Guilford Courier 12-25-25

December 25, 2025

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Guilford Vol. XXVIII Iss. 52

Town Looking to Reestablish Charter Revision Commission

By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

The opportunity has returned to Guilford residents to serve on a revived Charter Revision Commission to look into how to improve municipal procedures. According to First Selectman Matt Hoey, several members of the public already reached out “expressing potential interest in participating” on the commission.

The town has been discussing a charter

revision “for quite some time,” said Hoey, while the last effort at revision occurred over a decade ago. “Now,” he said, “it’s time to relook at it.”

Per state statute, the commission would consist of anywhere between five and 15 members and be charged by town leadership to investigate a list of possible changes. The commission would take the reins from there.

“The commission itself would have the ability to go anywhere they want with the

charter,” said Hoey. “That’s consistent with state statutes, allowing them that kind of flexibility.”

The first selectman anticipates the formal establishment of the commission at a Board of Selectmen meeting within the next four to six weeks.

The commission’s work will center on how the town will structure meetings over issues

Jesse Bernier spreads Christmas cheer at work as Scranton Memorial Library’s adult reference and programming librarian...................2

See Town Looking page 4

Window Dressing Rob Howard, co-owner of Breakwater Books along with his wife Dani, tends to the store's holidaydecorated window display on Dec. 19 as retailers prepare for the final push of holiday shoppers before Christmas Day.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Courier

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DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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Jesse Bernier Found Her Dream Job at Scranton

By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

Throughout the month of December, E.C. Scranton Memorial Library’s Jesse Bernier could be found wearing a different Christmas-themed outfit in celebration of the holiday. It’s a personal practice of hers that began during the 2021 holiday season to revive the Christmas joy that was previously missed due to the pandemic.

It certainly uplifts other people’s spirits, as well as Jesse’s, during the most festive time of the year.

“It’s kind of hard to be sad when you look ridiculous!,” she smiles.

Bringing people’s spirits up has been a central aspect of Jesse’s time as the adult reference and programming librarian at Scranton and the instructor of its Creative Crafts class.

“I am passionate about helping others and bringing programs to the library that will enrich the lives of our patrons,” she said. “We’re that third meeting space for people… the place where people go when they want to learn something new or meet with other likeminded people about a particular topic.”

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Person

of the Week Jesse began her career at Scranton two years ago after leaving her previous career in sales. She “took the time to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life,” and decided to go back to school, ultimately receiving her master’s degree in library science. Since joining the Scranton staff, she has found a community at the library that cherishes the congregation of people from Madison and multiple other towns for a variety of programs she has introduced.

Those programs include movie nights, lectures, puzzle competitions, and the Open Mic Nights, an event held on the first Thursday each month that is led by Madison’s Poet Laureate Ed Lent. Open mics give a chance for poets, singers, comedians and more to See Jesse Bernier page 9

Photo by Aaron Rubin

Jesse Bernier is in full Christmas spirit at Scranton where she leads popular crafting classes.

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

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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

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DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Town Looking to Reestablish Charter Revision Commission Guilford’s Hometown Newspaper Founded in 1998 Published by Shore Publishing, LLC ©2025 All Rights Reserved ISSN www.zip06.com • 203-245-1877

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Continued from page 1 including the annual budget, what constitutes proper conduct at meetings, and any change to appoint members for school building committees, among other topics.

The establishment of the commission is strongly endorsed by members of the Guilford Republican Town Committee, with a focus on honoring minority representation on all boards and commissions while maximizing citizen participation in local affairs.

Selectman Jonathan Trotta, who also serves as the chair Republican, said a revision provides an “opportunity to fix some gaps in the charter,” particularly to honor the spirit of minority representation. The issue is one of the most critical for Trotta, who touted the importance of minority representation on town boards and commissions during his run for First Selectman this year.

Addressing the language of minority representation in the town charter could give his party the “potential to better enforce the minority rules, which is the situation that has destroyed our party’s chances to have reasonable representation in Guilford” for the second largest voting bloc in town, he said.

The town charter currently reads that “the number of members of any one political party who may be elected to or serve on any elected board or commission shall not exceed a bare majority of the whole membership of those boards.”

The Board of Selectmen is currently made up of a bare majority of three Guilford Democrats and two Republican minority members. Trotta is concerned that if the board was instead made up mostly by Democrats and members of the Guilford Independent Party, “the spirit of the law” would be disrespected. This stems from Trotta’s accusations that the two parties have intentionally formed what Republicans call a “fusion party” to prevent member of the GOP from being appointed or elected to board seats.

Specifically, he sees a distinction without a difference between the two parties’ agendas, thereby effectively shuttering Republican voices in Guilford.

“In practice and in the spirit of the statute, [the charter] is supposed to result in a more balanced board, and I mean a balance in thought,” said Trotta. “There’s no diversity of thought on the boards.”

Guilford Independent Party chair

Michael Mikolay has told the Guilford Courier that his party is “not an offshoot” or one part of a political fusion with the Democrats. He has countered by pointing out that the Independents consist of members from across the ideological spectrum “looking for avenues that are beyond the two parties.”

Nonetheless, Trotta suggested that charter language could be amended to legally establish that minority seats on boards and commissions “could only be filled by a major party” member. What determines a majority party in Guilford would be based on a “certain percentage of registered voters” per party in town.

This language would only apply to boards and commissions where members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, such as the Board of Police Commissioners, and not when people are elected to entities such as the Board of Education or Board of Finance.

Trotta used the police board as an example of how the Board of Selectmen should be compelled by revised charter language to appoint fairer representation to town bodies. He said a recent vacancy on the police board went to an Independent voter rather than a registered Republican, who wasn’t even considered.

Without a charter revision, Trotta believes Republican representation at Town Hall could be kept to a minimum.

But “this committee could be very pivotal,” in restoring what he views as fairer representation.

However, Hoey holds a decidedly different view, saying that the charter doesn’t “need to touch the bare majority rule.” He cites the appointed incumbency of Guilford Republicans across the 38 boards and commissions, while those not on elected boards relates to the separate issue of electability.

“I think the community has spoken largely about who they want running the town, and that could extend to representation on boards and commissions.”

Hoey also disagrees that Guilford has essentially become a “one-party town,” saying that “the Democrats happen to be the strongest and most most successful over the past 20 years or longer” out of the three largest parties.

Maximizing public participation in town affairs is another major interest area for Guilford Republicans. A revised town See Town Looking page 10

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Obituaries

Contacting Guilford Courier

Obituary

Lorraine Tvrdik Madison Lorraine Monnier Tvrdik left this world on Aug. 29, 2025, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by her family. In her own words, she has “gone on to (her) next adventure,” perhaps to the stars, perhaps to another life, or perhaps to simple peace.

Born in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Oct. 13, 1950, Lorraine lived a life rich with courage, adventure, and connection. At 17, she left home for London to work as an au pair and learn English, followed by a year in Germany mastering German and thriving in the industrial heart of Frankfurt. Even early on, she approached life with humor and grace, seeing every challenge as a lesson and every stranger as a possible friend.

Her journey eventually led her to the United States, first to Bethesda, MD, where she supported the daily living needs of a diplomat’s wife who was paraplegic, and then to Washington, DC, where she served as the receptionist at the Embassy of Switzerland.

There she met the love of her life, Wayne Tvrdik. The two married on March 2, 1975, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter and shared adventure that would span five decades and many moves from New York to Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Norway, Switzerland, and finally Connecticut.

Lorraine became an American citizen on July 1, 1994.

Lorraine and Wayne welcomed three children, Marc, who passed away as an infant, Lucas and Celia. She was also the proud grandmother of her granddaughter, Noelle Meyer, whose light brought her endless joy. Lorraine is also survived by her son-in-law, Wesley Meyer; sister Carole Rosset; and brother-in-law Roland Rosset; her brother Raynald Monnier; and sister-inlaw Rita Monnier; and her brother Yves Monnier. She remained close to her nieces and nephews: Gil, Stéphanie, Natasha, Alex, Basil and Michael, following their lives and accomplishments with great interest and affection.

Her professional life was as diverse as her travels, from international business roles in Europe at Norsik Hydro Trading to a deeply rewarding career in human resources supporting teachers and coaches at Brookfield School District in Connecticut. She retired in 2014 after 18 years of service, known for her sharp mind, unshakable integrity, and the warmth she brought to every encounter.

In 2021, Lorraine and Wayne traded their Roxbury home of 32 years for a bright, beautiful condo by the beach in Madison, where she continued to live fully, hosting friends, tending to neighbors, and savoring sunsets by the shore.

Lorraine was never one to sit still.

She poured her energy into her community, volunteering with hospice and literacy programs at the Guilford Community Center, baking tirelessly for the Madison Police Department (who affectionately considered her their “Official Baker”), and finding ways big and small to lift others up. She believed in giving back, connecting deeply and learning endlessly.

Lorraine’s family wishes to express their profound appreciation to the Yale New Haven Health System for the exceptional care that granted her cherished additional time with those she loved. They are especially thankful to her longtime pulmonologist, Dr. Singh, whose dedication and compassion sustained her through the years, and to the ICU teams at Yale New Haven Hospital, whose expertise and kindness supported her, and her family, through every stay.

True to her spirit of generosity and curiosity, Lorraine donated her body to the Yale School of Medicine, offering one final gift of learning. Her family will honor her life privately, on the beach she loved so dearly.

Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and a belief that falling down is just part of living, what matters most is getting up again. She would want us all to dream boldly, love fiercely, and never let anyone tell us that we “cannot do it.”

Her Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in the spring of 2026.

See Obituaries page 6

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DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Dean L. Burdick (25-0351) The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 9, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below.

Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk The fiduciary is: Samantha B. Disotell c/o STEPHANIE PAULINE ANTONE, JEZEK, BARBI, & ANTONE, PLLC, 31 WILLIAM F. PALMER RD, PO BOX 376, MOODUS, CT 06469

LEGAL NOTICE OF DECISION TOWN OF GUILFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE is hereby given that on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Guilford Zoning Board of Appeals made a decision on the following applications: APPROVED: Boston Post Road (Map 83 Lot 57A, Unique ID S2300002, Zone BMU). Applicant/Agent: Attorney Marjorie Shansky for Owner: 819 East Main St LLC. Application to vary side setback to 0 ft where 20 ft is required (§4.5.D).

SUSTAINED (Zoning Permit Rescinded): Appeal of Enforcement Decision (Zoning Permit SignOff) for 43 Bay Street (Map 9 Lot 67, Zone R-2) (Single-Family Residential Construction).

Appeal 1 by Genevieve Corbiere of 131 Spencer Avenue.

Appeal 2 by Daniel Chapple of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP on behalf of Albert and Megan Lana of 26 Reeves Avenue.

Copies of the above decision are on file in the Planning and Zoning Office, 50 Boston Street, Guilford Connecticut.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 25th day of December 2025 – Steve Kops, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE GUILFORD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Notice is hereby given that the Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a VIRTUAL Public Hearing Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6 P.M. via the ZOOM platform by using the following link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6396320192 Meeting ID: 639 632 0192 The following applications will be heard: 236 Church Street (Map 461 Lot 1, Zone R-1). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Nicholas Esposito (Principal) of Nima Associates LLC. Special Permit to modify ADU provisions including a detached ADU for a dual-family dwelling and an increase in interior finished floor area per §3.9.A.1.e.

470 County Road (Map 104 Lot 39, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent/Owner: Gail and Nick Thompson-Allen.

Special Permit to enlarge an existing non-conforming structure per §8.2.E. 430, 1403, 1439, 1463, 1498, & 1509 Little Meadow Road, 75 Shaker Court, 11 & 22 Laurel Cliffs Road (Map 97 Lot 11-01, Map 97 Lot 35-02, Map 97 Lot 58, Map 97 Lot 59, Map 97 Lot 11-02, Map 97 Lot 34, Map 97 Lot 67, Map 97 Lot 37-07, Map 97 Lot 11-04, and Map 97 Lot 11-03; Zone R-8). Agent: Chuck Mandel of Stevens & Associates on behalf of Applicant/Owner: Jennifer Amasino. Proposed map amendment for 10 parcels currently in the R-8 zone to the R-5 zone per §9.6.

1509 Little Meadow Road (Map 97 Lot 34, Zone R-8). Applicant/Agent: Chuck Mandel of Stevens & Associates on behalf of Owner: Jennifer Amasino. Resubdivision of parcel into two lots per subdivision regulations.

405 Whitfield Street (Map 28 Lot 5, Zone I and R-3). Applicant/Agent: Russell Campaigne of Campaigne Kestner Architects on behalf of Owner: Kurt Wittek of Eagleview Homes LLC. Modification of existing Special Permit to allow for 2 (modified) condominium buildings with 14 total units per §9.4.G.6.

Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Planning & Zoning office and on the Town’s website. At this hearing, persons may attend via web connection and shall be heard. All written correspondence shall be submitted to planning.zoning@guilfordct.gov 24 hours prior to the meeting day. Documents are available at the Planning & Zoning office. Dial 203-453-8039 for assistance.

Dated at Guilford, Connecticut this 25th of December 2025 – Sean Cosgrove, Chairman

Obituaries

Continued from page 5 Obituary

Barry Ward Guilford Barry Ward, 74, a Guilford resident, passed on Oct. 29, 2025, his loving family with him. He grew up in Revere, MA and graduated from Huntington School in Boston. Subsequently, he graduated from Franklin Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with a degree in history and Boston College Law School. He practiced law at his firm in New London, for over forty years.

Barry followed the Boston Red Sox since childhood and was an avid fantasy baseball player as an adult. He read several hours a day and walked several miles most days. Most mornings he lis-

tened to a different genre of music.

Rabbi Brockman who officiated at Barry's burial aptly summarized his eulogies: "He was a character with character."

He is survived by his wife Nancy Ward of Guilford; his step-family: Elizabeth, Peter and Petey Barile of Fairfield; and his brother Gary Ward of Punta Gorda, FL. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews: Lisa Beatini of Saugus, MA, Jason Ward of Plainville, MA,. Joseph Ward of Revere, MA, and their mother Marie Ward of Revere, MA, Jeremy, Zachary and Ashley Ward of Revere, MA, Victoria Ward of Lynn, MA, and Michelle D'Amico of Saugus, MA. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Sylvia Ward; brother Martin; and his sister Beverly.

Obituary

Doreen Picagli Guilford Doreen MacGregor Picagli, 71, of Guilford, passed away peacefully the evening of Dec. 6, 2025, in the presence of her immediate family at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Doreen was born March 14, 1954 in West Haven to Barbara MacGregor, and raised by her and her step-father, Joseph Dowdell, who predeceased her.

She graduated from West Haven High in 1972, and started her life of learning with a Diploma in Nursing at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport. Later, she returned for her BSN and MSN at Sacred Heart University, with a focus in family nursing. In 2022, she completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Quinnipiac University.

Doreen worked in nursing from 1976 until recently. From 1976 to 2022, she worked at Yale-New Haven Hospital, the majority of the time in women's and infant health. She additionally worked briefly at CT Hospice in the 1980s. She

was continually engaged in the care of vulnerable and underserved patients, both in the clinic and as a published and awarded nurse researcher. She was a tireless teacher for both nursing and resident staff, as well as the women in her care. At "retirement," she continued working in continuity of care in private practice.

In Doreen's spare time, she loved cooking and baking, sewing (particularly quilting), and watching women's basketball.

Doreen is survived by her husband of 48 years, Anthony Picagli; as well as their children, Jennifer and Michael.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday afternoon, Dec. 12, at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.

In lieu of flowers, Doreen would appreciate donations to the CT Diaper Bank, Sacred Heart University's nursing program, and for everyone to have their vaccines up to date.

See Obituaries page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Obituaries Continued from page 6 Obituary

Stephen Gianforti Guilford Stephen Brian Gianforti, 68, of Guilford passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2025.

Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Army, 1977 – 1979.

He enjoyed spending time in Cape Vincent, N.Y., with his family fishing.

Stephen was also a lover of all animals.

Stephen was the son of Jean Gianforti and the late Frank Gianforti Sr. of Guilford.

He is survived by his siblings: Robin (Peter) Bujaiski of North Haven, Linda (Mark) Keating/Coyle of Madison, Frank Gianforti Jr. (Alida) of Cicero, N.Y., and Mark Gianforti (Kristen) of Eugene, Oregon; nieces: Danielle Bujaiski of North Haven, Chiara Gianforti of Eugene, Oregon; nephew Carlin Keating of Branford.

There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Twin Maples Heath Care, 809R, New Haven Road, PPO Box 423, Durham, CT 06422.

Auditions for Annie Jr. The Guilford Youth & Family Services (GY&FS) is holding auditions for youth in grades 4 to 8 on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for the GY&FS Family Theatre production of Annie Jr. The auditions will be held at the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford. Performances will be held at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. There is no fee to audition, but registration is required. To register, call 203-4538047. For more information, visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Marianne Crosby Brinigar (25-0347) The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 9, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk The fiduciary is: Gretchen Briggs, c/o CAROL KIRBY MULLEN, TREVENEN & COPLOFF, 18 TITUS ROAD, P.O. BOX 331, WASHINGTON DEPOT, CT 06794

LEGAL NOTICE All persons liable to pay real estate, personal property or motor vehicle supplemental taxes in the Town of Guilford on the October 1, 2024 grand list, are hereby notified that the second installment of real estate tax, personal property, and motor vehicle supplemental tax, are due on January 1, 2026.

If payment is not made by February 2, 2026 interest will accrue to the original due date of January 1, 2026 at the rate of 1 ½%per month, or 18% per year from the date of the installment.

Payments can be mailed to the Town of Guilford: Tax Collector, 31 Park Street, Guilford, CT 06437. Please return part B of your tax bill with payment. Payments may be made in person at the Tax Office located at 31 Park St Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, checks, money orders or cashier’s check. Please bring your bill with you.

Payments can also be made on the Town of Guilford website at guilfordct.gov There is a convenience fee for making payments.

For questions regarding your tax bills, please call the Tax Office at 203- 453-8014.

Deborah Milano Tax Collector, CCMC Town of Guilford

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DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

Home for the Holidays: A Gift for Gizmo Story by Carol Andrecs

Gizmo is a small cat with a big personality. At only 4 years old, he is playful and loving, and craves attention from his humans. His long white fur with brown and black tiger markings makes him extra stunning and unique. Gizmo is not a fan of all the other cats in his room and is ready to make holiday memories in a permanent home of his own. Are you the person to give Gizmo this gift? Come meet this sweet and affectionate boy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org. b

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

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

Photo by Genevieve Ray

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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Emilia D. Donahue (25-0357) The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 11, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below.

Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk The fiduciary is: Elizabeth D. Casey c/o THEODORE G FRETEL, ATTORNEY THEODORE G. FRETEL, 1717 FOXON RD., RTE 80, P.O. BOX 256, NORTH BRANFORD, CT 06471

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Charles Armand Beirnard (25-0373) The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 10th, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk The fiduciary is: Antonia Moras c/o MICHAEL PATRICK IACURCI, LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL IACURCI, 70 WALL STREET, MADISON, CT 06443

9

COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Jesse Bernier Found Her Dream Job at Scranton Continued from page 2 perform. She is also putting together a French conversation club that starts in January.

Just last year, Jesse won a grant for Scranton to participate in the Library Speakers Consortium. It gave library patrons the opportunity to attend virtual talks with some of the New York Times’ best selling authors.

“We are a fairly small library with a smaller budget, but to be able to have these talks with Jodi Picoult and all these big names was very exciting,” Jesse says.

Connecting with other communities and their residents in need is another kind of opportunity offered to library patrons thanks to Jesse. This month, patrons were greeted on the first floor by The Gift of Warmth display she introduced.

It is a “new collection that I started this year which will help ‘Merry Meals,’” a group of regional volunteers who deliver hot meals and homemade cards to homebound people on Christmas Day in multiple shoreline communities.

Jesse may be best known to library patrons for her Creative Crafts classes.

These sessions were introduced by her at Scranton and have proven to be a very popular attraction to the library with participants from multiple shoreline communities. These classes have both provided the much-craved in-person activities sought after the pandemic and the ability for adults to rediscover playtime with a mental boost.

“I’ve built this patron base not only [for] people that are coming together to learn and be inspired, but also to play and have fun. I had a patron tell me that my classes have so helped her mental health that

even her family members have said to her, ‘Wow, we’ve really noticed that her mood’s a lot better.’ I think that for a while that was something that people were really missing, was those one-on-one [programs], and connecting with others.”

The crafts made during the session run the gamut, from making cards to paper quilling. In the former, participants will make three cards per class, and there is a “formula to the madness,” says Jesse, that can meet participants wherever they are in their crafting abilities.

“There’s one simple but elegant card, one card that uses an embossing folder, because that’s just so much fun,” she says.

“And then one 3D card. ... Everything is pre-cut, ready to be assembled, so they can just come and make the cards. They don’t have to think about, ‘I don’t know where I’m going to put this piece.’ Not that there aren’t opportunities to be creative because I want them to have that. I say, It’s okay to go rogue, if you want to.’”

Jesse’s craft-based activities don’t end at classes. This year she introduced the library’s first craft supply swap and holiday decor swap, which she says “was a great chance for people to declutter their homes, to keep things out of the landfill, and also for people to obtain new supplies for no cost.”

She plans on expanding craft offerings by holding the library’s first open sew program, opening up space for regional quilters and sewers to work at several stations, collaborate on projects, and learn even more about fiber arts from a skilled artisan in the field like Jesse.

From the popular crafts sessions, her work as a reference librarian, and See Jesse Bernier page 11

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DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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charter should ultimately answer the question of “how can you get more people involved in town government, whether it’s a referendum [or] attending a meeting,” according to Republican Town Committee Vice Chair Tim Donlan.

He used himself as an example of somebody who works full-time and is often incapable of attending town meetings.

Revising the town charter so that meetings such as those of the Board of Selectmen can legally be held in timeslots available to the public is one example of boosting public participation, said Donlan.

Amending the town charter to increase public participation and knowledge of town affairs could also drive more voters to the polls to cast a ballot on the annual town budget. This is a particularly impor-

tant issue, said Donlan and is important to ensure high voter turnout given that the budget affects “our pocket.”

“Bottom line,” said Donlan “We want more people involved.”

Hoey again differs from the view of the Guilford Republicans, and said that Board of Selectmen meetings are not solely held at specific times.

“They can be held whenever we want,” he said. “That’s not stipulated in the town charter.”

Recordings of town meetings, whether of the selectmen, Board of Finance, or Planning and Zoning Commission, can also be located online.

Guilford residents who are interested in serving on the commission should notify the First Selectman’s Office. No formal application is required.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Guilford and North Guilford 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.

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COMMUNITY NEWS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Jesse Bernier Continued from page 9 establishing programming, Jesse has landed her “dream job.”

“I love throwing events. That’s something that I’ve always been good at even in my previous career. The fact that I get to throw events, continue my education, I’m constantly learning and helping others to learn and inspiring others - I pinch myself on a regular basis. I can’t believe that this is my life. I love everything about this library and this community. Madison is just a beautiful town that’s rich with arts and history, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it.”

To learn more about Creative Crafts and other events at Scranton, visit https://scranton.librarycalendar.com/

Shoreline Arts Alliance Accepting Applications for Scholarships in the Arts Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for its annual Scholarships in the Arts program, open to juniors and seniors (or homeschooling equivalent) residing within Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region who will be pursuing an education in the arts. Applicants may apply in the fields of creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. Deserving students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews and auditions. Students who are interested in the arts and reside in the 24-town region (covering all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, and East Haven) are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 8. A nonrefundable fee of $25 is required with each application. The Jeffrey Dobbs Scholarship for Excellence in Painting and Richard S. Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship are also offered as part of the Shoreline Arts Alliance’s Scholarship in the Arts program. To submit an online application, visit shorelinearts.org. For more information, contact the Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203-421-6739 or office@shorelinearts.

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.

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12

GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025 • SPORTS

Sports Rocky - The Matriarch of the Striper Coast

Guilford Courier Valley Courier Thursday, December 25, 2025

They still whisper her name up and down the Atlantic seaboard — Rocky, the old queen of the Striper Coast. She’s as much legend as fish now, a survivor etched into the tides from the brackish nurseries of the Chesapeake Bay to the rocky headlands of Maine.

For decades, she’s made the same pilgrimage north and south, driven by instinct older than memory. Each spring she’s migrated from her birth waters north, pushing through the murky tributaries heavy with silt and runoff, dodging ghostly nets that hang like curtains of death. She’s felt the drag of trawler wakes and the sting of rusted hooks, and still she’s swum on — a silver streak beneath the changing seas.

Once, she was quick and agile, all muscle and flash, her broad caudal tail slicing through rip currents like a scythe. She hunted bunker under the moonlight and danced through bait balls with effortless grace. But the years have slowed her. Her once-sleek flanks are scarred — faint reminders of battles fought and survived.

She remembers the strange two-legged predator who caught her once, maybe twice — the old salt with the weathered hands and the knowing eyes. He had lifted her from the water, studied her like an old friend, then smiled. A kiss to her head, a wink to the wind, and back she went. That memory lingers, as warm as the current itself.

Now, the waters are warmer than they used to be. The currents twist differently.

The eelgrass beds that once sheltered her young have thinned. And yet, something deeper than age — deeper than time — urges her onward. For within her still pulses the strong DNA that built a species, the promise of new life in every tide.

She knows she won’t see another dozen migrations, perhaps not even another spring. But that doesn’t matter. The Chesapeake calls again — the scent of the estuary, the soft push of freshwater against salt, the pull of generations unbroken.

And so Rocky, scarred matron of the striper line, turns her nose to the south once more. Against the tide, against time itself, she forges ahead — not for herself, but for every shimmering life that will follow in her wake. Quietly, she slipped beneath the waves — vanishing once more into legend. b

Fishing report CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

On The Water After the blast of Arctic cold and the unusual amount of snow that fell south of the I-95 corridor (especially along the shoreline) compared to the rest of Connecticut, high pressure built from the southwest. High winds followed ahead of a weak upper level disturbance that quickly pushed across the area. Putting a damper on potentially a white Christmas, a warm front pushed north followed by another cold front, and as forecast, a warm front moved in again, greatly reducing any leftover snowpack. Weather fronts seesawed between cold and warm fronts, as pre-dawn temperatures bottomed out at a low of 14 degrees while daytime temperatures rose to a high of 53 degrees. During this period, most days saw a mix of sun and clouds, including four with rain. Small craft advisories poked Long Island Sound with south/southwest winds gusting to 30 knots, bringing in warmer air as seas managed to reach three to six feet - eight at one point. Water temperatures dipped as low as 37 degrees, but for clammers, the days around Christmas can provide good low morning tides.

Whether lakes and ponds develop and maintain enough hard water locally, fishing will continue through January when some of those cold weather garments will be layered up and worn. No doubt, with the cold base having been developed, flags will flip and jigging sticks will get somewhat of a workout up in the northwest and northeast corners of the state. Along the shoreline, expect that activity to be less but better than last year. Trout will be caught in both soft water rivers and hard water lakes/ponds, bass will be able to be coaxed into being hooked, a few toothy critters will be caught, along with some catfish and plenty of panfish, including perch and crappie. Going out on a limb, here’s a gut call: figure on Madison/Guilford area to have below average temperatures and a cold month overall with the coldest periods early and late in the month. Precipitation will be less and snowfall below normal (a few nor’easters) for the season, but Jan-

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Rocky ‘The Legend’ once again returns (top), avoiding hazardous obstacles and bypassing troubling encounters on her journey north before settling in for the warm season. Fall reenergizes her for the migration back to a warmer, winter habitat (bottom) while navigating through as many threatening gauntlets.

uary could be potentially snowy early on.

Expect more rain along the immediate shoreline during milder periods. Therefore, ponds and smaller inland bodies of water south of I-95 may form ice, but the proximity to warmer LIS makes ice less reliable and slower to form.

From Captain Morgan and Crew, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, hope you had a Happy Chanukah, and are having a happy and healthy holiday season.“May your best fish caught in 2025 be surpassed by your Personal Best in 2026.”

I’ll catch you after Thursday, Jan. 1.

Happy New Year!

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

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated 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

13

SPORTS • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Votto a Triple Threat For Guilford Athletics

By Kellyn Kolber Special to the Courier

Junior Emmy Votto shines as a cornerstone of the Guilford girls’ basketball team, so integral that her presence on the court is nearly indispensable.

“We don’t take her out of the game unless she fouls out,” Assistant Coach Fred Ferrie admits.

“Believe me, it’s not great coaching, but we can’t even afford to take her out because of how valuable she is.”

Emmy has played basketball since she was six years old. Now, as a junior, she serves as team captain—a testament to her skill and leadership. While most would be content with excelling in just one sport, Emmy’s dedication extends beyond basketball. She is also a standout soccer and lacrosse player, earning First Team All-Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) and All-State honors in soccer this fall, and First Team All-SCC honors in lacrosse earlier in the spring.

While dedicating oneself to sports year-round might seem overwhelming to some, Emmy can’t imagine life any other way.

“Growing up, I’ve made so many friends through sports, and I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t playing sports,” she shares. “I love being around the team, staying fit, and exercising.”

In a sports environment where early specialization is the norm, Emmy stands out as an exception, highlighting the advantages of multi-sport participation.

“Learning how to communicate with teammates, figuring out how to work together to stop someone, and the footwork and

Sports Person Week of the

body positioning are skills that translate across all my sports,” Emmy explains.

Ferrie echoes this sentiment, believing that this kind of participation fosters a genuine love for sports.

“I’m so happy that she is a multi-sport athlete because it means you’re not doing the same thing over and over 365 days of the year,” he says. “You’re experiencing new things. I feel like you need a break because otherwise you’ll burn out.”

However, this level of commitment comes with its challenges, especially for someone like Emmy, who gives her all to every event, practice, and game.

“There are definitely overwhelming moments, especially when offseason events overlap with the in-season sport that’s happening at the time,” she explains. “I try to just prioritize the sport that it’s that season for, and show up to everything else as best I can.”

Although she divides her time among multiple sports, Emmy’s coaches note that her work ethic and intensity more than compensates, allowing her to perform at a consistently high level.

“She’s got hustle and determination. The things she does on the court, and it’s her third sport, and that just goes to show it doesn’t have to be skill, but if you

have the effort, you’ll succeed,” Ferrie says. “She’s like that with everything, so she’ll succeed at whatever she does.”

This remarkable work ethic fuels her lead-by-example approach as a role model. Guilford girls’ basketball Head Coach Thatcher Zuse praises her for thriving as a leader who sets a positive example for teammates on and off the court.

“The way she plays and her work ethic and attitude in practice probably speak volumes more than anything she says,” he insists.

On Dec. 12th, the Grizzlies played their season opener against Stonington. Although the outcome wasn’t what they hoped for, both coaches and Emmy are excited for what’s ahead.

“With two minutes left, we were kinda out of it,” Zuse says, “and she was still making hustle plays, throwing balls off people’s feet because that’s just what she does.”

Emmy shares a similar perspective, highlighting the team’s resilience as a promising sign.

“I feel like it was a good start because they were a very good team, and we are a very young team, so we’re still learning how to play together and adapt in game situations,” she explains. “I think we did a good job staying positive and sticking together through the end of the game.”

Beyond her athletic success, Emmy is equally, if not more dedicated to her academic pursuits.

She has filled her schedule with advanced courses, including four Advanced Placement (AP) classes and two International Baccalau-

Photo courtesy of Emmy Votto

Emmy Votto has excelled in competition as a three-sport athlete for Guilford.

reate (IB) courses. For most students, taking even one or two such classes would be considered rigorous. Emmy thrives in this challenging learning environment, and someday, she even hopes to enter the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field.

“School is really important to me, so I spend a lot of time doing that, and I also like being a part of clubs,” she shares. “I’m part of

YAG, which is a youth advisory club. It’s a philanthropist group that raises money and gives it out as grants to the community, so I really enjoy doing that as well.”

Given her drive to learn and improve her community, Ferrie envisions a bright future for Emmy.

“I feel like this is a kid you could be reading about years later who’s going to make a difference in the world,” he says.

Schedules b

b

b

Monday, Dec. 29: at Whitney Tech at noon Tuesday, Dec. 30: vs. Wright Tech at 10 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 26: vs. Yarmouth at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 1: vs. Lyman Hall at 1 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29: vs. Cheshire at 6 p.m.

b

b

Tuesday, Dec. 30: at Daniel Hand at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27: at Ledyard at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30: vs. Daniel Hand at noon

Boys’ Basketball

Girls’ Basketball

Boys’ Ice Hockey

Wrestling

Boys’ Swimming and Diving

14

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • SPORTS

Guilford Girls’ Ice Hockey Wins Third-Straight Game Binkowski had one goal and one assist, and Camryn LeTourneau scored one goal.

The Guilford girls’ ice hockey co-op team Annabelle Lane, Emily Forrest, and Ella hosted Greenwich on Dec. 16 and won 4-1. DiNola each had one assist.

Maggie Apicella scored two goals, Natasha

By Gabby Maljanian Sports Editor

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Camryn LeTourneau scored a goal in Guilford girls' ice hockey's 4-1 win vs. Greenwich on Dec. 16.

Guilford Wrestling Falls in Opening Match 113 pounds, and Alex Uzzo won by technical fall (18-2) at 150 pounds. Sam Martocci The Guilford wrestling team opened the won by a 12-5 decision at 190 pounds, and season vs. Cheshire on Dec. 17 and fell 51- Guverro Liam Bercha (215 pounds) won 23. Cian Rayner-Romano won by fall at by a 3-1 decision.

By Gabby Maljanian Sports Editor

HIGH

Tides GUILFORD

Dec. 25 to Dec. 31

Day 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A.M. 2:16 3:02 3:52 4:45 5:42 6:41 7:39

P.M. 2:29 3:20 4:15 5:14 6:16 7:18 8:17

Photo courtesy of Marisa Ceneri

Senior Captain Maya Thompson, pictured with Head Coach Marisa Ceneri, was named to the All-State First Team for Class L for her contributions on the court with the Guilford volleyball team this fall.

Thompson Earns All-State Honors for Guilford Volleyball

By Gabby Maljanian Sports Editor

Senior Captain Maya Thompson shined on the floor for the Guilford volleyball team this fall. Her standout efforts earned her a spot on the All-State First Team for Class L. The Grizzlies finished the season with a 15-5 regular season record and a postsea-

son appearance, ending the campaign with an overall record of 19-7. Thompson was a big part of those results, both as a strong leader off the court and a key contributor on it. Thompson finished the season with 272 kills, 173 digs, 75 blocks, 61 aces, 138 errors, and 16 assists.

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DECEMBER 25, 2025Employment Employment

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Employment Employment Services Services ­Employment Wanted

HOME HEALTH AIDE Looking for Live-In Job to take care of the elderly.

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

Financial Financial

Legals

Legals

­Coal/Wood/Fuels Firewood For Sale Seasoned, Split & Delivered.

Stacking Available.

860-767-2811

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

203-710-9943

classifieds community

Rental

­Storage/ Warehouse

­Storage/ Warehouse

AUTO STORAGE

­Houses/ Unfurnished EAST HAVEN 1st floor / 2br & 1bath, Front Porch, LR/DR $2100 +Security Cats ok CALL 203-745-8626 Rent can be reduces if lawn/ snow maintained

classifieds community

has the

KEYS

to your new vehicle or home!

WHERE

BUYERS & SELLERS CONNECT

800.582.8296 or visit

zip06.com assif ie

c AD r r e ato

GET NOTICED NOW!

1.800.582.8296

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE where

BUYERS & SELLERS meet

Instructions

Instructions

Marine/

—

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

d

PROMOTE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS TO THE ENTIRE SHORELINE! Call (860) 701-4412

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

Federal firearms license.

Appraisals. ______________________ Richard Pleines 860-663-2214

Rental

cl

Announcements

&classified ads

place search

online at www.zip06.com

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keep the shoreline green by recycling this paper.

16 • CLASSIFIEDS • GUILFORD COURIER

DECEMBER 25, 2025 BUILDING & REMODELING

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Brilliant Basement Basement Waterproofing Services 50 Years combined experience.

Egress Windows, Foundation Repair, Sump Pumps, Pumps Eliminated in most homes.

Crawl Spaces, Gravity Drains, Landscaping Drainage, Gutter Downspout Drains • Mold Remediation

REE

F Estimates

Casanova Builders, LLC

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTING

d239532

Waterproofing, LLC

MR. FIX IT

SM

Since 1956

Kitchens • Bathrooms Basement Plumbing • Electrical I Will Call Back!

203-245-2592 203-458-8222

www.mrfixitllc.com

Addition • Decks • Flooring • Attic/Basement Remodeling • Finish Carpentry • Custom Ceramic, Marble & • Siding Granite Tile Work & Counter Tops • Total Custom Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling • Interior & Exterior Painting • Windows Lic. #561417 ~ Insured ~ Work Guaranteed 203-444-6297 Joseph Casanova Jr. • • • Gutters • Siding • Repairs • Siding • Windows • Windows24MO 0% OR 860-230-0853ROOFING RI SIDING • Gutters • Gutters $500 OFF WINDOWS • Repairs • Repairs DOORS GUTTERS 860-230-0853 860-230-0853 24MO24MO 0% OR 0% OR RI RI FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1955 DECKS $500 OFF $500 OFF 860.230.0853

Stephen S. Simonetti Licensed & Insured Lic. #578530

Don't just be smart, be brilliant!

CT

Reg #43858

Reg #0654527

*credit terms apply 24 mo 0%

CT

www.brilliantbasementwaterproofing.com

Reg #0654527

HIC. 0653192 • CALL US

860-598-8091

CT

Reg #0654527

www.jfkroofing.com * credit terms apply

CT

Reg #0654527

860-552-6027 Reg #43858

Reg #43858

*credit terms apply 24 mo 0% 24 mo 0% *credit terms apply

RI

Reg #43858

BUILDING & REMODELING

Shoreline Deck Company, LLC Making Ideas Happen

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

Since 1981 38 Years Exp.

T. Robert’s Construction, LLC

Additions, Bathrooms, Pergolas, Pool Houses, Pavilions, Outdoor Kitchens

J&P RESTORATION General Contractor J.A. Petrillo - Owner

From Design To Completion

Fully Insured

Lic #563264

(203) 507-6902 • Branford, CT

Repairs • Remodeling ALL TYPES OF BUILDING REPAIRS $50.00 per hour

Roofing Remodeling Additions Kitchens Garages Masonry Decks Gutters

Siding Sheet Rock Bathrooms Paper Hanging Painting Plumbing Electrical Windows

Please call for a free design consultation & estimate

Carpentry • Doors • Locks Windows • Stairs • Closets Decks • Drywall • Painting

www.shorelinedeck.com | chris@shorelinedeck.com

Jim 203-530-2670

203-982-5436

DECKS

DRYWALL

203-453-2333

Small jobs are fine

HIC.0547261

CLEANING SERVICES

DECK RESTORE

Home & Business Cleaning info@geniemaids.com

WINDOWS DOORS SIDING GUTTERS ROOFING

(203) 392-4516

Guilford, CT. Licensed & Insured

Free Estimates HIC # 0646127

Decks/Hardwood Floors Decks Cleaned/Repaired/Sanded &Power Stained • Hardwood Floors Washing of Homes Patios & Walkways Power Washed Protect your investment, Free Estimates beautify your home.

203-996-4981 Brian

ELECTRICAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT, LLC DECKS KITCHENS BATHROOMS ADDITIONS CARPENTRY PAINTING

Sanding/Refinishing Softwash House Cleaning

licensed /insured HIC #0678344

SKY CITY

Marc Geoghegan License #ELC.0203098-E1 Fully Insured

Remodeling/Additions Kitchens, Baths, Finished Basements Generators and Service upgrades Troubleshooting • Free Estimates

860.331.9901

4gelectricct@gmail.com • fb.me/4GElectric

HIC.0560655

LIC. #0663008 LIC.#0570590

Daniel Brown Electric LLC • New Construction • Generators Chargers • Remodeling/ • Car Landscape Lighting Additions • Pools • Service Upgrades • Troubleshooting • Kitchens • Baths • Finished Basements

860-399-4444

CT License #199056-E1 Licensed & Fully Insured P.O. Box 221, Westbrook, CT 06498

Seasons Greetings from

GUILFORD COURIER • CLASSIFIEDS • 17

DECEMBER 25, 2025 EXCAVATING

GUTTER CLEANING

CLUTTER IN THE GUTTER

EXCAVATION DEMOLITION & SITE PACKAGES Building Lots Cleared and Developed Site Excavation for New Homes, Additions & Garages Septic Systems, Utilities Trenching

The Original

FOUNDATIONS & CONCRETE WORK

Complete Site Work - Paving - Driveways Mulch, Stone, Screened Topsoil,

Foundations & Concrete Work Additions, Garage Foundations Barns, Slabs & Structural Piers Retaining Walls

Owner/ Operator Scott Behler

SEAWALL & DOCK CONSTRUCTION

Sand & Gravel House Sites, Septic Systems, Demolition

Seawall Masonry Repointing Boulder and Revetment Stone Dock Repairs & Pile Installations.

HIC #0634550

Why Hire 3 Contractors When K.E.Braza Construction Handles The Entire Site Process?

Water Mains, Sewers 756 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook, CT

• We Demo We Dig and We Pour your Foundation 1 Contractor 1 Price • Make The Call This Fall, Get it Done Before Next Season Direct: 860-662-0124 | Office: 860-399-5290

www.blexcavating.com - 860-388-9665

25 Year Family Business Proudly Serving Connecticut Shoreline

www.KEBrazaConstruction.com GUTTERS

Green Gloves L Gutters, LC

SEAMLESS GUTTERS • Installation • Repair • Cleaning • Roofing • Window Replacement • Remodeling • Gutter Gaurds • Siding

Scott’s Gutter Fully Insured Cleaning

No Job Too Small • No Job Too Large Complete Cleaning, Installation and Repairs for Gutters Roof Repairs • Handyman Services Power Washing • Roof Washing Black Stains & Algae Removal Prompt Courteous Service, Done on Time

203-466-0520

JUNK REMOVAL

LANDSCAPING

203-530-7191

SEAMLESS GUTTERS PLUS

Gutter Installation • Gutter Guards Gutter Cleaning • Maintenance Program abguttersplus.com We do half-round, seamless gutters

Joe Scala

Fully Insured | HIC. 061885 References upon request

LANDSCAPING

203-245-9448

Commercial & Residential

JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES

Locally Owned and Operated Family Business

• General Waste Removal • Construction Debris • Sheetrock Demo • Shed and Deck Demo & Removal • Oil Tanks and Drums • Garage Cleanouts

We Donate & Recycle!

SERVING MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW HAVEN COUNTY & FAIRFIELD COUNTY

860-415-3313

GREENGLOVESGUTTERS.COM

www.thecleanoutcompanyllc.com

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

HIRE A VETERAN

Lic. # 0653900

203.727.6405

Ivan.acevedo6475@gmail.com ivan.acevedo6475@gmail.com

• Landscaping • Painting • Mowing • Trimming • Masonry Service • Mulching • Gutter Cleaning • Powerwashing • Small Tree Removal • Fall & Spring Clean-Ups

LANDSCAPING

COUNTRY HILL LANDSCAPING Eric Werle • Guilford, CT 06437

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

203-457-0483

Fall Leaf Removal Full Lawn Service Walls & Walkways Spring Cleanup Mulch Work

Tree Work Snow Plowing Planting Tractor Work Pruning

SERVICING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988

Landscape Design & Build Hand Drawn Renderings Full Estate Plans RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • CONDO

Weekly Mowing Spring/Fall Clean Ups Aerating & Overseeding Pruning Mulching

Landscape Design & Installation Paver Patios & Walkways Retaining Walls Cobblestone Poolscapes Fire Pits Outdoor Kitchens Concrete Fencing CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

www.violalandscaping.com

Fully licensed HIC #0561037 & Insured

NOW SERVICING THE SHORELINE AREA FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

• Irrigation Systems Installs/Maintenance • Lawn & Landscape Maintenance • Fertilizing & Tick Control • Retaining Walls • Architectural Pavers: Poolside & Patios • New Lawn Installations: Sod Installs/Hydroseed • Excavations & Drainage • Landclearing/Foundation: Dozer Site Work • Dumpster Services Serving the Shoreline Area Since 1996

CELEBRATING OVER 41 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

860-635-1030 office@violalandscapingllc.com

Call today for consultation (860) 767-2811 www.sullivanlawnservices.com FERT #B2547

CT HIC #0606162 CT Lic# P1-0204385

18 • CLASSIFIEDS • GUILFORD COURIER

DECEMBER 25, 2025

LANDSCAPING

MASONRY

CHAMPLIN’S LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATION • Fall Clean Up • Snow Plowing • Shrub Pruning • Tree Removal • Stump Grinding SENIOR DISCOUNT

OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP

860-510-3509

Father & Son Masonry

SOSOLI’S

• Fence Repair • Gravel Driveways • Excavator Work • Shed Demolition • Junk Removal

MOVING & HAULING

Over 30 years experience Specializing In:

M AS O N RY, L LC

Stonewalls, Seawalls, Special Steps, Patios, Sidewalks, Swimming Pools, Chimneys, Fireplaces, Belgium Block, Blue Stone Pavers, Stucco, Big & Small Jobs Welcomed We do it all!

HIC.0618942

Stone Walls • New Fireplaces Special Steps • Stone Design Swimming Pools • Sidewalks • Stucco Chimneys • Patio Bricks & Blocks Small & Large Jobs

FULLY INSURED

PAINTING

10% OFF WITH THIS AD Commercial & Residential Interior/Exterior Painting • Power Washing - Staining Free Estimate/Fully Insured/Licensed CT HIC.0578520

203-483-5590 203-645-8717 Valentinopaintingllc@yahoo.com

Specialized Masonry Work Owner on Every Job 30 Years Experience Free Estimates

“No Job Too Small”

Will do Dump Runs also.

Call Luke at

203-464-0444 PAINTING Quality Work Since 1987

M.A. PAINTING

MARTIN ARDOLINO CTHIC#0638601

Serving the Shoreline with Pride Great Prices Italian Craftsmanship All Work Guaranteed

(exp. 4.30.25)

NEED SOMETHING MOVED?

Interior/Exterior • Minor Carpentry Popcorn Ceiling Removal Wallpaper Removal

RogeR CRampton RogeR CRampton Cell (203) 598-2524

Cell: 203-510-9162 - Jeff Office: 203-565-9079 - Jimmy

www.greatmason.com

HIC.0571018 Fully Insured Free Estimates

PLUMBING SERVICES

c: 203.430.4194 • martinardolino@gmail.com

POWERWASHING

PLUMBING l HEATING l AIR CONDITIONING

PLUMBING l HEATING l AIR CONDITIONING RogeR Rampton RogeR C ogeRC CRampton Rampton Gold Star Painting Specialists N E W I NPLUMBING S TA Ll LHEATING AT I Ol AIR N SCONDITIONING O R R E PA I R S

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Connecticut Shoreline

INSTALLATIONS N NEW EW SSTA OORRREPAIRS RREEPA W IIN N TALLLLAT ATIIO ONNSSOR PAI IRRSS

Dominic Bosco

Boilers, Water Well pumps, Water Heaters •Water Well Pumps Boilers, Water•Heaters, Heaters, Well pumps, ••Boilers filtration Well Tanks, Water filtration, Faucets, Well Tanks, Water filtration, Faucets, Faucets, • Leaking Pipes • Water Filtration Well Tanks, Water filtration, •Boilers, Water Heaters •Rampton Faucets ogeR Water Heaters, Well pumps,PRESSURE WASHING Leaking pipes, Gas piping Leaking pipes, Gas piping N E W IogeR S TA L L AT I N S O R R E PA• ICement R S & Patios n o Rampton t p m a R R e g o •PLUMBING Faucets •lO Well Tanks •N Well pumps • Leaking pipes l HEATING AIR CONDITIONING pipes, Gas piping WellLeaking Tanks, Water filtration, Faucets, Tanks Gas PLUMBING•NWell lESERVING G HEATING NII N IT860-434-2200 I860-434-2200 DLlLNTHE AIR OCI •ORCONDITIONING IN AS lOPiping GRNRITEAPA EHI RlS GNIBMU•LPTennis Courts W NO S TA AT SHORELINE

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office: 203-245-7144 cell: 203-444-3465 dominic@GoldStarPaintingSpecialists.com www.GoldStarPaintingSpecialists.com

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860-434-2200

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HARRISON

www.RogerCramptonLLC.com

Roofing Specialists 24-Hour Emergency Service Available

860-526-2127

Roofing Gutter Cleaning EPDM Roofing Flat Roofs COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL COVONERESTORATION.COM

2 V_70 9718 D CT lic # P1-204812

D817907_V2 218402-1P # cil TC

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A AboveThe TheRest Rest A Roof Roof Above

ROOFING

Celebrating 30 yrs. of service with 15% Off All Year!

New Roofs & Roof Repairs

PAYMENTS AVAILABLE!

RESTORATION,LLC

BBB

203-668-0833 office-203-468-9889 cell-

East Haven, CT 06512

Family Owned & Lic. #613241 Insured Financing Available Family/ Fully Owned & /Operated Operated

ROOFING

Lic.#538272 • Fully Insured

A+ Rated

203-453-5571 203-453-5571 Family Owned & Operated

www.ENHRestoration.com www.ENHRestoration.com

ROOFING • SIDING • GUTTERS Lic. #613241 / Fully Insured / Financing Available

CT Reg No. 00509027

Fully insured

CT Reg No. 00509027

Fully insured

218402-1P # cil TC

INC.

“Quality Roofing Since 1928” “Quality Roofing • Shingle RoofsSince 1928” Shingle Roofs• Leaders • Flat Roofs • Seamless Gutters Flat Roofs •••Shingle Roofs • Leaders • Repairs • Skylights • Slate Repairs ••Flat Roofs Gutters • Repairs Seamless ••Seamless • Skylights Leaders Residential • Commercial • Free Estimates SlateInsured Repairs• Licensed •Gutters Repairs ••Fully • Skylights

www.russoroofing.com Residential • Commercial • Free Estimates (203) 562-8077 • Slate www.russoroofing.com Repairs CT Reg No. 00509027 • Fully Insured • Licensed

Residential • Commercial (203) 562-8077 (203) 624-ROOF Free Estimates www.russoroofing.com • Fully Insured • Licensed

(203) 624-ROOF

GUILFORD COURIER • CLASSIFIEDS • 19

DECEMBER 25, 2025 ROOFING

SKYWAY

Residential

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS

Restoration LLC

$500 Off

ROOFINGProfessionals

Complete Roofing, Siding or Window Estimate

Complete job with coupon. Expires day time of estimate.

FINANCING Roofing / Siding / Gutters / Skylights / Windows / Doors AVAILABLE 0% Interest 1000’S OF SATISFIED HOMEOWNERS! 18 Months Have your project done the RIGHT way, 60 Months Low Interest with SKYWAY. FATHER & SONS OWNED & OPERATED

CALL TODAY 203-623-9503 ShorelineRoofing.com TREE SERVICES

BENNY’S ROOFING & REMODELING, LLC

CT License #603258

CT Lic #06032512 Residential/CommercialCT•License New Roofs • Re-Roofs(All Types) #603258

Residential/Commercial • New Roofs • Re-Roofs(All Types) All Types of Chimney Flashing All Types of Flashing Work Seamless Gutters Demolition CT License #603258

203-234-1906 | 203-671-1368

All Types ofResidential/Commercial Chimney Flashing • All Types of Flashing Work • New Roofs Residential/Commercial • New Roofs • Re-Roofs(All Types)• Re-Roofs(All Types) •Demolition Seamless Gutters •Flashing Types of Chimney Flashing • All Types of Flashing Work All Types of ChimneyAll Flashing • All Types of Work • • Demolition Insured • All Work Warranteed Seamless Gutters Seamless Fully Gutters • Demolition Prices ••Free Estimates Fully Insured •Reasonable All Work Warranteed Reasonable Prices • Free Etstimates Fully Insured • All Work Warranteed

www.skyway-roofing.com

Fully Insured • All Work Warranteed Reasonable Reasonable Prices • 203-640-9820 Free Estimates Prices • Free Estimates

203-640-9820 manolyroofing@aol.com 203-640-9820 203-640-9820 bennysroofingremodeling@gmail.com A+ Rating CT License #603258 manolyroofing@aol.commanolyroofing@aol.com

Senior & Veteran Discounts CT License #603258 CT License #603258 CT Lic #06032512

Licensed & Insured Lic. #0573204

A+ Rating

TOP NOTCH TREE, LLC • Full Service Tree Removal • Land/Lots Cleared • Brush Piles Chipped • 60’ Aerial Truck/Climbers • Stump Grinding OWNER ON EVERY JOB

860-552-9376

We Make Tree Work Affordable

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Fun By The Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

20

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Photo by Debbie Boone Bermel

The author's brother, Paul Bermel (second from left), and mother, Virginia Bermel (second from right), with Paul's children (from left), Colby, Lily, and Nathan.

Photo courtesy of Liz Egan

The author with her siblings and Christmas stockings

The Christmas Stocking

By Liz Egan Special to Living

My family of origin has a beautiful Christmas tradition. Each of my siblings, their spouses, their children, and now their children’s children, possesses an heirloom Christmas stocking. Each one is hand-knit, 26 inches long, embellished with beads and bows, and has the given name knitted into the top of the stocking. Hearing the story of how this tradition began was one of my favorite moments with my mother.

In 1954, my mother, Virginia Bermel, belonged to a then-popular Home Extension Group of community women who got together weekly, swapped recipes, knitted and did crafts, exchanged household tips, and shared their lives as women and homemakers. She was the mother of eight children with another on the way. My mother saw her friend Vi O’Connor knitting a Christmas stocking for her child during one meeting of the group.

Upon seeing the Christmas stocking, she expressed her desire to make them for her own children. She ordered the yarn and pattern from Bernat, a yarn Hand-knit stockings hang above the fireplace.

Photo by Debbie Boone Bermel

company in Canada still operating today. She also purchased the Christmas tree pattern. Vi helped my mother by walking her through the knitting of her first stocking. Members of the group helped by starting, finishing, or making whole stockings.

That first year, Christmas 1954, she completed nine stockings.

She did not have time to make one for herself and my father.

Our family’s tradition was to hang my father’s work socks from the banister leading upstairs, with each stocking pinned with a child’s name. With limited means, my mother stuffed a simple coloring book, crayons, and an orange which were found on Christmas Day by her excited children.

On Christmas Eve 1954, each child put up the socks. After the children went to bed, my mother took down the work socks and hung the newly knitted Christmas stockings, each embedded with a child’s name. She filled them with the coloring books and went to bed.

As my mother recounted, the squeals and looks of surprise that Christmas morning were See page 21

21

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Calendar for the Week of December 25, 2025

For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 26 Red Cross Blood Drive: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

The Magic of the Honmoon: K-Pop Demon Hunters Music and Craft Event: 3 to 5 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features themed craft stations for children ages 5 to 12 with music from K-pop Demon Hunters. Free. No registration required. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 26 THROUGH TUESDAY, DEC. 30

Professor Sepoc’s Wizard School: 11 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a science program for children ages 5 to 12 exploring chemistry through hands-on activities. Free. Registration is required. For info or to regSchool Vacation Trolley Rides: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Cost: ister, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children ages 2 to Holiday Vacation Sing-along: 1 p.m. Chester Public 18, free for toddlers. Service fees apply. Tickets available Library, 21 W. Main St. For children in elementary school online or at the door. For info or tickets, visit shoreor younger. For info or to register, call 860-526-0018 or linetrolley.org/programs. visit ChesterCTlibrary.com/childrensprograms.

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 Fancy the Flamingo’s Christmas Adventure Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Features a reading by Connecticut author Tara Cantore from her book, Fancy the Flamingo’s Christmas Adventure, followed by a related craft activity. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-0018 or email library@chesterct.org.

Frames in Film Encore: Van Gogh of Wheat Fields and Clouded Skies: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold Museum. Running time: 90 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

See page 22

The Christmas Stocking Continued from page 20 priceless. No picture exists of that moment. The memory in her heart lasted a lifetime.

The following year, she knitted stockings for my father, herself, and a son who was born in March 1955. From that point, every time a child was born (she was to have 15 children), she knitted a stocking.

Later, the company published a Santa pattern which she knitted for many of the spouses and grandchildren. She switched to acrylic yarn.

As her children grew, she developed “guidelines.” A child had to be married, not engaged or living together. The spouse received a stocking the first Christmas after they were married. Subsequently, when a grandchild was born, a stocking would be knitted, and the family received a stocking for their child at the baby’s first Christmas.

My mother taught all of her children to knit. Christmas gifts were few in our large family, but there was an annual gift that would often be a pair of hand-knit mittens.

My mother was constantly knitting.

This was often her relaxation after a long day. She would sit in her chair in the living room and teach us how to cast on, how to knit, how to purl, how to change colors, and how to cast off. We all learned by

making a headband with her leftover yarn for our first project—12 stitches across and knit, knit, knit, until it was done. Most of my siblings never did much more than knit that headband or a scarf if they were really interested (and wanted and needed a scarf!)

I enjoyed knitting and, on and off, I kept it up over the years. In 2003, after 43 stockings, my mother developed macular degeneration in the midst of knitting a stocking for her great-grandson Matthew.

I remember the day in the car, when she was knitting in the back seat and struggling with mistakes that were happening because she could not see clearly, even though she had the pattern memorized.

Right then, I offered to finish Matty’s stocking, and I did. I have been making the stockings ever since. My mother died in 2010. I just finished my 33rd stocking just in time for a Christmas wedding. There are others already planned for 2026.

I have switched back to the original Christmas tree pattern and use fine wool yarn. I purchased an entire dye lot of red, green, and white to last me until I pass this mantle on.

My guidelines changed and I did make stockings for “significant others,” though I admit, I have made a few for folks whose engagements were broken, and I now see the wisdom of her guidelines. I have

worked my way through the dye lot of yarn and have purchased a second. With the exception of one stocking, I make them only for my immediate family who continue to grow and multiply.

My mother’s grandchildren are still having children, and several are married. I have already made several for greatgrandchildren and I continue to knit about one to two Christmas stockings a year depending on who gets married and who is having a child. This year was a record year—I knitted four.

During the COVID-19 crisis, I had to rethink many things in my life. One thing was my rule about who gets a Christmas stocking. I had a fixed rule for many years that there would be no “do-overs” as siblings asked for replacements when theirs shrank or were damaged. I think about this now and how silly it is. My mother made me a second stocking when mine was discarded by an ex during a divorce.

When I got married, she made stockings for my husband and me as a surprise.

They were the last two complete stockings she made, filled with mistakes, and inconsistencies, and my husband Paul and I cherished them.

My sister Sheila had been begging me for years for a new Christmas stocking to replace the small, felted wool stocking that shrank to a stock when she washed it

years ago. She wanted the Santa pattern that matches the ones for her husband and children, a pattern I have not made in over 15 years. I sent it to her the Christmas of her 60th birthday.

I have been meaning to type the story and the pattern for many years. I had drafted the story years ago when my mother was still alive and she could recount it orally. We mailed her story to Bernat in the hopes that we would get a fresh copy of the patterns. They did receive it, but the patterns are out of print, and they do not even have a sample in their archives. They published the story in their employee newsletter and sent me a box of their current Christmas yarns, which I never used, but still have.

Traditions are the stories of our lives.

The Christmas stocking means so much to each of my siblings. It has become a symbol of simpler, happier times. It means a great deal to them when I make one for their children and grandchildren.

Life happens and sometimes it is a bitter pill to swallow. There are still many things that remain constant. Like the song from my parents’ favorite musical, Fiddler on the Roof, “Tradition.”

Family. Love. Traditions. May you be blessed with them all.

22 Continued from page 21

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING place outdoors. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Comedy at the Edge: 7:30 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by a trio of comedians from Comedy Craft Beer. For attendees 21 and older. Tickets: $25 per person. Cash bar available.

For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

New Year's Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 5:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford.

Children are invited to bring a stuffed animal for an evening of songs and a craft activity. The stuffed animal spends the night at the library for the children to pick up Concert by Unforgettable Fire (Tribute to U2): 8 p.m. the following day. For children ages 4 to 11. For info or to The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranOld Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or ford.librarycalendar.com. visit thekate.org.

Winter-Inspired Sea Glass Ornaments Craft WorkSaturday Cinema: 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial shop: 5:30 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, including the Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Led by Courtney of movie title, or to register (required), call 203-488-1441, Re-loved Designs. All supplies provided. For info, call ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 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.

First Sunday Service After Christmas: 10 a.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Road (Rte. 79), Madison. Features a service of Lessons and Carols and communion. For info, contact 203-928-7483 or beecher.lou@gmail.com.

Concert by Lez Zeppelin: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 29 Noon Year's Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For children of all ages. Features songs, dance, a story, and a countdown to noon to practice ushering in 2026. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

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.

Concert by Dar Williams: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 30 Creation Lab: 10 am to noon. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr., Westbrook. Children will use their imagination, creativity, and a variety of art supplies, to create something of their own. Drop-ins welcome. Registration is not required. For info, call 860-399-6422.

Ms. Rae’s School of Faeries: 5 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a program for ages 5 to 12 led by Ms. Rae, introducing participants to different types of fairies and their folklore. Children will make small offerings to

Pickin’ Party: 6 to 8 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door, free for first-time guests. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 30 AND WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 Best of Boston Comedy Festival: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

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 pine-cone birdfeeder activity for children at the Oak Lodge Museum led by naturalist Wray Williams. For info, call Cheryl Buckley at 860-391-1919.

First Friday Stroll: 5 to 8 p.m. Main Street, Chester.

Hosted by the merchants of Chester. Features a stroll on Main Street that showcases new art exhibitions at galleries, seasonal menus at restaurants, and shopping specials. Includes anecdotal tales behind the paintings at Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

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.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2

New Year’s Eve Storytime: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Library, 150 Main St. Features stories, music, and movement celebrating New Year’s Eve. No registration necessary. For info, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.

Noon Year’s Eve Party: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd. Features a "Noon Year’s Party" with crafts, snacks, and a bubble dance, all leading up to the balloon drop at noon. Free and open to all. No registration. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

A Magical Noon Year’s Eve: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a family celebration with a New Year’s craft, themed games, and a photo booth. The event concludes with a sparkling cider toast at noon.

Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

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.

Prehistoric Games with Janet Lawler: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. For ages 3 to 7. For info or to register (required), call 860-5266039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

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.

Cupcake Celebration: 2:15 to 4 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, Community Room, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Children will frost and decorate cupcakes to mark the arrival of 2026. For ages 4 and older. Drop-ins welcome. No registration required. For info, call 860-399-6422.

Tween Time: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons: 3:30 p.m.

Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features an introductory session on the basics of Dungeons & Dragons for ages 8 to 12. Includes character creation and gameplay concepts.

Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

See page 23

23

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025’s Big News and Best Productions in New York and Connecticut Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs Columnist

Aisle ON THE

Happy Holidays! This week’s column will highlight the most important Connecticut theater news AND the most memorable shows I saw in Connecticut and NYC. (My NYC theatergoing was very limited in the first five months of the year.)

Two Upcoming Departures: New Haven theater will have two new leaders by this time next year. James Bundy, longtime artistic director of Yale Rep and dean of the Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, will retire in June. Long Wharf’s artistic director, Jacob Padrón, also announced his departure.

Rebounding: One artistic director told me during COVID that it would take five years for theater to come back. It may not have made it totally, but Connecticut theaters have reported their best attendance since the pandemic. Goodspeed, in particular, had high attendance for its shows.

Money Issues: The sudden loss of federal funding caused sleepless nights for most theaters, as already awarded grants were rescinded. The funding uncertainty offset the good news of attendance rises.

rific production; this fall, Lincoln Center offered an even better production, which did not seem possible.

Small Musicals: When people ask me for shows to see on Broadway, I mention two shows that aren’t typical, glitzy Broadway shows. Maybe Happy Ending

by Guilford native Will Aronson (and collaborator Hue Park) and Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York are quirky, small musicals that utterly delighted me and everyone I know who has seen them.

The acting, the directing, the stories, and the music enchant. Maybe Happy Ending won multiple Tony awards.

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends: Even though it wasn’t great, this review of Sondheim’s music originated as a onenight-only London concert following Sondheim’s death. The Broadway version, starring Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, Gavin Lee, Beth Leavel, and others, was a delight.

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914: Whether you classify it as a concert or a musical, this Playhouse on Park prob duction was exquisite, with incredible a My Best of 2025: The Musicals cappella harmonies and fine direction, as Ragtime: Two productions of this musi- well as being thoughtful and moving. cal, one of my favorites, made the list.

My Fair Lady: Ivoryton Playhouse Goodspeed opened its season with a ter- mounted a delightful production of this big

musical. Inventive staging and fine performances captured the show almost perfectly.

Waitress: Ridgefield’s ACT-CT theater offered an excellent production of Waitress.

Goodspeed: The best musical production of 2025, the Rob Ruggiero-directed anniversary production of A Chorus Line was the best musical I saw. But Goodspeed didn’t stop there, with a terrific production of All Shook Up and, at the Terris Theater in Chester, the delightful The Great Emu War. Camelot: Barrington Stage Company’s revival of this musical—which has always had some book issues—was excellent with a terrific singing and acting cast. I’m glad I made the trek to Pittsfield. b

My Best of 2025: The Plays New York: George Clooney made his Broadway debut in a stage adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck. The production made effective and appropriate use of projections and videos. Clooney surrounded himself with an outstanding cast, but he more than held his own as Edward R. Murrow. Off-Broadway, Lunar Eclipse was a tender exploration of senior relationships featuring a stunning performance by Reed Birney. But the best production I saw this year was Oedipus. The British import, with an adaptation set in contemporary times, made me truly understand the catharsis that ancient Greek audiences would have felt upon seeing this play.

Connecticut: Six productions stood out to me—I would happily see any of them again.

Primary Trust won the Pulitzer Prize, and the TheaterWorks production showed you why. In 2026, at least one other theater will be producing this play; it will be tough to exceed the Hartford production.

Jeffrey Archer’s adaptation of Rope, the “how-do-they-get-caught” thriller, based on the original play and the Hitchcock film, was elegant, stylish, and absorbing, even if you were familiar with the plot. The acting, set, lighting, and direction by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen were terrific.

Connecticut playwright Jacques Lamarre’s The Baroness—a look at The Sound of Music from the point of view of the scorned fiancée—was great fun. It may need work, but it was still a delightful evening at Playhouse on Park.

Westport Country Playhouse’s production of Theatre People was an old-fashioned drawing room comedy/farce, well directed and performed.

Connecticut was lucky enough to be the first stop on the tour of Mark Twain Tonight! starring Richard Thomas. The space at TheaterWorks was perfect for the piece; Thomas, as usual, was terrific.

I can’t omit Hartford Stage’s A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas, which gets better every year.

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association.

Continued from page 22

SUNDAY, JAN. 4

MONDAY, JAN. 5

SATURDAY, JAN. 3

Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio Concert: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a performance of violin, cello, and piano.

Free. Hosted by the Musical Arts Society of Branford. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Auditions for Con Brio Choral Society: 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook.

Open to auditionees for all voice parts. Con Brio rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. To book a time slot, call Larry Hamre 860-575-1533. For info, visit conbrio.org/audition.

Magic Wand Workshop: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a craft program for children ages 6 to 12 led by polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe.

Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

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.

Winter Lecture Series: The Powder Alarm of 1774: 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. First in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series, highlighting the American Revolution. Features a talk by J. L. Bell, author of The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War. Doors open at 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Registration is requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6 Hammonasset Beach Walk: 1 p.m. Meet at the Gateway Eastern trail head parking lot adjacent to the entrance of the Hammonasset State Park, 1280 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a one-mile walk with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT) through Hammonasset Beach Park to Webster Point. For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org. For info, visit ShorelineVillageCT.org.

See page 25

24

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

Page Turners As Many Souls as Stars

By Natasha Siegel A woman makes a Faustian bargain with a creature of shadow in this dark, historical fantasy. In short: Two toxic lesbians, who love and hate each other, chase each other through the centuries.

It has complex characters, witchcraft, and a great ending. If you liked Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, you’ll love this book.

— Marisa R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Enshittification

By Cory Doctorow This is a book for everyone who has noticed big changes to their internet platforms and services over the years.

Beginning with case studies, including Facebook and Amazon, Cory Doctorow explains in nontechnical terms why these changes occurred and offers positive solutions for improvements.

— Marilyn R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

E

very other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

By Kiran Desai This big book is worth the time to read.

There is so much in it—family, love, loss, honesty, humor... I loved how it would break off into different “branches” and then find a way to circle back. Very similar to life. The writing is also just wonderful!

— Lori R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Flurry, Float, and Fly!: The Story of a Snowstorm

By Laura Purdie Salas and Chiara Fedele Gorgeous illustrations accompany spare text as the first snowflakes start to form. Overnight, the patient siblings are rewarded with a sledding hill covered in snow. Back matter on the science of snow makes this the perfect picture book.

— Jamie R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

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25

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

Page Turners Continued from page 24

Canticle

By Janet Rich Edwards Canticle is a stunning, mesmerizing novel taking place in Belgium in 1295.

Aleys is about to enter a forced marriage, but she has a higher calling. Is she an ordinary girl, a saint, a martyr? This is a look into Medieval religious orders and how women survived in strict insular communities with few rights. Incredible character development and hands-down my favorite historical fiction of 2025!

— Julie A. R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Continued from page 23 Qìgōng for the Aging: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a program that emphasizes stretching, strength, stability, and stamina. Presented by martial arts instructor Stephen Watson. All levels welcome. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

YA Library Advisory Board Planning Meeting: 3:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants ages 12 to 18 are invited to help plan games, displays, programs, and collections.

Service credit available for active participation. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Tinker and Take it Apart: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 to 11. Bring safety goggles. Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

SECWAC Book Group: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Book: When the Clock Broke by John Ganz. Co-hosted by the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) and the Essex Library. For info or to register, visit youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/book-groups.

59 Minutes

By Holly Seddon If you had just under an hour before a nuclear strike, are you going to listen to the instructions to shelter in place immediately or get the lead out to go home to your loved ones? Look no further for a blood-pumping thriller that’s sure to get you racing through these bite-size chapters just as quickly as the characters within are searching for safety. Reminiscent of the TV show 24 or the film Nick of Time, the book warns there’s really no time to waste wondering if the alert for South England could be false. Just prepare whatever you can for a wild ride.

— Mel R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Creative Craft Night: 6 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Offers drop-in crafting time with access to library supplies and equipment. Staff available for assistance. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7 Candidly Chris: Composing the Photograph: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Photographer Peter Glass presents a program on photographic composition techniques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

THURSDAY, JAN. 8 Peace Crane Folding: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features an inaugural event that continues every Thursday to fold and complete 1,000 origami peace cranes. The purpose is to bring people together and find inner peace while folding the cranes. Once 1,000 cranes are reached, they will be donated to a charity of the group's choosing. No experience needed. Directions and materials provided. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Whales, Whaling, and Whalemen: A History of 19thCentury Whaling: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Presented by Mystic Seaport Museum. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Tabletop RPG Game Night: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit acton- National Theatre Live in HD Encore: The Fifth Step: library.org.

7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen.

Adult Movie Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Running time: 100 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860Rte. 81. Bring snacks and a beverage (covered, nonalco510-0453 or visit thekate.org. holic). For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

See page 26

26 Continued from page 26

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 Tweens Writing: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a program for ages 9 to 12 to write and share their stories with others. Participants explore different kinds of narratives, including fantasy, family stories, essays, and research. This group is based on a workshop model. A writing prompt is completed and shared at each meet-up. The shared prompt is then developed into a piece to share at the next meeting. Participant sharing of written work is not mandatory. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 AND SUNDAY, JAN. 11 VIBE Cabaret: Murder on the Orient Express: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon and 3 p.m. Daniel Hand High School, 286 Green Hill Rd., Madison. For info, visit dhhsvibe.com.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

Documentary Screening: Inhabitants: 1 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a screening of Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World and a talk by Jesse Rose and Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, a Connecticut state-recognized tribe.

One Night in Memphis (Tribute to Sun Record Artists: Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to Presley, Perkins, Lewis, and Cash): 8 p.m. The Katharine register (required), call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Sayevents.blackstonelibrary.org. brook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Winter Lecture Series: The Burning of New London: 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. Second in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series on the American Revolution. Features a talk by Eric SATURDAY, JAN. 10 Lehman, author of Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold Who’s Been Walking in These Woods? A Family and the Burning of New London. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Nature Hike: 10 a.m. Falls River Preserve, Falls River Drive, Ivoryton. Features a one-hour hike led by local nat- Seating is first-come, first-served. Registration is uralist Phil Miller. No dogs. Hosted by Essex Library, Essex requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, Land Trust, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. For trail visit essexhistory.org/events.

Gardening with Mosses: Noon to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a talk on moss ecology, horticulture, and ideas on how moss can be utilized in the garden. Presented by Christine Cook, owner of Mossaics Ecological Landscape Design. Part of the Leete’s Island Garden Club monthly meeting. Guests are welcome. For info or to register, contact 203-453-0780 or kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply with David Brooks: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply.

Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.

LEGO Stem Club: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grade 1 to 4. Project for the session is foosball. Participants will use the STEM steps to solve a problem, plan and create a design, and then test their project. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

The Art of 18th-Century Chocolate Making (America 250 Event): 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features historical chocolatemaking techniques and authentic methods from the 1700s. Attendees will enjoy samples of the chocolate products made on-site. Presented by Robert Lecce of Pewter Pot Chocolates. Sponsored by the Friends of maps, visit essexlandtrust.org. For weather-related General Putnam: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 LibActon Public Library. Free and open to all. For info or to updates, visit facebook.com/EssexLibrary. For info or to erty St. Features a presentation about General Putnam by register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexliKenneth Noll, a community theater performer in Storrs brary.org. and professor emeritus of microbiology at the University Met in HD Live: I Puritani: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn of Connecticut. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Public Library. To register, contact the Chester Public Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown Designing with Containers: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evergreen on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 225 minutes. For Library at 860-526-0018 or library@chesterct.org. For Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Hosted by the info, visit chesterctlibrary.com/adultprograms. info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Guilford Garden Club. Presented by Rene Marsh, founder On a Winter's Night: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cul- and owner of A Simpler Place in Monroe where she is a Sashiko Mending Workshop for Beginners: 1 p.m. garden designer, horticulturist, and flower farmer. Free tural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a hands-on workand open to the public. For info, visit guilfordgardentickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. shop for adults nineteen and older. Materials provided; club.org/events. participants may bring an item to mend. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit Acoustic Artists Storyteller Series: Terri LaChance: MONDAY, JAN. 12 youressexlibrary.org.

6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Social Justice Book Discussion (America 250 Event): Saybrook. Features stories and songs paired with picAuditions for Annie Jr.: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nathanael B. 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., tures and visuals. For participants of all ages. For info or Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Audi- Old Saybrook. Book: Espionage and Enslavement in the to register, visit actonlibrary.org/events. tions are for grades 4 to 8. Free to audition but registraRevolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elization is required. Hosted by the Guilford Youth & Family beth by Claire Bellerjeau and Tiffany Yecke Brooks.

Author Talk: Lauren LaRusso: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia BookServices (GY&FS) Family Theatre. Performances will be Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the sellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Beyond Infiheld at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center library. Virtual participation via Zoom is an option. For delity: How to Turn the End of Your Relationship into the on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. To register, info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonliBeginning of Your Life. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8047. For info, visit guilfordyouthandfamily- brary.org. call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. services.org.

Concert by Alison Brown: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Met in HD Encore: I Puritani: 10 a.m. The Katharine Hepor tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. burn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook.

Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 210 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Book Club: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford.

Book: The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

See page 28

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

27

The Christmas Telescope

By The Rev. Bill Keane Special to Living

The stars have always held a great fascination for me. Space has never meant emptiness, but a realm of wonder and mystery. I may have only been 5 years of age when John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, but I still remember studying the small 9-inch globe that had his three-fold circumnavigation proudly imprinted on its surface complete with a tiny Mercury capsule marking the route.

Watching the astronauts risking their lives riding tails of flame beyond the atmosphere was a distinct thrill all on its own, but it was never quite enough because, like probably millions of others of impressionable children, I wanted to go with them.

Even years later following the Challenger disaster, if by some wild happenstance I had been asked to ride on the very next shuttle launch, I’d have enthusiastically accepted.

So it was in 1965 at age 10, with exultant joy I opened up a long and weighty Christmas present that turned out to be an astronomical telescope. It was white with black trim—a 60 mm Tasco refractor, mounted on a heavy, pebble-finish tripod with adjustable legs. While the scope was only two-tone, the photographs on the box were full-color renditions of the places I wanted to be: nearby planets and distant galaxies—all incredibly attractive because they were not the Earth.

This beloved instrument that I assembled as carefully as a nuclear device was not simply a steel tube with glass lenses. It was my personal spaceship and time machine. It was my very own vehicle of ascent, my Atlas, my Apollo, a special means to go beyond the clouds and back in time. Not bad for the contents of just one box under a green tree!

For some reason, mid-60s New Jersey winters seemed a lot colder than they are now. With a boatload of desire, but precious little experience, I took my unwieldy optical assembly and ventured enthusiastically forth into the arctic December air on top of snow that had a polished, thick crust supporting my weight.

Temperatures hovered in the high single digits, but I had forgone the use of gloves, because wasting precious seconds finding them meant the risk of missing the discovery of a new comet or some other once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomena.

Sure it was freezing, but who could be cold on a sparkling crisp night with destiny beckoning from above? Certainly not I! Now what some newcomers to astronomy don’t realize is that pointing a telescope at a specific object in the sky with any success is as much art as sci-

ence—almost intuitive more than intellectual. My finder-scope, though firmly attached, was not properly aligned. The moon was nowhere in sight, and so selecting the smallest number eyepiece—not realizing it would also render the highest power and tiniest expanse—I vainly attempted to snag a star in my increasingly bleak field of view.

Playing the optical tube back and forth manually on its alt-azimuth mount, I experienced not even the faintest glint of accomplishment. Twenty or so bone-chilling minutes passed as fascination gave way to increasing frustration. I was all set to give up, feeling ignorant and inept, as my high hopes in trolling the heavens were yielding no positive results when all of a sudden, there it was! A glimmer, a streak of light as I almost off-handedly pushed the scope to the left. With the field resuming its customary jet-black appearance, I carefully reversed my course and found it again! Actually, “it” was “them.”

Glistening like jewels on dark velvet were my pearls of cherished wisdom, sparkling brighter than I could have imagined and bigger than I would have thought possible. Perhaps I had just discovered a new constellation, or maybe it was an old one, but it didn’t matter. My bare hands were sticking to the barrel and attachments of the scope, but I didn’t care. There I was atop the frozen tundra, standing with the greats: Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, and now little Billy Keane, masters of the cosmos! Maybe it was the incredibly high expectation or the increasingly low temperature, but I went over the deep end to such an extent that it took quite a while before it dawned on me that what I thought I was seeing, I couldn’t possibly be seeing. Something was strangely wrong with this marvelously beguiling vision.

My first inkling that “all that glitters…” came when with a short gust of wind, the “stars” moved, or rather bounced. Carefully, I tightened the relevant bearings and continued my endeavor. Yet as the wind returned so too did the dance of the sparkling gems—too much to be accounted for by the flimsy mount.

Perhaps it was the 90-degree eyepiece holder that forced one to look down to see up. More probably it was that my heart was so thrilled I had shut off my mind.

While I am still tempted to blame the equipment, I am now totally sure that my desire to see a star set me up to concentrate on something that might not actually be a star. I was so hopeful of finding something that I was willing to fixate on anything. And so it was that observing what I dreamed was some distant cluster containing the secrets of the universe I had in fact honed in on a telephone wire holding

Photo by Rev. Bill Keane

Moon Over La Jolla

shiny droplets of ice! My yearning to see the light across a galaxy had become my delusional study of frost across the street! I was heartbroken.

With the sour taste of complete failure rising in my throat, tears welled up in my eyes and froze on my face as I angrily snatched the mechanism that had magnified my stupidity and retreated inside.

Leaving the vehicle of my galactic humiliation on the outer porch I went to bed thinking I would never search the evening sky again.

Call it extreme tenacity or raw stubbornness, in time—once the ashes of my simmering anger and embarrassment cooled—I found myself once again out among the stars, noticing one particularly high in the sky. This could be no icy pretender!

Removing the eyepiece altogether and using the diagonal as a finder, in relatively short order I managed to place a gleaming speck within view. Carefully placing the lowest ocular in the receptacle, I focused in and resolved an image still vividly etched in my brain almost 35 years hence. There, in crisp detail was not a bluish or white pinpoint of fire, but a disk. Looking more closely, or rather more patiently and carefully, I noticed this disk was loaded with detail—stripes running across its body, a spot not far from the equator, and four tiny dots unevenly spaced along a line extending out from the edge!

As accidentally as I had stumbled upon frozen water stuck on a wire, I had now found the cloud-belts, Great Red Spot, and major moons of Jupiter. Not as big as in

the pictures, but so much better! Years away from attaining a driver’s license, I had covered the distance from a New Jersey backyard to the visual glide path approaching our largest planet.

At age 10, peering through a budget refractor, I experienced what remains to be one of the greatest spiritual charges of my life. Years later when I would read the psalmist proclaim that “the heavens are declaring the glory of God,” I knew precisely what he meant. On a cold winter’s night, a small boy heard a message that still echoes in his soul.

Consider that in physical essence if we are made of stardust, then astronomy is the universe awakening and looking back upon itself. For more than three decades, both with and without equipment, even in the daytime, I have practiced the ancient art of cosmic self-awareness. I have been transported and transformed, traveling as far as any astronaut and expanding my mind with what I have beheld in my eyes.

That is what astronomy, ineptly begun with an awkward apparatus, has meant to me. Almost always in looking heavenward toward the sky and the grandeur that is our past, I have come away feeling better about our future and about myself.

For if what has gone before us is so beautiful and marvelous, how can what follows be any less magnificent?

The Rev. Bill Keane is the chaplain of the Branford Police and Fire departments and a disaster spiritual care responder for the Red Cross.

28 Continued from page 26 American Girl Doll Club: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children in grades 1 through 4. Features a story or discussion, activities, and a craft from a different history time period. Dolls don’t have to be American Girl.

For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • LIVING Stop Motion Animation Workshop: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Drop-ins welcome by space is limited. Participants may stay longer to finish their projects. For info or to register, contact 860-5260018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com.

Frames in Film Encore: Hopper: An American Love Story: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: The Disscreen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold covery of a Masterpiece: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored Museum. Running time: 90 minutes. For info or tickets, by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on how call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Mortillaro identified and authenticated an Auguste Rodin sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte hiding in plain sight in Festival Seminars: 1 to 4:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 New Jersey. Second in a two-part series, “Exciting DisMain St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of coveries in Art History.” Free and open to all. For info or New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit goodspeed.org. visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.

Creative Crafts with Jesse: Birthday Cards: 2 to Shoreline Sailing Club Event: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and Post Rd., Madison. Participants create three birthday over. New members are welcome and sailing experience cards using stamping, embossing, and die-cut techis not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time niques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit guests, $10 for others. BYOB. For info, visit shorelinesailscrantonlibrary.org/events. ingclub.com.

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. James In Public: 50 years of Candid Street Photography with Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford.

George Schaub: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Teams work on identical puzzles within a set time; prizes St. For info, email schaubphoto@gmail.com. awarded to the first three teams to finish. Team size: two to four participants. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concert by Albert Lee: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Blackstone Library. Free. For info or to register (required), Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelior tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. brary.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 Miss Hysteria: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals.

For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

A Tribute to Prince: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by Purple Luscious Love. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

Sunday Afternoon Concert: The Kenn Morr Band: 2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features music by Kenn Morr with bandmates Tom Hagymasi (violin), Pat Ryan (bass), and Tido “T-Bone” Holtkamp (drums). Free and open to all. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Winter Lecture Series: The Woman Who Printed the Declaration: 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. Concluding program in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series on the American Revolution. Features a talk by Dr. Emily Sneff, author of the forthcoming When the Declaration of Independence was News. Doors open at 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, firstserved. Registration is requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events.

Meet the Writers Q&A: 3:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 19 41st Annual MLK Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. Branford High School (BHS), 185 E. Main St. Features a presentation by civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale, “Now Is the Time to Take a Stand,” with music by the BHS Music Makers.

Hosted by the MLK Heritage Foundation and Branford High School. Tickets: $20 general admission, $5 for students. Includes full breakfast. Proceeds benefit scholarships for BHS students who embody the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For info or tickets, visit mlkheritage.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20

Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Hosted by the North Branford Concert by Kashmir (Tribute Led Zeppelin): 8 p.m. The Festival Dinner at Gelston House: 5:30 p.m. Gelston Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old House, 8 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Fes- Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit tival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. thekate.org.

8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Sip and Paint Polar Bears: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Cabaret Performance by Rona Siddiqui: 10 p.m. The F Word: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East HadLibrary, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 2 to 4. Participants will Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Gooddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For follow step-by-step directions to paint a polar bear, learn speed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. new art techniques, and sip on healthy juice boxes 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org. (provided). Space and supplies are limited. For info or to Concert by the Amish Outlaws: 8 p.m. The Katharine register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingHepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Sayworthlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 brook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Weaving Mug Rugs Workshop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. GuilAuthor Talk: Madeleine Dunnigan: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia ford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will complete Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Jean. four tabby patterns inspired by classic fabric arts: a nine- 20th Anniversary Festival Concert: 9:30 p.m. The Good- For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or speed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Fes- visit rjjulia.com. patch quilt block, plaid, gingham, and bordered square. tival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $12 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit 8668 or visit goodspeed.org. guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947.

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 SUNDAY, JAN. 18 our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is Foolproof: 1 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Hadnoon, eight days prior to the publication date. dam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

29

LIVING • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025

It’s Better than Ever: Hartford Stage’s A Christmas Carol Will Delight You. Thank You, Michael Wilson

Review THEATER

By Karen Isaacs Columnist

There’s a new Scrooge in town.

Guiesseppe Jones has taken over the role of the mean-spirited Scrooge in Hartford Stage’s spectral adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which they subtitle A Ghost Story of Christmas.

Once again, adapter Michael Wilson has returned to Hartford to direct this year’s production.

Though I have seen the show at least 20 times, this year was one of the best. The changes Wilson has made added to the ghostly influences of the story, and Jones allows Scrooge to be just as miserable as he should be. In the early scenes, he never conveys that this isn’t his true nature. Too many actors playing Scrooge act the lines, but with a wink, imply, “This isn’t really Scrooge, he’s a good guy underneath it all.” It lessens the impact of his transformation.

For 25 years, this has become a Connecticut tradition, selling out to appreciative audiences. (Two years during COVID, the show did not perform.) It has become an annual event for many families.

Wilson, who brought his adap-

The Fezziwigs played by Kenneth DeAbrew and Natalie Brown Photo by T Charles Erickson

Photo by T Charles Erickson

Rebecka Jones as the Ghost of Christmas Past

tation to Hartford when he was artistic director of Hartford Stage, doesn’t go for the obvious; there’s humor, but this Scrooge is not funny. Instead, he emphasizes the eerie nature, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t laughs in the production; the humor is from other characters or totally appro-

priate for the moment.

A side note: This Christmas Carol will not be appropriate for young children. I took my granddaughters to the show when they were 6 or 7, but some children that young may find the production overly scary.

Each year, a few cast members

return to the annual show. Noble Shropshire has played Marley, and Rebecka Jones has played the Ghost of Christmas Past in each production. Besides Guiesseppe Jones, the new cast members are Emily Bosco as a warm, motherly Mrs. Cratchit; Daniel Madigan as Mr. Marvel;

and Stuart Rider as the Spirit of Christmas Present.

Two cast members—Madigan and Erik Bloomquist (Fred/Scrooge at 30)—performed in the show as children. The show again includes students from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford as well as a large, rotating cast of local children.

My memories of past productions may be mistaken. Still, in this production, Wilson seems to include the ghosts more, feature more choreography (originally by Hope Clarke, reproduced by Derric Harris), and add additional scary lighting effects by Robert Wierzel. Again, Marley rises from the grave and, at one point, lands in the rafters created by ZFX,Inc. One constant in this production is Nobel Shropshire as Marley (and another role I won’t mention). Year after year, his performance is a marvel.

Hartford Stage also has school/student matinees that allow over 5,000 area students to experience live theater.

Please go and see this wonderful show; it runs through Sunday, Dec. 28. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.

I look forward to many more years of seeing this annual play; I can’t wait until my great-grandchildren are old enough to be introduced to this inventive and ultimate theatrical production.

Thank you, Michael Wilson.

Giuesseppe Jones as Scrooge Photo by T Charles Erickson

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RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT 978 Main Street | Branford

31

REAL ESTATE • GUILFORD COURIER • DECEMBER 25, 2025 Greg Robbins 203-464-0125

Real Estate Transactions Three Generations of Real Estate Excellence

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INVESTMENT

BRANFORD

978 Main Street | Branford

Three Generations of Real Estate Excellence

Greg Robbins

203-464-0125 RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT

978 Main Street | Branford

242 E Main St Unit 6A: Singh T and 12 Nutmeg Ln: Scott Magruder of Amandeep Singh of Clinton to Bcek Essex to Hilary Simon, $529,900 on Management LLC, $600,000 on 12/03/2025 12/01/2025

EAST HAVEN 48 Bishop St: Cox Joan M Est and Patricia A. Cox of East Haven to Manika LLC, $340,000 on 12/05/2025

3 Ashman Ct: Cynthia A. Connor of Branford to Kristine S. and Sarah L. Flecke, $635,000 on 12/02/2025

52 Brown Rd: Karen E. Tucker of East Haven to Brian Prinz, $425,000 on 12/01/2025

18 Court St: Janice M. Schuler and Thomas W. Prentice of Branford to Michael C. Murphy, $340,000 on 12/01/2025

7 Brown Rd: Karen E. Tucker of East Haven to Brian Prinz, $425,000 on 12/01/2025

21 Featherbed Ln: Kathleen T. Moniello and Scott Cretella of Branford to Jennifer Mcculloch and Daniel E. Heenan, $749,000 on 12/03/2025 5 Maltby St: Brendan and Claudia M. Oconnell of Branford to Jacqueline A. Gowe, $750,000 on 12/03/2025 Eleanor Iannuzzi of 9 Mirage Dr: I’m back doing what Branford to Charles Opsahl makesA. me happy... and helping buyers andon sellers Jessica S. Coviello, $1,040,000 realize their real estate 12/03/2025

xciting ews!

goals since 2000.

Compass has amazing tools and technology that give our clients an Andrewadvantage.

J. Hinckley of 13 Cross Rd: distinctive

385 Coe Ave Unit 1: Agatha Diana of East Haven to Cynthia L. Bergman, $280,000 on 12/03/2025 12 Glenmoor Dr: Ivan Aponte of East Haven to David M. Melillo and Anita Porto, $405,000 on 12/01/2025 13 Rabbit Rock Rd: Sean M. Howard of East Haven to Dylan P. Maturo, $450,000 on 12/05/2025 173 Russo Ave Unit 610: Ryan M. and Kacey Durbin of East Haven to Mary Daniels-Manning, $180,000 on 12/03/2025

CHESTER

560 Silver Sands Rd Unit 2502: Colleen A. Bertrand of East Haven to Chester to Kenneth E. Just, $610,000 on Cynthia Puccino, $360,000 on Let me know how I can 12/03/2025 12/02/2025 help you!

140 Thompson St Unit 5B: Mary S. King of East Haven to Julian Leite, $284,900 on 12/01/2025

Exciting CLINTON News!

I’m back doing what makes me happy... helping buyers and sellers realize their real estate goals since 2000.

Compass has amazing tools and technology that give our clients an distinctive advantage.

Karen Stephens Helping buyers and sellers realize theirBroker real estate goals since 2000.

Let me know how I can help you!

M: 203.623.4078 karen.stephens@compass.com Karen Stephens

Karen Stephens

Broker M: 203.623.4078 karen.stephens@compass.com

Broker

M: 203.623.4078 | karen.stephens@compass.com

47 Brickyard Rd: Ardent Ventures LLC of Clinton to Danielle Thompson, $440,000 on 12/01/2025 3 Circle Dr: Jeffrey S. Tanner of Clinton to Juan I. Guzman, $230,000 on 12/04/2025

ESSEX 7 Earl St: Linda C. Wilkinson and Mary C. Donlan of Essex to Jon A. Manafort, $185,000 on 12/02/2025 7 Fordham Rd: Selina F Black RET and Linda B. Lindsey of Essex to Michael K. Bowers, $475,000 on 12/05/2025 126 Main St: Justin M. and John Hardy of Essex to Richard M. Guidotti and Herbert E. Thelosen, $850,000 on 12/03/2025

GUILFORD LEIGH WHITEMAN 203-430-1467

Leigh@TheWhitemanTeam.com Call to talk with Leigh about your Real Estate needs!

THE WHITEMAN TEAM AT

35 Bayberry Ln: C&r Property Svcs LLC of Guilford to Benjamin Y. Lu and Mina Kojima, $1,025,000 on 12/04/2025 194 Chaffinch Island Rd: Mary G. Barnes of Guilford to Gary Markowski and Melinda Papowitz, $1,330,000 on 12/03/2025 274 Church St Unit 1A: Julia Mcdermott of Guilford to Elizabeth C. and George J. Houlihan, $297,000 on 12/04/2025 OUR DIVISIONS

At William Raveis, we have grown our range of services to meet our clients’ demands. From relocation services to mortgage and insurance, we innovate constantly to stay ahead.

Welcome to our family.

MADISON 203.318.3570

315 Durham Rd: Jeffrey D. Heinzman of Guilford to Joseph Tiden and Marjorie D. Escala, $530,000 on 12/02/2025 66 High St Unit 36: Johnson Option 66 LLC of Guilford to Terrence Yanni, $1,675,000 on 12/01/2025 201 Mulberry Point Rd: Kunesh T and Robert F. Kunesh of Guilford to Anna Wolek and Austin J. Poucher, $760,000 on 12/02/2025

148 Country Way: Anthony L. and Diane M. Colozzi of Madison to Jack Belmont and Haleigh Cronin, $1,077,000 on 12/05/2025 17 Eagle Meadow Rd: Halliwell Herta M Est and Alfred Halliwell of Madison to Eduardo F. Juca, $326,000 on 12/04/2025 37 Pine Dr: Elizabeth L Hackbarth Ft and William C. Hackbarth of Madison to Adam and Emma Durand, $730,000 on 12/03/2025

NORTH BRANFORD 229 Branford Rd Unit 430: Bryan W. Lafrance of North Branford to Melonie Rohde, $260,000 on 12/04/2025 21 Lasalette Way: Susan M. and Gerard A. Nuzzo of North Branford to Jeffrey E. Bartek and Bianca A. Rapuano, $640,000 on 12/05/2025 66 Notch Hill Rd: Ct Home Tech Hldg LLC of North Branford to Jayanti and Michael Tomaselli, $505,000 on 12/01/2025

NORTH HAVEN 154 Kings Hwy: Nicolas Condorchua of North Haven to Stacy Desouza, $425,000 on 11/24/2025 27 Regency Dr: Meryl R. Henrici of North Haven to Nicolas M. Melendez and Monica R. Mcgregor, $665,000 on 11/20/2025

OLD SAYBROOK MADISON Your Trusted Local Real Estate Agent LET’S GET MOVING!

CA R O L M A N C I N I 203.710.6405 | cmancini@wpsir.com

1 Clark Ave: Anthony J. and Juliann Bacewicz of Old Saybrook to Lee and Kelly A. Hartshorn, $875,000 on 12/03/2025 18 Cottage Pl: Lee and Kelly Hartshorn of Old Saybrook to Steven and Jordan Farrelly, $995,000 on 12/03/2025

Guilford Brokerage | Each office is independently owned and operated

129 Acorn Rd: Betsy Bryan of Madison to Bradley O. and Laura K. Simonsen, $725,000 on 12/04/2025

Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group.

For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.

32

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • GUILFORD COURIER • COMMUNITY NEWS

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