A public presentation on the results of a report recommending Wren Park as the best site in town to build a community center has been scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
At a meeting on July 8, the Board of
Selectmen (BOS) voted to schedule the public hearing so residents can hear the full results of a report released last month on the feasibility of a community center in Westbrook.
The hearing will begin immediately following a town meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. the same day. The community center project has not officially been approved by the town; the hearing is intended to provide
information and allow for public questions. At the hearing, the board plans to have a consultant from the firm that authored the report present, as well as Westbrook Finance Director Donna Castracane to provide context on the cost estimates contained in the report.
See Hearing Set page 6
is there to teach
Taste the World
Merly De La Hoz-Cookson of Threads of Sound International Music performs a traditional AfroColombian dance while teaching steps to attendees during the Clinton International Food & Beer Festival on July 11. The festival, presented by Placemakers, Inc., featured global music, dance, food, and family-friendly fun at the Town Hall lawn.
Gaining Intensity
Week 12 of the Deep River Horseshoe League came with a lot of intensity for the competitors........11
Liz Egan continues her series detailing her travels with Con Brio........22
Franzoni
PhotobyLauraMatesky/ HarborNews
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Ella Franzoni: There To Teach Tech
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer
For Ella Franzoni, teaching people how to access technology in order to participate in modern society has been a passion of hers. Now, she’s sharing that passion with the Clinton community, where she serves as the new tech guide at the Henry Carter Hull Library.
It’s no secret that in 2025, technology plays an integral and ever-increasing role in most people’s day-to-day lives. From Zoom meetings for work to online doctor appointments and seemingly every store having its own app, access to technology and comfortability using it has become something of paramount importance. However, that also means that people struggling with technological issues or access are at a severe disadvantage.
To combat that, the Henry Carter Hull Library launched
Person of the Week
a Tech Connection program in conjunction with Clinton Human Services in 2023. Part of that program includes a tech guide who is in the library to answer any technology-related questions patrons may have, host workshops on how to use different pieces of technology, and just provide regular basic tech support to anyone who needs it.
“My goal is to make technology more accessible and less scary,” Ella tells the . Ella can be found at the reference desk at the top of the stairs in the library from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Harbor News
See Ella page 10
Photo Courtesy of Ella Franzoni
Ella Franzoni is teaching people how to access technology at the Henry Carter Hull Library.
Editor
to the support for the Town of Guilford Budget and encourage the same. I believe our have created a budget that residents. to 3,500 meals from Meals served at the Community miles of town transportation errands, and trips to the services are vital to many of us. than an opportunity for economical, nutritious hot meal; it with others. Other social special lunches with entertainmagicians, speakers, and also several evening dinner popular May “Senior Prom” movie. Family Services requests continue to support the critical agency. continue to be among the best score high on the State standardized tests. They in addition to the arts proposed education budget for additional funding for athletics as support for students’ social a continued commitment communities for teachers from instructional coaches to all schools. budget continues to provide environments where and socially thrive.
WanttoDineEverywhere?BuyaRaffleTicket!
The Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce is again hosting the Dine Everywhere raffle with tickets available for purchase through Thursday, Aug. 14. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online or at the chamber office, 1 Main Street, Old Saybrook. The grand prize is 44 restaurant gift cards valued at $100 each for a total value of $4,400. The second prize is 44 restaurant gift cards valued at $50 each for a total value of $2,200. The third through tenth prizes are three gift cards to local eateries, each worth $50 for a value of $150. A limit of 2,000 tickets will be sold. Winners will be drawn on Friday, Aug. 15, at noon, streamed live on Facebook. For more information or tickets, visit goschamber.com/raffle.
We must continue to come together as a community to support our town and our schools. I urge you to participate in this important budget referendum. Vote “Yes” on April 16.
Suzanne Carlson Guilford
Extend the Same Welcome Mat
BereavementSupportGroup
Guilford’s Hometown Newspaper
Founded in 1998
Clinton, Westbrook, & Old Saybrook’s Hometown Newspaper
The Women & Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street, Guilford, is hosting an eight-session bereavement support group from noon to 1:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 8. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact 203-458-6699 or programs@womenandfamilylife.org.
Bishop’s Orchards announces its inaugural Construction Tyme, a hands-on summer program designed for young builders and their families. Visitors can take part in an interactive experience where children scoop, move, and build with kid-sized construction toys in a safe and imaginative setting. The event takes place daily through Sunday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bishop’s Orchards main orchard, 480 New England Road, Guilford. Admission is $25.99 per person, and children under 24 months are admitted free. Tickets and season passes are available at bishopsorchards.com. Early purchase is recommended. Bishop’s Orchards also offers other activities for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy an activity area that includes a 150-foot mega slide, bounce pads, a tire mountain, a pedal cart track, spider web, a confusion maze, and bubble barn, all of which are accessible with Construction Tyme admission. Visitors can also come for the orchard’s seasonal pick-your-own offerings, including fruits and flowers. For more information, call 203-458-PICK or visit bishopsorchards.com.
CLINTON TOWN MEETINGS
Perhaps you’ve noticed that many of our local churches provide regular meeting space for both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. I would bet these meetings even take place in our towns on a weekly basis. There is a good chance that some of them are located near daycare centers, residential neighborhoods, and schools. They provide much-needed space for people to achieve sobriety through fellowship and the ongoing support of an understanding community. They have been doing so in Connecticut for well over 75 years without complaint. Addiction takes many forms, including a dependency on opiates. Addictions are non-discriminatory. They affect the rich and poor, old and young, suburban and urban residents. Guilford is not immune from the very real health crisis that comes with opiate addiction. Why then brand a methadone clinic with the prejudice of fear? Choosing to maintain sobriety should be encouraged with appropriate and effective treatment. Why not extend the same welcome mat to a methadone clinic that we have extended to other groups confronting the devastation of addiction? A methadone clinic in our town would serve the very people who we call our relatives, neighbors, and friends. They deserve our support so they can continue to do the hard, heroic work of staying sober.
Monday,July21
Zoning Commission
Thursday,July17
Republican Caucus
Republican Town Committee
Tuesday,July22
Water Pollution Control Commission
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-669-9101 or visit the Clinton town website at www.clintonct.org to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 6:30 p.m. : 7 p.m. : 7 p.m.
Harbor Management Commission
Tuesday,July22
Kate Summerlin Guilford
Board of Selectmen
Legacy Theatre Spring 2024 Classes registrations for its classes for spring 2024. Classes are offered for participants ranging in age from abilities in acting and the performance arts. Classes offered are Wheel Life Theatre Troupe, Toddler sessions), Musical Theatre Performance (middle school and high school sessions), Creating Your Own Technical Theatre, Adult Improv, and more. Classes may take place at any of the following Branford locaThimble Islands Road; Legacy Theatre Rehearsal Studio, 28 School Street; Joseph Trapasso Community Branford High School, 185 East Main Street. Space may be limited. For more information on each class legacytheatrect.org/classes.
OLD SAYBROOK TOWN MEETINGS
Meetings clerk at 203-453-8001 or visit website at www.guilfordct. participate in the following Commission: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday,July17
WESTBROOK
TOWN MEETINGS
Thursday,July17
Saturday, April 6
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-395-3135 or visit the Old Saybrook town website at www.oldsaybrookct.org to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 7 p.m.
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-3993044, ext. 118, or visit the Westbrook town website at www.westbrookct.us to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : All day.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Inland Wetlands Commission Walk Meeting: 7:30 a.m.
Monday, April 8
Wednesday,July23
Ad Hoc Community Center Committee
Marina Commission: 7 p.m.
Water Pollution Control Authority
Zoning Board of Appeals
Wednesday, April 10
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission Aquifer Protection Agency
Inland Wetlands Commission: 7 p.m.
Thursday,July24
Board of Selectmen
Shell sh Commission: 7:30 p.m.
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Obituaries
Obituary
Nancy Desnoyers
Old Saybrook
Nancy Jane (Comstock) Desnoyers of Chester and more recently of Old Saybrook, 86, died peacefully at her home June 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 30, 1938, and raised in Essex.
Nancy was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Irene (Bannister) Comstock and Walter Jabez Comstock. Nancy was predeceased by her husband Alfred Louis Desnoyers; two daughters, Bonnie Alison Desnoyers and Michelle Ann Desnoyers; and her son-in-law Charles L. Miller Jr. Nancy is survived by her loving sister Sally LeClair; her loving daughters, Diana Jane Desnoyers and her partner Jermaine Davenport, Salli Desnoyers Miller; and loving son Alfred Louis Desnoyers Jr.; as well as her beloved grandson Noah Charles Miller and greatgranddaughter Antonia Davenport. Nancy is predeceased by her brothers, Walter Comstock Jr., Richard Comstock, Robert Comstock; and beloved sister Elizabeth “Betty” West. Nancy leaves behind a large extended family and friends.
Nancy grew up in Essex, where she attended Valley Regional High School. She played the accordion in the high school band. Nancy was a member of the Varsity Club, playing varsity basketball and softball all four years in high school, and was captain of the softball team her senior year. While at VRHS, Nancy was the secretary of the National Honor Society and was accepted to Boston College, where she wanted to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Instead, Nancy met her high school sweetheart, whom she would later marry and raise five children with, first in Winthrop and then in Chester. Nancy was employed at the Essex Savings Bank before she was married. She then stayed home and raised her five children. Later, once all her children were in school, Nancy returned to work as a bank teller in East Haddam and was then employed by the Deep River Post Office for over 20 years. Nancy was well known in town for her kindness and thoughtfulness to all the
people she served. After retirement, she spent a few years with her husband Alfred in Chester before his death. She spent the remaining years of her life in Old Saybrook with her loving son Alfred Louis Desnoyers Jr.
Nancy and Alfred loved the beach and walking on the beach together, and they shared this love with their children. In later years, Nancy and Alfred could be found walking or biking on the beach and then sharing an ice cream at Dairy Queen. Nancy shared this love with her grandson Noah and greatgranddaughter Antonia, spending many hours walking on the beach at low tide collecting shells. Nancy loved sharing a joke with her sister and best friend, Betty, whom she affectionately called “Sis”. Nancy enjoyed gardening and especially loved daffodils, lily of the valley, and lilacs. She always had a large flower garden and could often be found tending to it. Nancy was a lifelong reader, continuing to go to the library her entire adult life. She played the piano and loved to sing Christmas Carols with her family. Nancy also enjoyed knitting and sewing.
Nancy and her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” West, grew up in St. John’s Episcopal Church. This led to a lifelong relationship with the church, where they remained a fixture their entire lives. Nancy was known for her kindness and deeply religious beliefs. She talked to the lord every day and truly embraced the Christian way of life, especially “love thy neighbor”. While still in high school, Nancy sang in the junior chorus and the senior chorus. Nancy’s five children were baptized and raised at St. John's. During this busy time, Nancy drove her daughters to chorus practice weekly and taught Sunday school. As a Sunday school teacher, Nancy had her students make crafts and deliver them to members of the congregation who could no longer attend church. She also continued to teach Sunday School when her own children were grown. Nancy and her sister Betty volunteered at the soup kitchen weekly, the yearly rummage sale, knitted prayer shawls, and knitted hats and mittens for local shelters. One of her proudest moments was when a bishop visiting from Haiti chose her shawl to
See page 7
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Westbrook Solicits PR Firm Ahead of Major Projects
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer WESTBROOK
The Town of Westbrook is soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from public relations firms to serve as a contact point as several high-profile projects loom.
At a meeting on June 26, the Westbrook Board of Selectmen (BOS) authorized the posting of an RFP seeking proposals from qualified public relations firms or individuals who can perform media and public relations consulting services as needed by the town. The RFP was posted on June 27, with submissions due by noon on July 21. According to the posted RFP, the scope of work for the potential consultant would include duties such as responding to press and resident inquiries, issuing press releases, advising on stakeholder engagement, managing social media posts related to town projects, and potentially creating and managing content for the town’s website or a separate site.
During a meeting earlier this spring, First Selectman John Hall outlined the potential benefits of hiring a public relations firm. One benefit would be having a single point of contact for each project so that inquiries could be directed to the firm, rather than tying up town staff. Hall also said a firm would help disseminate accurate information to the public, which could help combat misinformation and rumors on social media.
The idea of hiring a public relations consultant was first discussed at a BOS meeting in April. At the time, Hall said Land
Use Department staff and members of land use boards and commissions had expressed interest in bringing in a communications professional to handle the expected influx of questions and information requests related to the potential redevelopment of the Westbrook Outlets property.
Last year, representatives from Lexington Partners, LLC, presented a preliminary proposal to redevelop the Westbrook Outlets into a mixed-use development of housing, retail, and dining.
The proposed project—dubbed Westbrook Commons—calls for demolishing the existing outlet buildings and replacing them with 595 residential units and 100 townhomes with garages. The plan also includes outdoor recreation fields, yearround waterfront features, retail space, and other amenities.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential project, no formal application has been submitted to the town. In May, Hall said the developers had resubmitted their application for a comprehensive wastewater permit to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and had scheduled a meeting with town officials to discuss the next steps.
In addition to the potential outlet redevelopment, the town is also exploring the construction of a new community center and a major downtown wastewater removal project. Both efforts would require public outreach and communications if they move forward.
RTPEstuaryCenterSummerCampBonusWeek
Registration is open for the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC) summer camp bonus adventure week Monday, Aug. 18, through Friday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp will take place at RTPEC, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to register for just one day or an entire week of discovery. Spaces are limited. The camp is for children ages 5 to 10. The cost is $60 for each day or $300 for the week. For more information or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/rtpprograms-events.
STEMProgramforGirls
EmpowHer: Girls in STEM offers a six-session program for girls in grades 5 and 6 starting Saturday, Sept. 27. Students will explore various STEM fields with guest facilitators, all under the guidance of head facilitator Megan Linske, a certified ecologist and scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The sessions take place at the Women & Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street, Guilford, from 10 a.m. noon. The program is limited to 15 spots. Registration costs $15, which will fund next year’s Girls in STEM program. The program is sponsored by the Guilford Fund for Education. For more information or to register, contact 203-458-6699 or programs@womenandfamilylife.org.
Hearing Set on Wren Park Community Center Plan
Continued from page 1
The Report
Two and a half years ago, the BOS formed the Westbrook Community Center Ad Hoc Committee and tasked its members with identifying potential sites in town for a community center and developing cost estimates.
At a meeting on June 27, the final report from that committee was presented to the BOS. The report was prepared by CHA Consulting, Inc., and subconsultant BerryDunn. A copy of the report is available on the town’s website.
The report recommended Wren Park—a piece of town-owned land near Daisy Elementary School and the library—as the best site for a recreation center. The committee also studied undeveloped land behind the middle and high schools, as well as the National Guard Armory on Brookside Avenue. However, Wren Park was favored for its central location, potential for outdoor recreation space, location outside of floodplains, and suitability for a septic system that requires
less space than the other sites.
The study also analyzed projected costs for building a small, medium, or large center. Estimated costs were $14,636,966 for the small center, $22,795,000 for the medium, and $26,721,072 for the large. If the town chooses to add storm shelter capabilities, the cost could increase by an additional $414,100 to $1,667,500.
Interest in building a community center in Westbrook goes back nearly 15 years. In 2011, consulting firm Woodard & Curran recommended using basement space in the Westbrook Public Library as an interim center, though that plan was never implemented. Interest was renewed in recent years, in part due to residents advocating for more space for recreational activities such as pickleball.
In 2021, an online survey designed to gauge interest in a community center received more than 280 responses within the first 24 hours. A total of 714 people completed the survey, with the majority in favor of the project.
In December 2022, the BOS appointed the ad hoc committee.
CallingAllChildActors:AuditionsforMrs.SantaClaus
Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, East Haddam, is holding auditions for local Connecticut children for its 2025 production of Mrs. Santa Claus. Goodspeed is seeking non-equity child actors to play and understudy the roles of Nora (ages 8 to 12) and ensemble (ages 8 to 13). All candidates should be able to dance and sing; all the boys should have unchanged voices. All auditions are by appointment only. Candidates should prepare a 32-bar cut of an up-tempo song with appropriate sheet music. Music must be legible and in the proper key (no lead sheets please). An accompanist will be provided. Bring a resume and recent photo. Candidates must be available for four weeks of rehearsal and nine weeks of performances between Tuesday, Oct. 14, (first rehearsal) and Sunday, Dec. 28, (close) in East Haddam. To schedule an appointment, call 860-873-8664, ext. 721. For more information about Goodspeed Musicals, visit goodspeed.org.
ShorelineArtsAlliancetoHoldIMAGES2025
Shoreline Arts Alliance’s IMAGES will hold its 45th annual exhibition. IMAGES 2025, a jury-curated photography exhibition, from Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 24, at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. For more information, visit shorelinearts.org.
LunchBunchSummerFoodProgram
The Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, announces it is holding its Lunch Bunch summer food program. Children and teens ages 2 to 18 can avail of the free nutritious meals at the library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, July 8 through July 30. No registration is required. The program is made possible by the Old Saybrook Public Health Nursing Board. Meals are donated by local restaurants. For more information, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Ethics Code Revisions Head to Public Hearing
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer CLINTON
Proposed changes to Clinton’s Code of Ethics will go to a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The Code of Ethics outlines the standards all town officials, employees, and officers are expected to follow. In short, it aims to prohibit “acts not in the best interests of the Town of Clinton,” including conflicts of interest or the receipt of impermissible gifts.
At a Town Council meeting on July 2, the council unanimously voted to forward proposed revisions to a public hearing. At the hearing, members of the public may speak for or against the changes. The council will then vote on whether to adopt the revisions at a subsequent meeting.
Most of the proposed changes are minor, such as updating outdated references to the now-defunct Board of Selectmen.
However, one notable revision would prohibit former town officials or employees from disclosing or using confidential information obtained during their official duties, regardless of intent. The previous version of the code only restricted such use if it resulted in financial gain.
Other proposed updates include allowing members of the Board of Ethics to serve staggered terms, expanding business examples to include limited liability companies, and mandating that all hearings on the merits of a complaint—after a finding of probable cause—be open to the public and recorded.
ChurchEnrichmentPrograms
The changes were recommended by a subcommittee formed in February, which included council members Dennis Donovan and Mike Shove, along with Town Manager Michelle Benivegna. The town attorney also provided input.
The idea to review and update the code was raised in January after the council met with a lawyer during a workshop on Robert’s Rules of Order. At that session, the attorney told council members the town’s ethics code was outdated and should be revised.
Benivegna said at the time that updating the code “strengthens public trust, and holds all town officials and employees to the highest standards of ethical conduct.”
Additionally, Benivegna noted that while board and commission members already receive a copy of the Code of Ethics when sworn in, a new policy will require an annual redistribution and review for all members. Town employees will also receive and sign an acknowledgment of receipt.
Violations of the code can have serious consequences for public trust and town finances. For example, in 2019, Clinton spent nearly $12,000 and almost three years defending a former Planning and Zoning Commission member in court for failing to recuse himself during a 2016 public hearing. After that hearing, a group of residents filed suit against the town over an alleged conflict of interest—an allegation the court ultimately upheld.
Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme, offers enrichment programs this summer. Summer Bible study will take place on Mondays through Aug. 25, at 5 p.m. in the Griswold Room at the church, or via Zoom. This summer, the focus will be on the Book of Acts. For younger members of the community, the church continues its Godly Play curriculum for children ages 3 to 12. The remaining Godly Play session focuses on stories of the life of Jesus and take place on Sunday, Aug. 3, at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call the church at 860-434-1621 or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.
SwallowCruises
The Connecticut Audubon Society is hosting a river cruise on Sundays, from Aug. 31 through Sept. 21, with departure from the Essex Steam Train Station, 1 Railroad Avenue. The event features a trip by boat to see the migratory display of thousands of tree swallows settling in at sunset on the lower Connecticut River during their fall migration. The scenery can be viewed from three decks on a 70-foot Mississippistyle river boat. Food, a full bar, and restrooms are onboard. Tours are about 3 ½ hours in length and range in departure from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with earlier departure times later in the year. Return to the dock is at around 8:30 p.m. The fee is $55. For more information, call 860-767-0660 or visit the day trips link at ctaudubon.org/ecotravel-home.
Obituaries
Continued from page 5
take back home with him and then gave her a special handshake. Nancy went on to share the joy of watching her grandson Noah raised at St. Johns, attending all the services where he sang, was an acolyte, or a reader. Nancy’s life truly exemplified what it means to be a Christian.
Nancy’s family would like to extend a special thanks to many people. To her doctor, Louise Maloney, whose kindness and truly Christian spirit guided Nancy. To her Middlesex Home Care Palliative and Hospice Team, who took extraordinary care of Nancy and her family. A special thanks to Lara, Danielle, Mari, Eileen, Ruth, Susan, and many others. A heartfelt thanks to Judy, one of the volunteers from the Middlesex Hospice team, who
MathBootCamps
made Nancy’s last weeks filled with many shared memories of growing up in the area. The family is grateful for the exceptional care and guidance given to both Nancy and the family by the Middlesex Home Care Palliative and Hospice Team.
Nancy’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Saint John Episcopal Church, located on the corner of Main and Cross Streets in Essex. Burial will be privately held by the family in the Centerbrook Cemetery, Westbrook Road in Centerbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name online at MiddlesexHealth.org/hospicedonation. To share a memory of Nancy or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook is in care of her arrangements.
Study Hall is hosting two summer boot camps, Intro to High School Math and SAT Math, from Monday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 8. Both programs will be led by math teachers from Daniel Hand High School in Madison. Enrollment is limited. The cost for the weeklong boot camp is $175. Need-based financial assistance is available. Located at the Glenwood Plaza, 153 Glenwood Road, Clinton, Study Hall was established by a teacher to help make tutoring affordable for all students. For more information, email studyhallclinton@gmail.com or visit Studyhalltutor.com.
GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildrenGroup
The Estuary, located at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, holds the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff, the group provides conversation, support, and resources for grandparents who—for a variety of reasons—become parents to their grandchildren. Registration is not required. All area towns are welcome. For more information, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.
CallingAllArtists
Spectrum Gallery is seeking submissions from artists and fine artisans for the Madison Autumn Arts Festival to be held Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12. Artists and fine artisans are invited to submit their work to Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook. Festival registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to register early to reserve space and be included in festival promotional materials. For more information, including a prospectus, email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org or visit the festivals link at spectrumartgallery.org.
JointheWestbrookMerchants
Westbrook Merchants Association is looking for local businesses to participate in Westbrook Wednesdays, a new program promoting small businesses in town. The Westbrook Merchants Association is committed to improving business in town and meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Highliner III, 139 Essex Road, Westbrook. All are welcome. For more information or to participate, contact Meri Wick at the Westbrook Inn 860-399-4777 or Tabitha Black at 640 Massage 860-399-0667.
Henry on Main Grand Opening July 15
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer
Henry on Main, the new auxiliary library bookstore at 10 West Main Street, is set to hold its grand opening on Tuesday, July 15. A ribbon cutting is planned for 9:30 a.m.
In late May, the Clinton Town Council unanimously voted to authorize Town Manager Michelle Benivegna to negotiate a $1,200-per-month lease with the owner of the building so the town could open what is being called an auxiliary library dubbed Henry on Main. Now, an official opening has been set for July 15. The ribbon-cutting event will feature light refreshments.
The building, located at the intersection of West Main Street, Hull Street, and Dan Vece Jr. Way, previously housed the Henry Carter Hull Library before it relocated to Route 81. The building will be staffed by members of the Clinton Senior Connection, a town program for residents age 55 and over. When the idea was announced, Benivegna described the initiative as a partnership between the town, the library, and the Senior Connection.
RegisteredRepublicansWanted
The Old Saybrook Republican Town Committee (OSRTC) seeks registered Republicans who support Republican Party principles to serve on the OSRTC, seek out and secure the most qualified Republican candidates for public office and positions on Old Saybrook boards and commissions, and take part in all activities sponsored by the OSRTC. For more information, respond to: Old Saybrook Republican Town Committee, P.O. Box 204, Old Saybrook, CT, 06475.
MindfulnessandMeditationonMondays
Besides the bookstore, the other half of the building will house Café Nola under a separate, privately managed lease. While the café will share a hallway with the library space, allowing patrons to move between the two, the town will have no involvement in its operation. Benivegna said last month that the setup will be similar to the popular R.J. Julia bookstore and café in Madison.
The idea for the auxiliary library came from discussions the Economic Development Commission (EDC) had with local residents and business owners about revitalizing the downtown. EDC member Dylan Walter said increased foot traffic was one of the most common requests.
“It could be the first step in bringing the downtown back,” Walter said earlier in 2025.
According to a press release, the new building will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The building will offer services such as items to borrow, used book sales, wireless printing, daily newspapers, and computer and Wi-Fi access. Eventually, programming like book clubs, board game meetups, and postcard-writing sessions will be held on site.
The Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services is hosting mindfulness and meditation sessions at the Town Beach by the covered benches. The remaining sessions take place from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Mondays, July 28, Aug. 11, and Aug. 25. All sessions are free and open to Old Saybrook residents ages 14 and up with a beach pass. No registration is needed, just drop by. The meditation is facilitated by Samantha Steinmacher. For more information, call 860-395-3190.
StrategiesforManagingLifeTransitions
Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair Street, Guilford, announces it will hold an eight-session support group called “Strategies for Managing Life Transitions” on Mondays beginning Sept. 8. The sessions are facilitated by Margo Merin, a certified practitioner in meditation and mindfulness, as well as grief and bereavement counseling. Services at the W&FLC are available at no charge to residents of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. For more information or to register (required), contact 203-458-6699 or programs@womenandfamilylife.org.
SeniorCenterDeliversMeals
The Estuary, located at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, provides Meals on Wheels to seniors living in Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Madison. There is no waiting list, and no one is ever turned away due to economic constraints. Meals are supported by Senior Resources with Title III funds available from the Older Americans Act. For more information, call 860-388-1611, ext. 217.
Joyful Jasper!
Story by Carol Andrecs
Friendly 3 ½-year-old Jasper had been living under someone’s shed for two weeks when Forgotten Felines was called to help him. As you can see, he is a very handsome gray and white boy with a cute pink nose. Always looking for attention and petting, he loves to cuddle and is affectionate with everyone he meets.
For an appointment to meet Jasper, apply online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Find Your Match at Forgotten Felines:
Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.
Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. Volunteers are always needed to help care for the cats and keep the facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be both rewarding and much appreciated.
Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@ forgottenfelinesct.org.
JointheWestbrookDemocraticTownCommittee
The Westbrook Democratic Town Committee is looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to get involved in running for office or support candidates who are running for office. For more information, contact westbrookCTDems@gmail.com, visit www.westbrookDems.org, or like Westbrook CT Democratic Town Committee on Facebook.
LEGAL NOTICE
TO MEMBERS OF THE CLINTON BEACH ASSOCIATION
The full amount of taxes levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, is due and payable July 1, 2025. If these taxes are not paid before August 1, 2025, they will be subject to interest at the rate of 1½% per month. The minimum interest charge is $2.00. These taxes become delinquent August 1, 2025. Tax payments are payable to the Clinton Beach Association and should be sent to CBA Tax Collector, PO Box 9039, Warwick, RI 02889.
TO MEMBERS OF THE GROVE BEACH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
The full amount of taxes levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, is due and payable July 1, 2025. If these taxes are not paid before August 1, 2025, they will be subject to interest at the rate of 1½% per month. The minimum interest charge is $2.00. These taxes become delinquent August 1, 2025. Tax payments are payable to the Grove Beach Improvement Association and should be sent to GBIA Tax Collector, PO Box 50, Clinton, CT 06413.
PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE WESTBROOK ZONING COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given that the Westbrook Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday July 28th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room of the Mulvey Municipal Building, 866 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT and by hybrid teleconference Zoom meeting to consider the following application(s):
1. ZC2025-007 – Special Permit Application– Mixed Use Building
Location: 1119 Boston Post Road - Assessor’s M/L: 176-036 , Zone: CTC
Applicant: NYC Realty, LLC, c/o Indigo Land Designs
The application is available for review at the Town of Westbrook Land Use Office and is accessible from the documents link that will be posted in the meeting agenda. Zoom link will be available on the agenda.
Dated: 7/09/2025
Harry Ruppenicker, Jr. – Zoning Commission Chairman
REVALUATION
The Town of Clinton, CT has contracted with Vision Government Solutions Inc. of Hudson, MA to develop and implement the State mandated revaluation. The date of this reassessment will be October 1, 2025, and valuations will reflect the real estate market during the preceding twelve months. Property information will be obtained from inspections, data mailers, building permits, sales verifications and data analysis.
Data collectors will have photo IDs, a letter of introduction from the Assessor’s Office and will be registered with the Clinton Police Department.
As the project continues, an analysis will be done of all sales transactions in Clinton over the last two years with special attention to those sales leading up to the October date of valuation. This will be followed by a field review of all parcels within the Town to ensure the analysis has been properly applied to all real estate parcels.
Once the valuation work is completed in late 2025, residents will be notified of the new proposed assessments. Individuals wishing to discuss their assessments with Vision staff will be able to schedule a review by phone. Once the review process is complete, the new assessments will appear on the tax bills issued during the summer of 2026. We respectfully request your cooperation with the revaluation team during this process.
LEGAL NOTICE – TOWN OF WESTBROOK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on 23 July 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room of the Teresa Mulvey Municipal Center, 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, to hear the following:
Appeal No. 2025-013– Appeal of Zoning Enforcement Officials Decision. Richard and Barbara McGinley, Trustees, McGinley Living Trust, applicant/owner; Evan Seeman, agent. Property located at 62 Menunketesuck Road, further identified on Assessor’s Map 188, Parcel 114, HDR Zone, FPOD Zone, AE-12, X. Request reversal of the Zoning Enforcement Official’s issuance of a Cease-and-Desist Order.
Appeal No. 2025-014 – Appeal of William and Diosdada Cox, owners; Craft Design + Build LLC, applicant; Edward Cassella, Esq., agent. Property located at 41 Roberts Road, further identified on Assessor’s Map 139, Parcel 007, RR Zone. Variances requested from Zoning Regulations Section 2.C.2.1 of 40’ required, 36.6’ requested to house, 36.3’ requested to gutter; 8.D.3.2 non-conforming. Variances requested for vertical expansion to construct three dormers.
Bonnie Hall, Chairman Zoning Board of Appeals
Photo by Genevieve Ray
Ella Franzoni: There To Teach Tech
Continued from page 2
Wednesdays, as well as from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month.
“Every Monday I do a different workshop on tech-related issues, and on Wednesdays I’m available for people to schedule an individual session to go over something they need help with,” Ella says.
Recent workshops have included topics like how to use social media, help with iPhones, how to use email, and how to recognize scams.
“I always say no question is too silly or issue too small to ask for help with,” Ella states.
Ella began working as tech guide intermittently in the winter while she was living in New Hampshire but coming home monthly for visits. In the early summer, Ella moved back to Clinton full-time and was able to offer more hours.
While she’s there to help anyone who needs it, Ella says that primarily, she has been working with assisting Clinton’s senior population with their tech needs, whatever they may be.
“So far the common denominator is people concerned with their safety,” Ella says.
For example, Ella says that patrons often ask for her help with their Facebook accounts being hacked or needing help recognizing if a message is genuine or a scam.
Ella can be reached for tech help by emailing techguide@hchlibrary.org or by calling the library and asking to be connected to the tech guide.
Asked for her favorite part of helping people with their tech issues, she replies, “The best part is when we actually solve their problems. I also like just having conversations with the patrons and hopefully making technology a little less intimidating for them.”
Of course, Ella concedes some issues may be beyond her expertise.
“It can be hard when people have issues I can’t necessarily solve. I’m not trained in IT or computer science, so unfortunately some problems are a little complex and I need to refer them to someone else who can help them.”
Ella credits an internship she started as a student at the University of New Hampshire with getting her interested in increasing people’s fluency in technology. Ella was certified as a digital navigator by the National Collaborative for Digital Equity for her work at the International Institute of New England, where she helps immigrants and refugees to the United States become more comfortable with the English language.
“I’m the first point of contact for people who are starting to learn English,” Ella says.
As part of her work, Ella gives people an
MANGOLanguageLearningatHCHLibrary
initial assessment of their English skills and notes any barriers they may have or areas they need help with. One of those assessments is a test of their competency in technology use.
“Before I was working there, I never realized how important digital literacy really was,” Ella confesses.
Despite graduating from college in 2023, Ella proudly shares that she was hired as a full-time employee with the organization following her graduation and continues to work remotely for the organization from Clinton.
Ella grew up in Clinton and was a member of the Morgan School Class of 2019. For her, it’s fair to say the Henry Carter Hull Library has always been in her blood, since her mother, Coralie Williams, is the Children’s Librarian there.
“We grew up going to the library all the time. My mom always said we moved to Clinton because of the library,” Ella says with a laugh.
Ella moved back to Clinton in order to start a master’s degree program in social work from UConn in the fall.
Due to her experience moving away and then returning to her hometown, Ella says she has gained a new appreciation for Clinton.
“Having lived elsewhere I really appreciate what a beautiful small town we have, and that’s something I definitely didn’t understand when I was younger. We are incredibly lucky to live here,” Ella says. In her spare time, Ella can be found reading and walking her dogs.
Henry Carter Hull Library (HCH), 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, offers the language-learning resource MANGO. The service is free and can be accessed at the library or remotely. Non-Clinton residents can also use this service. Mango Languages was made possible by HCH, Valley Shore Collaborative, and Clinton Public Schools. For more information or to set up a free account, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org/hchonline.
Harbor News
Valley Courier
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Sports
Pirates Sweep the Rockies in Week 12 of Deep River Horseshoe League
By Gabby Maljanian
To allow families to enjoy the July 4 weekend, the Deep River Horseshoe League played Week 11 on June 30 instead of July 3. It was sunny, hot, and humid. Some players put up beach umbrellas to provide shade from the blazing sun.
Bob Beckwith led the Pirates in a sweep of the Rockies. Scott Allen Jr. propelled the Angels to a 5-1 win over the Cubs. The Cardinals pulled into a tie for first place with a 4-2 win over the Red Sox.
For the first time in weeks, Skip Robinson’s Pirates would not have to overcome double-digit handicaps in their match against Damin Roberts’ Rockies. Of the six games, two were scratch, and the other four had handicap favoring the Rockies. Robinson matched the Rockies’ score in game one, so Anthony Conkling’s score gave them the win. In the first scratch games, Pirates’ Beckwith’s 32 points and his four in the last box gave them a fourpoint win. After a double-digit win in game three, Robinson and Conkling each outscored the Rockies. The Pirates completed the sweep, winning the last two games by seven points each. All the Pirates were in the top three scorers for the night: Robinson’s 118 points tied for third for “A” division, Beckwith’s 121 points was the top “B” score, and Conkling’s 99 points was the top “C” score. Conkling had a chance for the century mark but opened in the last box of the last game. The team missed being the first team with all players scoring over 100 points. The Pirates scored 338 points – the fifth time above 300 points. With the sweep, they moved into third place.
Mark Goodale substituted for Cardinals’ Kris Toohey in the match against Bill Beckwith’s
wins. In game two, they overcame the handicap, and in game five, Beckwith’s season best 43-point game gave them their second win. The Cardinals used their handicap to win game one, as Beckwith and Goodale each scored 31 points, and Cardinals’ Tanner Steeves and Red Sox’s Gerry Hines each scored 15 points. After the Red Sox opened in ninth and 10th boxes of game three, the Cardinals took and held the lead for the win. Hines and Steeves matched scores again in game four, but Goodale’s four points in each of the last two boxes gave them a one-point win. Cardinals’ Gary Stevens’ four in the 10th box of the last game was enough to give the Cardinals the win. Beckwith’s 134-point series was the second leading “A” division score. Steeves’ season best 65-point series tied Hines. The Cardinals are now in a first-place tie.
Cody Layton’s Cubs were trying to forget the previous week’s loss and focused on moving up in the standings, and they were also hoping handicap would be their friend in their match against Tony Cutone’s Angels. Keith Toohey substituted for Angels’ Kyle Wilson. Cutone started game one with a double and ended with 34 points and the win. The Cubs’ lone win came in game two. Angels’ Allen Jr.’s season best game of 45 points, 14 ringers, and four doubles made easy work of game three. The Cubs battled in the next three games, losing by less than five points in each game. Allen’s season best 118point series was the second leading score for “B” division. His 45 points, 14 ringers, and six doubles are all ranked in the league’s season highs. Over the last two weeks, the Cubs have slipped from third to seventh place in the standings.
Jeremy Davis’s Dodgers were
riding high after the previous week’s sweep, as they faced John Hutra’s Marlins who have two of the top scorers in the “B” and “C” divisions – Dennis Allen and Mike Beckwith. After winning game one, the Dodgers only managed to score 10 points in the first five boxes of game two and were down by 16 points, from which they would not recover. This week, Dodgers’ Andy Turshen stepped up. His 27 points led to a win, and his ringer in the last box of the last game ensured another win. Starting in the sixth box of the game, Hutra had seven straight boxes with a ringer for the Marlins’ second win. The Dodgers moved up another spot in the standings, while the Marlins remain in eighth place.
Court No. 5 is in the center of the field, and there is no escape from the sun. Frank Rausch’s Braves are the top scoring team, averaging almost 300 points per game. The average team score in
Week 11 was 266 points. However, neither the Braves nor their opponent, Joe Heery’s Rangers, would come close, as the teams played one of the lowest scoring matches of the evening. The Braves scored 253 points, and the Rangers scored 252 points. Rausch’s 31 points in game one equaled the Rangers’ points. Game two ended in a tie thanks to Heery’s ringer in the last box and the handicap. Rangers’ Hunter Beckwith’s 33 points gave them a double-digit win in game three, and Andy Konefal carried the Rangers to another win, as Rausch and Heery matched scores. Rausch and Peter Furmonavicius overcame the ninepoint handicap to win game five and tied the match at 2.5-2.5. Beckwith’s 34 points outscored the Braves to win the last game and match 3.5-2.5. Rausch’s 118point series tied for third highest for “A” division. Beckwith’s 106point series was the third highest for “B” division. The Braves are in a first-place tie with the Cardinals, while the Rangers are in fourth place.
Todd Nuhn’s Yankees faced Chip Goodrich’s Reds. Frank Jolly substituted for Yankees’ Matt Valentin. The teams split, alternating wins and losses. The Reds had three wins. Goodrich had back-to-doubles in the last two boxes, Dennis Goodrich’s season best 26- point game happened, and he also had a 25-point game. The Yankees had three wins, which included Jolly’s 34point game, Nuhn’s 31-point game, and Nuhn and Jolly combining for 54 points. Yankees’ Paul Stevens’ 80-point series was the second best in “C” division. The Yankees are currently in fifth place.
Mike Zanelli Sr.’s Giants split with Mark Goodale’s Mets.
See Pirates page 13
Sports Editor
Photo courtesy of Joe Heery
Pictured are the Pirates of the Deep River Horseshoe League in Skip Robinson, Anthony Conkling, and Bob Beckwith.
The Value of Structure
From as little and insignificant as a sprig of seaweed to semi-submerged wooden hull planking and sunken wrecks, fish will gravitate to them. Smaller fish will use them as protection, while larger predators will use them as ambush points and hunting grounds. When steaming to the offshore tuna grounds, it is not uncommon to come across mahi-mahi congregated under and around bits of debris or twigs. A quick stop to cast out something like a Windcheater can instantly hookup, resulting in a meal or at least a good fight on light gear.
One of a fisherman’s best friends is an
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
in a feeding frenzy, identifying bottom structure is key to locating a potential fish catching bonanza.
up-to-date navigation - or in greater detail - a bathymetric chart. In addition to directional aids and various coordinates and depths, other valuable data such as contours, sea bottom structures, reefs, shoals, unusual oddly formed bottoms, sunken ships, etc. are key indicators of fish gathering locations. Except for open water predation, where schools of finfish are balled up
What we are looking for are reduced depths within an area of greater depths, indicating a reef or hump. Some locations may be highlighted by contour lines. Shipwrecks might be indicated by name or marked by a wrecked hull and coordinates. Boulder fields most likely would be partially awash. Lighthouses were erected to ward off sailors due to a hazard. Those hazards often mark fish - especially during a moving tide.
Ice age recessional moraines or ridges of
glacial debris that were formed while a glacier ceased advancing or retreating, thereby remaining relatively stable, are what make up part of Long Island Sound’s reef structure. Terminal moraines, like the Hammonasset one, were formed as well and are relatively more prominent. The Ronkonkoma terminal moraine that runs across the Sound, for example, was deposited around 22,000 years ago and also contributed to outstanding fishing grounds. These structures that transverse the Sound’s coast often form rips when the
See The Value page 13
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan
The Tucker family of Dan, Brittany, and two-week-old Olivia of Guilford headed out for a memorable day of black sea bass fishing on Long Island Sound aboard their 42’ Grand Banks trawler, DOZER.
Charlie Hanscome III of Clinton reeled in this largemouth bass after it hit a Googan paddle-tail rigged on a 3/4-ounce jig head.
The Value of Structure
Continued from page 12
tide moves in and out. They too, serve as excellent fishing locations.
History aside, successful fishermen make note of structures and other oddities like these and plan their trips around the tides, currents, and moon phases, also taking weather and sea conditions into consideration.
On The Water
Heat, humidity, and heavy air were replaced by a slow moving cold front that settled over the area. The stalled front led to unsettled conditions, bringing periods of downpours and thunderstorms. That front pushed farther south, opening a window of mixed sun, clouds, and foggy mornings, with higher daytime air temperatures reaching the high 80s and low 90s - before easing down to the mid-to-low 80s. Following a wicked week of damaging thunderbursts and angry seas, Long Island Sound water temperatures hovered around 70 degrees with occasional gusty winds, but relatively calm seas rising from one to two feet.
After a two-week black sea bass closure, Connecticut waters reopened on July 8 to a five fish, 16” minimum length per day. Although both Connecticut and New York waters are currently open, New York
requires a daily limit of three fish at 16.5”. Note that if a vessel’s catch is inspected, it is possession where one is stopped - not where you claim the fish were caught. Considering the numbers of sea bass caught, overall catch sizes could be better. From undersized to keepers, shorts have been outnumbering keepers with those meant for the table coming in under three pounds. No doubt there are some three to four-pound specimens, but they will normally be deep and hanging around reefs that usually would have had lobster pots strung about.
There have been some good runs of weakfish in the 20-24” range that were taking bucktails/squid and sea worms. Some hookups came from mid-Sound, while others have been in bays along entrances to tidal rivers. The bite lagged a bit but suddenly surged. Mixed in with small schools or loner weakies are bluefish that are favoring the top half of the water column. Blues have been on sandeels, silversides, and schools of juvenile bunker. They will attack diamond jigs, bucktails, and flashy spoons when fluttering down or being trolled. Chunking or chumming while anchored up-tide of a rip-line (near or offshore) can lead to typical pulling, jarring, and surface-breaking action that choppers are known to display. Cut up some chunks of mackerel that bluefish and striped bass are known to aggressively eat,
along with adult menhaden - if schools can be located.
Striped bass are plentiful, but they have been in, out, and up and down the water column with short periods of lockjaw due to the weather being inconsistently consistent. Barometric pressures resembled roller coaster graphs, as winds and seas disrupted the calmness of the Sound and forage has been unsteady in their presence. Nonetheless, stripers are being caught - although their behavior has varied. Steadier action can generally be found by nearshore shoals and reefs as well as mid-Sound reefs, where comfort zones can be more readily found.
Some drifters say fluke fishing is good. Most say shorts have been frustrating. The fact is that summer flounder sizes have been mixed with the greater portion of those hooked being short - below 19” or 17” in enhanced shore areas. Fish have been effectively caught from both shore and offshore sites, but there will be more rodbending before a meaningful doormat or mini is caught. Being close to the bottom, expect to meet up with dogfish, skate, and more sea robins than in the past weeks. Native and holdover trout are surfacing more this past week. The heat is causing anglers to be more creative. However, on cooler overcast days and low light conditions, fishing has excelled. Personal bests are still being caught on conventional and
fly fishing gear. Water levels and flows continue to be a consideration when selecting portions of rivers to fish. Vegetation in ponds and lakes is spreading - tough on anglers but a blessing for fish. Largemouth bass, smallies, and pickerel find it bonus territory as ambush points. Black crappie, sunfish, small alewives, and shiners use it as a safe haven and source for nourishment. This habitat is an ecosystem all to its own, supporting a wide range of fish and other water life.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated summer 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
Pirates Sweep the Rockies in Week 12 of Deep River Horseshoe League
Continued from page 11
Games one and four were scratch games. Goodale closed game one with six ringers for the win. Zanelli Sr. tied his season best 47-point game to win game four. In two games, the Mets had five handicap points. Zanelli Sr.’s 39 points gave them the win, and Goodale’s season best 40point game gave the Mets the win. In two games, the Giants had seven handicap points. The Mets forced the Giants to use their handicap for a win, and Mets’ Mike Shashok and Leif Selander combined for 44 points to win the night’s final game.
Mike Zanelli Jr.’s Diamondbacks took on John
Durinick’s Orioles. Frank Durinick substituted for John, and Shashok subbed for Diamondbacks’ Ted Dubay. The Diamondbacks won the first two games and benefited from Zanelli Jr.’s 36 and 35-point games, and it looked as if the Orioles’ losing streak on odd number games would continue. However, the Orioles managed to win the next three games – the last one by two points thanks to their handicap, and the Diamondbacks won the last game. The teams split. The Orioles did not win or lose, so we wait until Week 12 to see if the streak of winning continues.
Tigers’ Sheryl Serviss had three clean games, however, she did have six open boxes, all in the first game which the White Sox won. Serviss doubled her game one score
Madison Hoop Dreams Basketball Camps
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Give your child the ultimate basketball experience this summer at Madison Hoop Dreams (MHD) - Connecticut’s most popular basketball day camp for over 20 years. MHD’s program is for players entering grades 3 to 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at H-K Middle School in Killingworth. The camp includes expert coaching and terrific guest speakers. Players learn the fundamentals, team-
work, sportsmanship, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. With three weeks of camp remaining (the weeks of July 14, July 21, and July 28), MHD hopes that everyone can join them for at least one week. Please go to www.madisonhoop dreams.com for more information and to register. If you have any questions, please call or text Coach Bill Barker at 203-494-6905, or email him at wab6933@gmail.com.
and outscored Brady Miller’s White Sox in game two. Three players scored 16 points in game three, but it was Harvey Strausser’s 23 points that gave the Tigers the win. Tigers’ Ray Smith’s season best 30-point game gave them their third-straight win. Miller’s season best 38point game gave them a double-digit win, and in the last game, it was White Sox’s Howie Fisher’s 27-point game that earned the team a split. Smith and White Sox’s Brian Walsh each had a 79-point series, tied for the third highest “C” division scores.
For more information regarding the Deep River Horseshoe League, visit https//www.deepriverhorseshoes.com/ contacts.
J&P RESTORATION
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!
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!
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of July 17 - July 23
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, the week kicks off with a surge of vitality and determination. You’re eager to take action, and the universe backs you. It’s a perfect week to push ahead with goals.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Creative energy flows in and a long-dormant idea may spark back to life, Taurus. You’re in the right mindset to pursue something artistic and innovative. Reconsider a refreshing hobby.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you’re in your element this week and buzzing with charm and curiosity. Engaging conversations abound. Opportunities to connect, both socially and professionally, come easily.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, a small act of courage pays off in a big way, and you’ll find that trusting yourself leads to a fulfilling outcome this week. Embrace your instincts.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
Love and joy surround you, and this week is ideal for connecting with someone special or deepening an important bond, Leo. Your heart feels open, and good things are flowing your way.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
A chance to help or support someone brings a deeper sense of purpose. Kindness flows easily from you now, Virgo, and the gratitude you receive in return is both touching and inspiring.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
This week your relationships are in harmony, Libra. You’re feeling strongly supported. Conversations flow with ease, and people are drawn to your warm personality.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
A milestone is within reach, and the progress you’ve made starts to emerge this week, Scorpio. Your persistence and inner fire have been guiding you forward.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, a fresh perspective allows you to release old worries or doubts. This is a week of clarity and growth during which inspiration meets personal freedom.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Practical matters–especially career or finances–are looking up, Capricorn. A smart decision made now could lead to something even better down the line.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you’ve had your eye on the prize for some time now, and the good news is that the finish line is within arm’s length. Stick with things for just a little longer.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you have been making some changes this week. Your perspective and surroundings at home have changed. This can be a refreshing endeavor.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JULY 17
Queen Camilla, British Royalty (78)
JULY 18
Kristen Bell, Actress (45)
JULY 19
Jared Padalecki, Actor (43)
JULY 20
Gisele Bündchen, Model (45)
JULY 21
Romeo Santos, Singer (44)
JULY 22
Selena Gomez, Singer (33)
JULY 23
Woody Harrelson, Actor (64)
CLUES ACROSS
1. Resorts
5. One point south of southwest
9. Musical performances
11. Matched
13. Four-footed animal part
15. Express severe disapproval of
16. Type of leaf
17. Preparatory
19. Walk heavily
21. Succulent plants
22. Rectangle of grass
23. Lump in yarn
25. Too
26. Foot (Latin)
27. Afflicts
29. Smoothed
31. Mind (Greek)
33. Tampa ballclub
34. Semitic language
36. Sheltered sides
38. Ocean
39. Electronic point of sale
41. Thrust a knife into
43. 12th month (abbr.)
44. Ringworm
46. Father of Aoris (Greek myth.)
48. Fighting back
52. Cease to exist
53. Insects in adult stage
54. Freestanding sculpture
56. Caps
57. Repents
58. Brown and Wallace are two
59. Moved quickly
CLUES DOWN
1. Goes bad
2. Yard structure
3. They __
4. Marine invertebrate
5. European river
6. Office supplies firm
7. Physically abused
8. Service stations in Australia
9. Kills
10. Liquid body substances
11. Particular to a given individual
12. Brave or noble act
14. Sicilian city
15. Conqueror
18. Elected officials
20. Type of “pig”
24. Drop of viscous substance
26. Monetary unit of Spain
28. Guarantees
30. Coloring materials
32. Reddish browns
34. Square measure
35. Will not
37. Canned fish
38. Appeared
40. Six (Spanish)
42. Took off
43. Negligible amount
45. Posts in a Greek temple
47. Witnesses
49. Phil __, former CIA
50. Places to park
51. Guns
55. Dance to pop music
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
STAY COOL WORD SEARCH
AIRFLOW CAPACITY
COIL
CONDENSATE
CONDENSER
COOL
DAMPER
DIFFUSER
DUCTWORK
EFFICIENCY
EVAPORATOR FAN
FILTER
HANDLER HEAT PUMP
HUMIDITY
HVAC
REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM
TEMPERATURE
THERMOSTAT
VAPOR
VENTS
ZONES
Word Scramble
Word Scramble solution for July 10, 2025: SALTY
Word Search solution for July 10, 2025
Travel with Me Part III: Bern, Switzerland By Liz Egan
By Liz Egan
Special to Living
After breakfast in our hotel, I departed along with the Con Brio Choral Society performance tour. We arrived just prior to lunch at Bahnhofplatz, a three-story mall and train station in the heart of Bern, Switzerland. There was a bit of a drizzle as I ate my lunch on a bench, fascinated by the hustle and bustle of the city’s transportation hub.
The streets of Bern are always filled with people. Bern is referred to as a federal city, the de facto capital of Switzerland. The official language is German, but the main spoken language is a local dialect, Swiss German. Founded in 1191, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to legend, the city of Bern got its name and symbol for the coat of arms from the bounty of a hunt. The Swiss German word for bear is Bären. The Bear Park was first created in 1549, and a family of three bears still lives there today. Bern offers free transportation—buses, trains, and trams—to everyone, visitors and residents alike. The Bernese people are incredibly friendly and full of life. We met our local guide for a walking tour of the city. Bern is renowned for its arcaded walkways, filled with specialty shops of every type. Bern’s 100 fountains date back to the Middle Ages, with drinkable water from underground streams, wells, and cisterns. Bern’s clock tower, the Zytglogge (time bell), is the city’s oldest monument and most recognizable symbol. Built in 1218, it was originally used as a guard tower. After it was destroyed by fire in
1405, it was rebuilt with the addition of an astronomical clock. There is always a crowd each hour to see the elaborate workings of its many moving characters.
The clock tower was also a notable stop on my bus route from our beautiful hotel, the Kursaal Berne, just over the Aare River, which surrounds the city.
The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vin-
cent is an impressive late-Gothic building and the most important church in Switzerland. An outstanding feature on its facade is the depiction of the Last Judgment. While most of the artifacts of the cathedral were destroyed during the Protestant Reformation, a few of the original pieces can still be seen at the Museum of History. In an adjacent plaza, the Bun-
deshaus, Switzerland’s Parliament Building, holds the seat of Switzerland’s democracy. A beautiful geyser-like fountain adorns the plaza.
Our walking tour ended at Einstein Haus. Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905 with his wife, Mileva Mari•, and their son, Hans Einstein. In this tiny second-floor flat, Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity, which contributed substantially to the foundation of modern physics. The next day, I took a bus to Zentrum Paul Klee. With about 4,000 paintings by the famous painter Paul Klee, a major figure of the Bauhaus movement in art, the Paul Klee Center houses the largest collection of its kind. The museum, opened in 2005, is a wave-like structure and is a work of contemporary art, standing in stark contrast to the medieval buildings of Bern.
There is so much to see and do in Bern. At the end of the day, a few friends from the tour took the bus with me to see the bears. Afterwards, we walked to the Rose Garden, with a beautiful view of the river and the city beyond. Many Con Brio choristers and clappers went to Kornhauskeller, a restaurant highly recommended by our walking tour guide as well as the grammar school friend of one of the choristers. It is called Kornhauskeller based on its historic use as a grain trading location. The restaurant’s amazing history and spectacular space were only outdone by its delicious food—a worthwhile splurge while staying in Bern.
Wendy Mill, our member-tour
See Travel page 23
Photo courtesy Liz Egan
Photo courtesy Liz Egan
Traditional Swiss fondue served with crusty bread and baby potatoes is a must-try in Bern, where melted cheese is an art form.
A brown bear rat Bern’s historic Bear Park, a beloved symbol of the city dating back to the 1500s.
Photo courtesy Liz Egan
Photo courtesy Liz Egan
With the Bernese Alps as a backdrop, Liz Egan films a birthday message for her nephew during a foggy but unforgettable trip to Interlaken.
The Zytglogge, Bern’s medieval clocktower, draws crowds each hour for its animated astronomical clock and centuries-old charm.
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Shorebird Walk
: 9 to 11 a.m. Griswold Point, Old Lyme. Walkers will look for shorebird species at select spots around southeastern Connecticut and learn how they can help these birds. The walk at Griswold Point will be about a half to one mile on sandy and rocky terrain, with some standing water. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. No restrooms onsite. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $13 for members, $18 for nonmembers. To register, visit ctaudubon.org/2025. For info, contact 860-598-4218 or rtpec@ctaudubon.org.
Pop-up Events with OSYFS: Biking with Adam
: 1 to
3 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS), 322 Main St. Participants will ride to DQ for a sweet treat. For grades 5 to 8. Cost: $10. For info or to register, visit the summer programming 2025 link at osyfs.org.
Live Action Role Play with Torch Tales
: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Participants learn game mechanics, explore equipment, and engage in an interactive storytelling experience. For ages 6 to 10. For info or to register, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
: 2 to 4 p.m. Westbrook Public Library Community Room, 61 Goodspeed Dr. For children ages 5 and up. For info or to register, call the library at 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
beer, and wine are available for purchase. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org/events.
Exploring American
: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a lecture on the revolutionary musicals, and , and their contrasting visions of an American society at a crossroads. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu (Grades 9 to 12)
: 4 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.
Unraveling the Mystery of Pruning
: 4:30 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Presented by George Trecina, owner of Landscape Design and Horticulture. Part of the Westbrook Garden Club monthly programs for 2025. For info, email westbrookgardenclubct@yahoo.com.
Thursdays on the Dock Series: Eight to the Bar Legend
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Bring a blanket or chair. Free but donations can be placed in a hat that is passed around. No BYOB. Food,
: 6 to 8:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
See page 24
Travel with Me Part III: Bern, Switzerland By Liz Egan
Continued from page 22
coordinator, along with a few companions, took the opportunity to enjoy one of Bern’s many fondue restaurants. Wendy makes fondue at home all the time and shared her easy-to-follow recipe with me. Who can resist a pot of melted cheese? Zur Chäshütte, the cheese hut, boasts 150 different types of cheeses. Traditional fondue is made with Gruyère and Emmental, a type of Swiss cheese. I made a version using chicken stock in place of wine. While it was good, it lacked the body of the amazing fondue I had tried while in Switzerland.
While in Bern, the group took an excursion to Schloss Thun and Interlaken in the Bernese Alps. Thun Castle was first built as a fort in 1190, and its colorful history reflects the fiefdoms and changing rule of the passing centuries. In 1906 it was bought by the city and rehabilitated into a museum preserving the original Knights’ Hall, its unique Gothic construction, and
its fabled history as a prison. Our group took a cable car ride up the side of the mountain to Interlaken. While it was a very foggy day, we thoroughly enjoyed the view and our delicious lunch at the top.
Earlier in the week, I had received word that my nephew Nathan’s girlfriend was collecting videos as a surprise for his 30th birthday. A Navy fighter pilot stationed in Japan, Nathan loves climbing, hiking, and everything outdoors. What better place to film my birthday wish? Singing “Happy Birthday” with the Alps in the background amused fellow visitors and delighted my family upon receipt.
Con Brio Choral Society performed at every site we ventured to. In addition, they gave an amazing free concert with a large local gospel choir at Französische Kirche (Church of St. Francis) to an enthusiastic audience. It is amazing how music transcends language and brings shared joy to all. While the evening concert was fabulous, I loved the way the group enchanted unsuspecting guests of the churches, cas-
tles, and tourist sites we visited. Auf Wiedersehen! Goodbye for now!
Wendy Mill’s family has been making and enjoying this fondue for as long as she can remember. It turns any gathering into a fun, communal experience. The only limit on what to dip is your imagination!
For dipping: Boiled baby potatoes (traditional in Swiss versions) Hard salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
Apple slices
Pickles
Blanched broccoli or vegetables of your choice
INSTRUCTIONS
Coarsely grate the cheeses into a medium bowl. Add garlic, cornstarch, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands. In a large saucepan, heat the wine over medium heat until bubbles just begin to rise—do not boil.
Add the cheese mixture by the handful, whisking constantly. Wait until each addition is fully melted before adding more. Continue mixing and cooking until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a fondue pot or chafing dish to keep warm while serving.
Using fondue forks, dip your favorite bread cubes, vegetables, or meats into the cheese and enjoy, family-style!
Wendy Mill’s Cheese Fondue
Continued from page 23
: 6:30 p.m. Deep River Town Green. Music by North County Band. Presented by the Deep River Parks and Recreation. For info, visit deepriverct.us/parks-and-recreation-department.
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Vece Gazebo and lawn, Abraham Pierson School, 75 E. Main St., Clinton. Music by Spellbound. Hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. For info, contact the chamber at 860-669-3889 or chamber@clintonctchamber.com.
: 7 p.m. Old Elks Cottage, 142 Seaside Ave., Westbrook. For active singles 35 and over. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. BYOB. Cost: free for members and firsttime guests, $10 for others. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.
: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Music by Orleans. Free and open to the public. The show starts with the Pledge of Allegiance; music begins at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale on the lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.
THURSDAY, JULY 17 THROUGH
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Lend Me a Tenor
: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Presented by the Saybrook Stage Company. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion, 155 College St., Old Saybrook. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 5 and 12. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 6 to 8 p.m. Westbrook Town Green. Music by Centerline Band. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol. No pets. Presented by the Westbrook Recreation Board. For info, visit the summer concert 2025 link at westbrookrec.com/info/activities.
Escape the Noise
: 6 and 8 p.m. Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 E. Main St., Clinton. Presented by Shoreline Theater Academy, Kidz Konnection. Ticket: $15. Donations are welcome to benefit local emerging artists. A donor-appreciation performance is set for Sunday, July 20. For info, tickets, or donations, call 860-227-2363 or visit kidzkonnection.org.
Opening Reception for
: 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrook. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Sept. 6. For info, call 860767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Deep River Ancient Muster (DRAM) Tattoo
: 7 p.m.
Devitt Field, Deep River. Features a free performance by the Deep River Ancients, the Company of Fifers and Drummers, Junior Fife and Drum Camp, and more. For info, visit deepriverancientmuster.com.
Opening Night for
: 7 p.m. Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. The show runs through Sunday, Aug. 3. Other showtimes available. For info or tickets, call 203215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.
2025 Summer Concert Series
: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Harveys Beach, 29 Plum Bank Rd., Old Saybrook. Music by What It Is. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping. Presented by the Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Sponsored by the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation. For info, call 860-395-3152 or visit the link for the Summer Concert Series at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.
Outdoor Family
: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth. Music by Greenstamps. Hosted by the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department. Bring lawn chairs, picnics, blankets, and beverages. Rain cancels. For info, visit hkrec.com/special-events.
: 7:30 p.m. Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs through Sunday, July 27. Other showtimes available. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.
SATURDAY,
JULY 19
: 10 to 11 a.m. Departs from Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Cost: $10 for ages 2 to 12, $20 for older than 12. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, visit ctrivermuseum.org.
: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: by A.J. Finn. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Rd., Haddam. Features bug hunts in the demonstration gardens, live insect displays, insect-themed crafts, and educational giveaways. Attendees can bring bugs they would like to be identified. Bugs need to be safely contained. Free admission and open to the public. For info, visit bugs.uconn.edu.
: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Third in a three-part series. Features immersive instruction with a chess coach. Lessons will demonstrate tactics and strategies, and time will be allotted to allow for game play. Open to children, teens, and adults who are looking to improve their chess skills. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Puzzle and Game Swap
: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. No registration needed. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Deep River Ancient Muster
: Parade steps off 11 a.m. from Kirtland Street and marches down Main Street onto Southworth Street and ending at Devitt Field. Hosted by the Deep River Ancient Muster Committee. The muster takes place after the conclusion of the parade. Free and open to all. Bring a blanket or chairs. For info, visit deepriverancientmuster.com.
Open House and Summer Market
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Allis-Bushnell House back lawn, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Features crafts, art, flowers, and more. Visitors can explore first floor of the museum and the maritime exhibit in the annex. Free admission. For info or to register, call 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.
Creative Writing Workshop
: 1 to 2 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Led by author Catherine Con Morse. Features summer-themed writing activities to take home. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. For info or to register, call the library at 860-526-0018 or visit chesterctlibrary.com.
Geology of the Marsh
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a marsh walk at different times of the day; a presentation and Q&A by Ralph Lewis about the Long Island Sound; a display of rocks, minerals, gems, and other items; and a presentation at 4 p.m. about plans to restore the shore at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Part of Salt Marsh Days series. Free admission. Open to families. No registration needed. For info, contact 203-245-8743 or rangermpnc@gmail.com, or visit MeigsPointNatureCenter.org.
Concert in the Garden: Arrowhead and Paddy Whack
:
7 to 9 p.m. Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St., Chester. Cost: $20 suggested donation. Outdoor bistro-style seating in the amphitheater. BYOB and picnic. Gates open 6:30 p.m. First come, first to be seated. No pets. No unattended children. Rain or shine. For info, call 860-526-2077 or visit nilssonstudio.com.
Sweet Saturday Nights: Jim Carpenter
: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Tickets: $15. Service fees apply. Refreshments are available for purchase. For info or tickets, call 860-227-5003 or visit musicnowfoundation.org/events.
SATURDAY, JULY 19 AND SUNDAY, JULY 20
Carousel for Charity Event
: 12:30 to 7 p.m. Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale, 1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Proceeds from the day's carousel rides benefit The Cove. For info, email jalene@covect.org.
Deep River 2025 Summer Concert Series
2025 Michael B. Ierardi Jr. Memorial Fund Summer Concert Series
Shoreline Sailing Club Event
2025 Grassy Strip Music Series
Red Cross Blood Drive
Play it Big: Life-size Hungry, Hungry Hippos
Summer Concert Series 2025
Preview:
Woman in the Window: A Novel
Celebrate Summer in Old Lyme
The Old Lyme Arts District invites residents and visitors to two festive community events this July: the Midsummer Kickoff Concert on Friday, July 25, and the 38th Annual Old Lyme Midsummer Festival on Saturday, July 26. Both family-friendly events highlight the town’s artistic spirit and historic charm, offering a weekend of art, music, and summer fun.
The Midsummer Kickoff Concert will take place Friday evening at the Florence Griswold Museum, located at 90 Lyme Street. Visitors can enjoy free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. to the museum’s exhibitions Nancy Friese: Living Landscapes and Cow Tales, as well as early access to the FloGris Shop’s Midsummer Super Sale. From 7 to 9 p.m., the lawn will come alive with music from The Mighty Soul Drivers, a Memphis-style soul band. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy fare from local food vendors. The concert is free and open to the public. More information is available at FlorenceGriswold Museum.org.
Saturday’s Midsummer Festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Midsummer 5K Run/Walk, beginning at Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, 59 Lyme Street. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m. A Kid K fun run follows at 9 a.m. on the high school track. Details and registration can be found at lysb.org/5k.
Festivities continue throughout the day at venues across Lyme Street. At the Lyme Art Association (90 Lyme Street), guests can enjoy outdoor art activities, crafts, and community booths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with refreshments available from Del’s Lemonade. Live music
includes The Wandering Fiddlers from 9 a.m. to noon, and Kipp Sturgeon from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Inside, the galleries will feature the 104th Elected Artists Exhibition, Red Hot Members Show, and the New Haven Paint & Clay Club Select Members Exhibit.
The Florence Griswold Museum (96 Lyme Street) will offer free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with access to both current exhibitions and the historic Griswold boardinghouse for artists, circa 1910. A food truck court will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the ever-popular Parading Paws Dog Show returns from 10 a.m. to noon. A 2 p.m. gallery tour, hands-on crafts, face painting, and fairy hair are available throughout the day. Café Flo will be open for seated riverside dining from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (reservations recommended).
The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (100 Lyme Street) will host a full day of science, crafts, and naturethemed activities for families. Highlights include the Kelsey Family Discovery Center and special appearances starting at 10 a.m. with the Michele Urban Music Show, an interactive concert for kids presented in partnership with the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. Additional programs include rope-making demonstrations by the Connecticut River Museum, a live oyster and mussel touch tank from the Great Island Foundation, and presentations by the Old Lyme Land Trust, Open Space Commission, and Harbor Management Commission.
Classic car lovers can enjoy the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club Classic Car Show from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring antique, exotic, and hot rod vehicles. A $5 entrance fee allows guests to vote for their favorites, with trophies awarded after 1 p.m. The Lions Club will also offer hot-off-the-grill favorites for purchase. Visitors can
also view artist proofs and signed prints from the Peterson Collection in the Eleanor Robinson Center.
At the Old Lyme Inn (85 Lyme Street), fine art and crafts will be on display and for sale from the Fence Show Artists, Lyme Artisans Guild, and other local vendors between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts (84 Lyme Street) will offer a curated selection of art supplies and global gifts at De Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials & Curiosities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Chauncey-Stillman Gallery will feature the Annual Student and Faculty Exhibition from noon to 3 p.m.
The Midsummer Festival is generously supported by Connecticut’s Eastern Regional Tourism District, Pasta Vita, Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services, the Herb Chambers Charitable Foundation, Bluewater Millwork & Construction, Mercer Advisors, the Nancy Mesham Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, and LymeLine.com.
For a full schedule, festival map, and updates, visit ExploreOldLyme.com. Bring your friends and family and make lasting memories this summer in Old Lyme.
The Old Lyme Arts District is a collaborative cultural community celebrating the town’s artistic heritage through exhibitions, events, and partnerships. Anchored by institutions such as the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Art Association, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Cooley Gallery, Side Door Jazz Club, Nightingale’s Acoustic Café, Musical Masterworks, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, and the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, the District offers yearround programming that inspires creativity and fosters community.
Photo courtesy of the Old Lyme Arts District
Photo courtesy of the Old Lyme Arts District
A festivalgoer browses original artwork during the outdoor Fence Show, one of many artcentered activities during the annual celebration.
A vintage car cruises past vendor tents in front of the Florence Griswold Museum during a past Midsummer Festival in Old Lyme.
Press Release from the Old Lyme Arts District
at Ivoryton Is Fun for the Entire Family Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
It’s fun, it’s tuneful, and it’s kid-friendly. What more can you want from a summer musical?
Review THEATER
excellent Alanna Saunders) explains the opening scene and characters to the children. It’s a good way to get us into the story.
musical eras. They also played the wives of the brothers and other characters.
Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Add in that it’s a Tim Rice–Andrew Lloyd Webber collaboration, and has long been a favorite of audiences and theaters alike.
The production at Ivoryton Playhouse, running through Sunday, July 27, is good fun.
For those who missed that Sunday school class, the story is from Genesis. Joseph, the favored son, is sold into slavery by his brothers; he’s taken to Egypt, where his ability to interpret dreams leads him to become the Pharaoh’s righthand man. He saves Egypt from the plague, though his father and brothers are starving. But all ends well—his brothers beg for help, and he forgives them for their actions.
Joseph
reminiscent of a genre—from the Elvisimpersonating Pharaoh (“Song of the King”) to French cabaret (“Those Canaan Days”) and even a calypso-inspired number (“Benjamin Calypso”). Neither the music nor the lyrics are sophisticated, but they serve their purpose.
A narrator links the scenes together to tell the story; there is almost no dialogue.
On opening night, the sound design (by Dustin Pfaender) appeared to have some problems. Saunders, at times, was hard to hear from where I was sitting (toward the back), as were other characters. Sometimes the 10-piece ensemble, led by Dan Gibson, overpowered the singers. This was unfortunate and detracted from Saunders’ performance. The problem, I’m sure, has since been corrected.
Sean Spina’s costumes represent a variety of times and places, from berets for “Those Canaan Days” to cowboy hats for “One More Angel.” Joseph’s coat of many colors seems more muted than it usually is. The Ishmaelites who sell Joseph to Potiphar look like Cousin Itt from —or perhaps they were gray Smurfs. I’m sure the children had fun with the costumes.
Jesus Christ Superstar
is an early Webber-Rice musical, though its first London production came after their success with . In many ways, you’ll hear similarities in the storytelling and music between the two.
The songs are pastiche numbers, each
This is a big show—the cast must include the 11 sons, the narrator, three women who at times form a backup trio, plus others who can play multiple roles. At Ivoryton, that includes a children’s chorus. Director Todd L. Underwood uses the children as a way of introducing the show and, at times, acting as an audience for the action. Its effectiveness is intermittent.
The set by Cully Long helps establish this idea. The sides of the stage are museum-like exhibits that the children visit as the show starts. The narrator (an
Even Joseph, played by Kyle Dalsimer, had some of the same issues. Dalsimer captured both the confidence of Joseph (after all, he was the favorite) and his youth. His opening number, “Any Dream Will Do,” was excellent. Ryan Knowles was good as the Pharaoh, though some of the choreography exaggerated Elvis’s well-known bumps and grinds. Tony Melson plays Reuben, the oldest brother, and leads “One More Angel in Heaven,” a country-western number. William Pazdziora plays both the brother Naphtali and Potiphar, the rich Egyptian who purchases Joseph.
Kathryn Dooley, Sarah Warrick, and Stephanie Wasser formed a trio of backup singers whose stylings represent different
Underwood’s direction and choreography were mostly effective. At times, I wondered why, during the middle of a song, the spotlights on the singer would dim and then later come back on. In those moments, the character was bathed in blue light.
It is not this production’s fault that the ending of the show drags out. After the story ends happily, Webber and Rice have the cast reprise most of the songs. The audience is confused about how to respond—are these curtain calls or not? It robs the performers of their well-deserved applause.
This is a good show for children—it is entertaining and runs about two hours with intermission.
Tickets are available at IvorytonPlay house.org. The Addams Family
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse Ryan Knowles brings Elvis flair to the role of the Pharaoh in at Ivoryton Playhouse. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Al Bundonis as Jacob is surrounded by Joseph’s scheming brothers in this lively Ivoryton production.
Madison Lyric Stage Brings ‘Amadeus’ to Life
Madison Lyric Stage presents Peter Shaffer’s acclaimed drama , running Friday, July 18 to Sunday, Aug. 3 at the Deacon John Grave House in Madison.
Amadeus Amadeus
Set to the music of Mozart, reimagines the bitter rivalry between 18th-century composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Told through the eyes of the aging Salieri, the play explores jealousy, genius, and divine injustice, as rumors swirl that he may have poisoned his brilliant but immature rival.
Continued from page 24
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Pancake Breakfast
: 7 to 11 a.m. Old Saybrook Firehouse, 310 Main St. Menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and beverages. Sponsored by the Old Saybrook Lions Club. Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 5 to 10, free for children under 5. Proceeds benefit the Estuary's Meals on Wheels Program. For info, call 860-2270849.
Donor-Appreciation Event:
Escape the Noise
: 5 p.m. Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 E. Main St., Clinton. Presented by Shoreline Theater Academy, Kidz Konnection. Features light fare, an opportunity to meet the artists at Shoreline Theater Academy, and the performance of the play. For info, tickets, or donations, call 860-227-2363 or visit kidzkonnection.org.
Cedar Lake Summer Concert Series
: 5 to 7 p.m. Pelletier Park, 218 W. Main St., Chester. Music by Not Even Three. Sponsored by Chester Parks and Recreation, Chester Public Library, Gwendolyn Orton-Jones Trust, Carol LeWitt in memory of Margaret Weisenburger, Essex Bank, and the Connecticut Water Company. Carpooling is encouraged. No dogs. Bring your own chairs and blankets. For info, visit chesterct.org/home/news/2025-cedarlake-concert-series or facebook.com/chesterct.
“With towering emotions and Mozart’s astonishing music, this play wrestles with faith, failure, and fate,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage, who also directs the production. “Salieri does everything right to earn God’s favor, but must watch Mozart—infantile, profane, and indifferent to God—receive the greater gift.”
The production features John Johmann as Salieri, Nathaniel Baker as Mozart, Allison Waggener as Constanze, and Daniel Dykes as Emperor Joseph II.
Winner of five Tony Awards and adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, will be per- Amadeus
formed Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $55 and available at madisonlyric stage.org.
The Deacon John Grave House is located at 581 Boston Post Road in Madison.
The Medium
The 2025 season continues in September with Gian Carlo Menotti’s . Madison Lyric Stage is a professional, non-Equity company supported by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Guilford Savings Bank, The Madison Foundation, the Madison Rotary Foundation, and the Connecticut Office of the Arts.
: 6 to 8 p.m. Madison Town Green. Music by the Nightshift Band. Free. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. No alcohol. Sponsored by Madison Beach and Recreation. For info, visit madisonct.org/710/Summer-Concerts.
MONDAY, JULY 21
: Noon to 6:15 p.m. Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
Kate Classic Film: :
: Tee times start 4:30 p.m. Fenwick Golf Club, 580 Maple Ave., Old Saybrook. Open to chamber members only. Space is limited. Remaining dates are Mondays, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15. Cost: $250 per golfer. For info, email judy@oldsaybrookchamber.com or visit business.goschamber.com/events. 2 and 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. 2025
Bringing up Baby
Make Your Own Fused Glass Art: Pick Your Project Class
: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
History Book Group
The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson
: 6 p.m. Madison Center for History and Culture at Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Book: by Robert A. Caro. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Virtual participation by Zoom is an option. Copies of the book may be available at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For new participants to join, email director@madisonhistory.org. For info, call MHS at 203-2454567 or visit madisonhistory.org.
See page 28
Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage
Press Release from Madison Lyric Stage Company
Summer Concert Series
Cross Blood Drive 2025 Old Saybrook Chamber Golf League
Continued from page 27
Free Financial Workshops for Young Adults: Making Smart Budget Decisions
: 6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For participants ages 17 to 25. Light supper provided. Sponsored by Clinton Go in partnership with Guilford Savings Bank and Junior Achievement. For info or to register (required), call or text 860-395-8588.
Mastering the Art of Preserving Your Harvest
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants learn about pickling, canning, freezing, and drying. Covers cucumbers to tomatoes and herbs to fruits. Presented by Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm LLC. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
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. For info, call 860-434-1961 or visit danstevens.net.
Author Event: Jessa Maxwell in Conversation with Clémence Michallon
Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping. Presented by the Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Sponsored by Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee. For info, call 860-395-3152 or visit the link for the Summer Concert Series at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 AND
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Concert by Bee Gees Gold (Tribute to the Bee Gees)
: Wednesday, 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 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, JULY 24
Summer Bird Walk
Paul Colburn, a master wildlife conservationist. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
An Evening of Entertainment, Community, and Literacy
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
: 6 to 10 p.m. Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Features appetizers, beverages, and a technicolor dreamcoat wine pull, followed by a performance of the musical, . Tickets: $100 per person with a limit of 100 tickets. Hosted by the River Valley Fund for Families (RVFF). Proceeds benefit RVFF’s Positive Paths Initiative, which helps fund children’s literacy programs at public libraries in Essex, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Ivoryton, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. For info or tickets, email contact@rivervalleyff.com or visit rivervalleyff.com.
Deep River 2025 Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 p.m.
Devitt Field, Southworth St., Deep River. Music by Vivid. Presented by the Deep River Parks and Recreation. For info, visit deepriverct.us/parks-and-recreation-department.
Dead of Summer: A Novel Our Last Resort
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: (Maxwell) and (Michallon). For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Essex Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ivoryton Green. Music by Blue Cherry. Free. Presented by Essex Park and Recreation. For info, visit facebook.com/SXParkandRec.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship with Rex Ogle (Grades 5 to 8)
: 4 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.
Drones in Flight with Unbound Innovations
: 9 to 11 a.m. Hartman Park, 122 Gungy Rd., Lyme. Walkers will search for breeding birds and late migrants at select spots around southeastern Connecticut. The walk at Pond Meadow will be about a mile on mostly level dirt terrain with one slightly steeper section. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. No restrooms on-site. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $13 for members, $18 for nonmembers. To register, visit ctaudubon.org/2025. For info, contact 860-598-4218 or rtpec@ctaudubon.org.
Performance by Rolie Polie Guacamole
: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. For children of all ages and their families. Free. A collaborative program of the Deep River, Essex, and Chester Public libraries. For info or to register (required), call the Deep River Library at 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Vece Gazebo and lawn, Abraham Pierson School, 75 E. Main St., Clinton. Music by Blind by Eight. Hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. For info, contact the chamber at 860-669-3889 or chamber@clintonctchamber.com.
2025 Michael B. Ierardi Jr. Memorial Fund Summer Concert Series Theater
Macbeth
: Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs July 18 through July 27. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Open to ages 12 and up. Participants will use a cloud-based platform to code an indoor drone to fly, perform tricks, and navigate obstacles. Limited spots. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Author Event: Tony Renzoni
: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:
Free Lunch Rock 'n' Roll Radio Connecticut: Magic Moments & Unforgettable Disc Jockeys
. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Sentinels of the Sea: A Lighthouse Talk with Mystic Seaport Museum
: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Highlights lifesaving stations and their crews, lightships, and the men and women who served as keepers of the light. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
2025 Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Old Saybrook Town Green. Music by the U.S. Coast Guard Band.
Judy Moody and the Not-SoBummer Summer
: 5:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Popcorn will be served. Bring a blanket to sit on. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
“Drive-in” Movie Night: Thursdays on the Dock Series: Bards of Gungywamp
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Bring a blanket or chair. Free but donations can be placed in a hat that is passed around. No BYOB. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org/events.
The Addams Family
: 6 p.m. Shoreline Theater Academy lawn, 61 E. Main St., Clinton. Presented by Shoreline Theater Academy Advanced Musical Theater Troupe. Free. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, blanket, and bug spray. Funded in part by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and Economic Development. No rain date. In the event of rain, call for limited indoor seating only. For info, contact 860-227-2363 or shorelinetheateracademy@gmail.com or visit shorelinetheateracademy.org.
Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut
: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk focused on the history of coyotes in Connecticut, including an overview of coyote habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Presented by
Farmers Market
Chester Sunday Market
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12. Chester Center, Main St. For info, visit chestersundaymarket.jimdo.com.
Deep River Farmers Market
: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 11. First Congregational Church in Deep River, 1 Church St. For info, contact Paul Santowski at 203-305-5429 or paulsantowski@outlook.com.
Durham Farmers Market
: 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through Oct. 4. Durham Community Center grounds, 144 Picket Ln., or on the Town Green. For info, email farmersmarket@townofdurhamct.org or visit townofdurhamct.org/articles/summer-farmers-market-update.
Madison Farmers Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Pickin’
Iconic Sculpture ‘Star and Sea’ Relocated Near Pequot Avenue Roundabout
by Kelly Birkenruth Lemons
‘Summer
in New England’
Opens at Susan Powell Fine Art July 11
Birkenruth, and by Tom Hughes.
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum has announced the relocation of , a monumental sculpture by Connecticut artist Allyson Holtz, to the Pequot Avenue roundabout near General Dynamics.
Star and Sea
Star and Sea
Weighing eight tons and fabricated from Corten steel, had stood on the museum’s front lawn since 2008. Its move coincides with construction of the new Lyman Allyn Park, bringing the maritime-inspired piece closer to the water that inspired it.
Originally commissioned in 1981 by the Thames Valley Steel Company and the Carr family as a gift to the City of New London, the sculpture was built using HY80 steel, a material commonly used in submarine construction. It was first installed downtown near the Water Street Garage.
created to reflect the history and character of New London,” Holtz said. “Its original location overlooked the Thames River and Long Island Sound—pointing to the sea, submarines, sailing ships—the things I love most about the city and this region.”
Holtz, a founding member of Hygienic Art and former structural welder at Electric Boat, earned a master’s degree at Wesleyan University focused on the history of American submarine technology. Her connection to both art and maritime history runs deep.
For more information, visit lymanallyn.org or contact Rebecca Dawson at dawson@lymanallyn.org.
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is located at 625 Williams Street in New London and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Summer in New England Sunset Gulls Wave Story Lemons
Susan Powell Fine Art presents , an exhibition of new landscape and still life paintings by over 25 award-winning artists, on view through August. The gallery is located at 679 Boston Post Road in Madison. Celebrating the warmth and beauty of the season, the show features coastal scenes, rural vistas, and luminous still lifes in oil and pastel. Highlights include by Alison Hill, by Jeanne Rosier Smith, by Kelly
The annual exhibit brings together nationally recognized painters whose work captures the light, color, and character of New England’s landscapes and shorelines. All artwork is available for purchase.
The show continues through August. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment.
For more information, call 203-3180616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
Star and Sea
“ is a site-specific work I
Photo courtesy of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum has announced the relocation of Star and Sea, a monumental sculpture by Connecticut artist Allyson Holtz, to the Pequot Avenue roundabout near General Dynamics.
Press Release from the Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Sunlit Rocky Coast
Press release from Susan Powell Fine Art
A One-of-a-Kind Home in a Lush, Landscaped Oasis
Staff Report
This is a one-of-a-kind home in a small, sought-after subdivision close to the heart of the charming town of Madison. This architecturally distinctive residence features soaring cathedral ceilings and skylights in the living room, vaulted ceilings in the dining room, and a striking shiplap ceiling in the expansive family room. Two wood-burning fireplaces create cozy focal points in both the living and family rooms.
The custom kitchen is a showstopper, featuring rare lacewood cabinetry sourced from South America, Australia, and Asia, beautifully complemented by granite countertops.
With five bedrooms, including a main-level primary suite, there’s room for everyone. The luxurious primary bath, inspired by a Thai spa, features an air-jetted tub, custom-tiled storage, and a Roman-style walk-in shower that evokes the feel of a boutique resort. Two more bedrooms (one with a built-in Murphy bed) complete the main level, while two additional bedrooms and a full bath await upstairs.
A finished basement offers a hobby or recreation space and includes a fourth full bathroom.
Step outside to a lush, landscaped oasis featuring multi-level decks, accent lighting, a fire pit patio, and a tranquil koi pond—ideal for unforgettable outdoor entertaining. The neighborhood adds even more appeal with a tennis/pickleball court, a picnic area, and a scenic pond perfect for small boats in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
This home is being offered for sale by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties for $1,098,000. For more information or a showing, contact Sheila Tinn-Murphy at 203-915-7530.
This is a one-of-a-kind home in a small, sought-after subdivision close to the heart of the charming town of Madison.
This architecturally distinctive residence features soaring cathedral ceilings and skylights in the living room, vaulted ceilings in the dining room, and a striking shiplap ceiling in the expansive family room. Two wood-burning fireplaces create cozy focal points in both the living and family rooms.
Step outside to a lush, landscaped oasis featuring multi-level decks, accent lighting, a fire pit patio, and a tranquil koi pond—ideal for unforgettable outdoor entertaining.
Real Estate Transactions
CLINTON
OLD SAYBROOK
:
445 Goose Lane
: Damian B. and Tracy H. Lynch to Yuejie Chi and Bin Gui, $1,010,000 on June 23
Thomas B. Speer to Arthur J. Mahon and Rebecca Galarza, $349,000 on June 23
504 Northwood Drive
: Michael S. Landry to Michael Smigielski and Danielle Stpierre, $535,000 on June 26 : Lgdbgd LLC to Robert and Donna Leonard, $337,900 on June 23
: Teresa A. Suganski to Wendy Bannerman and Matthew Moreau, $715,000 on June 23 : Craig and Jana Roberts to Mel J. Swift, $36,000 on June 25
: Jacqueline L. Mickiewicz and Suzanne M. Barkyoumb to Aimee Avallone, $464,000 on June 24
: Nicholas A. Gilliland and Abigail R. Dunlap to Robin A. and John F. Shepard, $335,000 on June 26
: Donata M. Tarzia to Gv Res Partners 4 LLC, $155,000 on June 23
: Estate of Darylle S. Connelly and K A. Soboleski to Kirk Becker, $675,000 on June 25
: Donald J. Balint to Bruce and Rosalind Morin, $620,000 on June 23
: Kevin Braza to Robert R. Obrien, $615,000 on June 23
: Dana K. Lombardi to Terry Niedzwiecki, $585,000 on June 24
: Sky Circle Homes LLC to Simple Group LLC, $380,000 on June 26
: Helen T. Perera to Gerard B. Mcguinness, $575,000 on June 25
: Jean M. Fillatti to Douglas and Maribel Vogelei, $920,000 on June 23
MADISON
GUILFORD
: Albert G Erda
RET and Albert G. Erda to Timothy Spratlin and Stephanie S. Torres, $500,000 on June 23
: Stephanie Young to Anna N. and Garret Pates, $400,000 on June 27
: Leslie and Rosemarie Windisch to Todd and Lindsey Hurst, $1,500,000 on June 27
: Pite Family Lp to 157 Goose Lane Guilford LLC, $1,600,000 on June 25
: Jon A.
Modica and Nicole Y. Dubois to Margaret L Woodruff Ft and Margaret L. Woodruff, $621,000 on June 25
: Edward A.
Baroncini to Kelly M. and Kelley Farris, $715,000 on June 23
: Timothy J. and Anne P. Smith to Kristen and Matthew Joyce, $1,220,000 on June 24
: Marine Ventures Iii LLC to D&m Flo Ventures LLC, $4,700,000 on June 24
: Roland C. and Andrea M. Blakeslee to Eleanora L. Vinci, $637,500 on June 24
: Estate of Ligia
E. Blanchard and Joseph M. Blanchard to Robert W. Tomlinson and Allison T. Monaco, $450,000 on June 27
: Robert C Gerard
T and Robert C. Gerard to Ann and Scott Strid, $1,125,000 on June 26
: William A. Forsyth to Gideon and Molly Boomer, $972,000 on June 23
: Ricky Au to Joshua and Alana Allen, $550,000 on June 25
: Thomas
E. and Julie P. Furey to Mary C Farrell RET and Mary C. Farrell, $1,750,000 on June 26
: Peter C. and Kathleen L. Smith to Louise Dilungo, $26,000 on June 26
: Jan A. Berry to Kirk and Sheri H. Dubay, $320,000 on June 23
: Laurie W. Berry T and Jan A. Berry to Kirk and Sheri H. Dubay, $320,000 on June 23 : Erff Ft and Marybeth Johnson to Christopher Cordeiro, $230,000 on June 25 : Erff
Survivors T and Marybeth Johnson to Christopher Cordeiro, $230,000 on June 25
: Robert W. and Kym Scott to Tmd-F LLC, $850,000 on June 27
:
John P. Coyle to Big Dock Energy LLC, $20,000 on June 24
Woodland Road
: Justin Centre to Caitlin A. Hayden, $380,000 on June 26
material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group. For past transactions, visit zip06.com/realestate.
KNOLLWOOD BEACH ASSOCIATION
to Knollwood
Association, where charm, comfort, and nature meet in this beautifully
ranch-style
Just two blocks from the sandy shores of Knollwood Beach, kayaking stands, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, and the association clubhouse, this home is nestled along the Beamon Creek Estuary.
Celebrate the Sounds of Your Life
Every few years, technology takes a significant leap forward. The Doctors of Audiology and Hearing Aid Specialists at County Hearing and Balance use this new technology to help improve your hearing in ways never even imagined just a few years ago. Sound is crisp, clear, and more natural, providing a truly advanced listening experience.
Trust your hearing to the professionals at County Hearing and Balance. We are the area’s oldest, locally owned, full service Audiology Center. We provide a professional and thorough assessment of your hearing ability and provide several options if improvement is needed. If hearing aids are necessary, we work with several of the largest manufacturers to ensure that you are getting the right instrument for your hearing loss, at the right price. Plus we participate or process most insurance and discount plans, including Medicare, Medicare supplements, Anthem, United Health, Tricare, Aetna, Connecticare and AARP.
Call any of our convenient offices to schedule your appointment.
