The Sound 02-19-26 by dayshorepublishing

February 19, 2026

Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 8

Branford Schools Go with All-Electric Bus System

By Nicholas Checker

Branford Public Schools (BPS) will incorporate an electric school bus system into its transportation network beginning in the 2026–27 school year, utilizing 46 electric buses to serve approximately 2,500 students. The transition was approved in 2024 through

a 10-year, $60 million contract between Zum and the school system, with $6.3 million of the cost offset by the EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.

“Branford Public Schools, in partnership with Zum, is committed to delivering a firstclass transportation system that prioritizes students and families while setting a new standard for safety, reliability, and sustain-

ability,” said School Superintendent Christopher Tranberg. “Electric school buses with bidirectional charging capabilities create cleaner transportation today and have the potential to support grid resilience by returning energy from bus batteries back to the grid in the future.”

See Branford Schools page 4

Charging Toward 2026

Pallav Prakash, director of electrification program management for Zum, outlines the capabilities of the new bus yard Feb. 13 at 33 Flax Mill Road in Branford ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony for Branford Public Schools’ 46-bus electric fleet. Set to launch in the 2026–27 school year, the fleet will make Branford the largest fully electric school district in the Northeast with vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Zum provides transportation to more than 4,000 schools in 15 states and in 2024 deployed the nation’s first fully electric school bus fleet in Oakland, Calif. See more photos from the groundbreaking at zip06.com.

is helping lead the Essex Winter Series into a new season..................................2

Raising the Bar Kylie Connelly finished first in bars at the SCC Championship............12

Tara Helen O’Connor

Special to The Sound

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Year

Tara Helen O’Connor: New Head for Essex Winter Series

By Rita Christopher

What happens when an unmarried person meets the perfect unmarried mate? If love conquers all, they marry — even if it seems improbable. And so it was for Daniel Phillips and Tara Helen O’Connor, who married despite a noticeable disparity. She is 5-foot-10; he is 5-foot-3.

Far more important than their height difference is their shared love of music. Tara, a flutist, and Daniel, a violinist, once played the same passage from a Bach cantata together at rehearsal with exactly the same interpretation. In that moment, they knew they belonged together.

This is Tara’s first year as artistic director of the Essex Winter Series. She takes over the role after Mihae Lee’s 15 years at the helm.

Tara is no stranger to music festivals and concert series. She and Daniel run a summer festival

in northern New Mexico called Music from Angel Fire, which presents about 10 concerts over two and a half weeks. She has also performed at music festivals across the United States — from California to New England — as well as in Canada, Europe, and Asia.

She is an artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and was the first wind player selected for its Bowers Program, which supports the careers of outstanding young chamber music performers. She is an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and has been nominated twice for a Grammy Award.

Tara currently teaches flute and coaches chamber music

ensembles at the Yale School of Music. The Fenton Brown Emerging Artist Concert on March 22 will feature a young chamber group, Trio Animoso, which she worked with during their student days at Yale.

“They were so fabulous, so fantastic, that they just had to stay together,” she says.

The trio will remain after the concert for a four-day outreach residency, visiting local schools to give students a more personal introduction to classical music.

“Music for kids in school is a win-win,” Tara says. “It works the brain, helps coordination, makes a happier, smarter child.”

The Essex Winter Series has faced challenges this year, though not from the music itself. The weather has been uncooperative. The opening concert of the season — a tribute to Mihae Lee — was canceled because of a snowstorm and has been rescheduled

Photo courtesy of Tara Helen O’Connor

Tara Helen O’Connor, newly appointed artistic director of the Essex Winter Series, brings decades of performance, teaching, and festival leadership experience to the role this season.

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Branford Schools Go with All-Electric Bus System

Continued from page 1

Zum is a technology-led transportation company focused on student transportation and electric bus infrastructure. The company provides transportation solutions to more than 4,000 schools across 15 states and operates nationwide.

Leading investors in Zum include Sequoia Capital, GIC, and SoftBank, with more than $350 million invested. Based in Redwood City, California, the company provides transportation via electric buses that are supported by charging infrastructure.

The transition represents a significant step for Branford and its transportation system. BPS is expected to operate the largest fully electric school bus fleet in the Northeast, according to Zum.

“This is an exciting day in student transportation and a powerful example of what’s possible when districts are willing to lead,” said Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum. “By becoming the largest fully electric school district in the Northeast, Branford is setting a national benchmark. With this state-of-the-art EV fleet and Zum’s technology platform, we are charging forward with a modern transportation system that improves student health, safety, and the educational experience — while delivering benefits to the entire community.”

Officials said the electric fleet includes vehicle-to-grid capabilities that allow school bus batteries to return energy to the local power grid when buses are not in use, which can support energy reliability and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

“Branford is setting a national benchmark for clean, modern student transportation,” Zum said in an email. “The fully

New and Gently Used Books Needed

electric fleet will reduce emissions, improve student health, and introduce advanced charging infrastructure with future vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities that can support local grid resilience.”

Officials spoke at a Feb. 13 groundbreaking ceremony at the Zum School Bus Yard, 33 Flax Mill Road, Branford, including Tranberg; Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz; Sarah Skinner, Zum vice president of partnerships and corporate strategy; and other state and local elected officials.

Bysiewicz said the partnership highlights the importance of reliability, safety, and transparency in student transportation and reflects the state’s support for sustainability and innovation.

“These buses feature bidirectional charging technology, which in the future can strengthen grid resilience by returning stored energy back to the local grid,” a spokesman said in a statement. “This means cleaner air for our children, smarter use of public infrastructure, and a more resilient energy future for our communities.”

Bysiewicz added that Connecticut is proud to support sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.

“Branford is setting a national benchmark for clean, modern student transportation,” her spokesman said. “Together, we are proving that when we invest in our kids and our communities, we build a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable future.”

The 10-year contract between BPS and Zum is expected to transition the district to a fully electric school bus fleet and position Branford among the largest electrified school transportation systems in the Northeast, officials said.

The Friends of the James Blackstone Library welcomes donations of new and gently used books of all kinds, as well as DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records. Donations can be placed in the bins behind the Blackstone Library or at 30 Harrison Avenue, Branford. Proceeds benefit the Blackstone Library and its enrichment activities and programs for children and adults in the community. For more information or to make arrangements for a large donation, email friends@blackstonelibrary.org.

Correction

Three calendar items that ran on Feb. 12 had the incorrect venue. The Writing Injustice Book Discussion Series: “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston on Wednesday, Feb. 18; Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England on Thursday, Feb. 19; and the Staying Strong and Steady: Fall Prevention with Dr. A.J. Gagliardi and Dr. Jill Caruso on Monday, Feb. 23, will all be held at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street.

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Harbor News Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Editorial Staff

Obituaries

Obituary

Joan Marie Bartlett Branford

Joan Marie Bartlett, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in Branford, Feb. 6, 2026. Born Oct. 7, 1953, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Joan shared a life rich with love and kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Joan leaves behind her devoted husband of 42 years, George Bartlett; and her three daughters, Tiffany (Mike) Tracy of Branford, Misty Bartlett of Guilford, and Jamie (John) Richmond of Lisbon. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Peyton, Kaylee Marie, Tia Marie, Isabelle, Trent, and Isla Mae. Joan was the cherished daughter of the late Edith Lunt Foley Shepard and Herbert Shepard, who raised her, and the late George Foley. She was predeceased by her siblings, George, Gertrude, Norman, John, and Paul. Joan is also survived by her siblings, Edith, Jimmy, Janet, and Danny, along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joan’s educational journey led her to hairdressing school, where she honed her skills and began her career as a hairdresser. She later transitioned into banking at Guilford Savings Bank and ultimately retired after 21 years from the Branford Police Records Department. Throughout all the years, she proudly handled the books and administrative work for her husband’s business, George Bartlett Welding Services. Over the course of her diverse career, she made countless connections and friendships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

A woman of deep compassion and resilience, Joan was known for her quiet yet profound impact on the lives she touched. She possessed an innate ability to show up for others during their hardest moments, offering understanding, honesty, and comfort. To many, Joan

Contacting The Sound

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was not just a friend; she was a best friend by being kind, loyal, and steadfast in her support. Her wisdom, earned through years of experience, was shared freely, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Joan was a devoted family woman who adored her husband, with their marriage setting a standard for what true love is. She was always so proud of her daughters and grandchildren, their accomplishments, and the individuals they became. Her life was filled with love, laughter, and a commitment to making a difference in the world, no matter how small. She was a shining example of how to live a life worthy of praise.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Guilford Funeral Home. Her funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at North Guilford Congregational Church, 159 Ledge Hill Rd., Guilford. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Connecticut Hospice in Branford in honor of Joan, in recognition of her caring spirit and the compassionate care she received in her final days.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends who supported them through the challenges of navigating life with their beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother as she battled dementia. Each act of kindness, every moment of care, and the love shared made an immeasurable difference during this journey. A special thank you is extended to the staff at Connecticut Hospice, whose compassion and kindness in her final days meant more to the family than words can express.

Joan Marie Bartlett leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength that will forever resonate in the hearts of those she cherished. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com

See Obituaries page 10

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Branford High School Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 12 High Honors

Alasdair Adsit, Quinn Andresen, Julianna Annunziata, Joey Arcangelo, Chase Barone, Giuliana Barros, Jack Bartels, Ishaan Bhawnani, Saahil Bhawnani, Ryan Booth, Salvatore Brancati, Charles Budz, Dante Bunnell, Giovanni Casanova, Miles Cerrito, Stacia Comen, Camille Dalton, Gabriella DeLucia, Juliette Delvaulx, Joseph DiMassa, Caden Dombrowski, Nate Durante, Yoav Ebert, Kendall Fagan, Alexander Ferrara, Saige Fries, Colin Fryer, Lillian Gagliardi, Olivia Galli, Connor Gilfeather, Aliza Giordano, Emelia Guandalini, Kiara Guevara-Cragwell, Dylan Hall, Jake Hood, Siara Humphries, Emilia Jeffery, Tate Jones, Sarah Kwadade, Hunter Ljunggren, Ella Lordan, Logan Ly, Sara Malouki, Domenic Maturo, John Mautte, Elias McGaffin, Grayson Mills, Thomas Mioline, Chase Nixon, Kayla Nugent, Favour Nwagboli, Tehila Nwakalor, Ayla Omeragic, Hana Omeragic, Gabriel Ortega, Angelica Pagan Amon, Elise Panagrossi, Wynter Parsons, Aarav Patel, Madison Polce, Chloe Pompano, Lillian Rank, Leighton Resendes, Haley Robison, Summer Sabatino, Jacob Santone, Matthew Santone, Lea

Sekerovic, Austyn Sparks, Noah Stewart, Abigail Talalas, Jason Talalas, Sophia Tamsin, Bidhee Thapa, Jacob Tran, Liam Watson

Grade 11 High Honors

Kamari Allen, Penelope Benson, Angelina Biehl, Adam Burger, Wyatt Cavallaro, Alexandra DeLuca, Dhruvi Desai, Jorden Devlin, William Dornfeld, Luna Elston, Stella Elston, Cormac Fichtenholtz, Brenna Fox, Nathan Frohlich, Luke Gagliardi, Xavier Geissler, Elizabeth Harmon, Max Heltke, Finnegan Herget, Laurent Hernandez Salinas, Jolie Irzyk, Rylan Jayanetti, John Lopez, Benicio Lynk, Louis Manzo, Nicholas Marciano, Moises Morales-Orozco, Gabriella Morocho, Destinie Nixon, Lilly Panuccio, Halle Peterson, Audrina Pham, Jessica Radziunas, Cooper Ranton, Shaurya Shah, Arav Sharma, William Taranto, Eileen Trelles, Nicole Wells, Yousif Zaidi

Grade 10 High Honors

Helen Abbott, Carter Anderson, Kevin Barbero, Demi Boariu, Addison Booth, Levi Burton, Kyle Chen, Alyssa DeLucia,

Emma Ducharme, Keaton Dunn, Daniel Ebert, Tasia Emmons, Sophia Falcigno, Zoe Fenn, Sammy Festa, Liam Fischer, Meadow Fornes, Tracylyn Frederick, Addyson Genovese, Madalena Gomes, Adlee Guandalini, Clifford Hench, Audrey Henkel, Caroline Hermes, Lilian Herrmann, Hailey Jamison, Savannah Johnson, Simon Karmacharya, Madison Landino, Olivia Lawlor, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Abigail Lee, Owen Lentner, Nathan Lipp, Tania Majeed, Rylee Marshall, Yanelis Martinez, Eli Mayer, Danielle Mayne, Silas McCulloch, Luciana Mena, Ana Milne, Lucia Narcisco, Claire Newlan, Kyleigh Nugent, Benjamin O’Brien, Penelope Phouadara, Kayla Rivera, Jordan Ross, Hunter Stewart, Thomas Sturges, Isabella Sullivan, Talia Tamsin, Aidan Tracy, Emma Tran, Andrew Tupper, Sofia Volpato, Tori Zalewski, Dailyn ZunigaCordova

Grade 9 High Honors

Aoife Adsit, Sufia Ali, Evan Rachel Bah, Addison Banks, Vesa Bejleri, Ariana Best, Connor Brogan, Abigail Brown, Angelina Brown, Kayleigh Calandro, Gavin Cheslock, Michaela Cribbin, Marcello Curcio,

Jordan Curtis, Raffael Dacampo, Theodor Dalton, Madison Deko, Kurt Durante, Christmine Ekebuisi, Evangeline Ellis, Alexandra Fichtenholtz, Liam Gallagher, Mason Garea, Ava Glick, Angelina Kennedy, Peyton McKenna, Clara Ann McNeill, Aaryan Medhat, Lucy Mitchell, Mariam Mohamed, Duncan Montag, Arianna Morrotti, Jackson Nichols, Julianna Pantani, Neha Patel, Ved Patel, Phoebi Phouadara, Eve Reilley, Samantha Rey, Lucia Romero, Brynn Rosenberg, Madeleine Roussat, Mathilde Roussat, Joseph Schettino, Zara Serrano, Domenica Sislema, Connor Stroka, Evan Talmadge, Cassandra Tamsin, Savanna Traca, Hayley Williams, Noemi Wullaert, Isabella Zdunek

Grade 12 Honors

Evren Akin, Emilio Arce, Paige Baker, Ryan Bastian, Sofia Bobko, James Bush, Jason Chaucer, Christian Chiechi, Trevor Cser, Nathan Devlin, Jalynn Edwards, Jaliyah Ennes, Sophia Espinal, Ginger Fitzpatrick, Ava Gamberdella, Meena Groshart, Bidushi Khadka, Josephine

See Branford page 7

Branford High School

Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Kliucius, Jacob Kopczuk, Lilah LeBlanc, Caitlyn Lentner, Calista Michaud, Michael Milici, Adrianna Morocho, Erin Murphy, Cole O’Connor, Samarvir Pamma, Alaisja Perez, Michael Perricone, Jake Pombo, Fathima Ramzeen, Mathias Schalper, Shriya Thapa, Luke Torre, Ryan Tripp, Keagan Walsh, Dylan Weaver, Michael Whittaker, Moiyan Williams, Hassan Zaidi, Maylin Zuniga

Grade 11 Honors

Beulah Anigekwu, Keegan Antunes, Jayden Atiencia, John Baklik, Bohan Barrett, Veronika Blyzniuk, Jayden Bonilla, Ellie Brown, Ethan Byrne, Claire Campbell, Zayna Cella, Gavin Cerrito, Jesse Clark, Lily Coppola, Lila Cosgrove, Alexander Cretella, Cayson Dunn, Aiden Dupre, Anthony Esposito, Andrew Gohar, Olivia Gwiazda, Teague Hearn, William Hornyak, Hayden Infantino, Aaliya Latif, Rebecca Law, Matthew Lenox, Tatum Lipka, Lila Long, Mason Marchitto, Emma McAdams, Aubree McNally, Amanda Medina, Mykenzie Medina, Masen Mervine, William Miller, Yoviel Morales, Eli Ng, Chinonyerem Obi, Nicholas Panuccio, Taniya Payne, Layla Perrelli, Makenzie Petrillo, Jace Porrello, Ava Quattlebaum, Sophia Rasile, Lauren Reid, Lindsey Reid, Caitlin Reilley, Marin Roussat, Braeden Ryan, Robert Sharkey, Saloni Shrestha, Jacob Shumway, Ethan Sierra, Devina Vaicunas, Leila Verzella

Grade 10 Honors

Jessica Adhikari, Mia AlbarracinRojas, Angel Apolo Puwainchir, Lily

Balisciano, Olivia Boudah, Landon Brown, Lila Brown, Justin Bustillo, Edward Copperthite, Silverio Curcio, Antonio D’Angelo, Luca Daddona, Vincent Daniels, Matteo DePonte, Christopher DiStasio, Alanah Duncan, Zachary Forney, Guilianna Gambardella, Sawyer Gaudreau, Jalien Hargett, Darryl Hooks, Josclyn Humphries, Spencer JohnsonLanning, Kaila Jones, Nadya Jones, Matthew Kazzi, Charlotte Kenney, Alexander Kezik, Chase Konesky, Genevieve Longobardi, Lillian Lowe, Cameron MacLeod, Miah Maharaj, Abbey Mangler, Evan Marsh, Lily McNeil, Ellie Meyran, Destin Miller, Cameron Moon, Caleigh Moran, Marshall Olsen, Marilyn Ortigosa-Liaz, Kendall Pastore, Brady Pechkis, Rebecca Pistone, Benjamin Saffo, Emily Salvestrini, Natalie Shamas, Simrandeep Singh, Asees Singh, Nolan Smestad, Mark Spinato, James Sturges, Isabelle Szefc, Joshua Vernon, Landon Watkins, Coen Widmeyer, Lily Williams, Mia Wullaert

Grade 9 Honors

Xavier Armoogam, Carlene Burke, Celia Burke, Brenda Calle Guartazaca, Alexander Darmofal, Marco DePonte, Aiden Faulkner, Elisa Ferrigno, Heather Jennings, Areen Khawaja, Braedon Limone, Chloe McAdams, Francesca Morra, Aubree Novaco, Luis Pagan Amon, Mason Pagliaro, Remigus Paradis, Mckenna Piano, Lorenzo Russo, Grace Salter, Angel Shrestha, Ayden Sparks, Tessa Vallen, Jaydin Vargas, Austin Warner, Hayley Williams, Cherish Wright, Dominic Yacono

Alfa is a stunning 2-year-old, black-andwhite long-haired girl. She was trapped while living among a colony of cats and arrived at Forgotten Felines during the recent cold weather. Alfa loves being petted and brushed, as well as sitting on a comfy lap. This beauty will definitely keep you warm on chilly nights. Wouldn’t you love to cuddle up with Alfa? Come meet her at our open house or apply to adopt her 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. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@forgotten felinesct.org.

Your Match At Forgotten Felines

Photo by Tracye Mueller

Connecticut Secretary of the State in Branford on Feb. 21

Press Release the MLK Heritage Foundation

On Saturday, Feb. 21, the James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford will host a conversation with Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, who will discuss what has been done — and can be done — to protect voting rights. A Q&A will follow.

The event, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is part of the MLK Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month program. Registration is not required but is recommended at https://events.blackstonelibrary.org/event/ mlk-foundation-placeholder-27459.

Tara Helen O’Connor

Continued from page 2

for Nov. 8, 2026. That concert will feature Tara on flute, violinist Ani Kavafian, cellist Peter Wiley, and pianist Shai Wosner.

On Feb. 22, the Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert will feature Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks performing music from the 1920s. On April 12, Chanticleer — the acclaimed a cappella ensemble that has previously appeared in the series — will return with a program of American songs.

In fact, all of this season’s concerts highlight American themes in different ways as part of a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Tara loves combining classical orchestral and chamber music repertoire with works by new composers.

“After all, music is a continuum,” she says. “Bach was a new composer once.”

She has also performed on several film and television soundtracks in a very different musical vein, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Barbie, and Respect.

Tara begins playing piano at age 3, and by 5 she is already composing her own songs. She wants to play the flute after hearing a neighbor practice, but at her elementary school in Hauppauge, Long Island, students cannot begin flute instruction until fourth grade. Although Tara is already accompanying the school chorus on piano in third grade, no exception is made, and she waits another year.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In office since 2023, Thomas has implemented significant election reforms, including the roll-out of early voting and a new centralized voter registration system.

In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006.

During her current term, Thomas will also institute the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut, and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.

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, March 5, 2026 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Rd., North Branford, CT to consider the following:

A. Appl. #2026-1, Zoning Text Amendment – update Schedule A – Table of Uses, revise Restaurant regulations. Applicant: North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission

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

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

Property owners wishing to appeal their assessment must file a written application no later than February 20, 2026 in order to be scheduled for a hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals for Real Estate and Personal Property on the October 1, 2025 Grand List, and Motor Vehicles on the 2024 Supplemental List.

Applications are available online or in the Assessor’s Office and must be received by February 20, 2026 at the following address:

As a high school senior, Tara is selected to participate in a master class led by noted flutist Paula Robison with the Long Island Philharmonic. Robison asks what Tara plans to do after graduation. Tara says she has considered becoming a lawyer, following other family members.

Robison has other ideas. She encourages Tara to pursue music professionally and suggests she audition for Sam Baron, a noted flute instructor at the State University at Stony Brook.

Tara follows that advice, knocks on Baron’s door, and asks if she can play for him. He is initially incredulous when he sees the difficulty of the music, but after hearing her perform, he becomes her teacher for the next 11 years.

Tara and Dan live in Manhattan with their two dachshunds, Ava and Chloe, but she is already familiar with the Shoreline area. She has performed at Musical Masterworks in Old Lyme and also has a cousin in Clinton.

Her schedule is busy, but she relishes its variety.

“I love teaching; I love performing; I love mentoring young artists,” she says. “I love sharing great music. Music is important to all of us, even if we have different beliefs. We can all come together over great music.”

For more information about the Essex Winter Series and to purchase tickets, visit essexwinterseries.com.

ESTATE OF Thomas P. Makosky, AKA Thomas Makosky (26-00038)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated February 6, 2026, 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:

Christopher Makosky, 1238 Shady Summit Way, Raleigh, NC 27603

Board of Assessment Appeals c/o Assessor’s Office

Town of North Branford 909 Foxon Road

North Branford, CT 06471

Hearings will be held on March 2, 3, and 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Notice is hereby given that the North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT to consider the following:

A. Appl. #2025-9, 1821 Middletown Avenue – requesting variances to split existing lot into two (2) lots with variances for: square footage for lot size; lot square less than 150’; width along building line less than 150’; and street frontage less than 125’ for each parcel. Owner: George & Kathryn Gallager/Applicant: James Pretti, PE, LS, Criscuolo Engineering LLC

At this hearing, all interested parties may appear and be heard and written communications will be received. Copies of the applications are on file for public inspection in the Town Hall Planning Department or on the Town’s website www.northbranfordct.gov.

Steve Kenning, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday February 5, 2026 the following actions were taken:

Application PZ 25-10 Special Exception & Coastal Site Plan for a 22 unit Housing Development located at 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,15,17 Beacon Hill Road-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

Application PZ 26-3 Special Exception for Grading (Sec. 6.8) for a 22 unit Housing Development located at 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,15,17 Beacon Hill Road-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

Application PZ 25-7 Special Exception & Coastal Site Plan for a new single-family home and Accessory Apartment located at 10 Montgomery Parkway-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

Application PZ 25-14 Special Exception & Coastal Site Plan for the demolition of the existing home and construction of a new single-family home located at 55 Harding Avenue-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

Bond Release for 23 Prospect Hill Road-APPROVED.

C. Andres, Chairperson F. Russo Secretary

Obituaries Continued from page 5

Obituary Lois Sabo

Branford

Lois Norkus Sabo, 82, a longtime resident of Branford, died Jan. 26, 2026, at Masonic Health Center in Wallingford. She was the wife of the late Peter J. Sabo.

She was born in New Haven on May 13, 1943, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Supsie Norkus, sister of the late Beverly (Phillip) Sylvia. She was a member of Branford Bible Chapel in North Branford. She was an employee of Yale University in the Pathology Department and retired in 2005.

In her younger years, Lois loved to play basketball and was a competitive bowler. She was a sci-fi geek in love with Star Trek and Captain Kirk and always made time to watch reruns with her kids. She took to heart the Christian value of an open heart and an open door. Through the years, she took friends and family into her home to give them a fresh start. She exemplified the scripture from Matthew 25:35, 40

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(NIV): “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat ... I was a stranger and you invited me in ... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.”

She is survived by her daughter and two sons, Beth Anne (James) Cusanelli of East Haven, Jeffrey (Kathleen) Radziunas of Wallingford, and Marc (Kristen Frank) Sabo of Trumbull; six grandchildren whom she adored with all her heart: Eric, Joshua, Christopher, Jacob, Vivian, and Cody; two great-grandchildren, Kareena and Damien; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a memorial service on Feb. 14, at W.S. Clancy Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to Branford Bible Chapel, PO Box 64, Branford, CT 06405, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name. Arrangements are under the direction of W.S. Clancy Funeral Home.

ESTATE OF Marilyn Amento, AKA Marilyn A. Malone (26-00019)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated January 29, 2026, 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.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Clement J. Amento c/o ALPHONSE IPPOLITO, FASANO, IPPOLITO, LEE & FLORENTINE, LLC, 107 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Janet M Sebastiao (20-00313)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated February 4, 2026, 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.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

John G Sebastiao

c/o THEODORE G FRETEL, ATTORNEY THEODORE G. FRETEL, 1717 FOXON RD., RTE 80, P.O. BOX 256, NORTH BRANFORD, CT 06471

Obituary George Storer III Branford

George B. “Hap” Storer III, of Branford, passed away on Feb. 6, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on March 30, 1951, to Joan Stanton Storer and George B. Storer Jr., Hap was a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and the University of Wyoming.

A native of Miami Shores, FL, Hap lived there until relocating his family to Branford in 1991. His passion for sailing spanned many fleets and venues, from PHRF racing in Biscayne Bay to the Shields fleet in Edgartown, MA, as well as many years of service as a race committee officer and youth sailing leader. Over the years, he was an active member of the Coral Reef Yacht Club, Miami Shores Country Club, the Surf Club of Miami, Edgartown Yacht Club, Chappaquiddick Beach Club, and Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, where he was also an active golfer.

Hap will be remembered for his genuine smile, his deep love for his family, and his steady contributions of time and

effort to the community. He held leadership positions in many of the organizations he joined and, in recent years, focused much of his time as a past president and many years as treasurer of the Branford Rotary Club. He had been a board member at the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club and was also the treasurer recently at The Ponds Condominium. By profession, he was a Certified Public Accountant.

His life happiness came from his three children and his six grandchildren. Hap is survived by his wife of 44 years, Teresa Brown Storer; his children, Paul G. Storer of Fairfax, VA; Jacqueline “J.J.” Russo and her husband, Robert, of Colts Neck, NJ; Gregory B. Storer and his wife, Elizabeth “Lizzie,” of Edgewater, MD; and his brother, David D. Storer of Cooper City, FL. He adored his six grandchildren: Nicholas Storer; Claire and Robert Russo; and John, Mary, and William Storer.

A celebration of life will be planned for the summer. Those who wish to honor Hap may do so through a donation to the Branford Rotary Foundation, if desired.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF William Francis Reilly (26-00021)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated February 5, 2026, 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:

Christine Reilly c/o TIMOTHY PRIOR GUNNING, LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY GUNNING, LLC, 685 STREET, P.O. BOX 1814, NEW HAVEN, CT 06508

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Edna Joye Rose, AKA Edna Joye Hall Rose (26-00036)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated February 2, 2026, 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:

Harold Rose

c/o GEOFFREY A HECHT, CAPLAN & HECHT, LLC, 20 TRUMBULL STREET, NEW HAVEN, CT 06511

Obituaries Continued from page 10

Obituary

Alan D. Brecciaroli

Branford

Alan D. Brecciaroli of Branford passed away peacefully Feb. 3, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. He was born in New Haven Feb. 8, 1952, a son of the late Dante Brecciaroli and Norma Bertozzi LaPointe. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Irma Brecciaroli, who always held a special place in her heart for Alan and shared a deeply loving bond with him.

He is survived by his brother, David (Yvonne) Brecciaroli of Branford; his nieces, Lisa (Sachin) Momaya and Linda (Patrick) Nomee; and his greatnephew, Dante Momaya. Alan is also survived by many cousins and friends, especially his longtime childhood friend, Valerie. In addition, he is lovingly remembered by his Aunt Gloria Lattanzi and his Aunt Linda (Barry) Stark, whom Alan affectionately referred to as “Bagel” and who was always there for him no matter the circumstances.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Alan worked for many years as a carpenter for Branford Construction Company, a family business founded by his grandfather and later operated by his father. He also worked for the Petra Construction Company. An avid outdoorsman, Alan loved to hunt and fish and could often be found traveling to Maine to hunt deer, pheasant, and rabbit. He especially cherished time spent with his beloved dogs, Bridget and Max.

Alan was a member of the ItalianAmerican Club of Branford, the Marchegiana Society of New Haven, and the Guilford Gun Club.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Branford Ambulance Service, the U.S. Renal Care in Branford, and the doctors and nurses at Yale and St. Raphael hospitals for their exceptional care, compassion, and support throughout Alan’s long and difficult journey.

A visitation was held on Feb. 12, with a service following in the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, with interment in St. Agnes Cemetery. For directions and an online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.

ESTATE OF Robert J. Flynn, Sr., AKA Robert J. Flynn (26-00027)

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Robert J. Flynn Jr. c/o ALPHONSE IPPOLITO, FASANO, IPPOLITO, LEE & FLORENTINE, LLC, 107 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405

NOTICE

CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Paul Mulinski (25-00418)

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Yvette Larrieu c/o BERNADETTE MARY KEYES, KEYES AND LOONEY LLC, 420 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 15, BLDG. 3, BRANFORD, CT 06405

Obituary John Monterosso Moore, Idaho

Richard John Monterosso, 70, passed away on Jan. 21, 2026, at his home in Moore, Idaho, following an extended illness.

He was born on June 12, 1955, in New Haven, to Raymond Marius and Johanna Catherine Vanderboon Monterosso. He was the oldest of four children, with siblings Ron, Jackie, and Ray. Richard attended Branford High School, where he lettered in track and field, and graduated in 1974.

Their union also brought stepson Kody into Richard’s life. Richard and Robin continued working at various nuclear facilities until they settled in Idaho Falls.

Richard was an industrious, hardworking man until his health began to decline in his later years. Even then, he and Robin enjoyed many adventures traveling, often with family or friends. Richard loved spending his leisure time fishing and golfing. Richard loved people and visiting, and he never met a stranger. He would often go to the local diners to have a meal and visit with people.

Richard went on to become a highly respected journeyman carpenter, working primarily in nuclear energy plants on the East and Gulf coasts, including the Grand Gulf Nuclear Plant in Mississippi and the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant in Florida, and others.

Richard married Irene Curry in 1980, and they were blessed with a daughter, Melissa. They later divorced.

On June 5, 2009, Richard married Dessa Robin Butler Haney, whom he met in Florida City, FL, while working at the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Richard is survived by his wife, Robin; his daughter, Melissa (Damien) Hall; three granddaughters, Madison, Katie, and Norah; his stepson, Kody (Kendra) Haney; his sister, Jacqueline Elizabeth (Eric) Monterosso-Olsen; his brother, Ronald Brian (Shirley) Monterosso; and his nephew, Jordan (Daniela) Monterosso. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Johanna; and his younger brother, Raymond William Monterosso. In honor of Richard’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. The Anderson Family Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

ESTATE OF Edward J. Struzinsky (25-00442)

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Nancy Dineen, 1389 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Branford, Connecticut hereby gives notice of Public Hearings to be held on Thursday March 5, 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.

1. Application # 26.2 Special Exception to add a residential unit to an existing two unit residential and commercial property located at 23 West End Avenue. Vincent Grillo-Applicant & Owner.

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

BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

C. ANDRES, CHAIRPERSON

The Sound Thursday, February 19, 2026

Connelly Claims Bars Championship

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

Kylie Connelly may have been the lone representative of North Branford at the Southern Connecticut Conference-Shoreline Conference Gymnastics Championship earlier this month, but her impact was certainly felt.

Connelly finished first in the bars (8.7). fourth in the beam (9.05), sixth on the floor (8.65), and fifth all-around (34.7).

Just a sophomore, Connelly shined against some of the top competition in both conferences. She said she entered the season unsure whether she would continue with high school gymnastics but ultimately decided to commit and was proud of the result.

“I wasn’t sure going into the season. I was kind of on and off, but I went in just hoping to do the best I could,” Connelly said. “I didn’t care much about the outcome, and then when I saw how good I did, it felt really good. It was exciting to come out and get first as a sophomore and to win it.”

The North Branford sophomore said she didn’t expect to win bars or finish in the top five allaround.

“Last year, it was just the shoreline, and this year it was the

while also being so supportive and trying to make me feel a part of the team,” she said.

Despite Connelly’s shock at her final placement, Hand coach Kelly Smith said she was not surprised at all. Smith said Connelly had an impressive showing at the Shoreline Conference Championship last season and has improved since then.

“Our expectations were for her to be on the all-around podium and to potentially be very high in the rankings on several of the events, especially bars,” Smith said. “We were not surprised that when she hit her bar routine, she was the bar champion. She’s a great bar worker. She performed as we expected her to and had the success that we anticipated she would have.”

Smith added that the highlight of the performance was Connelly’s performance on beam.

SCC and the shoreline, and there’s a ton of good kids in the SCC so I wasn’t expecting to even really place much, and if I did at all,” she said. “I thought I’d be lower, so to place that high, I was really excited and shocked.”

As individual as a sport gymnastics can be, there is usually still a sense of teamwork and team support, but for Connelly, she found her support from the Daniel Hand gymnastics team.

Connelly practiced with the team all season, and even when Hand raised their fifth consecutive conference title, she participated in the celebration.

Connelly said the Hand team supported her all season long, including during the conference championship.

“It was nerve-wracking at first because I didn’t know anyone, but all the girls were super welcoming, and they treat me like I’m a

part of the team,” Connelly said. “I was glad that I got to experience it with them. Even though I didn’t get to compete with them, they still included me. Like I got a medal, and I was really proud of how they all did.”

Connelly expressed a special thanks to the Hand coaching staff.

“I want to give a special thanks to both of my coaches, who always push me to be my best every day

“A highlight for her was certainly the nine on beam. She’s added a little bit of difficulty in her jumps on her beam routine this year, and it took her out of her comfort zone a little bit, but she’s been working really hard,” she said. “She did just the most stunning beam routine, and it was really exciting not only for her to hit the routine when it mattered so much, but for her to get her first nine.”

Branford Track Posts Personal Records at Last Chance, Class M

By Serenity J. Bishop

Editor

Over the last week, the Branford boys and girls indoor track teams competed in the Last Chance Meet on Feb. 9, and in the Class M State Meet on Feb. 13. Both teams had several impressive performances against some of the best competition in the state.

In the girls’ Last Chance Meet, Marin Roussat reached a new personal record in the 55-meter hurdles, finishing with a time of 10.94. Beulah Anigekwu and Favour Nwagboli also hit personal records in the 300-meter race with times of 48.16 and 48.60. Jessica Adhikari finished with a time of 50.93 in the same race.

Eva Ellis was the final athlete to set a new personal record of the day. Ellis finished the 600-meter race with a

time of 1:55.93. Phoebi Phouadara finished the same race at 1:53.75.

Branford’s Caitlyn Lentner finished the 1000-meter race in 3:40.25. The 4x200 relay team of Nwagboli, Phouadara, Adhikari, and Anigekwu crossed the finish line at 2:02.35.

“As was typical of this meet, a lot of girls had PR’s in their effort to try and qualify for states,” Branford coach Kevin Connell said. “I was impressed with the perseverance they showed all season. We hadn’t been on the track in three weeks, and they performed well.”

In the Class M State Meet, the team’s top performers were Charlotte Kenney, Summer Sabatino, and Aaliya Latif. Kenney placed ninth in the 1000-meter with a season-best time of 3:14.04. Sabatino equaled his pole vault

personal record at 8’, allowing him to place 14th in the event. Latif set a personal record in the shotput at 28’ 6”, allowing her to place 14th in the event.

“This was a small group, but they competed at their best,” Connell said. “Charlotte probably ran her best race all season in the 1000, leading her heat from start to finish. She looked extremely confident. Summer and Aaliya had to really improvise in their training, so it was very special to see them end the season on a high note.”

For the boys, Branford had three athletes set a new personal record. Bo Barrett set a new personal record of 17’4.25 in the long jump, Eli Mayer ran 300 Meters in 39.84 and Braden Andrus ran 43.06 in the same race.

See Branford Track page 13

Photo courtesy of Kylie Connelly

Kylie Connelly finished first in the bars (8.7). fourth in the beam (9.05), sixth on the floor (8.65), and fifth allaround (34.7).

Sports

Branford Track Standout Latif Qualifies for States in Shot Put

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Branford indoor track team had a unique season, with both the girls and boys squads finding varying degrees of success and several athletes improving in their events throughout the year.

Branford’s Aailya Latif was among those who showed steady progress. Her hard work in the shot put paid off at the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship, where she qualified for the state meet.

Latif finished 13th with a throw of 28 feet, 5 inches. Branford coach Kevin Connell named her the Outstanding Performer of the meet.

“Aailya Latif qualified for states in the shot put, and it was a tribute to all the individual work she has done,” Connell said. “She has focused on improving her technique, and it is paying off.”

Qualifying for states this winter was a goal Latif set for her-

Sports

Person Week of the

self after reaching the state meet in the spring as a javelin qualifier. Despite that previous experience, she said earning a state berth in shot put came as a surprise.

“It was a really big shock for me that after only like a year of practice,” Latif said. “I was able to make it to states, and it was just such a big accomplishment for me. I was so shocked about it when I made it.”

Latif’s track career is still relatively new. She joined the team last year at the urging of friends who had encouraged her to come out as a freshman. She declined at first but decided to try it as a sophomore.

She quickly found success in multiple events.

Latif said qualifying for states in the javelin was rewarding, but

the team environment has been just as important to her development.

“I really fell in love with our team and our coaches. They were just all so positive and really nice to be around, and I also just fell in love with growing,” Latif said. “The environment was a big thing for me with my teammates, my coaches, and my parents. I think my biggest help came from the coaches.”

Latif said reaching states in her first season motivated her to continue improving. That accomplishment carried into the indoor season and remains motivation heading into the spring.

“I was out there every day pushing myself to be good, and then when we hit the offseason, I took some rest, and then it was spring season,” she said. “I pushed myself even harder. I made it to states for javelin, and then over the summer, I did a whole summer camp for track. That really helped me to get here today.”

Branford Track Posts Personal Records

Continued from page 12

“Bo Barrett, as a Long Jumper, has faced many challenges, including not being able to practice due to snow covering the track,” Branford coach Rich Biondi said. “However, Bo did not use that as an excuse, and he was able to have his best jumps at this meet. Bo will emerge from the season more confident heading into spring track, where he

will compete in a variety of events.”

At the Class M Championship, Eli Mayer ran a personal best in the 600 meters with a time of 1:33.14. Also, the 4x200 relay team of Luke Gagliardi, Nick Marciano, Charlie Budz, and Nolan Smestad finished in 1:44.30.

“Eli Mayer performed especially well in the last week of the season. At the state meet, in the

Schedules

BRANFORD

600 Meters, he ran a smart and well-balanced race. He showed toughness and desire to finish the race,” Biondi said. “As a result, Eli set a personal record. Eli is only a sophomore. He is a coach’s dream in the sense that he is an excellent student, he works hard, he is gifted, and he is coachable. Eli has the ability to run all three relays and four individual events, and his future in the sport is extremely bright.”

NORTH BRANFORD

Photo courtesy of Aailya Latif

Branford’s Aailya Latif qualified for states for the second straight season.

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Fun By The Numbers

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

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!

Madison Lyric Stage Announces 2026 Shows

Madison Lyric Stage (MLS), a professional theater company now entering its 14th year, announces its 2026 season will feature a new format and a new venue. Returning to one of its original homes, MLS will become the theater-in-residence at the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, for a monthlong summer festival of popular and classical music and drama. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society is located at 297 Boston Post Road, Madison.

The summer festival will feature three major events: Barry & Bette, a tribute concert to Barry Manilow and Bette Midler; Outcasts & Innocents, celebrating the musical world of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears; and a fully staged production of Shakespeare’s .

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

“This summer, discover three must-see events spanning popular music, theatre, and opera,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. “It’s a festival designed for those who crave powerful storytelling, gorgeous music, and extraordinary performances. We are also offering a summer festival pass for all three events of our whirlwind season, a great way to take part in our entire celebration of the arts here on the shoreline.”

Outcasts & Innocents: The Musical World of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears

July 10 at 7 p.m. and July 12 at 4 p.m.

Viewers will journey deep into the hauntingly beautiful realm of Benjamin Britten and his muse, tenor Peter Pears. In this cinematic, semi-staged experience, tenor Marc Deaton—drawing on his fourdecade international career—transforms into more than 10 of Britten’s unforgettable characters, supported by a company of eight guest artists with music direction by Jill Brunelle. Tickets cost $40.

William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26

June 27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 4 p.m.

The festival lights up with a tribute to two icons: Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Tenor Marc Deaton, a cast of six singers, and a band led by pianist Jill Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow

Brunelle ignite the stage with soaring renditions of beloved hits including “Mandy,” “Could It Be Magic,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “The Rose.” This high-energy celebration captures the glittering heart of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Tickets cost $40.

The show features a world of shimmering fairies, tangled romance, and hilarious mischief—all brought to life in a visually rich staging. Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for all ages is a forest tale of order and disorder, reality and appearance, and love and marriage. The evening will be preceded by an entertaining pre-show of merriment with singers, food, and drink. Tickets cost $45.

For more information or tickets, visit madisonlyricstage.org.

Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage

Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage Madison Lyric Stage presented in 2025. The Medium was a 2025 production. A Memory of Truth?

Press Release from Madison Lyric Stage

Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage was presented by the Madison Lyric Stage in 2025. Amadeus

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

Our Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England:

Calendar for the Week of February 19, 2026

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

37th Annual Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River

: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Ariel Lawhon. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

6:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Shaun Roche of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Topic covers the vital role of coastal marshes as habitat for unique species, along with historic images and stories of the farmers who once produced sustainable livestock fodder. Co-sponsored by the Guilford Conservation Commission. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

The Frozen River: A Novel

Book Club Shoreline Village Tea and Talk

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Shoreline Diner, 345 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to RSVP, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Junior Librarians

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a four-session program for ages 8 to 12 offering a behind-the-scenes look at library operations with the children’s and teen librarians. Participants will learn how librarians select books for the collection, how much they can spend, and how they decide when it is time for a book to retire. Free. Commitment to all four sessions and celebration is expected. 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.

Author Event: Gish Jen in Conversation with Barbara Pearce

Bad Bad Girl

: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: . Held in the Keyes Gallery. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 21

Stage Door Medium Live With Jimmy Moses

: 7 p.m.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison at 7:45 a.m. or the first stop at Haddam, Eagle Landing State Park, at 8:30 a.m. Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop leads this land-based trip along the shore of the Connecticut River to spot bald eagles and other wintering birds from a variety of locations and discuss the birds’ natural history. Not a boat trip. Cost: $33, includes soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant, Old Saybrook. Binoculars recommended and available to rent. Pre-registration and payment required. For info or to register (required), call 203245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.

Lay Home Housewarming: Yoga, Music and More

: Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Marks the reopening of the historic Lay Home on the museum campus following renovations. Schedule includes a guided yoga session from 10 to 11 a.m.; a Lay Home sneak preview tour at 11 a.m.; an open house from 2:30 to 5 p.m.; and a musical performance by Ben Cosgrove from 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free for yoga session for members; $10 for nonmembers. Concert tickets: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Other activities are free. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org.

Painting a David Hockney Landscape

Senior Series 2: All About Senior Living Communities

: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. Second in a six-part educational series designed for older adults and the adult children who support them. Each session offers practical guidance on topics related to aging in place, downsizing, home care, and senior living options. Participants can attend any or all sessions; there is no obligation to attend the full series. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Chinese New Year

: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-age students. Includes story time, a horse decoration craft, and noisemaking to welcome the Year of the Horse. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: Exciting Discoveries in Art History

: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a two-part series. 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.

The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features live audience readings and an interactive Q&A with Stage Door Medium Jimmy Moses. For info or tickets, call the box office at 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Blacksmithing: Forging a Kitchen Knife

: 10 a.m. to

5 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Three-day blacksmithing workshop covering foundational forging techniques while creating a kitchen knife. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20

The Occasional Coffee House: Rees Shad

: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. Features live music, coffee, and a relaxed evening with friends. Tickets: $20, available online or at the door. Space is limited. For info or tickets, call 203-421-3241 or visit northmadisoncc.org/occasional-coffeehouse.

: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Painting workshop inspired by the landscapes of David Hockney. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Metalsmithing: Stacking Rings Workshop

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Introductory metalsmithing workshop focused on creating stacked rings. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunarfest 2026

: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Hosted in partnership with the Yale-China Association. Free, all-ages celebration featuring art, music, dance, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities marking the Lunar New Year. For info, contact 203-562-4183, ext. 20, or matockarshewsky@newhavenmuseum.org, or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Create a Succulent Terrarium

: 10:30 a.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Garden Club. All supplies provided. For grades K to 4. Registration required. For info, call 860395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

See page 21

Two Irish-inspired Productions Plus Plays by Arthur Miller and August Wilson Make for a Busy Schedule in Early March

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Broadway Concerts

: Matt Doyle opens The Legacy Theatre’s Sunday afternoon Broadway Concert series on Sunday, Feb. 22, followed by Patti Murin on Sunday, March 8. Doyle, who grew up in Weston, won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of . Murin originated the role of Anna in the Broadway production of , among numerous other credits. Contact LegacyTheatre CT.org for tickets.

Aisle ON THE

Farce of Nature

Rhinoceros

production, from Thursday, March 6, to Saturday, March 28, is Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy, . The play, a cautionary tale of the seduction of power and the willingness to surrender to it, is about one man standing up as his neighbors succumb, becoming a crashing herd of rhinoceroses. Reg Rogers, a Tony-nominee, leads the cast. The adaptation by Frank Galati is one-act. For tickets, visit YaleRep.org.

streaming on multiple sites, including Apple TV and Prime Video. , about lyricist Larry Hart, is also streaming. Ethan Hawke, who stars is nominated for an Oscar.

Wicked

Blue Moon Jersey Boys

Back to the Waterfront Brothers Company Frozen Gem of the Ocean

Waterbury, replacing . It’s the New England premiere of the play set in Ireland overlooking the Irish Sea. Two brothers who have long lived together have their relationship shaken after one makes a startling revelation. It is described as darkly funny and a deeply moving exploration of brotherhood and grief. It runs from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 22. Tickets are available at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.

: Long Wharf’s production of August Wilson’s marks a return to the Canal Dock Boathouse, where was staged. The Wilson play, which is chronologically the first in his 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle that explores the African American story, runs from Friday, Feb. 27, to Sunday, March 15. For tickets, visit LongWharf.org.

The Wearing of the Green

A View from the Bridge Ya Patrick Swayze?”

: has been added to the schedule at the Seven Angels Theatre in

The One Good Thing or “Are

Continued from page 20

The Irish…and How They Got That Way

Angela’s Ashes

: Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) in Norwalk is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with , which is billed as an irreverent history of the Irish through the 20th and 21st centuries as written by Frank McCourt, author of . It runs from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 22. The March 8 performance is already sold out. Contact MusicTheatreOfCT.com for tickets.

Absurdist Comedy

: Yale Rep’s next

: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free and open to children in ages 5 to 12. Participants will conduct an experiment to make fake snow that even feels cold. Seating and materials are limited. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 and older. Led by Bauer Park educator Julie Ainsworth. Includes interactive learning stations and puppet-making. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. First in a three-class series featuring instruction from a professional chess coach. Open to children, teens, and adults. Funded by Deep River Cares and sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middlesex Country. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

Three Musketeers: 1941

Death of a Salesman The Mountaintop

Busy Schedule SummerSong

: Connecticut’s theater critics have a jam-packed schedule the weekend of March 6 to 8: opens at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre on the UConn campus; the plays at Long Wharf, MTC, and Seven Angels that I mentioned above open; and there are the openings of at Hartford Stage and at Playhouse on Park.

: Goodspeed has inaugurated a summer youth program, SummerSong, for kids 9 to 14. It will culminate with a production of for friends and family. The one-week program runs from July 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Terris Theatre in Chester. For more information or to register, visit Good speed.org/SummerSong. Space is limited. : The Broadway revival of Sondheim’s , which was filmed with the original cast, is now

NYC Notes

Annie Jr.

Merrily We Roll Along

Punk Taco Adventures: Interactive Author Talk

Parenting Power Hour Elementary School (K-5): Encouraging Independence and Building a Healthy Relationship with your Children

: Noon to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Alicia Farrell, cognitive psychologist and parenting professional. Designed for parents and caregivers of elementary and intermediate school children. Hosted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org.

Chess Workshop Series : 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Author-illustrator Adam Wallenta and his son read from their graphic novel, share their creative process, and lead a drawing demonstration. Book signing follows. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Souper Bowl X

: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Downtown Madison, Boston Post Rd. Hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Features chili, soups, and chowders prepared by local chefs, fire departments, EMS teams, and cooking enthusiasts, with tasting and voting. For info, contact 203-245-7394 or chamber@madisonct.com.

After the success of the two films (though the second part did not garner the praise nor box office of the first), composer Stephen Schwatrrtz has hinted there will be a new film about the gender nonconforming Princess Ozma. will launch a 20th anniversary tour this fall. The off-Broadway revival of has extended through Sept. 6. , an off-Broadway show I hope to see, about Marcel Marceau and his actions during WWII, will run through March 22. Sean Hayes is doing a solo show, , off-Broadway through April 12. It’s about a playwright who is stalked by an actor. The long-running will close on Broadway on July 26 after more than 2,250 performances.

The 25th Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Marcel on the Train The Unknown Moulin Rouge

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, Connecticut Theater Women’s Network, and the American Theatre Critics Association.

Local Author Talk:

Musical Women Marines

: 1 to 2 p.m.

Musical Women Marines: The Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Band in World War II

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guilford author Ellen Creane discusses her book , which examines the only allfemale Marine Corps band, active from 1943 to 1945. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Winter Creature Features

: 1 to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features live ambassador animals and a presentation on how native wildlife adapts to cold New England weather. Presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. No registration required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Cross Stitch Bookmark

: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 West Main St. Participants will create a cross-stitch bookmark using provided designs. Open to tweens, teens, adults, and families. Space is limited. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-526-0018 or email library@chesterct.org.

See page 23

STEAM Saturday: Make Your Fake Snow

Polar Bears and How They Live in the Arctic

Page Turners

It'sNotHer

ByMaryKubica

What begins as a relaxing family vacation at a quiet lakeside resort turns into a terrifying ordeal when two family members are murdered and one disappears. Told from multiple points of view and shifting between past and present day, you won’t know who to trust or believe as you turn the pages of this twisty thriller.

— Marilyn

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

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

Escape!

ByStephenFishbach

An emotional and wild story that follows the contestants and producers of a groundbreaking survival reality show who are willing to do anything for redemption and fame. Packed with unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this story will keep you guessing until the very last page.

— Tijae

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Vigil

ByGeorgeSaunders

ByWilliamJ.Mann

George Saunders’ asks, “How do you comfort someone who doesn’t want to be comforted?” This novel is inventive and formally interesting, with writing that renders the world both familiar and uncanny. It grapples with the ramifications of progress: capitalistic greed, environmental deterioration, and personal pride. A meaningful read!

—

Vigil Marisa

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Reading William Mann’s book transports the reader back to postwar 1940s. The murder victim, the Black Dahlia, was given that moniker by the press in an attempt to sell more newspapers. Mann argues the victim should be remembered in life, not in her death. Elizabeth Short was a 22-year old from Medford, Massachusetts, trying to find her place in the post-war world of 1947. The author carefully pieces “Betty’s” life together without blame or shame for the victim as many in the media have done.

—

Black Judi

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Dahlia

BlackDahlia

Page Turners

Continued from page 22

ByTracyWolff

— Heather R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison TheAftermyth

TheExes ByLeodoraDarlington

Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter (with a dash of Mean Girls). With lots of adventure and puzzles to be solved, this book shows how a sense of belonging and a little fun can be just as important as perfect grades.

If this book were an emoji, it would be the exploding head. At no point in time while reading this book did I know what would happen next. You are in for a wild ride.

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

TheWidow ByJohnGrisham

Bestselling author John Grisham has truly outdone himself in his latest novel, . Grisham, who is the acclaimed master of the legal thriller, is back with his first-ever who dunit. Small-town lawyer Simon Latch is living in Virginia and making barely enough to pay his bills while trying to hold his family together. Into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently, her husband left her a small fortune and no one knows about it. What ensues next is an unexpected series of events, and Latch finds himself on trial for a murder he claims he did not commit. The writing is superb, and fans of legal novels will find themselves on the edge of their seat until the very last page. Magnificent!

— Widow Christine Griswold Inn Store, Essex

Continued from page 21

Rent: In Concert

: 7 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 AND SUNDAY, FEB. 22

: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Weather permitting, volunteers will demonstrate traditional maple sugaring methods at the sugar house behind the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum and Munger Barn. Features sap collection and syrup-making using a historic “cooker,” along with wood-fired cooking, stories, and hands-on opportunities. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.

Victorian Valentine Pop-up Exhibit

: Sat-

urday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features a pop-up exhibit of Victorian-era valentines, including German and Austrian paper-engineered designs popular from the 1890s

through the 1920s, as well as Vinegar Valentines, also known as Mock Valentines. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

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.

Presentation by Decoda, Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall

: 9:30 a.m. Saint Ann’s Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Presented by Steve MacAusland. Part of the church’s Griswold Forum series of lectures. For info, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org.

An Afternoon of Music with Joe Flood:

2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features songs from Flood’s upcoming 2026 album and past works. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

See page 24

Maple Sugaring Time

Continued from page 23

Information Session on Home Energy Solutions Assessments

: 2 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St., Chester. Hosted by the Chester and Deep River Sustainability Teams as part of their HeatSmart campaigns and participation with the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut. Features an overview of Home Energy Solutions assessments and services, including weatherization, energy efficiency, and available incentives. Vendor representatives will answer questions and assist with sign-ups. Free and open to the public. For info, contact 860-3046184 or lcwahle@gmail.com, or visit HeatSmartCT.org/Chester or HeatSmartCT.org/DeepRiver.

Essex Winter Series (EWS): Hot and Sweet Music of the 1920s and '30s

: 3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features Vince Giordano and the jazz orchestra The Nighthawks. 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 860-272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.

Madison’s Role in the Civil War

: 4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Charlie Fischer, former Daniel Hand High School history teacher. 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, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser

: 4 to 8 p.m. Landing & Main, 77 Main St., Deep River. Fundraiser benefiting the Rotary Club of Deep River Scholarship and Food Sustainability Programs. Cost: $20 per person. Tickets available online or at Landing & Main. For info, contact 860-481-9031 or deepriverrotaryct@gmail.com.

MONDAY,

FEB. 23

Artist2Artist Enrichment Program: Macro Photography Workshop

: 10 a.m. to noon. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA), 1004 Main St. Presented by photographer Robert Thomas. Part of a program of free workshops covering various aspects of professional art practice. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.

Staying Strong and Steady: Fall Prevention:

3 p.m.

Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Dr. A.J. Gagliardi and Dr. Jill Caruso. Participants will learn ways to improve hip bone density, enhance balance, and build strength—all leading to reduced fall risk. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Tech Education Workshop: Introduction to Email

4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Presentation covering how to use email to communicate, receive updates, and stay connected. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-6692342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Author Event: Deborah Goodrich Royce in Conversation with Luanne Rice

Best Boy: A Novel

: 6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

TUESDAY, FEB. 24

Rep. Renee Lamark Muir:

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Deep River Ambulance Barn, 284 West Elm St., Deep River. Features a question-and-answer session with Renee Lamark Muir on her role and responsibilities as Deep River’s state representative. Sponsored by the Deep River 60 Club. For info, call 860-767-2302.

Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

Smithson's Gamble: The Smithsonian Institution in American Life, 1836–1906

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

Art With Kristin

: 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Monthly art program led by artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. This session focuses on creating a Van Gogh–inspired watercolor painting. For grades 1 to 5. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Singing and Listening with Whales: Exploring Human and More-Than-Human Musicalities

: 6 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Part of the Branford Land Trust Winter Speaker Series. Lecture by Marie Comuzzo exploring how sound mediates relationships between humans and whales across cultures, science, and music. Free and open to the public. For info, contact 203-483-5263 or info@branfordlandtrust.org.

American Girl Doll Club

: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 4. This session focuses on Ivy Ling. Participants should bring a doll (it does not have to be an American Girl doll) and join in story time, activities, and a craft. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Getting Your Estate Plan Right: How to Create the Best Plan for You

: 6 to 7 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $20. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story Time:

7 p.m.

Pout-Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist The Pout-Pout Fish and the Can’t-Sleep Blues

Online event. Features author Deborah Diesen reading and , discussing her creative process, answering questions, and leading a brief drawing activity. Cost: $10 for the link to the live event; $30 for the full package, which includes the link, a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, sketch pad, and additional materials shipped to the provided address. Presented by Read to Grow in Branford. For info or to register, call 203488-6800 or visit readtogrow.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25

Let's Make Bagels!

: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $30 class fee plus a $30 materials fee (exact change requested). All ingredients provided. Bring an apron, a clean dish towel, and a sponge for cleanup. Each student will take home the six bagels they made and three large almond croissants. Take-home bags will be provided. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Tabletop RPG Game Night

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants can play or plan games like Zombiecide or MTG. Facilitated by librarian Brian Story. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

An Unfinished Revolution at 250

: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features a talk by historian and author Michael D. Hattem on the role of the American Revolution in U.S. history. A reception precedes the free event at 5:30 p.m. Part of NH250, a series highlighting local and lesser-known stories connected to the semiquincentennial. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Book Art Workshop

: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Participants will transform old books into usable and decorative art pieces. Led by artist Sharon Hart. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.

Your Guide to Menopause: Symptoms, Safety, and Therapy Options

: 6:30 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Presented by Jill McEachern, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner. For info or to register (required), contact the Chester Public Library at 860-5260018 or library@chesterct.org.

Author Event: Anna Quindlen in Conversation with Beatriz Williams

: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Book: Cost: $33, includes admission for one to the event and one copy of . Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

More Than Enough

Guilford Job Network Meet

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.

THURSDAY, FEB. 26

Scrapbooking Class: More Than Enough

6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants will work on personal scrapbooking projects using provided stickers, paper, and decorative scissors. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

See page 25

New Year in New Haven: Lunarfest 2026 Marks the Year of the Horse

New Haven Museum and the Yale-China Association host Lunarfest 2026, a celebration of the Year of the Horse, on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The free event offers at various New Haven venues activities and programs for all ages, featuring art, music, literature, and dance.

The event schedule is as follows:

10 a.m.: Lunarfest begins with a colorful lion dance and performances on Whitney Avenue.

Noon to 4:30 p.m.: Attendees are welcome to write their hopes for the coming year on a leaf to hang on the Community Wishing Tree in the New Haven Museum rotunda.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Yale’s Red Lantern dance troupe brings centuries-old traditions to life. Attendees are invited to the interactive workshop to learn foundational techniques, including throwing handkerchiefs and waving dance fans.

1:45 to 2:45 p.m.: Sifu Shirley Ha and students of Tai Chi United hold demonstrations of authentic tai chi walking. Attendees can stay for a workshop to learn the basics of tai chi walking using sacred geometry in motion principles. Participants can also experience fitness and

Continued from page 24

East Shore Health District Information Session

10 a.m. to noon. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Representatives from the East Shore Health District will provide information on local social support resources, personal preparedness, and overdose prevention. Questions and discussion welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Pump Up Your Heart: Nutrition Talk

: 11 a.m. to noon. Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Presented by Natalie A. Webb, consulting dietitian for Big Y. Covers eating plans for heart health, including tips for

classical internal martial arts to improve balance, increase functional mobility, and boost their energy.

2 to 3 p.m.: Students from Yale-China’s YUNA exchange program demonstrate the intricate art of Chinese papercutting. Participants can create designs to decorate their space with symbols of luck and happiness for the Year of the Horse.

3 to 4:30 p.m.: Apprentices from the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop host a hands-on workshop. Participants can craft their choice of a rolling-drum horse or a festive Year of the Horse lantern.

For more information, including details on other activities and programs, visit www.yalechina.org/lunarfest.

About Yale China

Yale-China bridges American and Chinese cultures by creating lasting, transformative partnerships and experiences in education, health, and the arts. The group believes in global citizens who have experienced daily life and language, friendships, professional cooperation, and insights in a very different culture—as a way to discover commonality and respect for different peoples. The group

those with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. Hosted by the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO). Free. For info or to register (required), visit facebook.com/kwo06419.

“Billy Winter’s Neighbors”

: 7 p.m. Deep River Historical Society Carriage House, 245 Main St., Deep River. Presentation by Rhonda Forristall on Billy Winter, a self-emancipated slave who made his home in Deep River, and the contributions of African American families in the town’s history. For info, call 860-541-1247.

also believes that developing a community of such global citizens on both sides is crucial to a prosperous, healthy, and safe 21st century, in which the U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important engines of cooperation, growth, and peace. The Yale-China community has modeled this vision for 120 years.

About the New Haven Museum

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 designated Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, call 203-5624183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org or Facebook.com/ NewHavenMuseum.

Osprey Die-off: What We Know and What We Need to Learn

: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Osprey researchers Michael Academia from the William & Mary University and Ben Wurst from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey along with Connecticut Audubon’s Milan Bull and Matt Joyce. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

Photo by Defining Studios

Lunarfest 2025

Scene from 2025 Lunarfest

Continued from page 25

When the Cranes Fly South

Willoughby Book Talk: by Lisa Ridzen

When the Cranes Fly South

: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book discussion on by Lisa Ridzen. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org/events.

Willoughby Book Talk

When the Cranes Fly South

: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: 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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 27

Little Learners: Things that Go

: 10 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Open to children ages 2 to 5. Features a story time, songs, rhymes, and crafts. Free and open to the public. For info or to register, contact the library at 860767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features an adult writers group exploring various genres. Sharing optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Tween Time: Pokémon Party

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Open to children ages 8 to 12. Features a Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt, a game of Bingo, Pokémon trivia, and a Pokémon craft. For info or to register, contact the library at 860-767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Meet The Met at Lyme Academy: Helene Schjerfbeck Lecture

: 5 p.m. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 15 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Guest lecture and book signing by Dita Amory, Robert Lehman Curator in Charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, introducing the Finnish artist Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946). Tickets: $30 for lecture; $65 for lecture and book. For info or tickets, visit lymeacademy.edu.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

Kids Create: Dragon Eggs

: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 5 to 12. Participants will create magical dragon eggs using clay, beads, and jewels. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

29th Annual Old Saybrook Chili Fest

: Noon to 3 p.m. Along Main Street, Old Saybrook. Participants sample a variety of chili recipes and vote for their favorite to determine “Best Chili.” Tasting ballots may be purchased at ballot stations along Main Street and at the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce office, 1 Main St. Each ballot allows guests to sample registered chilis and vote for their top choice. To ensure fair judging, a minimum of 10 chilis must be sampled for a ballot to be counted. Proceeds benefit the C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship

for graduating high school seniors attending post-secondary school. For info, visit goschamber.com/chilifest.

Creative Writing Workshop and Book Signing with Catherine Con Morse

A Wonderful Struggle: Local Jewish Women in the Labor Movement

The Notes The Summer I Remembered Everything

: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Creative writing workshop for students in grades 6 and up, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing with YA author Catherine Con Morse. Focuses on character development and descriptive writing through guided exercises. Books: and . Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Shoreline Day of Yoga and Peace Within

: 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Trinity Church Hall, 1109 Main St., Branford. Led by certified yoga instructors sharing their approaches toward holistic healing. Open to all adults. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Cost: monetary and canned goods donations. No cash, only Venmo or checks. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. For info, call Gina Macdonald at 203-710-6665.

Paint Along with Natalie: Winter Cardinal Canvas

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No experience needed. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Molecules of the Mind: Designing PsychedelicInspired Medicines on a Computer

: 3 to 4 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Presented by Asher Brandt, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of St. Joseph. Sponsored by Tilde Café, an interactive platform to demystify science and make it more accessible to the community. For info or to register (required), email admin@tildecafe.org or visit tildecafe.org/home.

Stony Creek in Song: A Village Gathering to Make Music

: 6:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features the Musicians of Stony Creek. Refreshments will be served. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

MONDAY, MARCH 2

From Cosmos to Compost: Our Place in the Universe

: 2 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Part of the Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program. Features speakers on the 1975 New Haven teachers strike and the 1983-’84 Yale clerical and technical workers’ movement, plus live music by the Nu Haven Kapelye Allstars. Free. The event will also stream on Facebook Live. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org. :

11 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Presented by Yale Science in the News. Explores connections between astronomy, biology, and ecological systems, from stars and galaxies to the recycling of matter in ecosystems. Free. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Movie Matinee

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Free. For info or movie title, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Non-Combat Life of the Civil War Soldie

r: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Meeting starts 6:15 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. Features a talk by historian Jerry Richard. Part of the Shoreline Civil War Roundtable monthly meeting. Free and open to the public. For info, contact the group’s facilitator at 860-395-1124 or olivia.jean@sbcglobal.net, or visit facebook.com/shorelinecivilwarroundtable.

Author Event: Rachel Rueckert

The Determined

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Divorce Mortgage Workshop

: 10 to 11 a.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

How to Grow Your Small Business Babysitting Course

: 1 to 4 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1272 Durham Rd., Madison. Day one of a two-part babysitting and CPR course for Madison-area youth. Covers childcare and safety skills. Participants receive a certificate of completion from SafeSitter. Tuition: $60. Bundle discount available for registering for both sessions. For info or to register, contact 888-2123827 or info@yourafterschool.com, or visit northmadisoncc.org/babysittingcourse.

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Features a discussion by Rachel Rueckert of her historical novel set during the Golden Age of Pirates and centered on Anne Bonny and Mary Read. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. : 6 p.m. Via Zoom. Hosted by the Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair St., Guilford. Led by Marc Meglio, a certified divorce lending professional. Free to residents of Guilford, Branford, Madison, and Clinton. For info or to register, contact 203458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.

What is a Trust: Do you Need One?

: 6 to 7 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $20. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

Author Event: Karen E. Olson in Conversation with Elizabeth Hobbs

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: A Defiant Woman. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

See page 27

Branford Land Trust Holds

Second Lecture in Winter Series

The Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series on Tuesday, Feb. 24, will feature the topic, “Singing and Listening with Whales: Exploring Human and MoreThan-Human Musicalities” with Marie Comuzzo.

This second lecture takes place at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. The talk is free and open to the public.

Attendees will explore how sound mediates the relationship between humans and whales, and how the recognition of whales’ vocal expressions as music shapes a person’s perception of them.

How are whale songs understood and produced across different cultures and disciplines? How does connecting with whales through sound carry different meanings depending on cultural context?

Comuzzo’s talk will examine some of the interactions between First Nation communities and whales, the ways in which the songs of whales are studied within Western scientific communities, and the creative engagements between whales and musicians, both in live performances and recorded sound.

“Studying human-whale interactions across diverse cultures and disciplines highlights values of care, curiosity, and reverence for whales’ lives and their cultural participation,” Comuzzo explains.

“Arguably, hearing whale songs as music in the 1970s had—and continues to have—a tremendous political power in the anti-whaling and ocean protection campaigns,” she adds. “These have led to remarkable global change, establishing considerable limitations on the capitalistic exploitation of whales’ lives. This shift underscores the way Western cultures often equate complex melodic musicality with intelligence and emotional depth—qualities that can render a species more worthy of empathy, protection, and even survival.”

By examining these sound-based connections, Comuzzo asserts that direct and indirect sonic exchanges function as vessels for ecological and cosmological repair, transmitting ancestral lessons that invite people to challenge extractive systems of life, reimagine gender and relationship to the ocean and the Earth, and reconsider what it means to be human.

About the Speaker

Marie Comuzzo is an ACLS/Mellon innovative dissertation fellow and a Ph.D. candidate at Brandeis University. Her

research examines how sound mediates the relationship between humans and whales and the political power that recognizing whales’ vocalization as music had in ecological conservation and multispecies kinship within and beyond Western imaginaries. She also holds a master’s in musicology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a masters in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from Brandeis University. She has presented at conferences in the United States and New Zealand (Aotearoa), and has been invited to give talks in the U.S., New Zealand, and Italy.

The upcoming Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series includes these events: Tom Cleveland, ““Fish Ladder, 20th Anniversary, History, Stories, and How It Came To Be” on Tuesday, March 24; Two Coyotes Wilderness School, “Raising Our Future Ancestors” on Tuesday, April 28; and the annual meeting in May featuring “Access to the Outdoors: Disability, Grit, and Belonging in Nature” with Justin Brownell.

About the Branford Land Trust

The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, established in 1967 to protect Branford’s open space and natural resources. Run by volunteers and supported by member families and businesses, the Branford Land Trust maintains more than 30 miles of hiking trails, manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels, and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford.

For more information or to become a member, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.

Continued from page 26

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

Humor, Heart, and Reflective Rural Stories with Michael Perry

The Jesus Cow Population: 485

: 2 p.m. Online event. Books: and : 2 p.m. Online event. Book: Smithson's Gamble: The Smithsonian Institution in American Life, 1836–1906. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/ nbranfordlibraries.

Yale Jazz Ensembles Big Band Spring Band

: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sprague Memorial Hall, 470 College St., New Haven. Features a performance with Wayne Escoffery, music director. For info, call 203-432-4111 or visit bands.yalecollege.yale.edu.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Junior Chefs: Monster Cookie Balls

4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Cooking program for children ages 5 to 12 focused on making no-bake monster cookie balls. Children ages 5 to 8 must participate with an adult. Free. Registration required; space is limited. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Military Whist Game Night

: 6 p.m. Hubley Hall, 26 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Club of Madison. Features a team-based Military Whist card tournament with instruction provided. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $20 per player; advance payment required. Proceeds benefit local community organizations. For info or tickets, contact 917-601-8194 or jonci1@verizon.net, or visit bit.ly/WCMWhist2026.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

: 6 p.m.

Creating a Healthy Ecosystem in Your Landscape, and Why It Matters

Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Lecture by Jim Sirch, naturalist and president of the Connecticut Horticultural Society, on creating landscapes that function well for people and wildlife. Free. For info, call 860-7671560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Author Event: Betsy Rubiner

: 6:30 p.m.

R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: Our Diaries, Ourselves. For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

The Untold Toll of Avian Influenza on Bird Populations

: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Johanna Harvey, assistant professor of wildlife disease ecology at the University of Rhode Island. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 THROUGH

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Chicago :

: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Old Saybrook High School (OSHS) auditorium, 1111 Boston Post Rd. Presented by the OSHS dRAMa Department. Tickets available online or at the door. For info or tickets, visit oshsdrama.ludus.com/index.php.

Family Leprechaun Hike: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Program

: 9 a.m. to noon. Pond Meadow Preserve, Park Road, Ivoryton. Families may arrive any time between 9 a.m. and noon and follow the “leprechaun trail” at their own pace. Includes treats and refreshments when participants reach the "pot of gold." Free and open to all. No dogs allowed. Cosponsored by the Essex Land Trust and the Essex and Ivoryton libraries. For info or to register (required), call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events link at youressexlibrary.org or essexlandtrust.org/events.

Irish Classics with Pierce Campbell and Paul Neri

: 11 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Performance featuring Irish and Celtic folk music by Pierce Campbell of The Kerry Boys and banjoist Paul Neri. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Jackie Bright’s Jewelry Making Class

: Noon to 2 p.m. BACA Art Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Hands-on workshop focused on creating jewelry using provided materials. Cost: $50. For info or to register, call 203-433-4071.

Alice in Wonderland

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Presented by The Barter Players. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

See page 28

Press Release from the Branford Land Trust

Photo courtesy of the Branford Land Trust

Marie Comuzzo

Continued from page 27

Entwyned Celtic Music

: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features traditional Irish and Celtic music with historical context drawn from the Edward Bunting Collection. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Annual Corned Beef Dinner

: 4 to 6 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church Hall, 501 Killingworth Tpke., Higganum. Menu: corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and homemade dessert. Tickets: $22 for adults, $12 for children ages 6 to 12. Take-out dinners only. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Haddam emergency fuel bank. For info, contact 860-424-6178 or elainejack835@gmail.com.

Meet The Met at Lyme Academy: Jean-Léon Gérôme Lecture and Exhibition Preview

BashiBazouk

: 5 p.m. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 15 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Guest lecture by Asher Miller, Eugene V. Thaw Curator of European Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on Gérôme’s , followed by conversation and a preview of Lyme Academy’s forthcoming exhibition,

The New Bronze Age: Masterpieces of 19th- and Early 20th-Century Sculpture from the Karlheinz Kronberger Collection

. Includes a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets: $100. Proceeds support Lyme Academy exhibitions. For info or tickets, visit lymeacademy.edu.

Orchestra New England BaroqueFest

: 7:30 p.m. Battell Chapel, corner of Elm and College streets, Yale Old Campus, New Haven. Features concertos by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. Performers include violinist Raphael Ryger, oboist Stephen Wade, bassoonist Rémy Taghavi, and flutist Adrianne Greenbaum. Presented by Orchestra New England. Tickets: $50 reserved seating; $30 general admission; $5 student rush tickets available at the door. For info or tickets, call 203-777-4690, email info@orchestranewengland.org, or visit orchestranewengland.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

Andrews Memorial Town Hall

: 54 E. Main St., Clinton: For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions.

Artists in Exhibition: Barbara Fenton, Lisa Hess Hesselgrave, Molly McDonald, Edith Reynolds, and MJ Stevenson

: Runs through March 31.

Essex Library

Spectrum Art Gallery

: 61 Main St., Centerbrook. For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

Signs of Love:

Golden Threads: Runs March 27 through May 9.

Clinton Art Society 2026 Winter Juried Member Artists Show

: Runs through April 23.

Artevistica Gallery

: 191 Middlesex Ave, Chester: For info, visit rivervalleyartists.com.

Roadside Attraction: A New Show of Contemporary Art by the River Valley Artist

s: Runs through April 30.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery

: 360 State St., New Haven: For info, contact 203433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org/events.

: 33 West Ave: For info, visit rivervalleyartists.com. by River Valley Artists: Runs through May.

New Works

Guilford Art Center

: 411 Church St.: For info, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Local Color 7: Circular Thinking

: Runs through Feb. 28.

Guilford Free Library

: 67 Park St. For info, contact 203535-9442 or EileenClarkArt@gmail.com.

All Mixed Up

: Runs through Feb. 27.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

: 625 Williams St., New London. For info, call 860-443-2545, ext. 2129, or visit lymanallyn.org.

Art in the Holocaust

: Runs through Feb. 15

Lyme Art Association

: 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme: For info, call 860-434-7802 or visit lymeartassociation.org.

First Impressions: 34th Annual Associate Artists Show

: Runs through Feb. 20.

Congratulations

: Runs through Feb. 20.

The Artists Garden

: Runs through Feb. 20.

This Land is Your Land

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Animal Kingdom

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Stillness: A Still Life

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Abstracted

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Faces & Figures

: Runs Feb. 27 through April 10.

Madison Center for History and Culture

: Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison: For info, call MHS at 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

This Side of Paradise

: Runs through March.

New Haven Museum

: 114 Whitney Ave. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond

: Runs through February.

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

: Runs through October 2027.

Susan Powell Fine Art

Runs through March 14. : 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, call 203-318-0616, email susanpowellfineart@gmail.com, or visit susanpowellfineart.com.

Valentine Gems

: Runs through Feb. 28.

Valentine H. Zahn Community Gallery

: Middlesex

Health Shoreline Medical Center, 250 Flat Rock Pl., Westbrook: For info, email galleryonect@gmail.com or visit MiddlesexHealth.org/ZahnGallery.

Visual Dialogues

Under Observation New Work by 21 River Valley Artists

: Runs through Feb. 27. : : Runs March 9 through May 15.

Yale University Art Gallery

: 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, call 203-432-0600 or visit artgallery.yale.edu/visit/exhibitions.

American Impressionism

John Coplans

August Sander’s People of the 20th Century

: Runs through June 14. : Runs through June 14. : Runs Feb. 27 through June 28.

Jes Fan: Unbounded

: Runs Feb. 27 through June 28.

Keeping Alive the Remembrance: Commemorating America's Founding, 1776–1876

Music

Bill’s Seafood Restaurant:

: Runs through Oct. 11. Rte. 1, Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-7224 or visit BillsSeafood.com.

First and third Wednesdays: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Corinthian Jazz Band.

First and third Fridays: 7 to 9 p.m. Bill’s Seafood All-Star Jazz Band.

Second and fourth Fridays: 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Modeans. Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Various performers. Sundays: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Various performers.

Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:

104 Mill Rd., Guilford. No cover. For info, call 203-214-5874. Mondays: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Big Swing Band with Tuxedo Junction.

See page 29

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts Hosts Lectures by Met Curators

The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts presents two ticketed events featuring curators from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, the Lyme Academy offers “An Introduction to

Seeing

Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck

,” a guest lecture and book signing with Dita Amory, Robert Lehman curator in charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tickets are available for the lecture at $30 and for the lecture and book at $65. This lecture introduces the Finnish artist Helene Schjerfbeck (1862-1946), renowned throughout Finland but little known in the U.S. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first major U.S. museum to present her work.

On Saturday, March 7, the Lyme Academy hosts another special guest lecture, “Portrait, Likeness, Type: Jean-Léon Gérôme’s ,” presented by Asher Miller, Eugene V. Thaw curator of European art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Bashi-Bazouk

The 5 p.m. lecture will be followed by a brief conversation with Emily M. Weeks, Lyme Academy’s principal art historian, and a preview of Lyme Academy’s forthcoming exhibition,

The New Bronze Age: Masterpieces of 19th- and Early 20th-Century Sculpture

from the Karlheinz Kronberger Collection.

Continued from page 28

Nightingale’s Acoustic Café:

A reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the evening. Tickets for the exhibition preview event with guest lecture and reception are available for $100 per guest. Proceeds from this event benefit Lyme Academy’s ChaunceyStillman Exhibition Program and all future >Lyme Academy exhibitions.

68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Donation $5 to $10 at the door. For info, email gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org or visit musicnowfoundation.org.

For more information about the guest lecturers or tickets for both events, visit www.lymeacademy.edu.

About Lyme Academy

The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and sculpture in the

The Tap Room at The Griswold Inn:

36 Main St., Essex. No cover charge. For info, call 860-767-1776 or visit griswoldinn.com.

Fridays: 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Psychedelic ‘60s.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

17 River St., East

figurative tradition. By its commitment to training students in these skills and an engagement with contemporary discourse, the academy will empower a new generation of artists. Through its programs, Lyme Academy is committed to enriching the cultural life of the community.

Club:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. On temporary break for winter. Bring your own acoustic instrument. No registration required. For info, call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Tuesdays: 6 to 8 p.m. Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Last Friday: 7 to 9 p.m. Teen Open Mic. Sweet Saturday Nights: 7 to 9 p.m. Various performers. : 1525

Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.

First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music.

Seaview Bistro at Water's Edge Resort & Spa

Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 9 p.m. to midnight. Various performers.

The Choo Choo Lounge at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina:

2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-3952000.

Thursdays and Sundays: 6 to 9 p.m. Live music.

The Highliner III:

139 Essex Rd., Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-5042 or visit thehighliner3.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Live music. Second and fourth Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Open mic.

The Wharf:

Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For info, call 203-350-0014 or visit thewharfmadison.com. Fridays: 8 to 10 p.m. Acoustic Fridays. Various performers.

Banned Book Club:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

10:30 a.m. First Sunday. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. For grieving parents, grandparents, and siblings suffering the loss of children and family members. For info, call Vanessa Pentz at 203-645-7777.

Groups and Activities

A Journey Through America’s Past:

10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Free. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. For info, contact 203-245-5695 or gillespiee@madisonct.org.

Ask-A-Lawyer: A Free Legal Clinic:

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group: Bingo

: 7 p.m. Mondays. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. Doors open 5 p.m. Light refreshments. Cost: $15. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928. For info, call 203-453-2801.

To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.

Press Release from The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art , oil on canvas by Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, Vesoul 1824–1904 Paris).

A gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2008. On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 804.

Bashi-Bazouk

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

Dita Amory, Robert Lehman curator in charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Acoustics

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

ESSEX

7 Madrina Lane

: Matthew J. Dellecave to Kevin J. Johnson and Lori A. Dodd, $500,000 on Jan. 29

WESTBROOK

: Paps LLC to 115 Chestnut LLC, $150,000 on Jan. 29

: Glaser Lt and Herman A. Glaser to Maureen J Lage T and Maureen J. Lage, $2,075,000 on Jan. 27

: William J. and Joanne C. Hastings to James Luce, $2,245,000 on Jan. 28

: Mark J. and Mary E. Oneil to Steven Stainbrook and Guillermo E. Gonzales, $1,285,000 on Jan. 28

: Estate of

Barbara A. Fulller and Keith L. Ridenour to Caroline A. Kupiec, $418,000 on Jan. 29

: Drive K. Keszler to Essex 39 Court LLC, $1,050,000 on Jan. 28

GUILFORD

: 321 Investments LLC to Golden Prop Solutions LLC, $310,000 on Jan. 29

: Regina R. Wohlke to 321 Investments LLC, $275,000 on Jan. 29

: George Gerl to Kjs Interests LLC, $470,000 on Jan. 28

: Ann O Richards Real Estate Trust and Mark Richards to Holbrook T and Paul R. Holbrook, $550,000 on Jan. 27

: Raymond W. and Francine A. Fucci to Sutman T and Heston Sutman, $235,000 on Jan. 30

: John G. and Mary A. Humphrey to Maria CalamitoProto Real Estate Trust and Maria Calamito-Proto, $605,000 on Jan. 29

NORTH BRANFORD

: Nancy Lyon and Joan F. Oshea to Bridget A. Cunningham and Daniel Santiago, $343,000 on Jan. 28

: Danielle L. and Jason Rodriguez to Jesus Melecio and Geovanna G. Jara, $440,000 on Jan. 29

: Canterbury Fund LLC to Misahel J. Gonzalez, $270,000 on Jan. 28

: Sam E. and Lea M. Fernandez to Thomas and Paige Abbate, $800,000 on Jan. 27

: Florence H. Marrone to Daniel Knudsen, $730,000 on Jan. 27

: Christopher G. Walther to Mia P. Estadella, $567,000 on Jan. 30

1266 Boston Post

: Westbrook Placeaceace LLC to Fratelli Hld Co LLC, $1,000,000 on Jan. 28

Glen M. and Debra L. Ballou to Brian and Amy Mclaughlin, $52,500 on Jan. 28

OLD SAYBROOK

Joshua J. Demaio to Peter and Ghislaine Jelacic, $325,000 on Jan. 28 :

Matthew and Maria Aquino to Tamberlyn Chapman, $715,000 on Jan.

: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com

The Sound 02-19-26

Branford Schools Go with All-Electric Bus System

Charging Toward 2026

Tara Helen O’Connor: New Head for Essex Winter Series

Branford Schools Go with All-Electric Bus System

New and Gently Used Books Needed

Correction

Obituaries

Contacting The Sound

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Branford High School Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 11 High Honors

Grade 10 High Honors

Grade 9 High Honors

Branford High School

Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Connecticut Secretary of the State in Branford on Feb. 21

Tara Helen O’Connor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ACTIONS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

CREDITORS

Obituary John Monterosso Moore, Idaho

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Edward J. Struzinsky (25-00442)

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

Connelly Claims Bars Championship

Branford Track Posts Personal Records at Last Chance, Class M

Branford Track Standout Latif Qualifies for States in Shot Put

Branford Track Posts Personal Records

Schedules

BRANFORD

NORTH BRANFORD

Fun By The Numbers

Here’s How It Works:

Madison Lyric Stage Announces 2026 Shows

Two Irish-inspired Productions Plus Plays by Arthur Miller and August Wilson Make for a Busy Schedule in Early March

Aisle ON THE

Page Turners

It'sNotHer

Escape!

Page Turners

FEB. 23

TUESDAY, FEB. 24

New Year in New Haven: Lunarfest 2026 Marks the Year of the Horse

About Yale China

About the New Haven Museum

Branford Land Trust Holds

Second Lecture in Winter Series

About the Speaker

About the Branford Land Trust

ONGOING EVENTS

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts Hosts Lectures by Met Curators

About Lyme Academy

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

ESSEX

WESTBROOK

GUILFORD

NORTH BRANFORD

OLD SAYBROOK