Lyons: Madison Financially Strong, Challenges Remain
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
As Madison passes the midpoint of its current fiscal year, the town remains in a financially strong position, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said, though certain challenges and uncertainties remain for both the town and its residents.
Lyons delivered that assessment during her State of the Town address on Feb. 11, highlighting numerous accomplishments achieved this fiscal year and goals the town aims to complete in the near future. She pointed to Madison’s “favorable economic profile,” including its AAA credit rating, high median household income, and robust small business and real estate markets.
The town’s mill rate of 22.43 was also notable, Lyons said, citing its relative affordability compared to neighboring communities. Adhering to the goals of the Madison Investment Plan by determining “how do we keep everything funded appropriately without having spikes in the mill rate” will
See Lyons page 10
Stepping Toward Spring
A lone walker crosses the snowcovered Madison Town Green on Feb. 17 as daytime temperatures climb above freezing following weeks of bitter cold. The slight warmup offers hope for a gradual thaw.
is making a difference for Madison's seniors....2
A Short List
Hand’s Thomas McCullough is one of four Connecticut players to find his name on a list of McDonald's All-American nominees...............12
Shelby Clementel
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSource
Walz Team at Coldwell Banker
Shelby Clementel: Making a Difference for Madison Seniors
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Before becoming the program coordinator at the Madison Senior Center, Shelby Clementel worked as a paralegal for five years. It was at the law firm where she worked that she became familiar with senior affairs, but from a legal perspective involving difficult decisions.
“I worked primarily on the firm’s conservatorships,” she says. “And then over time, those people had passed away, and then I was working on the firm’s decedents’ estates.”
But while doing that work, Shelby says she was “missing that one-onone contact” and “making a difference in people’s lives.”
“That’s when I really boiled down what my position was over there—what I enjoyed versus didn’t enjoy,” she says. “And I wasn’t passionate, so to speak, about the law. I was more passionate about the people. So, that’s when I decided to look outwards. I knew I wanted to work with seniors. I just wasn’t sure what capacity.”
She later found that the position of program coordinator at the senior center was open. She was already familiar with the space and some of its staff, having worked with its assistant director, Heather Noblin, on a couple of cases in her paralegal job. The new role, however, was not something Shelby knew well, but it offered the kind of environment she wanted.
“When [the role] opened up, I thought, ‘You know what? It’s not exactly what I was doing or thought I wanted to do, the program coordinating end of things,’” she says.
Ultimately realizing, “How fun could this be,” Shelby applied and has been with the senior center for a year.
“I genuinely enjoy making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what
I enjoy about the programming aspect of here, is that I’m able to form those relationships and see the difference that they make in these people’s lives.”
Shelby, a Haddam resident, enjoys working with seniors not only for helping what she calls “a very underserved population,” but also for “listening to their point of view” and learning from people who grew up in a very different world. She illustrates the nexus of those perspectives by thinking about a gentleman in his 90s she worked with as a paralegal.
“He would come in and drop his bills off and would leave. The more he would come in, the more we would chat. But I started having these thoughts about, ‘OK, it’s Thanksgiving now, who does he eat Thanksgiving dinner with?’ I knew the answer was ‘no one.’ Then came along Christmas, and I had the thought of, ‘When was the last time that somebody called him and wished him a Merry Christmas?’ He had lost everyone at that point in time,
See Shelby page 9
Photo Courtesy of Shelby Clementel Shelby Clementel is the program coordinator at the Madison Senior Center, where she has been for a year.
Town Weighs CERT Team After Tough Winter
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Winter Storm Fern pummeled Madison with up to 12 inches of snow, contributing to budget increases, salt shortages, and price hikes for both the town and the school district.
The first major storm hit Madison on Dec. 13. Since then, the town has experienced a $39,000 increase in costs due to subsequent storms leading up to Fern.
The Source
Madison Public Schools Superintendent Craig Cooke told the district has seen a “sharp increase in the snow removal budget,” but, thanks to the work of the Facilities Department and the town’s Public Works personnel, the district is in an “OK position in the amount of salt we have to address future storms.”
“We anticipate presenting a recommendation on how to close the deficit in the snow removal account to the [Board of Selectmen] in early March,” Cooke added.
Fire Marshal Sam DeBurra described the season as Madison’s “toughest winter in a while.”
In preparation for similar extreme weather events, the Board of Selectmen is considering establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) that, as described by First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons, “would assist the town in terms of any kind of emergency actions that happen, whether it’s a major weather event or some other public emergency.”
Discussion of the team took place at the selectmen’s Feb. 10 meeting, where members reviewed the benefits of creating a CERT team to support residents during extreme weather and other emergency events.
The proposed structure and focus of the team were presented by Ryan Duques, a board member with Madison Emergency Medical Services. Duques’ presentation, which received support from the Fire Marshal’s Office, outlined the operational needs and technological resources the team would use during emergencies.
Duques said the mission of trained volunteers would center on “coming together and helping the town as a force multiplier
Correction
during times of need.” Operating under the town’s Office of Emergency Management, the team could “surge manpower” when public safety officials are stretched thin during certain emergencies, assisting in areas where police and fire personnel cannot be.
The creation of the team has already received endorsement from Madison Police Captain Douglas Harkins, according to [incomplete attribution].
Like more than 60 CERT teams in Connecticut, the Madison unit would be designated as state agents and receive financial and legal backing from the state. Volunteers would be covered by workers’ compensation “while training or on duty, removing costs from the town,” and would receive “full liability immunity for the town and the volunteers during activation,” according to one of Duques’ presentation slides.
However, unlike some “generic” or “traditional” emergency response programs, Duques said Madison’s CERT team would follow a “dual-track model.” Volunteers could receive American Red Cross training in shelter management and disaster recovery—particularly relevant as the town establishes a new emergency shelter at Walter C. Polson Middle School. Some volunteers could also participate in a Federal Aviation Administration-licensed “drone aviation unit” trained in “search and rescue and storm assessment programs,” Duques said.
Drone technology is “relatively low-cost,” Duques said, and acquisition could be supported through private partnerships, with the Madison Foundation cited as a possible example.
According to Duques, the “key benefit” of the model is “zero labor cost” to the town, as the team would consist of trained volunteers. Public safety officials are currently gauging public interest and are hoping for an “activation” phase in June.
Selectman Scott Murphy asked whether there are examples of shoreline towns already operating similar programs and
See Town Weighs page 11
Three calendar items that ran on Feb. 12 had the incorrect venue. The Writing Injustice Book Discussion Series: “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston on Wednesday, Feb. 18; Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England on Thursday, Feb. 19; and the Staying Strong and Steady: Fall Prevention with Dr. A.J. Gagliardi and Dr. Jill Caruso on Monday, Feb. 23, will all be held at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street.
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Obituaries
Obituary
John Mitchell Hartland, VT
It is with sorrow that the family of John D. Mitchell, age 70, announce his unexpected passing on Jan. 29, 2026. John was born on Dec. 7, 1955, in Kent, OH, the only son to parents Rex and Helen (Strawbridge) Mitchell. When John was a teenager, his family moved to the Shoreline town of Madison, where he quickly and easily became a fixture in the community, due to his charming and lighthearted nature, making lasting friendships and colorful memories that will not soon be forgotten by his friends and family, including racing the “quarter mile” on the Hammonasset Connector with friends and the muscle cars they loved to work on. John’s love of cars and working on them was built at an early age, and he continued to enjoy car racing and working on cars throughout his life.
due to medical reasons, John continued to visit, often bringing his grandson Max to hang out at the garage.
After retirement, John focused on his family and often spent time in his workshop with Max, his grandson and righthand man, working on various projects, including teaching Max how to ride minibikes. He also enjoyed hanging out with his close friend and adventure partner of many years, Steve Leninski, cooking for his family, and spoiling all of the beloved family dogs, as well as a few cats and one potbellied pig, that were lucky to call the Mitchell household their home throughout the years. In the mornings, John and Linda would often enjoy their coffee while on speakerphone with friends and family, sharing their lives and stories with one another. Linda and John spent almost every day together, by each other’s side, and would often joke that they were the only ones who enjoyed the COVID lockdown, as it meant more time with each other.
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After graduating in 1974, John remained on the Shoreline, continuing to learn and soon becoming an expert in the construction trade, working at places such as Clinton Nurseries. While John was a hard worker, he enjoyed making time for his friends and hanging out and could often be found down at Nick’s, enjoying a beer and laughs with friends. During this time, he also fell in love with Linda Douglas, who became his much-loved wife and best friend. Together, they blended their two families of boys into one, and in 1991, they moved to Vermont, making quiet Hartland their home.
After moving to Vermont, John continued to work in the construction trade, as a skilled heavy equipment operator in the Upper Valley, working first for Moultin Construction before joining the crew at D.R. Key Corp in Lebanon, NH. During his 25-year career with them, John not only helped to build the infrastructure at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, but he also laid out and built the walking paths that many use on this property. He also created lasting friendships with Dana and Andy Key, as well as Ronnie “Sandman” Garvin. After his retirement
John was a man of many qualities, a fun-loving guy with an infectious laugh, who was boisterous, thoughtful, kindhearted, and willing to help regardless of the task. To know John is to have at least one memory that could bring a smile or laugh, if not many more, and the knowledge that his time with us in this world was not nearly long enough.
John will be so missed by many, including his loving wife, Linda Mitchell of Hartland, who will forever miss John’s steady presence in the life they built together; three sons, David Mails of Clinton, Steven Mails of Hartland, VT, and Benjamin Walker (Emma) of Maine; grandsons, Max Mitchell, with whom he shared a close relationship, as well as Cameron Mails, Owen Hoy, and Brandon Walker. John is also survived by his mother-in-law, Evelyn Douglas; sister-in-law, Sandra (Michael) Bray; niece, Tifany Laffin; and brother-in-law, Thomas Douglas and his family. In addition, John leaves behind numerous cousins: Pam Kirkland, Julie Leonard, Bonnie Morgan, Suzie Collins, Michael Greene, Cindy Lewis, Peggy Holmes, Jill Costanzo, and Jack Lewis. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his son, John H. Mitchell.
A private service will be held for John at a later date. Knight Funeral Home of Windsor, VT, has been entrusted with arrangements, and online condolences may be shared at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
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LAST CHANCE
For Your Favorite Non-Profit is February 28
Essex Bank customers still have time to vote for their favorite non-profit organizations but only until February 28! These votes will help to directly determine a portion of the Bank’s allocation of charitable funds through the Bank’s 2026 Community Investment Program.
Not a customer? Open an account and you, too, can participate! To vote, customers can log into their Essex Bank online account or visit any of our six branches for a paper ballot.
• Deep River Land Trust, Inc.
Deer Lake Outdoor Center (Pathfinders, Inc.) • E.C. Scranton Memorial Library
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
PZC Approves Affordable Housing Development
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Madison’s affordable housing stock is expected to receive a boost following approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission of site plans for a new building at 142 Boston Post Road that will include deed-restricted affordable units.
Like all municipalities in Connecticut, Madison must meet the state-mandated threshold that 10% of its housing stock be deemed affordable based on Area Median Income. The town’s current affordable housing stock stands at 1.7%, according to Town Planner Erin Mannix. Although the Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the units at 142 Boston Post Road, they will not count toward the town’s percentage until construction is complete.
“The town can only report affordable units after they are completed, so this development will not count towards our percentage until the project is built,” Mannix said.
The new two-story building, unanimously approved by the commission at its Feb. 5 meeting, will total 4,350 square feet and include eight one-bedroom rental units. The applicant filed the proposal under Connecticut General Statutes 8-30g, designating three of the eight units as deed-restricted affordable for 40 years.
Ed Cassella, who represented the applicant at the Feb. 5 meeting, said the applicant is “required to designate” one-third of the units as affordable, while the remaining units will be market-rate.
According to Cassella, two of the affordable units will be reserved for tenants earning 60% of Area Median Income, while one unit will be designated for a tenant earning 80%. According to the Madison Affordable Housing Commission, the Area Median Income for Madison is $79,240. Eighty percent of that figure is $63,392, and 60% is $47,544.
The new building will be constructed adjacent to the existing structure at 142 Boston Post Road, which houses the Shoreline Speech and Learning Center. That building contains office space on the first floor and a onebedroom unit on the second floor.
Cassella cited the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in calculating projected rents for the affordable units. For units designated at 60% of Area Median Income, “rent is approximately $930,” he said, while the unit designated at 80% Area Median Income is “$1,180 calculated.”
“Every year [the numbers] change. The median income of the area and the state fluctuate. But those give you an example, and we’ve provided the methodology in the affordability plan for that,” Cassella said.
Annual Corned Beef Dinner
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 benefit the Haddam emergency fuel bank. For more information, contact 860-424-6178 or elainejack835@gmail.com.
New
Beginnings: A New Scholarship Fund
The Killingworth Women’s Organization announces the New Beginnings: The Kelly Allard Leach Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in memory of longtime member Kelly Allard Leach who died in February 2025. The scholarship supports adult learners pursuing a GED, vocational or college degree, or a license or certification in a new field and is open to women or individuals who identify as women who live or work in Haddam, Higganum, or Killingworth. Awards of $100 to $500 may be used for tuition, fees, books, transportation, or childcare. The first application period is open through Saturday, Feb. 28, with awards announced Wednesday, April 1. For more information, email newbeginnings@kwoct.org or visit kwoct.org.
Obituaries
Upon returning from the war, he and Helen began their family. They would go on to have six children, ten grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
attended Northeastern University at night to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees. A chemical engineer by background, Joe spent 30 years at General Foods (now Kraft) in various areas of quality control and product development.
Joe was a loving husband and father who strove to give his children opportunities in life that he did not necessarily have himself. When he retired in 1986, he and Helen traveled the world together. He was passionate about learning about other cultures and studying their history. He was an avid reader and accomplished photographer.
The world has lost an affable and upbeat man who brightened the lives of his entire family and anyone who got to know him. Although he will be greatly missed, he lived an extraordinary life of almost 103 years and will always be remembered with great fondness.
Joe is survived by his children, Kathleen (Jonathan) Black of Fairfield, Robert (Maureen) Fay of Norwalk, William (Martha) Fay of North Carolina, and Paul (Janine) Fay of Clinton; ten grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen; daughter, Eileen Fishburn; son, Thomas; and his brothers, James, Jackie, Tommy, Russell, and Ronnie; and his beloved sister, Delia.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, and will leave the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, Branford, at 10:15 a.m. for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. George Church, Guilford. Burial will follow in Alderbrook Cemetery.
Killingworth residents with food insufficiencies can shop weekly for groceries on Thursdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the food pantry, 242 Route 81 (on the circle). The food pantry is manned by volunteers from the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO). It has nonperishable food, perishable/seasonal items, dairy, eggs, meat, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. Currently, shelves are stocked with pasta and vegetables, but other donations are also appreciated. The pantry can accept only unexpired items which can be placed in the donation bin outside the front door for anything nonperishable. Arrangements can be made to drop off donations as well. Anyone who cannot make the designated pantry hours for food can call to schedule an appointment for food pickup. Delivery is also available for those who are homebound. All information is confidential. For more information, contact 860-663-1765, ext. 401, or helpinghands@kwoct.org, or visit www.kwoct.org/helping-hands-food-pantry.
Shelby Clementel: Making a Difference for Madison Seniors
because he was in his late 80s, early 90s.”
Shelby came to realize that “taking the time to slow down” and have a conversation with a senior about the life they have lived was what “really opened up my mind and my heart to the population.”
As program coordinator, Shelby oversees and participates in the development and functions of various senior-oriented activities. They include running the bocce league, which includes “97 seniors who take this game very seriously,” she says, and the Dial-A-Ride program, which supports “seniors who don’t have transportation or a driver’s license anymore or are unable to drive for whatever reason” get to medical appointments or other locations for personal business.
“I schedule those appointments, which, again, is making a difference, getting them to necessary medical appointments,” Shelby says. “That’s fulfilling.”
She also puts together the senior center’s newsletter, Trends and Traditions, which highlights anticipated programs and activities each month, from special luncheons and workout classes to games like poker and bingo. It also contains information on caregiver support groups, as well as legal and financial counseling support.
While seniors still get visits from therapy dogs, new critter interactions have come to the senior center thanks to Shelby.
“We’ve brought therapy bunnies. I’ve got pigs coming,” she says.
While working with and listening to seniors has become a learning experience for Shelby, the senior center is not the only place where she has come to learn about the joys of activities that appeal to Madison’s older residents. It turns out young people like Shelby have come to appreciate “grandma hobbies” themselves.
“The trend now for girls my age is grandma hobbies: mahjong, needlepoint …
I’m back into sourdough.”
As surprising as it may sound, Shelby says shared hobbies between herself and Madison seniors “bridges the gap between myself and the seniors, because, again, it’s something that brings people together.”
Shelby has seen Madison youth and seniors connect through the former’s mandatory community service hours, and she says students are often happy to spend time with their elders.
“We have kids who are reaching out to post tech support. They’re coming from school and playing bingo,” Shelby says.
From those experiences to Shelby’s work as program coordinator, it all comes down to learning, as a young person, about life from those who have lived it.
“I really enjoy hearing about their dayto-day, their lives, the people they were then and the people they are now,” she says. “The people is truly what this boils down to.”
Coping Techniques for Caregivers
Lyons: Madison Financially Strong, Challenges Remain
Continued from page 1
be critical to maintaining the town’s financial health and sustainability, she added.
Lyons also emphasized the amenities available to residents, including “abundant outdoor amenities, including beaches, parks, and trails,” a “vibrant downtown,” and “access to world class health care within a half hour of New Haven,” along with other local health services.
She praised the town’s public service officials for meeting the “high standards of Madison residents,” as well as residents’ proactiveness and attentiveness in municipal affairs. She cited development of the Surf Club Master Plan—now in its early stages and aimed at renovating the town’s largest and most popular public park—as an example of strong community engagement.
“And that does create a lot of hardship for people living in town.”
Addressing housing affordability may require shifts in development patterns. Madison’s housing stock is approximately 95% single-family homes, and the town—like all Connecticut municipalities—must work toward meeting statemandated affordable housing goals.
Additional development considerations are also underway as Madison Public Schools nears completion of its School Renewal Plan, including systems improvements at Walter C. Polson Middle School. The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee is evaluating future needs and potential uses to serve the broader community.
Madison residents are also facing broader economic uncertainty in 2026, Lyons said, citing factors that include “changing federal policies,” such as tariffs.
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“The consultant that’s working on the Surf Club Master Plan gave a presentation the other day and he said he’d never seen community engagement in one of these master plans before,” Lyons said. “So, we’re setting a very high bar.”
Lyons urged residents to remain civically and culturally engaged, particularly as Madison celebrates its bicentennial and the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Residents may volunteer, donate, or attend events organized by the Madison 200/American 250 Committee.
As a coastal community, Madison is “really starting to feel the impacts of climate change,” Lyons said. Roadways, beaches, and electrical infrastructure have been affected by an increased frequency of strong storms and rising sea levels—issues the Surf Club Master Plan seeks to address at the town’s signature park.
Make mealtime easy! Pick up a copy of our cookbook at the event.
“This is an opportunity, no matter our political affiliation, our religious affiliation, our background, our economic situation—we can all celebrate this town, because I think everybody loves our town. And this is a way to come together and do that,” she said.
However, “we also have our challenges,” Lyons said. “Affordability is one of those things.”
While Madison’s real estate market remains strong and property values continue to increase, “the cost of living in Madison is expensive,” she said.
The town also continues to evaluate options for the future of Academy School. Possibilities include renovation into one of four redevelopment concepts presented to the Board of Selectmen or demolition and potential conversion into a public park. Lyons emphasized during her presentation that “any final action on Academy will require voter approval” through a town meeting or referendum.
As with the Madison Investment Plan, maintaining sustainable and manageable operating and capital budgeting practices will be essential moving forward, Lyons said.
“Overall, the town’s doing well in terms of budget management and [has been] able to deliver a lot without a huge expansion in the budget,” she said.
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.
Cuddle Up with Alfa
Story by Carol Andrecs
Alfa is a stunning 2-year-old, black-andwhite long-haired girl. She was trapped while living among a colony of cats and arrived at Forgotten Felines during the recent cold weather. Alfa loves being petted and brushed, as well as sitting on a comfy lap. This beauty will definitely keep you warm on chilly nights. Wouldn’t you love to cuddle up with Alfa? Come meet her 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.
Town Weighs CERT Team
After Tough Winter
Continued from page 4
how they manage associated costs. Duques cited the CERT team in the Town of Orange as one example, noting its collaboration with the local fire department in traffic control and other support functions. DeBurra also referenced the CERT team in Hamden, which assists with nonemergency events and large public gatherings.
Lyons said the team “could be a win-
win” by providing additional safety and assistance measures in a town where residents “love to volunteer,” including members of two fire departments and residents with medical backgrounds.
“I think this might just be an opportunity for people to find another way to serve,” Lyons said.
The selectmen plan to revisit the proposal within the next four months, following the conclusion of the recruitment phase.
MADISON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
At a regular hybrid meeting held on February 10th, 2026, the Zoning Board of Appeals took the following actions:
26-01. 117 Buffalo Bay; Map 12, Lot 40, Zone: R-3; Owner/Applicant: Helen S. Maher; Variance request to Section 2.17 to allow 30.1 ft setback to the critical coastal resource where 50ft is required. Application includes a Coastal Site Plan. APPROVED
Dated this 11th day of February, 2026
Maria Pettola, Land Use Official
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Vincent A. Dussich (26-0024)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated February 3, 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:
Gayle Dussich c/o THOMAS ANTHONY VIRGULTO, HILL & HILL, LLC, 2E SAMSON ROCK DRIVE, MEIGSWOOD, MADISON, CT 06443
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF John Clifford Chapman, AKA Jack C. Chapman (26-0006)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated February 5, 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: Jeffrey B. Chapman, c/o LEE S TITUS, LEE S. TITUS LAW OFFICE, 1575 BOSTON POST RD., PO BOX 446, GUILFORD, CT 06437
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTA TE OF Emilie O. Hick (26-0037)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated February 4, 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: Tracy Lizotte c/o LYNN MARIE PINDER, PINDER LAW OFFICE LLC, 752 BOSTON POST ROAD, MADISON, CT 06443
At a regular hybrid meeting held on February 5th, 2026 the Madison Planning & Zoning Commission took the following action(s):
#25-30+CSP. 142 Boston Post Road; Map: 45; Lot: 138; Zone: R-2; Owner/Applicant: 142 Boston Post Road, LLC; Coastal Site Plan and Site Plan application to retain existing mixed-use building with 1,222sqft office on first floor and one-bedroom unit on second floor and construct new 4,350sq.ft. two-story building with 8 residential, one-bedroom units; with associated site improvements including parking/walkways, subsurface sewage disposal systems, stormwater management system, 10ft x 14ft storage shed, and 10ft x 14ft covered picnic area pursuant to CGS 8-30g APPROVED W/ CONDITIONS
By: Erin Mannix, Town Planner
Photo by Tracye Mueller
Hand’s McCullough Earns All-American Nomination
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
Thomas McCullough has been one of the top players on the court since he entered Daniel Hand High School as a freshman. Over the years, he has developed into a versatile threat who can control the pace of the game, beat a defender to the lane with a quick first step, or showcase his clutch ability by knocking down last-second game-winners.
McCullough’s name has circled the state, and heading into his senior season, he was mentioned among the top 25 players to watch in the state. He also became one of four players in Connecticut to receive a McDonald’s All-American nomination.
The recognition was a moment McCullough could step back and appreciate after years of work.
“I was honestly very happy just to see that all my hard work over the years is finally starting to pay off,” McCullough said. “I was very happy and proud.” He said it feels even better to be on a short list of only four Connecticut players who were nominated.
“That only made it feel better, honestly,” he said. “It shows that I’m one of the top players in the state, and it just means a lot. It goes back to all the hard work I put in.”
The news came after disappointing and difficult news of a different kind. After receiving attention last season and becoming an all-league player, McCullough went into the offseason ready to work.
Every day, he was in the gym putting up shots and working on his craft. He pushed himself to be even better than he was the year before. In September, he started to feel a pinching sensation in his foot. It was an odd feeling, but he did not think too much about it at first.
However, the pain kept lingering. In October, the discomfort brought him to the doctor, where he was initially told he had tendonitis. He kept playing on it, kept going to workouts, and kept his focus on developing his game, but the pain continued.
The next time he went to the doctor, an MRI revealed a stress fracture. McCullough found out on Nov. 26, just weeks before his highly anticipated senior season.
“It was just a huge disappointment. Me and my guys have been looking forward to
dumps.” He said it was a struggle to come to terms with what he knew deep down: he could not play this season.
“I tried seeing if I could play a game, but like deep down in my mind, I knew like the season was done,” he said. “Once I came to terms with that and accepted that I realized that I could still have an impact on this team, and that’s what I wanted to do.”
To McCullough’s credit, he continued to show up for his team with a positive attitude. He helped out in practice, encouraged his teammates on the sideline, and ran the clock for junior varsity games. Individually, he continued to take instruction and take mental reps to develop his own game and basketball IQ.
Hand basketball coach Jimmy Economopoulos said he was proud of how McCullough responded to adversity. He said if anyone deserved a McDonald’s AllAmerican nomination, it is McCullough.
“He’s as hard of a worker as I’ve had in my 10 years at Hand,” Economopoulos said. “He was in the gym every single day, and I’m talking tens of thousands of shots that this kid got up over this offseason. As good as he was by the end of last season, which again was an all-league player, I thought his improvement was massive.”
The player-coach relationship has been in place since McCullough was in seventh grade. The two have formed a bond that allowed McCullough to be successful on the court and also created support off the court.
McCullough said that throughout this process, if he needed anything, he could text Economopoulos at any time, and he would be there for him.
“It just means a lot to have another person in my support group,” McCullough said. “Ever since I was a freshman, he instilled so much confidence in me. He put me out there with the varsity players in big games and big moments, and he believes in me more than I believed in myself.”
this season since we were freshmen. We were talking about how this team was going to be the best team we’ve ever played on,” McCullough said. “We were all really
excited. I put in a ton of work in the offseason. It was just a big disappointment.”
The first couple of weeks after finding out the news left McCullough “down in the
With all McCullough has gone through, he is considering going to prep school next year to regain the momentum he had heading into this season. For now, he will continue to encourage his teammates from the sideline as they prepare for a postseason run after clinching a spot in the state tournament with a win over Hamden on Feb. 10.
Photo courtesy of Thomas McCullough
Daniel Hand’s Thomas McCullough was one of four Connecticut players to receive a McDonald’s All-American nomination.
Hand Fencing Falls to Rival Guilford, Bounces Back
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
It was a challenging week for the Daniel Hand High School fencing team. Illness swept through the roster, and several athletes traveled to Ohio for the Vibe competition, testing the Tigers’ depth across multiple weapons. Still, Hand fought through adversity and delivered resilient performances.
Hand opened the week at home against Guilford, where the boys suffered their first loss of the season, falling 17-10 overall.
Despite the setback, several Tigers turned in strong efforts. In boys epee, Robert Ginsburg, Alexander Johnson, and Jack Johnson combined for a solid showing, narrowly dropping the weapon 5-4. Boys foil featured steady fencing from David Bixon, Jack Varone, and Erick Picon. In sabre, junior Owen Swift led the lineup alongside Adam Stotz, Josh Lee, and Eli Boyer in a tightly contested 6-3 loss.
The girls also faced a difficult matchup against Guilford, falling 19-8 overall.
Kasey Chen, Maewyn Griswold, and Neveah Hasting highlighted the meet with a 5-4 sabre victory. In epee, Amber Kittel, Madison Peete, and Emily
Mathews continued to anchor the lineup, while Ari Lee, Ingrid Burton, Kathryn Franson, and Ellie Haggan competed in foil.
Hand later traveled to Cheshire High School, again shorthanded but determined to respond. The boys delivered, earning a 14-13 victory over a deep Cheshire squad.
Boys epee led the way, as Ginsburg, Henry Diana, and Alexander Johnson powered Hand to an 8-1 win. In sabre, Adam Stotz, Alfred Parkyn, and Max Lane kept the match close in a 5-4 contest. Foil fell 7-2, with Gedeon LaRiviere, Jack Varone, Erick Picon, Jake Gordillo, and Declan Mahoney competing under difficult circumstances.
The girls also showed grit at Cheshire. Sabre earned a 6-3 victory behind Chen, Hasting, and Griswold.
Girls epee narrowly dropped a 5-4 decision, with Kittel and Mathews picking up key wins. In foil, Franson and Haggan fenced aggressively despite limited depth due to absences.
Hand now looks ahead to its final home meet of the year, Senior Night, against Morgan High School on Friday, Feb. 20. The meet begins at 6:30 p.m. and will celebrate the senior class.
Photo courtesy of Mike Ginsburg
Daniel Hand fencers Max Lane (left) and Alfie Parkyn fenced in a tight 5-4 sabre contest during recent competition.
203-245-8647 email. rcsllc64@gmail.com
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Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Madison Lyric Stage Announces 2026 Shows
Madison Lyric Stage (MLS), a professional theater company now entering its 14th year, announces its 2026 season will feature a new format and a new venue. Returning to one of its original homes, MLS will become the theater-in-residence at the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, for a monthlong summer festival of popular and classical music and drama. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society is located at 297 Boston Post Road, Madison.
The summer festival will feature three major events: Barry & Bette, a tribute concert to Barry Manilow and Bette Midler; Outcasts & Innocents, celebrating the musical world of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears; and a fully staged production of Shakespeare’s .
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“This summer, discover three must-see events spanning popular music, theatre, and opera,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. “It’s a festival designed for those who crave powerful storytelling, gorgeous music, and extraordinary performances. We are also offering a summer festival pass for all three events of our whirlwind season, a great way to take part in our entire celebration of the arts here on the shoreline.”
Outcasts & Innocents: The Musical World of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears
July 10 at 7 p.m. and July 12 at 4 p.m.
Viewers will journey deep into the hauntingly beautiful realm of Benjamin Britten and his muse, tenor Peter Pears. In this cinematic, semi-staged experience, tenor Marc Deaton—drawing on his fourdecade international career—transforms into more than 10 of Britten’s unforgettable characters, supported by a company of eight guest artists with music direction by Jill Brunelle. Tickets cost $40.
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26
June 27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 4 p.m.
The festival lights up with a tribute to two icons: Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Tenor Marc Deaton, a cast of six singers, and a band led by pianist Jill Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow
Brunelle ignite the stage with soaring renditions of beloved hits including “Mandy,” “Could It Be Magic,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “The Rose.” This high-energy celebration captures the glittering heart of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Tickets cost $40.
The show features a world of shimmering fairies, tangled romance, and hilarious mischief—all brought to life in a visually rich staging. Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for all ages is a forest tale of order and disorder, reality and appearance, and love and marriage. The evening will be preceded by an entertaining pre-show of merriment with singers, food, and drink. Tickets cost $45.
For more information or tickets, visit madisonlyricstage.org.
Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage
Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage Madison Lyric Stage presented in 2025. The Medium was a 2025 production. A Memory of Truth?
Press Release from Madison Lyric Stage
Photo courtesy of Madison Lyric Stage was presented by the Madison Lyric Stage in 2025. Amadeus
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
Our Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Marsh Haymaking in New England:
Calendar for the Week of February 19, 2026
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
37th Annual Eagle Watch on the Connecticut River
:
: Noon to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Book: by Ariel Lawhon. For info or to register, call 203315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
6:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Shaun Roche of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Topic covers the vital role of coastal marshes as habitat for unique species, along with historic images and stories of the farmers who once produced sustainable livestock fodder. Co-sponsored by the Guilford Conservation Commission. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
The Frozen River: A Novel
Book Club Shoreline Village Tea and Talk
: 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.
Junior Librarians
: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a four-session program for ages 8 to 12 offering a behind-the-scenes look at library operations with the children’s and teen librarians. Participants will learn how librarians select books for the collection, how much they can spend, and how they decide when it is time for a book to retire. Free. Commitment to all four sessions and celebration is expected. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.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
Bad Bad Girl
: 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.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 21
Stage Door Medium Live With Jimmy Moses
: 7 p.m.
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. Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop leads this land-based trip along the shore of the Connecticut River to spot bald eagles and other wintering birds from a variety of locations and discuss the birds’ natural history. Not a boat trip. Cost: $33, includes soup and sandwich lunch at Otter Cove Restaurant, Old Saybrook. Binoculars recommended and available to rent. Pre-registration and payment required. For info or to register (required), call 203245-9056 or visit theaudubonshop.com/events.
Lay Home Housewarming: Yoga, Music and More
: Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Marks the reopening of the historic Lay Home on the museum campus following renovations. Schedule includes a guided yoga session from 10 to 11 a.m.; a Lay Home sneak preview tour at 11 a.m.; an open house from 2:30 to 5 p.m.; and a musical performance by Ben Cosgrove from 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free for yoga session for members; $10 for nonmembers. Concert tickets: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Other activities are free. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org.
Painting a David Hockney Landscape
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.
Chinese New Year
: 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.
Art Talk with Curator Mallory Mortillaro: Exciting Discoveries in Art History
: 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Second in a two-part series. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the events calendar link at youressexlibrary.org.
The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features live audience readings and an interactive Q&A with Stage Door Medium Jimmy Moses. For info or tickets, call the box office at 203-315-1901 or visit legacytheatrect.org.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 22
Blacksmithing: Forging a Kitchen Knife
: 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Three-day blacksmithing workshop covering foundational forging techniques while creating a kitchen knife. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
The Occasional Coffee House: Rees Shad
: 7 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd. Features live music, coffee, and a relaxed evening with friends. Tickets: $20, available online or at the door. Space is limited. For info or tickets, call 203-421-3241 or visit northmadisoncc.org/occasional-coffeehouse.
: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Painting workshop inspired by the landscapes of David Hockney. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4535947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Metalsmithing: Stacking Rings Workshop
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. Introductory metalsmithing workshop focused on creating stacked rings. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunarfest 2026
: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Hosted in partnership with the Yale-China Association. Free, all-ages celebration featuring art, music, dance, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities marking the Lunar New Year. For info, contact 203-562-4183, ext. 20, or matockarshewsky@newhavenmuseum.org, or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Create a Succulent Terrarium
: 10:30 a.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Garden Club. All supplies provided. For grades K to 4. Registration required. For info, call 860395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
See page 21
Two Irish-inspired Productions Plus Plays by Arthur Miller and August Wilson Make for a Busy Schedule in Early March
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater
By Karen Isaacs
Columnist
Broadway Concerts
: Matt Doyle opens The Legacy Theatre’s Sunday afternoon Broadway Concert series on Sunday, Feb. 22, followed by Patti Murin on Sunday, March 8. Doyle, who grew up in Weston, won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of . Murin originated the role of Anna in the Broadway production of , among numerous other credits. Contact LegacyTheatre CT.org for tickets.
Aisle ON THE
Farce of Nature
Rhinoceros
production, from Thursday, March 6, to Saturday, March 28, is Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy, . The play, a cautionary tale of the seduction of power and the willingness to surrender to it, is about one man standing up as his neighbors succumb, becoming a crashing herd of rhinoceroses. Reg Rogers, a Tony-nominee, leads the cast. The adaptation by Frank Galati is one-act. For tickets, visit YaleRep.org.
streaming on multiple sites, including Apple TV and Prime Video. , about lyricist Larry Hart, is also streaming. Ethan Hawke, who stars is nominated for an Oscar.
Wicked
Blue Moon Jersey Boys
Back to the Waterfront Brothers Company Frozen Gem of the Ocean
Waterbury, replacing . It’s the New England premiere of the play set in Ireland overlooking the Irish Sea. Two brothers who have long lived together have their relationship shaken after one makes a startling revelation. It is described as darkly funny and a deeply moving exploration of brotherhood and grief. It runs from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 22. Tickets are available at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.
: Long Wharf’s production of August Wilson’s marks a return to the Canal Dock Boathouse, where was staged. The Wilson play, which is chronologically the first in his 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle that explores the African American story, runs from Friday, Feb. 27, to Sunday, March 15. For tickets, visit LongWharf.org.
The Wearing of the Green
A View from the Bridge Ya Patrick Swayze?”
: has been added to the schedule at the Seven Angels Theatre in
The One Good Thing or “Are
Continued from page 20
The Irish…and How They Got That Way
Angela’s Ashes
: Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) in Norwalk is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with , which is billed as an irreverent history of the Irish through the 20th and 21st centuries as written by Frank McCourt, author of . It runs from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 22. The March 8 performance is already sold out. Contact MusicTheatreOfCT.com for tickets.
Absurdist Comedy
: Yale Rep’s next
: 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free and open to children in ages 5 to 12. Participants will conduct an experiment to make fake snow that even feels cold. Seating and materials are limited. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 5 and older. Led by Bauer Park educator Julie Ainsworth. Includes interactive learning stations and puppet-making. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. First in a three-class series featuring instruction from a professional chess coach. Open to children, teens, and adults. Funded by Deep River Cares and sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middlesex Country. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.
Three Musketeers: 1941
Death of a Salesman The Mountaintop
Busy Schedule SummerSong
: Connecticut’s theater critics have a jam-packed schedule the weekend of March 6 to 8: opens at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre on the UConn campus; the plays at Long Wharf, MTC, and Seven Angels that I mentioned above open; and there are the openings of at Hartford Stage and at Playhouse on Park.
: Goodspeed has inaugurated a summer youth program, SummerSong, for kids 9 to 14. It will culminate with a production of for friends and family. The one-week program runs from July 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Terris Theatre in Chester. For more information or to register, visit Good speed.org/SummerSong. Space is limited. : The Broadway revival of Sondheim’s , which was filmed with the original cast, is now
NYC Notes
Annie Jr.
Merrily We Roll Along
Punk Taco Adventures: Interactive Author Talk
Parenting Power Hour Elementary School (K-5): Encouraging Independence and Building a Healthy Relationship with your Children
: Noon to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Presented by Alicia Farrell, cognitive psychologist and parenting professional. Designed for parents and caregivers of elementary and intermediate school children. Hosted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services. For info or to register, visit hkyfs.org.
Chess Workshop Series : 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Author-illustrator Adam Wallenta and his son read from their graphic novel, share their creative process, and lead a drawing demonstration. Book signing follows. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Souper Bowl X
: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Downtown Madison, Boston Post Rd. Hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Features chili, soups, and chowders prepared by local chefs, fire departments, EMS teams, and cooking enthusiasts, with tasting and voting. For info, contact 203-245-7394 or chamber@madisonct.com.
After the success of the two films (though the second part did not garner the praise nor box office of the first), composer Stephen Schwatrrtz has hinted there will be a new film about the gender nonconforming Princess Ozma. will launch a 20th anniversary tour this fall. The off-Broadway revival of has extended through Sept. 6. , an off-Broadway show I hope to see, about Marcel Marceau and his actions during WWII, will run through March 22. Sean Hayes is doing a solo show, , off-Broadway through April 12. It’s about a playwright who is stalked by an actor. The long-running will close on Broadway on July 26 after more than 2,250 performances.
The 25th Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Marcel on the Train The Unknown Moulin Rouge
To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, Connecticut Theater Women’s Network, and the American Theatre Critics Association.
Local Author Talk:
Musical Women Marines
: 1 to 2 p.m.
Musical Women Marines: The Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Band in World War II
James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guilford author Ellen Creane discusses her book , which examines the only allfemale Marine Corps band, active from 1943 to 1945. Registration is not required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Winter Creature Features
: 1 to 2 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features live ambassador animals and a presentation on how native wildlife adapts to cold New England weather. Presented by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. No registration required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Cross Stitch Bookmark
: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 West Main St. Participants will create a cross-stitch bookmark using provided designs. Open to tweens, teens, adults, and families. Space is limited. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-526-0018 or email library@chesterct.org.
See page 23
STEAM Saturday: Make Your Fake Snow
Polar Bears and How They Live in the Arctic
Page Turners
It'sNotHer
ByMaryKubica
What begins as a relaxing family vacation at a quiet lakeside resort turns into a terrifying ordeal when two family members are murdered and one disappears. Told from multiple points of view and shifting between past and present day, you won’t know who to trust or believe as you turn the pages of this twisty thriller.
— Marilyn
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.
Escape!
ByStephenFishbach
An emotional and wild story that follows the contestants and producers of a groundbreaking survival reality show who are willing to do anything for redemption and fame. Packed with unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this story will keep you guessing until the very last page.
— Tijae
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Vigil
ByGeorgeSaunders
BlackDahlia
ByWilliamJ.Mann
George Saunders’ asks, “How do you comfort someone who doesn’t want to be comforted?” This novel is inventive and formally interesting, with writing that renders the world both familiar and uncanny. It grapples with the ramifications of progress: capitalistic greed, environmental deterioration, and personal pride. A meaningful read!
—
Vigil Marisa
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Reading William Mann’s book transports the reader back to postwar 1940s. The murder victim, the Black Dahlia, was given that moniker by the press in an attempt to sell more newspapers. Mann argues the victim should be remembered in life, not in her death. Elizabeth Short was a 22-year old from Medford, Massachusetts, trying to find her place in the post-war world of 1947. The author carefully pieces “Betty’s” life together without blame or shame for the victim as many in the media have done.
—
Black Judi
R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Dahlia
Page Turners
Continued from page 22
ByTracyWolff
— Heather R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison TheAftermyth
TheExes ByLeodoraDarlington
Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter (with a dash of Mean Girls). With lots of adventure and puzzles to be solved, this book shows how a sense of belonging and a little fun can be just as important as perfect grades.
If this book were an emoji, it would be the exploding head. At no point in time while reading this book did I know what would happen next. You are in for a wild ride.
— Julie G. R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
TheWidow ByJohnGrisham
Bestselling author John Grisham has truly outdone himself in his latest novel, . Grisham, who is the acclaimed master of the legal thriller, is back with his first-ever who dunit. Small-town lawyer Simon Latch is living in Virginia and making barely enough to pay his bills while trying to hold his family together. Into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently, her husband left her a small fortune and no one knows about it. What ensues next is an unexpected series of events, and Latch finds himself on trial for a murder he claims he did not commit. The writing is superb, and fans of legal novels will find themselves on the edge of their seat until the very last page. Magnificent!
— Widow Christine Griswold Inn Store, Essex
Continued from page 21
Rent: In Concert
: 7 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven. For info or tickets, call the Shubert Box Office at 203562-5666 or visit Shubert.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21 AND SUNDAY, FEB. 22
: 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. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com.
Victorian Valentine Pop-up Exhibit
: 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. 22
Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show
: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. YMA Annex, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. Sponsored by the New Haven Philatelic Society. For info, visit nhps1914.com.
Presentation by Decoda, Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall
: 9:30 a.m. Saint Ann’s Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Presented by Steve MacAusland. Part of the church’s Griswold Forum series of lectures. For info, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org.
An Afternoon of Music with Joe Flood:
2 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Features songs from Flood’s upcoming 2026 album and past works. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
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Maple Sugaring Time
New Year in New Haven: Lunarfest 2026 Marks the Year of the Horse
New Haven Museum and the Yale-China Association host Lunarfest 2026, a celebration of the Year of the Horse, on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The free event offers at various New Haven venues activities and programs for all ages, featuring art, music, literature, and dance.
The event schedule is as follows:
10 a.m.: Lunarfest begins with a colorful lion dance and performances on Whitney Avenue.
Noon to 4:30 p.m.: Attendees are welcome to write their hopes for the coming year on a leaf to hang on the Community Wishing Tree in the New Haven Museum rotunda.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Yale’s Red Lantern dance troupe brings centuries-old traditions to life. Attendees are invited to the interactive workshop to learn foundational techniques, including throwing handkerchiefs and waving dance fans.
1:45 to 2:45 p.m.: Sifu Shirley Ha and students of Tai Chi United hold demonstrations of authentic tai chi walking. Attendees can stay for a workshop to learn the basics of tai chi walking using sacred geometry in motion principles. Participants can also experience fitness and
Continued from page 23
Information Session on Home Energy Solutions Assessments
: 2 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St., Chester. Hosted by the Chester and Deep River Sustainability Teams as part of their HeatSmart campaigns and participation with the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut. Features an overview of Home Energy Solutions assessments and services, including weatherization, energy efficiency, and available incentives. Vendor representatives will answer questions and assist with sign-ups. Free and open to the public. For info, contact 860-3046184 or lcwahle@gmail.com, or visit HeatSmartCT.org/Chester or HeatSmartCT.org/DeepRiver.
classical internal martial arts to improve balance, increase functional mobility, and boost their energy.
2 to 3 p.m.: Students from Yale-China’s YUNA exchange program demonstrate the intricate art of Chinese papercutting. Participants can create designs to decorate their space with symbols of luck and happiness for the Year of the Horse.
3 to 4:30 p.m.: Apprentices from the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop host a hands-on workshop. Participants can craft their choice of a rolling-drum horse or a festive Year of the Horse lantern.
For more information, including details on other activities and programs, visit www.yalechina.org/lunarfest.
About Yale China
Yale-China bridges American and Chinese cultures by creating lasting, transformative partnerships and experiences in education, health, and the arts. The group believes in global citizens who have experienced daily life and language, friendships, professional cooperation, and insights in a very different culture—as a way to discover commonality and respect for different peoples. The group
Essex Winter Series (EWS): Hot and Sweet Music of the 1920s and '30s
: 3 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features Vince Giordano and the jazz orchestra The Nighthawks. Part of the EWS 2026 Season, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Tickets: $45, general admission; $5, students through college. For info or tickets, call 860-272-4572 or visit essexwinterseries.com.
Madison’s Role in the Civil War
: 4 p.m. Hubley Hall, First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Ln. Presented by Charlie Fischer, former Daniel Hand High School history teacher. Sponsored by the Madison Historical Society (MHS). Part of the 2026 Frederick Lee Lectures series. Admission: $5 suggested fee, free to MHS
also believes that developing a community of such global citizens on both sides is crucial to a prosperous, healthy, and safe 21st century, in which the U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important engines of cooperation, growth, and peace. The Yale-China community has modeled this vision for 120 years.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located 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 203-5624183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org or Facebook.com/ NewHavenMuseum.
members. For info, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.
Wine Tasting Fundraiser
: 4 to 8 p.m. Landing & Main, 77 Main St., Deep River. Fundraiser benefiting the Rotary Club of Deep River Scholarship and Food Sustainability Programs. Cost: $20 per person. Tickets available online or at Landing & Main. For info, contact 860-481-9031 or deepriverrotaryct@gmail.com.
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Photo by Defining Studios
Photo by Defining Studios
Lunarfest 2025
Scene from 2025 Lunarfest
Branford Land Trust Holds
Second Lecture in Winter Series
The Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series on Tuesday, Feb. 24, will feature the topic, “Singing and Listening with Whales: Exploring Human and MoreThan-Human Musicalities” with Marie Comuzzo.
This second lecture takes place at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. The talk is free and open to the public.
Attendees will explore how sound mediates the relationship between humans and whales, and how the recognition of whales’ vocal expressions as music shapes a person’s perception of them.
How are whale songs understood and produced across different cultures and disciplines? How does connecting with whales through sound carry different meanings depending on cultural context?
Comuzzo’s talk will examine some of the interactions between First Nation communities and whales, the ways in which the songs of whales are studied within Western scientific communities, and the creative engagements between whales and musicians, both in live performances and recorded sound.
“Studying human-whale interactions across diverse cultures and disciplines highlights values of care, curiosity, and reverence for whales’ lives and their cultural participation,” Comuzzo explains.
“Arguably, hearing whale songs as music in the 1970s had—and continues to have—a tremendous political power in the anti-whaling and ocean protection campaigns,” she adds. “These have led to remarkable global change, establishing considerable limitations on the capitalistic exploitation of whales’ lives. This shift underscores the way Western cultures often equate complex melodic musicality with intelligence and emotional depth—qualities that can render a species more worthy of empathy, protection, and even survival.”
By examining these sound-based connections, Comuzzo asserts that direct and indirect sonic exchanges function as vessels for ecological and cosmological repair, transmitting ancestral lessons that invite people to challenge extractive systems of life, reimagine gender and relationship to the ocean and the Earth, and reconsider what it means to be human.
About the Speaker
Marie Comuzzo is an ACLS/Mellon innovative dissertation fellow and a Ph.D. candidate at Brandeis University. Her
research examines how sound mediates the relationship between humans and whales and the political power that recognizing whales’ vocalization as music had in ecological conservation and multispecies kinship within and beyond Western imaginaries. She also holds a master’s in musicology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a masters in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from Brandeis University. She has presented at conferences in the United States and New Zealand (Aotearoa), and has been invited to give talks in the U.S., New Zealand, and Italy.
The upcoming Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series includes these events: Tom Cleveland, ““Fish Ladder, 20th Anniversary, History, Stories, and How It Came To Be” on Tuesday, March 24; Two Coyotes Wilderness School, “Raising Our Future Ancestors” on Tuesday, April 28; and the annual meeting in May featuring “Access to the Outdoors: Disability, Grit, and Belonging in Nature” with Justin Brownell.
About the Branford Land Trust
The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, established in 1967 to protect Branford’s open space and natural resources. Run by volunteers and supported by member families and businesses, the Branford Land Trust maintains more than 30 miles of hiking trails, manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels, and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford.
For more information or to become a member, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
to noon. Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA), 1004 Main St. Presented by photographer Robert Thomas. Part of a program of free workshops covering various aspects of professional art practice. For info or to register, contact 203-2324384 or baca06405@gmail.com.
Staying Strong and Steady: Fall Prevention:
3 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Presented by Dr. A.J. Gagliardi and Dr. Jill Caruso. Participants will learn ways to improve hip bone density, enhance balance, and build strength—all leading to reduced fall risk. Free. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Tech Education Workshop: Introduction to Email
: 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Presentation covering how to use email to communicate, receive updates, and stay connected. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Author Event: Deborah Goodrich Royce in Conversation with Luanne Rice
:
6:30 p.m. RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
Rep. Renee Lamark Muir:
Art With Kristin
Singing and Listening with Whales: Exploring Human and More-ThanHuman Musicalities
: 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Monthly art program led by artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. This session focuses on creating a Van Gogh–inspired watercolor painting. For grades 1 to 5. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org. : 6 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Part of the Branford Land Trust Winter Speaker Series. Lecture by Marie Comuzzo exploring how sound mediates relationships between humans and whales across cultures, science, and music. Free and open to the public. For info, contact 203-483-5263 or info@branfordlandtrust.org.
American Girl Doll Club
: 6 to 6:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For grades 1 to 4. This session focuses on Ivy Ling. Participants should bring a doll (it does not have to be an American Girl doll) and join in story time, activities, and a craft. For info or to register, call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Getting Your Estate Plan Right: How to Create the Best Plan for You
: 6 to 7 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $20. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Popcorn and PJs: Virtual Family Story Time: Pout-Pout
Fish Goes to the Dentist The Pout-Pout Fish and the Can’t-Sleep Blues
Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Deep River Ambulance Barn, 284 West Elm St., Deep River. Features a question-and-answer session with Renee Lamark Muir on her role and responsibilities as Deep River’s state representative. Sponsored by the Deep River 60 Club. For info, call 860-767-2302. : 2 p.m. Online event. Book:
Best Boy: A Novel Smithson's Gamble: The Smithsonian Institution in American Life, 1836–1906
. 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.
7 p.m. Online event. Features author Deborah Diesen reading and , discussing her creative process, answering questions, and leading a brief drawing activity. Cost: $10 for the link to the live event; $30 for the full package, which includes the link, a signed copy of the book, popcorn, crayons, sketch pad, and additional materials shipped to the provided address. Presented by Read to Grow in Branford. For info or to register, call 203-488-6800 or visit readtogrow.org.
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Press Release from the Branford Land Trust
Photo courtesy of the Branford Land Trust
Marie Comuzzo
Continued from page 25
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
Let's Make Bagels!
: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. Cost: $30 class fee plus a $30 materials fee (exact change requested). All ingredients provided. Bring an apron, a clean dish towel, and a sponge for cleanup. Each student will take home the six bagels they made and three large almond croissants. Take-home bags will be provided. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
Tabletop RPG Game Night
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants can play or plan games like Zombiecide or MTG. Facilitated by librarian Brian Story. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
An Unfinished Revolution at 250
: 6 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Features a talk by historian and author Michael D. Hattem on the role of the American Revolution in U.S. history. A reception precedes the free event at 5:30 p.m. Part of NH250, a series highlighting local and lesser-known stories connected to the semiquincentennial. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Book Art Workshop
: 6 to 8 p.m. Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford. Participants will transform old books into usable and decorative art pieces. Led by artist Sharon Hart. Cost: $10. For info or to register, contact 203-232-4384 or baca06405@gmail.com.
Your Guide to Menopause: Symptoms, Safety, and Therapy Options
: 6:30 p.m. Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St. Presented by Jill McEachern, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner. For info or to register (required), contact the Chester Public Library at 860-5260018 or library@chesterct.org.
Author Event: Anna Quindlen in Conversation with Beatriz Williams
More Than Enough
East Shore Health District Information Session
:
10 a.m. to noon. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Representatives from the East Shore Health District will provide information on local social support resources, personal preparedness, and overdose prevention. Questions and discussion welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
Pump Up Your Heart: Nutrition Talk
: 11 a.m. to noon. Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Presented by Natalie A. Webb, consulting dietitian for Big Y. Covers eating plans for heart health, including tips for those with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. Hosted by the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO). Free. For info or to register (required), visit facebook.com/kwo06419.
“Billy Winter’s Neighbors”
: 7 p.m. Deep River Historical Society Carriage House, 245 Main St., Deep River. Presentation by Rhonda Forristall on Billy Winter, a self-emancipated slave who made his home in Deep River, and the contributions of African American families in the town’s history. For info, call 860-541-1247.
Osprey Die-off: What We Know and What We Need to Learn
: 7 p.m. Webinar. Presented by Osprey researchers Michael Academia from the William & Mary University and Ben Wurst from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey along with Connecticut Audubon’s Milan Bull and Matt Joyce. 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.
When the Cranes Fly South
Willoughby Book Talk: by Lisa Ridzen
When the Cranes Fly South
: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book discussion on by Lisa Ridzen. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org/events.
Willoughby Book Talk
Tween Time: Pokémon Party
: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Open to children ages 8 to 12. Features a Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt, a game of Bingo, Pokémon trivia, and a Pokémon craft. For info or to register, contact the library at 860-767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Meet The Met at Lyme Academy: Helene Schjerfbeck Lecture
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
Kids Create: Dragon Eggs
: 5 p.m. Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 15 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Guest lecture and book signing by Dita Amory, Robert Lehman Curator in Charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, introducing the Finnish artist Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946). Tickets: $30 for lecture; $65 for lecture and book. For info or tickets, visit lymeacademy.edu. : 10:30 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For ages 5 to 12. Participants will create magical dragon eggs using clay, beads, and jewels. Free. For info or to register (required), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
29th Annual Old Saybrook Chili Fest
: Noon to 3 p.m. Along Main Street, Old Saybrook. Participants sample a variety of chili recipes and vote for their favorite to determine “Best Chili.” Tasting ballots may be purchased at ballot stations along Main Street and at the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce office, 1 Main St. Each ballot allows guests to sample registered chilis and vote for their top choice. To ensure fair judging, a minimum of 10 chilis must be sampled for a ballot to be counted. Proceeds benefit the C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship for graduating high school seniors attending post-secondary school. For info, visit goschamber.com/chilifest.
Creative Writing Workshop and Book Signing with Catherine Con Morse
: 7 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Book: . Cost: $33, includes admission for one to the event and one copy of . Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Guilford Job Network Meet
More Than Enough
: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Includes guest speakers. All job seekers welcome. For info or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Russ Allen at 203-457-0121 or RussAllen2@aolcom.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
Scrapbooking Class:
6 to 8 p.m. Edward Smith Library, 3 Old Post Rd., Northford. Participants will work on personal scrapbooking projects using provided stickers, paper, and decorative scissors. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-484-0469 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.
: 7 to 8 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Book: by Lisa Ridzén, translated from the Swedish by Alice Menzies. Held in the Keyes Gallery. For info, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org.
When the Cranes Fly South FRIDAY, FEB. 27
Little Learners: Things that Go
: 10 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Open to children ages 2 to 5. Features a story time, songs, rhymes, and crafts. Free and open to the public. For info or to register, contact the library at 860767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Writers Writing
: 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.
The Notes The Summer I Remembered Everything
: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Creative writing workshop for students in grades 6 and up, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing with YA author Catherine Con Morse. Focuses on character development and descriptive writing through guided exercises. Books: and . Registration is required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Shoreline Day of Yoga and Peace Within
: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Trinity Church Hall, 1109 Main St., Branford. Led by certified yoga instructors sharing their approaches toward holistic healing. Open to all adults. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Cost: monetary and canned goods donations. No cash, only Venmo or checks. Proceeds benefit the Branford Community Dining Room. For info, call Gina Macdonald at 203-710-6665.
Paint Along with Natalie: Winter Cardinal Canvas
: 2 to
3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No experience needed. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
See page 27
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts Hosts Lectures by Met Curators
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts presents two ticketed events featuring curators from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
At 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, the Lyme Academy offers “An Introduction to
Seeing
Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck
,” a guest lecture and book signing with Dita Amory, Robert Lehman curator in charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tickets are available for the lecture at $30 and for the lecture and book at $65. This lecture introduces the Finnish artist Helene Schjerfbeck (1862-1946), renowned throughout Finland but little known in the U.S. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first major U.S. museum to present her work.
On Saturday, March 7, the Lyme Academy hosts another special guest lecture, “Portrait, Likeness, Type: Jean-Léon Gérôme’s ,” presented by Asher Miller, Eugene V. Thaw curator of European art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Bashi-Bazouk
The 5 p.m. lecture will be followed by a brief conversation with Emily M. Weeks, Lyme Academy’s principal art historian, and a preview of Lyme Academy’s forthcoming exhibition,
The New Bronze Age: Masterpieces of 19th- and Early 20th-Century Sculpture
from the Karlheinz Kronberger Collection.
Continued from page 26
A reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the evening. Tickets for the exhibition preview event with guest lecture and reception are available for $100 per guest. Proceeds from this event benefit Lyme Academy’s ChaunceyStillman Exhibition Program and all future >Lyme Academy exhibitions.
Molecules of the Mind: Designing PsychedelicInspired Medicines on a Computer
: 3 to 4 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Presented by Asher Brandt, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of St. Joseph. Sponsored by Tilde Café, an interactive platform to demystify science and make it more accessible to the community. For info or to register (required), email admin@tildecafe.org or visit tildecafe.org/home.
Stony Creek in Song: A Village Gathering to Make Music
: 6:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features the Musicians of Stony Creek. Refreshments will be served. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Babysitting Course
: 1 to 4 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1272 Durham Rd., Madison. Day one of a two-part babysitting and CPR course for Madison-area youth. Covers childcare and safety skills. Participants receive a certificate of completion from SafeSitter. Tuition: $60. Bundle discount available for registering for both sessions. For info or to register, contact 888-212-
For more information about the guest lecturers or tickets for both events, visit www.lymeacademy.edu.
About Lyme Academy
The mission of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts is to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and sculpture in the
3827 or info@yourafterschool.com, or visit northmadisoncc.org/babysittingcourse.
How to Grow Your Small Business:
10 to 11 a.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $35. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-488-5693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
A Wonderful Struggle: Local Jewish Women in the Labor Movement
: 2 p.m. New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave. Part of the Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program. Features speakers on the 1975 New Haven teachers strike and the 1983-’84 Yale clerical and technical workers’ movement, plus live music by the Nu Haven Kapelye Allstars. Free. The event will also stream on Facebook Live. For info or to register, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
MONDAY, MARCH 2
From Cosmos to Compost: Our Place in the Universe
:
11 a.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Presented by Yale Science in the News. Explores connections between astronomy, biology, and ecological systems, from stars and galaxies to the recycling of matter in ecosystems. Free. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
figurative tradition. By its commitment to training students in these skills and an engagement with contemporary discourse, the academy will empower a new generation of artists. Through its programs, Lyme Academy is committed to enriching the cultural life of the community.
Movie Matinee
: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Free. For info or movie title, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Non-Combat Life of the Civil War Soldie
r: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Meeting starts 6:15 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. Features a talk by historian Jerry Richard. Part of the Shoreline Civil War Roundtable monthly meeting. Free and open to the public. For info, contact the group’s facilitator at 860-395-1124 or olivia.jean@sbcglobal.net, or visit facebook.com/shorelinecivilwarroundtable.
Author Event: Rachel Rueckert The Determined
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Features a discussion by Rachel Rueckert of her historical novel set during the Golden Age of Pirates and centered on Anne Bonny and Mary Read. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Press Release from The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art , oil on canvas by Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, Vesoul 1824–1904 Paris).
A gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2008. On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 804.
Bashi-Bazouk
Photo courtesy of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
Dita Amory, Robert Lehman curator in charge at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of February 19 - February 25
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Unleash your inner architect, Aries. Your focus is laser sharp this week. Use this incredible mental clarity to map out a long-term goal that can lead to professional success.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you might uncover a previously unnoticed talent or find a fantastic, easy way to increase your income stream. Your instincts about finances are particularly sharp.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
You are stepping into a week of elevated confidence and personal magnetism, Gemini. It’s the perfect time to make a splash, meet new people or launch a personal project.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
This week brings soothing energy, allowing you to find deep comfort and resolution with any lingering personal matters. A moment of quiet reflection will bring a profound realization about your path forward.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
Your social connections are bringing incredible joy and opportunity, Leo. A friend or colleague has valuable information that can directly benefit your goals.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
All eyes are on your professional achievements, and recognition is due, Virgo. Expect positive feedback, a nod from an important figure or a chance to take on more responsibility.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
This week ignites your desire for learning and adventure, Libra. If you’ve been putting off a trip or a new course of study, the time to commit is now.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
Complex issues feel manageable this week, Scorpio. You have the emotional intelligence to navigate and resolve long-standing challenges in shared resources or relationships.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, your one-on-one relationships, both personal and professional, are reaching a new peak of understanding and support. A shared goal with a key person becomes much clearer.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
You feel a vibrant surge of energy and vitality this week, Capricorn. It’s an ideal time to commit to a new health routine or simply enjoy the ease and flow of your daily tasks.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Dive into what sets your soul on fire, Aquarius. Your creative imagination is running wild, delivering innovative solutions and exciting ideas for self-expression.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
The cosmos is supporting your home and emotional life, Pisces. You feel a wonderful sense of security and belonging. It’s a great time for connecting with your roots.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 19
Millie Bonnie Bongiovi, Actress (23)
FEBRUARY 20
Rihanna, Singer (38)
FEBRUARY 21
Jordan Peele, Comic (47)
FEBRUARY 22
Drew Barrymore, Actress (51)
FEBRUARY 23
Emily Blunt, Actress (43)
FEBRUARY 24
Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Boxer (49)
FEBRUARY 25
Sean Astin, Actor (55)
CLUES ACROSS
1. Cut quickly
5. A way to state clearly
11. River in NE Scotland
14. Expansive
15. Lacking social polish
16. Amount of time
17. Frame
19. Automobile
20. Toadstools
21. High school dances
22. Utilize
23. Experimented with
25. One-sided
27. Acquisitive
31. Potted plants
34. Everyone has one
35. Kalahari Desert lake
38. Unidentified flying object
39. People 65 and over
41. Small amount
42. Daughter of Acrisius
44. Ornamental box
45. Government agents
46. Uncertain
49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish
51. Treeless plains
55. One’s sense of self-importance
56. Consumer advocate
60. Type of lounger
61. Body part
62. Can be persuaded
64. Woman (French)
65. Ready and willing to be taught
66. Arab ruler title
67. Unhappy
68. Gradually went away
69. Able to think clearly
CLUES DOWN
1. Brushed
2. Small water spirit (Germ.)
3. Heroes
4. Monetary units
5. Some don’t want to share theirs
6. Free-swimming invertebrate
7. Litigates
8. Outer
9. Parallelograms
10. Uneasy feelings
11. Cross
12. A way to remove
13. Pages can be dog-__
18. Ukrainian city
24. A citizen of Denmark
26. Month
28. Hindu queens
29. Group of chemicals
30. Rider of Rohan
31. Wet dirt
32. Southwestern Russia city
33. Observed
36. Angry
37. Drivers’ licenses
39. Musical composition
40. Auction
43. They __
45. Women
47. Be filled with love for
48. Thick-soled sock
49. Appears
50. Old World lizard
52. The leading performer
53. Protein
54. “Gunga Din” script writer
57. Art __, around 1920
58. __ Blyton, children’s author
59. Abnormal breathing
63. A place to rest
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
LIBRARY VISIT WORD SEARCH
ARCHIVES ARRIVAL AUDIOBOOKS
BIBLIOGRAPHY CATALOG CHECKOUT
CIRCULATION COLLECTIONS
DATABASE DESK
LIBRARIAN LIBRARY LOAN
MICROFICHE
PERIODICALS
QUIET
READING REFERENCE RESERVE RETURN SHELF STACKS STUDY SYSTEM
Word Scramble
Word Scramble solution for February 12, 2026: WEIGHT
Word Search solution for February 12, 2026
Real Estate Transactions
BRANFORD
115 Chestnut Street
: Paps LLC to 115 Chestnut LLC, $150,000 on Jan. 29
Pine Orchard Road
: Glaser Lt and Herman A. Glaser to Maureen J Lage T and Maureen J. Lage, $2,075,000 on Jan. 27
CLINTON
9 Ben Merrill Road
: 321 Investments LLC to Golden Prop Solutions LLC, $310,000 on Jan. 29
9 Ben Merrill Road
: Regina R. Wohlke to 321 Investments LLC, $275,000 on Jan. 29
North High Street
: George Gerl to Kjs Interests LLC, $470,000 on Jan. 28
: Ann O Richards
Real Estate Trust and Mark Richards to Holbrook T and Paul R. Holbrook, $550,000 on Jan. 27
Hemlock Drive
: William J. and Joanne C. Hastings to James Luce, $2,245,000 on Jan. 28
Lookout Hill
: Mark J. and Mary
E. Oneil to Steven Stainbrook and Guillermo E. Gonzales, $1,285,000 on Jan. 28
65 Main Street Unit 8
: Estate of
Barbara A. Fulller and Keith L. Ridenour to Caroline A. Kupiec, $418,000 on Jan. 29
:
: Drive K. Keszler to Essex 39 Court LLC, $1,050,000 on Jan. 28
GUILFORD
: Raymond W. and Francine A. Fucci to Sutman T and Heston Sutman, $235,000 on Jan. 30
Saybrook Road Alden Drive 40 Seaview Terrace
: John G. and Mary A. Humphrey to Maria CalamitoProto Real Estate Trust and Maria Calamito-Proto, $605,000 on Jan. 29
KILLINGWORTH
25 Roast Meat Hill Road
: Sam E.
and Lea M. Fernandez to Thomas and Paige Abbate, $800,000 on Jan. 27
275 Route 148
: Florence H. Marrone to Daniel Knudsen, $730,000 on Jan. 27
MADISON
25 Copperstone Lane
: Christopher G. Walther to Mia P. Estadella, $567,000 on Jan. 30
7 Madrina Lane
: Matthew J. Dellecave to Kevin J. Johnson and Lori A. Dodd, $500,000 on Jan. 29
Matthew and Maria Aquino to Tamberlyn Chapman, $715,000 on Jan. 28
: Robin Kempner and Mary A. Noa-Kempner to Jeffrey and Candace Johnson, $660,000 on Jan. 29
: Damen Inc to Francis J. Marfyak, $14,292 on Jan. 28
: Wheeler Anna T to Ott Ft, $1,800,000 on Jan. 29
: Helena Machain to Luka LLC, $1,100,000 on Jan. 28
: Jay F. Malcynsky to Fortitude Marine Ent, $25,000 on Jan. 28
: Westbrook Placeaceace LLC to Fratelli Hld Co LLC, $1,000,000 on Jan. 28
: Glen M. and Debra L. Ballou to Brian and Amy Mclaughlin, $52,500 on Jan. 28 : Ronald Belcourt to Donald F. Tedford, $672,000 on Jan. 28
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
37 Lantern Hill Road | $2,875,000
An unbeatable location set in one of Madison’s most desirable in-town neighborhoods. Close to sandy beaches, charming town center, the Madison Country Club, recreation and everyday conveniences. Meticulously maintained, this much admired home offers an exceptional balance of scale, sophistication and warmth in the heart of Madison. 37lanternhillroad.com
908 Boston Post Rd Madison $1,350,000 Luxury living in the heart of Madison. Beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Townhouse features an open layout with 9’ ceilings, oversized windows, and a stunning chef’s kitchen. The vaulted, south-facing primary suite includes a walk-in dressing room, spa-like bath, and nearby laundry. Two additional bedrooms, a full basement with storage and exercise space, and a one-car garage complete the home. Enjoy professionally landscaped grounds and partial views of Fence Creek in this rare, historic reconstruction. Intown living at it’s finest.
67 Boston Post Road, Madison $595,000
30 Meeting House Lane, Madison $1,895,000
Once known as “Hartsbourne,” this Iconic Madison home, is renowned for its stunning location as a centerpiece of the green. Its striking and elegant architectural design has made it a local landmark. Set on just over 1.5 acres, the home offers more than 3,900 sq ft of living space, including 5 generous bedrooms, 5 working fireplaces, and impressive first-floor ceilings soaring over nine feet. A true historic gem, it sits at the heart of Madison’s charming village.
Sophisticated, like new, 2-bedroom townhouse-style condominium. High quality and beautifully designed open floor plan featuring pristine hardwood floors, soaring 9-foot ceilings with triple crown moldings, & cozy gas fireplace. A chef-inspired kitchen features a 8-foot granite island with seating for 4, premium WOLF cabinetry, and topof-the-line appliances. The blue stone patio, is perfect for outdoor grilling/seating. The primary suite features a spacious walk-in closet and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. A second bedroom is complete with a private full bath. Freshly painted interiors. Carefree living come enjoy! UNDER CONTRACT IN 6 DAYS!
