Issuu

January 1, 2026

.com

Madison & Killingworth Vol. XXXI Iss. 1

A New England Newspaper of the Year 2018

Year In Review: Madison and Killingworth Take on Projects By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer

The year 2025 was an eventful one for both Madison and Killingworth, including local elections that saw Democrats in both towns maintain their majority in municipal government, planning efforts in the areas of affordable housing and recreation, and a referendum surrounding the future of one of the

most recognizable structures in Madison. Affordable housing, multi-model transportaHere are the biggest stories from each month tion and accessibility, and natural resources of the year. protection are among the most prominent b issues. January The Killingworth Board of Selectmen The Source spoke with Madison Town closed out on new ARPA expenditures, Planner Erin Mannix about the various eco- marking one of the final actions towards nomic, housing, and environmental preser- spending all of the $1.2 million in federal vation goals in the town’s recently approved Plan of Conservation and Development. See page 6

WTNH-TV chief weekday morning meteorologist Gil Simmons (middle) and other runners cross over the starting line in the Killingworth Road Race on Saturday, Aug. 23. Top finishers of the certified 4-mile race include Ben Szuhaj with a course record time of 20:56, Kaila Lujambio of Coventry was the fastest female finisher at 28:38 and Cameron Hines with the best time among Killingworth residents at 27:07. The annual race, which starts and finishes at the Congregational Church in Killingworth, supports local charities.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Source

Thank you for a wonderful 2025 and looking forward to an amazing 2026

An introduction to our new Shore Publishing sports editor, Serenity Bishop, who is looking to cover high school athletics like never before.................................2

Sports Year in Review Shore Publishing provides its annual roundup of all the top high school athletic accomplishments seen in our local towns, along with a plethora of great photos summarizing the high points of our young students as they compete for titles...19

Living Year in Review Check out what’s hot at the 20th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals from Friday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 18...........................22

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

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An Introduction to Shore’s New Sports Editor By Lee Howard Acting Managing Editor

Welcome to 2026! We open the new year with town-bytown wrap-ups of all the major news in all five of our Shore Publishing publications, but we also start 2026 with a new sports editor, Serenity Bishop, who has replaced Gabby Maljanian, who did such a great job ensuring high school coverage over the past few months. Gabby has become a leading sports podcaster in Connecticut, and we wish her well. Serenity Bishop is a known quantity to many of you. A resident of Bristol, he has freelanced for Shore in the past and his experience includes work as senior sports editor for The Bristol Press, where he covered both the WNBA and UConn basketball. My impression of Serenity is that he loves all sports and will do a great job covering the local high school sports scene, from Deep River to Branford. He hit the ground running just last week by knocking out year-end reviews of all the local teams who made an impact in the area in 2025, so he quickly became familiar with the best of the best. He’ll be covering all sports,

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including ones that sometimes get short shrift. But he needs your help. Feel free to send him an email at serenity.bishop@ shorepublishing.com to offer tips, send results and generally ensure that the teams you care about get good coverage. He’ll also take nominations for Sports Person of the Week, a regular feature. We can’t do it without you, so welcome him aboard. And to all those high school journalists out there who might be interested in writ-

ing stories, please reach out to Serenity. He has a lot to cover, and we could use a little help! Having a byline in the paper looks good on your college resume as well. We at Shore Publishing believe in the power of local sports to motivate students who otherwise might be floundering and teach them several important skills, including dedication, leadership, teamwork and the importance of hard work. Ask any high school athlete what effect sports teams had on their lives, and they will inevitably cite these important qualities and more. We rely heavily on local coaches to provide us information to cover your teams, but not every coach has the time or inclination to do so. So we will count sometimes on others, including athletic directors, parents and even student athletes themselves to keep us on our toes and give local teams their moment in the sun. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at l.howard@theday.com or to Serenity if we are missing some important competitions and teams that are competing well. Serenity has covered basketball, football, baseball, hockey and many other See An Introduction page 4

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“We are proud to mark the 20th anniversary of our Festival of New Musicals. I am humbled that the festival, which was a simple idea 20 years ago, has now become a major industry event showcasing incredibly talented writers and their new musicals.” - Goodspeed Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton...................22

The Source

(usps 019-857) Published weekly, 52 times per year by Shore Publishing, LLC 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 Periodical postage paid Madison, CT 06443 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Source, 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320

Index Obituaries............................................ 5 Classifieds..........................................15 Sudoku...............................................18 Sports..................................................19 Living..................................................22 Calendar.............................................25 Horoscopes.......................................28 Crossword Puzzle...........................28 Real Estate.........................................30

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

Home For The Holidays: New Year Means New Furbaby Story by Carol Andrecs

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Our boy Fudgie was trapped on the shelter property, envying all the cats he saw inside who were safe and well fed. Apparently abandoned, the poor boy was covered with engorged ticks when he was trapped, so he must have been outside for quite a while. Fudgie is a sleek and shiny all-black cat with a big personality. He is a complete lovebug who is playful and likes to be in the midst of all the action. Although Fudgie likes to be cuddled, he is not thrilled being with so many other cats and would probably be happiest as your one and only. For an appointment to meet this sweet treat, stop by during our open house events or apply online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org. b

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Photo by Tracye Mueller

An Introduction to Shore’s New Sports Editor

Editorial Staff

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@forgotten felinesct.org.

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Continued from page 2 sports. He knows the turf, and he’s going to be out there in the stands and locker rooms compiling information in a firsthand way. Whatever he can’t cover, he will get in the paper thanks to the dedication of coaches, a few freelance writers and help from the public who have an interest in

giving students credit for all their hard work. Please welcome him to your town when you see him out and about, and help provide him the information he needs to tell a complete, interesting and accurate. Lee Howard is Shore Publishing’s acting managing editor.

Workforce Alliance Connect Youth and Young Adults to Training and Jobs

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

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Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Workforce Alliance offers training, certificates, and job search assistance to youth and young adults living in south central Connecticut who are not currently enrolled in high school or college. Workforce Alliance also provides tuition assistance, academic help, internships, GED completion, and guidance toward higher education. For more information, visit www.workforcealliance.biz.

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Obituaries

Contacting The Source

Obituary

Richard Lena Jr. Madison Richard Patrick “Rich” Lena Jr. passed away unexpectedly Dec. 10, 2025 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine DeLise Lena; and two daughters, Jaclyn and Kendra Lena; and his future son-inlaw Paul V. Costa Jr. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael (Vicky), Karen (Ed), Christopher (Glory) and Daniel (Gretchen); his in-laws, Pasquale and Maria DeLise; his brothers-in-law, Marc S. DeLise and Dr. Stephen Huot; nieces and nephews: Jessica, Chris, Colter, Avery, Peter, Sydney, Camila, Miles and Valentina; and numerous family members and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Richard P. and Jean Lena. Rich was a devoted and extraordinary husband, father, son, uncle, cousin and friend, who spent most of his free time with his wife, children and family. He was also quick with a smile and a cutting friendly barb. Outside of spending time with his wife, if you asked him what were some of the best moments in his nearly 37-year marriage, he would likely respond coaching his kids during youth soccer and watching them mature into strong, caring respectful adults and accomplished professionals, as well as being with family and friends at their family beach house in Niantic or in New Hampshire around the Dartmouth College area. Rich was born Jan. 26, 1961, in New Haven, at then Grace New Haven Hospital and their family resided in West Haven. As the family quickly expanded, they moved to Orange for a brief time and finally to Woodbridge. In the early years, the family spent the school year in Woodbridge and escaped to their Niantic Beach home for the summer where he spent his youth enjoying life at the beach. Richard was a natural athlete and loved tennis, fishing and waterskiing, as well as participating on the Woodbridge Swim team and in baseball Little League. After joining the Amity football team, he achieved great success, as captain, leading the team to the 1978 State

Championship in their triumph over Ansonia High school. In that game, Rich scored four touchdowns in the 3520 win. That year, he was named Connecticut’s All State Running back. He continued his football success at Dartmouth College as fullback, winning a share of the 1981 and 1982 Co-Ivy League Championships. He was also inducted into the New Haven Gridiron’s Club Football Hall of Fame in 2004, as well as Amity Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. Rich graduated from Amity Regional High School in 1979, and Dartmouth College/Thayer School of Engineering in 1983/84. After graduation, He began his 18-year career at IBM as a system engineer. In 2003, he took an executive position with Tangoe Inc., managing operations in India and Asia and immensely enjoyed both careers including his teams and travels both domestically and abroad. He later assumed remote full-time work as an IT Independent Consultant the past 4 to 5 years for Stanley Black & Decker until his death. Rich was a St. Margaret Church parishioner in Madison, with his faith running deep back to his Aquinas House days at Dartmouth College. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Dartmouth College and their football program as well as serving on the Amity Athletics Hall of Fame selection committee. As past president, Rich was deeply committed to his college fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. Almost the last week of his life, Rich and his family spent post-Thanksgiving at their New Hampshire house. As a last-minute decision, he decided to stay on and work remotely as the Dartmouth Hockey Team was undefeated. He was excited to watch them defeat primarily Brown and Yale back-to-back . . . and they did. Mostly, he was in his happy place back at Dartmouth for one last week, then he came home. "RIP Rich Lena. We will love you and carry you with us forever!" A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Church, located at 24 Academy Street, Madison. The service is scheduled from 11 am to noon, Jan. 3, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow back at the family home in Madison. See Obituaries page 8

As your hometown paper, The Source welcomes reader contributions and questions. If it’s important to you, we want to know about it. Here are the best ways to bring matters to our attention. LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Source encourages letters to the editor that offer a uniquely local perspective on local issues. Writers may submit letters as often as every two weeks. Letters must include the writer’s full name, street address, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted under pseudonyms, anonymously, or through third parties will be declined. Letters must be written by the submitter. No more than four signees are permitted per letter. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and adherence to policy. Letter writers may be asked to supply sources to corroborate information presented as fact in letters. Civility is required. Letters with personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations, or inflammatory language will be declined. For letters endorsing a political candidate, Shore Publishing will accept one endorsement per writer per candidate. Letters with negative content are not accepted for the two issues preceding elections to allow for candidate rebuttal. Letters must be received and verbally confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, seven days prior to publication. Confirmation does not guarantee publication. Publication is subject to approval by the editor. Letter writers who knowingly violate this policy three times will be banned from submitting future letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted at www.zip06.com or email to shoreletters@shorepublishing.com. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALENDAR To have your item considered for print, please email news@shorepublishing.com. Announcements and calendar items are printed as space allows. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, nine days before publication. These are just a few ways to get involved in your newspaper. If you have an idea for a story, a question about news deadlines, or any other news-related inquiry, email news@shorepublishing.com or call the News Department at 203-245-1877, ext. 0. OBITUARIES The Source publishes paid obituary notices in print and at Zip06.com. Obituaries should be sent to obits@theday.com. The deadline for all obituaries is Wednesday at 4 p.m., eight days prior to publication date. Obituaries will also be posted as quickly as possible at Zip06.com. ADVERTISING To speak with someone about newspaper and online advertising, contact the Sales Department at advertising@shorepublishing.com or 203-245-1877. All advertising is subject to the approval of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement at any time for any or no reason. LEGAL NOTICES To place a legal notice, email legal@theday.com or call 860-701-4410. CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad in the Classifieds section or in the Classifieds Service Directory, call 860-701-4200 and/or email classifiedads@theday.com. CIRCULATION To speak with someone about receiving or canceling the paper, please call 203-245-1877, ext. 6 or email shorecirculation@shorepublishing.com. The Source 200 State Street, New London, CT 06320 news@shorepublishing.com 203-245-1877 Fax 203-245-9773

SPONSORED CONTENT: Find Obituaries Posted Daily Online

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

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

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

Year In Review: Madison and Killingworth Take on Projects Continued from page 1 funds awarded to the town in 2022. The expenditures went towards various departments in town such as improvements in emergency services and recreation. Garvan Point at the Madison Surf Club was under construction as one of many various structural improvements considered for the park that will eventually be laid out in a Surf Club Master Plan touching on areas of accessibility, recreation, and climate change resilience. The Nature Cat Exhibit, based on the animated children’s show on PBS, had a soft opening at E.C. Memorial Scranton Library, where it ran until the summer. Following criticism from parents of elementary school students, Madison Public Schools officials revised a draft of a new related arts curriculum that would have changed schedules for Spanish and music classes and eliminated theater classes. District officials cited financial, spacing, and other curriculum-related needs for the initial proposed cuts, but retracted the proposed cuts following parents’ criticisms. b

February Madison’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee began the process of formulating a Master Plan on how more expansive and safer multi-model transportation could be delivered in Madison, particularly to key recreational and historical assets in town. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Ann Clemmons plays violin at North Madison Congregational Church’s hootenanny which was held on March 15 featuring folk music Lyons said Madison is in a ‘good place’ but played by attendees who brought their own instruments. Lyrics were shown on screen to help all sing together. Food including chili and still faces several challenges in her speech cornbread was available for purchase. at the Annual Town Meeting on Feb. 12. She touted the accomplishments made by and state grants are approved by the Madison devises plans to substantially Madison taxpayers voted ‘no’ on a referenthe town in various departments and ser- Board of Selectmen to cover increased update the town’s Climate Resilience Plan, dum to approve $24 million to renovate vices in the following year, and key focus costs in the construction market from which will involve numerous town stake- Academy School into a community center. areas for continued improvements such as 2022, and plans for the building’s look are holders and puts forth recommended Despite endorsement of the project from government efficiency, community health revealed to the public. actions that can be used for adaptation the majority of the Board of Selectmen and and safety, and economic development, b and mitigation of townwide challenges town officials from multiple other departamong others. She also spoke to the cur- April presented by climate change. ments, Madison residents had multiple rent economic challenges influenced by The Country School breaks ground on a b points of opposition to the project, includactions of the federal government that the new learning facility which will provide a May ing its townwide financial impact and town will need to consider moving forward. dedicated space for STEAM and science Despite a freeze on federal funding that redundancy in practice as an activity and On Feb. 20, the Madison Planning and programs with the goal to create a more was enacted earlier in the year, Madison gathering space. The town decided to move Zoning Commission held its first housing conducive environment for hands-on First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons told The forward and began deliberations on the forum to garner the opinions of residents learning and experimentation for multiple Source that the town was still expecting to future of the century-old building, with one on how the town can overcome the limiting grades. receive federal grant monies to help fund of the strongest possibilities being its parfactors which are hindering affordability The Source spoke with members of the various projects in multiple town depart- tial to complete demolition. and living options for current and future Madison 200/America 250 Steering Com- ments. These included federal grants By contrast to the Academy referenresidents. mittee and the Madison Historical Society attached to the Academy renovation pro- dum, a similar margin of voters approved b on the planning and development of multi- ject, an emergency generator and other the $99 municipal budget for the 2025March ple townwide celebrations occurring in systems improvements at Walter C. Pol- 2026 fiscal year. Two-thirds of the budget, Budget season is in the home stretch in 2026 to recognize the coinciding anniver- son Middle School, and the establishment or $64 million, is the education related. both towns. In Madison, the town makes saries of the Declaration of Independence of a new social worker position at the Town leadership credited the contrasting steps toward an eventual referendum on and the founding of Madison in 1776 and Madison Police Department. margins to taxpayers being cognizant and the proposed project to renovate the 1826, respectively. Hands On Stage produces the musical Academy School into a community center. The Flood Prevention, Climate “Little Shop of Horrors.” See page 10 For the latter, over $7 million in federal Resilience, and Erosion Control Board of On May 6, almost three-quarters of

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

Need Help with Challenging Children? Struggling to understand your child's behavior? National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Shoreline and Guilford Youth and Family Services are offering free Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) classes. CPS is a non-punitive approach to helping adults care for challenging children of all ages, grounded in 50 years of neuroscientific research. The class runs for six weeks, starting Thursday, Jan. 8, through Thursday, Feb. 12. Sessions will take place on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required. To register, email DivinnaSchmitt@gmail.com. For more information, text Divinna Schmitt at 860-876-0236 or visit ThinkKids.org.

Shoreline Arts Alliance Accepting Applications for Scholarships in the Arts Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for its annual Scholarships in the Arts program, open to juniors and seniors (or homeschooling equivalent) residing within Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region who will be pursuing an education in the arts. Eligible students may apply in the fields of creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. Deserving students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews and auditions. Students who are interested in the arts and reside in the 24town region (covering all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, and East Haven) are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 8. A nonrefundable fee of $25 is required with each application. The Jeffrey Dobbs Scholarship for Excellence in Painting and Richard S. Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship are also offered as part of the Shoreline Arts Alliance’s Scholarship in the Arts program. To submit an online application, visit shorelinearts.org. For more information, contact the Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203421-6739 or office@shorelinearts.

LEGAL NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that there will be a caucus of all enrolled Republicans of the Town of Madison on Monday, January 12th, 2026, at 6:00pm in the Hammonasset Room at the Town Campus (Campus Drive) to vote for membership of Madison Republican Town Committee.

LEGAL NOTICE MADISON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Madison, CT Notice is hereby given that the Commission will hold a public hearing(s) on Thursday, January 8, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room ‘C’, The Hammonasset Room, Town Campus, 8 Campus Drive, Madison CT 06443. This is a hybrid meeting and attendees may also join via Zoom webinar through either the webinar link or call-in information below. www.zoom.us Webinar ID: 915 8196 6735 Password: 452138 Or Call-in: 1 646 558 8656

Obituaries Continued from page 5 Obituary

family. He went to Europe several times with his wife. Bill loved to work in his yard and enjoyed many hours on his John Deere tractor. There he built beautiful stone walls and spent many hours cooking barbeque for friends and William "Bill" James Sennett, 81, longtime resident of Guilford and Madi- family. He even competed in barbecue cook-offs and traveled across the counson, passed away at Hospice of Brantry with his wife to participate. ford on Monday Dec. William was a devout Catholic and 15, 2025. served in the Knights of Columbus. WilWilliam was born liam was promoted to grand knight and April 11, 1944, in contributed to his community for years. Philadelphia, Penn., He managed the St. George Carnival son of William Clifand helped to support the community ford Sennett and including St. George Church, St. MarCatherine Donovan garet Church and the Knights of Sennett; stepson of Columbus for many years. William was Maryellen Sennett. a trusted board member in several orgaHe spent part of his nizations and always looked out for the youth in Poultney, Vermont, and later in Bennington. William attended Benn- welfare of others. After retiring, he volunteered at the ington Catholic High School where he was a good student and athlete playing Columbus House for years and was later hired to help manage their football and basketball. He was an finances. He was a humble and honoractive member of the community and able man who took pride in helping an altar boy. others and doing the right thing. His William was a proud graduate of family will miss him and cherish his Stonehill College in North Easton, Mass. It was there he met his beautiful wonderful memories forever. William is predeceased by his loving wife Christine Mary Sennett in French wife Christine Mary Sennett. William is class. William and Christine enjoyed their time at Stonehill and made many survived by his sister Mary (Bob) Guare of Bennington, Vt.; his sister Anne lifelong friends. (Daniel) McDonald of Cohasset, Mass.; William was also a graduate of Western New England Law School. Wil- brother Jerry (Karen) Sennett of Charlotte, N.C.; and Edward (Collins) Senliam spent his career as a trust and nett of Bennington, Vt. He was a loving estate banker, retiring from Bank of father to his son William Jonathan SenAmerica after many years.| nett of Yakima, Wash., and his William was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, friend, granddaughter Kristin (Patrick) Elizabeth Holland of Old Lyme; and grandfather father, confidant and trusted advisor. to his two grandsons, Parker Francis William and Christine had quite a Holland, and Bodie Liam Holland of social life with friends as far back as Old Lyme. grade school. Calling hours were at 8:30 a.m. TuesWilliam and Christine enjoyed playday, Dec. 23 at Guilford Funeral Home. ing pinochle with friends, trips on his boat, and they had a love for the Giants. Mass was at 10 a.m. at St. George’s Church and lunch to follow at the GuilIn Bill’s downtime he enjoyed cooking and entertaining his friends and family. ford VFW. Bill enjoyed planning trips with his

William Sennett Guilford

The following application(s) will be heard: #25-30+CSP. 142 Boston Post Road; Map: 45; Lot: 138; Zone: R-2; Owner/Applicant: 142 Boston Post Road, LLC; Coastal Site Plan and Site Plan application to retain existing mixed-use building with office on first floor and one-bedroom unit on second floor and construct new 4,350sq.ft. two-story building with 8 residential, one-bedroom units; with associated site improvements including parking/walkways, subsurface sewage disposal systems, stormwater management system, 10ft x 14ft storage shed, and 10ft x 14ft covered picnic area pursuant to CGS 8-30g. Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Land Use Office. Further details on how to participate in the webinar are posted on the Town of Madison website, www.madisonct.org. All written correspondence can be submitted to the Land Use Department via email to landuse@madisonct.org. Dial 203-245-5631 for assistance. Dated at Madison, Connecticut this 12th day of December 2025. Carol Snow, Chair

See Obituaries page 9

MADISON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Madison, CT At a regular hybrid meeting held on December 18, 2025, the Madison Planning & Zoning Commission took the following action(s): #25-29. Warpas Road; Map: 64, Lot: 1; Zone: RU-1 and RU-2; Owner/Applicant: Ernest R Cimino; Request for Zone Boundary Change to extend RU-2 zone over entire property where it is currently bisected by the zone line between RU-1 and RU-2. APPROVED By: Erin Mannix, Town Planner

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026 Obituaries Continued from page 8

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Marcia Ruth Nichols Stone (25-0365)

Obituary

considered his many grandchildren and Joseph Terrazzano great-grandchildren to be his greatest blessing. Madison Born on Sept. 18, 1941, Joe was the Joseph "Joe" Terrazzano of Madison, son of the late Vincenzo and Catherine Masiello Terrazzano. He is the brother after a faithful and blessed journey in of Vincent Terrazzano (Frances), the this life, died at home on Friday, Dec. late Lea Riccio, and Connie Dillman. 19, 2025, and passed Family and friends were invited to a on to his eternal life. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. He was the devoted which was celebrated on Monday, Dec. and cherished hus22, in St. Margaret Church, 29 band of Jeann Russo Academy Street, Madison. Burial was Terrazzano for 46 at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown years. Joe was sadly Avenue, North Haven. predeceased by their Contributions in Joe's memory may dearly loved sons, be made to Columbus House, 586 Ella Joseph F. Russo T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven, CT 06519; (1995) and Stephen https://www.columbushouse.org/. M. Russo (2016), and Joe's daughter Nicole Ciarleglio Camacho (2023). Joe is Arrangements in care of the Guilford survived by his loving daughters, Lesley Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave DeMarco (Louis) and Danielle Terrazcondolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralzano; and his former daughter-in-law, home.com. Natalia Navardauskas (Irmantas). Joe Obituary

cherished great-grandmother to Egan Zuppardo. Beverly was predeceased by her first husband, Jack White; her husband, Bob Beverly Butler Lentz, 94, of Madison, Lentz; her sons, Bill and John Lentz; died peacefully at home on Thursday, and her beloved granddaughter, Rachel Dec. 18, 2025, following a sudden heart Garcia, all of whom she carried in her attack. She was surheart every day. rounded by the love Her home was her passion, beautiful, that defined her life. warm, and constantly evolving, as she Born in Bridgeport, joyfully redecorated with love and intenBeverly was the tion, sometimes daily. daughter of the late Beverly never met a stranger. She Eli and Roxana Butmade friends everywhere she went, ler; and the beloved forming connections that often lasted a sister of Bob Butler. A lifetime, including friendships dating proud New Englanback to grade school. She was fiercely der, she made Madiloyal, deeply caring, and always ready son her home for 53 at a moment’s notice for a spontaneous years and carried deep pride in her com- road trip with her dear friends. munity and roots. Beverly’s life was filled with laughter, Beverly was a woman of unwavering kindness and an enduring love for her faith whose strength was grounded in family and friends. She will be rememher church and her trust in God. Even bered for her welcoming spirit, her joythrough life’s greatest losses, she lived ful heart, and the steady faith that with grace, positivity, and resilience, guided her through every season of life. never complaining, always choosing A Mass of Christian Burial will be hope, gratitude, and laughter. Her faith celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. and inner strength became her legacy 10, at St. Margaret Roman Catholic and a source of comfort and inspiration Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. to all who knew her. Burial will follow at West Cemetery, 71 She is survived by her devoted Jannas Lane, Madison. In lieu of flowdaughters, Susan Zuppardo and her ers, contributions in memory of Beverly partner Jennifer, Nancy Sylvain and Lentz may be made to the American her husband Don, and Kelly Lentz. She Red Cross or St. Jude Children’s was a loving and proud grandmother to Research Hospital. Adam Zuppardo and his wife Kelsey, Beverly’s love lives on in the many Peter Zuppardo and his wife Shivani, lives she touched, and in the home, Jenna and Matthew Parcells, and faith, and family she so beautifully Aaron and Christina Garcia; and a cherished.

Beverly Lentz Madison

The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 16, 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.

Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk The fiduciary is: Walter E. Stone, III, 100 Sandlewood Drive, Madison, CT 06443

LEGAL NOTICE MADISON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Madison, CT Notice is hereby given that the Board will hold a public hearing(s) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room ‘A”, Town Campus, 8 Campus Drive, Madison CT 06443. This is a hybrid meeting and attendees may also join via Zoom webinar through either the webinar link or call-in information below. www.zoom.us Webinar ID: 920 0270 2103 Password: 388818 Or Call-in: 1 646 558 8656 The following application(s) will be heard: 25-08. 97 Hartford Avenue; Map 12, Lot 77, Zone: R-4; Owners: Alan Julius Swirski, Trustees of The Alan Julius Swirski 2020 Revocable Trust u/a/d January 22, 2020 and Sandra Green Swirski, Trustee of The Sandra Green Swirski 2020 Revocable Trust u/a/d January 22, 2020; as Tenants In Common; Variance request to Section 2.17 to allow 43.5ft setback to the critical coastal resource where 50ft is required. Application includes a Coastal Site Plan. Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Land Use Office. Further details on how to participate in the webinar are posted on the Town of Madison website, www.madisonct.org. All written correspondence can be submitted to the Land Use Department via email to landuse@madisonct.org. Dial 203-245-5631 for assistance. Dated this 18th of December 2025 Maria Pettola, CZEO, Land Use Official

TAX NOTICE-TOWN OF MADISON The second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property tax on the 2024 Grand List is due January 1, 2026. Also due January 1, 2026 is full payment of motor vehicle tax on the Supplemental list of October 1, 2024. If any payment due January 1, 2026 is not paid or USPS postmarked on or before February 2, 2026, such tax becomes delinquent and subject to interest of 1 ½% per month or fraction thereof from the due date. Minimum interest $2.00. Payment Information

•

A secured “Tax Payment Drop Slot” is located on the exterior wall of the Tax Collector’s Office, left hand side of the Main Entrance across from the Police Department. Payments dropped off after normal business hours will be credited the next business day. The last day to pay without penalty in person is 4:30PM on February 2, 2026. To Pay by Mail: Make checks payable to Town of Madison, PO Box 587, Madison, CT 06443. We honor the USPS postmark. Payments postmarked on or before February 2, 2026 will be considered an on-time payment. Have your envelope hand-canceled at the US Post Office. Electronic bill pay services processed using your personal bank arrive via the US mail in an envelope bearing no postmark. Please keep in mind if there is no postmark, timeliness depends solely upon our receipt of the payment. To pay by Credit, Debit or E-check visit www.madisonct.org/taxpayments or to pay by phone call 855-857-3353. Convenience fees apply. We do not take credit or debit cards at the office.

Town Hall hours are Mon-Thurs 8:30-4:30, Fri 8:30-Noon. Visit www.madisonct.org for changes in hours. Failure to receive a tax bill does not invalidate the tax. If you did not receive a tax bill, please call the Tax Office at 203-245-5641 or visit www.madisonct.org/tax. Christina Consiglio, CCMC Tax Collector

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

Year In Review: Madison and Killingworth Take on Projects Beautiful Bill, Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons told The Source that Madison decisive on how their money is spent by was retaining the course of pursuing its the town. own projects in the area. The town was Town electors in Killingworth approved able to secure almost $1 million in reimthe $5.3 million operational budget for the bursement for the geothermal system at 2205-2026 fiscal year, as key areas of Town Campus, while a similar system was spending include the Killingworth Volunable to become operational at Neck River teer Fire Company (KVFC) and road Elementary School for its first year in improvement projects. operation. b The Madison Beach and Recreation June Department began its first phase of the The Madison Board of Selectmen authoSurf Club Master Plan. Leadership spoke rized a special appropriation of $1.6 milwith The Source about what analysis of lion to purchase an emergency back-up the property will inform the plan’s goals to generator at Walter C. Polson Middle protect the popular asset in town and how School. The new generator spurs the public input will also influence the direcmovement towards Polson as the new tion of the plan. emergency shelter for Madison - formerly The $51 million educational budget for the Town Campus gym - as well as other the Regional School District 17 in Killingsystems and infrastructure improvements worth finally receives approval from voters at the school. All upgrades are expected to after three attempts. District leadership be in service in early 2027. told The Source that voters rejected the Madison received $15,847 in opioid setPhoto by Wesley Bunnell/The Source previously drafted budgets because they tlement funds, and the Board of Selectmen thought they were too costly. In the meanconvened to discuss what course of action Deyon Honore looks out a window of his future home in Madison as his grandmother time, the district move forward with major Symesha Gillis beams with joy on Oct. 4. The Honore family, children Deyon, Storri, and to take with the new round of funding. Aiden, and mother Deya, are working with Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven and investments in facilities improvements at Monies will ultimately be spent by Madi- Raise the Roof to receive the new property on land donated by Kent and Susan Allen of its school to bolster security and educason Youth and Family Services on helping Madison. tional resources. to tackle those in town affected by the b August nationwide opioid crisis, from education, The month of August saw a Madison treatment, and new partnerships. government busy with facilities and Haddam-Killingworth and Daniel Hand infrastructure improvements. The Engihigh schools graduations take place. neering Department and Bicycle and b July Pedestrian Advisory Committee outlined After nearly eight years on hold, the their plans for improvement access to and Madison Hose Company was able to move around various popular commercial and forward with an $5.4 million expansion recreational assets in town, while the project at its Boston Post Road headquarBoard of Selectmen focused on new ways ters, with plans focused on increasing storto spur development in transportation and age and improving service delivery. housing that connected with aforemenThrough improvements, the hose company tioned infrastructure plans. The board also plans on addressing spacing, the health discussed concepts for the future of several and safety of firefighters, and ways to bolbuildings in town, including the nowster its services. closed Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary Through the month, a visual display of School and J Milton Jeffrey Elementary the history of E.C. Scranton Memorial School. The most significant improvement Library was visible on the mezzanine level project made public in August was the of the building. The project - which was issuance of an Expression of Interest to the done in celebration of the library’s 125th private sector for the renovation of anniversary - was a collaboration among Academy School. Despite rejection of renothe library, a local genealogist, and a stuvations in May, several town leaders dent at Daniel Hand High School, honorbelieved they owed another opportunity to ing Scranton’s history in Madison and the Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source the public on future use of the building, legacy of its founder. whose renovation would be led by a private The Town of Killingworth begins offer- Daniel Hand High School held its commencement exercises on June 12 for the Class of company rather than the town. 2025 on the lawn of the First Congregational Church. ing financial aid to senior residents who b September are customers of Eversource due to Madison Public School’s Facilities Comreduced discounts on energy costs. decision faced some criticism surrounding fied by recommendations from state health mittee discussed the replacement of roof The Madison Board of Selectmen health and safety concerns, but was ulti- officials. approved $228,000 for the replacement of mately viewed by town officials as the Despite concerns surrounding the via- atop Daniel Hand High School, a project artificial turf at the girls’ softball field most financially sustainable course of bility of various renewable energy projects projected to cost $3.85 million and to take located on the Daniel Hand High School action, while health concerns were satis- due to implementation of the One Big See page 12 and Polson Middle School campus. The Continued from page 6

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JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

Year In Review: Madison and Killingworth Take on Projects Continued from page 10 shape during the summer of 2027. Other site plan improvements at several schools were discussed by the committee, as district leaders look to improve access and the security of the school buildings and their staff and students. The Madison Board of Selectmen was informed on the success of the Xtramile bus service line Madison shares with Guilford. Highlights included high ridership that reflects a growing regional interest in

public transportation, especially from demographics such as senior citizens, physically disabled individuals, and college students home for the summer. Despite the positive results, the board was uncertain about the future of the program from a financial perspective, contemplating whether to continue it or not depending on its cost on individual users and the availability of sufficient funding options. The Engineering Department in Madison laid out plans for significant improvements at the Scotland Avenue corridor and

drainage facilities in flood-prone neighborhoods in the beach area of town. Madison Youth Unplugged, HaddamKillingworth Unplugged, and local family and health services co-sponsor the screening of the documentary “Can’t Look Away.” The event aligns with the parentled groups advocacy for less use of mobile devices by area youth, citing the social and psychological risks of dependency on such devices. The Madison Board of Selectmen announced that the roof of Neck River was

ready for the installation of solar panels, a project financially supported by remaining monies of the now slashed Inflation Reduction Act. b

October The American Legion Griswold Post 79 received an AED device, which should be useful in a medical emergency that may be suffered by one of its senior members. The Water Pollution Control Authority announces plans for facilities upgrades to See page 13

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11 at the school. Family and friends greet their graduates at the completion of the ceremony.

COMMUNITY NEWS • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Year In Review: Madison and Killingworth Take on Projects Continued from page 12 septic systems in Madison, with heavy concentration in the southwestern part of the beach area. Officials cite health and environmental concerns as driving factors behind the upgrades that are expected to be part of a new wastewater district approach that would cost $391,500 a year to run. For the first time, Madison was awarded a silver certification from SustainableCT having demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing resiliency and sustainability in the form of regulations and town-sponsored education. The Madison Board of Selectmen approved $132,500 in contracts to vendors to conduct analyses of town facilities including now-closed elementary schools, Memorial Town Hall, and empty or underused town-owned parcels for future use. Much of the focus of this conservation centered around the future of Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School and J Milton Jeffrey Elementary School. While the former is likely poised for demolition to some extent - given the systematic limitations of the older building to sustain another facility-wide operation of some function - future activity at Jeffrey has been considered from various angles. The Facilities Committee will eventually develop a Master Plan on how to address possibilities for new development, especially to support the Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source administration of various town departments. Jamie Rusconi, left, and her sister Carly Rusconi, play musical chairs during the Fifth Annual Life-Sized Candyland Summer Reading b

November The 2025 local elections resulted in a victory for Madison Democrats, whose former candidates will occupy most seats on the Board of Education and the Board of Finance. Democrat Seth Klaskin was elected to be the next judge of the MadisonGuilford Probate Court. Voter turnout was 41%, a rate on the low end of previous local elections. Education and finance were the most salient issues of Madison voters. Despite being the minority on consequential town boards, Madison Republicans expressed pride in the candidates they ran and in the voters for knowledge and attentiveness towards town finances. Killingworth Democrats sweep the 2025 local elections. Incumbent Democratic First Selectman Eric Couture is re-elected to his position, while Democrats maintain majorities on the Board of Finance, Board and Education, and Planning and Zoning Commission. The Madison Board of Selectmen

Kickoff at Killingworth Library on June 28. The event featured a games and puzzles theme to kick off the library's "Level Up at Your Library" summer reading program, with participants moving around a game board inside the library to visit different activity stations.

approved a partnership between the Beach and Recreation Department and Madison Foundation to sustain the operation of the Meals On Wheels Program. The partnership is one of several observable efforts by town organizations - public and private - to support residents during a time of food insecurity brought on by the national affordability crisis. Hands On Stage produces a theatrical production of the gothic horror classic “Dracula.” The Madison Board of Selectmen holds a meeting to hear about a handful of concepts for development at Academy School. While three of the concepts were in the area of housing, the fourth and most prominent was for the construction of a boutique hotel. In conjunction with the Town of Guilford, Madison was awarded a grant from

the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the development of a new food scraps separation program to build upon the success of the pay as your throw program at the Guilford Madison Transfer Station. The expectations of what would be a pilot program is that it would be a successful example of an effort that could operate on a regional level between towns of the South Central Regional Council of Governments. This comes as the City of New Haven plans to open a new sorting facility that would take in collected food scraps from haulers collecting waste in Madison and Guilford. The Town of Madison considers the establishment of a Housing Trust Fund to support the development of more affordable housing stock in town. The Killingworth Land Conservation Trust has closed in on the purchase of an

ecologically valuable 27-acre property at Roast Meat Hill Road that now will be permanently protected from development. b

December The Madison Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Selectmen will hold meetings in January on a new affordable housing project at 142 Boston Post Road and major road repairs, respectively. Renovations are finally completed at Temple Beth Tikvah after an eight-year process, bringing new life to a building that draws members from across the shoreline Jewish community. Daniel Hand VIBE Show Choir will be the central act of the Cabaret event on Jan. 11.

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • COMMUNITY NEWS

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SPORTS • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

The Source Valley Courier Thursday, January 1, 2026

S ports Sports Year In Review: Hand Wins State Titles in Track, Football and Cross Country

By Serenity J. Bishop Shore Sports Editor

Daniel Hand and its athletics department has showcased its consistency and competitive spirit throughout 2025. From the winter season throughout the fall, Hand has managed to keep its name in just about each state tournament. Hand has even raised several state championship banners throughout the calendar year with school titles and appearances in football, lacrosse and track. Here is a look back at some of the top moments at Hand in 2025. b

Track The Hand boys track team captured its second consecutive Class MM state title this season after an impressive spring regular season. The team finished with an 8-1 dual meet record for the 2025 season, and the senior class finished a combined 39-1 at dual meets during the four years together on the track. The Hand boys’ outdoor track and field roster included seniors Aedan Virgulto, Matt Petersen, John Daniels, Sean Arms, Aidas Sullivan, Brayden Dooley, Chris Glaser, Darrell Ijeomah, Jack Rickleman, Jon Black, Justin Li, Kent Freeman, Mason Johnson, Nick Lyons, Owen Koczak and William Butler; juniors Preskar, Merschman, Leckey, Nolte, Amir Rana, Beau Newton, Braydon Shields, Calvin Davies, Carrig Lavigne, Dashawn Winter, David Jacoby, Finn Barry, Grant Campbell, Kyle Borduas, Liam Harris, Max Milliard, Milo Burch, Pat Coulis, Samuel Duffy, Theodore Giuliano and Zach Porte; sophomores Andy Wang, David Elder, Eli Suprenant, Grady Van Hine, Henry Pearson, James Boyd, JJ Funk and Liam Keogh; along with freshmen Christopher Papacoda, Connor Duffy, Dominic Paradiso, Jayden Laude, Julius Phelan, Luke

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source

Daniel Hand's Grace Hall (22) high-fives teammates at the start of an inning against Wilbur Cross at home on April 21. The Tigers defeated Wilbur Cross 15-0, picking up their first win of the season.

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source

Caroline Keating (12), and Ava Bonalsky (8), and Madison Ruffo (15). Daniel Hand vs Guilford on Sept. 26 at Guilford High School.

Petersen, Matheus Ferreira Franca, Patrick Merschman, Wyatt Trefry and Zachary DeSantis. They are led by Geary and assistant coaches Pete Nye and Ned Lynch. The state title is the fourth title since coach Tim Geary started coaching at Hand in 1981. Geary’s Tigers won the Class L Championship in 2010, the CIAC State Open in 2017, and the Class MM championship in 2024. b

Lacrosse Hand’s boys and girls lacrosse teams may have had disappointing ends to their season, but their final game does not discount their success throughout the year. The boys lacrosse team entered the season aiming to claim a second consecutive title after defeating Joel Barlow in the 2024 title game. Hand had advanced to the state title in 2023 and 2021, but fell in the big game. The 2025 rise to the championPhoto by Wesley Bunnell/The Source ship game began with Hand fin- Lucca Boyce (3). Daniel Hand defeated defending champion Killingly 37-13 on Dec. 13 at Veterans Stadium in ishing the regular season with New Britain to claim the CIAC Class SS football championship. This is the 15th football state championship for See page 21

the Tigers who finished the season 12-1.

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • SPORTS

Sports Year in Review: H-K Cougars Boys Track Claim State Title, Boys Soccer Falls Just Short By Serenity Bishop Shore Sports Editor

Haddam-Killingworth sports reach varying degrees of success in 2025. Several teams reached state title games, while others continued their streak of reaching the state tournaments. Many teams also showcased their talent in the Shoreline Athletic Conference tournament, as the track, boys lacrosse and cross country raised conference banners. With 2025 in the rearview as the year comes to an end, here is a look back at the highlights of the H-K Cougars throughout the winter, spring and fall seasons. b

Conference Champions The H-K Cougars dominated the SAC tournaments this past year. Each season allowed the Cougars to prove that they were the team to beat in the conference regardless of their showings in the state tournament. In 2025, the Cougars won conference titles in boys’ tennis, boys’ lacrosse, boys soccer, and girls’ and boys’ cross country. With the players’ efforts throughout the conference tournaments and throughout the regular seasons many players received acknowledgment for their production. The following athletes received all-conference honors this fall: As the Shoreline Conference champions, H-K cross country had many athletes qualify for AllConference status. On the girls’ side, Charlotte Behnke, Julia Downing, Grace Mitchell, and Delaney Aronson were all named to the First Team. Emilia Schweitzer and Amelia Riggs were named to the Second Team. For the boys, Evan Berardino, Alex Fredericksen, Cash Smigel, Anthony Fredericksen, and Wyatt Voegtli all qualified for the First Team. Daniel McCourt and Trey Downing earned spots on the Second Team. For volleyball, Maize Irons was an Honorable Mention. Representing H-K field hockey, Sydney Wrinn, Peyton McDonald, and Chloe Engler were all named to the First Team. Della KreteCa-

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source

Haddam Killingworth Co-op's Evie Poi. The Shoreline Athletic Conference gymnastics championships were held on Feb. 14 at ABC Gymnastics in Niantic. Valley Regional High School took first place with Haddam Killingworth Co-op the runner up spot.

Oskar Heikkila (0). Haddam-Killingworth boys soccer was defeated by Somers 3-1 in the CIAC Class S championship game on Nov. 16 at Trinity Health Stadium Hartford.

Conference Second Team for girls’ soccer, and Jordan Belanger was an Honorable Mention. Several athletes from the H-K football team were also named All-Conference for their efforts this fall. John Moyher (three-time All-Conference recipient), Tyler Napierkowski (two-time All-Conference recipient), Josh Frith, Spencer Savoy, and Chase Lombardi Bole all earned spots on the All-Pequot Team. Jamien Evans, Jackson Bottaro, Axel Kolcio, Kyle House, and Owen Hill earned an Honorable Mention. b

State Champions The H-K boys’ track team shined this year. The Cougars captured both the Shoreline and the State crowns in a year that they did not necessarily see the end of the road when they first began in the off-season. Entering his 25th year at the helm, Haddam-Killingworth boys’ track and field head coach Matt Diglio’s expectations for his team were simple: compete at the Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source conference level. The team did that and more – Haddam-Killingworth boys lacrosse defeated Valley Regional/North Branford/Old Saybrook on May 29 at Valley Regional High School to claim the 2025 Shoreline Conference Championship. finishing with a 7-1 dual meet record, capturing its fifth outdoor case was a Second Team mem- Tetsu Imai, and Tristen Edwards the Second Team, and Chase track conference title in six seaand winning the ber, and Lily Austin was an Hon- were all First Team members. Bruno was an Honorable Men- sons, orable Mention. For the H-K boys’ Gavin Eddinger and Eli tion. Payton Kaplowitz earned a soccer team, Phin Merriam, Hamann-Shay were named to spot on the All-Shoreline See page 21

SPORTS • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Sports Year In Review: Hand Wins State Titles in Track, Football and Cross Country Bringing experience and leadership was senior captain Annecy Vlieks, who has been an AllState and All-New England competitor for Hand. Vlieks was also named First Team All-SCC. Smith earned Second Team All-SCC honors, and Swift was named Coach of the Year. Hand went on to place eighth at the State Open, and Vlieks traveled to New England where she placed 25th (19.49) for All-New England honors.

Continued from page 19 the top seed in the Class M bracket. After a first round bye, Hand defeated No. 8 RHAM in the quarterfinals and No. 5 Brookfield in the semifinals. Hand would ultimately fall to No. 3 Guilford in the state championship. The Guilford girls lacrosse team also shared a similar season with the boys teams. The girls team advanced to the Class M State Tournament as the third seed. They defeated No. 14 Sheehan in the first round, No. 6 St. Joseph in the quarterfinals, and No. 2 Branford in the semifinals. The girls lacrosse team fell to top-seeded New Fairfield in the championship game. b

Football The Daniel Hand Football team raised its state title banner this fall after earning their second state championship in the three years. Hand finished the regular season 9-1, with their lone loss coming against Cheshire. Hand earned the second seed in the Class SS rankings and began their postseason run with victories over No, 7 Waterford and No. 3 Nonnewaug. Hand met top-seeded Killingly in the state championship, coasting to a lopsided 37-13 victory. The road to the 2025 state title had been a two-year process for Hand since the team won its last title in 2023. Hand fell just short of repeating in 2024 after falling to St. Joseph in the playoffs. b

Cross Country The Hand girls’ cross country team also claimed a Class M State Title this fall. The included standout veterans

All-Conference Several Hand athletes were named to the All-Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Team for their efforts on the field this fall. JJ Funk and Max Millard were named to the Second Team for boys’ cross country. Annecy Vlieks qualified for the All-Conference First Team for girls’ cross country, and Maribel Smith qualified for the Second Team. For boys’ soccer, Harrison Hodge and Finlay McConville were named to the First Team, and Wes Long was named to the Second Team. For Hand girls’ soccer, Alice Agovino and Elizabeth Walsh made the All-SCC First Team, while Eliza Jobson and Keely Parri made the Second Team. Several field Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source hockey athletes made the All-Conference Team, including Maggie Lavin (First Team), Claire Rickleman (First PJ O'Hanlon (28), and Kenneth Pompilli (7). Daniel Hand Team), Brynn Poole (Second Team), and Katelyn Woylost to Guilford 12-11 on June 14 at Fairfield University in towich (Second Team). For girls’ swimming and diving, the 2025 Class M state championship game. the top 3 individual finishers in each event at the SCC Championship, as well as two team relay teams, earn AllConference status. Ella Speerli qualified for All-ConferClementine Barry, Geneva Zucconi, Maddy Shia, and ence for the 1-meter dive (416.20), and Anna Jacob qualiRachel McCartney as well as freshmen contributors in fied in the 100-yard backstroke (1:02.94). Maribel Smith, Grace Henry, Stella Giuliano, and Lucy Peete, which gave the Tigers depth in their top 10.

Sports Year in Review: H-K Cougars Boys Track Claim State Title, Boys Soccer Falls Just Short down after 25 years with the Cougars. Dupuis is retiring after 50 years of impacting student-athletes’ lives.

Continued from page 20 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Class M State Championship meet for the first time since 2021. H-K was crowned co-champions of the Shoreline Conference alongside Cromwell. Both teams tallied 135 points at the meet. The 2025 boys’ Haddam-Killingworth outdoor track and field roster is comprised of seniors Samuel Greenwood, Elias Lowrey, Matthew Lara, Jack Cozean, Tim Cavrell, Trevor Dixon, Mitchell Kelsey, Cody Robinson, Colin Mitchell, Jake Wolf, Koen Thomen, and Tyler Anderson; juniors Eli Hamann-Shay, Cash Smigel, Adam Stall-Ryan, Alex Frederickson, Anthony Frederickson, Daniel McCourt, Jackson Bottaro, Jake Wolfradt, Jameson Conte, Kellen Thompson, Michael Johnson, and Wesley Stevens; sophomores Chase Keeling, Chase Lombardi Bole, Clark Dallas, Cole Newman, Cole Therrien, Desmond Thompson, Devin Weems, Dylan Brown, Evan Berardino, Hugh Law, Kyle House, Seth Colombe, Paul Birkmeyer, and Wyatt Voegtli; along with freshmen Alex Goeden, Christian Tolliver, Fischer Norton, and Trey Downing. The historic season marks the end of an era at H-K, with both Diglio and assistant coach Dick Dupuis stepping down from their positions. Diglio will be stepping

Valiant Effort

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source

Haddam-Killingworth boys lacrosse defeated Valley Regional/North Branford/Old Saybrook on May 29 at Valley Regional High School to claim the 2025 Shoreline Conference Championship.

The 2025 season witnessed the Haddam-Killingworth boys’ soccer program progress to a 12-4 regular season record to a Shoreline Athletic Conference championship. The team earned the second seed headed into the conference tournament and defeated No. 3 Old Saybrook in the semifinals and then the top-seeded Morgan Huskies in the conference title game. Their postseason then continued into the state tournament with their eyes set on another championship banner. The Cougars earned the third seed in the tournament and a bye in the first round. They would go on to defeat No. 14 Wheeler in the second round, No. 11 Northwestern in the quarterfinals and No. 7 Morgan in the semifinals. However, the season would come to a close in the Class S boys’ soccer championship as the Cougars fell to No. 5 Somers. Looking ahead to next season, Eddinger is optimistic about the program’s future despite graduating a number of senior players. This year’s team featured a freshman goalkeeper and several sophomores who contributed substantial playing time.

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • LIVING

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of Photosynthesis at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of Photosynthesis at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Goodspeed Announces 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals Press Release from the Goodspeed Musicals

Come in from the cold and check out what’s hot at the 20th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals from Friday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 18. The muchanticipated three-day festival of brandnew works will light up the Goodspeed campus with a weekend filled with insider events, seminars, a cabaret, staged readings, and a special 20th Anniversary Festival Concert. The Festival of New Musicals kicks off Jan. 16 at The Goodspeed with a staged reading of Miss Hysteria. Inspired by true events, Miss Hysteria follows the wrongly institutionalized Louise Gleizes, a young actress in 19th-century Paris, who strikes a bargain to perform symptoms of “hysteria” for freedom and discovers the power—and peril—of owning her own story. It features a book and lyrics by Laura Schein and Ben Zeadman with music by Zeadman. The highlight on Saturday, Jan. 17, will be a staged reading of F Word, a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Tessa, a teenager on the brink of aging out of the foster care system, as she faces the future and finds family where she least expects it.

Music and lyrics are by Alyssa Payne with holders are invited to add-on tickets to the a book by Sara Matin. Friday evening cabaret ($18 each) and The final day of the festival features 20th Anniversary Festival Concert ($30 Foolproof, a brassy, toe-tapping musical each). Package holders and those with sincomedy that reimagines The Three Stoo- gle tickets can add on the Saturday ges as three sisters, Mo, Mary, and Curly, evening pre-show dinner at the Gelston who land punches and punchlines in their House for $36 per person. Single-show effort to apprehend a notorious robber, tickets and festival packages are available claim the cash reward, and save their fam- through the Goodspeed box office at 860ily boutique. The book is by Megan 873-8668, open weekdays at 10 a.m. and Loughran and Sonya Hayden, lyrics by weekends at 11 a.m. Single-show tickets Loughran, and music by Hayden. Addi- can also be purchased online at tional festival events•including seminars, goodspeed.org. an exclusive cabaret (an informal gather“We are proud to mark the 20th ing showcasing new songs by new and anniversary of our Festival of New Musiestablished artists) and a special 20th cals. Over the past two decades, the festiAnniversary Festival Concert•will round val has launched more than 50 new musiout this exciting weekend. cals, including the Tony-winning sensation Single tickets for each reading are $30 Come From Away, Band Geeks! and The and $15 for students. Single tickets are Snow Goose, which will premiere on The $20 for the Friday evening cabaret and $35 Goodspeed stage next summer,” says for the 20th Anniversary Festival Concert. Goodspeed Artistic Director Donna Lynn Goodspeed’s festival gold package will offer Hilton. “I am humbled that the festival, patrons a weekend full of special events. which was a simple idea 20 years ago, has The $156 package includes admission to now become a major industry event showall three staged readings, several festival casing incredibly talented writers and seminars, the 20th Anniversary Festival their new musicals.” Concert, and the meet-the-writers Q&A. “I can’t wait to experience my first festiThe festival silver package includes all val,” says Goodspeed Managing Director three staged readings for just $81. Package Vanessa Logan. “I’ve heard so many fabu-

lous stories about the weekend, the energy of the writers, performers, and the audience. New work is essential to the future of musical theatre, and Donna Lynn’s vision, paired with Goodspeed’s commitment to nurturing it, is one of the reasons I’m so proud to be here. I’m especially looking forward to meeting the Friends, an extraordinary group of donors who champion the Festival of New Musicals and our new works. I know people won’t want to miss out on being part of the creation of a new musical because there’s nothing quite like seeing a story come to life from the very beginning.” The Goodspeed festival offers new and established artists the rare opportunity to thoroughly work on their projects with the help of Goodspeed’s renowned resources and within its artistic environment. Preparations for the festival begin on Monday, Jan. 5, when the three teams of writers and composers arrive on the Goodspeed campus and dedicate their time to further writing and composing their musicals in development. They are joined by musical theatre students from The Hartt School and Western Connecticut State See Goodspeed page 20

LIVING • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Goodspeed Announces 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals Festival Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Gelston House

Continued from page 22 University who take part in rehearsals and continued development of the material. The intensive retreat culminates with Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals, which showcases staged readings of the new musicals developed during the twoweek program. The festival weekend culminates in a question-and-answer session with some of the writers and creative teams behind Miss Hysteria, F Word, and Foolproof. The staged readings and schedule of special events for festival package holders follow: b

Friday, Jan. 16 Miss Hysteria 7:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Book and lyrics by Laura Schein and Ben Zeadman Music by Ben Zeadman Festival Cabaret: Rona Siddiqui 10 p.m. at Gelston House

F Word 7:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Music and lyrics by Alyssa Payne Book by Sara Matin 20th Anniversary Festival Concert 9:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed b

Sunday, Jan. 18 Foolproof 1 p.m. at The Goodspeed Book by Megan Loughran and Sonya Hayden Lyrics by Megan Loughran Music by Sonya Hayden Meet the Writers Q&A 3:30 p.m. at The Goodspeed Goodspeed Musicals is located at 6 Main Street, East Haddam. For more information, visit www.goodspeed.org.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of The Snow Goose at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

Saturday, Jan. 17 Seminar Sessions 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Gelston House The seminars include the following (more will be announced at a later date): Not Throwing Away My Shot: Theatrical Photography 101: Goodspeed staff photographer Diane Sobolewski and Marketing Associate Director Katie Desjardins will pull back the curtain on how some of our most iconic production photos were captured. Do You Hear the Writers Sing?: Join us as we do a mock share session with alumni of our writer residency program, the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed. You’ll have the opportunity to hear songs from alumni of the Grove, guided by the Grove’s resident dramaturgs, Rose Oser and Blair Russell! Money, Money, Money…In Goodspeed’s World: From foundations to corporate giving, Managing Director Vanessa Logan and Director of Development Frank Stilwagner take a deep dive into Goodspeed’s strategies to get dough and the tremendous ‘knead’ for it. The Snow Goose Flies Again: Conclude your day of seminars by getting the inside scoop on The Snow Goose. You’ll hear about the show’s history from inception, Grove residency, festival presentation, New York workshop, and a full production on The Goodspeed stage next fall. Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The cast of The Snow Goose at the 2024 Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • LIVING

Belle Vie Café Gallery Showcases Local Artist Press Release from Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery

The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery is currently featuring the artwork of Patricia Shoemaker, a Shoreline Arts Trail artist whose paintings explore the relationship between place, light, and everyday life. Harmony of Land and Life: Reflections from an Italian Journey showcases Shoemaker’s work, which is rooted in a deep fascination with place—how light, atmosphere, and human presence combine to form the quiet poetry of a landscape. In this exhibition, Shoemaker presents a series of oil paintings created during her time in Italy, where the rhythm of the countryside and the energy of its cities offered an endless source of inspiration. The Fountain, oil, by Patricia Shoemaker “My figurative and landscape paintings grow from direct experience: walking through olive groves, studying the geometry of narrow streets, watching people weave their stories through piazzas. Each painting is an attempt to hold onto those fleeting moments when light transforms the ordinary into something resonant and meaningful. Ultimately, this body of work reflects what Italy offered me: a conversation between land, people, and light.” The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery, located at 20 Church Street, Guilford, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Feb. 11. For more information, visit the local art link at belleviecafe.com or the artist’s website at patriciashoemaker.com.

Photo by Patricia Shoemaker

Contemplation by Patricia Shoemaker

About the Artist Patricia Shoemaker works in oil, pastel, and watercolor. She studied fine arts at Wells College, attended the Art Students League, and received her BFA from the University of Georgia. She attended the Yale Brissago (Switzerland) Program, and Umbria II, oil, by Patricia Shoemaker received her MFA from the Yale School of Art.

Photo by Patricia Shoemaker

LIVING • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Calendar for the Week of January 1, 2026

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 1 Annual Frosty 5K Road Race: Race day check-in and bib collection from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Features a 5K race, a kids fun run, and a 2M walk. All events begin at the Guilford Green. Kids fun run starts 10:30 a.m.; 5K race and 2M walk start 11 a.m. Post-race celebration at 11:45 a.m. Cost: 5K run and 2M walk, $35; kids fun run, $10 through race day. Proceeds benefit local community programs. Hosted by the Guilford Rotary Club. For info or tickets, visit guilfordrotaryclubct.com or runsignup.com/Race/CT/Guilford/GuilfordFrosty5K. Sixth Annual New Day Hike: 11 a.m. Chatfield Hollow State Park, meet at the toll booth. Hosted by the Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park. Features a pine-cone birdfeeder activity for children at the Oak Lodge Museum led by naturalist Wray Williams. For info, call Cheryl Buckley at 860-391-1919. First Friday Stroll: 5 to 8 p.m. Main Street, Chester. Hosted by the merchants of Chester. Features a stroll on Main Street that showcases new art exhibitions at galleries, seasonal menus at restaurants, and shopping specials. Includes anecdotal tales behind the paintings at Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2 Friday Movie Matinee: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features an afternoon film screening. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events. Cupcake Celebration: 2:15 to 4 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, Community Room, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Children will frost and decorate cupcakes to mark the arrival of 2026. For ages 4 and older. Drop-ins welcome. No registration required. For info, call 860-399-6422.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 Magic Wand Workshop: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a craft program for children ages 6 to 12 led by polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

River Tales: Two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Connecticut River Museum (CRM), 67 Main St., Essex. For children ages 4 and up and their caregivers. Features a story, a craft activity, and more. Book: Little Fox in the Snow by Jonathan London. Tickets: $3 per learner, free for members. Museum admission is not included with the ticket purchase. For info or reservations (required), call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org. Curator Tour: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Presented by Jessica Durdock Moreno, director of artistic planning at Long Wharf Theatre. The tour highlights the new exhibition, Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond. Other tours are scheduled through Saturday, Feb. 7. For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 4 Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio Concert: 2 to 3:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Features a performance of violin, cello, and piano. Free. Hosted by the Musical Arts Society of Branford. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 5

help plan games, displays, programs, and collections. Service credit available for active participation. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org. Tinker and Take it Apart: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 to 11. Bring safety goggles. Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. Creative Craft Night: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Offers drop-in crafting time with access to library supplies and equipment. Staff available for assistance. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events. Haiku Workshop : 6 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. For teens and adults. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7 Candidly Chris: Composing the Photograph: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Photographer Peter Glass presents a program on photographic composition techniques. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Auditions for Con Brio Choral Society: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook. Open to auditionees for all voice parts. Con Brio rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. To book a time Tabletop RPG Game Night: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, slot, call Larry Hamre 860-575-1533. For info, visit con60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to brio.org/audition. all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6

Adult Movie Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Bring snacks and a beverage (covered, nonalcoholic). For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Hammonasset Beach Walk: 1 p.m. Meet at the Gateway Eastern trail head parking lot adjacent to the entrance of the Hammonasset State Park, 1280 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a one-mile walk with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT) through Hammonasset Beach Park to Webster Point. For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org. For info, THURSDAY, JAN. 8 visit ShorelineVillageCT.org. Peace Crane Folding: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features an inaugural Qìgōng for the Aging: 2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, event that continues every Thursday to fold and com301 Rte. 81. Features a program that emphasizes stretch- plete 1,000 origami peace cranes. The purpose is to bring ing, strength, stability, and stamina. Presented by martial people together and find inner peace while folding the arts instructor Stephen Watson. All levels welcome. For cranes. Once 1,000 cranes are reached, they will be info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit donated to a charity of the group's choosing. No experikillingworthlibrary.org. ence needed. Directions and materials provided. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org. YA Library Advisory Board Planning Meeting: 3:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., See page 27 Old Saybrook. Participants ages 12 to 18 are invited to

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • LIVING

Page Turners Startlement By Ada Limón This award-winning poet laureate’s newest collection is steeped in storytelling, skillfully balancing joy and despair while offering a fresh perspective on nature and poetry. I was elated to read and reread this glorious collection. Consider this line: “Startle the sad spring air with the whirring of your wings.” — Roxanne R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Puzzlemania! By Joel Fagliano For the puzzler—what a great collection of New York Times games. Whether someone does one or many, whether they do them everyday or occasionally, having this book to work through will be fun and, at times, challenging. Get ready for some brain action! — Lori R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

very 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.

Letters From the Edge By Jeff Wilser From the isolation of the Arctic to deepsea dives and volcanic landscapes, these firsthand accounts reveal the courage and curiosity that drive humanity forward. It is a riveting and inspiring read for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the frontiers of discovery. — Tijae R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

Something From Nothing By Alison Roman Knowing this cookbook exists because of Alison’s love for soups, but has way more to offer, is all you need to know! The recipes are straightforward, with the goal of using ingredients already in your pantry (mostly). What a great gift for new cooks as well as those who really know their way around the kitchen. — Lori R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison

LIVING • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Photo courtesy of the Shoreline Arts Alliance

The 2025 Scholarships in the Arts winners at Shoeline Arts Alliance's Celebration of the Arts

Shoreline Arts Alliance Now Accepting Applications for the 46th Annual Scholarships in the Arts Press Release from the Shoreline Arts Alliance

Shoreline Arts Alliance is now accepting applications for the 46th annual Scholarships in the Arts program. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are pursuing further study in the arts and reside within Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region—which covers all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, East Haven, Lyme, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Salem. Applicants may apply in the fields of creative

writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. Deserving students will be awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist. Applications are now available through the Shoreline Arts Alliance website and will be accepted through Jan 8. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews and auditions.

Continued from page 25 Creative Crafts with Jesse: Paper Quilling Make-up: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For ages 18 and over. Features a make-up class for missed paper quilling classes, including those to make pumpkins, a coastal scene, flower, and fall tree. Materials provided. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Students who are interested in the arts and reside in the 24-town region are encouraged to apply. The applications are judged by professional, working artists in each field of study who provide valuable feedback to each student. A $25 nonrefundable fee is required with each application, and students may apply in multiple categories. For more information or to apply, visit shoreline arts.org. b

National Theatre Live in HD Encore: The Fifth Step: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 100 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 One Night in Memphis (Tribute to Sun Record Artists: Presley, Perkins, Lewis, and Cash): 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Say-

About the Shoreline Arts Alliance Since 1980, Shoreline Arts Alliance has evolved from an arts-presenting organization to one that focuses on professional arts development, creating supportive communities in which artists thrive through recognition, mentorships, networking, and education. These communities encourage, empower, and develop talented artists while transforming their lives. For more information, contact 203-4216739 or office@shorelinearts.org, or visit shorelinearts.org.

brook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.

Beyoncé

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • LIVING

Horoscopes

Crossword

For the week of January 1 - January 7 ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Aries, look for ways to boost your income this week. Be open to dealing with people who may otherwise not come on your radar. Some extra earnings will be useful.

This is the perfect time to travel or try a new activity, Libra. Go someplace you have never been before. That may involve exploring your own neighborhood or city.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Taurus, you may be happy to socialize this week, especially with new people who are friendly and congenial. Enjoy some time out on the town and the chance to meet new people.

Enjoy the company of others this week, Scorpio. People will be warm, friendly, inclusive, and generally happy to share ideas and experiences with you.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Right now you are anxious to work and be productive, Gemini. However, obstacles seem to get in your way left and right. You might need to devise a plan to overcome the challenges.

Work-related travel may be on the itinerary this week, Sagittarius. You also might find yourself more involved with foreign affairs or people from other cultures.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Your involvement in sports, groups and clubs will be a positive experience for you this week, Cancer. Not only will you enjoy the interaction, you will feel a sense of optimism.

Capricorn, accept invitations to socialize with others this week. This is a great opportunity to have fun. It’s a good time to enjoy movies, the arts or the entertainment world in general.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Leo, there’s no better time to identify financial commitments and make some changes to how you move your money than right now. The doors of financial institutions will open for you.

Think about inviting someone over for coffee or pizza. You might be motivated to have an impromptu social gathering, Aquarius. Others will be happy to take you up on the offer.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Virgo, you might make an excellent impression on others today, especially a boss that has had their eyes on you for some time. Fear not; you are only projecting good things.

Convincing others to embrace your way of thinking may require a little more effort than you are able to put forth right now, Pisces. Be patient and things will change for the better.

Crossword solution for December 25, 2025

JANUARY 1 Ice Spice, Rapper (26) JANUARY 2 Dax Shepard, Actor (51) JANUARY 3 Florence Pugh, Actress (30) JANUARY 4 Lola Young, Singer (25)

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 5 Carrie Ann Inaba, Dancer (58) JANUARY 6 Rowan Atkinson, Actor (71) JANUARY 7 Jeremy Renner, Actor (55)

CLUES ACROSS 1. Paddles 5. Sunscreen rating 8. Very fast airplane 11. Immune responses 13. “Partner” to feather 14. New England river 15. Longest river in New Guinea 16. Midway between east and southeast 17. Israeli politician 18. Back bones 20. Consumed 21. One you can rely on 22. Dressed up gaudily 25. Representatives 30. Dog breed 31. Pitching statistic 32. Manpower 33. S. Korean entertainer 38. Outsourcing firm 41. Viceroy of Egypt under Turkish rule 43. One who removes antlers from a flower 45. Potluck dish 48. Discount 49. Airborne (abbr.) 50. Cavalry sword 55. Basics 56. Hollywood director Howard 57. Afflicted in mind or body 59. Horsley and Majors are two 60. Midway between northeast and east 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Malaysian isthmus 63. Fall back 64. Cheek

CLUES DOWN 1. Former CIA 2. Baseball’s best pitchers 3. __ Nui, Easter Island 4. Invests in little enterprises 5. Constant 6. Hobby 7. A place to store food 8. Short-tail marten 9. Burn with a hot liquid 10. Left his heart in San Francisco 12. Swedish krona 14. Legendary actor Connery 19. French cleric 23. Former measure of length for textiles 24. Opaque glassy substance 25. Residue of burned item 26. A place to unwind 27. Japanese honorific 28. Terminus 29. Fails to make a shot 34. Journalist Tarbell 35. College hoops tournament 36. Monetary unit of Macao 37. Of she 39. Spoke ill of 40. Elements 41. Kilocalorie (abbr.) 42. Shades 44. Poem of fourteen lines 45. Pole used in Scottish sport 46. Hollyhocks genus 47. Street name for marijuana 48. Polio vaccine developer 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Confederate soldiers 58. Criticize

Word Search

LIVING • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.

SHOPPING WORD SEARCH

Word Scramble

Word Scramble solution for December 25, 2025: VIRUS

AISLE BAG BARCODE BOUTIQUE BUDGET CART CASHIER CHECKOUT CLEARANCE COUPON DELIVERY DISCOUNT INVENTORY MALL MERCHANDISE ONLINE PRICE PURCHASE RECEIPT REFUND RETAIL SALE SHOPPER STOREFRONT Word Search solution for December 25, 2025

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Transactions BRANFORD 8 Autumn Ridge Rd: Gary H. and Deborah B. Komoroski of Branford to Christopher Fuller and Anna Keeney, $1,185,000 on 12/10/2025 77 Chestnut St: Mary J. Kenley of Branford to Richard T. Branch, $336,000 on 12/09/2025 Corbin Cir: S Gordon Demetre of Branford to Ernest W Glidden Jr T and Ernest W. Glidden, $615,000 on 12/09/2025 103 Fresh Meadow Rd Unit 103: Anna Keeney of Branford to Dana C. and Orlando J. Estrada, $421,000 on 12/10/2025 25 Gray Ledge Rd: Edan F. Calabrese of Branford to Stephen Malarney and Priscilla Perdomo, $430,000 on 12/09/2025 27 Hickory Hill Ln: Thomas P. and Suzanne E. Smith of Branford to Matthew V. and Dawn M. Pandolfi, $765,000 on 12/11/2025 60 Montoya Dr Unit 60: Kjs Interests LLC of Branford to Clare Collins, $260,000 on 12/12/2025 49 Riverside Dr: John T. Mcgow of Branford to Justine Cormier, $808,000 on 12/09/2025 22 Rock Pasture Rd: Joseph J. and Patricia T. Scalabrino of Branford to Garrett M. Graham and William H. Tarkenton, $484,900 on 12/05/2025 62 S Montowese St: Salvatore N. Pannone of Branford to Kevin Odell and Kyeana Martone, $430,000 on 12/12/2025 19 Stonegate Unit D: Judith A. Libero of Branford to Fmp Properties LLC, $245,000 on 12/10/2025 74 Turtle Bay Dr Unit 74: Lenore A. Russo of Branford to Rita M. Jakubowski, $480,000 on 12/08/2025

CLINTON B O B A L L IS O N A local expert elevating your home buying and selling experience. REACH OUT ANYTIME

860.227.0078 | ballison@wpsir.com

76 Fairy Dell Rd: Marilyn R. Haut of Clinton to Shannon Dobney, $330,000 on 12/10/2025 18 Hammock Rd: Blanche Coogan Ft and Jennifer Spinach of Clinton to Katelyn Baron, $600,000 on 12/10/2025 52 High St: Joshua and Sara Mengel of Clinton to Ryan P. Pickering and Anna M. Mesham, $375,000 on 12/08/2025 40 Kelseytown Rd: Patricia S. Fraser of Clinton to Neal A. and Joan L. Lewis, $675,000 on 12/11/2025 26 Menunketesuck Dr: Jonathan J. Ranno of Clinton to Unit Secure Capital LLC, $330,000 on 12/10/2025 36 Silver Birch Ln: Daniel J. Figuenick of Clinton to Zachary F. and Jessica L. Faiella, $530,000 on 12/08/2025

DEEP RIVER Castle Hts: Richard J. Lof of Deep River to Andrea Lanoux and Christopher Colbath, $105,000 on 11/19/2025 69 High St: Foltz Robert D and David Devlin-Foltz of Deep River to Brandon G. and Jessica L. Green, $407,000 on 11/25/2025 15 Prospect St: Fraser Caroline Joyce Amb and Lisa Fraser of Deep River to Bradley P. Kline and Katherine E. Straka, $393,000 on 11/25/2025 152 Union St: Danielle Thompson of Deep River to John C. Felix, $379,000 on 11/26/2025

EAST HAVEN 83 Bradley Ave: Steven R. and Violetta Prinz of East Haven to Steven Prinz, $389,900 on 12/12/2025 19 Clark Ave: Freedman Re Hldg Iii LLC of East Haven to Jessica Pedrosa, $400,000 on 12/09/2025 46 County Walk Ln Unit 46: William M. Lupi of East Haven to Michele M. Albino, $331,000 on 12/10/2025 265 Grannis St: John A. Vuolo of East Haven to Giovanni and Vincenza Deluca, $335,100 on 12/11/2025

MADISON BROKERAGE Each office independently owned

12 Circle Dr: Golden Prop Solutions LLC of Clinton to Michele Geist, $360,000 on 12/09/2025

ESSEX 1 Foxboro Rd: Tevis Holdings Lp of Essex to Mary E. Coons, $3,650,000 on 12/10/2025

7 Foxboro Rd: Michael L. Tevis of Essex to Norman M. Needleman, $1,600,000 on 12/09/2025 85 River Rd Unit H1: Raymond G H Seitz Irt and Rm B. Seitz of Essex to Philip L. Ross, $395,000 on 12/11/2025 NANTUCKET ELEGANCE IN THE HEART OF MADISON

MADISON 31 GOVERNORS WAY | $1,319,000 This beautifully crafted home was custom built in 2006 with every detail in mind and a style reminiscent of those you would find on the Cape & Islands. You’ll find the highest quality of design and installation throughout this unique property. The grounds are stunning with professional landscaping in and around the elegant pool area. The chef’s kitchen is well appointed with Carrera marble countertops, Dacor 6 burner gas cook top, Viking double wall ovens, Subzero fridge and a custom painted wet bar. Five well sized bedrooms, including an exceptional 1st floor master suite, double family rooms, five bathrooms, double laundry rooms, two fireplaces, exceptional millwork and refinished Brazilian cherry floors are just some of the additional highlights to this stand alone property. 31 Governors Way has an ageless functionality and style. Quite simply, it’s in a class of its own. Agent related.

PHOEBE SCHREINER Choose Expertise 617.645.3907

pschreiner@williampitt.com

GUILFORD Y O U I N V E S T I N R E A L E S TAT E . I I N V E S T I N Y O U . LET’S WORK TOGETHER.

LET’S CONNECT! 31 GOVERNORS WAY | $1,319,000 This beautifully crafted home was custom built in 2006 with every detail in mind and a style reminiscent of those you would find on the Cape & Islands. You’ll find the highest quality of design and installation throughout this unique property. The grounds are stunning with professional landscaping in and around the elegant pool area. The chef’s kitchen is well appointed with Carrera marble countertops, Dacor 6 burner gas cook top, Viking double wall ovens, Subzero fridge and a custom painted wet bar. Five well sized bedrooms, including an exceptional 1st floor master suite, double family rooms, five bathrooms, double laundry rooms, two fireplaces, exceptional millwork and refinished Brazilian cherry floors are just some of the additional highlights to this stand alone property. 31 Governors Way has an ageless functionality and style. Quite simply, it’s in a class of its own. Agent related.

Janet Peckinpaugh, Realtor® 696 Boston Post Road Madison, CT 06443 c. 860.985.3659 jpeckinpaugh@wpsir.com janetpeckinpaugh.com

Y O U I N V E S T I N R E A L E S TAT E . I I N V E S T I N Y O U . LET’S WORK TOGETHER.

Phoebe Schreiner 617.645.3907 | pschreiner@williampitt.com

66 Beaver Pond Rd: Kevin V. and Kristine W. Kehoe of Madison to Clayton Cassone, $95,000 on 12/11/2025 93 Deepwood Dr: Shawna Barker of Madison to Jonathan and Scott Gordon, $350,000 on 12/08/2025 73 Middle Beach Rd W: William C. Pfister of Madison to Lewis M Pfister Jr Lt and Lewis M. Pfister, $487,666 on 12/12/2025 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

330 Foxwood Rd: Andrew and Christine Daigle of Guilford to Matthew S. Miller, $722,000 on 12/11/2025 599 Goose Ln: Rosemary F. Gatti of Guilford to Ricky A. Flores and Megan NORTH BRANFORD A. Robbins, $532,000 on 12/10/2025 102 N Mill Cir: Kortleven Simon Est and Michael J. Sweeney of Guilford to Your Trusted Local Real Estate Agent Lisa Mccabe, $632,000 on 12/08/2025 LET’S GET MOVING! 324 Tanner Marsh Rd: Richard and CA R O L M A N C I N I Victoria Gersten of Guilford to John and 203.710.6405 | cmancini@wpsir.com Stephanie Mcgow, $1,645,000 on 12/10/2025 134 Water St: S Robert Jelley Ft and David W. Kesner of Guilford to Philip D. 34 Birchwood Rd: Carol C Sacco T and Stephanie M. Johnson, $550,000 on and Carol C. Sacco of North Branford to 12/08/2025 Nicholas D. Vatteroni, $480,000 on 12/10/2025 27 Coach Dr: Carol A. Camera of KILLINGWORTH North Branford to Tristan and Rebecca L. White, $515,000 on 12/09/2025 1616 Middletown Ave: Stapleton T and Edward R. Stapleton of North AGENT IN CONNECTICUT Branford to Arthur and Gail Bellucci, since 2019!! $525,000 on 12/12/2025 TOP Producer company wide, WRRE Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Guilford Brokerage | Each office is independently owned and operated

CALL OR EMAIL ROSE FOR REAL RESULTS!

203.314.6269 • Rose.Ciardiello@raveis.com

OLD SAYBROOK 36 Kenilworth Dr: Paulo Duhl of Killingworth to Marianela Torres, $175,000 on 12/04/2025 8 Linnea Ln: Mary P Garrelts RET and Mary P. Garrelts of Killingworth to Ryan A. Derry and Rachel W. Szabo, $815,000 on 12/04/2025 208 Route 80 Unit 33-19: Michal and Theresa Reilly of Killingworth to 208 Route 80 LLC, $400,000 on 12/08/2025

5 Fox Hollow Rd: Sharon A. Mahoney of Old Saybrook to Lydia E. and William B. Ryan, $722,500 on 12/08/2025 26 Meadowood Ln: Css Bldg Remodeling Inc of Old Saybrook to Frank H. and Alana B. Mueller, $1,169,000 on 12/11/2025 Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group. For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.

REAL ESTATE • THE SOURCE • JANUARY 1, 2026

64 Webster Point Road | Spacious with Amazing Waterfront Views! 64 Webster Point Road | Spacious with Amazing Waterfront Views!

Liz Dellecave Clint Rodenberg 203.909.5880 917.972.5999

Margaret Muir Jim Sperry Maria Schiavello 203.415.9187 203.494.3372

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Be a part of our success in 2026.

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Number 1 Dollar Volume Madison Office 2025

THE MARGARET MUIR TEAM THE MARGARET MUIR TEAM / /

203.41 5.9187 203.41 5.9187 mmuir@wpsir.com mmuir@wpsir.com *Per MLS and Non-MLS closed sales, dollar volume, YTD

Madison Brokerage Madison 696 BostonBrokerage Post Road 696is independently Boston Post Road Each office owned and operated Each office is independently owned and operated

JANUARY 1, 2026 • THE SOURCE • REAL ESTATE

UNDER CONTRACT

1 Downing Way, Madison List Price: $650,000 SOLD

908 Boston Post Road, Madison $1,350,000 Luxury living in the heart of Madison. Beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Townhouse features an open layout with 9’ ceilings, oversized windows, and a stunning chef’s kitchen. The vaulted, south-facing primary suite includes a walk-in dressing room, spa-like bath, and nearby laundry. Two additional bedrooms, a full basement with storage and exercise space, and a one-car garage complete the home. Enjoy professionally landscaped grounds and partial views of Fence Creek in this rare, historic reconstruction. In town living at its finest.

123 Liberty Street, Madison $1,600,000

NEW LISTING

SOLD

LOGO DESIGN

6 Osprey Commons, Clinton $1,150,000 SOLD C=100 M=96 Y=41 K=52

Voted #1 for Best Real Estate Team on the Shoreline!

HEX-12143D RGB-18, 20, 61

141 State Street, Guilford $745,000 Just steps from the historic Green, this charming warm and inviting 3-bedroom Cape offers the perfect blend of classic character and modern updates. Enjoy a first-floor ASTERINA REGULAR PROSE SANS VARIABLE REGULAR TERMINA MEDIUM primary suite, updated kitchen and baths, hardwood floors, a cozy family room withABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ gas ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz fireplace, plus a formal living room and private office. Two additional bedrooms andabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz a half bath are upstairs. A three-season screened porch, patio, two-car garage, and full 65 Water Street, Guilford basement. This home delivers easy in-town living at its best.

$1,887,000

Cathy Lynch 203-627-2331 • Dana Weinstein 203-927-8687 • Kate Jasko 860-304-9034

CathyLynchTeam.com Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Realty is a company owned office which is owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.