May 7, 2026
Branford, North Branford & Northford
Vol. XXX Iss. 19
Branford Man Arrested After 39 Firearms Seized
A Branford man identified as the intended recipient of a firearm suppressor shipped from China was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his home and seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and other contraband, authorities said. The Branford Police Department said it
was notified April 21 by Homeland Security Investigations that a suspicious package had been intercepted at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The parcel, declared as an automotive fuel filter, was found to contain a firearm suppressor.
Investigators identified the intended recipient as Alexander Oranzo, 46, of Branford, who police said is a convicted felon prohibited
from possessing such items.
Police developed an operational plan to conduct a controlled delivery of the package to Oranzo’s residence on North Main Street. After the package was accepted, officers executed a search warrant at the home.
During the search, officers seized 39
See Branford Man Arrested page 8
Trolley After Dark
Visitors set up tripods to photograph an illuminated vintage trolley during a nighttime photography event at the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven on May 2.
The event features New York City trolley cars lit for photographers, with volunteers providing historical context. The museum, part of the Branford Electric Railway, operates the nation’s oldest continuously running suburban trolley line between East Haven and Branford.
Ticket Punched Branford baseball has clinched a state tournament berth................20
Lisa Nigosanti
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound
Lisa Nigosanti: Serving Others, One Meal at a Time
By Pam Young
Correspondent
At the Community Dining Room (CDR) in Branford, Lisa Nigosanti is known by a nickname that fits her perfectly.
“They call me Chop Chop,” Lisa says with a laugh. “I do food prep for them there.”
It’s a small detail, but it captures the energy she brings to her volunteer work—quick-moving, hands-on, and always focused on helping others.
Lisa has been volunteering at the CDR since before the COVID-19 pandemic, working in food preparation and helping package meals for home delivery. It’s a weekly commitment, but for her, it’s also something deeper.
“Move a muscle, change a thought,” she says. “It helps me with mental health. I try to do my best in helping the community.”
For Lisa, that sense of purpose comes from personal experience.
“I don’t come from a lot of money,” she says. “I was raised by a single mom, and we had tough times. I lived on the side of homelessness.”
Person of the Week
Those early challenges shaped how she sees the world—and how she shows up in it.
“To be able to help someone else means something,” she says.
Lisa grew up in Branford and graduated from Branford High School in 1994. Early in her career, she made a bet with her mother that she could hold a job for at least a year. She went to work at Bittersweet Glass, a glassblowing company at Bittersweet Farms.
“I lasted 10 years at that job,” she says.
Later, she returned to school, attending Branford Hall Career Institute in Windsor for an 18-month medical assistant program.
“It was a challenge for me,” she says. “I graduated and became a registered medical assistant.”
Though she chose not to pursue that career path, the experience reflects a pattern in her life—pushing herself, adapting, and continuing to move forward.
At the CDR, that mindset shows up in practical ways.
Meals are prepared, packaged, and distributed to individuals and families across the area, including those who are homebound. Lisa says the need is often greater than people realize.
“People don’t realize what the community offers,” she says. “There are so many organizations that work with the dining room. It is amazing to have this much support.”
She also emphasizes the importance of participation—both from volunteers and from those who could benefit from the services.
“I wish more people would take advantage of the program and come to the Community Dining Room to get a meal,” she says. “There is an opportunity to have a fresh, hot meal here.”
Her commitment extends beyond
See Lisa Nigosanti page 7
Photo courtesy of Lisa Nigosanti
Known as “Chop Chop” in the kitchen, Lisa Nigosanti volunteers her time preparing meals at the Community Dining Room.
“We’re
Branford Community Foundation Awards $8,530 in Sponsorship Funding
Staff Report
The Branford Community Foundation, in partnership with Ascend Bank, has awarded $8,530 in sponsorship funding to seven local organizations as part of its second round of 2026 grants.
The funding is part of a total $30,000 in sponsorship support available this year through three application cycles.
Recipients in the second round include the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter for its “Leave a Legacy for Paws” initiative; the Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library for the 2026 Annual Fall Book Sale; Legacy Theatre for “The Thimble Islands Affair”; Shoreline Village CT for End of Life Workshops; the Soundview Family YMCA, c/o Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, for “Cycle for a Cause”; the
Branford Electric Railway Association Inc. for the Shore Line Trolley Museum Annual Fundraising Dinner (America 250); and Walsh Intermediate School for the Captain Thomas Yester Memorial Day Essay Contest.
Sponsorships support single events or a series of programs designed to increase visibility or raise funds for local organizations.
The final deadline to apply for 2026 sponsorship funding is July 15. More information is available at branford communityfoundation.org.
The Branford Community Foundation, founded in 1980, is a nonprofit charitable organization that distributes funds to support educational, cultural, health, social, and civic needs in the community.
Photo courtesy of the Branford Community Foundation
The Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library Annual Fall Book Sale is among the local events supported through Branford Community Foundation sponsorship funding. Proceeds benefit library programs and services.
Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141
Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography
Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130
Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140
Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167
Alicia Gomez Assistant Editor
Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304
Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119
Alan C. Ellis Production Director
Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122
Eric O’Connell Staff Reporter
Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent
Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant
Aaron Rubin Staff Reporter
Editorial Staff
Obituaries
Obituary Mary Hahn Branford
Mary E. Hahn, wife of Clifford E. Hahn, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 19, 2026. Mary was the mother of four children: Clifford J. Hahn, Ronald E. Hahn, James M. Han, and Kathleen M. Cardone; and she has eight grandchildren: Dustin Hahn, Deacon Hahn, Ashlynne Hahn, Ronald Hahn, James Hahn, Lindsay Hahn, and Dakota and Cheyenne Cardone. Mary also has two great-grandchildren, Coraline and Max. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Irving and Rosamond Melbourne; her children, James Hahn and Kathleen Cardone; and her sisters, Nancy Whitney, Rosemary Vanacore, and Phyllis Mulvey.
Mary was a graduate of East Haven
Obituary
Harry Juniver
North Branford
On April 20, 2026, Harry L. Juniver, 88, a lifelong resident of North Branford, passed away peacefully in Branford. Born in New Haven on May 17, 1937, he was the son of the late Harry C. Juniver and Florence (Linsley) Juniver.
He was the devoted husband of 64 years to Sheila (Bailey) Juniver and the loving father of Scott (Robyn), Brent (Kimberly), and Wayne (Dana). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Marissa Bode; Desiree and Mitchell Juniver; and Rebecca, Kellen, Tessa, and Tyler Juniver. He was the brother of Barbara (the late Albert) Bishop. Harry honorably served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. Before retirement, he worked at Tilcon for 33 years as a crane and heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Local 478 Operating Engineers. After retirement, he worked part time at
High School and Stone College. She began her professional career at United Nuclear. Mary moved on to teach at the Academy for Business Careers, then to manage the Medical Insurance Department at Gaylord Hospital in Long Wharf.
After retiring from Gaylord Hospital, Mary served on the Board of Directors of the Orchard House and on the Town of Branford Board of Elderly Services. On Saturdays, Mary volunteered at the SARAH Foundation for 25 years.
A funeral service was held at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford; and she was buried in All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.
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 Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication.
VanWilgen’s Garden Center repairing equipment. Harry enjoyed making maple syrup for more than 60 years and was a member of the Maple Producers Association of CT.
Harry was a hardworking, coffee-loving, all-around nice guy who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Artis Senior Living for their compassionate care.
Family and friends were invited to calling hours on April 29, ending with a prayer service at Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org, or the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, Town of Branford, Connecticut, 749 Eat Main St., Branford, CT 06405, www.branford-ct.gov/departments/animal-shelter/donation. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
Orchard House Seeks Volunteers
Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center, 421 Shore Drive, Branford, is seeking volunteers to have fun with local seniors. Volunteer positions are available on Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact 203-481-7110, ext. 104 or recreation@theorchardhouse.org.
These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0.
OBITUARIES The Sound publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06.com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com.
ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason.
LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410.
CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com.
CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com.
The Sound
200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com
203-245-1877
Fax 203-245-9773
SPONSORED CONTENT:
Find Obituaries
Posted Daily Online
While our press schedule often does not allow us to publish death notices in time to announce memorial services, readers can find obituaries posted to the The Sound website, www.zip06. com, five days a week as they arrive.
Stories and features denoted with the Shore Publishing “Sponsored” icon are sponsored by advertisers. Sponsored content is content created or commissioned by advertisers in collaboration with Shore Publishing’s marketing team. As with all advertising, sponsored content does not necessarily reflect the views of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing will ensure the treatment and design of Advertising and Sponsored Content is clearly differentiated from its editorial content.
Braffle Sells Out for Sixth Straight Year, Raises $62,500
Staff Report
Branford Rotary’s annual restaurant raffle, known as Braffle, has sold out for the sixth consecutive year, raising $62,500 to support local community needs, organizers announced.
livestreamed on the Branford Rotary Club’s Facebook page, and First Selectman Josh Brooks is expected to draw the winning numbers.
The fundraiser, which Rotary describes as the largest annual fundraiser in Branford, has raised more than $322,000 since 2020. This year’s raffle included 2,500 tickets, which sold out in two weeks.
Proceeds from Braffle primarily support Branford Counseling & Community Services’ “Basic Needs” program, which assists local families with expenses such as food, rent, and utilities.
More than 1,300 people purchased tickets for a chance to win prizes including $5,500 in gift cards to 55 Branford restaurants as the grand prize and $2,750 in gift cards as the second prize. Eight additional prizes will also be awarded.
The drawing is scheduled for May 20 at 6 p.m. at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. The drawing will also be
Edward Smith Library Announces Temporary Closure
“Once again the people of Branford, and from a lot of surrounding towns, stepped up to help people in need, and we’re thrilled they did,” said Branford Rotary President Tery Elton. “We wish they could all win the grand prize, but win or lose, they should know that Branford comes out ahead no matter what.”
Peter Cimino, executive director of Branford Counseling & Community Services, said the fundraiser plays a critical role in supporting residents facing financial hardship.
“Every year, Braffle is the biggest contributor to our ‘Basic Needs’ program, which helps families facing hardships,” Cimino said. “The last few years, we’ve really seen an uptick in elderly needs. Their Social Security isn’t enough anymore. Many have no family nearby. But that’s someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother. We don’t want them to freeze or starve or get thrown out on the street.”
The Edward Smith Library in Northford is closed for approximately two to three months for a major HVAC system replacement project. Library officials anticipate reopening in early August. During the closure, patrons may use the Atwater Library, 1720 Foxon Road, for all library services. Atwater Library is serving as the sole pickup location for requested materials, and all library programs have been moved there during the closure. Materials may be returned to Atwater Library or to any Connecticut public library. Library staff continue to provide printing, scanning, information, and computer services at the Atwater location. Atwater Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to noon. For more info, call 203-315-6020, visit nbranfordlibraries.org, or follow the library on social media.
Legacy Theatre Announces Auditions for The Wizard of Oz
Legacy Theatre will hold in-person auditions for its upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. Performers are encouraged to review all audition information on the theater’s website prior to scheduling an audition. Rehearsals begin Monday, June 15. Performances will run from Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, Aug. 2. The production is directed by Hannah Ryan, with choreography by Eric Santagata. Audition requirements include a headshot, resume, and a brief song in the style of the show. Optional materials may include a short monologue, special skill, or personality showcase. Video submissions, approximately three minutes in length, will also be accepted. Actors should be local or have access to local housing. Both Equity and non-Equity contracts are available. Materials may be submitted via email to
For more information, visit legacytheatre.org.
Lisa Nigosanti: Serving Others, One Meal at a Time
weekly volunteering. Lisa also helps organize and support fundraising efforts that keep the organization running.
One of those events is the Community Dining Room’s annual art gala, now in its fourth year. Lisa became involved after being asked to help connect organizers with local artists.
“I was in the art community and knew a lot of artists,” she says.
She later joined the board and began reaching out to artists for donated work, helping to build the event into a larger community effort. The gala, scheduled for Thursday, May 21, will feature local and youth artists, along with both live and silent auctions. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/4thannual-art-gala-uaokdm.
“All proceeds will go to the Community Dining Room,” she says.
In addition to the gala, Lisa has helped with other events, including Wings and
Strings, a family-focused community gathering that supports the organization through fundraising and outreach.
Still, for Lisa, the heart of the work is not in the events—it is in the day-to-day effort of making sure people have access to food.
“All meals are freshly prepared and sent out to people,” she says.
The Dining Room operates with the help of volunteers from all walks of life, creating a network of support that extends throughout the community.
“To serve the community is important because the world is so messed up,” Lisa says. “We can make it possible for everyone to have a meal.”
That belief is rooted not only in her experiences, but also in the values she grew up with.
“My great-grandmother used to say, ‘The only time you’re looking down is when you’re lifting someone up,’” she says. It’s a phrase that has stayed with
her—and one that continues to guide her approach to service.
“My purpose in life is to help others and make them laugh,” she says. “I truly believe I was born laughing.”
Even after facing difficult circumstances, Lisa says she has been able to move forward with the support of others.
“I’ve overcome a lot of situations and turned my life around with the help of others, family, and friends,” she says.
That perspective fuels her desire to give back.
“If I can help someone else not be in the same situations, I am all for it,” she says.
At the Community Dining Room, that help comes in the form of meals, conversation, and consistency—small acts that add up to something larger.
“If everybody helped each other, this world would be a better place,” she says.
For Lisa, that idea is not just a belief. It is something she puts into practice, one meal at a time.
Village Greene
Visit our new store!
Happy Mothers Day!
-4 plant Greenhouses -Gift & Décor sho p -Flo wers -Unusual M others Day gifts.
8 Bag Mulc hes 9 Bulk Mulc h & S oils C oast of Mai ne so ils Info. & prices online
Fertilizer -Grass seed
Village Greene Gardens
2392 Rte. 1, Guilford (Exit 57) 203-453-1818
Details in store and villagegreene.net
The most advanced cancer treatments. Delivered with the greatest of care. On the Shoreline.
The best available cancer care is close to home. In fact, Smilow Cancer Hospital is conveniently located all across the region. So you can meet with our team of renowned cancer experts right away, develop a personalized treatment plan together, and have direct access to genetic testing, tumor pro ling, and clinical trials through our af liation with Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Because at Smilow Cancer Hospital, we’re committed to treating you with the greatest of care.
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Guilford
Shoreline Medical Center
111 Goose Lane Guilford, CT 06437
For appointments and information: 203-453-9192
Arlene Mingione, RN Medical Oncology
Su Hsien Lim, MD Medical Oncology
Elan Gorshein, DO Medical Oncology
Daniel Hicks, MD Radiation Oncology
Branford Man Arrested After 39 Firearms Seized
Continued from page 1
firearms — including three assault weapons, 28 long guns, and eight handguns, one of which was confirmed stolen — along with five suppressors, 58 highcapacity magazines, three sets of body armor, and several thousand rounds of ammunition.
Detectives also recovered approximately eight ounces of marijuana, quantities of Alprazolam and Methadone, materials consistent with ammunition manufacturing, and a large quantity of Tannerite, a binary explosive material. The Tannerite was safely removed by the New Haven Police Bomb Squad, police said.
Oranzo was taken into custody without incident and faces dozens of charges, including 39 counts of criminal possession of a firearm, 58 counts of possession of high-capacity magazines, five counts of criminal possession of a silencer, and three
Branford Community Gardens Launches Adopt-a-Plot Program
counts of possession of an assault weapon.
Additional charges include criminal possession of body armor, negligent storage of firearms, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and multiple drug-related offenses, according to police and court records.
According to state judicial records, Oranzo was arrested April 27 and is being held on a $350,000 bond in the case. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, May 27, in New Haven Superior Court.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Oranzo is listed as vice president of Deli Unlimited, located at 1099 Boston Post Road in Guilford, which he owns with his mother, Marjorie.
Branford police said the department was assisted by the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, the New Haven Police Bomb Squad, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Branford Community Gardens has launched its first Adopt-a-Plot Sponsorship Program to support the organization’s Seed, Weed, and Feed program during the 2026 growing season. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to sponsor garden plots to help fund supplies and operations, including soil, tools, water access, infrastructure improvements, and community programming. Branford Community Gardens promotes organic gardening, sustainable growing practices, and local food access for residents. Organizers say the new sponsorship program will help strengthen longterm sustainability while supporting efforts to address food insecurity in the community. Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, and sponsors will be recognized at the garden, on the organization’s website, and in select promotional materials. For more information, email branfordctgardens@gmail.com or visit branfordctgardens.org.
New Online Resources at the Blackstone Library
The James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, now offers two new online resources to Blackstone Library cardholders: Peterson’s Test Prep and Gale Legal Forms. Peterson’s Test Prep provides standardized test preparation, tools for researching and selecting college and graduate schools, and information on tuition assistance. Specific offerings include test preparation for AP, ACT, SAT, GED, GMAT, and career certifications. In addition, college planning tools allow for searches of more than 4,000 accredited schools. Gale Legal Forms offers a wide selection of state-specific and multi-state legal forms such as real estate contracts, wills, premarital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, and landlord-tenant. No library card is needed when logging in from a library computer. For more information or to access these databases, visit blackstonelibrary.org and click Digital Resources.
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF BRANFORD
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (WPCA)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) of the Town of Branford will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church St, Branford, CT to receive public comment on the following:
1. Change in Billing: A proposal to combine the Real Estate Tax bill and the WPCA Sewer Utility bill into a single, all-in-one bill payable in two installments—July 1 and January 1.
At said hearing, all persons will have the right to be heard and written communications will be received. A copy of the proposal is on file at the Branford Tax Department. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Tax Department at (203) 315-0672.
Dated at Branford, CT, this 22nd day of April 2026. David Steinhardt, Chairperson, Water Pollution Control Authority
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF BRANFORD
BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405
Legal Notice
The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom technology to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Old Business:
ZBA 26-6 2389 Dixwell Property Management LLC, c/o Leigh Small -(Applicant & Owner) 31 Pawson Road (E11-000-002-00008 R3)Var. Sec. 3.4.A to allow a square lot of 99.2 feet where 100 feet is required for a lot split.
New Business:
ZBA 26-8 Jennifer Katz- (Applicant & Owner)3 Waverly Park Road ( F10-000-016-00016 R2)Var. Sec. 3.4.A –Side yard of 8.8 feet where 10 feet is required (southern side) and side yard of 8.1 feet where 10 feet is required (northern side). And front yard of 8 feet where 15 feet is required for a new single-family home.Also seeking relief under Section 8.1.D.6 to permit the expansion of an existing nonconforming structure into a different nonconforming location.
ZBA 26-9 Brenda Kirtopoulos-(Applicant) Robin Tolla (Owner)22 River Road (D10-000-007-00002 R3)Va r. Sec. 3.4.A Side yard setback of 6 feet 6 inches where 10 feet is required (southern side yard only) for a home addition. Also seeking relief under Section 8.1.D.6 to permit the expansion of an existing nonconforming structure into a different nonconforming location.
Jim Sette - Chairman
TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD TOWN BUDGET REFERENDUM
MAY 12, 2026
Notice is hereby given to the electors of the Town of North Branford that a Budget Referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, for the purpose of voting on the following question:
“Shall the Town Council Recommended Budget of $65,859,026 which will require a mill rate of 28.91 mills, be adopted?”
Those desiring to vote in favor of said budget should fill in the oval next to the words “I accept the budget”. Those desiring to vote against the budget should fill in the oval next to the words at either “I reject the budget because it is too high” or “I reject the budget because it is too low”.
Notice is hereby given that the location of the polling places is as follows:
District 1 Jerome Harrison Elementary School, 335 Foxon Road – Route 80
District 2 STW Community Center (Gymnasium), 1332 Middletown Avenue – Route 17
District 3 STW Community Center (Board meeting room), 1332 Middletown Avenue – Route 17
Voting machines will be used. The polls will be opened at twelve noon (12:00 p.m.) and will remain open until eight o’clock in the evening (8:00 p.m.).
Absentee
New and Gently Used Books Needed
The Friends of the James Blackstone Library welcomes donations of new and gently used books of all genres, as well as DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records. Donations can be placed in the bins behind the Blackstone Library or at 30 Harrison Avenue, Branford. Proceeds benefit the Blackstone Library and its enrichment activities and programs for children and adults in the community. For more information or to make arrangements for a large donation, email friends@blackstonelibrary.org.
Donations Sought for GNHCP Tag Sale Fundraiser
The Greater New Haven Cat Project, Inc. (GNHCP) is seeking donations of gently used items for its annual tag sale fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Donations are accepted at the GNHCP Center, 1874 Middletown Ave., Northford. Items may include household goods, collectibles, jewelry, garden furniture, toys, and more. Contributions will support GNHCP’s mission to help cats in need throughout Greater New Haven. Proceeds benefit GNHCP’s rescue, care, and community programs. For more information, contact 203-782-2287 or gnhcp1@gnhcp.org.
Tax Relief for Veterans and Elderly or Totally Disabled Homeowners
The Town of North Branford Assessor's Office announces that applications for the elderly homeowner, totally disabled homeowner, and additional veteran programs are available in the Assessor’s Office through Friday, May 15. To qualify, applicants must be 65 by Dec. 31, 2025, or be considered totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. Income levels are as follows: for the state program, $46,300 for a single person or $56,500 for a married couple and for the local program, $60,000 if single or $70,000 if married. Applicants are required to bring their 2025 Federal Tax Return and 2025 Social Security Statement (1099). Applicants who do not file a return must provide proof of all forms of income, including, but not limited to, their 1099 statement, pension income, annuity income, and interest. No appointment is required. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-484-6013 or ac@northbranfordct.gov.
Yale New Haven Health Opens Urgent Care Center in Branford
Staff Report
Yale New Haven Health has opened a new urgent care center in Branford, expanding access to non-emergency medical services along the shoreline, officials announced.
The facility, located at 349 East Main St., Suite 101, includes seven exam rooms, an on-site laboratory offering same-day testing, and a staff of six clinical and support employees.
The Branford location is part of a broader expansion of Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care services, which now include more than 20 centers across Connecticut and New York. Another location is scheduled to open in Darien.
“As healthcare continues to evolve, access and convenience are more important than ever,” said Pamela Sutton-Wallace, president of Yale New Haven Health. “By opening this urgent care center in Branford, we’re giving patients a trusted option for prompt medical care close to home, while reinforcing our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
The centers provide treatment for a range of non-life-threatening conditions, including minor injuries, infections, and seasonal illnesses, as well as services such as physicals and X-rays.
“This new location strengthens our ability to deliver timely care while maintaining strong connections across the Yale New Haven Health system,” said Jeannie Kenkare, DO, president of Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care.
The Branford center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Telehealth services are available 24 hours a day.
Patients may walk in, schedule appointments online, or access virtual visits. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and self-pay options are available.
NOTICE OF DECISION
Notice is given of the following decisions made by the Town of Branford’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission at the Regular Meeting held on Thursday April 23, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
The following application was approved with conditions:
a) BRIW-26-2 | 83 Laurel Hill Rd | establishing a new access trail to connect to the Supply Ponds / Pisgah Brook Preserve
The following applications were approved with conditions administratively by a Duly Authorized Agent in April:
a) IW-26-10| 77 Chestnut St| deck replacement and expansion
b) IW-26-11 | 17 Piscitello Dr | above ground pool and deck
c) IW-26-15 | 118 Cherry Hill Rd | inground pool
d) IW-26-12 | 51 Applewood Rd | construction of an accessory dwelling unit
Peter Bassermann, Chairman
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 May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM by remote technology to consider the applications listed below. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the Commission’s meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
1. Application PZ #26-13 Zoning Map Amendment –Change 7&9 Indian Neck Ave. from R3 to Mixed Use District.
True North Capital LLC(Owner & Applicant of 7 Indian Neck Ave.) 9 Indian Neck Marine LLC- (Owner & Applicant of 9 Indian Neck Ave.).
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
Planning to Go Abroad?
The East Shore District Health Department, 14 Business Park Drive, Branford, offers help with all the required and recommended vaccines for travel abroad. For more information, call 203-481-4233 and ask for the travel clinic office.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Shirley A, Fusco, AKA Shirley F. Fusco (26-00122)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated April 20, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is:
David Fusco
c/o WILLIAM S COLWELL, PARRETT PORTO PARESE & COLWELL, P.C., ONE HAMDEN CENTER, 2319 WHITNEY AVE, HAMDEN, CT 06518
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Nina F. Krieger, AKA Nina Freedman Kriegar (26- 00117)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated April 20, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Taylor Carafeno, Clerk
The fiduciary is: Susan Smith
c/o NICOLE J BARILLARO, GAMBARDELLA & BARILLARO, P.C., 9 S. COLONY STREET, WALLINGFORD, CT 06492
Photo courtesy of Yale New Haven Health
Officials and staff mark the opening of a new Yale New Haven Health urgent care center at 349 East Main St. in Branford, expanding access to non-emergency care along the shoreline.
RogeR CRampton
RogeR CRampton
PLUMBING l HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING
RogeR CRampton
RogeR
PLUMBING l HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING
RogeR CRampton PLUMBING l HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING
RogeR CRampton
RogeR CRampton
RogeR CRampton
NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
PLUMBING l HEATING AIRCONDITIONING NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
PLUMBING l HEATING AIRCONDITIONING NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
PLUMBING l HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
RogeR CRampton
PLUMBING HEATING AIRCONDITIONING
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200
Boilers, terHeaters,Wa llpumps,We llWe nks,Ta terfiltration,Faucets,Wa Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
860-434-2200
NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
Fullyinsured
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
RogeR CRampton
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
ogeRR RamptonC PLUMBING l HEATING AIRCONDITIONING NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
Boilers, terHeaters,Wa llpumps,We llWe nks,Ta terfiltration,Faucets,Wa Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
CTlic#P1-204812
www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
PLUMBING l HEATING l AIRCONDITIONING NEWINSTALLATIONSORREPAIRS
Fullyinsured
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200
CTlic#P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200
CTlic#P1-204812
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping 860-434-2200
860-434-2200
860-434-2200 Fullyinsured
860-434-2200
www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
Boilers,
CTlic#P1-204812
CTlic#P1-204812
CTlic#P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
Boilers, WaterHeaters, Wellpumps, Well Tanks, Waterfiltration,Faucets, Leakingpipes,Gaspiping
CTlic#P1-204812
CTlic#P1-204812 www.RogerCramptonLLC.com
860-434-2200
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!
Branford Baseball Punches Ticket to States
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
With just under half of the regular season left, the Branford Hornets baseball team has already accomplished one of its biggest goals. The Hornets have officially punched their ticket to the state tournament after earning their eighth win of the year.
The Hornets defeated Wilbur Cross on May 2 in dominating fashion, as Branford rolled to a 7-0 victory. The road to the postseason was not easy for the Hornets. Branford earned its seventh win of the season against West Haven, but then struggled to find the win column against Cheshire, Xavier, and Foran in its next three games.
However, thanks to an impressive pitching performance from senior captain Jake Pombo, the Hornets were finally able to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Pombo finished the day with seven strikeouts in seven innings and allowed only one hit.
Branford coach Stephen Malafronte said he was pleased with the performance and proud of the team for accomplishing one of its goals.
“Pombo had a really good pitching per-
formance. The defense played pretty clean with no errors, and then we pumped out eight hits and scored seven runs,”
Malafronte said. “We’re definitely excited and very happy that we’ve done it at this point in the season. Our first goal was to qualify for the state tournament, and now we’re ready to take the next steps forward.”
Malafronte added that it has been difficult to get to the eighth win this past week. He said after a tough 13-12 game against Cheshire, coming up short at Xavier, and then having things going well on senior night against Foran before dropping the game in the sixth inning, he started wondering if the pressure of the eighth win was getting to them.
“You start wondering, are they pressing or are they thinking too much about it? Are they trying too hard?” Malafronte said. “We had a good talk Friday night to kind of reset our minds and realize that today would be a really good day to finish the job we tried to start at the beginning of the week...I think the boys are very excited about the prospect of playing in the state tournament.”
One major characteristic of this year’s Branford team is that the group is
resilient. Despite playing eight games in 13 days and facing tough opponents in an attempt to secure a playoff spot, the Hornets have found a way to be successful.
Malafronte said this group continues to fight regardless of the scenario or the difficulties it faces. He said they don’t quit in the face of adversity and give everything they have every night.
“That’s something I can’t really complain about. I know even when they make mistakes, they’re not trying to make mistakes. They’re trying to make the play, and they’re going as hard as they can, and sometimes they get out of whack, and things go wrong,” he said. “But I know that they’re giving their best effort at all times out there, which is reassuring.”
As the Hornets continue through the regular season and now shift focus to the conference tournament as well as improving their postseason seeding, the main areas for development will be fine-tuning the details.
Branford is hoping to work on its approach at the plate and understanding the baseball IQ of what to do in different scenarios. Malafronte said he wants the
See Branford Baseball page 21
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound Branford captain Jake Pombo (34), who pitched a one-hitter, during the Hornets’ win over Wilbur Cross.
The Branford bench watches as Shaun Swanson (2) strokes a single during the Hornets’ win over Wilbur Cross.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound Branford’s Noah Stewart (7) during a 7-0 win over Wilbur Cross at George T. Dummar Field.
Branford Girls Track Excels in Field Events
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
The Branford girls track team has been hard at work this season, competing in tough, competitive meets each week. Over the last three meets, Branford has faced Guilford, Jonathan Law, Lauralton Hall, and North Haven.
The Branford Hornets have also competed in the Marty Roberts Invitational. Branford has managed to find some level of success in each of the three meets and has received outstanding performances from many of its athletes.
On April 20, Branford competed in a trimeet against Guilford and Jonathan Law. Guilford ultimately came out victorious, scoring 79 points, while Jonathan Law finished with 27 points.
Branford’s top performances came from Zayna Cella, who finished first in the discus with a throw of 98-2. Aaliya Latif placed first in the shot put with a throw of 28-5, while Cella placed second with a throw of 28’. In the javelin, Latif placed first with a distance of 93-6, Cella placed second with a throw of 83-10, and Lily Balisciano placed third with a throw of 70’.
In the pole vault, Summer Sabatino finished first with a jump of 8’, and Ava Glick
placed second with a jump of 6-6. Stacia Comen finished first in the long jump with a distance of 12-9 and also finished third in the triple jump with a jump of 26’.
Stella Elston finished second in both the 100 hurdles and the 300 hurdles. In the 100 hurdles, she finished with a time of 17.6, while Marin Roussat placed fourth with a time of 20.2. Elston also placed fourth in the high jump with a mark of 4-2.
In the 200-meter race, Beulah Anigekwu finished second in 29.4, and Favour Nwagboli finished fifth with a time of 30.2.
“The field event athletes had another exceptional day, winning five events. They have held their own this season and look forward to more improvement as we move to the end of the season,” Branford coach Kevin Connell said. “Guilford has some very good athletes, and it helped some of our kids to push themselves. We need to pick it up on the track and raise our level of performance.”
On April 29, Branford faced Lauralton Hall and North Haven. The meet concluded with North Haven leading with 104.5 points, followed by Lauralton Hall with 96 points, and Branford with 49 points.
Branford’s top performances included a
first-place finish by Stella Elston in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 17.77, followed by Marin Roussat with a time of 20.49. In the 300 hurdles, Elston placed second with a time of 51.06, and Savannah Johnson placed third with a time of 54.29.
In the 4x100 relay, the team of Favour Nwagboli, Jessica Adhikari, Savannah Johnson, and Beulah Anigekwu placed second with a time of 56.02. Aaliya Latif placed first in the shot put with a throw of 29-3.25” and second in the javelin with a throw of 81-1”. Zayna Cella placed first in the discus at 96-8” and first in the javelin with a throw of 89-5”.
Summer Sabatino placed first in the pole vault with a jump of 7-6, and Ava Glick placed third with a jump of 6’. In the long jump, Stacia Comen finished with a jump of 13-3.5, and Lina Biehl finished with 13-2.5.
“Stella Elston and Zayna Cella have continued to lead the way this season. The two juniors have competed at a high level every meet. They continue to be great leaders for the younger athletes on the team,” Connell said. “This was our lone home meet, so it carried a lot of weight with the girls. We had 16 personal bests in this meet. Tough to drop two, but I like how the kids competed today.”
Branford Baseball Punches Ticket to States
Continued from page 20
team to work on things like its two-strike approach when it needs a ball in play.
“A kid’s swing at this point in the season, that’s the way they swing. You’re not going to really change that, but the mental side of it, and preparing them for how a pitcher might pitch you versus what you’re looking for in the middle of the season helps,” Malafronte said. “We’re coming down the home stretch. Our conversations will become a little bit more detail-oriented, fine-tuning the things that we need to do properly.”
Branford will return to the field Monday, May 11, on the road at Jonathan Law at 3:45 p.m.
Lastly, during the Marty Roberts Invitational on May 2, Branford continued to have many impressive performances, especially in the field events.
In the javelin, Zayna Cella placed first with a throw of 97-11, followed by Aaliya Latif at 86-9, Danielle Mayne at 72-7, and Lily Balisciano at 70-4. Cella also placed third in the discus at 91-6, and Latif placed third in the shot put with 29-5.5”.
In the 100 hurdles, Stella Elston placed third with a time of 17.43, followed by Abby Smith with a time of 20.52. In the 300 hurdles, Elston finished fourth with a time of 51.06, and Savannah Johnson finished seventh in 53.61.
In the 4x100 relay, the team of Favour Nwagboli, Jessica Adhikari, Savannah Johnson, and Beulah Anigekwu placed sixth with a time of 56.38. In the 1600meter race, Caitlyn Lentner finished in 6:17.52, followed by Sarit Juela-Garcia in 6:18.90.
“Zayna had a monster day in the discus and javelin. It didn’t start well, but it ended well,” Connell said. “This was a big boost to her confidence, especially the javelin. Her PR was from freshman year, and she finally exceeded that.”
Memorial Day Essay Contest Open to Branford Students
The Branford Veterans Parade Committee and Francis Walsh Intermediate School are sponsoring the Captain Thomas Yester Memorial Day Essay Contest for students in grades 5 through 8. Students are invited to submit essays on the theme “What Memorial Day Means to Me.” Ten students will be recognized for their entries, and the top two essays will be presented during the opening ceremonies for the Branford Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25. The Branford Community Foundation and ASCEND Bank will sponsor the contest and award cash prizes to the top 10 selected entries. Essays must be submitted by Thursday, May 7. Additional contest details are available through Francis Walsh Intermediate School. The 2026 Branford Memorial Day Parade opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. on South Main Street behind Branford Town Hall. For more information, email Ray Ingraham at ingrada@gmail.com or Mario Ricozzi at Mario.ricozzi.2000@gmail.com.
Branford’s Keaton Dunn (13) during the Hornets’ win over Wilbur Cross that secured a state tournament berth.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound
Schedules BRANFORD
Baseball
Monday, May 11: at Jonathan Law at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 13: at Morgan at 6 p.m.
Softball
Monday, May 11: at Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 13: vs. Wilbur Cross at 3:45 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse
Monday, May 11: at Guilford at 6 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse
Tuesday, May 12: at Wilbur Cross at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, May 14: at Jonathan Law at 4:30 p.m.
NORTH
BRANFORD
Monday, May 11: vs. North Haven at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 13: at Shelton at 2:45 p.m Thursday, May 14: vs. Lyman Hall at 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: at Haddam Killingworth at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 13: at Hamden at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 11: vs. Career Hillhouse at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: at West Haven at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 14: vs. Foran at 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 9: vs. East Hampton at 2 p.m.
Monday, May 11: vs. Wilcox Tech at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 13: vs. Wast Haven at 4 p.m.
Baseball Softball
Saturday, May 9: vs. Amity at 2 p.m.
Monday, May 11: at Cromwell at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: vs. Haddam Killingworth at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13: vs. East Hampton at 6 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse
Friday, May 8: at Lyme-Old Lyme at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: vs. Old Saybrook at 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 14: vs. Lyman Hall at 6 p.m.
Friday, May 8: vs. Lyme-Old Lyme at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12: at Old Saybrook at 6:30 p.m.
A beginner/intermediate-level hatha yoga series runs Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Trinity Church Hall, 1009 Main Street, Branford. The sessions are led by certified yoga instructor Gina Macdonald-Page. The cost is $10 per session, with drop-in participants welcome. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. For more information, call or text Gina at 203-710-6665.
at Legacy Theatre Provides Lots of Laughs and Gentle Satire Nunsense
Review THEATER
By
No one will mistake the lighthearted as great theater. But when well done — and this production at Legacy Theatre is — it can be an enjoyable and funny evening in the theater.
Nunsense
When playwright Dan Goggin wrote the original in 1985, he hit a gold mine. Not only was the show a success, but it led to a franchise of shows featuring the same five characters. There was , , and others.
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
None lived up to the original. The original ran more than 3,600 performances off-Broadway, has been translated into more than 20 languages, and was made into a TV movie.
It makes gentle fun of nuns — in this case, the order of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. They’re holding a fundraiser to raise money to bury four of their sisters. I won’t explain why they need the money or how the four sisters died; that’s part of the humor.
What you have is a series of songs, scenes that are more like skits, and jokes, many of which were old when the show was new. A few sly references to more recent events have been added. Plus, there’s a bare-bones plot. The music and lyrics are serviceable and pleasant. You won’t leave the theater remembering any of them.
What you will remember is the fine cast.
Nunsense
The success of any production of depends upon the director and the cast. In this case, Legacy Theatre has hit it out of the park. We have the stereotypical characters: the stern Mother Superior (Jenifer Smith as Sister Mary Regina), Sister Mary
Hubert (Keisha T. Fraser), the head of the novices who is yearning to replace the Mother Superior. Then there’s the young novice (Melissa Goldberg), the easily confused Sister Mary Amnesia, and the tough girl from Brooklyn, Sister Robert Anne (a fine Sarah Viera).
The coup in the casting was getting Semina De Laurentis to play Sister Mary Amnesia. She created the role in the original production and appeared in the two films. She mines every bit of
humor, as well as creating an endearing character. She also displays a wide vocal range. De Laurentis recently retired as artistic director of Waterbury’s Seven Angels Theatre, which she founded.
The cast works together like a well-oiled machine, playing off each other with humor. It seems that any play about nuns needs to have some audience participation. In , no one gets dragged up on stage, and the humor is gentle.
Nunsense
Some glitches occurred when I saw the play; it was only the third performance: a slight mic problem and the band (unseen but at the rear of the stage) occasionally overpowering the singers. I’m sure those have been fixed. The timing will also pick up as the cast settles into their roles.
The show runs more than two hours. A faster pace or some judicious cuts would improve it; it seemed to drag toward the end.
Jill Brunelle is both music director and conductor. James
Gray, as director and choreographer, created a delightful tap dance for the nuns; he makes effective use of the stage and the access to the audience without overdoing it. He was assisted by Robert Mintz as associate director and choreographer. runs through Sunday, May 17; many performances are already sold out. Tickets are available at LegacyTheatre CT.org. Nunsense
Nunsense
Special to Living
Karen Isaacs
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Jennifer Smith stars in at Legacy Theatre. Nunsense Semina De Laurentis, Melissa Goldberg, and Sarah Viera perform in Nunsense
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Photo by Diane Sobolewski
Semina De Laurentis reprises her role as Sister Mary Amnesia.
From left, Semina De Laurentis, Keisha T. Fraser, Jennifer Smith, Sarah Viera, and Melissa Goldberg appear in at Legacy Theatre. Nunsense
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
The Chocolate Factory of Life: Cellular Machines and Transporters
: 10 a.m. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Presented by Sue Moon, Deepanshi, and Nghia Le of Yale Science in the News. 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.
Blackstone Game Group
: 5 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Casual game group for adults. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Kids Book Discussion on Handling Emotions
: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features a discussion of the graphic novel by David DeGrand led by Stephanie Schillat of the East Shore Health District. Free copies of the book available in advance. For ages 7 to 11. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
I Am Not Okay
Evening Tech Support and Exploration
: 6 p.m. Acton
Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Technology help sessions. Free. No registration required. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
National Day of Prayer
: 6 p.m. Branford Green, 1011 Main St. Features prayers for government, the church, education, family, business and the workplace, the military, and arts, entertainment, and media. Free and open to the public. For info, contact Marion Lovig at 203-6757056.
On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love with Marjan Kamali
The Lion Women of Tehran
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Calendar for the Week of May 7, 2026
Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club Plant Sale
: 6:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Talk on local history during the American Revolution presented by the Essex Historical Society. Free. Registration suggested. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Revolution Close to Home: Five Lives in Early Potapaug during America’s Turning Point Roses and Rosé
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 West Wharf Rd., Madison. Event featuring rosé tastings and floral arrangements. For info or tickets, visit eventvesta.com/events/143152/tickets.
Friends of the Guilford Free Library Spring Book Sale
: 7 p.m. Virtual. Author talk discussing . Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features a sale of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Tots and Tunes
: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features songs, stories, and movement for children ages 18 months and older and their siblings. Parent or guardian must attend. No registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020.
Drop-In Tech Help
: 1 to 4 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features oneon-one technology assistance. Bring a device for assistance. Sessions limited to 30 minutes. First come, first served. No registration required. For info, call 203-3156020.
History Happy Hour: The 93rd Anniversary of Connecticut Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History and Legacy & Camp Hadley
: 6 p.m. Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a presentation by author and historian Marty Podskoch. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Suggested donation: $15 general admission, $10 for Madison Historical Society members. Advance registration requested. For info or tickets, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org, or visit madisonhistory.org.
Military Whist Card Party
: Doors open at 6 p.m.; games begin at 6:45 p.m. St. Monica Church Hall, 1321 Middletown Ave., Northford. Card games, raffles, and light refreshments. Cost: $12. Advance tickets required. For info or tickets, call 203-239-5378.
Killingworth Historical Society Annual Tag and Bake Sale
: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Route 81, Killingworth. Features vintage collectibles, small furniture, fabric and craft items, books, toys, and baked goods. Proceeds benefit educational programs and preservation efforts. For info or to donate items, call 860395-9955.
Leete’s Island Garden Club Plant Sale
: 9 a.m. to noon. Southwest corner of the Guilford Green, 79 Whitfield St. Features member-grown annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and hanging plants. Proceeds benefit civic projects and educational programs. Rain date: Sunday, May 10. For info, call 203-453-0780.
Goodness Grows Plant Sale
: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd., Madison. Annual plant sale featuring member-grown perennials, annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, garden goods, and gardening demonstrations. Live music and baked goods available. Rain or shine. For info, contact 203-421-3241 or office@northmadisoncc.org, or visit northmadisoncc.org/goodnessgrows.
Friends of the Guilford Free Library Spring Book Sale
: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features a sale of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Caregiver Support Group
: 10 to 11 a.m. Women and Family Life Center, Carriage House, 96 Fair St., Guilford. Ongoing support group for family and informal caregivers. Cost: Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-458-6699 or email programs@womenandfamilylife.org.
Blackstone Library Tour
SATURDAY, MAY 9 : 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Route 81, Killingworth. Annual plant sale featuring locally grown perennials, hanging baskets, houseplants, and planters for Mother’s Day. Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarship fund and town gardens. For info, call 203-988-1528.
Killingworth Town-Wide Tag Sale:
8 a.m. Locations throughout Killingworth, with a central site at the Courtyard, 176 Rte. 81. Hosted by the Killingworth Women’s Organization. Features tag sales across town, plus a “Snag-A-Bag” sale and Juniorettes thrift shop fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the KWO Scholarship Fund and other charitable efforts. For info or to register, email tagsale@kwoct.org or visit kwoct.org.
: 10 to 11 a.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guided tour of the library. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Saturday Sleuths Book Club
he Key Lime Crime
: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: T by Lucy Burdette. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-2457365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
See page 26
This Production of Tries Too Hard Native Gardens
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
The production of , now at Hartford Stage through Sunday, May 10, is the third production of the play that I’ve seen in the last three years.
I left the first two (at Ivoryton and Westport Country Playhouse) having thoroughly enjoyed the play and the productions. This time, my reaction was different.
I’m still trying to figure out why. Does the play have flaws that I hadn’t recognized? Is it that the directorial concept of this production was off? Perhaps part of the issue is the change in the political climate in the last two years.
The idea of the play sounds both promising and fun: a young couple buys a fixer-upper home in an established, uppermiddle-class Washington, D.C., neighborhood. Immediately, there is a conflict between the wife (Tania) and Frank, the husband of the older couple who have lived there for decades. The conflict is about their gardens. Frank has worked tirelessly to create what we might call an English garden; it is manicured, pruned, fertilized, and sprayed. Frank is determined to win the neighborhood contest. Tania, on the other hand, already envisions taking their rundown backyard and planting it with native plants that attract bees, birds, and mosquitoes. She is horrified at the thought of using insect sprays or pesticides.
Playwright Karen Zacarías and director
Review THEATER
Nicole A. Watson try to expand this conflict into much more, stretching it well beyond its natural limits. In this production, the play focuses on ethnicity.
Frank and Virginia, the long-term residents, are what might be called WASPs — white professionals, with Frank tracing his roots back generations. Tania and Pablo are Hispanic. She is a doctoral student in anthropology who grew up in New Mexico.
But Zacarías adds a twist. Virginia is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Poland. Pablo grew up in Chile as a member of a powerful family accustomed to servants and limousines. He was disowned and disinherited when he married Tania and is now working for a prestigious and powerful D.C. law firm and striving to make partner.
But more than differences in gardening philosophies threaten to bring all four to violence: while preparing to replace their old fence, Pablo discovers that their yard includes 2 feet of Frank’s yard, including some of his flower beds. What begins civilly soon escalates.
It becomes preachy and polemical. Each couple ups the temperature. What had been a pleasant, casual relationship soon
is hostile. Virginia — and Frank in particular — seem to have a knack for saying insensitive things to which Tania is very sensitive. Today, they would be called microaggressions. Each side stakes out a position and will not budge.
It goes so far that Tania calls Frank’s plants “colonialists.”
The result is that while the audience is laughing, the humor seems nastier and more uncomfortable.
Was this what Zacarías and Watson wanted?
Zacarías has created strong female characters: both Tania and Virginia have succeeded while facing barriers due to their sex. Virginia is an engineer working in the defense industry.
The scenic design by Lawrence E. Moten III exaggerates the run-down condition of Tania and Pablo’s new home. Yet, while a sagging fence starts the conflict, his fence does not sag even one inch. Was this intentional, or was I the only one who noticed?
The four main cast members are very good at portraying the hardening positions of their characters, even if at times these seem unrealistic. Greg Wood’s Frank is obsessed with his garden and winning, while also unaware of his insensitivity; he truly does not understand why Tania is so upset with him. Wood keeps him from becoming a total stereotype of the privileged, condescending white male. As Virginia, Judith Lightfoot Clarke walks a tightrope between portraying the character’s steely determination — developed as
she had to fight for recognition and success in a male-dominated field — and a recognition of her similarities with Tania. Alina Collins Maldonado as Tania and Bradley Tejeda as Pablo try to keep the characters from becoming overly emotional stereotypes. In their cases, neither the playwright nor the director helps them. can be entertaining theater. As sometimes happens, playwrights and directors try to cram too many issues and too much meaning into a work.
Tickets are available at Hartford Stage.org. Native Gardens
Native Gardens
Photo by Charles Erickson
Photo by Charles Erickson
From left, Greg Wood, Alina Collins Maldonado, Bradley Tejeda, and Judith Lightfoot Clarke in Native Gardens
Judith Lightfoot Clarke, left, and Alina Collins Maldonado in Native Gardens
Photo by Charles Erickson
Greg Wood appears in at Hartford Stage. Native Gardens
‘Aw, Shucks!’ Explores History and Future of Connecticut Oysters
Connecticut oysters are so prized they were designated the state shellfish in 1989. Historians note, however, that this was not always the case.
The New Haven Museum will kick off the summer season at the Pardee-Morris House with a program exploring one of the region’s oldest heritage foods — and how it is helping preserve the coastline — during “Aw, Shucks! The Extraordinary History & Outlook for CT Oysters,” on Sunday, June 7, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
The NH250 program features two presentations. At 12:30 p.m., Tim Macklin will discuss the critical role oysters play in the ecosystem and how the nonprofit he cofounded, Collective Oyster Recycling and Restoration (CORR), is working to preserve the coastline for future generations.
At 2 p.m., Brett Palfreyman, associate professor of American history at Wagner College, will present “Bringing Oysters Back to the Northeast,” tracing how oysters — once a dietary staple — were declared unsafe to eat in the early 1900s after years of overharvesting and increasing pollution.
Macklin’s presentation, “Shell Recycling & Oyster Habitat Restoration,” will offer insight into shell recycling, habitat restoration, and the environmental benefits oysters bring to Long Island Sound.
“They improve water quality, promote biodiversity, stabilize shorelines, and support both commercial and recreational shellfishing communities,” Macklin says.
Continued from page 24
Despite their importance, oyster shells are in short supply, and many are discarded rather than recycled.
“My partner and I were surprised that shell recycling was not being implemented in Connecticut,” Macklin says. “Following a successful pilot program in Fairfield, we expanded the initiative statewide in 2023
: 10 a.m. to noon. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Demonstration by Paul Loescher. Free and open to the public. For info, email Marianne@RTDTECH.com or visit madisonartsocietyct.org.
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the King’s Horses Equine Rescue, 628 Forest Rd., Northford. Community event featuring local animal welfare organizations including All the King’s Horses Equine Rescue, Branford Compassion Club, Water N Webs, and The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Features vendors, educational materials, and animals. For info, contact 203-815-4013 or allthekingshorsesequinerescue@gmail.com.
Homes Walking Tour
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chester. Self-guided walking tour of seven historically significant private homes hosted by the Chester Historical Society. Ticket holders will receive tour details and locations after purchase. Cost: $40 early bird; $35 for Chester Historical Society members; $50 day of tour. For info or tickets, visit chesterhistoricalsociety.org.
and developed CORR.”
The nonprofit now collaborates with 21 municipalities, 51 restaurants and seafood businesses, and seven oyster festivals, and has recycled nearly 964,000 pounds of shell to date, helping provide habitat for millions of oysters.
Palfreyman notes that New York Har-
: 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Down the Lane Farm, 18 Reservoir Rd., Killingworth. Features honey products, handcrafted gifts, tastings and sales of artisan sourdough breads from BROTworkshop, and informal educational sessions on beekeeping and sourdough bread making. For info, call 203619-3976 or visit downthelanefarm.com.
: 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Casual puzzle group; materials provided. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Participants will design a mug using infusible ink markers. Materials provided. Free and open to all. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. For info or to register (required), contact 860-526-0018 or chesterkidlib@gmail.com.
Patriotic Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
: 1 p.m. Acton
Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Puzzle competition for all ages. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
bor was once the greatest oyster habitat on the planet, with oystering a booming industry providing food and jobs. The same was true in New Haven.
By the early 1900s, however, pollution and overharvesting led officials to declare New York Harbor oysters unsafe to eat in 1927. In Connecticut, population growth, industrialization, marine traffic, and overfishing contributed to declining oyster beds after 1920, with production dropping sharply after 1950.
In the past decade, organizations have worked to restore oyster populations. Palfreyman points to efforts such as the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to seed one billion oysters by 2050.
Oysters play a key environmental role as filter feeders — each can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day — and as ecosystem builders, creating reefs that provide habitat for marine life. They also help protect shorelines from storm surges and erosion.
Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and picnics and stay for the afternoon. Free tours of the historic house will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Weather updates will be posted on the museum’s social media.
The New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
The Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Road, dates to about 1780 and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. For more information or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Photography 101: Composition
: 2 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Workshop on light, white balance, and composition. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Burning of the Ships Parade and Celebration
: 2 p.m.
Begins at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave. and proceeds down Main Street to the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Commemorates the attack on Essex during the War of 1812. Features performances by fife and drum corps from Connecticut and Massachusetts and a demonstration by the U.S. Navy Silver Dolphins. Hosted by the Sailing Masters of 1812. Free and open to the public. For info, call Bob at 860-304-1858.
Songs We All Know
: 3 p.m. Clinton Town Hall, 54 East Main St., Clinton. Spring concert by the Shoreline Chorale featuring guest artist Dylan Armstrong. For info or tickets, visit shorelinechorale.org.
See page 27
Press Release from New Haven Museum
Photo courtesy of New Haven Museum Smith Brothers Oysters, Oyster Point, New Haven Museum Collection
Madison Art Society: Framing Watercolors Without Glass
Animal Welfare Day
Historic
Down the Lane Farm Season Opening Event
Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group
DIY Mug Workshop
Local Impresario Previews New Opera
About Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
Press Release from Shoreline Opera Club
A pre-performance lecture about the Metropolitan Opera’s presentation of will be presented by Alan Mann, artistic director of the Opera Theater of Connecticut, on Tuesday, May 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the Guilford Free Library. The opera will be broadcast live from the Met on Saturday, May 30. The event is co-sponsored by the Shoreline Opera Club and Shoreline Village Connecticut. Registration for the prebroadcast talk is available at guilfordfreelibrary.org/events.
American composer Gabriela Lena Frank makes her Met debut with her first opera, a magical-realist portrait of Mexico’s painterly power couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, with a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Fashioned as a reversal of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, the story depicts Frida, sung by leading mezzosoprano Isabel Leonard, leaving the underworld on the Day of the Dead and reuniting with Diego, portrayed by bari- tone Carlos Álvarez. The famously feuding pair briefly relive their tumultuous love, embracing both the passion and the pain before bidding the land of the living a final farewell. The vibrant new production is inspired by Frida and Diego’s paintings.
Alan Mann is artistic director of Opera Theater of Connecticut, the state’s oldest opera company, now in its 41st season. His work in professional theater and opera has taken him from New York’s Lincoln Center to London’s West End, the Edinburgh Festival, the Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival, the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, and Broadway. His
Continued from page 26
directing assignments span traditional opera, contemporary opera, comic opera, musical theater, and classic and modern theater.
Mann is also a frequent guest speaker, known for his “Opera Talks,” a series of informal, informative presentations on operas and composers. He has served as master of ceremonies for numerous concerts, sharing anecdotes and insights into the “human” side of opera.
Friends of the Farm River and Estuary Riverside Dance
SATURDAY, MAY 9 AND
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Mother’s Day Weekend Bird Walks
: 7 to 10 p.m. Italian American Social Club, 40 Hamre Ln., Branford. Features music, dancing, refreshments, games, and a cash bar to benefit Friends of the Farm River and Estuary. Cost: $25; free for children under 15. For info or tickets, visit friendsoffarmriver.org. : 9 a.m. Stony Creek Trolley Trail, meet at the far end of West Point Road across from Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek. Led by local birder Chris Woerner. Features guided walks to identify migrating and resident birds by sight and sound along the trail and
He frequently serves as a judge for competitions, including the Jenny Lind National Competition for Sopranos, the Connecticut Opera Guild’s National Vocal Competition, the San Antonio Opera Competition, and Opera Theater of Connecticut’s Vocal Competition, as well as the English-Speaking Union’s Shakespeare Competition.
Shoreline Village Connecticut is a nonprofit, member-led community of active,
the Branford Land Trust’s Vedder property. Bring water and binoculars, if available. No dogs. Hosted by the Branford Land Trust. Free and open to the public. For info, call 203-483-5263 or email info@branfordlandtrust.org
Mother’s Day Weekend: Scenic Trolley Rides and Craft Activity
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features scenic trolley rides along the Farm River. On Saturday, children can create a handmade Mother’s Day craft. Mothers and grandmothers receive free admission. General admission for other guests. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Mother’s Day Grand Buffet
: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd., Madison. Features a
resourceful, and forward-thinking people dedicated to helping one another age in place. As part of the Village movement, its mission is to redefine how and where people age by providing services and activities that empower seniors to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love. More information is available at shorelinevillagect.org.
The Shoreline Opera Club builds community among opera enthusiasts. Members enjoy opportunities to enter lotteries for free tickets to the Met’s Live in HD broadcasts, participate in post-performance discussions, attend expert-led talks, and receive curated resources about upcoming operas. For more information, email ShorelineOperaClub@gmail.com.
Mother’s Day brunch buffet. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/events/mothers-daybrunch.
Paper Making Workshop
: 2 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Island Rd.., Branford. Features a paper-making workshop using recycled materials led by visiting artist Bella Bartner. Held outdoors, weather permitting. Free and open to all ages. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702.
Tango and Jazz Concert
: 2 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Performance by The Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet. Free. Registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
See page 28
El
Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
Photo courtesy of Opera Theater of Connecticut Alan Mann, artistic director of Opera Theater of Connecticut, will present a pre-performance lecture May 26 at the Guilford Free Library.
Photo by Zenith Richards/Metropolitan Opera Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the subjects of , broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera on May 30.
El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
Continued from page 27
MONDAY, MAY 11
Book Discussion
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Book:
The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood By Helene Cooper
. Facilitated by educator Pamela Asmus. 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.
Drop-In Tech Help
: 4 to 7 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features one-on-one technology assistance. Bring a device for assistance. Sessions limited to 30 minutes. First come, first served. No registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020.
Branford Land Trust Annual Meeting
:
5:30 p.m. Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features the election of incoming directors followed by “Access to the Outdoors: Disability, Grit, and Belonging in Nature,” a presentation by Justin Brownell. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. Free and open to the public. Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation available. For info, contact 203-483-5263 or info@branfordlandtrust.org.
Pasta for Pups
Roche, visitor services manager of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, on salt marsh ecology and the history of haymaking in local marshes. Hosted by Leete’s Island Garden Club. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, contact 203-453-0780 or kayclaiborn@comcast.net.
Read to a Therapy Dog
: 5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Children in grades 3 through 5 can read to Libby, a trained therapy dog. Participants may bring a book or select one from the library. Registration required. For info or to register, email cveenema@nbranfordlibraries.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Bus Trip: Tour of the Living Village at the Yale Divinity School
: 9:30 a.m. Meet at St. George Church parking lot, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a walking tour of the Living Village residential complex. Suggested reading: Laudato si by Pope Francis. Led by Greg Sterling, dean of the Yale Divinity School. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $10. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.
Make Your Own Pine Cone Bird Feeder
:
Creative Fun For Kids at Gillette Castle this Month
At the visitor center of Gillette Castle on Saturday, May 16, inventors and artists of all ages can try their hand at designing innovative doors like those inside the famous castle.
Local author Kimberly Kenna will host a creative workshop inspired by William Gillette and the new middle-grade novel Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances. Attendees are invited to help reimagine the castle’s famous 47 doors. Children will be guided to design and build secret cardboard doors that blend into a wall and open with latches, levers, and sliders.
“We are excited to host an event for young folk,” says Lynn Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. “William Gillette was full of whimsy, and we think that kids of all ages will enjoy the creative challenge of making these doors.”
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Inside the World of Hummingbirds
: 6 to 9 p.m. The Lodge Restaurant, 640 Silver Sands Rd., East Haven. Features a fundraiser for the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter with a buffet of pizza, pasta, and salad, raffles, and surprises. Hosted by Apizza Abate. Cost: $45. Cash bar available. For info, visit eventbrite.com and search "Pasta for Pups". :
10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Joe Attwater, conservation and education coordinator for the Connecticut Audubon Society’s RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme. 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.
The History of Salt Haymaking in New England Marshes
: 12:30 p.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a presentation by Shaun
4 to 5 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Island Rd.., Branford. Features a drop-in workshop to make bird feeders using pine cones, seeds, sunflower butter, and wooden ornaments. Held outdoors, weather permitting. Free and open to all ages. No registration required. For info, call 203-488-8702.
Create Your Own 250th Keepsake
:
6 p.m. Pine Orchard Chapel, 25 Chapel Drive, Branford. Features a workshop led by Courtney Rosenberg to create framed and embellished needle-felt hearts. Registration required. For info or to register, visit pineorchardchapel.com.
History to Legend to Myth: Remembering the Revolution in Connecticut
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Presentation by Richard Franklin Donohue. Free. Registration required. For info, call 203488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
This free event for 25 children will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and pre-registration is required at gillettecastlefriends.org. Parents are welcome to stay and join in the fun. Books signed by the author will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.
Kimberly Kenna and her children’s books have received recognition from the Nautilus Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, the Foreword INDIES Award, and the Green Earth Book Award. A former fifth grade teacher, she enjoys bringing her books to life through workshops and activities that spark creativity in young readers.
Though the mansion itself is closed to the public, the park at 67 River Road in East Haddam remains open, and visitors may stroll the grounds during regular hours (8 a.m. until sunset daily, yearround). The castle opens for the season on Saturday, May 23. During the open season, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through the state park reservation system.
See page 29
Kenna’s frequent visits to Gillette Castle State Park inspired the setting of her latest novel, Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances. In the book, 13-year-old Lola spends the summer with her agoraphobic Uncle Milo in his ramshackle mansion on the Connecticut River. While grieving the loss of her twin, she becomes obsessed with finishing a project she believes will magically keep her out of Bad Girls Boarding School. But mishaps in a Zen garden, a glitchy projector that produces holographic messages from her late aunt, a beached houseboat, and a displaced wolf upend everything and force her to rethink her mission. A warm and heartfelt story of inner strength, Lola Gillette is available wherever books are sold.
The park is nestled between the towns of East Haddam and Lyme. Many of its trails follow a former railroad bed created for a narrow-gauge track installed by William Gillette, the late Connecticut stage actor who built his unique fieldstone home more than a century ago. Trail maps and videos of the estate are available on the Friends website.
The mission of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is to preserve and promote the legacy of William Gillette and support the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in conserving park grounds and restoring the castle. Memberships help finance park and structural improvements while preserving the estate and Gillette’s legacy. For more information, visit gillette castlefriends.org.
Press Release from Friends of Gillette Castle State Park
Photo courtesy of Friends of Gillette Castle Local author Kimberly Kenna will host a creative workshop inspired by William Gillette on Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Visit gillettecastlefriends.org for details.
Oddfellows Teen Repertory Company Premieres
Mel Chomsky’s History of the World
Press Release from Oddfellows Playhouse
Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Repertory Company will present the world premiere of Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, and Friday, May 22, through Saturday, May 23 at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St. Performances are at 7 p.m. May 14, 15, 16, 22, and 23, with a 2 p.m. matinee May 23. A “pay what you can” preview will be held May 14 at 7 p.m. is an original comedy written and directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler. The high-energy production blends theater, circus, and Commedia dell’Arte. Beginning in Melilli, Sicily, in 1626, three performers are swept into a time-travel adventure led by a dead philosophercomedian, Mel Chomsky, journeying from Melilli to Mattabesset, ancient Greece, the American Revolution, and beyond. The play explores the ongoing tension between democracy and authoritarianism.
Mel
Wheeler, who will leave the Playhouse in June, says the production reflects both his artistic influences and current events. “I wanted my final show at Oddfellows to celebrate my life-long love of physical comedy, Commedia, and circus, but also be a commentary about the current state of the world,” Wheeler says. “The play combines the broad comedy of Mel Brooks with the worldview of Noam Chomsky, throwing in a dollop of . The cast includes familiar characters like Socrates, George Washington, Marie Antoinette,
Doctor Who
Continued from page 28
and Pope Leo X, plus many others throughout time and space, but at the heart are three archetypes of Commedia — the miser Pantalone, the hungry
Drop-In Tech Help
servant Arlecchino, and his love and protector Colombina — all led by their tour guide Mel Chomsky.”
The production features a cast of 17 per-
formers ages 14-21. It includes original music by Eric Kuhn, scenic design by Dan Schmidt, costume design by Elizabeth Saylor, sound design by Joseph Getter, choreography by Marcella Trowbridge, fight choreography by Meg Buckner Furtick, lighting design by Aaron Westcott, and properties design by Pam Lang. Jasmine Peck is technical director, Kayla Bucholz is stage manager, and assistant directors are Maegan Fuller and Lochlan Reeder. The lobby display is researched and designed by Sasha Nelson.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and students. “Big Hearted Oddfellow” tickets are available for $30.
The production contains strong language and absurd situations.
Tickets are available at events. ticketleap.com/tickets/ oddfellowsplayhouse/mel-chomsky-s-history-of-the-world. For more information, call 860-347-6143, email info@odd fellows.org, or visit oddfellows.org.
The Teen Repertory Company’s 2026 production is supported in part by a Semiquincentennial Arts Engagement Grant from the City of Middletown Arts and Culture Office and production support from ARTFARM. Additional support for the 2025-26 season is provided by the Tinty Foundation, the Cornelia T. Bailey Charitable Trust, the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, and the George and Grace Long Foundation, along with contributions from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Fund for Greater Hartford, and other public and private supporters.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Trip: An Insider’s Tour of the Blackstone Library, Branford
: 6 to 8 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants will decorate two garden rocks to take home. Supplies provided. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com. : James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Participants provide their own transportation. Features a tour led by Katy McNicol, library director. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $10. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features oneon-one technology assistance. Bring a device for assistance. Sessions limited to 30 minutes. First come, first served. No registration required. For info, call 203-3156020.
Support Group for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers
: 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Facilitated by Karen LaBanca. Features support and discussion for caregivers in a shared group setting. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Senior Series 6: Home Maintenance 101 for Seniors: Protecting Your Home and Your Equity
: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. Sixth in a six-part educational series designed for older adults and the adult children who support them. Each session offers practical guidance on topics related
to aging in place, downsizing, home care, and senior living options. Participants can attend any or all sessions; there is no obligation to attend the full series. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Jenny Lind’s America
: 6 to 7 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Musical performance by Zoe Vandermeer. Free. Registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.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.
Mel Chomsky’s History of the World
Chomsky’s History of the World
Photo by John Ward
Two performers from Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Repertory Company appear in costume for , running May 14-16 and May 22-23 in Middletown. Mel Chomsky’s History of the World
Patriotic Garden Rock Painting
Page Turners
MadMabel bySallyHepworth
This book had me hooked from the first page! Elsie “Mad Mabel” Fitzpatrick is a curmudgeonly, often hilarious, outspoken 81-year-old with a dark past that she has concealed for more than 60 years. When an extremely nosy but wellmeaning young neighbor tries to befriend her, Mabel finds the past catching up with her. Highly recommended!
— Marilyn, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.
SerafinaMakesWaves byMatthewBurgessand RobinRosenthal
Serafina is a fabulous character full of personality! I fell in love with her right away. In this debut story, she is not excited to be forced to take swimming lessons, but the reason she finally jumps in will melt your heart.
— Heather, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Yesteryear byCaroClaireBurke
This book is wild and unhinged in all the best ways. With a narrator you love to hate and a plot full of twists, it combines dark humor, suspense and cultural commentary as it delves into themes of motherhood, ambition, faith and the curated perfection of social media. It’s a timely and thought-provoking read that is sure to spark plenty of interesting conversations.
— Tijae, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
AnatomyofanAlibi byAshleyElston
This novel drew me in with its elaborate scheming and kept me hooked as the chapters slowly unraveled more mysteries. Camille and Aubrey form an uneasy and unwanted alliance to snoop on Camille’s husband, but it all falls apart when he’s found murdered the morning after. Swap between the before, during and after of the alibi as the women struggle to cover their own tracks and keep their alibis solid.
— Josh, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
DEEP RIVER
272 Westbrook Road
KILLINGWORTH
214 Green Hill Road
540 East Main Street
: Venturee
LLC to 540 East Main LLC, $300,000 on April 16
20 Harbour Village Unit G
: Charlene Moschette to Karen Fahey, $291,500 on April 14
Jepson Island
: Cmmm Holdings LLC to Chaching Co, $850,000 on April 13
: Daniel W. and Isabel J. Acampora to Papoosha Re Investors LLC, $600,000 on April 13
EAST HAVEN
: Warren K. Johnsen and Rachel A. Berwick to Patricia Ann and Ericka Norberg, $899,000 on April 15
MADISON
23 Birch Lane Unit H April 16
: Jason Cusack to Jagdeep Sekhon, $144,900 on
313 Bradley Corners Road
: Frank
: Donald R Bachmann Irt and Laurie Buick to Kevin McCoy and Autumn Penna, $410,000 on April 9
45 Bradley Street 42 Butler Road
: Butler Road LLC to Rga LLC, $220,000 on April 10
: Richard L. and Cora T. Perrone to William A. and Beth Ann Gambardella, $603,500 on April 10
6 Carriage Drive : Carmela Marino to Deborah S. and Mark B. Camner, $469,000 on April 10
: Bartlett Ft and Christopher Bartlett to Dominic Adonna, $157,500 on April 15
: Deborah Miller to Alexis Wheeler, $410,000 on April 16 Fieldstone Court Unit 16
: Karen Fahey to Andrea Doyle, $335,000 on April 14
: Peter M. Tassmer to First Class Prop LLC, $244,000 on April 13
6 Lakeview Drive 98-B Limewood Avenue 10 Montgomery Parkway
: John T. Wolfenden to Amy Fracasso, $905,000 on April 14
6 Montgomery Parkway
: John T. Wolfenden to Amy Fracasso, $905,000 on April 14
30 Pepperwood Lane
: Roland and Melissa Guglielmi to Annette Charlevois, $733,169 on April 15
: Colton
49 Rose Street Unit 204 Kinney to Connie I. Bates, $270,000 on April 17
121 Watch Hill Road Unit 121
: Ann C Billings Real Estate Trust and Ann C. Billings to Melinda J. Mann, $335,100 on April 13
CLINTON
18 Happy Acres Road
: Sean Nolan to First Class Prop LLC, $261,000 on April 13
124 Estelle Road
: Ralph V. Streeto to Carolyn C. Montgomery, $315,600 on April 14
8 Hill Street
: Lori A. Aiello to Brian Onze, $520,000 on April 16
3 Donald Road ESSEX
: Wendy W. and Ronald L. Hughes to Victoria D. Vermeer, $580,000 on April 17
GUILFORD
258 Nut Plains Road
: Kelly Ward and Irving Minott to Dante and Jordan Parisi, $605,000 on April 14
11 Tamarack Lane
: F Vigliotti Const Co LLC to Sylvain and Martha Gaboury, $715,666 on April 16
Capuano to Amy Paradiso, $640,000 on April 16
16 Wildwood Avenue
: James
Heffernan and Holly M. Robins to Cori Ramos and Jorge R. Gonzalez, $760,000 on April 13
25 Williamsburg Circle
: Stephanie L. and Paul Double to Victoria G. Schaefer and Angelo V. Pietri, $900,000 on April 15
NORTH BRANFORD
22 Carlen Drive
: Estate of Ronald Pizzano Sr. and Whitehead & Munson Conservat to Juliana Carchia and
Anthony Fassett, $301,000 on April 13
20 Edward Road
: Margaret Carlson to Mirella L. Cole, $437,500 on April 16
NORTH HAVEN
OLD SAYBROOK
: Fort Path Farm Hldg LLC to 12 Forest Hills LLC, $68,000 on April 16
: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com
SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2026 EVENT
Every year, Shore Publishing/Zip06.com recognizes 15 volunteers in the communities we serve who help fulfill the Shoreline’s promise as a place of opportunity, wellbeing, and safety for all. The honorees will be celebrated at a special event at Woodwinds on June 24th surrounded by their peers and fellow community leaders.
Sponsorship packages provide excellent advertising opportunities - but most importantly, align your brand or business with the mission of The Beacon Awards.
For additional information about opportunities, contact your Sales Representative or Elle Rahilly (e.rahilly@theday.com) to learn more.
Presented by:
