Issuu

June 18, 2026

Branford, North Branford & Northford

Vol. XXX Iss. 25

Branford High School Graduates Class of 2026

Staff Report

For the second consecutive year, Branford High School seniors crossed the graduation stage on their home turf rather than the Branford Green as the Class of 2026 celebrated commencement June 10.

A total of 182 graduates received diplomas during a ceremony held on the high school’s

turf field. Family members, friends, faculty, and school officials gathered to mark the milestone and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class.

Graduation traditionally takes place on the Branford Green, but the ceremony was moved to the high school in 2025 because of the town’s downtown reconstruction project. Construction delays kept the ceremony on

David Negron: Honoring Chloe by Helping Families

By Pam Young

Correspondent

When David and Rennie Negron were trying to find a gait trainer for their daughter Chloe, they were told it could take six months to a year.

Without it, Chloe could not safely walk or return to school.

“We were led on a quest to search for a gait trainer,” David says. “It was so hard to access through the typical channels.”

That experience — repeated again and again as Chloe’s illness progressed — eventually led the Guilford family to help create Chloe’s Closet, a pediatric medical equipment program designed to support families caring for medically fragile or disabled children.

“Her life will always be a reminder of community love and support,” David says.

Chloe’s Closet was established through a partnership between the Negron family and Guilford Interfaith Volunteers following the death of David and Rennie’s daughter, Chloe, in 2025 after living with juvenile Tay-Sachs disease. The program

Person of the Week

provides gently used pediatric durable medical equipment to families across Connecticut, helping connect children with items that are often expensive, difficult to obtain, or urgently needed.

For David and Rennie, the mission is deeply personal.

Born in New Haven in July 2018, Chloe initially met all of her developmental milestones and was, according to David, “a healthy child” who loved music, coloring, painting, and spending time with family and friends. In 2022, however, David and Rennie began noticing changes in Chloe’s speech and motor skills.

“The changes we were seeing gradually led us to search for answers and the results shocked us to our core,” David says.

Eventually, doctors diagnosed

Chloe with juvenile Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects brain and nerve function.

As Chloe’s condition progressed, the family found themselves navigating not only the emotional realities of a terminal illness, but also the practical challenges of obtaining specialized medical equipment quickly enough to meet her changing needs.

“The constant theme was that we were trying to get access to appropriate equipment so she could be a child, be with her family and friends, go outside and be safe,” David says.

After Chloe’s death in 2025, David and Rennie began thinking about how many other families were facing similar struggles.

“So many other families have the same kind of story,” David says. “They have children who are medically fragile or disabled and it is so hard to get the necessary equipment.”

That experience eventually led the family to Guilford Interfaith Volunteers and its existing medical

See David Negron page 4

Photo courtesy of David Negron

After losing their daughter Chloe to Tay-Sachs disease, David and Rennie Negron helped establish Chloe's Closet to support other families facing similar challenges.

“Having four wins more than last year was a

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Letters Editor to

the

Ill-Conceived and Shortsighted

The proposed projects for the Mary R. Tisko and Mary T. Murphy schools seem both ill-conceived and shortsighted. Both identical schools have courtyard-enclosed plans that are resistant to simple, thoughtful or elegant additions. Further, each site, especially Murphy, is already overcrowded for recreation and parking. These wonderful schools are complete as they are and serve their local communities very well.

The Sliney School, likewise, is a town treasure: large, historic, centrally located and readily adaptable for creative, contemporary reuse (elevator, accessibility, asbestos remediation and energy-producing innovation). A footbridge could connect it safely to the vast resources of Hammer Field and to the

Community House. Sliney should not be consigned to the education wastebin because of the “inconvenience” of having to relocate students during construction, because of the reported, completely outlandish estimate for its renewal (more than $130 million), or because state aid is an artificial inducement to consolidate educational facilities. Further study would confirm the economy of its renewal. Branford is well served by our two newer existing elementary schools. Renovation and rebirth of Sliney would connect our past with our future in a way most beneficial to our early learners and to our taxpayers.

Peter Jackson Branford

David Negron: Honoring Chloe by Helping Families

Continued from page 2

equipment initiative, Charlie’s Closet, which provides gently used equipment for adults.

“Our family reached out to Charlie’s Closet to explore what we saw as a natural fit for modeling a pediatric version of that closet,” David says.

The result was Chloe’s Closet, which operates through Guilford Interfaith Volunteers and is led by co-directors Christi Burton and Tony Sicignano. David says the Negron family’s role has been helping provide insight into the needs families experience while caring for children with serious illnesses and disabilities.

“The one thing I want to be upfront about is that we’re doing this with the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers who are leading this initiative,” David says. “Our participation is the knowledge and understanding we have about what families need.”

Located at 55 Park St. on the Guilford Green, Chloe’s Closet offers equipment including gait trainers, wheelchairs, bath chairs, and other pediatric mobility and safety devices donated by families and organizations across the state. Families can browse available equipment through an online inventory system and schedule pickups during open hours.

“As parents who were taking care of a child with a rare disease, the only time we had to check emails was at night,” David says. “The online inventory and process is helpful for these reasons.”

David says one of the family’s goals has

been creating a space that feels welcoming and supportive rather than clinical or overwhelming.

“We want to be there to support these children and their families and to say that the community understands what they’re going through,” he says.

The response from Guilford and surrounding communities has been encouraging, according to David, both through equipment donations and broader public support.

“These are extraordinary kids and families,” he says. “The support from the community has been remarkable.”

That support will continue June 6, when the St. George Men’s Group hosts its annual international food fair to benefit Chloe’s Closet. The event will feature cuisine representing more than 13 countries, with proceeds supporting the growing equipment program.

“Rennie and I are grateful,” David says. “It really is a testament to how strong this community is.”

Today, David continues balancing family life, his work overseeing a master’s program at the Yale School of Management focused on training K-12 education leaders, and ongoing advocacy connected to medically fragile children and rare diseases.

Still, he says Chloe remains at the center of the work.

“So many people came together to support us during Chloe’s illness,” David says. “We will support other families in her honor through Chloe’s Closet.”

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Alicia Gomez Assistant Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Staff Reporter

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin Staff Reporter

Editorial Staff

Obituaries

Obituary

James Killelea

Branford

James “Jim” Kieran Killelea, 85, of Branford, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on Nov. 5, 1940, in Queens, N.Y., to Thomas Joseph and Mary Kelley Killelea. An only child, Jim was doted on by his aunts Margaret, Rose, and Bessie. He grew up on 116th Street in the Rockaway Beach neighborhood of Queens, where he developed his lifelong love for the ocean: In high school, he was a member of the swim team and a lifeguard. He rooted for the Brooklyn Dodgers (later, his beloved Mets). He attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic Elementary School in Belle Harbor, Queens, and St. Augustine High School in Park Slope, Brooklyn. He excelled in the classroom, particularly in history, and was a Regents Scholar upon his graduation from St. Augustine’s.

was a longtime member of the Branford YMCA, where he could be found spinning, swimming, or chatting most days of the week.

Jim was as devoted a grandfather as he was a father. From the moment his first grandchild was born, “Pop” was a consistent, loving presence. Baptisms, birthday parties, graduations: Jim celebrated them all. His grandchildren remember fondly camping, hiking, and swimming with him in Maine, Vermont, and Branford. Jim traveled countless miles to watch his grandchildren play in games in New England, New York, and beyond. They will miss seeing Pop in the stands.

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Jim graduated from Yale University in 1962. There, he joined the St. Thomas More Society, a membership he kept for the rest of his life. During college summers, Jim worked as a garbage man for the New York City Department of Sanitation, a coveted job hauling away trash on the Rockaway beaches. He received a J.D. from New York University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Jim practiced law in Connecticut and then joined Travelers Insurance Co., where he worked from 1970 to 1986 in the Law Department. He then became vice president, general counsel of Home Insurance Co. and later senior vice president, general counsel of Crum and Forster Insurance Co.

Jim’s family was the core and heart of his life. He met Mary-Rita Curran, the love of his life, on a blind date and in 1969, they married, spending many happy years in West Hartford, raising their four children. In 1991, he and Mary-Rita moved to Branford, where they spent the next 35 years. Jim served on several town committees, including the Inland Wetlands Committee and the Building Committee, and

Yale and New Haven were special places for Jim: He was a loyal Bulldog. He served on the board of the Yale Club of New Haven, hosting their annual Yale-Harvard hockey event, and took classes on campus during his retirement. He remained close friends with his fellow alumni Bob Oliver and Ed Sheehy. He enjoyed introducing his grandchildren to hockey games at the Whale, football games at the Bowl, and lunches at Mory’s.

Jim is survived by his wife, MaryRita, and his four children: Brigid Killelea and her husband, Chad Czapla, of Fairfield, Anne Killelea of Stamford, James (Erin) Killelea of West Hartford, and Megan Killelea and her former husband, Jeremy Klatell, of Westchester, N.Y. He also leaves behind his grandchildren — each a source of tremendous joy: Gertie, Franny, and Luke Czapla; Maggie, Tommy, and Michael Killelea; and Jack, Benji, and Julian Klatell; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Peter and Dorothy Curran, and Joe and Lisa Curran, will also miss his deep kindness, sharp wit, and wonderful sense of humor.

Relatives and friends were invited to a visitation on June 12 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, and attended a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial June 13 at St. John Bosco Parish in St. Mary Church in Branford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale and the Branford Community Foundation.

See Obituaries page 6

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Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

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

SPRING COMFORT

Walter Albert Gay, 90, died peacefully at his home in Branford on June 4, Somerville, Mass., on Jan. 16, 1936, a son of

bachelor’s degree from Boston College, his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of New Hampshire. He worked as a research chemist for Olin Corp./Arch Chemicals Corp. from 1969 to 1999, where he was an acclaimed scientist and the recipient of 29 U.S. patents. He was also a professor of organic chemistry at Southern Connecticut State University from 1970

Walter was an active volunteer in his community and received many awards

and accolades for his work, including being the founding director of the “ScienceQuest” Fair for elementary school children in Cheshire, co-founder of the Olin Corp. chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society, chairman of the Cheshire Public Safety Commission, and director of the Cheshire, then Branford, Education Foundation. He was always ready for an adventure and traveled extensively after retirement.

In 1964, Walter married Virginia (Ahern) Gay, and they raised their family in Cheshire. After Ginny passed away, Walter married Betsy in 1995, and they later moved to Branford.

In addition to his wife, Betsy, Walter is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Scribner (Dennis) of Paradise Valley, Ariz., and Carolyn Claussen (Brian) of Bedford, N.H.; his grandchildren: Matthew (Emily), Ryan, and Catie Scribner, Juwon DelRio, and Samantha and Thomas Claussen; his great-grandchildren, Miles and Mason Scribner; his sister, Claire Norris of Norton, Mass.; his many nieces and nephews; his

stepchildren, Gary Clark (Laura) of Johnson, Vt., Stuart Clark (Donna) of Killingworth, and Peter Clark (Michelle Fucci) of Branford; stepson-in-law Erik Hobbie of Exeter, N.H.; eight stepgrandchildren; and one step-greatgrandchild. He was predeceased by his siblings, Frank, Bill, John, and Marguerite Gay and Germaine Robillard; and his stepdaughter, Alison Hobbie. All will miss the twinkle in his eye and his slightly mischievous nature. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

Relatives and friends were June 11 to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main St., Branford. Burial at Hillside Cemetery, Cheshire, will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org/donate) or the American Parkinson Disease Association (support.apdaparkinson.org).

Iggy and His Piggy Toes

Story by Carol Andrecs

When a cat with a very injured paw was rescued by Forgotten Felines earlier this year, the person feeding him mentioned another injured cat that needed help but was rarely around. We of course said we would take him, and not too long afterwards, Iggy showed up with what looked like severe wounds around his neck. What a sweetheart he turned out to be. He is quite the talker, especially around meal and treat time. After all, when he was rescued he was wandering outside hungry, looking for a warm place to sleep. Iggy is the total package with his sleek black fur, extra piggy toes and adorable personality. Could you give this precious boy a loving home? Come meet Iggy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

: Forgotten Felines holds an Open House every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facil-

much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.

Photo by Stephanie Buske

Obituaries Continued from page 6

Obituary

Bruce Fazekas

Branford

Bruce M. Fazekas, 74, of Branford, passed away on May 25, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in New Haven on Nov. 10, 1951, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Helen Fazekas.

A graduate of Branford High School, Bruce attended the University of Miami before returning to Branford to work alongside his father at Fazekas Construction. He later spent 29 years working for the phone company. He was a longtime member of the Eel Pot Golf League and Setback League.

He leaves behind his loving children, Christopher Fazekas, Emilie Austin and her husband, Matthew, and Max Fazekas and his wife, Olivia. Bruce was also a proud grandfather to Oliver and

Georgia Austin, and Lily Fazekas, who brought him immense joy. Bruce also leaves behind his former wife and the mother of their children, Wendy Fazekas; her mother, Norma Cramer; his brother, Joe (Caroline) Fazekas; his sisters, Judy Amarante and Laurie Devito and her husband, David; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. As a lifelong resident of Branford, Bruce also leaves behind many close friends who will miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends were invited to a visitation on June 5 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, and his Mass of Christian Burial on June 6 at St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital, 35 Park St., New Haven, CT 06519. For directions and an online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.

Obituary Jeffrey Clark Branford

Jeffrey Chapin Clark, born June 20, 1947, passed away peacefully in his home Sept. 24, 2025. Please join our family in a Celebration of Life for Jeff Clark at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guests are welcome to bring a photo or a story to share.

The Northford Community Church, 4 Old Post Road, offers weekly church service on Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 203-484-0795 or visit northfordcongregational.church. Come for Sunday Service

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Branford

Be it ordained that the Municipal Code of the Town of Branford has been amended to add a new “Ordinance maintaining all Private Fire Hydrants” and “Ordinance that all fire life safety systems be inspected as required by Connecticut Fire Code” as approved by the Branford Representative Town Meeting on February 11, 2026, and is on file in the Branford Town Clerk’s office and www.branford-ct.gov.

Dated at Branford, Connecticut on this 8th day of June, 2026.

Robert W. Siegrist III, CCTC

Branford Town Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday June 4, 2026 the following actions were taken:

1. Application #26-14 Special Exception for an oversized accessory Structure located at 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

2. Application #26-17 Special Exception for a home occupation located at 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

C. Andres, Chairperson F. Russo Secretary

TOWN OF BRANFORD TAXPAYERS

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Pine Orchard Association district 5, resident, and non-resident, that the property tax is due July 1, 2026. Tax payments should be made payable to the Pine Orchard Association and may be mailed to:

The Pine Orchard Association 180 Pine Orchard Road Branford, CT 064105

Taxpayers who have not received a bill by July 1, should contact the Pine Orchard Office by email, at om@poa-ct.org or phone at 203-488-1580 or mail for a duplicate bill since failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax and respective penalties, should the account become delinquent.

Unpaid taxes not in our mailbox at 180 Pine Orchard Road by August 1, 2026, will be considered delinquent. On that date interest will be charged from the original due date of July 1, 2026, with a minimal charge of $5.00. Interest is charged at a rate of 9% per year in accordance with the POA Charter.

George O-Dowd

Tax Collector

Pine Orchard Association

NOTICE OF TAXES DUE TOWN OF BRANFORD TAXPAYERS

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Branford, residents and non-residents, that the 1ST INSTALLMENT for Real Estate Tax, Personal Property Tax, and the one installment for Motor Vehicle Taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2025, are due JULY 1, 2026, and payable by AUGUST 3, 2026.

Tax payments should be made payable to “Tax Collector, Town of Branford” and may be mailed to:

Tax Collector, Town of Branford DEPT# 000303 P.O. Box 1380 HARTFORD, CT 06104-1380

Payments may also be made online at www.branford-ct.gov or in person between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at the Tax Office in the Town Hall located at 1019 Main Street Branford Ct. 06405

Taxpayers who have not received a bill should contact the Tax Office for a duplicate bill since failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax and respective penalties should the account become delinquent. C.G.S. Sec 12-130

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

Robert M Imperato Tax Collector Town of Branford

WPCA LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF BRANFORD WPCA SEWER UTILITY USE FEE NOTICE

DUE DATE July 1, 2026

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Branford, resident and non-resident, that the WPCA SEWER UTILITY USE FEE BILLS will be due on July 1, 2026.

Bills become delinquent after August 3, 2026, and shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.50 percent per month and SHALL incur a lien fee. THERE IS A MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE OF $2.00 ON ANY DELINQUENT SEWER USE FEE.

Please mail or bring a copy of your Real Estate /Sewer Utility invoices when making payments.

Real Estate /Sewer Utility payments should be made payable to “Tax Collector Town of Branford” and may be mailed to:

Tax Collector, Town of Branford DEPT. 000303 P O BOX 1380

HARTFORD, CT 06104-1380

Payments may also be made in person between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at the Tax Office in the Town Hall located at 1019 Main Street Branford Ct.

Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax and respective penalties should the account become delinquent.

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

Robert M Imperato

Tax Collector Town of Branford

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 Tuesday, June 23, 2026- SPECIAL MEETING at 7:00 PM by remote technology to consider the applications listed below. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the Commission’s meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

1. Application PZ#26-20 Special Exception for a change of use to Limited Retail located 1032-1064 Main Street.

Heather Rumore -Applicant 1064 Main St. LLC (JFA Management)-Owner

2. Application PZ#26-18 Special Exception for a Hospital & Grading (Sec. 6.8) located at 596,612,616 East Main Street. Wayne Cooke(Trustee of F.C. Cooke Trust)-Applicant & Owner of 596 East Main St. Wayne Cooke & Kathryn Marie Cooke-Applicants & Owners of 612 East Main St. NFW AssociatesApplicants & Owners of 616 East Main St.

3. Application PZ#26-21 Special Exception for a Retail Store located at 16 Business Park Drive. SZ & I LLC- Applicant & Owner

4. Application PZ#26-23 Zoning Map Amendment -Add personal services, medical, and Indoor recreation uses to the PDD located at 17-29 South Main Street. Paul Kuriakose-Applicant. 17-29 South Main Street LLC-Owner

5. Application PZ#26-25 Special Exception for the demo and construction of a new single family home located at 3 Waverly Park Road. Jennifer Katz- Applicant & Owner.

6. Application PZ#26-28 Special Exception for Fast Food with no drive in (Coffee Truck) located at 235 North Main Street.

Nicole Edwards-Applicant. Conlin & Clark #1 LLC- Owner

7. Application PZ#26-29 Special Exception for an Art/Studio Gallery (&selling merchandise) located at 554-560 Main Street.

Maria Barletta-Applicant. 554 Main Street LLC-Owner

8. Application PZ#26-27 PDD Modification (Zoning Map Amendment) of bulk requirements for Electric Car Chargers located at 22 Leetes Island Road. Jeff Holland-Applicant. Fusco-Shiller Branford Associates LLC-Owners.

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 High School Graduates Class of 2026

Continued from page 1

commencement speaker.

As graduates celebrated the end of their high school careers, many were preparing for the next phase of their education and professional lives.

According to information previously presented to the Branford Board of Edu-

cation, approximately 80% of the Class of 2026 plans to attend a college or university during the 2026-27 academic year. Of those students, 67% will pursue bachelor’s degrees and 13% will seek associate’s degrees. Other graduates plan to enter the workforce, attend career or trade schools, take gap years, or pursue other opportunities.

School officials have said members of the Class of 2026 will continue their education at institutions throughout Connecticut, across the United States, and in Canada. The University of Connecticut is expected to enroll the largest number of Branford graduates next year, followed by Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven.

Students from the graduating class will pursue studies in a variety of fields, including business, medicine, engineering, social work, counseling, and psychology. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas, officially marking the transition of Branford High School’s Class of 2026 from students to alumni.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Branford High School held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, June 10, at the high school. Student speakers included Sofia Bobko, Abigail Smith, Megan Paul, Shannon Carey, Nate Durante, Bidhee Thapa, Aziley Crespo, Dylan Hall, Salutatorian Emilia Jeffery, and Valedictorian Tate Jones.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

You’re Invited to

THE 2026

Shore Publishing’s annual Beacon Awards recognize outstanding individuals who selflessly step up to help fulfill the Shoreline community’s promise as a place of opportunity, well-being, and safety for all.

Each year we recognize, honor, and thank these distinguished members of the community for all they do at a dinner and celebration event.

THE WOODWINDS

29 SCHOOL GROUND ROAD • BRANFORD

$85.00 PER PERSON

$50 PER PERSON FOR PREVIOUS BEACON AWARDS WINNERS

Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and your choice of entrée.

Ticket purchase deadline is June 18th, 2026. Purchase tickets at beaconawardsct.com/tickets

Meghan Abate (North Branford) | Jean Cotter (Branford) | Lee Cotter (Branford) Congratulations to our 2026 Honorees

Joseph Secki (Killingworth) | Laura Downes (Madison) | Virginia Baltay (Guilford)

Tristan Kiekel (North Branford) | Kyle Miller (East Haven)

Nancy Gray (North Haven) | Catherine Cook (Old Saybrook)

Nancy Morin (Old Saybrook) | Judy Morelli (East Haven)

Jennifer McNabola (Branford) | Colleen Cummings (Madison)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Eileen C. Greco, AKA Eileen DeGregorio (26-00168)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated June 4, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Shari Moon, Chief Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Allison Greco, 4 Dogwood Ct., Branford, CT 06405

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission at its June 4, 2026 Regular Meeting:

A. APPROVED: Appl. #2026-4, Special Use Permit for 36 Woods Hill Road for construction of an oversized detached garage (46’ x 36’, 1697 sf) for vehicle storage and workshop area. Owner: Traci Planinshek/ Applicant: White Engineering

B. APPROVED - EFFECTIVE DATE OF JUNE 20, 2026: Appl. #2026-1 – Zoning Text Amendment to update Schedule A – Table of Uses, revise Restaurant regulations. Applicant: North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission

C. TABLED TO JULY 9, 2026 MEETING: Appl. #2026-5, Site Plan for 1289 Foxon Road for security lighting, landscaping, removal of drive-thru bypass lane island, and elevation changes for new bank tenant fit-out. Owner: April Acres/1289 Foxon Rd LLC/Applicant: Kimberly Keene, PE Consulting Corp.

Robert Nowak, Chairman

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Fun By The Numbers

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

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

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

Hornets Boys Lacrosse Find Success in Postseason

By Serenity J. Bishop

consistency, grit and resilience, the Branford Hornets found their groove this season and continued their development.

The Hornets finished the regular season 12-4, which included a five-game winning streak and a seven-game winning streak. Branford advanced to the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament as the sixth seed and also qualified for the Class M State Tournament for the second consecutive season.

In the first round of the state tournament, the seventh-seeded Branford Hornets defeated 10th-seeded Waterford, 9-2. The team then advanced to the quarterfi-

matched by the Rebels.

“It was not the result that we hoped for,” May said. “However, it was great to see the guys work as hard as they did for four quarters.”

The work the Hornets put in all season was not only displayed in the state tournament, but was also recognized by the conference, as several players received individual honors.

Four players represented Branford on the Division II All-SCC team.

At attack, Nicholas Panuccio of Branford joined Finn Purcell of Hamden, Tanner DelVecchio of Lyman Hall, Kellan

Hamden, and Alex Testani of Foran.

Braedon Jenkins of Foran was the lone midfielder selected, while Branford’s Trent Tracy earned recognition as the conference’s faceoff specialist. Allan Hatfield of Shelton was named the long-stick midfielder, and Branford’s Trey Wanerka joined Connor Wells of Lyman Hall as the goalkeepers selected.

May said that when it comes to the season overall, he was pleased with how the group performed both individually and collectively.

“Naturally, every team at the beginning of each year expects to win the league and

get back to work next year.

“Having four wins more than last year was a big step, and having 10 wins more than two years ago is huge,” he said. “These kids are working hard, and it shows. The biggest thing about this team is the family dynamics and how much fun they have playing together. We are definitely all looking to improve for next season and hopefully take it one step further.”

The Hornets will return much of their roster next season. The senior class includes Connor Fiengo, Caden Dombrowski, Hunter Ljunggren, Keagan Walsh, Ryan Kavanaugh and Trent Tracy.

Photo courtesy of Jim May

The Hornets finished the regular season 12-4, which included a five-game win streak and a seven-game win streak.

Sports Editor

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

Everyone agreed the weather was the best of the season for the Deep River Horseshoe League, and it was reflected in the scoring. The weekly team average was 262 points, up from last week’s 256. Twenty-four players improved their scores in one or more of the six statistical categories tracked during the season.

Headlines: The White Sox stunned the Cards with a sweep and increased their first-place lead to three games; the Braves scored 309 points and vaulted into second place by sweeping the Mets; and the Rangers scored 309 points in a 4-2 win over the Yankees.

The White Sox knew their hold on first place could be in jeopardy as they faced Kris Toohey’s Cards. The handicap favored the Cards in four of the six games, and they would also need to take advantage of their seven-point handicap in the A/B games, which pitted two of the league’s top-scoring duos against one another.

In game one, it came down to the final box, and Kyle Wilson’s ringer gave the White Sox a onepoint win. In the first A/B game, Brady Miller and Bob Beckwith outscored Kris Toohey and Todd Nuhn 65-61 for the victory. The Cards held a four-point lead but failed to score in the final box of game three, losing by one point. The Sox took the lead in the fifth box of game four and held on for the win. In the second A/B game, the White Sox used their handicap for a two-point victory before closing the match with a doubledigit win in game six.

In their head-to-head matchups, Toohey and Nuhn went 4-4 against Miller and Beckwith, but the total scoring favored the White Sox 234-223. Bob Beckwith’s 122-point series was the top B Division score.

The Mets’ Mark Goodale hoped to keep his score within single digits in his matchup with Braves star Frank Rausch. Emily Taylor subbed for Deb Scully. Rausch’s 42 points led to an easy win in game one. The Mets looked to capitalize on their eight-point handicap in game two and held a

the second-leading B Division score.

The maximum handicap in the match was four points in four games, split evenly between the two teams, while the remaining two games had no handicap. The Rangers were outscored 4-2 in the final box of game one and lost by one point. Yankees’ Vinny Jonynas scored 39 points in game two to give New York its second win. Gerry Hines teamed with Durinick for 53 points and a Rangers victory. In game four, Furmonavicius matched Dennis Allen’s score, while Durinick defeated Jonynas 28-16 in game five and 28-20 in game six to give the Rangers a 4-2 victory. Hines’ 76-point series was the secondleading C Division score.

Both Chip Goodrich’s Reds and Skip Robinson’s Pirates are tied for the league’s fewest ringers, but they rank first and second in scoring percentage, have the fewest opens, and are tied for the most clean games. Goodrich and Robinson both score on roughly 70 percent of the shoes they throw and rank among the top three for fewest opens.

one-point lead entering the ninth box. Rausch’s double in the ninth gave the Braves the lead and ultimately a two-point win.

Mike Beckwith single-handedly outscored the Mets in games three and six. In game four, the Mets led entering the final two boxes but were outscored 8-3 and lost by five points. The best game of the match proved to be another heartbreak for the Mets. With the handicap, the game was tied entering the final box, but they were outscored 7-6 and lost by one point.

Rausch had three games in the 40s on his way to the night’s top score of 166. Beckwith’s 103-point series was the third-leading B Division score. Rausch and Beckwith increased their average to 245 points per week. Their 309point total marked the third time this season they surpassed 300 points, and they lead the league with a team average of 281 points per week.

Often, when a player struggles to score, they seek advice from their peers. Peter Furmonavicius must have listened, as he

recorded a season-best 116-point series, while teammate John Durinick posted a season-best 117-point series that ranked as

While Goodrich edged Robinson in game one, Gary Stevens’ points earned the Pirates the win. The Reds’ lone victories came by double digits in games two and five. Brian Walsh’s 30 points in game three were a season best. Walsh and Stevens each recorded a ringer in the seventh box of the final game to help secure another Pirates win. The Pirates claimed the match 4-2. Stevens’ 100-point series was a season best and topped the C Division. It was his first 100-point series since May 26, 2022, and he also recorded three clean games.

John Sciacca’s goal for the

See White Sox page 22

Photo courtesy of Joseph Heery

Mike Beckwith of the Braves is the B player and teams with Frank Rausch. They are the leading scoring duo in the league averaging 245 points a week.

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

Continued from page 21

D’backs is to match some of the strengths displayed by the Reds and Pirates by reducing opens and improving scoring percentage. They faced Jeremy Davis’s Dodgers, with the maximum handicap set at one point in four games, all favoring the D’backs. The remaining two games were even.

The D’backs raced out to wins in the first three games. John O’Brien’s scoring made the difference in game one, while Butch Carotenuto proved to be the difference in games two and three. Game four illustrated exactly what Sciacca hopes to eliminate, as the D’backs recorded three straight opens and scored on fewer than 50 percent of their shoes. Davis’s 35 points led the Dodgers to victory. The teams split the final two games, giving the D’backs a 4-2 match win. O’Brien’s 75-point series tied for the third-highest C Division score. Five of the six games were decided by more than five points.

John Hutra’s Marlins won the first three games against Sue Pollard’s Rockies. After the opening four boxes of game one, they led by 14 points. After four boxes of

game two, they held a 10-point lead. In game three, the Rockies managed only three points over the final four boxes.

The Rockies rebounded to win the next two games. Pollard’s 33 points led the way in game four, while game five was a scratch game that turned on Warren Bellows’ double in the tenth box for a fourpoint victory. The Marlins again took an early lead in game six and held on for the win to secure the 4-2 match victory. Leif Selander’s season-best 75-point series tied for the third-highest C Division score.

Each team used a substitute when Bob Cifaldi’s Cubs faced Mike Zanelli Jr.’s Orioles. Keith Toohey filled in for Pete Lessard, while Damon Roberts subbed for Zanelli Jr. Cifaldi’s 37-point game and season-best 40-point effort were enough to single-handedly win games one and four.

The Orioles won games two and three, using their handicap for a three-point win in game two while the Cubs were unable to overcome an eight-point handicap in game three. The Cubs managed to erase an eight-point handicap in game five for a two-point victory. In the final game, they still had a chance despite trailing by five points entering the last box but fell two

points short. The teams split the match. Cifaldi’s 137-point series was the secondleading A Division score.

Would Tony Cutone’s Angels match the Mets’ streak of four consecutive split matches? Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers had already recorded three splits this season.

Cutone’s season-best 44 points singlehandedly won game one. Serviss’s 28 points were enough to do the same in game two, as the Angels managed only two ringers and 26 points. Dennis Goodrich and Anthony Conkling combined for 54 points as the Tigers cruised to a 20point win. The Angels evened the match at 2-2 behind Cutone’s clean 33-point game.

In pivotal game five, the Angels overcame a seven-point handicap as Ed Turner matched Conkling, and Cutone’s second clean game of 31 points gave them their third win and a chance to break the streak. As expected, everything came down to the final game and the final box. Tied entering the last box, the Tigers outscored the Angels 4-1 to force another split. Will the Angels extend the streak next week or suffer the same fate as the Mets?

Paul Noel substituted for Mike Zanelli Sr. of the Giants. Bill Beckwith hoped to

join the other Beckwiths in the win column and expected this to be the Red Sox’s week, especially with Zanelli Sr. absent. What he did not realize was that Noel would prove to be a formidable replacement.

The Red Sox had their chance in game one. Trailing by one entering the final box, they scored only one point while Noel answered with four. Despite Beckwith’s 41 points, game two was a repeat of game one. The score was tied after 11 boxes before Noel’s double secured another Giants victory. The Giants handed the Red Sox their first win in game three as young standouts Adam Fortier and Matt Valentin combined for 13 opens—roughly the equivalent of giving away an entire game. Fortier led the scoring in game four as the Giants cruised to a double-digit win.

The best the Red Sox could hope for was a split. Beckwith edged Noel 41-36 in game five for their second win. Fortier and Valentin repeated their struggles from game three with another 13 opens in the finale, allowing the teams to split the match. Beckwith’s season-best 140-point series was the second-leading A Division score.

Choose from weekly sessions for boys and girls entering Grades 3 - 8:

June 22 - June 26

June 29 - July 2

July 6 - July 10

July 13 - July 17

July 20 - July 24

July 27 - July 31

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

By Susan Cornell

Special to Living

The kayaking proved much tougher than the previous day’s relaxed paddle. Our group of six covered quite a distance in two hours. We encountered rain, sun, wind, calm water, and rough conditions, but were rewarded with beautiful scenery along with otters, seals, and dozens of eagles.

The afternoon hike to Lake Eva was spectacular. The trailhead is accessible only by floatplane or boat. Not only were we wowed by the natural beauty, but we also learned about Alaska’s flora, fauna, and history.

That evening we headed into Peril Strait, watching whales as Safari Endeavour wound back and forth through the narrowest section of our journey. We anchored in Fish Bay overnight before entering Neva Strait on the way to Krestof Sound the following morning. It wasn’t as narrow as Peril Strait, but still worth getting up early to see.

For our final day in the Magoun Islands, our OPS choice was a full-day “yak and whack,” which, as the name implies, combined kayaking through the islands and lagoon with bushwhacking onshore. We enjoyed a boxed lunch and wine in the wilderness.

Again, despite being literally in the Pacific Ocean, the water was perfectly calm, allowing us to enjoy the quiet except for paddles dipping into the water and the calls of birds.

This bushwhack was the toughest yet and was described as an “adult jungle gym.” We navigated deadfall by climbing over and under trees, traversing moss, avoiding bear scat, and crossing a muskeg.

The usual wildlife appeared — otters, eagles, assorted birds, and even a mink. There clearly were bears nearby, and we remained on high alert throughout the excursion.

For those not interested in spending seven hours “yaking and whacking,” there were skiff tours where guides took passengers out as long and as far as they wished within reason, as well as easy and moderate hikes. Guests who skipped the all-day excursion

could instead choose two separate OPS.

On our final evening, the guides presented a slideshow featuring photographs from the week’s adventures. Following the presentation, a full rainbow framed the Alaskan coast — an incredible ending to an incredible week, and one we nearly skipped because we feared too much rain would ruin the experience.

As it turned out, the forecast had been greatly exaggerated, and the weather neither canceled

nor dampened a single OPS activity all week. Between disembarkation and our flight out of Sitka, we had time to visit Sitka National Historical Park. Though Alaska’s smallest national park, it is rich in both history and beauty. The park is home to Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees. Other guests visited the Alaska Raptor Center or picked up last-minute souvenirs.

Our ship was older but com-

fortable and well maintained.

Safari Endeavour accommodates 84 guests in 42 cabins and carries a crew of 34 to 37. This sailing hosted 63 guests from Australia, the United Kingdom, and regions throughout the United States.

The ship features four decks, a roomy lounge, dining room, sun deck, outdoor fitness center, and two hot tubs. Onboard equipment includes an EZ Dock launch platform, paddleboards, kayaks, and inflatable skiffs.

Food was local, sustainable,

and good, and all meals were plated — no buffet body checks required. Portion sizes were perfect, and half portions or split portions were always available. Service was stellar.

UnCruise emphasizes ecofriendly and sustainable practices, focusing on minimizing environmental impact through small group sizes, local sourcing, waste reduction, conservation, and advocacy.

See Postcards page 24

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

A whale sculpture overlooks the waterfront in Southeast Alaska.

Fresh seafood is served aboard the Safari Endeavour during an UnCruise Adventures expedition in Alaska.

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

Calm waters and dense coastal forest highlight the remote wilderness scenery of Southeast Alaska.

A calm wilderness lake reflects the mountains of Southeast Alaska near Baranof Island.

Calendar for the Week of June 18, 2026

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Reception and Sale for 5th Annual Art Show:

5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Features works by local artists, including artwork celebrating Madison’s Bicentennial. For info, call 203-2457365.

Stars, Stripes, and Whiskers Trivia Night

: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Stappa Vineyard, 403 Derby Ave., Orange. Celebrates the nation's 250th birthday with an evening of American history trivia hosted by Tommy Mitchell. Features raffle baskets, sweets, and treats. Proceeds benefit The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Cost: $30. Advance ticket purchase required. For info or tickets, contact 203782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org, or visit gnhcp.org/americana.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Fife and Drums to Jazz: Celebrate the Hyland House and America’s 250th

: TBA. Hyland House Museum, 84 Boston St., Guilford. Features food, drinks, music, raffle prizes, and tours of the historic house and colonial garden in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Hosted by the Hyland House Museum. For info or tickets, visit hylandhouse.org.

Rummage Sale and Farm Market

: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Features a rummage sale with food, treats, and household treasures, along with an outdoor farm market offering fresh goods, handmade items, and local products. Vendor spaces available. Family-friendly event. For info, contact 860-663-1789 or office@killingworthchurch.org, or visit killingworthchurch.org.

Life-Sized Candyland Summer Reading Kickoff

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features games, activities, challenges, and prizes as part of the library’s “Plant a Seed: READ!” summer reading program. No registration required. Appropriate for all ages; adults must remain with children under age 12. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Antique Cars, Buggies and Sleighs

: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features antique cars, buggies, and sleighs. Part of the Saturday Farmers Market series, which also includes historical crafts and exhibits. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

Plant Dye Presentation

: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Bauer Park, 245 Copse Rd., Madison. Master gardener Dee Rapposelli will present a program on creating natural dyes from plants, including information on fiber dyes used during the Colonial and post-Revolutionary eras. Features prepared dye pots, tools, materials, and samples of dyed fiber. Cost: $18. For info, call 203-414-2869 or visit ctmadisonweb.myvscloud.com.

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Patty Carver presents a one-woman musical portraying Catherine Coffin, Mother Jones, Molly Pitcher, and Prudence Crandall. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Features local vendors on the museum grounds and admission to the current Madison 200 exhibit. Free. For info, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

Open House and Summer Market Strawberry Festival:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock Drive, Killingworth. Features strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits and whipped cream, Café Laurel pulled pork sandwiches, a bake sale, children’s games, and more. Free parking. Cash only. For info, email rumblingrock@sbcglobal.net.

page 25

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

Continued from page 23

Evenings did not include magicians, bingo, gambling, or flashy productions typical of larger cruise ships. Instead, guides presented talks on topics including bears, marine mammals, tides, and the “wood wide web.”

What you get on UnCruise includes transfers, entry fees to national parks and preserves, adventure activities and equipment, alcohol, expedition guides, and guest experts. Wi-Fi is limited and unavailable during the day or within national parks, wildlife preserves, and protected areas to preserve the remote wilderness experience. It’s part of the design and referred to as a “digital detox.”

UnCruise is not for everyone, but it is heaven for travelers who are active, outdoorsy, and adventurous. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking immersion

also would be happy guests. This trip is best suited for travelers of any age — including children — who value experiences over luxury.

We are already ready to book our next adventure.

Susan Cornell, owner of Moppet Magic Publishing and Public Relations, is an independently contracted photographer, marketing and public relations consultant, and writer specializing in business, boating, home and garden, and travel. She handles public relations for several art galleries and is the author of the children’s book “Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade.” In her free time, she hikes, kayaks, serves on the advisory board for the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, and is a steward for the Essex Land Trust. Susan has two grown children and lives in Essex with her husband and rescue puggle.

American Heroines

See

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

A full rainbow stretches across the Alaskan coast at the conclusion of an UnCruise Adventures expedition in Southeast Alaska.

Village. The Historical Society will offer guided village walking tours on June 27, July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

Essex Historical Society Offers Summer Walking Tours

The Essex Historical Society will offer a series of guided walking tours this summer, beginning with a special program in Ivoryton and continuing with four tours in Essex Village.

The first tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, and is presented in partnership with the Essex Historical Society, Essex Land Trust and Ivoryton Library.

Essex Land Trust steward Scott McCoid will lead a walking tour of the Millrace Preserve, exploring Ivoryton’s history, the company that built it and the

flood that marked the end of an era. Historical Society guide Ellen Clark will then continue the walk through Ivoryton, highlighting historic buildings and sites throughout the village.

Participants will hear stories of mill workers, shopkeepers and business owners who helped shape the community.

The tour will begin at the Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton. Parking is available on Ivory Street at the Millrace Preserve and in the public lot at Ivoryton Green. The event is weather dependent, and organizers will notify registrants if it must be canceled.

While the walk covers mostly flat

: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beech Tree Cottages, 1187 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a curated group of artists exhibiting and selling original artwork on the grounds of Beech Tree Cottages. Complimentary beverages and light refreshments. Free admission and parking. For info, contact 203-245-2676 or events@beechtreecottages.com, or visit beechtreecottages.com.

Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Shannon White

1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Book:

The Invisible Conversations with Your Aging Parents

. Features readings and discussion in the library’s Reading Room. Free. No registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

ground, some terrain is uneven. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

The Historical Society will also offer guided walking tours of Essex Village led by Brien Riedell. The tours explore the maritime history of 18th-century Potapaug, its working waterfront, shipbuilding prominence in the early 19th century and its evolution into a visitor destination.

Essex Village tours begin at 5 p.m. at the foot of Main Street in front of the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Scheduled dates are Saturdays, June 27, July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

The walks are open to the public. A $10 donation is suggested, and active Essex

Crafts with Natalie: Hello Summer Wood Stencil Painted Sign

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Participants will create a painted wood sign featuring “Hello Summer.” All supplies included. Registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Open Dance Party

: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 N.E. Industrial Rd., Branford. Features a group dance lesson led by Karen Pfrommer from 7 to 7:30 p.m., dancing, music, and light refreshments. Admission: $20. For info, call 203-710-2805 or info@timetodanceballroom.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

Make Music Day Concert with Kala Farnham

: 1 to

Historical Society members may attend free of charge. Tours last about an hour and cover slightly less than a mile on mostly flat terrain.

Advance registration is encouraged. For information or to arrange a customized tour, visit essexhistory.org.

The Essex Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton through educational programs, tours, research projects and community events.

Continued from page 24 See page 27

3 p.m. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield

St., Guilford. Outdoor performance celebrating Make Music Day on the summer solstice, featuring Connecticut State Troubadour Kala Farnham. Attendees may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Concert moves indoors in case of rain. For info, contact 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov/ECD-HenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

Monday Funday for Teens: Lawn Games

: 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features lawn games including cornhole, jumbo Jenga, giant checkers, and ring toss. For teens ages 12 to 18. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Photo courtesy of the Essex Historical Society

Participants explore the Millrace Preserve during a previous Essex Historical Society walking tour. The Historical Society, Essex Land Trust and Ivoryton Library will present a guided walking tour of Ivoryton on June 20.

Participants gather outside the Connecticut River Museum during an Essex Historical Society walking tour of Essex

Press Release from the Essex Historical Society

Beech Tree Art Fair

Get ‘Crazy’: Goodspeed Stages ‘Fun, Innocent, Silly, Tap-dancing Spectacular’

By Kristina Dorsey

Special to Living

Michael Fling says the musical comedy “Crazy for You” is a quintessential Goodspeed show.

“It is exactly the show that parts of the audience wish we would do all the time — fun, innocent, silly, tap-dancing spectacular with big costumes and big sets. And a glorious Gershwin score,” he said.

The production, which bows Friday at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, pulls together some of George and Ira Gershwin’s greatest tunes, including “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Embraceable You.”

“This is kind of the ultimate Gershwin jukebox musical. There are a number of those shows that exist, but I think this one takes the cake. … It’s the gold standard of these types of shows,” Fling said.

And while “Crazy for You” — which premiered on Broadway in 1992 — was ostensibly inspired by the Gershwins’ 1930 musical “Girl Crazy,” it features more Gershwin songs than are in the film and a mostly new plot, courtesy of “Lend Me a Tenor” scribe Ken Ludwig, who co-conceived it with director Mike Ockrent.

“Crazy for You” is about the power of theater and musicals, and, in the story, the arts bring a town back together. The tale begins with this: Bobby would love nothing more than to be a Broadway star and dreams of being in the Zangler Follies, but in reality, he’s a banker. He is sent to Dead Rock, Nevada, to foreclose on an abandoned theater. But when he gets there, he falls in love with a young woman whose father happens to own that theater. Bobby decides he can save the town and get the girl by putting on a show.

When she discovers he’s really in town to foreclose on the theater, she wants nothing to do with him. So Bobby, in good musical-comedy tradition, disguises himself as someone else —

who is originally from Hungary.

‘Invisible direction’

Fling is Goodspeed’s associate artistic director. He has directed productions at the Goodspeed’s developmental Terris Theatre in Chester, but this is his first time helming a production on its iconic Opera House stage in East Haddam.

When Goodspeed leaders had decided to do “Crazy for You,” the first thought was that Kelli Barclay needed to choreograph it. Fling recalled the prevailing feeling: “She’s perfect for it. It’s exactly her show.”

Then, it was a matter of finding a director who would pair well with Barclay. Fling made a list of potential options, and Goodspeed reached out to the top choice. But that person wasn’t super responsive, they couldn’t figure out a time to chat, and weeks went by, Fling said. He noted that that isn’t something that happens often with Goodspeed.

Donna Lynn Hilton, Goodspeed’s artistic director, figured they should move on, and Fling pulled up his list of potential directors again.

“Literally, like a flash of lightning, I was like: Maybe I should suggest myself to do ‘Crazy for You.’ I don’t know the show that well, but I can do that. I looked up from my phone and my list, and Donna Lynn was staring me right in the eyes and said, ‘What if you did “Crazy for You”?’ I was like, ‘I literally just had the same thought.’ It was, I guess we would say, kismet,” Fling said, adding that it reflects his and Hilton’s relationship, where they often think the same things.

Fling — who had never seen “Crazy for You” onstage — took the weekend to read the script. His response was enthusiastic.

“This is so heartwarming and charming and fun and silly. I really see the heart in these characters and what the story is. I also understand that it’s ultimately about the numbers, and

in a lot of ways, people should leave the show not talking about my direction at all. It should feel like a work of invisible direction,” he said.

Fling said he loves a classic musical, and “Crazy for You” behaves like one, but it has more of a contemporary sensibility since it was written in the 1990s. It also is funny and romantic. He keeps it rooted in a reality that feels authentic and not schticky, while also giving it a heightened sense so that all of the wacky things featured in the plot can happen. And he noted that the production has a brilliant company of actors who are all very funny and have good impulses.

‘Music Man’ and directing

Fling, who grew up in Oklahoma, said he was one of those kids who was always putting on shows on the holidays and organizing his cousins for performances.

When his grandmother heard their local Tulsa high school was auditioning youngsters for a production of “The Music Man,” she told Michael he should go, particularly since he looked like Ron Howard, who played a role in the film version of the musical. Fling got the part and “I haven’t really looked back since.”

While most kids who are interested in the theater want to act, Fling, even from a young age, figured that he’d act but then transition into directing. He said he liked performing, but his type didn’t match what he would do vocally.

“I’m a character guy, but I (was) 18. What are you going to do with that? I’m funny, I can do bits, but nobody wants an 18year-old David Hyde Pierce,” he said.

While doing his college search, Fling saw that Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., had an undergraduate theater directing program. They only have a maximum of three spots available each year, and Fling got one. He has gone on to direct

numerous shows, including “My Fair Lady” at the Hartt School in Hartford, “Shrek the Musical” for Craft Productions of Oklahoma, and “The Great Emu War” at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre.

Fling has also produced eight shows at Goodspeed, including “Crazy for You.”

Fling, who started working at Goodspeed in 2019, is still doing his regular job as well. He recently had to leave a “Crazy for You” rehearsal early to direct the performances at the Goodspeed gala honoring legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. That same weekend, he attended callbacks for the children up for roles in Goodspeed’s revival of “Annie.”

At the same time, he noted that he is lucky that Hilton is more than capable of handling anything he isn’t able to get to, and producing assistant Jakob Harding can help out as well.

This is the first time that someone in Goodspeed’s artistic staff has directed a mainstage show, but Fling said it’s not unusual at other theaters. It just happened that the people in those jobs at Goodspeed weren’t also directors.

Fling said that any time he

gets to direct a musical, he still feels like a kid in a candy store or on Christmas morning.

“I can’t believe I get to wake up and do this — come to work and do this with immensely talented people that are all kind of coming together to do this thing and play pretend on a budget,” he said.

Fling hopes people leave “Crazy for You” with “pure, unadulterated joy. A song in their heart and a smile on their face. Musicals at their heart were rooted in escapism. I think we could absolutely use an escape from the world right now. ‘Crazy for You’ is the perfect escape.”

k.dorsey@theday.com

IF YOU GO

What: “Crazy for You” Where: The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam When: Runs June 19-Aug. 9; performances are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun. There are also shows at 2 p.m. on select Thursdays and 6:30 p.m. on select Sundays. Tickets: Start at $35 Contact: (860) 873-8668, goodspeed.org

Broadway producer Bela Zangler,

Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day

Ensemble members rehearse a musical number for Goodspeed Musicals' "Crazy for You" at their rehearsal hall in East Haddam on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

: Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. The Alling Golf Club, 35 Eastern St., New Haven. Features an 18-hole tournament with awards for men's and women's longest drive and closest-to-thepin contests on two holes. A buffet dinner follows at Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Proceeds benefit the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade. For info or to register, visit stpatricksdayparade.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

: Sessions begin at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants solve puzzles about the 13 colonies and learn about colonial America. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

S.T.E.A.M. Lab

: 3:15 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities. For grades 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

Unearth a Story

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features fossils, Connecticut's state dinosaur, and a hands-on craft presented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Dinosaur State Park. Recommended for grades PreK-5. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Summer Reading Kick-Off

: 4 to 6 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features games, crafts, face painting, and ice cream to launch the summer reading program. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

: 10:15 to 11 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features painting techniques for rising fourththrough seventh-grade students. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

WHS to Present Program on Revolutionary War Submarine

Press Release from the Westbrook Historical Society

The Westbrook Historical Society will present a PowerPoint program on David Bushnell’s submarine, the , at 7 p.m. July 22 at Westbrook Town Hall, 866 Boston Post Rd.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Ongoing writing workshop for adults and seniors featuring short stories, personal essays, novels, memoirs, and poetry. Participants may share their work and receive feedback. Sharing is optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Frederick J. Frese and Roy R. Manstan, who built, launched and tested a full-size working replica of the , will lead the presentation. The pair later co-authored the book “Turtle: David Bushnell’s Revolutionary Vessel.”

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation at the model displayed in Town Hall. For more information, visit www.west brookcthistorical.org. Turtle

Authors and researchers Frederick J. Frese and Roy R. Manstan will discuss David Bushnell’s Revolutionary War submarine, the Turtle, during a July 22 program presented by the Westbrook Historical Society.

Wildlife Conservation in America

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo presents a program on native wildlife and conservation. For children entering grades 1-6. Registration required. For info, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Tween and Teen Pizza Scene

: 1 to 3 p.m.

Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features patriotic tie-dye activities, pizza, video games, and additional activities. For grades 5 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 860-6692342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Colonial Kids

: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features hands-on activities exploring the daily lives of children in colonial Connecticut. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Worst Movies Ever Made:

Manos: The Hands of Fate

Friday Movie Matinee

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Screening of a movie in honor of the start of Summer Reading. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, including the movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Cool-ology: Ben Franklin

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Nutmeg Anthology Poetry Reading

: 3 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features America 250themed STEAM activities with Claudia Esposito. For rising first- through fifthgrade students. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org. :

Nutmeg Anthology

Manos: The Hands of Fate

: 6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a screening of as part of a summer film series. Bring a chair or blanket. For info, call 860669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Black History in Connecticut

: 6 to 7 p.m.

Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Presented by the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History. Features artifacts and stories related to the Black experience in Connecticut. Registration required. For info, call 203-3156020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Stony Creek Forum: Alfred Dreyfus, Jewish Identity and Antisemitism: Past and Present

: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features a lecture by Maurice Samuels of Yale University. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features readings by contributing poets from , a collection of poems about Connecticut history, landmarks, and landscapes. Includes an overview by editor Ginny Collins. Light refreshments provided and books available for purchase. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Rising Strawberry Moon Festival

: 1 to 7:30 p.m. Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Town of Madison as part of the Madison 200 celebration. Features live music, food trucks, nonprofit organizations, merchants, a Strawberry Cake Bake-Off, awards, games, and a performance by the North Congregational Church drumming group welcoming the rising Strawberry Moon. Rain date June 28. Free and open to the public. For info, visit madisonct.org.

Guilford Rotary LobsterFest

: Gates open 3:30 p.m.; food service and music begin at 4 p.m. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln., Guilford. Features lobster dinners, live music by Take Three, and activities to benefit local charities. Proceeds support Guilford community organizations. For info or tickets, visit guilfordrotaryclubct.com.

Photo courtesy of the Westbrook Historical Society

Shamrock Open Golf Tournament

Colonial Escape Room

Young Picassos with Carol

Pardee-Morris House Program Explores Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

Museum educator Rachel Beauchemin will explore the role taverns played in everyday life during at the PardeeMorris House on Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m.

Tapping Into the Past: Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

Presented as part of the New Haven Museum’s NH250 programming, the talk will examine how taverns served as important social, political, and business centers in early Connecticut communities.

According to legend, the sign that once graced the General Wolfe Tavern in Brooklyn — originally owned by Revolutionary War hero Israel Putnam — was shot at by disgruntled patriots because it depicted a British redcoat officer. Beauchemin will share stories such as these while highlighting examples from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s collection of early Connecticut tavern signs.

Among the featured artifacts is the sign for Phelps’ Inn in North Colebrook, which depicts a seemingly docile lion on one side and a fierce eagle on the other. The imagery was commonly used to symbolize the strength of the young United States against a weakened Great Britain. In the 1600s, every Connecticut town was required to have a tavern, then known as an “ordinary,” to accommodate travelers. But taverns served purposes far beyond food, drink, and lodging.

politics, and commerce. Traveling actors and acrobats performed there, local governments sometimes held court in taverns, and businesses were launched within their walls. Beauchemin notes that the Aetna Fire Insurance Company was founded at a Hartford coffee house in 1819.

Beauchemin is a museum educator at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, where she develops and teaches educational programs for school and adult audiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies from Gettysburg College.

The program is part of NH250, an ongoing series developed by the New Haven Museum to complement America’s 250th anniversary and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative highlights local, inclusive, and lesser-known stories that connect the past with the present.

The Pardee-Morris House, located at 325 Lighthouse Road, dates to about 1780 and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The house was originally built by Amos Morris around 1750, burned during the British raid on New Haven in 1779, and later rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family.

“Travelers and locals alike saw taverns as a place to be entertained, spread news and gossip, have a good meal, and get a night’s lodging,” Beauchemin said. Taverns also functioned as centers of entertainment,

For more information, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum

The sign from Crofut's Inn.

The sign from the General Wolfe Tavern in Brooklyn.

Press Release from the New Haven Museum

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum The sign for Phelps' Inn in North Colebrook.

Ivoryton Playhouse Presents Tony Award-Winning Musical ‘1776’

Ivoryton Playhouse continues its summer season with the Tony Award-winning musical , starring Broadway’s Mark Aldrich. The production begins with a preview performance June 25, opens June 26 and runs through July 26 at Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, brings one of the most consequential moments in American history to the stage with humor, urgency, and heart. Set during the sweltering summer of 1776, the musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the members of the Continental Congress as they struggle to agree on the bold and dangerous act of declaring independence from Great Britain.

1776

Rather than presenting history as a series of dates and events, the musical focuses on the personalities, debates, and political maneuvering that shaped the birth of the nation. Through sharp wit, memorable songs, and dramatic conflict, explores the challenges of leadership, compromise, courage, and the cost of freedom.

the story feel not only historic, but incredibly alive.”

1776

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, has remained a favorite of audiences for generations for its rich characters, stirring score, and timely questions about government, representation, and national identity.

Director Kenn McLaughlin said the musical’s enduring appeal comes from its portrayal of the nation’s founders as complex individuals.

“The greatest gift gives us is to make these men deeply human alongside powerful debates on race, the threat of civil rebellion, the leverage of popular media, a megalomaniacal leader, economic uncertainty, unpopular war, and fear of change; this is the story of 1776,” McLaughlin said.

The production stars Mark Aldrich, whose Broadway credits include , Disney’s , and

My Fair Lady Newsies: The Musical Ragtime

. According to the Playhouse, the production is among the largest mounted on its historic stage, featuring 26 professional actors, an eight-member orchestra, and an eight-member design team.

“ reminds us that American democracy was never simple, quiet, or inevitable,” said Ben Hope, executive pro-

ducer of Ivoryton Playhouse. “It was argued into existence by imperfect people facing enormous pressure, and that makes

Tickets are available through the Ivoryton Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Continued from page 27

Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow

: 7 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Madison Lyric Stage opens its Summer Festival with a tribute concert featuring songs made famous by Barry Manilow and Bette Midler, including Mandy, Copacabana, Wind Beneath My Wings, and The Rose. Tickets: $40. For info or tickets, call 203215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AND

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Annie JR.

Annie

Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow

: 4 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Madison Lyric Stage’s Summer Festival tribute concert celebrating the music of Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Tickets: $40. For info or tickets, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

Coastal Chic Fashion Show

: 4:30 p.m. Pine Orchard Country Club, 2 Club Parkway, Branford. Presented by the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA). Features coastal-inspired fashions and children’s styles. Cost: $75. Proceeds benefit BACA cultural and educational programming. For info or tickets, visit branfordarts.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Tea and Talk

: 2 p.m. Lillian’s Landing Pergola, across the parking lot behind Pa’s Place, 514 Whitfield St., Guilford. Open to seniors. Features relaxed conversation in a shaded outdoor setting. Hosted by Shoreline Village. In case of rain, the event will be held at Pa’s Place. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Unearth a Fossil

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon. Guilford High School Performing Arts Center, 605 New England Rd. Presented by the Guilford Youth & Family Services Family Theatre Program. Student production of the musical featuring classic songs and characters. Appropriate for all ages. Runtime approximately 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets: $15 general admission. For info or tickets, call 203-453-8047 or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org. : 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

MONDAY,

JUNE 29

Monday Funday for Teens: Mario Party Art with Kristin

: 4:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features a fossil workshop for children presented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Part of the Unearth a Story summer reading program. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702.

: 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features Nintendo Switch Mario Party games. For teens ages 12 to 18. For info or to register (required), call 860-6692342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features painting instruction with artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. Theme: crab and seashore scene. For grades 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Americana Cookout and Madison's Fireworks

: 6 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 West Wharf Rd. Community cookout on the hotel lawn and beach overlooking Madison's Independence Day fireworks celebration. Features summertime favorites, a beach bar, and live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin during the 9 p.m. hour. Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase. Rain date: July 10. For info, contact 203-245-1404 or Marketing@DHGHotels.com, or visit eventvesta.com.

See page 30

Press Release from the Ivoryton Playhouse

Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse Broadway performer Mark Aldrich stars in Ivoryton Playhouse's production of "1776," opening June 26 and running through July 26 in Ivoryton.

Mystic Museum of Art Announces Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways

Mystic Museum of Art will present

Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways

, a major summer exhibition exploring the history, artistry, labor, and cultural impact of textiles in Connecticut from the precolonial era through contemporary fashion.

Opening Friday, June 26 and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 11, the exhibition examines how luxury has been created, defined, and transformed over time through material culture, craftsmanship, immigration, and industry.

Luxe, CT

Inspired by southeastern Connecticut’s historic velvet industry, brings together historic and contemporary examples of beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, and fashion from regional institutional partners and the museum’s permanent collection.

The exhibition is presented in partnership with Historic Stonington, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, and Mystic Seaport Museum.

Visitors will encounter objects that reveal stories of labor, innovation, community traditions,

Continued from page 29

FRIDAY, JULY 3

and evolving systems of value across generations. The exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut ties, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. “ invites visitors to revel in fashion across centuries Luxe, CT

and discover the deeper human stories woven into every textile and garment,” said Alana Ryder, executive director of Mystic Museum of Art. “This exhibition connects regional history to contemporary conversations around identity, community, and creative expression.”

A preview reception for sponsors, lenders, members of the press, hospitality representatives, elected officials, and museum members is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Public programs, workshops, and special events will be offered

throughout the exhibition. Mystic Museum of Art is located at 9 Water St. For more information, visit mystic museumofart.org.

Fourth of July Concert on the Green

: 6 p.m. Madison Green, 8 Meeting House Lane. Celebrates Independence Day, America’s 250th anniversary, and Madison’s 200th anniversary. Features a performance by the Lancraft Fife & Drum Corps at 6 p.m., followed by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. under the direction of Maestro Philip Ventre, presenting “Echoes of Our Past in Spirit and Song.” Free. Reserved seating in front of the stage is available for sponsors. Bring chairs and a picnic dinner. Rain date: Sunday, July 5 at the same time. For info or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonculturalarts.org.

SATURDAY,

JULY 4

Ringing of Bells by Town Green Churches:

2 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Part of the America 250 Guilford celebration series. For info, contact tarutisj@guilfordct.gov.

48th Annual Four on the Fourth Road Race

: 9 a.m. Chester village. Presented by the Chester Rotary Club. USATF-sanctioned road race through the village of Chester. Timing by Super Race Systems. Team and individual awards will be presented. Fees: $35 for adults

SUNDAY, JULY 5

A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House

through May 31; $40 through July 4; $15 for children under 16. Proceeds benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations. For info or to register, visit runsignup.com (search “Chester Rotary Four on the Fourth”) or chesterrotary.org. :

Noon to 4 p.m. Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Features Revolutionary War reenactments by the 54th Regiment of Foot with musket drills, fife-anddrum music, colonial crafts, and games. Free. For info or weather updates, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Guilford Celebrates 250 Ceremony and Concert

5 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Part of the America 250 Guilford celebration series. For info, contact tarutisj@guilfordct.gov.

ONGOING EVENTS

Farmers Markets Dudley Farm Farmers' Market

: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham

Rd., Guilford. Features fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, live music, children’s activities, and seasonal events. For info, email marketmanager@dudleyfarmfoundation.com or visit dudleyfarm.com.

Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds

: 4 to

7 p.m. Thursdays through October, weather permitting. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. Features locally grown produce, baked goods, artisan breads, meats, seafood, fresh pasta, eggs, specialty foods, and Connecticut-made crafts. Rain or shine. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org

Stony Creek Farmers’ Market

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1. Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek. Features a weekly market with local produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, crafts, live music, and family activities. For info, call 203-988-9335 or email shreichert@gmail.com, or visit scfarmersmarket.org.

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

Press Release from the Mystic Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of the Mystic Museum of Art

Christian Siriano's Vote Dress (2021) is featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways.

Christian Siriano's Futuristic Belle (2014) is featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways.

Connecticut-born fashion designer Christian Siriano is among the contemporary designers featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art.

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

EAST HAVEN

6 Rollwood Drive Unit 6

: Cynthia

H. Raines to Darriell F. Rolka, $550,000 on May 29

NORTH HAVEN

: Modica

Family Trust and John C. Modica to Christopher Fusco Irt and Jody Fusco, $655,000 on May 27

: Gregory G. and Joy K. Bozzi to Alicia and Anthony Mortali, $225,000 on May 28

: Robert J. and Catherine K. Xeller to Cara A. and Zachary G. Miele, $708,700 on May 29

: Jonathan and Kassie L. Gosnell to Jonathan Gosnell, $255,524 on May 28

10 Canterbury Way

: Putney R

Thompson Est and Donna SmithHarrison to 166 Beach Avenue LLC, $475,000 on May 28

: Isai

Dejesus to Charles Comstock, $130,000 on May 26

77 Dodge Avenue

: Perito Family Trust and Anita Visentin-Perito to Ahmed and Jessica Zied, $330,000 on May 29

22 Lombard Circle Unit 8

: Ral 166 Beach Avenue 11 Cedar Court Unit C

North Haven LLC to John W. and Michelle M. Barile, $575,000 on May 28

5 Rosewood Lane

: Donald Meyer to

James E. Shahrigian, $600,000 on May 29

125 Westbrook Road

: 125 Bokum

Center LLC to Bokum 125 LLC, $5,200,000 on May 28

: Sarah and Brett Casagranda to Jenna Volpe and Robert Ralston, $560,000 on May 29

Beach Park Road

: Justin and Kathryn Rossitto to Jaimes and Sandra Coelho, $561,000 on May 26

GUILFORD

Bushy Hill Road

: James H. and Kimberly L. Scofield to Thomas A. and Karen E. Barr, $775,000 on May 27

4 Copper Ridge Circle Unit 4 41 Preble

John F. Penders to Enrico F. and Katherine B. Recine, $380,000 on May 28

: Nickel Family Trust and James S. Nickel to Brian Tenenhaus, $612,000 on May 29

: Delia M. Adkins and Gary L. Sepulvado to Jamie P. and Thomas R. Mccauley, $460,000 on May 27

: State Street

Dev LLC to Mary and Brian Flynn,

292 Shore Drive Village Circle Unit 16 $850,250 on May 29

KILLINGWORTH

172 Parker Hill Road

: Ethan Larock and Nancy T. Corsaro to Gregory and Gillian Cherry, $535,000 on May 26

MADISON

: Frank and Carolyn M. Dranginis to Robert Shee, $1,225,000 on May 26

: Alycyn A. Nettleton to Jason A. and Elizabeth A. Gold, $69,000 on May 27

NORTH BRANFORD

: Theresa A. Schettino to Nancy Streeter, $400,000 on May 27

: Nancy Amellin to Matthew P. and Jessica L. Glidden, $466,000 on May 26

: Uma Raman to Nicholas Ferranti, $720,000 on May 22

: Tyrone Massey to Dwayne T. Stephenson and Lonai N. Noble, $505,000 on May 26

1400 Hartford Turnpike Unit 5

: Estate of Charles East Demartino and David C. Demartino to Catherine Carrignan, $320,000 on May 20

OLD SAYBROOK

: Norman Elia Real Estate Trust and Hanna Elia-Flannigan to Stephen Hanson, $1,036,000 on May 22

185 Ingham Hill Road

4 Fenwood Lane : Jennifer Dipasquale to David S. and Rebecca M. Smith, $800,000 on May 22

2 Pequot Trail

: Debra J. Prisyon to Thomas R. Clausi, $804,999 on May 21 : Carol B. Yannone to 97 Spencer Placeains LLC,

97 Spencer Plain Road

$500,000 on May 27 : Dgg Properties Co Inc to Marianne and Ryan Mcneill, $10,000 on May 28 : Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com

THE 2026

SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2026 EVENT

The 2026 Beacon Award winners will be celebrated with a special dinner at The Woodwinds on June 24.

Every year, Shore Publishing/Zip06.com recognizes 15 volunteers in the communities we serve who help fulfill the Shoreline’s promise as a place of opportunity, wellbeing, and safety for all. The honorees will be celebrated at a special event at Woodwinds on June 24th surrounded by their peers and fellow community leaders.

Sponsorship packages provide excellent advertising opportunities - but most importantly, align your brand or business with the mission of The Beacon Awards.

For additional information about opportunities, contact your Sales Representative or Elle Rahilly (e.rahilly@theday.com) to learn more.

The Sound 06-18-26

Branford High School Graduates Class of 2026

David Negron: Honoring Chloe by Helping Families

Correspondent

Person of the Week

Letters Editor to

Ill-Conceived and Shortsighted

David Negron: Honoring Chloe by Helping Families

Obituaries

Contacting The Sound

SPONSORED CONTENT:

Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

SPRING COMFORT

Iggy and His Piggy Toes

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Branford

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

TOWN OF BRANFORD TAXPAYERS

NOTICE OF TAXES DUE TOWN OF BRANFORD TAXPAYERS

DUE DATE July 1, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE- REVISED TOWN OF BRANFORD

Branford High School Graduates Class of 2026

You’re Invited to

THE WOODWINDS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

J&P RESTORATION

CRampton

CRampton

Fun By The Numbers

Last Week’s Answers

Here’s How It Works:

Hornets Boys Lacrosse Find Success in Postseason

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

Special to Living

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

Essex Historical Society Offers Summer Walking Tours

Get ‘Crazy’: Goodspeed Stages ‘Fun, Innocent, Silly, Tap-dancing Spectacular’

Special to Living

‘Invisible direction’

IF YOU GO

WHS to Present Program on Revolutionary War Submarine

Pardee-Morris House Program Explores Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

Ivoryton Playhouse Presents Tony Award-Winning Musical ‘1776’

JUNE 29

Mystic Museum of Art Announces Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways

JULY 4

ONGOING EVENTS

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

EAST HAVEN

NORTH HAVEN

GUILFORD

KILLINGWORTH

MADISON

NORTH BRANFORD

OLD SAYBROOK

THE 2026

SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2026 EVENT