The Sound 05-29-25 by dayshorepublishing

May 29, 2025

Branford, North Branford & Northford

Vol. XXIX Iss. 22

Branford Adopts $141.198M Budget, 21.40 Mill Rate

By Pam Johnson

Senior Staff Writer

Branford’s 2025-’26 $141,198,673 Town budget, with a new mill rate of 21.40 mills, has been adopted following discussion, debate, and actions by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on May 13 and by the Board of Finance (BOF) on May 19. The budget represents an annual increase of approximately 1.7% in the tax levy. It pro-

vides $69,934,640 for Board of Education operating and capital and $71,264,033 for all town departments.

At the conclusion of the May 19 BOF meeting, First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, now serving his last term in office, reflected on Branford’s fiscally responsible budgets and the town’s progress during the past 12 years. Also at the conclusion of the May 19 BOF meeting, Finance Director Jim Finch

announced he will retire later this year, after 27 years of service to the town.

In April, RTM committees began reviewing the BOF’s recommended $141,698,673 town budget proposal, finalized by the BOF on March 31 and representing a 2.13% annual increase in the tax levy.

On May 13, the full RTM approved cutting

See Branford page 12

Slide into Summer

Nicole Maldonado and her 3-yearold son Astraeus explore the newly reopened playground at Veterans Memorial Park on May 21. The play space recently underwent a full renovation, bringing fresh excitement to frequent visitors like Maldonado and her children.

is helping her Branford neighbors with a hand up..............2

Finishing Strong

The North Branford softball team earned four-straight wins to end the regular season, and girls’ tennis took two losses............................14

Mina West

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

An Insider’s Look at Ivoryton gives a glimpse inside Katharine Hepburn’s life...............................................26 Tea at Five

A Hand Up: West Chairs Branford Microfund

By Pam Johnson

Senior Staff Writer

Have you heard about Branford Microfund? Just ask Mina West. The Branford resident is the chairperson of this very nimble, all-volunteer nonprofit, which provides a hand up to Branford neighbors in need. Through an application process, Branford Microfund provides interest-free loans of up to $3,000 to residents encountering a one-time unexpected financial obstacle.

Person of the Week

The loans can be customized to meet individual needs — from emergencies such as unexpected medical procedures, car repairs, license or registration fees, replacement of basic home appliances, unexpected damages to households, and more. Each loan is set up to be repaid within 24 months.

profit, with 50% of signature drink sales contributed to the respective agencies.

“This is a perfect example of how good food and good fun can make a real

Photo courtesy Mina West

Mina West chairs nonprofit Branford Microfund, which provides interest-free loans of up to $3,000 to Branford neighbors encountering

Stars and Stripes Week Ahoy!

Grinding Through the

Countless Dedication Supremee Shrestha has emerged as a true senior leader for the Branford boys’ outdoor track team, showing improved times and earning a spot in

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Public Notice

The Town of Branford RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee is considering a proposed ordinance establishing a Branford Harbor Management Commission as allowed by State statute. The Committee will hold a Special Public Meeting via Zoom on Monday, June 2 at 7:00 pm to complete its final review of the proposed ordinance before referring it to the full RTM for adoption on June 11. A link to the Zoom meeting will be posted with the agenda on the Town of Branford website. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be attached to the meeting agenda.

Honor Them with a Flag

The Northford-North Branford Women’s Club, GFWC is sponsoring Honor Them with a Flag, a salute to United States military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The public is invited to participate by purchasing a U.S. flag dedicated to a member of the military, first responder, or any chosen loved one. The flags will go on display on the front lawn at the North Branford Town Hall from two days before Flag Day, Thursday, June 12, to Friday, Independence Day, July 4. Each flag measures 12” x 18” with a white ribbon attached to it inscribed with the name and rank of the soldier or loved one. Flags will be available for collection for one week after July 4 from the lawn of the North Branford Town Hall. To order, fill out a form and mail a check made out to the Northford Women’s Club for $10 per flag to The Northford-North Branford Women’s Club, P.O. Box 264, Northford, CT 06472. There is no limit on purchases, but all forms must be received by Saturday, June 7. Proceeds benefit local veterans’ projects. A ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the North Branford Town Hall. For more information, call Mary Ellen Collett at 203-484-9079 or visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org.

BRANFORD TOWN MEETINGS

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

Monday, June 2

Representative Town Meeting Education Committee

7 p.m.

Representative Town Meeting Rules and Ordinances Committee Special Meeting

p.m.

Tuesday, June 3

Representative Town Meeting Administrative Services Committee

Wednesday, June 4

Economic Development Commission Branford School Readiness Council Board of Selectmen

James Blackstone Memorial Library Board of Trustees

Board of Education Policy Committee

Parks and Open Space Authority Board of Education

Stony Creek Architectural Review Board

Representative Town Meeting Ways and Means Committee : 7:30 p.m.

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

Obituaries

Obituary

James Dean Branford

James M. “Jamie” Dean of Branford died Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his home. Jamie was born in New Haven on Nov. 8, 1976, a son of Dr. Richard and Margaret Baylock Dean of Branford.

He was a graduate of Branford High School and Fairfield University. He had worked as a landscaper for many years, and with his landscaping skills, Jamie was proud of his previous contribution in maintaining the Branford Land Trust trails.

Jamie enjoyed snowboarding, golfing, and being outdoors.

In addition to his parents, Jamie is survived by his brother Christopher Dean of Branford; and Rebecca (Jeffrey) Dickinson of Morristown, New Jersey; his niece, Madeline, and nephew, AJ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For an online memorial and guestbook, see www.wsclancy.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.

Contacting The Sound

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Fax 203-245-9773

Candelora Fields Business Leaders’

Questions on CBIA Panel

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R, 86) participated in a May 13 panel discussion hosted by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.

Republican and Democrat legislative leaders fielded questions about sky-high electric rates, the state budget, housing,

childcare, and the general need to make Connecticut more affordable. The crowd was filled with business leaders from throughout the state.

Rep. Candelora represents the 86th Assembly District serving residents of North Branford, Durham, East Haven, and Guilford.

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.

Branford Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

Branford has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Branford answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community musicmaking programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.

“As a former music educator, I am incredibly proud that our District has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education,” said Superintendent Christopher Tranberg. “This honor is a testament to the dedication of our educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our community. It

affirms the value we place on the arts and gives us great hope and momentum for expanding and enriching our music education program in the years to come.”

“Branford’s music educators are extremely deserving of this distinction,” said Mike Martone, Branford High School Choir Director and Department Lead for the Arts. “Not only does music create a safe space for so many students, it influences growth in academics, cognitive function, social skills, teamwork, and many other traits. At its heart, music education is not just about playing instruments, singing, and theory. Music education shapes wellrounded, emotionally intelligent, and academically capable human beings. The music educators in Branford do not just teach these concepts; they live them.”

Branford offers a robust and comprehensive music education program throughout the district. Beginning with a strong foundation in general music, students have opportunities to explore diverse pathways, including band, orchestra, music technology, jazz, guitar, and choir. The program is sustained by a proud tradition of excellence, enthusiastic community support, a committed teaching staff, and the creativity and dedication of its talented students.

The Stony Creek Church is hosting a craft night event on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, 192 Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek. Attendees will make terrariums. Admission is a $30 suggested donation. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided. Proceeds benefit the church’s Take a Vet Fishing program. For more information or to register, contact 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.

The Shoreline Theater Academy's advanced musical performance troupe presents on Friday, June 6, at 6 p.m. at Andrews Memorial Town Hall Auditorium, 54 East Main Street, Clinton. The advanced level musical theater troupe features rising opera stars Karl Victorino and Kylee Fake of Mystic as the Phantom and Christine, respectively, and includes William Colon of Groton as Viscount Raoul de Chagny, Morgan Cheslock of Branford, Faye Staschke of Madison, and Keira Flannigan of Clinton. The cast and will be accompanied by an adult choir of local singers who perform with Yale Camerata and Con Brio among other performing groups. Tickets can be purchased at ETIX.com at $18 for adults, $15 for students/seniors, and $20 at the door. For more information, contact 860-227-2363 or shorelinetheateracademy@gmail.com, or visit shorelinetheateracademy.org.

Press Release from Branford Public Schools

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 the following actions were taken:

1. Application #25-4.1 Special Exception for an Accessory Apartment located at 22 Beechwood RoadAPPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

2. Application #25-4.2 Special Exception for Grading (Sec. 6.8) located at 301 Maple StreetAPPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

C. Andres, Chairperson

F. Russo Secretary

LEGAL NOTICE

The 104th Annual Meeting of the Civic Association of Short Beach will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. at Orchard House, 421 Shore Drive, Branford, CT.

Agenda: (1) presentation by ESHD on the data from the Microbial Source testing, (2) election of Executive and Zoning Board of Appeals members,

(3) presentation of income and expenditures, (4) budget, (5) report on issues of current interest and (6) consideration of issues raised by members of the Association.

By: The Executive Board Civic Association of

Short Beach

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Marie E. Ragozzino (24-00427)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated May 12, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Antonia Ragozzino-Boncek c/o MICHAEL RICHARD BRANDT, NUGENT & BRYANT, 36 STATE ST, STE 3, P.O. BOX 217, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473

LEGAL NOTICE - REVISED TOWN OF BRANFORD

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Branford, Connecticut hereby gives notice of Public Hearings to be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM by remote technology to consider the applications listed below. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the Commission’s meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

1. Application #25-4.3 Zoning Map Amendment (IHOD) located at 642 Main Street to construct a building containing three apartment units.

Attorney Timothy J. Lee-Applicant

642 Main St. LLC c/o Kostas Sousoulas- Owner

2. Application #25-4.4 Special Exception to construct a building containing three apartment units located at 642 Main Street.

Attorney Timothy J. Lee- Applicant 642 Main St. LLC c/o Kostas Sousoulas- Owner

3. Application #25-4.5 Special Exception (Sec. 6.8) for grading & a Coastal Site plan for a Inground swimming pool located at 28 7th Avenue.

Salvatore J. Brancati III -Applicant & Owner

4. Application #25-4.6 Special Exception for Grading (Sec. 6.8) to remove & replace a timber retaining wall located at 101 Hotchkiss Grove Road (The Ponds Condominiums).

Joyce Tipping-(Mangement Co.)-Applicant

Mark Esposito-(Condominium Assn. President)-Owner

At said hearings all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies are on file in the Planning & Zoning Commissions office at the Planning & Zoning Department (1019 Main Street) Branford, CT 06405. Written communications may be sent to the above address or to: PlanningandZoning@branford-ct.gov.

BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

C. ANDRES, CHAIRPERSON

Branford 2025 Road Improvement/Resurfacing Schedule

The Branford Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce its road improvement and resurfacing project for 2025. The following roads are scheduled to be resurfaced:

First Phase: Upper Yowago Avenue (Pine Orchard Road. to Elizabeth Street.); Hotchkiss Grove Road (Pine Orchard Road to Elizabeth Street); Grove Avenue; Pasadena Road; Spring Rock Road.

Second Phase: Ozone Road; Selden Avenue; Summit Place; Lower Yowago Avenue.

Preparation and milling were tenta-

Spring Cleaning? Donate Your Books

tively scheduled to begin on May 27. Weather permitting, paving is to follow. Motorists and residents are cautioned that traffic may experience minor delays and detours during this construction period.

Please note: The DPW is not responsible for any damage done to irrigation systems, sprinkler heads, stone and brick driveway aprons, or invisible fences that are within the town’s right of way.

If you are on one of the listed roads, please do not park on the street during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

If you have any questions, please call DPW at 203-488-4156

The Branford Rotary Club welcomes book donations for its annual book sale at the Branford Festival in June. Books may be dropped off at any of the following Branford locations: in front of Coastal Wine & Spirits, 103 North Main Street; in front of ReMax Alliance, 10 Pine Orchard Road; on the side of Orchard House, 421 Shore Drive; the inside lobby of Soundview Family YMCA, 628 East Main Street; and the lighthouse storage shed in front of the Stony Creek Firehouse, 41 School Street. Proceeds from the book sale benefit scholarships awarded to deserving students. For more information, call Book Sale Committee Chair Dave Kozma at 203-641-9485.

GAC Opens Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Program

Registration for Guilford Art Center’s Summer Youth Art Program is open. Geared towards nurturing children’s creativity, refining their artistic skills, and fostering meaningful social connections through hands-on activities, the program offers weekly sessions for children ages 5 to 12. The Summer Youth Art Program runs from Monday, June 23, through Friday, Aug. 22. Parents and guardians can choose from morning and afternoon sessions for their children or sign up for bridge care and create the full-day of sessions. For more information, call the Guilford Art Center at 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405 DECISION NOTICE

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met Tuesday May 20, 2025 by Zoom technology at 7:00 p.m. to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications and the following decisions were made:

New Business:

25/5-1 Michael McGinley (Applicant & Owner) 4 Beechwood Road - GRANTED

25/5-2 Zakary Cianciolo (Applicant ) Tom Kelleher (Owner) 1100 West Main Street - GRANTED

25/5-3 Robert Carroll (Applicant & Owner) 44 Limewood Avenue - GRANTED

25/5-4 Peter Safer (Applicant & Owner) 114 Limewood Avenue - GRANTED

Other Business: April 22, 2025 minutes - APPROVED

James Sette (Chairman)

Press Release from the Town of Branford

Branford Rotary, Soundview Y Join for ‘Epic Day of Service’

Branford Rotary and the Soundview Family YMCA teamed up on May 17 for Rotary’s Epic Day of Service - a one-day event where 1,200 Rotary clubs around the world stepped up to help their communities.

In Branford, Rotarians and community volunteers literally dug in to install a Purple Pantry Box outside the Soundview Family YMCA, located at 628 East Main Street in Branford. The Purple Pantry Box allows those in need to access free, shelf-stable food 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Purple Pantry Boxes are continually-replenished self-service food pantries that encourage people to, “Take what you need, and donate what you can.” There are no barriers to get food. You simply walk up to the box and open the door.

At the Branford location, if you

wish to donate food, please take it to the Soundview YMCA lobby. Only factory-sealed food can be used. Food that cannot be accepted: packages that have been opened, items in a ziplock bag or reusable containers, and food needing refrigeration or freezing.

Established in Milford five years ago, the Purple Pantry Boxes organization believes that, “...food is a right and not a privilege,” said founder Susan Brown.

There are now dozens of boxes across the shoreline, and Brown noted she was grateful to add Branford to the list.

“I truly believe the partnership with Branford Rotary and the Soundview YMCA shows what we mean by community supporting community,” Brown said.

“I’m very proud of the many Rotarians and community volunteers who came out to the Soundview Y and literally got down in the dirt to install the box and present it in a way that’s welcoming

to everyone,” said Branford Rotary President Ellen Carucci. “We already have so many wonderful resources in town to fight food insecurity - the Community Dining Room, the Branford Food Pantry, and Feed Branford Kids – but we hope the 24/7 Purple Pantry Box will help fill the gaps when those other organizations aren’t serving or open.”

The decision to place a box at the Y was an easy one, added Soundview Family YMCA Executive Director Matt LaPrino.

“Food insecurity has been a big focus for us,” said LaPrino. “Young families, people who need help, that’s what we’re here for.”

Thousands of Rotarians from Rotary clubs in seven countries and 10 U.S. states took part in this year’s Epic Day of Service.

Launched three years ago, the Epic program “...unites Rotary clubs and community members in collective action to make a tangible difference around the globe,” said Robert Friend, Rotary’s dis-

trict governor for Southern Connecticut. “Rotary clubs are active year-round, but this one Epic day

shows the very best of humanity in action.”

Kill-a-Watt and Save Electricity

Kill-a-Watt meters are now available in both the Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Road, Northford, and the Atwater Memorial Library, 3 Old Post Road, Northford. The meters identify which items in a home are using the most amount of electricity and how much power is used per day, month, or year. For more information, contact the North Branford Department of Social Services at 484-6006 or socialservices@townofnorthbranfordct.com.

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.

Press Release from the Branford Rotary Club

Photo courtesy Branford Rotary Club

On May 17, Rotarians and community volunteers dug in to install a Purple Pantry Box outside Soundview Y, allowing those in need all-hours access free, shelf-stable food.

Branford Adopts $141.198M Budget, 21.40 Mill Rate

Continued from page 1

$500,000 in contingency costs from the BOF-recommended budget. The cut was approved by an RTM vote of 14-11-1, with 14 Democrats in favor, 11 Republicans opposed, and Rep. Josh Brooks (D, District 2) abstaining.

Next, by a 15-11 party-line vote of the Democratic majority, the RTM approved the amended $141,198,673 budget, with 15 Democrats voting in favor and 11 Republicans opposed.

At the May 13 RTM meeting, RTM Democratic Majority Leader Tracy Everson (D, District 5) made the motion for the $500,000 contingency fund budget cut.

“The reason for that is [that] it is in the purview of this body to make its own decisions based on what we have heard from the administration and from the recommendation of the Board of Finance. And the sense is that, with a $49 million [sic] overall contingency fund, if the contingency fund the taxpayers are being asked to contribute to, they’ve already contributed to the overall fund balance. So if the contingency fund were to be cut by half a million dollars, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t money to replace, should we need it. It’s there. So, I make a motion that we cut the contingency fund by half a million dollars.”

The motion was followed by discussion among RTM members.

RTM Republican Minority Leader Victoria Verderame (R, District 4) stated her opposition to the cut.

“I think it’s vastly irresponsible,” Verderame said. “Earlier today, I was at CBIA [Connecticut Business and Industry Association] Business Day, and I got to hear about the state budget, the federal budget, the uncertainty across government. I got to sit there and be very proud that I live in Branford, Connecticut, one of

the best-run municipalities in the state. Because of the volatility we’re talking about at the state level and the federal level, our first selectman and our finance director and our Board of Finance have been planning for this for years...they have made headways to plan for us for our future.”

Verderame said that, while the RTM has the power to make such a cut, “I don’t believe we should take that power. It’s not responsible. I’ll repeat that word because I believe it’s important when you’re talking about taxpayers and money that you emphasize what responsibility means. And to me, that means running a town budget the same way folks are doing their budget calculations at their kitchen tables.”

In addition to other members of the RTM speaking in support or opposition to the motion along party lines, the RTM also heard input from two members of the public, with one citizen in favor of the motion and one opposed.

Also at the May 13 RTM meeting, by an RTM vote of 14-11-1 with 14 Democrats in favor, 11 Republicans opposed, and Rep. Dan Adelman (D, District 4) abstaining, the RTM adopted a resolution requesting the BOF zero out the increase to be raised by taxation in the 2025-2026 budget by bringing forward more of the Town’s estimated $47 million undesignated fund balance.

The resolution language stated, “Whereas, the Branford Representative Town Meeting understands Branford’s undesignated fund balance to be an estimated $47 million, and whereas, the Branford taxpayers have already contributed to its substantial growth through prior taxation over the last 10 years; it is resolved: The RTM respectfully requests that the Board of Finance zero out the increase to be raised by taxation by bring-

ing forward more of the already banked fund balance.”

As previously reported, the March 31 BOF-recommended budget included the BOF’s recommendation to apply a 67.6% annual increase in monies brought forward from the town’s undesignated fund balance, to help mitigate the burden of property tax increases created by the state-mandated October 2024 revaluations.

At the May 19 BOF meeting, Everson read the RTM resolution into the record in a letter that concluded, “We recognize the ability of the Board of Finance to make further revenue adjustments prior to the setting of the mill rate, and hope you will take this request into consideration on behalf of the taxpayers.”

At the May 19 meeting, BOF chair Joseph Mooney and Finch provided substantial responses to the RTM resolution.

In a letter Mooney read into the record, he stated, in part, “In my opinion, the RTM action is irresponsible and appears to direct the Board of Finance as to how it should conduct its business...The Board of Finance, along with the first selectman and the finance director have always taken a strategic approach to management of revenues, operating expenditures, capital needs, fund balances, and debt service.”

Mooney also noted that Finch and the Finance Department “...continuously monitors our financial position, and we adjust our budgetary and planning models based on the operating and capital projections and other critical needs that come before us.”

In addition, Mooney stated the BOF and RTM are aware of likely future capital requests for the schools, Public Works, fire department, and wastewater treatment “...far in excess of $100,000,000, making it critical for the town to maintain its AAA bond rating, a substantial fund balance, and for the BOF to carry out its responsibilities without undue influence.”

“In summary, the Board of Finance is well aware of the many variables involved in our budget process, including politics and other factors. And I trust that we, the Board of Finance, a historically non-partisan board, will continue to balance all of the requests and considerations and advance our town as the well-run community that it is,” Mooney noted.

uncertainty.

“It may be tempting to view fund balance reserves as idle or excess funds, but these funds are doing essential work, protecting our town from the unexpected and enabling us to plan with confidence,” Finch said. “From protecting against storm damage to upgrading school buildings and Public Works facilities and securing the best interest rates possible, a strong fund balance empowers our town to act and not react.”

On May 19, the BOF took no action to adjust budget revenues or adjust the contribution of the fund balance. The BOF voted unanimously to set the 21.40 mill rate based on the RTM’s $500,000 expenditure reduction.

The 21.40 mill rate reflects a further downward adjustment to the BOF’s proposed 21.46 mill rate based on its $141.698M budget recommendation of March 31. The 21.40 mill rate becomes effective with the start of new fiscal year on July 1 and equates to a cut of nearly 30% to Branford’s current mill rate of 30.48 mills.

In his comments to the BOF following the vote on May 19, Cosgrove said, “I want to thank the board for tonight, and once again putting forward and setting a mill rate that is sensitive to the taxpayer while we have a budget that meets our core responsibilities and invests in our future of this community.”

Cosgrove also touched briefly on his participation in Branford’s last 12 budgets and what the Town has accomplished.

“I feel the job of the first selectman is to set and carry out a vision for the town, and when I look back...there is so much more that we did — not only in buildings and infrastructure improvements but also programs and services that we provide,” Cosgrove said. “I just want to thank this board and Jim and the Finance Department. It was only possible — what we have accomplished over these past 12 years — because of the commitment to the financial stewardship of this board, your strategic planning, your reassurance to the community, in particular the taxpayer, that we can improve our community, we can elevate the level of service in our community, while being sensitive to the financial impact.”

Finch discussed Branford’s strategic approach to managing the undesignated fund balance as a “safety net” for the town and reiterated the town’s responsible, proactive fiscal planning for future projects and needs, as well as preparing for times of

Cosgrove also thanked Mooney and Finch for their service to the town and for providing him with “guidance, insight, and mentorship” over the past 12 years.

Branford’s May 13 RTM meeting and May 19 BOF meeting were live-streamed by BCTV and can be viewed in full at BCTV on Facebook.

A Hand Up: West Chairs Branford Microfund

Continued from page 2

difference,” Hackett says. “We’re thrilled to partner with The Stand and the Branford Microfund to bring people together for a great cause.”

Mina said Branford Microfund is honored to be included in Hackett’s efforts to bring the community together for good causes, as CDR celebrates its fourth decade of service.

“We wish him well with his goals for the 40th anniversary of the Community Dining Room,” says Mina.

She also thanks The Stand for its support of many community programs, including Branford Microfund.

“The Stand provides us with a wonderful venue at no cost, and they give us an opportunity to show off what we do and try to help more people understand what the Microfund is about and how we can help.”

Branford Microfund was founded in 2019. Mina credits her friends and neighbors, Branford Microfund advisory committee member Alice Laurenson and her husband, board member Tom Laurenson, with introducing her to the opportunity to join the board.

“When they were living in New York state, Alice was involved in a microfund there and brought the idea here when they moved to Branford. Tom was also very involved in the Branford Rotary, which has been so supportive of us,” says Mina.

Another supportive organization has been Branford Community Fund in its response to Branford Microfund grant requests.

Now more than ever, Branford Microfund is seeing a pressing need for assistance across the community.

“From what I’ve seen, so many people are getting to positions that they just have no wiggle room with, and the banks are not going to be able to help them. We just try to help with those unexpected emergencies,” says Mina.

To help raise funds, Branford Microfund is also currently planning a new fundraiser, Branford Microfund Fun Day, anticipated to take place in October. Mina says the nonprofit is hoping to make the day into an annual event. Microfund members also set up at Branford Festival each year as another way to get the word out into the community.

Mina says working with Branford Microfund’s board and committee members is an honor.

“They’re a very committed group, and they all put in the work.”

Branford Microfund members also make themselves available to the community in person once a month at a new popup information table inside the Blackstone Library. Look for the Branford Microfund folks on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon.

“We started in January, and it’s getting a great reception,” says Mina. “We’re letting people know that, even if they don’t need us today, maybe one of their neighbors or family members may. And once you start discussing that, there will be those who say, ‘Oh, I do know someone who could use this.’ There are more and more people in Branford on fixed incomes,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Alice M. Reutenauer (25-00173)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated May 15, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Richard J. Reutenauer, 41 Marshall Road, Branford, CT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Patricia Hewlett Eldredge (25-00163)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated May 9, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Patricia Jeannine Winkelmann aka Jeannine Winkelmann c/o REBECCA IANNANTUONI, DAY PITNEY, 195 CHURCH STREET, 15TH FLOOR, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510

as well as people living paycheck to paycheck.”

According to United Way, the Connecticut partner for national research data initiative ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), 35% of all Branford households are classified as ALICE households, including many income-earning households.

“One of the first things we do after we receive an initial application is to have families complete a worksheet. Some of them are taken aback when they see where all their money is going,” says Mina.

Once approved by the Branford Microfund loan committee, approved funds are channeled directly to the loan recipient’s billing company. Recipients must be Branford residents.

A New Haven native who served as a palliative care nurse during her career, Mina lived in England for 30 years before moving to her home in Branford about seven years ago.

“I’ve always been involved in volunteering. I can remember having lemonade stands as a kid,” she says. “Before I left for England, I was deeply involved with helping to get the carousel up and running at Lighthouse Park [New Haven]. I was proud and happy to be a part of that, and

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Frank Buonocore (25-00180)

to see it still going gives me chills sometimes.”

In Hertfordshire, England, she served on a board for a charity which developed a bereavement team for community caregivers.

“I’ve just always been involved in my communities,” Mina says. “I don’t know if it’s my nursing background that’s always driven me towards those kinds of things. I think it’s seeing what isn’t there and what could be there.”

Mina also is a lover of the arts and volunteers as an usher with Long Wharf Theatre productions and at Legacy Theatre in Stony Creek. She also enjoys helping to keep her Turtle Bay community in Branford beautiful as a gardener and enjoys singing as a member of Branford Chorale.

Mina says she’s happy to be a part of Branford’s “welcoming and caring community.”

“Helping our neighbors is something we do very well in Branford for the type of town we are. To me, Branford Microfund is the icing on the cake.”

To learn more about Branford Microfund, make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer, or make an initial application for a loan, visit branfordmicrofund.org

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Vicki Caputo, 5 Pine View Drive, Northford, CT 06471

Michael Buonocore c/o VINCENT NICHOLAS AMENDOLA, LAW OFFICE VINCENT N. AMENDOLA, JR. LLC, 11 WAGNER PLACE, WEST HAVEN, CT 06516

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF BRANFORD

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS: JUNE IS DOG LICENSING MONTH

Dog licenses are available beginning June 2, 2025 in the Branford Town Clerk’s Office. By Connecticut General Statute (§22-337-359c), all dogs six months and older are REQUIRED to be licensed by law. There are applicable fines for failure to license a dog. Planning a vacation? Boarding and doggie day care now require proof of licensing.

$ 8.00 Fee for spayed or neutered dogs

$19.00 Fee for dogs not spayed or neutered

$1.00 Late fee added per month starting 7/1/25

Licensing requests may be made via mail or in-person accompanied by a certificate of proof for spay/neuter if the dog has not previously been registered in Branford. A current rabies certificate is also required. Payment by cash or check only. Further information may be obtained at www.branford-ct.gov .

Lisa E. Arpin,

Softball Wins Four Contests, Girls’ Tennis Loses a Pair

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

Girls’ Tennis

On May 19, North Branford girls’ tennis traveled to Valley Regional and fell 6-1. Daytona Kamienski won 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles.

The next day, the Thunderbirds hosted Morgan and lost 4-3.

Softball

North Branford softball hosted East Hampton on May 19 and won 9-4. Runs were driven in by Christina Aneiro (one), Gabriella Bigio (three), Adriana Hills (two), and Adrienne Frost (two). Frost also pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and one earned run with seven walks and 11 strikeouts.

That same day, the Thunderbirds played host to Cromwell and won 13-1. Alia Martone had a big game, going 3-for-4 and driving in five runs. Additional runs were driven in by Ava Ryszczyk (one), Addy Wyatt (two), Bigio (one), Lexi Falcioni (one), and Madi DeStefano (two). Lauren Vitarisi pitched five innings, giving up two hits and one earned run. She struck out 10 batters.

On May 20, North Branford hosted Haddam-Killingworth and earned a 10-1 win. Several different players stepped up on offense to drive in runs, including Ryszczyk (one), Vitarisi (two), Aneiro (two), Frost (one), Falcioni (one), DeStefano (one), and Martone (one). Vitarisi threw 6.2 innings, giving up three hits and one earned run. She walked one and struck out 11.

The Thunderbirds closed out the regular season at home on May 21 vs. East Haven and won 9-0. Vitarisi drove in two runs, Bigio drove in one, Hills drove in one, Falcioni drove in one, and DeStefano drove in one. Vitarisi pitched seven shutout innings and gave up four hits. She recorded 16 strikeouts.

Boys’ Tennis Splits the Week, Softball Takes Two Losses

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

On May 19, Branford boys’ tennis hosted Sheehan and won 7-0. Mathias Schalper won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, and Saahil Bhawnani won 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2 singles. At No. 3 singles, Sawyer Gaudreau won 6-0, 6-1 and Evren Akin earned a 6-0,6-2 victory at No. 4 singles.

On the doubles side, Michael Radziunas and Ishaan Bhawnani won 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1, and Alexander Ferrara and Jacob Tran won 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2. Daniel Ebert and Nate Durante won 6-0, 6-3 at No. 3 doubles.

The next day, the Hornets closed out the regular season at Stonington and fell 4-3. Sawyer Gaudreau won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3

singles, and Akin won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 4 singles. Ferrara and Tran won 6-3 7-5 at No. 2 doubles.

The Branford girls’ tennis team traveled to Mercy on May 19 and lost 5-2. Peyton Gaudreau won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles, and Hana Omeragic won 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 at No. 3 singles. Girls’ Tennis

Branford softball traveled to Foran on May 19 and fell 18-0. Tatum Lipka threw four innings, giving up 15 hits and 11 earned runs. She walked three and struck out three. Burnham walked one and gave up no hits and two earned runs.

On May 21, the team hit the road to Bunnell and lost 12-0. Burnham cashed in the lone hit for the Hornets. She also pitched 5.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and seven earned runs while walking six and striking out 10.

Boys' Outdoor Track

The Branford boys' outdoor track team finished 8th at the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) West Sectionals on May

19, sending 16 athletes to compete in the SCC Championships.

The Hornets were paced by their team of javelin throwers in Tyler Peterson, Nathan McCall, Akiel Lomotey, and Billy Hornyak, who finished second, third, fourth, and seventh, respectively, in the event. In all, the javelin accounted for half of the Hornets' 42 points.

Other scoring athletes included David Regan in the 1600 meters, Justyn Velasquez in the 110 high hurdles and 300 meter hurdles, and Anton Kydon in the triple jump. In addition, sophomore Rhamell Fairclough qualified for the Class MM State Championships in the 200 meter.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Lexi Falcioni is a key contributor for the North Branford softball team, and she drove in a run in the team's recent 13-1 win vs. Cromwell.

Boys’ Tennis

Softball

Shrestha’s Hard Work Pays Off with Improved Times for Branford Track

By Jennifer McCulloch

Special to the Sound

When Supremee Shrestha joined the Branford High School boys’ track team as a freshman, he didn’t consider himself much of an athlete. In fact, he hadn’t really participated in sports before. Running track was something new—an experiment he tried with a few friends, more for fun than for anything serious.

“It was something new to try,” says Supremee. “Once I started, it was really hard because I hadn’t done sports before, but I found it fun — the competition, practices, hanging out with friends, and competing with other schools.”

Now, four years later, Supremee is a reliable and hard-working senior and a key contributor to Branford’s success. His coaches have seen him emerge as a quiet leader whose consistent improvement and tireless dedication have earned him a trip to the Class MM State Championship meet this spring.

“Supremee is a great kid, and he’s hard-working and reliable,” says Branford boys’ outdoor track Head Coach Bing Miller. “I have coached him in track and cross country the last several years, and what impresses me is his consistency and effort. He has probably the best attendance record on the team. He never misses practice. It has paid off because he’s shown regular improvement every year and is a very versatile competitor. I have truly enjoyed working with Supremee these last few years. He is so easy to work with and willing to do what it takes to get better. Supremee is the kind of

Sports Person Week of the

athlete that every coach would love to have a roster full of.”

And that consistency has shown results. This year, Supremee is running personal bests across several events and has solidified his spot as a vital piece of Branford’s 4x400-meter relay team, which recently qualified for the state meet. Alongside teammates Tyler Peterson, Tommy Mioline, and Nate McCall, Supremee helped the team claim fourth place at a recent invitational, earning a medal.

“It felt really nice, just making it to states,” says Supremee. “It shows that all the hard work you’ve gone through and pushing through all of the practices finally pays off.”

When Supremee first started track, he admits it was difficult. He wasn’t used to the physical demands or the mental focus the sport required, but the longer he stuck with it, the more he began to enjoy it and find success.

“Track helped me change a lot and grow a lot,” says Supremee. “It made me mentally stronger and much more hardworking because of all the effort you have to put in every day.”

Over time, Supremee grew into a capable and versatile runner, with a preference for short-distance events like the 200 and 400 meters. He also competed in the 300 during indoor track, where

he posted one of his most improved times this season—40.09 seconds. Outdoors, he recently clocked 56.27 seconds in the 400, a performance that showcases just how far he’s come since those early days.

“He has shown regular improvement every year and is a very versatile competitor,” Miller says. “It’s great having a kid like Supremee on the team because he just quietly goes about his business, and then when it’s time for competition, he just simply gives it his all. He’s not an attention-seeker—he’s just interested in working as hard as he can.”

That quiet determination has also made him an important role model for younger athletes. Supremee says he’s been inspired by teammates pushing each other to improve, and he hopes he’s done the same for others.

“The coaches and the team really helped me improve,” he says. “The coaches are always supportive and push you to be the best you can be. And the teammates—there’s that fun rivalry where you want to beat each other, but it’s all supportive. It makes you work harder.”

In addition to outdoor track, Supremee has competed in both indoor track and cross country. He joined the cross country team during his sophomore year at the suggestion of some friends, and while he didn’t find it as enjoyable as track, he still values the experience.

“Cross country isn’t really fun — it’s really tiring and hot, but it helped my mindset,” says Supremee. “I wasn’t very good at it, but just getting through it

made me stronger. It helped with my endurance and made the events I do in track feel easier.”

He also appreciated the tightknit nature of the cross country team. With only a small number of runners, the athletes quickly formed close bonds—something Supremee says made the grueling practices and long races more bearable. The team bond is also one of Supremee’s favorite aspects of track—not just among his Branford teammates, but with runners from other schools as well.

“Cross country is a small team, so you really get to know everyone — compared to other sports, it felt like more of a family,” says Supremee. “With both, you meet people you probably wouldn’t hang out with otherwise. You see the same kids at meets over the years, and build bonds with other teams.”

In indoor track, Supremee focused on the 300 meters and the 4x400 relay. He came close to qualifying for states in the 300

See Shrestha page 17

Photo courtesy of Supremee Shrestha Supremee Shrestha has been an intregral part of the Branford boys' outdoor track team this spring who has qualified for states and shown several marked improvements.

A Salute to the Fallen and our Stars and Stripes

Here is a salute to Old Glory and all who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving her and the country while in the United States Armed Forces. Hearts and prayers go out during this solemn Memorial Day, observed since 1868 that also happens to be today’s unofficial first day of summer.

Interestingly enough, striped bass in Connecticut waters dates back to colonial times which would be circa 1636. They certainly were observed and documented back in 1864 - four years prior to Memorial Day first being observed. So when we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, between honoring, praying, and a bit of fishing, focusing on stars and stripes is not a stretch zeroing in on striped bass under a sky full of stars.

Stars mean night, and a nighttime tide means live eels. And the way this season has been shaping up, linesiders have been filling Long Island Sound from the rivers and the coast. They are laser-focused on feeding, and, as they migrate in, they will invariably meet up with American eels in those rivers - some already established, others entering.

This Memorial Day we will be having an early evening flood tide - one day before the new moon. Providing wind and weather do not set up roadblocks, this period of time can see an increase in activity and stronger currents, which can trigger feeding sprees. During a new moon, the earth, sun, and moon align, causing the forces of the sun and moon to combine and thus creating a spring tide that has a larger tidal range due to gravitational pull.

Greater differences between high and low tides generate stronger tidal currents. And that could be a very good thing - especially in areas of significant bottom structure.

Have a memorable weekend. And while you are honoring our fallen front line patriots, save time to catch and release a few fish adorned with stripes while fishing under the stars.

On The Water

Wet, wild, and uncooperative best describes our weather pattern that seems to have gotten into a routine, causing uncertainty for weekenders. Relaxing recreational plans or outdoorrelated work made little difference if the weather played a role.

Most recently, low pressure was slow to depart the New England coast, sending several surface troughs through the area and leaving weekend play in disarray. High pressure finally nosed in from the north followed by a frontal system that impacted the

area before moving northeast. Several small craft advisories were posted due to the nor’easter, raising havoc with Long Island Sound’s six-foot seas while dense morning fog caused the blare of foghorns to echo above the 54 to 56-degree water. And then, suddenly it was Memorial Day weekend!

When fishers paid more attention to the weather and sea conditions as they were unfolding and then factored in high probable weather events, they would be much farther ahead in their ToDo list. For the moment, striped bass still headline as this month’s most available, sought after marine fish to catch. Their mystique, foraging capabilities, hardy makeup, keen multiple senses, and trademark fighting skills (as well as being an attractive historic species) make them so revered.

If it is a natural part of a striper’s habitat, it will eat it. Anything closely resembling an organism related to the habitat will also get eaten. Artificials resembling or made to act accordingly will be eaten if conditions warrant it. Live eels, sea worms, a variety of frozen baits, soft plastics, topwater plugs, and some sub-surface lures have given rise to some serious action. Aside from natural baits, topwater poppers, spooks, paddletails, and soft stick baits have been hot.

ral baits and a variety of topwater and subsurface lures. Flooding tides at sundown have produced outstanding catches that run the board from schoolies to 31 inches and now, more 40” linesiders. Early morning fogged-in tides have even produced hefty cows over 50” when trolling or drifting dressed up shad bodies and bucktails. Natural foraging on shad and menhaden is incessant, giving fishers clues as to which artificials to cast. Near-shore hookups rule a lot of the action, while offshore reefs are seeing an increase in activity. With less boat traffic pre-Memorial Day, fishers are having more gunwaleto-gunwale room, but that will soon change.

The way the striper bite has materialized, it is doubtful that off-beat weather will keep many

the occasional north wind to the back during a flood tide at sundown has yielded results worth the trip. Aside from live bait (eels, sandworms, finfish) and chunks, top water plugs (keep knee-jerk reactions to a minimum) have been the go-to as well as bucktails/strips and soft plastics. Small to medium-sized swimmers are definitely having their moments.

As expected, shark vs. striped bass conversations are re-surfacing, indicating that interceptions and predation is of concern. Once again, early striper fishing got off to a robust start. Because little evidence is provided to indicate a drop in the Sound’s sandbar shark population, one can reasonably expect another season of

See A Salute page 17

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

A fisherman’s tribute to front line Armed Forces who served and paid the ultimate price for defending life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan Fifty-nine pound Kendall DeBernardi (11) of Middlefield struggles to catch her very first striped bass (31”) on her own using a sandworm, as dad Kyle anchors her at what is sure to be a long lasting memory.

Schedules

BRANFORD

Baseball

Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament Qualifying Round

Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament First Round

Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Second Round

Saturday, June 7: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 10: Class L State Tournament Semifinals

Friday, June 13 or Saturday, June 14: Class L State Tournament Finals

Boys’ Lacrosse

Friday, May 30: Class M State Tournament First Round

Wednesday, June 4: Class M State Tournament Second Round

Saturday, June 7: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals

Wednesday, June 11: Class M State Tournament Semifinals

Saturday, June 14: Class M State Tournament Finals

Outdoor Track

Saturday, May 31: Class MM State Championship meet at 11 a.m.

Golf

Monday, June 9: Division II State Tournament at 8 a.m.

Boys’ Tennis

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class M State Tournament First Round

Monday, June 2: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 3: Class M State Tournament Semifinals

Wednesday, June 4: Class M State Tournament Finals

Girls’ Tennis

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class M State Tournament First Round

Monday, June 2: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 3: Class M State Tournament Semifinals

Wednesday, June 4: Class M State Tournament Finals

Girls’ Lacrosse

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class M State Tournament First Round

Tuesday,June3:ClassMStateTournamentSecond Round

Friday, June 6: Class M State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 10: Class M State Tournament Semifinals

Sunday, June 15: Class M State Tournament Finals

Softball

Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament Qualifying Round

Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament First Round

Wednesday, June 4: Class L State Tournament Second Round

Friday, June 6: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals

Monday, June 9 or Tuesday, June 10: Class L State Tournament Semifinals

Saturday, June 14: Class L State Tournament Finals

Shrestha’s Hard Work Pays Off with Improved Times for Branford Track

Continued from page 15

this season, while several of his teammates made it in events like the 55 and the mile.

“It’s a nice feeling seeing all the hard work they go through in practices and then being successful at meets,” he says. “You really root for each other.”

As he wraps up his high school career, Supremee is looking ahead to life after graduation. He plans to attend the University of Connecticut, where he may continue running on the club track team. He’s planning to study political science and is considering a career in law.

No matter where the future takes him,

Supremee says the lessons he’s learned from track will stick with him: discipline, mental toughness, and the importance of showing up—even when it’s hard.

“Track has helped me do better in school, too,” he says. “It’s taught me how to work hard and stay focused.”

As for goals before the season ends, Supremee is focused on finishing strong. He’ll be running the 4x400 at the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) sectionals and again at states, and he’s also entered in the 200 and 400.

“I just want to do well and help the team,” he says. “It’s our last chance this season, and I want to give it everything.”

NORTH BRANFORD

Girls’ Lacrosse

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class S State Tournament First Round

Tuesday, June 3: Class S State Tournament Second Round

Friday, June 6: Class S State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 10: Class S State Tournament Semifinals

Sunday, June 15: Class S State Tournament Finals

Boys’ Lacrosse

Friday, May 30: Class S State Tournament First Round

Wednesday, June 4: Class S State Tournament Second Round

Saturday, June 7: Class S State Tournament Quarterfinals

Wednesday, June 11: Class S State Tournament Semifinals

Saturday, June 14: Class S State Tournament Finals

Outdoor Track

Monday, June 2: Class S State Championship meet at 10 a.m.

Softball

Saturday, May 31: Class S State Tournament Qualifying Round

Monday, June 2: Class S State Tournament First Round

Wednesday, June 4: Class S State Tournament Second Round

Friday, June 6: Class S State Tournament Quarterfinals

Monday, June 9 or Tuesday, June 10: Class S State Tournament Semifinals

Saturday, June 14: Class S State Tournament Finals

Baseball

Saturday, May 31: Class S State Tournament Qualifying Round

Monday, June 2: Class S State Tournament First Round

Tuesday, June 3: Class S State Tournament Second Round

Saturday, June 7: Class S State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 10: Class s State Tournament Semifinals

Friday, June 13 or Saturday, June 14: Class S State Tournament Finals

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class L State Tournament First Round

Monday, June 2: Class L State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 3: Class L State Tournament Semifinals

Wednesday, June 4: Class L State Tournament Finals

Friday, May 30 or Saturday, May 31: Class S State Tournament First Round

Monday, June 2: Class S State Tournament Quarterfinals

Tuesday, June 3: Class S State Tournament Semifinals

Wednesday, June 4: Class S State Tournament Finals

Tuesday, June 10: Division III State Tournament at 8 a.m.

A Salute to the Fallen and our Stars and Stripes

Continued from page 16

shark vs. striper. As in the past and to further studies, we would like to know about any encounters between sandbar sharks and striped bass via photos and/or videos. Slab porgies are being caught from deep water offshore reefs primarily using rigs and squid. As water temperatures rise, the near-shore bite will rapidly increaseprobably sooner than expected. Fluke catches have been lackluster - better in western Sound and variable midway through. Black sea bass season has opened, but winds and messy seas have kept most vessels from heading out. Fish stocks remain full, and catches should follow last season (if not better)) provided forage is sustainable. Striped sea robins are starting to move in, while smooth dogfish will be considered fun to catch by some, and others a nuisance, will once again be stacked up. Get ready for a good but varied

season ahead!

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media. For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated spring hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines, Captain Morgan

captainmorganusa@hotmail.com

captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com

X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

Boys’ Tennis

Girls’ Tennis

Golf

more information and to apply online: https://www.region18.org/district-information/employment Deadline is until filled / EOE.

Secretary at Mile Creek School (full-time position)

DECK RESTORE

Fun By The Numbers

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

Here’s How It Works:

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

SHORELINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SHORELINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Serving the towns of Branford, Guilford, and North Branford

Serving the towns of Branford, Guilford, North Branford and Beyond…

764 Boston Post Road, Branford • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com

2614 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437 • 203-488-5500 • shorelinechamberct.com

The Shoreline Chamber is the trusted business association of the CT Shoreline. Our mission is to foster the visibility and economic success of our member and communities. CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS AND NEWS

Business After Hours (BAH) at Page Hardware in Guilford!

We had an incredible evening at our Business After Hours on Thursday, May 15, hosted by Page Hardware in Guilford! A special shoutout to Andrew Page and his team for their outstanding hospitality. Your warmth and generosity truly made the event memorable.

We’re so grateful for Page Hardware’s continued support and for welcoming our members into your space for such a fun and engaging evening. Guests enjoyed a fantastic BBQ right outside among Page Hardware’s beautiful grill displays. With delicious food, cold drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect night to connect and unwind.

The evening was filled with networking, relationship-building, and great conversation. Our Business After Hours (BAH) events are a wonderful opportunity for members to come together, support one another, and strengthen our Shoreline community.

Not a member yet? Our BAH events are also open to nonmembers for a fee—come see what the Shoreline Chamber is all about and discover the value of connecting with local professionals and businesses. Visit shorelinechamberct.com or email info@shorelinechamberct.com.

Member Ribbon Cuttings, Milestones and Celebratory Events

The Shoreline Chamber and Town of Branford celebrated the Legacy Theater’s 5th season. Founded during COVID, the Legacy Theatre is proud to serve the community through a fully restored, historic venue. From Mainstage professional productions and Broadway concerts to Family Series shows, special events, new works, classes, and more—Legacy Theatre continues to bring vibrant, high-quality arts and entertainment to the Shoreline.

Mainstage season passes are still available and make fantastic gifts for friends, family—or even yourself! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a full season of outstanding performances while supporting local arts. Don’t miss a moment of the magic!

For the 2025 upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit legacytheatrect.org.

Shoreline

Chamber Celebrates 40 Years of Parthenon Diner in Branford!

The Shoreline Chamber was proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Parthenon Branford, a beloved community staple and longtime Chamber supporter. For four decades, the Parthenon has served the Shoreline with delicious food and warm hospitality.

The celebration was attended by State Sen. Christine Cohen, Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, and Shoreline Chamber President Dee Jacob, who joined John Sousoulas, his son Kostas, and their family to mark this incredible milestone. We are honored to recognize the Sousoulas family’s dedication and the lasting impact Parthenon has had on our community. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!

Join Us for the 10th Annual Women of Excellence Awards!

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the exceptional women who make a lasting impact in our communities.

Each year, we honor two outstanding women from Branford, North Branford, and Guilford for their contributions, leadership, and dedication.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Ann Nyberg as emcee for this inspiring evening!

Tuesday, Aug. 5

The Woodwinds, Branford Registration is now open: www.shorelinechamberct.com

BCTV Opens State-of-the-Art Podcast Studio

BCTV has officially opened its brand-new podcast studio—a professional, comfortable, and fully equipped space built to elevate content creation for our local community. Whether you’re launching a show or leveling up your current podcast, this studio has everything you need.

We were proud to celebrate with Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove; former State Rep. Lonnie Reed; Economic and Business Development Manager Perry Maresca; Shoreline Chamber Vice President Tina Strell; BCTV President Ted Ebberts; and BCTV Secretary Chip Marsh.

Also in attendance were Chamber Membership and Operations Manager Diane Laffitte and Chamber Ambassadors Matthew Rader (Tech Fix) and Chris Weiler (Guilford Insurance).

The studio is now open for bookings! Visit branfordtv.org to schedule a tour or learn more.

Risk Strategies Shoreline Office Open in Guilford!

Familiar Shoreline businesses have joined together under a new name and at a new location—Risk Strategies opened their new office at 405 Church St., Guilford. The Stone Agency, Pawson Group, and Gowrie Group were acquired during the past year by Risk Strategies and will now serve the Shoreline by combining their decades of experience and expertise to offer clients a broader range of tailored insurance solutions.

Their expertise, paired with technology offerings, delivers top-tier insurance for the home, auto, boat, or business. With over 150 years of trusted service, they’re your go-to for smart coverage and lasting relationships along the Shoreline.

Contact Risk Strategies to learn more about their products and solutions!

The Shoreline Chamber Presents Artisan Market at the Branford Festival

The Shoreline Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of the Artisan Marketplace, happening Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, as part of this year’s Branford Festival. Presented by CrossPoint Federal Credit Union, this beloved community event will take place outdoors at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, adjacent to Hammer Field—the heart of the Branford Festival.

The Artisan Marketplace is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to enjoy a festive day of shopping, exploring, and connecting with local talent.

Mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you there!

By Karen Isaacs

at Ivoryton Looks Inside Katharine Hepburn’s Life Tea at Five

Katharine Hepburn was not only born in Hartford, but she made her home on Fenwick Point in Old Saybrook a principal residence in the latter part of her life. She had visited and stayed at the family home throughout her life, finding it a sanctuary from the vicissitudes of Hollywood. , now at Ivoryton Playhouse through Sunday, June 8, is a one-person show whose title reflects a Hepburn family tradition from her childhood: the daily tea and conversation at 5 p.m.

One-person shows provide challenges for playwrights. Why is the person telling these stories? How can additional information be provided? Playwright Matthew Lombardo uses triedand-true methods – phone calls and doorbells- to provide the opportunity to bring in action and new information. He never addresses why Hepburn is telling all of this. She recognizes there is an audience and asks, “You may wonder why I….” but it is never clear. Are we just passive listeners, an interviewer, or perhaps a ghostwriter for a memoir? More unlikely, is she just talking to herself?

The actress playing Hepburn also has a tightrope to negotiate. The best shows of this type give us an impression of the subject, but not an imitation. In this case, Carlyn Connolly mostly succeeds. She may not have all the gestures or a consistent accent, but she has enough of them to let us recognize Hepburn. We might not instantaneously recognize it is Hepburn, but within minutes, we accept that it is her.

The show is broken into two acts; the first is set in 1938, during a low point in her Hollywood career, and the second in 1983, when she has “retired” and is bat-

Vivien Leigh was announced for the role in 1939, after Act One ends. Perhaps it is poetic license.

Bringing Up Baby Holiday

Act One is set after a series of six box office failures; even the films that got good reviews ( and ) did poorly at the box office, which was blamed on Hepburn. She was viewed as “arrogant” and “difficult.” It didn’t help that one of the most powerful gossip columnists (Louella Parsons) constantly attacked her. No doubt she was she was a woman who spoke her mind and did not easily acquiesce.

recounts her brother’s suicide when he was 15 and her life with Spencer Tracy, that seemed less loving and more emotionally abusive. They never married but lived together for years; Tracy, a fine actor, was also an alcoholic. It is here that Connolly seems to overdo the emotion. Her raw outpourings seem out of character. One can question both Connolly’s and director Jacqueline Hubbard’s decisions in the scenes.

tling physical problems; it is thought she had Parkinson’s which would account for the movements of her head and hands, but she adamantly denied it. Hepburn died in 2003. Lombardo has to be blamed for

some factual errors. In the play, Hepburn desperately wants the role of Scarlett O’Hara in . While that is true (every actress in Hollywood wanted or tested for the role), that was in 1936, not 1938. Gone with the Wind

The second act is less careercentered; she talks more about her home and her family. The portraits of her father and mother are less rosy than those mentioned in Act One. They were not very emotionally open, and she seems to have always wanted to gain her father’s approval.

She focuses more on the difficulties except for a humorous anecdote about Stephen Sondheim. They lived next door to each other in NYC.

The act is darker as she

Starlet Jacobs’ scenic design provided an appropriate 1930s summer house, but it is strange that so little has changed in Act Two; the house was destroyed during the hurricane of 1938 and rebuilt, apparently exactly the same as it was. It also appears that except for some changes in pictures, Hepburn did little updating of the house since then. But that is a minor concern.

For audiences who remember and admire Hepburn, a very independent woman, will enjoy this fictionalized portrait of her. For tickets, visit IvorytonPlayhouse.org.

Tea at Five

Special to Living

Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse

The show is broken into two acts; the first is set in 1938, during a low point in her Hollywood career, and the second in 1983, when she has “retired” and is battling physical problems.

Carlyn Connolly stars as Katharine Hepburn in at the Ivoryton Playhouse. Tea at Five

Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse , now at Ivoryton Playhouse through Sunday, June 8, is a one-person show whose title reflects a Hepburn family tradition from her childhood: the daily tea and conversation at 5 p.m.

Tea at Five

Immersive Long Wharf Theatre Exhibition Now Open

Invita-

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

Theater fans, rejoice! A new multi-gallery exhibition is bringing the vibrant history of Long Wharf Theatre to life at the New Haven Museum (NHM). , which opened on May 21, invites visitors into an immersive celebration of stage royalty, featuring costumes, posters, and rare archival treasures. The exhibition will remain on view through February 2026.

Spanning three museum spaces—the NHM’s elegant upper rotunda, gray gallery, and center gallery— invites guests to step inside six decades of theatrical history. Attendees can try on costumes, explore immersive set recreations, flip through original scripts, and engage with interactive rehearsal spaces. A dedicated gallery also spotlights the next generation of Long Wharf Theatre artists.

Dozens of original production photos, programs, and archival gems take center stage in the rotunda. Jessica Durdock Moreno, Long Wharf Theatre’s chief of staff and the exhibition’s project manager, delves into the context and resonance of productions from 1965 to today.

In the gray gallery, visitors can explore a reconstructed rehearsal room, handle props, try on past costumes, and view the Tony Award that helped define Long Wharf Theatre’s legacy.

Invitation to Engage El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

The center gallery highlights the theatre’s 60th anniversary season, inviting guests into the world of and encouraging them to craft their own stories and contribute artwork to a communal gallery wall. The season’s theme, “Building Our Future Together,” serves as both inspiration and invitation.

“When we began shaping this exhibition, we wanted to do more than just look back—we wanted to create something that feels alive,” said Moreno. “Every script, every photo, carries a story. This is a chance to honor the artists and audiences who built this legacy, while also inviting our

The Gin Game The Shadow Box Wit

telling. More than 30 Long Wharf productions have transferred to Broadway and Off-Broadway, including three Pulitzer Prize winners: , , and . The theatre received a Regional Theatre Tony Award for its achievements and has earned Connecticut Critics Circle honors across multiple categories.

Now in a transformative new phase, Long Wharf Theatre is redefining what it means to make theatre accessible and community-driven. No longer tied to a single venue, the company is bringing live performance to unexpected spaces throughout Greater New Haven. In 2023 alone, residents experienced productions in seven towns and neighborhoods at free or affordable prices. The 2024 season continues this innovative approach with projects ranging from A View from the Bridge at Canal Dock Boathouse to celebrations of the 60th anniversary. This movement aims to connect neighbors through storytelling and shared experience.

community to imagine what comes next.”

Let Me Down Easy Wit

Exhibition highlights include more than 100 enlarged production photos spanning six decades; never-before-seen rehearsal photographs; autographed show posters featuring A-list performers; hand-painted set-design renderings; and archival materials such as scripts, costume and prop bibles, and stage manager binders from landmark productions like Anna Deavere Smith’s and the Pulitzer Prize–winning . Also on view are programs from the theatre’s inaugural season, a handwritten subscription ledger, displays from costume stock, and multimedia elements including audio clips from artist interviews and videos of special projects.

Since 2023, Long Wharf Theatre has pioneered a new model of presenting work in 26 venues across seven cities.

“No longer confined to a single stage, the company is expanding its reach, transforming unexpected locations into places of performance, and bringing the-

atre to audiences where they are,” said Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón. He noted that the interactive exhibition reflects the theatre’s bold evolution. “ honors six decades of transformative theatre-making while casting a bold vision for the road ahead.”

Haven icon and a pillar of American regional theater.”

Invitation to Engage

“We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with Long Wharf Theatre,” said NHM Executive Director Margaret Anne Tockarshewsky. “This exhibition is more than a retrospective; it’s a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of one of New Haven’s most influential cultural institutions. It reminds us how theatre can reflect our world, challenge us, and bring us together.”

Jason Bischoff-Wurstle, director of NHM’s photo archives, coordinated the exhibition at the museum. “It’s been wonderful to welcome Long Wharf Theatre to the New Haven Museum,” he said. “Through daily collaboration with their incredible team, this exhibit offers a vast and intimate look at the legacy of a true New

In addition to the exhibition, Long Wharf Theatre is offering a robust calendar of community events across New Haven. The programming includes workshops, readings, parties, pop-ups, virtual programs, and a mobile museum experience that will bring the story to neighborhoods across the city.

The Crucible

Founded on July 4, 1965, with Arthur Miller’s , Long Wharf Theatre emerged as a cornerstone of America’s regional theatre movement. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón, the company has produced more than 400 works, from beloved musicals and classic plays to world premieres by groundbreaking playwrights such as Anna Deavere Smith, Paula Vogel, Lloyd Suh, and Dominique Morisseau. Long Wharf Theatre is internationally recognized for its commitment to commissioning, developing, and producing new plays that expand the boundaries of American story-

The New York Times The Washington Post American Theatre PBS NewsHour

Long Wharf Theatre’s pioneering model has garnered national attention in , , magazine, and . Padrón was named among Town & Country’s 2023 “Creative Aristocracy” and was honored as 2023 Person of the Year by the National Theatre Conference, joining the ranks of August Wilson, Lloyd Richards, and Joseph Papp.

Since its founding as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862, the New Haven Museum has preserved, interpreted, and celebrated the heritage of Greater New Haven. Located at 114 Whitney Avenue in downtown New Haven, the museum brings over 375 years of local history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the NHM offers free admission year-round to active-duty military personnel and their families, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Learn more at newhavenmuseum.org or follow @NewHavenMuseum. For more information, call 203-562-4183.

Press Release from the New Haven Museum

Photo by T Charles Erickson

Exhibition highlights include enlarged production photos spanning six decades; never-before-seen rehearsal photographs; autographed show posters featuring A-list performers; hand-painted set-design renderings; and archival materials such as scripts, costume and prop bibles, and stage manager binders.

Page Turners

TheEmperorofGladness By

OceanVuong

An old woman stops a young man from jumping off a bridge, and what follows is a portrait of humanity, the good and the bad. This novel is a masterclass in craft, with lyrical prose and a tone that perfectly balances the comic and the tragic. Reading this will break your heart and give you so, so much hope. Bonus: it takes place in Connecticut!

— Marisa, 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.

TheDevilThreeTimes

ByRickeyFayne

The Devil Three Times is an epic, genre-bending debut from Fayne. I knew from the goosebumps that broke out after reading the first three pages that this would be one of my favorite books of the year. Yetunde wakes on a slave ship headed for the US, and she strikes a deal with the Devil himself- who agrees to protect Yetunde, and in turn her bloodline, if it means he can get right with God. I loved the way the Devil was characterized, it was so unlike anything I’ve read before. Following eight generations of Yetunde’s family, Fayne created original and exceptionally clear voices for each character that I truly adored. You will run through a gamut of emotions while reading this creative and thought-provoking piece. I can’t wait to read what Rickey Fayne writes next!

— Maeve, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

TheNames

ByFlorenceKnapp

What’s in a name? Perhaps absolutely everything. This beautiful, painful story imagines how a boy’s life will play out if he is named after his abusive father, if he’s given a name favored by his mother, or if his sister names him. It’s a fascinating concept and would make for a great book club discussion.

— Karen, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

FeverBeach

ByCarlHiaasen

No one does crazy Florida better than Carl! This new one may seem extra unhinged, but no more so than what’s going on in our mad world! Enter a notso-bright white supremacist, a congressman with some very bad habits, and a few flawed but principled nemeses for the offenders. Enjoy this gleefully hilarious ride through some spectacular comeuppances!

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

Comedy, Mythology, and Live on CNN

Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

: Baroness Els Schraeder is a minor character in ; the woman who was supposed to marry the Captain. Now, Connecticut’s own playwright, Jacques Lamarre, has written

The Sound of Music

The Baroness: what happens when the jilted fiancé plots revenge

. Its world premiere is at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park from Wednesday, June 4, through Sunday, June 22. For tickets, contact Playhouse OnPark.org.

Care Giving in the Digital Age

Your Name Means a Dream

: TheaterWorks-Hartford is ending its season with by José Rivera, who was an Oscar-nominee. The press materials describe the play as set in the not-too-distant future when an elderly woman finds her new caregiver is not quite human. The play runs from Tuesday, June

Aisle ON THE

3, to Sunday, July 6. You can get tickets at TWHartford.org.

Not So Mythic

Maybe Happy Ending Death Becomes Her Buena Vista Social Club

Spamalot

Annie’s Composer

Annie Bye-Bye Birdie

Golden Boy

Applause

Hurricane Diane

: Hartford Stage’s final production of the season, , reimagines Greek mythology in a suburban New Jersey setting. The play runs from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 29. It is described as a “smart, funny, and thought-provoking look at how we connect with the planet.”

Avenue Q

: Center Stage in Shelton presents the award-winning musical, , from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 15. The show, about a college grad who moves to a shabby New York apartment, and finds friends who help him discover his purpose in life. For tickets, visit CenterStageShelton.org

Going on Tour

: Some musicals have announced national tours for 2025. They

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

THURSDAY, MAY 29

Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force Meeting

: 9 a.m. Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) Carriage House, 96 Fair St., Guilford. The mission of the task force is to provide education, coordinate resources, and aid in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault across Shoreline communities. Virtual participation by Zoom is an option. For info, contact 203458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.

Opening Reception for Spring 2025 Art Show

: 5 to 7 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. The show runs through Monday, June 30. For info, contact 203-433-4071 or baca06405@ gmail.com, or visit branfordarts.org.

Live on CNN

Maybe Happy Ending

trend. picked up four awards from the Outer Critics Circle (best musical, outstanding book and score of a musical, and outstanding direction). The group also named as outstanding play. The Drama League also named as best musical as well as for best direction, with as best revival of a musical.

Time for Ragtime

John Proctor is the Villain Maybe Happy Ending Sunset Blvd. Ragtime

Annie All in the Family

Good Night and Good Luck

include the current Broadway shows, , , and . Also planning on a national tour is the revival of . : Charles Strouse, who composed and which both won Tony Awards, has died at the age of 96. But he wasn’t a two-hit wonder. Strouse also composed , that starred Sammy Davis, Jr., and starring Lauren Bacall, among other shows. Most people know at least one of his songs – “Tomorrow” from , but he also wrote “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” as well as the theme song for and the film score for . : You can see George Clooney’s Tony-nominated performance in (the play is also Tony-nominated) without having to move from your living room. It will be aired live on Saturday, June 7, on CNN at 7 pm. I saw the play; it is thought-provoking.

Bonnie and Clyde

NYC Award Winners

: While the Tony Awards won’t be presented until Sunday, June 8, other groups have announced their winners. These can sometimes indicate a

: Goodspeed is presenting an excellent production of , one of my favorite musicals. Now Lincoln Center has announced a revival of the show beginning in September. It will star Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Caissie Levy as Mother, and Brandon Urbanowicz as Tateh. The three were in the acclaimed NYC City Center Encores! concert in 2023.

Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

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

Calendar for the Week of May 29, 2025

An Evening of Guitar at the Blackstone

: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

Craft Night

: 7 p.m. Stony Creek Church Fellowship Hall, 192 Thimble Island Rd. Attendees will make terrariums. Cost: $30 suggested donation. Supplies and light refreshments provided. Proceeds benefit the church’s Take a Vet Fishing program. For info or to register, contact 203-4887827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.

Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe New York Times

7 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Carl Zimmer, author and columnist. For info or to register, call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

Author Event: Martha Hall Kelly in Conversation with Beatriz Williams

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club

: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Cost: $5 includes admission for one with the ticket serving as $5 coupon toward purchase of a copy of the book at the event or $30 admission for one and a copy of the book. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

The Wampanoag Legend of Baby Maushop

: 10 a.m. Munger Barn at The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. Features Robert Peters, a Native American artist and author of . His artwork will also be on exhibit and for sale in the yellow Munger Barn. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

Big Baby See

A Comedic Look at the Von Trapps

LEGACY THEATRE

Continued from page 29

The Guilford Keeping Society House Tour 2025

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Green, Broad and Whitfield streets. All tour locations are within a one-mile walking distance from the Guilford Green. Shuttle service will be available to tour book holders at stops throughout the tour area. Tickets: $40 advance purchase, $45 day of tour. For info, visit guilfordkeepingsociety.org.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia

: 1 p.m. Madison Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Rd. Running time: 215 minutes with an intermission. Shoreline Opera Club will lead a 30minute talk-back after the broadcast. For info or tickets, call 203-245-2456 or visit madisoncinemas2.com.

: 3 p.m.

Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and DiscoCactus, a collective of composers, performers, and arrangers who reimagine video game soundtracks. For info or tickets, call 203-693-1486 or visit newhavensymphony.org.

Linguistic Codebreakers: Cracking the Mystery of Pronouns

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

: 3 to 5 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features the theme of "The Fan Club." Participants can share their favorite band or artist. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Bestseller Book Club

Rabbit Moon

: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: by Jennifer Haigh. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info or to register, visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Family Astronomy Night

: 8:30 p.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by the Astronomical Society of New Haven, Shoreline Astronomical Society, and Thames Amateur Astronomical Society. Registration not required. Sponsored by the Friends of Hammonasset. Bring binoculars if preferred. Cover flashlights with red cellophane or red plastic to preserve everyone’s night vision. For info, call 203-245-8743 or visit meigspointnaturecenter.org/calendar.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Forging Bracelets Workshop

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will learn handforging techniques to transform steel into personalized bracelets. Open to all levels. Tuition: $135 for members, $150 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable to the instructor at class. For info, or to register, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Owls Among Us

: 2 p.m. Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Presented by Gwen Rice, owl rehabilitator, educator, and co-founder of Freedom First Wildlife Rehab. Free admission. For info or to register (required), visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Pride in the Park(ing Lot)

: 2 to 5 p.m. Elm City Wellness Parking Lot, 774 Orange St., New Haven. Features story time, performances, and more. For info, email elmcitywellness@gmail.com.

Hiking Ruins of Southern New England

: 4 p.m. Bishop’s Orchards, 480 New England Rd., Guilford. Presented by Connecticut state archaeologist emeritus Nick Bellantoni. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) as part of its annual meeting. Features a short business meeting of the GLCT followed by the talk and slide presentation. Open to the public. For info, contact 203-4579253 or info@guilfordlandtrust.org.

Guilford Land Trust Annual Meeting

: 4 to 6 p.m.

Bishop's Orchards Red Barn, 1355 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Features a short business meeting followed by a talk by Nick Bellantoni, past Connecticut state archeologist and author of

Hiking Ruins of Southern New England: A Guide to 40 Sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

. Rain or shine. For info, visit guilfordlandtrust.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Shoreline Opera Club Discussion of the Met in HD Live Broadcast:

Il Barbiere di Siviglia

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Open to all. For info, email MetOperaMadison@gmail.com.

Author Event: Abraham Verghese

Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $65 for members, $80 for nonmembers. For info or to register, visit gnhcc.com.

Bluegrass Jam at the Museum

WEDNESDAY,

JUNE 4

The Concept of Reincarnation and Past Lives

: 6 to 8 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. All levels welcome. Donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Shoreline Trolley Museum. For info, call 203-4676927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org. : 10 a.m. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Presented by Kristen White, mystic and shaman. 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.

Extinctopedia: A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is At Risk, and What To Do About It with Smithsonian Scientists

: 2 p.m. Online event. Book:

Extinctopedia: Discover What We have Lost, What is At Risk, and How We Can Preserve the Diversity of Our Fragile Planet

. Presented by Brian Gratwicke, a conservation biologist for the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and Gina Della Togna, executive director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a research associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.

The Covenant of Water: A Novel

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

What Do Goldfish, the CAT Scan, Ice Beer, and Computer Chips Have in Common: Cases I Have Litigated

: 7 p.m. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info, call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. :

10 a.m. Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. Presented by attorney Ethan Horwitz. 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.

: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Rd., Branford. Features a silent auction, small-plated buffet dinner, open bar, and more. The event honors Jim Sonet for his dedication to the mission of FISH to provide food to those households who are unable to access a local food pantry. Tickets: $125. For info, email mgrande2@newreach.org or visit newreach.org.

: 6 p.m. North Branford Police Station Community Room, 305 Forest Rd., Northford. Guests can enter by the right side door. Features a presentation on "Bobcats, Connecticut’s Secretive Cat" by Gail Cameron, a master wildlife conservationist volunteer with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. For info or to register, contact NBLCT at 203-4844566 or info@nblandtrust.org, or visit nblandtrust.org.

Crash Course Cooking: Pizza Making

: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

: 4 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Fabiana Papaleoni. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Voices of Italy: A Musical Exploration Across the Centuries 2025 Regional Real Estate Forum

: 4 to 7 p.m. Woodwinds, 29 School Ground Rd., Branford. Features an outlook of the economic growth in Greater New Haven. Includes a panel discussion with real estate developers who will share updates about projects already underway in the region. Sponsored by the Greater New Haven

E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Matt Yanarella. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

See page 33

New Reach Annual Auction

North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT) Annual Meeting

Sea Music Festival Returns to Essex June

The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9, offering a weekend of maritime music, history, and family-friendly fun along the Connecticut River.

The festival will feature free daytime concerts and workshops with local, regional, and international maritime performers. Highlights include a symposium on the music of the sea, a family stage, traditional sailor skill demonstrations, Irish currach rowing, and late-night chantey sings at the Griswold Inn and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. A revival-style hymn sing will take place Sunday morning.

Evening concerts at the Connecticut River Museum are ticketed events. Visitors can stroll along Main Street with an ice cream cone and enjoy sea chanteys and maritime tunes from around the globe.

For full schedule details and to purchase evening concert tickets, visit ctseamusicfest.org. The festival also shares updates on Facebook at facebook.com/CTSeaMusicFest and on Instagram @ct_sea_music_festival.

The Connecticut Sea Music Festival is organized by the Maritime Music & Tradition Society Corp., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The event is made possible by major sponsorship from Privé-Swiss, with additional support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Folk Music Society of New York, 4Imprint, the Paul Foundation, the Griswold Inn, and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.

For more information, email contact@ctsea musicfest.org.

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival

The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.

6–9

Press Release from the Connecticut Sea Music Festival

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival

The fourth annual Connecticut Sea Music Festival will return to downtown Essex Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.

Continued from page 31

Essex Historical Society to Open Pratt House for Summer Season

enjoy a special talk on blacksmithing and visit the on-site Pratt Smithy.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Guilford Community Fund (GCF) Annual Meeting

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. GCF will present the 2025 grantees with their awards. For info, email info@guilfordcommunityfund.org or visit guilfordcommunityfund.org.

Open Mic Night

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by Madison’s Poet Laurate Ed Lent. Sign-ups begin at 5:45 p.m. The first 12 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

The Poetry of Protest: Just in Case This is Not a Perfect World

: 6 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library 67 Park St. Features a discussion led by Guilford Poet Laureate Mark McGuire-Schwartz. For info or to register, call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Author Event: Sanibel in Conversation with Tory Bilski

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-2453959 or visit rjjulia.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Friday Movie Matinee

The Essex Historical Society will open the historic Pratt House for the 2025 summer season beginning Sunday, June 1. The town’s only historic house museum, Pratt House will welcome visitors on Saturdays and Sundays through September, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Trained guides will offer free tours of the 300-year-old home, giving visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich past. New this year, the museum will feature two rotating exhibit spaces showcasing artifacts and photographs from Essex’s history. The first exhibit focuses on blacksmithing, the trade of the Pratt family.

Several special events are also planned for June. The front lawn will feature Art on the Lawn: Works by Horace Miller, now on display through the end of the month. As part of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, musical performances will take place at the Pratt House on June 7 and 8.

On June 14, the museum will participate in Connecticut Open House Day, a statewide initiative encouraging residents to explore the culture and history in their own communities. That day, visitors can

The Essex Historical Society will also launch its new Connecticut History Book Club this season. In partnership with the Essex Library and the Ivoryton Library, the group’s inaugural meeting will include a discussion of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. The club will meet quarterly to explore titles that connect with local and state history.

For more information about Pratt House, upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, or the work of the Essex Historical Society, visit essexhistory.org.

The Essex Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community across Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. In addition to seasonal programming in all three villages, EHS offers guided tours of the 1732 Pratt House and maintains its library, archives, and office at Hills Academy, built in 1832. Each year, EHS collaborates with more than 30 partner organizations to deliver educational programs, walking tours, speaker series, research projects, and community events. Learn more at essexhistory.org.

Tag, Plant, and Bake Sale

: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Ln. Features household items, kitchenware, linens, jewelry, plants, decorative pots, books, homemade bakery treats, and more. Hosted by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Guild. Proceeds benefit the church mission projects at home and abroad. For info, call the church at 203-245-4145.

: 9:30 a.m. Angeloni Woodland Preserve. Hikers will begin walking the interconnected trail systems from the culde-sac on Chestnut Grove Road in Guilford. Hosted by the North Branford Land Conservation Trust. Led by Frank Angeloni and David Bell. For info, email info@nblandtrust.org or visit nblandtrust.org/events.

: 10 to

11:30 a.m. Meet at the Sullivan Drive entrance to the East River Preserve, 55 Sullivan Dr., Guilford. Some portions of the planned route are steep, so hiking shoes/boots and poles are recommended. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT President Janet Ainsworth. For info, text 203-530-7826 or visit guilfordlandtrust.org.

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Church Tag Sale

: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham. Outdoor tables will have records, tapes, CDs, books, pictures and frames, baskets, electronics, sporting equipment, and miscellaneous tag sale items. Indoor tables will have clothing, toys, jewelry, china, linens, kitchen supplies, craft supplies, and more. Rain or shine. For info, contact 860-3493058 or maryellend1947@comcast.net.

Church Tag Sale To Have and Have More: A Novel

: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. John's Episcopal Church, 3 Trumbull Pl., North Haven. Features household items, toys, and more. For info, contact 203-2390156 or office@stjohns-northhaven.org.

: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Islands Rd. Features strawberry shortcake, homemade biscuits, berries, and freshly whipped cream. A lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages will also be available for purchase. For info, contact 203488-7827 or admin@stonycreekchurchct.org.

: Noon. Meet at The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven, for a scenic ride to the trailhead. In celebration of National Trails Day. Co-sponsored by the Shoreline Greenway Trail and The Shore Line Trolley Museum. Free admission. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.

Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Karen

: 1 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Book:

The Emancipation of Hannah Faythe Winslow: A Woman's Journey in Colonial America

. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Photo courtesy of the Essex Historical Society

The Essex Historical Society will open the historic Pratt House for the 2025 summer season beginning Sunday, June 1.

Trails Day Walk at Angeloni Woodland Preserve

Nut Plains Woods Trails Day Hike

Stony Creek Strawberry Festival

Guided Walk at Beacon Hill, Branford

Warfield

A Musical Tribute to Stephen Schwartz

Madison Lyric Stage will celebrate the music of legendary composer Stephen Schwartz with , a concert running June 20 to 22 under the theater tent on the grounds of the historic Deacon John Grave House.

We’ve Got Magic to Do: The Music of Stephen Schwartz

The performance will feature a cast of eight vocalists and a live band, performing selections from Schwartz’s most iconic works, including , , and , as well as music from his acclaimed film scores for and

Wicked Pippin Godspell The Hunchback of Notre Dame The Prince of Egypt

The show highlights more than five decades of Schwartz’s contributions to American musical theater, with familiar favorites such as “All Good Gifts,” “Corner of the Sky,” “Day by Day,” “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” “Meadowlark,” “Magic to Do,” “Morning Glow,” and “Popular.”

“We are thrilled to honor Stephen Schwartz, whose extraordinary contributions have profoundly shaped the world of musical theater,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. “Our production will celebrate his enduring legacy, and we invite everyone to join us for a night of unforgettable performances.”

The concert is directed by Deaton, with musical direction by Nathaniel Baker.

Show The Baker’s Wife Working Rags Children of Eden Pocahontas The Hunchback of Notre Dame Enchanted

Schwartz’s Broadway credits also include , , , , and . He has collaborated with composer Alan Menken on scores for Disney films including , , and . His accolades include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. He is a member of both the Theater Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Performances will be held Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Deacon John Grave House, 581 Boston Post Road. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at madisonlyricstage.org.

The 2025 season will continue with Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus in July and August, followed by Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium in September.

Continued from page 33

Summer Crafts with Natalie: Wood Decoupage and Paint Summer Sign

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For adults. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Public Stargazing Night

: 7 p.m. Young’s Park, 60 Blackstone Ave., Branford. Free admission and parking. Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of New Haven. Open to all. For info, directions, or cancellation notices due to clouds or weather, call 866-808-ASNH or visit asnh.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

The Women of '76

: 2 p.m. Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Features a portrayal of five women who witnessed the American Revolution and

John Grave House.

Madison Lyric Stage is a professional non-Equity theater company that presents accessible, inclusive, and affordable opera, musical theater, and drama to the Connecticut shoreline. It is supported in part by The Commu-

changed the course of history. Presented by actor Rita Parisi. Free admission. Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 24. For info or to register (required), visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Concert by the Shoreline Soul Community Choral

3 p.m. First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Led by professional singer Angela Clemmons. For info, contact 203-619-1415 or shorelinesoul@gmail.com.

Community Concert by the Stony Creek Singers

4 p.m. Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Islands Rd. Features , a 7-movement work that recounts the history of Stony Creek, and other works. For info, visit stonycreeksingers.org.

In Some Chosen Place

Madison ABC Annual Meeting

: 4 p.m. Madison Surf Club, address: 13 Surf Club Rd. Honors the Daniel Hand High School class of 2025, with a tribute to Kenny Carter, who will be attending Union College in the fall. Keynote speaker: Marvin Walker, a 2005 Madison ABC alumnus

nity Foundation for Greater New Haven, Guilford Savings Bank, The Madison Foundation, the Madison Rotary Foundation, and the Connecticut Office of the Arts. For more information, visit madisonlyricstage.org.

and current regional director for math at KIPP NYC. Open to the public. For info, email madisonabcevents@gmail.com or visit madisonabc.org/events.

Third Annual ChoralFest

: 4 p.m. First Congregational Church, 26 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Features 100 voices from area church choirs accompanied by piano, organ, and a 20-piece orchestra. Participants will include choirs from Madison, North Madison, Guilford, North Guilford, Clinton, Westbrook, North Haven, and East Haven. Free but donations are welcome. For info, contact Nathan Bayreuther at 203-245-2739, ext. 14, or nbayreuther@fccmadison.org.

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The Magic

Press Release from Madison Lyric Stage

Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage

Madison Lyric Stage will celebrate the music of legendary composer Stephen Schwartz with We’ve Got Magic to Do: The Music of Stephen Schwartz, a concert running June 20 to 22 under the theater tent on the grounds of the historic Deacon

ChoralFest 2025 Brings Together 100 Voices for Sacred Music Celebration

Press Release from the First Congregational Church of Madison

Music at the Meetinghouse, a concert series presented by the First Congregational Church of Madison, will host its third annual ChoralFest on Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m. The sacred music festival will feature 100 voices from area church choirs performing individual anthems and three combined pieces, accompanied by piano, organ, and a string orchestra.

Held in the church’s historic Meetinghouse, ChoralFest is free and open to the public, with donations welcome.

First launched in 2023, ChoralFest was created to bring together church choirs following years of pandemic-related separation. The inaugural festival was a success, and last year’s event filled the sanctuary with nearly 130 singers and a 20-piece orchestra.

Continued from page 34

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

ChoralFest will feature 100 voices from area church

New Haven Museum

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

Enduring Creativity: Celebrating 125 Years of the New Haven Paint & Clay Club

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

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery

: 1004

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

Branford High School Art Show Spring 2025 Art Show

: Runs through May 27. : Runs May 29 through June 30.

Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) West Gallery

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

Vibrant Vision of Painter Howard Fussiner

: Runs through Aug. 31.

Guilford Art Center (GAC)

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

Dear Mother

: Runs through June 1.

James Blackstone Memorial Library Upper Rotunda Gallery

: 758 Main St., Branford: For info, call 203-4881441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval

: Runs through June 30.

Kehler Liddell Gallery

: 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven: For info, visit shorelinearts.org.

IMAGES 2025 Photography Competition

: Runs Aug. 2 through Aug. 24.

“This is an opportunity for church choirs of varying skill levels and sizes to come together in a spirit of unity to sing and support each other,” said Nathan Bayreuther, director of music ministry at the First Congregational Church of Madison. “It’s a real thrill for everyone, especially when they have the chance to sing with professional instrumentalists.”

Participating choirs represent congregations from Madison, North Madison, Guilford, North Guilford, Clinton, Westbrook, North Haven, and East Haven. The event celebrates sacred choral music across denominations and encourages fellowship through music.

ChoralFest will take place at the First Congregational Church, 26 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison. For more information, visit fccmadison.org.

Theater

Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny:

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

Long Days:

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Keyes Gallery

: Runs through June 28. : Runs through February 2026. :

The Missing Pictures: Photographs by Sean Kernan

146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek: For info, call 203488-8702 or visit wwml.org/gallery. : Runs through May 26.

Yale University Art Gallery

Farmers Market

Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds

David Goldblatt: No Ulterior Motive:

: 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, call 203-432-0600 or visit artgallery.yale.edu/visit/exhibitions. Runs through June 22

Music

Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:

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

The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Runs June 12 through June 29. For info, call 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org. : 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 23 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordfair.org.

Madison Farmers’ Market

: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.

The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market

17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org. First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum: The Wharf:

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

: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 7 through October. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/farmers-market.

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.

Photo courtesy of the First Congregational Church of Madison

choirs.

The 2025 Beacon Award winners will be celebration with a special dinner at The Woodwinds on October 14.

Presented by:

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Staff Report

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