The Sound 04-17-25 by dayshorepublishing

Shoreline’s Overdose Spike Intensifies ESDHD Naracan Training

By Pam Johnson

Sound Senior Staff Writer

An area spike of eight reported overdoses in four days, including one fatality, has intensified East Shore District Health Department’s (ESDHD) outreach work, providing free Narcan training and raising awareness about dangerous drug use.

Between Saturday, April 5, and Tuesday, April 8, six overdose incidents were reported

among towns within ESDHD’s coverage area of Branford, North Branford, and East Haven, and two overdoses were reported in a neighboring town, said ESDHD Community Health Coordinator and Public Health Educator Barbara Naclerio. As of press time for this story, Naclerio said no further overdoses had been reported.

“It was an inordinate amount in a very short period of time. In all of March, we had

nine overdoses,” said Naclerio.

She also noted all eight overdoses were reported because they received Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response.

“We know they are overdoses because EMS responded, and there has been an investigation by the state. There could be

See Shoreline's page 12

Dozens of seagulls flock around Cathy Luedee of Branford on April 13 at Branford Point as she tosses small pieces of bread to them on an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. The sunny day provided a welcome break from the rainy weather the area has experienced lately, drawing many residents outdoors to the point.

Backing Down

The North Branford girls’ basketball team overcame a variety of obstacles this winter and still put together an impressive season..........14

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Matthew Rader

Rader Combines Tech Talent with Volunteer Service

By Pam Johnson

Senior Staff Writer

By serving as a Shoreline Chamber (SC) board member and Chamber Ambassador, as well as serving the shoreline with his business, Tech Fix LLC, Matthew Rader offers his time and talent as a volunteer and an information technology (IT) expert.

Matthew began serving on the chamber board shortly after joining as a member upon founding his shoreline company on July 1, 2024, and soon signed on to be an ambassador, as well. A typical week for Matthew will likely include some part of his role as both an SC board member and ambassador.

The SC serves a thriving membership of businesses and organizations in the towns of Branford, North Branford, and Guilford and supports new businesses with events such as ribbon cuttings.

“As an ambassador, I go to as many ribbon cuttings as I can

Person of the Week

between jobs,” says Matthew. “I meet the new business owner, and I like to do something special for them, like a Facebook live video or a post to bring some

get involved with the town,” says Matthew.

Now, Matthew is the guy sharing news of the chamber with other decision-makers who may not be aware of the benefits of membership.

“A lot of business owners don’t know what it is. They may think it’s a huge commitment, and it’s not. You make it what you want. There are a lot of meetings at night, like Business After Hours,

In the Win Column

North Branford softball and boys’ lacrosse both earned a pair of wins last week ...................................................... 15

Splitting the Week

The Branford girls’ outdoor track team split a tri-meet last week, and girls’ lacrosse picked up a pair of losses 15

Pounding the History Books

Ava Gamberdella has made an indelible mark on the Branford wrestling program, breaking all kinds of records and being named the first female captain in team history 16

“Deep down in my heart, I’ve always really loved it even though I had hard times during the season. It shows hard work pays off, and being the girl on the boys’ team really shows that girls could do anything.”

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $24,000 in State Grants for Local Cemeteries

Recently, State Senator Christine Cohen (D, District 12) welcomed the state’s $24,000 investment in the maintenance and care of local neglected graveyards across the 12th Senate District.

Through the state’s Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program, Guilford, Branford, and Middlefield will each receive $8,000 to support maintenance of local cemeteries that may not have received upkeep in recent years.

“Cemeteries are not only a resting place for those who have passed on, but a place where we can return to remember our loved ones,” said Cohen. “I am grateful for this state partnership in ensuring that these final resting grounds are properly maintained out of respect for both the living and the dead.”

BRANFORD TOWN MEETINGS

Thursday, April 17

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-315-0678 or visit the Branford town website at www.branford-ct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22

p.m.

Wednesday, April 23

Thursday, April 24 Community Forest Commission Representative Town Meeting Public Services Committee Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group

Zoning Board of Appeals Board of Education Communication Committee Board of Education Board of Fire Commissioners Inland Wetlands Commission Planning and Zoning Commission

The grants can be used by towns receiving them to support basic maintenance ranging from clearing weeds and bushes to mowing lawns, repairing fences or walls, and straightening, repairing, and restoring memorial stones.

Sen. Cohen proposed and helped pass legislation in 2023 to convene a working group to ensure family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries. The proposal came after Senator Cohen received reports from constituents regarding the quality and condition of their loved ones’ gravesites at a number of cemeteries across the state. Family members say they have little recourse to see the conditions improved due to limited resources at many cemeteries and limited legal oversight; some volunteers work to clean and clear gravesites themselves. The working group is continuing to meet to address the issue.

NORTH BRANFORD TOWN MEETINGS

NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-484-6015 or visit the North Branford town website at www.northbranfordct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings:

Press Release from the Connecticut General Assembly

Chris Piccirillo

Obituaries

Obituary Marian Demgen Branford

Our loving mother, Marian Elmendorf Demgen of Branford, passed away on April 4, 2025. She was born in Schenectady, New York, on Nov. 21, 1928, daughter of the late Wendell and Helen (Lawson) Elmendorf. She married the love of her life, the late Harrison Demgen, on June 14, 1947. They settled in Simsbury, raising their four children:

Paul (Lou Ann), Jeffrey (Jennifer), Bar-

bara (Jonathan), and Betsy (John). They retired to Melbourne, Florida, where Marian enjoyed golfing, bridge, reading, and traveling. She was a devoted Christian who started two Lutheran churches, where she volunteered, sang in the choir, and played bells.

Marian was predeceased by four siblings. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester.

See Obituaries page 8

Knights of St. Patrick Tommy Sullivan 5K in Branford April 27

On Sunday, April 27, the streets of Branford will welcome runners, walkers, and dogs for the Knights of St. Patrick Tommy Sullivan 5K Race. The race steps off and ends in the parking lot of Tommy Sullivan’s at 240 North Main Street, Branford. Race day registration and checkin starts at 8 a.m. with a step-off at 9 am. According to race director John Tolbert, the course is a combination of road and trail on Chestnut Street and the scenic Branford Supply Pond. Now in its eighth year, the Knights of St. Patrick Tommy Sullivan 5K Race benefits the Knights of St. Patrick, the oldest continuously-run Irish society in Connecticut.

Located in New Haven, the Knights of St. Patrick is a 501 C3 cultural and educational organization that promotes and preserves the Irish heritage while serving the Greater New Haven community. Race organizers will be collecting new socks and underwear for Columbus House New Haven.

Advance registration at a reduced rate for the 5K walk or 5K run is open through April 20 online at https://runsignup.com/ Race/CT/Branford/TommySullivans5K. Race day registration is also available onsite for $35.

Contacting The Sound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason.

LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410.

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4412.

CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6510 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com.

The Sound

47 Eugene O’Neill Dr, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com

203-245-1877

Fax 203-245-9773

Find Obituaries

Posted Daily Online

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

LEGAL

NOTICE AND AGENDA

Hotchkiss Grove Shore District and Hotchkiss Grove Association Branford, CT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Hotchkiss Grove Shore District will be held at the Branford Community House on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9:00 am. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the Annual Budget, to elect Officers and Directors, and to deal with any other business deemed appropriate for the period 7/1/25 to 6/30/26.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Hotchkiss Grove Association will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Branford Community House immediately following the Hotchkiss Grove Shore District Annual Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the Annual Budget, to elect Officers and Directors, and to deal with any other business deemed appropriate for the period 7/1/25 to 6/30/26.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Erickson, Clerk

Mary Buccacio, Secretary

Hotchkiss Grove Shore District Hotchkiss Grove Association

Press Release, Knights of St. Patrick

Branford CFC to Give Away Free Native Seedlings

Press Release, Town of Branford

This spring, the Branford Community Forest Commission (CFC) will give away 125 native tree and shrub seedlings free of charge to Branford residents. The initiative is made possible through funding from the Branford Conservation and Environment Commission.

One seedling per person will be distributed from the lawn of the Blackstone Library on either Saturday, April 26, or Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The date will depend on when the seedlings are ready to be dug and distributed bare root. Check the confirmed giveaway date through the Branford Conservation and Environment Commission’s Facebook page on April 25, 2025 (Arbor Day) https://m.facebook.com/Conserve BranfordCT.

“Native trees play a critical role in sustaining healthy ecosystems, supporting our health, as well as enhancing the

beauty of landscapes. The CFC is excited to distribute native seedlings to Branford residents to help them recognize that they are making a positive impact in their community,” said Susan Hally, CFC co-chair.

Different species will be available, suitable for nearly every garden’s conditions. There will be seedlings for black walnut, red-twig dogwood, pussy willow, American hazelnut, and winterberry.

Commission members will be on hand to provide planting tips and educational materials. Since the seedlings are bare root, proper care and immediate planting will be essential for their survival. Residents are encouraged to bring a container or bag for transporting seedlings home.

The Branford CFC, established in 2009, works to recognize and promote the value of trees and forests in the town. Its mission includes public education, tree preservation, and community engagement around environmental stewardship.

Bicycle Pedestrian Committee

Branford residents are organizing a Bicycle Pedestrian Committee and are looking for people interested in working to make Branford a more bicycle- and pedestrianfriendly town. Formation of the committee is included in Branford’s 2018 Plan of Conservation and Development. The committee’s responsibilities will include working with the town on a complete streets policy and creating a master plan of bicycle and pedestrian routes in the town. For more information, contact Judy Miller at 203-589-8335 or judithmillerphd@gmail.com.

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, April 21, 2025 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT to consider the following:

A. Appl. #2025-1, 12 Forest View Road – requesting a variance to reduce the front property line setback to 44 feet where 50 feet is required, to build an addition onto existing house. Owner/Applicant: Ryan Palmieri

B. Appl #2025-2, 1952 Middletown Avenue – requesting a variance to allow four (4) apartments within the main dwelling unit in an R-40 zone. Owner: Robert & Gerald Genera, Trustees/Applicant: Timothy J. Lee, Esq.

C. Appl. #2025-3, 84 Valley Road – requesting a variance to allow for the enlargement of a non-conforming residential structure to add a 2nd floor on existing house and a small addition on the front of existing house in an I-2 zone where a single family house is not allowed. Owner/Applicant: Al Rose & Robert Rose

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

41st branford festival guide

Reach every home and business in Branford, as well as everyone attending the festival on June 13, 14, & 15.

The publication will be inserted in The Sound (circulation of 11,221) on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

To advertise, please contact Betsy Lemkin at b.lemkin@shorepublishing.com by Monday, April 28, 2025

Obituaries

Continued from page 5

Obituary Anthony Lasala Branford

Anthony "Tony" John Lasala was born Sept. 15, 1940, in New Haven, to Ernestine (D'Onofrio) and John Lasala.

A life-long resident of Hamden and Branford, he traveled south to college, where he met his future wife, Eunice Young. Upon Tony's graduation from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Virginia, the couple relocated as newlyweds to Manhattan, where Tony first practiced law.

In 1966, Eunice and Tony planted roots in Branford, the birthplace of Tony's mother. Tony served as an associate at the New Haven law firm of Reilly & Peck. Tony later established his own firm with partners James Walsh and Joe Wicklow on Bradley Street in the former home of his grandparents, where he had lived until the age of six. Tony and his partners retired in 2019, closing the firm.

Tony served on The Branford Board of Education in his early years, eventually becoming chairman. He also served as commissioner of the Branford Police Department and president of the New Haven Museum and Historical Society. He was a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the New Haven County Bar Association, and he took great pride in serving as an adjunct professor and teaching trial law at Yale Law School. He was a member of the Quinnipiack Club and the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club.

Tony was an avid reader and writer with an attuned appreciation for grammar. His passion for 20th-century his-

Fundraiser for Felines

tory, particularly that of New Haven, was reflected in his unprecedented collection of cast-iron automotive toys and AC Gilbert trains, as well as his deep admiration for the golden age of film.

Tony loved his God, his family, and his country. Serving as an altar boy at an early age, he was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Therese Church, avidly encouraging weekly attendance to everyone in his extended network of family, friends, and associates.

Tony was a lover of all animals. He and Eunice established the Lasala Fund for Animals in the Branford Community Foundation. He also supported Eunice in endeavors saving feral cats through The Branford Compassion Club.

In addition to his wife, Tony is survived by his three sons, John, Edward, and Andrew, and five grandchildren, Lucas, Nicholas, Ferra, Leonardo, and Ford Lasala, as well as his beloved aide, Nellie Mangs. He was predeceased by his father, his mother, and his sister, Julie Festa.

Friends were invited on April 12 to go directly to St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road, Branford, to attend a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow in Center Cemetery, Branford. Visitation was on April 11, in Maresca & Sons Funeral Home, 592 Chapel Street, New Haven. In place of flowers, donations in Tony's memory can be made to The Branford Compassion Club, PO Box 768, Branford, CT 06405 (branfordcompassionclub.org) or The Branford Community Foundation, PO Box 462, Branford, CT 06405 (branfordcommunityfoundation.org. Please offer condolences at marescafuneralhome.com.

The Greater New Haven Cat Project (GNHCP) annual raffle fundraiser runs from Saturday, May 3, through Saturday, July 26. Each ticket costs $1 for a chance to win one of four gift card: $250 Visa, $200 Amazon, $100 Cabela, and $50 Chewy. The raffle drawing will be held at the GNHCP Center, 965 State Street, New Haven, on July 26 at 6 p.m. Winners need not be present. GNHCP is a nonprofit organization that is committed to addressing feline overpopulation through low-cost spay/neuter and public education. To purchase tickets, visit gnhcp.org/raffle. For more information, contact GNHCP at 203-782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org.

Rader Combines Tech Talent with Volunteer Service

Continued from page 2

sponsor, SC hosted its eighth annual Chili Challenge for a Cause event in downtown Branford on April 5. The event pulled in shoreliners to sample chili from local restaurants and vote for their favorite, all while supporting a good cause.

Matthew feels privileged to have been asked to join the SC board. He says it includes a deep bench of dedicated members bringing many talents to the table based on their expertise as leaders of businesses, organizations, and nonprofits.

“I was honored, as a new business owner and as a younger business owner, that they wanted to get my perspective and the perspective of my generation,” says Matthew.

In this digital age, as someone who serves individual and small-business clients with their IT needs, Matthew says that Tech Fix is a busy company.

“The main goal of Tech Fix is to help residential and small business owners in Connecticut, but specifically on the shoreline, with all IT issues,” says Matthew. “It’s helping you work with all your devices and all of your vendors. I like to tell people I’m brand agnostic. I work with all brands, and I’m going to be your IT person to get all of these aggravations working for you and to give you a game plan.”

Cat Project Offers Mother’s Day Card

Matthew’s residential services involve “break-fix” work, which provides attention to incidents and issues ranging from slow Wi-Fi to stubborn printers or broken or nonresponsive devices. For small businesses, he provides monthly services covering all IT needs, such as email, files, computer management, virus protection, phones and internet, and other consulting.

The niche for Matthew’s business is serving solo entrepreneurs and small businesses with up to five employees.

“They have one point of contact, which would be me. I help with all their new employees, password resets, all of their IT struggles, on a monthly basis. It’s very popular,” says Matthew.

Matthew comes from a unique professional IT background, which started at a very early age.

“I started at age 16 at Hartford insurance company doing websites when it was still dial-up. I had thick glasses, and I was in the cubicle farm with people twice or three times my age. I really enjoyed that experience. I was referred to as the ‘Doogie Howser’ of nerding back then because of my young age,” he says, laughing.

Matthew’s parents supported his interest in learning more about computers. From his self-taught start, Matthew excelled in high school courses, leading to one of his Simsbury High School teachers tapping him for a summer internship

The Greater New Haven Cat Project (GNHCP) offers a Mother’s Day card that can be mailed directly to a chosen recipient. Mother’s Day cards are $20 each, and proceeds benefit GNHCP and its mission to rescue felines. Orders will be accepted through Thursday, May 1, and cards will be mailed out the following day in time to arrive by Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day. When ordering cards, indicate the recipient’s mailing address. For more information or to order, visit gnhcp.org/mothersday.

opportunity with the insurance company. Shortly after Matthew got started, the company hired him as an employee.

Matthew says that understanding and programming computers has always fascinated him.

“I was just sort of a child prodigy in learning how to do websites when computers were basically just a black screen, and you had to program them and do stuff to use them. I was ahead of the curve there, and I stayed involved in IT and various companies through contracting,” says Matthew. “Now, I’m in my 26th year at age 43. So, most of my life, I’ve been in IT, and I love it. I love every day and the experiences it brings.”

In 2010, after working with large corporations, Matthew began working with a business in Guilford, Nerds to Go. He worked with the company for 15 years, including his role as a manager in later years, working with clients across the shoreline. The company, which was acquired by a new owner, abruptly closed in June 2024.

“When it was very abruptly closed, it shuttered the entire IT infrastructure for many businesses that we were working with on a monthly basis,” says Matthew. “Everything was set for deletion. Basically, they would be removed from the internet at the end of June.”

Through his own due diligence,

Send in Your SHEro Nominations

Matthew was able to save those shoreline companies that had recurring volume with the company. From there, Tech Fix was born as a new company based in Guilford.

“That’s how I started Tech Fix—to save these companies and to create a company that is very community-focused,” says Matthew.

Matthew is also continuing to do his best to alert former Nerds to Go clients—a lot of whom are elderly—that the virus protection they had on their computers as a backup is now deleted.

“I’m really trying to get out there to educate people and let them know where they’re at because it is important that they have protection,” he says.

Matthew is reaching out through his social media to alert individuals. He also ran a lunch and learn event at Guilford’s community center as a volunteer to bring attention to the issue.

In addition to helping to serve his community through SC and Tech Fix, Matthew volunteers in his hometown.

“My favorite part of my work and what I do as a volunteer is getting out in the community and helping people,” he said.

To connect with Matthew Rader, visit www.techfixct.com, email mrader@ techfixct.com, or call 203-343-2299.

Do you know a woman or girl who deserves recognition for leading with kindness, helping others, or making a positive change in herself or others in a community? Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), a nonprofit organization in Guilford that provides resources and education for women and families in crisis, is now accepting nominations for SHEro candidates. Completed nomination forms must be submitted online at bit.ly/sheroawards2025 by Monday, April 28. Selected SHEros will be notified Friday, May 2. SHEros will be awarded Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Lane. W&FLC serve the towns of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. For more information, contact Emily Rorke at 203-458-6699 or erorke@womenandfamilylife.org.

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S BAIT & TACKLE

Historic Partnership between Elm Shakespeare Company and Legacy Theatre Announced

New Haven’s cherished Elm Shakespeare Company, celebrating its landmark 30th year, will be in partnership this month with Branford’s premiere professional Legacy Theatre, which is celebrating its milestone fifth season!

When? Of course around Shakespeare’s birthday weekend and Legacy’s opening anniversary date! Friday, April 25, 7 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m., come to the Legacy to learn what happens when a centuries-old story speaks in the language of today!

Measure for Measure

Join Elm Shakespeare Company for —a stripped-down, high impact, workshop performance of celebrated playwright Aditi Kapil’s modern verse translation of this haunting, timely play. Presented in partnership with Play On Shakespeare, Legacy Theatre, and Season Sponsor Alexander Clark, this unique event will feature some of Elm audience’s favorite performers in a “bare bard” presentation that foregrounds the power and urgency of the text.

Join Lisa Wolpe as the Duke, Raphael Massie as Angelo, Elizabeth Daingerfield as the clown Lucio, and Brianna Bauch as the novitiate Isabella in an eight-person seasoned cast. After each performance, stay for a dynamic conversation with the director and cast as we explore what translation unlocks, allows, adds, or hinders. We want to hear your experience of the play. How does contemporary lan-

guage shift our understanding? What becomes newly visible in the characters, in the questions the play asks, and in how it reflects our lives right now?

On Saturday, April 26, we are excited to announce that translating playwright Aditi Brennan Kapil (known for her stunning 2017 Yale Rep debut of ) and Lue Douthit (Play On Shakespeare’s Director of Research and Practice and longtime Oregon Shakespeare Festival dramaturg) will join the discussion after the performance.

such a beautiful home, and we are grateful to be invited to play there!” said Rebecca Goodheart, producing artistic director of Elm Shakespeare Company. Tickets go on sale April 4 at LegacyTheatreCT.org and are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Thanks to a generous donation from Alexander Clark, audiences are free for ages 21 and under! Audiences can also celebrate these two theatre companies with their combined 35-year history with an added donation of $35 at ticket purchase.

Imogen Says Nothing

LEGAL NOTICE - REVISED

“Having cut my teeth in professional theater with the Elm Shakespeare Company 25 years ago under the direction of James Andreassi, this partnership truly feels full circle. ESC Resident lighting designer Jamie Burnett is also the resident set and lighting designer at LegacyI have worked with many of the actors in this production over the decades- and having this wonderful community of art makers in our theatrical home is a treat for me personally and one I’m so excited to give to our Legacy community! Many thanks to Rebecca Goodheart and her fabulous team for making this partnership possible!” said Keely Baisden Knudsen, executive artistic director of Legacy Theatre.

“We at Elm Shakespeare are excited to partner with everyone at Legacy Theatre as we head into the 30th anniversary, expanding our professional production offerings beyond free Shakespeare in the Park. It is an ideal partnering of resources, great artistry, and deep, decades-long friendships. Legacy has built

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, April 24, 2025 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 #25-2.5 Special Exception Modification for an existing PDD (Planned Development District) located at 52,54,56, and 58 Maple Street (f/k/a 60 Maple Street) Mariners Landing LLC c/o Robert Sachs (Member)-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

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom technology to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

New Business:

25/4-1 Karen & Vincent Bell (Applicants & Owners) (E09-000-003-00033 R3) 36 Oak Ridge Road

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.5 Front Setback from 30 feet to 22 feet 6 inches.

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 Side Setback from 15 feet to 12 feet 8 inches for the construction of a new Entrance way and a two-car attached garage with room above.

25/4-2 Wendy Wheeler (Applicant & Owner) (J10-000-004-000022 R3) 259 Thimble Islands Road

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 6 feet where 12 feet is required (7ft existing).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.3 To allow an expansion of an existing non-conforming structure for the expansion Of an existing second floor bathroom and closet.

25/4-3 Vincent Federico (Applicant), Jennifer Federico (Owner) (D10-000-006-00009 R3) 18-19 Etzel Road

Var. Sec. 6.2.E.(9) To allow a swimming pool within 25 feet of a critical resource. (Critical Resource setback from 25 feet to 22.7 feet)

25/4-4 Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC-(Applicants ) Town of Branford (Owner) (D07-000-006-00015BC) 33 Laurel Street- (Branford Police Facility)

Var. Sec. 6.7.C.3 Table 1-Main public entrance portico/covered lighting with 18.9 footcandles against 8 footcandles for both officer and public safety.

Var. Sec. 6.7.C.3 Table 1- Official police fleet vehicle-only carport lighting with 13 footcandles against 7.5 footcandles for officer safety.

Var. Sec. 6.13.B.2 Northern property line fencing at 8 feet nominal height against 6 feet height for reduction of sight and sound from 24-hour operations for the Police Facility Renovations.

Var. Sec. 6.13.B.2 Southeast property line fencing at 10 feet nominal height against 6 feet height for reduction of sight and sound from 24 hour operations for the Police Facility renovations.

25/4-5 Carol A. & William Camera (Applicants & Owners) (D09-000-003-00011 R3) 12 Reynolds Avenue

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 3.4 feet where 15 feet is required. Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 3.02 feet where 15 feet is required for a proposed attached garage and house addition.

25/4-6 Mary Helen Molley (Applicant & Owner) (E11-000-006-00007R3) 10 Maltby Street

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 Side yard setback (NE) of 3.1 feet where 10 feet is required and 3.1 feet is existing. Var. 3.9 Undersized residential lots.

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 Side yard setback (SW) of 8.6 feet where 10 feet is required, and 8.6 feet is existing to demolish and rebuild a residential structure on the existing footprint.

25/4-7 Peter Safer (Applicant & Owner) (F10-000-013-00010 R2) 114 Limewood Avenue

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 1.4 feet where 10 feet is required (1.3 feet exists). Var. Sec. 3.4.A.7 To allow a rear setback of 13.1 feet where 20 feet is required (13.9 exists) Var. Sec. 3.4.A.9 To allow a floor area ratio of 0.63 where 0.50 is required (0.21 exists).

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.10 To allow a building coverage of 0.30 where 0.25 is required (0.25 exists) for the demolition and replacement of the two existing houses on the property.

Other Business: Appeal of the ZEO email decision regarding 31 Spring Cove Road James Sette (Chairman)

Shoreline’s Overdose Spike Intensifies ESDHD Naracan Training

Continued from page 1

others if they had Narcan on hand and someone revived them and they didn’t go to the hospital, which we don’t recommend. We recommend you call 911 and that people go to the hospital,” said Naclerio.

Most overdoses typically involve a combination of drug consumption, she said. While ESDHD is not certain what drugs were ingested in the spike of overdose reports, district efforts involving Narcan training focus on opioid overdoses, said Naclerio.

ESDHD was alerted to the area spike in overdoses on Wednesday, April 9. In response, ESDHD immediately increased available Narcan training by deploying the ESDHD mobile clinic to shoreline public locations last week. The clinic uses a retrofitted ambulance donated by the Branford Fire Department.

“We have the resources and the knowhow to go out and help people, and we felt like everybody needed to be alerted to this,” said Naclerio. “People needed to be made aware that overdoses were going on; and if there is something going on with the drugs, there’s a way test for that, and to

make sure people have Narcan around because it can revive them.”

Last week, the mobile clinic set up in Guilford’s Shoreline Plaza, in a commuter parking lot on Commercial Parkway in Branford, and at a bowling alley parking lot in East Haven. As part of the training, the clinic taught people how to apply Narcan as a nasal mist and provided them with Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

“Fentanyl strips are a test strip so that they can test their drugs to see if there is fentanyl in them because fentanyl is so deadly,” said Naclerio. “That’s what a lot of people die of because they don’t know there is fentanyl in their drugs. We want to keep people alive so they can get treatment.”

Naclerio said there’s another important message ESDHD is imparting.

“We try to impress upon people not to use alone. Most people who die of a drug overdose are alone, and so nobody can save them. You can’t call EMS,” said Naclerio.

In the event of encountering a person involved in an overdose, the first thing to do is call 911, even if Narcan is on hand, she said.

“We talk them through using the Narcan and doing chest compressions if they have to, or rescue breathing if they have

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTIETH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA

FAMILY DIVISION

CASE NO.:24-DR-2473

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: DEJAN PETROVIC, Petitioner, and DOMINIQUE CATHERINE PEPE, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION OF PETITIONER’S PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE AND OTHER RELIEF

TO: DOMINIQUE CATHERINE PEPE 25 Autumn Ridge Road # I Branford, CT 06405

Physical Description: Age: 35; Race: Caucasian; Hair Color: Blonde; Height: 5’2”; Date of Birth: March 26, 1989

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Petitioner’s Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage And Other Relief has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on the DEJAN PETROVIC, to Brenda M. Miranda, Esquire, c/o Family First Legal Group, 2950 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples, Florida 34110 on or before May 5, 2025 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34112, before service on Petitioner, DEJAN PETROVIC or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: March 18, 2025

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

By Jane Garrison

Deputy Clerk

to,” said Naclerio. “It’s different for different situations because most drug overdoses are multiple kinds of drugs together. It could be fast; it could be slow.”

ESDHD’s mobile clinic typically goes out once a week to different locations with a variety of public health assistance goals.

“We want to be able to help people and support them. We give out hygiene products and safe sex products. We try to service those people who are somewhat invisible to everybody else,” Naclerio said. “We also want to gain trust with those who are addicts because there’s so much shame involved in that. We’re trying to change that narrative around drug addiction because it’s really more like a chronic disease.”

Once a person becomes addicted, there is a change in brain chemistry, and breaking the addiction requires entering treatment, she said. Naclerio said she’s “100% certain” that the efforts of the mobile clinic are connecting with addicted people. The efforts also are assisting those in the greater community.

“Whenever somebody dies or there are overdoses, there are repercussions in the community. It’s not good for anybody, whether you’re that person who is addicted or you’re a friend, family, or community member. It’s a community problem. It’s not just this one person,” said Naclerio.

To continue to assist those in need and the community, Naclerio said more dates are being planned to add additional mobile clinic site visits in the short term. Addi-

Calling All Tag Sale Vendors

tionally, community members can receive the same Narcan training and materials directly from ESDHD, located at 688 East Main Street in Branford, by calling (203) 481-4233.

“Anybody can call us any day and ask to come in. We would also see them before hours or after hours if they want,” said Naclerio.

Another effort the district is undertaking is to help make Narcan readily available in public buildings, many of which already have AED cabinets.

“High schools have Narcan in those cabinets, and we’re trying to get other places to do the same,” said Naclerio. “Since this happened, we’ve also had calls from several businesses who want to have Narcan on hand.”

Businesses and organizations can call Naclerio at (203) 481-4233 for more information.

Naclerio said ESDHD will also continue its regular community outreach efforts and other programs to provide Narcan training. For example, special programming for Narcan training took place the same day ESDHD learned of the April overdose spike.

“Wednesday, April 9, was Save a Life Day in Connecticut, and 15 health departments around the state had open houses to teach people how to use Narcan,” said Naclerio. “We had three or four people come to the health department, and I did a training that night at the Community Dining Room with 13 people.”

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Avenue, Northford, is hosting its indoor tag sale and bake sale on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tag sale tables are available to rent for $25. Setup can take place the day before the event. For more information, call Nan Monde at 203-710-7005.

Wanted: Volunteers to Fix Things

Do you enjoy repairing things? Do you have a specialty? If so, then come join the crew of “volunteer repairers” who offer their services to neighbors to repair items that are broken and will otherwise end up in the landfill. Repair CaféBranford is recruiting people with experience in the following categories: electrical appliances (including lamps), electronics, mechanical devices (such as clocks, toys, bicycles), jewelry, sewing, smaller wooden items, and tool sharpening. Repairers bring their own tools, and the owner of each item signs a liability waiver. The spring repair café is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, Branford. The event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Guilford and Trinity Episcopal Church, 1109 Main Street, Branford. To join the Branford Repair Café crew, email repaircafebranford@gmail.com. For more information about Repair Café, visit repaircafe.org/en.

After a week's delay due to weather, Branford Parks and Recreation is hoping for blue skies (like those shown here in 2023) for the rescheduled Robert Marston Easter Egg Hunt at Foote Park that's set for Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m.

Branford’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt Moved to April 19

By Pam Johnson

Senior Staff Writer

After a week’s postponement due to weather, Branford Parks and Recreation Department is hoping for blue skies to greet Branford kids on Saturday, April 19, at the Robert Marston Easter Egg Hunt set for 11 a.m. at Foote Park in Branford. A hunt for those with food allergies is also being offered.

The annual event draws hundreds of kids to grab up candy spread by volunteers and provided by sponsoring organizations each year. The hunt is co-sponsored by Branford Parks and Recreation Department with the Branford American Legion,

Corcoran Sundquist Post #83. Additional assistance comes from the Branford Fire Department and, of course, the Easter Bunny.

The program is free for all Branford children aged 10 and under. The candy is collected in waves, with age groups for 4 years old and younger, 5 and 6 years old, 7 and 8 years old, and 9 and 10 years old.

There is no registration for the hunt, but families are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start. Foote Memorial Park is located on Melrose Avenue. In case of inclement weather, visit Branford Parks & Recreation on Facebook for updated information.

photo courtesy Branford Parks and Recreation

North Branford Girls’ Basketball Overcomes Challenges to Complete Successful Season

By Jennifer McCulloch

Coming into the winter, Head Coach Sabrina LeMere knew that her young team would face some challenges, as the North Branford girls’ basketball team, which lost four starting seniors to graduation last year, aimed to finish the season with a betterthan-.500 record, be in the top four teams in the Shoreline Conference, and make a run in the state tournament.

“Every team has challenges, and we hope that these challenges do not set us back while reaching our goals,” said LeMere. “We struggled with confidence, especially at the beginning of the season, as we had a younger team, and many girls had to grow into a new role. This was something that definitely affected us because we had to take some of our practices a little slower in order to teach our new varsity squad what they needed to know. The entire season had challenges, but I am happy to say that we faced them head on and worked our best to get through them.”

The T-Birds — with only two seniors on their roster — fulfilled each of their goals, finishing with a 13-7 regular-season record and 16-9 overall record, advancing to the quarterfinals of the state tournament where they fell to Coventry, the eventual state champions. Additionally, the Thunderbirds made it to the Shoreline Conference Tournament semifinals, when they fell to top-seeded Coginchaug.

Looking back at the season, LeMere noted several close games as highlights, including a 56-52 home win over Morgan on Jan. 31 and three wins over Haddam-Killingworth, including one in the Shoreline Conference Tournament quarterfinals that ended with a buzzer-beater jump

aged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning an Honorable Mention All-Shoreline nod. Fellow sophomore Siena Podzikowski is a guard who typically ran point.

“Ella was a huge contributor this year who brought so much grit to the team — she is not afraid to be aggressive on the court, and she is a sharp shooter from mid-range,” said LeMere. “Siena Podzikowski had to step into a large role this year as a sophomore. She developed so much throughout this season in skill and in confidence. She is a hard worker and will ask questions and do something over and over again in order to get it right. She was a true asset.”

Freshman Zoe Desimone and sophomore Alia Martone also made key contributions. LeMere saw Desimone push herself to learn, and Martone returned to the sport after taking a break her freshman year.

shot by junior captain Emma Preiss.

“We had a few tight battles this year which ended up being huge accomplishments for us — the Morgan game was a huge win for us, and each girl on that court worked their tail off to claim that victory,” said LeMere. “All three H-K games were very entertaining and all ended with wins. There were definitely times throughout the season where we had to overcome quite a bit of adversity, however, for being such a young team, we faced it head on and worked through. I am very proud of the girls and how much they have grown this season.”

Preiss was joined in captainship by fellow junior Skylar Gage and seniors Gabby Bigio and Alexa DeFrancesco. Bigio and

DeFrancesco were the lone seniors on the roster. Bigio received the team’s Desire and Dedication Award. DeFrancesco, a three-year player, suffered from an ankle injury towards the end of the season, forcing her to finish her senior year from the sideline.

“Gabby has been such a lovely team member over the years who works hard and never gives up. This season we needed her to step up into a larger role, and she did just that — she was ready when we needed her, and it added to the success we had this year. She will be missed,” said LeMere. “Alexa was constantly working to get better. Her injury did not stop her from leading her team. She will also be missed next season.”

Preiss averaged 17.1 points and 6.4 rebounds to earn First Team All-Shoreline and be

named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of her team. Gage averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game and made 48 three-pointers on the season. She was named Second Team All-Shoreline.

“Emma is a powerful guard who does a great job finding the gaps in order to get to the basket. She is our top defender who has insane stamina and is able to guard the best player consistently throughout the entire game,” said LeMere. “Skylar is a three-point shooter and strong guard who handles the ball well under pressure. She has a lot of knowledge and uses it during the game in order to be successful.”

With such a young team, several young players had the opportunity to contribute this season.

Sophomore Ella Chasanoff aver-

“Zoe came in with a lot of knowledge, however, also a lot of work needed, but she did a great job stepping up into a varsity role,” said LeMere. “Alia is another player who is feisty and does whatever she can to win. Alia is a guard and definitely needed to get some of the rust out at the beginning of the season, but she became such an asset on the varsity floor.”

With just two seniors graduating from this year’s team, LeMere will return the bulk of her lineup for the 2025-2026 season. The North Branford girls’ basketball team consisted of seniors DeFrancesco and Bigio; juniors MaKayla Brown, Preiss, and Gage; sophomores Martone, Chasanoff, and Podzikowski; and freshmen Ava Ferrucci, Kaydence Caporale, DeSimone, and Ava DeFrancesco.

Special to the Sound

Photo courtesy of Sabrina LeMere

The North Branford girls' basketball team sported a young roster this winter but accomplished all of its preseason goals.

Boys’ Lacrosse Wins Twice, Softball Wins a Pair

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

Boys’ Lacrosse

The North Branford boys’ lacrosse team traveled to Old Saybrook on April 8 and lost 13-7. Cam Lacroix scored three goals, Mark Borzillo scored two, and AJ Sigel and Luca Angiollo each scored one. Sigel and Landen Burns each had one assist, and Pat Ford had 12 saves.

On April 10, the Thunderbirds hosted Morgan and won 8-5. Angiollo knocked in four goals, Sigel scored one, and Max Becker scored one. Matteo Anderson and Lacroix added one goal each. Lacroix had three assists, while Greg Ferraro and Becker each had one assist. Ford recorded six saves.

The team wrapped up the week on April 12, hosting North Haven and winning 9-2. Goal scorers included Angiollo (four), Borzillo (three), Lacroix (one), and Sigel (one). Assists came from Borzillo (three), Lacroix (two), and Burns (one). Ford had seven saves in the contest.

Softball

The North Branford softball team opened the season on April 9 at Morgan

and won 19-3. Lexi Falcioni drove in five runs on three hits. Gabrielle Bigio and Lily Ardito drove in three runs each, and Adrienne Frost and Alia Martone each drove in a pair. Christina Aneiro, Adriana Hills, and Madi DeStefano all drove in a run. Lauren Vitarisi pitched two innings, giving up one hit and zero runs. She walked one and struck out four. Emilyn Nay pitched one inning, giving up two hits and three earned runs, and Frost threw two innings, giving up zero runs and striking out two batters.

On April 11, the team hosted Valley Regional and won 12-0. Falcioni drove in four runs on three hits, and Ardito drove in two runs. Vitarisi, Aneiro, DeStefano, and Martone drove in a run each. Vitarisi threw five shutout innings, walking four and striking out seven batters.

Girls’ Lacrosse Loses a Pair, Girls’ Outdoor Track Competes in Tri-Meet

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

The Branford girls’ lacrosse team opened the season on April 5 at East Lyme and lost 12-11.

On April 7, the team traveled to West Haven and earned a big 20-3 win. Aliza Giordano had six goals and two assists, and Ana Milne had two assists. Saige Fries scored one goal, while Ellie Meyran added seven goals and one assist. Giuliana Barros contributed with one goal and five assists, and Laila Kezik had three goals and three assists. Talia Tamsin knocked in one goal, and Savannah Johnson scored a goal. Hayden Infantino had two goals and one assist.

Two days later, the Hornets hit the road to Daniel Hand and fell 15-14. Giordano had seven goals and two assists, and Milne had one goal and two assists. Meyran added five goals and three assists, while Kezik scored one goal. Lilly Panuccio had five goalie saves.

Girls’ Outdoor Track

The Branford girls’ outdoor track team hosted Daniel Hand and West Haven on April 9. The Hornets defeated Hand by a score of 76-69 and took a 70-62 loss vs. West Haven.

In the 100 meters, Djamilla Toukour placed second (13.40), and Ella Stone placed fourth (13.71) In the 200, Toukour placed first (26.93), and Cheyenne Wilson took fifth (29.03). Toukour also won the

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

400 in a time of 60.28. Glorianna Buckley earned a first place finish in the 800 (2:30.75). In the 100 hurdles, Stella Elston took third place (18.86), and ZuZu Pont Strong came in fourth (19.24). Elston also placed second in the 300 hurdles (54.95).

In the discus, Zayna Cella placed first (90’ 4”), Wilson took second (75’ 6”), and Aaliya Latif placed fourth (69’ 1”). Jessica Radziunas won the javelin (95’ 4”), and Cella claimed fourth place (72’ 4”). Latif took fourth in the shot put (22’ 9”). Stone won both the high jump (4’ 10”) and the long jump (17’ 1”), while Pont Strong won the triple jump (31’). In the pole vault, Summer Sabatino placed third (7’).

“Djamilla Toukour and Ella Stone picked up where they left off from the indoor season,” said Head Coach Kevin Connell. “They were great on a cold and windy day. Glorianna Buckley had never run the 800 before and responded with a tremendous time to start the season. And newcomer Jessica Radziunas won the javelin in her first meet. I thought the girls got off to a great start, winning eight events and five of the seven field events. We need to be more competitive in the relays to stay competitive with the top teams.”

Catch and Keep day sputtered under inclement weather, not drawing traditional crowds of previous opening days. It did draw big fish, including rainbow and brown trout from 24-27” and a lot more. The coming weeks should be good! Largemouth bass and the rest of lake and pond varieties are active. Schoolie stripers are

along beaches, bays, and tidal rivers. Togs have been iffy, but winter flounder catches have been surprising. If you have not been thinking fishing, consider yourself overdue! For more on the fishing scene, click over to Captain Morgan’s weekly column featured on zip06.com and search for “Rocky - the Saga Continues.”

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound Lexi Falcioni drove in five runs on three hits in North Branford softball's 19-3 win vs. Morgan on April 9.

Girls’ Lacrosse

Gamberdella Rewrites Branford Wrestling History

By Jennifer McCulloch

Special to the Sound

Ava Gamberdella started spending time near the wrestling mat when she was in second grade, and her older brother, Jeffrey, joined the Walsh Intermediate School program in fifth grade. Little did she know that Jeffrey would help catapult her into a sport that would not only change her life, but the history books for Branford High School wrestling as well.

This past season, as a junior, Ava went 47-18. To open the season, she took first place at the George Bossi Holiday Tournament in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she pinned all of her opponents. She then took home the crown at the Queen of the Mat Tournament.

In the postseason, she became the first Branford wrestler to win a State Open title, which she won in third overtime. The championship earned her a spot in New Englands, where she took fifth place, making her the first Branford wrestler to make the podium at New Englands. She was also named one of three captains for the 2025-2026 season — the first female captain in Branford wrestling history.

“Setting records for Branford High School is really cool — even after I graduate, I’ll always be known, and people can look up to me and try to get where I was,” says Ava, who was also named this season’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for the Hornets. “Being named the first girl captain was amazing. I had a feeling it was coming, but once Kap [Head Coach Kevin Kapushinski] said

Sports Person Week of the

it, my heart started racing, and I was really excited because it really proved hard work pays off.”

Kapushinski has watched Ava’s improvement throughout her time at Branford High School, seeing the work she put in firsthand. He has seen her go from 12-24 as a freshman to a record-setting junior year and is looking forward to more success as she captains the team as a senior.

“Ava is one of the toughest people that I have ever met,” says Kapushinski. “She will not allow anything to get in her way to succeed — whether the obstacles are injuries, illnesses, or wrestling up a weight class — all of which she dealt with the weekend that she won a State Open title. Ava is a role model for girls and boys on the shoreline area that through hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals.”

Growing up, Ava was a natural athlete, finding success in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Though she enjoyed the other sports, it was in wrestling where she found her passion. After lots of practice matches at home or in the yard, her brother encouraged her to join Power Half Wrestling Camp over the summer. She began to learn the technique, and by the time she reached fifth grade, she couldn’t wait to join the Walsh program.

Ava’s first year wrestling at Walsh was even more special because Jeffrey and his friends were eighth-graders on the team. In addition to Jeffrey, Ava was particularly grateful to Billy DellaCamera, Jake Elpi, and Carter Burgess for taking her under their wing.

“I really started wrestling because of my brother and Carter, and even though I was scared to start the camps, they convinced me, and I really liked it,” says Ava. “When I got to middle school, it was nice to have my brother and his friends because they really welcomed me.”

While Ava continued other sports through her time at Walsh, her passion for wrestling began to grow. Just as she was hitting her stride, COVID hit, and she lost her seventh-grade season. Going into eighth grade, she was eager to get back on the mat.

At the beginning of the season, she opted to skip a family vacation because the team was scheduled to compete at the Wilson Tournament. Ava took first place in that tournament and went on to earn the most wins and the most pins on the entire Walsh team for the season. She also beat the school record for most career wins by a girl in Walsh history.

“My goal for Walsh was to beat that record, and I was able to do it with just three years of wrestling,” says Ava. “I knew I had a good season that year, but I had no idea that I had the most wins or most pins until the banquet. I just always worked really hard at practice, and at home, I’d wrestle my brother and he’d practicing.”

Going into high school, Ava joined the soccer team, a sport she played since she was four years old. She saw some time with the varsity team as a freshman, becoming a starter by her sophomore year. By that time, though, wrestling had become her top priority, and as a junior, she stopped playing soccer to participate in club wrestling.

wrestling by her junior year, she had doubts about wrestling in high school when she was a freshman. She was torn between continuing basketball with many of her friends or following her passion in wrestling, despite the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated sport. When the winter season

See Gamberdella page 17

Photo courtesy of Ava Gamberdella Junior Ava Gamberdella is not only achieving her goals on the wrestling mat, but writing Branford High School wrestling history while she’s at it.

Schedules BRANFORD

Boys’ Lacrosse

Tuesday, April 22: at Shelton at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 24: vs. Hamden at 5 p.m.

Girls’ Lacrosse

Saturday, April 19: vs. Waterford at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Sheehan at 6 p.m.

Gamberdella Rewrites Branford Wrestling History

Continued from page 16

started, Ava actually joined the girls’ basketball team her freshman year. She began practicing, but her former teammates and coaches didn’t give up.

comfortable, and when I needed help, he’d teach me. Plus his personality is amazing — we’re two peas in a pod.”

Softball

Tuesday, April 22: at Sheehan w/ Foran at 4 p.m.

Outdoor Track Golf

Monday, April 21: at Daniel Hand w/ Old Saybrook at 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: vs. Notre Dame-West Haven at 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: at East Haven at 2 p.m.

Boys’ Tennis

Monday, April 21: at Amity at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45 p.m.

NORTH BRANFORD

Monday, April 21: at Old Lyme at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Lyman Hall at 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: vs. Old Lyme at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: at Haddam-Killingworth w/ East Hampton at 3:30 p.m.

Monday, April 21: vs. Old Lyme at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: at Cromwell at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Portland at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 24: vs. OSW at 4 p.m.

Monday, April 21: at East Haven at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: vs. Guilford at 4:15 p.m.

Monday, April 21: vs. Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Cheshire at 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: vs. Mercy at 3:45 p.m.

Girls’ Tennis Sailing

Wednesday, April 23: at Choate Rosemary Hall w/ Daniel Hand at 3 p.m.

“I was scared to wrestle in high school because the boys were way stronger, and I thought I’d be embarrassed, so I went with basketball, but after our first scrimmage, I didn’t really like it,” says Ava. “Carter, Jake, and Billy were trying to convince me to come back, Coach Tom [Ermini] was talking to me about it, and Kap, too, so I joined a week and a half into the season. It felt good because they saw I had something in the future, and they knew I was capable of doing it.”

While Ava had Burgess, Elpi, and DellaCamera, her brother had opted to attend Vinyl Tech. Despite going to a different school, he was always there to encourage her and cheer her on. Like in fifth grade, it was this support that helped Ava adjust to high school competition.

Ava is also grateful to her Branford coaches for their support, including Ermini at Walsh, and Kapushinski and Coach Zach Cash at Branford High School. In addition to her coaches, Ava credits her parents for their unconditional support.

“They have always been there for me for everything, traveling everywhere, pushing me through it when it was hard, and always cheering me on,” says Ava. “It’s nice because no matter if I win or lose, they’re always there. They don’t care, they just love to come out and watch me. There’s no pressure because they’re always happy with the outcome.”

Friday, April 18: vs. Wilcox Tech at 1 p.m.

Monday, April 21: at Old Lyme at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Portland at 4 p.m.

Monday, April 21: at Sheehan at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: vs. Foran at 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: vs. West Haven at 3:45 p.m.

Monday, April 21: at Cromwell at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45

p.m.

Thursday, April 24: vs. Westbrook at 3:45 p.m.

Monday, April 21: vs. East Hampton at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: at East Haven at 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: at Valley Regional at 3:15 p.m.

“It was hard to switch from basketball because so many of my friends played, but after wrestling for so long, that felt like family, and I wanted to wrestle with those seniors, and even though my brother was at another school, he was always there for me no matter what,” says Ava. “When I’d practice, they’d tell me to push harder, fix key details on my technique, and set a good example for me. I’d try to be like them. It was really hard because I wasn’t used to that level of competition, but Carter really helped me with my mindsets and would send me YouTube videos and give me pep talks before my matches. I knew losing would happen, so I’d just push myself to get better.”

Ava started to see the benefits of her hard work, and her sophomore year, Jeff Fernandes of Fisheye Wrestling began working with the Hornets on technique once a week. That year, Ava won the Ludlowe Invitational, a tournament where she went 0-2 as a freshman. She won the Team Dedication Award that season as well.

By the end of her sophomore year, Fernandes had convinced Ava to join his club team. She began training year-round, eventually deciding to give up soccer. With Fisheye, she traveled throughout New England, competing in tournaments against some of the area’s strongest wrestlers.

“I’d go to these tournaments and get my butt kicked, but I didn’t care if I lost because it got me better,” says Ava. “I’d tried other clubs, but none fit until Fisheye with Coach Jeff. He always made me feel

Ava’s teammates, Dom Maturo and Dylan Warner, joined the club as well, and the trio became close, as they supported each other and their Fisheye teammates in tournaments every weekend. While Warner is graduating in June, Maturo and Ava will captain next year’s team together, along with Trent Tracy.

In addition to becoming closer with her teammates, Ava enjoyed meeting other wrestlers in the area, especially some of the girls. When she started wrestling in fifth grade, she was often the only girl at her meets, with only a few others at large tournaments.

“When I first started, there were maybe two or three girls, and now there are hundreds,” says Ava. “Girls wrestling has grown so much, and it’s actually nice because I’ve gotten to know some of the girls, and we we can start having girl tournaments.”

With her junior year in the record books, Ava is already busy training for the future. Next year, she not only wants to win the George Bossi, Queen of the Mat, and girls’ states again, but she also wants to place in the SCC Tournament and the Class M State Tournament. She is also exploring her options beyond high school and talking to coaches at University of Bridgeport, Emmanuel College, and Western New England University about continuing her wrestling career.

“Going into sophomore year, I thought I wanted to be done, but this year, I thought why not keep going, and I was honored to have coaches coming up to me at states and New Englands,” says Ava, who wants to study criminal justice. “Deep down in my heart, I’ve always really loved it even though I had hard times during the season. It shows hard work pays off, and being the girl on the boys’ team really shows that girls could do anything.”

Position Summary:

Eastern Connecticut’s leading multimedia company is

HIRING NOW

— SPORTS REPORTER (SHORELINE EDITORIAL) —

The Sports Reporter is responsible for reporting on various sports across the Connecticut shoreline community newspapers. This position requires attending key games and events as needed to deliver engaging and insightful stories that capture the spirit of local athletes and teams. The ideal candidate will excel at conducting interviews with coaches and players, gathering compelling quotes and statistics to enrich coverage. Responsibilities include tracking regular and post-season results and contributing weekly bylined articles.

Essential Duties:

1. Cover a variety of community and high school sports across the Connecticut shoreline community newspapers, attending key games and events as needed.

2. Write engaging and well-researched stories that highlight the achievements of athletes, teams, and coaches.

3. Conduct interviews with coaches, athletes, and other relevant sources to gather compelling quotes and accurate statistics.

4. Track and maintain regular season and postseason results for covered teams.

5. Develop and pitch creative and timely story ideas that extend beyond game recaps.

6. Contribute to weekly roundups, providing summaries and insights on notable performances and outcomes.

7. Maintain a strong presence within the community, fostering relationships with athletes, coaches, and families.

8. Adhere to journalistic standards by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and professionalism in all reporting.

9. Collaborate with the sports editors to refine content and meet publication deadlines.

10. Stay informed about trends and developments in high school sports to enhance coverage and story ideas.

Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.

Confidentiality: Maintains confidentiality of all records and information.

Conduct: Always Represents The Day and Shore Publishing Company in a professional and courteous manner.

Dependability: Regularly attend and are punctual for work.

Supervision Received: Reports to Sports Editor.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

- Ability to think strategically.

- A deep understanding of editorial best practices and style guidelines.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Proficient with text management and desktop publishing software.

- Proficient computer and software skills (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Presteligence (Content Management Software).

- Highly motivated, self-starting individual with initiative and drive to succeed.

Send, fax or e-mail qualifications and salary requirements to: The Day Publishing Company • Human Resources Department • 47 Eugene O’Neill Drive, P.O. Box 1231 • New London, CT 06320 r.magyar@theday.com

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

ivan.acevedo6475@gmail.com

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Fun By The Numbers

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

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

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

Ivoryton Opens with ‘Hank Williams — Lost Highway’

The Story May Be Cliched, But the Music Isn’t

By Karen Isaacs

Special to Living

, written by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, is giving the Ivoryton Playhouse audience a production jam-packed with the songs Williams wrote, intermingled with scenes from his short life. It runs through Sunday, April 27.

The story of Williams’ life is not unique; it has many similarities to other music stars from Elvis to Johnny Cash. He was raised mainly by his mother, Lilly, in rural Alabama. Poverty and an absent father are part of the clichéd biography. He and his friends form a group – the Drifting Cowboys, gain a little success, get noticed by Fred Rose, a manager, and

soon they are making a splash. Along the way, he marries Audrey; they have a son (the performer Hank Williams, Jr.), but soon the temptations of touring lead to adultery, alcohol, and drugs. Success has gone to his head, and nothing can save him. He misses performances, performs drunk, and alienates members of the group.

Lost Highway also shows his friendship with “Tee Tot,” a bluesman who taught him to play. Williams died supposedly of a heart attack on Dec. 31, 1952, while being driven to a concert in Canton, Ohio. He was 29. His autopsy revealed some heart problems but also a cocktail of drugs and alcohol.

Packed into just two hours are more than 25 songs, from “Honky Tonk Blues,”

“I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,”

“Jambalaya,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “I Saw the Light” and others. While a few are just snippets, most are full renditions. This production is blessed with fine

performers who not only sing and act but also play a variety of instruments. My only complaint is the group could look younger. While the make up of the Drifting Cowboys changed constantly, in the show, it has a stable membership –Stephen G. Anthony as Hoss on bass, Eric Scott Anthony as Jimmy “Burrhead” on guitar, and David Finch as Leon on violin and other instruments. All are terrific.

The show opens with Tee Tot, a black street singer in Williams’ hometown, singing “This is the Way I Do” – it is magnificent. Tony Perry, who plays Tee Tot, has a wonderful voice; he also opens the second act with “The Blood Done Sign My Name.”

Morgan Morse as Williams conveys the self-centered Williams, who was, according to people who knew him, one of the least likable people, lacking empathy and often wallowing in self-pity. Morse lets us see that side of this talented man. He combines laid-back Southern charm with the nervous energy of a caged panther.

Scenic designer Glenn Bassett provides a flexible space with a porch on one side where Tee Tot sits observing the action and a roadside diner on the other. A waitress and Williams fan (a fine Olive Fenton) comments on life, Williams, and his music.

Liv Kurtz, as Audrey, allows the character to grow from a flighty teenager to a woman who knows her mind. She also convinces us that she can’t sing, which isn’t easy to do. She is very much like Mama (Mary McGuire). These are women who have had to learn to be strong.

Some narration is provided by the band members, as well as Rod Brogan as Fred. is not a new show (it began in 1982, and it had a successful offBroadway run, which I saw in 2002). But it is a show that deserves more productions; while Williams is long gone, his music lives on.

Lost Highway

Tickets are available at Ivoryton Playhouse.org

Hank Williams - Lost Highway

Photo by Jonathan Steele

Liv Kurtz as Audrey Williams and Morgan Morse as Williams.

Rod Brogan as Fred Rose, Marcy McGuigan as Mama, and Liv Kurtz as Audrey Williams.

For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Great Decisions: American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads

: 10 a.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. Facilitated by Tom Lee, a member and moderator of the Great Decisions discussion group. The program is produced by the Foreign Policy Association. First of four Thursday sessions through May 15. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $5 for all four sessions. A $35 fee is required for a 2025 briefing book that covers eight topics for spring and fall semesters. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Book Club

: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Kristin Hannah. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

April Mini Vacation Session: Make a Magical Nature Window

Maundy Thursday Service

: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. For info, call 203-245-2739 or visit fccmadison.org.

Maundy Thursday Service

: 7 p.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd. (Rte. 79), Madison. Includes the traditional washing of the feet. The service is followed by an overnight watch. For info, call 203-245-2584 or visit standrewsmadison.org.

Maundy Thursday Service

: 7 p.m. Christ Church, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, call 203-453-2279 or visit christchurchguilford.org.

Shoreline Sailing Club Meeting

: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and over. Features a discussion of safe boating practices by Kate Mosley. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time guests, $10 for others. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.

Comedy Show by Tim Cotter

Calendar for the Week of April 17, 2025

music ministry at First Congregational Church of Madison. Sponsored in part by the New London County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Attendees listen in the sanctuary or on the Town Green as the music is broadcast through the church speakers. Last of five Fridays in the series. Free and open to all. For info, call 203245-2739, ext. 14, or visit fccmadison.org.

Good Friday Service and Holy Communion

: 3 p.m. St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy St., Madison. For info, call 203-245-7301 or visit stmargaretchurch.com.

Good Friday: The Lord's Passion

: 3 p.m. St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203484-0403.

Good Friday: The Lord's Passion

: 3 p.m. St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave., North Haven. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Passion of the Lord, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion

: 3 p.m. St. Lawrence Parish, 7 Hemlock Dr., Killingworth. For info, call 860-663-2576 or visit stlawrencechurch.com.

: Noon to 3 p.m. The Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For ages 6 and up. Tuition: $58.50 for members, $63 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $18 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For info, including the movie title, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

The Women: A Novel Fast Famous Women: 75 Essays of Flash Nonfiction

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

Mass of the Lord's

: 7 p.m. St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-4840403.

Mass of the Lord's Supper

: 7 p.m. St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave., North Haven. For info, call 203-4840403.

Maundy Thursday Mass

: 7 p.m. St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy St., Madison. For info, call 203-245-7301 or visit stmargaretchurch.com.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center, 189 Pool Rd., North Haven. Features a refresher course specifically designed for drivers 50 years and up. The class is held on select dates each month. The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) will sponsor this class. For other dates, the cost is $20 for AARP members, $25 nonmembers. Payment is due on the day of the class by check made to AARP. Bring your driver’s license. For info or to register, call 203-239-5432.

: Noon to

2 p.m. Nathanael Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Nick Goltz, director of the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. Goltz teaches plant pathology in the UConn Extension Master Gardener program. Part of the Leete’s Island Garden Club's monthly meeting. For info or to register (required), contact 203-4530780 or kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

Good Friday Service

: Noon to 3 p.m. Christ Church, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, call 203-453-2279 or visit christchurchguilford.org.

Five Fridays Lenten Concert Series

: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Features a performance on the church’s 1929 Möller pipe organ by Nathan Bayreuther, director of

Good Friday Vigil

: 7 p.m. Christ Church, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, call 203-453-2279 or visit christchurchguilford.org.

Good Friday Service

: 7 p.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd. (Rte. 79), Madison. For info, call 203-245-2584 or visit standrewsmadison.org.

Good Friday Tenebrae

: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC), 1271 Durham Rd. Features a reading of Jesus’ walk to the cross and crucifixion and extinguishing of candles to accompany Him into the darkness of the tomb. For info, contact the church at 203421-3241 or office@northmadisioncc.org, or visit northmadisoncc.org/lent.

Concert by Tom DiMenna and Friends: Story Songs of the 70s

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

Lunar Praxis: A Creative Gathering

: 8 to 9 p.m. Via Zoom. For artists and creative individuals to have time for quiet reflection, journaling, or creative thinking. Led by Margaret McNellis. Free. For info, visit artandastrology.substack.com.

See page 28

Movie Matinee

Author Event: Gina Barreca

Supper

AARP Smart Driver Course

The Plant Doctor is In: Flower Disease 101

Page Turners E

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

TheSavage,NobleDeathofBabsDionne byRon

Currie

A tough crime matriarch and the small Franco-American community she rules in Maine are headed for a reckoning. What a wild ride, full of complex and wonderful characters. A real page-turner! Pefect for fans of Dennis Lehane and James McBride.

— Karen, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

HarrietTubman:LiveinConcert byBobtheDragQueen

This novel balances levity and reverence, bridging the past and present of black culture through a slightly absurd plot. When Harriet Tubman returns from the dead, she decides to write a hip-hop album, but the story is really about Darnell, who asks to produce the album. Hilarious and moving, this novel is truly inventive!

— Marisa, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Tilt byEmmaPattee

HowtoBeaGrownUp byRaffiGrinberg

Tilt

Written by a climate journalist, gives us a novel that explores the day of an earthquake in Portland, Oregon. As I raced through this book, I couldn’t help but ponder what I would do in this situation…or even one similar. I rooted for Annie, our nine-months-pregnant protagonist, as she tries to navigate difficult decisions to help her and her unborn baby survive as they try to navigate their way “home.”

— Lori, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Adapted from his acclaimed college course, Adulting 101, Raffi Grinberg lays out four key categories of adult skills: mental, financial, relationship, and career, and provides concrete advice, exercises, and practice for becoming a functioning adult. From budgeting to communicating with parents to figuring out the answer to the dreaded question, “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” this book provides a helpful springboard.

— Elizabeth, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Page Turners

Continued from page 27

Continued from page 26

FRIDAY, APRIL 18 AND

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Easter Vigil: Keeping Watch

: Friday, 8 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC), 1271 Durham Rd. Churchgoers take shifts to keep watch while Jesus is entombed. For info, contact the church at 203-4213241 or office@northmadisioncc.org, or visit northmadisoncc.org/lent.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

THROUGH

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Easter Flower Sale

: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Northford Community Church, 4 Old Post Rd. Features various Easter flowers and baked goods for sale. For info, call the church at 203-484-0795 or visit northfordcommunity.church.

MaptoParadise bySusanMeissner

Another compelling historical fiction from Susan Meissner with flawed but likable characters facing difficult choices.

It’s 1950s Malibu, and a blacklisted actress, a war refugee, and a widowed caretaker form an unexpected friendship around secrets they must work together to protect. I found myself hoping they’d each find redemption, freedom, and a second chance.

— Laura B, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

CloseYourEyesandCountto10 byLisaUnger

Insane Challenges

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Papermill History Hike

Fifth Annual Shredding Day

: 9 a.m. Papermill Trail, Madison. Meet at the trailhead on Fawn Brook Circle near the junction with Green Hill Road. Features a two-mile hike round trip and includes walking over rocks, roots, and muddy spots. Wear sturdy waterproof footwear. No dogs. Hosted by the Madison Land Conservation Trust (MLCT). Led by David LeVasseur, a Killingworth historian, and MLCT Director Charlie Shafer. For info, visit madisonlandtrust.org. : 9 a.m. to noon. Old Saybrook High School parking lot, 1111 Boston Post Rd. Cost: $10 per copy paper box. No appointment necessary. Rain or shine. Sponsored by Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club programs in the towns of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Lyme, and Old Lyme. For info, contact John Aforismo at 860-794-5009 or johnaforismo07@ gmail.com or visit OSRotary.org.

See page 29

Maverick Dillan, host of and , is a famous daredevil and adventurer. When he posts an invite for a challenge called Extreme Hide and Seek to be held on a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic, three influencers are chosen, all desperate to win the $1 million prize. But Mav is hiding dark secrets, and as the game begins and a deadly storm moves in, hide and seek becomes survival.

— Marilyn, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Extreme Games

InAClassAllTheirOwn

TomVerde

Verde reveals a detailed and loving homage to nearly forty unique and historic New England classic boats. Each one has a story to tell, and you will enjoy reading about their history, past owners, where they sailed, raced, or cruised, and their classes and designers. The East Coast is rich with glorious ports, and many of these classic wooden boats are recognizable and dock in “local” marinas. From the oldest fishing boat in Stonington, CT, to the jazz era of luxury yachting to the Fishers Island One Designs (Class A’s), one of the oldest continuously raced fleets on the East Coast – there is something in here for every type of boater!

—Christine, Griswold Inn Store, Essex

Spring Shredding Event

: 9 a.m. to noon. Clinton Chamber of Commerce parking lot, 50 E. Main St. Vehicles enter from the Town Hall driveway entrance at 54 E. Main St. and continue around to the Clinton Chamber/Town Annex parking lot. Cost: $10 for each copy paper-sized box. Staples and paper clips do not have to be removed. Open to the public. For info, call 860-669-3889 or visit clintonct.com.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clinton Public Works Garage, 117 Nod Rd. Hosted by the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG). Free to residents of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and other RiverCOG region towns. For info, visit rivercog.org/regionalservices/household-hazardouswaste.

Insects and Water

: 10 to 11 a.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Julie Michaelson, a pollinator conservation specialist and USDA NRCS partner biologist. Sponsored by Friends of Hammonasset. For info or to register (required), call 203245-8743 or visit meigspointnaturecenter.org/calendar.

Painting with Pastels

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Open House

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Allis-Bushnell House, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Visitors can explore the exhibit in the dining room, featuring the Munger family’s early dustless crayons and Reuben Shaler’s 1858 carpet sweeper. Docents are available to provide information and guests can view artworks and artifacts. Free admission. For info or to register, call 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

Frames in Film:

Holy Saturday: The Great Easter Vigil Mass

: 8 p.m. St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Holy Saturday: The Great Easter Vigil Mass

: 8 p.m. St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave., North Haven. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Concert by Big Fat Combo and The Manchurians

8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Easter Sunday Sunrise Worship and Celebratory Service

: 6 and 10 a.m. Behind the Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Hosted by the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. The church will also have a 10 a.m. celebratory service in the sanctuary. An Easter egg hunt follows the service. All are welcome. For info, call 203-245-2739 or visit fccmadison.org.

Easter Sunrise Service and Traditional Easter Service

or office@saintannsoldlyme.org, or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.

Easter Sunday Masses

: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. St. Lawrence Parish, 7 Hemlock Dr., Killingworth. The 10:30 a.m. Mass features a children's Liturgy of the Word. For info, call 860-663-2576 or visit stlawrencechurch.com.

Easter Sunday Mass: The Resurrection of Our Lord

: 9 a.m. St. Monica Church, 1321 Middletown Ave., Northford. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Easter Services

: 9 to 9:30 a.m. Madison Surf Club (at the flagpole), 87 Surf Club Rd. Features a brief service for all ages. Hosted by Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society (SUUS). The event is followed by a traditional Easter brunch at 9:30 a.m. at the SUUS fellowship hall, 297 Boston Post Road, and a multigenerational service at 10:30 a.m. featuring a message theme, “Light of the World.” For info, contact 203-245-8720 or office@shorelineunitarian.org or visit shorelineunitarian.org/worship.

Easter Sunday Service

Georgia O'Keefe: The Brightness of Light

: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold Museum. Running time: 120 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Wendy Haller

: 1 to

The Flannigan Girls: A Novel Bad Dreams, Bad Dreams Go Away

3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Books: and . Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Holy Saturday Liturgy and Communion

: 7 p.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd. (Rte. 79), Madison. The service begins in the outdoor chapel with the kindling of the new fire (a symbol of the Resurrection) followed by the lighting of the pascal candle. Congregants will then process to the church. For info, call 203-245-2584 or visit standrewsmadison.org.

Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil Mass Madison Inventors

: 6 and 10 a.m. North Guilford Congregational Church, 159 Ledge Hill Rd. The 6 a.m. service takes place in the front lawn and is followed by breakfast with hot coffee and tea. The 10 a.m. service will be held in the sanctuary and will feature a full choir, guest singers directed by Hallie Sorensen, and guest musicians, Sue Saltus (organ), Jeff Ostroski (trumpet), and Frank May (trombone). The service is followed by a multigenerational Easter egg hunt hosted by the Christian Education Committee. For info, call the church office at 203-457-0581 or visit northguilforducc.org.

Easter Sunrise Service

: 6:30 a.m. Pavilion at Clinton Town Beach, Waterside Lane. Co-hosted by the United Methodist Church of Clinton and the First Church of Christ Clinton. Features a joint annual service, which will consist of song, Scripture readings, and liturgy. Free and open to all. Bring a lawn chair and dress according to the weather for this casual outdoor service. For info, call the United Methodist Church of Clinton at 860-669-8396 or the First Church of Christ Clinton at 860-669-5735.

Easter Sunday Masses: The Resurrection of Our Lord

: 8 and 9:30 a.m. St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave., North Haven. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Easter Sunday Services

: 8 and 10 a.m. Christ Church, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, call 203-453-2279 or visit christchurchguilford.org.

Easter Sunday Mass

: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy St., Madison. For info, call 203-2457301 or visit stmargaretchurch.com.

Easter Sunday Services

: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd. (Rte. 79), Madison. For info, call 203-245-2584 or visit standrewsmadison.org.

Easter Services

: 8 p.m. St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy St., Madison. For info, call 203-2457301 or visit stmargaretchurch.com.

: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Saint Ann’s Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Features the Eucharist Rite 2 with choir. For info, contact the church at 860-434-1621

: 10 a.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. For info, contact the church at 203-421-3241 or office@northmadisioncc.org, or visit northmadisoncc.org/lent.

Easter Sunday Mass: The Resurrection of Our Lord

11 a.m. St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-484-0403.

Easter Sunday Mass: The Resurrection of Our Lord

11 a.m. St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave., North Haven. For info, call 203-484-0403.

MONDAY, APRIL 21

2025 Old Saybrook Chamber Golf League

: Tee times

start 4:30 p.m. Fenwick Golf Club, 580 Maple Ave., Old Saybrook. Open to chamber members only. Space is limited. Remaining dates are Mondays, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, and Sept. 15. Cost: $250 per golfer. For info, email judy@oldsaybrookchamber.com or visit business.goschamber.com/events.

Shoreline World Travelers Collaborative

Continued from page 28 See page 30

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. The event allows like-minded travelers to share their experiences. Each session will have two people presenting a 15-minute slide show with their favorite photos from their trip. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22

The Latest and Greatest in the World of Scams and Safety

: 10 a.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. Presented by Guilford Police Lt. Martina Jacober. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Celebrating Shakespeare, Festivals, Fun, and Music

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Celebrating Shakespeare

: Elm City Shakespeare and the Legacy Theatre are teaming up to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday. From Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, Elm Shakespeare will present at the Legacy Theatre what is described as a “stripped-down, highimpact, workshop performance” of Shakespeare’s featuring a modern verse translation. This is one of Shakespeare’s darker comedies. Discussions will follow each performance. For tickets, visit LegacyTheatreCT.org.

Fun Musical Coming to the BushMeasure for Measure Some Like It Hot nell

: The Broadway musical was a delight when I saw it. The national tour will be at the Bushnell in Hartford from Tuesday, April 29, through

Continued from page 29

Aisle ON THE

Sunday, May 4. This show, based on the classic film comedy, features singing and lots of dancing. Tickets are available at Bushnell.org. The show won four Tony awards and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Revue

Sings Legends of the ‘60s

Hartford Stage Next Year

: The

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas Rope

The Cottage

Death of a Salesman Native Gardens Sweeney

Hartford Stage season, which features the return of (Nov. 22 to Dec. 28), opens with , a crime thriller from Oct. 10 to Nov. 2. In 2026, it’s , about a love triangle (Jan. 16 to Feb. 8), Arthur Miller’s (Feb. 27 to March 29), the comedy (April 17 to May 10), and concludes with the joint production of

Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

A Memory of Truth?

Solo Play

Unbecoming Tragedy

from June 5 to July 5. Subscriptions are now on sale at HartfordStage.org. Tickets for A Christmas Carol and individual performances will go on sale in July.

Chaz Esposito

: The Legacy Theatre is opening its season with a revue, . It runs from Thursday, May 1, through Sunday, May 18. Chaz Esposito, who had done Bobby Darin concerts at the theatre, returns to recreate the cool and glamorous nightclubs and pop music of the 1960s, including such performers as Sinatra, Tom Johns, Frankie Valli, and more. The show features a full band and backup performers. You can get tickets at Legacy TheatreCT.org.

Accessing Nonprofit Grants, Sponsorships, and Resources

: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Cheryl Smith, CEO of Dewlyn Nonprofit Services. Free. Hosted by SCORE Eastern Connecticut. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook. For info or to register, visit score.org/easternct.

Digital Marketing Strategies to Boost Your Business Growth

: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Online event. Presented by Ron Cates, president of SCORE Foundation. Free. Hosted by SCORE Eastern Connecticut. For info or to register, visit score.org/easternct.

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

: 4 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Jon Gewirtzman, a plant and ecosystem ecologist and biogeochemist. Cosponsored with the Yale Peabody Speakers Bureau. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

5:30 to 7 p.m. Aqua, 34 Riverside Dr., Clinton. Features appetizers, networking, door prizes, and more. Cash bar. Sponsored by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Cost: free for members, $35 for nonmembers. For info or to register, call 860-669-3889 or visit clintonct.com.

Sort You Can Tell a Tree by Its Fruit Silence/The Village

: Each year, the Carlotta Festival features plays by the graduating playwrights from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. This year’s festival runs from Tuesday, May 6 to Wednesday, May 14. It features three plays: , , and . Tickets –for either individual shows or a pass to see all three shows – are available at drama.yale.edu/productions.

Carlotta Festival Play with Music

: Madison Lyric

Mary’s Culinary Class: Little Big Macs and S’mores Bars

: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Cost: $45 for residents, $55 for nonresidents. Hosted by Guilford Parks and Recreation. For children ages 5 to 12. For info or to register (required), contact 203-464-8447 or marysculinaryclassesllc@gmail.com, or visit the class schedule link at marysculinaryclassesllc.com.

History Book Group

Washington: A Life

: 6 p.m. Madison Center for History and Culture at Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Book: by Ron Chernow. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Virtual participation by Zoom is an option. Copies of the book may be available at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For new participants to join, email director@madisonhistory.org. For info, call MHS at 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

Chair Yoga with Martha

: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Martha Smith, a certified yoga instructor and chair yoga practitioner at Body Karma Studio in Clinton. Bring a yoga mat. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Forest Health and Climate Change

: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features David Irvin of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Division of Forestry. Presented by the Branford Land Trust as part of its Winter Speaker Series. Free and open to the public. For info, visit branfordlandtrust.org or blackstonelibrary.org.

Stage is presenting a new play with music, From Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11, at the theater on the grounds of Madison’s deacon John Grave House. The play by Artistic Director Marc Deaton travels the lives of three women in the American Southwest from the 1950s to the 1990s. Tickets are available at MadisonLyricStage.org. : Long Wharf will present from Sunday, May 11, to Sunday, June 1, at the Off-Broadway Theatre behind the Shops at Yale on Broadway. Terrence Riggins wrote and will perform the play with the Collective Consciousness Theatre. A failed actor imprisoned in a solitary cell finds solace in transforming his cell into the unlikeliest of stages. Tickets are available at LongWharf.org.

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

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

Bring Back the Pollinators

: 7 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Hosted by the North Branford Land Conservation Trust. For info, email info@nblandtrust.org or visit nblandtrust.org/events.

Climate Victory Gardens

: 7 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Stacy Jameson, garden consultant and educator from The Seeded Garden. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

Women in Business

: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donahue's Madison Beach Grille, 1320 Boston Post Rd. Features guest speaker Andrea Hart, an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified coach working in the discipline of transformational coaching. Cost: $27 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Co-sponsored by the Madison and Clinton chambers of commerce. For info, contact the Madison Chamber at 203-245–7394 or chamber@madisonct.com or visit madisonct.com

Sexual Assault Awareness on the Green

: Noon to 4 p.m. Guilford Town Green. In commemoration of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hosted by the Women & Family Life Center. Free. No registration required. For info, contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.

Kate Classic Film:

Tree Emissions and Climate Change

Business After Hours: Alice Adams

Continued from page 30

: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Various outdoor locations. For grades 5 to 8. Part of an after-school outdoor program series. After school is let out, students will walk to Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS), 322 Main St. Student pick up will be at OSYFS at 4 p.m. Space is limited. Other dates: Wednesdays, April 30 and May 7. For info or to register, visit the link for after-school clubs OSMS/half-day trips at osyfs.org.

Mighty Mindsets

: 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Kathleen E. Goodwin Elementary School, 80 Old Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook. For grades 2 to 4. Led by Old Saybrook High School senior Lila Cadley and assisted by Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services staff. Snacks and juice provided. Student pickup will in front of the school at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited. Last date: Wednesday, April 30. For info or to register, visit the link for after-school clubs/half-day trips at Goodwin at osyfs.org.

Social Security 101

: 4 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Benjamin Rhodes, III, metropolitan public affairs specialist at the Social Security Administration. A brief questionand-answer period follows the presentation. Hosted by the Essex Library. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Opening Reception for the

Jeanne O’Brien, , oil White Peonies

CAS Presents Spring Members Exhibition

Press Release from the Clinton Art Society

Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.

Creating Balance, Peace, and Harmony in Your Garden Design

: 4:30 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Presented by James Doenges, owner of Sustainable Gardening Landscape. Part of the Westbrook Garden Club monthly programs for 2025. For info, email westbrookgardenclubct@yahoo.com.

Mary’s Culinary Class: Chicken Caesar Wrap and Bunny Butt Cupcakes

: 5 to

7 p.m. Meet in the kitchen at the East Haven Recreation Department, 1 Maple St. For children ages 5 to 12. Open to East Haven residents and nonresidents. Hosted by the East Haven Parks and Recreation. Cost: $40. Bring a drink to class. For info or to register (required), contact 203-4648447 or marysculinaryclassesllc@gmail.com, or visit the class schedule link at marysculinaryclassesllc.com.

Center Cemetery Part 2: Dust and Shadow Here I Leave with Thee

: 5 to

7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Presented by Branford Town historian Jane Bouley. Sponsored by the Branford Center Cemetery Association and the Branford Historical Society. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

: 5 to 7 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. The show runs through Monday, April 28. For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@ gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.

Food Explorers: Sweet Apricot Rolls

: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Open to adults, teens, and families who like to cook together. Sponsored by the Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. For info, including a list of ingredients, or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

UFOs Past and Present Branford Elementary School Art Show

: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Michael Panicello, UFO researcher and state director of Connecticut Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Hosted by the Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Attendees are welcome to watch the livestream in the library's community room. To register or access the Zoom link, visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. For info, call 203-315-6020.

The Clinton Art Society (CAS) presents the Spring Members Exhibition on view from Thursday, May 1, to Thursday, June 19. The opening reception is May 1 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“This exhibition honors the return of spring and celebrates the lively and creative energy of the season. We are delighted to have renowned artist Howard Park serve as our awards judge,” said CAS President Robin Hammeal-Urban.

The exhibition is at the Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main Street in Clinton, and is open during regular Town Hall hours.

CAS is a vibrant arts community with members from across the state and beyond working in all fine art media. The organization sponsors exhibitions, plein-air events, and critique sessions. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact CAS at casclinton@ gmail.com or visit clintonartsocietyct.org.

Business After Hours and Sneak Peak Performance

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House, Rear lawn, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Includes drinks, appetizers, and a sneak peek performance of Madison Lyric Stage’s preview of Sponsored by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. For info or to register, contact the Madison Chamber at 203-245–7394 or chamber@madisonct.com.

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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

AND THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Creative Crafts with Jesse: Upcycled Paper Roses

: Wednesday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For adults. Participants will use

old book/magazine pages to make paper roses. No experience required. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Building Blocks: From Atoms to Anatomy

: 10 a.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. Presented by Miranda Margulis-Ohnuma, Shashank Dattathri, and Aurora Miranda of Yale Science Communication. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong

New Findings on the Battle of Ridgefield A Memory of Truth?

: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum (NHM), 114 Whitney Ave. Features a presentation by author Keith Marshall Jones III based on his book, . Free and open to the public. The event will also stream on Facebook Live. For info or to register (required), call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

The Battle of Ridgefield: Benedict Arnold, the Patriot Militia, and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut

See page 33

Mindfulness in Motion

showtimes available. For info, call 203-432-1234 or visit yalerep.org.

An Evening of Guitar at the Blackstone

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features performances, discussions, instruction, and more. Led by local guitarist and teacher Neal Fitzpatrick. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Author Event: Zoë Schlanger

The Light Eaters

: 7 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Book: . Copies will be available for purchase and signing. For info or to register, call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

The Thrill of Writing Action, Adventure, and Suspense: A Conversation with Author Gregg Hurwitz

Orphan X

7 p.m. Online event. Book: series. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

The Adult Disability Community in Connecticut: Advocacy, Resources, and Legislation

: 10 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Lynn Arezzini, a political advocate for the disabled and the chair of the Southern DDS Regional Advisory Committee; Karl Arezzini, a 34-year-old adult with autism who is also a fine cellist and singer; and Heather LaTorra, president and CEO of Marrakech, a New Haven-based program that supports people with disabilities. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

New York, New York: Frank Stella, William de Kooning, Helen Frankenhaler, and Jasper Johns

: 11 a.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Bob Potter, art historian at the Lyme Academy of Art and docent at the Yale Center for British Art. Hosted by Madison Art Society. For info or to register (required to receive the Zoom link), email Marianne@RTDTECH.com.

History Happy Hour: Invasive Plants: Colonial Times to Today

: 6 to 7 p.m. Allis-Bushnell House, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Features a talk by Heather Crawford, chair of Madison’s Conservation Commission. Admission: $10 members, $15 nonmembers. Includes beverages from The Wine Thief of Madison and hors d’oeuvres. For info or to register, call 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

Opening Night for

Groups and Activities

A Journey Through America’s Past:

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery

: 1004

Main St.: For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.

Branford Elementary School Art Show

: Runs April 23 through April 28.

Walsh Middle School Art Show

: Runs May 1 through May 10.

Branford High School Art Show

: Runs May 12 through May 27.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Fine Art Gallery

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

BACA West Winter 2025 Gallery Exhibition

: Runs through April 30.

Guilford Art Center (GAC)

: 411 Church St.: For info, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

: Runs May 2 through June 1.

Susan Powell Fine Art

: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.

Dear Mother Spring into Art

: Runs through April 26.

Vincent Giarrano: City Color

: Runs May 2 through May 31.

David Dunlop: Quest for Radiance

: Runs June 6 through July 6.

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Keyes Gallery

146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford: For info, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org/gallery.

The Missing Pictures: Photographs by Sean Kernan

: Runs through May 26.

Yale University Art Gallery

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

David Goldblatt: No Ulterior Motive:

Runs through June 22

Music

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.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

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.

Acoustics 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.

Art Critique Series (General Critique Session):

10 a.m. to noon. First Thursday. Via Zoom. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.

Art Critique Series (Special-Themed Session):

10 a.m. to noon. Third Thursday. Via Zoom. Runs November through April. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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.

Bingo:

7 p.m. Tuesdays. St Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave. North Haven. For info, visit stelizabethofthetrinity.org.

Blackstone Fiber Art Community:

: 7 p.m. Cabaret on Main Theater, 597 Main St., East Haven. The show runs through Sunday, May 11. Other showtimes available. For info or tickets, call 203-208-9592 or visit cabaret-onmain.com.

Opening Night for

Shrek The Musical Notes on Killing Seven Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Board Members

Continued from page 32 See page 34

8 p.m. Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. The show runs through Saturday, May 17. Other

17 River St., East 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.

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.

6 to 8.m. Wednesdays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. All experience levels in fiber art forms are welcome. Registration is not required, drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Blackstone Library Tour:

10 a.m. Second Saturday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration encouraged, but drop-ins welcome. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Continued from page 33

Book Club:

Noon to 2 p.m. Third Thursday. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, including book titles, or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Breastfeeding Support Meeting:

9:30 a.m. Second Wednesday. Grace and St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Sponsored by the La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven. For info or to RSVP, email Anne.M@LLLCT.org or visit lllct.org/hamdennorthhaven.

Chair Yoga with Martha:

6:30 p.m. Fourth Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Christ Episcopal Church Choir Rehearsal:

7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurchguilford.org.

Christian Science Church Service and Sunday School:

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford.

Christian Science Testimony Meeting:

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203-453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford.

Coastal Camera Club Meeting:

7 p.m. First and third Wednesdays. Via Zoom. To register (required), contact wfrprs@att.net. For info, visit coastalcameraclub.org.

Duplicate Bridge:

12:30 p.m. Fridays. Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St., Branford. For info, call 203-915-5987 or email tillerjock@gmail.com.

Ekphrastic Poetry Trust:

3 to 4:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create poetry from art. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Exploring Our Grief Journey: A Grief Support Group:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

F3 Shoreline Men’s Bootcamp Workout:

5:30 a.m. Fridays. Madison Town Campus, 8 Campus Dr. Free and open to all men. Held outdoors rain or shine. For info, email F3shoreline@gmail.com.

Family Support Group:

6 p.m. First Monday. Via Zoom. Offered by BHcare. A group for family members and caregivers who assist people through their journey of mental wellness. For info, call 203-800-7177 or visit BHcare.org.

Fiber Arts Club:

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own project. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Forever Young: A Young Adult Book Club:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Wednesday bimonthly. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Friday Movie Matinee:

La Leche Virtual Meetings:

7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Via Facebook. Sponsored by La Leche League of Connecticut. For info, visit facebook.com/groups/LLLofCTDiscussionForum.

Madison Movie Chat:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First and third Mondays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Maker Meet-up:

6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. All ages welcome. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Master Gardener Clinic:

Noon. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All specimens must be in sealed containers. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

11 a.m. Mondays. Online. Sponsored by the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Led by certified mindfulness and meditation teacher Joanne Vannelli. Free. For info or to register (required), contact sarah@hchlibrary.org.

Meditation Class: Monday Night Mah-jongg:

6 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Some previous knowledge or experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome. Bring your own mah-jongg set. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Movie Matinee:

1 to 3:30 p.m. Third Friday. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For info, including the movie title, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

NAMI Shoreline Family Support Group

6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Monday. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-4881441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Color and Conversation: Community Breakfast

: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Hosted by The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries, Madison. For info, email mainoffice@fccmadison.org or visit shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

2 to 4 p.m. Second and fourth Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Guilford Job Network Meeting:

7 to 8:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Via Zoom. Includes guest speaker. All job seekers are welcome. For info or to register (required), call 203-457-0121 or email RussAllen2@aol.com.

Guitar Club:

: 7 p.m. Last Wednesday. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Facilitators trained by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer peer-led support to adults caring for a loved one ages 18 and over experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. For info, call 860-876-0236 or visit namishoreline.org.

Nimble Thimble:

1:30 p.m. Mondays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. A needlepoint group led by Cynthia Barker. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-5627.

6 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Craft of the Month: Creative Craft Night

: 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Second Thursday. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Free. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

12:30 p.m. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Bring your own instruments. No registration required. For info, call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Harrison House Museum Tours:

1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Harrison House Museum, Barn, and Gardens, 124 Main St., Branford. Open to the public. Free admission but donations are welcome. Runs through September or by appointment. For info, contact 203-488-4828 or info@branfordhistoricalsociety.org.

iPhone Photography Collaborative:

6:30 p.m. First Monday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All levels are welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Needle Arts Group:

10 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Noon Meditation Music:

Noon to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurcguilford.org.

Open Mic Night:

6 to 7:30 p.m. First Thursday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

See page 35

City Color at Susan Powell

Step into the world of Vincent Giarrano, a master of atmosphere and storytelling. This May, presents City Color, his highly anticipated solo exhibition—a dynamic collection that captures the rhythm, vibrancy, and authenticity of urban life. With vivid color and compelling vitality, Giarrano transforms fleeting city moments—whether the energy of New York City streetscapes or moments reflecting the lives of self-possessed women portraying them in quiet reflection, anticipation, or the midst of their daily lives —into contemporary, timeless narratives. Giarrano’s paintings have been exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC (part of the Smithsonian Museum) and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

“Often the experience of a Giarrano painting is that of a beautiful, young woman with style and confidence catching your eye. Once your eye is caught, it is drawn into a distinctively downtown New York City moment- a kaleidoscope of color and sounds fill the canvas and evoke a sense of being part of the scene — to step inside a Giarrano painting is to unlock your own experiences and memories of the city,” says collector Sharon Jarboe. Meet the artist at the opening reception on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Susan Powell Fine Art is located at 679 Boston Post Rd, Madison.

For more information, contact susanpowellfineart@gmail.com or visit susanpowellfineart.com

Continued from page 34

: 1 to

3 p.m. First Saturday. Branford Community House, 46 Church St. Includes guest speakers and care partner sharing sessions. For info, email allysonk11@yahoo.com.

1 p.m. Second Thursday. Atwater Memorial Library community room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Free. For info, including movie titles, or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

11 a.m. to noon. First and third Saturdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Free. To register (required), visit blackstonelibrary.org. For info, email programs@blackstonelibrary.org.

10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. United Methodist Church, 811 E. Main St., Branford. For info, contact the church at 203-488-0549 or umcbranford1966@gmail.com, or visit umcbranford.org.

Quilters Club:

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Saturday Story Time:

10:30 to 11 a.m. Second Saturday. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features children’s librarian Miss Mary with stories, music, and movement. All ages. Registration not required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Scranton Writers’ Club:

6:30 p.m. First and third Tuesdays. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365, ext. 1019 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Shoreline Chess Club:

9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. All levels welcome. For info, call 203-675-7717.

Stamp and Coin Show:

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fourth Sunday. YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

Tech Help Tuesday:

11 a.m. to noon. Second and fourth Tuesdays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Tech help in 15-minute sessions. First come, first served. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Third Thursday Movie Matinee

: 10 a.m. Third Thursday.

James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Time Out for Poetry:

12:30 to 2 p.m. Third Friday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Bring copies of two published poems to share and read aloud. Open to all. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

TOPS Club CT 76 Guilford Meet:

6:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Support and encouragement for those who want to lose weight. For info, call 203-640-0787.

Susan Powell Fine Art

Press Release from Susan Powell Fine Art

, Oil Shauna Shane - French Chef

Parkinson's Disease Support Group Meeting

Pat’s Picks Movie Club:

Poetry Cafe:

Prayer Shawl Ministry:

estate

An Opportunity to Own a Piece of Madison’s History

Staff Report

This iconic property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Madison’s history. Meticulously restored, this Colonial-style home blends historic charm and modern luxury. Just a short walk from the library, Bar Bouchee, and the beach, this home provides an unparalleled lifestyle in one of Madison’s most sought-after locations.

With attention to detail, every element has been restored to preserve the home’s historical integrity while offering contemporary comfort. Top-of-the-line, historically accurate windows and doors complement the repointed brick-and-mortar siding, highlighting the architectural elegance. The cedar roof adds to its timeless beauty and ensures durability for genera-

This home is being offered for sale by Coldwell Banker Realty for $1,950,000. For more information or a showing, contact The Walz Team at Coldwell Banker Realty at 203-996-7209.

This iconic property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Madison's history.

With attention to detail, every element has been restored to preserve the home's historical integrity while offering contemporary comfort.

BRANFORD

EAST HAVEN

MADISON

Ross RET and Barbara A. Ross to Walter O. Martinez Calix and Maria A. Morales Garcia, $390,000 on March 28

: Steven Beresner to Matthew Coyle, $330,000 on March 28 :

Stanton A. Wiener to Dominic Rapini, $180,000 on March 25 :

Jeanne M. Squeo and Pauline K. Zvonkovic to Robert and Sandra Bernardo, $215,000 on March 24

: Ginkgo Re Holdings LLC to Karen E. Kennedy, $400,000 on March 28

: Dawn M. Saczynski and Pnc Bank Na to Jose Escalante, $360,000 on March 25

: Vivian M. Henshaw to Zheng L. Lu, $291,000 on March 27

31 Ridgewood Avenue

: Nathaniel R. Hill and Jeanne M. Palmer to Kathleen Romania, $525,000 on March 24

227 Rimmon Road

: Katherine P. Takach to Lauren Bennett, $463,000 on March 26

130 State Street Unit 1-18

: Alex Quartulli to Stephine N. Comlish, $332,500 on March 25

: Paul Crisci to Michael Massar and Kayla Crisci, $550,000 on March 28

: Yavuz Demir to Jolanta Molitierno, $455,000 on March 27 220 Austin Ryer

NORTH BRANFORD

7 James Road

: Mary K Morris Ft and Patricia A. Ficocelli to Stephen E. Morrell, $374,100 on March 28

: Estate of Oliver W. Helmrich and Timothy Helmrich to David Demaio, $12,000 on March 25

: Craig M. Helmrich to David Demaio, $113,000 on March 25

44 Pomps Lane

: Christopher W. Vey to Elisabeth Barthelmy and Kevin Pistilli, $480,000 on March 28

21 Branhaven Drive

: Anne M.

Corolla to Sonia Corolla, $350,000 on March 28

375 Burr Street

: Daisy and Ector

Avila to Victoria Shantuk and Aleksander Kharlamov, $395,000 on March 26

3 Carmen Street

: Antoinette

Dimatteo to Rjg Development Corp, $460,000 on March 25 : Edwin Dwyer to 38 Blake St LLC, $99,900 on March 26

130 Coe Avenue Unit 79

25 Edgar Street

: Premier Specialyu Foods L to Herman A. Rivera, $357,500 on March 24

60 Green Street

: Rosewood Home

Bldrs LLC to Jhahuras Reality LLC, $520,000 on March 27

113 Hellstrom Road

: Hong T. Dang to David M. Pimental, $332,000 on March 26

52 Short Beach Road

: Netz Bond

New Hvn Ix Bent to Mabel Investments LLC, $225,000 on March 27

GUILFORD

21 Cunningham Drive

: Estate of Sandra E. Doyle and Stacey Hubbard to Matthew Pagliaro, $400,000 on March 25

2125 Long Hill Road

: F Vigliotti

Const Co LLC to Rose M. Evangelista and Anthony Crisera, $722,887 on March 28

90 River Street

: Estate of Elinor C. Leffingwell and Philip E. Carloni to B & D Bloom Lt and Benjamin A. Bloom, $740,000 on March 25

2 Spencer Avenue

: Estate of Elizabeth A. Work and Cathleen D. Draper to Jeffrey W. Tietjen, $405,000 on March 26

311 Bartlett Drive

: Whitney J. Orawiec to Andrea Ivans, $1,097,000 on March 25

30 Shorelands Drive

: Tedesco

Declaration Of T and Todd D. Tedesco to Vucelic-Frick Ft and Nicholas A. Vucelic, $1,265,000 on March 25

W Sussex Place Unit 1-1

: Richard

A. Gentile and Diane M. Dupont to Andrea Felix, $13,000 on March 25

N/A

: Emily B. and Michael L. Smith to William M. and Chantel G. Oldenkamp, $1,600,000 on March 27

CLINTON

12 Beach Park Road

: Julie B.

Libner to Allison Grassetti, $360,000 on March 25

: Jeffrey M. Welsh and Sheryl D. Wilder to Jeffrey & Sheryl Welsh T and Jeffrey M. Welsh, $84,000 on March 25

Estate of Mary

Peters and Susan Ayer to Lauren and Elliot Smith, $415,000 on March 24

Christopher A. Jones to Robert Martin and Deborah L. Young, $270,000 on March 27

: Estate of Eileen M. Mills and Robert Mcdonough to Ryan R. and Joshalyn Mills, $559,000 on March 25

NORTH HAVEN

: Stephen D.

Wheeler to Kevin and Jamie Donohue, $1,100,000 on March 28

: Anthony

J. and Sally H. Pallatto to Yu Gu, $537,000 on March 28

: Ral

North Haven LLC to Lisa M. Deming, $598,655 on March 26

: Carissa and Richard Hildebrandt to Lucais T. and Rebecca L. Wallen, $515,000 on March 27

: Lois A.

Nitz to Michael S. Malonis and Kelly Dinapoli, $580,000 on March 25

: Barbara Ann

: Jan and Regina Rybarczyk to Cynthia and Philip Montuori, $310,000 on March 27

OLD SAYBROOK

: John Gogliettino to David L. and Karen F. Campo, $445,000 on March 24

: Murielle Jinks to Michael Gress, $50,000 on March 26 : Barbara B. Reardon to Ruitto Prop LLC, $225,000 on March 24

: Susan Weigen to Matthew Charette and Morgan Wilderman, $555,000 on March 28 : Catherine A. White to Kelly L. Polson, $600,000 on March 25 : Connecticut Re Prop LLC to Linda Scelfo and Lorraine Szkotnicki, $700,000 on March 26

: Christopher and Anousheh Riley to Susan Agonis, $900,000 on March 26

of Sylvia A. Zack and Allan J. Zack to Toby F. Rubin, $67,500 on March 26

New Haven Ballet Presents DanceAir

New Haven Ballet will return to ECA ACES Arts Hall on Friday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the young dancers participating in this year’s DanceAIR program. Scholarship winners from each school and the Q House will be awarded.

New Haven Ballet’s DanceAIR program offers free ballet classes for young children at the Q House and in New Haven public elementary schools. Through partnerships with New Haven public schools and LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc.), New Haven Ballet provides high-quality arts education, broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of dance and the performing arts, teaches basic dance techniques and choreography, and allows children to express themselves artistically by integrating musicality and rhythm. Students experience the artistry and musicality of dance, which emphasizes self-discipline, athleticism, coordination, creativity, strength, balance, and flexibility.

According to Henry Hernandez, “As the Executive Director of LEAP, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through educational and enrichment opportunities, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact that these free ballet classes have had on the children and families in our community. Beyond the weekly classes, New Haven Ballet has enriched our community through its generosity and commitment to arts accessibility. The free Nutcracker performances in December 2022 and 2023 at the Q House were extraordinary cultural experiences that brought the magic of ballet to families who may not have had the opportunity to attend a professional production. Addition-

ally, Q House students performed in The Nutcracker this past December and will further showcase their talents at the ECA ACES Arts Hall during the upcoming DanceAIR performance and at the Shubert Theatre in the Spring Production of Adventures in Wonderland. Many Q House students recently attended their first school-wide rehearsal for Adventures in Wonderland and are excited about performing at the Shubert.”

New Haven schools offering DanceAIR training include Fair Haven School, Truman School, Edgewood Creative Thinking Through STEAM Magnet School, Lincoln-Bassett Community School, and Barack H. Obama Magnet University School. These students will be joined by Q House students and dancers from the New Haven Ballet Company for a one-hour performance at ECA ACES Arts Hall, located at 55 Audubon Street, New Haven, on Friday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The performance lasts one hour and has free admission.

New Haven Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This performance is made possible by the generosity and support of our partners: ECA ACES, the City of New Haven Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, the Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trust, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and our valued partnership with the Dixwell Community House. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and faith in our mission to provide high-quality arts education to young children in New Haven.

For more information, visit newhavenballet.org/ community-performances.

May 9.

Continued from page 35

10:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 18 months and up. Registration not required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Third Tuesday (or Third Wednesday from January through March). Comomango Madison Mexican Kitchen and Cantina, 52 Wall St. In partnership with the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203245-7365, ext. 1019 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

11 a.m. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Guitar players also welcome. Bring your own instruments. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

7 p.m. First and third Mondays. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd., or via Zoom. For info, email Debbie Petrelle at dpetrelle2@gmail.com or visit valleyshore.toastmastersclubs.org.

10:30 a.m. to noon. Fourth Thursday. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. For Tots and Tunes Story Time: Trivia Night:

info or to register (required), contact Cindy Baklik at 860395-3184 or cbaklik@actonlibrary.org, or visit actonlibrary.org.

Virtual: Chair Yoga:

11 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by Shoreline Village CT, 1204 Main St., #128 Branford. Cost: free for Shoreline Village members, $10 per month suggested donation for nonmembers. For info, call Maryann Bracken at mabfilkings@gmail.com.

Virtual: Gentle Yoga Class for Adults:

10:15 a.m. Fridays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or email sarah@hchlibrary.org.

Writers Group:

6:30 p.m. First and third Tuesdays. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441, ext. 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Writer’s Guild for Teens:

3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Third Wednesday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or lyndsey@hchlibrary.org.

Writing Workshop

: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Yoga with Martha:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365, ext. 1019 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Young Adult Youth Act(i)on Library League (YALL) Drop-in Session:

3 p.m. Tuesdays. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. For info, visit actonlibrary.org.

Theater

Measure for Measure

: The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs April 25 through April 27. In partnership with Elm Shakespeare Company. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

Hank Williams: Lost Highway:

Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs through April 27. For info, call 860-7677318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Press Release from New Haven Ballet

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Ballet New Haven Ballet will return to ECA ACES Arts Hall on Friday,

Ukulele Club:

Valley Shore Toastmasters:

Virtual Genealogy Interest Group:

Page Turners

Continued from page 28

TheExplorer'sGene byAlexHutchinson

Humans have been driven to explore for thousands of years, and the author contends that this impulse is hardwired in us—not just in terms of geography but also in our pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Fascinating stories of explorers and the motivations that pushed them fill the book. It also delves into the science of dopamine, explaining why some individuals are more driven by it than others. Another key theme is the dilemma of when to stop exploring and shift focus toward utilizing the knowledge gained from exploration. This book would make an excellent gift for a graduate or anyone about to embark on a new phase of life.

— Rob, Breakwater Books, Guilford

BlackWoodsBlueSky byEowynIvey

Birdie, a young single mom working at an Alaskan Lodge, longs for a fresh start for herself and her five-year-old daughter Emaleen. She sees this fresh start in the mysterious Arthur, who visits the restaurant where Birdie serves him tea. Arthur’s bush pilot father flies Birdie and Emaleen out to the cabin, where they settle into the hard work of a subsistence life way off the grid. Arthur’s mysterious secrets begin to unfold first to Emaleen and ultimately to Birdie with ferocious consequences. The rich descriptions of the larger-than-life Alaskan wilderness and alpine areas transport the reader to the rugged beauty only found in Alaska.

— Jen, Breakwater Books, Guilford

Continued from page 38

Notes on Killing Seven Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Board Members:

Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. Runs April 25 through May 17. For info, call 203-432-1234 or visit yalerep.org.

The Musical

: Cabaret on Main Theater, 597 Main St., East Haven. Runs April 25 through May 11. For info, call 203-208-9592 or visit cabaret-on-main.com.

Ragtime: The Musical

Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs May 15 through June 8. For info, call 860-767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

: Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs May 23 through June 1. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.

: Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs July 18 through July 27. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.

Amadeus

: Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Runs July 18 through Aug. 3. For info, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Runs April 25 through June 15. For info, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

Chaz Esposito Sings Legends of the 60s:

The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs May 1 through May 18. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

A Memory of Truth?

: Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Runs May 9 through May 11. For info, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny: :

Long Wharf Theatre at Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven. Runs May 15 through June 1. For info, call 203-693-1486 or visit longwharf.org.

: The Terris Theatre, 33 N. Main St., Chester. Runs May 24 through June 15. For info, call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs June 12 through June 29. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

: Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Runs June 13 through June 22. For info, call 203-2156329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

: The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 24. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.

My Fair Lady:

Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs Aug. 7 through Sept. 7. For info, call 860-767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

The Father

Shook Up: :

Ivory-

ton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs June 26 through June 27. For info, call 860-767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Runs June 27 through Aug. 17. For info, call 860873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.

: Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs Sept. 5 through Sept. 14. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.

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

Shrek

Macbeth

The Sound 04-17-25

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Rader Combines Tech Talent with Volunteer Service

Person of the Week

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $24,000 in State Grants for Local Cemeteries

Obituaries

Knights of St. Patrick Tommy Sullivan 5K in Branford April 27

Contacting The Sound

Find Obituaries

Posted Daily Online

SPONSORED CONTENT:

LEGAL

Branford CFC to Give Away Free Native Seedlings

Bicycle Pedestrian Committee

LEGAL NOTICE NORTH BRANFORD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

41st branford festival guide

Obituaries

Fundraiser for Felines

Rader Combines Tech Talent with Volunteer Service

Cat Project Offers Mother’s Day Card

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S BAIT & TACKLE

Historic Partnership between Elm Shakespeare Company and Legacy Theatre Announced

Measure for Measure

LEGAL NOTICE - REVISED

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD

Shoreline’s Overdose Spike Intensifies ESDHD Naracan Training

Calling All Tag Sale Vendors

Wanted: Volunteers to Fix Things

Branford’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt Moved to April 19

North Branford Girls’ Basketball Overcomes Challenges to Complete Successful Season

Boys’ Lacrosse Wins Twice, Softball Wins a Pair

Boys’ Lacrosse

Softball

Girls’ Lacrosse Loses a Pair, Girls’ Outdoor Track Competes in Tri-Meet

Girls’ Outdoor Track

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Gamberdella Rewrites Branford Wrestling History

Special to the Sound

Sports Person Week of the

Schedules BRANFORD

Boys’ Lacrosse

Girls’ Lacrosse

Gamberdella Rewrites Branford Wrestling History

Softball

NORTH BRANFORD

Girls’ Tennis Sailing

Eastern Connecticut’s leading multimedia company is

HIRING NOW

— SPORTS REPORTER (SHORELINE EDITORIAL) —

Father & Son Masonry

TOP NOTCH TREE,

Fun By The Numbers

Last Week’s Answers

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Ivoryton Opens with ‘Hank Williams — Lost Highway’

Special to Living

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

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HowtoBeaGrownUp byRaffiGrinberg

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CloseYourEyesandCountto10 byLisaUnger

Extreme Games

InAClassAllTheirOwn

Celebrating Shakespeare, Festivals, Fun, and Music

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

Aisle ON THE

CAS Presents Spring Members Exhibition

An Evening of Guitar at the Blackstone

ONGOING EVENTS

City Color at Susan Powell

estate

An Opportunity to Own a Piece of Madison’s History

Staff Report

BRANFORD

EAST HAVEN

MADISON

NORTH BRANFORD