The Haddam-Killingworth High School (HKHS) Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation on Wednesday, June 11, inspired by the words of their fellow graduates to persist through life’s challenges, strive for success,
and remember the community that helped shape them.
The ceremony began with class leaders delivering brief speeches based on quotes that resonated with them personally and reflected on their four years at HKHS.
The first to speak was Bryce Leiberman, who opened his remarks with the quote,
“You don’t have to save the world. Just be kind, be present, and help where you can.” Leiberman said the words stood out to him because they reflect what he sees as the most important takeaway from high school — that daily acts of kindness matter more than far-
See HKHS Class of 2025 page 8
Digging In
Participants dig for clams and oysters at Garvan Point, also known as the Surf Club’s Boat Beach, during the Madison Community Clam Dig on June 21. The annual event, hosted by the Madison Shellfish Commission, allowed up to a quarter bushel per person.
is bringing creativity and energy to her Spanish
Securing a Title
The Hand boys’ tennis team took down Avon in the state championship match to secure its first state title in seven years........18
A Travelogue
Liz Egan kicks off a multi-part series recounting her travels with Con Brio..............................29
Karina Mendez-Keil
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ TheSource
Karina Mendez-Keil: Sparking Curiosity and Connection
By Aaron Rubin
Staff Writer
Many are familiar with the difficult yet rewarding experience of learning a second language, but it can become uninteresting when taught through rigid worksheets or textbooks. That’s not the case in the classroom led by Karina Mendez-Keil, a Spanish teacher at The Country School, where learning is interactive and practical.
Karina just finished her second year teaching Spanish in the primary learning department. She describes her experience at the “unique” school as “fantastic.”
She also enjoys the “authentic” learning environment for students, who receive their education both indoors and outdoors under the guidance of instructors and administrators “constantly thinking about the future.”
“It’s phenomenal because it’s the right balance of guidance and direction, and also liberty—to do
Person of the Week
innovative things with the kids when they’re interested in it—and that allows for a lot of creative opportunities to occur,” she says.
Creative opportunities are a hallmark of Karina’s Spanish classes, where flexible education moves beyond worksheets and engages students through “multisensory” methods. Lessons may involve reading from a book, but also incorporate songs or movement-based activities.
She says these varied methods “definitely enhance the ability for [students] to have a strong emotional and cognitive experience” while learning Spanish.
“I feel very blessed in that way,” she says.
Karina teaches six sections of Spanish, including two for first grade, one for second and third grades, and two for fourth grade. This past school year, fourth graders focused on high-frequency verbs, which she describes as a more “practical” way of speaking Spanish that helps students navigate real-life situations.
“They’re the most useful in terms of getting in and getting out of a situation, talking about what you can do, what you need to do,” she says.
Agua Tóxicas
Her students used kinesthetic motions to remember these verbs and then applied them while reading a story called , set in the Peruvian rainforest. The story involves a spider monkey and a deforestation dilemma.
By physically acting out the story and using newly learned verbs, students became more
See Karina page 15
Photo courtesy of Karina Mendez-Keil
Karina Mendez-Keil brings creativity and energy to her Spanish classes at The Country School, using songs, movement, and storytelling to make language learning both practical and engaging.
Editor
to the support for the Town of Guilford Budget and encourage the same. I believe our have created a budget that residents. to 3,500 meals from Meals served at the Community miles of town transportation errands, and trips to the services are vital to many of us. than an opportunity for economical, nutritious hot meal; it socialize with others. Other social special lunches with entertainmagicians, speakers, and also several evening dinner popular May “Senior Prom” movie. Family Services requests continue to support the critical agency. continue to be among the best score high on the State standardized tests. They in addition to the arts proposed education budget for additional funding for athletics as support for students’ social a continued commitment communities for teachers from instructional coaches to all schools. budget continues to provide environments where and socially thrive.
MadisonVFWPostWelcomesMembersandRenters
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.
We must continue to come together as a community to support our town and our schools. I urge you to participate in this important budget referendum. Vote “Yes” on April 16.
The Estuary Writers’ Club, held at The Estuary Center, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, welcomes new writers to its meetings on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 10 a.m. Writers read their work or just listen to the work of others, including memories, essays, short stories, and poems, which the group often critiques. There is the option to write about an assigned topic or choose one’s own subject. The Estuary serves Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. People aged 50 and older are welcome; those new to the Estuary are required to register and obtain a scan card. The group is free. For more information, call 860-388-1611 or visit yourestuary.org.
IntensiveOutpatientProgramforAdolescents
Perhaps you’ve noticed that many of our local churches provide regular meeting space for both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. I would bet these meetings even take place in our towns on a weekly basis. There is a good chance that some of them are located near daycare centers, residential neighborhoods, and schools. They provide much-needed space for people to achieve sobriety through fellowship and the ongoing support of an understanding community. They have been doing so in Connecticut for well over 75 years without complaint. Addiction takes many forms, including a dependency on opiates. Addictions are non-discriminatory. They affect the rich and poor, old and young, suburban and urban residents. Guilford is not immune from the very real health crisis that comes with opiate addiction. Why then brand a methadone clinic with the prejudice of fear? Choosing to maintain sobriety should be encouraged with appropriate and effective treatment. Why not extend the same welcome mat to a methadone clinic that we have extended to other groups confronting the devastation of addiction? A methadone clinic in our town would serve the very people who we call our relatives, neighbors, and friends. They deserve our support so they can continue to do the hard, heroic work of staying sober.
Shoreline Family Health Care (SFHC) is expanding its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to middle school students who struggle with emotional and behavioral health challenges to the point where daily functioning is impaired. IOP now focuses on adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioral issues, family conflicts, and difficulties meeting school and social expectations due to serious emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. IOP is an after-school program that provides comprehensive assessment, therapeutic structure, and support within a group-therapy format. It is an 8- to 12-week program that meets three to four times per week. The program sessions are conducted via telehealth and in person. SFHC is located at 221 West Main Street, Branford, and is a collaboration between BHcare and Fair Haven Community Heath Care (FHCHC). For more information, visit shorelinefamilyhealthcare.org/iop.
Kate Summerlin Guilford
Thursday,June3
Legacy Theatre Spring 2024 Classes registrations for its classes for spring 2024. Classes are offered for participants ranging in age from abilities in acting and the performance arts. Classes offered are Wheel Life Theatre Troupe, Toddler sessions), Musical Theatre Performance (middle school and high school sessions), Creating Your Own Technical Theatre, Adult Improv, and more. Classes may take place at any of the following Branford locaThimble Islands Road; Legacy Theatre Rehearsal Studio, 28 School Street; Joseph Trapasso Community Branford High School, 185 East Main Street. Space may be limited. For more information on each class legacytheatrect.org/classes.
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 203-245-5672 or visit www.madisonct.org to learn how to participate in the following meetings:
Thursday,June26
Planning and Zoning Commission Conservation Commission
Tuesday,July1
Meetings
clerk at 203-453-8001 or visit website at www.guilfordct. participate in the following
7 p.m. : 7:30 p.m.
KILLINGWORTH TOWN MEETINGS
Saturday, April 6
School Building HVAC Project Committee for Polson Middle School and Daniel Hand High School
Inland Wetlands Commission Walk Meeting: 7:30 a.m.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Monday, April 8
Beach and Recreation Commission
Wednesday,June2
Commission: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday,July3 Salt Meadow Park Governance Committee Parmelee Farm Committee
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-6631765, ext. 502, or visit www.townofkilling worth.com to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 7 p.m.
Marina Commission: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10
Inland Wetlands Commission: 7 p.m.
Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee
Shell sh Commission: 7:30 p.m.
Christian Maldonado Valley Courier
Betsy Lemkin The Sound Guilford Courier Ext. 6130
Lori Gregan Valley Courier Ext. 6167
Maria Caulfield Living Editor
Alicia Gomez Specialty Publications Editor
Laura Carpenter Harbor News Ext. 6140
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
Christopher Dobbins Prepress Coordinator & Multimedia Designer
Christopher Dobbins Prepress Coordinator & Multimedia Designer
John Hyzak Guilford Courier Ext. 6168
Eric O’Connell Harbor News John Lecardo Sports Reporter
Maria Caulfield Associate Editor
Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant
Jennifer Corthell Senior Graphic Designer/ Special Sections
Gabrielle Hurlbut Sports Editor
Pam Johnson Senior Staff Writer Aaron Rubin Valley Courier
Jim Schiavone Regional Digital Advertising
Gabrielle Maljanian Sports Editor
Rita Christopher Senior Correspondent
Kristen Lennon Circulation Advertising Assistant
Jennifer Corthell Senior Graphic Designer/ Special Sections
Pam Johnson Senior Staff Writer
Eric O’Connell Harbor News
Aaron Rubin The Source Guilford Courier
James Mitchell Director of Sales Ext. 4247
Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography
Editorial Staff
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Obituaries
Obituary
John G. Nann Sr. Madison
John G. Nann Sr., a long-time resident of Madison, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, with his family by his side.
He was born March 11, 1938, in Montclair, New Jersey, the son of J. Milton and Margaret (Oates) Nann.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Rees), of 64 years; his children, Christine Walsh (Paul) of Holliston, Massachusetts, John Nann Jr. of Madison, Margaret Hayden (Robert) of Madison, Mary Katherine DeCarlo (Michael), of Greenwich, and Elizabeth Bonanno (Theodore), of Darien; and 17 loving grandchildren, Caitlin, Kelly, Ciara and Connor Walsh, Louisa Nann, Charlie, Rebe and Tess Whal, Michalah, Megan, Clay, and John Hayden, Madison and Jake DeCarlo, Theodore, Samuel, and Oliver Bonanno. As well as his brothers and sisters, E. Barry Nann, Margaret Thomas, Paul Nann, and David Nann. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy Michael Nann, and his sister, Dorothy Smith.
John graduated from both Nicholls
MathMania
College with an AA degree and Seton Hall University with a BS degree. He also earned a CLU degree. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard.
After working for many years at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, he started Diversified Funding LLC, specializing in Financial Planning and Insurance for over 40 years. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed skiing, playing the piano, and running, including four marathons. He was a former Governor of the Madison Beach Club, where he enjoyed his sunset swims. He was active in his community and local politics, coaching Little League and St. Margaret’s Church.
Friends were invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which was celebrated on June 18 at St. Margaret R.C. Church, 24 Academy St, Madison. Burial followed in West Cemetery, 71 Jannas Lane, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Demand Zero, PO Box 427, Madison, CT 06443, or online at www.demandzero.org . Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com
The Killingworth Library, located at 301 Route 81, invites elementary-aged children for math games at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays for five weeks starting July 1. Mrs. Fig and other math mania enthusiasts hosts the program. For more information, call the 860-6632000.
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While our press schedule often does not allow us to publish death notices in time to announce memorial services, readers can find obituaries posted to the The Source website, www.zip06. com, five days a week as they arrive.
Stories and features denoted with the Shore Publishing “Sponsored” icon are sponsored by advertisers. Sponsored content is content created or commissioned by advertisers in collaboration with Shore Publishing’s marketing team. As with all advertising, sponsored content does not necessarily reflect the views of Shore Publishing. Shore Publishing will ensure the treatment and design of Advertising and Sponsored Content is clearly differentiated from its editorial content.
See Obituaries page 10
Week Eight Fun
Week Eight of the Deep River Horseshoe League brought many fun memories for the
20
All-Conference Superstars
Several athletes from the H-K boys’ and girls’ outdoor track teams were named All-Conference this spring 21
Striped Bass Fishing
Ahoy! Check out Captain Morgan’s weekly fishing column 19
Meet Meadow
Story by Carol Andrecs
This lovely senior girl’s owner passed away, and Meadow was suddenly left homeless with no one to care for her. After living in a house as the only pet, shelter life was quite an adjustment for her. Meadow has the sweetest personality and is always ready to accept attention, petting, and treats. Senior cats are all too often overlooked for adoption in favor of younger cats or kittens. Would you open your heart to this precious girl so she can spend the rest of her life in a loving home? For an appointment to meet Meadow, apply online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
Find Your Match At
Forgotten Felines holds an Open House every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook. No appointment is necessary. Forgotten Felines is run entirely by dedicated volunteers with no paid staff. We are always in desperate need of volunteers to help care for the cats and keep our facility clean and organized. If you can donate
Forgotten Felines: your time, it will be very rewarding and much appreciated. Call the volunteer line at 860-669-1347 or send an email to volunteerinfo@forgottenfelinesct.org.
Photo by Genevieve Ray
HKHS Class of 2025 Looks Ahead
Continued from page 1
off ambitions, and that “the smallest kindnesses are often lost.”
“As we all step out of one life and into another, I encourage you to look beyond your long-term goals, even for a minute. Be here. Be present. And be a force for good where and when you can,” said Leiberman.
Grace LaConte was next to speak, choosing a quote from poet Walt Whitman: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.” LaConte explained that this quote is about “choosing optimism over doubt, perseverance over hesitation, and growth over fear,” especially when facing the uncertainty of the future.
“Keeping your face toward the sunshine is about focusing on the good — the potential within you, in the values that guide you, and the future you are building,” said LaConte. “When you believe in your direction and refuse to be defined by uncertainty, the shadows begin to fall away. Keep facing the sunshine. Let it light your path, because it is the power that pushes us forward.”
Jeff Thebeau reflected on the “challenges, setbacks, and things that demand persistence and hard work” he and his classmates will face in the years ahead. He urged them to pursue excellence with integrity.
Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11. The graduation ceremony, held at the school, marked a milestone in the students' educational journey.
Quoting the film , he said, “There are no two words in the English language more harmful than ‘good job.’”
will soon chart beyond the comfort of their hometowns.
“As you leave your harbor, set your goals extremely high, your community is behind, and the rest of the world is waiting,” he said.
The final class leader to speak was Claire Eighmy, who chose a quote from country music icon Dolly Parton: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Eighmy connected the quote to her belief that setbacks are a part of life — but how one responds to them is a choice.
“But,” she said, “it is in these frustrating moments that we are faced with a choice: do we give in to the setbacks or do we trust in our strength to grow through them? I hope you remember: resilience isn’t about having the perfect plan. It’s about being kind, brave, and rising again and again, no matter what comes your way.”
Salutatorian Clare Link followed, expressing gratitude to the teachers, family, and friends who supported the Class of 2025 throughout high school.
Link said those who encouraged and sustained the class will not be forgotten as graduates move into the next chapter of their lives, because they are the roots from which the students grew.
Elias Lowrey drew inspiration from author John Augustus Shedd, who wrote, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” He related the quote to the paths he and his classmates
Thebeau encouraged his peers not to settle for mediocrity but to “strive for better, strive for the hard work that will deliver you greatest success of all, and for doing Whiplash what’s necessary to achieve what’s extraordinary.”
“As we leave the building, we leave traces of our time here behind. Names on the banners in the field house, painted
Photos by Wesley Bunnell/The Source
Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11 at the school. Shown here teachers and staff lined the athletic field for the seniors to walk through and be congratulated at the end of the ceremony.
Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11 at the school. Family and friends greet their graduates at the completion of the ceremony.
Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11 at the school. Family and friends greet their graduates at the completion of the ceremony.
Haddam-Killingworth High School held its commencement exercises on June 11 at the school. Shown here teachers and staff lined the athletic field for the seniors to walk through and be congratulated at the end of the ceremony.
HKHS Class of 2025 Looks Ahead
Continued from page 8
squares in the classrooms, and stories and memories among teachers and underclassmen,” said Link.
She reminded her classmates that they will soon be in unfamiliar environments and will need to adapt, but that they should never forget where they came from.
“Not everything we need in life comes from academics, not everything in life comes from athletics, not everything in life comes from friends,” she said. “Everything in life
comes from a common ancestor, and for us, that is HK.”
Valedictorian Michael Perry was the final speaker of the evening. He echoed Link’s appreciation for those who helped the Class of 2025 succeed, giving special thanks to faculty, families, and others “behind the scenes” whose efforts often go unseen.
He noted that most graduates probably won’t remember every lesson from science or history class, but they will remember what they learned from their relationships.
“As we move forward, we will carry these lessons with us,” said Perry. “The confidence to take the first step forward, the discipline to keep stepping, and the resilience to begin again when we fall.”
Perry encouraged his classmates to remain open to learning throughout their lives.
“Friends and classmates, go out of your way to keep learning, because the most valuable lessons often come from where we least expect them. I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
DestructionofRecords
In accordance with Section 7-109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, educational programs records (confidential/privileged/sensitive data) relating to special education students who graduated prior to and including June 2019 and have a birth date prior to and including Dec. 31, 2000, are scheduled to be destroyed on Tuesday, July 15. In addition, general medical records, excluding immunizations, of all Madison Public Schools’ students who graduated prior to and including June 2019 and have a birth date prior to Dec. 31, 2000, will also be destroyed. These records have been held for the length of time required by statute and are no longer required by the special education office of the Madison Board of Education. Individuals who wish to pick up their records prior to July 15 may call Julia Giaquinto at 203-245-6340.
GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildrenGroup
The Estuary, located at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, holds the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff, the group provides conversation, support, and resources for grandparents who—for a variety of reasons—become parents to their grandchildren. Registration is not required. All area towns are welcome. For more information, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.
DragonsattheLibrary
The Killingworth Library, 301 Route 81, hosts a reading dragons coloring contest from Monday, June 30 to Saturday, July 5. The library will have Sphynx and Dragon coloring sheets available in the tween area. Completed coloring sheets can be returned to the drop box by the end of Saturday for a public vote to pick the library's favorite creatures. The winning designs (one Sphynx and one Dragon) will each be converted to digital artwork and printed onto real cards for participants to collect for the rest of the summer. In addition, the library will hold Dungeons & Dragons for tweens at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays for six weeks starting July 1. All levels of experience are welcome. Players who register for the first session are also registered for all six weeks. For more information, call the Killingworth Library at 860-663-2000.
LibraryHostsSwapandEscapeRoom
The Killingworth Library, located at 301 Route 81, is hosting a puzzle and game swap on Saturday, July 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Donations of puzzles and board games in good condition and with complete pieces are welcome. In addition, the library is holding its Escape Room: Return to Treasure Island 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday, July 28, through Friday, Aug. 1. The escape room is recommended for groups of up to six. Teens, adults, and family groups are all welcome. For more information, call the library at 860-663-2000.
Photos by Wesley Bunnell/The Source
Obituaries
Continued from page 4
Obituary
Christopher C. Bartolotta Jr. Madison
Christopher C. Bartolotta Jr., 90, formerly of Madison and Palm Coast, Florida, passed peacefully on June 7, 2025.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Ann (Mulqueen) Bartolotta. He is also survived by his children, Diane E. Forte (Mario), Christopher C. Bartolotta III (Heidi) and Cynthia J. Kimmel (Mark); grandchildren, Mario C. Forte, Marissa E. Needham (Chris), Christopher C. Bartolotta IV, Margaret Bartolotta, Katherine Bartolotta, Richard E. Byrd, III; and by his great-grandson Christopher A. "CJ" Needham, Jr. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Colonna. He was predeceased by his parents, Christopher C. Bartolotta, Sr. and Viola L. (Tullo) Bartolotta, and sister, Rose Marie Maragni. He leaves behind many dear brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews of the Bartolotta and Mulqueen clans, too numerous to list
here. He adored his mother-in-law, Emily Mulqueen.
Mr. Bartolotta was the owner of Shore Masonry in Madison and Steven's Hardware in Clinton. He was a communicant of St. Margaret's Parish in Madison and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Palm Coast. His family and his faith were foremost in his life. He enjoyed many happy family gatherings over the years. He and his wife traveled extensively with family and friends and loved every minute of it! His sense of humor, gift of gab, and legendary smile will be sorely missed.
Friends were invited to calling hours on June 20 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on June 24 at St. Margaret R.C. Church, 24 Academy St, Madison. Burial was held in All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Community Services, 50 Mungertown Road, Madison, CT 06443 (madisoncommunityservices.org).
LEGAL NOTICE
MADISON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Madison, CT
Notice is hereby given that the Board will hold a public hearing(s) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room ‘A”, Town Campus, 8 Campus Drive, Madison CT 06443. This is a hybrid meeting and attendees may also join via Zoom webinar through either the webinar link or call-in information below.
www.zoom.us
Webinar ID: 920 0270 2103
Password: 388818
Or Call-in: 1 646 558 8656
The following application(s) will be heard:
25-04. 20 Park Avenue; Map: 16, Lot: 77, Zone: R-3; Owner: Diane Daych, Applicant: Alexa Ashton of Point One Architects; Variance request to Sec. 3.6a allow for 30.36’ front yard setback where 38’ is required (30’ + 8’ pursuant to Section 2.9); and Sec. 3.6c to allow 25.16’ where 33’ is required for rear yard setback (25’ + 8’ pursuant to Sec. 2.9). Application includes a Coastal Site Plan.
Copies of these applications are available for inspection in the Land Use Office. Further details on how to participate in the webinar are posted on the Town of Madison website, www.madisonct.org. All written correspondence can be submitted to the Land Use Department via email to landuse@madisonct.org. Dial 203-245-5631 for assistance.
Dated this 17th day of June 2025
Richard Gilbert, Chair
SignUpforFashionWeek
Get ready to design, illustrate, and sew this summer at Spectrum Gallery’s July Fashion Weeks. Fashion One runs from Monday, July 14, to Friday, July 18, for ages 10 to 12, while Fashion Two runs from Monday, July 21, to Friday, July 25, for ages 13 to 15. Fashion Weeks are held at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, and run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In the mornings, participants will learn to illustrate fashion silhouettes as live models pose for their sketches, resulting in a “portfolio-ready” piece by week’s end. The afternoons will focus on sewing with professional seamstresses who teach participants how to read, pin, cut, and sew a chosen pattern. Participants will construct and finish their garment, adding accessories to bring their vision to life. At the end of the week, professional hair and makeup stylists prepare participants for a photo shoot and a fashion show as they model their creations for friends and family. No experience is necessary as instructors guide participants every step of the way. Material lists for drawing and sewing are provided upon registration. To jump start sewing, participants need to register for the Pre-Camp Workshop: Make Friends with Your Sewing Machine, where they will learn to troubleshoot the machine and stitch with confidence. Two sessions are available: Friday, July 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. or Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost for the workshop is $40 and participants must bring their own machine. The cost of either of the two Fashion Weeks is $425; a deposit of $200 secures a spot. Spaces fill quickly. For more information or to register for Fashion Weeks, contact 860-767-0742 or barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.
StrategiesforManagingLifeTransitions
Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair Street, Guilford, announces it will hold an eight-session support group called “Strategies for Managing Life Transitions” on Mondays beginning Sept. 8. The sessions are facilitated by Margo Merin, a certified practitioner in meditation and mindfulness, as well as grief and bereavement counseling. Services at the W&FLC are available at no charge to residents of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. For more information or to register (required), contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org.
MathBootCamps
Study Hall is hosting two summer boot camps, Intro to High School Math and SAT Math, from Monday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 8. Both programs will be led by math teachers from Daniel Hand High School in Madison. Enrollment is limited. The cost for the weeklong boot camp is $175. Need-based financial assistance is available. Located at the Glenwood Plaza, 153 Glenwood Road, Clinton, Study Hall was established by a teacher to help make tutoring affordable for all students. For more information, email studyhallclinton@gmail.com or visit Studyhalltutor.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF Pierre Ricky LaRiviere (25-0172)
The Hon. Peter C. Barrett, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Madison - Guilford Probate Court, by decree dated June 12, 2025, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
Priscilla H. Geer, Clerk
The fiduciary is: Russell LaRiviere, 108 N. Whittlesey Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492
BereavementSupportGroup
The Women & Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street, Guilford, is hosting an eightsession bereavement support group from noon to 1:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 8. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org.
STEMProgramforGirls
EmpowHer: Girls in STEM offers a sixsession program for girls in grades 5 and 6 starting Saturday, Sept. 27. Students will explore various STEM fields with guest facilitators, all under the guidance of head facilitator Megan Linske, a certified ecologist and scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The sessions take place at the Women & Family Life Center, 96 Fair Street, Guilford, from 10 a.m. noon. The program is limited to 15 spots. Registration costs $15, which will fund next year’s Girls in STEM program. The program is sponsored by the Guilford Fund for Education. For more information or to register, contact 203458-6699 or info@womenandfamily life.org.
WantHelptoGetintoArtSchool?
Dear Reader,
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of Shore Publishing’s newspapers for your past contributions to our Voluntary Pay efforts. Your generosity has made a significant difference, and we are truly thankful for every donation.
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Spectrum Gallery is hosting a new program, Portfolio Development for Art Schools, to help young artists get accepted into their chosen art school. During these one-on-one, two-hour sessions, participants and their art instructor will investigate what each student’s specific art schools are looking for and how to achieve an art portfolio which will increase their chances of admission. The program helps clarify the requirements for the schools of interest, create the assignments accordingly, and review and improve participant skills like shading, coloring, composition, and basic design. The program takes place at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook. For more information or to register, email barbara@spectrumart gallery.org or visit spectrumart gallery.org. For the month of June, Madison Town Clerk’s office offers dog licenses for 2025-’26 via online (renewals only), mail, drop box, or in person. The cost is $8 for spayed/neutered dogs or $19 for intact dogs. A current certificate of rabies vaccination is required before a license can be issued. Residents are encouraged to renew their dog licenses before Tuesday, July 1, to avoid penalties. To apply online, visit madisonct.org/dogs. For more information, call 203-245-5672.
SwallowCruises
The Connecticut Audubon Society is hosting a river cruise on Sundays, from Aug. 31 through Sept. 21, with departure from the Essex Steam Train Station, 1 Railroad Avenue. The event features a trip by boat to see the migratory display of thousands of tree swallows settling in at sunset on the lower Connecticut River during their fall migration. The scenery can be viewed from three decks on a 70-foot Mississippi-style river boat. Food, a full bar, and restrooms are onboard. Tours are about 3 ½ hours in length and range in departure from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with earlier departure times later in the year. Return to the dock is at around 8:30 p.m. The fee is $55. For more information, call 860-767-0660 or visit the day trips link at ctaudubon.org/ ecotravel-home.
Karina Mendez-Keil: Sparking Curiosity and Connection
Continued from page 2
invested in the lesson than if they had just filled out worksheets, Karina says.
“It wasn’t dull. In language, you need repetition—there’s no way around that. You need to re-expose yourself,” she says. Students also explored all the countries where Spanish is one of the primary languages. Karina says the growing number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. makes learning the language especially relevant.
“You would not be sad to know it. It’s going to come in handy at one point or another, whether through work or through travel,” she says. “There’s an interesting statistic—by 2050 in the U.S., the amount of Spanish speakers is going to be one of the highest proportions in the world. If it’s important now, it’s only going to be more important in the future.”
In addition to teaching, Karina also coleads the school’s Sustainability Committee. She says her motivation came from a
desire to continue the sustainability work she did in high school and from the “passion” of her co-leader, Claudia Esposito.
“I saw Claudia’s passion. I think that was my biggest driver,” she says. “And it’s something that’s always been near and dear to my heart. This is a cause I truly believe in.”
Some of the initiatives that caught Karina’s attention include optimizing recycling efforts and growing and protecting the children’s garden. Looking ahead to next year, Karina says there’s strong interest in partnering with the Madison Land Trust to offer students an educational experience on the surrounding trails.
“I think what we want to do is refine those trails, make sure that they’re accessible, that they’re not overgrown, that they’re clearly demarcated, and that kids are taking advantage of them,” she says.
ShorelineArtsAlliancetoHoldIMAGES2025
Shoreline Arts Alliance’s IMAGES will hold its 45th annual exhibition. IMAGES 2025, a jury-curated photography exhibition, from Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 24, at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. For more information, visit shorelinearts.org.
JointheCoastalCameraClub
The Coastal Camera Club holds meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the café of the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Road. All photographers are welcome, regardless of age or experience. Restrictions have been relaxed and the club is again meeting in person at the Madison Senior Center with members having the option of sitting-in via Zoom from home when possible. For more information, visit www.coastalcameraclub.org.
FundraiserforFelines
The Greater New Haven Cat Project (GNHCP) annual raffle fundraiser runs through Saturday, July 26. Each ticket costs $1 for a chance to win one of four gift card: $250 Visa, $200 Amazon, $100 Cabela, and $50 Chewy. The raffle drawing will be held at the GNHCP Center, 965 State Street, New Haven, on July 26 at 6 p.m. Winners need not be present. GNHCP is a nonprofit organization that is committed to addressing feline overpopulation through low-cost spay/neuter and public education. To purchase tickets, visit gnhcp.org/raffle. For more information, contact GNHCP at 203-782-2287 or rise@gnhcp.org.
AssistanceAvailableforMadisonResidents
Madison Social Services offers programs to qualified Madison residents, including camp scholarships, the back-to-school program (in August), and the rent rebate program for seniors or the disabled, which runs until Wednesday, Oct. 1. For more information on these programs, senior citizens can call Heather Noblin at the Madison Senior Center at 203-245-5627; individuals or families can contact Molly Fahey at Madison Youth and Family Services at 203-245-5645.
KnightsofColumbusWelcomesNewMembers
The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization focused on charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, welcomes new members. The organization helps the less fortunate in the community and supports each other to strive to be better husbands, fathers, and citizens. The Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 5780 meets monthly at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. For more information, contact Ken Treschitta at 203-523 9373 or ktreschitta@gmail.com.
LibraryofThings
The Killingworth Library, 301 Route 81, offers its Library of Things, a collection sponsored by former Killingworth resident Dr. Alexander Walsh in memory of his wife Suzanne Auer Walsh. It provides library patrons with access to tools, electronics, instruments, crafting materials, and more. All items in the Library of Things are freely available for checkout to adults with a library card. The Killingworth Library aims to expand the inventory over time and welcomes new item suggestions from library patrons. For more information or to view the current inventory and lending policies, visit killingworthlibrary.org/library-of-things-catalog.
CallingAllArtists
Spectrum Gallery is seeking submissions from artists and fine artisans for the Madison Green Autumn Arts Festival to be held Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12. Artists and fine artisans are invited to submit their work to Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook. Festival registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to register early to reserve space and be included in festival promotional materials. For more information, including a prospectus, email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org or visit the festivals link at spectrumartgallery.org.
SunsetCruiseandMeditation
Raven Wellness Cruises offers guided meditation classes in the Thimble Islands on Tuesday evenings, with the time of the cruises based on sunset. Boarding takes place at the Stony Creek dock approximately 40 minutes prior to the scheduled sunset. Each session is approximately 60 minutes long, which includes the meditation session and the cruise to and from the dock. For more information or to register, contact Raven Wellness Cruises at 203-208-0207 or ravenwellnesscruises@yahoo.com, or visit ravenwellnesscruises.com.
AllThingsKillingworthTownPicnic
The second annual All Things Killingworth town picnic will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Deer Lake Outdoor Center, 101 Paper Mill Road, Killingworth. The event features live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer and wine garden, games and activities, fishing, a luminary wish walk, a raffle, and more. Admission is a freewill donation. Limited vendor spots are still available with a registration deadline of Monday, Sept. 1. For more information, visit allthingskillingworth.com.
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of June 26 - July 2
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Career developments may be a bit unclear this week, Aries. Your motivation may need a little extra boost. You might have to consider if a career change is in order.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
A lack of information is proving confusing, Taurus. If you suspect there’s more details to uncover, choose a course of action and do your best to get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Keep your money in your wallet this week, Gemini. You might want to spend it or give it away impulsively and that could affect your finances in an impactful way.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this isn’t a good time to sign contracts or make any significant purchases. Keep your money safe and try to keep your savings account full at this point.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities lately, Leo. This could be stressing you out or taking away from your own needs. Learn to turn others away for now.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, this week may present an opportunity to restore your self-confidence. For too long you have been floundering and not finding the traction you need and deserve.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, something could be distorting your perspective right now and making it difficult to concentrate and communicate. Take a few days off from your responsibilities.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, after some gloomy feelings the last few weeks, good news has you feeling like you are on cloud nine. Savor it and celebrate.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
This is a good week to try to enhance your love life, Sagittarius. Take every opportunity to woo your significant other, and plan a special event for the two of you.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
You may want some magical force to whisk away all of the little difficulties that have been affecting you, Capricorn, but it will require hard work to do that.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Lately there have been a lot of thoughts swirling through your head, so much so that you can’t get any peace, Aquarius. It may be beneficial to sit down with someone to talk it out.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, try something new this week even if it scares you. It is good practice to challenge yourself once in a while to test your resilience to change.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JUNE 26
Aubrey Plaza, Actress (41)
JUNE 27
Khloé Kardashian, Reality Star (41)
JUNE 28
Kathy Bates, Actress (77)
JUNE 29
Camila Mendes, Actress (31)
JUNE 30
Mike Tyson, Boxer (59)
JULY 1
Pamela Anderson, Actress (58)
JULY 2
Margot Robbie, Actress (35)
CLUES ACROSS
1. Computer manufacturer
5. Noted space station
8. Kurt Russell film “Captain”
11. Automaton
13. Everyone has one
14. Incline from the vertical 15. Fights
16. Dunn & Bradstreet (abbr.)
17. Finishes off 18. Places to store things
20. Dutch painter Gerard __ 21. Smaller quantity
22. There’s a North, South and Central of these 25. In an early way
30. More spacious
31. Short-term memory
32. One who possesses
33. Sesame
38. Forbid
41. A way to explain
43. Not around
45. Evoke or suggest
47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea
49. Dekameter
50. Fencing sword
55. “Luther” actor Idris
56. Affirmative (slang)
57. Afflicted
59. One point north of northeast
60. Born of
61. Arabic name
62. Hong Kong food stall: __ pai dong
63. Not the start
64. Post
CLUES DOWN
1. Creative expression
2. Fiber from the outer husk of a coconut
3. City in ancient Syria
4. College army
5. More disturbed
6. Pays no attention to
7. Restored
8. Competitions
9. Lyric poems
10. Famed American lawman
12. Expression of disappointment
14. Scars
19. Satisfy
23. Central European river
24. Brass instrument
25. One who gets paid to perform
26. Propel with oars
27. Long period of time
28. Woman (French)
29. Type of plane
34. Pitching stat
35. Pointed end of a pen
36. Pro sports league
37. Body part
39. Inoffensive
40. Yellowish cotton cloth
41. Feline
42. Does not tell the truth
44. Set out to attract
45. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
46. Abba __, Israeli politician
47. Repair
48. Genus of flowering plants
51. Tributary of the High Rhine
52. Prejudice
53. C. European river
54. Restrain
58. Father
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
DIPS AND FLIPS WORD SEARCH
AIRTIME ANGLED ASCEND BANKING BARREL ROLL BOOMERANG BRAKES CAMELBACK COASTER COBRA ROLL CORKSCREW CURVES DIVE DROP ELEVATED FLOORLESS GRAB BARS INVERSION LAUNCH LOOPS STANDUP TURNAROUND TWISTER WOODEN
Word Scramble
Word Scramble solution for June 19, 2025: AERIAL
Word Search solution for June 19, 2025
By Serenity Bishop
Hand Boys’ Tennis Defeats Avon to Earn First State Title in Seven Years
entered the 2025 spring season hoping to redeem itself after a tough end to its postseason run last year. The Tigers fell in the Class M State Championship last year to Avon, but this season, they were able to settle the score.
ular season record this year with its first state title since 2018. The No. 2 Tigers defeated top-seeded Avon 5-2, securing their revenge and ending Avon’s state title streak.
pionships and has reached the state title game in almost every season since 2011. The only year Avon did not get to the title
ship rounds, it became clear we had finally harnessed our full potential as a team. By the time we boarded the bus for the final game, I could feel it in the air. It was the moment we were waiting for. The energy was simply different. We were locked in, ready, and unstoppable. I realized victory
In order for Hand to reach the promise land, the team received contributions from each player. Both the seniors and underclassmen played vital roles in the Tigers’ ability to advance throughout the state
At singles, freshman Carter Wilkins played No. 1 singles, Seehusen played No. 2, senior captain Deacon Wilkins played
See Hand Boys’ Tennis page 21
Photo courtesy of Dawn Fagerquist
Pictured is the Hand boys' tennis team that won the Class M State Championship this spring.
Special to The Source
Striped Bass Fishing Fires Up in Thick Air
Fog is the nerve-racking interaction of warm, moist air and cooler water - in our case, Long Island Sound. Specifically, it becomes really dense when a warm air mass from land moves over relatively colder water near the coast. This cooling can cause water vapors in the air to condense into tiny water droplets, causing fog. To boaters, fog is a wake-up call to exercise extreme caution. A few years back, a fishing trip that took a small fleet of five from Noank through the Cape Cod canal, north to Plymouth, Gloucester, and Portsmouth, up to Portland, over Jefferies Ledge, east to Nantucket, down to the Vineyard, then to Block before heading back to home port was interesting to say the least.
Throughout the entire trip, the group saw the sun for half a day, ran out of coins for the clothes dryer in Nantucket after encountering steady rain and high seas, and was engulfed in fog the entire trip. They also breached whales off the port bow.
The point was not the fish caught but the fog. It was so dense that waypoints were broadcast so that vessels fueling up could re-unite with boats waiting just outside of the harbor. So for boaters, beware! Foggy conditions may not be the best of friends for mariners, but it is quite friendly for striped bass fishers.
Linesiders often like to feed in foggy, calm surroundings. Sensitivity to light makes foggy, low-light situations preferable to stripers. The reduction in visibility provides a comfortable environment in which to forage in low water. It also extends a dawn and dusk feeding spree that possibly could become an all day event. Additionally, fog provides an ideal ambush advantage, while calm seas (often associated with fog) opens the door for some fantastic topwater action using poppers, spooks, and some needlefish lures. The downside associated with fog can be a shut down in the bite if there is a drop in temperature that cools the water and poses a hazard to navigation.
Since motorized vessels equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational equipment often plot their course buoy-to-buoy and generally do not creep, keeping a watchful eye out and displaying something reflective during foggy conditions is highly advisable when fishing near and around navigational aids. Some of the best fish caught and/or released have been hooked in dense foggy conditions, similar to what we have been experiencing, and close to shore.
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
On The Water
High pressure weakened and shifted east as a warm front approached and moved through the region. A cold and very noticeable cold front moved through rather quickly before high pressure built in. Hot conditions followed just as summer kicked in and dominated for the next few days. The warm front then shifted to the north and west of the region. Pre-dawn air temperatures fluctuated from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, while daytime temperatures climbed from the mid-80s to 95 degrees before the heat spell cooled down. Mixed clouds, sun, rain, and thunderstorms accompanied the shifts in weather fronts and pressures. In the meantime, Long Island Sound experienced multiple shifts in wind directions, rising and falling seas from about a foot to three feet and patchy to dense morning fog.
The strong striped bass bite persisted, even through the recent heat spell. However, as the tidal rivers warmed, fish became more active out by the reefs where water was generally cooler. Generally, activity has been best around sunrise or earlier and sunset or later. From live eels to menhaden, poppers to mojos, diamond jigs to spoons, stripers had their moments from being finicky to locked in. Serious east winds and angry seas were about the only combination that interfered with the bite and plans for the day. At one time or another, rivers, reefs, shoals, and boulder fields all had some sort of bite going. It has been that good!
There have been some decent black sea bass caught, but most of the fish boated have been around two to three poundsdiscounting all the throwbacks under the 16” minimum length limit. Offshore reefs on this side of the Connecticut/New York demarcation line mostly have been the places to drift or set up. The catch/effort compared to last week’s rate has improved, whether using squid and rigs or jigs. Note that the last day for Connecticut sea bass was June 23 and will reopen again on Tuesday, July 8. New York is now open! Porgies continue to gain steam as catches of slabs and average-sized fish almost doubled. Seaworms, squid, clams, and scented baits remain the top baits whether fishing from shore or vessel. It is getting harder to find a reef or rock pile that does not have these saltwater panfish
on them. Even the bluefish are schooling past these feeding stations as the tide begins to move, giving their jaws a workout. Setting up by a rip to chunk, jigging while drifting over a reef or trolling its edges can result in multiple hookups. Anything from harbor blues to medium-sized choppers can be the result of the effort. Weakfish remain hit or miss, but mostly hit for experienced weakie fishers concentrating on the channels, bays, and lower tidal rivers during an incoming tide.
It is time to be paying more attention to fluke, as throwback numbers increase and more fish around 19” are taking drift spinner and hi-lo rigs, or bucktail and Gulp teaser setups. Squid or strips of fish fillets presented during a bottom drift can wake up one or two of those mini-doormats that have an eye on the offering. The interest in shark fishing from shore has gained legs. Sizable dogfish are being caught after rigging up with a juicy chunk of bait at the end of a medium-heavy setup. Fishers soaking bait on the bottom often looking for bass and/or blues hook into and fight a nice dogfish or skate - even a surprise toadfish. Blue crabbers - it’s time for some Jimmies!
Water flows and levels have moderated in most rivers. It has been the fluctuation of air and water temperatures that anglers had to adjust to. For fly fishers, it has been adjustments from dries and nymphs to streamers that kept anglers on their toes.
Overnight, productive hatches turned into a morning of better nymphing. Then streamers were what was best to tie on. Conditions made trout picky. Lakes and ponds reacted less abruptly, but changes from the largemouth bass bite in the shallows to deeper cooler water and back, with a little lockjaw in between, was the challenge. Nevertheless, the bass bite (large and small) is still above average. Chain pickerel are still aggressive, and panfish are abundant and hungry while carp and catfish anglers are doing well.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media. For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison, or call 203-245-8665 for updated spring hours. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, and promoter of the Daiwa Tournament Program, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.
Tight Lines, Captain Morgan
captainmorganusa@hotmail.com
captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com
X (formerly twitter) @captmorgan_usa
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan Foggy conditions may be a hazard to navigation, but it offers excellent opportunities for foraging striped bass and fishermen.
Week Eight Brings Many Exciting Moments in Deep River Horseshoe League
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
It was another night with ideal playing conditions in Week Eight of the Deep River Horseshoe League – sunny and warm with an occasional light breeze.
The Yankees stunned the Cardinals with a comeback 4-2 win. The Orioles came within two-points of sweeping the White Sox, and the Mets changed shoes for a 5-1 win over the Reds. The Marlins scored 301 points in a loss to the Rangers. There was no change in the standings for the top seven teams, and nine players had season best series. 27 of the 54 games were won by greater than 10 points.
Todd Nuhn’s Yankees and Kris Toohey’s Cardinals were both coming off of sweeps in Week Seven with each scoring over 300 points. Toohey could be counted on to get his points and be one of the night’s top scorers, so the key for both teams was how well will the “B” and “C” players do. Coming into this match, the edge went to Yankees’ Matt Valentin and Paul Stevens. As expected, in the first two games, Toohey equaled the Yankees’ scores with games of 42 and 40 points. In game three, Valentin turned things around. His season best 28-point game outscored the Cardinals. The Yankees’ success continued, as Stevens’ back-toback doubles tied the game going into the last two boxes, and they went on to outscore the Cardinals 8-4 for the win. The Yankees pulled off a double-digit win in game five, as Toohey had three-straight open boxes in the second half of the game and had one of his lowest scoring games of the season. The Yankees duplicated their efforts again in game six and won the match 4-2. Toohey’s 139-point series was the top score for the night. Valentin’s 94point series was his season best, and Stevens’ 97-point series was the second leading score for “C” division. The Yankees outscored the Cardinals 290 points to 267 points. The Cardinals remain in second place, and the Yankees are in a tie for sixth place.
Brady Miller’s White Sox were not aware that John Durinick’s Orioles only win on even numbered weeks. This being the eighth week meant the White Sox were in trouble. Orioles’ Adam Fortier’s season-best 28 points in game one led to a win and set the tone for the match. The Orioles followed the double-digit win in game one with four more wins. Going into the last two boxes of game six, the Orioles held a 10-point lead, and the sweep looked
lead going into the last box of game one. The Reds outscored the Mets 5-1 for what turned out to be their lone win. Didomizio’s 41 points led to winning game two by 32 points. The Reds only managed to score 11 points after nine boxes in game three. Goodrich edged Didomizio 31-28 in game four, but it was Mets’ Leif Selander who outdueled Reds’ John O’Brien for the win. After winning game five, Selander’s season-best 28-point game gave the Mets their fifth win, and the Mets won the match 5-1.
The match between John Hutra’s Marlins and Joe Heery’s Rangers was double feature, including the “B” division’s No. 2 and No. 3 scorers in Marlins’ Dennis Allen vs. Rangers’ Hunter Beckwith, and Mike Beckwith vs. cousin Hunter. The top scorers met in games two, three, five, and six, while the cousins competed in games three and six. Hunter Beckwith outscored Allen 122-100 and his cousin Mike Beckwith 7149. The Rangers used their three handicap points to gain a tie in game one. Hutra’s 34 points were enough to outscore the Rangers in game two. Hunter Beckwith’s 37 points and season-best 40 points led to two wins for the Rangers. With the score tied going into the last box of the last game, it was Allen’s double that gave the Marlins a four-point lead, but the Rangers used their five handicap points for a onepoint win. Hunter Beckwith’s 122 points were the top “B” score, and Allen’s 100 points were the third highest “B” score. Mike Beckwith’s 103 points were the top “C” score. The Marlins scored 301 points, but the Rangers won 3.5-2.5 and remain in a tie for sixth place.
inevitable, but White Sox’s Brian Walsh tossed a double in the 11th box and a four in the last box. In a repeat of Week Seven, it was Howie Fisher’s four in the last box that gave the White Sox the lead, while the Orioles only scored two points. The White Sox won the game by two points, and the Orioles won the match 5-1.
Mark Goodale’s Mets and Chip Goodrich’s Reds have been searching for ways
to improve their scoring, as both teams have struggled over the past four weeks. Mike Didomizio substituted for Goodale, and when he subs, the teams have won their match. Didomizio has adapted to pitching the shoes the team chooses. The Mets decided to try and pitch “Double Barrel” shoes hoping this would be the elixir to their game. The lead bounced back and forth, with the Mets holding a two-point
Damin Roberts’ Rockies faced Bill Beckwith’s Red Sox. Paul Noel substituted for Red Sox’s Gerry Hines. This match featured the No. 7 Red Sox vs. No. 8 Rockies. Beckwith and Noel combined for 56 points, more than doubling the Rockies’ score in game one. In game two, Red Sox’s Anthony Malerba and Beckwith each had 32 points to easily offset Roberts’ 35 points for the Red Sox’s second win. The Red Sox used their six handicap points for a tie in game three. Deb Scully and Vinny Jonynas both had-23 point games for the Rockies’ lone win in game four. The match’s best game came down to the last box of game five. With the Red Sox holding a onepoint lead, they scored eight points to the Rockies’ seven. The Red Sox won by two points. They had to use their six handicap
See Week Eight page 21
Photo courtesy of Joe Heery
Pictured are the Yankees of the Deep River Horseshoe League in Paul Stevens, Matt Valentin, and Todd Nuhn.
Several H-K Track Stars Named to All-Shoreline Team
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Boys’ Outdoor Track
The H-K boys’ 4x800-meter relay team of Matthew Lara, Cash Smigel, Anthony Fredrickson, and Evan Berardino qualified for the All-Shoreline Conference Second Team this spring. Eli Hamann-Shay was named to the All-Conference Second Team for the 400, and Trevor Dixon earned a spot on the First Team for the shot put and Second Team for the javelin. Tim Cavrell was named to the All-Shoreline Second Team for the discus and the First Team for the javelin.
Wr a ps COUGARS
Girls’ Outdoor Track
Several H-K girls’ outdoor track athletes earned spots on the All-Shoreline Conference Team this spring. Charlotte Behnke was named to the Second Team for the 3200, and Emmerson Goeden was named to the Second Team for the discus. In the triple jump, Brielle Kent earned a spot on the All-Shoreline Conference Second Team.
Week Eight Brings Many Exciting Moments in Deep River Horseshoe League
Continued from page 20
points to win the last game, but Jonynas’s 105-point series was the second leading “B” score. The Red Sox won 4.5-1.5 and remain in seventh place.
Skip Robinson’s concern as his No. 3 Pirates faced Cody Layton’s No. 4 Cubs was would this be another week where handicap would take its toll? With Todd Norton, in only his second match, substituting for Layton, the Cubs’ handicap swelled to 20+ points. The team managed to split the four games where the large handicap was in play. The Cubs were getting seven points of handicap in the other two games, and each team came away with a win. With the split, the teams remained No. 3 and No. 4 in the standings. For the seventh week, the century mark continued to elude Pirates’ Anthony Conkling. His 90-point series was the third highest for “C” division.
When Mike Zanelli Sr.’s Giants faced Sheryl Serviss’s Tigers, people would normally be looking at who won in the headto-head matchup between Zanelli and Serviss. They each won two, with Serviss outscoring Zanelli 127-116. Her 127-point season best series was the third highest for “A” division. The real talk centered around Giants’ Gary Haney. He was responsible
for three of the Giants’ four wins: a personal best 28 points in game one, a double in the last box of game four, and in the last game, Frank Jolly matched the Tigers’ score, so Haney’s 19 points gave them an easy win. In his third year in the league, Haney’s 73-point series was his personal best.
Jeremy Davis’s Dodgers used the handicap and his 33 points to win game one and made use of it again in game two to earn a tie against Tony Cutone’s Angels. The Angels won the next two games, which included Kyle Wilson’s season best 30point game. The Dodgers finished the night by winning the final two games, and they won 3.5-2.5. Wilson’s 88-point series was a season best.
Frank Rausch’s Braves split with the Diamondbacks. Frank Durinick and Keith Toohey were substitutes for the Diamondbacks’ “A” and “C” players. The Diamondbacks took advantage of double-digit handicaps for two wins, and in game four, Durinick’s 35 points and Toohey’s 32 points led to an easy 27-point win. Rausch’s 135-point series was the second leading score for “A” division.
For more information on the Deep River Horseshoe League, visit www.deepriver horseshoes.com/contacts.
Hand Boys’ Tennis Defeats Avon to Earn First State Title in Seven Years
Continued from page 18
No. 3 singles, and junior Harrison Hodge played No. 4 singles. At doubles, juniors Gavin Waterman and Marcelo Gonzalez played No. 1 doubles, and junior Nathaniel Konstintino and Paul Fumex played No. 2 doubles.
In addition, sophomore William Riggio and freshman Aiden Chorney played No. 3 doubles. The rest of the roster also included senior Arda Hatiboglu, juniors Sahil Bhatt and Gabriel Cesar, sophomore Lucas Newcomb, and freshmen James Alvarado, Jude Papineau, Elias Ratchman, and Danny Wang.
“This team was an extremely special group of guys. We lost a couple of really important guys last year, guys who were leaders on and off the court, so coming into this season, we knew we had to step up,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve had ups and downs this season, but in the finals, it felt like all the pieces came together. It was a very special group to be a part of.”
Deacon Wilkins added to Gonzalez’s sentiment, believing the difference between this team and other past teams was the chemistru and family-like atmosphere.
“What made this team stand out was our camaraderie and how we stuck together no matter what. Even after tough losses to Weston and Cheshire, we never lost sight of our goal,” Wilkins said. “In fact, those setbacks helped us regroup and learn valuable lessons. That resilience paid off—we peaked at exactly the right time and brought our best when it mattered most.”
Wilkins added that the journey to the state championship was doubly special for him since he was able to do it with his younger brother, Carter.
“Winning the state championship felt incredible - a true culmination of all the hard work and effort our team put in throughout the season. It was especially meaningful for me as captain, and even more special because my younger brother, Carter, was on the team,” he said. “It was the only year we’d be on the team together, and sharing that moment with him is something I’ll never forget.”
The leadership from Deacon Wilkins, Seehausen, and Chorney was a major piece of the puzzle this season, according to Head Coach Dawn Fagerquist. The trios’s ability to communicate and galvanize their teammates kept the group together throughout the year and during the difficult parts of the season. Fagerquist explained while it wasn’t the team’s best season record wise, a lot of the success the Tigers found was due to the leadership of the three captains.
“My two seniors Deacon and Aiden, and with Andrew, they brought the team together. They all had good communication, and they talked about what they wanted to accomplish, especially for the seniors,” Fagerquist said. “They wanted to finish off their senior year big, and they did.”
She added it was the captains and the team’s overall commitment to getting better each day that allowed them to secure their place in school and state history.
“We all work well together. We support each other. They gave me 100%, and they had commitment to me,” she said. “It really meant a lot to me. It was a very bitter ending and very sweet. To come back and beat Avon, where they beat us last year…it was awesome to take them down. The boys just played wonderfully. We played as a team, we pulled together, and my captains pulled the team together.”
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Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
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!
Travel with Me, Part I: Füssen, Germany
By Liz Egan
Special to Living
My husband Paul loved to sing. He had a beautiful baritone voice. He sang with Con Brio Choral Society, an auditioned choir of 50, now 75, voices led by Dr. Stephen Bruce for over a dozen years. He loved Con Brio and the challenges to him vocally. Paul and I had always hoped to travel with Con Brio, but life and scheduling always seemed to get in the way. In May, I had the wonderful
opportunity to travel with Con Brio on their performance tour of Germany, France, and Switzerland for 13 days. Now, travel along with me as I recount the trip in four parts.
The trip’s participants consisted of 22 singers led by their 35-year maestro Steve Bruce and longtime music director Susan Saltus. There were also 14 “clappers,” which were spouses and friends of the group who heartily supported them in each
of their performances. We flew into Munich airport on May 20 and boarded a coach bus with our Tour Guide, Yvonne Zumpolle. Explorations began right away as we made a side trip traveling through the state of Bavaria in the southeast part of Germany. We visited Wieskirche, the Church of the Meadow, in Steingarden. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the world’s most famous Rococo churches. The group performed a song in
the church to a surprised audience of tourists. After walking the beautiful meadow paths, I had time for a Bratwurst from a local vendor before continuing on to Fussen, at the base of the Bavarian Alps, known for the creation of Europe’s first lutemakers guild in 1562.
We checked in to the Luitpoldpark-Hotel in the center of town. We met up with local guides who gave us a walking tour of the medieval old town, ending the
day with our welcome dinner at Madame Plüsch Restaurant, known for its authentic Bavarian cuisine. Typical in the style of the ‘20s is the “Wirtsstube” atmosphere. Guests here feel the historical ambiance and the love for detail. Turn-of-the-century chandeliers illuminating the room combine with exclusive furnishings give this restaurant its unmistakable charm. It was here
Photo by Liz Egan
See Travel with Me page 30
Photo by Liz Egan
A view of the peaceful meadow surrounding Wieskirche, the Rococo-style Church of the Meadow in Steingarden, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Con Brio surprised visitors with a spontaneous performance.
Neuschwanstein Castle, perched on a rugged Alpine hill, inspired Disney’s fairy tale castle and dazzled with its dramatic architecture and romantic history.
Photo by Liz Egan
Photo by Liz Egan
The atmosphere at Madame Plüsch was as memorable as the cuisine—especially the Käsenodelsuppe (Cheese Dumpling Soup), which became a group favorite.
Dinner at Madame Plüsch in Füssen offered a taste of vintage charm with Art Nouveau furnishings and classic Bavarian dishes.
Travel with Me, Part I: Füssen, Germany
Continued from page 29
that I had the most delicious soup that I have ever eaten. After telling the server, “Est es lecker!” it is delicious, I learned that it is called Käsenodelsuppe, or Cheese Dumpling Soup. Everyone at the table agreed that it was a recipe to make again.
The next day the group took an excursion to Oberammergau, Bavaria, home to the Passion Play Theatre. It was pouring rain and a perfect day to tour this amazing place. According to legend, an outbreak of bubonic plague devastated Bavaria during the Thirty Years War (1618–1648). The village of Oberammergau remained plague-free until 1633 when a local man returned home after working in the nearby village. Over the next 33 days, 81 villagers would die, half of Oberammergau’s population. On 28 October 1633, the villagers vowed that if God spared them from the plague, they would perform a play every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. Nobody died of plague in Oberammergau after that vow, and the villagers kept their word to God by performing the passion play for the first time in 1634.
The production involves over 2,000 people: actors, musicians, stage technicians, and others, all residents of the village. The play comprises spoken dramatic text, musical and choral accompaniment, and tableaux vivants, which are scenes from the Old Testament depicted for the audience by motionless actors accompanied by verbal description. Initially performed on an outdoor stage, the magnificent building now houses the museum, with costumes and history, and can seat 4,500 audience members. The enormous stage is still outdoors but has an ingenious mobile rigging system that acts as a cover in inclement weather. With few exceptions, the play has been performed every decade and will have its 400-year anniversary performances in 2034.
The next day, the group was scheduled to tour Hohenschwangau Castle. I had heard so much about the history of King Ludwig II that I made a last-minute decision to tour Neuschwanstein Castle. The Disney Castle is modeled after it. It was magnificent and elaborate. Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace on a rugged hill in the foothills of the Alps in the municipality of Schwangau. Despite their being a main residence for monarchs, King Ludwig II of Bavaria felt the need to escape from the constraints he saw himself exposed to and also in honor of composer Richard Wagner, whom he greatly admired. Built in the style of a Medieval castle with elaborate décor, construction
began in 1869 but was never completed. The castle was intended to serve as a private residence for the king, but he died in 1886, and it was opened to the public shortly after his death.
In the evening, Con Brio held a free joint concert with a local choir at the famous Monastery of St. Mang, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 1300s. I had a little trouble with pain from a bike accident I had the previous week, but I picked up some ibuprofen at a local pharmacy, which helped me rally for the remainder of the trip.
Each day of our journey began with a sumptuous breakfast buffet that included homemade breads, juices, local cheese and meats, locally made yogurts and fresh fruits, dates, and nuts, as well as scrambled eggs, bacon, and local sausages. A delightful thing I had most days was a fresh egg that I could drop into a hot water bath and take the timer back to my table. I brought wax paper and a supply of Ziploc bags and managed to make a small meat and cheese sandwich on fresh bread for lunch, which gave me more time to explore each day. My traveling companion Betsy and I explored local markets and purchased fresh vegetables, dressings, fruit, and cheeses to eat in our rooms for picnicstyle dinners, helping to keep within my budget.
After breakfast in the morning, we checked out of the hotel and boarded the bus for our next stop. Auf Wiedersehen für jetzt- goodbye for now!
Käsenodelsuppe, Cheese Dumpling Soup
As soon as I got home, I made my own Käsenodelsuppe, Cheese Dumpling Soup, modifying a recipe another clapper, Peter Coffey, sent me. Wanting to use only fresh ingredients like the soup I had at Madame Plüsch’s, I purchased the marrow-filled bones at Cliff’s Meats in Essex, across the street from Scott’s CT Valley Orchards farmstand where I purchased fresh carrots and scallions. There was no question that I would find authentic AOL Gruyere from Fromage in Old Saybrook, and they did not disappoint.
Dumplings
½ cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup milk
3 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
PhotobyLizEgan
Pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons minced chives or scallions
7 oz. finely diced French bread 10 oz grated Gruyere or Swiss 8 cups homemade beef bone stock
In a large frying pan on top of the stove, saute the onion and garlic in ½ the butter and oil until aromatic, three minutes. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the milk and eggs with a whisk. Add the bread, cheese and the onion mixture, seasonings, and combine. Place bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes. In the same pan you sauteed the onions in, add the remainder of butter and oil and heat until melted. Form the dumpling mixture into patties about the size of a good-sized crab cake. Sauté in the butter/oil until browned on both sides. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Makes 8-9 patties. Depending on how many you are serving, you can freeze the patties. I kept two for myself, shared four with dear friends, and froze three more for later.
Beef Bone Stock with Mushrooms
Filled with flavor and nurturing collagen, you’ll make this again and again.
One large marrow-filled bone, cut in thirds at the butcher Kosher salt
One large carrot, peeled and broken in half
One onion quartered
One Knorr Beef Bouillion cube
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped Cluster of scallions, peeled and chopped (mostly the bottoms)
One tablespoon butter
One tablespoon olive oil
8 oz. of sliced baby portabella mushrooms
Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment, place bones marrow side up. Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Have a little spoonful of warm marrow – yum!
In a 6-quart crock pot, place bones, carrot, onions, 6 cups of water, and the bouillon cube. Cover and cook on low at least 3 hours. I ‘accidentally’ left mine overnight and did not regret it. Strain stock from vegetables and let to cool for several hours or overnight. Skim off fats and retain in a small dish. This excess is great to use to fry eggs or sauté vegetables or fish. In a frying pan, sauté sliced mushrooms with chopped onions and garlic until it renders. Add to stock and warm until ready to serve.
The Soup
Place a warm patty in the bottom of your soup bowl. Cover with warmed stock and mushrooms. The heat of the stock melts the cheese in the patty. It is like having soup with a grilled cheese sandwich – amazing!
A close-up of the delightful cheese dumplings, or Käsenodel, served as part of the unforgettable soup at Madame Plüsch.
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Medicare Savings Programs
: 12:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features an informative session on financial savings programs based on income. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Youth Ambassador Information Session
: 1 to 2 p.m. Tri-town Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. Open to students in grades 6 to 8. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.
Opening Day for
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
: 2 p.m. Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs through Sunday, July 27. Other showtimes available. For info, call 860-767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
Brighter, Bolder, Better
: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Features hands-on experiments and interactive stories. Presented by the Science Heroes. Co-sponsored by the Chester and Deep River libraries. For info or to register (required), call 860-526-0018 or visit chesterctlibrary.com.
Fourth Annual Celebration of the Arts
: 5 to 7 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Co-hosted by Shoreline Arts Alliance. Features performances, readings, and exhibits by winners of Shoreline Arts Alliance (SAA) 2025 scholarships in the arts, IMAGES 2024, the 2025 Tassy Walden New Voices in Children’s Literature competition, and SAA’s 2025 Future Choices juried art exhibition for high school students. Includes the photography of Allison Maltese, Cathy Ramin, and Robert Thomas as well as two dance performances by River Valley Dance Project. For info, call 203421-6739 or visit shorelinearts.org.
Free Financial Workshops for Young Adults: Building Credit and Avoiding Debt
: 6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For participants ages 17 to 25. Light supper provided. Sponsored by Clinton Go in partnership with Guilford Savings Bank and Junior Achievement. For info or to register (required), call or text 860-395-8588.
Who’s in Your Pollinator Garden?
: 6 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on the results of three years of observations in a pollinator garden designed and managed by Master Gardeners at the Hill-Stead Museum
in Farmington, Connecticut. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Make Your Own Fused Glass Art: Pick Your Project Class
: 6 to 8:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
Second Annual Bingo Night
: 6:30 to 9 p.m. VFW Post 7666, 104 Mill Rd., Guilford. Doors open 6 p.m. Presented by the Darling Divas. Hosted by the Madison and Guilford Democratic town committees. Bring your own dinner or snacks. Tickets: $40. Proceeds benefit ongoing voter engagement, outreach, and community advocacy for both town committees. For info or tickets, visit secure.anedot.com/mdtc/darlingdivas2025.
Summer Concert Series on the Patio: Julie Harris and Stephen Roane
: 7 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Free and open to all. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the library’s meeting room. For info or to register, call the 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Concert by Pure Prairie League
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
2025 Grassy Strip Music Series
: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Music by Christine Ohlman. Free and open to the public. The show starts with the Pledge of Allegiance; music begins at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale on the lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. For info, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/hotel/hotel-happenings.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 AND FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Safe Sitter Babysitting Course
: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services, 322 Main St. For youth in grades 6 to 8. Students need to attend both days. Cost: $70 for residents. Partial scholarships are available. For info or to register, visit the summer programming link at osyfs.org.
Calendar for the Week of June 26, 2025
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Annual Summer Book and Bake Sale
: Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features fiction and nonfiction hardcover books, trade books, paperbacks, young adult books, children’s books, large print, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, jigsaw puzzles, totes, aprons, and more. The bake sale is on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library. Proceeds benefit library programs and resources. For info, email nancybaldoni@comcast.net or visit actonlibrary.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
: 10 a.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. Meet at the parking lot. Sponsored by Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or weather-related cancellation, call SVCT at 203-747-5939 or visit shorelinevillagect.org.
Shoreline Village Stroll Energy in Action
: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Features a walk-through mobile exhibit with experiments and lessons on energy conservation and alternative energy sources. Sponsored by Energize CT. For children ages 6 to 11. No registration needed. For info, call 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.
Friday Movie Matinee
: 2 to 4 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Explore and Play Hike: Scavenger Hunt
: 3:30 p.m. Pond Meadow Preserve, Park Road, Ivoryton. Co-hosted by the Essex Library, Ivoryton Library, and Essex Land Trust. Free and open to the public. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Summer Concert Series 2025
: 6 to 8 p.m. Westbrook Town Green. Music by Number 9. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol. No pets. Presented by the Westbrook Recreation Board. For info, visit the summer concert 2025 link at westbrookrec.com/info/activities.
Opening Night for All Shook Up
: 8 p.m. Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Runs through Sunday, Aug. 17. Other showtimes available. For info, call 860873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.
See page 33
Award Winners, New Shows, and New Leaders
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York Professional Theater
By Karen Isaacs
Columnist
From Bible to Stage
Aisle ON THE
The Beat Lives On
: The ever-popular will rock the Ivoryton Playhouse stage through Sunday, July 27. The early Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical retells the biblical tale of Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers. You can get tickets at IvorytonPlayhouse.org.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
(outstanding featured actress) in and for the ensemble work of the cast in . Kate Baldwin (outstanding actress in a musical) for and Jordan Friend (featured actor in a musical for ) won awards for Sharon Playhouse.
Mismatched lovers, mistaken identity, and the magic of romance are the result. It sounds perfect for summer entertainment. Tickets are available at Goodspeed.org. : Sharon Playhouse is kicking off its 2025 season with through Sunday, July 6. The show features songs made famous by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis. It’s a foot-stomping evening as the show recreates the iconic 1956 jam session when the four gathered at Sun Records. For tickets, visit SharonPlayhouse.org.
New Musical
Talk of the Town
Three Productions
CT Critics Awards
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Romeo & Juliet
Ragtime
A Christmas Story
Sandra Primary Trust White Christmas
: Hartford Stage’s production of (Nathan Darrow, outstanding actor in a play and (outstanding director) took home multiple awards from the CT. Critics Circle as did the Goodspeed production of (outstanding director and outstanding musical, Michael Wordly) outstanding actor, as well as Rashidra Scott (outstanding featured actress for ). TheaterWorks – Hartford was honored for the oneperson show, , and its production of (outstanding play and to Samuel Stricklen for outstanding featured actor)). Music Theatre of CT took home two awards – Irene Glezoz as Best Actress in a Play and the choreography for . Westport Country Playhouse won awards for Erin Noel Grennan
Continued from page 32
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 28
: Guilford’s Will Aronson and his collaborator Hue Park took away the most Tony Awards of any show. It won Best Musical for . The wins, also for star Darren Criss, director Michael Arden, best original score, best scenic design, and best book of a musical, capped a very successful awards season. There were few surprises; winners included as best revival, Nicole Scherzinger as best actress for her role as Norma Desmond, Cole Escola for best actor for his play Pulitzer Prize winner Purpose for Best Play, and Sarah Snook, Best Actress in a Play.
: The first performances of Goodspeed’s second show of the season, , begin this weekend. Love is in the air when a motorcycle-riding, guitarplaying stranger shows up in a quiet town.
Concert by Yellow Brick Road (Tribute to Elton John)
Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Multifamily, Multistreet Tag Sale
: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Acorn Road and surrounding roads, Madison. Rain date: Sunday, June 29. For info, email Ralph Wygonik at ralphiew@gmail.com.
Annual Summer Church Fair and Tag Sale
: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Congregational Church in Killingworth Parish Hall, 273 Rte. 81. Highlights include a tag sale, bake sale, silent auction, and lunch. Tag sale items include toys, sporting goods, books, CDs and DVDs, jewelry, holiday decorations, houseware, small appliances, artwork, furniture, and collectibles. For info, call the church at 860-6631789 or visit facebook.com/KillingworthCongregational Church.
New Leaders Million Dollar Quartet
NYC Notes
The New Yorker
: , a new musical about the founders of , had a reading for industry professionals at Westport Country Playhouse. Mark Shanahan, artistic director of the Playhouse, directed the reading. An industry-only reading is designed to gauge interest in possible future development and productions.
: With the retirement of founder and artistic director Semina DeLaurentis, Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury announced that Constantine Pappas will serve as artistic director, and Craig David Rosen will be the managing director. Pappas is an experienced actor and singer, having performed on Broadway in , toured in , and performed at Carnegie Hall. Rosen is also a performer, director, and choreographer, in addition to having over 30 years of administrative experience. I look forward to seeing their work.
Harmony The Phantom of the Opera
Butter Making Demonstration
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. This year's theme is games and puzzles, to tie in with the summer theme of "Level Up at Your Library." Participants can go around the “game board” inside the library, visit different activity stations for fun challenges, and win prizes. No registration needed. For info, call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Digging for Good
: 11 a.m. Hill's Academy front lawn, 22 Prospect St., Essex. Participants will try to find objects embedded in the lawn using metal detectors. Co-hosted by the Essex Library, Essex Historical Society, and the Digging for Good team from Haddam. For ages 10 to 18 and their parents/guardians. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org or essexhistory.org/events.
: Long Wharf will present three productions in three different locations for its 61st season. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, , a co-production with WP Theater in NYC, the Sol Project, and the Latinx Playwrights Circle, is scheduled. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, , is a partnership with TheaterWorks Hartford. It runs from Jan. 16 to Feb. 2 at Southern Connecticut State University. The season ends with , by August Wilson, from Feb. 27 to March 15 at the Canal Dock Boathouse. Tickets go on sale in early July. : has extended its Broadway run through the summer. The show – about a high school class studying Arthur Miller’s – received great reviews. The musical – – has closed. The show was late in arriving on Broadway, and though it got some positive reviews and Tony Award nominations, it was shut out. It joins , which has also closed. The CNN live presentation of the play drew more than 7.3 million viewers.
John Proctor is a Villain
Torera English Gem of the Ocean The Crucible Real Women Have Curves Smash Good Night and Good Luck
Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
To check out her reviews for New York and Connecticut shows, visit 2ontheaisle.word press.com. She’s a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, the League of Professional Theater Women, and the American Theatre Critics Association.
Book Launch and Signing Event
It’s About Time
Thomas’s Second Chance The Invincibles: A Story of Love, Loss, and Doughnuts After the Loss of Spouse, What’s Next?
Synchronicity: Two Hearts, One Spirit, a Forbidden Love
: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paperback Café, 210 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features three authors: Hillary Gauvreau Oat ( and ); Joanne Moore ( and ); and Patricia Ann Chaffee ( ). For info, visit facebook.com/PaperbackCafeOS.
Ice Cream Social
: 3 to 5 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main St., Centerbrook. Features ice cream, music, face painting, and more. For info, visit tlccenterbrook.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon. The Performing Arts Center at Guilford High School, 605 New England Rd. Presented by Guilford Youth and Family Services. Tickets: $15. For info or tickets, call 203-453-8047 or visit guilfordyouthandfamily services.org.
Continued from page 33
: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
: 1 to 3 p.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. Features Courtney Cucinotta, certified clinical herbalist and member of the Indigenous Nipmuc Tribe of Northeastern Connecticut. Admission: $5 suggested donation. For info or to register (required), visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
: 2 to 5 p.m. I-Park, 428 Hopyard Rd., East Haddam. Visitors can meet the artists in their studios and see their work, stroll the trails of I-Park’s campus, and be at the inaugural public launch of Ted Efremoff’s Floating Living Room. Free and open to families. Due to the fragility of the artworks and the natural features at I-Park, pets are not permitted on the grounds. For info, call IPark at 860-873-2468 or visit i-park.org/events.
: 5 to 6:25 p.m. Meet in front of the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex. The tour is a little less than a mile on mostly flat ground. Open to the public. Admission: free for members, $5 donation for nonmembers. To RSVP, email Melissa Josefiak at mjosefiak@essexhistory.org. For info, visit essexhistory.org/events.
: 5 to 7 p.m. Pelletier Park, 218 W. Main St., Chester. Music by Tim Kosky. Sponsored by Chester Parks and Recreation, Chester Public Library, Gwendolyn Orton-Jones Trust, Carol LeWitt in memory of Margaret Weisenburger, Essex Bank, and the Connecticut Water Company. Carpooling is encouraged. No dogs. Bring your own chairs and blankets. For info, visit chesterct.org/home/news/2025-cedarlake-concert-series or facebook.com/chesterct.
: 6 to 8 p.m. Westbrook Town Green. Music by the Middletown Symphonic Band. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol. No pets. Presented by the Westbrook Recreation Board. For info, visit the summer concert 2025 link at westbrookrec.com/info/activities.
Auditions for
Alice in Wonderland
: 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Students entering grades 1 through 12 are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary, but preregistration is required. The adaptation of Alice in Wonderland will be presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre on Saturday, July 5, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For info or to preregister, call 860510-0473 or visit thekate.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 1
Make Your Own Fused Glass Art: Pick Your Project Class
: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
Summer Reading Event: Collage Workshop
: 4 p.m. Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Rd., Stony Creek. Free. For info or to register, call the library at 203-488-8702 or visit wwml.org/events.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
Summer Book Club
A Long Road on a Short Day
: 9 to 11 a.m. Tri-town Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. Book: by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney. Second in a four-session reading and discussion series through Wednesday, July 16. The book covers sessions 1 and 2. Open to students in grades 3 to 5. Snacks provided. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.
Teen Summer Book Club
MONDAY, JUNE 30
Pop-up Events with OSYFS: Mason Jar Lanterns and Rock Painting
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. : 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS), 322 Main St. For grades 5 to 8. Cost: $10. For info or to register, visit the summer programming 2025 link at osyfs.org.
Adult Movie Night
: 6 to 8 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For info, including the movie title, or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
2025 Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Old Saybrook Town Green. Music by The Mediums. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping. Presented by the Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Sponsored by Penny Lane Pub. For info, call 860-395-3152 or visit the link for the Summer Concert Series at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.
Essex Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Essex Green. Music by the Middletown Symphonic Band. Free. Presented by Essex Park and Recreation. For info, visit facebook.com/SXParkandRec.
National Theatre Live in HD Encore: Concert by Beck-Ola (Tribute to Jeff Beck)
Turtles All the Way Down
: 1 to 3 p.m. Tri-town Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. Book: by John Green. Second in a four-session reading and discussion series through Wednesday, July 16. The book covers sessions 1 and 2. Open to students in grades 9 to 12. Snacks provided. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.
Level Up! Family Movie Series
: 3:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. No registration needed. For info, including the movie title, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
America 250 Concert in Chester
: 5 to 7 p.m. Chester
Town Green. Music by the Corinthian Jazz Band. Includes food and beverage trucks on the Chester Meeting House Green, 4 Liberty St. Bring chairs, blankets, or a picnic dinner. Part of the Chester 250 monthly events through July 2026 celebrating the America 250th anniversary. In the event of rain, the concert takes place in the Chester Meeting House. For info, email firstselectman@chesterct.org.
: 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen. Running time: 180 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
: 7:30 p.m.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 3
Pop-up Events with OSYFS: Zentangle Shoes and Croc Dipping
: Two sessions: 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS), 322 Main St. The morning session is for grades 4 and 5; afternoon session for grades 6 to 8. Cost: $10. For info or to register, visit the summer programming 2025 link at osyfs.org.
Patriotic Painting with Shell & Bee
: 10 a.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Participants will create a patriotic work of art to celebrate Independence Day. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860526-0018 or visit chesterctlibrary.com.
Patriotic Pinwheels
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Chester Rotary’s 47th Annual Four on the Fourth A Streetcar Named Desire
: 10:30 a.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Supplies are provided but may be limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-5266039 or visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com. : 9 a.m. Road race starts at 78 Main St., Chester. Cost: $30 for 16 years and older, $15 for 15 years and younger. Service fees apply. Registration is online through Friday, July 4. Sponsored by the Chester Rotary Club. Proceeds benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations. For info, visit chesterrotary.org.
Concert by Sweet Baby James (Tribute to James Taylor)
Traditional Herbs and Their Uses
I-Park Open Studios
Essex Village Summer Walking Tour
Cedar Lake Summer Concert Series
Summer Concert Series 2025
Concert by Acoustic Alchemy
Stones Tell Stories: Exploring the Geology of Grave Markers at Grove Street Cemetery
Press
The grave markers at New Haven’s historic Grove Street Cemetery reflect more than memory and mourning—they tell a geological story, one shaped by local quarries, cultural trends, and the endurance of stone over time. Daniel Coburn, adjunct professor of geology at Southern Connecticut State University, will explore these layered narratives during a free lecture at the Pardee-Morris House on Sunday, August 17, at 2 p.m.
Titled Memories in Stone: The Geology of Grave Markers of the Grove Street Cemetery, the program will examine how grave markers throughout the cemetery vary in composition and appearance. These differences, Coburn explains, are shaped by the distinct geological origins of the materials, including stone types sourced from regional quarries that once fueled the local economy.
Coburn will guide visitors through the characteristics that made each stone type a popular—or practical—choice for gravestones and how those same qualities influence their preservation over time. His lecture will include a close look at the physi-
cal beauty of the materials and their varying resistance to weathering, providing insight into how geology informs both memory and monument.
Coburn holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University. He has taught physics and earth science at Trumbull High School since 1995 and currently serves as an adjunct professor of geology at Southern. His background also includes work as a senior geologist at HRP Associates, Inc., where he specialized in hydrogeology and industrial contamination remediation.
Admission to the program is free. In case of rain, updates will be posted on social media and at newhavenmuseum.org. The event is part of the 2025 summer season at the PardeeMorris House and is supported by WSHU 91.1 FM and The Howard Gilman Foundation.
The Pardee-Morris House, located at 325 Lighthouse Road in New Haven, is maintained by the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of events, visit newhavenmuseum.org.
Continued from page 34
18th Annual Ivoryton Independence Day Parade
: 10 a.m. Parade participants on foot or bikes will step off from the corner of Walnut and Main Street. Participants in vehicles will gather and start from Cheney Street. The parade will be followed by a brief ceremony on the Ivoryton Green. Decorated bikes, cars, and tractors are all welcome to participate. For info, email Lorraine Donovan at lorrained860@gmail.com.
2025 Madison Independence Day Parade
: 10 a.m. Formation at the Stop & Shop parking lot, 128 Samson Rock Rd., Madison. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., proceeds on Boston Post Road (Route 1) through the center of town, and concludes at the Madison Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Rd. In celebration of its 125th anniversary, the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library is named the grand marshal of the parade; in honor of its centennial, the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company serves as honor guard. Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Madison. For info, visit madisonexchange.org.
Best of Boston Comedy Festival
: 8 p.m.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Summer Picnic
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Thomas Griswold House Museum grounds, 171 Boston St., Guilford. Hosted by The Guilford Keeping Society. For info, visit guilfordkeepingsociety.org/events.
Summer Crafts with Natalie: Painted Seashell Lighthouse
: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For adults. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Fourth of July Concert: A Salute to the Boston Pops
: 6 p.m. Madison Town Green. Features Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps at 6 p.m. and the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra conducted by Philip Ventre at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Madison Cultural Arts (MCA). Free and open to all. Bring chairs or a blanket. VIP seating available with a donation to benefit the MCA. No alcohol. Rain date: Sunday, July 6. For info, visit madisonculturalarts.org.
Concert by Yacht Rock Gold Experience
:
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Cedar Lake Summer Concert Series
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd. Presented by blacksmith Troy Antoniewicz of Copper Rose Forge. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/events.
Alice in Wonderland
: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Blacksmith Demonstration River Tales
: Two sessions: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Connecticut River Museum (CRM), 67 Main St., Essex. For children ages 4 and up and their caregivers. Features a story, a craft activity, and more. Book: by Wong Herbert Yee. Tickets: $3 per learner, free for members. Museum admission is not included with the ticket purchase. For info or reservations (required), call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.
Summer Days and Nights
7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org. : 5 to 7 p.m. Pelletier Park, 218 W. Main St., Chester. Music by Shiny Meddle Hiney. Sponsored by Chester Parks and Recreation, Chester Public Library, Gwendolyn Orton-Jones Trust, Carol LeWitt in memory of Margaret Weisenburger, Essex Bank, and the Connecticut Water Company. Carpooling is encouraged. No dogs. Bring your own chairs and blankets. For info, visit chesterct.org/home/news/2025cedar-lake-concert-series or facebook.com/chesterct.
Summer Sounds: Concerts on the Green Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Guilford Town Green. Music by Bruce Springsteen Tribute. Sponsored by Guilford Parks and Recreation. For info, call 203-453-8068 or click on the link for the spring-summer 2025 brochure at guilfordparkrec.com/newslist.php.
Concert by Knickerbocker All-Stars
:
7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Photo courtesy of the New Haven Museum
Geologist Daniel Coburn brings his expertise—from the Highlands of Scotland to New Haven’s Grove Street Cemetery—to explore how stone type influences the preservation and beauty of historic grave markers.
Release from the New Haven Museum
Suburban Storms and Ancient Gods Collide in Hurricane Diane
By Karen Isaacs
Diane’ at Hartford Stage
, now at Hartford Stage through Sunday, June 29, can be viewed in multiple ways. Certainly, it has a strong ecological message urging us to give up our manicured lawns and gardens in favor of more natural habitats.
But if you know your Greek mythology, you will see many other aspects of the play.
The play by Madeleine George opens with a monologue from Diane, who explains that she was the Greek god Dionysus, also referred to as Bacchus. She enjoyed the benefits of godhood, even as a lesser god – the adoration, the devoted women followers, and the good life. She bemoans that now people don’t know her. But she has a plan to recapture her past glories. All she needs are four women.
Dionysus/Bacchus was the god of winemaking, orchards, vegetation, and fertility, as well as insanity and madness. (He was also the god of theater.) His celebrations seemed to induce a frenzy in his followers and were said to free them from self-consciousness. In Rome, his celebrations became known as bacchanalia.
Diane appears in the luxurious suburban kitchen of Carol, who has called on Diane, a landscaper, to work on her manicured lawn in a quiet cul-de-sac in Red Bank, New Jersey. Carol has definite ideas about what she wants; after all, she is an obsessive reader of HGTV’s magazine. As Diane explains her ideas – tear out the lawn, layer native plants and trees that will bear fruit - Carol rejects the ideas and
Review
dismisses Diane. However, Diane is undeterred; three other women live in the cul-de-sac. Her next target is Beth, whose husband has left her. As played by Alyse Alan Louis, Beth reminds one of a Mia Farrow character: depressed, mousy, and lost. We then meet the two other women, Pam and Renee. Pam is fixated on being prepared for anything, particularly storms. Several years ago, a storm flooded the area; Pam was the one who prepared and helped the others. Renee, an editor at HGTV’s publications, constantly explains and instructs the women on all the latest jargon and fads.
Renee is the easiest sell for Diane; she wants to be on the cutting edge. Pam (who wants her yard to look like an Italian palazzo) and Beth (who wants a fairy garden) are harder. But all three come under Diane’s spell.
Hurricane
Diane
On some level, is a polemic; on another level, it could be a spin-off of series.
The Real Housewives….
While there are laughs, at times, you may have the uncomfortable feeling that Diane (played wonderfully by Bernadette Sefic) is bullying the women. Sefic makes sure the laughs in her opening speech land. Certainly, the three women – Beth remains clear-headed –go into a frenzy, which leads to a ritualistic dance.
It is as if she has created a cult. Each cast member totally inhabits their roles. Carol, Katya Campbell, is the clearheaded, efficient, and compulsively organized member of the group. Christina DeCicco is terrific as the neurotically prepared Pam, replete with a stereotypical accent. As Beth, Alyse Alan Louis conveys naivete and a mild manner, the hallmarks of someone who wants to be accepted but may feel like an outsider. Sharin Martin lets Renee’s natural bossiness and sexual ambivalence take center stage. Director Zoë Golub-Sass effectively uses the aisle and the stage’s apron. The open-
ing monologue is never static.
The production values are what we expect from a Hartford Stage production. The kitchen by scenic designer Emmie Finckel is to die for. Spacious, light, and modern.
Lighting designer Krista Smith and sound designer Joyce Ciesil are the stars: without their effects, the storms and the apparitions would be ineffective.
Despite, the fine performances, production values and laughs, I left the theater feeling that something was lacking.
Tickets are available at Hartford Stage.org.
Hurricane Diane
Stature and Gain Converts in ‘Hurricane
Photo by T Charles Erickson
The sleek, spacious kitchen set designed by Emmie Finckel sets the stage for Dionysian disruption in Hartford Stage’s . Hurricane Diane
Special to Living
Photo by T Charles Erickson
Tensions and transformations build among the neighbors as Diane’s influence grows in , with performances by Christina DeCicco, Sharina Martin, Alyse Alan Louis, and Katya Campbell.
Hurricane Diane
Advanced Planning of your Cemetery needs is a loving gift that relieves your family of a difficult decision in the midst of their grief. Whether a Traditional Grave, Mausoleum, or Cremation, let our caring team of Family Service Advisors help you choose your cemetery needs. From June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 bring this ad to the office and
‘Long Days’ at Legacy Theatre Is an Intriguing Idea that Needs More Work
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
The closing night of a show can be fraught with emotions. Cast and crew members have worked hard for weeks through rehearsals and performances. Friendships and feuds have developed.
Review THEATER
Long Day’s Journey into Night
Add in an emotionally demanding play such as Eugene O’Neill’s , and everything is intensified.
Long Days
That is the premise behind the world premiere of now at the Legacy Theatre in Branford through Sunday, June 29.
The idea is promising, but playwright Gabe McKinley has crammed in too many coincidences and backstories that are revealed too late in the play. You might expect multiple parallels between the play and the events that occur off-stage. That these parallels are lacking is a missed opportunity. After all, why use the O’Neill play at all if no parallels exist? Any other play could have been substituted.
If you don’t remember the O’Neill classic, it is about the Tyrone family. The father is a
successful but unfulfilled actor, his wife is a drug addict, and their two sons — Jamie (a failed actor) and Edmund, who is dying of consumption — are each confronting demons. While the wife (Mary) chooses morphine, alcohol is the drug of choice for the rest of the family.
Long Days
is set at a small theater company operated by Jack, who both directs and stars in the production. The cast includes his 20-ish son, Wes; a promising young actor (Bobby); Vic, the stage manager who also plays the maid; and Sue, a professional actress who is returning to her hometown. The similarities between the cast and the play are minimal – Sue is a recovering alcoholic, and Wes is not sure he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. Before the curtain rises on the last performance, we discover some of the interconnections between the characters. Sue had been a close friend of Jack and
his wife. Wes is attracted to both Sue and Vic, and Bobby plans on going to NYC for further training. It is later in Act Two that more important revelations about the characters are revealed. Like many modern plays, a homosexual relationship or two is included.
Long
Days
The reality is that makes no real points about the play or even the actors. They could be a group of doctors and nurses or coworkers in any field.
I saw the very first performance, so I assume that the slow pace of Act One will have picked up as the cast gets more comfortable.
Jamie Burnett has created a realistic green room for the actors to gather; his lighting is also very good. Jimmy Johansmeyer created costumes for the showwithin-the-show and the cast before the show.
Rod Brogan, as director and leading man Jack, shares the stage with Stefanie E. Frame’s Sue in , a new play that blurs the lines between performance and reality. Long Days
Director Michael Hogan has a very good cast to work with. Both Rod Brogan as Jack and Stefanie E. Frame as Sue mine the depths of their characters. Brogan subtly foreshadows some of the Act Two revelations. Dan Frye, as Wes, is burdened with having an Edmund-like cough that is not really explained. Thomas Rud-
den, as Bobby, is similarly burdened; at the beginning, it seems he is uninterested in a theater career and not a very good actor, but all that is reversed in Act Two. Hogan, perhaps, could have helped McKinley reduce some of
the contradictions in the script.
The two-act, two-hour (with intermission) play is intriguing, but it could have been so much more.
Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.
Photo by Cindy Ringer of LRJ Images
Photo by Cindy Ringer of LRJ Images
The cast of at the Legacy Theatre includes (from left) Thomas Rudden as Bobby, Rod Brogan as Jack, Dan Frye as Wes, and Stefanie E. Frame as Sue. The play explores backstage tensions on the closing night of .
Long Days Long Day’s Journey into Night
Stefanie E. Frame delivers a nuanced performance as Sue, a professional actress returning to her hometown—and confronting unfinished business.
Photo by Cindy Ringer of LRJ Images
Continued from page 35
MONDAY, JULY 7
Carousel Fundraising Event
: 12:30 to 7 p.m. Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale, 1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Proceeds from the day's carousel rides benefit The Women's Club of Madison Scholarship Fund. For info, visit womensclubmadisonct.com/events.
Family Board Game Night
: 4 to 5:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Open to all age groups. No registration needed. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Author Event: Adriana Trigiani
: 7 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. Book:
The View From Lake Como: A Novel
. Cost: $45, includes admission for one attendee and a copy of the book. Sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 8
BubbleMania!
: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Shoreline Village Tea and Talk
: 2 p.m. Lillian’s Landing Pergola by Pa's Place, 514 Whitfield St., Guilford. Features a conversation with members of Shoreline Village CT (SVCT). For info or to register, contact 203-747-5939 or info@ShorelineVillageCT.org.
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (Pre-K to Grade 2)
: 4 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book:
¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!
. Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Cookbook: Beat the Heat with 500 Recipes that Make the Most of Summer’s Bounty
by America’s Test Kitchen. Attendees make a dish of their choosing from a recipe in the cookbook and bring it to the meeting. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-399-6422 or visit westbrooklibrary.org.
Make Your Own Fused Glass Art: Pick Your Project Class
: 6 to 8:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
Essex Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ivoryton Green. Music by Local Honey. Free. Presented by Essex Park and Recreation. For info, visit facebook.com/SXParkandRec.
Concert by Django Festival Allstars
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
WEDNESDAY,
Summer Book Club
JULY 9
The Season of Styx Malone
: 9 to 11 a.m. Tri-town Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. Book: by Kekla Magoon. Third in a four-session reading and discussion series through Wednesday, July 16. The book covers sessions 3 and 4. Open to students in grades 3 to 5. Snacks provided. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.
Hollywood Gems:
To Catch a Thief
Crash Course in Pizza Making
: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St. Participants will make pizza from scratch. Open to ages 8 to 14. A collaborative program of the Deep River and Chester Public libraries. For info or to register (required), call the Deep River Library at 860-526-6039 or visit deepriverlibrary.libcal.com.
Falcons and Flight
: 6 p.m. Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St., Essex. Features a hands-on activity and live falcons. Presented by A Place Called Hope. Free and open to all. Hosted by the Essex Library. In the event of rain or extreme heat, the program will be held in the Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Ave. For info or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
2025 Summer Concert Series
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Old Saybrook Town Green. Music by Jukebox 45 Show Band. Free. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. No alcohol, smoking, or vaping. Presented by the Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Sponsored by The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. For info, call 860-395-3152 or visit the link for the Summer Concert Series at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Novel Games
Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!
: 4 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/scrantonlibrary.
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (Pre-K to Grade 2)
: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Teen Summer Book Club
Saint Anything
Working with Our Autism Spectrum/High High-Functioning Autism (AS/HFA) Children’s Meltdowns Developing Time Awareness/Time Management
¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!
: 4 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the Essex Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit libraryc.org/essexlib.
: 1 to 3 p.m. Tri-town Youth Services Bureau, 56 High St., Deep River. Book: by Sarah Dessen. Third in a four-session reading and discussion series through Wednesday, July 16. The book covers sessions 3 and 4. Open to students in grades 9 to 12. Snacks provided. For info or to register, visit ttysb.org/events.
Make Your Own Fused Glass Art: Pick Your Project Class
: 11:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Features an original board game designed by Mrs. Fig based on the book, by Megan McDonald. Copies of the book will be available for checkout. Part of a series of games through Thursday, July 31. For ages 7 to 9. For info, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org. : 12:30 to 2 p.m. Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services (OSYFS), 322 Main St. A second session from 6:30 to 8 p.m. also takes place via Zoom. Part of the monthly support group meetings for parents and grandparents of children diagnosed with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger Syndrome. Free and open to residents of Old Saybrook and surrounding towns. For info, or to register, call OSYFS at 860-395-3190 or email counselor Joanne Baker Deal at joannebakerdeal@gmail.com.
Pool Noodle Marble Runs
: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For ages 4 to 10. Features a reading of the story by Andrea Beaty. Participants then create a marble racetrack. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
“Drive-in” Movie Night:
Rosie Revere, Engineer Finding Nemo
: 4 to 4:30 p.m. Online event. Book: . Hosted by the North Branford Libraries through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/nbranfordlibraries.
¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (Pre-K to Grade 2) Cookbook Club
: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. Book:
The Complete Summer
: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Features a beginner to advancedbeginner class depending on what a participant prefers. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. Cost: $64. Additional fee may be required depending on selected project. Service fees apply. Materials and firing included. Items will be fired in the kiln and can be picked up in seven to 10 days. For info or to register, call 860-864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
: 5:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Popcorn served. Bring a blanket to sit on. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Continued from page 40
ONGOING EVENTS
Art Exhibits
Connecticut River Museum
: 67 Main St., Essex: For info, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.
Rising Waters
: Runs through Aug. 3.
Essex Library
: 33 West Ave.: For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Theresa Zwart-Ludeman Art Exhibit
: Runs through June 28.
Essex Savings Bank
: 99 Durham Rd., Madison: For info, visit CarolBoynton.com.
Portraits by Carol Boynton
: Runs through June 30.
Guilford Art Center (GAC)
: 411 Church St.: For info, call 203-453-5947 or visit guilfordartcenter.org.
Fiber Reimagined III
: Runs July 1 through July 27.
Lyme Art Association
: 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme: For info, call 860-434-7802 or visit lymeartassociation.org.
WET: A World of Water Expanding Visions
: Runs through June 27.
: Runs through July 17.
92nd Annual Hudson Valley Art Association Juried Exhibition
: Runs through July 17.
Earl Grenville Killeen Solo Show: An Artist for Today, Tomorrow, and Always 104th Elected Artist Exhibition
: Runs July 1 through July 17. : Runs July 25 through Sept. 4.
Red Hot
: Runs July 25 through Sept. 4.
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.
Fridays: 7 to 9 p.m. Bill’s Seafood All-Star Jazz Band. Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Various performers. Sundays: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Various performers.
Edward A. Norton VFW Post 7666:
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.
Nightingale’s Acoustic Café:
68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Donation $5 to $10 at the door. For info, email gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org or visit musicnowfoundation.org.
Tuesdays: 6 to 8 p.m. Ramblin’ Dan Stevens. Last Friday: 7 to 9 p.m. Teen Open Mic. Sweet Saturday Nights: 7 to 9 p.m. 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:
American Girl Doll Club:
6 to 6:45 p.m. First Thursday. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children in grades 1 through 4. Dolls don’t have to be American Girl. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
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.
Art Critique Series (Special-Themed Session):
10 a.m.
to noon. Third Thursday. Via Zoom. Runs November through April. 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. For info, call 203-912-2319 or visit vsctv.com.
Ask-A-Lawyer: A Free Legal Clinic:
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
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.
New Haven Paint & Clay Club Select Members Exhibition
: Runs July 25 through Sept. 4.
Mary C. Daly Art Gallery at Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center
: 167 Neck Rd., Madison: For info, visit mercybythesea.org.
Into the Light
: Runs through June 28.
Masonicare at Chester Village
: 317 W. Main St.: For info, call 860-531-1400.
The Works of David Baillie
: Runs through June 30.
Nathanael B. Greene Community Center
Guilford Art League 2025 Spring Show
: 32 Church St., Guilford: For info, visit guilfordartleague.org. : Runs through July 15.
Pratt House
: 19 West Ave., Essex: For info, visit essexhistory.org/pratt-house.
Art on the Lawn: Two Works by Horace Miller
: Runs through June 30.
Spectrum Art Gallery
: 61 Main St., Centerbrook: For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Nature Up Close
: Runs through July 6.
Thread & Paper Art
: Runs July 18 through Sept. 6
Susan Powell Fine Art
: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
David Dunlop: Quest for Radiance
: Runs through July 6.
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.
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 Wharf:
Groups and Activities
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.
Bereaved Parents USA and PS It Hurts Support Group: Bingo:
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Cost: $12 per person. For info, call 860-3881611.
Bingo
: 7 p.m. Mondays. East Creek Landing, 390 S. Union St., Guilford. Doors open 5 p.m. Light refreshments. Cost: $15. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928. For info, call 203-453-2801.
Board Game Club
: 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.
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.
Chair Yoga with Martha:
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.
A Journey Through America’s Past: Acoustics Club: 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.
6:30 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.
LISTING FROM THE HOMETOWN TEAM
57 Falls Bashan Road East Haddam
This charming 1200 sq ft Cape boosts 3 bedrooms and one full bath. Tastefully updated yet keeping the cozy, New England charm. One car garage under and sited on one acre of level land. Offered at $325,000
Call or text Preston for more information.
Beautifully Designed Cape Cod-Style Home
Staff Report
Welcome to 77 East Wharf! This beautifully designed five-bedroom Cape Cod-style home is ideally situated high on the property to capture breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and tranquil Fence Creek. Ideal for entertaining or hosting beach-loving visitors, this home also includes a charming onebedroom apartment over the garage.
Begin your experience with a private walkway bordered by a peaceful koi pond and gentle stream that leads to a stunning waterfall. This sets the tone for the serene lifestyle that awaits.
Inside, a massive sunroom offers panoramic vistas of the large, private yard, the creek, and Long Island Sound—ideal for morning coffee or relaxing sunsets.
Located just a short stroll from both the heart of Madison and a sandy beach, this rare offering blends privacy, charm, and convenience—an exceptional opportunity to live the coastal lifestyle you have been dreaming of.
This home is being offered for sale by The Walz Team at Coldwell Banker Realty for $4,000,000. For more information or a showing, contact Meig Walz at 203-9967209.
This beautifully designed five-bedroom Cape Cod-style home is ideally situated high on the property to capture breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and tranquil Fence Creek
Ideal for entertaining or hosting beach-loving visitors, this home includes a charming one-bedroom apartment over the garage.
Inside, a massive sunroom offers panoramic vistas of the large, private yard, the creek, and Long Island Sound—ideal for morning coffee or relaxing sunsets.
Real Estate Transactions
MADISON
: Marlene M. Schmitt to Midway Management LLC, $392,000 on June 2 :
Estate of Christopher Penders and Kali Penders to Kaitlyn Doherty, $250,000 on June 4
: Mark E. and Amy J. Jackson to J C. and Robin B. Backes, $850,000 on June 2
Road
: Robert J. Weber to South Ctrl Court Regional Water, $235,984 on June 4
CLINTON
: Laura
Ronghi to Denise V. and Lasse Simonsen, $630,000 on June 6 : Pergola Properties LLC to Daniel Alter and Sarbjeet Kaur, $580,000 on June 5 : Lkz Properties LLC to Beatrice OwusuBoateng, $357,000 on June 3
150 High Meadow Road
: Annamay K. and Cornell M. Lattanzi to John-Paul A. and Soraya M. Rautio, $728,800 on June 2
KILLINGWORTH
: Romy C
Schultz 2017 RET and Suzanne B. Walsh to Thomas Sikes, $75,000 on June 2
: Max Schultz
2017 RET and Max Schultz to Thomas Sikes, $1,120,000 on June 2
: Betty J. Folger to Jared Sgroi and Hannah Smith, $595,000 on June 3
BRANFORD
Boston
: 2414
: Edward C. and Phyllis C. Ryan to Regina M. Fedele and Thomas J. Stein, $700,000 on June 3 2414 Boston Post Road
: Robert G
Ferguson Jr T and Robert G. Ferguson to Dennis Q. and Tekhara Silva, $1,199,000 on June 3
: Stephen G. Palmer to Ernest T. and Alicia M. Walker, $250,000 on June 3
: Christopher Biggs to Andrea R. Bilskis, $570,000 on June 2
: Christopher Biggs to Andrea R. Bilskis, $570,000 on June
Birchwood Drive
: Mark and Kalene Ballantoni to Jude Santiago and Melissa Meyer, $530,000 on June 5
Edward Road
: Michael V. and Sophia Perito to Michael P. and Jacqueline M. Pierpaoli, $465,000 on June 3
WESTBROOK
Robert L. Cooper to David G. and Patricia L. Pruett, $14,900 on June 4
Captains Drive
: Seth & D
Kalkstein Lt and Seth J. Kalkstein to Robert W. and Kym A. Scott, $1,200,000 on June 2
Duck Island Landing Unit
: Virginia Oconnor to Carol J. Mcverry, $555,000 on June 4
144 Old Horse Hill Road
: Shelley W. Wilson RET and Shelley W. Wilson to Kristin A. Leverone, $1,100,000 on June 3
OLD SAYBROOK
: David and Ellen R. Platt to Glenn And Antonella Bellm and Glenn Bellman, $847,500 on June 3
: Russell T
Westcott T and Kerry E. Knobelsdorff Mcka to David W. Frasco, $490,000 on June 4
: Christina M. and Richard E. Garcia to Brendan M. Dennard, $811,000 on June 2
Continued from page 41
7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 11 Park St., Guilford. For info, email admin@christchurchguilford.org.
Christ Episcopal Church Choir Rehearsal: Christian Science Church Service and Sunday School:
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 49 Park St., Guilford. Open to all. For info, call 203-453-1975 or visit christianscienceCT.org/Guilford.
7 p.m. First and third Wednesdays. Via Zoom. To register (required), contact wfrprs@att.net. For info, visit coastalcameraclub.org.
: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Hosted by The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries, Madison. For info, email mainoffice@fccmadison.org or visit shorelinesoupkitchens.org.
4 p.m. Wednesdays. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Participants knit and/or crochet items for charity. Needles, yarn, and patterns are provided, but participants may bring their own. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
6 to 7:30 p.m. Fourth Tuesday. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to all. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
6 p.m. Third Tuesday. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to ages 14 and up. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
6 to 7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
: 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Creative Loft at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
6 p.m. Second Monday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.
: 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Runs through July 30. No meet July 16. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Discussion Group: The Atlantic Magazine:
10:30 a.m.
Fourth Wednesday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, call 860-669-2342 or email sarah@hchlibrary.org.
Duplicate Bridge:
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. First Church of Christ in Saybrook, Congregational, 366 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-388-0693.
Ekphrastic Poetry Trust:
3 to 4:30 p.m. Second Tuesday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Participants create poetry from art. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
F3 Shoreline Men’s Bootcamp Workout:
5:30 a.m. Fridays. Madison Town Campus, 8 Campus Dr. Free and open to all men. Held outdoors rain or shine. For info, email F3shoreline@gmail.com.
Family Support Group:
6 p.m. First Monday. Via Zoom. Offered by BHcare. A group for family members and caregivers who assist people through their journey of mental wellness. For info, call 203-800-7177 or visit BHcare.org.
Fiber Arts Club:
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own project. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Forever Young: A Young Adult Book Club:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Last Wednesday bimonthly. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Friday Movie Matinee:
2 to 4 p.m. Second and fourth Fridays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration recommended. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Genealogy with Marcy Fuller:
6 to 8 p.m. Fourth Tuesday. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. No appointment necessary. For info, call the library at 860399-6422.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group:
5:30 p.m.
Fourth Monday. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Facilitated by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff. All area towns welcome. Registration is not required. For info, contact 860-510-5042 or heather.mcneil@oldsaybrookct.gov.
Guilford Job Network Meeting:
7 to 8:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Via Zoom. Includes guest speaker. All job seekers are welcome. For info or to register (required), call 203-457-0121 or email RussAllen2@aol.com.
Guitar Club:
12:30 p.m. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Bring your own instruments. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
iPhone Photography Collaborative:
6:30 p.m. First Monday. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All levels are welcome. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Noon to 3 p.m. Second Sunday. Myrcene Ale Co., 39 Ragged Rock Rd., Old Saybrook. No cost to join but must bring a jigsaw puzzle to swap. Co-hosted with Old Tyme Toys. For info, visit oldsaybrookchamber.com.
Jigsaw Puzzle Meet Up and Swap: La Leche Virtual Meetings:
7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Via Facebook. Sponsored by La Leche League of Connecticut. For info, visit facebook.com/groups/LLLofCTDiscussionForum.
Lego STEM Club:
5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Second or fourth Tuesday. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children in grades 1 through 4. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Letter Writing Social:
1 to 5 p.m. First Friday. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Writing implements, stationery, postcards, and stamps available. No registration. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Love2Sign with Jaye:
10:45 a.m. Thursdays. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 6 months to 6 years. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Madison Movie Chat:
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First and third Mondays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register (required), visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Maker Meet-up:
6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. No registration required. All ages welcome. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Martial Arts Class: Adult Combat Hapkido
: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays. Green Hill Martial Arts, 273 Rte. 81, Killingworth. For ages 13 and up. For info, visit greenhillmartialarts.org.
Master Gardener Clinic:
Noon. Mondays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. All specimens must be in sealed containers. No registration required. For info, visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Meditation Class:
11 a.m. Mondays. Online. Sponsored by the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Led by certified mindfulness and meditation teacher Joanne Vannelli. Free. For info or to register (required), contact sarah@hchlibrary.org.
Meet-up Mondays:
1:30 p.m. Mondays. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features board games, coloring, puzzles, and more. Light refreshments. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Trolley Line Celebrates 125 Years as Oldest in the U.S.
The Shore Line Trolley Museum marks 125 years of continuous operation of Connecticut’s historic trolley line, the oldest suburban rail service in the nation. Founded in 1900 by Branford residents to connect their town to New Haven, the line remains a living piece of American transportation history thanks to dedicated volunteers.
John Proto, Executive Director of the museum, said, “This railway is a rare surviving example of early American transit infrastructure. We’re preserving more than trolley cars—we’re stewarding a pivotal chapter in our nation’s industrial and transportation heritage.”
Continued from page 45
Since opening to the public in 1947, the museum has grown to house the country’s most extensive collection of vintage trolleys and rapid transit cars. The railway offers visitors a glimpse of America’s industrial pride amid the unspoiled natural surroundings along the route.
The museum will mark the 125th anniversary with family-friendly events throughout the year, including a public ceremony on Thursday, July 31, the date the museum acquired the line. Local officials and museum leaders will participate.
For details, visit www.shorelinetrolley.org or follow @shorelinetrolleymuseum on Facebook and Instagram.
the United States, celebrating 125 years in 2025.
Story Time with Ms. Elizabeth:
11 a.m. to noon. First Wednesday. Westbrook Public Library, 61 Goodspeed Dr. To register, visit tnyurl.com/wplresearch. For info, call the library at 860399-6422.
Research Skills for Homeschooling Teens and Preteens: Scrabble Club:
2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.
SCORE at the Library:
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Free and confidential advice on starting and growing small businesses. Appointments required. For info or a request form, call 860-388-9508.
Scranton Writers’ Club:
6:30 p.m. First and third Tuesdays. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365, ext. 1019 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Shoreline Astronomical Society Meeting:
7 to 9 p.m.
Second Thursday. Deer Lake Camp, 101 Paper Mill Rd., Killingworth. Observation session to follow (weather permitting). Open to all. For info, email shorelineastronomicalsociety@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/groups/shorelineastronomicalsociety.
Shoreline Roundtable:
6:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a guest speaker each month. For info, call 860-3951124 or email evaluator1@comcast.net.
Story Time A to Z:
10 a.m. Fridays. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Each story time focuses on a letter of the week. Free. Registration is recommended. For info or to register, call 860767-1560.
9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St. All ages welcome. For info, contact the library at 860-767-1252 or staff@ivorytonlibrary.org.
Story Time with Ms. Liz:
10:30 a.m. Mondays. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. For ages 3 and below, but siblings are welcome. For info, contact the library at 860526-0018 or library@chesterct.org.
Farmers Market
Chester Sunday Market
Deep River Farmers Market
: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 11. First Congregational Church in Deep River, 1 Church St. For info, contact Paul Santowski at 203-305-5429 or paulsantowski@outlook.com.
10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. For children ages 2 to 6. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Surprise Saturdays with Mrs. Fig: Theater
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Durham Farmers Market
Farmers Market at the Guilford Fairgrounds
: : 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12. Chester Center, Main St. For info, visit chestersundaymarket.jimdo.com.
Ivory-
ton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs June 26 through June 27. For info, call 860-767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
All Shook Up:
Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam. Runs June 27 through Aug. 17. For info, call 860873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.
: Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs July 18 through July 27. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.
: Madison Lyric Stage, Deacon John Grave House grounds, 581 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Runs July 18 through Aug. 3. For info, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.
: 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through Oct. 4. Durham Community Center grounds, 144 Picket Ln., or on the Town Green. For info, email farmersmarket@townofdurhamct.org or visit townofdurhamct.org/articles/summer-farmers-market-update. : 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 30 (later, if weather permits). Guilford Fairgrounds, 111 Lovers Ln. For info, email farmersmarket@guilfordfair.org or visit guilfordyouthandfamilyservices.org.
Madison Farmers Market
: 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Thanksgiving. Madison Green. For info, visit madisonctfarmersmarket.com.
The Dudley Farm Farmers Market
: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through October. The Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. For info, visit dudleyfarm.com/farmers-market.
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Press Release from the Shore Line Trolley Museum
Photo courtesy of the Shore Line Trolley Museum
A vintage trolley car glides along the scenic Shore Line Trolley Museum route in East Haven, part of the oldest continuously operated suburban trolley line in
“A Hong Merchant,” an oil painting by Lam Qua (circa 1835–40), depicts a key figure in early U.S.-China trade. The work is part of the Dietrich American Foundation collection featured in the China from China exhibition at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
New Exhibition at Lyman Allyn Explores Early U.S.-China Trade
China from China: Porcelain and Stories of Early American Trade
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London presents , on view from June 14 through September 14, 2025. This exhibition explores the early trade between the United States and China, highlighting Connecticut merchants and sailors who helped shape American identity, industry, and global ties.
Featuring over 100 examples of fine and decorative arts, the show reveals how cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries influenced a young nation and laid the groundwork for a complex geopolitical relationship that continues today.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Lyman Allyn and the Dietrich American Foundation. It includes the Dietrich collection of Chinese export porcelain and paintings, a portion of which was shown at the Chinese American Museum in Washington, D.C., in 2022. The show also draws on objects from the Lyman Allyn’s collection and loans from regional public and private collections.
Following America’s independence in 1783, the country looked to China as a source of prized goods such as tea, porcelain, and silk. The historic voyage of the
Empress of China in 1784 launched this transpacific trade, a venture marked by both great success and hardship. The exhibition tells the story through the lives of American traders, hong merchants, sailors, artists, diplomats, and scholars who shaped this critical chapter in history.
The opening reception will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. Museum members attend free; non-members pay $10. To register, call 860-4432545 ext. 2129 or email info@lyman allyn.org.
Related programming includes a Community Day on June 14 from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring a tea tasting, Chinese brush painting workshop, and lion dance performance—all free and open to the public. Award-winning author Eric Jay Dolin will give a lecture on July 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. On August 20, a virtual discussion with collectors H. Richard Dietrich III and Edward Tiedemann will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., free and open to all.
This exhibition is supported by an anonymous foundation, the Dietrich American Foundation, and the Connecticut State Legislature’s Office of the Arts.
For more information, visit www.lymanallyn.org or contact Rebecca Dawson at dawson@lymanallyn.org.
Photo courtesy of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Press Release from the Lyman Allyn Art Museum
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