The Source 02-05-26 by dayshorepublishing

February 5, 2026

Madison & Killingworth Vol. XXXI Iss. 6

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

With Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School and J. Milton Jeffrey Elementary School now closed and turned back over to Town Campus ownership, the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee in Madison continues to make progress on the development of a master plan on how the former schools and other

properties in town can be readapted and restored for future uses according to public wants and needs.

David Kadamus, the chair of the Facilities Committee, presented an interim report to the Board of Selectmen at its Jan. 26 meeting. He focused on several reuse concepts for facilities such as Jeffrey Elementary and the Memorial Town Hall, two of several closed, underutilized, or empty parcels in Madison

the committee has identified for future activities.

Kadamus told the selectmen that the committee has completed one of its central goals by compiling an inventory of town land and buildings, and has also completed an evaluation of operating and capital costs for adapted land and buildings. He said the committee is

See Selectmen page 8

Neon Dance at Arts Barn

Students dance in neon and glowin-the-dark attire during the sixthgrade Neon Dance on Friday, Jan. 30, at Madison Arts Barn. The event featured games and prizes for the best dancers as they enjoyed music by DJ Brian from Tri-State DJ Co. For more information on events at Madison Arts Barn's 25th season, visit madisonartsbarn.org.

A Focus on Defense

Hand boys’ hockey looks to lock down on defense as the season winds down.................................12

Lyme Art Association is presenting An Exhibition in Five Acts......................................19

Lorey Walz

Meig Walz Newcomb

Karen Amlong Lee Integrity. Dedication. Expertise. For all your real estate needs.

meig.walz@cbmoves.com

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSource

The Walz Team at Coldwell Banker

Juliana Harris

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Like all forms of art, poetry has the ability to bring people from all ages and walks of life together and bond over memories, worldviews, and beautiful crafted sentences. This is the sense of community that local poets like Guilford resident Juliana Harris have found for 17 years with the Guilford Poets Guild.

Juliana joined the Guilford Poets Guild in 2008, “on behalf of my dear friend Yvonne Scott,” she says. It was the “wonderful, warm supportive group” that compelled Juliana to keep returning and participate in biweekly shared poetry review sessions.

“We meet every two weeks, and we submit a poem to be critiqued, and the critiques are always insightful, but very supportive and kind,” she says.

Some creative artist-types, writers or not, may find inspiration only as it appears in a serendipitous way. But for Juliana, knowing her poetry will

Person

be reviewed by guild members every two weeks is a source of comfort.

“I think, ‘Oh, I got two weeks to come up with something,’ and inevitably something comes. I have to say, there have been times when the muse didn’t strike, and in that case, I sit there and say, ‘I don’t have a poem, but I want to hear yours.’”

Being part of a group that literally listens and understands the world as an individual comprehends it through words is the sense of community Juliana says all future members of the guild - with no Guilford residency required - should expect.

The guild regularly hosts its monthly open mic poetry readings at the Guilford Free Library every second Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m.

The second Thursday of next

month, Feb. 12, will mark a particularly exciting day for Juliana, when her “dearest, old friend” and distinguished poet Patricia Cleary Miller will be reading some of her own work.

“She is known internationally and she has won the Pushcart Prize,” says Juliana. “That is quite a star in anybody’s crowd! I encourage everybody to come and listen. It’ll be wonderful.”

Originally from Kansas City, Juliana has lived in Guilford for 45 years. She finds both the community and the look of Guilford to be inspiring for her poems, one of which she recently submitted to the Connecticut River Poets society.

“I submitted a poem called ‘Only the Houses Are the Same,’ which was a remembrance of driving down Broad Street and looking at the houses and remembering all the people I had known who had lived there.”

She describes Guilford as a “wonderful community of bright and

See All Welcome page 6

Photo Courtesy of Guilford Poets Guild Juliana Harris has found a sense of community as part of the Guilford Poets Guild, for whom membership is open to all.

in 1996

Staff Madison and Killingworth’s Hometown Newspaper

Selectmen Discuss Potential Steps for Academy Proposals

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Following two public information sessions revolving around four proposals to renovate the Academy School — and how these proposals could bring new hospitality assets and economic development to the downtown Madison area — the Madison Board of Selectmen will plan to have more detailed conversations on the overall viability of the projects and how to proceed with their possible approval.

The selectmen plan to delve deeper into multiple categories, including septic feasibility or constraints, zoning options, impact on adjacent facilities, and how the proposals could meet the goals of several town committees.

Concurrently, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said she would like to revisit the advice of REX Development consultancy group on the possible economic impact of the projects, as the town wonders about effects on the grand list and other financial matters.

Selectman Bruce Wilson said the board was moving “in the right direction” to hold supplemental meetings on these building plans to ensure all crucial construction factors and possible impacts are known to the town and the public.

“We need to see if there is anything lurking in here that would naturally disqualify one of the options,” said Wilson.

The information sessions last month (all of which are viewable on the Board of Selectmen’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/ @boardofselectmen-townofmad6414) attracted the attention of many Madison residents, according to Lyons. At the selectmen’s Jan. 26 meeting, Lyons said the town received “a lot of emails from members of the public raising issues with each of the proposals.”

The board is also left with “a lot of questions,” said Lyons, about the four proposals that range from the building of affordable housing units to erecting a luxury hotel,

and that also range widely in construction costs and potential tax revenue generation for the town.

Multiple town groups, including the ad hoc Facilities Committee, the Affordable Housing Committee, and the commissions overseeing historic district preservation and economic development were left with questions in multiple areas of interests for how the vendors behind the proposals plan to meet their own individual goals.

The possibility of demolishing Academy School remains on the selectmen’s table, which Wilson said is an important factor for the public in the overall conversation surrounding the future Academy.

“Given the consistency of public conversation around that, it needs to be one of the things that gets talked about as we roll this out to a broader hearing style of conversation with the town,” said Wilson. “I think of it as: we’re trying to hone in on a referendum question that has a reasonable chance of succeeding.”

The current estimate for that course of action is $3.2 million. Following its demolition, the town could explore various options for a replacement facility. Ideas floated for a replacement facility include a public park and an amphitheater. Lyons said a public park may be worth considering as a strong third option as expressed by members of the public.

“They want to be able to assess all three of these,” she said.

Selectwoman Jen Gordon agreed, adding that Madison taxpayers should be fully informed about each option. From that point, they can best determine whether they prefer Academy to be converted into housing or a hotel, or for the structure to be torn down and have new life brought to the space.

“Each option needs to be given equal weight in terms of the amount of information that we’re providing to the public for their decision-making process,” said Gordon. “I think we risk skewing the process if we don’t do that fully and completely.”

St. James Episcopal Church announces that its annual corned beef dinner takes place on Saturday, March 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. with the pickup location of take-out orders at the church hall, 501 Killingworth Turnpike, Higganum. The dinner menu consists of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and homemade dessert. Dinners cost $22 for adults, $12 for children ages 6 to 12. The deadline for preorders is Monday, March 2. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Haddam emergency fuel bank. For more information, contact 860-424-6178 or elainejack835@gmail.com.

Annual Corned Beef Dinner

Christian Maldonado Valley Courier

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Maria Caulfield Living Editor

Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Harbor News

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Obituaries

Obituary Jan Childs

Madison

Jan Childs of Madison passed away on Jan. 16, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of Paul Childs.

Born July 26, 1961, Jan was the daughter of the late Edwin and Carol Ljostad.

Jan devoted her life to caring for others, especially children. For 30 years, she ran a home daycare in North Haven, nurturing countless young lives. She later continued her passion as a teacher at Friends Center for Children in New Haven, where she worked for ten years before retiring last year to care for her uncle.

kindness, and selflessness, always placing the needs of others before her own.

Above all, Jan was a devoted and loving mother to her children, Cory Brulotte (Megan) and Abby Brulotte (Tyler Roethel). She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, Avery and Caden Brulotte, creating memories that will be forever held close.

Jan is also survived by her brother, Gary Ljostad; her sister, Lori Ljostad; her uncle, Alan Blake; her nieces, Winter Marshall and Kyli Jones (Ryan); and her great-niece and great-nephews, Jocelyn Camacho, AJ Jones, and Nate Jones. She is additionally survived by her stepfamily: Scott (Lauren) Childs, Gregory Childs, Danielle Childs, and their children.

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Jan found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including reading, traveling, and walking through her neighborhood with her cherished dogs, Libby and Alice. She was known for her compassion,

Scholarships for Connecticut Women

Visiting hours were held on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan’s memory to the Animal Haven of North Haven, CT.

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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.

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

GriefShare Meetings Start February

GriefShare is a weekly faith-based bereavement support group that offers help, encouragement, and support after the death of a spouse, child, other family member, or friend. Sponsored by Christ Chapel of Madison, this support group meets on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. The next session starts Sunday, Feb. 8, to provide support for the loss of a spouse. The regular GriefShare cycle will start Sunday, Feb. 15, and will run through early June. The weekly format includes supportive discussion about video content and a journaling workbook reinforcing each week’s topics. The workbook will be available to purchase at the meetings for a one-time fee of $20. The book for the loss of a spouse program is $12. All are welcome. The 13 sessions follow a logical progression from initial grief to the process of moving on and finding a “new normal.” If registered participants miss a session, they can view the video at griefshare.org. For more information or to register, call Sue Granniss at 860-9131654 or specify “Madison, CT” at griefshare.org/findagroup.

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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.

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

guild said, ‘Hey, let’s put these together.’”

creative people for one thing. But, of course, it is beautiful graphically.”

Juliana has contributed poems to The New York Times and her hometown paper The Kansas City Star. One poem was published in the Times’ Metropolitan Diary, and three were printed in the Star while Juliana was a member of the Kansas City Writers Group.

She is also the author of two novels“The Fork in the Road” and “Pacific Heights” - and the poetry collection “Portraits,” a chapbook about Juliana’s family, dedicated to her grandchildren. When it came to its publication, once again guild members expressed their support

“I was encouraged by the guild to create a chapbook, because I had read these poems and shared them with the guild over the years, and they said, ‘You got to put these together,’” she says. “I come from a very interesting family. That was part of it. But, over the years I had written a poem

Juliana is also the author of two murder mysteries that take place in Guilford titled “Murder at the Tavern” and “Murder at Pine Brooks.” She was inspired by a strange occurrence that happened one night involving a local man named Rufus Bishop.

“I was late for a PTO meeting at Cox [Elementary] School on a November night ,and Rufus appeared out of the darkness carrying a big walking stick and he greeted me and went on his way. I thought, ‘What in the world was Rufus doing out here at this time of night?’ And I further thought that would make a good start for the mystery: a member of a prominent family out late at night. That sat in the back of my brain for many years, and for some reason it came out about five years ago and I thought ‘I’m gonna start writing that.’”

She has already found success and a following with her mystery stories, having garnered the attention of local readers hungry for more murder mysteries.

said ‘When is the next one?’ And several people have said, ‘I’m interested in one particular character. I think you should follow him and write the next one about him.’”

Whether they are interested in poetry, murder mysteries, or stories about family, all those interested in writing are encouraged to swing by the Guilford Free Library on the open mic poetry nights. It could be an inspirational occasion for Guilford High School students, whose young writers Juliana is particularly fond of having supported up to today.

“I think probably the most important thing to me about the guild is our support of our young students,” she says. “We go to the high school every April during National Poetry Month, and we speak with the students, and we encourage them, and they submit to our contest. We have an annual contest, and they are just amazing.”

For more information on the Guilford Poets Guild and the upcoming reading by Patricia Cleary Miller, visit https://guilford

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

in the middle of fact-finding to evaluate those sites to specifically meet future town

Needs, as expressed by town staff and the public in conversations and surveys with Madison residents, include the growth of educational and recreational programs, greater community gathering space, and new town offices. The committee is cognizant of state-mandated goals, including State Statue 8-30g mandate for constructing affordable housing that

revolved around now-closed schools. The committee’s long-term goal incorporates projected growth of Madison’s student population over the next 20 years. Kadamus said restored educational facilities can “accommodate population growth so you can avoid building a school for several years,” until that expensive need may arise later.

“By anticipating these needs and thinking of creative ways of addressing them, we can avoid major capital investment for maybe a whole five to seven years,” he said.

Awaits You at Our Open House

Step inside and experience the energy of our community for yourself. Stroll through beautiful spaces, meet the people who make this place so special, and get a taste of the extraordinary lifestyle our residents enjoy every day. With exceptional amenities, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll see how life here truly lets you Elevate Your Everyday.

“We’re also trying to coordinate with the Affordable Housing [Committee], as well as looking at low-cost and workforce housing opportunities to help satisfy some of the demands for mid-range housing prices

The committee has identified four “high level planning districts,” said Kadamus “to coordinate our needs,” one of which

A concept for Jeffery Elementary School developed by Antinozzi Associates was presented at the selectmen’s meeting. It envisions a renovated 10,000-square-foot site to house offices for Madison Youth and Family Services and the Board of Education, as well as community and recreation spaces. Kadamus said this “creative and

See Selectmen page 11

LEGAL NOTICE

MADISON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Madison, CT

Notice is hereby given that the Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10, 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: 26-01. 117 Buffalo Bay; Map 12, Lot 40, Zone: R-3; Owner/Applicant: Helen S. Maher; Variance request to Section 2.17 to allow 30.1 ft setback to the critical coastal resource where 50ft is required. Application includes a Coastal Site Plan.

are

on the Town of

website, www.madisonct.org Written correspondence can be submitted to the Land Use Dept. via email to landuse@madisonct.org. Dial 203-245-5631 for assistance.

Dated this 20th Day of January, 2026 Maria Pettola, CZEO, Land Use Official

Precious Bubbles

Story by Carol Andrecs

Bubbles, a handsome 9-month-old gray tabby, was rescued on the property of a shoreline home with his two siblings. No mom was found and the kittens were scavenging for food until a caring person started to feed them, and a friend called Forgotten Felines to rescue the babies. Bubbles’ siblings were adopted together, and he is waiting anxiously for his turn. He is so sweet, playful, cuddly and snuggly, and would love a quiet home with another young cat. Can you give this precious kitten a loving home? Come meet Bubbles at our open house or apply to adopt him online at forgottenfelinesct.org.

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.

Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. For more information, contact 860-669-1347 or volunteerinfo@ forgottenfelinesct.org.

Photo by Genevieve Ray

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

Choral Scholarship Program for High School Students

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

Continued from page 8

quite thoughtful” concept was purposefully designed for “potential growth opportunity,” not just in building dimensions from 4,500 to 10,000 square feet.

For comparison, the proposed Academy School Community Center project was 7,500 square feet, according to Kadamus.

Plans for reuse of Ryerson Elementary School, which Kadamus said were “far more challenging,” call for demolition to some extent. While total demolition of the building has been expected among town leadership and the public, the Facilities Committee believes the eastern half of the building can be preserved for pre-kindergarten and afterschool programs and storage space. The preservation of the cafetorium space could provide a second space for activities hosted at the Madison Arts Barn.

Selectman Bruce Wilson expressed reservation with town money currently

After School Skills 'n' Chills

spent on site evaluations and analysis at Ryerson. Since its closure last year, the Board of Education has recognized the prohibitive cost of renovating the school given its challenging layout and lack of sufficient building systems. Wilson worried that the committee and selectmen have skipped the discussion phase “entirely” and are now “in the planning phase” for a concept that may ultimately be unfeasible and uncoordinated between the town and Madison Public Schools.

Wilson asked, “Has the administrationthe school district - tasked this committee…with figuring out its future needs for space or are they working on the exact same thing and coming back with their own data?”

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons responded, saying that the process on Ryerson began with the school district’s superintendent “about long-term needs” that an only partially demolished building may provide for the public.

Art and Soul Therapy presents After School Skills 'n' Chills on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Soul Voyage Trauma Center, 147 Durham Rd., Ste 13, Madison. The sessions are for creative, neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQ tweens and teens. The cost is $30 per session. For more information, contact 203-350-3717 or ArtandSoulCT@gmail.com.

“We thought it would be prudent, rather than rushing to spend $3 million to tear it down, if there was a useful purpose for part of the building,” she said. “This is not an endorsed plan…I wouldn’t rush to assume this is anything more than a conversation about potential ways we can use our buildings.”

The Facilities Committee has had their eyes on restoring Memorial Town Hall back to its original design as a performance space. The selectmen saw plans also from Antinozzi Associates for the construction of a 200-plus capacity theater and new community space.

Vacant and underdeveloped parcels in town are another major area for reuse as established by the committee. They found that Madison currently has over 161,000 square feet of vacant space, including 19% of buildings. These buildings and other underdeveloped lots can provide space for “many program needs,” according to Kadamus.

A Support Group of Hope

Ultimately, the development of the committee’s master plan will provide “at least a 10-year vision for the town,” said Kadamus. A slide presented by Kadamus read, “If this Master Plan’s general direction is approved, the Committee will collaborate closely with Town, School, and Community stakeholders to create conceptual designs and actions.”

The Board of Selectmen will have further discussions on the committee’s concepts and their feasibility. Lyons said this endeavor is currently “in the middle of the process,” with no serious considerations made for any standing facilities or empty parcels.

“I thought it would be helpful to have this conversation now to make sure that we’re on track with what the board is expecting, so we can make sure that we’re getting what we want out of this process when we finalize this in the coming months,” said Lyons.

The Family Hope & Cope Support Group meets at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Lane, on the first and third Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The group is for people interested in learning more about substance abuse disorders and their impact on families. The event is free. For more information, call 802-236-0145.

The Country School Invites the Community to 4th Annual Family STEAM Night Olympics Thursday, February 12 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Family STEAM Night OLYMPICS

Fun for all ages including:

• Bobsledding friction experiments testing different materials on ramps to determine the fastest “sled"

• Balloon curling activities exploring physics concepts as families guide balloons to targets

• A STEAM-themed Scholastic Discovery Fair at Elmore Library

• Dinner options from The Naples Pizza Truck, with to-go orders available or seating in the Dining Hall

• So much more! Scan

and

Hand Boys Ice Hockey Uses Cheshire Shutout as a Wake-Up Call

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Daniel Hand boys’ ice hockey team has had a rollercoaster season so far this year, stemming from some important season-ending injuries and, overall, some inconsistent play at times.

Last week, Hand dropped two games to drop their record to 4-8. The Hand Tigers fell to rival Guilford 5-2 on Wednesday, and then were shut out on Saturday in a frustrating 8-0 outing to Cheshire.

Hand coach Rich Minnix said there have been ups and downs all season, which started with their only goaltender breaking his wrist in the first game of the season. Since then, Hand replaced him with a defenseman in the net, and from the goalie play to their offensive production, everything has been a progression.

“That’s how it’s been the whole season,” Minnix said. “We’re looking for four more wins to qualify for the state tournament. We have some very winnable games coming up, and I think this loss [to Cheshire] has brought us back in to refocus.”

Minnix said the loss to Cheshire was a wake-up call. It’s the first time all season that Hand was unable to score a point, and it was the first time the team had given up

eight goals in a game.

“We had won a couple of big games lately, but this was definitely a wake-up call to a very good coached Cheshire team,”

he said

Prior to facing Cheshire and Guilford, Hand had defeated East Haven co-op and Cranston, coming into the week. The hope for the team was to string some wins together in order to make a late-season push into the postseason.

Minnix highlighted two players who have become big contributors in leading the team this season, and through this late-season push. The players are senior captain Alex Khacherian and senior defenseman Gavin Scarice.

Khacherian is the team’s leading scorer through the first half of the year.

“Those are the two guys who right the ship for us,” Minnix said.

With eight games left in the season, the Tigers will face Hamden, Fairfield, Masuk, JBWA, West Haven, Wethersfield, North Branford co-op, and North Haven.

In order for Hand to secure its spot in the postseason, they will have to focus on the defensive side of the ball. With the lack of experience in the net, the defensive side of the puck will be that much more impor-

tant as teams settle down to hope to extend their season.

“We weren’t very good on the defensive end today,” Minnix said. “With a goalie

that isn’t really a goalie, a guy who is filling in for us, we have to protect him on the back end, so I’d like to do a better job in the defensive zone.”

Recent Snow Storm Reflects Long Island Sound History

While rebounding from the most recent winter storm and entering a near-record-breaking deep freeze, ice fishers scattered throughout Connecticut to set up on its frozen lakes and ponds. As expected, ice fishing conditions through mid-February are on track to be better than in the past few years as temperatures continue to be favorable. That’s for the inland outlook.

However, when was the last time anyone attempted to sink a line through the ice in Long Island Sound? We know marine fish, such as striped bass and white perch, are caught during February, through the ice, in Connecticut tidal rivers and coves. Therefore, they most likely exercise their fins and tails when traveling from the Sound into the rivers. Right? Of course, the Sound can be unsafe for ice fish-

ers due to undulating tides that can create cracks and fissures.

But to be on the safe side, it is best to obtain permission to fish the marinas and coves that are tucked away and much safer.

Nevertheless, sometimes in the past when frost fish were running, along with cod and pollock, fishers either made the attempt or were successful ice fishing the ‘Big Hard Pond.’ After all, Long Island Sound does have a history of freezing over - and that includes the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven to Old Saybrook and beyond, including across to Long Island.

It froze solidly enough for travel or was covered in severe ice, most notably in 1857 and during the winter of 1917-1918.

The 1857 freeze (“glade of ice”), however, was considered historic and rare, allowing people to walk

completely across the Sound. Other, perhaps less extensive, severe freezes occurred in 1934 and 1976-1977. Nevertheless, it was the 1857 freeze that was known as the year when people walked between the Connecticut shore and Port Jefferson, NYprime fishing waters.

The ‘Great Freeze’, as it was known, was the 1917-1918 one, which caused significant issues for maritime travel with ice accumulation of 12-20 inches thick. Blocking ships and trapping submarines in massive ice cakes inside both New London and Groton harbors, the frozen Sound was broken apart by the United States Coast Guard (then Revenue Cutter Service) that employed vessels like the Ossipee and Apache, which had reinforced hulls for ice duties. The Ossipee was a 165 steel cutter

assigned to New England in 1915. The Apache (formerly Galveston) was a steel-hulled cutter often used in the Chesapeake and the Mid-Atlantic. Additionally, the years 1934-1936 and 1976-1977 were recorded as years with potentially dangerous icing, particularly in coastal areas like Branford, where ice was thick enough to support cars and fuel trucks.

While central Long Island Sound rarely freezes solid today, digging deep into historical records, one will find several years where significant ice formation or complete freezes occurred along the Connecticut shoreline from New Haven to Old Saybrook. Major deep freezes include1698 when one reached as far as Fisher’s Island. In 1780, reports indicate the Sound was “completely frozen over,” allowing

travelers to drive across the ice from Connecticut to Orient Point using a horse-drawn sleigh, carriage, or wagon in -20ºF temperatures.

And then there was 1875, when the Sound froze from Norwalk to Huntington Bay; 19761977 where the last 20th-century freeze packed ice for 2 months dragging buoys ashore and trapping oil tankers; 2004-2005 when local marine authorities considered the Sound “completely frozen” in some sections; and finally 2014-2015 and 2018 when recent bitter winters caused significant shoreline freezing and “historically frigid” temperatures in New Haven - though the entire Sound did not freeze solid. So while chilling out and reflecting on these earlier deep freezes, our

See page 14

Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Source

Ryan Wood (23) maneuvers by two defenders in the Daniel Hand High School boys ice hockey game vs. Cheshire on Jan. 31 at Lou Astorino Rink in Hamden.

Hand Inches Closer to Playoffs as they Sweep Season Series Against Rival Guilford

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Guilford Grizzlies and Hand Tigers boys basketball teams met Thursday for a rematch of an intense rivalry game from earlier in the month. While both teams competed to the end in a physical matchup, the results ended the same.

Hand swept Guilford in the regular season series by defeating Guilford 56-48. The game doubled as a much-needed victory for both teams as both programs are aiming to go on a late-season run to punch their ticket into the postseason.

Guilford coach Jeff DeMaio said the game was similar to the first time that the team met this season. He said the difference ended up being the play of Hand’s Jonas Markovitz. The senior captain scored all 10 points for the team in the third quarter, which allowed Hand to secure the victory.

“To some levels, the games were similar in the sense they were very physical and very closely contested, and it turned out the difference in the Hand game was their guy Markovich,” DeMaio said. “He had 18 points in the second half and finished with 23. Down the stretch, he proved to be the difference, and consequently, we ended up losing it.”

DeMaio added that despite the final scoreboard, the game was

mostly a one-possession game for most of the second half.

“It was typical of most of those games. Both of us are scrapping for wins. It was certainly one that both teams needed, and unfortunately, they made a couple more plays down the stretch,” he said. “They were able to get us again. It hurt because it was our home game and we were hoping to get some revenge after the close one the first time around, but we just fell a little bit short.

With four games left in the season for Guilford, the team will have to eke out three more wins to qualify for the state tournament. The Grizzlies will face West Haven, North Haven, Shelton, and Amity down the stretch for a chance to punch their ticket.

DeMaio said the message for the team hasn’t changed despite the increased pressure to win games to extend their season. He said it’s a one-game-at-a-time mindset and they won’t look too far ahead.

For Hand, the team only needs one additional game to secure its spot in the postseason, as it currently sits at 7-7 after wins over Guilford and Lyman Hall last week. The Tigers’ remaining schedule is Notre Dame-West Haven, North Haven, Hamden, Hillhouse, West Haven, and Morgan.

“We have a really tough schedule down the stretch here,” Hand coach Jimmy Economopoulos

said. “ We just have to come out and compete, and we have to find a way to win the eighth game just to make sure that we can get into the postseason and then kind of figure things out from there.”

Economopoulos added that it

would mean a lot to the team, especially the seniors, if they are able to extend the season into the playoffs.

“We have a really good group of seniors on this team, and I know that that’s something that they’re

really trying to accomplish,” he said. “Getting that eighth win with this tough schedule that we’ve had this year would mean a lot.”

Photo by Serenity J. Bishop

Hand boys basketball defeats Guilford for the second time this season.

Madison Hoop Dreams to Hold Camp Over February Break

Madison Hoop Dreams has arranged for the use of the Robert H. Brown School, located at 890 Durham Road in Madison, for their co-ed February vacation camps on Feb. 1617.

The goal of the organization is to help each camper improve their basketball skills and deepen their enjoyment of the game. Madison Hoops Dreams also recognizes the importance of providing parents with a structured, well•supervised, and fun environment that promotes good sportsmanship and positive social interaction. The camp is open to players in grades 3–8, and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited to 60 campers, and the camp typically draws participants from more than 15 towns in the surrounding area. Each day begins with an hour of skill development, followed by competitive basketball games for the remainder of the day. During games, coaches provide instruction to help each player improve their understanding of the game. This is an excellent opportunity for all players to sharpen their skills.

Early registration is encouraged.

The cost is $60 per day for each six•hour camp. To encourage teammates to attend together, the organization offers the following team discounts: Three to four teammates pay $55 per player per day, or five or more teammates pay $50 per player per day.

They are also offering a family discount for households attending a total of four days of camp. Two siblings attending two days pay $55 per player per day. Three or more siblings attending two days pay $50 per player per day.

To register, parents can text coach Bill Barker at (203) 494•6905 with the names of the teammates attending. Madison Hoop Dreams will place teammates on the same team whenever possible, though trades may be needed to balance competition.

Please select whichever discount—team or family—provides the greatest benefit. Financial assistance is available upon request. For more information and to register, visit www.madisonhoopdreams.com.

Any additional questions or need financial assistance, please call or text coach Barker or email at wab6933@gmail. com.Hoop Dreams.

Hand Fencing Defeats Rival Guilford for the Men, But Falls to Grizzlies in the Women’s Bracket

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The Daniel Hand High School fencing teams continued a strong January schedule with league action against Guilford and Cheshire Academy, along with several athletes competing at the State Novice Tournament.

The Hand men’s team improved to 9–0 overall, while the women now stand at 6–3.

At the State Novice Tournament on January 31, freshman Ellie Haggan placed third overall in women’s foil. Haggan fenced consistently throughout the day, earning her way onto the podium in a competitive novice field.

Earlier in the week, Hand traveled to Guilford for a tightly contested meet. The women’s team entered the match down one sabre fencer, resulting in three forfeited sabre bouts. Despite the disadvantage, senior captain Kasey Chen and junior Neveah Hastings kept the weapon close, pushing Guilford to the final bout before a 5–4 loss.

On the men’s side at Guilford, Hand picked up key wins in foil (5–4) and sabre (6–3). In sabre, Junior Owen Swift, senior Josh Lee, junior Eli Boyer, and Senior Captain Adam

Recent Snow Storm Reflects Long Island Sound History

Continued from page 12

last winter storm does not seem that bad after all, does it?

On The Water:

Two days of bone-chilling temperatures and high snow totals were the partial results of the recent ‘massive winter event’ that battered the shoreline. Back-toback single-digit temps, sub-zero wind chill, and 16.1” of snow were conditions not felt in recent years. A series of cold fronts pushed through the waters, and a strong area of low pressure then moved up into the eastern portions of the waters. Long Island Sound water temps dropped to 30ºF, small craft advisories warning mariners of 45 knot winds were common as angry seas to 6 feet blew freezing spray through poor visibility. Let’s see what Mr. Groundhog, the Great prognosti-

cator, says. Does he see his shadow and predict 6 more weeks of winter or not?

Even under the unfulfilling threat of another coastal winter storm and the Full Snow Moon, persistent cold weather this week should produce good ice fishing conditions - providing the wind behaves itself. Relentless freezing temperatures definitely built up the ice thickness throughout the state. Still, south of I-95 can be iffy even in these below-average temps. Most of the state - especially north of the ‘Demolition Turnpike’ - heading north to midstate and toward the Massachusetts border, where doubledigit snow topped the ice like a snow cone, incidental issues could crop up.

Uncleared parking lots and pathways could make pulling a sled full of gear through 15” of snow problematic. Without recent noticeable activity on the hard

water, ‘safe’ solid ice could be difficult to determine. Windy conditions will only complicate matters, as will false flags and freezing ice lines. However, hitting the well-stocked lakes and ponds has produced some decent trout catches. Black crappie, yellow perch, and bluegills (some largemouth bass) have been more than cooperative, along with chain pickerel. Ice fishing beneath hard water that has had some penetrating warmth and overcame the shock of sudden freezing is the best bet. Grabbing a pair of ice awls and testing ice thickness with a ‘spud’ - working from shore outward - is highly recommended before blindly stepping out. Until the weather eased, winter stocking did get interrupted when heavy snow, interspersed with ice, clogged the program. Scheduled ice derbies also had to be postponed or cancelled. However, a mix of trout species from

Stotz contributed victories, while senior captain Gedeon LaRiviere, senior David Bixon, sophomore Erick Picon, and senior Declan Mahoney anchored foil. Guilford took the épée bout, despite solid fencing from senior captain Robbie Ginsburg, junior Jack Johnson, and junior James Boyd, giving the men a narrow 14–13 match win.

Hand followed with a strong performance against Cheshire Academy.

The men’s team earned a 17–10 victory, led by an 8–1 sabre win from Swift, Lee, and Stotz. LaRiviere, Bixon, Picon, and Mahoney secured a 6–3 win in foil, while the épée squad of Ginsburg, Johnson, and Boyd battled through a close bout against Cheshire’s lineup.

The women swept Cheshire Academy, winning foil (9–0), sabre (7–2), and épée (8–1). In épée, senior captain Amber Kittel, junior Emily Mathews, and freshman Tess Brandoff controlled the strip, combining for eight bout wins. Chen, Hastings, and sophomore Josephine Blankenship led the sabre effort, while the foil squad delivered steady contributions throughout the lineup.

the Burlington hatchery, including colorful, broodstock Seeforellen brown trout from Kensington hatchery, is about to be or already has been stocked throughout the state. There will be plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers getting out in February since upwards of 50,000 trout have been projected to be stocked. Ready for the spotlight? Email us your fishing photos to share with our shoreline and worldwide community. Through our comprehensive involvement, we live

and breathe inland and marine fishing, delivering weekly columns that don’t try to ‘create’ the fisherman, but instead strive to inform and empower the one you already are. Tight Lines, Captain Morgan captainmorganusa@ hotmail.com captainmorganfish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa

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Fun By The Numbers

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

Here’s How It Works:

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

Celebrating the Creative Spirit of LAA Artists An Exhibition in Five Acts:

The Lyme Art Association (LAA) welcomes the public to its sky-lit galleries this spring for , a show displaying the diversity of artistic styles of its talented membership.

Each juried show in looks at the world through a different lens: , , , , and celebrates the ever-changing landscapes that surround people. Artists’ pieces express humanity’s connection to place, and explore how land shapes identity, memory, and belonging.

The animal world has long inspired creativity, symbolism, and storytelling. In , artists explore people’s relationship with animals as companions, muses, and metaphors by creating artwork that captures the beauty, spirit, and complexity of the animals that share the world inhabited by humans.

The still life tradition has endured for centuries, offering artists a way to find meaning in the quiet arrangement and beauty of everyday objects. In , artists reimagine this timeless genre through classical interpretation, contemporary experimentation, or symbolic storytelling.

Abstraction opens a space for artists to move beyond representation by exploring form, color, line, and gesture as expressions in themselves. From pure non-objectivity to works that balance between the recognizable and the abstract, artworks in push boundaries, distill ideas, and experiment with visual language while celebrating the power of art to evoke emotion, energy, and imagination.

In , artists explore portraiture and figurative work in all its forms from realistic depictions to expressive interpretations. This exhibition examines how artists—through emotion, gesture, and presence—capture humanity, identity, and the stories written on the body and face.

is on view from Friday, Feb. 27, through Friday, April 10. The opening reception takes place Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m.

About the Lyme Art Association

Founded in 1914 by the American Impressionists, the Lyme Art Association continues the tradition of exhibiting and selling representational artwork as well as

offering art instruction and public programs for the community. The LAA is located at 90 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, in an iconic 1921 building designed by renowned architect Charles Adams Platt and listed on the National Register of His-

toric Places. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, visit www.lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802.

Press Release from the Lyme Art Association

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association , pastel, by Elaine Juska Joseph Plowman

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association , bronze, by Josie Campbell Dellenbaugh Summer Dog , oil and cold wax, by Ed Arribas Autumn Reflections

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association

Photo courtesy of the Lyme Art Association , oil, by Jennifer Rand The Great Pumpkin , acrylic, by Andy M. Sachs Future Teachers

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Mental Health Break

: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Branford Green. Features the East Shore Health District (ESHD) mobile public health clinic van which will be on-site and ESHD staff who will be available to discuss physical and mental well-being, self-care strategies, and more. Includes free hot cocoa, resources, and community referrals. For info, call ESHD at 203-481-4233 or visit esdhd.org.

Art with Kristin: Van Gogh Watercolors

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 5 to 8. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Pizza: A Love Story Screening and Exhibit Tour

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

Pizza: A Love Story

5:30 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Includes a tour of the exhibit with co-curator Jason Bischoff-Wurstle, followed by a 6 p.m. screening of and a Q&A with filmmaker Gorman Bechard and co-producers Dean Falcone and Colin M. Caplan. Free with museum admission. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Slime Lab

: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 6 to 12. Participants will learn about states of matter and will complete a slime

Calendar for the Week of February 5, 2026

lab. For info or to register (required), call 203-484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.

: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 180 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel

: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.

See page 21

Two Connecticut Theaters Start 2026 With New Space, New Leadership; Marks 10th Year Anastasia

By Karen Isaacs

Columnist

Daily Routines

: TheaterWorks Hartford’s next offering, , explores how our daily routines can lead to friendships and the sharing of secrets. The show—which is billed as “funning, surprising, and moving”—is set in a diner in upstate New York. The show runs Wednesday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, March 15. Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero directs the three-person cast. Tickets are available at TWHartford.org

Aisle

The Counter director, and chair of the University of Cincinnati’s Musical Theatre program.

Playing Willie Loman

Braving the Cold

: State-elected officials, as well as Ivoryton Playhouse staff and supporters, braved the cold on Thursday, Jan. 15, for an official ground-breaking ceremony for the new Sally & George Mayer Rehearsal Studio. The building will also serve as storage. The event marked the kick-off of a $1.5 million capital campaign to support the facility and to fund upgrades to the historic theater building.

New Leadership

: As Legacy Theatre in Branford begins its sixth year, it will do so under new artistic leadership. Keely Baisden Knudsen, co-founder and executive artistic director of the theater, is stepping down. Eric Santagata has been named the new artistic director. Santagata has an impressive resume as an actor,

: Peter Jacobson will star as Willie Loman in Hartford Stage’s production of the Arthur Miller classic, . Jacobson, who has extensive stage credits, is best known for his role as Dr. Christopher Taub on the TV series . The show runs Friday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 29. is considered a classic of American theater. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.

Death of a Salesman House

Death of a Salesman

News from the Terris

: Goodspeed has announced that its Terris Theatre in Chester will be dark for 2026. The theater said that despite successful runs of two new musicals in 2025, the management team needs to consider how the theater will operate given the new realities of costs and audience preferences. The Terris specializes in minimally staged productions of

new musicals. Recently, the revue , which debuted at the Terris last spring, announced it will open off-Broadway on Friday, Feb. 27. It also had a performance at 54 Below.

Celebrating an Anniversary

: Hartford Stage is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the world premiere of the musical with a fundraising event featuring Christy Altomare, who originated the title role, and director Darko Tresnjak (former artistic director of the theater). Additional special guests will be announced. The show began its journey at Hartford Stage, then had a successful run on Broadway, and later, productions around the world. The event on Tuesday, March 10, features performances from the show and behind-the-scenes stories. A champagne-and-dessert reception follows the event. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org.

Sharon Playhouse

Prestigious Award

out more at SharonPlayhouse.org. : Guildford’s own, Will Aronson and Hue Park, who won Tonys for their musical , have received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. The award is given to “promising composers of musical theatre who have made a significant contribution to American music culture.” Prior recipients include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul.

NYC Notes Maybe Happy Ending Kitchen

: A sign that spring will come is the 2026 season announcement from Sharon Playhouse. The season opens with from June 19 to July 5, followed by from July 25 to Aug. 9, and ending with from Sept. 11 to Sept. 27. In addition, there are Youth Stage presentations and one-night events. You can find

Swingtime Canteen 42nd Street Come from Away

: Alicia Keys’ musical, , will close on Feb. 22. The show opened in 2024; when it closes, it will have played nearly 800 performances. The revival of has extended its run to June 3, which may improve its chances for Tony Award victories as more voters will have a chance to see the show. Multiple Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan will take over for Tony winner Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin in

Chess Just in Time

To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women and the American Theatre Critics Association. Hell’s Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.

National Theatre Live in HD Encore:

Hamlet

Working 9 to 5: New Haven Museum Recalls a Movement

Fifty years ago, Ellen Cassedy co-founded and led the 9 to 5 movement of working women that began in Boston. On Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m., Cassedy will be at the New Haven Museum (NHM) for a screening of the documentary film, by the Academy Award-winning team Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, in which she appears. Attendance is free with paid museum admission.

9to5: The Story of a Movement

Working 9 to 5: A Women’s Movement, A Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie

Cassedy is the author of (foreword by Jane Fonda) and several other books. The film tells the story of how women workers began in a circle talking about their jobs and went on to build a nationwide movement that won rights and respect for millions of women workers—and inspired a hit movie and an enduring song along the way. After the film, audience members will be invited to share their thoughts and questions about women and work.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven (JHSGNH), the screening is part of the 2026 Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Film Series which was designed to examine the issues faced by women as clerical work-

Continued from page 20

ers, factory workers, and teachers. The series previews the fourth annual Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program at NHM on Sunday, March 1, which will focus on Jewish women involved in organizing unions for social workers, New Haven Public School teachers, and Yale University clerical and technical workers in the 20th century.

Cassedy became interested in women’s rights as an office worker in the early 1970s.

“Office workers were influenced by the civil rights and women’s movements and eager to win our rights,” she says. “We won a lot, but there’s a long way to go. Today’s working people struggle to make ends meet and care for their families.”

She adds that she hopes to inspire others to speak up.

For more information or to register for the event, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel

: 7 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.

Shoreline Sailing Club Event

: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and over. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time guests, $10 for others. BYOB. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.

Rethinking Conservation “Success”: Mitigating the Climate Crisis While Benefiting Biodiversity and People

: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Emily Feng, a graduate student in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for non-

About the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven began in the attic and basement of Harvey N. Ladin’s Central Avenue home. After years of collecting pictures and memorabilia about Jewish life in New Haven, Ladin helped to organize and found the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven in 1976. He became its first president. Since its origin, the society has been collecting and cataloging the Greater New

Haven Jewish community’s eventful past, publicizing its history, and preserving its heritage for future generations. The JHSGNH is located in the Ethnic Heritage Center, on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University, 270 Fitch Street, New Haven. For more information, call 203-392-6125 or visit jewishhistorynh.org.

About the New Haven Museum

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven

members. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

Shoreline Village Walking Group

: 1 to 2 p.m. Foote Memorial Park, 19 Melrose Ave., Branford. Meet at the parking lot. Features a walk on a flat, paved trail. Dress according to the weather and wear good sturdy shoes. Inclement weather cancels. Sponsored by Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact SVCT at 203-747-5939 or sylvia@shorelinevillagect.org, or visit shorelinevillagect.org.

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 traditional and original Irish, Scottish and American fiddle tunes by Paddy Whack, and anecdotal tales about the paintings at Leif Nilsson Spring Street

Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and outreach. As a designated Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org or Facebook.com/ NewHavenMuseum.

Studio and Gallery, 1 Spring St. For info, visit nilssonstudio.com.

Winter Jams for Camp Fundraiser Concert

: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Features performances by Someone You Can XRay, Shorebreak, and The Gleeful Conspiracy. Suggested donation: $10 individual, $20 family. Proceeds benefit the Chester Park & Rec summer camp funds. For info, visit facebook.com/chesterct.

Winter Concert by Guilford High School (GHS) Music Department

: 7 p.m. Guilford High School Performing Arts Center, 605 New England Rd. Features the GHS music department including voices, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, and the A.W. Cox Howlers. Includes a silent auction of art-related items. No tickets needed; goodwill donations appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Guilford Meals on Wheels. For info, call Christi Burton at 203-453-8359.

Press Release from the New Haven Museum

Photo by Brad Fowler

Ellen Cassedy

Photo by Steve Cagan

Women workers demonstrate for their rights.

Photo courtesy of Karen Nussbaum

Karen Nussbaum , co-founder of 9to5, marches for equal pay for women.

Guilford Art Center Opens Summer Youth Program Registration Early

Guilford Art Center (GAC) has opened registration for its summer youth program early this year to allow families more time to plan for their children this summer.

Designed for ages 5 to 12, GAC’s art camp program offers art classes in painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, sewing, and more. All classes are taught by experienced, professional teaching artists in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The program will run in weekly half-day or full-day sessions from Monday, June 22, through Friday, Aug. 21.

“We know families are juggling a lot when it comes to summer planning,” said GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden. “By opening summer youth program registration earlier this year, we wanted to give parents more time to review our offerings, consider what’s the best fit for their child, and feel confident getting their summer camp plans in place—rather than waiting until later in the spring. With a wide range of art experiences and

Continued from page 21

many new instructors this year, there’s something to spark every child’s creativity.”

To make the program more accessible for working parents and caregivers, Guilford Art Center offers Bridge Care—supervised care between the morning and after session, creating a more flexible full-day option. Whether your child is enrolled in a morning or afternoon camp, Bridge Care ensures they’re cared for in a safe, welcoming space with creative mate-

Concert by Laurel Canyon Band (Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

Take Your Child to the Library Day

: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Includes a bunny scavenger hunt (no registration required) and story time with craft featuring Snow by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace and Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., registration required). For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features all-day drop-in crafts and a performance by Mystic Paper Beasts Theater at 2 p.m. No registration required. For info, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a Pokémon party, crafts, snacks,

rials and gentle guidance.

Financial aid is available and open to everyone.

“We never want cost to be a barrier,” says Belden. “Thanks to generous supporters and community partners, we’re able to offer tuition assistance for families who need it. It’s part of our mission to make the arts truly accessible to all.”

The financial aid application process is simple and confidential, and families are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited.

Class registration remains open through summer.

For more information or to enroll or apply for financial aid, call 203-453-5947 or visit www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Program Highlights

Weekly camps from June 22 trough Aug. 21

Options in drawing, ceramics, comics, metals, sewing, painting, stained glass, mixed media, beading, and more Sessions grouped by age for

games, and a terrarium gym project. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. No registration. While supplies last. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

appropriate skill-building Small class sizes for personal attention

Guilford Art Center is a nonprofit organization that serves the shoreline community and beyond with classes, exhibitions, and events that foster a love and understanding of the visual arts. Through its programs, GAC nurtures individual creativity and promotes the cultural vitality of the region.

Parent/Child Together: Valentine's Day Love Box Workshop

Winter, Hello Spring

: 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: by Kenard Pak. 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.

Chocolate

Goodbye

: Noon to 2 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $25 is payable with the tuition. Tuition and material fee are per person. Reduced tuition rates on youth classes requires family level membership. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-4535947.

Curator Tour

Invitation to Engage: 60 Years of Long Wharf Theatre & Beyond

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Includes a café with lunch and chocolate desserts, a bake sale, cookie walk, music, silent auction, gift basket raffle, and kindness open-mic. Proceeds benefit the church’s weekly community breakfast. Part of Madison Kindness Week. For info, email kevinhkane@yahoo.com.(

Valentine Bouquets for Teens and Adults with Special Needs

: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 16 and older. Participants will create a Valentine bouquet using provided supplies. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

: 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, . For info, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement

: 2 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features the screening of followed by discussion with Ellen Cassedy, co-founder of the 9 to 5 movement. Presented with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven. Free with museum admission. For info or to register, contact 203-562-4183, ext. 120 or matockarshewsky@newhavenmuseum.org, or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

See page 23

About Guilford Art Center

Press Release from the Guilford Art Center

Photo courtesy of the Guilford Art Center

River Tales

Madison

Festival

the Kindness Café

Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us

In an enlightening presentation about the contributions of Black innovators who helped shape history, Ainissa Ramirez will share inventions that were created by Black inventors—from the light bulb to the mailbox to the ice cream scoop—during her presentation, “Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us.”

The event, which takes place at the New Haven Museum at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, is part of the NH250 series to complement America’s semiquincentennial celebration. The presentation is free with regular museum admission and will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. From Jim West’s microphone to mathematician Gladys West’s pioneering work in creating GPS, Ramirez will feature the life and work of Black innovators who made things we use every day. She will also share the work and life of New Haven’s own Sarah Boone (1832-1904), who was awarded one of the first U.S. patents given to an African American woman for her improvements to the ironing board. Her invention made it possible to iron corsets and other tight-fitting clothing that were in fashion at the time. Boone worked as a

dressmaker and lived at 30 Winter Street in New Haven and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Ainissa Ramirez is a scientist and writer from New Haven interested in uncovering the little-known innovators who contributed to the everyday lives of people. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her doctorate from Stanford, both in materials science and engineering. She began her career as a scientist at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, and later joined the faculty at Yale University. She wrote the awardwinning book, , as well as the children’s book,

The Alchemy of Us Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone

This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250.” Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.

Continued from page 22

Valentine Card Party for Kids

: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Cost: $20.25 for members, $22.50 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $15 is payable with the tuition. Reduced tuition rates on youth classes requires family level membership. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947.

A Tribute to U2

: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by The Joshua Tree. Tickets: $74 per person, includes a buffet dinner. Guests purchasing less than 10 tickets will be seated at tables with other guests. For info or reservations, call 860399-5901 or visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.

The Beatitudes as Interpreted by St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Pier Giorgio

: 7 p.m. Saint Catherine Center, Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, 11 Race Hill Rd., North Guilford. Part of the "Evening with a Friar" series. Presented by Fr. John Mark Solitario. Hosted by the Aquinas Guild. To enroll in the guild, visit dominicannuns.org/aquinas-guild. For info or to register for the event, visit dominicannuns.org/posts.

: 7 to

9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Tickets: $10. Service fees apply. Refreshments are available for purchase. For info or tickets, visit musicnowfoundation.org/events.

: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Inaugural Soup-er Bowl Chili

: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Guilford Art Center (GAC), 411 Church St. Pickup of preordered food and bowls only. The event is an extension of GAC's Soup for Good event and features a choice of a handmade bowl made by GAC pottery instructors and students, a serving of homemade chili (meat or vegetarian), a bag of Fritos for topping, and a can of beer or seltzer. Tickets: $40. Proceeds benefit GAC arts education and outreach programs and the Guilford Food Bank. For info, visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Tote Bag Decorating Workshop

: 2 to

3 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. All supplies provided. Limited spots. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

: 2 to

MONDAY, FEB. 9

Pottery Painting with Fired Up!

4 p.m. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Rd., Madison. First in a three-part series called "To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor,” featuring panel discussions surrounding nine faith traditions. Co-hosted by Mercy by the Sea and the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). Free admission. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-0401, ext. 114, or visit mercybythesea.com. : 6 to

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

Little Makers: Groundhog Day Craft

8 p.m. Fired Up Studio, 1060 Main St., Branford. Cost: $39. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org. : 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. For ages 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 203484-0469 or visit nbranfordlibraries.org.

Pruning Woody Plants in the Landscape

: Noon to 2 p.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Hosted by Leete’s Island Garden Club. Felicia Millett, licensed arborist and CAES plant diagnostician, presents on pruning objectives, techniques, tools, and timing. Free. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 203-453-0780 or email kayclaiborn@comcast.net.

Safe at Home

: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Old Saybrook Middle School, 60 Sheffield St. Presented by Heather McNeil and Jessica Wood of the OSYFS. For grades 4 through 6. Students receive safety training that will help them be prepared to stay at home alone, with parent permission/knowledge. Only a student’s parents can make the decision that their youth is ready to stay at home alone based on age, maturity, skills, experience, and confidence level. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.

See page 26

About Ainissa Ramirez

About NH250

Photo by Duncan Davidson

Ainissa Ramirez

Frassati

Sweet Saturday Nights: Brian May

Concert by Bobby Rush

Horoscopes Crossword

For the week of February 5 - February 11

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

A spark of excitement brightens your week, Aries. You may rediscover enthusiasm for a goal you set aside. Take one confident step and watch momentum gather.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

This week brings steady comfort and satisfying progress, Taurus. Something you’ve been nurturing starts to show real signs of growth. You’re building something meaningful.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Your mind is in full brilliance mode, Gemini. New insights, clever connections and energizing conversations fill your days. A fun invitation or unexpected message may lift your spirits.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

Your emotional intuition is your superpower this week, Cancer. You may find a simple solution to a situation that once felt complex. Supportive people drift into your orbit.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, your confidence is glowing, and others notice. This week favors bold creativity and joyful self-expression. A moment of recognition or praise may remind you of your natural leadership.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Organization comes naturally, and your clarity is on point, Virgo. You’ll wrap up tasks with surprising ease. A shift in priorities may free up space for something you genuinely enjoy.

FEBRUARY 5

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Balance returns in a way that feels refreshing, Libra. Your relationships flow smoothly, and you’ll find harmony even in busy moments. An inspiring experience may uplift you.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Determination meets opportunity this week, Scorpio. You’re sharper, more focused and ready to move forward with confidence.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Optimism fuels everything you touch, Sagittarius. You may stumble upon a new interest, adventure or opportunity that fills you with excitement.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Your efforts align perfectly with your goals, Capricorn This week rewards patience and consistency. You may receive encouragement from someone who truly understands you.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Innovation thrives in your world right now, Aquarius. You’ll devise unique solutions, unexpected shortcuts or refreshing ideas with ease. Stay open to teamwork.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

A creative wave washes over you, Pisces. Inspiration feels effortless, and small moments carry extra meaning. A heartwarming interaction or sweet surprise brightens your week.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

Cristiano Ronaldo, Athlete (41)

FEBRUARY 6

Charlie Heaton, Actor (32)

FEBRUARY 7

Brooks Nader, Model (29)

FEBRUARY 8

Seth Green, Actor (52)

FEBRUARY 9

Tom Hiddleston, Actor (45)

FEBRUARY 10

Elizabeth Banks, Actress (52)

FEBRUARY 11

Khalid, Singer (28)

CLUES ACROSS

1. Native American group of N. California

5. Geological times (Brit. sp.)

10. Tool to remove

12. Rods

14. One who renews

16. They precede C 18. Chatter incessantly

19. __ King Cole, musician

20. Insect parts

22. One from Utah

23. The world of the dead

25. Singer Redding

26. NBA legend Nelson

27. Indicates wrongly

28. Unhappy

30. Anger

31. Dark brown

33. Some are in kitchens

35. Made a mistake

37. Damp

38. Type of fuel

40. Actor Damon

41. What thespians do

42. One’s mother

44. Disallow

45. Swiss river

48. A banana has one

50. Philippines lake and volcano are two

52. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

53. Agave

55. Journalist Tarbell

56. One-time tech giant

57. Indicates upon

58. Intestinal bacteria

63. Loose sheaths around the spinal cord

65. It goes with nook

66. A fashion

67. Very eager to hear or see

CLUES DOWN

1. Witch

2. Utilize

3. Writing utensil

4. Where rockers go to work

5. Subsides

6. Consume

7. Greek mythological figures

8. California mountain town

9. Tin

10. Muse of lyric and love poetry

11. Animates anew

13. Humorous criticisms

15. Cool!

17. Worst

18. Wet dirt

21. Designed to be useful

23. Hebrew unit of liquid capacity

24. High schoolers’ test

27. Computer device

29. Indian territory __ and Diu

32. A place to sleep

34. AI tool

35. Pass or go by

36. Indicates a purchase

39. A digital tape recording of sound

40. More (Spanish)

43. Disfigured

44. White (Spanish)

46. Church building

47. Georgia rockers

49. Type of surgery

51. Much __ about nothing

54. Make by braiding

59. Local area network

60. Unit of work or energy

61. Member of indigenous people of Thailand

62. Liquefied natural gas

64. Distance to top

Word Search

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

VALENTINE’S WORD SEARCH

ADMIRER ADORATION AFFECTION BOUQUET CANDLELIGHT CARD CHERISH CHOCOLATE CUPID DEVOTION EMBRACE FLIRT HEART KEEPSAKE LETTERS LOVE PASSION PROPOSAL ROMANCE ROSES SENTIMENT SOULMATE SWEETHEART VELVET

Word Scramble

Word Scramble solution for January 29, 2026: SHOOT

Word Search solution for January 29, 2026

Make a Heart-Felt Gift with Mrs. Fig Art with Kristin: Flamingo Canvas

3 to 4 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-age students. Participants will craft a Valentine-themed gift. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. :

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by local artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. For children ages 8 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features bedtime stories by Jan Brett read by Mrs. Fig, with puppets and sound effects. Familyfriendly. For info or to register, call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in and

6:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features video clips and discussion with performer and storyteller Michael Langlois on how the two musicals portray the nation’s founding from different perspectives. Free. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Witness the Wild: Where Eagles Fly

Press Release from The Audubon Shop

Winter’s cold brings dozens of bald eagles down the Connecticut River from Canada in search of ice-free fishing.

Last year, over 50 eagles wintered on the lower Connecticut River. Its 6- to 8-foot wingspan makes the bald eagle the largest predator in North America. The comeback of the bald eagle is an ecological success story.

The Audubon Shop will help participants spot eagles from a variety of locations on this land-based trip along the shore of the river and will discuss the bird’s natural history. A variety of wintering birds will be seen. Binoculars are recommended and available to rent.

Tickets cost $33, which includes a soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant in Old Saybrook.

Fuel Your Body: Master Meal Planning for Inflammation Relief Guilford Job Network Meet

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11 : 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Live Theater:

: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Presented by Grove School Children's Theater Troupe. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Connecticut and the Road to Victory at Yorktown

: 3 to 4 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Killingworth resident Kelvin Cole presents a talk and slideshow on Connecticut’s role in the Revolutionary War. For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Madison Kindness Week: Card Angels Pop-up Meeting

: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by the Card Angels, a group of volunteers who make homemade cards with happy messages to send to those in a rehabilitation facility or cancer treatment center. All materials provided. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.

On Saturdays, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, The Audubon Shop in Madison will present its 37th annual eagle watches on the Connecticut River. Leader Jerry Connolly of

Preregistration and prepayment are required. To register, call 203-245-9056.

For more information, visit the audubonshop.com/events.

Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $30. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.

: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Lindsey Stewart

Book:

: 2 p.m. Online event.

The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic

Drive-In Movie Night

. Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries. : 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Children decorate cardboard cars and watch a short film. Smartfood popcorn provided. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Guilford Poets Guild: Patricia Cleary Miller

Starting a Swan Dive Can You Smell the Rain? Warmer Than Yesterday.

: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features an open mic followed by a reading from Patricia Cleary Miller, author of , , and Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Bird Migration in Offshore Wind Energy Areas: Informing Collision Risk and Mitigation

: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Shannon Curley, a migration ecologist studying offshore bird movements using weather surveillance radar to help inform wind energy development. Part of the 2026 Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series. Hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Cost: $9 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society conservation programs. For info or to register, visit ctaudubon.org/2026.

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

Photo by Matthew Male

Pajama Story Time

1776 Hamilton

The Day the Crayons Quit :

Simplifying Your Life: How to “Retire” Your 1031 Exchange and Avoid Capital Gains Tax

Dear Neighbor,

As life evolves, many of us start looking for ways to simplify—maybe by downsizing, reducing maintenance, or stepping back from managing investment properties. For some, that means selling investment real estate they’ve owned for years. But the thought of paying a large capital gains tax can make that decision feel overwhelming.

Recently, a number of my clients who own 1031-eligible investment properties have expressed exactly this concern. They no longer want the responsibility of being landlords, yet they also don’t want to lose a significant portion of their profits to taxes. Fortunately, there is an option that allows you to “retire” your 1031 exchange without buying new real estate or managing tenants—while avoiding capital gains taxes.

Here’s a simplified look at how it works:

A Modern Approach to the Traditional 1031 Exchange

1. Sell your property through a Qualified Intermediary (QI).

The QI handles the sale and holds the proceeds, as required by 1031 rules.

2. Instead of purchasing another property, your funds can be redirected into a DST (Delaware Statutory Trust).

A DST is a passive, professionally managed real estate investment approved by the IRS in 2004 for 1031 Exchanges.

• No landlord responsibilities

• Monthly income distributions

• Tax-deferred growth

This gives you the ability to step away from hands-on ownership while keeping your tax benefits intact.

3. After two years, your DST investment may be eligible to convert into a REIT through a 721 Exchange.

This makes your investment even more passive and diversified, with the potential for steady income distributions.

4. From an estate planning perspective, your heirs will also receive a “stepped-up” cost basis along with immediate liquidity options for each beneficiary.

This will eliminate capital gains taxes for the next generation.

Why Clients Love This Strategy

• No more property management

• Ongoing income potential

• Tax deferral on the sale of appreciated real estate

• Elimination of Capital gains tax.

• A smoother, simpler financial transition into the next phase of life

Learn More

For many property owners, the real challenge isn’t the transaction itself—it’s the uncertainty, the risk, and the fear of making a costly decision. My role as your neighbor and realtor is to help you de-risk the process so you can preserve the value you’ve worked a lifetime to build. That’s why I’ve partnered with Guilford’s own Eric Lawton, Principal at Impact Financial Wealth Management, to offer a clear, intentional, and turnkey pathway forward. Think of it as a value-preserving next step.

We will be hosting an informational event soon to help explain the 1031/DST/721 pathway in more detail. If you would like to attend, or simply want your name added to the interest list, please reach out.

As always, I’m here to help guide you through real estate decisions that support your goals and simplify your life.

Warm regards, John Campbell

203.415.5439

john.campbell@compass.com 724

Eric Lawton 203 884 0120

www.impactyourgoals.com

Four Unique Offerings

153 Middle Beach, Madison

Charming beach home with full guest apartment above garage across the street from Long Island Sound. Perfect opportunity for personal use, 1031 exchange or investment property. Main house and guest apartment both enjoy decks that overlook beautiful marshes with abundant wildlife. Main house has views of Long Island Sound from the second floor. Guest apartment embraces a full kitchen, family room with dining area, and bedroom suite all overlooking the tidal marshes. Offered at $2,400,000.

1455 Chapel Street, New Haven

Situated in the heart of the Yale Medical Community, and directly across from Saint Raphael’s, this offering includes two parcels totaling .51 acres, both in an RO zone. The first is 1455 Chapel which is a 6,343 square foot medical office / residence sitting on .35 acres. The second is an additional .16 acre parking lot adjacent to 1455 Chapel on Sherman Avenue. The Sherman Lot has a 15 foot entrance off Sherman Avenue. 1455 Chapel has 71 feet of frontage on Chapel Street. Property is currently a mixed use offering with 2,016 sf of office space on the first floor complimented by 4,327 sf of residential space on the two floors above. Offered at $2,495,000.

75 Half Mile Road, Guilford

Your own resort-like getaway minutes from Guilford’s renown Town Green, sandy beaches and parks. Great sites to experience should you decide to venture out of your private oasis. Spring and summer enjoy your heated Gunite pool adjacent to the homes expansive covered deck cooled by ceiling fans. Or challenge family and friends to a game of tennis or pickleball on your private courts. In the evening enjoy your favorite beverage by the homes’ outdoor fireplace adorned with a pizza oven. Offered at $2,450,000.

76 Sachem Head Road, Guilford

Resort-like gated estate perched high above Sachem Head Road overlooking a saltwater tidal marsh nestled on 2.3 professionally landscaped acres, a short bike ride to the Town center. Grab your morning cup of coffee or favorite evening beverage and step outside to your private resort complete with infinity pool, dual spas, pizza oven and outdoor bar surrounded by gates adorned with grape vines. Spectacular outdoor environment complimented by views of the meadow below. Offered at $2,950,000.

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

: Doris J

Shelton T and Christian B. Shelton to Eric and Carol A. Zima, $1,200,000 on Jan. 13 : Business Pk Hldg Co LLC to Sz&i LLC, $2,400,000 on Jan. 16

: Bc Inv

Propertys LLC to Adam and Rebecca Gerber, $300,000 on Jan. 14

13 Pond View Terrace

: Jeffrey Henry and Erica Rodriguez to Emily Leaghty, $1,225,000 on Jan. 14

CHESTER

: David Placeatt to Wayne F. Dailey and Leslie D. Sandin, $780,000 on Jan. 15

CLINTON

Casandra and Laura Garceau to Lynn Stevens and Raymond Kowalsky, $195,000 on Jan. 14

: Alan A. and Laura H. Miezejeski to Dianne N. and William B. Hearn, $450,000 on Jan. 15

ESSEX

MADISON

: Richard East Nelson Real Estate Trust and Peter W. Nelson to Frank Capuano, $411,500 on Jan. 14

: Sara B. Molgano to Julian Mayor and Bethany Lawrence, $238,000 on Jan. 15

22 Hickory Hill Lane 93 Montoya Drive Unit 93

: Jason Quido and Thomas Moore to Roberto F. Barrera and Andrea C. Fernandez, $700,000 on Jan. 16

: Placeay Action Prop LLC to Grzegorz Andrzejczyk, $260,000 on Jan. 12

: Colin L. Mcevily to Philip Wieloch, $550,000 on Jan. 12

: Steve Defrancesco to Vinnie and Mary E. Defrancesco, $300,000 on Jan. 12

: Blaine and Christopher Heck to Joann and Kevin F. Soja, $1,232,000 on Jan. 13

: True Home Offer LLC to Executive Ests Rlty LLC, $415,000 on Jan. 16

GUILFORD

Ronald A. and Ernestine R. Cwik to Durham Partners LLC, $311,500 on Jan. 12

: Frank L. and Rosita O. Tomaszewski to Krystina and Brandon Gomez, $850,000 on Jan. 13 : Estate of Michael T. Korwek and Kevin J. Korwek to Durham Road LLC, $240,000 on Jan. 13

: John D. and Tonya M. Mastrobattisto to Christopher and Blaine Heck, $1,022,500 on Jan. 13

: Kevin P. Becker to Nicole and Michael P. Lee, $1,010,000 on Jan. 15

: Ronald G. Harpell to Alan and Carolyn Rilla, $575,000 on Jan. 12

: Jeremy F. Bell to 12 Forest Hills LLC, $90,000 on Jan. 12 : Julie Carroza and Renee P. Walsh to Sarante Athenson Lt and Sarante Athenson, $565,000 on Jan. 12 : Margaret A. Dana to Phyllis B. and Patrick Jones, $890,000 on Jan. 13

SANDY PENT ROAD BEACH NEARBY

Expanded 3 bedroom 2.5 bath Cape-style home offers 2,400+ square feet of thoughtfully designed space and possible one floor living. A main-level primary suite, a newer kitchen and an inviting living room. The second floor was upgraded with large skylights and offers two large bedrooms and a full updated bath. A bonus for this quiet shoreline setting-the much loved Hammonasset walking trail begins at the top of Hotchkiss Lane at historic Liberty Street. $1,695,000 35hotchkisslane.com

The Source 02-05-26

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

Neon Dance at Arts Barn

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

Person

Selectmen Discuss Potential Steps for Academy Proposals

Obituaries

Contacting The Source

Scholarships for Connecticut Women

GriefShare Meetings Start February

SPONSORED CONTENT:

Find Obituaries

Posted Daily Online

All Welcome at the Guilford Poets Guild, Says Juliana Harris

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

Awaits You at Our Open House

LEGAL NOTICE

Precious Bubbles

Find Your Match At Forgotten Felines

Selectmen Hear Concepts for Madison Renovations

After School Skills 'n' Chills

Family STEAM Night OLYMPICS

Hand Boys Ice Hockey Uses Cheshire Shutout as a Wake-Up Call

Recent Snow Storm Reflects Long Island Sound History

Hand Inches Closer to Playoffs as they Sweep Season Series Against Rival Guilford

Madison Hoop Dreams to Hold Camp Over February Break

Hand Fencing Defeats Rival Guilford for the Men, But Falls to Grizzlies in the Women’s Bracket

Recent Snow Storm Reflects Long Island Sound History

On The Water:

Fun By The Numbers

Here’s How It Works:

Celebrating the Creative Spirit of LAA Artists An Exhibition in Five Acts:

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Two Connecticut Theaters Start 2026 With New Space, New Leadership; Marks 10th Year Anastasia

Daily Routines

Aisle

Braving the Cold

New Leadership

Working 9 to 5: New Haven Museum Recalls a Movement

About the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

About the New Haven Museum

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

Guilford Art Center Opens Summer Youth Program Registration Early

Program Highlights

Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us

Valentine Card Party for Kids

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Horoscopes Crossword

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

CLUES ACROSS

Word Search

Word Scramble

Witness the Wild: Where Eagles Fly

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Simplifying Your Life: How to “Retire” Your 1031 Exchange and Avoid Capital Gains Tax

Why Clients Love This Strategy

Learn More

Four Unique Offerings

153 Middle Beach, Madison

1455 Chapel Street, New Haven

75 Half Mile Road, Guilford

76 Sachem Head Road, Guilford

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

CHESTER

CLINTON

ESSEX

MADISON

GUILFORD

SANDY PENT ROAD BEACH NEARBY