July 30, 2026
Branford, North Branford & Northford
Vol. XXX Iss. 31
Nicol Takes Helm as Town Manager
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer
In June, North Branford’s Town Council formally hired Dr. Scott Nicol as the town’s new town manager. Nicol began the job July 1 and recently sat down with to introduce himself.
The Sound
At its June meeting, the Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Nicol as town
manager at an annual salary of $160,000. Nicol succeeds former Town Manager Michael Downes, who left the position in January to join the Connecticut Senate Republican Office. Assistant Town Manager Rory Burke served as acting town manager until Nicol’s appointment.
According to the position description on the town’s website, the town manager is
responsible for implementing policy and administering town government, appointing staff, developing and carrying out the annual operating and capital budgets, overseeing municipal operations, and communicating with the Town Council, boards and commissions, and town staff.
See Nicol Takes Helm page 4
Aflutter With Wonder
Sisters Evelyn and Josephine Swartz spot a monarch butterfly inside a live butterfly sanctuary exhibit beside the pollinator garden on the Branford Town Green. They visited the exhibit on July 26 with their parents, Kim and Kyle Swartz. The exhibit teaches visitors about monarch butterfly conservation.
cultures together............................2
Shoreline sophomore earns spot on all-state rugby team.....................12 com
Fresh places to stay, dine, and explore give Block Island visitors even more reasons to return........19
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound
Block Party
Rising Star
Shradha Rana: Bringing Cultures Together
By Pam Young
Correspondent
When Shradha Rana moved from Nepal to Branford more than a decade ago, she found a welcoming community she was proud to call home. Today, she’s returning that welcome by sharing the traditions of her own culture.
As the founder of SR Events LLC, Shradha organizes celebrations that introduce South Asian culture to the shoreline while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect. Her latest event, the South Asian Exhibition Teej 2026, will bring together local businesses, cultural traditions, and fundraising for the Community Dining Room.
“I want people to know that we are doing these events as an initiative for inclusion and as a way to teach kids diversity in Branford while also providing fun, a sense of comfort, and enjoyment of different traditions and cultures,” Shradha says.
A native of Nepal, Shradha came to the United States in 2007 and moved
Person of the Week
to Branford in 2015 after marrying her husband, who was born and raised in town. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Sacred Heart University in 2019 and works full time as a physical therapist with PTSMC while also serving patients through Fox Rehabilitation.
Although healthcare is her profession, event planning has long been a creative passion.
“I am a clinician by profession, but the creative side of me had been involved in a lot of planning and events,” she says. “It was a hobby of mine that I turned into a business. I plan events like birthdays, weddings, and other traditional functions. I decided to bring it to Branford.”
After organizing community events such as the Run for Nepal and
the Nepal Day Parade, Shradha founded SR Events in 2025. Last summer, she introduced her event planning business by organizing the first Teej Mela cultural fair in New Haven, drawing about 400 attendees.
This year, she’s bringing the celebration to Branford.
Teej is a traditional Nepali festival celebrating sisterhood and womanhood. Shradha says bringing that tradition to Branford felt like a natural fit, particularly with more than 400 Nepali families now living in town.
“I thought it would be nice to bring that concept to Branford,” she says. “There is no single Nepali-origin festival or fair in the state of Connecticut. There is nothing derived from Nepali tradition or culture, so this is one of a kind.”
The South Asian Exhibition Teej 2026 will be held Sunday, Aug. 2, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Branford Elks Lodge in partnership with the Community Dining Room. More
See Shradha Rana page 10
Photo courtesy of Shradha Rana
Shradha Rana, founder of SR Events LLC, is bringing the South Asian Exhibition Teej 2026 to Branford to celebrate South Asian culture while raising funds for the Community Dining Room.
“I am insanely proud. I was on pins and needles just that he got nominated, and then he’s playing against seniors and he’s a sophomore. These kids going off to college and the fact that he not only made the team, but ended up starting on the all-state team.”
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Nicol Takes Helm as Town Manager
Continued from page 1
The Town Council oversees the town manager by establishing policy and legislative priorities, while the town manager serves as the town’s chief executive and oversees day-to-day operations.
Nicol said he was attracted to the position because of his experience working in similarly sized communities.
“I love small towns and I love being in service to the community and helping it hopefully become a better place for the residents,” Nicol said.
One of Nicol’s first priorities is building relationships with town staff, council members, department leaders, boards and commissions, and residents. He said he plans to attend meetings of the town’s various boards and commissions over the coming weeks. He and his wife also plan to volunteer at the upcoming Potato and Corn Festival, where he encouraged residents to introduce themselves.
“The fun part of any job to me is having as many relationships with as many people as you can,” Nicol said.
Longer term, Nicol said his priorities include managing the town’s finances and carrying out the Town Council’s goals.
“Fiscally, being wise with the taxpayer’s dollars will always be a priority,” he said. “I have a genuine interest in doing good work for the community.”
Regarding his relationship with the Town Council, Nicol said, “I will do my best to help the council be in a great place to govern.” He also encouraged residents to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas.
Before coming to North Branford, Nicol spent 30 years in education, including 10
Volunteers Needed
years as superintendent in Ellington. He also served as executive director of performance management for Hartford Public Schools and previously worked as a principal, assistant principal, and high school teacher. Nicol said many of the skills he developed in education have transferred to his new role.
Nicol lives in Portland with his wife, Heather, and their two sons, Carson and Reese.
The nonprofit Connecticut Hospice is seeking new volunteers to help serve patients during homecare visits in various locations and at its inpatient hospice facility in Branford, 100 Double Beach Road. Volunteering is an opportunity to serve others in the community. Volunteers are needed to provide bereavement calls, companionship, certified pet therapy, and massage therapy. Clerical roles are also available at the Branford location. For more information, contact Joan Cullen at 203315-7510 or jcullen@hospice.com.
Volunteer Opportunity to Help Others
The nonprofit hospice program of Yale Health at Home has volunteer opportunities in the following areas: patient/caregiver companions; complementary therapies, including massage, Reiki, reflexology, pet therapy, art, and music; bereavement and spiritual support; and veteran-to-veteran. Volunteers receive free mandatory screenings, training, the support and appreciation of a team, and more. Volunteers can choose their preferred towns from those served by the hospice program, which include Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Northford, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. For more information, contact Ericka Copeland at 203-453-7659 or Ericka.copeland@ynhh.org, or visit ynhhs.org/health-at-home/about/volunteer.
Photo courtesy of Town of North Branford
Dr. Scott Nicol began serving as North Branford's town manager July 1.
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 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
Robert Alan Ellis
Madison
Robert Alan "Bob" Ellis, of Madison, was born Sept. 20, 1944, in Swampscott, Mass., which is where he lived throughout his childhood. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Salem State College before moving to Connecticut to pursue his teaching and coaching career. He taught at Guilford High School, Branford High School, and Daniel Hand High School in Madison, finishing off at Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School, also in Madison. He taught for 37 years before retiring. When Bob retired from teaching, he worked a part-time office job where he made many friends. He enjoyed the mini vacations to Lake George they took together as a work family.
cer at the high school level. He also coached his children in these sports as they grew up. His favorite team was whatever team his children were on, followed by all the Boston sports teams.
He loved sports, playing golf, bowling, and watching John Wayne movies. He loved spending time with his family and adored his two granddaughters.
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One of Bob’s greatest passions in life was coaching. He was so grateful for the opportunity to coach. He coached baseball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and soc-
Bob passed away June 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Virginia Ellis; and his sister, Sandra Ellis. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Loretta Ellis, of Madison; sons, Alan Ellis and David Ellis, of Branford; his daughter, Sarah Enos, and her husband, Steve Enos, and their daughters, Rylie and Taylor, of Beverly, Mass.; his sister, Karen Castleman, and brother-in-law, Marc Castleman, of Hamilton, Mass.; his brother, Richard Ellis, and his sister-in-law, Susan Ellis, of Woodstock, Ga.; along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy St., Madison.
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Obituary
Helen Bassett
Branford
Helen Bassett, 99, of Branford, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning at Whispering Pines in East Haven.
Helen was born in New Haven on Jan. 6, 1927, to the late Matthew and Mary Zlotkowski Amarante. She married William E. Bassett, and they raised eight children before his passing in 1985.
Over the years, Helen worked at Winchester, Yankee Silversmith, SeaWorld, and many others to provide for her family, which was most important to her. Helen enjoyed being busy, never sitting still for long, and was tough to keep up with! She loved to cook and bake for her fam-
ily whenever she could. She liked tag sales and bargain hunting, casino trips with her sisters, reading mystery novels, and crocheting.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, William E. Bassett; her son, Thomas Bassett; and her siblings, Marion Fragola, Grace Lavorgna, Stanley Amarante, Edward Amarante, Andrew Amarante, Matthew Amarante, and Joseph Amarante. She is survived by her children, Nancy McCann, Carol Thayer, William Bassett Jr., James Bassett, Robert Bassett, Daniel Bassett, and Steven Bassett; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her sister, Anne Faulkner; and many nieces and nephews.
A private service for Helen will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford.
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Nonprofit Creating Training Space for Branford Youth Sports
By Pam Young
Correspondent
A new nonprofit hopes to give local youth sports teams something many coaches say is in short supply: indoor space to train.
Friends of Branford Youth Sports, founded last year by Branford resident Matthew Rettig, is renovating a 4,000square-foot facility that will provide conditioning and workout space for youth teams that don’t have access to gyms or other training facilities.
Rettig, whose children participate in football, lacrosse and other youth sports, said the idea grew out of watching teams struggle to find places to practice, particularly during the winter months.
“I was really finding myself frustrated with the lack of courts kids have available to them,” Rettig said. “These kids don’t have places to go that are accessible for conditioning. I wanted to create a place where kids could work out and where teams could train and condition.”
The nonprofit will operate through donations rather than membership fees or
private training. Rettig said the organization is not intended to compete with existing sports businesses but instead provide another option for coaches and youth organizations that need space.
The building includes approximately 1,500 square feet of open training space and office space that will be leased to remote workers, with rental income helping offset operating expenses.
Equipment, including cardio and strength-training machines, is being donated by a friend affiliated with Planet Fitness, while local contractors and volunteers have contributed labor and services to prepare the facility.
“We’re trying to make it a community project where everyone participates to help the kids,” Rettig said.
The facility will be available to organized teams rather than individual drop-in use. Coaches will request access, and participants will be required to complete liability waivers before receiving entry information.
Rettig said he hopes the space eventually can accommodate a variety of sports,
including wrestling, softball and basketball. Organizers also are exploring the possibility of adding a batting cage if space allows.
Beyond athletics, Rettig envisions the facility becoming a supervised place where young people can complete homework before or after workouts.
“I want my kids off the iPads,” he said. “This would be a spot to hang out, do homework, work out and keep out of trouble.”
Any excess funds generated by the nonprofit will be reinvested into local youth sports programs, including helping families who cannot afford registration fees.
The organization also plans to hold an annual fundraiser and will rely on volunteers and community support as it grows.
Rettig said the facility is expected to open once permits are approved, which he hopes will happen within the next two months.
More information, including donation opportunities and volunteer waivers, is available at friendsofbranfordyouth sports.org.
Smitten With Kittens!
Story by Carol Andrecs
Timmy, Kimmy, and Mocha are 11week-old sweethearts who are ready for new adventures in homes of their own. They were trapped with their mom in a condo complex, where she somehow took care of them with no food or shelter. These three siblings, one male and two females, are super friendly, playful, and affectionate. They exert a lot of energy chasing each other and playing with toys, and then cuddle up in a pile for a nap. Super sweet and affectionate, they are guaranteed to fill your life with unconditional love and endless entertainment. Come meet these amazing babies at our open house or apply
to adopt them online at www.forgotten felinesct.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 Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.
Photo by Emily Burr
Shradha Rana: Bringing Cultures Together
Continued from page 2
than 20 vendors will offer traditional foods and products from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and other South Asian countries, along with jewelry, clothing, candles, books, home décor, shawls, henna tattoos, traditional shoes, and other handcrafted items.
Admission is $5, with proceeds benefiting the Community Dining Room.
“We decided to bring it here, collaborate,
and help bring the diversity aspect to the community and also aid in the fundraising concept for the Community Dining Room,” Shradha says. “It is a win-win on both ends.”
For Shradha, the event reflects the community she has found in Branford.
“Branford has a very good relationship with the Nepali community,” she says.
“There is a good bond between the town and the people. Branford celebrates diversity and inclusion. We feel safe here and
Paddle for the Sound Fundraiser
Save the Sound will host its annual Paddle for the Sound fundraiser Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Participants may kayak, canoe, or paddleboard anywhere within Long Island Sound while tracking their miles and raising funds in their communities. Prize packages will be awarded to the participant who raises the most money and the participant who paddles the most miles. Participants may also register as part of a team, and teams with more than five members will receive Save the Sound bucket hats. Proceeds benefit Save the Sound's work to improve water quality, restore critical habitats, build climate resilience, and protect the rivers, wetlands, and open spaces surrounding Long Island Sound. For more information or to register, visit savethesound.org/paddle.
included. We all learn from each other, and this is a very powerful thing we are doing.”
She hopes this year’s celebration is just one of many opportunities to bring people together.
“My opportunity to give to the community and do what I am doing makes me feel proud,” she says. “In the future, I am looking to do more of these types of events.”
For more information, visit SR Events LLC on social media.
Workforce Alliance Connecting Youth & Young Adults to Training and Jobs
Workforce Alliance offers training, certificates, and job search assistance to youth and young adults living in south central Connecticut who are not currently enrolled in high school or college. Workforce Alliance also provides tuition assistance, academic help, internships, GED completion, and guidance toward higher education. For more information, visit www.workforcealliance.biz.
Branford Center Cemetery Notice
The Board of Directors makes every effort to maintain the cemetery and its beauty. This notice serves as a reminder that the cemetery does not allow the planting of evergreens, trees, shrubs or bushes on or near gravesites. Artificial flowers, glass, metal, hanging baskets and ceramic containers are also prohibited. All unauthorized plantings will be removed. Please contact the cemetery at 475-308-0770 or info@branfordcentercemetery.org if you have any questions.
59 Spruce Street – variance to reduce the front property line setback to 42 feet where 50 feet is required, to build a new front porch on the existing house. Owner: Marbel & Matthew Buccitti/Applicant: Marbel Buccitti
B. APPROVED: Appl. #2026-3, 99 Cedar Lake Road – variance to reduce the front property line setback to 23 feet where 50 feet is required, to build an addition on the existing house. Owner/Applicant: Vincent L. Rapuano, Jr.
Steve Kenning, Chairman
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Cornelia A Walsh (26-00255)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated July 10, 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.
Rebecca Norton, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Christopher Vergato, 89 Cedar Street, Branford, CT 06405
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Patricia A. Tucker (26-00159)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated 7/13/26, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Taylor Carafeno, Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Terrance Tucker, Jr.
c/o AMANDA GILBERT-LARGENT, LEGACY LAW PARTNERS, PLLC, 336 STATE STREET, SUITE 1, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Carol S. D’Addio (26-00213)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated June 26, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim. Taylor Carafeno, Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Kyle Conklin
c/o ERIC I EMANUELSON, EMANUELSON LAW FIRM, PC, 1575 BOSTON POST RD., BLDG C STE 6, PO BOX 364, GUILFORD, CT 06437
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Deborah Parlato (26-00254)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, Ill, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated July I0, 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.
Rebecca Norton, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Jennifer Casanova
c/o FRANK BONITO, ATTY FRANK BONITO, 1139 BOSTON POST RD, P. 0. BOX 246, GUILFORD, CT 06437
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Jayson D Cutler (26-00231)
The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated June 25, 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.
Rebecca Norton, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Philip L Cutler
c/o JEFFREY M SACHS, SACHS & BILLER, 46 S. WHITTLESEY AVENUE, WALLINGFORD, CT 06492
LEGAL NOTICE
NORTH BRANFORD CONSERVATION AND INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
The North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency at its 7-22-26 Regular Meeting took the following action:
1. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS: Appl. #2026-2, 21 Beech Street – grading on the property within the upland review area. Owner/Applicant: James Devoe, JDV Holdings
Stephen Scavo, Chairman
TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS HEARINGS
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §12-110 and §12-112, and all other applicable statutes, the Board of Assessment Appeals will convene to hear Motor Vehicle appeals for the 2025 Grand List only. Applications are available on the Town’s website or in the Assessor’s Office. Completed applications must be received in the Assessor’s Office no later than August 20, 2026.
The date, time, and location of the hearing are as follows:
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 and Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Place: Assessor’s Office, Town of North Branford 909 Foxon Rd. North Branford, CT
Phone: (203) 484-6013
ZONING
BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405
DECISION NOTICE
The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met Tuesday July 21, 2026 by Zoom technology at 7:00 p.m. to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications and the following decisions were made:
Old Business:
ZBA 26-10 Susan Farricielli –(Applicant) Branford Trailer Park LTD, dba Branford Mobile Homes-(Owner) 26 North Main St. Unit 7-GRANTED
ZBA 26-11 Alfredo Cordero- (Applicant & Owner) 37 Flat Rock Road-GRANTED
ZBA 26-12 Christopher & Michaela Jensen- (Applicants & Owners) 23 Marshall Road- GRANTED
New Business:
ZBA 26-13 Nicholas Randall-(Applicant) Nicholas & Miriam Randall (Owners) 20 Homestead Place- GRANTED
ZBA 26-14 Dennis Pantini (Applicant & Owner) 39 Harding Avenue- GRANTED
ZBA 26-15 Gabriella Kasperzyk-(Applicant) Gabriella & Derek Kasperzyk-(Owners) 60 Harding Avenue- GRANTED
James Sette (Chairman)
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
Taxpayers of the Town of North Branford are hereby notified that the first installment of Real Estate, Personal Property, and Motor Vehicle taxes on the October 1, 2025 Grand List are due and payable on July 1, 2026. Taxes will be considered delinquent on August 4, 2026, and will be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of July 1, 2026, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Payments received with an August 3, 2026 postmark are considered on time. Payments may be made at the Tax Collector’s Office, North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Rd. North Branford CT 06471. Hours are 8:30 – 4:30 M-F or mail to P.O. Box 983175 Boston, MA 02298-3175. You may also pay by debit/credit card or electronic check at www.northbranfordct.gov and clicking on the Online Services link. There is a fee for this service - $3.95 for a debit card - 2.5% per transaction for credit card and $2.00 for electronic check. If you do not receive your tax bill(s), please call the tax office at 203-484-6011. Failure to receive a tax bill does not invalidate the tax or interest as per State Statute 12-145.
Gerri Winnick, CCMC, Tax Collector Dated at North Branford – June 25, 2026
Shoreline’s Meyers Excels With Connecticut Whalers
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
Throughout the season, high school rugby players focus on helping their teams compete for conference and state championships. Along the way, a select group earns All-State recognition for their individual performances.
Those players come together to form the Connecticut Whalers All-Star team, and Shoreline Spartans standout Shane Meyers was among this year’s selections. The sophomore is one of the youngest players on the roster and has been one of its standout performers during the all-star season.
The Shoreline Spartans represent players from throughout the Shoreline Conference, including Madison and Guilford. Meyers said the opportunity to compete with the Connecticut Whalers has been a memorable experience.
The Whalers defeated the Upper State New York All-Star team, 36-0, New Jersey’s All-State team, 50-0, and the Lower State New York All-Star team, 78-0.
“It felt good, and I was excited for the
new experience where I knew I would get to practice and play with the best players in the state,” Meyers said. “It was easy with the first couple of games because New Jersey and New York came to Fairfield to play against us. When we played against the All-Star team from Massachusetts, the Free Jacks Academy, it was a fun and easy trip.”
Meyers said he has enjoyed playing alongside top players from across Connecticut while getting to know teammates from other programs. As one of the younger members of the squad, he said he has learned a great deal from the upperclassmen.
The starting lineup consists of Gerry Castro-Smith, Aidan Byrne, Sam Richardson, Teodoro Ballerino, Brenden Walsh, John Morris, Shane Meyers, Will Kelly, Tyler Derry, Owen Smith, Francisco Gomez, Aidan Macpherson, Jake Hoadley, Nicholas Martschenko and Santi Flynn.
The reserves are Wyatt Demmon, Elijah Jennings, Eric Jennings, Liam Donovan, Ben Zaccagnino, Mikah Israel, Thomas Hawkins, Noah Soucie, Blake Cortell and Jeremiah Duverce. The
coaches are Ben Brzoski, Austin Ryan and JT Smith.
“It was great to meet all-state players from their states and get to play against them. Our last game was amazing in that we got to play in a stadium,” he said. “I may not be the youngest kid on the team. There may be another 16-year-old or two, but it was great playing with the juniors and seniors because they had great skill. It was much more competitive rugby than I have ever played, and I loved the challenge.”
Meyers has just completed his 11th year of playing rugby. He was introduced to the sport by his father and coach, Mike Meyers, who started playing when he was 18. Rugby has become a family tradition, and Shane Meyers began playing at age 5.
This past season, Shane Meyers helped lead the Shoreline Spartans to the state quarterfinals, the furthest the program has advanced. He was also one of the team’s leading scorers and earned the Spartans’ Defensive Player of the Year award.
Mike Meyers said he is incredibly proud of his son’s growth as both a player and a person.
“I am insanely proud. I was on pins and needles just that he got nominated, and then he’s playing against seniors and he’s a sophomore. These kids going off to college and the fact that he not only made the team, but ended up starting on the allstate team,” Mike Meyers said. “It was eye-opening for him. I think he saw the potential of what could be and his world got a little bit bigger. I was really just happy to see all that and see him expand as a young man.”
As Shane Meyers prepares for next season, he will take on even more responsibility. In addition to returning as the team’s flanker, he will serve as one of the Spartans’ captains.
He said he is looking forward to the leadership role and plans to lead by example.
“I am excited to be captain of my high school team and believe I will take what I learned this last season and work on making our team the best we can be,” Shane Meyers said. “I believe I will lead by example with my tackling and the pace I bring to the game, but I also am pretty vocal and always encourage my teammates.”
Photo courtesy of Mike Meyer
Photo courtesy of Mike Meyer
Shane Meyer battles with Connecticut Whalers All-Star Rugby team.
Shoreline Spartans Sophomore Shane Meyer earns All-State honors.
White Sox Fall to the Rangers, 4-2
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
Members considered the evening’s low-humidity weather one of the top 10 days of the season, helping the league get back on schedule following the weather delays earlier this month. Play resumed Monday, but 10 members were unable to compete and only six substitutes were available, leaving four teams to use blind scores for absent players. A blind score is a calculated value assigned to a player based on that player’s handicap and average. The absences also affected team handicaps overall. The margin of victory in 38 games was five points or greater, with 15 games decided by handicap, a season high.
The top three teams all lost but remained first, second and third in the standings. The White Sox fell to the Rangers, 4-2; the Reds took advantage of double-digit handicaps to stop the Giants, 4-2; the Braves, without league scoring leader Frank Rausch, lost to the D’backs, 4½-1½; and the Marlins moved up the standings with a 5-1 win over the Orioles.
The White Sox and Rangers both used blind scores for their A players. Emily Taylor substituted for Rangers player Gerry Hines. The handicap favored the Rangers throughout the match, leaving the B and C players to decide the outcome of each game. In the two games featuring only the C players, the teams split. The Rangers won the two games featuring the B players. In the first B/C game, Rangers player John Durinick scored 36 points, but it was his double in the final box, along with the handicap, that secured a three-point win. In the second, Bob Beckwith’s 31 points led to an easy White Sox victory. Durinick’s 114-point series led the B Division scorers. Evan Pierce, in his second match of the season, substituted for Reds player Joe Heery. The handicap favored the Reds in all six games, four of them by double digits. After tying the score in the fifth box, the Reds struggled but still managed to use the handicap to their advantage in game one. By the seventh box, the Giants
had cut the handicap in half, and the Reds scored only four points the rest of the way in game two, giving the Giants the win. Even though the Giants’ Matt Valentin outscored the Reds in game three, the team could not overcome the handicap, and the Reds held on for a four-point victory. The Reds again used the handicap to win games four and six, each by six points. Game five was a repeat of game two, except the Giants overcame the handicap in the sixth box.
D’backs player John Sciacca judges the success of his season by the outcome of his match against rival Frank Rausch of the Braves. With Rausch absent, Sciacca’s challenge was to beat Rausch’s blind score of 128 points. His team also wants a spot in the playoffs. Wins for the Braves would require help from teammates Mike Beckwith and Gary Haney. In game one, Haney’s points were enough to give the Braves a one-point victory. Butch Carotenuto and John O’Brien aided Sciacca in the D’backs’ wins in the next four games, including two victories in which they used their double-digit handicap.
O’Brien’s season-best game of 32 points included a double in the last box of the final game, giving the team a tie and a 4½-1½ victory. Sciacca’s season-best 123point series ranked third among A Division scorers. Carotenuto also had a season-best series with 87 points. Although Sciacca lost to Rausch’s blind score by five points, he got his wish with the team victory. Beckwith’s 98-point series ranked third in the B Division, while Haney also posted a season-best 55 points.
Mike Zanelli Jr.’s Orioles fell victim to the blind score they used for absent player Ted Dubay. Even with the blind score, the maximum handicap in four games was only two points, with two favoring each team. Marlins player Leif Selander won game one as both Zanelli and Marlins player John Hutra matched their lowest scores of the season. Hutra’s 28 points in game two and Mike Shashok’s 28 points in game three led the Marlins to victories. Zanelli’s 33 points led to the Orioles’ lone win in game
four. The Marlins won the final two games by double digits. Clean games by Hutra and Shashok in game five produced another double-digit victory, and Selander was the key in the final game. With the 5-1 win, the Marlins and Orioles swapped places in the standings. Zanelli and Hutra each finished with 101-point series.
This year, the annual game between the last two teams in the standings featured Bill Beckwith’s Red Sox and Jeremy Davis’ Dodgers. Since Week 4, they have traded last place six times. Entering the night, the Dodgers trailed the Red Sox by 1½ games. Whatever motivated them, they were determined, winning the first five games. Each Dodger won his individual matchup: Davis defeated Beckwith, 107-96, Beckwith’s season low; Hunter Beckwith topped Paul Stevens, 77-56; and Ralph Sampson scored 87 points to Jim Weselcouch’s 43. Sampson was the top C Division scorer. The Red Sox won the night’s final game by double digits but remained in last place.
Both the Rockies and Mets had substitutes for their C players: Tanner Steeves for Sue Pollard’s Rockies and Kyle Sunderland, in his first match of the season, for Mark Goodale’s Mets. Often, a player will change the type of shoe he tosses in hopes of improving his game, but rarely does one change his release. For the past few years, Goodale has been dedicated to mastering the turn. While he has had some success, it has also brought frustration. This week, he returned to the flip. He led all scorers with 155 points, his best series since August 2022, when he was called “Le Machine.” Goodale scored 80 points as the Mets won the first two games by double digits. The Rockies responded by winning the next two. In game five, the Rockies did their best to counter Goodale’s 43 points with a late 14-point surge over the final two boxes but came up short by two points. Steeves and Warren Bellows each tossed a double in two of the final three boxes for the Rockies’ third win. With the split, the Rockies remained in fifth place.
Cody Layton substituted for Tigers player Sheryl Serviss, and Frank Durinick filled in for Pirates player Brian Walsh. Tigers player Dennis Goodrich tossed a four in the final box for the Tigers’ opening win. With Layton and Pirates player Skip Robinson matching scores, Tigers player Anthony Conkling led his team to a four-point victory. The Pirates won game three as both players on each team posted identical scores: the Tigers scored 19 points each, while the Pirates scored 20 each. The Tigers used their handicap to win the next game by three points despite clean games by Gary Stevens and Skip Robinson. The Pirates’ double-digit win in game five evened the match at 2½ wins apiece. The final game decided the winner. Fittingly, it came down to the last box: Pirates 3, Tigers 1, for a twopoint Pirates victory. They remained in fourth place. Stevens’ 87-point series tied for the top C Division score. The difference in total team points was 17, while the combined totals in the B/C matchup were identical: Tigers Conkling 86 and Goodrich 85 for 171; Pirates Durinick 84 and Stevens 87 for 171.
Cards player Kris Toohey single-handedly won game one against Tony Cutone’s Angels. The Angels evened the match by using their handicap to win game two. Cards player Todd Nuhn matched the Angels’ score in game three, allowing Todd Norton’s points to give the Cards the win. The Cards also won the next two games. Toohey overwhelmed the Angels with 46 points, 14 ringers and five doubles in game four, and Nuhn joined in for a double-digit victory in game five. Angels player Ed Turner outscored the Cards in the finale. The Cards won the match, 4-2, and
Mark Goodale was the leading scorer this week with 155 points, 38 ringers and 8 doubles. He had the high score for the season from 2019 - 2022.
moved within one-half game of eighth place, the final playoff spot. Toohey’s 154-point series was his best of the season and the second-highest A Division score, while Nuhn’s 99-point series ranked second in the B Division. Cubs player Bob Cifaldi’s 42 points led to a double-digit victory over Dennis Allen’s Yankees. The Yankees responded with their own double-digit win in game two. In game three, it was the Cubs’ turn as Scott Allen and Peter Lessard stunned the Yankees by 20 points. The Yankees used their handicap to win game four and even the match. Allen and Vinny Jonynas each scored 25 points in a three-point victory. The final game would decide whether the Yankees would earn a much-needed win or the teams would split. With the game tied entering the final box, the Yankees held the advantage thanks to their two-point handicap. The Cubs outscored the Yankees, 4-0, in the final box to win by two, and the match ended in a 3-3 tie.
Photo courtesy of Joseph Heery
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By Susan Cornell
Special to Living
New Summer on the Block Brings New Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences
Block Island is my favorite place in the universe. I didn’t think this paradise should change much or could be improved upon, but I now stand corrected. Block Island, also known as BI or simply Block, has new lodging, new restaurants, and new experiences ranging from low-key to true adventures, and they make the island even more special.
Block Island is close — 12 miles from the mainland — so you may not think of it as a “Postcards from Afar” destination like Alaska or Italy. But because it’s offshore, the whole look and vibe are so different from those of the Nutmeg State that it feels like you’ve truly traveled to a faraway land.
But first, what’s the best way to get to Block? There’s the Block Island Express from New London (goblockisland.com). The crossing time is 80 to 90 minutes, and the current round-trip fare is $66.50, plus parking ($15 per day on-site, with additional parking at the Water Street Parking Garage). If you have more money and less time, New England Airlines (blockislands-airline.com) flies from Westerly to Block in only 12 minutes. Round-trip fare for adults is $164, and airport parking is fast and free. One recent change is that Fly The Whale, which began flying from Westerly in 2025, stopped regularly scheduled service in November.
The newest hotel is the Spring House in New Harbor, which features 10 custom, upscale suites with high-end furnishings, scenic views, private baths, air conditioning, and a spa. It’s a fresh and elegant addition for adult guests seeking a modern stay. My husband and I spent one midweek night in a spacious, although expensive, partial-harbor-view room.
A complimentary shuttle runs every hour to the Spring House
Abrams Animal Farm has evolved from a small petting zoo into one of Block Island's most popular family attractions.
Hotel and Town Beach. Made-toorder breakfast is included and delicious. We started with croissants, breads, and a fruit platter, followed by brioche French toast, a vegetable omelet, and about a pound of bacon.
Other recent lodging options include The Gothic at Block
Island Beach Hotel, the Eureka Hotel, part of the 1661 Resort collection, and Block Island Bunk House. The Spring House in New Harbor won’t be the newest for long, though, as groundbreaking took place in May for the new Harborside Inn. The original inn burned down in 2023. The rebuilt
inn is targeted to open in summer 2027.
Block Island often has a reputation for having little to do, with the exception of going to the beach, hiking, biking, riding mopeds, and drinking mudslides. It’s true that BI isn’t Ibiza or the Jersey Shore, but there’s much
more to do than that — and much more than there was just a year ago.
The Block Island Electric Bike Company, for example, now offers e-bike delivery service from Point Judith. While you may have seen
See New Summer page 20
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell New England Airlines offers a 12-minute flight between Westerly, Rhode Island, and Block Island.
An aerial view showcases Block Island's dramatic bluffs, open spaces, and miles of protected coastline.
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
Susan and Bob Cornell explore Block Island aboard an electric eMoke, one of the island's newest transportation options, outside the Spring House in New Harbor.
Continued from page 19
New Summer on the Block Brings New Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences
its e-bikes on the island over the past couple of years, shipping them to the island is brand-new and perfect for those taking the ferry from New London or flying from Westerly.
We rented e-bikes for a full day. The customer service was stellar, delivery and pickup were a cinch, and everything rolled and rode perfectly. Among the pluses of ebikes is the ability to take them where mopeds are not allowed, including down many bumpy and dusty dirt roads that lead directly to our favorite trails.
For many visitors, e-bikes make sense because they don’t have to walk everywhere or deal with less environmentally friendly and more expensive alternatives. E-bikes are also safer and quieter than mopeds, which makes for a more peaceful island.
The price per bike is $100 and includes a helmet, lock, and bag for belongings. By comparison, the advertised rate for mopeds on the island is $115 for just four hours. For more information, visit blockislandebike.com.
On the topic of electric transportation, eMokes are another new option. An eMoke is a modern, electric, open-air recreational vehicle inspired by the 1960s Mini Moke. They seat four and are a fun option for cruising around without a traditional car. Even topping out at 25 mph, we covered all four corners of the island — probably a total of 35 miles — in three hours and felt like we accomplished a lot. We usually try to walk everywhere, so the eMoke was like getting a week’s worth of sightseeing into a brief period of time, while still allowing for stops to hike and have lunch.
We hadn’t been in a Moke since our honeymoon on St. Kitts in 1988, so this eMoke was a perfect trip down memory lane. Except for going electric, the Moke looks pretty much the same as it did in the ’80s.
Another update for those renting transportation: The Moped Man and Old Harbour Bike and Moped are now operating under one name, Island Rentals. The cost to rent an eMoke is $100 per hour, with a three-hour maximum. For information on eMokes, cars, golf carts, and bicycles, visit rentalsblockisland.com.
Block has an extensive network of Greenway trails — more than 28 miles of interconnected walking paths that are open free of charge. These trails wind through conserved land, offering meadows,
coastal bluffs, rolling hills, wildlife, ponds, stone walls, and ocean views. They connect preserves and range from easy to moderate, making them suitable for most hikers. No bikes are allowed.
For those who would like to explore the trails on foot, the new Block Island Greenway Guide can help with previewing and planning. The series includes 10 video guides covering 11 of the island’s best trails, complete with maps, tips, and stories. To access the guide, visit blockislandinfo.com, click on “Things to Do,” and then click on “Greenway Trail Guide.”
You can also buy a detailed trail map at The Nature Conservancy on High Street. PDF versions are available online at natureblockisland.org.
If you’d prefer to be driven while gaining a better understanding of the history and culture of this special island, Peter Pan Taxi Service offers Historical Island Tours. During the 75-minute excursion, which can be booked in advance, the history-loving driver visits some of the island’s most beautiful spots, with stops at both lighthouses for photos.
Private tours are $100 for the first four people, with each additional person costing $10. For more information or to book a tour, visit blockislandtours.com.
For extra credit in history, the Block Island Historical Society (blockislandhistoricalsociety.org) always seems to have new offerings and exhibits. Likewise, the Block Island Maritime Institute (blockislandmaritime.org) always has something new going on.
We make sure to stop by Abrams Animal Farm each time we visit. When we first started visiting the farm, set on a hill-
side meadow on Spring Street, 30 years ago, Abrams was just a small hobby farm and petting zoo. Today, it features a diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals, including camels, emus, yaks, pygmy goats, donkeys, sheep, pigs, tortoises, and my favorite, a West Highland “coo.” The additions from last year to this year are remarkable.
The newest restaurant is Wetherbee’s Pizza and Bar, located in the space formerly occupied by Club Soda. Wetherbee’s is a family-friendly, year-round pizzeria and sports bar with games including pool, foosball, and darts. There are six televisions inside, as well as outdoor dining.
Both the food and service were excellent. The steak-and-cheese grinder is the most popular sandwich on the menu, so we ordered that, along with Block Fries — fries topped with melted pizza cheese and bacon — and a gigantic chocolate chip cookie. It was served hot and could have fed four, but it was just too good. The pizza looked amazing, so we will try it next time.
Our waitress, Katie, worked there for years when the restaurant was Club Soda and “kind of came with the building” when Wetherbee’s was born in March. Her day job is assistant harbormaster, so she has lots of great stories.
The artwork consists of historic murals painted by Holden Wetherbee in the late 1940s. Wetherbee was part of the Greenwich Village scene and spent several summers on Block. He traded his paintings for room, board, and drinks at the Highview Inn, the building where Wetherbee’s is now located.
A large mural depicting postwar island life stretches around the four walls of the basement bar. Other works depict scenes
such as swordfishing. The new owner deliberately preserved the murals, which has been a big hit with locals. For menus and a feel for the artwork and atmosphere, visit wetherbeesbi.com.
Traveling from “America” to the destination known as the “Bermuda of the North” takes only 12 minutes by air or just over an hour by ferry, making Block Island significantly more accessible than many other vacation spots while offering comparable beauty and recreational opportunities. Cheers to an even better island time.
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
Made-to-order breakfast, including brioche French toast with fresh berries, is included with a stay at the Spring House.
The Spring House in New Harbor recently expanded with 10 upscale suites offering a modern lodging option for adult guests.
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell Wetherbee's Pizza and Bar occupies the former Club Soda location and features historic murals preserved from the building's past.
Photo by Bob and Susan Cornell
The steak-and-cheese grinder is among the most popular menu items at Wetherbee's Pizza and Bar.
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Thrifting Thursdays
: 9:30 a.m. to noon. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook. Program for students entering grades 7 to 12 exploring local thrift shops and cafes. Registration required. For info, contact 860-510-5050 or jessica.wood@oldsaybrookct.gov, or visit osyfs.org.
Party Pigs
: 2:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Features an interactive program with rescued, trained pigs. Learn about pig behavior, intelligence, and care, with opportunities to pet, interact with, and photograph the animals. All ages. No registration required. For info, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Teen Crafternoon: Air Dry Clay Animals
: 3 to 4 p.m.
Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Participants will create animal figures using air-dry clay. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
: Film Screening and Discussion
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, Johnson Community Room, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a preview screening of Amore nel Sannio (“Love in the Sannio”), a 30-minute fiction-documentary film by filmmakers Marylou and Jerome Bongiorno about the Sannio region of Italy. A discussion with the filmmakers (appearing virtually) and Maria Nuzzolillo will follow. Light refreshments served. Free. No registration required. For info, contact 203-379-7083 or Marianuzzolillo7@gmail.com.
Summer Nights @ APL: Matt Matthews Magic!
: 6 p.m.
Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a magic show with audience participation and instruction. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Library. Free. For info or to register (suggested), call 860395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Teen Craft Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features fluid painting and tie-dye projects for students in grades 7 and up. Snacks provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Beaded Plants
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. For teens. Participants will create a beaded potted plant. Supplies provided. For info or to register (required), call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Stony Creek Forum: Lecture and Ideas Series
: 7 p.m.
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. New York Times bestselling author Amy Bloom discusses the writing life, her work, crime fiction, and her new mystery novel, . For info or to register, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.
Blunt Instrument
FRIDAY,
JULY 31
Music with Miss Jessica
: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Features an interactive music program led by Miss Jessica of the Community Music School for children ages 0 to 8 and their families. No registration required. For info, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day Featuring Kahlil Kwame Bell on Slapaphone
: 2 to 4 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a performance by percussionist Kahlil Kwame Bell centered on the slapaphone and other lesser-known musical instruments. Sponsored by the David J. Hughes Memorial Fund. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Food Group:
Cool Bean
Cool Bean
: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a story and snack-making program inspired by by Jory John for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 4 to 8 must attend with an adult. Free. Registration required. For info, including allergens, or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Tweens Magic: The Gathering
: 5 to 6 p.m. Killingworth Library, 274 Route 81. Features instruction and game play for the trading card game. Recommended for ages 9 and older. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Madison Beach Club Follies: Rockin Through the Eras
:
7:30 p.m. Madison Beach Club, 128 Island Ave., Madison. The 90th annual Madison Beach Club Follies features music and dance celebrating rock music through the decades. Tickets: $25 adults; $10 for children ages 13 and younger. For info, call the Madison Beach Club at 203245-2714.
Calendar for the Week of July 30, 2026
FRIDAY, JULY 31 THROUGH SUNDAY, AUG. 2
100th Middlesex and New Haven County 4-H Fair
: Fri-
SATURDAY, AUG. 1
Hand Quilting Demonstration
day, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fairgrounds, Durham. Features home arts exhibits, livestock shows, tractor and livestock pulls, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Planned and organized by youth members of 4-H. Admission is free. Parking: $7. For info, visit 4-Hfair.org. : 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features a hand quilting demonstration and an opportunity to try hand stitching a quilting pattern. Participants may join others quilting around a table in the tradition of early New England quilting circles. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
Plant Bingo:
10 to 11:30 a.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. Participants ages 10 and older will play bingo for a chance to win a plant. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Closing Reception for
Walking Each Other Home: Exploring Where We Belong, and How We Find It
: 2 to
SUNDAY, AUG. 2
20th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festiva
4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Features artwork by 78 artists exploring themes of home, belonging, memory, and community. Free. For info, visit guilfordartcenter.org. l: Noon to 5 p.m. Guilford Green. Celebrates 250 years of Jewish life in the United States with live Jewish music, kosher food, a Jewish book sale, artists and craft vendors, and children's activities. Admission and entertainment are free. Food, crafts, books, and vendor items available for purchase. Hosted by Chabad of the Shoreline. For info or to register, visit ShorelineJewishFestival.com.
Dan Pugach Big Band with Special Guest Nicole Zuraitis
: 4 p.m. The Morgan School Auditorium, 71 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a performance by the Dan Pugach Big Band with jazz vocalist and pianist Nicole Zuraitis. Free. Tickets required. For info or tickets, visit georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com.
See page 24
Amore nel Sannio
The
The
Page Turners
FútbolIsLife! byCristoFernández,illustratedbyJames RaySanchez
This super-sweet bilingual picture book by the actor who played Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso is a partly biographical story of a boy who loves soccer but then suffers an injury that takes him out of the game. Each page features bright, happy illustrations, and the narrative is presented in both English and Spanish. Cristo’s infectious love of soccer and life shines through in this delightful book.
— Jen, Breakwater Books, Guilford
Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.
The Hunger Games NoOneLeavestheManor byKellyMcWilliams
Helpless byJessicaKnoll
Dark, intense and seriously spicy, this is the type of book that can pull you right out of a reading slump. Part dark romance (emphasis on the dark), part thriller, it kept me completely captivated from the first page to the last. And that ending? It threw me for a loop and had me questioning everything.
— Tijae, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
The Inheritance Games — Heather, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Combine with , add some magical realism, set it in 1921, and you’ll get close to this book. Just when you think you’ve settled into the plot, the author throws in another twist, and you’re left wondering what exactly is happening here. Jump in and see if you can figure it out!
LoveYouMore byEmilyGiffin
In the blink of an eye, Billie’s perfectly planned life is turned upside down with one phone call. A promise made and a heart broken, now she must choose how to keep what she has without losing her past. With a twisty plot and an unexpected secret, this romance will have you reading all day!
— Terri, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Continued from page 22
Ornithography byJessicaRoux
New York Times bestselling illustrator
Jessica Roux renders 100 bird species in wondrous detail, pairing each with a concise exploration of its symbolism in folklore, mythology and history. This is a fantastically interesting compendium of all things birds, perfect for gifting or your own personal library.
— Christine, The Griswold Inn Goods & Curiosities, Essex
TheForestBecomesHer byJulieCarrickDalton
When an ancient forest is demolished to create a housing development, three women — eco-warriors from different generations — band together to save the one remaining oak tree. This book makes a powerful statement about our connection and responsibility to the land, with a nod to the Transcendentalists of the 19th century.
— Marilyn, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
ManOverboard! byKathleenRooney
Of course there’s a shark encounter — Kevin is lost at sea! A great summer beach read told with wit and humor as we watch Kevin swim with the tide and tread the memories in his mind to make sense of his life, his choices and his ultimate survival. If you’re traveling with family, questioning that decision and wondering if there’s a way out, this is your what-not-to-do guide! It will keep you laughing and guessing until the end.
— Jen,
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
AFoundingMother byStephanieDrayandLauraKamoie
New York Times
These two bestselling authors deliver another outstanding historical novel, this time about Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams and mother to another president. It is an intimate portrayal of the difficult times she had to endure and overcome while raising her children in Boston during the Revolutionary War, often alone. Dray and Kamoie’s writing style is exquisite, as this book reads more like a thrilling pageturner than a history lesson, yet I learned so much from reading it! This is a mustread book as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, and in Abigail’s words, to “remember the ladies” who helped create our country.
— Christine, The Griswold Inn Goods & Curiosities, Essex
Kids Market to Debut at All Things Killingworth Picnic
Press Release from Killingworth Women's Organization
Young entrepreneurs will have a chance to showcase their creativity and business skills during the inaugural Kids Market at this year’s All Things Killingworth Picnic. The new attraction invites children ages 5 to 17 to operate their own small businesses, selling handmade crafts, artwork, baked goods, jewelry, slime, and other original products they create themselves. Part of a nationwide Kids Market program, the event gives participants hands-on experience with entrepreneurship, customer service, creativity, and money management in a supportive setting.
“The Kids Market is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurship while giving young people the chance to experience what it feels like to build something of their own,” Jessie D’Amato Ford, cofounder of All Things Killingworth, said.
The Kids Market will be part of the All Things Killingworth Picnic from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Deer Lake Outdoor Center. The annual community event also features live music, food trucks, local vendors, nonprofit organizations, children’s activities, and entertainment.
Proceeds from the picnic benefit Deer Lake Outdoor Center summer day camp scholarships and the HaddamKillingworth Backpack Program, which provides nutritious weekend meals for local children.
Families interested in registering a young entrepreneur can find additional information at kidsmarkets.com/markets/killingworth.
Continued from page 21
MONDAY, AUG. 3
Outdoor Fun: Grades 3 and 4
: 1 to 5 p.m., Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook. Outdoor program featuring park exploration, trail activities, games, and more. Registration required. For info, visit osyfs.org.
TUESDAY,
AUG. 4
Baby and Me
: 10 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features songs, stories, and playtime for children from birth to 24 months. Siblings welcome. For info or to register (required), call 860669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Virtual Author Talk with Paula J. Johnson
: 2 p.m.
Online. Book:
: 3 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features a Super Smash Bros. pizza party for teens. For info or to register (required), call 860-6692342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Monday Funday for Teens: Super Smash Bros Teen Volunteer Orientation
: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Orientation for students in grades 7 through 12 interested in volunteering at the library. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Art with Kristin
: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Participants will create a watercolor ocean sunset and add a whale or other sea creature. For rising second- through sixth-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Julia Child's Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space
. Features a virtual discussion with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Virtual Author Talk with Paula J. Johnson
: 2 p.m.
Online. Book:
Julia Child's Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space
. Features a virtual discussion with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson. Hosted by Essex Library. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Plant the Seed Learning Series: Handwriting Fun!
:
3 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a calligraphy workshop led by Debby Reelitz. Participants ages 7 to 18 will learn decorative handwriting techniques and create a project to take home. Supplies provided. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 3 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Children and families will celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day by making mug recipes for chocolate chip cookies. For info or to register, call 860-767-1252 or visit ivorytonlibrary.org.
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Plant a Seed
: 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features a seed-themed story and activities presented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Sponsored by the Clinton Land Conservation Trust. For rising kindergarten through fourth-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Summer Movie Nite
: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Families are invited to watch a movie in the Children's Room. Bring a beach blanket or cardboard "car." Popcorn provided. Movie title available from the library. For info or to register (required), call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Trivia Night:
6:30 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features an evening of trivia. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Photo courtesy of the Killingworth Women's Organization. Young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sell their handmade products during the inaugural Kids Market at the All Things Killingworth Picnic on Oct. 3 at Deer Lake Outdoor Center.
Handcrafted reproductions of 18th-century hats and accessories created by historical seamstress Emily Stringham will be featured during "Mantua-Maker and Milliner: An Exploration of Women's Trades in the 18th Century" at the Pardee-Morris House.
Emily Stringham, owner of At the Sign of the Golden Scissors, specializes in creating historically accurate clothing for museums and living-history sites and will present a program on women's trades during the American Revolution Aug. 16 at the PardeeMorris House.
Emily Stringham's reproduction of an 18th-century wide-brimmed hat demonstrates the craftsmanship and historical techniques she will discuss during her Aug. 16 program.
Historic Clothing Program Explores Women’s Trades During the American Revolution
seamstress and researcher Emily Stringham.
Visitors can step into the world of 18thcentury fashion and craftsmanship during a special program at the Pardee-Morris House on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Presented as part of the New Haven Museum’s NH250 series, “Mantua-Maker and Milliner: An Exploration of Women’s Trades in the 18th Century” runs from noon to 4 p.m. and features historical
Continued from page 24
From Before to Beyond Gala
Stringham will examine the femaledominated trades of gown making and millinery, explaining how women in New England created and wore clothing during the American Revolution. Visitors will have the opportunity to view handstitched reproductions of period gowns, caps, and accessories crafted using historical techniques.
: 6 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Celebrates Madison's bicentennial with dinner, live music, a silent auction, a one-night exhibit on the history of West Wharf, and presentation of the Madison Historical Society's inaugural Elizabeth Skinner Platt Citizenship Award to John and Melissa Mathers. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Tickets: $150; table for 10, $1,250. For info or tickets, contact 203-2454567 or office@madisonhistory.org, or visit madisonhistory.org.
A lifelong student of historical clothing, Stringham owns At the Sign of the Golden Scissors, which creates authentic period garments for museums and living-history sites throughout the United States and abroad. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history, is a member of the Costume Society of America, and regularly presents workshops and demonstrations on historic sewing and textiles.
The program is part of NH250, the New
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5
Playdough Playdate
: 10:30 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features sensory play for ages 2 to 5. Siblings welcome. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Wellness Wednesday for Teens
: 11 a.m. to noon. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features guided meditation and gentle yoga for teens. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Haven Museum’s series commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary by exploring local stories from the Revolutionary era.
The Pardee-Morris House is located at 325 Lighthouse Road in New Haven. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Like a Wave We Break: Virtual Author Talk with Jane Marie Chen
: Noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Virtual author talk with Jane Marie Chen about her memoir
Like a Wave We Break: Overcoming Burnout to Lead with Resilience and Alignment
. Free. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Nutmeg Book Club
The Myth of Monsters: Medusa
: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Book: by Katherine Marsh. Discussion of the 2027 Intermediate Nutmeg Book Award nominee followed by a related activity. For children entering grades 4 through 6. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4538282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum
Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum
Press Release from the New Haven Museum
Sunset Walk Explores Trolley Trail, Local Conservation
The Branford Land Trust will host a guided evening walk along the Stony Creek Trolley Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 5, offering participants a chance to enjoy a sunset view while learning about the area’s history and conservation.
The walk begins at 6 p.m. at the Tilcon Road trailhead on the Pine Orchard end of
the Trolley Trail. Organizers note this is not the Stony Creek entrance to the trail. Tilcon Road, which extends east from Totoket Road, is unmarked.
The guided walk will highlight the trail’s tidal wetlands, osprey nesting platforms maintained by the Branford Land Trust, and the adjoining Goss Preserve and Vedder Preserve. The 15-acre Goss Preserve and the Vedder Preserve along
Pleasant Point Road offer sweeping views of Long Island Sound, the salt marsh, the Trolley Trail, and the Thimble Islands.
Along the way, participants will also learn about two women whose vision helped preserve these natural areas for future generations.
The route includes both level and hilly sections with rocky, uneven terrain. Those who prefer not to hike the hill may turn
around and return to the starting point on their own. The walk is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine. Dogs are not permitted.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit branfordlandtrust.org or call the Branford Land Trust at 203-483-5263.
: 3:15 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features openended arts and crafts activities. For rising kindergarten through fourth-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St., Chester. Features an interactive circus performance with juggling, balancing, and acrobatic acts. Free. For info or to register (required), contact 860-526-0018 or library@chesterct.org.
: 4 to 6 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Certified fairy hair artistry will add up to five double strands of hair tinsel. Open to students entering grades 6 through 12. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
: 5 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features live birds presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Sponsored by the Clinton Land Conservation Trust. For rising kindergarten through sixth-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Walk on the Stony Creek Trolley Trail
: 6 p.m.
Meet at the Tilcon Road trailhead at the Pine Orchard end of the Trolley Trail, Branford. Guided walk along the Trolley Trail with a sunset vista and information about the history of the trail and the women who helped preserve it. All ages welcome. Rain or shine. Free. For info, call 203-483-5263 or visit branfordlandtrust.org.
How Trade Restrictions Triggered the American Revolution
THURSDAY, AUG. 6
Thrifting Thursdays
: 9:30 a.m. to noon. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook. Program for students entering grades 7 to 12 exploring local thrift shops and cafes. Registration required. For info, contact 860-510-5050 or jessica.wood@oldsaybrookct.gov, or visit osyfs.org.
Husky Buddy Readers
: 10 to 11 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Children may choose a book to read with a volunteer reader. For info, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Painting with Carol
Continued from page 25 See page 27
: 7 to 8 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. For adults 18 and older. Features Thomas Truxes, professor emeritus of Irish Studies & History at New York University, discussing the chain of events that led to the American Revolution. For info or to register (required), call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
: 10 to 11 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features stepby-step painting instruction. For rising fourth- through seventh-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Photo by Clare Hambly.
Photo by Clare Hambly.
Sunset colors reflect across the salt marshes bordering the Stony Creek Trolley Trail, one of the scenic stops featured during the Branford Land Trust's guided evening walk Aug. 5.
The Stony Creek Trolley Trail offers expansive views of the tidal marsh, Long Island Sound, and the Thimble Islands. The Branford Land Trust will lead a sunset walk along the trail on Aug. 5.
Press Release from the Branford Land Trust
Imagination Station
Matica Arts Circus Duo Performance
Fairy Hair
Birds Are Dinosaurs
Evening
Photography Exhibition Returns to New Haven IMAGES
Shoreline Arts Alliance’s annual Photography Competition and Exhibition returns Saturday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 30, at Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven, showcasing the work of photographers from across Connecticut. IMAGES
Continued from page 26
The Day the Crayons Quit
The Day the Crayons Quit
Now in its 46th year, is recognized as Connecticut’s oldest statewide photography competition and exhibition. The juried show features photographs selected by a panel of three professional judges and highlights the work of photographers of all experience levels. The exhibition opens with a free public reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Grove School Children's Theater Troupe presents a live performance based on the children's book . Approximately 15 to 20 minutes. All ages welcome. No registration required. For info, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Music and Interactive Storytelling with Michael Caduto
: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features stories, music, dance, and activities inspired by Native American cultures and environmental stewardship. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
STEM Storytime: Strawberry DNA
: 1 to 2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Participants will learn about DNA through a story and extract DNA from a strawberry to observe under a microscope. For children ages 7 to 11. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
IMAGES 8. A gallery talk with juror Jessica Roscio is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Registration for both events is available through Shoreline Arts Alliance.
The exhibition will be on view through Sunday, Aug. 30. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven.
: 1 to 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features pizza, video games, yard games, and cupcake decorating. For rising fifth- through 12th-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
DIY Terrariums
: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. Intended for ages 7 to 14. Participants will create a miniature terrarium. Space is limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-3996422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Sweet Treat Night
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. For teens. Participants will make ice cream with a variety of mix-ins. For info or to register (required), call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Shoreline Sailing Club Event
: 7 p.m. Old Elks Cottage, 142 Seaside Ave., Westbrook. For active singles ages 35 and older. Features information about the club's yearround sailing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and social activities. New members welcome. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.
Founded in 1981, IMAGES was created to encourage, recognize, and support Connecticut photographers while providing opportunities for artists to share their work with the public.
For more information or to register for exhibition events, visit shorelinearts.org or call Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203-4216739.
FRIDAY, AUG. 7
Stories and More
: 10 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features stories, music, and movement for ages 2 to 6. Siblings welcome. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Side Quests
: 3 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Teens will explore a new hobby through hands-on activities. For info, visit ivorytonlibrary.org.
Cool-ology
: 3 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features STEM experiments focused on American inventors. For rising firstthrough fifth-graders. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Food Group: The Couch Potato
The Couch Potato
: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Book: by Jory John. Features a story and snack-making program for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 4 to 8 must attend with an adult. Free. For info, including allergen information, or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
See page 28
Photo courtesy of Shoreline Arts Alliance
Photo courtesy of Shoreline Arts Alliance Photo courtesy of Shoreline Arts Alliance
by Tom Tabaczynski is among the photographs selected for this year's Photography Competition and Exhibition, on view Aug. 8-30 at Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven.
Cardinal IMAGES
Mary Griffen's is one of the juried works featured in the 46th annual Photography Competition and Exhibition presented by Shoreline Arts Alliance.
Final Bow IMAGES
Alan Berkson's will be on display during the 46th annual Photography Competition and Exhibition at Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven.
Red in Yellow IMAGES
Press Release from Shoreline Arts Alliance
Teen and Tween Pizza Scene
Goodspeed Announces Cast Snow Goose
Goodspeed Musicals has announced the cast for tion of its 2026 season.
The new musical runs Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 18, at The Goodspeed in East Haddam.
“
been a favorite of mine for more than 40 years,” Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton said. “In 2022, Goodspeed optioned the book and commissioned Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour to adapt it into a musical. We have lovingly developed the show over the past four years through multiple readings and workshops, as well as a popular appearance in our 2024 Festival of New Musicals. With this world premiere, we bring the beloved story to life as the first of our GoodWorks commissions to reach The Goodspeed stage.”
Set on the windswept coast of England, the musical follows Philip, a reclusive artist shunned by society, and Frith, a resilient young woman, who form an unlikely bond after rescuing a wounded snow goose. As World War II looms, their friendship allows Frith to imagine a life beyond her village while Philip confronts his own humanity before embarking on a daring journey to help save soldiers trapped at Dunkirk.
Eric Graise, whose credits include TV’s
Continued from page 27
Chester First Friday Night Art Stroll:
5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Chester. Shops, restaurants, and galleries throughout downtown Chester will remain open late. Participating venues include Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery and Little House Brewing Company, with art exhibitions, artist receptions, live music, and special activities. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com.
Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the church. For info, contact 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.
SATURDAY, AUG. 8 AND
SUNDAY, AUG. 9
Tosca
FRIDAY, AUG. 7 AND SATURDAY, AUG. 8
First Church of Christ Clinton 72nd Annual Summer Fair
SATURDAY, AUG. 8
Peach and Chowder Festival and Silent Auction
: Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. First Church of Christ Clinton, 55 Church Rd., Clinton. Annual fair featuring 40 crafters, food booths, live entertainment, a children's area, tag sale, books and records sale, silent auction, and Fancy Works. Free admission. For info, call 860-669-5735 or visit firstchurchclinton.org. : 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features peach shortcake with whipped cream, chowders, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, beverages, and a silent auction.
: 3 p.m. Morgan School Theater, 71 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Opera Theater of Connecticut presents Puccini’s opera in concert staging with chorus and orchestra. Features baritone David Pittsinger as Baron Scarpia and soprano Rochele Bard as Tosca. Pre-performance OperaTalk discussions led by Artistic Director Alan Mann available. Cost: $65 adults; $60 seniors; $35 children under 18. OperaTalk: $5. For info or tickets, call 860669-8999 or visit operatheaterofct.org.
SUNDAY, AUG. 9
Connecticut Jeep & Bronco Jamboree
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Lane. Fundraiser benefiting the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter featuring an offroad course for Jeep and Bronco vehicles, pet adoptions, raffles, vendors, live music, food, and more. Admission: $20 per Jeep or Bronco, including off-road course access; $10 per spectator vehicle. All proceeds benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. For info, email todd@ctjeepbronco.com or visit ctjeepbronco.com.
, plays Wilf. Ally Bonino, who appeared on Broadway in , plays
Suffs
Show Boat Private Jones GlimmerThe Queen The Book of Mormon Don’t Dress for Dinner
Mrs. Doubtfire War Horse Big Fish Something Rotten! Jurassic World: Chaos Theory All Shook Up Once Upon a One Marvelous Newsical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child How to Dance in Matata & Jesse James
The ensemble includes Alan Chandler; David Aron Damane ( at The and at The Terris; Broadway’s , , and ); Matthew Davies; Leah Hofmann, who also serves as lead , puppetry movement director; ; ; ); Kiersten Kelly ); Amy Hillner Larsen ( at The Goodspeed; Broadway’s ; off-Broadway’s and ); Sophia Anna O’Brien; Gabriel Marcus Omlor; Ayanna Nicole Thomas (Broadway’s and ); Patrick Tombs (off-Broadway’s ); and John Vig-
The production’s swings are Sam Hoffman and Jessica Money.
Marshall Pailet, who directed at The Terris, directs
The Snow Private
For more information and tickets, visit www.goodspeed.org.
MONDAY, AUG. 10
Flower Power Science with Cool-ology
: 10 to 11 a.m.
Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Participants will explore the parts of flowers and learn how they grow and reproduce through hands-on activities and observation. For children ages 6 to 10. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Adult Craft Night: Paper Book Fans
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Elizabeth Alvord will demonstrate how to make a hand fan from a book. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), visit ivorytonlibrary.org.
Just Desserts Book Club A River Enchanted
: 7 to 8 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton. Book: by Rebecca Ross. Discussion of the novel with light refreshments. Registration is not required. For info, call 860-7671252.
The Snow Goose
Submitted
Submitted Eric Graise. Ashlyn Maddox.
Continued from page 28
TUESDAY, AUG. 11
: 3 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Participants will celebrate Play in the Sand Day with sandthemed crafts, art projects, and activities. For info, visit ivorytonlibrary.org.
Play in the Sand Day Cookbook Club
: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Drive. Book: T by Dan Buettner. Participants will prepare and share a dish from the cookbook. Bring serving utensils. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 5. For info or to register (required), call 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Tuesday Trivia
: 6 to 7 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Teams of up to four players will compete in a Jeopardy-style trivia contest. Registration is limited to six teams. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
3D Printer Escape Room
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Participants will work together to solve puzzles, determine the correct key, and create it with a 3D printer to unlock the escape room. Open to students in grades 9 through 12. Registration is required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4538282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
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 Connecticutmade crafts. Rain or shine. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org
Mediterranean Halloumi, Chickpea and White Bean Salad
Try this Greek salad with grilled halloumi and crispy pita bread
By Julia Uehren
dpa
This colorful salad brings together the best of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, combining fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with creamy chickpeas and white beans.
The contrast in textures continues with chewy halloumi and crunchy toasted pita, while Kalamata olives, red onion and a bright lemon-red wine vinegar dressing tie the flavors together with savory depth and fresh acidity.
Designed to serve about 10 people, this salad is ideal for garden parties, buffets, or sharing with family and friends.
Serves 10
Ingredients
225 grams halloumi cheese
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pita breads (about 210 grams), cut into cubes
1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pinch dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cucumber
4 tomatoes
1 red onion
15 grams flat-leaf parsley
265 grams chickpeas, drained and rinsed
265 grams white beans, drained and rinsed
125 grams pitted Kalamata olives
Madison Farmers Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Town Green, Boston Post Road. Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, dairy products, flowers, prepared foods, and locally made products from Connecticut vendors. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
Old Saybrook Farmers Market
: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 28. 210 Main St., Old Say-
olives, and cubes of grilled halloumi and pita bread.
Directions
Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch cubes.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the halloumi until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Add the pita cubes to the same skillet and toast over low heat without additional oil until crisp, turning occasionally.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, oregano and sugar.
Whisk in the remaining 5 tablespoons olive oil until combined.
Wash the cucumber and tomatoes.
brook. Features Connecticut-grown and Connecticut-made products from local farmers, food producers, and artisans. For info, visit the Old Saybrook Farmers Market on Facebook.
Remove the tomato cores. Quarter the tomatoes and cucumber lengthwise, remove the seeds and watery centers if desired, then dice. Peel the onion, halve it and slice it thinly. Chop the parsley.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, chickpeas, white beans, olives and dressing. Toss well and let stand for about 10 minutes.
Just before serving, gently fold in the halloumi and toasted pita.
Tip: If serving the salad on a buffet for an extended time, keep the halloumi and pita separate until just before serving so they stay crisp.
203-988-9335 or email shreichert@gmail.com, or visit scfarmersmarket.org.
: 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 Stony Creek Farmers Market
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Julia Uehren/dpa/TNS
This simple salad brings the atmosphere of a Greek taverna to your table — with sun-ripened tomatoes,
he Blue Zones American Kitchen
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
EAST HAVEN
GUILFORD
MADISON
: Barbara B. OKeefe to William G. and Margaret J. Roeder, $409,000 on July 6
: Philip A. Madonna to 22 Hillside Holdings LLC, $610,000 on July 8
: Barbara H. Cran to Janet and Paul C. Lasewicz, $750,000 on July 6
: Joshua J. and Julie F. Mamis to Hannah Purdy, $585,000 on July 10
: Elaine F Brainerd Real Estate Trust and Alicia Asnyder to Alexandra S. and Matthew West S. Baggett, $750,000 on July 8
48 Bishop Street
: Manika LLC to Barbara H. and Alexis D. Cran, $490,000 on July 7
60 Colman Street Unit A4
: Tara and Louis Cantore to Lewis Stein, $295,000 on July 7
37 Hartman Avenue
: Kelli Carr to Michael I. Kaplan and Michelle E. Freeburg, $330,000 on July 8
60 Iver Avenue
: Pane Ft and Louis Pane to Brian P. Bernard and Amy C. Cereza, $405,000 on July 8
1107 North High Street
: Gabor Datz to Giuseppe Bonesse, $417,500 on July 9
5 Old Town Highway
: Robert and Stacey Erasmus to Richard Esposito, $500,000 on July 6
53 Old Town Highway
274 Church Street Unit 3D
: James
J. and Joan K. Ventrilio to Henry Apostoleris, $280,000 on July 10
51 Highland Avenue
: Richard J. and Eileen M. Petrillo to Michael and Carol Gordon, $625,000 on July 7
83 Jacobs Lane
: Karen Wynn to Dawn Fastiggi, $1,000,000 on July 10
514 Lake Drive
: Theresia Cooper to John Cashin and Nancy A. Engelhardt, $715,000 on July 7
66 Long Hill Farm Unit 66
Marijane Theriault to Devon Bonner, $215,000 on July 8
: Ks Development LLC to 211 East Main LLC, $420,000 on July 9
: Freedman Re Holdings LLC to Ryan S. Cuppernull and Caroline L. Pettinato, $735,000 on July 6
: Christopher G. and Nadhirah Paduda to Avery R. and Keegan Dwyer, $640,000 on July 7
: Thomas Griglock and William J. Homan to Euzo and Janette Seddio, $805,000 on July 9
NORTH BRANFORD
: Ferry Road LLC to Aschly A. and Daniel Daggett, $600,000 on July 9
: John B. and Adrienne S. Buckley to Alyssa M. Gambardella and Andre P B. Hodge, $695,000 on July 6 : Suriel LLC to Gregg S. and Judith A. Dauria, $255,000 on July 8
: Erickson Investments LLC to Cloudio Montoya, $749,900 on July 10
: Jason and Ashley Beeker to Ian P. and Linda M. Farrell, $630,000 on July 9
: Scott Harmann to Ne Hospitality LLC, $400,000 on July 7
70 Prospect Place Extension
:
Alexander Wang to Daniel Hua and Paige Tottenham, $400,000 on July 7
Shannons Corner Unit 18
: Alison M. Brennan to Amanda Comeau and Sunny Ravert, $279,000 on July 6
ESSEX
16 Main Street
: Estate of Violante Roberto and Antonio Roberto to Carmen and Heather Saglimbeni, $439,900 on July 9
128 Mares Hill Road
: Estate of Ruth M. Carnabuci and Thomas D. Stevenson to Henry C. and Priscilla C. Racki, $305,100 on July 10
: Lawrence A. Konareski to Lawrence A. Konareski and Tyler J. Terracezakis, $593,750 on July 10
53 Maplecrest Drive Marvel Road
: Mark and Sandra J. Giovanniello to Catapano T and Walter J. Catapano, $15,000 on July 9
: Eric D.
122 Ridgeview Circle Halbower and Julie M. Depperschmidt to Kimberly and Alexander Delgiudice, $780,000 on July 8
48 State Street
: Sherri Stephens to Susan Hahn, $1,000,000 on July 7
: Jennifer L Cantley T and Jennifer L. Cantley to Timothy Pennington and Ashley Finan, $1,550,000 on July 6
: Kathryn L. and Joseph N. Contessa to Katherine Esposito and Michael Waterbury, $980,000 on July 6
: Devin and Angela Ford to Chad Faulkner and Lauren Pelster, $415,000 on July 8
: Vincent A. Valentino to Bevan K. Hollingsworth, $645,000 on July 9
: 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
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