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January 8, 2026

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Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 2

Branford BOF Sends DPW Appropriation Request To RTM By Eric O'Connell Staff Writer

At a special Board of Finance meeting on Dec. 29 the board unanimously approved a $500,000 appropriation to pay for improvements at the temporary Department of Public Work’s facility on East Industrial Road. The RTM will need to approve the appropriation at its next meeting on Jan. 14.

Currently, Branford has a two-year lease for 30-36 East Industrial Road to temporarily house the town’s public works department until a permanent home can be found. In order to make the temporary facility adequate for use by the public works department, First Selectmen Josh Brooks told the BOF that there are required upgrades to the building the town must put in place. Brooks

said that the upgrades were needed not only for safety, but also to make sure the equipment can physically fit in the building. The appropriation approved by the BOF will be used to pay for renovations like a large garage door, a specialized HVAC system to remove carbon monoxide, new fire See Branford BOF page 11

Ken Engelman is working to ensure that local people have a chance to enjoy their turn at volunteerism.....2

New Taproom Owner Barry Labendz of Kent Falls Brewing Company poses for photos inside of their new North Branford location, the site of the former Stewards of the Land, on Nov. 28. See story on page 6.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound

North Branford hockey trying to stay focused on the defensive front.....12

Trends in travel for 2026 include going with small groups and finding new places.................................19

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JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • COMMUNITY NEWS

Serving the Future with Volunteerism By Nicholas Checker Special to Shore Publishing

“C’mon people now, smile on your brother, ev’rybody get together,” So said the popular 1960s group the Youngbloods in a memorable ballad they named “Get Together.” It was a major hit. And in the spirit of the Youngbloods’ visionary lyrics, longtime Branford resident Ken Engelman is striving for a future where people reach out a hand to their brothers and sisters. Ironic, perhaps, that it’s the community youth (those “youngbloods”) he hopes to reach. Ken’s vision is to mobilize into action the area youth who must perform a requirement of community service to graduate high school. But he sees it as much more than just a graduation requirement. He’s lived it himself. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University in 1995, Ken studied corporate communications, advertisement, and market media, and came to Branford

Person

of the Week in 1995, living there for two years after graduating college. “I went out to San Diego (California), where I lived from 1997-2001, seeking to find myself. Then I came back to Branford and have been here 22 years.” Upon returning to Connecticut, Ken began working at Woodshop News Magazine — a subsidiary of Sounding Magazine, then based out of Essex. He worked there for 8 years. “I soon got into motorcycling and that led to working for Road Runner Magazine, its focus, the world of motorcycle touring. “I worked there four years and it’s where my origins of community volunteering began.” That would prove to set him on a prescribed path for life.

“Because I traveled so much, by air and by motorcycle, my usual overactive mind started creating marketing and advertising campaigns for nonprofits.” This motorcycle musing of Ken’s would lead him onto a personal life-defining mission. “It was all about pro bono work for nonprofit organizations in Branford,” he explains. “And I became so involved, I was considered the ‘go-to-guy’ in fundraising and branding campaigns for these nonprofit groups. There’s a phrase I’ve heard and embraced: ‘Philanthropy is more than just writing a check. It is doing the work that is needed, too.’” It prompted Ken into creating a nonprofit organization of his own in order to make everything official — a personal dream realized: “A foundation of community volunteers united that I could use to organize and officially be able to help other nonprofits in a mutual mission statement: ‘Committing volunteers who are

WELCOMING DR. NHU-Y T. DAO JANUARY 5, 2026 Expanding Expert Eye Care in Guilford & Middletown

Photo courtesy of Ken Engelman

Ken Engelman at an East Haven High School event.

united to improve the health and overcome nonprofit obstacles, and well-being of communities, both it allows for a wider range of peolocally and globally.” Ken adds, ple we can assist.” “It’s vague on purpose because we See Serving page 8 are then able to help anyone

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COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

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Triple Shows at LAA The Lyme Art Association (LAA) rings in the new year with three shows, including its annual associate artists show.........................................................................27 New Shows for 2026 New musicals and shows mark 2026 in Connecticut theaters....................................21 MLK Day Breakfast Renowned civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale will be the featured speaker at the 41st annual MLK Day Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19, at Branford High School.....................................................................................................................................25

Quote

of the week

“People are seeking value, escape, and something new.”

Marcia Simon...........19

Index Obituaries............................................ 5 Sports..................................................12 Fishing................................................13 Tides....................................................13 Classifieds..........................................15

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JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • COMMUNITY NEWS

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

photo submitted

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

At the annual Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps Old Times/Alumni Night, held recently at the Corps Seaside Hall, three friends were recognized for their support and contributions over the years. From left are Ken Avery, Vice President of Stony Creek, honorees Unk Daros, Don Kacenski, and Bill O'Brien, and Joe Mooney, president.

Stony Creek Honors support and contributions over the years. From left are Ken Avery, Vice President of At the annual Stony Creek Fife and Stony Creek, honorees Unk Daros, Don Drum Corps Old Times/Alumni Night, Kacenski, and Bill O’Brien, and Joe held recently at the Corps Seaside Hall, Mooney, president. three friends were recognized for their From a Press Release

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Branford Food Pantry Hours

Editorial Staff

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor

The Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Avenue, has revised its hours on Tuesdays to assist neighbors who need food support. The pantry is now open Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., as well as Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Branford Food Pantry provides supplemental groceries for individuals, seniors, and families in need. It also provides weekly snack packs for school-aged children. It has returned to normal operations and encourages any Branford resident in need of food assistance to come in. For more information, email branfordfoodpantry30@gmail.com or visit branfordfoodpantry.org.

Community Lens: A Program for North Branford Residents Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Totoket TV Channel 16 presents Community Lens, a monthly program with a panel discussion airing weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and available on YouTube (TotoketTV). This program informs and involves residents in North Branford town government, emphasizing transparency and encouraging voter participation in referendum votes. For more information, contact 203-859-1512 or communitylensinfo@gmail.com.

Correction Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

The best way to get hold of Serenity Bishop, Shore Publishing's news sports editor, is to email s.bishop@shorepublishing.com. Coaches and athletic directors who want to get in touch with Serenity are encouraged to give him a call at 203-245-1877, ext. 6141. Serenity's email was given incorrectly in last week's editions.

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Obituaries

Contacting The Sound

Obituary

Eileen Albinger Branford Eileen Albinger of Branford, died Monday Dec. 22, 2025, at Orange Rehab and Health Center. She was the wife of the late George F. Albinger. Eileen was born Feb. 15, 1933, in New Haven, a daughter of the late William Regan and Florence Gordon Regan. Eileen is survived by her children, Lisa (Steven) Kyono of Montclair, NJ, and Julie Christoforo of East Haven; and

her grandchildren, Charles Christoforo, Emma Kyono and Jack Kyono. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street. Branford Entombment in All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. The W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford is in charge of arrangements.

Obituary

Robert H. Cole Branford Robert Harvey Cole, of Branford, son of Charles and Ruth (Brown) Cole, passed away on Dec. 15, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on May 8, 1946, in New Haven. Robert served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged Feb. 1, 1973. He worked at many jobs, and his last was for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation as a highway maintenance worker, until he retired. Robert was a man of many talents. He was known for his dedication, strength and quiet kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his brother Charles; sisters, Maureen Roman, Jackie Sletcha and Janice Zukowski; and his first wife Elsa Cole. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Petrina Rivera Cole; stepsons, Joseph Rivera, his husband Bill Brightman, Paul Rivera, his wife Nicole Martin; grandchildren, Andy and Xander Rivera; great-granddaughter Storm Rivera; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service with military honors was held for family and friends on Friday, Dec. 19, at Oakgrove Cemetery is West Haven.

John Wilkinson Memorial Christmas Tree Pick-up Tabor Church and Scout Troop 633 announce that they will be holding their annual John Wilkinson Memorial Christmas tree pick-up on Saturday, Jan. 10. While the Town of Branford does not pick up Christmas trees, residents can take advantage of this service while supporting two local organizations. Christmas trees will be collected at the homes of Branford residents for a suggested donation of $15 per tree. All trees must be placed at the end of the driveway or in an obvious, convenient spot unless another location is prearranged with the pick-up team. For more information or to schedule a Christmas tree pick-up, contact 203-208-8490 or tabortreepickup@gmail.com.

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

As your hometown paper, The Sound welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention. LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Sound encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues. Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters. Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined. For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal. Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor. Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication. These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0. OBITUARIES The Sound publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06.com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com. ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason. LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410. CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com. CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com. The Sound 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com 203-245-1877 Fax 203-245-9773

SPONSORED CONTENT: Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

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

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

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • COMMUNITY NEWS

New Taproom Brings Farm-to-Glass Beer to North Branford By Alicia Gomez Special to The Sound

North Branford gained a new taproom in September when Kent Falls Brewing Co., the state’s first farm brewery, opened its second location on Forest Road, extending its locally sourced brewing philosophy to the shoreline. Kent Falls Brewing Co. opened in 2015 in Kent. At the time, co-founders Barry Labendz, David Birnbaum, and John Suscovich envisioned a different approach to operating a brewery — one that combined agriculture, fermentation, and brewing in a circular production model where beer reflects the land it comes from. “The whole idea is just about the circular nature of a supply chain — know your suppliers, know where the ingredients for your beers are coming from,” Labendz said. Rather than grow all ingredients onsite, the brewery works with regional farmers who specialize in barley, hops, or fruit to support small-scale agriculture and strengthen relationships across the state. The search for a second location was not urgent, but Labendz said his “eyes were always open.” When a friend in North Branford encouraged him to visit the former Stewards of the Land brewery space on Forest Road, the setting immediately felt familiar.

but the layout is intentionally spaced so visitors aren’t crowded. About 2,200 square feet of space is dedicated to the taproom. Inside, dried floral decor — created in collaboration with Fairy Meadow Flowers of East Rock — was hung to mirror the original dairy-barn taproom in Kent. “We try to make it feel as much like the brewery in Kent as possible,” Labendz said. Unlike the Kent taproom, which offers only tasting flights, the North Branford location serves full pours in 8- and 16ounce options, including the locationexclusive Full Pour Pils, an Italian-style pilsner created as a nod to customers who asked for full-size beers. Food trucks are scheduled daily, with rotating menus from businesses such as Fire in the Kitchen Pizza, Vittles, and Gills Seafood, which has also hosted oystershucking days. Although brewing has not yet started onsite, Labendz said the North Branford Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound space will serve as a testing ground for small-batch releases and eventually supOwner Barry Labendz of Kent Falls Brewing Company poses for photos inside of their new port limited brewing. The taproom North Branford location, the site of the former Stewards of the Land, on Nov. 28. employs four people, two of whom are there almost every day. He added that the “I often say that if you stand with your than we see drive by our brewery in a new location also allows amenities not permitted in Kent — including food trucks, back facing the field, it feels like you’re at month.” Kent Falls,” Labendz said. “But if you turn The new taproom includes both bar and around, you see more cars in 30 seconds table seating, with capacity for 98 people, See New Taproom page 9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Diane Marie Levi-Verderame (25-00453)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Vincent Falade (25-00414) The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated December 23, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated December 23, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is: Mark P. Falade, 118 Larrabee Street, East Hartford, CT 06108

The fiduciary is: Victoria Verderame, 130 Alps Road, Branford, CT 06405

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR Taxpayers of the Town of North Branford are hereby notified that the 2nd installment of Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle as well as Supplemental Motor Vehicle taxes on the October 1, 2024 Grand List are due and payable on January 1, 2026. Taxes will be considered delinquent on February 3, 2026, and will be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of January 1, 2026, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Payments mailed with February 2, 2026, postmarks are considered on time. Payments may be made at the Tax Collector’s Office, North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT. The hours are 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday or mailed to Tax Collector P.O. Box 349 North Branford, CT 06471. You may also pay online at www.northbranfordct.gov and click on the Online Services link. There is a fee for this service of 2.5% (credit card), $3.95 (debit), or $2.00 (e-check). Failure to receive a tax bill does not invalidate the tax or interest as per State Statute §12-145. Gerri Winnick CCMC, Tax Collector Dated at North Branford – December 26, 2025

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405 Legal Notice The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom technology to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. New Business: ZBA 25-7 Minh Pham (Applicant) Myhanh H. Pham (Owner) (B07-000-005-010.1 R1) 8 Mona Avenue Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 to allow a side setback of 4 feet 4 inches where 10 feet is required for the replacement of an existing deck. ZBA 25-8 Richard Hackley (Applicant) Phyllis Murphy (Owner) (E08-000-015-00003 R3) 11 South Montowese Street Var. Sec. 3.4.A.5 To allow a front setback of 10 feet 2 inches where 15 feet is required for a 40 foot addition at the back door of the existing original house, to serve as a mudroom. Jim Sette Chairman

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Branford Land Trust Hosts Film on Native Practices Press release from Branford Land Trust

Branford Land Trust will host a screening of the award-winning documentary “Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World” on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 1-4 p.m. at the Blackstone Memorial Library. The film will be followed by a conversation on the film, which follows five Native American communities as they restore their traditional land management practices in the face of a changing climate. For millennia Native Americans successfully stewarded and shaped their landscapes, but centuries of colonization have disrupted their ability to maintain these processes. From deserts, coastlines, forests, mountains, and prairies, Native communities across the United States are restoring their ancient relationships with the land. The five stories include sustaining traditions of Hopi dryland farming in Arizona; restoring buffalo to the Blackfeet reservation in Montana; maintaining sustainable forestry on the Menominee reservation in Wisconsin; reviving native food forests in Hawaii; and returning prescribed fire to the landscape by the Karuk Tribe of California. As the climate crisis escalates, these time-tested practices of North Amer-

ica’s original inhabitants are becoming increasingly essential in a rapidly changing world. Speakers for the event will include Clan Mother Shoran Waupatuquay Piper, tribal leader of the Golden Hill Paugussett Nation, a state-recognized tribe; Jesse Rose, a medicine woman, teacher, and practitioner of land-based healing and founder of Gathered Waters Medicine, and Courtney Cucinotta, an Indigenous woman of Nipmuc and European descent who is a clinical herbalist at Talking Stick Herbal Therapies in North Branford. This event and an upcoming Winter Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. The upcoming Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series includes these events: Marie Comuzzo, “Singing and Listening with Whales: Exploring Human and More-ThanHuman Musicalities” on Feb. 24; Two Coyotes Wilderness School, “Raising Our Future Ancestors” on March 24; and Tom Cleveland, “Fish Ladder, 25th Anniversary, History, Stories, and How It Came To Be” on April 28. The land trust’s annual meeting in May. For more information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.

Hatha Yoga Series A beginner/intermediate-level hatha yoga series runs Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Trinity Church Hall, 1009 Main Street, Branford. The sessions are led by certified yoga instructor Gina Macdonald-Page. The cost is $10 per session, with drop-in participants welcome. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. For more information, call or text Gina at 203 710-6665.

“I’ve reinvented my life!” - Barbara W.

“My pets and I love it here —it truly feels like home!”

Thursday January 15, 2026 RSVP required by January 12th 9:30am Check-in & Coffee 10:00am Program begins

What Awaits You at Our Open House Step inside and experience the energy of our community for yourself. Stroll through beautiful spaces, meet the people who make this place so special, and get a taste of the extraordinary lifestyle our residents enjoy every day. With exceptional amenities, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll see how life here truly lets you Elevate Your Everyday.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that there will be a caucus of all enrolled Republicans electors of the Town of Branford all Districts on Monday January 12th at Branford Community House 7PM to endorse candidates for the Republican Town Committee.

NOTICE OF DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

Call Now! 203-244-7328 150 Cook Hill Road, Cheshire, CT 06410 www.ElimPark.org

To enrolled members of the Democratic Party of the Town of Branford, CT. Pursuant to the Rules of the Democratic Party and State election laws, you are hereby notified that a caucus will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 7:00 P.M. at the Joseph Trapasso Community House at 46 Church Street in Branford.

SCAN HERE to sign up!

The Caucus will endorse candidates for the Branford Democratic Town Committee and transact other business as may be proper to come before said Caucus in Multi-Function Room A on the 1st Floor. Democratic Town Committee Chair Kevin Coughlin

A not-for-proﬁt Life Plan Community

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • COMMUNITY NEWS

Serving the Future with Volunteerism Continued from page 2 Ken often describes himself as a ‘serial volunteer’ dedicated to inspiring a younger generation to care (that Youngblood ballad message again, “Smile on your brother”), and to ultimately replace current volunteers when they age out. “Who,” he asks, “will fill that imminent gap?” “Times are changing,” Ken adds, “and the world community is growing more important than ever. Some time ago, I asked a former first selectman exactly who he saw taking up the mantle of that responsibility. He had no answer.” There are two onetime community activists he cites for their generosity in volunteering for many years on behalf of their communities—Eunice Lasala and Bill O’Brien—and he felt they set the gold standard for others to follow. Ken found them both inspirational. “I felt that by creating my own nonprofit (during the Covid pandemic), I might be

able to encourage others into volunteering for community service—in particular the younger generation.” Ken explains the requirement built into the Branford education system, where students must complete a number of community service hours in order to graduate. “There are three well-known nonprofits that usually get the call from students needing to fulfill the requirement: the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, the Community Dining Room, and the Blackstone Library. They all do important work, but so do many other community nonprofits that simply don’t have the resources to advertise, promote themselves, or even introduce themselves to the people they serve. That’s where my ‘local nonprofit/local student match’ program stemmed from. I knew there were more than 25 volunteerbased nonprofits in Branford alone that also needed a stronger voice in the community.” Ken’s nonprofit program provides them

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Diane Stadolnik (25-00441) The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated December 19, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim. Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk The fiduciary is: Carol Nista c/o DONNA R LEVINE, LAW OFFICE OF, DONNA R. LEVINE, 23 LEGRAND ROAD, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473

with the voice they need, and at no cost. It includes hardworking organizations like the Branford Compassion Club, the Branford Food Pantry, the Shoreline Greenway Trail, the Community Forest Commission, Save Our Sound, and many others that serve the people, animals in need, and the environment. “Students needing to perform their community service can tap into these organizations as well, relieving the pressure put on the three that are more known.” In order to help make students more aware of their choices, Ken held assemblies at Branford High School and at East Haven High, letting students and faculty know about the nonprofits that have not been spotlighted previously. And he is now taking it beyond a high school graduation requirement. “Young people need to know more about the value of nonprofits and community service. And this work can also potentially lead to new career possibilities. Mostly

they will learn about caring. If we can teach the coming generation about understanding their own communities and the essence of making them better for everyone, then we have a future.” Ken Engelman is now hoping to see student volunteerism that’s matched with nonprofits spreading statewide. And he has already been reaping success in that lofty quest. “I work fulltime at my media position. This is all strictly a volunteer effort in my spare time. It’s well worth the effort.” What does he expect from all of it? A better world for one thing. A bit quixotic perhaps? Maybe. But Cervantes’ fabled knight, Don Quixote, believed in his quest. So does this man. And like that band of the ‘60s said in their message to us all: “Ev’rybody get together.” Not so farfetched at all. Visit https://communityvolunteers united.org for those who would like to know more.

LEGAL NOTICE NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION Notice is hereby given that the North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Rd., North Branford, CT to consider the following: A. Appl. #2025-10, Zoning Map Amendment – to change the parcels at 435 & 465 Foxon Road from R-40 (residential) zone to B-1 (business) zone. Applicants: John Castlevetro & John Doody, Attorney Leonard Fasano, Agent At this hearing, all interested persons may appear and be heard and written communications will be received. Copies of proposals are on file for public inspection in the Town Hall Planning Department. Robert Nowak, Chairman

TOWN OF BRANFORD TAXPAYERS NOTICE OF TAXES DUE JANUARY 1,2026

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Branford, resident and non-resident, that the 2ND INSTALLMENT of Real Estate Tax, Personal Property Tax and SUPPLEMENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE Tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, are due on JANUARY 1, 2026, and payable without penalty by February 2, 2026.

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Branford, Connecticut hereby gives notice of Public Hearings to be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM by remote technology to consider the applications listed below. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the Commission’s meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Make payable to ‘TAX COLLECTOR, BRANFORD’’ and mail to: Branford Tax Collector P.O. Box 1380 Department No. 000303 Hartford Ct.06104-1380 Payments may be made online at www.branford-ct.gov or in person between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday at the Tax Office in the Town Hall located at 1019 Main Street, Branford CT, 06405. Payments must be received or postmarked by February 2, 2026, to avoid interest.

1. 2.

Application #25-16 Special Exception for the construction of a two-family home in the rear of parcel and a second floor addition above the existing garage for a dwelling unit located at 42 Silver Street. Gregory Bozzi -Applicant & Owner . Application # 25- 19 Zoning Regulation Application for revisions to the Landscaping Regulations (Sec. 6.3). M. Wackers (Director of Planning & Zoning)-Applicant.

Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax and respective penalties should the account become delinquent. C.G.S.12-130

At said hearings all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies are on file in the Planning & Zoning Commissions office at the Planning & Zoning Department (1019 Main Street) Branford, CT 06405.

Unpaid taxes will be considered delinquent as of February 3, 2026. On that date, interest will accrue on a monthly basis for each month from the original due date of January 1, 2026. Interest is charged at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% per year) in accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. Sec. 12-146

Written communications may be sent to the above address or to: PlanningandZoning@branford-ct.gov.

Robert M. Imperato Tax Collector Town of Branford

BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION C. ANDRES, CHAIRPERSON

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Photo by June Getchius

Nice Girl Nahla Story by Carol Andrecs

It is time for our petite and adorable Nahla to find a home of her own. Nahla is a soft and silky 5-year-old female dilute tortoiseshell with a beautiful fluffy tail. Her markings are unique and extraordinary. Nahla loves to receive treats, and she also enjoys the company of other cats but prefers a quiet home without dogs. When she gets attention and is being petted, she will purr very loudly. For an appointment to meet sweet Nahla, stop by during our open house events or apply online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.

Find Your Match at Forgotten Felines

New Taproom Brings Farm-to-Glass Beer Continued from page 6 live events, and the potential to operate as a distribution hub — making it easier to reach shoreline and eastern Connecticut communities. There are no immediate plans to expand outdoor seating, but heaters help extend patio use on milder winter days, and the team is considering additional outdoor amenities in the future. Seasonal releases are also planned, including a porter available throughout winter and a New Year’s IPA that was set to debut around the first week of January. “In three years, I’d love to see it feel like a left and a right arm of a single organism,

rather than two distinct locations,” Labendz said. For regulars, the new taproom is already becoming a gathering place. Customer Anna Arisco described it as “a new place for the community to come together to share stories and drinks,” adding that Sunday visits feel relaxed and give patrons time to connect with bartenders and neighbors. Kent Falls Brewing Co. is located at 418 Forest Road in Northford. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Information about food trucks and menus is posted at kentfallsbrewing.com.

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Branford BOF Sends DPW Appropriation Request To RTM Continued from page 1 alarms and fire suppressants, and electrical upgrades. While noting the $500,000 price tag is a steep one, Brooks promised to be frugal and added that some of the improvements such as the large garage door are items that the department can take with it when it moves into a permanent DPW location. “I will not spend a penny more than what is absolutely necessary,” Brooks told the BOF. During a discussion on the appropriation, BOF member Alfred Bertoline said he was uneasy at the amount of the request for a building the town only has a two-year lease on. Chairman Joseph Mooney agreed, but said he felt the town had no choice. The motion to approve the appropriation passed unanimously. The decision to lease the property on East Industrial Road was made in July. Prior to that, the DPW had been renting space in a building on Route 139 since

moving from its former North Main Street location in 2011 to make way for the town’s new Fire Department headquarters. However, Brooks said in the spring the owners of the building on Route 139 informed the town that they were seeking to expand a business on the site and therefore there wouldn’t be room for the DPW. Brooks said that the town investigated other sites around town, but none were suitably large enough for the DPW equipment. Right now, Brooks said that some equipment and personnel have moved into the East Industrial Road facility, while other equipment is stored at a site on School Ground Road that is in a flood plain. Brooks said that once the renovations are complete the equipment will be moved into the temporary facility. Brooks said that when the decisions were made to move into the temporary home, the town knew that some work was needed on the facility, but added “I don’t think people realized at first to what extent.”

Brooks said he couldn’t provide an exact timeline for when the upgrades will be done, but he did explain the next steps in the process. “The RTM has a meeting on Jan. 14. If they authorize this, I will call a special Board of Selectmen meeting shortly after and we can get moving on this. DPW is understandably very anxious to get this done,” Brooks said. As for a permanent home for DPW, that too will be discussed at the upcoming RTM meeting. Brooks said that in November the Board of Finance voted to authorize bonding $10.8 million for purchasing the building across the street from the temporary DPW home at 15 East Industrial Road and converting it into a permanent DPW headquarters building. Brooks said he asked the RTM in December for more time to vet the project since the decision was made shortly before he became first selectman and he wanted more time to do due diligence on the property himself.

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Sports

THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026 • SPORTS

The Sound Valley Courier Thursday, January 8, 2026

North Branford Shifting to Defensive Focus By Serenity J. Bishop Sports Editor

The North Branford Boys’ Ice Hockey co-op team has stumbled out of the gates to start the season, but coaches and players are remaining optimistic as they learn from each team they face. The ice hockey team, which includes players from Coginchaug, HaddamKillingworth, Old Saybrook, and Portland, has fallen to 1-4 within its first five games. The team’s latest loss came from a 9-5 defeat to North Haven. North Branford went down 5-0 early in the matchup. North Haven scored on their first three or four shots, but after a talk in the lockeroom North Branford settled down and rallied to within one point before losing grip of a pending comeback. Despite the loss, North Branford has proven early in the season that they are made of the right stuff. They are just one or two mistakes away from securing more victories than losses. North Branford coach Ralph Shaw said the team is playing with heart, and that’s what keeps them in the game. “We definitely have a lot of heart. I give credit to these guys. They’re working hard,” Shaw said. “We’re trying to focus on defense first. Each game we played this year so far we’ve had some highs and lows on our defensive side. If we can fine-tune it a little bit, things will improve for us.” Shaw added in the 9-5 loss to North Haven, the team proved that they can keep chipping away and make adjustments on the fly. He gave credit to North Haven for the challenge they presented for North Branford to now learn from. “North Haven is a talented team. They work the puck; they kept a lot of pressure on us. So I give them a lot of credit, I don’t fault my guys. We could have folded up shop when we were down 5-0, but they came back and kept working,” he said. “I’m proud of my guys. I told them in the locker room to keep working. I know we’re frustrated, but if you keep putting forth the effort and the energy that we need, then good things are going to happen.” The frustration for North Branford is not just based on the slow start to the sea-

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Captain Nick Maher (28). North Branford boys ice hockey was defeated 9-5 by North Haven on January 3 at Northford Ice Pavilion.

son. It stems back to last season, where the team finished with a 4-16 record and failed to qualify for the state tournament. The disappointing season last year has also shaped the goals for the team this season. North Branford is aiming to win at least eight games in order to secure their spot in the state tournament and contend for a title once the postseason arrives. Shaw said it’s a one-game-at-a-time mentality. “We had a rough year last year. It’s a fine line to walk when we went 4-16 last year, and this year we’re coming out 1-4.

That’s something that weighs on your mind, and I know for these guys, they’re a little vulnerable to that,” Shaw said. “There’s a lot of hockey to play. A lot of things we can accomplish. We’re not a bad team; we just have to put some stuff together. We have a gutsy team, they’re eager to win.” North Branford is led by Cameron Gauvin, TJ Connelly, and Max Becker. Shaw describes Becker as the energy of the team, Connelly as the senior captain who acts as the spark plug to his unit, and Gauvin as the defensive rock.

He also recognized newcomers Evan Brown and Charlie De, who have been able to put the puck in the net early in the season. “We’ve lost some crazy games, but we’ve been scoring goals. If we just focus on tightening down on defense more, I think we’ll be good,” Shaw said. “The guys are buying in. You have mental breakdowns throughout the course of the game, but it’s a process.” North Branford returns to the rink on Wednesday, Jan. 14

SPORTS • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

The Fishing Year in Review for 2025 Fishing report By Captain Morgan Special to The Sound

The year 2025 was a year of weather and/or whether. More often than not, fishing trips had to be molded around impending weather fronts that were as predictable as the winning lottery ticket. Then one had to gaze into the immediate future and decide whether or not to venture out on Long Island Sound (or beyond) to fish or turn inland to hit the sweet water. Before that, short blasts of snow hit the shoreline - even a taste or two of a noreaster - brought the rumbling of snow plows. Freezing temperatures also enlisted the work of USCG Cutter Bollard, the primary ice breaker, aided by the Howser and Cleat, to clear the Connecticut River. Ospreys got into their routine late - some nests doing better than others. Fish migrations heading north stalled their arrival while boaters’ plans were deferred on more than one occasion due to inclement weather, leaving marinas with a backlog and weekenders running around getting their vessels sea-ready in time for the upcoming season. There were more ice fishing opportunities early on - significantly less by the immediate shoreline. Hard water species normally caught through the ice did not disappoint - neither did trout waters for anglers who enjoyed the solitude and challenges that winter brought. The typical tidal rivers brought anglers to Atlantic salmon waters where broodstock were fought between the dams, sea-run brown trout were running upstream and holdover striped bass were gathered. Most ‘linesiders’ were caught and released while, fortunately, other misguided anglers had to pay the price for disre-

HIGH

Tides BRANFORD Jan. 8 to Jan. 14

numbers of below-theCAPTAIN MORGAN’S releasing slot fish. Around the same time,

garding common sense regulations and attempted to poach their way around without getting caught. Colorful brookies were coaxed to take a fly or small inline spinner while being fished in Classdesignated rivers as rainbows and browns danced the cool waters with anglers casting artificials in their direction. Trout stockings covered most of the popular hard water spots that did experience good flags while happy jiggers and several family and friend get-togethers gathered around a cozy campground setting. Wind was not friendly! As spring approached, in fact, it was the weather that reared its ugly head interrupting the stocking program. In some cases it was the ice, but more to the point, it was the water levels and, in some cases, flows that caused any disruption. The end result, though, was that trout stocking was over the top and successfully kept anglers into fish all season. Lake and pond fishing kicked off early with good largemouth, smallmouth, and pickerel catches. Panfish fired up along with white perch, some northern pike, channel catfish and river carp. Bowfin caught attention while shortnose sturgeon were encountered breaching in the Connecticut River during spawning season - startling, yet stunning to witness. Inland fishing continued to be a bed of ‘hot’ activity throughout the whole season. By spring, striped bass livened up the holdover rivers when they moved down, creating untold interactions with fishers catching and Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

A.M. 2:33 3:24 4:15 5:08 6:02 6:56 7:48

P.M. 2:52 3:45 4:41 5:38 6:37 7:33 8:23

blackfish (tautog) season opened for the month of April. Wind direction and weather were big factors despite warmer water. Small and short fish were the norm in light of a few fish caught further up the ladder. Few fishers attempted winter flounder even though bays and some channels held these flatties. If one knew the spots and winds calmed down enough, the limit of two fish were generally caught using soft baits and chum. Weather continued to play into fishing plans as by now, anglers sensed that coastal migrations of fish hit the delay button. Normal signs of baitfish were missing even some of the winter river herring normally found upriver were not too quick to move down. Small harbor bluefish were in short supply compounding May’s marina dump due to weather setbacks. Eventually they showed up, along with small stripers that eventually ushered in slot and over-the-slot fish. Rain and wind continued to upset plans - but not for the weakfish run. Sizes were not as impressive as last season and the one before that however, they were one of the species caught pretty much throughout the season. These Squeteagues took artificials (including flies) and bait as they penetrated the Sound making their way to spawning and feeding grounds. Catches of decent fluke were made as the season developed in spite of the high numbers of shorts but that did not stop the serious fluke hunters. Water temps warmed which turned scup, spot croaker and black sea bass collectively, into a key popular bottom fishery. Reefs and rock piles held fish pretty much throughout most of the Sound and reef fishers took full advantage of the action. Overall, striped sea robins left anglers wanting, but brown sharks, sand tigers and dogfish added another dimension to one’s fishing. Again, striped bass were the target of those brown (sandbar) sharks. We saw numbers of cownose stingrays and skate, oyster toadfish and other miscellaneous bot-

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Accomplishment! Closing out 2025 on December 31st, during gusty winds and temps in the teens, light gear angler Chris Brockett of Clinton, cast for, caught and released his 1,000th fish (a sunfish) for the year. Catches and releases spanned multiple species from panfish to 84 striped bass (including 591 trout) across inland and marine waters.

tom fish, like gray trigger and ladyfish. As Fall rolled in, the fishery began to bulk up while reef fish fed aggressively before edging into deeper water. Short fish were annoying to say the least, but eyeopening catches did turn heads. Blackfish were peppered by fishers with jigs and rigs - some of which scored some nice 8-10 pound togs but most fell either short or within 3-5 pounds. There was about a week or so of some fairly good blitz action - something that the season needed. Lowering Fall temps also brought in bonito and sparse runs of false albacore. The better runs were definitely out by the ‘pork chop’ and the vineyard where hardtails proved to be impressive. Farther out, the tuna bite was

good in-between weather fronts and prior to the bluefin shutdown. As was expected, after migrating striped bass slipped through and out of the Sound on their coastal journey south, holdover ‘linesiders’ began staging before entering their winter tidal rivers. Once water temperatures tanked in the salt, it was ‘Sayonara’ unless fishing tidal rivers, specifically the Housatonic lower tidal river where ‘new’ regulations are meant to have a serious deterrence effect on poachers, was a destination. After that, it was deep water, warm-railed headboat fishing, soft water for trout and lake/pond fishing for either open or hard water excursions. See page 14

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • SPORTS

Branford Football Holds Toy Drive for the Holidays By Serenity J. Bishop Sports Editor

Over the past three years, the Branford football team has gathered around the holidays to hold an annual toy drive that benefits the Community Dining Room. This year has been the biggest success so far, as the Branford community showed up to support those in need. Community fundraiser and Branford Gridiron Club member, Mike DeCusati, organized the event in partnership with Bob Alvine and Premier Subaru and Kia. The fundraiser also included the Branford High School boys soccer team, girls field hockey team, cheerleaders, and both Branford Youth football and Branford Youth cheer. DeCusati said he is proud of the athletes and their families, who participated to fill a 16-foot box truck with toys. He said it has always been his mission to teach the players about community service and giving back to the community that has supported them. “It was really nice to see the sports community come together for our town,” DeCusati said. “A lot of people look at Branford as a wealthy shoreline town, and it’s anything but that. There’s a lot of wealth in Branford, but there’s a lot of poverty in Branford. You won’t find a greater diversity in income in any other shoreline town than in Branford.” The Branford football team finished the regular season 7-3, but while the community supported the team throughout the season,

Photo courtesy of Mike DeCusati

Branford football and cheerleading pose for a picture at Premier Subaru and Kia or the third annual toy drive.

the toy drive was an opportunity for the football team to flip the narrative and do something for others. DeCusati said it was important to him and football coach John Limone to establish an understanding of how important community service is and how much help they actually receive

throughout the year. “It’s important for me that these boys understand that they need to always give back because no matter how tough you have it, there are people who have it tougher,” DeCusati said. “I also want the community to see that these kids and our families are giving back to the community

that’s so good to them.” This year is the first year that the toy drive expanded to the other sports teams. The boys’ soccer team, girls’ field hockey team, and cheerleaders collected toys at their banquets and then dropped them off on the day of the football toy drive. Those toys were then combined with Premier Subaru

and Kia, which held a separate toy drive, before delivering the toys to the Community Dining Room. Limone spoke highly of DeCusati and the gridiron club for all that they do for the community and the athletes. “I am incredibly proud to have any small part in the toy drive, but the credit really goes to our gridiron club and our players who make it happen,” Limone said. “The community has always supported us, and the idea of giving back is incredibly important to us. I also think helping kids is something our players take great pride in.” The football coach added that the part that makes him most proud is the enthusiasm that the community and players approach the toy drive with. He said the football team has a great group of players and families that care about the community. “It has never been something that feels like an obligation for our kids. They truly enjoy doing their part,” he said. “In the end, it is important for our players to understand that small things can make a big difference in your community. Again, we are so fortunate to have a community that has supported us greatly throughout the years, and our program is incredibly grateful for that. Hopefully, as our players move on to whatever comes after high school, they are continuing to impact their communities in a positive way.”

The Fishing Year in Review for 2025 Continued from page 13 Oh yes, and of course, there were trips to our southern warm waters and the tropics. b

On The Water: One of the few December surprises, Winter Storm Devin delivered a mix of everything - most notably, snowpacks and ice covering the shoreline! The area remained behind a bitter cold front with low pressure remaining to the north bringing a long-lasting cold airmass. A cold front moved through with low pressure that developed east of the area. High pressure finally built followed by a another

cold front then followed both high and low pressure pressure systems. Pre-dawn air temperatures dipped to single digits as daytime ones barely topped the teens with some days hitting above freezing. Long Island Sound water temps dropped to 35ºF, dense fog blanketed the shoreline and gale force winds drove seas from relatively calm to times of 8-10 feet before Gale Warnings were dropped. The mix of windy, wintry conditions saw limited hard water action and plenty of false flags as south of I-95 played with intermittent, nearly ‘safe’ ice. Trout and Atlantic salmon kept open water in play along with a few other species like pickerel and panfish. Trips to our southern warm

waters increased along with those to the Caribbean while up north, headboat trips battled a schedule fraught with wind. Time was spent by many anglers getting a jump on gear prep for the upcoming 2026 season. Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media. Or, contact Captain Morgan for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime to a remote national or international fishing destination. For all things fishy including ice fishing, bait, the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rod/reel service and repair, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026

licenses/permits and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison or call 203-245-8665 for updated winter hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better. Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa@hotmail.com captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

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

Real Estate

Houses/ Unfurnished

Wanted to Buy

**WANTED** Firearms Single or Collections ______________________ Including military and related items. Federal firearms license. Appraisals. ______________________ Richard Pleines 860-663-2214

AUTO STORAGE

—

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

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

classifieds community

where

BUYERS

&meet SELLERS

Finished with your newspaper?

Help us

keep the shoreline green by recycling this paper.

BUILDING & REMODELING Shoreline Deck Company, LLC Shoreline Deck Company, Making Ideas Happen LLC

Making Additions, Ideas Happen Bathrooms, Additions, Pergolas, Bathrooms, Pool Houses, Pergolas, Pavilions, Pool Houses, Outdoor Pavilions, Kitchens Outdoor

Kitchens Please call for a free design consultation & estimate

Please call for a 203-453-2333 free design consultation & estimate www.shorelinedeck.com | chris@shorelinedeck.com

203-453-2333

HIC.0547261

www.shorelinedeck.com | chris@shorelinedeck.com

HIC.0547261

16 • CLASSIFIEDS • THE SOUND

JANUARY 8, 2026 BUILDING & REMODELING

Since 1981 38 Years Exp.

T. Robert’s Construction, LLC

MR. FIX IT

J&P RESTORATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTING

d239532

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

General Contractor J.A. Petrillo - Owner

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

From Design To Completion

Fully Insured

Lic #563264

(203) 507-6902 • Branford, CT

BRUCE STERLING Remodeling & Building

• Carpentry: Interior/Exterior • Drywall • Siding No Jobs • Decks Too Small! • Doors & Windows • Kitchens, Baths & Flooring • And More!

Cell (203) 915-5084

Roofing Remodeling Additions Kitchens Garages Masonry Decks Gutters

Siding Sheet Rock Bathrooms Paper Hanging Painting Plumbing Electrical Windows

203-982-5436 HIC.0560655

Casanova Builders, LLC Since 1956

Lic. #541195 Insured • Over 30 Years Experience

• Decks • Finish Carpentry • Tile Work • Custom Kitchen • Bathroom and Home remodeling. No Job Too Small!

203-444-6297

DECKS

203-245-2592 203-458-8222

www.mrfixitllc.com

SKY CITY

HOME IMPROVEMENT, LLC DECKS KITCHENS BATHROOMS ADDITIONS CARPENTRY PAINTING

ALL TYPES OF BUILDING REPAIRS $50.00 per hour Carpentry • Doors • Locks Windows • Stairs • Closets Decks • Drywall • Painting

(203) 392-4516

Small jobs are fine

Free Estimates

Licensed & Insured

Home & Business Cleaning info@geniemaids.com

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

860.331.9901

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

The Original

Owner/ Operator Scott Behler

Complete Site Work - Paving - Driveways Mulch, Stone, Screened Topsoil, Sand & Gravel Community

Water Mains, Sewers

www.blexcavating.com - 860-388-9665

WINDOW CLEANING, CARPETS & FLOORS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALTel. CLEANING P.O. Box 589,

Madison, CT 06443

Scott’s Gutter Fully Insured Cleaning HIC #0634550

No Job Too Small • No Job Too Large Complete Cleaning, Installation and Repairs for Gutters

in print every week & online every day at zip06.com 203-245-1877 Ext. 6130 860-701-4200

203-245-8647

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

860-399-4444

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

GUTTER SERVICES

CLUTTER IN THE GUTTER

756 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook, CT

SPECIALIZING IN WINDOW CLEANING, SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING

39 ORCHARD PARK ROAD • MADISON

EXCAVATING

House Sites, Septic Systems, Demolition

ROWELLCLEANING CLEANING ROWELL SERVICELLC LLC SERVICE S

ELECTRICAL

License #ELC.0203098-E1 Fully Insured

licensed /insured HIC #0678344

203-245-8647

Marc Geoghegan

203-996-4981 Brian

email. rcsllc64@gmail.com

DECK RESTORE Free Estimates beautify your home.

LIC. #0663008 LIC.#0570590

CLEANING SERVICES

DRYWALL

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

Jim 203-530-2670

HIC # 0646127

Joseph Casanova Jr.

Sanding/Refinishing Softwash House Cleaning

Lic. #578530

Repairs • Remodeling

WINDOWS DOORS SIDING GUTTERS ROOFING

Guilford, CT.

Stephen S. Simonetti Licensed & Insured

Roof Repairs • Handyman Services Power Washing • Roof Washing Black Stains & Algae Removal Prompt Courteous Service, Done on Time

203-466-0520

HIRE A VETERAN

Green Gloves L Gutters, LC

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

203-245-9448

SERVING MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW HAVEN COUNTY & FAIRFIELD COUNTY

GREENGLOVESGUTTERS.COM

THE SOUND • CLASSIFIEDS • 17

JANUARY 8, 2026 JUNK REMOVAL

LANDSCAPING

Commercial & Residential

JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES

Locally Owned and Operated Family Business

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

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

We Donate & Recycle!

860-415-3313

860-510-3509

SENIOR DISCOUNT

www.thecleanoutcompanyllc.com

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

FULLY INSURED

www.violalandscaping.com 860-635-1030 office@violalandscapingllc.com

LANDSCAPING

Landscape Design & Build Hand Drawn Renderings Full Estate Plans

residential

MASONRY

MOVING

OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP

NEED SOMETHING MOVED?

SOSOLI’S

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M AS O N RY, L LC

“No Job Too Small”

HIC.0618942

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

Will do Dump Runs also. Call Luke at

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

203-464-0444 PAINTING

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Serving the Shoreline Area Since 1996 Call today for consultation 860-767-2811 like us www.sullivanlawnservices.com CT HIC #0606162

Cell (203) 598-2524

ot m a RC egC oR notpmaRRC ePLUMBING gnRampton o R ogeR C ogeR Rampton RRogeR CpR Rampton RRogeR CRampton PAINTING SERVICES

CT HIC#06060162 CT Lic# P1-0204385

FINANCING AVAILABLE

www.greatmason.com

FERT #B2547

Connecticut Shoreline

Dominic Bosco

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

ROOFING GNINOITl ID NOCONDITIONING C RIA l GNITAEH l GNIBMULP PLUMBING l HEATING AIR lppmm AIR GNINOITIDNOC RIA lPLUMBING GRNogeR ITogeR AEHlC lRampton G NnPLUMBING BpttM UaaRRLRl CC PCONDITIONING PLUMBING HEATING l AIR CONDITIONING no t m a eoogRloR nIo o C RR g R eeg Rampton R C Rampton ogeR CHEATING HEATING l AIR CONDITIONING Rampton C Rampton ogeR Rampton SHEATING RogeR IR EAIR RNTSCONDITIONING RO O LGGA INOO IRampton D NOOCS CRN GINNT AEES P I WEN MARTIN ARDOLINO GGIN ICONDITIONING N IC D NC IIAAPA NNlIIBBT N E PLUMBING W I NPLUMBING S TAl HEATING LogeR AT IogeR O N R llL PLUMBING HEATING GA N IPlNll AIR OAIR IDCONDITIONING NTITIO O RR IRAE lll GG NIIITTR IAA TAHHLEllH GMMS NULIN BMULP

Quality Work Since 1987

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n sa eW pipes, •NWell Gas 0O0Gas 2SG 2N-piping 4O•3I T4A-0L6L8sAkTnSaNT IllW SRR•R IA PPA E iRIpRiRSP E N• 860-434-2200 EW I Tanks N S TA860-434-2200 L L AT I • ON SLeaking OPiping Eg • Well Pumps Mini Splits

pumps •sea PLUMBING HEATING lLeaking AIRfiltration, n2W iGas p ipTCpipes, G eLnpoGas nW ipiping kat.,wesp Lrm pipes, Water o goR Rampton pWell m uTTanks, pHeaters, l2l1l2lg81e4e rpiping tWell acc,.sC.,eCrsLCONDITIONING ripmemrpipes tgan eWater liaoddeeR BC Refiltration, Boilers, Water pumps, Interior/Exterior ,stec•uMinor aF ,nCarpentry oitarR tlogeR fi retC ainsured W ,www.RogerCramptonLLC.com sLeaking k,••sWell n aLeaking lHeaters, 80420W P# #cicl,iTl s LLH gooRRFaucets, Well Faucets, -,1s-P1p rruussnnii yylllluuFF naoettH ppTanks, aeartrCaCrW Fully CT licm #ooP1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com muCpIpumps, llem W ePiping tR ,sSre.wliw Boilers, Water Well 860-434-2200 Well Tanks •O Gas 860-434-2200 N E W I N S TA L L AT N S O R R 0 0 2 2 4 4,,IsreTks-IegWell 6NlOal8eowWTCwBw Rpumps, 860-434-2200 Popcorn Ceiling Removal G N IaE3 NWPA O I0 DaTn IlAeW l GNITAEH l 24-Hour GNIBMULP Emergency Service Available PLUMBING l HEATING l AIR Well CONDITIONING Leaking pipes, piping ,stfiltration, etcu ar Ft,nlo itarrte lfiGas ra etW n Tanks, Water filtration, Faucets, , s t e c u a F , n o i a fi t k l Well Tanks, Water Faucets, ogeR Rampton Boilers, Water Heaters, 0 0 2 2 4 3 4 6 8 860-434-2200 Fully insured CT lic#0 P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com Fully insured CT lic # P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com Leaking pipes, Gas piping gniHeaters, pip staa Gm ,sWell eptipsLeaking gpumps, niE kaEeR L Boilers, Water pipes, Gas piping gnipipNsEaWG eLpL AT iplIwww.RogerCramptonLLC.com gN SnOi2Leaking kR1FREE a0l2Ee LEstimate Wallpaper Removal 860-434-2200 IPLUMBING Ninsured S,s TA OHEATING IcCONDITIONING A ErR SN I T A L LdA Fully 8Well 4R -AIR 1PA P #g iR lpipes, TSiCp eruTsnSi N yllIuFW E N cG.Cc,e.LCsfiltration, LenLp oCT ppRlicm anP1-204812 rPiCk wOw piping n iTpC msWater aoGas i#tSptiP1-204812 gIE#Faucets, aeFegRoLOR.ww Tanks, Water FULLY INSURED Fully insured www.RogerCramptonLLC.com 21840Well 2-1P860-434-2200 # Tanks, cil and derusni ylluF mod w For Heating nCTLaGas n2piping 860-434-2200 0lic0ng2ofiltration, -i4tm 3a4ae -r0CH 6r8ergooFR.wFaucets, Leaking pipes, c: 203.430.4194 • martinardolino@gmail.com Boilers, Water Heaters, Well pumps, FREE Estimate , s p m u p l l e W , s r e t a e H r e t a W , s r e l i o B CT lic # P1-204812 • Lic # S1-390795 N E WFully I Ninsured S TA L L ATwww.RogerCramptonLLC.com Iwww.RogerCramptonLLC.com ON S OLeaking R R E PA I Rg Sn moicn LLniottipGas Rr .wiwA wCT lic # P1-204812 Air Conditioning o Well Tanks, Water filtration, Faucets, 860-434-2200 o8ilic ta#rtP1-204812 lfi retaW ,sknaT lleW 00pipes, 2sn2.Cand -4,st3edmc4uanraC-or0FegC,6onpiping Fully insured CT www.RogerCramptonLLC.com For860-434-2200 Heating Installations oitallagtnsipnipI saG ,sepip gnikaeL ROOFING Leaking pipes, Gas piping Boilers, Water Heaters, Well pumps, Fully insured CT lic # P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com Air Conditioning Fully insured www.RogerCramptonLLC.com 218402-1Pfiltration, # cil TC860-434-2200 derusni ylluF mFaucets, oc.CLLnotpCTmlicar#CP1-204812 regoR.www Well Tanks, Water 860-434-2200 Installations Fully insured CT lic # P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com Leaking pipes, Gas piping 218402-1P # cil TC derusni ylluF 0022-434-068 m o c . C L L n o t p m a r C r e g o R . w w w Fully insured CT lic # P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com 218402-1P # cil TC derusni ylluF moc.CT CLLlic no#tpP1-204812 marCregoR.www Fully insured www.RogerCramptonLLC.com 860-434-2200 Fully insured www.RogerCramptonLLC.com CT lic # P1-204812

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2 V_70 9718 D

860-434-2200 derusni ylluF

Roofing 860-434-2200

RESTORATION,LLC

ROOFING

D817907_V2

203-453-5571 203-453-5571 Family Owned & Operated www.RogerCramptonLLC.com

Moss, Algae, Black Stains

CT lic # P1-204812

A AboveThe TheRest Rest A Roof Roof Above Fully insured

ROOFS WASHED

CT lic # P1-204812

D817907_V2

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

www.ENHRestoration.com www.ENHRestoration.com

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

Gutter Cleaning EPDM Roofing Flat Roofs

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL COVONERESTORATION.COM

Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed

Call Scott’s Gutters 203-466-0520 HIRE A VETERAN HIC #0634550

18 • CLASSIFIEDS • THE SOUND

JANUARY 8, 2026

SKYWAY

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

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

Residential

HARRISON 562-8077 • 624-ROOF ROOFING (203)

(203) 624-ROOF

“Quality Roofing Since 1928”

Celebrating 30 yrs. of service with 15% Off All Year! New Roofs & Roof Repairs

PAYMENTS AVAILABLE!

R ’ T

••Tree TreeRemoval Removal ••60’ Truck 60’Bucket Bucket Truck StormDamage Damage ••Storm BranchPiles Piles ••Branch Firewood ••Stump Grinding AllCalls Calls Returned ••All Returned Reasonable Rates ••Reasonable Rates

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ROOFINGProfessionals

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(203)

Restoration LLC

203-234-1906 | 203-671-1368 www.skyway-roofing.com

Licensed

Insured

Licensed & Insured Lic. #0573204

203-483-7314

Senior & Veteran Discounts

CALL NOW

BBB

FOR LOW WINTER RATES

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

East Haven, CT 06512

• TREE REMOVALS • STUMP GRINDING • TREE and SHRUB PRUNING Div. of Provider Inc. NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL Our Staff are Prompt, Courteous, Professionals Richard Anderson CT Licensed Arborist # 62697

(203) 245-8733

FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

TREE SERVICES

LANDSCAPE&TREESERVICE A FULL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY

RT &

Brian Miller

Over 20 Years Experience Clinton, CT

T REE REMOVAL L.L.C Affordable and Professional Tree Services

Landscape & Lawncare Services

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(860)227-2774

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Same day call back. We accept credit cards. www.rttreeremoval.com • brian@rttreeremoval.com

WATERPROOFING

SUDOKU

A+ Rated

SUDOKU

INC.

CT Reg No. 00509027

ROOFING

Fun By The Numbers

$59Service CT.SumpPumpGeeks.com Only

Basement Waterproofing Services Over 31 years experience

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860-639-7935

Schedule 12-Point Sump Pump Service

First Time Customers!

Community

in print every week & online every day at zip06.com 203-245-1877 Ext. 6130 860-701-4200

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

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

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

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Photo courtesy of Marcia Simon

The crew wave from the bowsprit of the Royal Clipper while anchored off the coast of Italy, part of the Star Clippers line of tall ships.

Photo courtesy of Marcia Simon

A man relaxes on the beach on Shoal Bay in Anguilla. Ferry service is available from St. Martin.

Travel Tips and Trends for 2026: Small Groups and New Places Press Release from Friendly Group Travel

New destinations, longer journeys, and off-season perks are among the travel trends you can expect for 2026, which is looking like an active year for solo, train, and mindful travel, according to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Marcia Simon of Friendly Group Travel. “People are seeking value, escape, and something new,” says Simon, owner of Friendly Group Travel in Westbrook. Cruises continue to draw growing numbers of passengers. While many enjoy the entertainmentfilled monster ships with thousands of people onboard, more people are opting for small instead. River cruise and expedition ships carry between 50 and 600 passengers interested in more immersive cultural and nature experiences. The ability to dock in smaller ports that are less crowded provide a deeper sense of authenticity when arriving at a destination. “Small ships do less environmental harm to oceans and destinations. Climate-friendly solutions are easier to implement, including solar and wind energy while moving and shore power when docked,” says Simon. River cruise destinations now include the Columbia and Magdalena Rivers in South America, the Nile in Egypt, Mekong in Cambodia, as well as less traveled rivers in France. The Danube and Rhine, as well as America’s Mississippi and Snake

Photo courtesy of Marcia Simon

The stairway onboard the SS Maria Theresa, part of the Uniworld river cruise line, offers a comfortable sense of casual luxury.

rivers, continue to be most popular for first-time river cruisers. Expedition ships to Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos Islands, and Greenland are accessible to anyone who has a mind for exploration. Norway’s coast, dotted with small islands and archipelagos, is becoming a bucket list trip for both the Northern Lights in winter and midnight sun in summer. Here are 10 tips and trends for travel for 2026, according to Simon:

1. For international travel, check your passport to make sure the expiration date is at least six months from your date of arrival at your destination. 2. For domestic air travel, you’ll need to bring your passport or a REAL-ID document, which most often is a qualified driver’s license. 3. The lowest prices and smallest crowds can be found offseason and shoulder season, while giving you a true feeling of

local life in a destination. 4. Puerto Rico is popular because of its weather, beaches, rain forest and nonstop flights from local airports. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, you can visit without a passport, currency exchange or international phone plan. 5. The Caribbean islands have their own vibes. For example, Aruba and St. Martin/St. Maarten are known for great beaches and vibrant restaurant

scenes. Anguilla as well as Turks and Caicos are known for having some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. Curacao, outside of the hurricane belt, is the new hot spot with new beachfront resorts. 6. More resorts have added accommodations for multigenerational families. A three- or fourbedroom space with en-suite bathrooms, kitchen and private pool can easily accommodate families who don’t want to eat all meals in restaurants. 7. For solo travel: Small, single groups of like-minded travelers make it easier to go solo without being totally on your own. Especially for older women, these trips are a readily available and easy way to find new travel buddies. 8. Small ships, because they have fewer cabins, sell out quickly. Plan ahead or take advantage of last-minute travel opportunities due to someone else’s cancellation. 9. For train travel, new sleeper trains are being added in Europe. Sleep in a private cabin instead of a hotel when moving between cities or countries. Amtrak offers train/hotel packages across the United States. 10. Earn and redeem loyalty points through Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Best Western and IHG, all of which are buying boutique hotels throughout the world. For more information, contact Marcia Simon at 860-399-0191 or welcome@friendlygrouptravel. com.

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Calendar for the Week of January 8, 2026

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

National Theatre Live in HD Encore: The Fifth Step: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 100 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 8

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

Sashiko Mending Workshop for Beginners: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a hands-on workshop for adults 19 years and older. Materials provided; participants may bring an item to mend. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Auditions for Annie Jr.: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. AudiPeace Crane Folding: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Tweens Writing: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 tions are for grades 4 to 8. Free to audition but registraRte. 81. Features a program for ages 9 to 12 to write and Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features an inaugural tion is required. Hosted by the Guilford Youth & Family share their stories with others. Participants explore differ- Services (GY&FS) Family Theatre. Performances will be event that continues every Thursday to fold and complete 1,000 origami peace cranes. The purpose is to bring ent kinds of narratives, including fantasy, family stories, held at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center essays, and research. This group is based on a workshop on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. To register, people together and find inner peace while folding the model. A writing prompt is completed and shared at cranes. Once 1,000 cranes are reached, they will be call 203-453-8047. For info, visit guilfordyouthandfamilyeach meet-up. The shared prompt is then developed into services.org. donated to a charity of the group's choosing. No experience needed. Directions and materials provided. For info a piece to share at the next meeting. Participant sharing of written work is not mandatory. For info or to register or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Healthy Kids Today, Healthier Futures Tomorrow: The (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthliRole of Food Policy: 3 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memobrary.org. Creative Crafts with Jesse: Paper Quilling Make-up: rial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Pre2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston sented by Susan Mayne, adjunct professor at the Yale One Night in Memphis (Tribute to Sun Record Artists: School of Public Health and former director of the U.S. Post Rd., Madison. For ages 18 and over. Features a Presley, Perkins, Lewis, and Cash): 8 p.m. The Katharine Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety make-up class for missed paper quilling classes, including those to make pumpkins, a coastal scene, flower, and Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Sayand Applied Nutrition. Sponsored by Tilde Café. Free and brook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit fall tree. Materials provided. For info or to register open to all ages. For info or to register (required), visit thekate.org. (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org/events. tildecafe.org. Read to a Therapy Dog: 5 to 6 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Children in grades SATURDAY, JAN. 10 three to five can read to Libby, a trained therapy dog. Who’s Been Walking in These Woods? A Family Participants may bring a book or select one from the library. Registration required. For info or to register, email Nature Hike: 10 a.m. Falls River Preserve, Falls River Drive, Ivoryton. Meet near the parking area on Falls River Mary Wilhelm at mwillhelm@nbranfordlibraries.org. Drive. Features a one-hour hike led by local naturalist Phil Miller. No dogs. Hosted by Essex Library, Essex Land Teen Movie Series Night with Candy Potluck: 5:45 to Trust, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. For trail 7:45 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr., maps, visit essexlandtrust.org. For weather-related Westbrook. Part of a two-part movie series for teens in updates, visit facebook.com/EssexLibrary. For info or to grades 8 to 12 with a candy potluck. For info about the register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlimovie call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org. brary.org.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting: 3 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For teens ages 13 to 18 to participate in library planning, programming, and advisory activities. Snacks provided. Registration is encouraged. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

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

Concert by Alison Brown: 8 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.

Harlem Wizards Come to Clinton: 7 p.m. The Morgan School, 71 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a fundraiser event with the Harlem Wizards. Tickets: general admission $18, reserved seating $30, courtside plus seats $50. Service fees apply. Proceeds benefit The Morgan School Class of 2026 Project Graduation to provide seniors with a fun and safe way to celebrate on graduation night. For tickets, click on the event at harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets. For info, email morganprojectgrad26@gmail.com.

Loeb’s Weekend Wildlife: Living Dragons: 11•a.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features an animal education program about reptiles with Ranger Russ. For info or to register, call 203•453•8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Teen Cooking Class: Mini Donuts: 11 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a cooking workshop for teens focused on making mini donuts. Tasting included. Registration is encouraged. For info or to register, call 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. Met in HD Live: I Puritani: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 225 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Lions Club 45th Annual Senior Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Seniors from the Deep River and Chester area are invited to a free sit-down turkey dinner. For info or to RSVP (required) by Jan. 9, call Deep River Hardware at 860-526-2776.

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

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LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Connecticut Theaters Kick Off 2026 with New Shows and Musicals By Karen Isaacs Columnist

Aisle

Hartford Stage Opens 2026: Hartford Stage is the first Connecticut theater to offer a new production in 2026. The Cottage is a take on the classic 1920s drawing room comedy set in England and inspired by Noel Coward. A woman, convinced she’s married the wrong man, telegrams that message to both her husband and her lover’s wife. They aren’t the only ones to arrive at the cottage. It runs from Friday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 8. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org. Concert Version: Brief Cameo Productions is presenting a concert version of the musical Side Show from Friday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Centerbrook Meeting House. The musical tells the story of Violet and Daisy Hilton, conjoined twins who became famous performers in the

1930s. Tickets are available at BriefCameoProductions.com. Busy Weekend at Goodspeed: The 20th Anniversary Festival of New Musicals is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 18. It features staged readings of three new musicals, two cabaret evenings, workshop sessions, and a Q&A with the creators. Tickets are available for the entire weekend or for single events. For more information or tickets, visit Goodspeed.org. Sunday Broadway Concert Series: The Legacy Theater’s popular Sunday concert series will feature six well-known Broadway performers in solo shows. The series will feature three Tony Award nominees: Matt Doyle on Feb. 22, Beth Leavel on Aug. 16, and Norm Lewis on Oct. 25.

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

ON THE

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SUNDAY, JAN. 11 Documentary Screening: Inhabitants: 1 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a screening of Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World and a talk by Jesse Rose and Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, a Connecticut state-recognized tribe. Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Also performing are Patti Murin (Frozen) on March 8, Adrianna Hicks (Some Like It Hot) on Aug. 30, and Sam Gravitte (Wicked) on Oct. 18. Subscriptions are now available at LegacyTheatreCT.org. TheaterWorks Arts Award: TheatreWorks Hartford has received the Joyce C. Willis Equity in the Arts Award from the Roberts Foundation for the Arts. This competitive grant will fund a residency and development of a new play, which will be part of TheaterWorks 2026-’27 season. Paloma Nozicka, a Mexican-American writer, will develop Both, a world premiere play. Musical Spoof: If you need a laugh, Guttenberg! The Musical! tells the story of a pair of aspiring playwrights who audition their new, big, splashy musical about Gutenberg for possible investors. The two play every role, hoping for that Broadway contract. It runs at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford from Wednesday, Jan. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 8. Tickets are available at PlayhouseOnPark.org. Extra Performances: March is two months away, but ACT-CT of Ridgefield has added performances from March 11 to

requested for non-Essex Meadows residents. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events. General Putnam: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Features a presentation about General Putnam by Kenneth Noll, a community theater performer in Storrs and professor emeritus of microbiology at the University of Connecticut. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. To register, contact the Chester Public Library at 860-526-0018 or library@chesterct.org. For info, visit chesterctlibrary.com/adultprograms. On a Winter's Night: 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.

Story Time and Workshop on Kindness and Friendship: 2 to 3 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, Stony Creek. Features a special story time and hands-on activities led by local author MONDAY, JAN. 12 Sara Levine. Appropriate for all ages. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-488Movement and Music with More to Say: 10:45 to 8702 or visit wwml.org. 11:15 a.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Winter-themed music and movement class Opening Reception for First Impressions: 34th Annual for children ages 2 to 5. Registration is required. For info Associate Artists Show: 2 to 4 p.m. Lyme Art Association, or to register (required), call 203-488-1441. 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme. The show runs through Friday, Feb. 20. For info, call 860-434-7802 or visit lymeartassoci- Kids’ Ping-Pong Party: 5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memoation.org. rial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features openplay ping-pong for children and teens. For info, call 203Winter Lecture Series: The Burning of New London: 245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com. 3:30 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Rd. Second in the Essex Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Social Justice Book Discussion (America 250 Event): Series on the American Revolution. Features a talk by Eric 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Lehman, author of Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold Old Saybrook. Book: Espionage and Enslavement in the and the Burning of New London. Doors open at 3 p.m. Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and ElizaSeating is first-come, first-served. Registration is beth by Claire Bellerjeau and Tiffany Yecke Brooks.

March 15 for its production of Frozen. For more information, visit ActOfCT.org. NYC Notes: Four shows closed before the New Year started. Two of them, the star-studded revivals of Art and Waiting for Godot, were hits; the other two, the play Little Bear Ridge and the musical Queen of Versailles, were financial failures although the play received positive reviews. January is a great time to catch a Broadway play or musical. With tourists gone and the holidays over, many shows will have discount tickets available. TKTS is a reliable source for same-day discount tickets and Today’s Tix is another source. Both have apps that will give you information on which shows are offering discounts and other details. Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident. To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association.

Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the library. Virtual participation via Zoom is an option. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Just Desserts Book Club: 7 p.m. Ivoryton Library, Ivoryton. Book: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow. No registration required. Limited number of physical books at the library. For info, call 860-767-1252 or email staff@ivorytonlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Met in HD Encore: I Puritani: 10 a.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 210 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Gardening with Mosses: Noon to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a talk on moss ecology, horticulture, and ideas on how moss can be utilized in the garden. Presented by Christine Cook, owner of Mossaics Ecological Landscape Design. Part of the Leete’s Island Garden Club monthly meeting. Guests are welcome. For info or to register, contact 203-453-0780 or kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

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JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • LIVING

Your Heart and You: Gender-Specific Symptoms of Heart Attacks: 4 to 5 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features a Deeply with David Brooks: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: presentation by James Murray Jr. examining how heart How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply. attack symptoms can differ by gender and why early Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnrecognition is critical. For info or to register (required), ership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org. to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. Acoustic Artists Storyteller Series: Terri LaChance: Art with Kristin: Cardinals and Birch Tree Collage: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Bos- Saybrook. Features stories and songs paired with picton Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator tures and visuals. For participants of all ages. For info or Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 5 to 8. For info or to to register, visit actonlibrary.org/events. register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org. Author Talk: Lauren LaRusso: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Beyond InfiWacky Wildlife: Moose: 5:30 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial delity: How to Turn the End of Your Relationship into the Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants Beginning of Your Life. For info or to register (required), learn about moose and make a moose craft. Recomcall 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. mended for ages 6 to 11. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Continued from page 21

LEGO Stem Club: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grade 1 to 4. Project for the session is foosball. Participants will use the STEM steps to solve a problem, plan and create a design, and then test their project. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. The Art of 18th-Century Chocolate Making (America 250 Event): 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features historical chocolatemaking techniques and authentic methods from the 1700s. Attendees will enjoy samples of the chocolate products made on-site. Presented by Robert Lecce of Pewter Pot Chocolates. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Pickin’ Party: 6 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door, free for first-time guests. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Designing with Containers: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Hosted by the Guilford Garden Club. Presented by Rene Marsh, founder and owner of A Simpler Place in Monroe where she is a garden designer, horticulturist, and flower farmer. Free and open to the public. For info, visit guilfordgardenclub.org/events. Comic Crew: Bad Guys: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For children ages 8 to 12. Features games, contests, crafts, or activities based on the series. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit essexlibrary.org.

Book Club: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. STEM Challenge: Build a Bridge: 4 to 4:45 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a hands-on engineering activity for children in K to grade 4. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441.

coveries in Art History.” Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org. Virtual Art Talk: Uncovering a Masterpiece: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Features curator Mallory Mortillaro discussing the authentication of an Auguste Rodin sculpture. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. Shoreline Sailing Club Event: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and over. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time guests, $10 for others. BYOB. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com. In Public: 50 years of Candid Street Photography with George Schaub: 7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. For info, email schaubphoto@gmail.com. Concert by Albert Lee: 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.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 Friday Night “Oldie” Film: 7 to 9 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Not rated. Doors open at 6:50 p.m. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library. For info, including the name of the movie, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

Teddy Bear Clinic: 5 to 6 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Children ages 2 to 10 bring stuffed animals for a pretend medical check-up. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Miss Hysteria: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Shoreline Opera Club Discussion of the Met in HD Live Broadcast: I Puritani: 5:30 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Open to all. For info, email ShorelineOperaClub@gmail.com.

Concert by Kashmir (Tribute Led Zeppelin): 8 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.

American Girl Doll Club: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children in grades 1 through 4. Features a story or discussion, activities, and a craft from a different history time period. Dolls don’t have to be American Girl. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Cabaret Performance by Rona Siddiqui: 10 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Behind-the-Scenes Curator’s Tour of the Pronounced Ah-Beetz Exhibit: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Led by co-curator Jason Bischoff-Wurstle. The exhibit’s title comes from the way many people mispronounce the word "apizza," which originally grew out of the Italian "la pizza." Free with regular museum admission. The exhibit runs through October 2027. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 Saturday Sleuths Book Club: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Winter Family Painting Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For families with children ages 6 to 12. Led by Valley Regional High School art Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: The Discovery of a Masterpiece: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored teacher Jessica Stedman. For info or to register by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on how (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit essexlibrary.org. Mortillaro identified and authenticated an Auguste Rodin sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte hiding in plain sight in See page 24 New Jersey. Second in a two-part series, “Exciting Dis-

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Photo by George Schaub

In the waning days of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans (better known as the World’s Fair), the grounds were a bit of a shambles and the crowds were very thin. Buskers set up their high-wire act in a fenced-in corner off the midway. A clown obliged for the photo.

Photo by George Schaub

This billboard with a giant eye sat outside the main entrance to the Photokina trade fair in Germany, 2010. The photographer waited for something to happen, and soon enough a group of gentlemen in suits lined up in front of it.

On the day this photo was shot, the light was brilliant and a walker cast a shadow that joined the shadows of architecture in Sevilla, 2023.

Guilford Library Hosts In Public: A Candid Street Photography Press Release from George Schaub

Guilford resident George Schaub presents In Public, an exhibit that joins photographic imagery with commentary from 50 years of candid street photography. The show takes place on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street. The presentation is intended to encourage both phone and digital camera users to explore the potential of a visual study of human nature and the human experience through their images. Aside from being a wonderful travel journal, the images can become even more valued as an inward-looking examination that joins the photographer to the cast of characters who share life’s stage. Schaub explains, “Having been raised during the time when Life, Look, and the New York Daily News—which billed itself as the ‘Picture Newspaper’—were in wide cirPhoto by George Schaub culation, I became aware of the work of Eisenstadt, Gene A sweeper in Bangkok (1982) resting in an alcove with a Smith, and Russell Lee, and later the work of the Bresgrace and elegance struck the photographer's eye. son, Winogrand, WeeGee, and other ‘street’ photographers. He continues, “When I eventually got my hands on a photographs of people and their activities, both candid camera, and later, through my work that allowed me to and ‘permission’ posed.” travel more extensively, I gravitated towards making Schaub adds, “A year or three in the wedding and PR

photo game also honed my skills of interacting with strangers and made me much less shy about taking their photos. While there are rules and lines that should not be crossed, I always took the attitude that with a nod and a wink, it’s OK to take the picture.” b

About George Schaub Guilford resident George Schaub taught and lectured at workshops and universities in the United States and abroad. He served as an adjunct professor in the photography department at the New School/Parsons School of Design in New York City for 20 years and authored over 20 books on photography. He served as editor and editorial director at numerous enthusiast and professional photographic magazines, including Shutterbug, Popular Photography, and Studio Photography & Design. His images have been published in a wide range of publications, including The Sunday New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Travel Holiday, New Mexico Magazine, Camera Arts, and Lens Magazine. The selection of work in this program is from an anthology entitled In Public: George Schaub 1970-2020, published by Blurb Press (www.blurb.com).

24 Continued from page 22 Weaving Mug Rugs Workshop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will complete four tabby patterns inspired by classic fabric arts: a ninepatch quilt block, plaid, gingham, and bordered square. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $12 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947. Stop Motion Animation Workshop: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Drop-ins welcome by space is limited. Participants may stay longer to finish their projects. For info or to register, contact 860-5260018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com.

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • LIVING Concert by the Amish Outlaws: 8 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.

Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Ser20th Anniversary Festival Concert: 9:30 p.m. The Good- vice, and Belonging. Hosted by the Chester Public Library speed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Fes- through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit tival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary. 8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 18

Inaugural Consignment Art Sale: Noon to 4 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ), 55 East Kings Hwy., Chester. Features original prints, drawings, and paintings from area collections. Works by the followFrames in Film Encore: Hopper: An American Love Story: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, ing artists will be for sale: Irving Amen, Hella Bailin, Nohra Barros, James Britton, William Hogarth 1835 reprint, John 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big Massimino, Josef Presser, Lynn Shaler, and many more. A screen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold portion of the proceeds benefits CBSRZ. To RSVP, email Museum. Running time: 90 minutes. For info or tickets, office@cbsrz.org. For info, email Pat Sher at CBSRZcall 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. gallery@gmail.com. Festival Seminars: 1 to 4:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Foolproof: 1 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Creative Crafts with Jesse: Birthday Cards: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create three birthday cards using stamping, embossing, and die-cut techniques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

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

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Teams work on identical puzzles within a set time; prizes awarded to the first three teams to finish. Team size: two to four participants. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

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

A Tribute to Prince: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by Purple Luscious Love. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events. Festival Dinner at Gelston House: 5:30 p.m. Gelston House, 8 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-8738668 or visit goodspeed.org. Winter Dance Party: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford. Admission: $20, includes a group lesson from 7 to 7:30 led by Karen Pfrommer. For info, email info@timetodanceballroom.com. F Word: 7:30 p.m. The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Part of Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. For info or tickets, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20

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

MONDAY, JAN. 19 41st Annual MLK Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. Branford High School (BHS), 185 E. Main St. Features a presentation by civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale, “Now Is the Time to Take a Stand,” with music by the BHS Music Makers. Hosted by the MLK Heritage Foundation and Branford High School. Tickets: $20 general admission, $5 for students. Includes full breakfast. Proceeds benefit scholarships for BHS students who embody the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For info or tickets, visit mlkheritage.org.

Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-7671560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib. Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. Chester Blood Pressure Clinic: 2 to 3 p.m. Chester Town Hall community room, 203 Middlesex Ave. Free for Chester seniors and community members. For info, contact Public Health Nurse Sherry Carlson at 860-661-3300 or Scarlson@crahd.net. Sip and Paint Polar Bears: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 2 to 4. Participants will follow step-by-step directions to paint a polar bear, learn new art techniques, and sip on healthy juice boxes (provided). Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Facts and Fibs Book Group: 3:30 p.m. Ivoryton Library, Ivoryton. Hosted by Mary Ann Pleva and Ginny Bliss. Book: Finding Me by Viola Davis. For info or to join, call 860-767-1252 or email staff@ivorytonlibrary.org. Pajama Story Time: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For families with children of all ages. For info or to sign up for a spot, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Pickin’ Party: 6 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door, free for first-time guests. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org. Author Event: Madeleine Dunnigan in Conversation with Marisa Helff: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Jean. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

See page 25

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

41st Annual MLK Day Breakfast Features Speaker, Music, and More Press Release from the MLK Heritage Foundation

Renowned civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale will be the featured speaker at the 41st annual MLK Day Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19, at Branford High School, 185 East Main Street. Sponsored by the MLK Heritage Foundation and Branford Public Schools, the breakfast has become an annual tradition, bringing together hundreds of community members for an incredible morning of food, music, and inspiration. As a longtime public defender and president of the Public Justice Foundation, Tisdale has dedicated his life to standing up to injustice. A partner at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, he has fought in the courts against bias, discrimination, and oppression, and has served on the boards of multiple civic organizations that aid the less fortunate, including the Fairfield County Community Foundation and the Bridgeport Public Education Fund. He is also a recipient of the NAACP Distinguished Service Award. Tisdale’s speech at the 2026 MLK Breakfast is entitled “Now is the Time to Take a Stand” and will address the need to step forward and not turn away in the face of increasing uncertainty. “Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood,” Tisdale said. “Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.” The MLK Day Breakfast promises to be an evocative morning.The event features a full breakfast prepared by the BHS Culinary Arts program and Branford Rotary and performances by the award-winning Branford High School Music Makers, as well as music by XX, YY, ZZ. Tickets cost $20 for general admission or $5 for students. “There is nothing in Branford quite like the MLK Breakfast,” said Mary FitzPerry, president of the MLK Heritage Foundation. “To see more than 250 people, from all ages and backgrounds, get together and genuinely talk to each other is a marvelous thing.” “Branford Public Schools is honored to partner with the MLK Heritage Foundation for this year’s annual breakfast,” said

Continued from page 24 Parenting in the Smartphone Years: 7 p.m. Via Zoom. Parents and guardians will learn how to reset expectations with the Family Tech Agreement, spot red flags, lead the five must-have safety conversations, and partner with their child for healthier tech use. Part of the Family Tech Roadmap series. Hosted by the Center for Online Safety. For info or to register (required), visit centerforonlinesafety.com/haddam.

25 Greater Old Saybrook Chamber (GOSC) 2025 Annual Awards Night: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features a silent auction, a wine pull, live music, awards honoring community standouts, and more. Tickets: $45. For info or tickets, visit goschamber.com.

Metropolitan Opera Talk: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: 6•p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a lecture on the opera adaptation of the novel. For info or to register, call Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story 203•453•8282 or visit guilfordfreeliTime: 7 p.m. Online event. Features author brary.org. Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrator Jerry Jordan reading Unstoppable John, discussing Author Event: David Borges: 6:30 p.m. their creative process, answering quesRJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., tions, and leading a brief drawing activity. Madison. Book: Hurley's Heroes. For info or Cost: $10 for the secure link to the live to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or event; $30 for the full package, which visit rjjulia.com. includes the link, a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, sketch pad, and Community Storyteller and Poetry additional materials shipped to the proSlam: 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 vided address. Presented by Read to Grow Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free in Branford. For info or to register, call and open to all. For info or to register, call 203-488-6800 or visit readtogrow.org. 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21

Photo courtesy of Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC

The 41st annual MLK Day Breakfast will feature civil rights attorney Preston Tisdale.

Superintendent Chris Tranberg. “This event brings out the very best in our community, students, educators, and residents coming together to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. King.” Begun in 1985 at the small AME Zion Church in Branford, the breakfast has grown to become an important annual event on the holiday calendar, attracting politicians and dignitaries from across the state. Past speakers include Pulitzer Prizewinning author Jeffrey Stewart; Jane Elliott, creator of the Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes study; Vanessa Roberts, former U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut; and author and criminal justice advocate Chris Wilson. The breakfast also spawned the MLK Heritage Foundation, which now holds events throughout the year, including the groundbreaking Meals for the Mind, bimonthly evenings where 10 strangers from different backgrounds share a meal and simply get to know each other. For more information visit MLK Heritage.org.

Did a Connecticut Woman Kill Jack the Ripper?: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Atwater Memorial Shoreline Village Tea and Talk: 2 p.m. Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Features a presentation examining a hisFeatures a conversation with members of torical theory connecting a Connecticut Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to woman to the Jack the Ripper case. Virtual register, contact 203-747-5939 or participation by Zoom is an option. For info@ShorelineVillageCT.org. info or to register (required), visit northbranfordlibraries.org. Kate Classic Film: Adam's Rib: 2 and 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. THURSDAY, JAN. 22 For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Junior Librarians: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a new four-session Inside the World of Hummingbirds: program for ages 8 to 12 offering a 4 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. behind-the-scenes look at library operaFeatures a program on hummingbird tions with the children’s and teen Librarispecies, behaviors, adaptations, and con- ans. Participants will explore organizing servation concerns. Presented by Joe Att- materials, designing displays, planning water, conservation and education coorprograms, and more. Free. Commitment dinator for the Connecticut Audubon to all four sessions and celebration is Society’s Roger Tory Peterson (RTP) Estuexpected. For info or to register ary Center. Free and open to all. Registra- (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit tion required. For info or to register, call youressexlibrary.org. 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Colorful Paper Weaving: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For Migrate, Hibernate, and Adapt: 4 p.m. grades 1 to 3. Space and supplies are limEssex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a ited. For info or to register (required), call STEAM program for ages 5 to 10 led by 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthliSteward Outdoor Day School, exploring brary.org. how animals adapt to winter. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. See page 26

26 Continued from page 25 Connecticut River Ferries: Past, Present, and Future with Captain Paul Costello: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on the histories of the ChesterHadlyme and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries, the challenges both ferries faced, the reason they survived, the improvements made to them over the decades, and the future of the two remaining ferries. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org. Drive-in Movie Night: 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Decorate a file box with paper plates for wheels and bring it to the library for a “drive-in” movie. Participants can sit in the “car” (or on the floor) in the children’s room for the film showing. Popcorn served. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • LIVING Get Grounded for the New Year: EFT Tapping and Boundaries Workshop: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a workshop led by energy practitioner Jess Leone introducing EFT tapping techniques focused on stress reduction and boundary setting. For info or to register (required), visit northbranfordlibraries.org.

Kids Create: Axolotl Keychains: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Kids ages 6 to 12 will design and assemble beaded axolotl keychains using colorful pony beads. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Fourth Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Teams (maximum four members) race to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The winning team receives a gift card to a local business. Free and open to all. Limited seating. Sponsored by the Friends of the Acton National Theatre Live in HD Encore: Life of Pi: 7 p.m. Library. For info or to register (required), call 860-395The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., 3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 150 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 Turkish Coffee Tasting: 2 to 4 p.m. James Blackstone or visit thekate.org. Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Hosted by Peace Islands CT. Features presentations, demonstraAn Evening with Edgar Allan Poe: 7•p.m. Guilford Free tions, activities, and Q&A exploring Turkish coffee culLibrary, 67 Park St. Features a dramatic performance cele- ture. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. brating the works of Poe. For info or to register, call Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 203•453•8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Friday Movie Matinee: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, including the movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Concert by Suzanne O Davis: Tapestry: the Carole King Songbook: 3 and 8 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.

A Tribute to The Eagles: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by The Eagles Experience. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a Concert by Ellis Paul: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cul- buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will tural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservatickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. tions, call 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 Winter in Broomstick Ledges: 8:30 a.m. Broomstick Ledges, Guilford. Meet at the Bluff Head parking lot on Route 77. Features a 3.5-mile hike with a steep section and some rocky portions. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT Director Sam Mandel. Precipitation may cancel. For info or weatherrelated updates, text 347-969-4178. Practice SAT Exam: 9 a.m. to noon. Virtual event. Features a full-length practice SAT hosted by the library in partnership with C2 Education. For info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

Lava Lamp Making Workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Volunteer Fair: 10 a.m. to noon. James Blackstone Rd., Stony Creek. Features a hands-on workshop for chilMemorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Representatives from local nonprofits provide information on community dren exploring solubility and density while creating a work and volunteer opportunities. Free. For info, call 203- lava lamp to take home. Led by STEAM Dreamers LLC. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-8702 or 488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org. visit wwml.org.

Author Event: Jen Hatmaker: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Awake: A Memoir. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 23

SUNDAY, JAN. 25

Put the Phone Away, Let the Marbles Play: 10 to 11 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features a story with Mrs. Fig while adult caregivers and parents join a discussion with experts from the Shoreline Therapy Center on the topic, "Unplugging our Kids Without Losing Ourselves." Adults get practical tips, tricks, and strategies to help their family step away from screens, reclaim their time, and break the device habit. Co-sponsored by the Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services, HK Unplugged, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the Killingworth Library. For info or to register (required), call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Essex Winter Series (EWS): Timeless Bonds and New Horizons: 3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features the inaugural Mihae Lee legacy concert with new Artistic Director Tara Helen O’Connor joined by Ani Kavafian, violin; Peter Wiley, cello; and Shai Wosner, piano. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com. Who Were the Hammonassetts? The Interrelationship of Indigenous Communities at the Time of English Colonization: 4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Jim Powers. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Part of the 2026 Frederick Lee Lectures series. Admission: $5 suggested fee, free to MHS members. For info, call 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org. Concert by The Meadow Brothers and Belle of the Fall: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $29. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 26 Songs and Stories with Patti Smith: 7 p.m. The Lyman Center at SCSU, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Book: Bread of Angels. Cost: $55, includes admission for one attendee and a copy of the book; $20, admission for one student. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 AND WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 Barry and Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow: 7:30 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Madison Lyric Stage with tenor Marc Deaton in a tribute concert featuring songs such as Mandy, I Write the Songs, Wind Beneath My Wings, and The Rose. Includes guest artists. Part of the Summer Festival 2026 festival. Duration: Two hours with one intermission. Suitable for all audiences. For info and tickets, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org. See page 28

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Lyme Art Association Welcomes 2026 With Triple Shows Press Release from the Lyme Art Association

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) rings in the new year with First Impressions, its annual associate artists show, and Congratulations, a lovely show that exhibits the works of LAA’s newest elected artists. Running concurrently is a new show called The Artists Garden, which focuses on gardens as artistic inspirations. All three shows run from Friday, Jan. 9, through Friday, Feb. 20. Opening reception for all shows is Sunday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. First Impressions for 2026 is the LAA’s 34th annual associate artists show and recognizes the artistic work of its associate artist members. This annual exhibition showcases the varied approaches of representational artmaking created by LAA’s talented membership. Congratulations is an annual show that welcomes LAA’s newest elected artists, who are the cream of the crop and walk in the representational artist tradition of LAA’s founders. LAA elected artists are elected by their peers after a rigorous selection and evaluation process. This year’s new elected artists are Betsy Barry, Mike Laiuppa, Liane Philpotts, and Five Blessings from the Gasp, oil, by Mike Laiuppa Jeanne Carol Potter. The Artists Garden is a new show at the LAA and is inspired by the beauty of gardens. These cultivated spaces where nature and creativity intertwine have long been a source of inspiration and creativity. From lush florals to quiet corners, cultivated plots to imagined landscapes, this exhibition reflects on how artists see and interpret the garden as a place of growth, reflection, and renewal. The show is a celebration of the beauty, symbolism, and personal meaning of gardens.

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association

Tabasco, colored pencil, by Betsy Barry

About the Lyme Art Association Founded in 1914 by the American impressionists, the Lyme Art Association continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork by its members and invited artists, as well as offering art instruction, lectures, and other public programs to the community. The Lyme Art Association is located at 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, in a building designed by architect Charles Adams Platt. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.lymeartassociation.org.

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association

Eight Blue Ball Jars, watercolor, by Jeanne Carol Potter

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association

Glass Ceiling Pioneer, oil, by Liane Philpotts

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • LIVING Author Event: Kat Ashmore in Conversation with Diane Morrisey: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church, 26 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Book: Big Bites: Time to Eat!. Ticket options available. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Introduction to Sourdough: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Covers sourdough starter care, fermentation and proofing basics, dough shaping, and baking techniques. For info or to register (required), call 860-7671560 or visit essexlibrary.org.

Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: The God of the Woods: A Novel. Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

Author Event: Harper Ross in Conversation with Kristan Higgins: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: The Unwritten Rules of Magic. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: The God of the Woods: A Novel. Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with History Comes Alive: The History of Nintendo: 5 p.m. the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Interactive learning (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit event about Nintendo’s evolution for children. For info or libraryc.org/essexlib. to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore: 7 p.m.

Willoughby Book Talk: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén, translated from the Swedish by Alice Menzies. Held in the Keyes Gallery. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

Continued from page 26

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 History of Nintendo Playable Museum: 3:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Retro Nintendo consoles and history on display. For info or to register, call 203453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. Math Mania: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-aged children. Features games and activities to reinforce math skills. Focus for the session is addition. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Concert by Satisfaction (Tribute to The Rolling Online event. Book: The God of the Woods: A Novel. Stones): 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Kids' Movie Showing: 5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnCenter, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison. Features a ership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. screening of a movie (rated PG) with snacks and popto register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. corn. Registration is required. For info on the movie or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranConcert by Lee DeWyze: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine HepFRIDAY, JAN. 30 ton.librarycalendar.com. burn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For An Evening with Author and Film Director John info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Sayles: 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a Pickin’ Party: 6 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 presentation on Sayles’s forthcoming historical novel Lyme St., Old Lyme. Features a performance by blues Crucible. Copies of the book will be available for purchase musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Tickets: $5 at the door, courtesy of Breakwater Books. Free and open to all. Regfree for first-time guests. For info, visit musicnowfounda- THURSDAY, JAN. 29 Story and Craft: Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess: 10 to istration required. For info or to register, call 203-453tion.org. 10:45 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston 8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org. The Anatomy of Grit: A Journey From Survival to Pur- Post Rd., Madison. Features a reading of Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess (Anna Dewdney) followed by a craft; for Knitting With Knightley: 6 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, pose: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a talk by Justin Brownell. ages 2 and up. Registration is required. For info or to reg- 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; movie begins at ister (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scran6:30 p.m. Features a potluck-style gathering, so attenHosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free. For info or to ton.librarycalendar.com. dees may bring an entrée, appetizer, or dessert to share. register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit Includes a free showing of Pride and Prejudice. Attendees events.blackstonelibrary.org. SEL-Based Theater Workshop with Wilder Moon Colmay bring knitting or other fiber crafts. Free. For info or lective: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. to register (required), visit chester.recdesk.com. Social-emotional learning workshop for ages 9 to 12. For WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 info or to register, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreel- Antique Map Collecting 101: Foxing, Soiling, and Hollywood Gems: The Marrying Kind: 1 p.m. The ibrary.org. Worm Holes: 6 to 7 pm. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Presented by Brian Tims of the Connecticut Map Society. Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit Migrate, Hibernate, and Adapt: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or thekate.org. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 5 to visit killingworthlibrary.org. 10. Features a hands-on STEAM experience that blends National Lego Day: 4 to 5 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial science, nature, and art. Presented by the Steward OutConcert by Jesse Cook: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features Lego free door Day School. Space is limited. For info or to register Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info play and theme builds, with stop-motion projects using (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlior tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. the Lego Play app. Registration is required. For info or to brary.org. register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com. Whitney Literary Society Inaugural Event: 5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Kickback with Legos and Cars: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Bring your favorite matchbox racers or try the cars provided by the library. Dinner will be served. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org/events.

New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features an informal, bimonthly book discussion on U.S. history with a focus on New Haven, which was once the center of governance, education, trade, and culture in Connecticut. Includes a discussion of a book along with a viewing of materials in the New Haven Museum collection, a visit from an author, or a guided tour of a related exhibit. Book: The Case of the Piglet's Paternity: Trials from the New Haven Colony, 1619-1963 by Jon C. Blue. Snow date: Thursday, Feb. 5. Visitors may register to read and discuss any or all of the books. Free and open to all. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

Nuno Felting-a-Scarf Workshop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will use fine merino and a laminated felting technique to create a unique accessory. Cost: $63 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203453-5947.

See page 29

LIVING • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026

Brief Cameo Productions Announces Casting For Side Show: In Concert Press release from Brief Cameo Productions

Brief Cameo Productions (BCP) announces the complete casting for its 2026 production, Side Show: In Concert. The concert is scheduled to perform Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m. Performances of Side Show will take place at The Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main Street, Centerbrook. Interested patrons can become a sponsor of the production by visiting www.briefcameoproductions.com. Sponsorship packages include reserved seated ticketing and other perks. General admission tickets are $30 and are on sale now, also via the company’s website. Originally opening on Broadway in 1997, Side Show tells the story of Violet and Daisy Hilton, conjoined twins who became famous performers in the 1930s. The show has the book and lyrics by Bill Russell and the music by Henry Krieger. A heavily revised production played Broadway in 2014, with additional material by Bill Condon. Brief Cameo will be presenting the 2014 version of the script. Samanta Rae Bass (BCP’s The Drowsy Chaperone) will portray Daisy Hilton, with Violet Hilton being performed by Johanna Regan Milani (Drowsy Chaperone). The Side Show cast will also feature several

Chaperone), and Galen Donovan (Drowsy Chaperone) as members of the ensemble. Joining the company for the first time are Tullio Milani as Terry Connor; Miles Hanna as Jake; and Kathryn Dooley, Elizabeth Stassen, Nathan Szymanski, and Sydney Yargeu in the ensemble. The Side Show production team features Co-Directors Jim Clark (BCP cofounder and producer) and Alan Piotrowicz (BCP associate producer), with Piotrowicz also contributing production design, Musical Director Jill Brunelle (BCP resident musical director), costume designer Kathleen Santomasso, and Stage Manager Holly Price. “From day one, Alan and I have been trying to figure out when the right time to produce Side Show would be,” said Clark, Side Show: In Concert co-director along with Piotrowicz. “It always hinged on finding performers to play Violet and Daisy Hilton, the conjoined twins at the center of the musical. Once Samantha Rae Bass and Johanna Regan Milani joined our company last year for Drowsy Chaperone, Photo courtesy of Brief Cameo Productions Photo courtesy of Brief Cameo Productions we knew we had found our Hilton sisters. Samanta Rae Bass Johanna Regan Milani I’m also incredibly proud of the ensemble we’ve assembled, made up of returning returning Brief Cameo Productions cast Drowsy Chaperone) as Sir, Benjamin performers and exciting new additions to members: Ethan Smith (Drowsy Chaper- Wambeke (Drowsy) as Houdini, as well as the Brief Cameo family.” Side Show is presented through special one) as Buddy Foster, Bryan Songy (Rag- Nathan Russo (Ragtime, Sunday in the time, Sunday in the Park with George, Park with George, Master Class, Drowsy arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Soap Making with Shell & Bee: 1 p.m. Chester Public Concert by Chrome Horse (Tribute to Bob Dylan): Library, 21 W. Main St. Space is limited. For info or to reg- 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Met in HD Encore: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier ister, contact 860-526-0018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com. Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510& Clay: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Cen0453 or visit thekate.org. ter, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 192 minutes. For info or tickets, SUNDAY, FEB. 1 call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. Hike on Westwoods West: 10 a.m. Westwoods, Guilford. MONDAY, FEB. 2 Meet at the southern Moose Hill Road entrance, across Author Event: Stephen Fishbach: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Concert by EWF (Tribute Earth, Wind & Fire): 8 p.m. from Landon’s Way. Features a 1.5-hour exploration of Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Escape!. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Westwoods, including a new acquisition by the Guilford For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) off Moose Hill Road. The visit rjjulia.com. visit thekate.org. hike includes hemlocks, small waterfalls, caves, roots, rocks, mud, and a few steep climbs. Hosted by the GLCT. Saturday Cinema: 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Sponsored by the Friends Led by GLCT Director David Grigsby and Secretary Sarah TUESDAY, FEB. 3 of the Blackstone Library. Free. For info about the movie Williams. Heavy rain cancels. For info, call 203-915-0663. Author Event: Gayle Feldman in Conversation with or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit Roxanne Coady: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 BosEssex Ed Parade (Groundhog Parade): 2 p.m. Parade events.blackstonelibrary.org. ton Post Rd., Madison. Book: Nothing Random: Bennett kicks off at the Essex Boat Works, 9 Ferry St. In celebraCerf and the Publishing House He Built. For info or to regisA Tribute to Bon Jovi: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, tion of Groundhog Day, a community organization ter (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. dresses Essex Ed, a 12-foot paper-mâché version of a 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by 1 Wild groundhog. Essex Ed’s costume recognizes a person or Night. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. special occasion. Sponsored by the Essex Board of Trade. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at Parade takes place rain, snow, or shine. For info, visit tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call essexct.com/events. 860-399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events. Continued from page 28

See page 30

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • LIVING

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Pronounced Ah-Beetz Exhibit Focuses on Flavor and Fun video footage adapted from the documentary, and photographs. The exhibit’s title, “Pronounced Ah-Beetz,” comes from the way many people mispronounce the word apizza, which originally grew out of the Italian “la pizza.” The exhibit will remain on view through October 2027.

Press Release from the New Haven Museum

If you love the crust, the crunch, and the char of New Haven pizza, you won’t want to miss the behind the scenes curator’s tour of the Pronounced AhBeetz exhibit with co-curator Jason Bischoff-Wurstle, at the New Haven Museum, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. The tour is free with regular museum admission. From Frank Pepe’s original hat to celebrity-signed pizza boxes (including Gwyneth Paltrow and Yogi Berra), the collection of memorabilia relating to New Haven’s renowned pie will fascinate guests. Pronounced AhBeetz shows the fun, flavor, and history of Elm City pizza, including its origin as an affordable means of feeding workers in the fields of Italy, and how it became the food of the poor in the U.S. The Italian migration to New Haven gave way to Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, which gave birth to Sally’s Apizza. A mile away, Tony’s Apizza became Modern. Pronounced Ah-Beetz is co-

About the New Haven Museum

Guests view the pizza-themed exhibit at the New Haven Museum.

curated by Bischoff-Wurstle, award-winning curator of the 2020 exhibit FACTORY and host of the New Haven Museum You-

Tube series Micro-Histories, and Gorman Bechard, Dean Falcone, and Colin M. Caplan, the producing team behind the documen-

Continued from page 29

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Concert by Gadan: 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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Photo by Defining Studios Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free tary, Pizza: A Love Story. The admission all year. For more exhibit includes first-hand oral information, call 203-562-4183 or histories and apizza-related arti- visit newhavenmuseum.org. facts from personal collections,

Concert by Laurel Canyon Band (Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young): 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn National Theatre Live in HD Encore: Hamlet: 7 p.m. The Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. APL Poetry Writing Group: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by Old Say- 180 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit brook poet laureate Sandra Yannone. Open to all experi- thekate.org. SATURDAY, FEB. 7 ence levels. Supplies available. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures Take Your Child to the Library Day: 10:30 a.m. to with Novelist Vanessa Riley: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: 12:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Author Event: William J. Mann: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Book- Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel. Hosted by the North Branford Old Saybrook. Features a Pokémon party, crafts, snacks, sellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Black Dahlia: Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers games, and a terrarium gym project. Sponsored by the Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood. Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. No For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. registration. While supplies last. For info, call 860-395visit rjjulia.com. 3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Winter Jams for Camp Fundraiser Concert: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Features performances by Someone You Can XRay, Shorebreak, and The Gleeful Conspiracy. Suggested donation: $10 individual, $20 family. Proceeds benefit the Chester Park & Rec summer camp funds. For info, visit facebook.com/chesterct.

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.

WA R E C K D’O S T I L I O

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT 978 Main Street | Branford

REAL ESTATE • THE SOUND • JANUARY 8, 2026 Greg Robbins 203-464-0125

Real Estate Transactions Three Generations of Real Estate Excellence

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INVESTMENT

59 Founders Vlg Unit 59: Christopher A. Jones of Clinton to Edward H. Desgrosseilliers and Betty A. Crisanti, $299,900 on 12/18/2025 Three Generations of Real Estate Excellence 59 Old Post Rd Unit AR1: Lara B. Bickford of Clinton to Joy and John Henault, $249,900 on 12/16/2025 Greg Robbins 7 Osprey Cmns S: Eileen R Matthay 203-464-0125 T and Richard A. Matthay of Clinton to RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT 978 Main Street | Branford Lori S Payton 2020 RET and Lori S. Payton, $1,740,000 on 12/16/2025 26 Cedar Knolls Dr Unit 26: Steven 96 Shore Rd: David P. and Samantha R. Herrington of Clinton to Beresner of Branford to Lori A. Gary and Barbara Corliss, $396,000 on Morrissey, $334,900 on 12/19/2025 12/16/2025 107 Chestnut St: Jennifer S. Cassella of Branford to Ngawang The Hammocks: Harvey N. and Lori S. Payton of Clinton to Steiner A & C Namdak and Zhu Jingzhi, $450,000 on Eberle RET and Christine S. Eberle, 12/17/2025 13 Fenway Rd: Simone R. and Marc $1,295,000 on 12/15/2025 Dostie of Branford to Paul S. and Deborah S. Greenbaum, $910,000 on 12/15/2025 EAST HAVEN 129 Florence Rd: Killian Diane E 156 Henry St Unit 156: Bowden Est and Rosalie M. Killian of Branford Frederick W Est and Margaret to Victoria Rooney, $265,000 on Mclaughlin of East Haven to Christina 12/19/2025 Madonna, $385,000 on 12/18/2025 63 Gould Ln: Relo Direct 34 Hughes St: Heather DostertGovernment Sv of Branford to George Mazzacane of East Haven to Anthony and Kaileen Dummar, $740,000 on N. Maturo, $360,000 on 12/15/2025 12/15/2025 66 John St: Michaelle J. Rodiguez 85 Ivy St: Raymond C. and Karen C. and Felipe A. Luis of East Haven to Seligson of Branford to Jennifer and Angel E. Vinan, $335,000 on 12/16/2025 Kevin Lamb, $575,000 on 12/16/2025 84 John St: Michaelle J. Rodiguez 76 Limewood Ave: Twin Tides LLC and Felipe A. Luis of East Haven to of Branford to Brian Feuerstein, Angel E. Vinan, $335,000 on 12/16/2025 $1,380,000 on 12/18/2025 364 Main St Unit 47: Haitem 60 Maple St Unit 40: Sherry L. Hashem of East Haven to Fred Dupont of Branford to Gohlsch Lt and Valentin, $165,000 on 12/18/2025 Thomas K. Gohlsch, $835,000 on 5 Old Bradley St: Old Bradley 12/18/2025 Street LLC of East Haven to Gabriel C. Chiriboga, $650,000 on 12/17/2025 173 Russo Ave Unit 409: Vondaacke CHESTER Eric W Est and James M. Vondaacke of East Haven to Jeffrey and Gabriela 47 Ferry Rd: Nancy Devens of Glowka, $200,000 on 12/15/2025 Chester to Ryan and Robin Linares, $1,275,000 on 12/18/2025 75 Saltonstall Pkwy Unit 13B: 28 S Wig Hill Rd: Vito L. Nanni and Shirley Cooper of East Haven to Daria Maria Arce of Chester to Holly S. Pinto, E. Kania, $175,000 on 12/15/2025 $580,000 on 12/15/2025 315 Tyler St: Brian J. Winfield of East Haven to Matthew R. Winfield, $315,000 on 12/17/2025

BRANFORD

978 Main Street | Branford

CLINTON

10 Bluff Ave Unit 1-3: Jeffery and Margrit Flynn of Clinton to Swift Home Services LLC, $95,000 on 12/16/2025 9 Bonny Ln: Klaus and Adela Breuer of Clinton to Ernest and Geraldine Fusco, $599,000 on 12/18/2025

48 Andrews Rd: Sara A Woolston RET and Joseph L. Woolston of Guilford to Erin Leroy and Robert Christensen, $2,200,000 on 12/15/2025 42 Copper Hill Dr Unit 42: Seaside Capital LLC of Guilford to Claire Ellis, $480,000 on 12/17/2025 360 E River Rd: Chamberlain George L Est and Mari Mariano of Guilford to Jenna and Juan Melendez, $650,000 on 12/15/2025 42 Horseshoe Rd: Carolyn F. Johns of Guilford to Debbie Volpe, $525,500 on 12/19/2025 40 Kenneth Cir: Eugene F. Mulone of Guilford to Stephen Cestaro and Cheyenne Inturri, $425,000 on 12/16/2025 817 Lake Dr: Dominican Fathers Of New of Guilford to Kirsten Seyler, $400,000 on 12/17/2025 120 N Fair St Unit 2C: Morriss T and George W. Morriss of Guilford to Ritva Ruskewich, $1,250,000 on 12/17/2025 72 Prospect Hill Rd: Mary L Spencer Lt and Michael J. Sweeney of Guilford to George Spencer, $350,000 on 12/19/2025

MADISON 81 Bartlett Dr: Joshua D. and Amanda E. Bird of Madison to Joanna B. Suriani and Michael A. Madden, $630,000 on 12/16/2025 513 Boston Post Rd: Thomas J Cartledge T and Thomas J. Cartledge of Madison to Walter Kerr, $1,100,000 on 12/19/2025 71 Madison Springs Dr: Satterwhite Nancy O Est and J Michael Satterwhite of Madison to William H. and Andrea Creaser, $975,000 on 12/18/2025

NORTH BRANFORD My job is real estate. My business is building relationships.

Nancy Hunt

GUILFORD

Jana

Results That Will Move You

(203) 410-6718

jana.ghidossi@cbmoves.com

21 Idylwood Dr: Mark E. and Michele Rowland of North Branford to Renee E. Farrell, $440,000 on 12/15/2025 259 Old Post Rd: Renee E. Farrell of North Branford to William Nugent, $720,000 on 12/16/2025

NORTH HAVEN Bob Lukaszek 203.623.3757

Stephen Gaffney BLukaszek@houlihanlawrence.com 917-705-7199

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INVESTMENT

978 Main Street | Branford

1 Bernhard Rd: Bhd North Haven Rlty LLC of North Haven to 724 Middletown Ave LLC, $126,000 on 12/12/2025 11 Garfield Ave: Arthur F. and Gail I. Bellucci of North Haven to Haroun Mcclellan and Asmaa Ferdjallah, $480,000 on 12/12/2025 730 Middletown Ave: Bhd North Haven Rlty LLC of North Haven to 724 Middletown Ave LLC, $126,000 on 12/12/2025

OLD SAYBROOK 1057 Boston Post Rd: Bfc LLC of Old Saybrook to Steven Jeske, $400,000 on 12/16/2025 249 Boston Post Rd: Jhinson Jara and Mershuri Velez of Old Saybrook to Jenny P. Palacios, $350,000 on 12/16/2025

WESTBROOK 30 Dowd Rd: Janet Cartwright of Westbrook to Wendy Lang, $425,000 on 12/19/2025 155 Fawn Hill Dr: John and Meredith Werner of Westbrook to Theresa M. and Holly A. Bonanomi, $425,000 on 12/15/2025

203.927.7105 nancy.hunt@cbrealty.com 1024 Main Street, Branford

Copyright material of Banker and 30 Ciro Rd: Troiano Gaetano Est and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and Vivian Troiano of North Branford to The Warren Group. Robert Miller, $500,000 on 12/15/2025 For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.

JANUARY 8, 2026 • THE SOUND • REAL ESTATE

Thank You For your continued support! I look forward to helping you achieve your dreams in 2026!

A New Year Brings New Possibilities — Let Your Next Home Be One of Them!

Congratulations Rose Ciardiello For Successfully Closing Over $65,000,000 in 2025!*

Proudly Represented the Seller: 405 Whitfield St., #3, Guilford — $2,100,000 18 Tidewater Ln., Clinton — $1,500,000 324 Tanner Marsh Rd., Guilford — $1,645,000 81 Spencer Ave., Guilford — $1,460,000 553 Mulberry Pt. Rd., Guilford — $1,200,000 275 Chestnut Grove, Guilford — $1,250,000 31 Meadowbrook Rd., Madison — $1,005,000 26 Arrowhead Dr., Guilford — $980,000 423 Whitfield St., Guilford — $965,000 11 Island Bay Cir., Guilford — $950,000 9 Bassett Ln., Madison — $950,000 204 Sam Hill Rd., Guilford — $1,030,000 55B Garnet Park Rd., Madison — $1,125,000 9 Lantern Hill Ln., Guilford — $1,185,000

201 Mulberry Point Rd., Guilford — $760,000 100 Dudley Ave., B8, Old Saybrook — $745,000 363 Nut Plains Rd., Guilford — $815,000 9 Madrina Lane, Madison — $530,000 300 Ives St., Hamden — $522,500 141 Colony Ave., Trumbull — $505,000 70 Wood Terr., East Haven — $490,000 68 Norton Ave., Guilford — $435,000 1982 Long Hill Rd., Guilford — $415,000 10 Carriage Hill Dr., E. Lyme — $415,200 72 Gene Street, East Haven — $320,000 2255 Foxon Rd., N. Branford — $291,000 177 Monticello Dr., Branford — $270,000 42 Granite Road, Guilford — $243,000

Closed Units, All 8 States4

#1 in CT Companywide Closed Volume & Units4

Closed Sales Volume & Units1

41 Sportsman Hill Rd., Madison — $690,000 121 Riverview Drive, Guilford — $686,000 708 County Rd., Guilford — $685,000 37 Mulligan Dr., Wallingford — $660,000 57 Harvard Ct., Middletown — $590,000 18 Oxbow Ln., N. Branford — $575,000 40 Union St., Guilford — $532,000 26 Victoria Dr., Branford — $510,000 114 Partrick Ave., Norwalk — $910,000 53 Cedar Knolls Dr., Branford — $275,000 12 View Pl., Guilford — $367,500 39 Hallmark Hill Dr., Wallingford — $345,000 269 Glenwood Dr., Guilford — $387,500 94 Injun Hollow Rd., Haddam — $225,000 59 Mill Rd., Guilford — $430,000

#1 in New Haven County Closed Sales Volume2

Call Rose For Real Results

Both Sides Covered. Represented the Buyer & Seller: 710 Alexander Dr., Guilford — $1,250,000 265 Landons Way, Guilford — $1,210,000 9 Lantern Hill Ln., Guilford — $1,185,000

#1 Companywide

#1 in Guilford Since 2017

Welcome your new neighbors. Represented the Buyer: 48 Andrews Rd., Guilford — $2,200,000 405 Whitfield St., #1, Guilford — $2,300,000 95 New Quarry Rd., Guilford — $2,080,000 82 Hartford Ave., Madison — $2,900,000 190 State St., Guilford — $1,299,900 120 N. Fair St., 2C, Guilford — $1,250,000 31 Stanton Ct., Madison — $1,356,000 94 Orchard Hill Dr., Fairfield — $1,190,000 7 Tamarack Ln., Guilford — $895,180 19 Lomartra Ln., Branford — $815,000 3 Trailside Dr., Wallingford — $770,000 24 Grouse Ln., Madison — $770,000 233 Front St., #3, New Haven — $750,000 367 Main St., #31, Old Saybrook — $705,000 14 Martleshamheath Ln., Madison — $705,000 367 Main St., #31, Old Saybrook — $705,000

WORK WITH THE BEST

203.314.6269

63 Circle Beach Rd., Madison — $850,000 23 Merriman Lane, Wallingford — $750,000 12 Rachel Ln., Essex — $675,000

Rose.Ciardiello@raveis.com | Roseciardiello.raveis.com 21 Whitfield St, Guilford CT 06437

8 1

Per SmartMLS 1.1.2017-12.5.2025, Residential Closed Sales Volume & Units, Guilford, CT 2Per SmartMLS 1.1.2024 -12.5.2025, Total Closed Volume, ‘Single Family Sale’, ‘Condo/Co-Op Sale, New Haven County, CT 3Total Closed Sales Volume, Per SmartMLS 1.1.2025 - 12.15.2025 & Non-MLS off Market Properties. 4 #1 Companywide Closed Units, All 8 States, 2023 & 2024 & #1 in CT Companywide Closed Volume & Units 2023 & 2024, William Raveis Real Estate