Guilford Courier 12-18-25

December 18, 2025

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Guilford Vol. XXVIII Iss. 51

Holiday Art Expo Tradition Returns to GAC

By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

The 47th annual Holiday Expo has returned to the Guilford Art Center, showcasing multitudes of art projects by independent painters, crafters, and sculptures from across the Connecticut shoreline.

The expo has been running since Novem-

ber and will close on Jan. 11.

While the shop at the art center is open year round, the holiday season sees it double in size and showcases the work of a variety of art projects, from clothing, paintings, home goods, jewelry, and ornaments.

Maureen Belden, executive director at the art center, said it is “really exciting to see the incredible breadth of talent in all these dif-

ferent media of local and local, regional and American artisans.”

The purchase of the many projects on display will support both the art center and the artists, which is “one of our big mandates,” said Belden.

The display has received positive feedback See Holiday Art Expo page 6

Hanukkah Lighting Rabbi Yosi Yaffe of Chabad of the Shoreline lights an ice menorah during an ice sculpture menorah lighting on the Guilford Town Green on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event featured an ice menorah created by Ice Matters of Cheshire, ice sculpting demonstrations, blocks of ice for visitors to carve, and snacks, hot cider and candy.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Courier

Mace Vitale has been teaching the metallic arts at the Guilford Arts Center for about 20 years..............2

A High Ceiling Despite having a young roster this winter, the Guilford wrestling team is looking to make waves on the mats............................................20

Christmas in the Philippines Living Editor Maria Caulfield shares her experience with celebrating the holidays overseas........................24

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2

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Learning About the Metallic Arts With Mace Vitale

By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

Located just outside downtown, the Guilford Arts Center offers a variety of workshops for those who want to explore their creative side, from weaving to painting, to ceramics and sculpture. There is also an opportunity for crafters to get a bit more physical and noisy in their quest to create something from nothing, like a kitchen knife that cuts with precision or a beautiful hook for hanging a coat.

These metallic creations can be forged in the blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes at the arts center under the tutelage of Mace Vitale.

Mace has been teaching the metallic arts at the art center for about 20 years, a journey that began when he first learned her craft at the facility.

“I took my first blacksmithing class here,” Mace says. “That was my introduction to it.”

He was eventually approached

Person

of the Week by a former instructor at the arts center who asked if was interested in teaching a class himself.

This was before there was a specific space devoted to metallic arts like there is now, where things can get dusty, noisy, but thrilling, too.

Since then, Mace’s elevation of the program has been an ongoing process. He built up the space by bringing in equipment from his own workshop and raising funds over the years to acquire more equipment for the classes. He is still looking to bring in more equipment to expand the possibilities of creations and satisfy the artistic side of handy individuals like himself.

Beyond teaching, Mace had desired to work in a space where

craftsmanship meets creativity.

Fortunately, the universe appeared to be listening.

“I was at a point in my life where I was working for companies selling mortgages, and the company was closing, and I was going to look for a job. A friend of mine was helping me with a resume, and he said, ‘What would your dream job be?’ Without even thinking about it, I said, ‘I don’t know, working with metal, hammers and torches, something like that.’ And then, literally three days later, I picked up the [paper’s] wanted ads and all it said was ‘Hammer and torch guy wanted, phone number here in Guilford.’ I called the number and I got hired at Connectiut Coppersmiths here in town.”

Along with being the town blacksmith, Mace is also a member of the American Bladesmith Society and the president of the Connecticut Blacksmith Guild.

Members of such organizations See Learning page 12

Photo Credited to Aaron Rubin

Mace Vitale is a seasoned craftsmen who teaches the art of the hammer and anvil at Guilford Art Center.

Make sure your home is safe, merry and bright...

Lock up your medications so they stay out of sight!

Happy Holidays!

A safe medication storage message from the Guilford D.A.Y. Coalition

Interested in FREE Deterra Pouches or Lock Boxes?

Email FosterL@guilfordct.gov or call (203)453-8047

3

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

Inside Sports A Christmas Tradition Ahoy! Check out Captain Morgan’s weekly fishing column...........................21

Picture Yourself Here!

Winning a Pair The Guilford girls’ ice hockey team earned two big wins to start the season.............................................................. 22

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Next-Level Athletes Three Guilford baseball players recently committed to playing the sport collegiately..................................................... 22

A Must-See Show Goodspeed’s production of White Christmas is leaving people impressed with its final product.......... 27 Arts and Events Check out the list of upcoming events happening all across the shoreline...... 25

Quote

of the week

Mixed Feelings Yale Rep’s production of Hedda Gabler leaves an underwhelming impression..................................................... 28

Index Obituaries............................................ 5

“He’s been a great captain so far, and we have high expectations that he’ll reach his goals.”

- Craig Vedrani................20

Classifieds..........................................15 Sudoku...............................................19 Sports..................................................20 Fishing................................................22

Guilford Courier (usps 019-979)

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

Tides....................................................23 Living..................................................24 Calendar.............................................25 Real Estate.........................................31

4

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Five Clues to Spot a Scam and Keep Up Your Holiday Spirits Guilford’s Hometown Newspaper Founded in 1998 Published by Shore Publishing, LLC ©2025 All Rights Reserved ISSN www.zip06.com • 203-245-1877

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Editorial Staff

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

By Officer Scott Gingras Guilford Police Department

Did you get a call from the IRS? Maybe an email from PayPal notifying of suspicious activity on your account? Or perhaps it was a pop-up on your screen, warning your computer is infected with a virus?

These are all common ways that scammers target potential victims in order to steal their money, personal information, or both. And there are so many different types of scams out there, it seems like just when we learn about them and educate people on what to looks for, new scams pop up.

However, no matter what business or organization the scammer claims to be from, or what amount of money or type of personal information they say they need from you, there are a few characteristics that many scams have in common that you can look out for. Watch out for these five common clues that it’s a TOTAL SCAM…

Scam Smarts b

2. Requests for Money or Personal Information No matter the type of scam, it will usually involve the scammer asking you to pay money or give them your personal information. If someone contacts you asking for money, or threatens you if you don’t pay, you should be suspicious. If you are unsure if the person you’re talking to is legitimate or not, give us a call and we will help you figure it out! And never give out any personal information like your Social Security Number or bank account information unless you are absolutely certain of who you’re talking to. b

3. Unsolicited Contact

If you received a phone call, email, or text that’s out of the blue from someone b claiming to be from a legitimate company, 1. Sense of Urgency/Secrecy be cautious. Also keep in mind that many Scammers will often use words like scammers use “number spoofing” to dis“immediately” or “act now” to create a guise their actual phone number with one sense of urgency. They’ll play on your emo- that may look recognizable to you. tions, and make it seem like you have to make a decision right away. Scammers b want you to act without fully thinking 4. Unusual Payment Methods about what you’re doing, and don’t want Scammers will often request payment in you to have time to talk to anyone else to unusual methods like cryptocurrency, wire see if what they’re saying makes sense. transfer, gift cards, or a payment app like Remember, it’s very rare in life that you Zelle because the money if more difficult to must do something immediately or else track. Legitimate businesses and organisomething bad is going to happen. There is zations generally do not accept these forms generally always time to slow down, think of payment. about what the person is telling you, and consult with a family member, friend, or b even the police. Scammers may also push 5. Incorrect Spelling/Grammar you to keep the situation secret — even Scam texts and emails often contain directing you to lie to bank tellers or multiple misspelled words and grammatiothers — in order to isolate you and avoid cal errors. Legitimate businesses and detection. organizations will not make these types of errors in their communications to you.

For questions or more information on common scams, visit the Guilford Police Department on Facebook or Instagram (@guilfordpd_ct) or give us a call at (203) 453-8061.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Guilford and North Guilford

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

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.

5

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

Obituaries

Contacting Guilford Courier

Obituary

Jan Wasley Guilford Dr. Jan W.F. Wasley, longtime resident of Guilford, died at the age of 89 on Dec. 2, 2025, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. The beloved husband of Vernagh for 63 years; father of four; and an esteemed and accomplished scientist, Jan passed after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, UK, to William and Ethel Wasley, Jan was educated at the Becket School in Nottingham, served for two years in the British Army, and completed his Ph.D in medicinal chemistry at the University of Nottingham. While finishing his degree, he met a nurse, Vernagh O’Connor. They were married in 1962, and crossed the Atlantic shortly thereafter to Ottawa, Canada, where Jan took on a postdoctoral position as a research chemist at the National Research Council.

After two years in Canada, Jan and Vernagh moved to Mount Kisco, N.Y., and later to Chatham, N.J., where Jan worked as a research scientist at CibaGeigy and they raised four children. In 1996, they settled in Guilford where they spent 30 happy years on the Connecticut shoreline.

Jan enjoyed a successful and productive career as director of research at Ciba-Geigy and, later, at Neurogen Corp., earning over 40 patents and valued by his colleagues for both his scientific acumen and good nature. Jan took great pride in his work, but his deepest joy was his family and there wasn’t a prouder or more supportive dad in the world.

Jan loved to travel, sharing many international adventures with his family, and passed on to his children that

eagerness to explore the wider world.

He was a skilled pianist, and one of his most enthusiastic pastimes was writing and performing chemistry-themed musical skits with fellow scientists at the Gordon Research Conference in New Hampshire every summer. Enlisting distinguished chemists from around the world in witty and pun-filled singalongs, and serving as piano-playing emcee, Jan revealed a funny, creative side that was not often on show.

He was an avid tennis player and took up running late in life, participating in various races and 5Ks around Connecticut. He loved to walk, especially along the beach in Hammonasset in Madison, one of his favorite places.

He also loved Cape Cod and spent many happy summers and weekends there with Vernagh and their children and grandchildren.

Jan was a loving, curious, and generous spirit who will be remembered by all who knew him, and especially by his family, for his gentleness, his kindness, and his occasionally awful dad-jokes.

He leaves behind Vernagh and their four children and families: Annemarie Wasley (Michael Saint James) of Decatur, Ga.; Liam Wasley (Georgia Sullivan) of Washington, D.C.; Aidan Wasley (Kim) of Athens, Ga.; and Paula Wasley, of Washington D.C. He also leaves two grandchildren, William and Emma Wasley, who were the apple of his eye.

His life will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 11, through a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church in Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.

See Obituaries page 9

Spectrum Holiday Show: The Art of Dreaming Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, hosts its holiday show, The Art of Dreaming through Saturday, Jan. 10. The gallery showcases representational and abstract art in all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—that explore the many dimensions of dreaming. Spectrum’s artisans store also offers fine crafts in wood, ceramic, pottery, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry, and more.

In addition, the gallery has handmade ornaments in its six-foot holiday tree and seasonal items in all mediums. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

As your hometown paper, the Guilford Courier welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Guilford Courier encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues.

Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter.

Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters.

Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined.

For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal.

Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor.

Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor.

Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication.

These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0.

OBITUARIES The Guilford Courier publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06. com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com.

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

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

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

6

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

HELP US RAISE $500,000 FOR THE NEXT 50+ YEARS!

Holiday Art Expo Tradition Returns to Guilford Art Center Continued from page 1

INVEST IN GUILFORD WITH A DONATION TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN

GIVE TODAY! SCAN THE QR CODE TO MAKE A DONATION.

In 1975, a group of neighbor pooled their money to plant tree on the town Green. Their forward-thin ing advocacy led to the formation of The Guilford Foundation.

Fifty year later, our mi ion and impact have expanded, yet we remain committed to bettering vibrant community.

Agency on Aging Seeks Volunteers 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.

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S BAIT & TACKLE

Photo: Richard Madonna

The Beginning

from expo visitors, said art center shop manager Elena Albergo, having once again established “a warm and engaging holiday display that highlights the beautiful works of fine artisans,” she said.

While some of the featured art up for purchase is from artists who have been on display at the expo for years, a new showcase has arrived for the holiday season from the Lyme Artisans Guild (otherwise known as LAG). The guild was launched two years ago and consists of a cohort of independent artists who share the collective mission to “to revitalize the focus on fine craftsmanship, both functional and decorative” and to honor a nearly centuryold tradition of regional support for local artisans and crafters.

The guild’s artists have their own “show within the show,” said Belden, located on the right side of the expo space.

Guilford resident Carol Stanland stated her excitement for her cohort of artists to be participating in the expo as a way to connect with the broader region of arts and crafts lovers about projects and their minds behind them.

“Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be,” said Stanland. “We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

Albergo said that “partnering with the

Lyme Artisans Guild creates a valuable opportunity to highlight the work of local artisans and guild members while fostering a stronger sense of community.”

Belden agrees, adding that the mission of the guild aligns with that of the art center, and is especially relevant to the latter’s origins.

“That’s how the art center started, with a handful of people,” she said. “It’s been a really nice collaboration, and we were happy to support them.”

Keeping the tradition of the Holiday Expo comes with some arranging of its function, said Belden, given the multiple ways people can purchase arts and crafts, whether in person or online. While that may have “changed the nature” of how local artists promote their work to the public, said Belden, high participation in the Holiday Expo to give potential customers an up-close look at their projects is still a strong attraction for those artists.

“That’s really an important part to be able to do,” said Belden. “You can see that it’s something that people love to be a part of to gain an audience.”

Overall, the expo is a “celebration of creativity and community” that lends support to a local facility for education in the arts and community members who create beautiful objects to hold, look at, or use.

“When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift — you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region,” said Belden. “Every purchase makes a difference.”

Our Mission

Through our leadership and grants, we partner with local nonprofits that provide critical programming that enriches the quality of life in Guilford.

Our funding is directed to a range of services including youth, basic need, arts & culture, seniors, mental health, and so much more.

Live Here, Give Here ince 2010, we've invested over 2.9 million into our remar able town.

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n celebration of 50 years of impact, support your community foundation wit a don a tion . No ma tter t e si e, your gift is a meaningful investment for generations to come.

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

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DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

Obituaries Healthy Pets...Happy Wallets!

Continued from page 5 Obituary

Dennis Hanley North Branford Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, Dennis Paul Hanley, 85, longtime resident of North Branford passed away peacefully at his home with his partner of over 60 years James Vogt by his side.

Dennis was born in New Haven on Sept.

17, 1940, son of the late Paul J. Hanley and Veronica (Grabowski) Hanley.

Dennis is also survived by a niece Carolann (Sid) Carrera of Illinois; his brothers, Paul (Carol) Hanley of New Mexico, and Charles (Susan) Hanley of

California; along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Joyce Devich.

Before retirement in 2006, he worked as a CNA for Hospice in Branford and Madison House in Madison.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2026, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street Guilford. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Church, Guilford. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.

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Helps to Support

Together, We Canthe Warm the Children Together, We Can Warm Children

The Rotary ClubsClubs of Madison Guilford and are committed to making sure no child faces wint The Rotary of and Madison Guilford are committed clothing. Through Warm The Children, 100% of the your donation buys brand-new winter wea Together, We Can Warm Children to making sure no child faces wintercommunity. without proper clothing.

Through Warm The Children, of sure your buys The Rotary Clubs of Madison and Guilford are committed100% to making no donation child faces winter without proper Every gift makes a difference.

Together, we can $20,000 and give children clothing. Through Warm The Children, 100% of your donation buys brand-new winter wearlocal for kids in our wa brand-new winter wear for kids inreach our community. and joy this winter. community.

Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can reach $20,000 Donate now to make an immediate impact.

makes a difference. Together, we can reach $20,000 and give local children warmth, dignity, Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission held a virtual meeting on December 3,Every giftand give local childrenand warmth, dignity, and joy this winter. joy this winter.

2025, and at this meeting the following actions were taken:

Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children Donate now an immediate impact.

Donateto nowmake to make immediate impact.CT 06443 POan Box 335, Madison,

Approved with conditions: 385 Church Street (Map 74 Lot 4, Zones I and R-5). Applicant/Agent: Gregg Fedus of Fedus Engineering on behalf of Owner: Christopher Marchesi (Principal) of Brockway Holdings LLC. Site Plan Review for major building addition per §9.3 and §4.2.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-warm-the-childre Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children Madison Rotary Foundation – Warm The Children PO Box 335,Madison, Madison, CT 06443 PO Box 335, CT 06443 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-warm-the-children https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-warm-the-children

Mandatory Referral: Bluff Head Subdivision Conservation Easements

Thanks for your support!

Settlement of Appeal: 1940 Boston Post Road, LLC v. Town of Guilford Planning & Zoning Commission, NNH-CV-25-6162053-S (J.D. New Haven at New Haven).

The Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 18th of December 2025 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman

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.

The Madison Rotary Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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10

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Home for the Holidays: Who Can Resist Snickers?

Story by Carol Andrecs

Beautiful Snickers was passed from house to house, confused as to who would love and care for her the rest of her life. Through no fault of her own, this colorful tortoiseshell has endured too many upsetting changes and longs to feel safe and secure. Would you open your heart and home to Snickers and offer her permanent, unconditional love? To bring her home for the holidays, come meet this sweet and affectionate girl at our open house or apply to adopt her online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org. b

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

The Perfect RETIREMENT

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.

Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.

Photo by Tracye Mueller

Need Help with Challenging Children?

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

Legal Notice Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission The Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following action:

Scan to Schedule Your Tour or Call (203) 654-3360 ACTIVE ADULT • INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING • SKILLED NURSING • REHAB 88 Notch Hill Road • Branford, CT 06471 (203) 654-3360 • Evergreen-Woods.com

APPROVED: 2569 Long Hill Road LLC, located at 2569 Long Hill Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Map 101, Lot 37, Regulated Activity, Septic replacement within Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission 100-foot upland jurisdiction review area of a wetland and or watercourse.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this fifth day of December, 2025.

Jeff Parker, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILFORD In accordance with Sec. 10-553(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, notice is hereby given that a copy of the agreement between the Guilford Board of Education and the Guilford Education Association (GEA) for 2026-2029 has been filed in the Guilford Town Clerk’s Office, Town Hall, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut for public inspection.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 8th day of December 2025.

Anna J. Dwyer, CCTC Guilford Town Clerk

11

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

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12

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Learning About the Metallic Arts With Mace Vitale Continued from page 2 recognize the artistic aspect of knife-making that give them a gleaming beauty.

“The level of craftsmanship and artistry that’s found in this line of work is absolutely mind boggling,” Mace says. “I’ve been trying, on my end, to try to bring knives as art to people, because they can be very artistic. There’s something primordial and powerful about a knife and holding a knife.”

‘Primordial’ is the key word in the ancient craft of blacksmithing and blademithing tied to narratives across time, from the Ancient Greeks and Romans, to Medieval times, and the American Old West.

In the blacksmithing classes, beginning crafters will typically start with making nails and work their way to making objects like knives and swords. Under Mace’s instruction, hunks of metal will be turned into various objects like knives and hatch-

ets, skulls and faces, and war hammers.

In these workshops, students will learn not just how to physically make these objects, but also the chemistry that makes them beautiful to look at. Both of these aspects often need to connect in order to have a usable object.

“That’s really the important part of it,” says Mace. “That’s how I approach my work: I make it a tool first, and then aesthetically pleasing and pretty after that.

Because if it doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, then it’s just a wedge-shaped piece of metal.”

The feeling of holding a well-crafted knife in one’s hands was part of the draw when Mace became interested in antique American Bowie knives.

“You might look through a book and see something and think, ‘Well, that’s an interesting piece.’ Then you make it and once it’s made and you’re as close to the dimensions as you think you can get, and

then you have it in your hand- Yeah, now I understand it!.”

To ease people into the art form, beginner classes are offered to teens and adults.

From there, students can choose classes that focus on knifemaking, hacksaw making, and cooking tools. On the latter, Mace says the process of making metal ladles and spatulas reveals a different feeling than purchasing one at a big retail store.

“It’s more rewarding and it probably works a lot better, too,” he says.

There are other classes that can help students really hone in on the technique that goes into beautifully crafted metallic arts, such as a certification class for the Artists and Blacksmiths Association of North America.

“They’re designed for you to get your techniques down, your elements that you’re creating, whether it’s a square taper, round taper, particular shape item … you’re learning how to assemble things.

I’m hoping it’s going to take off a little bit more.”

While blacksmithing and bladesmithing may seem intimidating at first, Mace is there to create a fun environment where safety and comfortability around heavy equipment is guaranteed for all people.

“I do get people coming in thinking that it’s this big guy swinging a hammer, but some of the best blacksmiths I know are not big, old burly men. It’s about finesse and understanding the mechanics of it.

You can move a lot of metal with a small hammer if you do it right. Anybody can do it. You can take a piece of nothing - just a chunk of garbage on the shop floor and turn it into something beautiful.”

Details on the various blacksmithing classes at Guilford Art Center can be found at https://guilfordartcenter.org/artclass/blacksmithing-classes/.

GriefShare Meetings

Choral Scholarship Program for High School Students

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.

High school students are invited to audition for a place in The Anglican Singers, artistsin-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.

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At its regular meeting on December 10, 2025 the Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission took the following action: APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Ellen L. Greim, Saddle Hill Drive, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 95, Lot 84, Regulated Activity, New home construction, driveway and grading within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

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APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Scott Woods, 41 Half Mile Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 80, Lot 103, Regulated Activity, Build a garage on the footprint of existing carport within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse. (Tabled from November 12, 2025 Meeting)

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Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual. com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/ B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

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APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Robert Becher, 378 Old Sachems Head Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 3, Lot 2A, Regulated Activity, Removal of existing stone terrace, new deck, new foundation and new exterior wall to enclose covered porch within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Anthony Bomgardner, 90 Woodworth Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 60, Lot 14B, Regulated Activity, 657 square foot second floor accessory dwelling unit within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Parrish & Kaia Rarick, 3035 Long Hill Road, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 108, Lot 29, Regulated Activity, Demolition of existing house and rebuilding a new structure on the existing foundation, adding a 1-car addition to the garage within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

CEASE AND CORRECT ORDER: David Sakheim, 1171 West Lake Avenue, Guilford, Connecticut, Assessors Map 95, Lot 34, Vegetation removal and site grading within Guilford Inland Wetlands 100-foot upland jurisdiction of a wetland and/or watercourse.

Jeff Parker, Chairman

13

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

SHORELINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMERCE Serving towns of Branford, Guilford, and North Serving thethe towns of Branford, Guilford, North Branford and Branford Beyond…

2614764 Boston PostPost Road,Road, Guilford, CT 06437 • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com Boston Branford • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com The Shoreline Chamber is the trusted business association of the CT Shoreline. Our mission is to foster the visibility and economic success of our member and communities.

CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS AND NEWS UPCOMING EVENTS Nominations are Open for our Annual Excellence Awards!

PAST EVENTS Thank you to all who joined our 2025 Holiday BAsH at Woodwinds!

Mark your calendars! The Shoreline Chamber’s Annual Excellence Award is Tuesday, February 24th, and we can’t wait to celebrate the businesses, leaders, and community partners who make our Shoreline thrive. Know someone making a big impact? Nominate them for an Annual Excellence Award now on the event page of our website and help us shine a spotlight on the excellence happening all around us!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Shoreline Chamber’s Holiday BAsH. Your presence was such a great way to kick off the holiday season, and you all helped create such a wonderful and memorable event. We’re grateful for the support of our community, local businesses, and friends who came together to celebrate a wonderful year.

A special thank you goes out to our Chamber members, whose continued commitment and involvement make events like this possible.

Your dedication strengthens our business community and allows us to grow, collaborate, and thrive. We appreciate each of you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Member Ribbon Cuttings, Milestones and Celebratory Events

Congratulations to Guilford Dental Arts on their Ribbon Cutting!

Congratulations to Key2Green on their Ribbon Cutting!

Key2Green brings a fresh vision for lawn care to the Shoreline — offering expert pet-safe and ecofriendly fertilization, weed and crabgrass control, tick-management, aeration, and so much more.

Their owner-operator, Jay Pompano, is a licensed pesticide supervisor and built Key2Green out of a love for yard maintenance and a commitment to attentive, hands-on service. We look forward to seeing Key2Green grow and help neighborhoods across the Shoreline and beyond enjoy beautiful, vibrant lawns.

Guilford Dental Arts is committed to delivering outstanding, patient-centered dental care — from preventive and restorative treatments to cosmetic services provided with comfort, skill, and expertise. Their team includes prosthodontists, Dr. Lomartire and Dr. Patel, specializing in precision-driven treatments for restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

We’re thrilled to welcome Guilford Dental Arts to the Chamber and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.

Congratulations to Blur Barbershop on their Ribbon Cutting!

Blur Barbershop brings a fresh take on classic men’s grooming with a blend of modern style and traditional barber-craft. Their experienced barbers specialize in men’s haircuts, fades, clean beard trims, straight-razor line-ups, and hot towel shaves — offering precision and attention to detail in every cut.

We were honored to celebrate this exciting milestone with the Blur Barbershop team! We were joined by owners and barbers Angelo Graziano and Joe DiPalma, and barbers Alex Blimberg and Alex Harvey.

CT State Community College - Gateway 20 Church Street New Haven, CT 06510 Blur Barbershop 242 Main St Branford, CT 06405

Congratulations to Fresh Green and Proteins on the grand opening of their Branford location, and welcome to the Shoreline Chamber!

Fresh Greens & Proteins offers clean, wholesome smoothies, salads, and bowls made to leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Their focus is real ingredients, simple proteins, and nutrient-rich greens so you can eat better, feel better, and live better.

We were honored to celebrate this ribbon cutting with owners AJ Cooney and Mack Cianciolo and their team!

Welcome New Members to the Shoreline Chamber Maestra 7 Acorn Rd Madison, CT 06443 Lint Patrol LLC 177 Newton Rd Woodbridge, CT 06525

Guilford Neighbors Magazine & Media 5 Hart Road Guilford, CT 06437 Fresh Greens & Proteins - Branford 1100 W Main St Bldg 2 Branford, CT 06405

Key2Green, LLC. 22 Overlook Ln Guilford, CT 06437

14

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group

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

• Real Estate Transactions

• Education and School News & Updates

• Living Features – Arts, Culture, Recipes & Local Events

• High School Sports & Athlete of the Week Profiles

• Letters to the Editor

• Local Politics & Government News

• Obituaries and Public Notices

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.

To contribute to our Voluntary Pay program, please visit www.zip06.com/voluntarypay or complete and return the form below. You can also scan the QR code below and help us reduce our costs by donating electronically. For questions or more information about your contribution’s impact, please contact us via phone or email.

Regardless of your decision to donate, we will continue to deliver your paper each week. It is our privilege to keep providing you with local news, ads, and information. To remain compliant in our partnership with USPS, please complete the form below or visit www.zip06.com/subscribe. Your request to receive your community newspaper is valid for three years and enables us to provide cost-effective and efficient delivery via mail.

Thank you for your support of Shore Publishing. Together, we can ensure our community remains informed and connected.

Sincerely,

If you would like to contribute to our Voluntary Pay program, please complete and return this form to: 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 Or donate online at www.zip06.com/voluntarypay

President & Publisher, The Day & Shore Publishing Companies

Name: Phone: Address: City:

State:

Zip:

Email: Date

Donation Amount: $ YES, continue to send the local newspaper each week to my home address (Local delivery only) If you have an address change, please complete and return this form so there is no interruption in delivery.

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.

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 860399-0280 or jferrara@lvvs.org.

Scholarships for Connecticut Women 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.

Legals

DECEMBER 18, 2025

Legals

GUILFORD COURIER • CLASSIFIEDS • 15

Employment

Announcements Instructions

Instructions

Marine/ Boats

Marine/ Boats

Employment Services

Automotive Financial

a d AD dea d l i n e : mFRIDAY o n d a yATa4 t PM 10 am DEADLINE: Animals

or Call 1-800-582-8296 Merchandise Merchandise

Pets PlaCe and your liner ad online at Legals

Service Directory and Classified Displayand/or Ads: 860.701.4412 Service Directory and Classified Display Ads: 860-701-4200 Email classifiedads@theday.com Go to Zip06.com, select your town and click on classifieds or call weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Shore Publishing reserves the right to reject any advertisement. Shore Publishing is not responsible for the content of any ad or Business consequences of any misprinted ads. Shore Publishing will rerun any misprinted classified ad. no cash refunds are available.

Real Estate Directory

Instructions

­Financial/ Accounting

Automotive

Employment

­Automobiles

­Driver

2005 PT CRUISER Mileage: 66,300 | Auto trans $4000 860-767-6514 —

M&J BUS INC School van drivers & monitors needed in the Old Saybrook & Waterford areas.

Call Marie: 860-388-6782

Animals and Pets ­Wanted Automotive

JUNK CARS WANTED Title or No Title CA$H PAID ON SPOT 203-907-7766 —

Business

Directory place your classified online

www.zip06.com

Employment Services ­General Help SHOP CLEAN UP Local diesel repair shop is looking for a reliable shop clean up person. FT/PT Shoreline Diesel 860-664-4652

search &

HOME HEALTH AIDE Looking for Live-In Job to

The Town of Westbrook is seeking applicants for a full-time Union position (30 hours per week, $22.42 to $31.05 per hour) Assistant Tax Collector.

Boats

This position requires a thorough working knowledge of various computer programs: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, QDS tax collector and DMV software. Prior experience in a municipal tax collector’s office is preferred but not necessary. The ability to learn computer programs will be required. Provides assistance to the public in person, email and phone. Ability to work independently with attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications Required: Graduation from high school plus specialized training and 9-12 months experience in general office work or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

A full job description is available in the First Selectman’s Office and on the Town’s website. The posting is open until filled.

Please send cover letter and resume (marked confidential) to: John Hall, III, First Selectman Mulvey Municipal Center 866 Boston Post Road Westbrook, CT 06498 jhall@westbrookct.us

place

PROMOTE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS To The Entire Shoreline!

Call 860-701-4412

online at www.zip06.com

Employment

Legals Brilliant Basement BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Waterproofing, LLC

SM

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Services 50 Years combined experience.

SM

Egress Windows, Repair, Sump Pumps, Instructions BasementFoundation Waterproofing Services Pumps Eliminated in most homes.

50 Years combined experience.

Crawl Gravity Drains, Landscaping EgressSpaces, Windows, Foundation Repair, SumpDrainage, Pumps, Gutter Downspout Drains • Mold Remediation Financial Pumps Eliminated in most homes.

Crawl Spaces, Gravity Drains, Landscaping Drainage, Marine/ FREEtes • Mold Boats Don't justRemediation be smart, stimaDownspout Drains EGutter be brilliant!

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www.brilliantbasementwaterproofing.com HIC. 0653192 • CALL US Merchandise

860-598-8091 www.brilliantbasementwaterproofing.com Instructions 860-598-8091 HIC. 0653192 • CALL US

Real Estate

­Employment Wanted

JOB OPENING TOWN OF WESTBROOK ASSISTANT TAX COLLECTOR

Financial

classified ads

­Financial/ Accounting

­Wanted to Buy

take care of the elderly.

I have 19yrs exp., Excellent Marine/ Ref’s. 203-815-2690 —

PROMOTE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS

­Clothing OLD CLOTHES IN THE ATTIC OR EXTRA CLOSET? Real Estate I’m looking for vintage women’s clothing from the 1920s-1980s. Dresses, coats, belts, hats, anything special or unique.

Happy to pay cash and give your old treasures a new life!

Please call 203-530-0197

Rental

Repairs • Remodeling ALL TYPES OF BUILDING REPAIRS Repairs • Remodeling $50.00 per hour ALL TYPES OF BUILDING REPAIRS Carpentry • Doors • Locks $50.00 per hour Windows • Stairs • Closets Decks • Drywall • Painting Carpentry • Doors • Locks Windows Stairs Small •jobs are• Closets fine Decks • Drywall • Painting Jim 203-530-2670 LIC. #0663008 LIC.#0570590 Small jobs are fine

Jim 203-530-2670

LIC. #0663008 LIC.#0570590 Casanova Builders, LLC

Call (860) 701-4412

Joseph Casanova Jr.

­Storage/ Warehouse

­Storage/ Warehouse

AUTO STORAGE

—

Climate controlled auto storage located In Essex CT area. 3, 6, and 12 month rentals available. Call Eric 860-662-6151

MR. FIX IT

BUILDING & REMODELING

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTING

MR. FIX IT

Kitchens • Bathrooms HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTING Basement Kitchens • •Bathrooms Plumbing Electrical I Will Call Back!

Basement Stephen S. Simonetti Plumbing • Electrical 203-245-2592 203-458-8222 Licensed I Will Call Back! & Insured www.mrfixitllc.com

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Lic. #578530

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www.zip06.com

Casanova Builders, LLC

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Rental

place your classified online

**WANTED** Firearms Single or Collections ______________________ Including military and related items.

Federal firearms license.

Appraisals. ______________________ Richard Pleines 860-663-2214

Merchandise

Real Estate

­Wanted to Buy

­Wanted to Buy

WANTED TO BUY Old Records Purchased 12” LPs and 7” 45 rpm only. No 10” 78s.

203-710-9943

d239532 d239532

Announcements

• • Siding • Windows • Siding • • Gutters • Windows • Siding Repairs • Siding • Windows • Gutters • Windows 24MO 0% OR • Siding • Repairs Gutters • Siding Gutters $500 OFF • Windows Repairs • Windows Repairs 24MO 0% OR • Gutters • Gutters $500 24MO 0% OR 24MO 0% OR OFF 860 •860.230.0853 Repairs •$500 Repairs OFF OFF $500 RI www.jfkroofing.com 860 24MO 0% OR 24MO 0% OR * credit terms apply $500 OFF $500 OFF 860.230.0853 CT

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CT

Reg #06545

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CT

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CT

Reg #0654527

CT

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www.jfkroofing.com * credit terms apply

CT

Reg #06545

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RI

Reg #43858

16 • CLASSIFIEDS • GUILFORD COURIER

DECEMBER 18, 2025 BUILDING & REMODELING

Shoreline Deck Company, LLC Making Ideas Happen Additions, Bathrooms, Pergolas, Pool Houses, Pavilions, Outdoor Kitchens

ROOFING SIDING WINDOWS DOORS GUTTERS FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1955 DECKS

860-552-6027

Please call for a free design consultation & estimate

203-453-2333

www.shorelinedeck.com | chris@shorelinedeck.com

HIC.0547261

Additions • Dormers • Decks Basements • Roofs • Rip Jobs Build Up or Build Out We Do It All!

Since 1981 38 Years Exp.

BRUCE STERLING Remodeling & Building

• Carpentry: Interior/Exterior • Drywall • Siding No Jobs • Decks Too Small!

• Doors & Windows • Kitchens, Baths & Flooring • And More!

Cell (203) 915-5084

Lic. #541195 Insured • Over 30 Years Experience

T. Robert’s Construction, LLC From Design To Completion

Fully Insured

Lic #563264

(203) 507-6902 • Branford, CT

CLEANING SERVICES

Home & Business Cleaning info@geniemaids.com

J&P RESTORATION General Contractor J.A. Petrillo - Owner Roofing Remodeling Additions Kitchens Garages Masonry Decks Gutters

Siding Sheet Rock Bathrooms Paper Hanging Painting Plumbing Electrical Windows

203-982-5436 HIC.0560655

Free Estimates - References Over 10 Years Experience

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20

Sports

GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025 • SPORTS

Guilford Courier Valley Courier Thursday, December 18, 2025

Young Guilford Wrestling Squad Hoping to Make Big Gains this Winter

By Serenity Bishop Special to the Courier

Alex Uzzo set the bar last season for himself as well as the rest of his Guilford wrestling teammates. As a junior, he helped lead the team to an above .500 regular season record, a top-five finish in the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC), and a top-10 finish in the Class M State Championship.

Individually, Uzzo claimed the SCC crown in the 144-pound weight class as well as went on to claim the Class M State Championship with a win over Berlin’s Hiram Sepulveda. He also became one of three Guilford wrestlers to represent the school and compete at the State Open.

However, with all the success Uzzo and Guilford achieved last year, they will be in for an even bigger challenge this season as they get set to return to the mat on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Uzzo’s leadership and consistency will be returning this year for his senior season, but with losing the previous senior-heavy group from last year, the Grizzlies will need to find new faces to maintain the same production.

Guilford graduated 12 seniors from last winter, but Uzzo said despite the youth in many different positions, he believes that this year’s team can compete and find equal success.

“Every day we practice, we’ve found a way to push the pace and practice really hard and still have fun at the same time, and I think that’s really important to enjoy the sport,” Uzzo said. “We all signed up for it. We all chose to wrestle because we wanted to. So I think it’s important that we recognize that and really enjoy ourselves.”

Uzzo’s leadership as the team captain this season has provided him an extra task to galvanize the younger wrestlers. His leadership style so far has been to be half vocal and half leading by example. He said it’s a style that his teammates have gravitated

Photo courtesy of Alex Uzzo

Senior captain Alex Uzzo, who earned his 100th win last season on his way to the State Open, hopes to lead a young Guilford wrestling squad to lots of success on the mat this winter.

to.

“I think they’ve really settled in recently. There’s a lot of younger guys that seem like they’re going to make waves this year,” he said.

“Andrew DeRosa especially seems like he’s going to take the next step this year. He really put in a lot of time in the offseason, and it really showed on the first day of practice.”

The strength for Guilford lies between its middle weight classes with Uzzo at 144, a strong group of wrestlers at 150, and DeRosa at 157. The team will have to develop and bring along the lighter and heavier sides of the lineup as the season progresses, as most of those slots will be filled with largely inexperienced wrestlers at the varsity level.

As for Uzzo at 144, he hasn’t taken much time off since his championship-winning run last year. The senior captain believes that it’s crucial to keep up with wrestling and not let him too much down time go by. Consistently getting reps in is the biggest key to succeeding as a wrestler.

“It really was just one week off

and then we went straight into Fish Eye Wrestling Club offseason practices and tournaments. I really love it. It’s not something that I can go without for more than a couple of weeks,” Uzzo said. “Wrestling is something you really have to keep doing in the offseason. If you spend a month without it, it’s hard to pick it back up, and you can really lose a step.

It takes a lot of time and effort to really get better.”

Some added motivation for Uzzo heading into the offseason was not just the championships that he won, but more importantly, his struggles at the State Open. Uzzo lost his second match at the State Open, which placed him into the consolation bracket.

He then lost to wrestlers from Ridgefield and South Windsor.

Reaching the conference championship and the Class M State Championship took a lot of hard work, but the State Open proved that there are even higher levels to reach.

“It really humbled me and brought me back down to earth because going into it as the fourth seed gives you a little bit of confi-

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Senior Sam Martocci will be a key asset to the Guilford wrestling team at 195 pounds this winter.

dence, but you have to realize it’s a big state,” he said. “There’s a lot of wrestlers, and there’s levels to it. So, it just reminded me I had to go back and put in more work in the offseason.”

Since the start of the offseason, Uzzo has continued with Fish Eye practicing five days a week and wrestling consistently in tournaments. He has focused on his conditioning and technique and believes he’s much further ahead at the start of this season compared to a year ago.

Guilford wrestling Head Coach Craig Vedrani heaped high praise

on his senior state champion, believing he’s the perfect captain for this group of wrestlers.

Vedrani explained that Uzzo is a great student, an honor roll student, a part of the National Honor Society, and trains all year long.

“Alex is a tremendous kid. He’s ready to go,” Vedrani said. “He’s been putting in a lot of work, and he’s a very level-headed kid. He’s been a great captain so far, and we have high expectations that he’ll reach his goals.”

See Young page 23

SPORTS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

21

Feast of the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve had settled gently over the little coastal town, where the smell of the sea always lingered—briny, honest, and impossible to ignore. But tonight, it mingled with the aroma of frying smelts, simmering tomato sauce, pine boughs, and the faint curl of incense drifting from the corner table where Nonna’s old brass censer still swung on special holidays.

Inside the Captain’s cottage—half house, half museum of fishing adventures—the annual Feast of the Seven Fishes was underway. The tradition, rooted in centuries-old Italian Catholic observance, was meant to honor the vigil before Christmas with abstinence from meat, a symbolic purification before the joy of the Nativity. In practice, however, it had evolved into a kind of glorious saltwater marathon: seven varieties of seafood and as many stories (embellished or otherwise) as could be squeezed between bites.

This year marked the 47th Feast hosted

by Captain Jacopo “Hook” Mancini and his mate of equally long tenure, the ever-loyal and ever-grumbling Lori “Seafox” Mancini.

They had been at each other’s side longer than most marriages lasted, and both insisted they were the “real” captain depending on who was within earshot.

The living room glowed with twinkling lights. A small nativity scene rested on a mantle cluttered with seashells, faded photos of enormous fish, and one particularly battered buoy that apparently saved the Captain’s life at least twice. Bing Crosby crooned softly from an old radio, occasionally interrupted by the Captain shouting, “Seafox, turn it up, I can’t hear the man hollering!”

The table - a cathedral of seafood sported a lace tablecloth (protected by at least three layers of plastic just in case) sagged under the weight of dishes. Baccalà was prepared two ways because Aunt Sophia refused to eat it fried and Uncle Carlo refused to eat it stewed. Calamari rings were so tender they nearly slid off the plate by themselves. Shrimp scampi, glistening in butter and garlic, sent the family dog into a trance. The display also included Zuppa di pesce brimming with mussels, clams, and hunks of white fish, a dish the Captain swore he caught this morning in Long Island Sound - despite the obvious fact he hadn’t left the house since Tuesday. Anchovy garlic knots were also included, guaranteed to keep vampires away until at least Easter. Broiled lobster tails, courtesy of the Captain and Seafox, who bickered about who got the last good deal at the dock, were part of the

Fishing report CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

variety of dishes. And the seventh fish—the wild card every year—turned out to be a massive platter of stuffed flounder, its belly packed tighter than Cousin Joey’s belt buckle after dinner.

Wine—red, white, and something homemade that probably wasn’t entirely legal—flowed freely. A few beers, some limoncello, a splash of anisette were also consumed. It was a religious evening, yes, but no one ever accused the Mancinis of under-celebrating the miracle of community.

There was a little history and a lot of spirit. Before anyone lifted a fork, the Captain cleared his throat. This meant he was about to attempt something heartfelt, which always caused a mix of fear and admiration around the table.

He retold—as he did every year—the origins of the feast: the vigil fast, the symbolism of the number seven, the long tradition of gathering to wait for the arrival of something holy and hopeful.

Then he added his own yearly theological interpretation: “See, the Lord gave us fish so we’d have something to talk about and something to cook. And most importantly, we had something to argue about—right, Lori?”

Lori raised her glass, “Amen.”

And then there was the humor and the heart of it all. As the night wore on, stories grew taller. The mate insisted she once saw a flounder wink at her. The Captain claimed he’d been attacked by a rogue squid. Nonna protested, saying the only squid that ever attacked anyone was in her frying pan.

The younger kids made ornaments out of scallop shells. The older kids wandered in and out, snagging shrimp when they thought no one was watching (everyone was watching). Laughter rose and fell like waves against the jetty. Even the incense—smoldering in the corner—seemed to approve, sending up curls of scented smoke toward the ceiling like whispered prayers.

It was a Christmas Eve done right. As midnight approached, someone put on a soft recording of Tu Scendi dalle Stelle.

Candles flickered. The sea wind tapped lightly at the windows, as if joining in. The Captain stood, lifting his glass once more.

Photo illustration by Captain Morgan

Here is a little twist on the Feast of Seven Fishes as we delve into its significance, tradition, and array of foods mixed with a touch of humor to light up Christmas.

“To the old traditions. To the new memories. To friends who are family, and family who are—let’s face it—not always easy, but always ours,” said the Captain. “And to fish! The one thing we all agree we can’t live without.”

Lori muttered, “Speak for yourself, I could live without anchovies,” causing the room to roar.

And so they celebrated—faith, food, family, the sea, the season. A night where the line between sacred and silly blurred beautifully, as it always should on Christmas Eve - especially when reaching a traditional finale like, “Oh aye, Happy Anniversary, my Seafox!”

She giggled, “Back at ya, my Captain.” b

On The Water Following a cold frontal passage, an associated low pressure deepened while tracking up into the Canadian Maritimes.

High pressure then built in from the west.

As the high weakened and shifted offshore, a weak clipper low approached the area. It then passed to the north, sending another cold front through the area. A frigid arctic blast dragged pre-dawn air temperatures into the teens and single digits moderating to a low of 29 degrees and high of 49 degrees during the day, as mostly a mix of

sun and clouds interspersed with some rain made up the weather schedule. Small craft advisories battered Long Island Sound as seas reached two to five feet cranked up by gusty north/westerly winds as water temperatures dipped to 39 degrees.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For last minute 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 203-245-8665 for updated shopping/winter 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

22

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • SPORTS

Guilford Girls’ Ice Hockey Earns Two Big Wins

By Gabby Maljanian Sports Editor

The Guilford girls’ ice hockey co-op team opened its season on Dec. 9 with a 4-3 overtime victory vs. Daniel Hand. Natasha Binkowski had two goals, and Harper Trotta had two assists. Emma Clifford and Ella DiNola scored one goal each, and Maggie Apicella, Peyton LeMay, and

Tayte DePetris each had one assist.

On Dec. 13, the team traveled to West Haven/Sacred Heart Academy and won 42. Binkowski scored two goals, Trotta scored one goal, and DiNola scored one goal. Clifford added one assist, Emily Demetriades had one assist, and Emily Forrest recorded one assist.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Emma Clifford (23) scored a goal in Guilford girls' ice hockey's 4-3 overtime victory vs.

Daniel Hand on Dec. 9.

Photo courtesy of Guilford Baseball

Three seniors from the Guilford baseball team have committed to playing the sport in college in Tanner Smith, Finn Matlosz, and Ryan Kennedy (not pictured).

Madison Hoop Dreams Winter Basketball Camp Guilford Baseball Players

By Gabby Maljanian Sports Editor

On Monday, Dec. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, Madison Hoop Dreams (MHD) will offer three days of basketball camp. Each day features skill development, competition, and fun at H-K Middle School (451 Route 81).

The camp is for players in grades 3 to 8 and is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Players are encouraged to register early to ensure a spot. The limit is 90 campers, and MHD will draw from over 15 towns. MHD plans to have three leagues to provide ageappropriate competition, and all of the programs are co-ed.

Each day starts with 45 minutes of skill development. Then, campers will have fun participating in competitive basketball games for the remainder of the day. During the games, the coaches give instruction to help each player improve their

Commit to Collegiate Athletics

knowledge and understanding of the game. This is an excellent opportunity for all players to improve their skills and confidence for the basketball season.

By Gabby Maljanian The cost is $60/day for the six-hour Sports Editor camp. However, teams are encouraged to attend together. If there are three or four A trio of talented Guilford baseball playteammates attending, MHD offers a dis- ers has committed to playing the sport at counted price of $55/player each day. For the collegiate level. Tanner Smith recently five or more teammates, the cost is committed to Suffolk University, Finn $50/day. One of the parents should text Coach Bill Barker with the names of the teammates attending (203-494-6905). If possible, the program will have teammates on the same team. However, trades may be necessary to balance the competition.

For more information and to register, please go to www.madisonhoop dreams.com. If you have any questions, please call or text Barker at 203-494-6905, Dec. 18 to Dec. 24 or email him at wab6933@gmail.com.

HIGH

Tides GUILFORD

Matlosz committed to playing at UMass Boston, and Ryan Kennedy will be playing at Suffolk University. All three players excelled in their time as Grizzlies and look forward to continuing to grow on the diamond.

Day 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

A.M. 9:41 10:21 10:59 12:11 12:51 1:33

P.M. 10:14 10:53 11:32 11:38 12:18 12:59 1:43

23

SPORTS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

Young Guilford Wrestling Squad Hoping to Make Big Gains this Winter he said. “We’re trying to build the younger ones up. I’m actually excited to see a lot of the younger guys get into the lineup and compete this year.”

The change in the coaching mindset this season is one that longtime coach Vedrani is used to as he enters his 27th year coaching at Guilford and his 24th year as the head coach of the wrestling team. Vedrani has been either a wrestler or a coach in Guilford since 1989, outside of his time in college.

“I enjoy it. I enjoy the kids, I enjoy the competition, and I enjoy running the program,” he said.

The rest of Vedrani’s coaching staff rounds out with Anthony Mancini, who enters his 10th season, Neil Willis, who enters his fourth season, and volunteer coaches Michael Stankina and AJ Moscato.

Guilford begins the season on Wednesday, Dec. 17 against Cheshire, with highly anticipated matchups on the schedule at the Guilford invitational on Saturday, Dec. 20, a battle with Daniel Hand on Tuesday, Dec. 30, a contest with North Haven on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and a league matchup with Shelton on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

With a short time period to prepare for the first contest, the Grizzlies are working tirelessly to be ready for their first opponent. Vedrani said he is anxious to see his younger wrestlers in their first contest but is looking forward to the competition.

“We’re really taking it one match at a time,” Vedrani said. “I hope to have a competitive team. We’ll see where we land. I just know that we have a group of guys working hard in the room right now, and we’re looking forward to Cheshire.”

Continued from page 20 The rest of the top performers on the roster include senior Robin Roberts at 150 pounds, senior Sam Martocci at 195 pounds, senior Daniel Boyce at 215 pounds, junior heavyweight Jayden Gravel, and senior Tyler Disotell at 157 pounds. Guilford also welcomes first-year senior wrestler Ari Kroop at 175 pounds, who comes to the team with an extensive martial arts background.

There are also several underclassmen that will be big contributors, including sophomores DeRosa at 157 pounds, Taytum Johnston at 150 pounds, Michael Gaieski at 138 pounds, Eli Coon at 150 pounds, and Cain Romano at 106 pounds.

Junior Evie Day is a returning wrestler at 113 pounds, and junior Guverro Liam Bercha is a first-year wrestler at 195 pounds. The team totals nearly 32 wrestlers with 13 freshmen and eight sophomores.

“I expect to have a competitive team again,” Vedrani said. “We have six returning seniors this year, one of them being a returning state champ, and we have some competitive underclassmen kids that should step up this year, and they’ll have their shot to contribute to the team. I’m excited. It’s a good group of kids.”

This winter will be a bit of a mindset switch for the coaching staff. Instead of a seasoned, veteran team like last year, the younger roster provides more opportunity for teaching and overall development of each wrestler.

“I’m looking for my best wrestlers really to have great individual years, and then I’m looking to build the younger wrestlers for them to progress and really get better,”

Schedules b

b

Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Xavier at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20: at Amity at 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22: at Fairfield Ludlowe at 5:15 p.m.

Boys’ Basketball

Girls’ Hockey

b

Girls’ Basketball

b

Friday, Dec. 19: at Hillhouse at 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22: vs. North Haven at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20: Home Tournament at 9 a.m.

b

Boys’ Hockey Saturday, Dec. 20: at North Haven at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23: at Fairfield Warde/Fairfield Ludlowe at 5:15 p.m.

Wrestling

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DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Christmas in the Philippines: It’s About Faith, Friends, and Family

By Maria Caulfield Living Editor

It’s quite literally on the opposite side of the world; take a globe with the United States facing you, then spin it 180 degrees, and somewhere in that region in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the Philippines.

The time zones also indicate its distance—in the spring, when the United States observes daylight saving time, Philippine time is 12 hours ahead. So, midnight in the U.S. East Coast is noon in the Philippines.

Occasionally mistaken as an island, the Philippines is an archipelago with a whopping total of 7,641 islands with three main regions: Luzon in the north, Visayas in the central region, and Mindanao down south.

I boarded two plane rides over some 20 hours to get to Manila, the capital and the largest metropolis in Luzon and in the country. My parents and most of my siblings live in different cities within the borders of Manila.

Door-to-door and including the wait time, the trip takes at least 24 hours, a journey I say is not for the faint of heart.

But traveling to the Philippines to spend the Christmas season with family is well worth the trip. Although my trips don’t always last through Dec. 25, I get the meaning and essence of Christmas by simply being with family around the season, when the Christmas spirit comes alive.

Christmas in the Philippines is not a celebration of a day or a week. It is a season far longer than that.

While Americans debate whether Christmas displays in stores and on streets before Thanksgiving is too early, there is no such discussion among Filipinos.

Thanksgiving is rooted in a historical event in the United States, and so for the Philippines—though a predominantly Catholic country—no such celebration of gratitude exists. Hence, Christmas does not come on the heels of a major holiday marked by family reunions.

Instead, once the ‘ber’ months begin (that’s September), Filipinos start hearing Christmas tunes played over the radio, in TV

Photo by Mike Angeles

The author's niece, Isabelle, and nephew, Miggy, in their younger years in their home in Manila at Christmas

Photo by Mike Angeles

Christmas lights and ornaments are put up early at Bag of Beans, a popular restaurant and coffee shop in the Philippines known for its thematic decorations.

commercials, and in live performances. Churches, stores, streets, and even entire residential subdivisions glow with Christmas trees, glimmering lights, religious Nativity scenes, and animated holiday displays.

The country also does not experience four seasons. Rather, it has the rainy monsoon season that begins April or May and runs through October, and the drier months spanning November to March.

The months of November to February tend to also have cooler weather, though December may experience the fluke of some hot days.

Christmas Day hit a hot and humid 90 degrees years ago when I brought my husband and two young boys for a Philippine vacation. No matter for my boys—they ran around the yard, sweat dripping down their faces but happy to give chase to their cousins and delighted to ignite some sparklers typically not allowed in my household in the U.S. Part of the country’s Christmas tradition is what is called Simbang gabi, literally translated as “night Mass.” The term is a misnomer because Mass is held not in the nighttime hours but just before dawn for nine consec-

Photo by Mike Angeles

Photo by Maria Caulfield

The reason for the season: The birth of Jesus is depicted in Nativity scenes that are common in Philippine homes and churches weeks before and after Christmas Day.

On a warm Christmas Day in the Philippines, the author's son, Justin, runs around the yard and is held back for a brief rest by his cousin, Miggy.

utive days in the lead-up to Christmas. Among Catholics, it’s a novena of Masses in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus; Filipinos literally and figuratively rise to the occasion from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 and attend Mass in their Sunday best.

It’s a tough practice to follow—as I can attest—and I applaud those who have completed the nine consecutive dawn Masses. Growing up in the Philippines, I tried to keep with the practice year after year; the longest I could go was four or five consecutive Masses.

Gatherings outside churches usually take place after each predawn Mass. As the sun begins to rise, friends and families share an early morning meal with different rice cakes: bibingka (a delicious rice cake topped with butter, cheese, and slices of hardboiled salted egg and cooked in a shallow terracotta bowl with heat from above and below), suman (sweetened glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves and sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with coconut caramel), and puto bumbong (steamed purple rice slathered with butter, sugar, and grated dried coconut). The food is paired with hot chocolate called tsokolate or ginger tea called salabat. For those who want a more

savory dish, a Filipino-style rice and chicken congee flavored with ginger and garlic called arroz caldo is real comfort food in the cooler early morning hours.

Aside from the dawn Masses, Filipinos typically attend the Advent Masses on the four Sundays that precede Christmas. In my teenage years and early 20s, I sang with the church choir on both the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses. It allowed me to deepen my faith, feel more involved with the church and community, and connect with friends, especially during the Christmas season.

Apart from Christmas hymns in churches and songs over the radio and TV, Christmas carols are often heard outside homes when street children go house to house to sing popular holiday jingles. Though not always in tune and with hardly any practice, the children would come to our home to give an amusing—yet endearing—performance as they happily belt out their songs accompanied by bells and tambourines to collect a few pesos before running off to the next house.

In my family, Christmas Eve is a boisterous affair. Growing up with seven siblings along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and See Christmas page 25

25

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

Calendar for the Week of December 18, 2025

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, Scranton Library Friends Annual Meeting: 10 a.m. E.C. www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by Scranton Library Friends. Attendees can email news@shorepublishing.com. meet board members and learn about past and planned activities for the Friends. For info, contact 203-589-8303 or chas.reese2@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 Book Club: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford.

Book: The God of the Woods: A Novel by Liz Moore. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Winter Solstice Craft Workshop: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For high school-aged teens. Part of GAC's drop-in art club. Free. No prior registration or Guilford residency required. For info, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 12:45 to 6 p.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Ave., Northford. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Solstice Celebration: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features family-friendly stories, crafts, and activities. For families with children ages 6 and up.

Participants are advised that one of the crafts involves peanut butter. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Make Your Own Snow Globe: Two sessions: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For children ages 5 and up. All supplies provided. Arrive 15 minutes before the program starts. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-8722 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Decorate a Gingerbread House: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For children ages 5 to 12. Each child will receive a graham cracker house, frosting, and candy to create a "gingerbread" house. For info or to register, call 203-4840469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Living Nativity: 6 and 7 p.m. Lutheran Church of Madison front lawn, 9 Britton Ln. Features a cast of performers, the church choir, and live animals from Tripledale Farm in Guilford. After each 20-minute program, guests are invited indoors for free hot cocoa and cookies. Children are welcome. For info, call the church at 203-2454145 or visit lutheranchurchofmadison.com.

Ireland with Michael: A Celtic Christmas: 7 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203-562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Who Sleighed Santa? A Holly Trolley Musical Mystery: Three rides per night at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP, which includes priority seating and a souvenir. Service fees apply.

Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit shorelinetrolley.org/programs.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Letters to Santa: 10 a.m. to noon RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a drop-in activity where children can write letters to Santa using provided stationery and coloring supplies. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Allis-Bushnell House Open House: 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.

Drop & Shop Art Workshop: Noon to 2 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Young artists explore holidaythemed art projects while parents have time for holiday shopping. Cost: $25; $22.50 for members. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

See page 26

Christmas in the Philippines: It’s About Faith, Friends, and Family Continued from page 24 grandparents, I have vivid memories of large gatherings around a Christmas tree decorated with festive balls and lights.

However, our attention was not so much on the decorations and lights on the tree as on the dozens of presents that lay beneath.

As children typically do, we would feel and shake each present, eager to guess what each wrapped package held.

Before we could open our gifts, our family would go to the traditional midnight Mass—another loose term because the Mass often takes place a few hours before midnight to allow families to return home

for noche buena, or the traditional Christmas Eve feast.

My mother would dress up our large oval table in a red table cloth and layer it with a white table textile crocheted by my grandmother that allowed the crimson color to show through. The table would be laden with ham or lechon (a whole roasted pig), pancit (noodles with vegetables and chicken or pork), queso de bola (Edam cheese formed into a ball), relyeno (filleted milkfish), lumpia (spring rolls), various stewed dishes, and several desserts.

As children, we would finish our meal ahead of the adults, eager to get to the presents. It’s fairly common for my family to

get to that exciting part of opening Christmas gifts after the clock strikes midnight and we joyfully greet each other, “Merry Christmas!”

There was no order on who opened presents first. As soon as we all gathered in the living room, we would search under the tree for our presents and excitedly unwrap each one. Neighbors always knew when we were done with our noche buena and started opening gifts with our loud laughter and celebration.

Now in their 90s, my parents have relegated the Christmas arrangements to my siblings, who organize the Christmas family reunions as a way of passing on some of

the traditions to the next generation.

Although slightly different from the counterpart celebrations in the Philippines, the Christmases I celebrate now with my family members in the U.S. carry many similarities.

Many of us gather at my aunt’s house in Maryland to be with close friends and family members. Many still attend Christmas Eve Mass, and we all share the traditional noche buena feast.

And yes, Christmas gifts still abound in the living room. At the stroke of midnight, we all give each other celebratory greetings of “Merry Christmas,” followed by the opening of gifts and much festive laughter.

26

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

A Holiday Memory: The Wrap & Rap

By Liz Egan Special to Living

One of the special memories I have of the holidays is the years I spent between 1987 and 2000 visiting my mother on Long Island and wrapping her gifts for my siblings, their spouses, and children, while she shared stories of my childhood and the history of my family. We called these weekends the Wrap & Rap. Although I grew up in a very large family—the 11th of 15 children—by the time I was a few years out of college, my mother was living at home alone. My father had passed away a year after I graduated. My older siblings had families of their own, and my younger siblings were just starting their post-college careers. I was a nonprofit arts administrator, divorced at the time, and living alone in Connecticut.

On Friday of the second weekend each December, I would travel by ferry to Long Island after work. My mother and I organized the dining room table with gift wrap, scissors, cellophane tape, tissue paper, recycled gift boxes, bows, and curly tie ribbon. Down from the closets and under the beds came all of the shopping bags of presents that my mother had purchased all year long. She shopped throughout the year because with the sheer numbers—15 children, most with spouses, a growing number of grandchildren—and a limited budget, doing it all in a few weeks before Christmas was not a logistical option.

Throughout the year, when something caught her eye, she bought it.

In my childhood, my mother and siblings and I attended many church fairs.

My mother did a lot of holiday shopping there purchasing handmade ornaments and white elephant treasures. Special gifts to her working daughters allowed her to frequently shop at her favorite store, Loeh-

Photo courtesy of Liz Egan

Photo credit: Liz Egan

The author's mother, Virginia Bermel

Wrapped presents under the Bermel family Christmas tree

mann’s. Toys and games for a range of ages and her own hand-knit mittens and hats filled dozens of shopping bags. She didn’t always know who she bought what for, and part of the special fun of the Wrap & Rap was assigning gifts to individuals.

My mother manned the lined pad, spacing names by family—her child, their spouse, their children—until all the names were listed. I would pull a gift from the bag, and she would say for whom she intended to give the gift or we would decide together. Then, she would write it down next to the person’s name until everyone was accounted for.

Usually, she had created a special family gift for all of us, like the year she made a dozen wreaths from the grape vines in our backyard or the year she made handsewn quilt Nativity wall hangings. I would always wrap those gifts first in a gift box,

with her special note. Each family gift would also have one of the handmade ornaments tied to the curly tie ribbon on top. These larger gifts started the piles, set all about the room, by family, that would later be packed into cardboard boxes and addressed, ready to ship by the end of the weekend.

After breakfast Saturday, we continued throughout the day, taking necessary breaks, to locate bags of gifts that were overlooked when we emptied the closets before we started. At times, there were as many as 150 gifts, some as small as an ornament, small toy, or a bag of a favorite candy, each individually wrapped. While I wrapped the gifts, my mother shared story after story of Christmases gone by—the hand-knit Christmas stockings, holiday baking, the Christmas play, my Christmas Day birth story, and dozens more. It was

Continued from page 25

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Ice Carving Demonstration: Holiday Bear: 1 to 3 p.m. Üni-Home Life (front), 1046 Chapel St., New Haven. Features a professional ice carver who will transform two 300-pound blocks of ice into holiday-themed works of art. Last of three carvings. Open to the public. Part of the 2025 holiday events and promotions at The Shops at Yale. For info, visit theshopsatyale.com/holiday.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features breakfast, meet-and-greet with Santa and time for pictures, and a treat bag for each child. Tickets: $59 per person. Free admission for children under 3. Service fees apply. Bring a camera and have your child write a letter to Santa if preferred. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotelcurio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

Holiday Dance Party with Spotlights: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford. Admission: $20, includes a group lesson from 7 to 7:30 led by Karen Pfrommer. For info, email info@timetodanceballroom.com.

Silver Bells: A Holiday Handbell Concert: 4 p.m. Tabor Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Dr., Branford. Features a holiday concert by Shoreline Ringers, a community handbell ensemble. The program includes Christmas classics and arrangements of traditional holiday hymns. A freewill offering will benefit the Shoreline Ringers and the Tabor

too many years before I thought to tape her, but the yearly repetition cemented them in my mind and heart, and I reflect upon them fondly every year around the holidays. Before I left Sunday, I would clean up the gift wrap station and bake a couple of batches of cookies for her to gift to her friends and neighbors.

Recently, I attended our town’s craft fairs, supporting local artisans and churches, something I now see is a learned tradition of my holiday. I continue to knit Christmas stockings, bake many of the same cookies, and still wrap my gifts with colorful papers, not bags. The Wrap & Rap allowed the traditions of my childhood to be forged into my life as an adult making every Christmas special. These expressions of love and connection have become part of me and I love sharing them every year, in the form of gifts from my heart.

Handbell Choir. Free and open to the public. For info, call the church at 203-488-2541 or visit taborchurchbranford.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23 Music Together Demo Class: 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features an early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers accompanied by a parent or guardian. Recommended for ages birth to preK. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

See page 28

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

27

Irving Berlin and Spectacular Dancing Highlight Goodspeed’s White Christmas

By Karen Isaacs Columnist

How can you go wrong with spectacular dancing, glorious Irving Berlin tunes, and two romantic couples?

With Goodspeed’s production of White Christmas, through Dec. 31, you can’t. This may not be a perfect production, but it is a truly enjoyable one.

But before I quibble about some things, let’s look at the plot.

Developed in 2000, this show appeared on Broadway in 2008; authors David Ives and Paul Blake take the basic plot from the

Review THEATER

1954 movie starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen, and tweaked it; some songs were added and others deleted.

The first scene sets up at the background—a European WWII army unit in 1944. Captain Bob Wallace and Private Phil Davis have joined forces to put on a Christmas show for the company;

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The finale in Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Goodspeed Musicals.

Wallace is an established performer, and Davis seems more of a cut-up. When the commanding officer, General Waverly, is reassigned, he addresses his troops and wonders where they will be in 10 years’ time.

Fast-forward to 1954. Wallace and Davis are very successful song and dance men; Wallace is all business, and Davis is a ladies’ man. Just before Christmas, they go to a club to hear a nightclub act featuring the sisters of a fellow soldier, Pvt. Haynes.

Phil and Judy Haynes are immediately attracted to each other and set about bringing Bob and Betty together, though there appears to be an instantaneous dislike. All four end up at a Vermont inn where the sisters are booked to appear, which just happens to be owned (not successfully) by General Waverly. Various romantic complications occur, but, as in a Hallmark movie, it all ends happily; even the inn is saved. The show ends with “White Christmas.”

The highlight is the dancing.

An early number, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Photo by Diane Sobolewski Dancing,” sets up the expectaLauren Nicole Chapman as Betty and Jonalyn Saxer as Judy in "Sisters" tions with a ballroom number by

Phil and Judy. Act II opens with a perhaps overlong but spectacular tap number, “I Love a Piano.” It stopped the show.

Director Henter Foster has done a competent job but has made a few choices that seem inexplicable. For example, Ezekiel, a guy who works at the inn, is slow-moving and taciturn in Act I. It’s funny. By the Second Act, he is more vocal, he moves faster and has an apparent romantic exchange with the stage manager. I also expected Foster to make some use of the aisles as well as to make the finale memorable.

But there were also some larger problems. Betty’s dislike of Bob is so extreme and exaggerated that it makes their coming together less believable. In fact, while the four leads are very, very good, that inexplicable chemistry is missing. You don’t really feel the immediate attraction between Phil and Judy, nor the growing attraction between Betty and Bob. Omar Lopez-Cepero, who was Emile de Becque in Goodspeed’s South Pacific, is vocally more of a crooner here. He doesn’t try to emulate Bing Crosby but brings

his own take on the role. At times, he doesn’t seem like the driven businessman/performer. Clyde Alves as Phil Davis dances up a storm and projects the devil-maycare attitude of the role. As the Haynes sisters, Jonalyn Saxer as Judy dances up a storm, and Lauren Nicole Chapman is fine as Betty. Chapman is very effective in “Love, You Didn’t Do Right

By Me.” Sofie Nesanelis, as Martha, the manager of the inn (who just happens to have been a Broadway performer), almost brings the house down with “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” The three women join for an unfamiliar Berlin tune, “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun.” As usual, the production values are excellent, particularly the costumes by Jeff Hendry, the lighting by Kirk Bookman and Nathan W. Scheuer, and the sound by Jay Hilton. The musical direction by Adam Souza and the Goodspeed orchestra were terrific.

The star of the show is Kelli Barclay’s choreography.

You might be able to snag a ticket to this enjoyable seasonal show at Goodspeed.org.

28

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Yale Rep Tackles Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler with Mixed Results: The Passion is Missing THEATER

By Karen Isaacs Columnist

Henrik Ibsen in his play Hedda Gabler created a title character who can be difficult to like or to feel sympathy for unless the director and cast help us dive deep below the surface.

The Yale Rep production of Hedda, unfortunately, leaves us floundering.

Where the emotions and the tension among the characters should be electric, they aren’t. The result: The night I saw the play was one of those rare occasions when an audience did not give a standing ovation.

It’s disappointing because this production is director James Bundy‘s swan song as he retires as dean of the Drama School and artistic director of the Yale Rep in June. He is a fine director.

Hedda can, on the surface, be a malicious, manipulative, and ultimately destructive person, not just to herself but to those around her. The program tries to point out that she is a woman living in a society that does not give her, in modern terms, agency. But when you need extensive notes in the program to flesh out a show, it indicates there is a problem.

Unlike Nora, who in A Doll’s House frees herself, Hedda is lacking, as she will admit, the courage to live outside the boundaries of societal expectation. The result is, she destroys not only herself but most around her.

We meet Hedda in her new home in a provincial Norwegian town after returning from a six-month European honeymoon.

She is restless and bored; it is clear she does not love her husband, Jørgen Tesman, an academic. Hedda is a romantic at heart.

It helps if we realize she had run out of options and had settled for what might be a safe choice. Though her father was a

Review

well-known general, it’s clear she was not left with any financial security upon his death. She’s beyond the normal marrying age, and her options have expired. She is afraid to take the leap into love, particularly when the man she might choose has a destructive streak. Safe, boring, and respectable Jørgen Tesman it is.

The honeymoon was dull, with Tesman more interested in researching in dusty libraries than spending time with his new wife. She doesn’t even get to select her own home; rather, Tesman and his aunt have gone into debt to provide a home she didn’t really want.

Almost immediately, she learns Eilert Løvborg, the man she may have truly been attracted to, has reformed his self-destructive ways and is about to achieve academic success. She sees herself, day after day and year after year, as being trapped. If she had been a man, you could have pictured her becoming a military officer.

The problem with this production isn’t Marianna Gailus as Hedda. It is that a sense of danger is lacking. The play creates triangles of characters; the first triangle is Jørgen, Hedda, and Judge Brack, a friend.

You should feel that Brack (played by Austin Durant) understands her all too well and wants power to use over her. The second, third, and fourth triangles involve Løvborg. The first is him with Hedda and Mrs. Elvsted, who is the cause of his reformation. She has demonstrated the courage that Hedda lacks, taking a leap of faith and violating societal norms. The other is with Hedda, Judge Brack, and Løvborg.

Photo courtesy of Yale Rep

Jørgen Tesman (Max Gordon Moore) and Hedda (Marianna Gailus)

Brack knows about their past relationship.

In reality, additional triangles exist in the play.

Gailus as Hedda gives a performance that emphasizes her manipulative nature so much so that a friend of mine asked if she was a sociopath. The performance doesn’t reveal enough of her depression, despair, and sense of being trapped.

Judge Brack, played by Austin Durant, gives a totally fine performance, but it is only late in the play that you feel any sense of danger. The play works best when the audience recognizes that Brack wants to exert power over her and can destroy her at will.

Løvborg represents the romantic hero—think of the poet Lord Byron—as he violates conventions without a care. She

pictures him with “vine leaves in his hair” like some Greek god. James Udom’s Løvborg seems no more interesting or charismatic than Tesman. It is hard to imagine that there was anything romantic or passionate between him and Hedda.

Sobriety may have changed him, but in this performance, he has shrunk to a cypher. It is hard for the audience to imagine that there is still electricity between the two.

Perhaps the performance that is most true to the character is Max Gordon Moore’s as Tesman—he conveys his love for Hedda, his dedication to his research, and his niceness, though he is oblivious to her feelings and what is going on.

Tickets are available at YaleRep.org.

Continued from page 26

SUNDAY, DEC. 28

TUESDAY, DEC. 30

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24

Red Cross Blood Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Soundview Family YMCA, 628 E. Main St., Branford. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Winter-Inspired Sea Glass Ornaments Craft Workshop: 5:30 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Led by Courtney of Re-loved Designs. All supplies provided. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. For info or to make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 Saturday Cinema: 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 29 Red Cross Blood Drive: 12:45. to 6 p.m. First Congregational Church, 26 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

See page 29

29

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025

CAS Presents its Holiday Exhibition Press Release from the Clinton Art Society

The Clinton Art Society (CAS) presents its Holiday Members Exhibition on view through Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The exhibition offers inspiring art, ready for holiday gift-giving.

“The show is an uplifting and art-filled way to come together to celebrate the holiday season,” says CAS President Robin Hammeal-Urban.

The exhibit is at the Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street, Clinton, and is open during regular Town Hall hours.

CAS is a vibrant arts community with members from across the state and beyond working in all fine art media.

The organization sponsors exhibits, educational programs, and critique sessions.

New members are always welcome. For more information, email CAS at casclinton@gmail.com or visit clintonartsocietyct.org.

Photo courtesy of the Clinton Art Society

Lucretia Bingham, Winter in Westbrook Bay, oil

Continued from page 28 Noon Year's Eve Storytime: 11:30 a.m.

James Blackstone Memorial Library auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. For children ages 5 and below. Drop-ins welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library. For info, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 1 Annual Frosty 5K Road Race: Race day check-in and bib collection from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a 5K race, a kids fun run, and a 2M walk. All events begin at the Guilford Green. Kids fun run starts 10:30 a.m.; 5K race and 2M walk start 11 a.m. Post-race celebration at 11:45 a.m. Cost: 5K run and 2M walk, $35; kids fun run, $10 through race day. Proceeds benefit local community programs. Hosted by the Guilford Rotary Club. For info or tickets, visit guilfordrotaryclubct.com or runsignup.com/Race/CT/Guilford/GuilfordFrosty5K. Sixth Annual New Day Hike: 11 a.m.

Chatfield Hollow State Park, meet at the toll booth. Hosted by the Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park. Features a pinecone bird-feeder activity for children at the Oak Lodge Museum led by naturalist Wray Williams. For info, call Cheryl Buckley at 860-391-1919.

First Night: Bonfire Night 2026: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Branford Town Green. Features entertainment, ice carvings, wood carvings, s’mores, and a bonfire. In celebration of the New Year and America's 250th milestone anniversary. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Branford Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Department. For info, visit branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2 Friday Movie Matinee: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features an afternoon film screening. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 Curator Tour: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition, Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond. Other tours are scheduled through Saturday, Feb. 7. For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

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.

Chester Museum at The Mill Hosts Holiday Exhibit Press Release from Chester Historical Society

Chester Historical Society’s (CHS) Chester Museum at The Mill is in full holiday mode with a special installation of festive seasonal décor, live music performances, and an upcoming talk from Chester resident Jane Gordon about her book of holiday newsletters that spans decades. In conjunction with Chester’s Holiday Market, the museum will be open on Sundays through Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gordon’s romance with the holidays is on full display on the first floor of Chester Museum at The Mill, which is brimming with décor on loan from Gordon: a twinkling tree, vintage cards from 1903 to 1914, antique decorations dating back to the Gilded Age, an ornate birdcage, and a handcrafted crèche with 1950s Fontanini figurines. Also on tap are favorite holiday pieces from Chester Historical Society’s archives and from CHS members’ personal collections.

On Dec. 21 at noon, Gordon will talk about her book Christmas Memories: Letters at Christmastime. The book reflects both Gordon’s personal memories—recipes, traditions, cards— and what was happening in the world—annual holiday stamps, music, gifts—in a timespan stretching from 1950 to 2023.

“Since I was a child, I’ve always written

Photo courtesy of the Chester Historical Society’s Chester Museum

Chester resident Jane Gordon will talk about her book of holiday newsletters that spans decades.

Christmas cards to family and friends,” Gordon says. “This time of year is the glue that keeps me in communication with them.”

30

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Christmas on the Rocks is a Hilarious Antidote to Too Much Holiday Sugar

Review THEATER

By Karen Isaacs Columnist

New this year is Matthew McGloin, who is playing all the male characters. Jen Cody returns for another year as the women in the show and Richard Kline is back for his third year as the bartender. He’s even more comfortable in the role, which includes sly references to his role in Three’s Company.

Improved video quality of scenes from the various films and TV shows that play before the show is new this year. The scenes are crisper and clearer—a big improvement.

Audience members will all have their favorite scenes. I was glad to see ZuZu return, but I do wish Karen (the little girl from the TV cartoon, Frosty the Snowman) was permanently retired.

The joke has gone on too long.

Jen Cody is a fine comedian who has the dexterity to play The Elf on the Shelf to perfection.

McGloin is still finding his way with some of the characters. He was terrific as Ralph, and good as Kevin and Charlie Brown. HerPhoto courtesy of TheaterWorks Hartford mey, from the Rudolph the RedRichard Kline as the bartender and Matthew McGloin as Hermey the Elf from the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Nosed Reindeer cartoon, is always Reindeer cartoon an audience favorite.

Christmas on the Rocks is a Last year, Ralphie from A I’m glad to report that this year gone, after several years, Zuzu delight. For more information or Christmas Story was no longer in he is back and better than ever. from It’s a Wonderful Life has tickets, visit TWHartford.org. the show. I was disappointed, but While the Little Drummer Boy is returned.

If you need a break from Hallmark movies or Scrooge discovering the joys of Christmas, then take yourself to TheaterWorks in Hartford to see this year‘s production of Christmas on the Rocks, which runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero developed this concept years ago, but each year it is slightly different.

The premise is original: What happened to those iconic children whom we all grew up seeing in movies and TV shows? What are they like as adults? A series of accomplished playwrights have answered these questions, sometimes in surprising and/or cynical ways.

In The Nutcracker, Clara is a young girl in love with her Cavalier. But what happens when she grows up? Does the romance continue? Is it happy? Her Cavalier is still young and handsome, but Clara is desperate to remain a young girl.

In a series of short scenes, we meet a number of these child characters, now as adults, who wander into a lonely neighborhood bar on Christmas Eve. They tell the bartender, in this case the marvelous Richard Kline, their tale of woe.

You will laugh your head off.

This is definitely not for kids, although older teens will enjoy it.

A few of the sketches have been in the show since the beginning, including the absolutely wonderful Charlie Brown sketch (written by Jacques Lamarre) that ends the show. Over the years, some sketches have been Photo courtesy of TheaterWorks Hartford removed, others have changed, Richard Kline with Matthew McGloin as Charlie Brown and some have returned.

Photo courtesy of TheaterWorks Hartford

Jen Cody plays the Elf on the Shelf in Christmas on the Rocks with Richard Kline

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31

REAL ESTATE • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 18, 2025 Greg Robbins 203-464-0125

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DECEMBER 18, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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