The Town of Madison is expecting a 3% increase in overall expenses for its combined municipal and education budget for the 2027 fiscal year. With a greater focus on managing costs—especially in some challenging areas—the budget overall does not contain any substantive increases and includes only
a couple of major projects at town facilities.
The combined municipal operating budget and education budget currently total $103,891,575 in overall town spending, with the municipal share totaling a proposed $36,301,781. That marks a proposed 2.82% increase in the municipal operating budget, or an increase of $324,453 over the current year’s budget.
First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the
slight increase in overall town expenditures—for which an exact percentage will be determined following budget workshops—comes mainly from two drivers, one of them an increase in employee health care costs.
The “biggest challenge” financially, she said, is that the town has been hit with a
See Madison Budget Projects page 8
Stories Under the Sea
Five in a Row Hand gymnastics has captured its fifth consecutive SCC title............19
David Lefkin reads to his 1-yearold daughter, Harper, at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison on Feb. 10. A new children’s room mural by retired Madison art teacher Kristen Cafferty is visible behind them.
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSource
Lorey Walz Meig Walz Newcomb Karen Amlong Lee
The Walz Team at Coldwell Banker
Embracing Less Control In Art With Kristin Cafferty
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
All artists are perfectionists, says artist and instructor Kristin Cafferty, but in painting there is sometimes a desire to embrace chaos and be free with the art one creates.
For Kristin, that approach is inspired by her former role as an art teacher at East Haven Academy, where she teaches for 30 years. Any teacher can attest to how stressful the role can be at times, with classroom behavior not always meeting expectations and structure sometimes lacking. But because art serves as an outlet for many students, creating vibrantly colorful prints filled with movement becomes Kristin’s way of embracing that classroom energy.
“I watched the kids always struggle with not being in control, not letting things go where they wanted them to go,” she says. “And I always told them, ‘Let it happen and see what you get.’”
To capture that effect visually,
Kristin begins her process by using alcohol ink in her prints. Compared with watercolor, alcohol ink offers “less control” in how it behaves on paper, particularly when influenced by other tools or techniques.
“I basically put high, high, high concentrate alcohol down onto a very specific type of paper,” she says. “It’s almost like photo paper, because you don’t want it to absorb into the paper, so it kind of sits on top of the paper. And then I drop the inks on, and I blow them around with an air gun, a heat gun—pretty much anything that I can figure out.”
That is where the colorful chaos ensues. Going with the flow of how the ink naturally reacts to other drops and to outside influences helps
achieve the central aspects of Kristin’s abstract work: movement, color, and texture.
“Colors do what colors want to do, and they’ll react differently to each other depending on how much alcohol you’ve put down, if it’s a different kind of paper, because there’s slightly different variations,” she says. “So I am along for the ride sometimes, and sometimes I have more control than others.”
Alcohol inks are also “a lot more vibrant” in the colors they produce and free the artist from being overly structured in her work.
“I always say alcohol ink is just one happy accident after another, and then it creates an artwork,” Kristin says.
“For me, at this stage in my life, I love it, because it’s a feel,” she adds. “It’s an artistic feel that I kind of just follow along with.”
That artistic approach translates seamlessly when Kristin paints literal waves for three maritime-
See Embracing page 14
Photo courtesy of Kristin Cafferty Kristin Cafferty takes inspiration from her 30 years of teaching in her vibrant and abstract art.
Since 2013, the Beacon Awards have been our way of pausing to say thank you to the people who quietly hold our shoreline communities together.
What began as a small effort to recognize a handful of extraordinary neighbors has grown into an annual tradition. Over the past 13 years, Shore Publishing and Zip06.com have honored nearly 200 individuals whose generosity, compassion, and commitment have strengthened our towns in ways both large and small. In 2026, we are proud to continue that tradition with the 14th annual Beacon Awards, to be held Wednesday, June 24, at Woodwinds in Branford.
Beacon Award honorees are not chosen for accolades or titles. They are chosen because they show up—consistently and selflessly. They lead food drives, mentor young people, advocate for neighbors, preserve local history, protect vulnerable populations, and give their time without expectation of recognition. These are the people who make our shoreline a place of opportunity, well-being, and connection.
Cash-Only Food Drive
As a local news organization, we have the privilege of telling many meaningful stories throughout the year. But the Beacon Awards are special. They are shaped directly by the community through nominations submitted by readers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. You are the ones who know who is making a difference, often quietly and sometimes without thanks.
We invite you to submit your nominations for the 2026 Beacon Awards at www.beaconawardsct.com. Nominees must be at least 18 years old and have a strong connection to one of our shoreline communities, including Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, or Westbrook. Nominations are due by Friday, March 13.
To our past honorees, nominees, sponsors, and nominators: thank you. The Beacon Awards endure because of your belief that service matters and that those who give of themselves deserve to be seen. Who inspires you? We’re looking forward to hearing their story.
The Women's Club of Madison announces the launch of a "cash-only food drive" through the month of February to collect donations for the Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry in Madison. Proceeds benefit the food pantry with the purchase of meats and other essential items for the pantry's freezer which needs replenishment after the holidays. The Madison Food Pantry provides essential groceries to Madison residents, offering fresh produce, nonperishable items, and personal care products. Funded entirely through donations, the pantry is an all-volunteer organization, ensuring that every donation goes directly toward helping neighbors. Donors can mail a check to The Women’s Club of Madison, P.O. Box 691, Madison, CT 06443. For more information or to donate online to the cash-only food drive, visit womensclubmadisonct.com/cash-only-food-drive.
Women’s Club Welcomes New Members
The Women’s Club of Madison is looking for new members. The club meets on the second Tuesday every month except July and August. Women are invited to attend a meeting and meet the club members, learn about the organization and the many ways it supports the community, and find out about membership. Founded in 1890, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a federation of more than 3,000 women’s clubs in the United States that promote civic improvements through volunteer service. For more information, call Denise Rose at 203-605-9814, Maryanne Harmuth at 203-804-7536, or Anna Marie Lane at 203-245-0240.
Wellness Services for Older Adults Offered at The Estuary
The Estuary, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, offers wellness services to adults aged 50 and over living in the estuary region. Services are by appointment and include footcare (Mondays), haircuts (Tuesdays and Thursdays), massage (first Tuesday of each month), Medicare counseling (first Tuesday of each month), hearing clinics (last Wednesday of each month), and mental health support. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 860-388-1611, ext. 202.
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
Mary Theresa Buccelli
Mary Theresa Buccelli (née Goodale), a longtime resident of Madison, passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2026, at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, surrounded by those who love her, and those who learned about love from her. Born in New Haven on May 3, 1931, Mary lived a full and joyful life and passed at the remarkable age of 94.
So many people are left to mourn her passing, including her children, Sharon Schaffer (Jim) of Guilford, Dianne Dadio of Branford, and Jerry Buccelli Jr. (Danielle) of Essex; her beloved grandchildren, Jordan Mary (Ted) of Sacramento, CA, Austin (Annie) of West Hartford, Justine of Fort Collins, CO, Casey (Brianne) of Plano, TX, and Matthew of Essex; and her beloved great-grandchild, Mackenzie, the sparkling daughter of Austin and Annie. Mary is also survived by her sister, Joan Selmani; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, both locally and abroad, including family in Ireland, England, and New Zealand. A multitude of dear friends will also miss her tremendously.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, John Alton Goodale, a longtime resident of Madison, and Helen Marie O’Connell Goodale of Ballydesmond, County Cork, Ireland; by her sister, Rose Long; and by her former spouse, Jerry Buccelli Sr., father of Sharon, Dianne, and Jerry.
Mary was raised in Madison, where she witnessed her father’s entrepreneurial success and delighted in her mother’s beautiful concertina playing, which brought their Irish heritage vividly to life through music. She graduated from Hand High School (Academy Street) in 1949, sharing her lovely soprano voice in the choir and playing French horn in the band. She formed lifelong friendships with her
classmates and attended reunions well into her later years, often noting, with her characteristic humor, how attendance dwindled with time. “That’s life,” she would say.
A mother extraordinaire, Mary made her home the heart of the family (especially when treasuring her favorite holiday, Christmas) while also finding satisfaction in a fulfilling career in customer service at Unilever in Clinton, formerly Chesebrough-Ponds, where she again made lifelong friends. Truly, wherever Mary went, she knew someone, or soon did. Her children often joked, “Mom, is there anyone you don’t know?” Her laughter was freely shared, and her bright blue Irish eyes were always smiling.
Mary was a gifted storyteller, recounting memories of the Hurricane of 1938, World War II, and the growth of Madison. Most precious to her, however, were memories of childhood days spent at East Wharf Beach, where she bicycled with friends during her school years. Even later in life, Mary drove almost daily to the beach, content to watch the waves and seagulls and to savor life’s simple pleasures. After her 94th birthday, when driving became difficult, she never abandoned her beloved beaches; her family gladly drove her so she could continue to enjoy her treasured town of Madison.
Oh, how Mary will be missed. We will think of her always, especially when the flowers bloom and nature abounds.
May her gentle soul rest in peace, and may the road rise to meet her.
Friends are invited to visitation hours from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford, with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405; www.hospice.com. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com
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Residents Favor Preservation, ‘Beach Feel’ at Surf Club
Staff Writer By Aaron Rubin
Madison residents favor “preserving the Surf Club’s natural recreational and waterfront qualities,” as well as the “community enjoyment” they get from Madison’s largest park, according to findings from the Beach and Recreation Department based on public opinion collected last year.
Department head Austin Hall told The Source that preserving the character of the Surf Club was the “main theme” of responses received during two public information sessions held last year on potential upgrades and future areas of interest for the park.
The results of those information sessions will be considered alongside results from a now-closed public survey—where similar priorities were expressed—to help establish a direction for development of a Surf Club master plan.
At the information sessions, about 160 people provided feedback to the department, “more than what our consultant expected,” Hall said.
“We were very pleased with the turnout, very pleased with the array of people that
came out too. It was all different ages. That was very important: to get perspectives from a cross section of the community,” he said. “We want the most community input that we can get for this because [the Surf Club] is the most frequented community resource.”
Some of the upgrades favored by the public mirror those supported by the department. They include a second egress point, maintenance and expansion of athletic fields, upgraded bathroom facilities, new event spaces within the department’s building, and maintaining the overall “feel of what Surf Club is now,” with comparatively minimal development, Hall said. That approach would avoid “expanding it to be a Woodwinds-type facility,” instead keeping “more of a beachy, local flair to the facility.”
Regarding the main building, Hall said residents expressed interest in “preserving the building’s historic charm and beachy casual vibe,” along with upgraded restrooms and community spaces, particularly given its use for weddings and dining. One of the “big responses,” he said, was interest in a sit-down restaurant inside the building.
Expanded parking with additional lighting was also favored by both the public and the department, particularly during high-visitation days such as the Fourth of July and home football games. The installation of pickleball courts and a splash pad were among the recreational additions supported by respondents, while other favored upgrades included improvements to the basketball courts and the
Beyond infrastructure and facilities, environmental protection of the Surf Club generated a “big response” from the public, Hall said. According to department data, 56% of respondents said they believe sea level rise is currently affecting the park, and 83% said the town should plan for
Additionally, “62% said the town should proactively design and build coastal improvements to accommodate storm and
The department expects to receive final data from the survey in March. After that, staff will prioritize projects based on responses and share information with the
Madison Budget Projects 3% Increase for FY 2027
Continued from page 1
“double whammy” this year, including a 20% rise in health care costs and 2026 being a high-claim year for Madison employees. However, the town was able to mitigate some of those costs through the allocation of monies from its reserve funds and, as a result, is currently seeing an 11% increase in health care costs.
“We’re fortunate because we have reserves that have been built up over time,” Lyons said.
The selectwoman’s recommended budget also accounts for an increase in debt service of $1.48 million, mainly for “new bonding that we do every year for the
The Legacy Theatre Announces Classes
school projects,” Lyons said. Between debt service and health care costs, those items make up the biggest drivers of the budget.
With the subsequent approach of “keeping everything else down as much as possible in terms of the operating expenses,” the town is not budgeting for many large initiatives.
“We’re just kind of treading water, I would say, right now,” she said.
Within the recently approved $33 million five-year Capital Improvement Program, there are $1.6 million in plans for upgrades to the baseball field behind Walter C. Polson Middle School and more than $576,000 for additional garage and storage space for the Madison Police Department.
In partnership with the Branford Parks and Recreation and Shoreline Adult Education, The Legacy Theatre offers its performance classes for students across ages, ranging from toddlers to adults. Classes take place either at the Joseph Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, Branford, or at Branford High School, 185 East Main Street. For more information on the class offerings, call The Legacy Theatre at 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org/classes.
Women & Family Life Center of Guilford, Inc. FEBRUARY 12,
Other major projects, including road and sidewalk upgrades along Boston Road and Scotland Avenue, as well as systems upgrades at Polson, are not being funded through the new budget but through state grants and bonding instead.
Ultimately, Lyons said the recommended expenditures make up a “very reasonable budget” that will continue to account for multiple department requests until it reaches its final form for approval in the coming months.
“I think we’ve just been managing what we can and trying to keep costs down, and we’re not adding a lot this year, just being mindful that health care is a wild card,” Lyons said.
Arts Center Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, and Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, are seeking volunteers to help at events and programs throughout the year. No experience is necessary. Teens can earn community service credit. For more information, contact 860-663-5593 or artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com, or visit the volunteer page at spectrumartgallery.org/volunteer.
• Cappella Cantorum, Inc. • Chester Elementary School PTO • Chester Historical Society The Chester Hose Company, Inc.
Chester Land Trust • Common Good Gardens, Inc.
Community Music School
Con Brio Choral Society, Inc. • Connecticut River Museum (Connecticut River Foundation at Steamboat Dock • The Country School, Inc.
CT Cancer Foundation, Inc. • Connecticut Theater Women Network • Deep River Ambulance Association, Inc. • Deep River Fire Department
Deep River Land Trust, Inc. • Deer Lake Outdoor Center (Pathfinders, Inc.) • Essex Ambulance Association, Inc. • Essex Art Association, Inc.
Essex Elderly and Affordable Housing, Inc. • Essex Elementary School PTO • Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 • Essex Historical Society, Inc.
Essex Land Trust • Essex Library Association • Essex Winter Series, Inc. • The Estuary, Inc. (Meals on Wheels)
FISH (Friends in Service Here) for C, D, & E, Inc. • Families Helping Families • Forgotten Felines, Inc.
Fountain Hill Cemetery Preservation Society, Inc. • Friends of Chester Public Library • Friends of Hamburg Fair • Friends of Hammonasset, Inc.
Friends of the Acton Public Library • Friends of the Lyme Public Library • Friends of Westbrook Library • Guilford Youth Mentoring
Henry Carter Hull Library • High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. • Homeward Bound Adoptions CT, Inc.
HOPE Partnership (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), Inc. • Ivoryton Library Association • Ivoryton Playhouse
Ivoryton Village Alliance • Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Inc. • Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore CT, Inc. • Lumibility, Inc. (formerly SARAH)
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts • Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc. • Lyme Art Association • Lyme Fire Company
Lyme Public Hall and Local History Archives, Inc. • Lyme/Old Lyme Food Share Garden • Lymes’ Elderly Housing, Inc. (Lymewood)
Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau • Madison Cultural Arts • Madison Emergency Medical Services (Madison Ambulance Association, Inc.)
The Madison Foundation, Inc. • Madison Historical Society, Inc. • MusicNow Foundation, Inc. • Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center, Inc.
Old Lyme Fire Department • Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc. • Old Lyme Land Trust • Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Old Lyme Rowing Association, Inc. • Old Saybrook Education Foundation • Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1, Inc. • Old Saybrook Garden Club
Old Saybrook Historical Society • Old Saybrook Land Trust • Pettipaug Junior Sailing Academy • Region 4 Education Foundation
Ruth Ann Heller Music Foundation, Inc. • Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps • Shoreline Arts Alliance, Inc.
The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries • Study Hall, Inc. • Traveling Toys, Inc. • Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, Inc.
Valley Baseball-Softball Booster Club • Valley Shore YMCA • Valley Soccer Club, Inc.
Vernon A. Tait All-Animal Adoption, Preservation, and Rescue Fund, Inc. (dba TEAM) • Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley Westbrook Historical Society, Inc. • Westbrook Project Graduation, Inc. • Westbrook Youth and Family Services, Inc.
The Perfect Valentine: Hoping for a Home
Story by Carol Andrecs
Beautiful Hope has been waiting for her forever home for many years. She was rescued as a very pregnant stray and gave birth shortly thereafter. Her kittens were adopted several years ago, and she has been patiently waiting for her own loving home. Hope is quiet and a little shy, but warms up nicely when she is petted. She will blossom in a quiet home without dogs or young kids. Adopting one cat may not change the world, but for Hope, her world will change forever. Come meet Hope at our open house or apply to adopt her online at www.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@forgotten felinesct.org.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Christopher
N. Kilbourne (26-0013)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 20, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim. Nicole Malerba, Assistant Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Edwin M. Kilbourne c/o JON P LECKERLING, LECKERLING LADWIG & LEAMON, 23 WOODLAND ROAD, UNIT C-2, MADISON, CT 06443
& WATERCOURSES
,
Lot
R-4; Owner/Applicant: Mack Building, LLC; Regulated Activity Permit for construction of a new single-family dwelling and associated site improvements within 100ft inland wetland upland review area. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.
1008 Boston Post Road Map 29 Lot 155; Owner: Suzanne Schultz; Clearing of vegetation, grading and removal/ deposit of materials and plantings; within a wetland and/or 100ft review area of inland wetland without regulated activity approval. AMMENDED CORRECTIVE ORDER
Dated this 3TH Day of February Kealoha Freidenburg, Chairman
Photo by Genevieve Ray
FEBRUARY 12, 2026 •
Obituaries
Continued from page 5
Obituary
Kendrick Lyddon Norris
Kendrick Lyddon Norris, a gifted minister, insightful therapist, involved community leader, and devoted family man who made a profound and positive impact on multitudes, died of cholangiocarcinoma Jan. 23, 2026, at his home in Guilford. He was 75. He was a loving husband to Mary Luders Norris and proud father to Soren, Evan (Beth Frazier), and Lizzie Norris Zoeller (Kenny); treasured grandfather to Nikoy, Nikena, River, Sammie, and Benjy; devoted brother to David (Kim) and Sally (David); and valued friend to many, including a wide extended family.
and Affirming Congregation; and strove to be a healthy community where those of differing opinions were not demonized as ignorant or evil but respected as people of good will and intelligence. In retirement, Kendrick went on to bring his special light as interim minister to First Church New Britain and Center Congregational Church Meriden, and through his private therapy practice.
An exceptional church leader renowned for sermons conveying complex thoughts in accessible language, Kendrick served the First Congregational Church of Guilford for 37 years and was voted by the congregation to be their minister emeritus. During his tenure, the church settled 150 refugees from around the world; offered a worldclass, interfaith high school youth group (Pilgrim Fellowship); became an Open
A Yankee fan by birth and Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots fan by adoption, Kendrick appreciated all sports, including the UConn Women Huskies, who played the same kind of basketball that the champion New York Knicks played in 1970. He was captain of his high school football team and witnessed firsthand the greatness of Mickey Mantle in Yankee Stadium and Tom Brady in Foxborough.
Kendrick was recharged by music, especially live music, and made a priority of going to shows throughout his life. Particular favorites were music of the 1960s; the country rock of Poco, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Pure Prairie League; and, of course, the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia in all his forms. Until COVID-19, he enjoyed playing bluegrass with the Guilford
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Gail P Hart (25-0385)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 29, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Priscilla H. Geer, Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Robert W. Hart, Jr., 55 Conestoga Drive, Madison, CT 06443
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF James E. Keating (25-0263)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 27, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
c/o THOMAS ANTHONY VIRGULTO, HILL & HILL, LLC, 2E SAMSON ROCK DRIVE, MEIGSWOOD, MADISON, CT 06443
Ramblers. His friendships and interests were varied and deep, including a Friday night poker crew for well over 40 years, local tai chi and pickleball communities, and a nationwide network of Native American artifact enthusiasts. Kendrick’s kind nature and generous laugh were paired with a sharp mind and ever-questioning intellect. A dedicated student, his degrees from Trinity School in New York City, Wagner College, Yale Divinity School, Andover Newton Theological Seminary, and the Graduate Theological Foundation encompassed two doctorates, with the addition of multiple certifications, including as a Jungian analyst. He is the immediate past president of the New York Association for Analytical Psychology (NYAAP) and served on the faculty of the C.G. Jung Institute of New York and the C.G. Jung Institute of Boston, as well as teaching at Yale Alumni College. He was also a founding member of the Connecticut Association for Jungian Psychology, and served on the board of directors of the Dudley Farm Foundation and as chaplain to the Guilford Police Department and the local FBI. His compelling book, “Jungian and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Christmas: Origins, Motifs, and
Psychological Significances” (Routledge), was published in 2025. When interviewed for the senior minister position at Guilford, Kendrick was thrown the question, “What is the meaning of life?” He later recalled, “What came out of my mouth had never been in my head, but it has profoundly affected my life ever since. I answered: ‘The purpose of life is to remove the obstacles within us that get in the way of our receiving and giving love.’” That became his guiding principle, to the benefit of us all.
A service of celebration for Kendrick’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Lane, Madison, with a reception following at the Guilford Yacht Club. The service will also be livestreamed on YouTube (@fccmadisonct). Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Dudley Farm Foundation, 2351 Durham Road, Guilford, CT 06437 (dudleyfarm.com).
Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF William James Sennett (26-0008)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 22, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Kristin Elizabeth Holland, 47 Rowland Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF MADISON PUBLIC HEARING
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Madison hereby gives notice that it will conduct a Public Hearing on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Town Campus, 8 Campus Drive, Room C Hammonasset Room and remote via Zoom for the purpose of a budget presentation by the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education conducted by the Board of Finance in accordance with the Town Charter (10.4.A). Please visit www. madisonct.org for meeting link and details.
The Town of Madison does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and the meeting facilities are ADA accessible. Individuals who need assistance are invited to make their needs known by contacting 203.245.5644 or by email to ferranted@madisonct.org at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.
Residents Favor Preservation, ‘Beach Feel’
Continued from page 6
Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance, Hall said. Concepts and drawings will follow, with additional opportunities for public input. Those elements will ultimately be incorporated into the master plan, which Hall expects to present to the public by the end of the year.
The plan will outline proposed upgrades and additions throughout the park, along with project timelines. While “some of the projects will be quickly done,” Hall said, others may take longer because of permit-
ting and regulatory requirements.
“Environmental permits take years—two, three years to get permits to do some stuff,” Hall said. “We’ll plan and actively involve ourselves in those bigger projects, but there are going to be some small ones that can be ticked off for smaller amounts of money. It’ll be important for us to prioritize, and let the public prioritize, what can be done now, what can be done five, six years from now, 10 years from now, and phase in the projects as we go along.”
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.
After School Skills 'n' Chills
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.
Is there someone in your community who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond — a volunteer who continually steps up and helps make the shoreline a wonderful place to live and work? Let us know about them!
your nominations by Friday, March 13
The 2026 Beacon Award winners will be celebrated with a special dinner at The Woodwinds on June 24.
Annual Corned Beef Dinner
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of February 12 - February 18
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
You have the cosmic green light to start that major project you’ve been planning or to take a leap in your career, Aries. Trust your intuition–it’s sharper than ever.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Abundance is knocking, Taurus. Your hard work is translating into tangible rewards, and you may receive unexpected good news regarding finances or resources.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Your mind is sparkling, Gemini, making you the most magnetic person in the room. Use this vibrant energy to connect, share ideas and lead discussions.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, a feeling of emotional security empowers you to tackle any professional challenge with grace and confidence. You are totally centered right now, so go for it.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you are radiating charisma this week and attracting positive attention wherever you go. Use this incredible visibility to network or showcase your talents.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
You’ll find great satisfaction in clean, organized work that earns sincere praise this week, Virgo. Your dedication is about to unlock a significant reward. Surprises are in store.
FEBRUARY 12
Josh Brolin, Actor (58)
FEBRUARY 13
Kelly Hu, Actress (58)
FEBRUARY 14
Cadel Evans, Athlete (49)
FEBRUARY 15
Ross Duffer, Producer (42)
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
Relationships are the key to your happiness this week, Libra. Expect delightful interactions, smooth negotiations and the forging of beneficial alliances.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
This week is all about your own transformation, Scorpio. You feel a surge of internal power and clarity that allows you to confidently pursue deep, personal goals.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Your sense of optimism and love for exploration is fully charged, Sagittarius. Even if you can’t take a trip, your mind is open to exciting new philosophies or ideas.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Your professional reputation is soaring, Capricorn. Key figures at your job are recognizing your dedication and leadership. Expect exciting opportunities for advancement.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Your network is buzzing with opportunities, Aquarius. Collaborative efforts are highly favored, and you’ll find incredible support for your most innovative ideas.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, your intuition is a superpower that guides you toward fulfillment and emotional satisfaction this week. Embrace your artistic side and allow your imagination to lead the way.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 16
Elizabeth Olsen, Actress (37) FEBRUARY 17
Michael Jordan, Businessman (63) FEBRUARY 18
Matt Dillon, Actor (62)
CLUES ACROSS
1. Breezed through
5. Consumer protection agency
8. Criminal syndicate
11. Moves back from
13. Satisfaction
14. Feel concern or interest
15. Monetary units
16. Congressman (abbr.)
17. Israeli city
18. Restaurants
20. 2,000 lbs.
21. Grandmother
22. North, South and Central
25. In an early way
30. Foes
31. Social networking platform
32. Early term for basketball player
33. Another name for sesame plant
38. Disallow
41. Provide greater detail
43. Inaccessible
45. Evoke emotions
47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea
49. Celtic punk rockers
50. A fencing sword
55. Actor Idris
56. Affirmative (slang)
57. Afflicted in mind or body
59. One point north of northeast
60. Born of
61. Social media hand gesture
62. Hong Kong food stall __ pai dong
63. Opposite of beginning
64. Email function
CLUES DOWN
1. Sign language
2. Fashionable
3. Borough in Helsinki
4. Inability to hear
5. More quickly
6. An idea accepted as a demonstrable truth
7. Shrewdly
8. Rooney and Kate are two
9. Mediterranean port
10. Benedictine monk
12. Midway between south and southeast
14. Town in Galilee
19. Satisfy
23. Mice genus
24. Brass instrument
25. Chest muscle (slang)
26. Transmits genetic information from DNA
27. Records electric currents generated by the brain
28. Woman (French)
29. Short route aircraft
34. Pitching statistic
35. Pointed end of a pen
36. Popular sports league
37. Body part
39. Inoffensive
40. Yellowish cotton cloth
41. Feline
42. Does not tell the truth
44. Seduced
45. Spiritual leader
46. Abba __, Israeli politician
47. Repair
48. Olive genus
51. Swiss river
52. Prejudice
53. C. European river
54. Keep under control
58. Father
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
Word Scramble solution for February 5, 2026: KISSES
Word Search solution for February 5, 2026
Embracing Less Control In Art With Kristin Cafferty
Continued from page
themed murals she recently completes for E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, where the pieces hang in the children’s section. The project—supported by a grant from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation—is new territory for Kristin, but one she is eager to explore.
“They wanted to stay with the ocean theme because they had two pre-existing artworks that were ocean themed, and obviously being on the shoreline and all of that,” she says. “And they really wanted a lot of color.”
Kristin says she is honored to contribute artwork to Scranton, having grown up in Madison and spent time at the library during her younger years. Her connection to the space now continues through youth art classes she teaches there.
Her teaching extends beyond Scranton as well. Kristin also teaches youth art classes at Henry Carter Hull Memorial Library in Clinton—her current town of residence—and at Meriden Public Library. She is also planning to teach additional classes at Southington Public Library this summer.
Even after 30 years in the classroom, instructing these classes reflects what Kristin describes as a lifelong calling.
“I was definitely born to be a teacher,” she says. “I’m not so sure I could have been
anything else for most of my career.”
In past programs at Scranton, Kristin leads workshop series in which students attend sessions once a month and finish their efforts with a miniature art show.
“The kids loved it,” she says. “I love the fact that I’m still in front of the kids several times a month.”
Despite the stress that Kristin says came with her teaching career, remaining connected to artistically inclined children continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of her current work.
“I do miss that connection that I had with students almost every day, seeing them in the hallway, and they would come in and show me what they were working on at home,” she says. “But now that I have been, especially in Madison for five years now, doing the library classes, I can see families that are invested in art and know their kids love it.”
Kristin says there are several children who attend the Madison classes regularly and show a strong interest in art.
“I love the fact that we’ll all be doing the same project, but they all look so different,” she says. “That’s really satisfying to see what colors they choose and what shapes they choose and what direction they go. I really just try to be a guide.”
Kristin’s artwork can be viewed at www.kristincaffertyart.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Joseph W. Terrazzano (25-0389)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated December 31, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Jeann R. Terrazzano
c/o PAUL K SULLIVAN, LAW OFFICES OF PAUL K SULLIVAN, JR., LLC, 705 BOSTON POST RD, GUILFORD, CT 06437
Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated January 27, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Karen M. Parzych, Chief Clerk
The fiduciary is:
Nancy Sylvain
c/o MICHAEL PATRICK IACURCI, LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL IACURCI, 70 WALL STREET, MADISON, CT 06443
860-434-2200
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!
Hand Gymnastics Wins Fifth Consecutive SCC Title
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
Over the past four years, the Hand gymnastics team has been one of the most dominant programs in the state. The Tigers have not lost a regular-season meet, a conference championship, or a state championship, but after graduating several top athletes, questions surrounded the team heading into this season.
Some believed it would be a rebuilding year as Hand developed its younger gymnasts, but the program did not miss a beat. On Feb. 5, Hand raised its fifth consecutive Southern Connecticut Conference championship banner.
Hand claimed first place with a team score of 137.85, followed by Valley Regional at 132.15, Haddam Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook co-op at 128.2, Jonathan Law at 117, Foran at 112, and Hamden at 88.3.
Hand coach Kelly Smith said the conference performance reflected the growth the team has made since the start of the season. She said Hand is beginning to peak at the right time as it heads into championship competition.
“What’s notable about our performance is that it was our highest team score so far this season. We really left it all out there, and winning by five points is pretty significant,” Smith said. “We made quite a statement. We were ready, and we did the best that we could.”
Individually, Hand had several podium finishes.
Senior captain Kelly Kelly finished first on beam (9.15), fourth on bars (8.5), fourth on floor (8.85), and third all-around (34.9). Sophomore Breanna Boucino placed second on beam (9.1), second on floor (9.0), third on bars (8.55), and second all-around (35.0).
Senior captain Ella Speerli placed second on bars (8.6), sixth on vault (8.5), and fifth all-around (34.7). Sophomore Chloe Flickinger placed ninth all-around (32.9), and freshman Sophia Antonetti placed 12th all-around (32.55).
Boucino, Kelly, Speerli, Flickinger, Antonetti, and freshman Ella Shields were each named All-SCC.
Smith credited Hand’s success this season and over the years to the strength and pride of the program. She said the team’s
high expectations mesh with the athletes who enter the program, and the team environment creates space for individuals to excel.
“Our team has high expectations, and gymnastics can be an individual sport in a lot of ways. There’s one person on the equipment at a time, but we’ve worked really hard to continue the tradition of it being a team effort and pushing the philosophy that even though you’re up on the equipment by yourself, you’re a piece of the bigger whole,” Smith said. “We win together, we lose together. If somebody makes a mistake, the next person is going to pick them up.”
A major storyline entering the season was the loss of three all-around performers. Gaps in the lineup needed to be filled, and questions remained about whether freshmen could step in and produce at the same level.
It is safe to say the freshmen fit seamlessly into Hand’s championship-caliber lineup.
“They’ve come in and made an immediate impact. They’re in the starting lineup right away, and that has made a huge difference for us,” Smith said. “What they bring to the table is really clean, consistent gymnastics, and we also have some upperclassmen who returned and made
upgrades. We’re in a great place, and we’re much stronger than we anticipated.”
Smith also highlighted the leadership of senior captains Kelly and Speerli.
“It’s worth highlighting our senior captains who have been so successful in their careers and are leading this new group of freshmen in the right direction,” Smith said. “Their leadership is a huge piece of our success because they’ve continued the status quo. They stepped up and brought everybody else with them.”
Hand will next turn its attention to defending its state championship title Feb. 21 at Jonathan Law.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Smith
Hand gymnasts celebrated after winning their fifth consecutive SCC championship Feb. 5.
H-K Boys Basketball Goes 2-1 on Road Trip
By Serenity J. Bishop
The Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball team is returning home Thursday, Feb. 12, after a three-game road trip. During the stretch, the Cougars finished 2-1, earning victories over East Hampton and Cromwell.
The lone loss during the trip came against Aerospace.
The two wins improved H-K’s record to 12-5, and both games showcased the Cougars’ ability to win in different ways.
Against Cromwell, the Cougars got off to
a slow start and fell behind 15-10 in the first quarter. The teams went into halftime with Cromwell leading 22-20, but a thirdquarter surge allowed Haddam Killingworth to pull ahead.
The Cougars outscored Cromwell 23-8 in the third quarter. Cromwell won the fourth quarter 13-10, but H-K’s thirdquarter performance proved too much to overcome.
H-K defeated Cromwell 53-43. Brody Ferguson led the Cougars with 13 points, while Mason Eighmy and Jay Evans each scored 12. Kody Lehet and Spencer Savoy
added six points apiece, and Declan Moriarty finished with four.
On Monday, the Cougars traveled to East Hampton and responded to their earlier mistakes. H-K opened the game with a 15-9 lead after the first quarter and added another 15 points in the second quarter to take a 30-22 halftime advantage.
H-K came out strong in the third quarter for the second consecutive game, outscoring East Hampton 22-9. The Cougars again scored at least 15 points in the fourth quarter and cruised to a 67-45 victory.
Jay Evans led the Cougars with 16 points, knocking down four 3-pointers. Spencer Savoy followed with 15 points, while Eighmy and Ferguson each finished with 10.
Lehet scored eight points, Noah Marcia added five, and Ethan Pitts finished with three.
Haddam-Killingworth will close the regular season with games against Morgan, Valley Regional, and Granby Memorial before preparing for the postseason.
Photo courtesy of Haddam-Killingworth High School
Haddam-Killingworth’s Mason Eighmy scored 10 points in a 53-43 win over Cromwell.
Sports Editor
Ugly as Sin, Shocking as a Socket
Based on cold-water activity in February, arguably the most interesting fish found in Long Island Sound is the Northern Stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus). If one values bizarre, electric, ambush predators as opposed to traditional, coldhardy staples like white perch, Atlantic herring, and holdover striped bass, then this is the fish to add to your bucket list. These highly curious and intriguing fish are practically alien-looking from the first sighting to the last. They are interesting because they bury themselves completely in the sand, leaving only their eyes and upward-facing mouths visible to ambush prey. Mostly, they can be found from Connecticut and New York south to North Carolina. Growing on average to 22 pounds, to only 8-18” long and maxing out at 22”, they are dark brown with white spots on their head and pack quite a punch.
These Stargazers are a benthic species, meaning that they frequent the ecological region, the lowest level of a water body. For them, that generally means they can be found at depths of up to 120 feet, much shallower, and even in the surf. What makes them unique is that they possess specialized, defensive electric organs behind their eyes that can deliver 50 volt electric shocks. If that was not enough, they have poisonous spines by their pectoral fins as well. Adding their looks, a set of menacing chops, electric organs, and venomous spines, it is no wonder this species has been labeled ’the meanest fish in creation’ and sometimes referred to as a “toe-grinder.”
Northern Stargazers can easily electrocute a fish, or their venom can cause intense pain, swelling, and in severe cases, muscle paralysis due to their ciguatoxin, that cause ciguatera. As anyone allergic to seafood can testify, it’s no fun! In some parts of the world, though, they are considered a delicacy, and when prepared properly, they are not poisonous when eaten or, for that matter, not fatal to humans if accidentally contacted. Be care-
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
ful not to confuse the northern stargazer (shocking) with the oyster toadfish (nonshocking), but both are similarly ‘ugly’ and have venomous spines - typically not fatal to humans.
Even though northern stargazers are being caught and interacting with people in the Long Island Sound and surrounding New York waters, they are considered common, though they are rarely seen. An International Game Fish Association (IGFA ) all-tackle record of 11Lbs, 12oz was reeled in off Long Island by Daniel Gilmore, Jr., of Oceanside, NY on May 5, 2024. Caught on a round jig head and soft pink plastic, his catch was monumental! Another one weighing 9Lbs.13oz was caught in the Sound while “bouncing a bucktail for fluke.” Being that northern stargazers can tolerate the cold February water temperatures of the Long Island Sound, and if you are up for a winter challenge, go for it!
On The Water:
A strong low passed well southeast of the waters, casting down the reality of another winter storm hitting our shores. Weak pressure then built in and remained in control until a weak low passed not too far to the south. Bone-chilling temperatures held tight but then gradually climbed into the 30’s, opening the way to another short three-day thaw before reversing the trend that eventually brought some more snow. More sun broke through during this latest stretch of weather; however, pre-dawn temps did dip into singledigits (-20ºF wind chill), though mostly remaining in the teens. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound, after days of small craft and gale force warnings, calmed down from gusty 50 knot northwesterly/westerly
Weighing in an all-tackle IGFA record, Daniel Gilmore, Jr., of Oceanside, NY reeled in this outstanding northern stargazer.
winds, 6-foot to 1-2 foot seas, and water temps settling between 30-32ºF.
Anglers did take advantage of some recent trout stockings prior to the weather complicating fishing plans. That included popping ice holes or refreshing those previously drilled in lakes and ponds that continued to give up multiple trout species, heavy chain pickerel, large yellow perch, over-sized black crappie, and bluegills that this time around played hard to get.
Atlantic salmon catches were a little tougher, Seeforellen brown trout catches were hit or miss, but striped bass in select coves were considered a bonus. There were a few largemouth bass brought up, but not many. Hard water still remained ‘iffy’ south of I-9,5 but farther north, ice thick-
tures held, wind remained calm, and snow packs were workable. It should be about a week before we see signs of another thaw. 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 captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan
Hand Fencing Sets the Tone Against North Haven
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
The Daniel Hand High School fencing team hosted North Haven on Feb. 3 in a competitive home meet that showcased strong individual performances across all six weapons. The Hand boys’ squad continued its dominant season with a 15-12 victory, remaining undefeated on the year, while the girls’ team battled but fell 21-6 to a deep North Haven lineup.
On the boys’ side, Hand won two of the three weapons. Boys’ epee set the tone early with a 6-3 victory behind consistent fencing from senior captain Robbie Ginsburg and juniors James Boyd and Jack Johnson, who helped control the pace of the match.
In boys’ sabre, Hand delivered its most decisive performance of the meet, earning
a 7-2 win. Junior Owen Swift continued his outstanding season, remaining undefeated in sabre play while anchoring the lineup alongside seniors Josh Lee and captain Adam Stotz. Boys’ foil proved to be the lone setback, as North Haven edged Hand 7-2 despite strong efforts from Declan Mahoney, David Bixon, and captain Gedeon LaRiviere.
The Hand girls faced a tough challenge against North Haven, dropping all three weapons. In girls’ epee, the Tigers fell 6-3, with Madison Peete, Emily Mathews, and captain Amber Kittel leading the effort.
Girls’ sabre ended in a 7-2 loss, while girls’ foil was the most difficult matchup, finishing 8-1. Ari Lee, captain Kathryn Franson, Ingrid Burton, and Ellie Haggan represented Hand with resilience throughout the meet.
Schedules
HAND
Friday, Feb. 13: vs. Hillhouse at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 17: at West Haven at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19: at Morgan at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14: vs. JBWA at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16: vs. West Haven at 3:20 p.m. Boys
Saturday, Feb. 14: at Foran at 9 a.m.
Friday, Feb. 13: at West Haven at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17: at Wilbur Cross at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16: at Cheshire at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19: at Notre Dame-West Haven at 4 p.m.
Orchestra New England Brings BaroqueFest to Battell Chapel March 7
Orchestra New England (ONE) eagerly anticipates the arrival of spring with a “BaroqueFest” concert featuring two concertos by Antonio Vivaldi and one each by J.S. Bach and his son Carl Philip Emanuel Bach.
The concert takes place Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Battell Chapel, located at the corner of Elm and College Streets on Yale’s Old Campus.
ONE’s concertmaster Raphael Ryger will play “Spring” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and will be joined by ONE principal oboist Stephen Wade in J.S. Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Violin and Oboe.
Vivaldi is known for his concertos, especially those for violin, but he wrote almost 40 concertos for bassoon. Rémy Taghavi will solo in the Concerto in E-flat.
ONE flutist Adrianne Greenbaum will perform a showpiece by C.P.E. Bach, Concerto in D Minor.
Viewing a performance in Battell Chapel includes the great joy of experiencing the remarkable acoustics. In many ways, it is the finest performance space in the greater New Haven area.
A celebratory, catered, postconcert reception will take place just across Elm Street in Yale’s Berkeley College Common Room.
Tickets cost $50 reserved seating, $30 general admission, and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the door. Media sponsors are WSHU and WMNR.
For more information or
tickets, contact 203-777-4690 or info@orchestranewengland.org, or www.orchestranewengland .org.
About Orchestra New England
Orchestra New England is one of the most versatile and exciting orchestras in America. The orchestra is committed to quality and innovation, a commitment that has made its artistic achievements possible by generating and nurturing an unusual
workplace and a remarkable orchestra.
ONE was founded in March 1974 as the Yale Theater Orchestra, adopting the name Chamber Orchestra of New England in 1975 and the name Orchestra New England in 1985. Early in its history, ONE began to establish itself as one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed orchestras in the Northeast.
Immediately following its premiere concert, the orchestra and
its founding music director, James Sinclair, recorded an album of premieres for CBS Masterworks.
That was the beginning of a tradition. Today, ONE is unsurpassed among musical ensembles between New York and Boston in the number of commercial recordings it has created. These include CBS Masterworks’s world premiere recording of the Villa-Lobos folk opera, Magdalena, New World Records’s
release of Cole Porter’s first Broadway hit, 50 Million Frenchmen, and both Naxos’s and Koch International Classics’s world premiere recording of orchestral music by Charles Ives. These recordings have met with extraordinary and unanimous critical praise. In June 2023 Naxos released ONE’s new recording of Charles Ives’s complete Sets for Chamber Orchestra.
About the Soloists
Violinist Raphael Ryger was born in Israel and grew up in New York City before returning to Israel and later returning to the U.S. for graduate study in philosophy at Yale. His violin training included some of the greatest pedagogues and mentors in both countries, among them Josef Gingold, Ilona Feher, Dorothy Delay, and Isaac Stern. He has been soloist and concertmaster with many orchestras in Israel and in Connecticut and, since 1988, has been in those capacities with Orchestra New England, with which—then as the Chamber Orchestra of New England—he first performed the Vivaldi “Spring” concerto in the spring of 1983. He appears regularly as a chamber musician in the Lillibridge Ensemble, founded by piano virtuosa Madeleine Forte. In other lives, Ryger has academic publications in computer science and patents in software engineering for patent search.
See page 24
Photo by James G. Henkel
Photo courtesy of Orchestra New England
Photo courtesy of Orchestra New England
Photo by Brandon Ilaw
Stephen Wade, oboist Adrianne Greenbaum, flutist Rémy Taghavi, bassoonist
Raphael Ryger, violinist
Press Release from Orchestra New England
Photo by Harold Shapiro
James Sinclair and ONE musicians perform in Battell Chapel.
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
Hollywood Gems:
The Three Musketeers
: 1 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.
2026 Internship and Career Fair
: 1 to 4 p.m. 101 College St., New Haven. Free admission. Features networking opportunities with more than 30 organizations. Hosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. For info, visit gnhcc.com/events.
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Lindsey Stewart
The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic
: 2 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Henry Carter Hull Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/hchlibrary.
Calendar for the Week of February 12, 2026
: 6 p.m.
New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features a presentation by Ainissa Ramirez on Black inventors who contributed to everyday innovations, including New Haven’s Sarah Boone. Preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. Free with regular museum admission. Part of the NH250 series. For info or to register, call 203-5624183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Drive-In Movie Night
: 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
: 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.
Starting a Swan Dive Can You Smell the Rain? Warmer Than Yesterday.
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.
Concert by Stephane Wrembel
: 7:30 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.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Women in Business Luncheon
: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saybrook Point Resort and Marina, 2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. Features a talk by Linda Albright of Albright AI Agency on "AI Without the Hype: How Women Business Owners Are Using AI to Grow Their Companies and Free Up Time.” Hosted by the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers For info or to register, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com/events.
Orchestra New England Brings BaroqueFest to Battell Chapel March 7
Continued from page 23
Oboist Stephen Wade has performed throughout New England with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Opera Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Pro Musica, Monadnock Music Festival Orchestra, Nashua Symphony Orchestra, Boston Virtuosi, Cape Ann Symphony, Orchestra New England, and Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been the featured soloist in concerti by J.S. Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Vaughn Williams, Samuel Barber, and William Bolcom. In 2011, he premiered the Concerto for Oboe and Wind Ensemble by Thomas Briggs with the United States Coast Guard Band. He and violinist Katheryn Winterstein have recorded Bach’s Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings, BWV 1060, with Boston Virtuosi. Wade retired as principal oboe of the U.S. Coast Guard Band in 2012 after a 30year career. He is currently assistant principal oboe of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and principal oboe of Orchestra
Classical Review
See page 25
Washington
New England, as well as president of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association, the largest of the five Player Conferences of the American Federation of Musicians. Praised for his “precise fingerwork…and impeccable breath support” ( ), Re•my Taghavi is a highly sought-after bassoonist based in the Northeast. Taghavi is principal bassoon of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra New England, and he has performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and Las Vegas Philharmonic, among others. An active chamber musician, he is co-founder of the Annapolis Chamber Music Festival, a member of the “explosive” New York-based chamber ensemble Frisson, and an alumnus of Carnegie Hall’s teaching artist and chamber music program, Ensemble Connect. He has given chamber performances at the Library of Congress, Chamber Music Northwest, and Morgan Library, among others. Rémy has performed as a soloist with the New York Symphonic Ensemble,
Pierre Monteux Festival, and the Stony Brook Symphony. Taghavi is assistant professor of bassoon at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and faculty at Rocky Ridge Music (Colorado). He completed degrees at the University of Southern California, The Juilliard School, and Stony Brook University.
Adrianne Greenbaum, professor of flute at Mount Holyoke College and pioneer of the klezmer flute tradition, is a nationally acclaimed flutist and clinician, performing on historical instruments of the 18th and 19th centuries. Her classical training and career ranks among the finest flutists of her time. As a classical musician, she performed as soloist and orchestral musician in all of New York’s major concert halls and in many major U.S. cities. She appeared with such prestigious orchestras as New York’s Mostly Mozart Festival, Berlin Ballet at the Met, Period Orchestra of the Fairfield Academy and, for many years, performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra. She is solo flutist with the Wall Street Chamber Players and
maintains an active freelance life in the U.S. and Canada. Greenbaum’s decadeslong symphonic career was as principal of the New Haven Symphony for over three decades and happily maintains her principal position with Orchestra New England. Her college/university positions are many, including faculty positions at Wesleyan and Yale universities and at Smith College. She also enjoys giving master classes in klezmer techniques, traverso exploration, and improvisation across genres. She can be heard in recording on the Koch and Music Masters labels as well as her own solo classical album “Sounds of America” and her three FleytMuzik records. Her last klezmer flute record, on the BorshtBeat label is “Di Klezmer Flute Nisht Fargesen.” She has received acclaim for her “flying-finger performances and unique, soulful, and sparkling klezmer style: “Adrianne is a force of nature. Nobody plays like her. If Jethro Tull played klezmer, the energy would be there—but not her skill,” writes Ari Davidoff (Klezmershack, 2025).
Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us
Ivoryton Playhouse Announces America 250 Season
Over the past 96 years, the Ivoryton Playhouse has showcased onstage a wide variety of stories and music from around the world.
In 2026, Ivoryton Playhouse will present a special season, an American celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will be a tribute to American history, music, and shared experiences in a theatre that feels like home.
The America 250 season opens on Thursday, March 26, with an old favorite—a hilarious celebration of the Nutmeg State. is a wacky, sweet, romantic comedy by Connecticut native Mike Reiss, who has been making viewers all laugh for years as a writer with . Why does sweet, kind Marc struggle to find love? Because he comes from Connecticut, a land of steady habits, sanity, and politeness. The show runs through Sunday, April 19.
unlikeliest of places. The show runs Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 6.
Piece of My Heart
This year is also the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Honoring the veterans who served and continue to serve this country reminds all that patriotism is not just a sentiment but a practice. by Shirley Lauro follows the true stories of six women—five nurses and an entertainer—who served in Vietnam. The significant role that women played in the war is often unacknowledged. Their stories and music are powerful, a reminder of the human cost of war and the scars that still remain. The show runs Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 25.
Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
On Thursday, May 7, Ivoryton Playhouse takes a step back in time to South Philadelphia in 1959. by Lanie Robertson is a Tony Award-winning play that brings to life the soul and struggles of jazz legend Billie Holiday. Featuring a selection of Holiday’s iconic songs, including “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child,” this acclaimed play with music transports the audience on a spellbinding journey for one of the jazz legend’s final concerts.
In June and July, Ivoryton Playhouse celebrates America 250 with the founding fathers who come alive in the glorious musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone. This powerful, award-winning Broadway show brings the story of the nation’s founding to life. The show highlights John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they fight for independence against a dead-
Continued from page 24
: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features an adult writers group exploring various genres. Sharing optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Come From Away
locked Continental Congress in a retelling filled with humor, romance, pathos, and nail-biting tension. It’s revolutionary! The show runs Thursday, June 25, through Sunday, July 26. by Irene Sankoff and David Hein tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. In a moment filled with fear and uncertainty, joy and resilience prevail as the tiny community of Gander pulls together and strangers become friends. Through exuberant music, humor, and heart, this show celebrates the power of human connection, proves that kindness can bring people together in the most difficult of times, and affirms that hope can arise in the
to spot bald eagles and other wintering birds from a variety of locations and discuss the birds’ natural history. Not a boat trip. Led by Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop. Cost: $33, includes soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant, Old Saybrook. Binoculars recommended and available to rent. Pre-payment required. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
Ponti
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
37th Annual Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River Europa
6 to 8 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. For participants ages 21 and up. BYOB. No partner needed. No art skills required. Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203453-5947. : 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. : 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Rd., Madison at 7:45 a.m. or the first stop at Haddam, Eagle Landing State Park, at 8:30 a.m. Features a land-based trip along the shore of the Connecticut River
Saturday Sleuths Book Club
The Mystery Guest
: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: by Nita Prose. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Sweetheart Twill Weaves Workshop
: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St. Participants will use 100% cotton loop materials from a New England familyowned mill and a sturdy metal peg loom to create a coordinating pair of potholders. Printed weaving charts and cotton weaving loops are included in materials fee. Bring embroidery scissors. Metal peg loom and hooks will be available in class for $20 purchase. Cost: $37.80 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Materials fee of $12 is payable with the tuition. To register, visit guilfordartcenter.org. For info, call 203-453-5947.
Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
The Playhouse also continues its tradition with the holiday show, by Katie Barton and Ben Hope, which features festive tunes, family stories, and some new surprises. Inspired by classic radio shows and old-time musical revues, is the perfect holiday show for the whole family. What better way to end a special birthday year! The show runs Thursday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Dec. 20.
Gift certificates and subscriptions are on sale now. Subscriptions are a great way to save money and support live theater, and they make great holiday gifts. Six- and three-play subscriptions are available now. Single tickets will go on sale Tuesday, March 3.
About Ivoryton Playhouse
Ivoryton Playhouse, located at 103 Main Street, is a renowned small professional theater on the Shoreline. It is known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
For more information or tickets, call 860-767-7318 or visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org. A
Bird Valentines
: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children up to age 8 and their families. Participants make pine cone and Victorian-style birdthemed Valentines. For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Cool-ology: Valentine’s Day Science
: 11 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features hands-on science activities themed for Valentine’s Day, including chemistry experiments and engineering challenges. For grades 1 to 5. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 210 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Met in HD Encore: Saturday Cinema Cinderella
: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Tea and light refreshments served. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
I’m
Press Release from the Ivoryton Playhouse
Photo courtesy of Ivoryton Playhouse
Writers Writing Valentine Portraits: BYOB Paint and Sip:
Author Event: James
New Haven Museum Marks America’s 250th Year with Triple Events
In what amounts to a “250 trifecta,” New Haven Museum kicks off a lively, yearlong celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial with the first of three presentations offering fresh perspectives on the American Revolution. From social movements co-opting the concept of liberty, to little-known tales of Paul Revere, to neoclassical fashion from the somewhat cynical perspective of John and Abigail Adams, the thought-provoking NH250 series will appeal to anyone who has ever marveled at the “great American experiment” of democracy, freedom, and self-governance.
The series begins with historian and author Michael D. Hattem presenting “An Unfinished Revolution at 250” at the New Haven Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. Hattem will discuss the unique role that the Revolution has had in American life and the longstanding tradition in American history of remembering the nation’s founding as an “unfinished revolution.” The free event will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. Hattem notes that the principles of the Revolution have been constantly redefined to fit the needs of the times. “Countless social movements—including abolitionists, suffragists, and the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s—have tried to win popular support by depicting their causes as attempts to fulfill the ideals of the American Revolution,” he says. He notes that abolitionists were the first Americans to celebrate the Declaration of Independence specifically for its preamble and the statement that “all men are created equal.”
On Saturday, March 28, textile expert Lynne Bassett will present “Federalist Fathers and Republican Mothers: The Fashions of John and Abigail Adams.” Using letters, garments, portraits, fashion plates, and satirical cartoons
from the period to keep things buoyant, Bassett will demonstrate how both early and contemporary Americans have expressed their national and personal character through their clothing choices. The free event will be held at 2 p.m. and preceded by a reception at 1:30 p.m. Bassett maintains that fashion isn’t frivolous. “It’s an important document manifesting a period’s culture, economy, and labor,” she says, “and a valuable means of examining women’s history.” She notes that John and Abigail both expressed their personal and national character through their choice of clothing. Their judgment of people’s choices in fashion, though, brings some levity to the subject. One example includes a letter in which Abagail quips, “Most of [the Ladies]…wear their Cloaths too Scant, upon the body & too full upon the Bosom for my fancy; not content with the Show Which nature bestows, they borrow from art, and literally looke like Nursing Mothers.”
On Saturday, April 18, the anniversary of the most famous horse ride in American history, author Kostya Kennedy will present little-known aspects of the story in “The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night that Saved America,” based on his book of the same title. The free event will be held at 2 p.m. and preceded by a reception at 1:30 p.m.
Revere, the Boston-based silversmith, engraver, and staunch anti-British political operative, inspired the poem and legend of “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” But, according to Kennedy, the story of Revere’s ride to warn of approaching British troop is deeper and richer than previously assumed.
“That night in 1775 was 12 hours that changed the world,” Kennedy says.
Revere was not the only rider that April night in 1775, but he was by far the most critical. The patriots’ best and
most trusted “express rider,” Revere had already completed at least 18 previous rides throughout New England, disseminating intelligence about British movements.
But this ride was like no other, Kennedy asserts, and its consequences in the months and years following—as the American Revolution transitioned from isolated skirmishes to a full-fledged war—became one of our founding tales.
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.
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located 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/NewHaven Museum.
About NH250
About the New Haven Museum
National Portrait Gallery, London
Photo courtesy St. Martin’s Press
The HMS Somerset on the Charles River , James Gillray, National Portrait Gallery. This engraving caricatures the loosely clinging Empire/Regency styles, worn with few layers of stiffening petticoats.
The Graces in a High Wind
Press Release from the New Haven Museum
Music and Poetry Mark International Women’s Day
The Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is hosting an afternoon of music and poetry for healing and hope from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
The event features Grammy Awardwinning flutist Rhonda Larson, whose multilayered performances have earned international praise, and poet Jude Rittenhouse, whose poems have been awarded the Joy Harjo Poetry Prize, Margaret Gibson Award, and the Tiferet Poetry Prize.
After winning first prize in the National Flute Association Young Artists Competition at the age of 22, Larson was invited to join the Paul Winter Consort—and thus began a global journey which led six years later to winning a Grammy Award. Her performances have been described as transformative as she “wields her instruments like a blow torch.”
A Montana native, Larson has charmed audiences across the country and abroad. She plays a variety of flutes from around the world including ones made of glass. She has perfected the unusual technique of producing vocal sounds while playing the flute using the voice as melody and flute as harmony. With home base now in Killingworth, she has become a mentor for the next generation of flutists while keeping a full performance schedule.
Rittenhouse has spent decades in the fields of trauma recovery and domestic violence, using writing with her clients as a source of empowerment. She is a poet, short story and nonfiction writer, teacher, speaker, counselor, mental health professional, and lifelong activist.
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: 4 p.m. Henry on Main, 10 W. Main St., Clinton. Features live jazz with Ciara Garcia on baritone sax, Eneji Alungbe on bass, and Ohm Soni on drums. Cost: $10 at the door. For info, call 860-669-2342.
: 5 to 6 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Children ages 2 to 10 may bring a stuffed animal or doll for a pretend medical checkup using tools such as stethoscopes and bandages. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
: 8 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Tickets: $45. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14 AND
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
Concert by The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
MONDAY, FEB. 16
Youth Art Class: Artistic Penguins
:7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-5100453 or visit thekate.org. :
10 a.m. to noon. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St. Features a winter-themed art class where participants will create an artistic penguin project. For ages 8 to 12. Led by artist Sharon Hart. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.
Teen Drawing Class
: 1 to 3 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Features a drawing skills class where participants refine their techniques and explore creative expression. For ages 12 to 18. Led by instructor Edith Reynolds. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.
Tiferet Nimrod International Journal Connecticut River Review Cutthroat The Tiferet Talk Interviews
Nimrod International Journal
Her poems have appeared in , , , and , among others. She was featured in , along with Julia Cameron, Edward Hirsch, Robert Pinsky, and Bernie Siegel (2013). Awards include a writer’s grant from the Vermont Studio Center, second place in the 2023 Margaret Gibson Award, honorable mention in the 2025 Joy Harjo Awards, and finalist for the Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry by and the Tiferet Poetry Prize. In fluid language, Jude’s poems merge feminine imagery with nature and will be a perfect pairing with Larson’s music, especially on International Women’s Day.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 8
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Place: Congregation Beth Shalom
Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester.
Admission: $10 members/ $15 nonmembers
For more information or to pre-register, contact 860-526-8920 or office@cbsrz.org.
: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Weather permitting, volunteers will demonstrate traditional maple sugaring methods at the sugar house behind the Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum and Munger Barn. Features sap collection and syrup-making using a historic “cooker,” along with wood-fired cooking, stories, and hands-on opportunities. Continues Wednesday, Feb. 21, and Thursday, Feb. 22. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.
: Sat-
urday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dudley Farm Museum, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features a pop-up exhibit of Victorian-era valentines, including German and Austrian paper-engineered designs popular from the 1890s through the 1920s, as well as Vinegar Valentines, also known as Mock Valentines. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
Sewiong Sunday: Make Your Own Heart Bag
: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Beginner-friendly project. Limited spots.To register (required), call 203-488-8702. For info, visit wwml.org.
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
Kate Classic Film: Math Mania
Morning Glory
: 2 and
7 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.
: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Elementary-age students will play math games with the theme of Abe Lincoln and money. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
LEGO STEM Club
: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 4. Participants will explore engineering concepts with a focus on "logo shadows." For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Calligraphy that Inspired a Nation
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a 90minute workshop on colonial calligraphy using dip nib and ink. Includes signaturemaking activity. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
See page 28
Press Release from Melanie Greenhouse
Photo by Kurt Rauschenberg Jude Rittenhouse
Photo by Steve Winslow Rhonda Larson
Jazz Trio at Henry on Main
Teddy Bear Clinic
Concert by Roomful of Blues
Maple Sugaring Time
Victorian Valentine Pop-up Exhibit
Author Event: Rick Tulsky in Conversation with Emily Bazelon
: 7 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book:
Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com. : 5:30 to 7 p.m. Donahue’s Beach Grille, 1320 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Co-sponsored by the Madison and Clinton Chambers of Commerce. For info, contact the Madison Chamber at 203-245–7394 or chamber@madisonct.com, or visit madisonct.com.
:
6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants create tiny art pieces for the community exhibit. Supplies provided. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Books and Boos
: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers. For info or to register, call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
10 Things Every Baby Boomer Should Know About Cremation
: 6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Features an informational presentation on cremation planning for adults born between 1946 and 1964 and their families. Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Writing Injustice Book Discussion:
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Senior Series 2: All About Senior Living Communities
: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Orchard House, 421 Shore Dr., Branford. Cost: $10. Second in a six-part educational series designed for older adults and the adult children who support them. Each session offers practical guidance on topics related to aging in place, downsizing, home care, and senior living options. Participants can attend any or all sessions; there is no obligation to attend the full series. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For elementary-age students. Includes story time, a horse decoration craft, and noisemaking to welcome the Year of the Horse. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Our Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England
:
6:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Presented by Shaun Roche of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Features historic images and stories of sustainable farming along coastal marshes. Co-sponsored by the Guilford Conservation Commission. Free. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.
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.
Author Event: Gish Jen in Conversation with Barbara Pearce
Saint Ann’s Griswold Forum
Hosts Decoda
Saint Ann’s Parish in Old Lyme presents members of Decoda at the church’s Griswold Forum on Sunday, Feb 22, at 9:30 a.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
Shoreline Village Tea and Talk
: 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Led by Hazel V. Carby and Donna Daniels, this session explores Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 novel about independence, love, and self-discovery. Copies available at the Reference Desk. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org. : 2 to 3:30 p.m. Shoreline Diner, 345 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to RSVP, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.
: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: . Held in the Keyes Gallery. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.
Concert by Journeyman (Tribute to Eric Clapton) Bad Bad Girl
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Members of Decoda, affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall, will talk about their unique group and their ongoing creative community projects in prisons, community centers, hospitals, and shelters, with a special focus on their community engagement work for Musical Masterworks, a chamber music series in southeastern Connecticut.
Attendees will learn about the songwriting workshop that Decoda will have just concluded during their weeklong residency at Cheshire Correctional Institute and the challenges associated with working in incarceration facilities in general.
Decoda will also share some lyrics from the inmates’ newly written songs and perform some of the music, in arrangements for an ensemble of oboe, bassoon, viola, and cello. Members will also share reflections on their experience presenting workshops at Vista Life Innovations, a community center for adults with chronic neurological impairments located in Madison.
As Musical Masterworks’ ensemble-in-
residence for community engagement for the past four years, Decoda has worked with students at Fitch High School in Groton, as well as with students at Waterford Country School. All these residencies help to build confidence, trust, and skills in the participants, proving that music is a force for connection, empowerment and transformation.
“For four years, Decoda has helped Musical Masterworks deepen its commitment to community engagement, using music as a bridge between people, experiences, and voices that are too often unheard,” said Mic Herring, executive director of Musical Masterworks. “Their work shows the extraordinary impact that creativity can have in fostering empathy and belonging.”
Rev. Anita Louise Schell, Saint Ann’s rector, added, “Saint Ann’s is delighted to host Decoda in this Griswold Forum, where we can shine a light on the remarkable work that they and Musical Masterworks have been doing in our communities.”
Saint Ann’s Church is located at 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme. All are welcome to attend this presentation. For more information, call 860-4341621.
Photo courtesy of Saint Ann's Church
Decoda musicians
Press Release from Saint Ann's Church
Annual Madison and Clinton Chamber Joint Business After Hours Event
Family Paint Night: Tiny Art Returns
Chinese New Year
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
: 5 Beachwood LLC to Paul Matute, $200,000 on Jan. 21
: Todd and Shannon Hamilton to Michele L. Jokl, $365,000 on Jan. 21
:
Thanh C. Pham to John Macdonald, $230,000 on Jan. 23
: Estate of Alice East Stanley and Alice S. Mandel to Cheryl Lipka, $399,000 on Jan. 20
20
: Leo J.
Bombalicki to Lindsay A. Ronshagen, $430,000 on Jan. 23
Anthony R. Caramanica and Hannah M. Theriault to Jit B. Gurung, $310,000 on Jan. 23
: Far
Mill Riv Re Hldg LLC to Ann C Billings Real Estate Trust and Ann C. Billings, $395,000 on Jan. 21
: Paul J. Hyatt to Hillyn Natter, $319,900 on Jan. 20
: Donna L. Haas to Matthew J. Jansen, $140,000 on Jan. 22 20 Lakeview
: George and Kimberly Grieco to Gregory and Kristin Webster, $1,160,000 on Jan. 22
: Jillian
Mondaca to Michael R. Boller and Elizabeth Allen, $575,000 on Jan. 23
: Peter R. and Constance M. Gallagher to Michael Andal and Nina Liang, $1,000,000 on Jan. 22
ESSEX
: Richard and Kimberly Speed to Jennifer and Kevin Roukous, $1,425,000 on Jan. 21
: Sunny Day Old Saybrook LL to Famah Sells, $111,111 on Jan. 21 : Joseph R. Ricigliano to Jose Mendoza and Esperanza Castillo, $320,000 on Jan. 20
: Matthew and Lori Cattaneo to Phoebe and Matthew Miller, $595,000 on Jan. 20
: Daniel M. and Melissa A. Reiner to Staci Fernandez, $370,000 on Jan. 20
: Jeffrey M. Niro and U South Bank Na to Juan Escalanate, $330,500 on Jan. 23
: Kenneth J. Pardee to Joseph Lombardo, $419,000 on Jan. 23
Real Estate Transactions
231 Nortontown Road
: Matthew
Ramadanovic to Rajiv C. and Victoria F. Dua, $1,385,000 on Jan. 20
52 Seaside Avenue
: John L. Tarutis and Paula R. Deveau to Michael A. Dechello, $780,000 on Jan. 21
134 Water Street
: Philip D. and Stephanie M. Johnson to Sarah D. Johnson and Ethan J. Long, $550,000 on Jan. 20
MADISON
9 Old Farms Road
: Freedom
Property LLC to Chris and Roberta Fernau, $551,000 on Jan. 20
28 Riverside Lane
: Maureen J Lage
T and Maureen J. Lage to Francis X. Foley, $1,600,000 on Jan. 22
48 Shepherds Trail
: Stanley J. and Mary P. Griskewicz to Kyle Butler, $775,000 on Jan. 20
20-C Yankee Glen Road
: Audrey E.
Cameron to David A. Facini, $343,000 on Jan. 21
NORTH BRANFORD
Katherine Street
: Amer Intl Relocation to Kevin Swenson and Caitlin Crowley, $380,000 on Jan. 20
21 Katherine Street
: Frank and Jennifer Gibilisco to Amer Intl Relocation Soln, $380,000 on Jan. 20
: Kimberly Waligroski to Nikolas Spadacenta, $499,900 on Jan. 21 : Market
Equities Grp LLC to Andrew Theori and Shujuan E. Huang, $390,000 on Jan. 20
: Rcf 2 Acquisition T and Us Bank to Rcf 2 Acquisition T and Us Bank, $428,782 on Jan. 21
: Joseph E. Smith to Linda J. and Robert M. Guilmette, $320,000 on Jan. 20
: Donna Jones to Robin Staplins, $400,000 on Jan. 21
: David W. Frasco to Melina Q. Usher, $941,500 on Jan. 23
: Gerald J. Wilson and Kevin G. Ferrigno to Robert and Megan E. Falcigno, $860,000 on Jan. 20 : Estate of Nancy C. Desnoyers and Diana J. Desnoyers to Matthew Akehurst, $410,000 on Jan. 23 : James Neil to Matthew and Carly Terracezigni, $525,000 on Jan. 20
: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shore publishing.com
286
level provides excellent potential for additional finished space. Set on a pretty, wooded lot, this home offers comfort, privacy, and opportunity.
30 Meeting House Lane, Madison $1,895,000
Once known as “Hartsbourne,” this Iconic Madison home, is renowned for its
