Issuu

November 20, 2025

Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 47

North Branford Schools Dispense Disney Magic

By Nicholas Checker

Most anyone hearing the lyrics “When you wish upon a star” inevitably thinks of the beloved theme long associated with the magnificent magic of Walt Disney. It traces all the way back to the vintage Disney Days of “Pinocchio” and that wooden puppet dream-

ing and wishing to become human … along with the sentimental wisdom of his gentle mentor, Jiminy Cricket.

And, seriously, do we not all “wish upon a star” at some point, for a dream others might deem farfetched? (It’s okay to admit.)

At North Branford Intermediate School — in association with North Branford High students — drama director Sharon Monnes,

along with her loyal, longtime righthand, Melissa Camp, have once again mobilized their Spotlight Players (scholastic theatre group founded by Monnes) … as the North Branford Intermediate School (in association with the high school) will deliver some of that Disney magic when they present “The Little

See North Branford Schools page 12

In the Spotlight

The Spotlight Players Theater Department, directed by teacher and director Sharon Monnes, rehearses Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." at North Branford Intermediate School on Thursday, Nov. 14. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Dave Sargent

is the president of the North Branford Land Conservation Trust and recent recipient of the prestigious Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Land Conservation....2

Tides and Currents

Ahoy! Check out Captain Morgan’s weekly fishing column..................20

The Holiday Spirit

Many local arts groups are ringing in the holiday spirit in style with theater, music, and dance performances...............................24

Special to Shore Publishing

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Dave Sargent, Fighting for Our Lands

Special to Shore Publishing By Nicholas Checker

The natural world needs champions, people who care enough to preserve our precious wildlands and seas.

Meet Dave Sargent, president of the North Branford Land Conservation Trust and recent recipient of the prestigious Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Land Conservation, Dave relentlessly pursues his ongoing vision for protected natural lands, while enlisting conscientious community members in sustaining the progress and reputation of his organization’s work.

“I’m passionate about the outdoors and feel that I have to give back to the town where I live,” Dave explains. Being involved in the Land Trust is the perfect way to do that.”

Among Dave’s accomplishments is a 22acre donation of land in North Branford that will now be preserved in perpetuity. Such properties require constant attention to keep up with the demands of invasive plants and other obstacles to refining these properties for public appeal.

But it does not defer a tireless advocate of conservation like Dave Sargent.

“When I start something and commit to completing it, I always follow through. I want to help provide people with a better environment ... and encourage them to go outdoors more. And we have to work together with nature to accomplish that. Mother Nature can’t do it alone now. There’s an added human element where Man has done a lot of damage in a number of ways ... like bringing destructive invasive species into our natural lands.”

Dave explains that invasive species include walking stick plants; the emerald ash borer insect (transported here via ships from Asia) that attacks and kills ash trees; and other predatory marauders of fauna and flora that are foreign to this continent, transported here by the careless actions of humans.

See Dave Sargent page 10

Photo courtesy of Dave Sargent Dave Sargent

Showing Resilience

Making

Branford, North Branford, & Northford’s Hometown Newspaper

Founded in 1997

Watch Out for Scams this Holiday Season

By Officer Scott Gingras

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is quickly approaching, and for most, this means a time for joy, charity, and giving. Some, however, see the holidays as the perfect opportunity to take advantage of others…

Yes, we’re talking about scammers.

While you’re distracted and busy preparing for the holiday festivities, the scammers are hoping you’ll be a little less vigilant, and a little more likely to give them your money and personal information.

We know nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than realizing you’ve fallen victim to a scam. So this season, watch out for these common holiday scams!

Package Delivery Scams

This scam involves getting a text or email claiming a package you ordered is delayed or undeliverable, with a link to get an update or pay a fee. With so many people ordering gifts online during the holidays, you might think the message is related to an item you legitimately ordered. But unfortunately, that link may infect your phone or computer with malware or a virus.

Remember, don’t click on any suspicious links! If you truly think there’s an issue with a package you ordered, contact the seller or shipping company directly.

Charity Scams

Charity scams are when scammers pretend to be from a legitimate charity group

ScholarshipsforConnecticutWomen

Scam SmartS

or non-profit organization and exploit your generosity to get you to donate money. They may pressure you for immediate donations and be unwilling to provide you with any information on the charity, or require donations in unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Make sure to do your research and verify that a charity is legitimate before donating.

Gift Card Scams

While these scams are prevalent all year long, they are especially rampant around the holidays. They may involve scamming consumers into buying fake gift cards, or tricking them into using gift cards as a form of payment. Always purchase gift cards from reputable retailers, and avoid websites that claim to sell gift cards at deeply discounted prices.

Remember, no legitimate business or organization accepts gift cards as a form of payment. If someone is telling you to pay using gift cards, it is absolutely a scam, 100% of the time.

If you receive a text, email, phone call, letter in the mail, or any other kind of communication, and are unsure of whether or not it’s a scam, give us a call here at the Guilford Police Department at (203) 453-8061, and we’ll help you figure it out.

Stay safe, and happy holidays!

The Connecticut Federation of Women’s Clubs announces two scholarships for Connecticut women pursuing advanced courses of study at institutions of higher learning. Awards are granted on the basis of future promise, scholastic ability, and financial need. The Dorothy E. Schoelzel memorial scholarship has a maximum award of $2,000. Candidates must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher in the field of education. The Phipps scholarship has a maximum award of $1,000. Candidates must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution with a 3.0 average or higher toward a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. Completed applications, including general and personal information, a financial statement, instructor/employer references, and an official transcript of at least the most recent two years of undergraduate or graduate work, must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. To download an application form, visit northfordnbwomensclubgfwc.org/education. For more information, call Rose Lynch at 203-483-8395.

Guilford Police Department

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

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

Editorial Staff

Obituaries

Obituary Thomas King Branford

Thomas "Tom" Emory King died in his home Sept. 27, 2025, at the age of 84, with his family at his side. He was the husband of Lucille Iannuzzi King. Tom was born in Racine, W.Va., the son of the late Earl and Vada King. He worked for the State of Connecticut for 30 years.

Tom is survived by his children, Jimmy

Obituary

Elva Lanza

North Branford

and Tom King Jr., Brenda Holland; eight grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sara King; his grandson Matthew Holland; and his brothers: Bennie, George, Archie and Vernon; and his sister Juanita.

Tom had a passion for repairing cars and he loved fishing with his son Tom Jr.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and his faithful dog, Rocky.

No services are planned.

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.

In loving memory of Elva Lorraine Lanza, 98, of North Branford who passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at home, 13 days before her ninety-ninth birthday. She was born on Nov. 17, 1926, in Rensselaer, MO, a daughter of the late Maurice “Mose” and Clare Scheips Moyers.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Robert J. Lanza; her brothers, Maurice “Bud” and Robert Moyers; and her sisters, Katherine Moyers and Mary Marguerite Paulus.

dening. When anyone remarked on her longevity, she would tell them she owed it to exercise.

Elva is survived by her children, Gail Lanza of Branford, and Robert and M. Lanza (Barbara) of Madison; grandchildren, Robert J. and Addisyn Lanza; sisters, Lucille Moyers and Beatrice Miller of Quincy, Ill., Dorothy Miller of Fort Madison, Iowa, and Carolyn Yates of Rolla, Mo.; brothers, James Moyers (Brenda) of Scott City, Mo., and William Douglas (Diane) of Bridgeport, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews; and three grand dogs: Jordy, Sansa, and Darwin.

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.

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com.

She was active and extremely hard to keep up with most of her life, only slowing down in the last three years. She was a great fan of basketball, especially the UConn teams, an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver and loved gar-

We would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Smilow (especially those on the 7th floor), and the wonderful people of Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving. You are all amazing.

Although services have already taken place, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Closer to Free Fund, and Smilow Cancer Hospital.

See Obituaries page 8

The Ocean of Light program is a holistic approach to well-being centered around a simple form of tai chi which incorporates movement, meditation, and discussion. Taught by Dennis McCann, former head of the Spiritual Care Department for Middlesex Health and certified teacher of Tai Chi Chih, the program will be held 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays from Dec. 4 through Jan 8, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day, at the Madison Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Road. The cost is $40 for residents or $50 for nonresidents. For more information or to register, call 203-2455623 or visit taichichih.org.

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.

OceanofLightTaiChi

Something Needs to Change

Branford Democrat Contests BOE Election In Court

By Eric O'Connell

Staff Writer

Branford’s Republican Town Clerk Lisa Arpin is being taken to court over her decision to certify an apparent election loser as the winner of a Board of Education seat, despite Democrat Harlan Fichtenholtz’s more than 900-vote victory over his nearest GOP challenger.

Fichtenholtz, who ran for the school board in municipal elections held Nov. 4, filed a lawsuit Nov. 12 alleging that Arpin improperly certified Emily Johnson, a Republican Board of Education candidate, as a winner in the 2025 municipal election despite the Democrat outpolling the GOP candidate 4,854-3,924. Neither Arpin nor any other Republican official could be reached last week to explain the certification, which apparently was made in response to minority-representation rules that require some representation from the losing side in municipal races.

Kevin Coughlin, the chairman of the Branford Democratic Town Committee, told The Sound he emailed Arpin seeking an explanation as to why Fichtenholtz wasn’t seated after she sent out a list of the seats that would be certified in the days after the Nov. 4 election, but he received no response.

“From Washington to towns across America, we’ve seen a disturbing trend of Republicans trying to overturn the will of the voters. Now it’s happening in Branford, and we’re not going to let local Republicans get away with it. The votes are counted, the results are clear, and democracy must be respected. No official has the authority to ignore the will of the voters. We are confident the court will

uphold the law and confirm what the people of Branford decided at the ballot box,” Coughlin said in a statement.

The two parties were due in court on Nov. 17 which is after press time for this article. Check www.zip06.com for updates.

Branford’s Board of Education consists of nine seats. The results of the 2025 election, had Fichtenholtz been declared the winner, would lead to a 6-3 Democratic majority on the board, but the certification of Johnson as the winner would lead to slim a 5-4 difference between the two parties.

State and town codes require minority representation on town boards and commissions but per state law a 6-3 majority on a nine-person board is permitted.

According to Fichtenholtz’s complaint, there was never any indication given by Arpin prior to Election Day that only one member of each party would be eligible to be elected to the two-year seat.

On Nov. 4, Branford voters made their way to the polls for the local elections where they overwhelming chose Democratic candidates over Republicans in most races. That included the race for the twoyear school board vacancy that had voters choosing two total candidates out of four on the ballot.

In the race, the leading Democrat Isaak Aronson earned 4,894 votes, closely followed by Fichtenholtz. Johnson was the top Republican vote-getter for school board, and Erin Gu with 3,796 votes came next, followed by petitioning candidate Rebecca Anne Cudgma with 728 votes. However, when it came time to declare

treatments. Delivered with the greatest of care.

The best available cancer care is close to home. In fact, Smilow Cancer Hospital is conveniently located all across the region. So you can meet with our team of renowned cancer experts right away, develop a personalized treatment plan together, and have direct access to genetic testing, tumor pro ling, and clinical trials through our af liation with Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Because at Smilow Cancer Hospital, we’re committed to treating you with the greatest of care. Smilow Cancer Hospital at Guilford

LEGACY THEATRE

Obituary

Barbara Ferraro

Barbara A. Petrelli Ferraro of Branford died Sunday Oct. 26, 2025, at the Hospital of St. Raphael Campus at YNHH. She was the beloved wife of Michael P. Ferraro Jr. Barbara was born on March 27, 1935, in New Haven, a daughter of the late Alfred and Alice Marino Petrelli. In addition to Mike, she is survived by her step-children: Teresa (Hap) Panza of North Haven, Linda Ferraro of Branford, Michael (Michelle) Ferraro of North Haven, Dolores (Jack) Dinse of Middletown, Paul (Ellen) Ferraro of Branford and Christine (Joseph) Sordi of North Haven; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Marie Scilla, Agnes Yarsawich and Jane Nardecchia. She was predeceased

by a son, John Ferraro.

Barbara had a long career of over 20 years at United Illuminating before taking on the role of devoted wife and mother. She was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors. Barbara truly loved spending time spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, Nov. 12, at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. Her funeral left the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Gianna Pregnancy Resource Center, helping moms and babies in the community. Checks can be sent to: P.O. Box 511, Northford, CT 06472.

Branford Democrat Contests

BOE Election In Court

Continued from page 6

the winner, Town Clerk Arpin declared Aronson and Johnson as winners, despite Fichtenholtz receiving 930 more votes than Johnson.

In response, Fichtenholtz filed a complaint in New Haven Superior Court asking the court to intervene to rule on

The Sound

whether the certification of Johnson was legal. The complaint was also forwarded to the State Elections Enforcement Commission and the Secretary of the State’s office. Arpin did not return calls seeking comment for this article. Fichtenholtz also could not be reached. Coughlin told that the Branford DTC backs Fichtenholtz in his lawsuit.

The final tour for the 2025 Worth Tasting Event takes place Saturday, Dec. 13. The event wraps up the series of downtown culinary walking tours in New Haven led by Stephen Fries, food columnist, professor of hospitality management. The final tour lasts four hours and includes stops at six to eight restaurants and eateries in the Elm City. Participants depart 10:30 a.m. from the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, 155 Temple Street. Parking is available at the Crown Street or Temple Street Garage in New Haven. Tickets cost $85. Service fees apply. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 203-415-3519 or visit worthtasting.co/newhaven.

ArtfulHolidayTreesShowandSilentAuction

The Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) is holding its third annual Artful Holiday Trees Show and silent auction through Thursday, Dec. 11, 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. Winners will be notified on Dec. 11. Proceeds benefit BACA’s community arts initiatives. For more information, contact Mary Pont at 203-433-4071 or baca06405@gmail.com.

LibraryOffers

The James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, offers job seekers in Branford a job search and career exploration tool, the LearningExpress Job and Career Accelerator. The search tool includes résumé and letter builders with samples and tips, job and internship postings, interviewing advice, and a personal dashboard to track a job seeker’s work. There is also a computer skills center to help a job seeker learn the basics of computers, the Internet, and popular software applications. The LearningExpress Job and Career Accelerator is available through the Blackstone Library and the Connecticut State Library. For more information or to create an account, visit blackstonelibrary.org and look for the Job and Career Accelerator under the Research menu.

FoodWorthTasting

BACA

Blackstone

GiveSeniorstheGiftofWarmth

Snuggles For Shoreline Seniors is hosting its 2025 new blanket drive. Donations of new blankets can be dropped off through Sunday, Dec. 21, at the following Branford locations: James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street; Branford Cleaners, 275 Main Street; Coastal Wine and Spirits, 103 North Main Street; Eli's Branford, 624 West Main Street; Lockworks Tavern, 1212 Main Street; Parthenon Diner, 374 East Main Street; Shoreline Insurance Services, 556 Main Street; and the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, Stony Creek. The new blankets will benefit seniors in the Community Dining Room Home Delivery Service and other seniors within the town of Branford. For more information, contact 203-208-8942 or Blanketsforseniors@gmail.com.

GriefShareMeetingsContinueThroughDecember

GriefShare is a weekly faith-based bereavement support group that offers help, encouragement, and support after the death of a spouse, child, other family member, or friend. Sponsored by Christ Chapel of Madison, this support group meets on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. The regular GriefShare cycle began in early September and runs through early December. Each lesson can stand alone, so participants can attend any week. The weekly format includes supportive discussion about video content and a journaling workbook reinforcing each week’s topics. The workbook will be available to purchase at the meetings for a one-time fee of $20. All are welcome. For more information or to register, call Sue Granniss at 860-913-1654 or specify “Madison, CT” at griefshare.org/findagroup.

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Branford Branford Building Department Branford, CT 06405

An application for demolition has been filed on November 7th, 2025, for the cottage located at 64 Lanphiers Cove Camp, Branford, owned by Barbara Calza.”

LEGAL NOTICE

NORTH BRANFORD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

The North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission at its November 6, 2025 Regular Meeting:

1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO NOV. 20, 2025 MEETING: Appl. #2025-9, West Pond Road – Re-subdivision of property to create five (5) residential lots with frontage/access on Glenwood Road. Owner/Applicant: BC Investment Properties LLC, Bruno Ciccone

Robert Nowak, Chairman

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTIONS

At the Regular meeting of the Branford Planning & Zoning Commission held on Thursday November 6, 2025 the following actions were taken:

1. Application #25-8.3 Zoning Text Amendments (Sec. 2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K,9.6.L) Section 2.2 – WITHDRAWN Sections 6.8.C, 9.6.K, 9.6.L-APPROVED WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 1, 2025.

2. Application #25-8.4 Zoning Regulation Amendment -(Revisions to the Landscaping Regulations (Sec. 6.3) -WITHDRAWN

3. 90 Day Time Extension to file the Mylar for the 19-37 Gould Lane SubdivisionAPPROVED

4. CGS 8-24 Referral Acquisition of 11.4 Acres by the Town of Branford for Open Space located at:138 Chestnut St., 0 Brushy Plain Road-POSITIVE REPORT ADOPTED

5. CGS 8-24 Referral Acquisition of 5.28 Acres by the Town of Branford for Municipal Facilities (Public Works & Fire) located at:15 & 21 East Industrial Road-POSITIVE REPORT ADOPTED.

C. Andres, Chairperson

F. Russo Secretary

Dave Sargent, Fighting for Our Lands

Continued from page 2

And he feels it is our duty to correct that. He therefore enlists people to become involved in the quest to improve and enhance the quality of our environment, as it benefits the natural habitat for wildlife, healthy trees, and the plant life surrounding our very dwellings and businesses ... and also benefits those among us who rely on nature’s bounty.

“Planting trees like chestnuts is among the ways for dealing with invasives like the destructive Japanese Barberry — a plant that prevents other tree seedlings from growing. The State of Connecticut helped introduce this approach to that problem.”

Dave’s recent acquisition of the 3-acre Starry Lane, North Branford property is a classic example of his ability to collaborate with a landowner in securing a critical donation for connecting the Atwater

Library to a trail system on the Harrison Farm Preserve. It made it possible for the library to host valuable children’s educational programs while giving them access to nature, and also allowing the Totoket Historical society to host significant events.

“I refer to this as ‘Nature’s Classroom,’” Dave beams proudly. “I linked up several properties for a trail system where schools and libraries can arrange for students and patrons to explore and enjoy these trails while experiencing nature as an outdoor classroom. We even have them engaged in helping remove invasive species and restoring our forests to a healthy state.”

Dave’s ultimate vision lies in the very reason land trusts exist. “It’s all about a natural, protected haven where people of all ages can experience and fully appreciate the value and beauty of the Great Outdoors. Everyone needs to get out there more.”

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF David L. Pooler (25-00394)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 4, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Marianne E. Pooler

c/o ALPHONSE IPPOLITO, FASANO, IPPOLITO, LEE & FLORENTINE, LLC, 107 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Anna Christine Idarola (25-00384)

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Kristen D. Russell, 90 Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT 06035

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Frantisek Kalousek, AKA Frank Kalousek (25-00402)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated October 30, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Michael J. Kalousek

c/o KATHY KIEFER PRIEST, DAVIS O’SULLIVAN & PRIEST, LLC, 59 ELM, SUITE 540, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510

Thanksgiving Give-Away an Annual Tradition

By Nicholas Checker

In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol,” the Ghost of Christmas Present tells the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge that Spirits-of-the-Yuletide do not exist for only a single day of the year … but for all 365. And the late, immortal John Lennon, in a memorable holiday classic song of his own, begs the question: “And so this is Christmas … and what have you done?”

As Thanksgiving approaches, a longtime Branford resident and East Haven attorney Andy Amendola — along with the likes of Branford’s Parthenon Diner owner, John Sousoulos, and East Haven’s Twin Pines Diner owner, Jim Triantis as well as a small army of generous citizen donors — can all answer John Lennon’s lyrical question, while also paying homage to Dicken’s Ghost of Christmas Present. It’s recognized as a now traditional Thanksgiving Day Gift Dinner.

Every year since the devastating Covid pandemic of 2020, Amendola and the two popular diners mobilize the citizens of both towns to open their hearts and wallets in a gesture of generosity and compassion to help make the forthcoming Thanksgiving holiday a comforting respite for those who have felt the financial rug swept out from under them. It’s an event that gains momentum every year, all due to gracious and compassionate community support.

“I’ve always contributed to food banks and food drives,” said Amendola, “but the revelation came to me that a good deal more was in order, especially with the emergence of the Covid crisis in 2020.”

Amendola then set the wheels in motion for making a greater impact in generating more significant funding for those who have felt the bite of harsh economic times.

“Fortunately, from all my years as a Branford resident and a law firm based in East Haven, I pretty much know the sort of people you can count on to contribute and to come through on a promise,” he reflected. “I love doing this, because I can.”

The Parthenon Diner in Branford and Twin Pines Diner in East Haven jumped on board instantly, both longtime businesses in their respective townships.

“Our location in Branford for a good 40 years has been blessed with enormous support from our clientele, and we feel it’s only fitting that we give back in kind,” said John Sousoulos, owner and operator of the Parthenon Diner. “The least we can do is our part in lending a helping hand to people who find themselves struggling financially during these difficult times.”

Amendola recalls approaching both establishments and asking Sousoulos and Twin Pines owner Triantis

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

how they might provide an effective food and distributive method.

“This all operates on an Honor System basis,” Amendola explains. “Completely cooked Thanksgiving dinners are available to anyone or any family that might need it. It’s all take-out. You must register by calling the diner in the town where you reside and arrange to pick up the meal(s) either the day before or on Thanksgiving itself. A family may order up to four or five dinners. There is no charge at all.”

For Branford residents, call the Parthenon Diner: (203481-0333). For East Haven residents, call Twin Pines Diner: (203-468-6887).

The reward for it all? Amendola, Sousoulos, and Triantis all agree: “Knowing that people who have struggled can celebrate and enjoy their holiday in comfort and peace.”

And in paying homage to Dickens’ jolly Ghost of Christmas Present, and to John Lennon’s lyrical holiday

ESTATE OF Suham Bashir Shamas, AKA Suham Shamas (25-00388)

Tue Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated October 31, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is: Amar J. Shamas

c/o ROBIN BRUCE SANDLER, ROBIN BRUCE SANDLER, P.C., 175 MONTOWESE STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405, BRANFORD, CT 06405

in need.

question … “So this is Christmas and what have you done,” the likes of Andy Amendola, John Sousoulos (Parthenon Diner), Jim Triantis (Twin Pines Diner) … and all of their kindly, generous donors here during Thanksgiving 2025, can answer with their unselfish actions. Also, a Christmas Gift Card Campaign is to follow … along with an annual Easter Special.

LIST OF THANKSGIVING 2025 DONORS:

Parthenon Diner, Branford

Twin Pines Diner, East Haven

Andy Amendola

Don Herzog and Jesse Herzog of East River Energy

Mike Giordano and Vin Giordano of Giordano Construction Company

Richlin Home & Auto (Rich Amerling, owner)

Ryan Torello

Nick and Sherry Torello

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Wendy Wojczak (25-00404)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated October 31, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is: Anthony J. Wojczak c/o THOMAS BARRY LYNCH, LYNCH TREMBICKI AND BOYNTON, 63 CHERRY STREET, MILFORD, CT 06460

Special to Shore Publishing

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Owners of the Parthenon Diner John Sousoulas and his son Kostas Sousoulas pose for a photo inside of the diner on Nov. 14. The two are once again donating Thanksgiving meals to those

North Branford Schools Dispense Disney Magic

Continued from page 1

Mermaid JR” on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. at the North Branford Auditorium, 650 Foxon Road, North Branford.

“The junior version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is perfectly scaled for our students’ skill sets,” said Monnes who is directing the production.

Students from both the intermediate and the high school will participate, as in past productions.

“The storyline of the play and its enchanting music offers the opportunity to display their energetic ‘life-of-the-party’ quality that distinguishes them. And it’s the usual successful collaboration between our younger and older cast & crew, the high school students serving as solid mentors for the intermediate school students.”

Monnes takes great pride in the leadership role demonstrated by her more seasoned, older thespians, and how it also proves to be the perfect segue from intermediate into high school, as the younger ones continue honing their craft.

“There is something truly wonderful and magical in bringing a play like ‘The Little Mermaid JR’ into the community and offering it to audiences of all ages … and to see people experience and enjoy what our young people can do,” she added. “My main mode of education lies in students discovering their own capabilities through the arts. Time after time they

have demonstrated that.”

“The students are the ones who ultimately chose this production,” said Monnes’ loyal righthand, Melissa Camp — who takes on set & costume design, promotions, make-up, lighting, and those other key elements that tighten the spine of all productions. “It means something to those who may not be renowned for varsity athletics, but can shine in their own artistic arena.”

With students and teachers alike “wishing upon a star” and actually seeing that dream coming to fruition via the Spotlight Players, what better choice of production than this tender version of Disney’s “Little Mermaid.”

Camp also offers her own take on the premise of effective drama being reliant on colorful characters caught up in colorful conflicts.

“I am more fascinated with a villainous character like the evil Ursala — being played memorably by Annaliese Behrens, a girl who is entirely different than the role she’s portraying. She and the rest of our Little Mermaid JR cast have an evening of pure magic awaiting our audiences!”

Lead roles will include Intermediate School cast: Lilliana Furtak as the curious and courageous Ariel, Alex Reding as the charming Prince Eric, Amie Lozada as the loyal Flounder, LilyAnn Skinner as the comical Scuttle, and Eli Doughty as the delightful crab Sebastian.

Logan Morehead, a high school partici-

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Anna Coyle (25-00395)

Taylor Carafeno, Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Robert G. Coyle

c/o FRANCES B GRANQUIST, PELLEGRINO LAW FIRM, 475 WHITNEY AVENUE, NEW HAVEN, CT 06511

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Roberta A. Violette (25-00386)

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Veronica E. MacKenzie

c/o RONALD L BATHRICK, THE LAW OFFICE OF RONALD L. BATHRICK III, 20 WASHINGTON AVE, SUITE 106, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473

The Spotlight Players Theater Department, directed

Monnes, rehearses Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." at North Branford Intermediate School on Thursday, Nov. 14. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.

pant, will play the role of King Triton.

Teacher Jacquelynn Giammattei is the music director for the production; technical direction by Liam Stone.

Other high school participants include Myrissa Savo, Samantha Crane, and Shelby Chittenden choreographing the musical numbers; and Greta Behrens and

Kayla Kleckner serving as stage managers. The production features memorable songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Tickets are available at the door or in advance at North Branford Auditorium.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF George W. Goward (25-00365)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 6, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is:

Kathleen E. Goward

c/o AMANDA GILBERT-LARGENT, LEGACY LAW PARTNERS, PLLC, 336 STATE STREET, SUITE 1, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Carl Fazzio (25-00382)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated October 28, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Jennifer Jaconette, Assistant Clerk

The fiduciary is: James Fazzio, 4116 Silver Palm Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/TheSound

by teacher and director Sharon

StonyCreekHolidayFair

The Stony Creek holiday fair takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Island Road, Branford. The fair will feature themed gift baskets, children’s gifts, baked goods, jewelry, gold elephant tables, holiday greenery, and more. Proceeds benefit the church. For more information, contact the church office at 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.

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 203484-6006 or 475-655-0412 or at lbreen@northbranfordct.gov or ksperry@northbranfordct.gov.

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:

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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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Fun By The Numbers

put your sudoku savvy to

How It Works:

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

Sports

Tides, Currents, and Crossroads

An intricate web of connecting waterways originating far beyond our Connecticut border and terminating in Long Island Sound, known as the “Big Pond,” and, as far back as the 1770s, called the “Devil’s Belt,” the nickname was given due to the dangerous conditions caused by sudden storms and strong currents, a hazard that also led to the reefs being called the “Devils’ Stepping Stones.” It is that collective of those life-supporting aqueous veins and arteries which supplies anglers with an incredible array of opportunities.

The Connecticut River and its sprawling tidal network forms one of New England’s richest aquatic corridors — a living artery running from the cool, forested uplands of New Hampshire to the brackish waters leading to Long Island Sound. Along its length, fresh and salt mingle in a slow, timeless exchange, drawing a remarkable diversity of fish whose lives are defined by migration and tide.

Anadromous species like American shad, Atlantic salmon (historically), alewife, blueback herring, and striped bass ascend from the Sound each spring to spawn in the freshwater reaches. Moving in the opposite direction, the American eel — a true catadromous traveler — spends its youth in these rivers and streams before beginning its astonishing oceanic migration to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. Between the two lie the amphidromous wanderers such as white perch and mummichog, species that drift between salt and fresh for reasons of feeding and seasonal refuge rather than reproduction. Together, these migratory players knit the tidal rivers into a continuous, breathing ecosystem. They carry nutrients and energy from the sea deep inland and, in turn, deliver the river’s productivity back to the coastal food web. Ospreys, herons, and bald eagles trace their seasonal cycles to these fish runs. So do anglers.

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

For Captain Morgan, an old salt in the autumn of his fishing years, the Connecticut River system has been both home and proving ground. He’s chased fish from the Caribbean’s bonefish flats to the rugged coasts of Maine, but something about the tidal rhythm here keeps calling him back. On a late May morning, he’ll be standing knee-deep in a misty cove near Essex, the tide just turning, his nine-weight fly rod in hand and a chartreuse streamer gliding across the surface. The shad run is on — silver ghosts flashing beneath the green current. Each strike rattles through his aging shoulders like an old song he never tires of hearing. Other days, Cap trades the fly for a light spinning setup, probing the brackish backwaters for striped bass at first light. He knows their habits intimately — how they push baitfish against the edges of eelgrass, how the current funnels prey beneath overhanging oaks. The take is sudden, violent, and real. As the fish surges toward deeper water, Captain grins beneath his faded skipper’s cap. “Still got it,” he mutters to no one in particular. When autumn colors the valley, Captain turns upriver, where smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and the occasional trout feed before the cold sets in. It’s quieter then — only the rustle of leaves, the hush of flowing water, and the whisper of his fly line through the crisp air. He takes time between casts, sometimes closing his eyes to listen to the river’s pulse, feeling himself as much a part of its rhythm as the fish that swim beneath. He’s always said that the Connecticut River is a mirror of life — part salt, part sweet, always in motion, shaped by cycles older than any man. Its fish, whether bound for sea or homeward to the headwaters, remind him that purpose lies in

movement, in persistence, and in return. In his heart, Captain knows that the river — like him — is aging, scarred by time and tide yet enduring, alive with memory. And as long as the tides rise and fall, he’ll keep fishing its waters, chasing that fleeting moment where current, cast, and creature meet in perfect unison.

On The Water

Weak high pressure gave way to an approaching low pressure system, which impacted the waters. The sun broke through once brief rain showers ended, allowing for a pleasant and rather calm day. A series of fast moving systems traversed the region, opening the door for days of mixed sun and clouds. Daytime air temperatures, for the most part, remained in the low 50s, while pre-dawn lows bottomed out at 32 degrees and maxed out at 46 degrees, but most were around the mid-30s. Long Island Sound water temperatures remained in the low 50s, and gusty south/southwesterly 30 knot winds kicked up seas to three to six feet before retreating and eventually subsiding and flattening out.

It’s a week before Thanksgiving Day, and the all-to-familiar rush is on for most anglers to squeeze events into the memory bank as much as possible before it closes for the holiday season. The warm water outflows of Connecticut’s power plants hold fish when the much colder Sound has driven the majority of them out. Those that were tantalized by the outflows and remained are stuck. If they attempt to leave, the sudden chill will devour those attempting to flee, rendering them helpless and doomed. Still, there are striped bass to catch, blackfish to outsmart, and deep water reef fish, like black sea bass and scup, to pack the freezer.

Over the past several weeks, we have had some outstanding fishing. Numerous fishers have mixed it up with spotty - but out-

onboard. Good weakfish were hard to miss, and now it’s blackfish - the caboose of the seasonthat are stirring things up.

We certainly can turn to tidal rivers that reach out to our holdover fish, such as striped bass and sea run brown trout that migrate to spawn. American eels and blue crabs are going nowhere other than burying in the mud both in the river and Sound, as they enter a semi-hibernating or dormant state for the cold season. Turning your attention to inland waters, look to catch trout, bass, panfish, and other species. Since many anglers have already seen frost blanket their area, now it is just waiting until cold weather arrives. Until then, let’s enjoy fall fishing as we prepare for Thanksgiving.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA media.

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated fall hours. Until next time, from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa @hotmail.com captainmorganfish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

“Honey, I’m home - with a fish!” First keeper blackfish pulled from the rocks, Jon Belcher of Guilford hooked this 21” tog on his yak in 10 feet of water and won the battle after his crabs kept being taken by short fish. A good, well-prepared meal followed.

Branford Football Falls in Competitive Matchup with Lyman Hall

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

Coming off of a great win against Xavier, Branford football looked to keep the momentum going in a pivotal Class M playoff preview vs. Lyman Hall on Nov. 7.

The key to the game was maintaining ball control and to confuse Lyman Hall’s defense with multiple formations and misdirection, and keep its offense off the field.

The strength of Branford all year has been the ground game. From Rhamell Fairclough to Luke Gagliardi, the offense is strong due to the big boys up front and those two running the ball.

From the first snap on offense, Lyman Hall presented an eight to nine-man box. It appeared that no matter what Branford did, Lyman Hall knew what was coming. The Hornets totaled just eight yards on offense in the first three quarters.

To make things tougher, Branford was facing a very good junior quarterback from Lyman Hall and a team that used motion and misdirection to keep the Hornets on their heels.

In the first half, the Trojans broke through and completed a fourth down pass on the goal line for their first touchdown, then completed a beautiful play action pass for another one. At halftime, it was Lyman Hall 22 Branford 0.

The Hornets played much better in the second half and finally got on the board in the fourth quarter.

For the majority of the game, Branford tried to expose Lyman Hall‘s stacked box defense to no success. With a single back

shotgun formation and a bevy of run-dominated play calls, Branford had a hard time moving the ball. Finally in the fourth quarter, the Hornets mixed it up. A play action pass to Justin Cast down the right side line, although it was called back due to a penalty that shouldn’t have been called, caught the Trojans’ defense off guard and gave Branford momentum.

Using Fairclough as a decoy in jet motion, Lyman Hall‘s defense bit on it which allowed Chris McKittrick to connect on a shovel pass to Aidan Dupree for a 25yard touchdown. That type of savvy play calling appeared to be too little too late, as Branford fell to the Trojans 29 to 8.

After the game, Head Coach John Limone echoed the sentiment about Lyman Hall’s defense.

“They packed the box and stopped our run game,” Limone said. “That’s a smart thing to do.”

On offense, Fairclough finished with 15 carries for 48 yards. Defensively, Shiloh Williams led the defense with 10 tackles (three solo), captain Trent Tracy had nine tackles with one Tackle for Loss (TFL) and a hurry, followed by Chase Konesky with eight (six solo-one hurry).

With this loss, Branford faces an uphill battle for a playoff spot and needs a lot of help from other teams. Regardless of the wins and losses, and more importantly, there are numerous seniors playing their last games. Every single one of them should be cheered for and thanked for all they’ve done for the Branford football program and the school they represent.

Branford Girls’ Swimming and Diving Places 10th in Class S

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

The Branford girls’ swimming and diving team competed in the Class S State Championships on Nov. 11 and placed 10th overall. The Hornets came to swim fast. Senior captain Summer Sabatino swam a personal best time in the 200 Individual Medley (IM) at finals with a time of 2:32.89, and she came back with another stellar performance in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:22.39 to move up two places. Junior Audrina Pham made the championship heat in both events, swimming a personal best in the 200 IM in 2:24.84 and coming back for the top 8 in the 100 butterfly in 1:03.49. Both Sabatino (breaststroke) and Pham (butterfly) were part of the 200 Medley Relay, joined by sophomores Audrey Henkel (backstroke) and Ellie Brown (freestyle). The squad

recorded a season’s best time of 2:01.94 and placed eighth overall. The Hornets’ 200 Freestyle Relay, also in the top 8 championship heat, came back with a best time and claimed seventh placed at 1:46.93. The group was comprised of Pham, Kaila Jones, Sabatino, and Henkel. The Hornets’ 400 Freestyle Relay had a season’s best time (4:26.13) with senior captains Abby Talalas and Bidhee Thapa, along with sophomores Jones and Danielle Mayne. Henkel placed fourth in the 50 freestyle and medaled with a 24.81. She also took first place in the 100 freestyle, making All-State for the second year in a row with a time of 53.33.

“All these girls swam with grit, focus, and fierceness tonight,” said Head Coach Sally Noel. “For our small team to make top 10 at states is truly a great accomplishment.”

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound Shiloh Williams led the defense with 10 tackles (three solo) in Branford football's 29-8 loss vs. Lyman Hall on Nov. 7.

Photo courtesy of Sally Noel

The Branford girls' swimming and diving team fought to a 10th place finish at the Class S State Championship.

Branford 4th Grade Tackle Football Team

History with Championship

By Gabby Maljanian

Editor

The Branford 4th Grade Tackle football team won the first championship in 32 years for Branford Youth Football last week. After an incredible season, the

team left it all on the field and battled its way to a massive victory over North Haven. Throughout the journey, the boys showed a lot of heart, grit, and teamwork, and every player, coach, and family stepped up in a big way to make history.

Photo courtesy of Branford Youth Football

The Branford 4th Grade Tackle football team recently won Branford Youth Football's first championship in 32 years.

•

Familiar or New, Connecticut Offers Up a Stocking Full of Holiday Theater, Music, Dance, and More

By Karen Isaacs

You’ll need more than the Twelve days of Christmas to take in all the holiday theater, music, and dance that local arts groups are offering up this year. Besides the old favorites, you can also see some brand-new works, as well as what I call “variations on a theme.”

is a world premiere at the Legacy Theatre from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 14. Artistic Director Keely Baisden Knudsen used the book as inspiration for this story about how the young Marley and Scrooge met, became business partners, and developed their miserly behaviors. The cast features Allison Miller, who starred in the TV series , as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit. Dan Frye is Scrooge, and Chris Lemiuex is Marley. Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.

A Million Little Things

Classic radio shows, particularly , are the inspiration for the original Ivoryton Playhouse holiday show, , created by Katie Barton and Ben Hope. The family-friendly show blends family stories, folk tales, traditions, and even recipes, with music—from fiddle breaks to rich vocal harmonies. The music includes traditional holiday songs. It runs from Thursday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, Dec. 21. You can get tickets at IvorytonPlay house.org.

through Sunday, Dec. 21. This may not be the best show for preteens. Tickets are available at PlayhouseonPark.org.

White Christmas

Old Favorites

All is

Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

New to Connecticut is at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park. On Christmas Eve in 1914, the first Christmas during WWI, it is said that German and British soldiers put down their guns and met in No Man’s Land to celebrate the holiday. The show not only recreates that event but also other events from that war, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. It runs from Friday, Dec. 5,

Goodspeed’s production of Irving Berlin’s is almost sold out, despite being extended to Wednesday, Dec. 31. The show is based on the movie, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen. BUT it is different from the film, although the plot is basically the same. Expect lots of great dancing and wonderful Irving Berlin tunes. The movie and the show are known for the spectacular final scene. If you are lucky, you might snag a ticket at Goodspeed.org.

Hartford Stage’s production of has been enchanting audiences since 1988, with a brief pause during the COVID pandemic. Adapted and directed by Michael Wilson, former Hartford Stage artistic director, it regularly sells out. Giuseppe Jones takes over as Scrooge, succeeding Allen Gilmore, but many of the cast are returning, including Noble Shropshire as Marley and Rebecka Jones as Christmas Past. Once again, ghosts will fly. The show runs from Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Dec. 28. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org. A sensory-

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas friendly performance is on Saturday, Dec. 6; an open-captioned performance on Sunday, Dec. 7; and an audio-described performance on Saturday, Dec. 13. All are matinees. For tickets or information, visit HartfordStage.org. has become a holiday favorite in Connecticut. The show is at TheaterWorks Hartford from Tuesday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 21. Richard Kline will return as the Bartender, as will Jen Cody as the Woman. Mattew McGloin will make his debut this year as the Man. In a rundown bar on Christmas Eve, the bartender is

Christmas on the Rocks

surprised by a parade of guests—children from favorite Christmas specials and movies—now all grown up. In a series of short comic scenes, they pour out their woes to the patient bartender. As usual, director Rob Ruggiero promises surprises—perhaps a new scene, the return of an old favorite, and some rewrites. This is more appropriate for teens and adults. Tickets are at TWHartford.org. Right up there with , Tchaikovsky’s is a classic Christmas

A Christmas Carol The Nutcracker

See page 25

The New Scrooge and Marley

Jacob T. Marley

The Grand Ole Opry Playhouse Holiday Jamboree

Special to Living

Photo courtesy of the Schubert Theatre

A Celtic Christmas

Photo courtesy of TheaterWorks Harrford is at TheaterWorks Hartford with Jen Cody as the Woman. Christmas on the Rocks

Connecticut Ballet's production of The Nutcracker

Photo by T. Charles Erickson at the Westport Country Playhouse

A Sherlock Carol

Photo by Thomas Giroir Photography

Familiar or New, Connecticut Offers Up a Stocking Full of Holiday Theater, Music, Dance, and More

Continued from page 24

story. You have at least three different productions to choose from, most featuring guest dancers from major companies as the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Nutcracker

New Haven Ballet is offering four performances of its at the Shubert Theatre, from Friday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 14. Harrison Coll and Sara Adams of the New York City Ballet will guest as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Tickets are at Shubert.org

Nutcracker

Kaitly Casey and Daniel Durrett of the Boston Ballet are the guest artists for the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s , which is set in New London in the 1850s. The set includes tall ships in port, lighthouses, and a sea captain’s Victorian home. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Garde Theatre in New London. For tickets, visit GardeArts.org.

Connecticut Ballet will perform in both Stamford at the Palace and Hartford at the Bushnell on the weekends of Dec. 1314 and Dec. 20-21. Live music will be provided by the Hartford Symphony. The principal dancers hail from the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre. Tickets are on sale at either PalaceStamford.org (Dec. 13-14 performances) or Bushnell.org (Dec. 20-21 performances).

Scrooge and Marley

Holiday Extravaganza

Make the Season Bright Musical Musings

Sherlock Carol Carol Variations on a Theme

The classic Dickens’ story has engendered multiple iterations. This year, the Legacy Theatre is presenting a new play, . Actor Dick Terhume has created a oneman performance of the classic; he plays 30 characters from the novel in the solo performance show. Watch him transform from Scrooge to the ghosts to Marley. It’s at Waterbury’s Palace Theater on Sunday, Dec. 7. PalaceTheaterCT.org has information and tickets.

What if Sherlock Holmes is asked to investigate Scrooge’s death? The adult Tiny Tim thinks Scrooge was murdered. That’s the premise of , making its third appearance at Westport Country Playhouse. It is a delight as Tiny Tim appeals to Holmes; the result is a sequel to the Dickens story. The audience will delight in the subtle references to the Sherlock Holmes stories as well. Yes, Holmes will say, “The game’s afoot.” Tickets are at WestportPlayhouse.org. Another one-man telling of is at Shelton’s Center Stage Theatre. Tom Simonetti of Valley Shakespeare Festival will play 25 characters. It is on Thursday, Dec. 11. Contact Center

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Chelsea Tipton, II, brings its to three locations this season. Under the direction of the ebullient Tipton, the Pops Orchestra features favorites, a carol sing, and Santa as a special guest. Students from New Haven, West Haven, and Shelton High Schools will perform. It’s at West Haven High School on Friday, Dec. 19; Shelton High School on Saturday, Dec. 20; and New Haven’s Woolsey Hall on Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets are available through NewHavenSymphony.org.

Cabaret Christmas

on Friday, Dec. 12 and 19. It promises an evening of music, laughter, and holiday joy featuring performers wellknown to Seven Angels audiences. Also at Seven Angels is on Wednesday, Dec. 17. This celebration of the holiday features the father-and-children trio. Tickets for both are at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.

Special for Children

A Fortier Family

pancake breakfast with Santa; Santa visits everyone, then you can finish the morning with a trolley ride. Tickets are limited; visit ShorelineTrolley.org.

Charles

W. Morgan; A Christmas Carol

The Nutcracker

Santa Story 3 Santa Story 3

You Better Watch Out!

That Holiday Feeling!

Four cabaret nights are scheduled for the O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, in their second annual Winter Cabaret Series, programmed by John McDaniel. It opens on Thursday, Dec. 11, with Tony Award winner Matt Doyle featuring songs from his album . Friday, Dec. 12, will feature Aisha de Haas in , followed on Saturday, Dec. 13, by award-winning cabaret artist Mark Nadler in The series concludes with McDaniel and Mary Callanan in on Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets are available at TheONeill.org.

Introduce kids to the magic of ballet. The Connecticut Ballet is offering a special condensed performance of , an hour and 15 minutes on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Bushnell. Contact Connecticut Ballet.org for information and tickets. Are the villainous Krampus trying to take down Santa? Will Rudolph and Dasher and the elves save Christmas? The answers are in at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theater. It is a favorite for younger children. You sit at tables and can bring your own food and beverages, and no one objects if the kids walk around or squirm. The cast features many young people. ¸is the new show this year, running from Saturday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 28. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have seen Santa Stories 1 and 2 to thoroughly enjoy this one. Book your tickets or get more information at dtcab.com.

The Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport takes you back to Christmas in the 1880s, replete with horse-drawn carriages; music on the historic whaling ship, the seasonal crafts; and even the ghosts from . Interpreters are there to explain holiday traditions at that time. Learning history was never so much fun. For tickets, visit MysticSeaport.org. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 5.

New York City

MTC in Norwalk is featuring two Holiday cabarets. On Friday, Dec. 12, Mia Scarpa is bringing her solo show—an evening of songs, stories, laughter, and nostalgia. The following week, Friday, Dec. 19, features Frank Mastrone and friends in an evening of holiday and Broadway favorites. Tickets are at Mustic TheatreofCT.com/holiday-cabaret-2025.

Winter Wonderland: A Family Friendly

Experience

Home for the Holidays

A Festive Friday Christmas Kisses

A Winter World of Love

is at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. This is a one-hour show that includes meeting Santa, hot cocoa, and Christmas characters who have come to life.

Excursions

In Hartford, TheaterWorks’ Living Room Concert Series presents with Birana Maia on Monday, Dec. 8. This series features intimate concerts that showcase both local musicians and visiting artists. Tickets are at TWHartford.org

Engelbert Humperdinck is at New Haven’s Shubert Theatre on Monday, Dec. 15, with his show. It features not only some of his classic hits but also holiday favorites. Visit Shubert.com.

A Christmas StageShelton.org for additional information.

If you want something more interactive, three possibilities come to mind: the Essex Steam Train, the Shoreline Trolley Museum, and Mystic Seaport.

Polar Express

The Big Apple is magical at the holidays—the tree in Rockefeller Center, the store windows, and the Christmas markets—with one even in Grand Central Station. Another is at Columbus Circle, and a third is behind the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Six years ago, , in a production adapted by Jack Thome and directed by Matthew Warchus, blew me away. It has been an annual production in London since 2017. Though it was supposed to do the same on Broadway, COVID and other things got in the way. Now it is back, in an off-Broadway production which is more like the London production, with the audience surrounding the stage. It’s at the Perelman Performing Arts Center near the World Trade Center. It runs from Sunday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 4. Tickets are available at PACNYC.org

The Nutcracker

One of the hits of the season is The New York City Ballet’s , choreographed by George Balanchine. It’s at Lincoln Center; watching the tree rise on that very large and tall stage is spectacular.

Night Visitors

Also at Lincoln Center is , an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, that was first performed on television. It runs Tuesday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 4.

The Christmas Carol Amahl and the Christmas Show at Radio City

The , featuring the Rockettes, is a must-see experience for everyone. They are still doing their famous toy soldier routine; their synchronization is the best, and the nativity tableau features live animals.

If you loved or the PBS series , the host of that show, Michael Londra presents on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Shubert Theatre. It features traditional Irish carols, Gaelic version of popular Christmas hits and his own carol, “Beyond the Star.”

Ireland with Michael A Celtic Christmas

The First Noel: A Christmas Riverdance

Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is presenting Music, Music, Music

The popular is sold out at the Essex Steam Train (check next summer for tickets), but there is still the Santa special daytime train excursion. The decorated vintage railway cars travel alongside the Connecticut River. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every child. Breakfast with Santa isn’t held on the train but at the historic Witch Hazel Works Building. It features a story time with Santa, a breakfast buffet, Mrs. Claus with her sugar cookies, and a surprise visit from Rudolph. Each table has a special moment with Santa. Tickets are at EssexSteamTrain.com.

The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven offers two special events designed for kids. Next Stop: Santa! runs weekends from Saturday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 21, featuring a ride on a heated holiday-decorated trolley with Santa on board. On Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20, there’s a

When you go to see the tree at Rockefeller Center—a must—don’t miss the light show provided by Saks Fifth Avenue directly across the street. It took a hiatus last year, but it is back and always spectacular.

With so much going on, pull out your calendars and start planning now.

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

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

Great Decisions

: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Topic: American Policy in the Middle East. Last of four consecutive Thursday sessions. 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 Institute 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 203-4538086 or visit ssill.org.

Book Club

The Book of Lost Names: A Novel

: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Kristin Harmel. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Author Event: Connor Williams

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

A Promise

Delivered: Ten American Heroes and the Battle to Rename Our Nation's Military Bases

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

Ways to Make an Income Through Chat GPT: Working from Home

: 8 to 9 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $25. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 21

The Future Impact of Artificial Intelligence

: 10 a.m.

Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by educator Harvey Heyman. 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.

Friday Movie Matinee: Classics for the Holidays

: 2 to

Calendar for the Week of November 20, 2025

info, contact the church office at 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.

Annual Christmas Holly Fair

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Branford Congregational Church,1680 Foxon Rd. Features Christmas items for gift-giving, a white elephant room, a cookie walk, a pie path, basket raffles, the country kitchen, handmade items, and more. For info, call 203-488-8456.

Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features Christmas classics for children and adults, special bundles for gift-giving, handmade holiday cards and gifts tags, puzzles, DVDs, holiday music CDs, and more. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair

: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Franciscan Life Center campus, 271 Finch Ave., Meriden. Features a living crèche, Franciscan breads, honey, pottery, food, handcrafted items, fresh-cut Christmas trees, raffles, Franciscan animals, children’s arts and crafts, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Proceeds benefit the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. For info, visit flcenter.org/events or franciscanchristmasfair.org.

Metropolitan Opera Talk: by Richard Strauss

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Roger Mathew Grant, deputy provost and dean of arts and humanities at Wesleyan University. Cosponsored by the Guilford Library, Shoreline Village CT (SVCT), and the Shoreline Opera Club. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Opening Reception for the 50th Annual Holiday

Season Art Exhibition and Sale

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library: 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features complimentary drinks, light bites, live music, and local art. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Jan. 3. For info, visit madisonartsocietyct.org.

Beaujolais Nouveau 2025 Release Party

: 6 to 7 p.m. Crow’s Nest Lounge, Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Presented by executive chef Christophe Santos. Cost: $32. Eventbrite fees apply. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

Read Between the Vines Book Club

4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Character Design 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 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Tellabration!

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a presentation combining theater, stories, and music by Chris Cluet from the Connecticut Storytelling Center. All ages welcome. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Author Event: Lily King in Conversation with Roxanne Coady

: 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.

Annual Holiday Craft Fair

: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. American Legion Post 79's Legion Hall, 43 Bradley Rd., Madison. Hosted by Griswold Post 79 Auxiliary of The American Legion. For info, contact Donna Farrell at 203-804-2693 or farrell.donna@gmail.com or Marie Pohlman at 203421-3123 or mspohlman@yahoo.com.

Try Your Hand at Painting and Drawing Workshop (Session B)

: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. A one-day workshop for adult beginners to learn the basics of painting and drawing in a supportive, judgment-free setting. Cost: $44.10 for members, $49 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $5 is payable with the tuition. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Holiday Market

: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Madison Center for History and Culture: Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Features locally made cards, prints, jewelry, soaps, totes, quilts, sweet treats, and more. For info or to register, call 203-245-4567 or visit madisonhistory.org.

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World

: 6 to 8 p.m. Rose Vineyards and Winery, 2 Valley Rd., North Branford. Book: by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Copies of the book are available at the Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford, or the Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For ages 21 or older. For info or to

SATURDAY, NOV. 22

Stony Creek Holiday Fair

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stony Creek Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Island Rd., Branford. Features themed gift baskets, children’s gifts, baked goods, jewelry, gold elephant tables, holiday greenery, and more. Proceeds benefit the church. Rain or shine. For

See page 27

Stephen Bennett to Perform Dec. 6 in Chester

ing Championship, which he earned in 1987.

: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Open to CPS members and the public. Features a buffet lunch, poetry book sales tables, and an open mic. CPS members can pick up their . For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For adults. Participants will stencil paint a lightweight wooden circle door sign. For info or to register (required), call 203-2457365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

: 7:30 p.m. Cathyann Roding Auditorium, Branford High School (BHS), 185 E. Main St. Features a play by Harry Allen and Craig Christie based on the true story of The White Rose, a group of students in Munich in 1943 who tried to nonviolently raise public awareness of the evils of Hitler and the Third Reich. Presented by the BHS Drama Club. Tickets: $5, available at the door. For info, email Maria Ogren at mogren@branfordschools.org or Jennifer Ryan at jenryan@branfordschools.org.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23

Celebrated guitar virtuoso Stephen Bennett will perform on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty Street, as part of the Art of the Guitar concert series. The event is presented by AcousticMusic.Org and sponsored by Wyeth Architects.

Bennett is one of the world’s foremost harp guitarists and a true master of fingerstyle technique. In 2024, he won the International Finger Style Guitar Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, becoming the first musician in the event’s 52-year history to hold both that title and the National Flatpick-

“Stephen Bennett is the Jedi Master of Fingerstyle Guitar,” says the Toronto Fingerstyle Guitar Association.

A seasoned performer, Bennett has appeared on stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall. His most recent album, , showcases his signature blend of virtuosity, warmth, and musical storytelling. For this Chester performance, he will present an inspiring mix of original compositions, audience favorites, and holiday selections. For more information or tickets, visit acousticmusic.org.

Still Got It

: 1 p.m. Meet by the trailhead near 100 Red Hill Rd., off Leetes Island Road. Features two trail choices: a longer walk of approximately three miles (moderate difficulty with steep stretches, best for those with sure footing) and a shorter walk of one to two miles. The walk lasts two to three hours. Families are welcome but no dogs. Food and beverages are not included. Wear appropriate clothes and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Expect terrain with rocky stretches and some slopes. Muddy spots are possible in case of recent rain. Bring water and walking sticks if balance on slopes may be uncertain. Bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the Branford Food Pantry. For weather-related updates, visit facebook.com/branfordlandtrustCT. For info, visit branfordlandtrust.org.

Soup for Good To Go

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center (GAC), 411 Church St. Tickets: $40, includes a choice of a handmade bowl made in the ceramics studio by GAC pottery instructors and students, a choice of three homemade soups, bread, and wine. Proceeds benefit GAC and the Guilford Food Bank. For info or to purchase tickets, email info@guilfordartcenter.org or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

MONDAY, NOV. 24

Dinovember Activity Bag:

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two locations: Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford, or Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Preschool- and elementary-age children can get a dinosaur-themed activity bag with a dinosaur egg to hatch their own dinosaur, a fossil, and dinosaurthemed activities. Bags will be available, but registration is required. For info or to register, call Atwater Library at 203-3156020 or Smith Library at 203-484-0469, or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Opening Reception for

Around the World in 90 Years: Photography by Dieter Soell

: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Masonicare at Chester Village, 317 W. Main St. The show runs through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. For info, call 860-531-1400.

TUESDAY, NOV. 25

Red Cross Blood Drive

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Soundview Family YMCA, 628 E. Main St., Branford. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Food and War in Japan

: 10 a.m.

Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Rosa Mo, retired chair of nutrition sciences at the University of New Haven. 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.

Labyrinth Walk

: 10 a.m. Meet at the Ecology parking lot, 12 Tabor Dr., Branford. Hosted by the Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). Rain cancels. For info, contact 203-7475939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Continued from page 26 See page 29

: 2 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 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.

Photo by Nancy Bennett

Stephen Bennett with his harp guitar

Connecticut Poetry Society (CPS) Fall Festival

Fall Crafts with Natalie: Harvest/Holiday Stenciled Circular Wood Sign

Annual Van Wie Walk and Holiday Food Drive

Rave On Duo Concert

Connecticut River Review

The White Rose

Page Turners

CursedDaughters 

ByOyinkanBraithwaite

I anxiously awaited this release after her zippy and hysterical debut . This is also a women’s story taking place in Lagos. A curse has been placed on a family of women—do the women believe it or deny it? A fast, fierce and funny read.

— My Sister, the Serial Killer Liz Breakwater Books, Guilford

Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.

TheUncool

ByCameronCrowe

To begin with… I loved it. If you or someone you know loves classic rock, Crowe’s work in general, or just wishes that the movie was a miniseries—this is the book to read. is an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Crowe’s real-life family members and the many musicians he has interviewed since starting as a journalist at the young age of 15. With incredible behind-the-scenes stories and emotional family moments, this book is a comingof-age story for the (rock of) ages. I loved putting the puzzle pieces together, both the obvious ones and the subtle, and reading the true stories behind many memorable scenes in one of my favorite movies. It’s all happening, and Crowe brings you along with VIP access to rock ‘n’ roll history.

—

Almost Famous The Uncool Lindsey R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Psychopomp&Circumstance

ByEdenRoyce

This historical fantasy book is deeply atmospheric and full of Southern Gothic charm. When Phee’s estranged aunt dies, she’s the only member of her family willing to plan her funeral. The novel is spooky and suspenseful but also tackles the reality of the Reconstruction era. It’s ultimately about grief, family, and moving on from the past.

— Marisa

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

PrincessofBlood

BySarahHawley

Kenna is back and as clueless as ever! Well okay, maybe she’s up against a lot—needing to establish a new house among the fae, find people to be part of her house, and fix all her broken relationships after book one’s wild ending. Her endearing internal dialogue and the development of character relationships is everything in this edition, and I loved the way Hawley takes you as a reader through intense world building history while keeping it authentic to the story.

— Rhiannon

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Whitfield Museum Hosts 26th Annual Firelight Festival

The darkness of the approaching winter solstice will be brightened by festive luminaria, lanterns, and outdoor fires when the Henry Whitfield State Museum presents its 26th annual Firelight Festival on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Visitors are invited to gather around the fires outside Connecticut’s oldest house to enjoy roasted marshmallows, popcorn, hot cocoa, and mulled cider. The first floor of the Whitfield House will be open, a rare chance to tour after dark. Tinsmith Andy Sistrand will teach participants of all ages how to craft a punched “tin” (paper) lantern to take home. The archaeology exhibit, , will be open for tours, and the museum gift shop will be open for holiday shopping.

In the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring donaHistory Beneath Our Feet

Continued from page 27

AI For Everyday Life: Explore AI

Visitors enjoy the outdoor fires at the Whitfield Museum

FRIDAY, NOV. 28

tions for the Guilford Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Firelight Festival tickets may only be purchased on-site the night of the event.

Tickets include admission to Whitfield House, the outdoor fire area, craft area, and the Visitor Center galleries. The cost of the tickets are as follows: adults (18 to 64), $10; seniors (65 and older) and veterans, $8; youth (6 to 17), $5; and children (5 and younger) and active-duty military personnel with up to five family members, free admission. Reservations are not required, and parking is free.

The event may be cancelled due to rain or snow, and there is no rain or snow date. For updates and more information, contact 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmu seum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov /ecd-HenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.

Bonfire and Tree Lighting

: 7 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Third in a four-part, hands-on workshop series designed for working adults, small business owners, and anyone interested in AI. Presented by GuilfordAI. No tech background needed; laptops optional. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26

Red Cross Blood Drive

: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. For info or to make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 27

Branford Thanksgiving 5K and Kids Race

: 7:30 a.m.

Walsh Intermediate School, 185 Damascus Rd., Branford. On-site registration and packet pick-up begin at 7:30 a.m. The kids race starts 9 a.m. and the 5K at 9:10 a.m. Postrace party starts 9:30 a.m. and awards at 10:10 a.m. The 5K course is flat and begins and finishes at Walsh Intermediate School. Also features kids activities, music, and grab-and-go food. Cost: $32 for the 5K and $10 for the kids run. Proceeds benefit the Branford Rotary Club provide food for the hungry during the holiday season. Early packet pickup Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marathon Sports Branford, 1088 Main St. For info or to register, visit jbsports.com/thanksgiving5k.

Black Friday Concert: Dueling Pianos by Savage Piano Troupe

: 8 to 10 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Features a high-energy and spontaneous musical performance with an audience-created playlist. Tickets: $45 general admission. Premium seating and add-ons available. EventBrite fees apply. Cash bar. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelcurio.eventbrite.com.

Annual Tree Lighting and Parade

SATURDAY, NOV. 29

Your Guide to Menopause

: 11 a.m. to noon. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Presented by Jill McEachern, a board certified women’s health nurse practitioner. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Ice Carving Demonstration: Elm City Elf

: 1 to 3 p.m.

Üni-Home Life (front), 1046 Chapel St., New Haven. Features a professional ice carver who will transform two 300-pound blocks of ice into holiday-themed works of art. First of three carvings on Saturdays through Dec. 20. Open to the public. Part of the 2025 holiday events and promotions at The Shops at Yale. For info, visit theshopsatyale.com/holiday.

Bestseller Book Club

: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. For info or to register (required to receive the link), visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

Remain: A Supernatural Love Story : 4 to 5:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Features complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider, holiday music, and the tree lighting at 5 p.m. Cash bar. Free and open to the public. For info or to register, visit madisonbeachhotelcurio.eventbrite.com.

: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Branford Town Green. Hosted by the Branford Department Parks and Recreation and Senior Services. Parade kicks off 6:30 p.m. from Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. The tree lighting takes place at 7:15 p.m. Bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the Branford Food Council. Rain date for tree lighting: Sunday, Nov. 30. For info, visit the programs link at branfordrecreation.org or ShopDineExploreBranford.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 30

Thimble Island Saxophone Quartet Seasonal Holiday Concert

: 2 to 3:15 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 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.

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

Press Release from the Whitfield House State Museum

Photo by Emma Moody

The Guilford Garden Club Announces Holiday Events

The Guilford Garden Club has two events not to be missed on Friday, Dec. 5.

Members have been busy all year preparing for the garden club’s main fundraiser, its Holiday Boutique, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. George’s Parish Hall, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford.

The event features beautifully decorated fresh green wreaths, swags, boxwood trees, and centerpieces creatively designed by garden club members—including award-winning floral designers. There will also be handcrafted gifts, decorations, and baked goods for sale, as well as a raffle for fabulous gift baskets. Proceeds benefit the town in the form of plantings, educational programs, donations to town nonprofits, and two scholarships to Guilford High School seniors interested in environmental and/or agricultural studies. Plants grown and maintained by garden club members can be seen at the Guilford Post

Office, Town Hall, horse trough, and the gardens at the Thomas Griswold House and Mary Schmidt on State Street.

The second event is the Candlelight Walk on Broad Street from 5 to 9 p.m. also on Dec. 5.

The Guilford Garden Club’s signature endeavor, the Candle-

light Walk takes place in conjunction with the town tree lighting. A holiday tradition for over 40 years, the event is the club’s gift to the town. Broad Street is closed to traffic from 6 to 9 p.m. so people can stroll the street and enjoy the beautiful uniquely decorated wreaths created by members on

the doors of each home, the garlands adorning the picket fences, and hundreds of luminaries lighting the way. Everyone is invited to this event.

The Guilford Garden Club is affiliated with the Connecticut, New England, and National Garden Clubs. The club started with

a small group of enthusiastic members and has grown to over 90 members including five master gardeners.

For more information, visit guilfordgardenclub.org.

Photo courtesy of the Guilford Garden Club

A door on Broad Street is adorned with a wreath decorated by the Guilford Garden Club

A luminary on Broad Street

Press Release from The Guilford Garden Club

Photo courtesy of the Guilford Garden Club

The Guilford Garden Club creates holiday centerpieces such as this one.

Festive decorations make this boxwood tree ready for the season

Photo by Ben Kuropat Photography Candlelight Walk on Broad Street

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