford Veterans Welcome at American Legion Post 48
Teen Gift Card Collection
Held
Dec. 7
The Guilford Youth & Family Services Youth Board meets monthly throughout the school year to plan and implement programs and services that have a positive impact on the Guilford community. The Youth Board was designed to help bridge the gap between youth and adults in the community by providing an opportunity to share/ask questions, report on relevant events and assist in evaluation and assessment of current agency offerings. This year the group will hold its 25th Annual Teen Gift Card Collection on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The col-
lection site for donations is in The Guilford Commons (between Fresh Market and T.J. Maxx). All donations directly support Guilford teens in need; and parents with financial struggle during the holiday season.
If you cannot make it that day, the staff at GY&FS has already been accepting donations at their office, 36 Graves Ave., and will continue to accept donations through Friday, Dec. 12. You can also donate via Venmo: @GuilfordYSB (please note: Teen Collection).
For more information regarding The Youth Board and/or the Teen Gift Card Drive, call: 203-453-8047 or email: koskom@guilfordct.org.
The final tour for the 2025 Worth Tasting Event takes place Saturday, Dec. 13. The event wraps up the series of downtown culinary walking tours in New Haven led by Stephen Fries, food columnist, professor of hospitality management. The final tour lasts four hours and includes stops at six to eight restaurants and eateries in the Elm City. Participants depart 10:30 a.m. from the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, 155 Temple Street. Parking is available at the Crown Street or Temple Street Garage in New Haven. Tickets cost $85. Service fees apply. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 203-415-3519 or visit worthtasting.co/newhaven.
Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, hosts its holiday show, The Art of Dreaming through Saturday, Jan. 10. The gallery showcases representational and abstract art in all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—that explore the many dimensions of dreaming. Spectrum’s artisans store also offers fine crafts in wood, ceramic, pottery, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry, and more. In addition, the gallery has handmade ornaments in its six-foot holiday tree and seasonal items in all mediums. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Press Release from the Guilford Youth & Family Services Youth Board
Food Worth Tasting
Spectrum Holiday Show: The Art of Dreaming
LVVS Offers Workplace Literacy Program
Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore offers free workplace literacy programs to improve employee productivity for businesses in Guilford. The free program matches volunteer tutors with employees, working together to customize a program that meets workplace and student needs. For more information or to participate in the program, contact John Ferrara at 860-399-0280 or jferrara@lvvs.org.
Intensive Outpatient Program for Adolescents
Shoreline Family Health Care (SFHC) is expanding its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to middle school students who struggle with emotional and behavioral health challenges to the point where daily functioning is impaired. IOP now focuses on adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioral issues, family conflicts, and difficulties meeting school and social expectations due to serious emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. IOP is an after-school program that provides comprehensive assessment, therapeutic structure, and support within a group-therapy format. It is an 8- to 12-week program that meets three to four times per week. The program sessions are conducted via telehealth and in person. SFHC is located at 221 West Main Street, Branford, and is a collaboration between BHcare and Fair Haven Community Heath Care (FHCHC). For more information, visit shorelinefamilyhealthcare.org/iop.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Dorothy Milardo (25-0345)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated November 17, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is: Laurie Cawley c/o JO-ELLEN JAGOS, JACOBS & JAGOS LLC, 576 FARMINGTON AVE., HARTFORD, CT 06105
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE is hereby given that on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Guilford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Virtual Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom to hear the following applications: Boston Post Road (Map 83 Lot 57A, Unique ID S2300002, Zone BMU). Applicant/Agent: Attorney Marjorie Shansky for Owner: 819 East Main St LLC. Application to vary side setback to 0 ft where 20 ft is required (§4.5.D).
Appeal of Enforcement Decision (Zoning Permit Sign-Off) for 43 Bay Street (Map 9 Lot 67, Zone R-2) (Single-Family Residential Construction).
Appeal 1 by Genevieve Corbiere of 131 Spencer Avenue
Appeal 2 by Daniel Chapple of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP on behalf of Albert and Megan Lana of 26 Reeves Avenue
A copy of these applications is available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the town’s website https://www.guilfordct.gov/boards_and_commissions/zoning_board_of_appeals.php. At this hearing, persons may attend by either phone or web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to hallya@guilfordct.gov.
Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 27th day of November 2025 - Steve Kops, Chairman
High School Diploma/GED and Other Programs
Shoreline Adult Education, formerly known as ERACE, offers free academic programs for individuals seeking to earn their high school diploma/GED, practice their English language skills, or prepare for their U.S. citizenship test. These classes are available to individuals aged 17 years or older who live in Branford, North Branford, Guilford, or Clinton. Individuals outside the four-town region may register for a fee if space is available. Limited spots are available for residents of any town at no charge. Shoreline Adult Education also offers a variety of affordable enrichment classes, open to individuals of any town, including courses on computers, music and dance, cooking, career development, CPR and first aid, world languages, business and financial planning, fine arts, photography, and writing. For more information, call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Meals on Wheels
Guilford Meals on Wheels provides a nutritious, midday meal to Guilford residents having trouble preparing well-balanced meals. For more information, call 203-4538359.
NAMI Shoreline Support Groups
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Shoreline hosts two family support groups for the caregivers of individuals 18 and older who struggle with mental health challenges. One group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. The other group meets on the last Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford. NAMI-trained facilitators offer these monthly support meetings to anyone who is striving to understand and help a family member who is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. For more information, call 860-876-0236 or visit NAMIShoreline.org.
Fun By The Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Guilford Falls to Hand in Thanksgiving Game
By Wes Bunnell
The final score didn’t reflect Guilford’s preparation or determination in a season that saw the Grizzlies finish 8-2 and qualify for their first playoff game since 1993, with their only other loss early in the season in a close game against Cheshire.
The Grizzlies fell 41-3 to Daniel Hand on Wednesday night, Nov. 26, at Madison Surf Club’s Strong Field during their Thanksgiving week rivalry game which extended Hand’s winning streak to 18 games. But for a Guilford program making its first playoff appearance since 1993, the loss has helped the team as a learning experience as they head into the postseason.
“It’s a hard game to win,” said Guilford head coach Brian White. “They’re one of the best programs in the state for a reason. They do a lot of things right. Kids play hard. You have to play your very best to beat [them], right? And we didn’t do that tonight.”
“I would say the last four years [are] the best Guilford teams I can remember,” Becker said. “Brian is the SCC coach of the year for a reason. So that’s phenomenal, that’s a phenomenal football team that we hope goes and wins a playoff game.”
Hand’s defense limited Guilford to just 43 yards of total offense for the night. The Tigers got three touchdown passes from quarterback Bobby Reh, a 75-yard touchdown run from Lucca Boyce, and interception returns for touchdowns from Paul Fumex and Diego Portley.
For Guilford, the game started poorly while the team never found their rhythm.
“We came out slow,” said senior captain Alex Tafro. “We didn’t really execute the first few drives. We’re in our territory the first three drives of the game and we don’t come out with points at all. You can’t have that.”
Tafro acknowledged something was missing from his team’s performance.
“I feel like our heart wasn’t there
Despite the final score, Guilford earned praise from their opponent. Hand head coach Erik Becker said the Grizzlies have steadily improved in recent years.
tonight,” he said. “That’s not us. As we go into practice, once you get punched in the face, we got to respond in some way. That’s what we got to do in the playoffs.”
Injuries played a factor in this meeting.
“A couple of guys are dinged up and hurting,” White said. “If we’re not on all cylinders playing against this team, it’s kind of rough. But that’s part of the game. Attrition is part of the way it works.”
The loss dropped Guilford’s record to 8-2 heading into the Class M playoffs, where the Grizzlies were set to host No. 5 seed Brookfield on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Despite the tough loss, Tafro said the team would use it as motivation.
“Getting beat like this, you just got to accept it at that point, use it as fuel as the next game’s coming up, and just work as hard as you can,” he said. “We still got more football to play, and that’s a good thing.”
With the Grizzlies achieving a major milestone by reaching the playoffs for the first time in 32 years, the senior class
See Guilford Falls page 21
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Captain Alexander Tafro (2). of Guilford looks for daylight in a 41-3 loss to Hand in foggy conditions during their Thanksgiving week rivalry game on Nov. 26, at Strong Field at the Madison Surf Club in Madison.
Domenico Dambrosio (77). of Guilford holds off defenders in a 41-3 loss to Hand in foggy conditions during their Thanksgiving week rivalry game on Nov. 26, at Strong Field at the Madison Surf Club in Madison.
Shore Photo Editor
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Jayden Gravel (75). of Guilford fends off a defender in a 41-3 loss to Hand in foggy conditions during their Thanksgiving week rivalry game on Nov. 26, at Strong Field at the Madison Surf Club in Madison.
Fishing Ports Have Hidden Benefits
Over the years, very little has remained unchanged - no matter where one looks. Nothing is more evident than when re-visiting a port that, at one time, would be considered unfaithful if bypassed. Even trusted fishing holes have morphed into something void of what once thrilled. But invariably, traveling can have its perks. Such as, clamming.
Sometimes before tides rise with the sun (or other times after they have dropped), we would fill our inflatable with clam rakes, buckets and a few accessories. Pointing our bow west, past a few of the movie “Jaws” action spots and heading in the direction of the Vineyard’s Katama Bay, we’d take a very scenic route every bit as glamorous as an tropical island. Today we passed llamas as well as modern day achievements that replaced once rustic beauty like old wooden docks and hand painted signs.
Looking as though dead ahead would house a bed of catchable clams, it appeared to be an appealing area to explore. The closer we got, the tastier those bivalves became. Anticipation and a little imagination has a way of whetting your appetite. I didn’t need X-ray vision to visualize the lemon and Tabasco sauce staying cool within the ice-filled cooler stowed by the bow.
Soon, after the raking, the sunset ride back and securing the basket of fresh caught clams to the port side cleat of the 40 footer, we were ready to freshen up.
The clams needed a little purging so, back on the ice they went. The back deck miraculously turned into mini lanai with all of the island fixings - clams on-the-half, shark bites, tuna sushi, lobster tails and a few island cocktails - with and without the benefit of any added lightning juice.
Except for being moored at an actual island and hopping around in a rented 4x4, we can cut and paste almost everything else. Getting away for a vacation is understandable. I get it! Everyone needs a break. But clamming? That is something that can be done year round (pending weather) almost in your back yard. That’s right! The Connecticut shoreline has excellent clamming.
Clamming is a low-tech, accessible outdoor activity that does not necessarily need a boat. In fact, most recreational beds can be accessed from shore. One finds that it is a fun way to connect with the marine environment — tide watching, exploring flats, the satisfaction of digging or raking and, of course, eating. Many vacationers head to the islands to clam yet have not
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
discovered the activity much closer to home. When they do, it becomes catchy.
Dating back to colonial times, it was the Native American peoples of the Quinnipiac, Hammonasset and Algonquian-speaking tribes who were known to actively clam the tidal rivers located from New Haven to Old Saybrook.
Today, recreational shellfishing continues to have a real economic impact as it contributes significantly to local economies. Clams are part of an ongoing Long Island Sound restoration and conservation effort since healthy beds contribute to ecosystem resilience.
Additionally, work is being done to restore eelgrass in Connecticut, which is closely linked to clam beds.
In short, clamming Connecticut’s shoreline offers a uniquely rewarding combination of sustainable wild food, community engagement, and low-barrier access to nature. With proper permits, respect for regulations, and attention to health, it’s a really compelling way to harvest a delicious protein source while participating directly in coastal stewardship.
The salt breeze is refreshing - the activity is body-friendly. And was ‘fun’ mentioned? From the rake to the bake - try it! When needed, Captain Morgan’s has all that’s necessary for your clamming needs or a thoughtful holiday gift that keeps on giving.
On The Water:
High pressure remained directly over the region for a short time. It then moved offshore with a frontal wave moving across during the next couple of days. High pressure built back in and remained in control through the week. The high eventually moved offshore followed by the next frontal system impacting the waters before the holiday. Most days were a mix of sun and clouds. Daytime air temperatures took a gradual climb to the high of 59ºF to a low of 43ºF while predawn temps hit a rock bottom of 30ºF before climbing to a high of 40ºF, inclusive of a one-day, brief rainy period when it hit 51ºF.
Meanwhile, Long Island Sound went through a calm period of light to moderate variable winds, relatively calm seas and water temperatures hovering around 47ºF. By all accounts, Long Island Sound is
almost through receiving Fall’s agitating winds blowing seas into a frenzy one day and smoothing out over the next couple. Water temperatures are descending into the range where most seasonal fish have left, and semi-hibernating ones have gone into deeper water. The flat, calm mornings have that seasonal look where the water’s surface has the look of a cold dark mirrorcold and rippleless to the eye.
Blackfish closed with a mix of sea-battered rock conditions and tides where deep water fishing paid off. Although most black sea bass traditionally migrate to offshore warmer waters, because of warming water temperatures, a growing number of them are become year-round residentsespecially, young ones.
However, their fall season in CT also closed. Now might be the time to slip a small vessel into a nearby bay to seek out some winter flounder since their season remains open through Dec. 31.
While inland waters from the tidal rivers to their upper reaches respond to swings in temperatures, they remain in a state of flux. That aside, lake and pond fishing generally continues to be inviting for the late season anglers looking to stretch out their season in an attempt to capture another moment in time to remember as well as enjoy some alone
time to meld with the environment. Fish are biting!
Trout, salmon, bass, toothy critters, bottom feeder and panfish. In the scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter much, does it?
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. Or, contact Captain Morgan for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime to a remote national or international fishing destination.
For Holiday Gifts and all things fishy including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026 licenses/permits and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison or call 203-2458665 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
Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan
A very popular shoreline activity, clamming is one of the most rewarding activities. From rakes to baskets and accessories, these much appreciated holiday gifts are ones that keep on giving year-round.
Schedules
Football
Sunday, Dec. 7: Class M State Tournament semifinals
Friday, Dec. 12 or Saturday, Dec. 13: Class M State Tournament Finals
Boys’ Basketball
Tuesday, Dec. 9: at Jonathan Law w/ Fairfield Warde at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Thursday, Dec. 11: vs. Platt Tech, Morgan at 3:30 p.m.
Girls’ Basketball
Saturday, Dec. 6: at Sheehan at 12:30 p.m. (scrimmage)
Saturday, Dec. 6: vs. Lyman Hall at 9 a.m. (scrimmage)
Monday, Dec. 8: vs. St. Joseph at 6:30 p.m. (scrimmage)
Tuesday, Dec. 9: vs. Daniel Hand at 8 p.m. Boys’ Hockey
Guilford Falls to Hand in Thanksgiving Game
Continued from page 19
has an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the program going forward for other classes.
“Everyone in this town knows we have a good senior class, and we’ve shown good leadership the whole season,” Tafro said. “People will remember this team, how we made the playoffs for the first time since ‘93.”
Hand improved to 9-1 while winning the Southern Connecticut Conference championship outright with the victory. The
Tigers will enter the Class SS playoffs as one of the top seeds and is set to face Waterford on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Guilford’s focus now shifts from this game to their upcoming playoff opportunity which the team has worked hard all season to earn.
“We got to get back on track,” White said. “That’s what we need to do going into the playoffs.”
Guilford’s playoff game Tuesday came too late for this week’s deadline, but will have results in next week’s paper. The Courier
Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) offers Safe Search, a program that allows participants and walk-ins who need a safe place to use a phone or access the internet. Individuals have access to a computer, the internet, phone, printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine. Safe Search is a time and place where individuals can call counselors and/or lawyers, research jobs, and revise and print a resume. WFLC also offers a secure location to keep documents for future use. For more information, contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.
GUILFORD
Dec. 4 to Dec. 10
Holiday Cookies to Bake, Gift, and Serve
The Trifecta of Shortbread Recipes
By Liz Egan
Baking cookies encompasses all I love about the holidays. The sights and smells of cookies being made, their mouthwatering taste and delicate texture, as well as the anticipation of the joy and delight in the giving and receiving are an all-consuming sensory experience.
My favorite cookies to make and eat are shortbread. In simple terms, shortbread is a type of cookie classified by its high butter content. It is named shortbread due to its short, or crumbly, structure—which is caused by the high proportion of fat. The traditional recipe, developed in Scotland, consists of one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts flour.
My favorite shortbread recipe is petticoat tails. They are my father’s favorite cookies, too, and I do not remember a Christmas without them. My mother’s recipe was written again and again on index cards that date back to the 1950s. Like traditional recipes, it has simple ingredients—butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Her recipe, which I follow faithfully, also includes a teaspoon of vanilla.
I always wondered why they were called “petticoat tails,” and only recently did I find out that the name is meaningful in baking history. The French term for the wedges of shortbread was or —little cakes, and this became “petticoat tails.” It is now thought the Scots term derives from the decorated round edge of the segments which resemble petticoats.
It is so important when making shortbread, or cookies of any kind for that matter, not to overwork your dough. An important thing I noticed many years ago with cookie recipes is that the directions are very specific. When the recipe says “beat together” or “mix together” or “cream” the butter and sugar ingredients it means use an electric mixer. Be watchful though if the recipe says “stir in” as it is a signal that the dry ingredients should be hand mixed, either with a wooden spoon, rubber scraper, or with your clean hands. Then, mix it just until it starts to come together, then dump it onto a floured surface until you have a smooth dough. Shortbread has so few ingredients that you cannot get away with cutting corners; petits gâteaux petites gatelles
excellent quality butter and sugar are essential, and plenty of them. A pinch of salt helps to balance that rich, delicious sweetness. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated and sliced at the time of
baking. Shortbread is stored in cookie tins lined with wax paper and the flavor develops as they “age,” so a few days or weeks (if they last that long) will only improve their quality.
When polling my many siblings, my Bermel family favorite is pecan crisps. A shortbread because it has no egg or leavening, it includes roasted, chopped pecans in the recipe and its appeal is the powdered confectioner’s sugar that it is rolled in three times. When I see pictures of round versions of these cookies on Facebook called “snowballs,” it is simply the same recipe here without the nuts in a different shape. My mother got her recipe from her friend Ad Newins in 1964. Every time I eat a pecan crisp, I exclaim, “Now that’s a cookie!”
Holiday Cookies,
100 Recipes for the Season
While on the checkout line at the supermarket in late November 2005, I purchased a magazine titled . Published by
Martha Stewart, it was a limited-edition magazine that has several of my “new” favorite recipes. The shortbread cookies I now make every year from the magazine are cream cheese walnut cookies. A favorite of my mother-in-law, the addition of cream cheese and toasted chopped walnuts takes buttery shortbread to a new level. The large batch recipe makes four dozen cookies and is meant to be made ahead, which was always most convenient for me when I was working. I could take 45 minutes to make the dough after dinner during the week and refrigerate until the weekend when I had more time to bake them.
Cookies, and all homemade goods, make great gifts because they are a gift of love from the heart. A simple and inexpensive holiday gift bag that includes a plastic bag of assorted cookies, my homemade jam, and/or ornament has been a gift to our friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, and service personnel for many years. These priceless gifts affirm the gratitude and appreciation I have for everyone in my life. This simple gift of self is always enough.
The recipes to three kinds of shortbread
cookies follow. Select from these cookies and many more as you fill your own cookie jar at the Christmas fair at the First Church of Christ Congregational on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church, located across from Town Hall, hosts the Christmas fair which is one of the featured activities of Christmas in Clinton. Other items that will be available for sale are hand-sewn quilts, ornaments, jewelry, holiday items, used books, and many vendor items. Jim’s famous clam chowder is among the fresh lunch items available for purchase.
See Holiday Cookies page 24
Special to Living
Photo by Liz Egan Recipes written on index cards
Photo by Liz Egan
A plate of shortbread cookies
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
Red Cross Blood Drive
: Noon to 5 p.m. Northford Community Church, 4 Old Post Rd. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
Make a Sock Snowman: Teens Session
: 3 to 4 p.m.
Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Materials will be provided but supplies and space may be limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Teen Event: Cook and Books Book Club
: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Participants will cook a peppermint-flavored treat during the first hour and discuss books during the final half hour. Free and open to grades 5 to 8. For info or to register (required), call 203453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Scrapbooking Class
: 6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants bring their own projects or blank pages and holiday photos. Holiday stickers, paper, and decorative scrapbook scissors will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Calendar for the Week of December 4, 2025
Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Tonga: Islands of Splendor 26th Annual Firelight Festival
FRIDAY, DEC. 5 : 4 to 5 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $25. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Friends of the Guilford Free Library Holiday Book Sale
: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features books from all genres, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games, and more. Also includes a performance by local musician Mimi Dudley at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the library. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Guilford Garden Club Boutique
: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. George’s Parish Hall, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features wreaths, swags, crafts, raffle baskets, and a food table. Supports club donations to the community and scholarships to Guilford High School seniors. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. For info, email guilfordgardenclub06437@gmail.com or visit guilfordgardenclub.org.
: 4 to 8 p.m. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 old Whitfield St., Guilford. Features luminaria, lanterns, and outdoor fires. Guests can enjoy roasted marshmallows, popcorn, hot cocoa, and mulled cider. Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and veterans, $5 for youth ages 6 to 17, and free for children ages 5 and younger as well as active-duty military personnel with up to five family members. Tickets include admission to Whitfield House, the outdoor fire area, craft area, and Visitor Center galleries. Tickets available only on-site at the event. Bring donations for the Guilford Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. For info, contact the museum at 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov/ecdHenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.
Holiday Cookies to Bake, Gift, and Serve
Continued from page 23
Petticoat Tails
1 cup soft butter
1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
2½ cups sifted flour
Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. Mix the first three ingredients. Divide dough in half and make rectangular rolls 2” x 3” squared at front and back. Wrap in wax paper. Place in refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut into ¼” slices and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges and bottom are barely light browned. Cool on wire rack. Watch carefully!
Tips: This is a delicate dough that should not be overhandled. I mix the dough with my hands, keeping the premeasured flour nearby. Make sure that the bars are solid. Use a sharp knife when slicing the cookie bars. If they crumble,
make a slightly thicker slice. Crumbs can be combined into a ‘taste’ cookie.
Pecan Crisps
From Ad Newin, 1964
This cookie, a family favorite, is about the best gift I can give my adult siblings.
1 cup (very, very soft, but not melted) butter
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups flour
¼ tsp salt
Cream butter and sugar well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Shape about the size of a thumb. Place onto cookie sheets ½ inch apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees (lightly browned on bottom). While hot, roll in confectioner’s sugar. Cool and roll in confectioner’s sugar again. Let rest and reroll in confectioner’s sugar. Layer in cookie tin with wax paper in between. Very delicate.
Cream
Cheese Walnut Cookies
Holiday Cookies, 100 Recipes for the Season
, limited edition magazine, 2005
The dough for these slice-and-bake cookies can be shaped into logs and frozen for up to two weeks. This cookie, which I added to my annual repertoire in 2005, was my mother-in-law’s favorite. So delicious! This large recipe makes a lot of cookies—plenty to eat, plenty to share.
4 cups all-purpose flour
1¼ tsp coarse salt
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
6 oz. cream cheese
1½ cups sugar
2 tbsp vanilla extract
2½ cups walnut halves (1½ cups toasted and coarsely chopped, 1 cup finely chopped)
Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and cream cheese in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about
See page 26
two minutes. Mix in sugar and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Mix in toasted walnuts. Divide dough in half and transfer to a work surface. If the dough is very sticky, flour the surface first. Shape into a log 8 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in parchment paper. Freeze until firm about two hours or up until two weeks. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Unwrap one log and roll in finely chopped walnuts, coating completely. Cut into ¼” thick rounds. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper about 1 inch apart. Bake cookies, rotating halfway through, until golden around the edges. Repeat with remaining log. Store in airtight container or cookie tin at room temperature. Tips: I wrap logs in wax paper and refrigerate and make the cookies the next day. Chop extra walnuts to roll the logs on to make sure the edges are completely covered.
New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band Performs in Clinton
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the George Flynn Classical Concerts series presents the New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Latin Gramm Award-winning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (NYABABB) is an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble featuring first call jazz and Afro-Cuban musicians based in New York City who collectively perform with the greatest names in the business. For this concert, the band will be presenting its own unique version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, complete with dancers.
NYABABB was founded and is led by drummer and Clinton resident Joe McCarthy. The music of NYABABB has long been inspired by the great bebop tradition, married to the rich cultural stylings of African, AfroCaribbean, Brazilian, and other multi-ethnic styles of music. The NYABABB has been featured at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and The Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Series, among many others.
Admission is free but tickets are required. Clinton residents can order on a first-come, first-served basis one month before each concert. Nonresidents can order two weeks before each concert, depending on availability. For more information visit www.georgeflynn classicalconcerts.com or facebook.com/GeorgeFlynnClass icalConcerts.
So Much to See: From Local Performers to an Irish Rep Show
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater
By Karen Isaacs
Columnist
: Guilford’s own Nick Fradiani will be starring as Bob Dylan in the musical , when it plays the Shubert Theatre from Tuesday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 7. He first understudied the leading role, then played it on Broadway before leading the tour. For tickets, visit Shubert.com. On Monday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 16, he will join his father, Nick Fradiani, Sr., at The Kate in Old Saybrook for an evening of holiday music. Tickets are at TheKate.org.
A Beautiful Noise torical Society
Long Wharf and New Haven His-
: As part of its 60th anniversary, Long Wharf has teamed up with the New Haven Historical Society Museum for several programs. On Saturday, Dec. 6, the New Haven Museum and Long Wharf honors T. Charles Erickson, a renowned theatre photographer. He worked with Long Wharf for many years. “Long Wharf Theatre: A Legacy in Moments” features a reception and con-
Aisle ON THE
versation with Erickson about his work, particularly at Long Wharf. The free event will be preceded by a curator-led tour of the Long Wharf exhibit,
Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond
. This exhibit, which runs through February, traces the theater’s history through photos and other memorabilia. For more information, visit newhaven museum.org.
original score. It runs through Wednesday, Dec. 31. For tickets, visit IrishRep.org. : The wonderful production of , at Lincoln Center, has extended its run through June 14. The show had been scheduled to close Sunday, Jan. 4, but rave reviews, ticket demand, and the cast’s ability to continue in their roles led to an extension. I bet it will be nominated for multiple Tony Awards next spring.
More Time to Get Your Tickets
Grammy Nominees
PBS Still at It
: Did you play the game Clue? Most of us did. The game and the 1985 film are the basis for a murder-mystery comedy with music that has traveled the country. It is stopping at Waterbury’s Palace Theatre from Tuesday, Dec. 16, to Thursday, Dec. 18. Tickets are available at PalaceTheaterCT.org.
Irish Rep Holiday Show
It’s a Wonderful Life Murder Mystery Comedy
: Off-Broadway’s terrific Irish Rep will present as a radio play this year. The show reimagines the film as a live radio broadcast from the period with an
: Five shows received nominations in the Best Musical Theater Album category:
Tickets on Sale
Maybe Happy Ending Wicked & Juliet Water for Elephants
Bueno Vista
Social Club Death Becomes Her Gypsy Just in Time
, , (with Audra MacDonald), , and . In addition, the first movie of received nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “Defying Gravity” in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, and composer Steven Schwartz was nominated for Best Score Soundtrack. Winners are announced on Sunday, Feb. 1. : Tickets for two upcoming shows at the Bushnell are now on sale. will play from May 5 to 10, and will play from June 2 to 7. For more information, visit Bushnell.org.
Holiday Gifts Ragtime
: A great holiday gift is a gift card/gift certificate to one of Connecti-
cut’s terrific theaters. All offer a variety of options that allow the recipient to select the show and/or the performance that best suits their interests. Just check the theater’s website for information. : PBS may have been “defunded,” but it is not eliminating its commitment to Broadway and theater. Beginning Friday, Nov. 28, will be airing, featuring performers LaChanze, Jennifer Holiday, Jessie Mueller, Kate Baldwin, and many others. It was filmed during the Town Hall concert last March.
NYC Notes Broadway’s Leading Ladies Concert
: The Metropolitan Opera is veering from its usual repertory in June, when Sting will star in a newly revised version of his musical . To be honest, this is not a Met production. The new Steven Schwartz musical starring Kristin Chenoweth did not wow the majority of critics. It will be interesting to see how long lasts.
The Last Ship
The Queen of Versailles
Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women, and the American Theatre Critics Association.
Press Release from the George Flynn Classical Concerts
Photo courtesy of the New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band
New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band
Nick Fradiani
Gallery One CT Presents Visual Dialogues
Press Release from Gallery One
Visual Dialogues
Gallery One CT presents from Thursday, Dec. 4, through Friday, Feb. 27, at the Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery at Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center, 250 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook.
The exhibition features ten Gallery One artists who use imagination and exploration to create connections and share meaningful ideas through their work. This exhibit showcases paintings, collage, mixed media, and photography.
Continued from page 24
Pre-Tree Lighting Community Event Story Time
Exhibiting artists include Rosemary Cotnoir (Westbrook), Michael Fanelli (Clinton), Victor Filepp (New London), Karen Israel (West Hartford), Ann Knickerbocker (Old Saybrook), Brian McClear (West Hartford), T. Willie Raney (Ivoryton), Diana Rogers (Clinton), Rick Silberberg (Ivoryton), and Jill Vaughn (Ivoryton).
“Experiencing art plays a vital role in nurturing resilience and healing,” says artist Diana Rogers. “Works in the exhibit invite visitors to pause for a moment and be a part of the visual dialogue created by our artists.”
Artist Jill Vaughn notes, “Works in the exhibit tell a
Street
story of each artist’s creative journey. Our goal for the show is to share the power of art to help promote wellbeing and healing.”
Photographer Michael Fanelli adds, “The show celebrates how the power of creating and viewing art can transcend boundaries, both physical and emotional.” The opening reception is on Dec. 4 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday during regular medical center hours. For more information, email galleryonect@ gmail.com or visit galleryonect.com.
: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
A Town's Not-So-Perfect, Perfect Christmas Tree
: 5 to 7 p.m. Breakwater Books, 81 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a reading of by Guilford authors Joe and Adam Briganti. At 5:30 p.m., the Staven Wassailers perform outside the store and continue playing after the tree lighting until 7 p.m. Free. For info, call 203-453-4141 or visit breakwaterbooks.net.
: 5 to 9 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Other town events may take place to coincide with the tree lighting. For info, call 203-453-8001.
Annual Town of Madison Tree Lighting
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Madison Green. First Selectwoman Lyons gives remarks at 6 p.m., followed by a performance by the Yale Spizzwinks at 6:15 p.m. After the music, Santa lights the town’s holiday tree. For info, visit madisonct.org.
: 6 to 9 p.m. Broad Street, Guilford. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. Broad Street is closed to traffic for strollers to enjoy the decorated wreaths created by garden club members on the doors of homes, garlands adorning the picket fences, and luminaries lighting the way. Coincides with the Guilford tree lighting. For info, contact guilfordgardenclub06437@gmail.com or visit guilfordgardenclub.org.
Celebrate Repeal Day and the End to Prohibition
: 7 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features prohibition-inspired cocktails curated and created by professional bartenders. Dress up in 1920s garb and win a prize for best dressed and most dapper. Tickets: $65 per person. Service fees apply. Cash bar available for fullsize cocktails. Complimentary valet parking. For info or tickets, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com.
Woolsey Hall, 500 College St., New Haven. Features a performance of the Yale Concert Band and Yale Jazz Ensembles Big Band. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, call 203-4324111 or visit bands.yalecollege.yale.edu.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6 AND
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Dudley Farm Holiday Market and Museum Open House
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features handcrafted and homegrown artisan crafts, greenery, and food by more than 30 local artists and vendors. The farmhouse museum is decorated for a Victorian Christmas; the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum is also open. Includes a food truck on site. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
Photo by Michael Fanelli
Photo by Diana Rogers
Photo by Ann Knickerbocker , pastel by Diana Rogers Heading to the Vernal Pool, Springtime , mixed media by Ann Knickerbocker Persuasion , photograph by Michael Fanelli Falls River
Guilford Tree Lighting
Broad
Luminary Stroll
Side by Side: The Nutcracker Swings
It’s More Than a Craft Fair
Cookies, cookies, cookies!
Over 2,500 cookies will be available for purchase at the 30th annual holiday artisan fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC), 1271 Durham Road. Experienced shoppers of the Cookie Walk know to come early for the largest selection.The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Linda Young, who serves as the event’s
Continued from page 26
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Traditional Christmas Fair
cookie collector, shares how it works: “Shoppers pick out the number of boxes they want filled, point out their choices of the clearly-labeled cookies to the volunteers who fill their boxes.”
The Cookie Walk is a great chance to kick off the season of cookie gifting.
Aside from cookies, the event features 42 tables filled with a wide variety of handmade items from all over Connecticut, including wood crafts, pottery, glass, jewelry, Christmas decorations, soaps, knitted items, and tasty treats.
NMCC member Christine Hopkins
: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Baptist Church of Branford, 975 Main St. Features Christmas wreaths, swags, centerpieces, bows, and decorations; arts and crafts; antiques and vintage collectibles; cookies and baked goods; a jewelry room; tag sale room; Christmas room; raffle with specialty gift baskets; and local vendors. Includes live Christmas music by pianists Michael Cretella and Leah Smith and an appearance by Santa for picture-taking with children. Breakfast sandwiches will be available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch of hot dogs, chili, and butternut squash soup. Proceeds benefit charities to be determined. For info, call the church office at 203-488-9777.
Story Time with The Grinch
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
: 9:30 a.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.
Cookies will be a highlight of the 30th annual holiday artisan fair at the North Madison Congregational Church, Saturday, Dec. 6.
ensures vendors have successful experience at the fair, noting “It’s a joy to watch customers shop and buy their crafts.”
Neighbor Colleen Neutra says, “I put the holiday fair on my calendar every fall. It’s a terrific place to holiday shop—and shop in general for quality artisan and craft items. I find hostess gifts, future birthday gifts, and of course holiday gifts. I always walk out of the Fair with a smile.”
When shoppers are ready for a break, they can stop by Karen’s Café, serving a variety of hot homemade soups, which are always a hit, along with turkey pot pie
Make a Sock Snowman Adults Session
: 10 to 11 a.m.
Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Materials will be provided but supplies and space may be limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Author Event: Joyce Schriebman
: 10 a.m. to noon.
served with the NMCC signature cranberry chutney. Pies are sold whole or by the slice.
Meredith Young, daughter of Melissa Blundon, who has led the café for years, will serve as lead of the café this year. She invites all to “sit down and relax in our bistro or take your pies and soups home.”
Be sure to fire up your holiday spirit with cookies, handmade goods, and a cozy lunch.
For more information, call 203-421-3241 or visit www.northmadisoncc.org/ artisanfair.
Santa Visits the Library
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library steps, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Allis-Bushnell House Open House
Breakwater Books, 81 Whitfield St., Guilford. Book: Free admission. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and author signing. For info, call 203453-4141 or visit breakwaterbooks.net.
Fill the Forester for Ferals Oy, Santa!
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Premier Subaru of Branford, 155 N. Main St. Features a cat food drive; donations of unopened dry or canned cat food benefit the Greater New Haven Cat Project. For info, contact 203-782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org, or visit gnhcp.org/filltheforester.
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Visitors can explore the museum and view the exhibit, A Snail-Mail Holiday: Selections from the MHS Collection of Greeting Cards, in the tearoom. The MHS shop offers a variety of Madison-themed gifts. Free admission, but donations are welcome. For info, visit madisonhistory.org.
Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church
Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church
The crew of Karen's Café will serve a variety of hot homemade soups.
Woodcrafts can be purchased at the 30th annual holiday artisan fair.
Press Release from The North Madison Congregational Church
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
Ivoryton’s Is Old-Fashioned Fun Holiday Jamboree
It’s down home. It’s folksy. It’s country, and it’s fun. That best describes Ivoryton Playhouse’s holiday show this year.
Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
Grand Ole Opry
, which runs through Sunday, Dec. 21, was written by Ben Hope, the Playhouse’s executive producer, and Katie Barton. They also codirected the show, and Barton choreographed. It has a pseudofeel. In fact, it reminded me of some of the local country-western TV shows that aired in northern Virginia decades ago, when I was in college. I remember in particular the Porter Wagoner daily afternoon show
Scenic designer Glenn Bassett makes effective use of the two small areas on each side of the stage: One becomes a mid-50s kitchen, and the other a sitting area with a fireplace and a comfortable chair. Bassett cleverly uses books—reversed to show their white pages—to create a Christmas tree in the bookshelf.
Six talented performers—some of whom have appeared multiple times at the Playhouse—sing, dance a little, and also play multiple instruments, from banjos, ukuleles, guitars, piano, and more. They’re backed up by an eight-piece ensemble that even includes a cello.
Unfortunately, the program does not provide a list of songs, which is too bad; some were unfamiliar, and I would like to hear them again.
Each performer has moments where they shine as well as some group numbers with lovely harmonies—“Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart”—is one example. Larry gets to do “Here Comes Santa Claus” as well as a bluegrass piece in which he plays the banjo. Morgan performs a touching Spanish song and joins Sam for a rendition of “Silver Bells.” Sam Sherwood also pairs with Margaret Dudasik in several numbers. Margaret also has a touching “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Elizabeth Nesttlerode ends the show with a terrific version of “O Holy Night.”
Larry (Larrey Tobias) serves as host, offering some cringe-worthy jokes and connecting the segments of the show. But the focus is on an eclectic mixture of music.
The cast offers some traditional holiday pop (“Silver Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”) mixed with country Christmas songs (“It’s Winter Again” and “To Drive the Cold Winter Away”) plus one or two jazz and bluesy numbers. Elizabeth Nestlerode gets to do a pseud-
Ella scat number, “Winter Weather” and a jazzy “Waiting for the Man with the Bag.”
The show is broken into segments; each starts with a vocal advertisement for a local supporter. These are clever, and they even had the out-of-towners applauding. It’s not clear what the show’s premise is. Is this a radio broadcast with us as the live audience, which would make the advertisements logical? Or is it just a stage show?
Each of the short segments—the show is under two hours with intermission—has a theme. The most effective is when cast members share some memories. I’m not sure if these were scripted lines or actual experiences they’ve had, or a combination.
One of the best moments was Morgan Morse using shadow puppets as Larry recounts a Finnish folk tale about why bears hibernate in the winter.
The cast does an encore of “Run, Rudolph, Run,” which had the audience swaying and clapping.
The projections, possibly created by Glenn Bassett, were particularly effective.
All in all, will get your holiday celebrations off to a pleasant if not high-energy start.
For more information or tickets, visit IvorytonPlay house.org. Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
The cast of Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse Front to back: Macy Robinson, Elizabeth Nestlerode, and Margaret Dudasik
Larry Tobias
Sam Sherwood and Margaret Dudasik
Continued from page 27
Annual North Branford Holiday Photo Exchange
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Branford Police Department, 305 Forest Rd., Northford. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or monetary donations as their “ticket” for photos. Santa will be on hand until every child has had a chance to visit. Sponsored by real estate professional and community advocate Kim Dawson. For info, contact 203481-4605 or Kim@CoastalCTHomes.com.
Holiday Trees and Wreaths of Branford:
Noon to 4 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features a reception celebrating the holiday trees and wreaths of Branford designed by local artisans. There will be a silent auction and a chance to purchase trees and wreaths outright. For info, visit branfordarts.org.
Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Katie Tietjen
Death in the Details Murder in Miniature
: 1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Books: and . Features readings from the books and discussion by the fireplace in the Reading Room. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. No registration. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Santa's Workshop
: 10 to 11 a.m. Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St., Branford. For children 12 years and younger. Cost: $12 for residents, $17 for nonresidents. Bring a camera. Space is limited. For info, visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/ activities.
MONDAY, DEC. 8
Author Event: Cory Doctorow in Conversation with Roxanne Coady
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:
Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It
. Cost: $30, includes admission for one and a copy of the book; $5 includes admission for one. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Increasing Coastal Resilience at Hammonasset Beach State Park
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by Audubon Connecticut. Features a presentation by Jack Matthias on efforts to
Charles Dickens in New Haven: Library Collection and a One-man Performance
Press Release from New Haven Museum
Through the years, celebrity sightings were not uncommon in the Elm City. For instance, on March 24, 1868, thousands filled the streets outside the former Tontine Hotel (corner of Church and Court) to get a glimpse of literary giant Charles Dickens. The crowd became so unmanageable that hotel management engaged “two stout porters” for crowd control, creating a much-needed barrier between the crowd and the famed author.
That popular visit to New Haven by the author and his renowned work, , will be the focus of two programs at the New Haven Museum (NHM), 114 Whitney Avenue, on Saturday, Dec. 13. Entry for both events is free with regular museum admission.
The festivities will begin with “New Haven Holidays,” a presentation as part of a special “What’s in the Whitney Library?” program. Librarian Emma Norden will offer a glimpse of past Christmases from the Whitney Library collection from noon to 4 p.m.
Visitors will view a charming collection of holiday treasures—from handmade Christmas cards dating back to the early 1900s to greetings from overseas soldiers during WWI. It will also include an article from the Dec. 24, 1950, recounting Dickens’ 1868 Elm City reading of the , replete with rioting crowds and a ticketing scandal so colossal that the entire appearance was rescheduled and reticketed.
At 2 p.m., visitors will gather in the auditorium for a one-man performance of Dickens’ , performed by Michael Rose. In his 90-minute cut of the perennial holiday favorite, Rose embodies over a dozen characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim to the three ghosts of Christmas. The performance will be preceded by a reception at 1:30 p.m.
Rose is an actor and theatre educator based in New Haven. He studied theater at Yale University and the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. He directs and performs in plays at the Whitney Center senior living facility and teaches theater to youth through his own extracurricular programs. is one of the most adapted of Dickens’ works, with versions ranging from the Muppets to David Sedaris. Rose notes that the show arose out of a tradition of him reading the novella out loud to his family at Christmas time; he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to share it with the public. Having seen a number of adaptations of , he wanted to create one that was very true to the original text.
“ will always be relevant to people of any
faith or background because it is about opening our heart to connection with others.” Rose says. “The tale’s spirit of open-heartedness and generosity is what I hope the public will take from the presentation.”
For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Needs
strengthen coastal resilience at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Community feedback and questions follow the presentation. For info or to register (required), email jcristiano@audubon.org or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com. : 10 a.m.
Nathanael B. Greene Community Center,
32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Kelsey E. Fisher, assistant agricultural scientist in the entomology department at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. 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.
The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen with Author and Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space
: 2 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/nbranford libraries.
See page 30
A Christmas Carol
Haven Register Christmas Carol
Photo courtesy of New Haven Museum
Michael Rose gives a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol
Aging in Place: How to Protect Assets and Stay at Home
: 6 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Presented by estate planning and elder law attorney Erin Duques. For info or to register, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Wine Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For ages 21 and over. Features a 15-minute pre-decorating mini workshop with pastry chef Lily and time for cookie decorating while sipping wine. Participants will receive four six-inch gingerbread cookies to decorate and take home Cost: $50. Eventbrite fees apply. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.
Orange and Spice Dough Bowl Candle Making Workshop
: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $35 class fee plus a $25 materials fee (exact change requested). Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Author Event: Cynthia Zarin in Conversation with Amity Gaige
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . 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.
Opera Theater of Connecticut Celebrates Holidays and 40 Years
The Opera Theater of Connecticut is celebrating the holiday season and its milestone 40th anniversary year with the enchanting melodies of its Yule Tide Songs and Carols concert, a heartwarming event designed for the whole family. The event promises an atmosphere filled with warmth and wonder, welcoming audiences to immerse themselves in beloved musical traditions and seasonal celebrations.
This year’s concert will be held at the Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Lane, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.
Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Eric Trudel, the ensemble of singers will bring to life a selection of timeless songs, festive carols, and opera favorites, with melodies revolving around the holiday season and offering both cherished classics and new memories for all ages. Singers include Leah Brzyski, Amy Maude Helfer, Daniel Juárez, Michael McAvoy, and Andrew Martens.
A holiday reception will follow the concert with wine, cheese, and seasonal goodies.
authentic tools and techniques, including roasting and grinding cacao beans and refining chocolate. Includes background on the cultural significance of chocolate during the era. For info or to register (required), visit blackstonelibrary.org.
: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Atwater Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a sock snowman craft for teens. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
General admission tickets are available for $40 per adult and $20 for guests under 18. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 860-669-8999 or visit operatheaterofct.org.
Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story Time
: 7 p.m. Online event. Features Stephen Shaskan, author of and . Cost: $10 for the private link to the event, $30 for the link plus a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, and sketch pad. Service fees apply. Presented by Read to Grow in Branford. For info or to register, call Read to Grow at 203-488-6800 or visit readtogrow.org.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
Gingerbread House Decorating: Estate: A Novel Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic! Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School
10:30 a.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd. Participants will build and decorate a gingerbread house with supplies provided and any candy they would like to share. One gingerbread house per family. Presented by the Friends of Acton Library. Free and open to all. For info or to
register (required), call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Gingerbread House Workshop
: 4 to 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Open to children ages 9 and up. Candy decorations of all varieties will be available to participants, making the event not allergen-free. For info or to register (required), visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Art with Kristin: Abstract Sports Silhouette
: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 8 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Make a Sock Snowman: Adult Session:
5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a sock snowman craft for adults. All materials pro-
vided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Jackson and the Olympians Party
:
5 to 7 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features themed activities inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians, with opportunities to earn camp beads. Pizza and refreshments provided. Recommended for ages 10 to 14. For info or to register (required), call 203484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. Contact the library regarding allergies.
The Historic Art of Chocolate-Making Demonstration
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Hosted by the Branford Historical Society. Features an 18th-century chocolate-making demonstration by guests from The Pewter Pot using historically
10 a.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. 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 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.
Tea and Talk
Shop, Sip, and Stroll Unabridged
:
: 2 p.m. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Hosted by Shoreline Village CT. Guests can enjoy conversation with fellow Shoreline Villagers. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillagect.org.
: 5 to 8 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features refreshments, giftshopping opportunities, and a complimentary treat. For info, visit branfordarts.org/events.
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 the Opera Theater of Connecticut
Photo courtesy of Opera Theater of Connecticut
Pianist Eric Trudel is one of the performers at the Yule Tide Songs and Carols concert presented by the Opera Theater of Connecticut
Percy
Author Event: Stefan Fatsis in Conversation with Adam Sexton
Make a Sock Snowman: Teen Session:
Guilford Job Network Meet
Performance by Project Music Heals Us
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
Dominican Rd:
Branford House LLC of Branford to Home Helpers LLC, $78,319 on 11/12/2025
Lakeview Dr Unit 22:
Forrest and Blanche Temple of Branford to Joseph Gilhuly, $430,000 on 11/12/2025
Limewood Ave:
Margaret S Lee T and Henry C. Lee of Branford to Vks LLC, $970,000 on 11/12/2025
Riverwalk:
Nancy Donald RET and N J. Donald of Branford to Richard and Amy Dezenzo, $845,000 on 11/12/2025
Robert J. and Cynthia G. Badrigian of Branford to Endocare Real Estate LLC, $250,000 on 11/12/2025
S Main St Unit 515: 7 S Main St:
Robert J. and Cynthia G. Badrigian of Branford to Endocare Real Estate LLC, $250,000 on 11/12/2025
Matthew J. and Stephen D. Hayes of Clinton to Bluff Properties LLC and Vincent A. Neri, $95,000 on 11/12/2025 10
Ostrander
William A Est and Lisa Mansfield of Clinton to Ann Burke and Emily G. Cruzeiro, $410,000 on 11/10/2025
Arsen and Ave M. Hovsepian of Clinton to Rosario H. Castro, $490,000 on 11/10/2025
Judy Postemsky of Clinton to Daniel Gonzalez-Hincapie, $375,000 on 11/10/2025
Stephen A. and
Marlene G. Brown of Clinton to Guillaume Briere-Giroux and Jennifer Lierer, $2,262,500 on 11/12/2025
Sandra Macioce of Clinton to Eileen R Matthay T and Eileen R. Matthay, $1,500,000 on 11/10/2025
1270 Durham Rd:
Eva S Delli Paoli Irt and Greg P. Maurer of Guilford to Mark and Thanit Lyons, $629,000 on 11/10/2025
65 Prospect Ave:
Stephen E Vance
RET and Stephen E. Vance of Guilford to John R. Atwater and Beryl Kammerer, $1,500,000 on 11/12/2025
KILLINGWORTH
206 Little City Rd:
Kim C. and Lawrence J. Pollack of Killingworth to Stephen and Sheryl-Lee Albertson, $650,000 on 11/10/2025
1 Route 148:
James G. Howe of Killingworth to William and Diosdada J. Cox, $733,000 on 11/10/2025
MADISON
Marta Martins of East Haven to Jaime V. Delgado and Azucena D. Torres, $390,000 on 11/10/2025
20 Comstock Ave Unit 2C:
Shallow20 LLC of Essex to Joseph Lopez, $269,750 on 11/10/2025 14 Captains Walk: 23 Egypt Ln: 148 Glenwood Rd: 30 Sols Point Rd: 18 Tidewater Ln Unit 18: 30 Bradley Ave:
GUILFORD
455 Birch Dr:
Michael P. and Kerry L. Mcgowan of Guilford to Paul K. and Melanie E. Kregling, $1,350,000 on 11/14/2025
14 Horseshoe Ln:
Nancy A. Torpey of Madison to Janet M. Brown, $715,200 on 11/12/2025
NORTH BRANFORD
38 Dinwoodie Dr:
Fair Investments LLC of North Branford to Alicia Flores, $465,000 on 11/10/2025
40 North St:
Donald G. and David A. Harris of North Branford to Nathaniel Rose, $525,000 on 11/10/2025
Donald G. and David A. Harris of North Branford to Nathaniel Rose, $525,000 on 11/10/2025
Russell P. Lanziero and Theresa M. Broadwell of Old Saybrook to Meadow Cove LLC, $358,000 on 11/12/2025
Dylan Ficke of Old Saybrook to Stephen Scorziello and Amy Lionetti-Scorziello, $379,000 on 11/14/2025
Theresa and Rob Cassin of Old Saybrook to Fortitude Marine Enterpri, $17,500 on 11/14/2025 Dgg Properties Co Inc of Westbrook to Christine M. and Chad K. Iris, $12,500 on 11/10/2025
Dgg
Properties Co Inc of Westbrook to Peter A. and Pamela K. Barile, $12,500 on 11/10/2025
Westbrook Landing LLC of Westbrook to Joy and Randy Biebel, $400,000 on 11/12/2025
Meghan E. and Garrett Havican of Westbrook to Kenneth C Dyer T and Kenneth C. Dyer, $1,350,000 on 11/10/2025
