The Sound 10-23-25 by dayshorepublishing

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Looks at Easing Building-Height Rules

Residents who need to raise the height of their homes to avoid flooding damage may be getting some good news soon.

At a public hearing of the Branford Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, Oct. 23, Director of Planning Michiel Wack-

ers intends to offer an amendment to current zoning rules to allow residents in flood zones to raise the height of their homes without violating regulations. He said the intention is to allow minor developments to be handled by his office at the staff level, rather than having to go through extensive hearings.

“The hope there is that we create more space for the commission to work not just on

the zoning elements, but on the planning into the future,” Wackers said in an interview.

When it comes to flood-zone height, a passed amendment would give private property owners the ability to elevate the height of their properties in the interest of keeping them safe.

Painting for a Cause

Senior Julianne Henkel picks out stencils used to paint her parking space outside of Branford High School on Oct. 18. Henkel and other classmates paid to decorate their own parking spaces as part of a fundraising event organized by senior class advisor Shannon Carey, with proceeds going toward senior class activities. Henkel's design features a quote from Elle Woods, a character she played in the school's 2024 production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical."

has gained a successful reputation as a maple syrup maker at Parmelee Farm...............2

Late Season Push

The Branford field hockey team won three contests last week, and football fought hard in a loss........21

Liz Egan looks back and reflects on her greatest memories of Halloween over the years.............................24

Tim Gannon

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Tim Gannon Is Parmelee Farm’s Sugarmaker

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Parmelee Farm in Killingworth is the location for many events and activities, including weddings, concerts, and hiking with dogs. It is also where one of the property’s most well–known faces, Tim Gannon, can be found, especially in the sugar house where the production and education of local maple syrup takes place. For Tim, the making of syrup was another way to contribute to Parmelee’s community and education efforts.

“I had done some maple syrup making with some friends here in Killingworth at their operations,” he says. “I said, ‘Well, this is something we could do here at the farm as part of our educational opportunity.”

The construction of the sugar house partly resulted from a community effort, as hundreds of Killingworth residents purchased maple leaf-shaped blocks posted around the interior of the building. Tim was delighted to see the town-wide sup-

Person of the Week

port to construct the sugar house, from town residents, the Killingworth Library, Town Hall, and the Lion’s Club.

Tim says the “easy way” to remember the peak of syrup production is “from Valentine’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day.”

Regular visits to the sugar house bring people who are curious about the process of producing one of the most well known food items in New England. They are shown how sap is boiled and run through a wood-fired evaporator, and then drawn off for the final step on kettles.

“We have about 225 taps that we put in,” says Tim. “It takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. We did 33 gallons of syrup last year.”

Ultimately, the maple syrup is bot-

tled and ready for purchase. All funds from purchases - which run out pretty quickly when they are on salego towards improvements at Parmelee Farm. From beginning to end, maple syrup production at the farm is an intimate experience and homey process.

“Our motto is, ‘Life is too short for fake maple syrup,’” says Tim.

Tim, who has lived in Killingworth since 1978, is also an educator on the topic of maple syrup production, particularly for visiting Killingworth second graders who learn about how syrup was made in Colonial America. Before teaching about maple syrup, Tim taught industrial arts at Haddam-Killingworth High School. He was also a 43-year member of the Lion’s Club and a founder of the Killingworth division of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.

Parmelee Farm was purchased by Killingworth in 2000, but the first use of the property under town ownership was a community garden that opened

See Tim Gannon page 11

Photo Credited to Aaron Rubin

Killingworth resident Tim Gannon has volunteered at Parmelee Farm for 18 years and oversees its sugar house.

Anthony Bellucci, DMD

Vinnie Gupta, DDS

BrooksJosh

Hard Work & Straight Talk For First Selectman

Hard Work & Straight Talk for Branford First

Keeping Seniors Secure and Branford’s Finances Strong

Freezing Property Taxes for Qualified Seniors

Property-Tax Freeze: Josh will propose allowing qualified seniors to lock in their current property-tax bill, protecting them from future increases due to rising assessments or mill rates. Seniors would qualify based on income and years of residency in town.

Proven Model: The plan follows successful examples from Guilford, West Haven, Torrington, and Killingly, where similar programs are already helping seniors stay in their homes.

Collaborative Design: The program will be shaped with input from seniors, the Board of Finance, the RTM, and financial experts to ensure it’s sustainable and fiscally responsible.

Fiscal Responsibility You Can Trust

15 Years on Branford’s RTM: Reviewed and approved annual town budgets, helping balance services and spending.

Small Business Owner: Runs a Branford stone mason business specializing in granite and coastal construction. He knows how to manage a staff, meet a payroll, and plan a budget.

Fiscal Discipline: Believes in protecting taxpayers while keeping Branford’s government accountable. He has the experience to continue Branford’s proud tradition of fiscal responsibility and maintain the AAA bond rating that started in 2009.

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Maintaining Strong Public Services

This is an important local election year in Branford. Highly qualified and committed candidates on the Democratic team are out knocking on doors, hearing what you have to say and what you love about our town.

Our goals include maintaining strong municipal services and public safety, parks and recreation for all ages including seniors, and educating our children

while maintaining the triple A bond rating of several decades. New leadership with Josh Brooks as First Selectman, who has plans to ease the tax burden for longtime retired residents, and getting drivers to slow down so our streets are safer for all. Early voting begins October 20th. Election Day is November 4th.

Tracy Everson Branford

Authentic Leadership for First Selectman

I support Josh Brooks for First Selectman. I am impressed with his authenticity, his thoughtful demeanor and the way he listens carefully and collaborates. He has many creative ideas and has a record of taking initiative to effect change. He sincerely cares about Branford, not partisan politics. Having served on the RTM for many years, he

has a thorough understanding of how our town government works, including its financial underpinnings. Josh respects nature: he will promote sustainability and clean energy and he will work to protect our natural resources.

Dr. Shirley McCarthy Branford

Political Letters Season is Over; No More Meeting Schedules

Shore Publishing has decided to cut off the publication of political letters in the newspaper as of this edition, as it is now our policy not to run letters the week before an election. All letters received and verified by Thursday, Oct. 30, will be published, instead, on our Zip06 page, along with the letters placed in the paper. Letters that come in after noon next Thursday will not be run on any of our platforms.

As we notified readers last edition, we have been forced to limit the number of letters in this edition due to space issues. The few letters we held out at random will be published at our online portal Zip06. We are sorry about any concerns this might cause, but there is no intention to exclude any one candidate or party. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible, but the sheer number of letters this year has overwhelmed our staff. We have published hundreds of letters in the past few months from people representing nearly every candidate in all of our towns.

Due to limitations on staffing and space, we are currently working on a new letters policy for the next election cycle. Any ideas

or comments on how we can better serve you, our readers, can be sent to Lee Howard, Interim Managing Editor, at l.howard@theday.com. A notification of the new policy will be published in these papers and online in the coming few weeks.

We have tried, over this election cycle as in the past, to publish as many of your letters as possible, not to mention stories on all of the major races in your towns. We hope you have benefited by knowing more about candidates for office as a result of these efforts, and we plan to continue serving your need for local political, news, cultural and sports coverage in the months and years ahead.

In addition, we have now dropped the weekly schedule of town meetings. We could never be all-inclusive anyway, and the times of meetings often changed after we went to print. Your best bet for the latest town meeting times and locations is to check your hometown’s website. We will, of course, continue to cover important town meetings.

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Staff

LONG TERM CARE

Join us for a presentation by Armen Abrahamian, a nationally recognized leader in the field of long term care. He is often called upon by legal, accounting and financial professionals to assist clients who require long term care planning.

The presentation will cover the basics of policies and claim triggers in an open and conversational exchange. Contact Andrea Webb for more information AWebb@Evergreen-Woods.com • (203) 315-2318

Staying Locked In North Branford girls’ soccer took a win and a loss last week, and volleyball won a pair of contests 23

Postseason Party Conference and state tournaments are jumping in action. Check out this week’s upcoming schedules 23

A Tradition Unlike Any Other Saige Fries has followed in her two older sisters’ footsteps as a standout soccer player for Branford 22

Legendary Visitor Broadway and film star Hugh Jackman was in town for the Legacy Theater’s production of “Noises Off”

and Events Upcoming events across the shoreline should prove to bring lots of

“The youngest of three sisters to come through Branford soccer, she has carried on the family tradition with pride, consistency, and an unwavering team-first attitude.” - Jen Kohut 22

Contacting The Sound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com.

The Sound 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com 203-245-1877

Fax 203-245-9773

Find Obituaries

Posted Daily Online

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

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

Obituaries

Obituary Maryanne Lincoln Hall Branford

Maryanne Lincoln Hall, a devoted educator and pillar of the Branford and Bethany communities, passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Maryanne grew up in New Haven and Summer Island in Branford.

Maryanne spent her entire professional career as an elementary school teacher in Bethany, Connecticut. She also mentored aspiring teachers by supervising student teachers earning their degrees from the University of New Haven.

She graduated from Hamden Hall Country Day School and held degrees from Connecticut College for Women, Southern Connecticut State University, and Wesleyan University.

Maryanne was a tireless community volunteer whose impact was felt throughout the greater Branford area. She played key roles in numerous local organizations and initiatives, including Read to Grow, the Homemaker Thrift Shop, Branford Garden Club, Branford Historical Society, Branford Community Gardens, the Branford Democratic Town Committee, the Branford Representative Town Committee, Branford Litter Committee, East Shore District

Health Department’s Pumpout Boat Committee, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Summer Island Day, and the Branford Land Trust.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and colleagues. Maryanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marcus Hall. She is survived by her extended Lincoln and Nichols family members and her stepchildren, Douglas Hall (Carolyn), Judith Hall (Gregory Bugbee), Jean Miller (Harry), Peter Hall (Patricia); and grandchildren, Gregory Hall, Kristin Hall Pawlowski, Steven Hall; step-grandchildren, Richard Brantly (Jaime) and Kendra Miller.

A special thank you to Joycilda Mais, her amazing caregiver and friend for the last six years.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 13, at Stony Creek Congregational Church in Branford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Read To Grow, 53 School Ground Rd., Branford, CT, 06405. The Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 424 Elm St. New Haven is in charge of arrangements.

Bishop's Orchards continues its annual Fall Festival through Sunday, Nov. 2, featuring apple picking, corn maze, activity area, wagon rides, cider, and more. The festival takes place at Bishop’s Orchards in the big red barn, 480 New England Road, Guilford, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit bishopsorchards.com.

ThanksgivingBasketShareProgram

Northford and North Branford residents in need of assistance with their Thanksgiving dinner can contact the Northford Office of Social Service and request to be a recipient in the Thanksgiving basket share program. Recipients of the Thanksgiving basket must be in need and must reside in Northford or North Branford. Recipient information is protected and names will not be disclosed. The recipients must either make arrangements to pick up the Thanksgiving basket or do the pickup themselves at the Office of Social Service, Stanley T Williams Community Center, 1332 Middletown Avenue, Northford. The Office of Social Service is unable to deliver or accommodate curbside pickups of Thanksgiving baskets. For contributors to the Thanksgiving basket share, donations may be made by individuals, religious and civic organizations, or businesses. Donors may adopt a family and provide a food basket for Thanksgiving dinner or a gift certificate to a supermarket. Donors may also choose the family size they would like to adopt. The family name of the recipient will not be revealed to the donor/s. Although names are not disclosed, a number will be given to both the recipient and the donor. This is used to identify which family is the recipient. All commitments by the donor and recipients will receive written confirmation. The Thanksgiving basket share is Monday, Nov. 24. For more information or to register as either a recipient or a donor, contact the Office of Social Service at 203-484-6006 or 475-655-0412 or at lbreen@northbranfordct.gov or ksperry@northbranfordct.gov.

FallFestival

Meaghan DeLucia

“I plan to focus on accountability and budget transparency to make sure every staff member and student has every opportunity to succeed.”

Alex Palluzzi

“I believe we need to continue to improve test scores and give our students the resources and facilities they need to succeed in the Branford School System.”

Laura Troidle

“I am excited to continue to contribute to the momentum of the district under the leadership of Dr. Tranburg with educational initiatives and capital improvements.”

Erin Yiran Gu

“I want to bring the best educational resources to the Branford Public School System so our children can thrive in the ever-changing world.”

Emily Johnson

“I believe in building a culture of respect, accountability, and open communication throughout the district.”

VOTE ROW

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Over $36,000 was raised at Branford Community Foundation's (BCF) annual golf tourney Sept. 29 at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. Shown here, l-r: BCF Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra; BCF Foundation Coordinator Jennifer Mullett and BCF Board Chair Stephanie Donegan Dietz on tourney day.

On Sept. 29, over 100 people gathered at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford for the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament supporting the Branford Community Foundation. With a sold-out tournament, practically perfect weather, and a stunning course on which to play, the fundraiser was an all-around suc-

cess — and raised over $36,000 for the foundation.

See Over $36,000 Raised page 12

Did you know nearly 4 in 10 family caregivers say they feel overwhelmed during the holidays? If you’re caring for a loved one, remember — it’s okay to ask for and accept help. You deserve time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season’s traditions.

Join us for a upli ing conversation on creating a season lled with joy. You'll discover practical ways to prevent caregiver burnout, reduce stress, and make room for meaningful moments with loved ones.

November 5th, 12 p.m. at the East Haddam Senior Center

Great Hillwood Road, Moodus

Photo courtesy Branford Community Foundation

Looks at Easing Building-Height Rules

Continued from page 1

“We don’t want to be a barrier to people who own property,” said Wackers. “If you have to raise your building 12 feet, that could be a significant chunk of what is [currently] allowed, and you might be essentially creating a hardship against the property owner as a result.”

The height-restrictions amendment is one of four items on the Branford Planning and Zoning Commission’s agenda that will be the subject of public hearings. Others include updated landscaping regulations

for future developments and modifications to parking on Main Street.

The public hearing on new regulations for landscaping revolves around “major site development,” according to Wackers, who also brought forward the amendment.

“This revises how we approach that and trying to see what the needs of the development are and have that footprint really dictate what clearing can happen or not happen,” he said.

If approved alongside the landscaping update, the amendment provides the opportunity for the PZC to “either modern-

NOTICE OF DECISION

Notice is given of the following decisions made by the Town of Branford’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission at the Regular Meeting held on Thursday October 09, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

The following application was approved with conditions: a) IW#25.08.04 │ 39 Prospect Hill Rd │ residential addition and new septic

Peter Bassermann, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Rd., North Branford, CT to consider the following:

A. Appl. #2025-9, Re-subdivision of property on West Pond Road to create five (5) residential lots with frontage/access on Glenwood Road. Owner/Applicant: BC Investment Properties LLC, Bruno Ciccone

At this hearing, all interested persons may appear and be heard and written communications will be received. Copies of proposals are on file for public inspection in the Town Hall Planning Department.

Robert Nowak, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday October 9, 2025 the following actions were taken:

1. Application #25-7.3 Zoning Map Amendment- Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) (add to 230 East Main St.)-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF OCTOBER 30, 2025.

2. Application #25-7.4 Special Exception to construct (7) residential units located at 230 East Main St.-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

3. Application #25-8.6 Special Exceptions and a Coastal Site Plan for an Accessory Structure & grading for an accessory dwelling unit located at 39 Prospect Hill Road –APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

4. Application #25-8.2 – Special Exception Modification for additional office space above a previously approved garage located at 261 East Main Street- APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

5. Application #25-9.3 Special Exception for a Cannabis Establishment –(Micro Cultivator) located at 45 North East Industrial Road-APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

6. Application #25-9.1 Special Exception Modification to add liquor service as an accessory use at 61 East Industrial Road- APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

C. Andres, Chairperson F. Russo Secretary

ize or streamline” less specific zoning regulations for sizable developments, “for purposes of efficiency” said Wackers.

“At the end of the day, we want to give clear guidance to developers on what rules they need to follow,” he added.

Another public hearing will focus on an application co-signed by the property owners at 447-471 Main St LLC, 529-531 Main St LLC,530-550. The application asks that the PZC grant a special permit for the relocation of parking that is zoned at 447471 Main St. to 530-550 Main St. The property at 529 Main St., an office building, was approved for off-site parking in 2011, as “the building essentially consists of the entire lot” with “no ability to provide on-site parking,” said Wackers.

The owner of 529 Main St. was later

approved for parking at a parcel located at 447 Main St. to create parking for office occupants. It was later found to not be used for its intended purpose.

Wackers said the owner of both parcels believes parking can be accommodated better at 530 Main St., where use of the lot for office occupants and patrons of adjacent retail can be shared. Parking at the lot can be “maximized,” said Wackers, as it currently “doesn’t get a lot of use.” If approved, the prospects of a new use for 447 Main Street is open.

The final public hearing involves a special exception being brought forward for the second floor of a multi-family residence at 67 Cedar St. to be turned into a separate apartment.

CometotheStonyCreekFarmersMarket

The Stony Creek Farmers Market continues every Sunday through Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bayview Park, Thimble Island Road, Branford. For more information, email Clara.pagliaro@gmail.com or visit scfarmersmarket.org.

Voter Registration Sessions for North Branford

The North Branford Registrars of Voters will conduct limited Voter Registration Sessions for new electors to register to vote in the Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025: The Limited Voter Registration will be on Monday November 3, 2025 9 am to 5 pm

Identification and proof of residency is required. Should you have any questions, please call the Registrar’s office at 203-484-1033.

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Branford

Branford Building Department

Branford, CT 06405

An application for demolition has been filed on October 9th, 2025, for the cottage located at 45 Lanphiers Cove Camp, Branford, owned by Susan McMahon.

Notice of Public Hearing POA Zoning Commission

The Pine Orchard Association (POA) Executive Board, sitting as the Zoning Commission, will continue the public hearing held on September 30 on Monday November 3rd , 2025, at 7p.m. The hearing will be at the Pine Orchard Association Office, 180 Pine Orchard Road, Branford, to consider the following application:

Special Permit Application of Gianfranco Capasso, Applicant for a free lot split of property known as 241C Pine Orchard Road in the A3 Zoning District. Plans are available for review on the POA Website, at the POA Office and on file at the office of the Branford Town Clerk.

Matt Barez President, POA Executive Board

Tim Gannon Is Parmelee Farm’s Sugarmaker

in 2007. That same year, Tim began his volunteership, with the garden being his “first exposure to the farm,” he says, and another way to form friendships. The following year, he helped form a steering committee with the goal “to develop the best use of the property,” and was the chair of the committee for 14 years.

Over time, he and the committee made efforts according to a “master plan” that eventually turned the property into the place it is today. The gardening shed was cleared of its overgrown vines, trees were knocked down to make space for the 14 acres upon which events are held, and the pavilion was renovated from a turkey barn into a spot for weddings.

Tim says Parmelee provides “great value” for the town and visitors from other communities, especially to make up for the lack of town green space in Killingworth.

“We envision this as becoming the main gathering place for town events and community events. That’s what it has become,” he says. “We’ve been very pleased. It

doesn’t happen without the work of a lot of volunteer hours. It’s a great place for a lot of the community organizations, volunteer groups and nonprofits, and it’s a good spot for a lot of gatherings.”

The next event happening at Parmelee is the family-oriented Pumpkin Carving Party on Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. It’s one of Tim’s personal favorite events at the farm and sees hundreds of pumpkins turned into Jack O’Laterns illuminated by Christmas lights, which are then lined up during the nighttime from the day of the event until Halloween. The event will also involve a hayride, doughnuts and cider, and the local Girl Scouts will be hosting a dog parade.

“It’s a fun event. I enjoy it the most because you get to see a lot of the young families that have come to town, as well as some of the grandparents.”

More information on Parmelee Farm can be found at https://parmeleefarm.org/. Its Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ parmeleefarmkillingworth/.

Dear Reader,

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of Shore Publishing’s newspapers for your past contributions to our Voluntary Pay efforts. Your generosity has made a significant difference, and we are truly thankful for every donation.

Local journalism is a vital pillar of our communities, serving as the voice that shares the stories of our friends and neighbors, celebrates our successes, and addresses our challenges. Small businesses depend on local newspapers to connect with customers and promote their services. When local journalism thrives, so does our community and economy.

As the last independently owned newspaper in Connecticut, our mission has always been to provide local news, share meaningful stories, and elevate the voices within our community. Each week, you can count on our reporters for the latest coverage, including:

• Person of the Week Profiles

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– Arts, Culture, Recipes & Local Events

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While delivering news free of charge is our goal, it is costly. Unlike larger media outlets, we rely heavily on the support of readers like you. We are reaching out to ask for your continued support to keep Shore Publishing thriving and independent.

In 2015, we launched our Voluntary Pay program to help sustain our mission and enhance our resources for even better coverage. Due to the evolving media landscape and rising production costs, we now seek your voluntary contribution to help sustain our publication. Your donation will directly support printing and editorial work, continuing to maintain our editorial independence.

Thanks to your contributions, in 2024, we donated $40,150 worth of advertising space to several non-profit organizations, including Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. These donations allowed these vital organizations to promote fundraising events that support their initiatives.

We appreciate each of our donors and invite you to make a difference. If you value our weekly product, please consider contributing. We understand everyone’s financial situation is unique, and any gift—large or small—helps us continue delivering the local news that matters.

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President & Publisher, The Day & Shore Publishing Companies

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Over $36,000

Raised at BCF’s 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Continued from page 9

for dinner, was a sponsor or prize donor, or donated during the event. Every dollar raised ensures that we can continue to provide for the educational, cultural, health, social, and civic needs of our community.”

Thimble Island Private Wealth served as the presenting sponsor of the event. Other featured sponsors included dinner sponsors Cherry Hill Glass and Karp & Langerman, P.C., lunch sponsors Betty Ann Donegan, The Etzel Family, and Ascend Bank, and long hole drive sponsor Knightsbridge Supply Company Inc. BCF plans for the tournament to continue annually, and looks forward to sharing the date of the 2026 tournament soon.

For more information on upcoming grants, sponsorships, and community events, or to make a contribution to the Branford Community Foundation, email Marketing@BranfordCommunityFoundat ion.org.

One-NightPerformanceof SwanLake

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine announces its return to New Haven for its one-night performance of Swan Lake at the Shubert Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street, New Haven. The performance is interpreted by principal dancer Viktor Tomashek and features leading dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the United States, and Japan. For more information or tickets, visit the events link at shubert.production.carbon house.com.

Support Experienced Branford Leaders

Early voting for Branford’s leaders starts October 20. I encourage you to reelect Susan Dahill and JoAnne Basile for Branford’s RTM 7th district. Both are committed, hardworking, with extensive experience, and just the type of neighbor you want to represent your interests in town government.

Susan has been fortunate to serve on two RTM committees that address issues important to her constituents, including short-term rentals and neighborhood blight. Both issues were

addressed with strong bipartisan support. JoAnne is a neighbor and friend. She serves on the RTM education committee and brings a wealth of policy expertise from Hartford and Washington to the committee.

As a retired educator, I know she serves us well. Susan and Jo-Anne listen to their neighbors and will get things done.

Cheryl Hill Branford

The Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) is holding its third annual Artful Holiday Trees Show and silent auction from Friday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 30, at the BACA Gallery, 1004 Main Street, Branford. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons can place their bids for any of the 36 artistically decorated trees and wreaths. Bidding opens Nov. 14 with a festive party at the gallery. Winners will be notified on Nov. 30. Proceeds benefit BACA’s community arts initiatives. For more information, contact Mary Pont at 203-4334071 or baca06405@gmail.com.

BACAArtfulHolidayTreesShowandSilentAuction

Fun By The Numbers

Here’s How It Works:

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

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

Title: Multimedia Sales Executive

Salary: $40,000-$100,000 (includes commission)

Effective Date: September 3, 2025

Position Summary:

Department: Advertising

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Incumbent in this position is responsible for prospecting, qualifying, selling, and closing new clients to increase revenue within designated territory. Incumbent will leverage our extensive portfolio of both print and digital services and audience insights to create and recommend personalized multimedia marketing campaigns for our business customers, connecting them to prime prospects and maximizing their return on investment.

Essential Duties:

Collaborate with marketing representatives to fully understand product and communication needs.

Identify, locate, and develop new customers through a variety of methods including networking and cold calls. Maintain existing relationships with customers. Partner with customers to help them reach their goals, owning the entire sales process from start to finish. Create and recommend products and services that meet the customer’s needs, based off a Customer Needs Analysis.

Provide exceptional customer service, maintaining the highest levels of personal and professional behavior in the market and in the workplace.

Provides information, quotes, credit terms, and other bid specifications to clients.

Develop and demonstrate knowledge of The Days sales and marketing portfolio, including newspaper products, digital marketing services and non-traditional offerings (events, promotions, etc.).

Consistently meet and strive to exceed print and digital revenue targets.

Regularly communicate with management and completion of all required sales process activities.

Embrace new products or programs as the company continues to diversify and test new revenue streams.

Other Duties:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Confidentiality:

Maintains confidentiality records and information.

Conduct:

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

Dependability:

Regularly attend and are punctual for work.

Supervision Received: Reports to Chief Revenue Officer.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of competitive media landscape; use for new business development and sales analysis.

Ability to prospect new business via cold calling and other prospecting techniques including social media where applicable. Highly motivated, self-starting individual with initiative and drive to succeed.

Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities.

Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening and the ability to build and deliver effective presentations. Strong networking and community involvement skills.

Eagerness to learn, continually seeking to improve sales skills.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.

Proficient computer and software skills (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)

Must possess a valid state driver’s license, safe and reliable transportation, including maintaining registration and insurance.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in media sales. Prior experience in digital marketing sales highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and telephone. Must be able to lift 45 pounds at times.

Travel to meet with clients or potential clients.

Please send resume to l.giannelli@theday.com

Field Hockey Wins a Trio, Football Takes Hard-Fought Loss

By Gabby Maljanian

The Branford field hockey team hosted North Branford on Oct. 14 and won 5-0. Goals were scored by Savannah Johnson (two), Ellie Meyran, Phoebe Phouadara, and Eva Ellis. Meyran and Tori Amarante each had an assist, and Lilly Panuccio had three goalie saves. It was a great offensive game from Branford, with big games from Juliette Delvaulx, Tate Jones, Giuliana Barros, and Jessica Radziunas.

On Oct. 16, the team traveled to Hamden and won 4-1.

The Hornets closed out the week at home vs. Amity on Oct. 18 and won 5-0. Meyran scored four goals, and Jones scored one. Aliza Giordano had an assist, and Panuccio had five saves. Outstanding performances also came from Barros, Radziunas, and Addie Guandalini.

On Oct. 8, Branford volleyball traveled to East Haven and won 3-1. Josclyn Humphries had 14 kills, and Julianne Henkel had 10. Erin Murphy had 17 digs, Henkel had 14, and Lily McNeil had 12. Henkel added 25 assists.

Two days later, the Hornets played host to Amity and fell 3-0. Henkel had 24 digs, Murphy had 21, and McNeil had 12. Henkel added 20 assists.

Coming into a highly anticipated matchup with Jonathan Law on Oct. 10, it was imperative that Branford football control the clock and in turn the game. With

a promising first quarter and a half, Branford used the ground game to control the ball. The Hornets got on the board with a quarterback sneak from Chris McKittrick and took a 7-6 lead. For the next two-and-a-half quarters, Branford had its hands full with Law’s offense.

Although down 28 to 7 midway through the third quarter, Bran-

ford kept showing the grit and heart that it’s known for. McKittrick countered with a beautiful scramble and pocket awareness, connecting on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Greyson Mills on a crosser, cutting the Law lead to 28-13.

McKitrick finished the day with 9 for 15 passing for 112 yards with one touchdown in the

air and on the ground, with one interception. Rhamell Fairclough had 18 carries for 86 yards.

The Hornets defense, beset with injuries to two of their starters, did all they could to keep it close, including a great goal line stand. Luke Torre continued his great play with 10 total tackles and one sack. Jason Talalas added a sack.

Law tacked on one more touchdown, ending the game with a score of 34-13 to hand Branford its first loss of the year. Although the Hornets suffered their first loss, they are still in great position with three of their next five games at home.

Field Hockey

Volleyball Football

Sports Editor

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound Tate Jones scored a goal in Branford field hockey's 5-0 win vs. Amity on Oct. 18.

Fries Carries on Family Tradition on the Pitch

By Jennifer McCulloch

Special to the Sound

Following in her older sisters’ footsteps, Saige Fries has played soccer since she was just four years old. Both of Saige’s older sisters, Wyntre and Raiyn, led the way through Branford Soccer Club, playing through youth leagues and then for the high school team.

Saige remembers watching Wyntre play on the high school field from the bleachers or even serving as a ball girl. When her sister was a senior, she served as captain for the team — a goal Saige set for herself.

“I always liked watching the bigger girls play — it was rougher and they had more skills, so it was always good to watch, and I always wanted it to be me out there,” says Saige. “I always looked up to Wyntre when she was captain and wanted to be a captain when it was eventually my turn to step up. Being named captain felt good, especially because my older sister was a captain.”

Saige is the youngest of five and has two older brothers in addition to her sisters. As the youngest siblings, she and Raiyn have always had a close relationship, sharing a room at home and sometimes sharing the field as teammates.

Being two years apart, Saige played alongside Raiyn for several years in youth soccer when they were young, but as they approached the end of their time with Branford Soccer Club, the age gap pushed the pair to separate teams, making Saige even more excited to get to Branford High School to rejoin her sister on the field.

“We got to play together the whole time when we were little, but she got moved up to U14 when I was in U10, and I wanted to be up there with her, but I knew I couldn’t,” says Saige. “Getting to high school, it was good to play on the same field again, especially now that we were more skilled and had better experience, so we got to play more with each other.”

Outside of her family, one person who has seen Saige grow as a player and follow in her sisters’ footsteps is Jen Kohut, longtime

Sports Person Week of the

coach of Branford High School’s girls’ soccer team. Kohut also coached one of Saige’s youth teams.

“Saige has been a cornerstone of the Branford girls’ soccer program since she first took the field at age four in the Little Hornets program,” says Kohut. “The youngest of three sisters to come through Branford soccer, she has carried on the family tradition with pride, consistency, and an unwavering team-first attitude.”

Saige has been a defender throughout her career, but that hasn’t stopped her from making an impact offensively. This season, Saige has tallied five goals, including two directly off her corner kicks.

She has also earned multiple Player of the Game honors for her “outstanding play and leadership,” according to Kohut. At the postseason banquets, Saige has also been honored with Most Improved Player her sophomore year and the Blue Collar Award her junior year.

“Throughout her career, Saige has been part of a proud, winning program, and even in seasons when the team has been down on numbers or wins, she has never wavered in her commitment,” says Kohut. “She plays through pain, never complains, and never quits — always giving everything she has and then some. Her leadership shines through her actions and deeds, setting the tone for effort, resilience, and integrity both on and off the field. Her journey from Little Hornet to senior captain embodies dedication, toughness, and an enduring love for the game.”

Saige is grateful for the support of Kohut, as well as youth coaches Tony and Cindy Casetellon, noting that they attended her high school games and were “always there for you.” Saige has also had support from her family. In addition to her sisters, Saige’s mom has “been there every step of the way.”

Saige credits her mom for signing her up for the CT Rush program when she was in 6th grade. She played with the club team throughout middle school, practicing three times a week and competing in two games a week.

“I got to play with all new people who were so good so you had to step up your game and be as good as them,” says Saige. “It was always a competition, and there was no downtime at practice. You had to go, go, go to get better.”

The time on the pitch paid off, as Saige earned a varsity spot by her sophomore year and has been an integral part of the team ever since. The Hornets recently completed their 2025 season, Saige’s final one in a Branford soccer jersey.

The team hosted Senior Night, celebrating the team’s four seniors, all of whom Saige has played with for most of her soccer career. The seniors were celebrated throughout the day and in a pre-game ceremony before the Hornets beat East Haven.

“We had a rough first couple games, but it got better as the season went on, and we’ve been working hard,” says Saige. “For Senior Night, everyone decorating and celebrating in the locker room before and playing music was really fun. All of it was really moving because it’s my last year, and it’s sad to think about how I’ll never play with these people again.”

Saige was grateful to have her family, including her aunt, uncle, and grandparents in attendance and cheering her on. She also saw the efforts her mom put in behind the scenes with photography and phone calls.

“It was nice to have everyone there for the special moment, and I knew all eyes were on me so I had to perform my best,” says Saige. “My mom took pictures at every game, made calls to the other moms to make the night the best it could be, and made banners.”

While Saige has completed her career with Branford soccer, she still will don a Hornets jersey for one more season. She has also been playing lacrosse since she was six years old, picking up the sport to join her older sister, Raiyn.

She grew up playing with Branford Youth Lacrosse and joined the high school team as a freshman. Saige found her way into the varsity lineup by her sophomore year and will return as an attack this season, enjoying the change of pace from being a defender, noting that “it’s nice because you get to score some goals.”

In addition to being a varsity athlete, Saige is an honors student, who was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She also works for her parents’ company Spotless Linens.

Looking ahead, Saige continues to take inspiration from her family. She has a goal of joining

Raiyn at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Saige plans to study exercise science with a goal of becoming a personal trainer like her aunt and inspired by her uncle owning several gyms. The Fries sisters are also looking to return to the pitch together.

“My aunt is a personal trainer, and I like how she has so much energy and is always hyping people up,” says Saige. “I’d like to play club soccer when I get to Southern. Raiyn doesn’t play now, but she said she’ll start when I get there. It’ll be nice to play on the same field again in college.”

Photo courtesy of Saige Fries

Saige Fries is finishing her career with Branford soccer as a senior captain for the team.

Schedules

BRANFORD

Saturday, Oct. 25: SCC Tournament Semifinals

Monday, Oct. 27: SCC Tournament Finals at West Haven at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 27: at SCC Swimming Championship Trials at Cheshire Community Pool at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29: at SCC Championship Meet at SCSU at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25: SCC Tournament Semifinals

Tuesday, Oct. 28: SCC Tournament Finals at Amity at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24: at SCC Tournament Quarterfinals Monday, Oct. 27: at SCC Tournament Semifinals

Oct. 29: at SCC Tournament Finals at West Haven at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25: SCC Tournament Semifinals

Monday, Oct. 27: SCC Tournament Finals at West Haven at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24: at SCC Diving Championships at Sheehan at 5 p.m.

NORTH BRANFORD

Saturday, Oct. 25: Shoreline Conference Semifinals

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Shoreline Conference Finals at Old Saybrook at 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24: Shoreline Conference Tournament Quarterfinals

Monday,Oct.27:ShorelineConferenceTournament Semifinals

Wednesday, Oct. 29: Shoreline Conference Tournament Finals at Cromwell at 6 p.m.

Girls’ Soccer Splits the Week, Volleyball Wins a Pair

Friday, Oct. 24 or Saturday, Oct. 25: Shoreline Conference Tournament Semifinals

Monday,Oct.27:ShorelineConferenceTournament Finals at Valley at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Shoreline Conference Semifinals

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Shoreline Conference Finals at Old Saybrook at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24: at Capital Prep at 6:30 p.m. Saturday,Oct.25:atClassSSStateChampionships at Wickham Park

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

The North Branford volleyball team hosted Cromwell on Oct. 13 and won 3-1.

Ellie Dagliere had 22 digs, and Lauren Vitarisi and Evie Brigance had 13 each. Vitarisi recorded 19 assists in the contest, while Dagliere had 25 service receptions, Alexa Snedeker had 13, and Vitarisi had 10.

The team then traveled to Morgan on Oct. 15 and took a 3-2 loss. Ella Chasanoff had 15 kills, and Payton Depino had 11. Lauren Vitarisi and Evie Brigance had 27 digs each, and Depino and Ella Dagliere each had 20. Sam Johnson added 11 digs. Vitarisi recorded 25 assists, and Brigance had 11. Dagliere had 27 service receptions, Johnson had 20, and Vitarisi and Depino each had 14.

10. Vitarisi had 15 assists, and Dagliere had 13 service receptions.

Oct. 23 to Oct. 29

Two days later, the Thunderbirds closed out the week vs. East Hampton and won 30. Chasanoff had 10 aces. Vitarisi added 15 digs, Brigance had 11, and Dagliere had

North Branford girls’ soccer traveled to Platt Tech on Oct. 15 and won 11-3. It was a great all-around game, with six different players finding the back of the net. Haylee Rosado had four goals, two assists. Taylor Allan had two goals, four assists, and Brynn Bello had two goals, one assist. Gia Marino contributed with one goal, two assists, while Alyssa Marino had one goal. Sofia Ludington scored a goal, and Caisey Caso added two assists.

On Oct. 18, the team hit the road to Westbrook and fell 3-1. Allan scored the lone goal for the Thunderbirds.

Volleyball

Girls’ Soccer

Photo courtesy of Abby Allan

Pictured are members of the North Branford girls' soccer team after its 11-3 win vs. Platt Tech on Oct. 15.

Halloween Memories

By Liz Egan

Special to Living

As the gentle sprinkle of falling leaves becomes a steady rain, I think back to my memories of Halloween. Colorful mums, pumpkins, and the aroma of the crisp air ignite my thoughts as I reflect on many warm memories of Halloween. I can almost smell the hot apple cider.

Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, has roots that trace back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these spirits.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III established Nov. 1 as All Saints’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. The evening before this day became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween. This transition blended pagan customs with Christian practices, leading to the modern celebration.

Halloween has transformed into a community-oriented holiday, especially in the United States. By the mid-20th century, it became a commercialized event featuring costumes, decorations, and candy. Today, it includes activities like haunted houses, costume parties, and various spooky-themed events. Halloween’s history reflects a blend of ancient pagan rituals and Christian traditions, evolving into the festive celebration we know today. Its customs continue to adapt, making it a unique cultural event celebrated worldwide.

leaves into pieces of clothing to create scarecrows.

Carving pumpkins at the kitchen table was another exciting event as we each imagined a scary or humorous face to carve. In my large family we collected costumes and props in a box in the attic. The day we took the costumes down from the attic was filled with enthusiastic jubilation. Using the costume hand-medowns and additional accessories we would find at a local thrift shop, we would create characters that were uniquely our own.

My large family had three distinct groups—the oldest, the middle, and the youngest. As members of the youngest team, my three younger siblings and I would trick or treat together. After our annual picture, we would start in the older neighborhood across the street. Our home was flanked by houses that were close enough together to manage a sizable number of visits in the course of the afternoon and early evening. Up one street and down another, we were careful not to miss a single house. While those years were in an era where it was more common that woman were at home, even if no one answered we were not disappointed, because we were having fun and there were many more houses in the hours ahead.

Liz with her siblings at Halloween

Joy. I would trade them for Good and Plenty and Now and Laters. We gathered all the fruit and put it in the kitchen for my family to share. We would carefully hide our candy for the inevitable days ahead when my older siblings would come searching for a treat. During my early 30s, I lived in Hartford and was managing director of Company One Theater. The Wadsworth Atheneum, where we were established as the theater-in-residence, would host an annual “Come As You Art” party. As an artist I could not resist.

( )

Halloween: Origins and Traditions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iso.mit.edu

When I grew up, Halloween was a much-anticipated celebration. For us children, Halloween was not limited to trick or treating. There were many fun activities to participate in. Generally, a few weeks prior, we would rake leaves in the yard and stuff the

By 6 p.m., we knew to come home for dinner. Knowing our bellies were filling with candy, my mother would prepare a simple meal of chicken noodle soup and open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches to warm us and prepare us for Round 2 of trick or treating. After dinner we dashed out to the newer houses behind our home. The streets were teeming with children like us, some joined by their parents. In a little over two hours, we were able to cover an area over four blocks deep and four blocks wide. The pillowcases we used as bags were now heavyladen.

Now bathed and in pajamas after coming home, we were free to sort and trade our candy booty. Full-size bars, minis, favorites, fruit, and those pieces we didn’t like. In my case, I disliked coconut bars like Mounds and Almond

Thinking outside the common bowler hat with apple that composes a Rene Magritte costume, I looked at one of my favorite abstract expressionist artists, Willem de Kooning. His painting became the subject of one of the costumes I created in the three years I attended. Learning to make simple paper mâché as a child, I created and painted an enormous mask from a balloon and newspaper adding cardboard cuffs to my wrists. The many layers of colorful tuile wrapped around my torso simulated the highly gestural quality of his brushwork.

Woman and Bicycle

As a teacher at Westbrook Middle School, I had a Tuesday

Art Club which hosted a pumpkin carving party that was a highly anticipated event. As many as 50 students would participate in any given year. Many parents volunteered so that we maintained a safe environment. My husband and I would subsidize the event so that all students could participate and have their own pumpkin. My husband Paul,

an engineer, created safe miniature carving tools from coping saw blades and PVC tubing. Parents and I would carve the opening in the top of each pumpkin and students would gut the contents and draw and carve the face.

As each finished, we would See Halloween page 25

Photo courtesy of Liz Egan

Paul Egan's family of scarecrows on bicycles was a delightful addition to the neighborhood.

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 23

Walking Tour of Historical Madison Green

: 10 a.m.

Madison Green. Meet at the Madison Chamber of Commerce, 12 School St. Hosted by the Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). Rain date: Tuesday, Oct. 28. For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Health Insurance Decoded

: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Covers a brief primer on terminology, the tricks insurance companies like most to pull, and ways avoid paying charges that are easily avoidable. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Shoreline Opera Club

: 5:30 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd, Madison. Features a discussion of the recent Met Live in HD broadcast of . Free and open to all. For info, email ShorelineOperaClub@gmail.com.

Author Event: Lev AC Rosen

: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 24 THROUGH

SUNDAY, OCT. 26

The Haunted Trolley Alien Invasion: Connecticut La Sonnambula Mirage City

: Scheduled rides: Friday, and Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features a one-hour interactive trolley event. Limited to 40 passengers per ride. The 5 and 6 p.m. slots are family- and child-friendly rides. Children

Halloween Memories

Continued from page 24

bring the pumpkins for a temporary display in the library. Ballots were created and the entire school voted on the best, scariest, and funniest pumpkin. The event was later expanded to a schoolwide event as each of my students participated by drawing a jack-o’-lantern. These were put up in a lobby display and became part of the voting process.

ages 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP haunted ride. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit thehauntedtrolley.com.

SATURDAY,

OCT. 25

Trail Run

: 8 to 10 a.m. Westwoods, Guilford. Meet at the Sam Hill Road trailhead. Features a five-mile run at a social pace through Westwoods, following the Orange Trail north and heading back on the White Trail. New trail runners are encouraged. No one will be left behind. Hosted by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT). Led by GLCT Directors Bernadette Bober and Jodie Lang. For info, text 203-508-2064.

Saturday Fall Migration Bird Walk

: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6 per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.

Calendar for the Week of October 23, 2025

Watercolors En Plein Air: Chaffinch Island Park

Guilford Seniors Annual Holiday Craft Fair :

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features gently used pocketbooks, jewelry, puzzles, holiday and everyday decorations, sewn items, pet toys and garments, knitted and crocheted sweaters, hats, a bake sale, an auction, and more. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit programs for the Guilford seniors. For info, call 203-453-8068.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Class will work outdoors at Chaffinch Island Park weather permitting, but indoors if needed. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

2025 Worth Tasting Tour

: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Departs from the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, 155 Temple St. Features a culinary walking tour to six to eight restaurants in downtown New Haven. Hosted by Stephen Fries, food columnist and professor of hospitality management. Last date: Saturday, Dec. 13 (holiday tour). Parking available at the Crown Street or Temple Street Garage. Tickets: $80, except for the December tour, which is $85. Service fees apply. For info or to make a reservation (required), call 203-415-3519 or visit worthtasting.co/newhaven.

Fifth Annual Disc Golf Tournament

: 11 a.m. Bittner Park, 1346-1450 Durham Rd., Guilford. Cost: $40, includes one disc, a score card, and snacks. All levels welcome. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 26. For info or to register (required), call 203-4538359.

Secret Life of Owls

: 11 a.m. to noon. Yellow Munger Barn, The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features a great horned owl, an Eastern screech owl, a barred owl, and a red-shouldered hawk. Presented by Rose Crisci of Blue Moon Raptors, a place that rescues birds of prey and offers educational programs on the role they play in maintaining the balance of nature. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

St. Marys High School New Haven Class of 1975 50th Reunion

: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Rd., Branford. For info, contact Laura Ruoppolo Spignesi at lauraspignesi@yahoo.com.

See page 26

I have fond memories of those days and the evenings Paul and I spent counting the many ballots so they could be announced during the next morning’s school news program. Carving pumpkins was an annual activity that Paul and I both enjoyed, and we frequently invited relatives and friends to participate with us.

In the first year of Clinton’s scarecrow contest, Paul, also known as “The Bike Guy,” created a family of scarecrows on

bicycles in front of our home. Paul, a frequent visitor of the local Goodwill store, purchased clothing in all sizes. Similar to my days as a child making scarecrows, he stuffed the legs, shirt, and hoodies, with leaves. He added a halved milk jug drawn with a face into the hoodie. Paul tied the gloves and sneakers filled with leaves to the bikes. The effect was wonderful. Although the contest was limited to businesses in town, his display was a delightful

addition to our neighborhood. The fun events and activities of the past are the special memories I will always cherish. Today, I have young children as neighbors. I hope to have the opportunity to make a scarecrow or carve a pumpkin with them and continue to make memories for them and for me.

After all, aren’t the memories we create together what the best of life is all about?

Broadway and Film Star Hugh Jackman Visits The Legacy Theatre

The Legacy Theatre, finishing its mainstage season with a sellout run of the comedy , had a very special guest in the audience at the afternoon performance on Oct. 1.

Noises Off

Hugh Jackman, one of the most accomplished actors in recent times (accolades include Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards, as well as multiple Academy Award nominations), was in town to see his friend James Roday Rodriguez star in The Legacy Theatre’s production of the zany three-act show.

Roday Rodriguez said, “Very cool for this Great Showman to support regional theatre on the Connecticut shoreline—cast and crew were stoked to touch his arms and use this boost to finish the 22-show run.”

From New York With Love

Jackman just wrapped a 24-show run, , at New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall. He won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for . More recently, he was nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as Professor Harold Hill in the 2022 revival of .

The Boy From Oz The Music Man

Continued from page 25

Legacy Managing Director Jeff Zeitlin commented, “It’s rather daunting to have a star of Hugh’s caliber join us. He was gracious and kind in his comments about both the show and our jewel box theatre. We were thrilled to have him join us. He’s welcome back anytime!”

The Legacy Theatre is conveniently located just four minutes off I-95, Exit 56, at 128 Thimble Islands Road in the Stony Creek Village of Branford, steps from the Long Island Sound.

The Legacy Theatre, a fully accessible professional theatre company and training center, is a cultural hub along the Connecticut shoreline, uniting audiences through timeless classics and fresh contemporary theatre. Legacy is dedicated to being a dynamic incubator of emerging new works, nurturing the next generation of visionary theatre-makers, and inspiring a lifelong love for the arts in audiences of all ages. The theatre, fully renovated prior to its opening in 2021, is housed in the former Stony Creek Puppet Theatre, a building with a century of rich history that includes performances by Orson Welles, and in 2024, a musical directed by Julie Andrews.

Mixed Media Mask Workshop

: Noon to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For children ages 8 and up. Using paper pulp masks as a base, students will add paper and mixed-media collage materials to create a custom mask to wear for Halloween or hang on display. Parents are welcome to attend but must register individually. Cost: $54 for members, $60 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $20 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Halloween Magic Art

: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For children ages 4 and up. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Branford Fire Department Volunteer Companies Open Houses

: 4 to 8 p.m. Three locations: Station 2, 341 Main St., Branford, near Richlin’s Plaza; Station 4, 64 Shore Dr., Short Beach; Station 5, 41 School St., Stony Creek. Visitors can learn about the volunteer companies and what they do. Includes fire safety information. Hotdogs and hamburgers served. For info, email Harold Barringham at hbarringham@branfordfire.com.

Pork Roast Dinner Take-out

: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tabor Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Dr., Branford. Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for small size. Menu: pork roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, red cabbage, apple sauce, bread, and dessert. Payment by cash, check (made out to Tabor),

credit card, PayPal, or Venmo @TaborChurchand Preschool. For info or to place an order, visit the event link at taborchurch.net.

: 7 to 10:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Tickets start $200. Includes food, drink, bidding in the silent and live auctions, photo booth, and costume contest. For info or tickets, visit elmshakespeare.org.

SUNDAY, OCT.

26

: 9 a.m. Vista Innovations, 107 Bradley Rd., Madison. Features a three-mile walk through downtown Madison and along the shoreline. Check-in at 9 a.m. Walk kicks off 10 a.m., led by Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps. Proceeds benefit the Edward Gallant Financial Aid Fund, which provides need-based assistance to help underwrite essential services for members of Vista’s Engage Program. For info, visit the Walk for Vista link at vistalifeinnovations.org.

Document Shredding Event

: 9 a.m. to noon. Temple

Beth Sholom parking lot, 1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Includes hard drive destruction and computer recycling. Only paper items allowed for shredding. No CDs. Paper documents should be in boxes; no trash bags or paper bags. Cost: $10 per small copy box, $20 per large banker box, $20 for hard drive destruction and computer recycling, $20 for a CRT monitor, $10 for a hard drive only. For info, email fundraising@tbshamden.com.

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Wood frames and a collection of glass pieces, beads, and ephemera will be provided. Bring your favorite odds and ends to personalize your art project. Cost: $75.60 for members, $84 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $55 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Stone Setting with Silver Metal Clay: Finishing and Firing

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Students learn which stones can be fired in the kiln and how to flush-set stones to fire in metal clay. Cost: $166.50 for members, $185 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $130 is payable with the tuition and a small tool kit can be rented for $3. For info or to register, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

A Literary Launch: Two Genres, Two Kates Meditations from the Center of the Stream

Observations of an Ordinary Life

: 11:30 a.m.

North Madison Congregational Church Friendship Hall, 1271 Durham Rd. Features poetry readings by Madison editor and poet Kate Davis from her book, , and a reading by Guilford writer and poet Kate Summerlin from her memoir, . Includes refreshments. For info, visit northmadisoncc.org.

See page 28

Press Release from the Legacy Theatre

Photo courtesy of The Legacy Theatre

Actor Hugh Jackman chats with "Noises Off" cast member Mariah Sage.

Halloween

The Moonlight Masquerade Ball

Walk for Vista 2025

Glass Mosaic Window

Yale Rep’s Production of Introduces Us to a Vibrant Community Spunk

Review THEATER

By Karen Isaacs

Special to Living

Spunk

by Zora Neale Hurston, getting a very belated world premiere full production at the Yale Rep, was written in 1935, but was not found until 1997 in the Library of Congress. The musical play is based on a short story of the same title that Hurston wrote and published in 1925. (Ironically, in the 1980s, director George C. Wolfe adapted the short story and two others into a play, by Zora Neale Hurston that had a production off-Broadway in 1991.)

Spunk: Three Tales

The lively Yale Rep production runs through Saturday, Oct. 25.

Zora Neale Hurston wrote short stories, novels, and plays. But she was also an ethnographic researcher, folklorist, and cultural anthropologist who published academic articles and taught at several universities. She was a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance—that period between the wars when music, art, dance, and literature flourished in Harlem—but whose works were forgotten for many years.

Spunk

uses a combination of Hurston’s skills to tell the story of Spunk and the residents of a Black-incorporated town in central Florida in 1935. She uses her playwrighting and academic skills to focus on the people and the music of the town. The play is teeming with songs, most of which are folk songs, though the Yale production includes a few new songs and others with new lyrics. But these were the songs that Hurston discovered in her research.

Though Hurston was talented, her work was criticized by other Black writers for its use of

dialects, which were considered demeaning and stereotypical. In addition, her conservative politics—she felt that the New Deal social programs created depen-

dency and criticized the Supreme Court’s Brown vs. the Board of Education in the 1950s as unnecessary—were not appreciated. This play is not heavy on plot.

The story is relatively simple. Spunk, a handsome and charismatic young man, arrives in the town with his guitar, and soon all the locals are smitten with him.

The men admire his skill in handling the most dangerous saw at the local mill; the women are attracted to his good looks and charm. But Spunk has eyes only for Evalina; unfortunately, she is married to Jim, whose father, Hodge Bishop, practices the black arts. When Jim comes after Spunk with a knife, Spunk shoots him. Hodge then announces he has “put his mark” on Spunk.

All this occurs in the first half of the play. It is so jam-packed with music and action that you might wonder where it will go in the second half. And that is one of the difficulties Hurston faced and did not conquer. The second half gets bogged down.

While the original story had an unhappy ending, in her musical

version, Hurston made it a happy ending.

Director Tamilla Woodard and choreographer nicHi douglas have done all they could to hide the problems with the show. It is best if you just sit back and enjoy the songs, the dancing, and the fine performances.

Hurston included in the play the activities the residents used to build community—the card game Pitch, croquet, and the toe party, in which men select their partners for the evening by viewing only their toes.

The play opens with a gang of men singing as they shovel and pick ax the hard soil. While it isn’t clear if this is just a work gang or a prison chain gang, it is through the song and their talk that we start hearing about Spunk.

We then move to the town, which has gathered to party, play, and gossip; everyone knows everyone and their business. Spunk is the center of attention, with several women vying for him—Ruby, in particular. The scene is filled with songs and dancing.

As the story moves along, that is the feature—everyone is always present and ready to comment.

Yale has assembled a fine cast—from J. Quinton Johnson as Spunk and Kimber Elayne Sprawl as Evalina, to Kimberly Marable as Ruby and Jennifer Bayardelle as Mrs. Watson. The cast gives these somewhat generic characters individuality.

Hurston wrote the language that she heard during her research, so the characters speak in a vernacular that some may find difficult to understand. But even if you don’t understand every word, the story still comes through clearly.

Hurston’s work is worth discovering, and offers a picture of people who, despite the restrictions and prejudices that surrounded them in white society, built a vibrant community.

For more information or tickets, visit YaleRep.org. Spunk

Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

The cast of Yale Rep production of "Spunk" by Zora Neale Hurston

Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus "Spunk" runs through Saturday, Oct. 25.

Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises over $36,000

Press

On Monday, Sept. 29, over 100 people gathered at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford for the second annual charity golf tournament supporting the Branford Community Foundation (BCF). With a sold-out tournament, practically perfect weather, and a stunning course on which to play, the fundraiser was an all-around success, raising over $36,000 for the foundation.

“We are beyond grateful for the incredible turnout at our second annual charity golf tournament,” said BCF Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “I want to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who played in the tournament, joined us for dinner, was a sponsor or prize donor, or donated during the event. Every dollar raised ensures that we can continue to provide for the educational, cultural, health, social, and civic needs of our community.”

The day kicked off with registration, putting practice, and driving at the range, before participants enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club staff. The tournament officially began with a shotgun start, followed by an afternoon of friendly competition. A lively buffet dinner, awards, and the pulling of the prize drawing winners rounded out the evening as golfers and attendees listened to remarks from Petra, BCF co-founder David Etzel, and Thimble Island Private Wealth Managing Director Logan J. Reed and Vice President Matthew C. Fleming. Thimble Island Private Wealth served as the presenting sponsor of the event. Other featured sponsors included dinner sponsors Cherry Hill Glass and Karp & Langerman, P.C., lunch sponsors Betty Ann Donegan, The Etzel Family, and Ascend Bank, and long hole drive sponsor Knightsbridge Supply Company Inc. BCF plans for the tournament to continue annually, and looks forward to sharing the date of the 2026 tournament soon.

For more information on upcoming grants, sponsorships, and community events, or to make a contribution to the Branford Community Foundation, email Marketing@ BranfordCommunityFoundation.org.

Continued from page 26

McDaniel and Karen Mason

: 2 p.m. The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Ticket subscriptions are available. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, contact the Legacy Theatre at 203-315-1901 or Info@LegacyTheatreCT.org, or visit legacytheatrect.org.

in Branford.

MONDAY, OCT. 27

membership of $35. Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Wesleyan Spirits A Cappella Concert 1875 Steinway's 150th Celebration Concert

: 2 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

: 4 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Features Duo Fuerza, composed of pianists James D’León and Alwen Yeung. Part of the Music at the Meetinghouse concert series. Tickets: $20, at the door. For info, contact Nathan Bayreuther at 203-245-2739, ext. 14, or nbayreuther@fccmadison.org.

Exploring Apple’s New Operating System for iPhones

: 3 to 4:45 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-2457365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Octoberfest

: 7 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Features a performance at 7 p.m. of Sarah Kronenberg’s cabaret,

The Strange Adventures of an Accidental Theatre Kid: A Musical Adventure

; a reception at 8 p.m. with light refreshments, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Hosted by Brief Cameo Productions. Tickets: $30. For info or tickets, visit briefcameoproductions.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 28

Sharks in Long Island Sound

: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by MaryEllen Mateleska, senior director for education and conservation at the Mystic Aquarium. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual

Agroforestry with Florencia Montagnini

: 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Co-sponsored by Guilford Free Library and Shoreline Village CT. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29

Civil Liberties and the Supreme Court

: 10 a.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Andy Schatz, retired lawyer, former president of the ACLU of Connecticut, and member of the national ACLU board and executive committee. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Release from Branford Community Foundation

Photo courtesy of Branford Community Foundation

The second annual charity golf tournament supporting the Branford Community Foundation (BCF) was held at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club

Sunday Broadway Concert Series with John

Continued from page 28

The Secrets to Building a Financial Plan that Works

: 1 to 2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Third in a three-part Women and Money Roundtable series designed specifically for women of all levels of financial knowledge. Facilitated by wealth and financial advisors Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons with Historical Fiction Queen Philippa Gregory

Boleyn Traitor

tute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members, with an annual membership of $35. Cost: $5 for all four sessions plus $35 for a 2025 briefing book. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.

Shoreline Village Tea and Talk

: 2 p.m.

Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Raffle to Win a 2026 Ineos Grenadier

Press Release from Acton Public Library

The Acton Public Library Foundation, Inc. is launching a raffle for a 2026 Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster edition in the color of the winner’s choice (MSRP not to exceed $89,800) in support of a meaningful cause: the upcoming renovation of the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

is a new vehicle and was introduced in 2024.”

“This is your chance to drive something remarkable and be a part of something even bigger,” said Charles Farrow, board chair of the Acton Public Library Foundation. “The funds raised will have a longlasting impact on generations of learners and community members.”

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

Willoughby Book Talk: by Ivan Turgenev

: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Open to all. For info or to register, call the library at 203488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.

What's Up with the U.S. Constitution?

6 p.m. Memorial Town Hall, 8 Meeting House Ln., Madison. Presented by Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, state senator and teacher of constitutional law and related courses at Quinnipiac University. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the East Shore. For info, email eastshoreleague@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 31

Witch-Crafts: Halloween Broom-making Workshop

: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For high school-aged teens. Part of GAC's drop-in art club. Free. No prior registration or Guilford residency required. For info, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Annual Trunk or Treat

: 6:30 p.m.

Author Event: Mona Awad in Conversation with Maeve Cunningham

R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:

We Love You, Bunny: A Novel

. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 AND

THURSDAY, OCT. 30

Creative Crafts with Jesse: Paper Quilled Fall Tree

: Wednesday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Adult participants will learn to paper quill to make a fall tree on a card base. No experience required. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

: 4 to 6 p.m. Madison Town Green. Features vehicles with decorated trunks, free candy and treats from businesses and organizations, and Halloween festivities. Presented by the Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison Police Department. For info, call the Madison Chamber of Commerce at 203-245-7394 or visit madisonct.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 31 AND

SATURDAY, NOV. 1

The Haunted Trolley Alien Invasion: Connecticut

THURSDAY, OCT. 30

Great Decisions

: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Topic: International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil. First of four consecutive Thursday sessions through Nov. 20. Led by Tom Lee, a facilitator of Great Decisions discussion groups. Great Decisions is a program produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Insti-

SATURDAY, NOV. 1

Saturday Fall Migration Bird Walk Fathers and Sons

: Scheduled rides: Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features a one-hour interactive trolley event. Limited to 40 passengers per ride. The 5 and 6 p.m. slots are familyand child-friendly rides. Children ages 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP haunted ride. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit thehauntedtrolley.com. : 8 to 10:30 a.m. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at The Audubon Shop parking lot, 907 Boston

The raffle officially opens at noon on Oct. 15 and runs through noon on Aug. 31, 2026. The winner will be announced at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, at the Acton Public Library.

All proceeds from the raffle benefit The Acton Public Library Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the library’s mission and raising funds for its long-anticipated renovation project. The upgraded library will provide expanded spaces, modern resources, and improved accessibility for residents of all ages in Old Saybrook and beyond.

“This is a unique way to support an essential community hub while also having the chance to drive away in a really cool vehicle,” said Victoria Miller, chief development officer of the Acton Public Library Foundation. “The Ineos Grenadier

Post Rd., Madison. Carpool to the park at 8 a.m. Cost: $6 per person in cash, due upon arrival. Preregistration is not required. Beginners welcome. Binoculars are necessary and can be rented for $4. For info or to rent a pair of binoculars, call The Audubon Shop at 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.

: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Features jewelry, estate treasures, records, tools, bakery, knitting, toys, Christmas items for gift-giving, furniture, a breakfast and lunch cafe, and more. Payment for purchases by cash and check only. For info, contact the church at 203453-5249 or office@firstchurchguilford.org.

Drop Spindle Wool Spinning Workshop (Session B)

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Students will learn fiber preparation, spinning techniques, and ways to ply yarn. Materials provided. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $18 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Tickets cost $100 each with a maximum of 6,000 tickets available. Tickets can be purchased at https://onecau.se/acton. To be eligible, a ticket holder must be 18+ and a legal U.S. resident. All raffle tickets are electronically generated and numbered through OneCause. Participants must purchase tickets using a credit or debit card in U.S. dollars and agree to all applicable terms and conditions.

The winner will be selected at random by OneCause and does not need to be present at the drawing to win. The winner will be notified on Sept. 1, 2026, and must respond within 14 days to claim the prize.

A complete list of terms and conditions is available at https://onecau.se/acton. To make a donation to the Acton Public Library Foundation, visit https://one cau.se/donateaplf

: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 30 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.

Stony Creek Farmers Market

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 2. Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd., Branford. For info, email Clara.pagliaro@gmail.com or visit scfarmersmarket.org.

The Dudley Farm Farmers Market

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

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

Annual Harvest Fair

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

12 Cedar Ct Unit 1: John Mackay of East Haven to Richard Schiliro and Daria Kania, $155,000 on 10/01/2025

17 Harbour Vlg Unit F: Harriett Mahoney of Branford to Jennifer J Wright RET and Jennifer J. Wright, $620,000 on 10/02/2025

33 Indian Woods Rd: Markham Lt and Edward D. Markham of Branford to Franklin and Yifang Chen, $637,000 on 10/01/2025

316 Leetes Island Rd: Brian and Kara Phillips of Branford to Bruce Shillinglaw, $476,000 on 10/03/2025

328 Leetes Island Rd: Brian and Kara Phillips of Branford to Bruce Shillinglaw, $476,000 on 10/03/2025

15 Oak Gate Dr: David R. Carlson of Branford to J D & Debra G Nardini RET and Joseph D. Nardini, $575,000 on 10/01/2025

2 Sherwood St: Dube Judith M Est and Michelle L. Austin of Branford to Brandon M. Whalen and Megan Goetsch, $320,000 on 10/01/2025

EAST HAVEN

4 Birch Ln Unit F: Thomas F. and Francis M. Nerkowski of East Haven to Advance Hvac LLC, $126,200 on 09/30/2025

83 Bradley St: Pellegrino Alice M Est and Thomas C. Pellegrino of East Haven to Steven R. and Violette Prinz, $389,900 on 10/02/2025

12 Cedar Ct Unit D: Mohamed Ali of East Haven to Nicholas M. Forren, $155,000 on 09/30/2025

5 Mansfield Grove Rd Unit 153: Anne Persico of East Haven to Lucy Lano and Anthony Savo, $360,050 on 09/29/2025

63 Meadow St: Hans Loricco of East Haven to Michael G. and Denise N. Meliti, $190,000 on 09/29/2025

153 Mill St: Ricci Robert Est and Melissa Ricci of East Haven to Jorge G. and Nilsa J. Burgos, $350,000 on 10/03/2025

78 Minor Rd: Joseph P. Guarino of East Haven to Amy Guarino, $300,000 on 10/02/2025

63 Pondview Ter: Roderick and Omayra Toppin of East Haven to Dishawn and Lillian Bell, $390,000 on 10/02/2025

8 River Rd: Charles Schmidt and Primary Res Mortgage Inc of East Haven to Gzz Ss Us LLC, $258,250 on 09/30/2025

205 Rose St: Matthew R. Wohlstrom of East Haven to Candace Ford, $360,000 on 09/29/2025

GUILFORD

170 Barker Hill Dr: Shannon A. White and Virgil Roberson of Guilford to Jon and Marguerite Romeo, $625,000 on 10/03/2025

154 Deer Ln: Stephen C. and Christine M. Szufnarowski of Guilford to Allan and Tomoko Tarantino, $720,920 on 09/30/2025

42 Forest Brook Rd: Decesare Patricia S Est and Christine Piscitelli of Guilford to Brian J. and Megan E. Lee, $600,000 on 10/02/2025

45 Graves Ave: Deborah C. Spalding of Guilford to Paul P. and Robin L. Ehrlich, $1,012,500 on 10/01/2025

34 Long Hill Farms: Philip L. Ross of Guilford to Hilary E Weissberg T and Joseph B. Weissberg, $745,000 on 10/02/2025

2 Tamarack Ln: F Vigliotti Const Co LLC of Guilford to Brian D. and Sarah C. Ward, $814,536 on 09/30/2025

49 Windfall Ln: John P. Corwin and Diana L. Insolio of Guilford to Philip A. Madonna, $590,000 on 10/03/2025

33 Woodside Rd: Frederick E. and Kerry M. Rosa of Guilford to Mark A. Benevento and Sarah K. Gutman, $631,050 on 10/01/2025

N/A: Valana Stevens RET and Michael C. Stevens of Guilford to Stephen R. Ramsey and Suzy C. Page, $385,000 on 10/02/2025

KILLINGWORTH

131 Burr Hill Rd: Thomas J. Lockwood of Killingworth to Frasher and Cassandra Lulaj, $3,000,000 on 10/01/2025

29 Schnoor Rd: Olivia B. Drake of Killingworth to Samuel Barber, $480,000 on 09/29/2025

MADISON

584 Boston Post Rd: Peter and Amy Almo of Madison to Carmen and Grace Balzano, $1,525,000 on 10/02/2025

43 Burcam Dr: John L. Parks and Kimberly A. Stasiak of Madison to Peter J. Tuohy and Ellen M. Gessler, $941,000 on 10/02/2025

22 Centre Village Dr: Robert C Miller T and Laura Miller of Madison to Cynthia K. Rinaldi, $470,000 on 10/01/2025

57 Circle Beach Rd: Mary Junno and Joshua Casey of Madison to Eugene and Gloria Mauro, $700,000 on 09/29/2025

73 Devonshire Ln: Scarlett A. and John Atkins of Madison to Megan and Cormac Roberts, $801,000 on 10/02/2025

531 Green Hill Rd: Jason S. and Kristin M. Brown of Madison to Emin and Sejla Emini, $565,000 on 09/29/2025

39 Madison Ave: Christopher S. Becker of Madison to Joseph and Melinda Helfrich, $1,045,000 on 09/29/2025

NORTH BRANFORD

Berncliff Dr: Lucille P. Scelfo of North Branford to 81 Berncliff Drive LLC, $400,000 on 10/01/2025

126 Branford Rd: Anniemac Private Equity C of North Branford to Heather Meachen, $369,000 on 10/03/2025

1447 Middletown Ave: Gary Cuomo of North Branford to Eastern Postal Rlty Hldg, $800,000 on 10/03/2025

127 Old Post Rd: North Branford Town Of of North Branford to 127 Old Post LLC, $10,000 on 10/02/2025

131 Burr Hill Road, Killingworth

- Represented

Jacob Lane,

8 Gaylea Drive, Branford

FOR SALE • $2,695,000

- Represented

& Sellers

Turnkey luxury in the heart of Pine Orchard’s coveted Juniper Point Association. This fully renovated designer residence is a private sanctuary offering a lifestyle where community and architectural sophistication converge. 8gayleadrive.com

Melanie Scull

mscull@williampitt.com

The Sound 10-23-25

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Halloween Memories

OCT. 25

Broadway and Film Star Hugh Jackman Visits The Legacy Theatre

Noises Off

26

Yale Rep’s Production of Introduces Us to a Vibrant Community Spunk

Review THEATER

Special to Living

Spunk

Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises over $36,000

Raffle to Win a 2026 Ineos Grenadier

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

EAST HAVEN

GUILFORD

KILLINGWORTH

MADISON

NORTH BRANFORD

131 Burr Hill Road, Killingworth

Jacob Lane,

8 Gaylea Drive, Branford

Melanie Scull