The Source 06-18-26

June 18, 2026

Madison & Killingworth Vol. XXXI Iss. 25

Residents Review Surf Club Concepts

By Aaron Rubin

Staff Writer

Residents heard about conceptual plans for renovations and beach protection at the Madison Surf Club during a public information session held at Neck River Elementary School on June 10.

Attendees heard about preliminary conceptual plans from Chad Frost, one of the leaders of the architectural firm Kent + Frost. Frost presented a conceptual map of some of the changes that may occur at the park, including a reconfigured entrance, an expanded parking lot, and traffic-calming

measures for the thousands of people who use the park during the peak summer season.

Frost also presented four different design concepts for coastal beach protection that do

See Residents Review page 10

Champs!

Daniel Hand High School players celebrate after defeating Branford 14-7 to capture the CIAC Class M girls lacrosse championship June 13 at Rafferty Stadium at Fairfield University. The Tigers finished the season 18-2, winning four state tournament games after posting a 14-2 regular-season record.

PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSource

Lorey Walz Meig Walz Newcomb Karen Amlong Lee

The Walz Team at Coldwell Banker

Building Up the Community With Rob Russo

Staff Writer By Aaron Rubin

It’s one thing to see road and sidewalk improvements take shape around town. It’s another to help lead those efforts while working with consultants, government agencies, town volunteers, and residents to make them happen. As Madison’s town engineer, Rob Russo gets to do both.

“There is a level of satisfaction there, because it’s not me. All these parties are helping, making this happen. It’s fun to be a part of that kind of group,” he says.

Rob has been spearheading several road and sidewalk improvement projects that are currently ongoing or set to begin work this year. They span the geography of the town, from the Hammonasset area to the Madison Surf Club, but they all revolve around creating safe and accessible pathways for pedestrians and cyclists to get from one part of Madison, and its businesses and parks, to another.

Seeing these projects come together is not just fulfilling professionally — “you certainly take pride in your work being part of a project team,” he says — but there is a personal aspect to it as well.

“I realized this very early on with having my kids: it’s really cool to work on projects for the town that you live in; seeing some-

Person of the Week

thing tangible being built that I could bring my kids to. That meant a lot to me,” he says. “I love that the stuff that I’m doing impacts kids that I know, families that I know, my own kids, my own family. It’s such a meaningful thing to me.”

One of those projects is installing sidewalks and crosswalks that run from the Town Green to the Surf Club, creating a safer passage for all Madison residents, including Rob’s own son and daughter and their friends, to get where they want to go.

“Now I know that they and their friends and other kids in Madison will have the ability to walk safely here or there.”

Rob grew up on Staten Island and attended Monsignor Farrell High School, the same school attended by members of the comedy troupe Impractical Jokers. He

See Building Up page 6

Photo by Aaron Rubin/The Source Community is at the center of Rob Russo's life in Madison, from improving town infrastructure to leading youth lacrosse.

“Last year was funny because we

This

we joked about we didn’t want to peak too early and that the state title was the big piece of the pie. We peaked at the right time, right at the end of our season and right before state started.”

Residents Support Sidewalk Project Near Schools

Staff Writer By Aaron Rubin

Madison residents voiced support for a long-awaited project that would add sidewalks and improve crosswalks in the area around Mungertown Road and Green Hill Road, near Neck River Elementary School and the campus of Daniel Hand High School and Walter C. Polson Middle School.

The project has been in development for two years, having first been presented to the Board of Selectmen in 2024 as part of a broader effort to improve pedestrian safety throughout town.

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the project is supported by the town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee plan and aligns with the safety goals behind projects such as the sidewalk improvements on Scotland Avenue.

Project details were presented by Ken Gannon, an associate with the engineering consulting firm Stantec. According to plans presented to the selectmen, the project would construct approximately 2,400 linear feet of new sidewalk within the town right-of-way, extending from Neck Road to the existing sidewalk at the Polson driveway along Green Hill Road.

According to Gannon, the additional sidewalks would provide several trafficcalming improvements to the area. Those include new 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalks, new concrete curbing, a new threeway stop control at Warpas Road, and an improved turning radius at the Green Hill Road-Mungertown Road intersection. New accessible curb ramps and crosswalk striping would also be included.

Regarding the proposed stop control at Warpas Road, Gannon said it “might be advantageous to slow traffic down through that area,” particularly given what consultants and residents identified as excessive speeding.

The town is seeking approximately $1.4 million in funding for the project through the state Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program. Gannon noted the estimated cost could change because the project remains in its early stages.

Stantec identified several challenges

that will need to be addressed as the project moves forward. One is determining how to construct a sufficiently wide sidewalk around the bridge over the Neck River, which may require modifications following additional study. The consulting firm also must consider conflicts with existing overhead utilities and how maintenance and snow-clearing operations would be carried out once the sidewalks are installed.

The project received support from several residents who attended the June 9 meeting. Some also have roles on town boards and commissions focused on pedestrian safety and environmental issues.

Jessica Joseph, a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, spoke in favor of the project from the perspective of improving safety for Madison children.

Terry Vandendolder, a member of the Conservation Committee and Tree Advisory Committee, urged the Board of Selectmen to remain environmentally conscious throughout the process and consider the missions of various town commissions.

“I want to ... stress the importance of any decisions made that could impact the environment, local waterways such as the Neck River, notable trees such as those that line the Mungertown Road and the Polson and Hand schools along Green Hill Road, should be done in coordination with those town committees which have background and subject matter interests in those aspects of the environment that could be grossly affected.”

Gannon said the current design plans seek “to avoid as many tree impacts as possible, and also avoid any property impacts.”

Board of Education Chair Seth Klaksin spoke in support of the project both personally and on behalf of the board. He said installing sidewalks in the school campus area is “imperative for the safety of our students,” from elementary school students walking and biking to school to Daniel Hand High School cross-country runners during practice.

The town is planning to hold a public information session on the project. Lyons told that a date has not yet been determined. The Source

The Madison Lions Club seeks new members in the Madison community. For more information, call Barry Miller at 203-421-3326.

Madison Lions Club Seeks New Members

Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141

Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography

Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130

Cindy Breckheimer The Source Ext. 6140

Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167

Alicia Gomez Assistant Editor

Laura Giannelli Chief Revenue Officer Ext. 4304

Laura Robida Managing Editor Ext. 6119

Alan C. Ellis Production Director

Lisa Martin Real Estate Advertising Ext. 6122

Eric O’Connell Staff Reporter

Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent

Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant

Aaron Rubin Staff Reporter

Editorial Staff

Obituaries

Obituary

Ethel Christ

Madison

Ethel Gay Christ passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on April 4, 1941, and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. She moved to East Meadow, N.Y., and raised her four children. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Cambria Heights. She retired and enjoyed 20 years in Palm Coast, Fla., before returning to Madison.

Ethel enjoyed her retirement years painting, quilting, and spending time with friends. The Madison Senior Center brought her great joy. She was predeceased by her husband, John Christ; and three siblings, Maureen Bertino, Kenneth Robinson, and Warren Robinson.

Ethel leaves behind her children, Charles Christ and Diane Keena from Hicksville, N.Y., Kathy Christ from Palm Coast, Fla., Lorrie and Dave Schaller from Madison, and Julie and Anthony DeVito from West Islip, N.Y. She was also survived by her grandchildren: Matthew Keena, Julia Plank, Brian Schaller, and Allison Schaller, John DeVito, and Olivia DeVito; as well as her two great-grandchildren, Andrew Schaller and Madelyn Schaller.

The family would like to thank The Guilford House for the care and compassion they showed Ethel in her final days.

A celebration of Ethel’s life will be scheduled later this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ethel’s honor to the American Cancer Society.

See Obituaries page 11

Middletown Adult Education Joins National Education Campaign

Middletown Adult Education has joined the national campaign, Moving Ahead with Adult Education, to enroll adult learners into programs that equip them with skills that lead to high school equivalency and jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. Middletown Adult Education focuses on re-engaging adults in need of additional skills to compete in the workforce and to recover financially from the pandemic. It serves several towns including Chester, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Madison, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Both online and in-person instruction are offered at its various locations, including 210 Main Street, Old Saybrook, and the Killingworth Library, 301 Route 81. CDC guidelines and sanitation protocols are in place for inperson instruction to ensure a safe learning environment. The free academic programs at Middletown Adult Education are offered days and evenings and are open to area residents. For more information, call 860-343-6044 or visit www.maect.org.

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Building Up the Community With Rob Russo

Continued from page 2

was recruited to play Division I lacrosse at Sacred Heart University, where he met his wife, Angela, who played Division I ice hockey at the school, and earned a degree in computer science.

As time passed, Rob lived in Milford and San Diego, earned his engineering degree, and eventually decided to settle in Madison, beginning as the town’s assistant engineer. Rob says it was “the feel of Madison” from the look and activity downtown, and its schools, that made him “feel really comfortable here, so ultimately we bought our house in Madison.”

Rob recalls the long hours he spent earning his engineering degree.

“I did that while both my kids were babies. I was working full-time here, and then leaving here and going up to Central Connecticut. I was in class until 10 o’clock at night, and then I would come home, look at my kids sleep and then I’d go up, do it again the next day. I was running 14-hour days for five years, and then after I graduated, I was eligible to take my licensing exam to get my professional engineering license.”

Immediately upon becoming town engineer, Rob was already working on a variety of engineering projects. One of the first major assignments for him was a utilities project in the downtown area, which saw him “crawling around in basements and working with the utility companies and hiring the contractors,” while learning a

great deal in the process.

“I learned so much on that, because it was so much responsibility, and it was a very public project,” Rob says.

It’s not just the projects Rob is involved in professionally that have had a positive impact on Madison youth and families. Outside of work, he was involved with Madison Youth Lacrosse for nine years as a coach and league board member.

As a coach, he worked with a group of kids from kindergarten through eighth grade and has reflected on the time he spent watching the players grow from “the little little guys who could barely wear a helmet anymore” into young men developing their own identities.

He coached from playing local teams to eventually being invited to participate in the CONNY South Tournament, defeating some of the best teams in the state from Fairfield County. He hopes the victories his teams achieved will endure in their minds as foundational accomplishments thanks to the “culture that we built” that emphasized friendship and support.

“That’s what I hope that they’ll remember the most, is when they look back when they’re my age, and hopefully they’ll want to volunteer and get involved in wherever they’re living,” he says. “I felt when my wife and I came here to look at houses, we felt that kind of community atmosphere. Nine years later after being with Madison Youth Lacrosse, that’s what resonates with me the most is the level of community.”

Boston Post Rd., Madison, are in need of volunteers to help preserve the integrity of Hammonasset’s natural resources. No experience is needed, and training will be provided. For more information, contact the Nature Center, 203-245-8743 or rangermpnc@gmail.com.

Connecticut Water Plants Trees Near Killingworth Reservoir

Press Release from Connecticut Water

Connecticut Water employee volunteers, along with Connwood Foresters Inc., recently planted more than 400 white pine trees around Killingworth Reservoir as part of a leaf screen project intended to protect the long-term quality of a critical water source.

According to Connecticut Water, leaf screens involve the strategic planting of conifer trees along reservoir shorelines to help block or catch deciduous leaves before they enter the water source.

The company said decomposing leaves in reservoirs release nutrients and other organic material that can reduce water quality, increase treatment needs, and clog filters.

Connecticut Water said evergreen buffers provide year-round protection by filtering leaves, stabilizing soil, and helping maintain the health of the water source.

Native Plant Seeds at Scranton Library

Forests also act as natural water filters by capturing sediment, absorbing nutrients, and breaking down pollutants before they can reach reservoirs. Leaf litter and organic matter help slow runoff and allow water to filter naturally through the soil.

Connecticut Water owns more than 6,500 acres of land in Connecticut dedicated to open space protection for water sources. The company said it also invests in additional watershed acreage when available and beneficial to water supply protection.

The Killingworth and Kelseytown reservoirs provide source water to the William Neal MacKenzie Drinking Water Treatment Facility, which serves more than 24,000 customers in Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook. Connecticut Water is regulated by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and provides water service to more than 108,000 customers in 60 Connecticut towns, according to the company.

Free seed packets of various native plants are now available at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison. Local UConn master gardeners have prepared packets of at least a dozen species including liatris, switchgrass, and echinacea, as well as lesser-known types like columbine, blue flag iris, and greenheaded coneflower. The packets are in a rack at the checkout desk, along with instructions on stratifying and planting the seeds. A class on seed starting is planned. For more information, call the library at 203-245-7365.

Madison VFW Post Welcomes Members and Renters

Madison VFW Post #2096 is seeking both men and women veterans to become new members. Qualified veterans, active, retired, and who deployed and served honorably in any “conflict area” are encouraged to join us in Madison. In addition, Post #2096 has a hall located at 85 Lovers Lane with ample parking and areas both upstairs in an open hall area, and downstairs in a smaller meeting area. These areas can accommodate multiple community and private meetings, celebrations, and functions such as dance, yoga, exercise, and charitable events. For more information or to arrange a visit and discuss arrangements, call 203-245-9938.

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Residents Review Surf Club Concepts

Continued from page 1

not include construction of a new seawall, although that option may still be available separately.

The concepts include beach nourishment with regularly replenished sand; constructing artificial dunes behind the seawall; and installing one of two breakwater structures designed to sit below the water’s surface, reduce wave energy, and mitigate erosion.

Frost said breakwater structures are a “great example of being able to break that [wave] energy as it’s coming to the shore,” but acknowledged they may not be “very desirable” for beachgoers entering Long Island Sound.

The consultant also presented designs for a renovated main building that may be relocated farther from the beach and could accommodate town staff and the multiple functions it may serve in the future.

“Public input was critical to these concept plans, and such input will contribute to the development of a Surf Club Master Plan that the majority of all of us are very happy with,” Frost said.

Much of the public input collected to date came through two previous public information sessions held last year, with “thousands of responses” informing a summary of the greatest concerns surrounding the future of the Surf Club.

To explain the need for protecting the future of the Surf Club, Frost presented a slideshow illustrating shoreline erosion at the property over the past 90 years and the concurrent development of recreational facilities there. While the athletic facilities will likely withstand sea level rise over the next few decades, he said climate change is nonetheless threatening the beach area as well as the central building at the Surf Club, which serves multiple purposes.

Frost cited research from the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation, known as CIRCA, on the impact of sea level rise across Connecticut beaches and the sense of urgency behind protecting the Surf Club.

“CIRCA ... is predicting 20 inches of sea level rise across all of Connecticut,” Frost said. “That’s our planning threshold that we need to be ready to accommodate.”

Due to an observed sea level rise of 9

inches, “about half” of the beach that was present in the 1930s “is lost,” Frost said. The projected 20 inches of sea level rise is expected to affect the Surf Club beach by 2050, according to the research cited during the presentation.

The impact of climate change on the beach and the wider Surf Club property was one of the biggest concerns residents expressed to Kent + Frost and the town during previous public input sessions. Data collected by the consultant indicated residents are interested in preserving the beach, avoiding any loss of beach due to development, and accomplishing those goals through methods such as sand restoration and seawall improvements.

Other environmental concerns raised by residents included wetlands and dune restoration, increased tree planting and green space, and preservation of native vegetation.

The public is also highly interested in constructing a new main building at the beach based on “overwhelming feedback,” Frost said. Options for a new building include elevating the grounds on which it sits or relocating it elsewhere on the property, but both approaches share the goal of avoiding the impacts of sea level rise.

Before design plans are finalized and efforts to reshape Madison’s largest and most popular park move forward, communication with the public remains an immediate challenge. First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons acknowledged that concern and explained how the town intends to address it.

“We’re going to have things all summer down at the Surf Club to talk about this with plans available,” Lyons said. “We’re going to [post] QR codes and this stuff. So, there will be further outreach. We want to make sure that everybody is engaged and everybody’s voice is heard.”

She also encouraged residents to submit ideas related to the concept plans.

“We want to hear the ideas. I would love more participation,” she said.

The public can submit comments and suggestions to Surfclubplan@madison ct.org.

More information about the Surf Club Master Plan and the information informing the concept designs is available on the town’s website.

Obituaries Continued from page 5

Obituary

Thomas Hogarty Killingworth

Thomas William “Tom” Hogarty, age 70, formerly of Madison Hollow in Killingworth, died on June 5, 2026, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer last December. He was the loving husband of Lucinda Hill Hogarty for 37 years. Born on Sept. 30, 1955, in Port Jefferson, New York, he was the son of Thomas and Mary Butler Hogarty.

In addition to his wife, Lucinda, Tom is also survived by his children: Brian (Brianna), Michael, Aaron (Shona) Hogarty, Emily Gerson Rosenthal (David), and Hilary Gerson Axtmayer (Alfredo); nine grandchildren; his siblings: Patrick Hogarty, Michael Hogarty, Fran Anderson, and Edy Haynes; and the mother of his sons, Laurie Bergenn.

Tom began a law enforcement career in 1975 with the Stony Brook University Police Department on Long Island, New York, serving as a security officer. In January 1979, he joined the Connecticut State Police as a member of the 90th Training Troop, graduating later that year as a Connecticut state trooper. His distinguished state police career included service at Troop D in Danielson; several years as the Andover resident state trooper out of Troop K; and assignments as a detective with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, including undercover work. In 1991, he was among the first detectives assigned to the newly formed Casino Investigative Unit.

Promoted to sergeant in 1992, Tom served as patrol supervisor at Troops K (Colchester), D (Danielson), and C (Tolland), and later as supervisor of the Organized Crime Unit. He was promoted to master sergeant in 1997 and served as executive officer of Troop E in Montville. In 1998, he was promoted to lieutenant, with assignments in Internal Affairs and Inspections, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and as the first commanding officer of the Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force — a unit he was instrumental in establishing.

Tom retired from the Connecticut State Police in March 2002 after 23 years of dedicated service. He was proud of his work and a strong advocate for the department’s members. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, he rep-

resented the state police at a Connecticut Family Liaison Receiving Center near the World Trade Center site. A gifted marksman, he twice earned the prestigious “Commissioner’s Twenty” designation, recognizing him as one of the top 20 pistol shooters among more than 1,000 state police members.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College near the end of his state police career and then completed the Connecticut Zoning Enforcement Officer (CAZEO) certification program. An enthusiastic bicyclist, he completed numerous long-distance rides, including a 56-day cross-country trip from northeast Connecticut to Washington state in 2007 with his son Brian. He was also a master craftsman whose building and mechanical skills were widely admired, and generously shared with family, friends, and applied at home. He applied those skills to his Bayliner, “Dock Holiday,” during a boating phase. He consistently enjoyed working outdoors, meticulously maintaining his surroundings.

Tom’s post-state police career reflected his intellectual curiosity and diverse interests. He served as a zoning enforcement official for Norwich, Wallingford, and North Branford, returned to the Connecticut State Police for a year in the Sex Offender Registry Unit, and worked as a grant specialist for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). He also directed Campus Safety at Connecticut College and headed security for a Semester at Sea voyage on the MV Explorer, circumnavigating the globe in three months.

His varied pursuits later took him to Glacier National Park as a “Jammer” Red Bus driver, to the Cape Cod National Seashore as a certified law enforcement park ranger, and to Mt. Sunapee as a weekend ski lift operator, skiing for free weekdays. He took a navigation training course to receive his master captain’s license and credentials for workers in maritime facilities and vessels, volunteered as crew sailing the replica Half Moon on the Hudson, then worked as a crew member on the Fishers Island Ferry. There were even more “cool jobs.” Tom often noted that this eclectic path allowed him to meet interesting people, sparking lifelong friendships he treasured.

Tom strongly believed in volunteer

civic service. He served on zoning boards in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and later as an elected member of the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission. He served on several other town boards and committees. He was also an active member of the Killingworth Lions Club, taking on tent and Christmas tree fundraising projects. He also volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels. He was twice honored as Lion of the Year.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Tom was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He attempted various accents, often to the family’s dismay. Though he could not carry a tune, he sang anyway, making sure the listener could identify the song. What brought him the greatest joy, however, was his family. He loved being there to watch his children and grandchildren grow and took immense pride in them.

Tom also held a constant, heartfelt concern for the comfort and well-being of those he loved. He paid close attention to the needs of his family, always looking for ways to make their lives easier, safer, and more comfortable. He gave his time and skills to his children’s homes — fixing what needed fixing, improving what could be better, and adding touches that made each space feel safe, cozy, and bright. His quiet acts of service were expressions of love, leaving lasting imprints on the homes and hearts of the people he cherished.

Donations instead of flowers can be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp or Meals on Wheels of the Estuary Council of Seniors.

A Celebration of Life will be held midsummer; please check www.SwanFuneralHomeMadison.com for updates.

Legal Notice of Decision Madison Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency

The Madison Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agent approved per Section 13 of the Regulations the following application on June 8, 2026: 26-19 61 Shorelands Drive; Map: 25, Lot: 50; Owners/Applicants: Oliver and Katharine L. Schupp; Regulated Activity Permit application to remove 3 dead/dying oak trees and 2 additional trees for access within the 100ft. upland review area of an inland wetland.

TAX NOTICE-TOWN OF MADISON

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Madison, that I have received the Tax Warrant to collect the annual Town tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2025. Real Estate and Personal Property taxes (for a business) in an amount over $50.00 are due and payable in two equal installments. The first installment is due July 1, 2026 and the second installment is due January 1, 2027. Motor Vehicle taxes are due in full July 1, 2026.

If any payment due July 1, 2026 is not paid or USPS postmarked on or before August 3, 2026, such tax becomes delinquent and subject to interest of 1 ½% per month or fraction thereof from the due date. Minimum interest $2.00.

Payment Information

• A secured “Tax Payment Drop” is located on the exterior wall of the Tax Collector’s Office, left hand side of the Main Entrance across from the Police Department. All payments dropped off after normal business hours will be credited the next business day. Deadline to pay in person without penalty is 4:30pm on August 3, 2026.

• To Pay by Mail: Make checks payable to Town of Madison, PO Box 587, Madison, CT 06443. We honor the USPS postmark. Payments postmarked on or before August 3, 2026 will be considered an on-time payment. Have your envelope hand-canceled at the US Post Office. Electronic bill pay services processed using your personal bank arrive via the US mail in an envelope bearing no postmark Please keep in mind if there is no postmark, timeliness depends solely upon our receipt of the payment.

• To pay by Credit, Debit or E-check visit www.madisonct.org/taxpayments or to pay by phone call 855857-3353. Convenience fees apply. We do not take credit or debit cards at the office.

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

Christina Consiglio, CCMC Tax Collector

Horoscopes Crossword

For the week of June 18 - June 24

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, physical activity can boost your mood and clear your mind for some big decisions that are ahead this week. Tackle some larger projects.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Indulge in simple pleasures this week, Taurus. They will lead you to the happiness you deserve. You may discover a new favorite recipe or cozy nook to hang out.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Networking may feel less like a chore and more like a party this week, Gemini. A chance encounter could open a door to an excellent opportunity.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, right now your home is filled with laughter and shared memories. It’s a great week to host a small gathering or a movie night with close friends to share all the good vibes.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, today you are a beacon of light and a source of inspiration. Use your unique position as a leader to spread positivity and watch good fortune multiply.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you are often a master of finding practical solutions to tricky problems both at work and at home. Your reliable nature is a great gift to those around you.

JUNE 18

Blake Shelton, Singer (50)

JUNE 19

Atticus Shaffer, Actor (28)

JUNE 20

Nicole Kidman, Actress (59)

JUNE 21

Lana Del Rey, Singer (41)

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, some diplomacy this week can help you navigate a complex situation with ease. Find moments for mindful meditation so you can create a calm atmosphere wherever you go.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

If you are brave enough to voice it, a secret wish just might come true, Scorpio. After some difficult days, you can use a bit of magic and mystery to change your perspective.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

YouÕre definitely a glass-half-full kind of person, Sagittarius. This optimism will open doors to a new horizon. A sudden urge to learn something new leads to an opportunity.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Discipline will be rewarded with a measurable success that can feel very uplifting, Capricorn. Your hard work is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Be your most authentic self this week and watch how it attracts those you want in your circle, Aquarius. A weird coincidence may lead to a funny situation.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, calmer waters ahead allow you to reflect on yourself and recharge your emotional batteries. You may emerge at the end of the week centered and ready for anything.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JUNE 22

Meryl Streep, Actress (77)

JUNE 23

Jason Mraz, Singer (49)

JUNE 24

Minka Kelly, Actress (46)

CLUES ACROSS

1. Similar

4. Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal

10. No (Scottish)

11. __ Aires, city

12. Morning

14. Senior’s son (abbr.)

15. A notable achievement

16. European nation

18. Endings

22. Puts into place

23. Former 24. Grenadier

26. Sea patrol

27. Algerian port

28. Norwegian river

30. Precipitation

31. Sunscreen rating

34. New York is one

36. Patti Hearst’s captors

37. Soft mineral with greasy feel

39. Retired Brazilian footballer

40. An Indian nursemaid

41. Atomic #24

42. Immobile

48. Insignia of royalty

50. Seeds from which chocolate is made

51. Begin again

52. Round root

53. Beginning to end (alt. sp.)

54. What newlyweds just said

55. Empire State

56. Give back

58. College hoops tournament

59. Unstable situations

60. Young women’s association

CLUES DOWN

1. Administer a drug

2. Holy places

3. Contrary opinions

4. Blood type

5. Gags

6. Micturating

7. Silly

8. A type of “cuff”

9. Spanish be

12. Austrian river

13. Messenger ribonucleic acid

17. Consume food

19. California supermarket

20. Electronic communication

21. Cassia tree

25. Written works

29. Cool!

31. Noteworthy 90s lawyer Kenneth

32. One who was compensated

33. National symbols

35. Raising

38. A type of talk

41. Cloud

43. Middle Eastern peoples

44. Pouches

45. 007’s creator

46. A cut of meat

47. Sports entertainment award

49. Christine __, actress

56. Relief organization (abbr.)

57. Canadian province (abbr.)

Word Search

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

FLOWER FRIENDS WORD SEARCH

ANTENNAE APIARY BEETLE BLOSSOM BUMBLEBEE BUTTERFLY CHRYSALIS COLONY DRONE ECOSYSTEM FLIGHT FORAGING HABITAT HOVERFLY HUMMINGBIRD LARVA MANDIBLES MIGRATORY NECTAR OVARY PETAL POLLEN PROBOSCIS STAMEN

Word Scramble

Word Scramble solution for June 11, 2026: BIRDS

Word Search solution for June 11, 2026

and His Piggy Toes

When a cat with a very injured paw was rescued by Forgotten Felines earlier this year, the person feeding him mentioned another injured cat that needed help but was rarely around. We of course said we would take him, and not too long afterwards, Iggy showed up with what looked like severe wounds around his neck. What a sweetheart he turned out to be. He is quite the talker, especially around meal and treat time. After all, when he was rescued he was wandering outside hungry, looking for a warm place to sleep. Iggy is the total package with his sleek black fur, extra piggy toes and adorable personality. Could you give this precious boy a loving home? Come meet Iggy at our open house or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.

Find

Your Match At Forgotten

: Forgotten Felines holds an Open House every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Rd., 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 facil-

much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.

Photo by Stephanie Buske

The Source

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Tigers Repeat as Class M State Champions

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

The goal going into every season is to win a state championship, but after accomplishing that feat, the road to consecutive titles becomes even more difficult. Opponents bring their best effort to knock off the reigning champions. They want the crown for themselves, and what better way to prove they belong than by defeating the team sitting at the top?

That was the challenge facing the Daniel Hand boys tennis team this season.

The Tigers responded by facing adversity, remaining resilient and continuing to improve their game. In the end, Hand did so nearly flawlessly on its way to a second consecutive state championship.

Hand finished the regular season 17-3, reached the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament semifinals and earned the top seed in the Class M State Tournament. The Tigers defeated No. 16 Berlin, No. 9 Waterford, No. 5 Weston and No. 2 Avon to capture their second straight state title.

Tigers coach Dawn Fagerquist said when it all boils down, the championship run came down to the team’s six seniors: Andrew Seehusen, Gavin Waterman, Harrison Hodge, Marcelo Gonzalez, Nathaniel Konstantino and Paul Fumex.

“The boys had this vision of one more year. Can we do it one more time? And I think that their work ethic this year had a lot to say about the boys,” Fagerquist said. “When it was time to work, they worked, and it worked out.”

Fagerquist added that successful teams often have one or two players who rise above the rest. This season, however, she said all six seniors stood out and helped maintain what has become the Hand standard.

“All my seniors put in the time, the effort, the dedication, and they were the ones who kept the core together. They were the ones that set the tempo for everybody else to succeed this year,” she said. “My seniors took control of the team this year, which was awesome. They really took the horse by the reins, and they rolled with it.”

The state title marks the seventh championship in program history, and the Tigers’ appearance in the championship match was their third consecutive trip to the final.

Ironically, all three championship matches have come against Avon, which defeated Hand in the 2024 championship before the Tigers won the last two meetings.

For Hand, reaching the state championship has become the standard over the past few seasons, but if you ask Fagerquist, it was never the team’s focus during the regular season.

Instead, the Tigers concentrated on daily improvement, taking things one practice at a time while continuing to refine their game. Fagerquist said they did not want to peak too early, as they felt they did a year ago. This season, she said,

everything came together at exactly the right moment.

“Last year was funny because we peaked in the middle to the end of our season. This year, we joked about we didn’t want to peak too early and that the state title was the big piece of the pie,” Fagerquist said. “We peaked at the right time, right at the end of our season and right before state started.”

The lineup featured freshman Adrian Fernandez at first singles, captain Seehusen at second singles, freshman Aiden Zhang at third singles and Hodge at fourth singles.

The doubles lineup included Waterman

and Gonzalez at first doubles, Konstantino and Fumex at second doubles, and sophomore Danny Wang and junior William Riggio at third doubles.

With the highly decorated senior class graduating, the Tigers will have significant holes to fill next season. Still, Fagerquist said the return of several talented underclassmen gives her reason to be optimistic.

“They’re getting excited for next year. They know what hard work does, and it pays off,” she said. “Hopefully they’ll be part of a third title or be part of a winning team.”

Photo courtesy of Dawn Fagerquist

The Daniel Hand boys tennis team celebrates its second consecutive Class M state championship, the program's seventh state title overall.

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

By Serenity J. Bishop

Sports Editor

Everyone agreed the weather was the best of the season for the Deep River Horseshoe League, and it was reflected in the scoring. The weekly team average was 262 points, up from last week’s 256. Twenty-four players improved their scores in one or more of the six statistical categories tracked during the season.

Headlines: The White Sox stunned the Cards with a sweep and increased their first-place lead to three games; the Braves scored 309 points and vaulted into second place by sweeping the Mets; and the Rangers scored 309 points in a 4-2 win over the Yankees.

The White Sox knew their hold on first place could be in jeopardy as they faced Kris Toohey’s Cards. The handicap favored the Cards in four of the six games, and they would also need to take advantage of their seven-point handicap in the A/B games, which pitted two of the league’s top-scoring duos against one another.

In game one, it came down to the final box, and Kyle Wilson’s ringer gave the White Sox a onepoint win. In the first A/B game, Brady Miller and Bob Beckwith outscored Kris Toohey and Todd Nuhn 65-61 for the victory. The Cards held a four-point lead but failed to score in the final box of game three, losing by one point. The Sox took the lead in the fifth box of game four and held on for the win. In the second A/B game, the White Sox used their handicap for a two-point victory before closing the match with a doubledigit win in game six.

In their head-to-head matchups, Toohey and Nuhn went 4-4 against Miller and Beckwith, but the total scoring favored the White Sox 234-223. Bob Beckwith’s 122-point series was the top B Division score.

The Mets’ Mark Goodale hoped to keep his score within single digits in his matchup with Braves star Frank Rausch. Emily Taylor subbed for Deb Scully. Rausch’s 42 points led to an easy win in game one. The Mets looked to capitalize on their eight-point handicap in game two and held a

the second-leading B Division score.

The maximum handicap in the match was four points in four games, split evenly between the two teams, while the remaining two games had no handicap. The Rangers were outscored 4-2 in the final box of game one and lost by one point. Yankees’ Vinny Jonynas scored 39 points in game two to give New York its second win. Gerry Hines teamed with Durinick for 53 points and a Rangers victory. In game four, Furmonavicius matched Dennis Allen’s score, while Durinick defeated Jonynas 28-16 in game five and 28-20 in game six to give the Rangers a 4-2 victory. Hines’ 76-point series was the secondleading C Division score.

Both Chip Goodrich’s Reds and Skip Robinson’s Pirates are tied for the league’s fewest ringers, but they rank first and second in scoring percentage, have the fewest opens, and are tied for the most clean games. Goodrich and Robinson both score on roughly 70 percent of the shoes they throw and rank among the top three for fewest opens.

one-point lead entering the ninth box. Rausch’s double in the ninth gave the Braves the lead and ultimately a two-point win.

Mike Beckwith single-handedly outscored the Mets in games three and six. In game four, the Mets led entering the final two boxes but were outscored 8-3 and lost by five points. The best game of the match proved to be another heartbreak for the Mets. With the handicap, the game was tied entering the final box, but they were outscored 7-6 and lost by one point.

Rausch had three games in the 40s on his way to the night’s top score of 166. Beckwith’s 103-point series was the third-leading B Division score. Rausch and Beckwith increased their average to 245 points per week. Their 309point total marked the third time this season they surpassed 300 points, and they lead the league with a team average of 281 points per week.

Often, when a player struggles to score, they seek advice from their peers. Peter Furmonavicius must have listened, as he

recorded a season-best 116-point series, while teammate John Durinick posted a season-best 117-point series that ranked as

While Goodrich edged Robinson in game one, Gary Stevens’ points earned the Pirates the win. The Reds’ lone victories came by double digits in games two and five. Brian Walsh’s 30 points in game three were a season best. Walsh and Stevens each recorded a ringer in the seventh box of the final game to help secure another Pirates win. The Pirates claimed the match 4-2. Stevens’ 100-point series was a season best and topped the C Division. It was his first 100-point series since May 26, 2022, and he also recorded three clean games.

John Sciacca’s goal for the See White Sox page 17

Photo courtesy of Joseph Heery

Mike Beckwith of the Braves is the B player and teams with Frank Rausch. They are the leading scoring duo in the league averaging 245 points a week.

White Sox Sweep Cards to Extend First-Place Lead

Continued from page 16

D’backs is to match some of the strengths displayed by the Reds and Pirates by reducing opens and improving scoring percentage. They faced Jeremy Davis’s Dodgers, with the maximum handicap set at one point in four games, all favoring the D’backs. The remaining two games were even.

The D’backs raced out to wins in the first three games. John O’Brien’s scoring made the difference in game one, while Butch Carotenuto proved to be the difference in games two and three. Game four illustrated exactly what Sciacca hopes to eliminate, as the D’backs recorded three straight opens and scored on fewer than 50 percent of their shoes. Davis’s 35 points led the Dodgers to victory. The teams split the final two games, giving the D’backs a 4-2 match win. O’Brien’s 75-point series tied for the third-highest C Division score. Five of the six games were decided by more than five points.

John Hutra’s Marlins won the first three games against Sue Pollard’s Rockies. After the opening four boxes of game one, they led by 14 points. After four boxes of

game two, they held a 10-point lead. In game three, the Rockies managed only three points over the final four boxes.

The Rockies rebounded to win the next two games. Pollard’s 33 points led the way in game four, while game five was a scratch game that turned on Warren Bellows’ double in the tenth box for a fourpoint victory. The Marlins again took an early lead in game six and held on for the win to secure the 4-2 match victory. Leif Selander’s season-best 75-point series tied for the third-highest C Division score.

Each team used a substitute when Bob Cifaldi’s Cubs faced Mike Zanelli Jr.’s Orioles. Keith Toohey filled in for Pete Lessard, while Damon Roberts subbed for Zanelli Jr. Cifaldi’s 37-point game and season-best 40-point effort were enough to single-handedly win games one and four.

The Orioles won games two and three, using their handicap for a three-point win in game two while the Cubs were unable to overcome an eight-point handicap in game three. The Cubs managed to erase an eight-point handicap in game five for a two-point victory. In the final game, they still had a chance despite trailing by five points entering the last box but fell two

points short. The teams split the match. Cifaldi’s 137-point series was the secondleading A Division score.

Would Tony Cutone’s Angels match the Mets’ streak of four consecutive split matches? Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers had already recorded three splits this season.

Cutone’s season-best 44 points singlehandedly won game one. Serviss’s 28 points were enough to do the same in game two, as the Angels managed only two ringers and 26 points. Dennis Goodrich and Anthony Conkling combined for 54 points as the Tigers cruised to a 20point win. The Angels evened the match at 2-2 behind Cutone’s clean 33-point game.

In pivotal game five, the Angels overcame a seven-point handicap as Ed Turner matched Conkling, and Cutone’s second clean game of 31 points gave them their third win and a chance to break the streak. As expected, everything came down to the final game and the final box. Tied entering the last box, the Tigers outscored the Angels 4-1 to force another split. Will the Angels extend the streak next week or suffer the same fate as the Mets?

Paul Noel substituted for Mike Zanelli Sr. of the Giants. Bill Beckwith hoped to

join the other Beckwiths in the win column and expected this to be the Red Sox’s week, especially with Zanelli Sr. absent. What he did not realize was that Noel would prove to be a formidable replacement.

The Red Sox had their chance in game one. Trailing by one entering the final box, they scored only one point while Noel answered with four. Despite Beckwith’s 41 points, game two was a repeat of game one. The score was tied after 11 boxes before Noel’s double secured another Giants victory. The Giants handed the Red Sox their first win in game three as young standouts Adam Fortier and Matt Valentin combined for 13 opens—roughly the equivalent of giving away an entire game. Fortier led the scoring in game four as the Giants cruised to a double-digit win.

The best the Red Sox could hope for was a split. Beckwith edged Noel 41-36 in game five for their second win. Fortier and Valentin repeated their struggles from game three with another 13 opens in the finale, allowing the teams to split the match. Beckwith’s season-best 140-point series was the second-leading A Division score.

Choose from weekly sessions for boys and girls entering Grades 3 - 8:

June 22 - June 26

June 29 - July 2

July 6 - July 10

July 13 - July 17

July 20 - July 24

July 27 - July 31

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Fun By The Numbers

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

Last Week’s Answers

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!

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

By Susan Cornell

Special to Living

The kayaking proved much tougher than the previous day’s relaxed paddle. Our group of six covered quite a distance in two hours. We encountered rain, sun, wind, calm water, and rough conditions, but were rewarded with beautiful scenery along with otters, seals, and dozens of eagles.

The afternoon hike to Lake Eva was spectacular. The trailhead is accessible only by floatplane or boat. Not only were we wowed by the natural beauty, but we also learned about Alaska’s flora, fauna, and history.

That evening we headed into Peril Strait, watching whales as Safari Endeavour wound back and forth through the narrowest section of our journey. We anchored in Fish Bay overnight before entering Neva Strait on the way to Krestof Sound the following morning. It wasn’t as narrow as Peril Strait, but still worth getting up early to see.

For our final day in the Magoun Islands, our OPS choice was a full-day “yak and whack,” which, as the name implies, combined kayaking through the islands and lagoon with bushwhacking onshore. We enjoyed a boxed lunch and wine in the wilderness.

Again, despite being literally in the Pacific Ocean, the water was perfectly calm, allowing us to enjoy the quiet except for paddles dipping into the water and the calls of birds.

This bushwhack was the toughest yet and was described as an “adult jungle gym.” We navigated deadfall by climbing over and under trees, traversing moss, avoiding bear scat, and crossing a muskeg.

The usual wildlife appeared — otters, eagles, assorted birds, and even a mink. There clearly were bears nearby, and we remained on high alert throughout the excursion.

For those not interested in spending seven hours “yaking and whacking,” there were skiff tours where guides took passengers out as long and as far as they wished within reason, as well as easy and moderate hikes. Guests who skipped the all-day excursion

could instead choose two separate OPS.

On our final evening, the guides presented a slideshow featuring photographs from the week’s adventures. Following the presentation, a full rainbow framed the Alaskan coast — an incredible ending to an incredible week, and one we nearly skipped because we feared too much rain would ruin the experience.

As it turned out, the forecast had been greatly exaggerated, and the weather neither canceled

nor dampened a single OPS activity all week. Between disembarkation and our flight out of Sitka, we had time to visit Sitka National Historical Park. Though Alaska’s smallest national park, it is rich in both history and beauty. The park is home to Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees. Other guests visited the Alaska Raptor Center or picked up last-minute souvenirs.

Our ship was older but com-

fortable and well maintained.

Safari Endeavour accommodates 84 guests in 42 cabins and carries a crew of 34 to 37. This sailing hosted 63 guests from Australia, the United Kingdom, and regions throughout the United States.

The ship features four decks, a roomy lounge, dining room, sun deck, outdoor fitness center, and two hot tubs. Onboard equipment includes an EZ Dock launch platform, paddleboards, kayaks, and inflatable skiffs.

Food was local, sustainable,

and good, and all meals were plated — no buffet body checks required. Portion sizes were perfect, and half portions or split portions were always available. Service was stellar.

UnCruise emphasizes ecofriendly and sustainable practices, focusing on minimizing environmental impact through small group sizes, local sourcing, waste reduction, conservation, and advocacy.

See Postcards page 25

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

A whale sculpture overlooks the waterfront in Southeast Alaska.

Fresh seafood is served aboard the Safari Endeavour during an UnCruise Adventures expedition in Alaska.

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

Calm waters and dense coastal forest highlight the remote wilderness scenery of Southeast Alaska.

A calm wilderness lake reflects the mountains of Southeast Alaska near Baranof Island.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Reception and Sale for 5th Annual Art Show:

5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Features works by local artists, including artwork celebrating Madison’s Bicentennial. For info, call 203-2457365.

250th Basket Twining Class

: 5:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Participants will create a rope-twined basket in red, white, and blue suitable for table décor, porch decoration, or plant display. Free and open to the public. Space limited. Registration required. An identical class will be offered on July 15. For info or to register, call 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Stars, Stripes, and Whiskers Trivia Night

: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Stappa Vineyard, 403 Derby Ave., Orange. Celebrates the nation's 250th birthday with an evening of American history trivia hosted by Tommy Mitchell. Features raffle baskets, sweets, and treats. Proceeds benefit The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Cost: $30. Advance ticket purchase required. For info or tickets, contact 203782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org, or visit gnhcp.org/americana.

: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale's Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Guided meditation and Reiki session. Suggested donation: $5. For info, contact 860-227-5003 or gstevens1220@gmail.com, or visit musicnowfoundation.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Fife and Drums to Jazz: Celebrate the Hyland House and America’s 250th

: TBA. Hyland House Museum, 84 Boston St., Guilford. Features food, drinks, music, raffle prizes, and tours of the historic house and colonial garden in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Hosted by the Hyland House Museum. For info or tickets, visit hylandhouse.org.

Rummage Sale and Farm Market

: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Rte. 81. Features a rummage sale with food, treats, and household treasures, along with an outdoor farm market offering fresh goods, handmade items, and local products. Vendor spaces available. Family-friendly event. For info, contact 860-663-1789 or office@killingworthchurch.org, or visit killingworthchurch.org.

Antique Cars, Buggies and Sleighs

: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features antique cars, buggies, and sleighs. Part of the Saturday Farmers Market series, which also includes historical crafts and exhibits. For info, call 203-457-0770 or visit dudleyfarm.com/events.

Calendar for the Week of June 18, 2026

Life-Sized Candyland Summer Reading Kickoff:

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features games, activities, challenges, and prizes as part of the library’s “Plant a Seed: READ!” summer reading program. No registration required. Appropriate for all ages; adults must remain with children under age 12. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Plant Dye Presentation

: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Bauer Park, 245 Copse Rd., Madison. Master gardener Dee Rapposelli will present a program on creating natural dyes from plants, including information on fiber dyes used during the Colonial and post-Revolutionary eras. Features prepared dye pots, tools, materials, and samples of dyed fiber. Cost: $18. For info, call 203-414-2869 or visit ctmadisonweb.myvscloud.com.

American Heroines

: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Patty Carver presents a one-woman musical portraying Catherine Coffin, Mother Jones, Molly Pitcher, and Prudence Crandall. For info or to register, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Open House and Summer Market

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

Allis-Bushnell House Museum, 853 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Features local vendors on the museum grounds and admission to the current Madison 200 exhibit. Free. For info, contact 203-245-4567 or office@madisonhistory.org.

Postcards From Afar: Southeast Alaska Safari on an UnCruise Adventure

Evenings did not include magicians, bingo, gambling, or flashy productions typical of larger cruise ships. Instead, guides presented talks on topics including bears, marine mammals, tides, and the “wood wide web.”

What you get on UnCruise includes transfers, entry fees to national parks and preserves, adventure activities and equipment, alcohol, expedition guides, and guest experts. Wi-Fi is limited and unavailable during the day or within national parks, wildlife preserves, and protected areas to preserve the remote wilderness experience. It’s part of the design and referred to as a “digital detox.”

UnCruise is not for everyone, but it is heaven for travelers who are active, outdoorsy, and adventurous. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking immersion

also would be happy guests. This trip is best suited for travelers of any age — including children — who value experiences over luxury.

We are already ready to book our next adventure.

Susan Cornell, owner of Moppet Magic Publishing and Public Relations, is an independently contracted photographer, marketing and public relations consultant, and writer specializing in business, boating, home and garden, and travel. She handles public relations for several art galleries and is the author of the children’s book “Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade.” In her free time, she hikes, kayaks, serves on the advisory board for the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, and is a steward for the Essex Land Trust. Susan has two grown children and lives in Essex with her husband and rescue puggle.

Meditation and Reiki with Jennifer

Photos by Susan and Bob Cornell

full rainbow stretches across the Alaskan coast at the conclusion of an UnCruise Adventures expedition in Southeast Alaska.

Get ‘Crazy’: Goodspeed Stages ‘Fun, Innocent, Silly, Tap-dancing Spectacular’

By Kristina Dorsey

Special to Living

Michael Fling says the musical comedy “Crazy for You” is a quintessential Goodspeed show.

“It is exactly the show that parts of the audience wish we would do all the time — fun, innocent, silly, tapdancing spectacular with big costumes and big sets. And a glorious Gershwin score,” he said.

The production, which bows Friday at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, pulls together some of George and Ira Gershwin’s greatest tunes, including “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Embraceable You.”

“This is kind of the ultimate Gershwin jukebox musical. There are a number of those shows that exist, but I think this one takes the cake. … It’s the gold standard of these types of shows,” Fling said.

And while “Crazy for You” — which premiered on Broadway in 1992 — was ostensibly inspired by the Gershwins’ 1930 musical “Girl Crazy,” it features more Gershwin

songs than are in the film and a mostly new plot, courtesy of “Lend Me a Tenor” scribe Ken Ludwig, who co-conceived it with director Mike Ockrent.

“Crazy for You” is about the power of theater and musicals, and, in the story, the arts bring a town back together. The tale begins with this: Bobby would love nothing more than to be a Broadway star and dreams of being in the Zangler Follies, but in reality, he’s a banker. He is sent to Dead Rock, Nevada, to foreclose on an abandoned theater. But when he gets there, he falls in love with a young woman whose father happens to own that theater. Bobby decides he can save the town and get the girl by putting on a show.

When she discovers he’s really in town to foreclose on the theater, she wants nothing to do with him. So Bobby, in good musical-comedy tradition, disguises himself as someone else — Broadway producer Bela Zangler, who is originally from Hungary.

Fling is Goodspeed’s associate artistic director. He has directed productions at the Goodspeed’s developmental Terris Theatre in Chester, but this is his first time helming a production on its iconic Opera House stage in East Haddam.

When Goodspeed leaders had decided to do “Crazy for You,” the first thought was that Kelli Barclay needed to choreograph it. Fling recalled the prevailing feeling: “She’s perfect for it. It’s exactly her show.”

Then, it was a matter of finding a director who would pair well with Barclay. Fling made a list of potential options, and Goodspeed reached out to the top choice. But that person wasn’t super responsive, they couldn’t figure out a time to chat, and weeks went by, Fling said. He noted that that isn’t something that happens often with Goodspeed.

Donna Lynn Hilton, Goodspeed’s artistic director, figured they should ‘Invisible direction’

See Get ‘Crazy’ page 27

Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day

Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day

David Andrew Morton, playing Lank Hawkins, and Hailey Thomas, playing Irene Roth, work through a scene during rehearsals for Goodspeed Musicals' "Crazy for You" in East Haddam on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Director Michael Fling works with cast members during rehearsals for Goodspeed Musicals' production of "Crazy for You" at their rehearsal hall in East Haddam on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day

Ensemble members rehearse a musical number as the showgirls during rehearsals for Goodspeed Musicals' "Crazy for You" in East Haddam on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Get ‘Crazy’: Goodspeed Stages ‘Fun, Innocent, Silly, Tap-dancing Spectacular’

Continued from page 26

move on, and Fling pulled up his list of potential directors again.

“Literally, like a flash of lightning, I was like: Maybe I should suggest myself to do ‘Crazy for You.’ I don’t know the show that well, but I can do that. I looked up from my phone and my list, and Donna Lynn was staring me right in the eyes and said, ‘What if you did “Crazy for You”?’ I was like, ‘I literally just had the same thought.’ It was, I guess we would say, kismet,” Fling said, adding that it reflects his and Hilton’s relationship, where they often think the same things.

Fling — who had never seen “Crazy for You” onstage — took the weekend to read the script. His response was enthusiastic.

“This is so heartwarming and charming and fun and silly. I really see the heart in these characters and what the story is. I also understand that it’s ultimately about the numbers, and in a lot of ways, people should leave the show not talking about my direction at all. It should feel like a work of invisible direction,” he said.

Fling said he loves a classic musical, and “Crazy for You” behaves like one, but it has more of a contemporary sensibility since it was written in the 1990s. It also is funny and romantic. He keeps it rooted in a reality that feels authentic and not schticky, while also giving it a heightened sense so that all of the wacky things featured in the plot can happen. And he noted that the production has a brilliant company of actors who are all very funny and have good impulses.

‘Music Man’ and directing

Fling, who grew up in Oklahoma, said he was one of those kids who was always putting on shows on the holidays and organizing his cousins for performances.

When his grandmother heard their local Tulsa high school was auditioning youngsters for a production of “The Music Man,” she told Michael he should go, particularly since he looked like Ron Howard, who played a role in the film version of the musical. Fling got the part and “I haven’t really looked back since.”

While most kids who are interested in the theater want to act, Fling, even from a young age, figured that he’d act but then transition into directing. He said he liked performing, but his type didn’t match what he would do vocally.

“I’m a character guy, but I (was) 18. What are you going to do with that? I’m

funny, I can do bits, but nobody wants an 18-year-old David Hyde Pierce,” he said.

While doing his college search, Fling saw that Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., had an undergraduate theater directing program. They only have a maximum of three spots available each year, and Fling got one.

He has gone on to direct numerous shows, including “My Fair Lady” at the Hartt School in Hartford, “Shrek the Musical” for Craft Productions of Oklahoma, and “The Great Emu War” at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre.

Fling has also produced eight shows at Goodspeed, including “Crazy for You.”

Fling, who started working at Goodspeed in 2019, is still doing his regular job as well. He recently had to leave a “Crazy for You” rehearsal early to direct the performances at the Goodspeed gala honoring legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Web-

ber. That same weekend, he attended callbacks for the children up for roles in Goodspeed’s revival of “Annie.”

At the same time, he noted that he is lucky that Hilton is more than capable of handling anything he isn’t able to get to, and producing assistant Jakob Harding can help out as well.

This is the first time that someone in Goodspeed’s artistic staff has directed a mainstage show, but Fling said it’s not unusual at other theaters. It just happened that the people in those jobs at Goodspeed weren’t also directors.

Fling said that any time he gets to direct a musical, he still feels like a kid in a candy store or on Christmas morning.

“I can’t believe I get to wake up and do this — come to work and do this with immensely talented people that are all kind of coming together to do this thing and play pretend on a budget,” he said.

Fling hopes people leave “Crazy for You” with “pure, unadulterated joy. A song in their heart and a smile on their face. Musicals at their heart were rooted in escapism. I think we could absolutely use an escape from the world right now. ‘Crazy for You’ is the perfect escape.”

k.dorsey@theday.com

IF YOU GO

What: “Crazy for You”

Where: The Goodspeed, 6 Main St., East Haddam

When: Runs June 19-Aug. 9; performances are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun. There are also shows at 2 p.m. on select Thursdays and 6:30 p.m. on select Sundays.

Tickets: Start at $35

Contact: (860) 873-8668, goodspeed.org

Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day

Ensemble members rehearse a musical number for Goodspeed Musicals' "Crazy for You" at their rehearsal hall in East Haddam on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Continued from page 25

: 11 a.m. Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St., Essex. Children entering kindergarten through grade 6 in the fall are invited to sign up for summer reading and participate in a piratethemed adventure with RI Pirate Guy Luca Rebussini featuring dress-up, games, relay races, treasure hunting, and creative activities. Hosted by Essex and Ivoryton Libraries. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Rain location: Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Ave., Essex. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock Drive, Killingworth. Features strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits and whipped cream, Café Laurel pulled pork sandwiches, a bake sale, children’s games, and more. Free parking. Cash only. For info, email rumblingrock@sbcglobal.net.

: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beech Tree Cottages, 1187 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Features a curated group of artists exhibiting and selling original artwork on the grounds of Beech Tree Cottages. Complimentary beverages and light refreshments. Free admission and parking. For info, contact 203-245-2676 or events@beechtreecottages.com, or visit beechtreecottages.com.

:

1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Book:

The Invisible Conversations with Your Aging Parents

. Features readings and discussion in the library’s Reading Room. Free. No registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441 x 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.

: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Program for ages 6 to 11 featuring Pokémon card games, activities, and trading. Parents or caregivers must remain in the library during the program. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Participants will create a painted wood sign featuring “Hello Summer.” All supplies included. Registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

: 7 to 10 p.m. Time to Dance Ballroom Dance Studio, 45 N.E. Industrial Rd., Branford. Features a group dance lesson led by Karen Pfrommer from 7 to 7:30 p.m., dancing, music, and light refreshments. Admission: $20. For info, call 203-710-2805 or info@timetodanceballroom.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 AND

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

Summer Arts Festival

: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Essex Town Green, 12 Main St. Presented by Arts Center Killingworth. Features original artwork and fine crafts by painters, photographers, mixedmedia artists, and artisans working in ceramics, pottery, wood, fiber, glass, jewelry, and other media. Free and open to the public. For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

Make Music Day Concert with Kala Farnham

: 1 to

3 p.m. Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield St., Guilford. Outdoor performance celebrating Make Music Day on the summer solstice, featuring Connecticut State Troubadour Kala Farnham. Attendees may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Concert moves indoors in case of rain. For info, contact 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit portal.ct.gov/ECD-HenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.

Make Music Day Old Lyme

: 5 to 7 p.m. Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Features performances on multiple stages as part of the international Make Music Day celebration. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

Shamrock Open Golf Tournament

: Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. The Alling Golf Club, 35 Eastern St., New Haven. Features an 18-hole tournament with awards for men's and women's longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests on two holes. A buffet dinner follows at Anthony's Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Proceeds benefit the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade. For info or to register, visit stpatricksdayparade.org.

Monday Funday for Teens: Lawn Games

: 3 p.m. Henry

Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features lawn games including cornhole, jumbo Jenga, giant checkers, and ring toss. For teens ages 12 to 18. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 22 THROUGH THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Mindfulness on Main

: 9:30 a.m. to noon, Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook. Program focused on mindfulness activities including essential oils, nature observation, art, and local experiences. $55 residents; $60 non-residents. Registration required. For info, visit osyfs.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

Colonial Escape Room

: Sessions begin at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Participants solve puzzles about the 13 colonies and learn about colonial America. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy

: 2 p.m. Virtual program presented by Essex Library. Authors discuss , featuring recipes inspired by family spice farms in India and Sri Lanka. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Growing Tall & Strong Dance Adventure

The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook Little Sunflower

: 2 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Children ages 3 to 8 are invited to join Julianne Guarnieri of Little Leaps Dance Adventures for an interactive dance program exploring the life cycle of a plant through movement, creativity, and imaginative play. Includes a reading of by Melanie Joyce. Registration required. Free. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

S.T.E.A.M. Lab

: 3:15 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities. For grades 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Ivoryton Library Annual Meeting

: 5 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. Features a review of the library's activities during the past year, goals for the coming year, and an opportunity to meet trustees. Refreshments will be served. Open to members and those interested in becoming members. For info or to register, contact 860767-1252 or cgoodrich@ivorytonlibrary.org, or visit ivorytonlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

Unearth a Story

: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features fossils, Connecticut's state dinosaur, and a hands-on craft presented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Dinosaur State Park. Recommended for grades PreK-5. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

: 3 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Family movie screening celebrating the summer reading theme, "Plant a Seed, Read!" Featuring a G-rated film connected to food, farms, and nature. Popcorn provided. Free and open to the public. No registration required. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

See page 29

Summer Reading Kickoff with RI Pirate Guy

Strawberry Festival:

Beech Tree Art Fair

Fireside Chats with Local Authors: Shannon White

Pokémon Club

Crafts with Natalie: Hello Summer Wood Stencil Painted Sign Open Dance Party

Village. The Historical Society will offer guided village walking tours on June 27, July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

Essex Historical Society Offers Summer Walking Tours

The Essex Historical Society will offer a series of guided walking tours this summer, beginning with a special program in Ivoryton and continuing with four tours in Essex Village.

The first tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, and is presented in partnership with the Essex Historical Society, Essex Land Trust and Ivoryton Library.

Essex Land Trust steward Scott McCoid will lead a walking tour of the Millrace Preserve, exploring Ivoryton’s history, the company that built it and the

Continued from page 28

flood that marked the end of an era. Historical Society guide Ellen Clark will then continue the walk through Ivoryton, highlighting historic buildings and sites throughout the village.

Participants will hear stories of mill workers, shopkeepers and business owners who helped shape the community.

The tour will begin at the Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton. Parking is available on Ivory Street at the Millrace Preserve and in the public lot at Ivoryton Green. The event is weather dependent, and organizers will notify registrants if it must be canceled.

While the walk covers mostly flat

ground, some terrain is uneven. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

The Historical Society will also offer guided walking tours of Essex Village led by Brien Riedell. The tours explore the maritime history of 18th-century Potapaug, its working waterfront, shipbuilding prominence in the early 19th century and its evolution into a visitor destination.

Essex Village tours begin at 5 p.m. at the foot of Main Street in front of the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Scheduled dates are Saturdays, June 27, July 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

The walks are open to the public. A $10 donation is suggested, and active Essex

Nights Karaoke Kickoff

Historical Society members may attend free of charge. Tours last about an hour and cover slightly less than a mile on mostly flat terrain.

Advance registration is encouraged. For information or to arrange a customized tour, visit essexhistory.org.

The Essex Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton through educational programs, tours, research projects and community events.

: 4 to 6 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features games, crafts, face painting, and ice cream to launch the summer reading program. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Batty for Bats

: 5:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St., Deep River. Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Maureen Heidtmann of Winghand Bat Rehab and Education Center will present an educational program featuring a live bat ambassador. Learn about local bat species, common myths and misconceptions, the role bats play in the environment, and conservation efforts to protect them. Recommended for adults, teens, tweens, and children ages 6 and older. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features karaoke, open mic performances, poetry, and music hosted by Mr. Story. Weather permitting on the library patio. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Young Picassos with Carol

: 10:15 to 11 a.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features painting techniques for rising fourth- through seventh-grade students. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Clay Animals

: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St., Deep River. Children will create an animal from air-dry clay by following simple shaping techniques and will take their creations home to dry. Best suited for ages 3 and older. Registration required; space and supplies are limited. Register each child separately. For info or to register, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.

Wildlife Conservation in America

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

Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo presents a program on native wildlife and conservation. For children entering grades 1-6. Registration required. For info, call 203-3156020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

See page 30

Photo courtesy of the Essex Historical Society

Photo courtesy of the Essex Historical Society

Participants explore the Millrace Preserve during a previous Essex Historical Society walking tour. The Historical Society, Essex Land Trust and Ivoryton Library will present a guided walking tour of Ivoryton on June 20.

Participants gather outside the Connecticut River Museum during an Essex Historical Society walking tour of Essex

Press Release from the Essex Historical Society

Summer

Continued from page 29

: 1 to 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features patriotic tie-dye activities, pizza, video games, and additional activities. For grades 5 to 12. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Certified instructor Sharon Didato introduces Tai Chi walking and movement techniques designed to improve posture, balance, strength, and mindfulness. Registration required; space is limited. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Features hands-on activities exploring the daily lives of children in colonial Connecticut. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Manos: The Hands of Fate

:

6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a screening of as part of a summer film series. Bring a chair or blanket. For info, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Manos: The Hands of Fate

: 6 to 7 p.m. Atwater Memorial Library, 1720 Foxon Rd., North Branford. Presented by the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History. Features artifacts and stories related to the Black experience in Connecticut. Registration required. For info, call 203-315-6020 or visit northbranford.librarycalendar.com.

Stony Creek Forum: Alfred Dreyfus, Jewish Identity and Antisemitism: Past and Present

Writers Writing

: 1 to 2:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Ongoing writing workshop for adults and seniors featuring short stories, personal essays, novels, memoirs, and poetry. Participants may share their work and receive feedback. Sharing is optional. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Friday Movie Matinee

: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. Screening of a movie in honor of the start of Summer Reading. Popcorn and soda provided. Registration preferred. For info, including the movie title, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Cool-ology: Ben Franklin

: 3 to 4 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features America 250-themed STEAM activities with Claudia Esposito. For rising first- through fifth-grade students. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Food Group: The Sour Grape

The Sour Grape

: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Story and snack-making program inspired by Jory John's . Children ages 4 to 8, with participation by an adult, are invited to read the book and create a themed snack. Children up to age 12 may participate. Registration required; space is limited. Free. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Laughter for LVVS: A Night of Comedy and Giving

: 6 to 9 p.m. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features comedians Howie Mason and Andrea Henry, along with a silent auction, raffle, dinner, and drinks to benefit Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore. Cost: $50, includes buffet dinner and one drink ticket. For info or tickets, call 860-399-0280 or visit lvvs.org.

Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow

: 7 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Madison Lyric Stage opens its Summer Festival with a tribute concert featuring songs made famous by Barry Manilow and Bette Midler, including Mandy, Copacabana, Wind Beneath My Wings, and The Rose. Tickets: $40. For info or tickets, call 203215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 28

American Crafts and Trades Weekend

: Noon to 4 p.m.

Pratt House, 19 West Ave., Essex. Presented by the Essex Historical Society. Features demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s crafts, and sales booths highlighting early American crafts and trade skills including fiber arts, blacksmithing, glass arts, woodworking, and domestic arts. For info, visit essexhistory.org.

Annie JR.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 27

of Acton Public Library Book and Bake Sale

: 7 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Features a lecture by Maurice Samuels of Yale University. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events. : Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Benefits library programs and resources. Free and open to all. For info, call 860-3953184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Amazing Owls

: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Meet ambassador owls from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and learn about the adaptations that help native owl species thrive as nighttime hunters. Participants will examine owl artifacts and create an owlthemed craft to take home. Registration required. Limited to 30 children. For info or to register, call 860-5266039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Nutmeg Anthology Poetry Reading

Nutmeg Anthology

: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features readings by contributing poets from , a collection of poems about Connecticut history, landmarks, and landscapes. Includes an overview by editor Ginny Collins. Light refreshments provided and books available for purchase. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.

Rising Strawberry Moon Festival

: 1 to 7:30 p.m. Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Hosted by the Town of Madison as part of the Madison 200 celebration. Features live music, food trucks, nonprofit organizations, merchants, a Strawberry Cake Bake-Off, awards, games, and a performance by the North Congregational Church drumming group welcoming the rising Strawberry Moon. Rain date June 28. Free and open to the public. For info, visit madisonct.org.

Guilford Rotary LobsterFest

: Gates open 3:30 p.m.; food service and music begin at 4 p.m. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln., Guilford. Features lobster dinners, live music by Take Three, and activities to benefit local charities. Proceeds support Guilford community organizations. For info or tickets, visit guilfordrotaryclubct.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Stamp, Coin, and Collectibles Show

: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon. Guilford High School Performing Arts Center, 605 New England Rd. Presented by the Guilford Youth & Family Services Family Theatre Program. Student production of the musical featuring classic songs and characters. Appropriate for all ages. Runtime approximately 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets: $15 general admission. For info or tickets, call 203-453-8047 or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org. : 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.

Artist Reception for

Moments in Time

Annie :

2 to 4 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 Kings Highway, Chester. Features a reception with artist Liz Egan for her exhibit of printmaking and painting. Kosher refreshments available. Free and open to the public. For info, call 860-526-8920 or 860-304-7345.

Barry & Bette: The Music of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow

: 4 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Madison Lyric Stage’s Summer Festival tribute concert celebrating the music of Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Tickets: $40. For info or tickets, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.

Celebrate Saybrook Street Party

: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Main St., Old Saybrook. Features live entertainment, food, vendors, and craft beer. Concludes with a 9 p.m. drone show celebrating America 250. For info, visit sayoldsaybrook.com.

Coastal Chic Fashion Show

: 4:30 p.m. Pine Orchard Country Club, 2 Club Parkway, Branford. Presented by the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance (BACA). Features coastal-inspired fashions and children’s styles. Cost: $75. Proceeds benefit BACA cultural and educational programming. For info or tickets, visit branfordarts.org.

See page 31

Tween and Teen Pizza Scene

Adult Tai Chi Basics with Sharon Didato

Colonial Kids

Worst Movies Ever Made: Black History in Connecticut

Friends

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Monday Funday for Teens: Mario Party

:

3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features Nintendo Switch Mario Party games. For teens ages 12 to 18. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Art with Kristin

: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features painting instruction with artist and educator Kristin Cafferty. Theme: crab and seashore scene. For grades 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Tea and Talk

: 2 p.m. Lillian’s Landing Pergola, across the parking lot behind Pa’s Place, 514 Whitfield St., Guilford. Open to seniors. Features relaxed conversation in a shaded outdoor setting. Hosted by Shoreline Village. In case of rain, the event will be held at Pa’s Place. For info, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Sewing Workshop

: 2 to 5 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Youth ages 10 to 18 are invited to learn sewing machine basics with Andrea of Glimmering Girl Studio and create a small quilted "mug rug." Supplies and sewing machines provided. Adult helpers are welcome and recommended for children under 12. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Abigail Adams: America’s First Second Lady

: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Onewoman show presented by Sheryl Faye featuring the life and writings of Abigail Adams. Free and open to all. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Pick Your Project Glass Class

: 2 p.m. RiverFire Glass, 500 Main St., Deep River. Create a fused-glass project. No experience necessary. For info or to register, email RiverFireGlass@gmail.com or visit riverfireglass.com.

Unearth a Fossil

WHS to Present Program on Revolutionary War Submarine

Press Release from the Westbrook Historical Society

The Westbrook Historical Society will present a PowerPoint program on David Bushnell’s submarine, the , at 7 p.m. July 22 at Westbrook Town Hall, 866 Boston Post Rd.

Frederick J. Frese and Roy R. Manstan, who built, launched and tested a full-size working replica of the , will lead the presentation. The pair later co-authored the book “Turtle: David Bushnell’s Revolutionary Vessel.”

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation at the model displayed in Town Hall. For more information, visit www.west brookcthistorical.org.

Authors and researchers Frederick J. Frese and Roy R. Manstan will discuss David Bushnell’s Revolutionary War submarine, the Turtle, during a July 22 program presented by the Westbrook Historical Society.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

48th Annual Four on the Fourth Road Race

workshop for children presented by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Part of the Unearth a Story summer reading program. For info or to register, call 203-488-8702.

Voices and Visions of the American Revolution

: 5:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a screening reel based on The American Revolution, a documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, followed by a discussion. Free. Seating is limited. For info or to register (suggested), call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Americana Cookout and Madison's Fireworks

Shoreline Sailing Club Event

: 7 p.m. Old

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Fourth of July Concert on the Green

Elks Cottage, 142 Seaside Ave., Westbrook. For active singles 35 and older. Features information on sailing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and other club activities. Guests welcome. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com. : 6

p.m. Madison Green, 8 Meeting House Lane. Celebrates Independence Day, America’s 250th anniversary, and Madison’s 200th anniversary. Features a performance by the Lancraft Fife & Drum Corps at 6 p.m., followed by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. under the direction of Maestro Philip Ventre, presenting “Echoes of Our Past in Spirit and Song.” Free. Reserved seating in front of the stage is available for sponsors. Bring chairs and a picnic dinner. Rain date: Sunday, July 5 at the same time. For info or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonculturalarts.org.

Independence Day Boat Parade

: 4:30 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. Features a fossil

: 6 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 West Wharf Rd. Community cookout on the hotel lawn and beach overlooking Madison's Independence Day fireworks celebration. Features summertime favorites, a beach bar, and live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin during the 9 p.m. hour. Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase. Rain date: July 10. For info, contact 203-245-1404 or Marketing@DHGHotels.com, or visit eventvesta.com.

: 9 a.m. Chester village. Presented by the Chester Rotary Club. USATF-sanctioned road race through the village of Chester. Timing by Super Race Systems. Team and individual awards will be presented. Fees: $35 for adults through May 31; $40 through July 4; $15 for children under 16. Proceeds benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations. For info or to register, visit runsignup.com (search “Chester Rotary Four on the Fourth”) or chesterrotary.org.

: Noon to 3 p.m. Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. Features a boat parade beginning at 2 p.m., cannon fire, museum exhibits, and a children's activity. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, museum admission is discounted by $2.50. For info, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.

Ringing of Bells by Town Green Churches

SUNDAY, JULY 5

A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House

: 2 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Part of the America 250 Guilford celebration series. For info, contact tarutisj@guilfordct.gov. : Noon to 4 p.m. Pardee-Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven. Features Revolutionary War reenactments by the 54th Regiment of Foot with musket drills, fife-and-drum music, colonial crafts, and games. Free. For info or weather updates, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Guilford Celebrates 250 Ceremony and Concert

: 5 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Part of the America 250 Guilford celebration series. For info, contact tarutisj@guilfordct.gov.

MONDAY, JULY 6 THROUGH

THURSDAY, JULY 9

Community Service Camp: Grades 7 to 12

See page 32 Continued from page 30

: 9 a.m. to noon, Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook. Program includes a food drive, assisting local community partners, and meal preparation at the Estuary. $35 residents; $40 non-residents. Registration required. For info, visit osyfs.org.

Turtle

Turtle Turtle

Photo courtesy of the Westbrook Historical Society

from page 31

ONGOING EVENTS

Art Exhibits

Andrews Memorial Town Hall

Spring Members Exhibition

: 54 E. Main St., Clinton: For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions. Clinton Art Society : Runs through June 25.

77th Annual Summer Juried Exhibition

: Runs July 1 through 30. Presented by the Clinton Art Society. Juried by artist David Dunlop. Features works by local and regional artists in a variety of fine art media.

Congregation

Moments in Time

: 55 Kings Highway, Chester. For info, call 860-526-8920. : Works by Liz Egan in printmaking and painting. Runs through July 31.

Connecticut River Museum

: 67 Main St., Essex. For info, visit ctrivermuseum.org.

The Famous Water Machine of Connecticut: How Grit, Determination, and Ingenuity Launched a New Era of Submarine Warfare

: Runs through July 12.

E.C. Scranton Memorial Library

: 801 Boston Post Rd. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

5th Annual Art Show

: Works by the Tuesday Morning Painters, including artwork celebrating Madison’s Bicentennial. Runs through July 30.

Essex Library

: 33 West Ave. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.

Karen Israel Art Exhibit

: Runs through June 30.

Guilford Art Center

: 411 Church St. For info, call 203453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.

New Haven Paint and Clay Club Exhibition

: Runs through June 20. Features original artwork in paint and clay by members of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club.

Guilford Free Library

: 67 Park St. For info, visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Nature Photography Exhibit by Frank Bartlett Sr.

: Runs through June 30.

Keyes Gallery, Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

:

146 Thimble Islands Rd., Branford. For info, call 203-4888702 or visit wwml.org.

Along the Shoreline:

Recent Paintings by Dennis Masback: Runs through July 6.

Madison Historical Society: Allis-Bushnell House Museum

Madison Historical Society, Lee’s Academy

: 14 Meeting House Ln. For info, call 203-245-4567 or email office@madisonhistory.org.

A Town Named Madison: Celebrating 200 Years

: Runs through late fall.

New Haven Museum

: 114 Whitney Ave. For info, call 203-562-4183 or visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Pronounced Ah-Beetz

: Runs through October 2027.

Pratt House

: 19 West Ave., Essex. For info, call 860-7670681 or visit essexhistory.org.

General Stores of Essex

: June through September.

Student Exhibits

: June through September.

1776–2026: Essex Celebrates America

: June through September.

Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church

: 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. For info, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org, or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.

Between Heaven and Earth

: Oil paintings by Margarita Maxson. Runs through Aug. 30.

Susan Powell Fine Art

: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info, contact 203-318-0616 or susanpowellfineart@gmail.com, or visit susanpowellfineart.com.

Light and Vibration

: Runs through July 5. Solo exhibition by David Dunlop featuring paintings exploring light, atmosphere, water, landscapes, and city scenes.

Spectrum Art Gallery

: 61 Main St., Centerbrook. For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.

Forces of Nature

: Runs through July 3.

Stony Creek Medical Center

: 6-12 Business Park Dr., Branford. For info, contact 203-494-5538 or margaux.farrell@rootcenter.org.

New Beginnings

: Runs through June 19. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yale University Art Gallery

: 1111 Chapel St., New Haven. For info, call 203-432-0600 or visit artgallery.yale.edu/visit/exhibitions

August Sander’s People of the 20th Century

: Runs through June 28.

Jes Fan: Unbounded

: Runs through June 28.

Keeping Alive the Remembrance: Commemorating America's Founding, 1776–1876

: Runs through Oct. 11.

Music

Bill’s Seafood Restaurant:

Rte. 1, Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-7224 or visit BillsSeafood.com.

First and third Wednesdays: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Corinthian Jazz Band.

First and third Fridays: 7 to 9 p.m. Bill’s Seafood All-Star Jazz Band.

Second and fourth Fridays: 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Modeans. Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Various performers. Sundays: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Various performers.

Connecticut River Museum

: 67 Main St., Essex. For info, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.

Tuesdays: 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Runs through June 30. Shanties & Sails.

Thursdays: 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. July 9 through Aug. 27. Thursdays on the Dock. Free concerts featuring different performers weekly.

104 Mill Rd., Guilford. No cover. For info, call 203-214-5874. Mondays: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Big Swing Band with Tuxedo Junction.

Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666: Guilford Free Library

: 67 Park St. For info or to register (required), call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Thursdays: 7 p.m. June 25 through July 30. No concert on July 2. Outdoor Summer Concert Series.

Madison Beach Hotel

: 94 W. Wharf Rd. For info, contact 203-245-1404 or Marketing@DHGHotels.com, or visit eventvesta.com/events/149306/t/tickets.

Thursdays: 7:30 to 9 p.m. June 25 through Aug. 28. Grassy Strip Music Series. Free outdoor concerts. Different performers weekly.

Nightingale’s Acoustic Café:

68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. For info, email gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org or visit musicnowfoundation.org.

Tuesdays: 6 to 8 p.m. Runs through June. Cost: $5. Various performers.

Fridays: 7 to 9 p.m. Runs select Friday nights through June. Second Friday Open Mic with Terri LaChance and Musical Community Spotlight.

Saturdays: 7 p.m. Runs through June. Sweet Saturday Night. Various performers.

Seaview Bistro at Water's Edge Resort & Spa

: 1525

Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 9 p.m. to midnight. Various performers.

The Choo Choo Lounge at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina:

2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-3952000.

Thursdays and Sundays: 6 to 9 p.m. Live music.

The Highliner III:

139 Essex Rd., Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-5042 or visit thehighliner3.com.

Fridays and Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Live music. Second and fourth Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Open mic.

: 853 Boston Post Rd. For info, call 203-245-4567 or email office@madisonhistory.org. Runs through late fall.

Madison 200 Exhibit:

Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek

Ivoryton Playhouse Presents Tony Award-Winning Musical ‘1776’

Ivoryton Playhouse continues its summer season with the Tony Award-winning musical , starring Broadway’s Mark Aldrich. The production begins with a preview performance June 25, opens June 26 and runs through July 26 at Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, brings one of the most consequential moments in American history to the stage with humor, urgency, and heart. Set during the sweltering summer of 1776, the musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the members of the Continental Congress as they struggle to agree on the bold and dangerous act of declaring independence from Great Britain.

1776

Rather than presenting history as a series of dates and events, the musical focuses on the personalities, debates, and political maneuvering that shaped the birth of the nation. Through sharp wit, memorable songs, and dramatic conflict, explores the challenges of leadership, compromise, courage, and the cost of freedom.

the story feel not only historic, but incredibly alive.”

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, has remained a favorite of audiences for generations for its rich characters, stirring score, and timely questions about government, representation, and national identity.

“ reminds us that American democracy was never simple, quiet, or inevitable,” said Ben Hope, executive pro-

ducer of Ivoryton Playhouse. “It was argued into existence by imperfect people facing enormous pressure, and that makes

Continued from page 32

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center:

300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, visit thekate.org or chestnuthillsconcerts.org.

Fridays: 7:30 p.m. Runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 28. Chestnut Hill Concerts. Features chamber music programs with works by Mozart, Kodály, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Brahms, Schubert, Beethoven, and Prokofiev. Programs and artists subject to change.

The Tap Room at The Griswold Inn:

36 Main St., Essex. No cover charge. For info, call 860-767-1776 or visit griswoldinn.com.

Fridays: 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Psychedelic ‘60s.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum:

17 River St., East Haven. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For info, call 203467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.

First Tuesday: 6 to 9 p.m. Bluegrass acoustic and traditional music.

The Wharf: Groups and Activities

A Journey Through America’s Past:

Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. For info, call 203-350-0014 or visit thewharfmadison.com. Fridays: 8 to 10 p.m. Acoustic Fridays. Various performers. 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Free. Registration is required to

receive a Zoom link. For info, contact 203-245-5695 or gillespiee@madisonct.org.

Acoustics Club:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. On temporary break for winter. Bring your own acoustic instrument. No registration required. For info, call 203245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Adult Movie Night

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

Alateen Meeting

: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. First Congregational Church of Guilford, enter from rear parking lot at 122 Broad St., second floor, Room 9. Support group for ages 11 to 19 affected by someone else’s drinking. AlAnon and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held concurrently at the church. For info, email alateen@ctalanon.org.

America 250 Storytime: Reading Is Revolutionary

:

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays through July 28. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features stories highlighting individuals who helped shape the nation, along with fingerplays, songs, and free play activities. Open to children and caregivers. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Director Kenn McLaughlin said the musical’s enduring appeal comes from its portrayal of the nation’s founders as complex individuals.

“The greatest gift gives us is to make these men deeply human alongside powerful debates on race, the threat of civil rebellion, the leverage of popular media, a megalomaniacal leader, economic uncertainty, unpopular war, and fear of change; this is the story of 1776,” McLaughlin said.

The production stars Mark Aldrich, whose Broadway credits include , Disney’s , and

My Fair Lady Newsies: The Musical Ragtime

. According to the Playhouse, the production is among the largest mounted on its historic stage, featuring 26 professional actors, an eight-member orchestra, and an eight-member design team.

Tickets are available through the Ivoryton Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. 1776

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group:

5 to 6 p.m.

Second Tuesday. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free. No registration. For info, call 860-767-1560.

Art Critique Series (General Critique Session):

10 a.m.

to noon. First Thursday. Via Zoom. Artists may send works as jpeg attachments prior to the session to casclinton@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Clinton Art Society (CAS). For info, email casclinton@gmail.com.

Arts and Entertainment with Deborah Gilbert:

6 p.m. Tuesdays. Valley Shore Community Television Inc., 1587 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. The show can be viewed throughout the State of Connecticut, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and youtube.com. For info, call 203-912-2319 or visit vsctv.com.

ASL 1: Introduction to American Sign Language for Families

: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through July 8. Chester Public Library, 21 West Main St., Chester. Four-week beginner course taught by Teacher of the Deaf Kristen Urban. Participants will learn the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling, greetings, family vocabulary, simple sentence structure, and Deaf culture awareness through interactive activities and conversation. No prior experience necessary. Registration appreciated. For info or to register, contact 860-526-0018 or Library@ChesterCT.org, or visit chesterctlibrary.com.

See page 35

Press Release from the Ivoryton Playhouse

Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse Broadway performer Mark Aldrich stars in Ivoryton Playhouse's production of "1776," opening June 26 and running through July 26 in Ivoryton.

Pardee-Morris House Program Explores Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

Museum educator Rachel Beauchemin will explore the role taverns played in everyday life during at the PardeeMorris House on Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m.

Tapping Into the Past: Tavern Life in Early Connecticut

Presented as part of the New Haven Museum’s NH250 programming, the talk will examine how taverns served as important social, political, and business centers in early Connecticut communities.

According to legend, the sign that once graced the General Wolfe Tavern in Brooklyn — originally owned by Revolutionary War hero Israel Putnam — was shot at by disgruntled patriots because it depicted a British redcoat officer. Beauchemin will share stories such as these while highlighting examples from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s collection of early Connecticut tavern signs.

Among the featured artifacts is the sign for Phelps’ Inn in North Colebrook, which depicts a seemingly docile lion on one side and a fierce eagle on the other. The imagery was commonly used to symbolize the strength of the young United States against a weakened Great Britain. In the 1600s, every Connecticut town was required to have a tavern, then known as an “ordinary,” to accommodate travelers. But taverns served purposes far beyond food, drink, and lodging.

politics, and commerce. Traveling actors and acrobats performed there, local governments sometimes held court in taverns, and businesses were launched within their walls. Beauchemin notes that the Aetna Fire Insurance Company was founded at a Hartford coffee house in 1819.

Beauchemin is a museum educator at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, where she develops and teaches educational programs for school and adult audiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies from Gettysburg College.

The program is part of NH250, an ongoing series developed by the New Haven Museum to complement America’s 250th anniversary and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative highlights local, inclusive, and lesser-known stories that connect the past with the present.

The Pardee-Morris House, located at 325 Lighthouse Road, dates to about 1780 and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The house was originally built by Amos Morris around 1750, burned during the British raid on New Haven in 1779, and later rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family.

“Travelers and locals alike saw taverns as a place to be entertained, spread news and gossip, have a good meal, and get a night’s lodging,” Beauchemin said. Taverns also functioned as centers of entertainment,

For more information, visit newhavenmuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum

The sign from Crofut's Inn.

The sign from the General Wolfe Tavern in Brooklyn.

Press Release from the New Haven Museum

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum The sign for Phelps' Inn in North Colebrook.

Mystic Museum of Art Announces Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways

Mystic Museum of Art will present

CT:

to

, a major summer exhibition exploring the history, artistry, labor, and cultural impact of textiles in Connecticut from the precolonial era through contemporary fashion.

Opening Friday, June 26 and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 11, the exhibition examines how luxury has been created, defined, and transformed over time through material culture, craftsmanship, immigration, and industry.

Inspired by southeastern Connecticut’s historic velvet industry, brings together historic and contemporary examples of beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, and fashion from regional institutional partners and the museum’s permanent collection.

CT

The exhibition is presented in partnership with Historic Stonington, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, and Mystic Seaport Museum.

Visitors will encounter objects that reveal stories of labor, innovation, community traditions,

Continued from page 33

Baby and Me:

and evolving systems of value across generations. The exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut ties, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. “ invites visitors to revel in fashion across centuries Luxe, CT

and discover the deeper human stories woven into every textile and garment,” said Alana Ryder, executive director of Mystic Museum of Art. “This exhibition connects regional history to contemporary conversations around identity, community, and creative expression.”

A preview reception for sponsors, lenders, members of the press, hospitality representatives, elected officials, and museum members is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Public programs, workshops, and special events will be offered

throughout the exhibition. Mystic Museum of Art is located at 9 Water St. For more information, visit mystic museumofart.org.

10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Lap-sit storytime with music and movement for children from birth to 24 months, followed by free play. Registration requested; registration for each class opens three weeks prior to the session date. For info or to register (required), call 860669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group:

10:30 a.m. First Sunday. Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. For grieving parents, grandparents, and siblings suffering the loss of children and family members. For info, call Vanessa Pentz at 203-645-7777.

Bingo:

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Cost: $12 per person. For info, call 860-3881611.

Books on Tap Book Club:

6 to 7 p.m. Second Wednesday. Myrcene Ale Co., 39 Ragged Rock Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to patrons ages 21 and up. Sponsored by the Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.

Canasta and Cards

: 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features canasta and other card games in a social setting. For info, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.

Farmers Markets

Dudley Farm Farmers' Market

: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, live music, children’s activities, and seasonal events. For info, email marketmanager@dudleyfarmfoundation.com or visit dudleyfarm.com.

Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds

: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through October, weather permitting. Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. Features locally grown produce, baked goods, artisan breads, meats, seafood, fresh pasta, eggs, specialty foods, and Connecticut-made crafts. Rain or shine. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org

: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Third Thursday. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. All ages welcome. For info, contact 860-526-0018 or ChesterKidLib@gmail.com.

Board Game Club Book Caddy

: 10 a.m. to noon Mondays and 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, through June 29. Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd., Madison. Mobile library services provided by E.C. Scranton Memorial Library. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org/events.

Chair Yoga with Martha:

6 to 7 p.m. Fourth Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.

Chair Yoga with Patricia

: 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Drop-in class. Cost: $12. For info, visit chester.recdesk.com.

Stony Creek Farmers’ Market

: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1. Bayview Park, Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek. Features a weekly market with local produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, crafts, live music, and family activities. For info, call 203-988-9335 or email shreichert@gmail.com, or visit scfarmersmarket.org.

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

Luxe,

Velvet Mills

Modern Runways

Luxe,

Press Release from the Mystic Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of the Mystic Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of the Mystic Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of the Mystic Museum of Art

Christian Siriano's Vote Dress (2021) is featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways.

Christian Siriano's Futuristic Belle (2014) is featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways.

Connecticut-born fashion designer Christian Siriano is among the contemporary designers featured in Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art.

Real Estate Transactions

BRANFORD

11 Cedar Court Unit C

: Isai

Dejesus to Charles Comstock, $130,000 on May 26

77 Dodge Avenue

: Perito Family

Trust and Anita Visentin-Perito to Ahmed and Jessica Zied, $330,000 on May 29

22 Lombard Circle Unit 8

: Ral

North Haven LLC to John W. and

GUILFORD

: Modica Family Trust and John C. Modica to Christopher Fusco Irt and Jody Fusco, $655,000 on May 27

: Gregory G. and Joy K. Bozzi to Alicia and Anthony Mortali, $225,000 on May 28

EAST HAVEN

166 Beach Avenue

: Putney R Thompson Est and Donna SmithHarrison to 166 Beach Avenue LLC, $475,000 on May 28 185 Northford Road 88 Pine Orchard Road

Michelle M. Barile, $575,000 on May 28

ESSEX

5 Rosewood Lane

: Donald Meyer to James E. Shahrigian, $600,000 on May 29

125 Westbrook Road

: 125 Bokum

Center LLC to Bokum 125 LLC, $5,200,000 on May 28

4 Copper Ridge Circle Unit 4

:

John F. Penders to Enrico F. and Katherine B. Recine, $380,000 on May 28

41 Preble Drive

: Nickel Family Trust and James S. Nickel to Brian Tenenhaus, $612,000 on May 29

6 Rollwood Drive Unit 6

: Cynthia H. Raines to Darriell F. Rolka, $550,000 on May 29

292 Shore Drive

: Delia M. Adkins and Gary L. Sepulvado to Jamie P. and Thomas R. Mccauley, $460,000 on May 27

: Ethan Larock and Nancy T. Corsaro to Gregory and Gillian Cherry, $535,000 on May 26

Great Escapes from “City-Stress!”

5 Hemlock Drive - Essex

5 Hemlock Drive is a 1972 Acorn Deck House - one of the most admired designs in American residential architecture - comprehensively rebuilt under the direction of Marcus Gleysteen, AIA, founder of the award-winning Marcus Gleysteen Architects. While the original post-and-beam frame remains, every surface, system and finish has been renewed. The house now combines the bones and character of a mid-century modern classic with the comfort and performance of a home built today. Enjoy year round views of Essex’ South Cove. Floor to ceiling windows, deck and screened in porch offer views of one of the prettiest views on the CT Shoreline. Offered at $1,975,000.

53 Oakridge Drive - Westbrook

8 acres of privacy envelopes a pristine, 30 foot deep, 3 acre lake and meticulously built 4,400+ sf residence. Perfect spot to create you’re family compound including a landing spot for your personal helicopter. Escape “City-Stress”. Isn’t it time to relax? One of the best values on the Shoreline!! Offered at $1,295,000.

203-915-7530

Real Estate Transactions

21 Evarts Lane Unit L

: Frank and

Carolyn M. Dranginis to Robert Shee, $1,225,000 on May 26

Neck River

: Alycyn A. Nettleton to Jason A. and Elizabeth A. Gold, $69,000 on May 27

NORTH BRANFORD

153

Middle Beach Road, Madison - $2,150,000

Nantucket-style home with 4BRs, 2BAs. Adding exceptional versatility is the detached carriage guest house, built in 2012. Ideal as a year-round residence, vacation home, investment property, or multi-generational retreat, this exceptional shoreline offering captures the best of Madison’s coastal lifestyle.

stinnmurphy@gmail.com

bhhsNEproperties.com

AYERS POINT

for those seeking a coastal lifestyle near boating and village charm. The

features both main and upper-level primary suites, offering flexibility and comfort for guests or multigenerational living. A chef’s kitchen with new quartz countertops anchors the generous living spaces, which include two fireplaces (one is gas) and large windows framing stunning water and nature views.

OLD SAYBROOK

2 Arthur Court

: Theresa A.

Schettino to Nancy Streeter, $400,000 on May 27

16 Lakeview Avenue

: Nancy

Amellin to Matthew P. and Jessica L. Glidden, $466,000 on May 26

NORTH HAVEN

10 Canterbury Way

: Uma Raman to Nicholas Ferranti, $720,000 on May 22

31 Coach Drive

: Tyrone Massey to Dwayne T. Stephenson and Lonai N. Noble, $505,000 on May 26

:

Estate of Charles East Demartino and David C. Demartino to Catherine Carrignan, $320,000 on May 20

: Tiffany N. Riccitelli and Steven J. Buonocore to Caitlin K. Hansen and Alexander T. Duda, $425,000 on May 29

: Ral

North Haven LLC to Robert John and Heather Burdin Ennis, $575,000 on May 21

: Cynthia

A Celso Lt and Cynthia A. Celso to Michael Morrow, $549,000 on May 26

: Ral North Haven LLC to John W. and Michelle M. Barile, $575,000 on May 29

: Norman Elia Real Estate Trust and Hanna Elia-Flannigan to Stephen Hanson, $1,036,000 on May 22

: Jennifer Dipasquale to David S. and Rebecca M. Smith, $800,000 on May 22

: Debra J. Prisyon to

2 Pequot Trail Thomas R. Clausi, $804,999 on May 21

Spencer Plain Road

: Carol B. Yannone to 97 Spencer Placeains LLC, $500,000 on May 27

: Dgg Properties Co Inc to Marianne and Ryan Mcneill, $10,000 on May 28 : Karla H. Fox to Christopher R. and Scott Mcneill, $10,828 on May 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

880 Boston Post Road

NEW PRICE $2,295,000

The historic c. 1904 Scranton Homestead, described as a Colonial Revival gem, has come to the market! This much admired 3700 sf in town landmark offers an estate feel on a large, beautifully landscaped lot providing both privacy and convenience, moments from the village center and East Wharf Beach.

880bostonpostroad.com

10 Grace Lane, Killingworth

$799,900

Exceptional Federal-Style Colonial on quiet cul-de-sac street. Set on 2 private acres, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers ~3,200

a

family room with fireplace. A den and half bath complete the first floor. Upstairs offers 4 spacious bedrooms including a luxurious primary suite. The 3rd floor adds a room and full bath great for a guest room and bonus space. Minutes to Madison, I-95, and the shoreline.

81 Strawberry Hill Road, Madison $2,199,000 Ideal location. Set on over 2 private acres in desirable neighborhood. This new contemporary features vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and an open floor plan. A beautifully designed chef’s kitchen opens to the great room with striking floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. 4 bedrooms, including a primary suite with a beautiful stone fireplace and private en-suite bath. Just minutes to charming Madison village, stunning beaches, and easy access to I-95.