The Sound 12-11-25

December 11, 2025

Branford, North Branford & Northford

Vol. XXIX Iss. 50

Fair Rent Commission Taking Up First Case

By Nicholas Checker

Special to Shore

The iconic Benjamin Franklin always believed there was nothing a tableful of reasonable people could not resolve sensibly among themselves. Key words here being “reasonable” and “sensibly.”

In Branford, the recently formed Fair Rent Commission strives to achieve the ends

embraced by Franklin, as it has recently been granted recognition via State of Connecticut Act #22-30 “for all towns with populations of 25,000 or more” to assemble a commission on behalf of residents needing such assistance … and all due to public demand.

State Rep. Robin Comey, a Democrat, invited Branford resident Jim McPartland, to serve on his town’s newly formed commission, of which Peter Black is chair.

“There are four Democrats and four Republicans serving, along with renters and landlords, so there’s fair representation for all parties involved,” said McPartland.

And though the commission exists primarily as a resource for renters who feel they are being ill-used, it’s essential that all landlords are not to be portrayed or regarded as old-

See Fair Rent Commission page 11

Tree Hunt

Accomplished

Filicia Champagne begins to haul out a freshly cut Christmas tree at Van Wilgen's on Dec. 7 as her young son watches through his toy binoculars. Filicia, along with family members, selected and cut their tree at the 15-acre choose-and-cut field before Van Wilgen's employees stepped in to take it to the netting station for the journey home.

Long-time music educator and conductor joins forces with the Con Brio Choral Society to shape two new Christmas concerts in Deep River................................2

Seniors in the Spotlight

The seniors on the Branford football team were honored with a Senior Night ceremony and win on Nov. 14........................................20

Holiday Traditions

Liz Egan shares her favorite memories from the holiday season over the years.............................24 com

Publishing

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSound

Chris Shepard

Clinton Resident Chris Shepard Brings His Lifelong Love of Choral Music to Con Brio’s Holiday Concerts This Month

By Christian Maldonado

Staff Writer

Music is always regarded as an important part of the holidays, with carols and other Christmas- and holiday-themed music helping people slip into the festive mood. This year, longtime music educator and conductor Chris Shepard joins forces with the Con Brio Choral Society to shape two new Christmas concerts in Deep River.

A resident of Clinton and a veteran in the music industry, Chris says the opportunity to be the Choral Society’s new Music Director is wonderful for him.

“I’m on the road all the time, so to have a job that is right next door is absolutely fantastic,” he says. “I have known the group for a while through their recently retired head who is a friend and colleague of mine, so I have known that they are great…they are a great group and

really serious about what they do.”

Con Brio’s upcoming concerts, while Christmas- and holidaythemed, also serve as an ode to Sir John Rutter, the famous English composer who turns 80 this year and is best known for his carols and church music.

“His music is really attractive and easy to listen to,” Chris says. “Because we are with an orchestra, there is a world of sound to it. I have worked with him before, and he’s the nicest guy. I thought ‘What a wonderful way to celebrate the 80th birthday of someone who is so important in our little choir world.’”

He says he is most excited about being able to pay homage to Rutter’s music in front of a crowd of his neighbors, whom he hopes to get to know better by sharing this music and atmosphere with them.

“When I discovered this area [the shoreline], I fell in love with it,” he says. “Here’s the funny thing, I don’t really know anyone around here, my life is everywhere. One of the greatest things about this opportunity is that I feel like I am becoming friends with 80 new people in the area.”

Chris has had a deep love and passion for conducting since junior high school, when Pam Perri, his music and chorus teacher, inspired him and allowed him to conduct his class chorus.

“From the age of 15, I knew that I wanted to be a conductor,” he says. “One of the greatest moments of my entire life was Pam being there for

See Clinton page 12

Via: Connecticut Choral Artists

Being a resident of Clinton and having worked in the music industry for many years, Chris Shepard says that filling the shoes as the Con Brio Choral Society's new music director is a wonderful opportunity for him.

Helping the Community

The Branford football team is focusing its efforts on supporting the Community Dining Room with a food drive 20

Winter in the Sound

Ahoy! Check out Captain Morgan’s weekly fishing column................................21

Coach of the Year

North Branford football Head Coach Anthony Salvati was recently named Coach of the Year by the New Haven Board Officials 22

Turning the Page

The latest crop of page turners has arrived............................................................. 26

For Light, through Dec. 30 at the Guilford Free Library 30 A Gospel Holiday Show Music at the Meetinghouse welcomes back Shoreline Soul for its 2025 gospel holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 14.................... 29

oil and pastel

in

“I have known the group for a while through their recently retired head who is a friend and colleague of mine, so I have known that they are great… they are a great group and really serious about what they do.”

- Chris Shepard ................... 2

The Guilford Free Library artist for the month of December is Westbrook artist Beverly Schirmeier. She will be showcasing her

paintings

Searching

Branford Fire Causes Temporary Closure of Transfer Station

Staff Writer By Eric O'Connell

30, the Branford Fire Department responded to a call of a fire at the town’s transfer station at 747 East Main St. Crews found a recycling shed engulfed in flames but were able to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings and extinguished the main fire.

Officials said that nobody was hurt in the fire, but the transfer station will be closed to the public until Wednesday Dec. 3. Curbside pickup and recycling will not be affected by the closure.

According to Tom Mahoney, the chief of the Branford Fire Department, an investigation into the fire found it was caused by an accident, most likely “due to the improper disposal of a rechargeable battery.”

Mahoney said the batteries need to be removed and disposed of separately. He recommended that people refer to li_batteryconsumersafetyguide.pdf for more information on how to properly dispose of the batteries.

me,” Brooks said.

Brooks told that he was also proud of the work put in by the Public Works Department and other town departments who worked quickly to make sure the transfer station would only need to close for two days.

“We had people show up on Sunday and get to work to make sure we can get up and running again by Wednesday. Again, they all deserve a ton of kudos.”

Fire crews were on scene for about 90 minutes after getting the call and while nobody was hurt in the fire, Mahoney said the accident provided an example as to why he believes the town needs a new firehouse on the east side of town.

“The first due engine arrived more than eight minutes after leaving the station. The east side of town including Stony Creek is the longest response for the closest engine. This is why we proposed a new

Photo courtesy of The Branford Fire Department

The shed engulfed in flames

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

Edward Struzinsky Branford

Edward J. Struzinsky, a lifelong resident of Branford, was born on Feb. 5,1928, and passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 28, 2025, after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Barney and Pauline Zdanowicz Struzinsky; his wife, Jane Dineen Struzinsky; his sister, Alyce Struzinsky; his stepdaughter, Kary Corey; and his stepgranddaughter, Jennifer Dineen.

A man of deep faith, Ed was a devoted, lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church. After completing his secondary school studies in the Branford school system, he felt it his duty to enlist and serve in Guam during World War II. Following his military service, he graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut (Storrs), then went on to become a passionate educator, eventually serving as long-time principal of Baldwin Middle School in Guilford, a role he found deeply rewarding and often recalled through stories of his many experiences.

Never idle, during this period, he also filled his spare time working at the Branford Post Office, sorting and delivering mail for local residents. Ed loved sports throughout his life, especially football and baseball, which he played in the Branford Men’s League and on his high school and college football teams. He was a devoted fan of professional and college-level sports, particularly the Boston Red Sox and the UConn women’s basketball team. Ed

also took great pride in caring for his home and property, staying informed about current events, and sharing stories from years past. Ed never hesitated to share his opinions, which those who knew him came to expect.

In 1984, he married Jane Dineen, and through this union he was warmly welcomed into her large and ever-growing family. After retiring from his dual careers as an educator and postal carrier, Ed devoted his time generously to the community, serving as Chairman of the Branford Board of Education and the Branford Sewer Commission, while remaining active in his church and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Guided by his belief that God’s plan for him was to care for his loved ones and to serve as a role model for the many students whose lives he touched, Ed lived a life of purpose and without regret.

Ed is survived by five stepchildren and their spouses; his late stepdaughter’s husband; eleven step-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren-in-law; and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousin, Eileen Scalesse.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Jennifer Coombs of Happy Heart Home Care for her friendship and tireless caregiving.

Relatives and friends were invited at noon on Friday, Dec. 5, to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church, Branford. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery. Memorial donations may be to Alzheimer’s Association or CT Hospice (Make A Donation Alzheimer's Association, https://www.hospice.com/donate/)

See Obituaries page 8

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Tree and Wreath?

The East Shoreline Catholic Academy (ESCA) hosts its annual Christmas tree and wreath sale featuring a variety of trees, wreaths, and cemetery blankets. The sale runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23 (or until supplies run out), with the following hours: Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale takes place on the ESCA campus, 62 Cedar Street, Branford. All proceeds benefit the student population of East Shoreline Catholic Academy, the only Catholic Pre-K-8 school on the east shoreline from Guilford to New Haven. For more information, email escatreesale@esca.eduk12.net.

Contacting The Sound

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Catholic School Gets Serious About Going Green

East Shoreline Catholic Academy’s Green Team Initiative began last year with a small group of 4th grade students and has since expanded to include 5th and 6th graders. What started as an early effort to reduce food waste in the cafeteria has grown into a developing, schoolwide program focused on environmental stewardship and service to others.

The school recently introduced a Cafeteria Sorting Station, giving students the opportunity to sort their items into the corresponding recycling, compost, food-share sections. This hands-on system teaches them how to responsibly reduce and divert waste while providing a clear, organized, and meaningful way to make a difference each day. Green Team members also play an active leadership role by assisting their peers and helping ensure items are sorted correctly.

“We are grateful for the support of our community partners who help bring this initiative to life,” the academy said in a release. “Through our partnership with Blue Earth Compost, student food scraps are composted and transformed into soil products that can be reused. In addition, a school volunteer delivers items from our food share cart to a local nonprofit organization, which then distributes them to individuals and families in need.”

The academy added that this program aligns with its commitment to contributing to a sustainable future and nurturing stewards who care for God’s creation. With

the help of a recently awarded grant from the Connecticut Catholic Foundation, the school purchased new materials that make this experience more official, structured, clean, and visually engaging for students.

“Through this program, our students not only learn the importance of caring for the earth; they also experience the joy of helping others, making our cafeteria a place of learning, responsibility, and community impact,” according to school officials.

203-484-0795

Press Release from East Shoreline Catholic Academy

Photo submitted

The East Shoreline Catholic Academy's fourth and fifth grade Green Team members do their duty to increase composting.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Kevin B. Dixon (25-00392)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 25, 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:

Brian Dixon, 238 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, CT 06471

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Helen M. Fusaris (25-00406)

The Hon. Charles E. Tiernan, III, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Branford - North Branford Probate Court, by decree dated November 25, 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:

Joseph J. Holovach, Jr. c/o KENNETH F SECOL, KENNETH F. SECOL, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, 850 NO. MAIN ST EXT., WALLINGFORD, CT 06492

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF BRANFORD BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT 06405

Legal Notice REVISED

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday December 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom technology to conduct Public Hearings on the following applications. Information regarding how to participate in the Public Hearings will be provided on the meeting Agenda that will be posted on the Town’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Old Business:

Appeal of ZEO decision-29 Brocketts Point Road (continued from the November 20 meeting)

New Business:

25-1

Jonathan Morasutti (Applicant & Owner)

(E09-000-003-00015 R3) 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue

Var. Sec. 6.2.E (9)-To allow a critical coastal resource setback of 18.2 feet where 25 feet is required (18.3 “ existing).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.1 -Enlargement of an existing non-conforming use for a second and third floor addition over the small garage for office space.

25-2 Kyle Bradley (Applicant & Owner) (J08-000-004-00015 R2) 20 School Street

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow an 8-foot side yard setback where 10 feet is required for the addition of a basement bulkhead entry at the side of the house.

Obituaries

Continued from page 5

Obituary Henry Dziekan Jr. Branford

Henry Stanley Dziekan Jr., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, after a long illness.

He was the devoted husband of Cathy (Alea) Dziekan, and the father of sons Salvatore "Sam" (Kate Daniels) of Branford, and Henry III "Jake" (Bolam Kim) of New York City. He is survived by his brothers: Andre, James, Daniel, and Richard; and his sister Irene. He was predeceased by his infant brother Joseph. Henry was born in Derby, on Aug. 23, 1952, the eldest son of the late Henry and Genevieve (Kapusta) Dziekan. Henry was a devoted husband and proud father. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family whether it be traveling together or just having pizza and movie nights at home.

Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 in Derby and more recently, VFW Post 12106 in Branford. After his years in the military, he spent his career of 35 years at Yale New Haven Hospital in the Engineering Department, serving the last several years as lead man.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at VA Hospital in West Haven. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing care you gave to Henry.

25-3

819 Main Street LLC c/o James W. Bondi (member)-Applicant & Owner (K03-000-003-00001 BR) 819-841 East Main Street

Var. Sec. 4.3.B.5 To allow a 0-foot side yard where 10 feet is required for a proposed development which straddles the Branford/Guilford Town Line.

25-4 Michelle Cellura Nose (Applicant) John Wolfenden (Owner) (E11-000-004-00009 R3) 10 Montgomery Parkway

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.5 To allow a front setback of 24.5 feet where 30 feet is required (Vertical expansion of existing 24.5 feet).

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 14 feet where 15 feet is required (Existing is 14.2 feet).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.3 To allow the reconstruction of an existing nonconforming structure and the deconstruction of the existing house and a Coastal Site Plan.

25-5 Kelly Stockwell (Applicant) Lisa F. Stockwell (Owner) (D09-000-011-00022 R3) 17 Lanphier Road

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side setback of 9.5 feet where 15 feet is required (Vertical expansion of existing 9.5 feet)

Var. Sec. 7.4.A.7 To allow an accessory apartment with a gross floor area that is greater than 30% of the principal dwelling unit (770 SF).

Var. Sec. 8.1.C.3 To allow the reconstruction of an existing nonconforming structure and the deconstruction of the existing garage and a Coastal Site Plan.

He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War on gunboats. He always remained connected by being involved with the

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec 5, at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Friends called from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com. Burial will take place at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at a later date. As both a proud veteran and avid fisherman, it was his wish that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Veteran Angler Charters, PO Box 504 West Haven, CT 06516.

Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, hosts its holiday show, The Art of Dreaming through Saturday, Jan. 10. The gallery showcases representational and abstract art in all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—that explore the many dimensions of dreaming. Spectrum’s artisans store also offers fine crafts in wood, ceramic, pottery, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry, and more. In addition, the gallery has handmade ornaments in its six-foot holiday tree and seasonal items in all mediums. For more information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org..

Calling All Singers

25-6

Michael Kelley (Applicant & Owner) (G03-000-004-00004 R5) 68 Deforest Drive

Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6 To allow a side variance of 17 feet 2 inches where 25 ft is required for the replacement of an above ground pool and adjacent deck .

James Sette (Chairman)

The Elm City Chorus welcomes people who enjoy singing. The group meets every Thursday at 1:15 p.m. in the community room at the Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main Street. Members sing for about 90 minutes with a 10-minute break. There is no charge to join, and the group provides music to their singers so that they can have the words in front of them. The Elm City Chorus evolved from a barbershop chorus that was founded in New Haven in 1947. The original chorus grew to be over 70 people. The primary purpose of the chorus is to bring the joy of hearing choral music to the audience living in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. For more information, contact Mike Ryan at 203-283-5133 or mikeryan2011@gmail.com.

Spectrum Holiday Show: The Art of Dreaming

Fair Rent Commission Taking Up First Case

Continued from page 1

time melodrama villains twirling long, handlebar moustaches. Equitable treatment appears to be the goal, and the Fair Rent Commission’s design is to be just that: fair.

“It’s important to know, especially, that this is a free service that’s being offered to local residents,” McPartland emphasized. “A renter basically files a complaint against a landlord and we then hear it out and try arriving at a reasonable resolution. Not everyone has the financial resources to hire an attorney. If we are able to resolve a dispute through our Fair Rent Commission, then we’ve met the mission of why it was formed. And, in the end, if we are successful and both parties are satisfied, then everyone goes away without having to pay any legal fees.”

In short, the value of such a commission is to provide a free resource for renters who feel they have nowhere else to turn. “It’s basically for the ‘little guy’ who might otherwise feel powerless,” McPartland said.

McPartland especially emphasizes that those who have limited finances and find the means of challenging rent hikes to be daunting — even desperate — now have somewhere to appeal. He hopes this concept will also spread to other communities as well, where he has spoken publicly on the matter.

“It’s important for people to know about this and that it’s a viable means for helping them, while also being able to stay out of court during the process and avoiding those kinds of expenses. This way everyone has a chance to settle things easier.”

That very opportunity is soon to occur, as Branford’s Fair Rent Commission will hear its inaugural case at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Branford Senior Center, 1 Cherry Hill Road. It’s open to the public.

“This is a good opportunity for people to come see our newly formed commission in action, and how the actual process works,” said McPartland. “It’s a case where a retiree living on a fixed income is disputing a second rent increase in a single year. We encourage people to attend.”

Those who wish to contact Branford’s Fair Rent Commission can do so at the town website, https://www.branford-ct.gov/.

Fair Rent Commission members are as follows:

Peter Black (R), chair

Robert Imperato (R), vice chair

Peter Cimino (D)

Josh Marshall (D)

Marcus De Vito (R), landlord

The Rev. Joseph Perdue (D), tenant

James McPartland (D), tenant

Carolyn Sires (R), alternate

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; Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, 374 East Main Street; the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, Stony Creek; and Bringing Joy, 37 Broadway in North Haven. 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.

Enjoy a Game of Duplicate Bridge

A duplicate bridge game is held every Friday at 12:30 p.m. at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, Branford. The game is for beginner to intermediate players. A partner is not necessary to play. For more information, contact Rick Seaburg at 203-915-5987 or tillerjock@gmail.com.

Branford Food Pantry Hours

The Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Avenue, has revised its hours on Tuesdays to assist neighbors who need food support. The pantry is now open Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., as well as Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Branford Food Pantry provides supplemental groceries for individuals, seniors, and families in need. It also provides weekly snack packs for school-aged children. It has returned to normal operations and encourages any Branford resident in need of food assistance to come in. For more information, email branfordfoodpantry30@gmail.com or visit branfordfoodpantry.org.

Clinton Resident Chris Shepard

Continued from page 2

my first time conducting at Carnegie Hall, because she let me conduct the chorus with my high school choir. It felt as big a deal when I was 15 as Carnegie Hall did when I was 50.”

His work eventually took him much farther out than Deep River or Manhattan. Chris recalls another life-changing chapter, where he was able to travel abroad to Australia for more than 13 years to teach at one of the country’s top musical schools. The opportunity arose while he was teaching at The Taft School in Watertown, when the headmaster of a school in Australia visited Taft. The headmaster had been looking to strengthen his school’s choir and offered Chris a position working with choir students in Sydney.

“At the time, I knew absolutely nothing about Australia, and I had never even seen a picture of the Sydney Opera House,” he says. “I originally went for a year and stayed for 13, teaching at an amazing private boys school.”

While he finds this experience cathartic and life-changing — teaching at a prestigious school and making deep connections

in the music world — it was also challenging to get accustomed to the culture and to being a foreigner in a place he didn’t recognize. Over time, he grew accustomed to the rhythm of life there, but still felt marked by his accent, a factor that ultimately contributed to his return to the United States.

“It was much more of a transition than I thought it was going to be,” he says. “I never stopped being the ‘American guy.’ You are marked by your accent wherever you go. The longer I stayed there, the more I wanted to be seen as an Australian citizen. I was always just the American in the group, and that did weigh on me.”

Returning to the United States has given him the opportunity to conduct and perform at numerous renowned venues across the country, including the aforementioned Carnegie Hall and Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Now, Shepard is leading the Con Brio Choral Society into the holiday season for their concerts at Valley Regional High School in Deep River on Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue; for advance tickets, call 860-526-5399 or visit conbrio.org.

Branford Fire Causes Temporary Closure of Transfer Station

Continued from page 4

station on the east end town in our Branford Fire Department - Staffing Plan,” Mahoney said, noting the department’s goal is to have a four minute response time to 90 percent of the town.

Fire Safety Tips

Below are additional fire safety tips that Mahoney recommended people take in their own homes.

1. Have working smoke detectors on every level of your home and in each sleeping area

2. Know two ways out

3. Have and practice a home fire escape plan

4. Dispose of fireplace ash in a metal can stored out and away from the home. Fireplace ash can contain hot embers for several days after a fire, so do not assume they are out.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Avenue, Northford, welcomes donations of gently used clothing at its drop-off shed, to be distributed by relief organizations to people in need in the U.S. and around the world. Accepted items include clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, quilts, sheets, linens, pillowcases, and stuffed animals. Donors are asked to deliver items in a plastic bag to protect them against dirt and the elements. There is a QR code on the front of the shed to scan for tax deduction purposes. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church receives a small amount of funding for the donations, which in turn, helps support its local community outreach programs. For more information, call Nan Monde at 203-710-7005.

Obituaries

Obituary

Joseph Carafeno

Northford

Joseph A. Carafeno, 97, of Northford passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 27, 2025, in Wallingford. He was the husband of the late Gladys “Susie” Carafeno. He was born in East Haven on April 21, 1928, to Pasquale and Jennie Milano Carafeno.

Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served with honor from 1951 to 1953 in France and Germany during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.

(Herbie) Babcock and Geneva Carafeno Bellanger; and brothers, Marco, Patrick and Edward Carafeno; nephews, Kenneth Babcock, Alan Rosa; and niece Roberta Carafeno Rasba. He is survived by his sister Janet Rosa; daughters, Desiree Carafeno, Cindy (Dena) Carafeno, and Brenda (Mark) Calamita; eight grandchildren: Joey, Angela, Nicky, Steven, and Eric Biase; Alexis and Austin (Serena) Calamita, Savannah (the late Charlie) Fiskio; and three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Joe worked for the American Crucible Company in North Haven for many years. He was known for his innovative ideas and hard work, developing high speed steel, stainless steel and alloy. Joe was later employed by the Piggyback Service for the New Haven Railroad. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 443. Joe enjoyed carpentry, restoring vintage cars, building live steam trains and gardening.

He was also an avid oil painter. Joe could build or fix just about anything, affectionately giving him the nickname “the Joe of all trades,” by Susie, his loving wife of 55 years. Joe also loved horses, and used to ride in the rodeo in his younger days.

Joe is predeceased by sisters, Mary

The family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Richard Rhee and staff at Northeast Medical Group, the compassionate care given by all at Regency House in Wallingford and most recently, hospice care by Constellation.

Family and friends were asked to visit from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment with Military Honors at Northford Cemetery, 27 Spruce Street, Northford.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org.

Services were entrusted to Keenan Funeral Home. Please visit Keenanfuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.

Branford High School’s First-Quarter Honor Roll for 2025-26

From Branford High School

The following students were named to the first-quarter honor roll at Branford High School for the 2025-26 academic year:

Aoife Adsit, Sufia Ali, Evan Rachel Bah, Addison Banks, Vesa Bejleri, Ariana Best, Abigail Brown, Angelina Brown, Carlene Burke, Kayleigh Calandro, Gabriel Cardichon, Gavin Cheslock, Michaela Cribbin, Marcello Curcio, Jordan Curtis, Raffael Dacampo. TheodorDalton. Alexander Darmofal, Madison Deko, Marco DePonte, Kurt Durante, Christmine Ekebuisi, Evangeline Ellis, Alexandra Fichtenholtz, Elise Frederick, Liam Gallagher, Mason Garea, Ava Glick, Vita Herzog, Angelina Kennedy, Areen Khawaja, Peyton McKenna, Clara Ann McNeill, Aaryan Medhat, Lucy Mitchell, Mariam Mohamed, Duncan Montag, Arianna Morrotti, Jackson Nichols, Luis Pagan Amon, Julianna Pantani, Neha Patel, Ved Patel, Phoebi Phouadara, Eve Reilley, Samantha Rey, Lucia Romero, Brynn Rosenberg, Madeleine Roussat, Mathilde Roussat, Lorenzo Russo, Grace Salter, Joseph Schettino, Zara Serrano, Domenica Sislema, Ayden Sparks, Connor Stroka, Evan Talmadge, Cassandra Tamsin, Savanna Traca, Austin Warner, Hayley R Williams, Hayley V Williams, Noemi Wullaert, Isabella Zdunek

Barnikow Blake, Brogan Connor, Burke Celia, Calle Guartazaca Brenda, Conti Carissa, D’Addio James, Faulkner Aiden, Ferrigno Elisa, Fitch Karyn, Frazier Sophia, Haynes Hanna, Jennings Heather, LeBlanc Anthony, Limone Braedon, Malafronte Gianna, McAdams Chloe, Mongillo Rocco, Novaco Aubree, Paradis Remigus, Piano Mckenna, Plourde Caleb, Rank Evan, Shrestha Angel, Soto Cordova Edward, Swanson Peyton, Tobar Fernando, Yacono Dominic

Simon Karmacharya, Alexander Kezik, Laila Kezik, Chase Konesky, Madison Landino, Olivia Lawlor, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Abigail Lee, Owen Lentner, Nathan Lipp, Genevieve Longobardi, Cameron MacLeod, Tania Majeed, Yanelis Martinez, Kamilah Matos Ortiz, Eli Mayer, Danielle Mayne, Silas McCulloch, James Memmott, Luciana Mena, Ana Milne, Caleigh Moran, Matilda Morse, Lucia Narcisco, Claire Newlan, Kyleigh Nugent, Benjamin O’Brien, Brady Pechkis, Penelope Phouadara, Jordan Ross, Hunter Stewart, James Sturges, Isabella Sullivan, Isabelle Szefc, Talia Tamsin, Emma Tran, Andrew Tupper, Sophia Villafuerte, Sofia Volpato, Tori Zalewski, Dailyn Zuniga-Cordova

Honors

Apolo Puwainchir Angel, Bello Daniel, Boariu Demi, Brown Lila, Burton Levi, Chen Anson, Chiechi Erica, Copperthite Edward, Curcio Silverio, D’Angelo Antonio, Daniels Vincent, DiStasio Christopher, Gaudreau Sawyer, Genovese Addyson, Gustavson Vincent, Hargett Jalien, Humphries Josclyn, Kazzi Matthew, Kenney Charlotte, Lowe Lillian, Mangler Abbey, Marsh Evan, Marshall Rylee, McNeil Lily, Meyran Ellie, Miller Destin, Moody Keith, Moon Cameron, Olsen Marshall, OrtigosaLiaz Marilyn, Pernell Hunter, Pistone Rebecca, Polemeni Matthew, Ramos Vincenzo, Rivera Kayla, Saffo Benjamin, Salvestrini Emily, Shamas Natalie, Shattuck Bruce, Shedarowich Liam, Shedarowich Solomon, Singh Asees, Smestad Nolan, Spinato Mark, Sturges Thomas, Tracy Aidan, Vanacore Tyler, Vielot Ava-Nicole, Wagner Mackenzie, Watkins Landon, Widmeyer Coen, Williams Lily, Wilson Jack

Grade 11

Andrew, Hearn Teague, Herzog Stella, Irzyk Jolie, Jara Joshua, Kaniushka Artsiom, Lage Justin, Larracuente Jeremiah, Latif Aaliya, Leigh Mikenna, Lipka Tatum, Lopez John, Marchitto Mason, McAdams Emma, McKittrick Christopher, McNally Aubree, Medina Mykenzie, Mervine Masen, Miller Calleigh, Morales Yoviel, MoralesOrozco Moises, Nixon Destinie, Obi Chinonyerem, Payne Taniya, Perrelli Layla, Porrello Jace, Quattlebaum Ava, Reid Lindsey, Reilley Caitlin, Romano Emmarose, Roussat Marin, Ryan Braeden, Sharkey Robert, Shrestha Saloni, Sidarenka Ilya, Sierra Ethan, Smalls Jhaniya, Vaicunas Devina, Verzella Leila, Welch Madyson

Grade 12

High Honors

Helen Abbott, Jessica Adhikari, Mia Albarracin-Rojas, Victoria Amarante, Carter Anderson, Lily Balisciano, Kevin Barbero, Addison Booth, Olivia Boudah, Landon Brown, Justin Bustillo, Silas Comen, Luca Daddona, Alyssa DeLucia, Matteo DePonte, Emma Ducharme, Alanah Duncan, Keaton Dunn, Daniel Ebert, Tasia Emmons, Sophia Falcigno, Zoe Fenn, Sammy Festa, Liam Fischer, Meadow Fornes, Zachary Forney, Tracylyn Frederick, Lucy Fryer, Guilianna Gambardella, Madalena Gomes, Adlee Guandalini, Clifford Hench, Audrey Henkel, Caroline Hermes, Lilian Herrmann, Darryl Hooks, Hailey Jamison, Savannah Johnson, Spencer Johnson-Lanning, Kaila Jones, Nadya Jones,

Kamari Allen, Bohan Barrett, Penelope Benson, Angelina Biehl, Adam Burger, Gavin Cerrito, Alexander Cretella, Alexandra DeLuca, Dhruvi Desai, Jorden Devlin, William Dornfeld, Luna Elston, Stella Elston, Cormac Fichtenholtz, Brenna Fox, Nathan Frohlich, Luke Gagliardi, Xavier Geissler, Olivia Gwiazda, Elizabeth Harmon, Max Heltke, Finnegan Herget, Laurent Hernandez Salinas, Rylan Jayanetti, Rebecca Law, Matthew Lenox, Lila Long, Benicio Lynk, Louis Manzo, Nicholas Marciano, William Miller, Gabriella Morocho, Lilly Panuccio, Nicholas Panuccio, Halle Peterson, Audrina Pham, Jessica Radziunas, Cooper Ranton, Lauren Reid, Shaurya Shah, Arav Sharma, Jacob Shumway, William Taranto, Landon Thomas, Eileen Trelles, Nicole Wells, Yousif Zaidi

High Honors Honors

Allen Tristan, Andrus Braden, Anigekwu Beulah, Antunes Keegan, Arnold Isabella, Atiencia Jayden, Baklik John, Barretta Michael, Blyzniuk Veronika, Bouton Michael, Brewer Adam, Byrne Ethan, Cavallaro Wyatt, Clark Jesse, Cosgrove Lila, Cristaldi Logan, DeFelice Gavin, Diaz Jaylen, DiLegge Luca, Dunn Cayson, Dupre Aiden, Elweheshy Hazem, Esposito Anthony, Gohar

Alasdair Adsit, Quinn Andresen, Julianna Annunziata, Emilio Arce, Paige Baker, Chase Barone, Giuliana Barros, Jack Bartels, Ishaan Bhawnani, Saahil Bhawnani, Sophie Bolick, Salvatore Brancati, Charles Budz, Dante Bunnell, Giovanni Casanova, Christian Chiechi, Stacia Comen, Trevr Cser, Camille Dalton, Gabriella DeLucia, Joseph DiMassa, Nate Durante, Kendall Fagan, Alexander Ferrara, Saige Fries, Colin Fryer, Lillian Gagliardi, Olivia Galli, Ava Gamberdella, Connor Gilfeather, Aliza Giordano, Kiara Guevara-Cragwell, Dylan Hall, Jake Hood, Siara Humphries, Emilia Jeffery, Tate Jones, Sarah Kwadade, Hunter Ljunggren, Ella Lordan, Logan Ly, Sara Malouki, John Mautte, Jenna Medina, Adrianna Morocho, Kayla Nugent, Favour Nwagboli, Tehila Nwakalor, Cole O’Connor, Ayla Omeragic, Hana Omeragic, Angelica Pagan Amon, Elise Panagrossi, Wynter Parsons, Aarav Patel, Madison Polce, Chloe Pompano, Lillian Rank, Leighton Resendes, Haley Robison, Summer Sabatino, Jacob Santone, Matthew Santone, Mathias Schalper, Lea Sekerovic, Austyn Sparks, Noah Stewart, Abigail Talalas, Jason Talalas, Sophia Tamsin, Bidhee Thapa, Jacob Tran, Samantha Trudeau, Keagan Walsh, Liam Watson, Dylan Weaver, Moiyan Williams

Honors

Acheampong Gerald, Aki Evren, Andrea Laura, Arcangelo Joey, Bastian Ryan, Bobko Sofia, Booth Ryan, Bush James, Calandro Joseph, Cerrito Miles, Chaucer Jason, Cordero Reyes Kimberly, Delvaulx Juliette, Dombrowski Caden, Ebert Yoav, Ennes Jaliyah, Fiengo Connor, Fischer Noah, Gambardella Giovanni, Gomez Camila, Groshart Meena, Guandalini Emelia, Henkel Julianne, Kavanaugh Ryan, Khadka Bidushi, Kliucius Josephine, Lentner Caitlyn, Limbu Tanchhohang, Maturo Domenic, McGaffin Elias, Michaud Calista, Milici Michael, Mills Grayson, Mioline Thomas, Murphy Erin, Ortega Gabriel, Paleski Payton, Pamma Samarvir, Perez Alaisja, Perricone Michael, Pierret Zak, Pombo Jake, Poronteau Finn, Ramzeen Fathima, Salter Juan, Seferge Berrin, Smith Abigail, Solano Zander, Stackpole Kamryn, Thapa Shriya, Torre Luke, Tracy Trent, Tripp Ryan, Unabia Benedict, Whittaker Michael, Williams Shiloh, Zaidi Hassan, Zuniga Maylin

J&P RESTORATION

Fun By The Numbers

Last Week’s Answers

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sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to

Here’s How It Works:

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

Branford Football Celebrates Senior Night with Win Over Bassick

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

The Branford football team had a lot to be proud of on the gridiron this fall, finishing the campaign with a 7-3 regular season record. In the midst of all of the success, the seniors on the squad were honored in a Senior Night ceremony on Nov. 14 to celebrate their accomplishments and commitment to the program throughout their high school careers. The Hornets hosted Bassick and earned a big 41-6 victory.

It was a special group of seniors that never backed down from challenges and always stayed focused. The athletes that were honored included Justin Cast, Luke Torre, Jacob Kopczuk, Grayson Mills, Jason Talalas, Alex LeBlanc, Shiloh Williams, Trent Tracy, Connor Fiengo, Ryan Booth, Jayden Crespo, Ryan Teneyck, Samarvir Pamma, Caden Dombrowski, and Frank Zweeres.

Branford Football Supporting Community Dining Room with Toy Drive

By Gabby Maljanian

After a strong season, the Branford football team is switching gears to gather toys for local families this holiday season. Join the Hornets in donating a new, unwrapped toy in support of the Community Dining Room. They will be at the Branford High School concession stand on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for dropoffs, or you can reach out to your favorite Hornet to connect beforehand.

The Branford football team had a strong campaign on the gridiron this fall, and it is now focusing its efforts on giving back to the community during this holiday season.

Alex LeBlanc was a talented senior captain for the Branford football team this fall who left it all on the field.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Sports Editor

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

When Winter Settles Over the Sound

Most folks think fishing ends when the cold settles into your bones and the last of the autumn color drains from the salt marshes. They imagine Long Island Sound turning quiet—boats wrapped in shrinkwrap like half-frozen ghosts, marinas empty, gulls circling over nothing but steel-gray water. But ask the old salts, the ones who’ve weathered more winters than they care to count, and they’ll tell you the truth: the fishing never ends. It only changes shape, like the tide bending around a point. When December arrives and the final migrating stripers nose their way south, that’s when another season quietly begins. We shift our boots, tighten our hoods, and turn our attention upriver. Holdover striped bass—the schoolies that don’t bother making the long trip down the coast—settle into the dark bends of the Housatonic, the Thames, and the Connecticut. These fish don’t give themselves up easily. The winter river is a place of long shadows and slow water, where you learn patiencewhether you want to or not. You cast soft plastics as if you’re trying not to wake the river itself, letting the lure slip and glide, barely moving. Some of the best fish of the cold months come after sunset, when the whole world seems to hush except for the hiss of line through cold guides. And while the Sound’s surface may look lonely, don’t think the boats are gone for good. The hardiest captains—those whose blood runs half diesel and half seawater—keep running east toward Block Island and Coxes Ledge, chasing cod, pollock, and bust-you-up tautog until the last possible moment. I’ve known crews who’ll chip ice off the bow with a gaff just for the thrill of hearing “Fish on!” when every sane person is home with soup on the stove.

Closer to shore, winter brings its own small joys. White perch gather in brackish creeks, where their silver sides flash like coins in dark water. Winter flounder, patient and unbothered by the cold, keep a quiet following among those who still believe in the simple pleasure of a light tap

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S

Fishing report

built of small traditions that keep the salt in our veins.

on the rod tip. On still, bright days, the mud warms just enough to stir them, and the old-timers know exactly which coves to haunt.

But truth be told, many Sound fishermen trade the salt for fresh water this time of year. The inland rivers—the Farmington, Salmon, and Blackledge—are where we chase holdover trout with cold fingers and steaming breath. Some head for the coves and shallow lakes where pickerel and pike still strike like summer never left. When the ice sets up thick enough (and it doesn’t every winter), we march across the frozen skin of small lakes pulling sleds of tip-ups, laughing like we’re boys again. And then there are the ones who can’t let their boats go, not even for a season. You’ll find them in heated barns or tucked between shrink-wrapped hulls at the marina, working on gelcoat, rewiring electronics, or tying bucktails at a makeshift workbench. They say they’re doing “winter maintenance,” but let’s be honest—it’s how they keep their sanity until spring. Every turn of a wrench is a little reminder that March isn’t as far off as it feels.

Winter also brings a fisherman’s version of community. We gather in club halls and bait shops for tying nights, seminars, and salty conversations you can’t find anywhere else. We talk tides, knot tricks, conservation updates, and the finer points of whether a chartreuse teaser out-fishes white on a moon tide. Old arguments flare up, old stories get told again, and nobody minds. It’s the warmth we choose when the water has no warmth to give.

For some of us, the season’s biggest thrill comes with the herring runs. When Atlantic or sea herring (commonly called to distinguish them from prohibited river herring) show up in numbers, harbors light up with sabiki rigs, headlamps, and the soft clatter of excited fishermen filling buckets for bait or the skillet. It’s a small tradition, but winter is

And yes, a few of us still walk the beaches, even in January winds that cut like a dull knife. There’s solace in a quiet stretch of shoreline when most of the world has forgotten it. You might find the occasional holdover bass nosing along an outflow, but even when you don’t, the beach scouts itself. Winter storms move sand, carve cuts, expose old rock piles—knowledge that pays off big when the spring run fires up.

So, when folks ask me, “What do fishermen do in winter?” I just smile. They think fishing is something tied to warm air and green marshes. But out here on Long Island Sound, fishing is a yearround conversation with the water, and even in January, the dialogue doesn’t stop. It just gets quieter, deeper, and maybe a little more honest.

Winter may drive most people indoors, but for those of us who’ve spent a lifetime reading the tide, it simply offers a new chapter—one written in slow rivers, cold mornings, and a kind of peace you can’t find in summer’s bustle. And by the time the first osprey returns and the herring gulls start screaming over the warming Sound, we’ll already be there, boots in the sand, lines ready, hearts unthawed.

Because a true fisherman, like this old salt who’s seen a few seasons come and go, never stopsnot even in winter.

On The Water

High pressure retreated offshore as a coastal low formed along the mid-Atlantic coast, passing southeast of the area. As meteorological winter kicked in, north of the I-95 corridor saw snowfall bringing snow to the north and mostly rain south of the turnpike. High pressure returned with the exception of a cold frontal passage that alerted any winter lovers as to what might lay ahead. Pre-dawn air temperatures dove to below freezing, insuring any snow that might have fallen would have a sticking base. Daytime temperatures rose into the 40s as the days wore on but generally hung into the high 30s producing a mix of

sun, clouds, and scattered days of precipitation. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound saw small craft advisories accompanied by gusty northwest winds to 35 knots, two to four-to-five-foot seas, and water temperatures around 45 degrees before southerly winds calmed things down.

Once your bones have thawed from a tide of Atlantic herring fishing, try this delicious Maine traditional pan-fried herring with onions recipe - a staple in fishing camps and coastal homes. The ingredients are simple: fresh herring fillets, salt, pepper, flour, butter, sliced onions, and a splash of cider vinegar. To make it, dredge fillets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, fry in butter until crisp, remove fish - sauté sliced onions in the same pan, deglaze with a spoon of vinegar, and pour over the fish. It is ideally eaten with boiled potatoes or brown bread.

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

and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For holiday gifts and all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2026 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated fall/winter 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

An agile, silent competitor and one that finds Atlantic herring as appealing in the wild as any old salt does, harbor seals can be seen close to shore and occasionally by harbor channels catching these food fish.

Schedules BRANFORD

Football

Friday, Dec. 12 or Saturday, Dec. 13: Class M State Tournament Finals

Boys’ Basketball

Saturday, Dec. 13: vs. Oxford, Cromwell, Fairfield Warde at 12:30 p.m. (scrimmage) Tuesday, Dec. 16: at Norwalk at 7 p.m.

Girls’ Basketball

Friday, Dec. 12: vs. Westhill at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16: vs. Morgan at 6 p.m.

NORTH BRANFORD

Friday, Dec. 12 or Saturday, Dec. 13: Class S State Tournament Finals

Thursday, Dec. 18: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 7 p.m.

Salvati Named Coach of the Year

by New Haven

Board Officials

By Gabby Maljanian

Sports Editor

After leading the North Branford football team to a 9-1 overall record and a state tournament appearance this fall, Head Coach Anthony Salvati was named Coach of the Year by the New Haven Board Officials. He showed true leadership in rebuilding the program and restoring North Branford Football to a tradition of strength, pride, and success. Salvati’s ded-

ication and hard work have brought the team and the community back together.

North Branford’s lone regular season loss came at the hands of Cromwell-Portland on the road by a score of 39-31. Entering the Class S State Tournament as the No. 4 seed, North Branford hosted No. 5 Sheehan in the quarterfinals on Dec. 3 and fell 42-0 to close out a season the Thunderbirds should be very proud of.

Friday, Dec. 12: at Platt Tech at 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 15: vs. Lyman Hall at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18: at Haddam-Killingworth at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13: at North Haven w/ Daniel Hand, Lyman Hall at 4 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18: vs. West Haven at 3:45 p.m.

Boys’ Hockey

Saturday, Dec. 13: at North Haven w/ Daniel Hand, Lyman Hall at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)

Monday, Dec. 15: at East Haven co-op at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18: at North Branford/Coginchaug/HK/Old Saybrook/Portland at 3:45 p.m.

Boys’ Swimming and Diving

Thursday, Dec. 18: at Fitch/St. Bernard/Stonington/Wheeler at 3:45 p.m. (scrimmage)

Wrestling

Wednesday, Dec. 17: at Shelton at 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 to Dec. 17

Saturday, Dec. 13: at Avon at 8:20 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: at Hamden at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18: at Branford at 3:15 p.m. (scrimmage)

Thursday, Dec. 18: at Branford w/ Lauralton Hall at 3:15 p.m. (scrimmage)

A beginner/intermediate-level hatha yoga series runs Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Trinity Church Hall, 1009 Main Street, Branford. The sessions are led by certified yoga instructor Gina Macdonald-Page. The cost is $10 per session, with drop-in participants welcome. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. For more information, call or text Gina at 203 710-6665.

Community Lens: A Program for North Branford Residents

Totoket TV Channel 16 presents Community Lens, a monthly program with a panel discussion airing weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and available on YouTube (TotoketTV). This program informs and involves residents in North Branford town government, emphasizing transparency and encouraging voter participation in referendum votes. For more information, contact 203-859-1512 or communitylensinfo@gmail.com.

Photo illustration courtesy of North Branford High School Football Touchdown Club

North Branford football Head Coach Anthony Salvati was recently named Coach of the Year by the New Haven Board Officials.

Hatha Yoga Series

Choral Scholarship Program for High School Students

High school students are invited to audition for a place in The Anglican Singers, artists-in-residence at St. James Episcopal Church in New London. The choir is dedicated to preserving the English choral tradition of choral evensong. Selected singers will rehearse weekly from September through May in New London, receive instruction from Music Director Simon Holt, and sing alongside experienced vocalists. The group performs up to eight services and concerts during the season at St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street, New London, and at venues from Mystic to New Haven. Students accepted into the program must pass an audition with Holt and will receive a $500 stipend toward voice lessons or relevant training. Positions are open in the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. For more information or to audition, email Simon Holt at smo.artisticdirector@yahoo.com.

Scholarships for Connecticut Women

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 post-graduate 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.

Dear Reader,

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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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Christmas Past, Present, and Future: My Favorite Holiday Stories

By Liz Egan

Special to Living

The days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are my favorite time of year. So many holidays, birthdays, and celebrations—joy and good cheer abound. While I am partial because Christmas Day is my birthday, I love everything about these weeks we call “the holidays.”

My most memorable Christmas occurred in 1965. I was 7 years old, and the anticipation of family gatherings, presents, days off from school, and special activities was beyond measure. The 11th of 15 children, I felt there was always much to celebrate: five birthdays; regular visits by relatives, friends, and neighbors; siblings who were home from college; and even the possibility of snow. Our home was bustling and joyful.

As a child, I never understood the financial strain of raising 15 children, nor was it visible to me. There was a tree with beautiful homemade ornaments, pretty glass bulbs, and lots of carefully hung tinsel. There was an advent wreath with candles, lit each evening at dinner. There were Christmas stockings hanging from the banister. There were construction paper chains and Christmas cards attached to the walls and doorways. We baked all types of cookies and pies daily and I was allowed to help. It was a magical time.

What I did not understand was that my parents were struggling financially that year. That summer, they had used their precious savings to create an extension on our home. This large bedroom addition, with three closets and a bathroom, accommodated the youngest six children, including me. In 1965, there were 11 children living at home, with six enrolled in parochial grade school or high school and two in public high school. There were three in college. Eight of us were less than 11 years old.

What went on behind the scenes I may never know, but that was the backdrop for our best Christmas ever.

greenhouses. I assemble and display the wooden creche my husband made many years ago.

My favorite part of the holidays is making, buying, and giving gifts. All my siblings are now over 60 years old or more. Their children and grandchildren are spread throughout the country, each with their own traditions, some inherited from my siblings, some from their spouses. I do my best every year to buy gifts for my grandnieces and grandnephews. I am excited to go to the Lindt chocolates outlet and purchase some gelt, or chocolate coins, for my brother’s grandchildren to celebrate Hannukah.

In my childhood home, we had an extremely specific Christmas morning tradition. We could go and look at our filled stocking and view the gifts, but opening them would not happen for several more hours. White sheets covered the entrances to the living room as a reminder to stay out. Peeking in, we could see an enormous pile of gifts in the center of the floor, unusual because in prior years there would be small stacks of gifts on chairs throughout the room. My excitement was immense as I gaped at what seemed like a 5-foot pile, imagining how many of those gifts would be for me.

Christmas Day was like every other Sunday. My parents expected us to get up, wash, dress, and make our beds. Once all of us were ready, we would attend the 9 a.m. Mass as a family. Afterwards we would head over to Stanley’s Bakery and pick up some fresh hard rolls, crumb cake, and several loaves of white, rye, and pumpernickel bread that would last us the week. Like other Sundays, we would be treated to bacon and eggs for breakfast, with hard rolls or toast, juice, and that delicious New York crumb cake. After the breakfast dishes were finally cleaned up, we lined up at the entrance waiting for permission

to enter and open gifts.

We were invited to go inside and sit on the floor around the pile. It was then that our questions about the solitary pile were answered.

My father explained, “Last night after I went to bed, I heard a big noise.” All of us young children exclaimed, “Santa!” My father continued, “I ran downstairs and saw a big man in the living room carrying a sack.” We repeated our exclaim, “Santa!” He further explained, “Well, I guess that might be so. When he saw me, he dropped his sack of gifts and ran away.” Incredulous, we shouted again, “Santa!”

“I must have scared him away,” my father concluded. “That is why there is this one big pile. Now let us sort it out!”

We cheered and then fell silent in anticipation as my father picked up one gift at a time from the pile and read off the name of the lucky recipient. The process of opening gifts took several hours because each gift was separately announced and opened.

What I know today, from my mother’s own account, was that in 1965, my parents had little money to purchase gifts to give to their children. My mother had bought yarn, and just as we saw her do many years in the past, she knit mittens, hats, and/or

scarves for us all. That year, those mittens along with one game were each child’s only gifts. By putting them in one pile, it seemed like so much more. My excitement grew watching my siblings open games that we would all eventually share—Parcheesi, Clue, Monopoly, Life, Risk, Trouble, Operation, Jeopardy, and Basket. Those games coupled with a group gift of a new Nok-Hockey Board made me feel that I personally had received more toys than ever before. My Christmas stocking held a coloring book that filled it out. Along with a small box of crayons, an orange, and some socks, it was everything I needed.

My parents’ clever idea had not only disguised a meager Christmas but made it the most memorable one for me and my siblings.

My Christmas this year includes remnants from a long history of holiday traditions. Now widowed, I am choosing to do a few things differently, claiming the holiday as my own. I have established what was doable this year and in Christmases to come. I take my time to take down the boxes of decorations. I put up some simple lights and garland around the windows and mantle. I purchase poinsettias from local

Like my mother who shopped for Christmas gifts all year round, I attend local craft fairs to pick up small thoughtful gifts especially when triggered by an item that reminds me of my siblings or friends. I purchase it, tucking it away until I start wrapping these after Thanksgiving. The jams I make throughout the summer will be coupled with our ornaments and my homemade cookies for friends and neighbors. I bake special gifts for the individuals who provide the many services I enjoy throughout the year.

So much of the joy we experience in life, especially at the holidays, is in the choices we make—our attitude, the people we spend time with, and the way we perceive all the gifts we already have.

This year, I will spend the Christmas holiday with my sister Sheila and her family. They have similar traditions, and I do not have to be alone on my birthday. I will be sharing holiday greetings with many people whose traditions may be similar or different from mine before the year is over.

Each time I smile and share a wish for a happy holiday, I make a choice to be kind to all people. By sharing kindness, I am filled with joy. No matter what my current situation or circumstance, I have so much to be grateful for. I have many gifts—family, friends, and community. Most of all, I share in so much love.

Photo courtesy of Liz Egan

Photo courtesy of Liz Egan

Liz (second from left) celebrates Christmas with her siblings (from left, back) Sheila, Regina, John, and (front) baby Paul.

The Bermel family Christmas tree.

Calendar for the Week of December 11, 2025

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

THURSDAY,

DEC. 11

Performance by Project Music Heals Us

: 10 a.m. Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. 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.

Red Cross Blood Drive

: 12:45 to 6 p.m. Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Ln. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Tea and Talk

: 2 p.m. Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Hosted by Shoreline Village CT. Guests can enjoy conversation with fellow Shoreline Villagers. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillagect.org.

Publish Your Own Book and Become an Author Shop, Sip, and Stroll

: 4 to

6 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.

: 5 to 8 p.m. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features refreshments, gift-shopping opportunities, and a complimentary treat. For info, visit branfordarts.org/events.

An Evening of Lessons and Carols

: 6 p.m. Mercy by the Sea, The Lyons Chapel, 167 Neck Rd., Madison. Features music by students from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Holiday fare and shopping follow at 7 p.m. For info or to register (required), contact 203-245-0401 or acurtis@mercybythesea.org.

How to Use Gemini Artificial Intelligence

: 7 to 8 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.

How to Use Chat GPT AI: A Basic Introduction

: 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.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Holiday Gift Basket Sale

: Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features complimentary prosecco, holiday cookies, holiday music, gift baskets for sale, and more. Sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library. For info, email friends@blackstonelibrary.org or visit blackstonelibrary.org/friends.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12

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.

See page 27

Madison Historical Society Presents New Holiday Exhibits

Press Release from the Madison Historical Society

Throughout the month of December, the Madison Historical Society (MHS) presents a new exhibit,

A Snail-Mail Holiday:

Selections from the MHS Collection of Greeting Cards

. For the first time, exhibits are on display in two Madison locations—the Allis-Bushnell tearoom, 853 Boston Post Road, and at the circulation desk case of the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road. Each location will display a different array of Christmas and New Year’s Eve greeting cards from the MHS collection. The cards date from the Gilded Age through the Great Depression. Some are handmade using techniques such as decoupage; others are among the nation’s first commercially printed cards. Visitors can view the cards during the Allis-Bushnell House open houses on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and during Scranton Library operating hours. As always, open house admission is free; donations are welcome.

For more information, email director@ madisonhistory.org

This Christmas card is part of the Madison Historical Society exhibit, A Snail-Mail Holiday: Selections from the MHS Collection of Greeting Cards.

Photo courtesy of the Madison Historical Society

Photo courtesy of the Madison Historical Society

Photo courtesy of the Madison Historical Society

The Christmas cards on display date from the Gilded Age through the Great Depression.

The exhibits can be viewed at the AllisBushnell tearoom and the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library circulation desk case.

Page Turners

Dorie'sAnytimeCakes

ByDorieGreenspan

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.

TheApprenticeshipofAndrewWyeth

ByGeneBarretta

Dorie’s Anytime Cakes

“When it comes to happiness, you can count on cake,” says Dorie Greenspan, cookbook author and baker extraordinaire. In her latest cookbook, , there are recipes for bundt cakes, loaf cakes, salty cakes—as well as frostings, fillings, creams, and crunches. From the coffee-chocolate chunk bundt, a berry yogurt, or even Pierre Herme’s lemon cake with olive oil, there is something delicious in here for everyone. Each recipe contains Dorie’s signature, charmingly detailed baking descriptions loaded with personal anecdotes, which create a delightful recipe book.

—

Christine Griswold Inn Store

Essex

CountdowntoChristmas

ByAlexandraStewart

A beautifully illustrated advent treasury of 24 timeless holiday stories, poems, and songs to be shared with the whole family in the countdown to Christmas. December is here and there is something special in the air! Ride on the Snow Queen’s sleigh, learn why the Christmas tree keeps its leaves, discover the elves secretly making shoes in the night, and introduce the next generation to classics like and Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, (

Celebrate American artist Andrew Wyeth in this beautifully illustrated book for those who are both young and young at heart. Andrew Wyeth was one of the greatest American painters of the 20th century who lived and painted in the rural hills of Pennsylvania and the coast of southern Maine. Take a journey through his creative childhood that shaped the painter and adult he became. This thoughtful book is both interesting and heartwarming.

— Christine Griswold Inn Store

Essex

TheSecretChristmasLibrary

ByJennyColgan

). With stories wonderfully retold by Alexandra Stewart and beautifully illustrated by Freya Hartas, this festive Christmas treasury will be enjoyed for years to come.

—

The Mitten ’Twas the Night Before Christmas A Visit from St. Nicholas Christine Griswold Inn Store

Essex

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wonderful Christmas read by Jenny Colgan. This seasonal book is sure to delight any bibliophile. Mystery, romance, and the holiday spirit abound when Mirren Sutherland, an antiquarian book hunter, is hired by Jamie McKennon, a handsome laird of a Highland clan, to search for a rare book in his crumbling castle. The rare book is so valuable it could save the entire estate! I always love reading one of Jenny Colgan’s books, especially this time of year, as it is a welcome escape from all the hustle and bustle of the season.

— Christine Griswold Inn Store

Essex

: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features an evening of holiday jazz performed by the Shoreline Jazz Quintet. Light refreshments served. Tickets: $15. For info or tickets, visit guilfordparkrec.com.

Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Press Release from North Madison Congregational Church

FRIDAY, DEC. 12 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 13

: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features a laser tag competition between the Guilford Free Library and the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison. For grades 7 to 12. For info or to register (required), call the Scranton Library at 203245-7365 or the Guilford Library at 203-453-8282. :

Three rides per night at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $29 for general admission, $49 for VIP, which includes priority seating and a souvenir. Service fees apply. Advance purchase tickets only. For info or tickets, visit shorelinetrolley.org/programs.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12 THROUGH

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

The Nutcracker

: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. Tickets start $31. Service fees apply. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203-562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

: 8 to 10:30 a.m.

North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. Menu: pancakes, sausages, orange juice, and coffee. Tickets: $8 for adults, $5 for children, available at the door. Children can visit with Santa. Bring a camera for photos. Sponsored by Circle Nursery School. For info, call Kathy at 203-421-0997 or visit northmadisoncc.org/cnsevents.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentecost St., Branford. Features vendors, gift baskets, toys, baked goods, crafts, and more. Sip and shop included. For info, call Karen at 203-605-6673.

: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Branford Post Office, 1111 Main St. Features original arts, crafts, jewelry, photography, wood, textiles, leather, and more. For info, contact 203-433-4071 or visit branfordarts.org/events.

Graham Cracker Houses

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For children ages 3 to 12. Each child must be registered to receive supplies to make a graham cracker house. Arrive 15 minutes before the program starts. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-8722 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

Pancakes taste better when someone else cooks and serves them to you. With a guest appearance by Santa, the treat gets even sweeter for the holidays.

The North Madison Congregational Church, located at 1271 Durham Road, Madison, invites the public for the the Circle Nursery School annual pancake breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. This event, which has been going on for over 20 years, is open to the whole community and not just for families with young children.

Held in Friendship Hall, the breakfast of fluffy pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, orange juice, and coffee are just the beginning—whipped cream and chocolate chips are available to create a decadent delight.

Downstairs in a Circle Nursery classroom, Santa will be awaiting children who want to share their Christmas wishes or pose for a picture—so be sure to bring a camera. This annual event is a nostalgic way to get into the holiday spirit!

Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults and $6 for children. For tickets, visit www.northmadison cc.org/cnsevents. For more information, call Kathy at 203421-0997.

Worth

: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Departs from the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, 155 Temple St. Features a culinary walking tour to six to eight restaurants in downtown New Haven. Hosted by Stephen Fries, food columnist and professor of hospitality management. Parking available at the Crown Street or Temple Street Garage. Tickets: $85. Service fees apply. For info or to make a reservation (required), call 203-4153519 or visit worthtasting.co/newhaven.

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Carriage House at the Women and Family Life Center, 96 Fair St., Guilford. Students will make snowy fried dough, a Polar Express waffle, and an ice cream bar. Cost: $40 per student. Students may wear Christmas pajamas. Optional Santa or Christmas tree mini waffle maker available for an additional $10. Presented by Mary’s Culinary Classes. For info, contact 203-464-8447 or marysculinaryclassesllc@gmail.com, or visit marysculinaryclassesllc.com.

: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

American Legion Hall, 243 N. Main St., Branford. Features homemade cookies (make your own dozen) and other baked goods, crafts, raffles, and more. Proceeds benefit the Branford Compassion Club. For info, visit branfordcompassionclub.org.

: Noon to 2 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Young artists explore holidaythemed art projects while parents have time for holiday shopping. Cost: $25; $22.50 for members. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

New Haven Museum: New Haven Holidays and

A Christmas Carol

New Haven Holidays

: Noon to 4 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features , part of the museum’s “What’s in the Whitney Library?” series, with holiday materials from the Whitney Library collection. Includes handmade Christmas cards from the early 1900s, WWI holiday greetings, and an article recounting Charles Dickens’s 1868 visit to New Haven. Includes a one-man performance of by Michael Rose at 2 p.m. and a reception at 1:30 p.m. Free with regular museum admission. For info or to register (required), call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

A Christmas Carol

Ice Carving Demonstration: Reindeer

: 1 to 3 p.m. ÜniHome Life (front), 1046 Chapel St., New Haven. Features a professional ice carver who will transform two 300pound blocks of ice into holiday-themed works of art. Second 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.

Artist Demonstration

: 1 to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Features a live demonstration by Carole Stanlan of the Lyme Artisans Guild on color and pattern matching in fabric design. Part of the Holiday Expo shop, which features work by local and regional artists. For info, email info@guilfordartcenter.org.

Photo courtesy of Circle Nursery School Children meet with Santa Claus during the annual Circle Nursery pancake breakfast with Santa.

Mingle & Jingle

Library Laser Tag

Who Sleighed Santa? A Holly Trolley Musical Mystery

Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Holiday Market:

Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA) Artful Holiday Market

Festive

2025

Tasting Tour

Polar Express Cooking Class

Holiday Cookie Sale and Gift Fair

Drop & Shop Art Workshop

New Haven Celebrates Claire’s Corner Copia

New Haven Independent

The comforting warmth one feels on entering Claire’s Corner Copia, the iconic vegetarian eatery on the corner of Chapel and College streets, will be in abundance in the New Haven Museum ballroom when restauranter Claire Criscuolo is feted for 50 years of good will and great food during “Health, Happiness, Purpose and Peace: Celebrating Claire’s” on Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. The free event will also stream on Facebook Live. A reception will follow. The event immediately follows the annual meeting of the New Haven Museum board of directors at 5:30 p.m. In conversation with Paul Bass, founding editor of the , Criscuolo will share memories, heartfelt stories, and some favorite recipes from her latest book,

50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia

In what she terms as “this crazy experiment,” Criscuolo, a registered nurse, and her late husband, Frank, a musician, opened Claire’s Corner Copia in 1975 simply wanting to bring real, clean food to New Haveners while blending Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Greek influences. “We believed that if we can eat together and share our stories, we’ll realize that really, we all want the same things: good health, happiness, purpose, and peace.”

Clearly, leading with the heart has been a recipe for success for Criscuolo. Heralded as “one of the 10 best heart-healthy restaurants in America” by MSNBC, Claire’s has received accolades from national press and fans alike, noting the restaurant’s ability to pivot to meet the needs of the times, and the community, while dishing up delicious healthy food.

“Our mission at Claire’s Corner Copia is based on the understanding that we can and will help others who need a hand up,” Criscuolo says.

Among the restaurant’s numerous philanthropic efforts are support for New Haven Reads, Clifford Beers Child Guidance Clinic, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, All our Kin, Covenant House, Hole in the Wall Camp, Yale Child Study, YNHH NICU, Camp Kesem at Yale, Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, Marrakech, Friend’s Center, and Connecticut Mental Health Center. New Haven children are their focus. In 2021, Claire’s started Someone Cares Closet, in partnership with Carolina Perrott of Yale Child Study Center.

Continued from page 27

About Claire Criscuolo

The New Haven Register

A former columnist for and author of four cookbooks, Criscuolo is a passionate educator and advocate for healthy, homemade vegetarian cuisine. She frequently lectures at Yale University and Quinnipiac University and is an associate fellow at Hopper College.

adults, $20 for those under 18. For info or tickets, call 860-669-8999 or visit operatheaterofct.org.

“Health,

About Paul Bass

Bass, the founding editor of the , has covered the city for 45 years. He is co-author, with Douglas W. Rae, of

New Haven IndepenMurder in the dent

Model City: The Black Panthers, Yale, and the Redemption of a Killer

about the 1969 murder of a Black Panther in New Haven and the resulting trials and FBI revelations surrounding the case. His articles from 1980 to 2004 are in a dedicated archive housed at the Manuscripts and Archives section of Yale University’s Sterling Memorial Library.

About the New Haven Museum

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located at 114 Whitney Avenue, the museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

: 1 to 2 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Features a children’s music program by singer-songwriter Michele Urban of Wallingford to celebrate winter and the season’s weather. All ages. For info or to register (recommended), call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

The Big Snow Music Show Yule Tide Songs and Carols:

4 p.m. Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Ln. Marks the Opera Theater of Connecticut’s 40th anniversary. Features a concert of festive carols, timeless songs, and opera favorites, accompanied by pianist Eric Trudel. A holiday reception with wine, cheese, and seasonal treats follows. Tickets: $40 for

Annual Stony Creek Christmas Pageant and Live Nativity

: 6 to 8 p.m. Village of Stony Creek. Features seven outdoor biblical Christmas scenes staged with actors and live animals. Luminaries line the half-mile walk between the Stony Creek Museum and the town dock. The Stony Creek Fife and Drum kicks off the event at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Stony Creek Congregational Church with support from the Stony Creek community and the Town of Branford. For info, contact the church office at 203-488-7827 or office@stonycreekchurchct.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Dudley Farm Holiday Market and Museum Open House:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features handcrafted and homegrown artisan crafts, greenery, and food by more than 30 local artists and vendors. The farmhouse museum is decorated for a Victorian Christmas; the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum is also open. Includes a food truck on site. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

Press release from the New Haven Museum

Photo courtesy of Paul Bass

Paul Bass holds an event in conversation with Claire Criscuolo in

Happiness, Purpose and Peace: Celebrating Claire's."

Photo by Lisa Nichols

Claire Criscuolo sits in front of her restaurant, Claire's Corner Copia, in New Haven. She celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the restaurant.

Shoreline Soul Returns to Guilford for a Holiday Concert

Get ready for an afternoon overflowing with joy, uplift, and the kind of music that sparks the soul.

Music at the Meetinghouse welcomes back Shoreline Soul for its 2025 gospel holiday concert—a joyous celebration of community, spirit, and song.

The concert takes place Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 122 Broad Street, Guilford. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Led by professional singer and choir director Angela Clemmons, this season’s event brings together a choir of over 100 singers from across the shoreline and beyond who participated in Shoreline Soul’s five-session community gospel workshop. The event features spirit-stirring gospel songs delivered with soul and overflowing with heart and conviction.

This year, Shoreline Soul is thrilled to welcome back vocalist Beatrice Somerville, whose commanding voice and radiant presence lift the room every time she sings.

More than a concert, this gathering is a shared experience of grace—where voices unite, hearts lift, and the true spirit of the

Continued from page 28

season comes alive.

Admission is free. A freewill offering will be collected to support Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries, an interfaith service

that provides food and fellowship to those in need.

For more information, call Angela Clemmons at 203-619-1415.

Cookies, Cocoa, and Carol Sing

: 4 p.m. Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a double bill in celebration of Christmas. For info or tickets, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentecost St., Branford. Features vendors, gift baskets, toys, baked goods, crafts, and more. Sip and shop included. For info, call Karen at 203-605-6673.

Arts Society Presents: Guitar and Flute Concert

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library Auditorium, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a performance by guitarist Neal Fitzpatrick and flautist Elaine Thoma. For info, call 203-488-1441 or visit blackstonelibrary.org.

Shoreline Soul: Gospel Holiday Concert:

3 p.m. First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Features a performance by Shoreline Soul, a community gospel choir led by Angela Clemmons, with guest vocalist Beatrice Somerville. Presented as part of the Music at the Meetinghouse series. Admission is free but a freewill offering is welcome. Proceeds benefit Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries. For info, contact 203-619-1415 or shorelinesoul@gmail.com..

MONDAY, DEC. 15

Reindeer Games and Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

: 4 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church (at the Nativity barn), 129 Ledgehill Rd., North Guilford. Features Christmas carols by the firepits. Cookies and cocoa will be available. For info, contact 203-457-1094 or stjohnsnorthguilford@gmail.com. :

10 to 11 a.m. Joseph Trapasso Community House gymnasium, 46 Church St., Branford. For children 5 years and younger. Cost: $12 for residents, $17 for nonresidents. Bring a camera. Space is limited. For info, visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

Health, Happiness, Purpose, and Peace: Celebrating Claire’s

50

Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia

: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features a conversation with Claire Criscuolo and Paul Bass following the museum’s annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Includes memories, stories, and recipes from . A reception follows. Free. For info or to register, call 203562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

Wacky Wildlife: Cheetahs

: 5:30 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. For ages 6 to 11. Participants learn about cheetahs and make a cheetah craft to take home. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Wine Night

: 6 to

7:30 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For ages 21 and over. Features a 15-minute pre-decorating mini workshop with pastry chef Lily and a cookie-decorating session while sipping wine. Participants will receive four six-inch gingerbread cookies to decorate and take home Cost: $50. Eventbrite fees apply. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotel-curio.eventbrite.com or madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.

Festive Holiday Gathering and Mindfulness Meditation

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

Reindeer Games and Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

: 7 p.m. Angela Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Hosted by the Madison Happiness Club. Features a guided mindfulness meditation led by Kerry Shay with time for reflection and connection. Participants may bring a snack to share. Light refreshments provided. Free. For info, visit facebook.com/madisonhappinessclub. :

10 to 11 a.m. Joseph Trapasso Community House gymnasium, 46 Church St., Branford. For children 5 years and younger. Cost: $12 for residents, $17 for nonresidents. Bring a camera. Space is limited. For info, visit the holiday events link at branfordct.myrec.com/info/activities.

Press Release from Shoreline Soul

Photo by Robin Buckley, Riverstone Images

The Shoreline Soul choir

Photo by Kelley Norcia Photography Professional singer and choir director Angela Clemmons leads Shoreline Soul's holiday concert.

St. Nicholas The Gift of the Magi and

Holiday Market

Musical

Guilford Library Names Beverly Schirmeier December Artist

mal library hours. All artwork is for sale.

Searching For Light

The Guilford Free Library artist for the month of December is Westbrook artist Beverly Schirmeier. She will be showcasing her oil and pastel paintings in , through Dec. 30 at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street. The exhibit is open to public during nor-

Continued from page 29

Shoreline Village Walk

Schirmeier holds elected artist memberships in the Lyme Art Association, Guilford Art League, Essex Art Association, Academic Artist Association, Connecticut Pastel Society, and the Madison and Clinton art societies. She is the former president of the Madison Art Society where she served for 11 years as well as

the secretary, vice president, and president of the Lyme Art Association. She has been involved in the arts for over 50 years.

Schirmeier’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and public buildings, in collaboration with other artists and in solo shows. She says she loves capturing the light in plein air paintings done on location and still life subjects. Her paintings,

created in both oil and in pastels, reside in numerous collections and can be seen in regional art club shows and various other venues.

For more information, email Bschir meier@yahoo.com or visit beverly schirmeierfineart.com.

: 1 p.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot, 101 Short Rocks Rd., Branford. Features an easy, one-hour walk on a wooded trail at the Branford Supply Pond. Hosted by Shoreline Village CT. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@shorelinevillagect.org.

History Comes Alive: The History of Christmas Traditions

Nutcracker

: 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. For ages 7 to 11. Covers the history of decorating a Christmas tree, baking Christmas cookies, watching the , and counting down on an Advent calendar. Participants will also watch a classic Christmas movie. For info or to register (required), call the 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Book Club

The God of the Woods: A Novel

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

: 12:45 to 6 p.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1382 Middletown Ave., Northford. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. St. Peter Catholic Church, 30 Saint Peter’s Ln., Higganum. For info or an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Decorate a Gingerbread House

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For children ages 5 to 12. Each child will receive a graham cracker house, frosting, and candy to create a "gingerbread" house. For info or to register, call 203-4840469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

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

: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features family-friendly stories, crafts, and activities. For families with children ages 6 and up. Participants are advised that one of the crafts involves peanut butter. For info or to register (required), call the library at 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

: 6 and 7 p.m. Lutheran Church of Madison front lawn, 9 Britton Ln. Features a cast of performers, the church choir, and live animals from Tripledale Farm in Guilford. After each 20-minute program, guests are invited indoors for free hot cocoa and cookies. Children are welcome. For info, call the church at 203-2454145 or visit lutheranchurchofmadison.com.

: 7 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203-562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.

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

Photo courtesy of Beverly Schirmeier

Photo courtesy of Beverly Schirmeier

Pastel Big Roller Taking Off

Press release from the Guilford Free Library

Red Cross Blood Drive

Red Cross Blood Drive

Winter Solstice Craft Workshop

Solstice Celebration

Living Nativity

Ireland with Michael: A Celtic Christmas

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

CLINTON

75 Henry St:

Superior Prop Group LLC of East Haven to Dylan P. Mcallister, $260,000 on 11/21/2025

Paula Antoni of Guilford to Linda L. Balestracci, $93,352 on 11/14/2025

Roopa R. and Srihari V. Gottumukkala of Branford to Nasar Raza, $850,000 on 11/20/2025

Eugene J. Borysewicz and Valerie J. Clark of Branford to Manacchio Holdings LLC, $345,000 on 11/13/2025

Anthony J. Young of Branford to 100 Hemlock LLC, $295,000 on 11/17/2025

Franklin Z. Chen and Yifang Pan of Branford to Cynthia Nardella and Alexis Jeanette, $375,000 on 11/21/2025

Donna M. Paranto of Branford to Dean Russo and Brenda Wippick, $150,000 on 11/18/2025

Peter and

Annette Roding of Branford to Gail L. Brekke, $1,500,000 on 11/17/2025

Annlore Dolecki of Branford to Gabianna Const LLC, $325,000 on 11/20/2025

Lisa

Fricker of Branford to Kimberly A. Planeta, $225,000 on 11/18/2025

Bailey And Girald of Branford to Armand Gagliardi, $200,000 on 11/21/2025

Bailey And Girald of Branford to Armand Gagliardi, $200,000 on 11/21/2025

15 Alden Dr:

Gitsit Real Prop Bbplc1

L of Clinton to Christopher P. Ciscato, $439,000 on 11/13/2025

211 Kimberly Ave:

Cynthia M. and Nolan C. Scott of East Haven to Isabel N. Cerron, $325,000 on 11/21/2025

172 Laurel St:

Cheyla M. Mathew of East Haven to Megan O. Lendroth, $270,000 on 11/14/2025

Lombard Cir Unit 4:

Ral North

Haven LLC of East Haven to Helen L. Hardee and Steven J. Eckert, $602,911 on 11/13/2025

Porter Nancy B Est and Marylou R. Gargiulo of Madison to Steven J. Serra and John Maccallum, $900,000 on 11/17/2025

Pascale-Burger Rentals In of Madison to Bruce K Beach RET, $850,000 on 11/21/2025

Heidi Wilmot of Chester to James H. Harris, $375,000 on 11/17/2025

Margaret P. Breslin of Chester to Bruce R. Caron and Sally A. Stamos, $252,500 on 11/18/2025

Garbett John Est and Carl Fossum of Chester to Robin B Goodspeed Ft, $755,000 on 11/20/2025

David E. Bitter and Emily M. Hasek of Chester to Sandra Lugar, $810,000 on 11/18/2025

Christopher W. Moore of Chester to Edward M. Alexandro and Madalyn G. Conforti, $975,000 on 11/17/2025

D A P Realty Assoc Inc of Clinton to Theodore and Genna Kanaras, $850,000 on 11/17/2025

Jane L. Stamler of Clinton to Scott and Virginia Katz, $455,000 on 11/17/2025

27 E Main St: 6 Hemlock Hill Rd: 72 Long Hill Rd:

Thomas J. Walsh of Clinton to Lauren A. Fisco and Gerald W. Delise, $417,000 on 11/13/2025

Ninety Rod Rd:

Mildred J. Steinfeldt of Clinton to J R Maxx Properties LLC, $345,000 on 11/18/2025

EAST HAVEN

6 Birch Ln Unit L:

John R. and Claire E. Hart of East Haven to Marilyn Correa, $150,000 on 11/13/2025

71 Charter Oak Ave:

David and Nicole Incerto of East Haven to Doris Lopez-Villavicencio and Luis Vera, $437,000 on 11/18/2025

60 Coleman St Unit B16:

Ralph

Delucia of East Haven to Etchell Cuaycong, $280,000 on 11/18/2025

218 Dodge Ave:

Travis Williams of East Haven to Franklin G. Jimenez and Mercedes E. Vintimilla, $320,000 on 11/19/2025

49 Foote Rd:

Constanza V. Mcnellis of East Haven to Jade P. Salvattore, $335,000 on 11/19/2025

51 Francis St:

Colin Mccune and Leah Brzyski of East Haven to Luisa M. Solis-Alarcon, $380,000 on 11/17/2025

275 Grannis St:

Pane Ft and Louis Pane of East Haven to Ana M. Dossantos and Genicio D. Neves, $395,000 on 11/14/2025

ESSEX

19 Bushy Hill Rd:

Brenda O. Milkofsky of Essex to Tracey E. Quintin, $480,000 on 11/21/2025

Melody Ln:

Doris F. Pierce of Essex to John and Denise A. Digrazia, $525,000 on 11/13/2025

GUILFORD

891

Gary S.

Knowles of Guilford to Vaughn C. Knowles, $400,000 on 11/14/2025

Peter J. Moleske of Guilford to Christopher Bakes, $440,000 on 11/17/2025

Catherine K

Lang RET and Stephanie A. Rubino of Guilford to Brusic T and Kenneth F. Brusic, $950,000 on 11/20/2025

Albert Vitale of Guilford to Lucas L. and Katherine M. Danker, $515,000 on 11/18/2025

Thomas P. and

Margaret M. Ferrell of Guilford to Raymond Hernandez and Jennifer Pomichter, $1,200,000 on 11/17/2025

James Parisi of Guilford to Linda L. Balestracci, $280,000 on 11/14/2025

Pamela Carmody of Guilford to Linda L. Balestracci, $93,352 on 11/14/2025

Patrick

Parisi of Guilford to Linda L. Balestracci, $93,296 on 11/14/2025

Alice Mcneil of Madison to Heather Huribal, $900,000 on 11/18/2025

George P.

Sape of Madison to Briana and Eileen Oneill, $150,000 on 11/18/2025

Alban Deda of Madison to David S. and Lauren E. Trotta, $640,000 on 11/20/2025

Trevor and Taly H. Farber of Madison to Tara Haggett, $665,000 on 11/18/2025

Jose Mendoza and Esperanza Castillo of North Branford to Thomas Gwiazda, $515,000 on 11/17/2025

THE DAY

DECEMBER 23, 2025

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA TICKETS: $12

Purchase tickets by scanning the QR code or visiting the Mohegan Sun Box Office