Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXV Iss. 13
Lanterns to Light up the Night April 5
By Christian Maldonado
Staff Writer
For the sixth year, A Little Compassion (ALC) will light up the night with its Lantern Illumination Celebration.
The Deep River organization, known for its The Nest Coffee House, is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering acceptance and oppor-
tunity for neurodiverse young adults. At The Nest, they gain employment training and skills along with social and community events. On April 5, ALC’s will celebrate inclusion, creativity, and unity at the sixth annual Lantern Illumination Event.
According to ALC Executive Director Bill Furgueson, the event started with founder
and former Executive Director Jane Moen and has evolved over time.
“This event has been going on for six years, and we try to target the whole community,” Furgueson said. “You are able to decorate your own lanterns, and it’s supposed to
See Lanterns page 13
In the
Several swimmers from the Valley Shore YMCA Marlins competed in the New England Championship earlier this month....................14 New England Qualifiers
Community groups, Irish marching bands, dancers, musicians, festive floats, and cars journeyed through Essex on March 22. The EssexGo Bragh Irish Parade kicked off at 11 a.m. with seasonal weather, sunny skies, and festive onlookers wearing their best green attire.
Hartford Stage’s newest production is not as lighthearted as expected......................................26 Laughs in Spanish
PhotobyLauraMatesky/ ValleyCourier
Linda Rigono
Linda Rigono: How Does Her Garden Grow?
By Rita Christopher
Senior Correspondent
Linda Rigono’s volunteer garden work with inmates at York Correctional Institution produces fresh vegetables and herbs. That was to be expected.
However, Linda’s work also had an unexpected result: an upcoming dance presentation by the Justice Dance Performance Project (JDPP) at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ) in Chester on Sunday, April 6.
At an appreciation day for volunteers at the prison, Linda saw a performance of the JDPP. She recalled that the dance group had once appeared at CBSRZ over a decade ago, and she thought that their performance deserved another opportunity to be seen in the area.
Under the tutelage of Judy Dworin, its executive and artistic director, the JDPP will put on a piece entitled , which involves not only dance, but also the spoken word. According to
Unmuting
Person of the Week
Dworin, most of the performers themselves have been formerly incarcerated.
Unmuting
focuses on what it is like to return and readjust to a world which can be unwelcoming to ex-offenders, as well as what the effects of having a parent incarcerated are on the rest of a family.
In addition to founding JDPP, Dworin is an emerita professor of theatre and dance at Trinity College in Hartford.
The admission fee to the dance program will go toward the work which JDPP does with prisoners and their families.
York Correctional Institution is Connecticut’s only prison for female offenders. Linda’s volunteer efforts began some 25 years
ago, when she started bringing books and magazines to the prison for inmates to read. Originally, she had thought of bringing the reading material to another organization, but found that the group required only the most upto date publications.
“So I called around to see who might want magazines and books,” Linda recalls.
The prison was interested. Still, there were some requirements. Only books on the prison’s approved list could be donated.
Linda says that mysteries are particularly popular. She also tried on occasion to include some easy-reader books for inmates who lacked basic educational skills.
Now, Linda’s gardening efforts are directed toward a group of younger women with shorter prison sentences who live apart from the general prison population.
See Linda Rigono page 7
Photo by Rita Christopher/Valley Courier
Linda Rigono played a big part in bringing an upcoming dance presentation by the Justice Dance Performance Project to Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester on Sunday, April 6.
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Louie Listens
The Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, continues with Louie Listens, a program that allows children to read with a licensed therapy dog. Louie Listens takes place Thursdays, March 27 and April 10, at 5 p.m. Parents and guardians can register their children to read for a 15-minute period to Louie the Labrador, a local licensed therapy dog, and his handler, Rebecca Russell. For more information or to register, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Tuition-Free Program at CBSRZ
Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester, offers Pathways for Jewish Youth for families with children 16 and younger. Families with children in 3rd grade and younger have the option of freewill tuition. For more information, contact Belinda Brennan at 860-526-8920 or edcant@cbsrz.org, or visit www.cbsrz.org.
ESSEX TOWN MEETINGS
Thursday, March 27
Harbor Management Commission
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-7674340, ext. 129, or visit the Essex town website www.essexct.gov to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1
Region #4 Board of Education Public Meeting and Special Meeting (Proposed Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2025’26)
Planning and Zoning Commission
Wednesday, April 2
Board of Selectmen
Thursday, April 3
Joint Boards of Education
Region #4 Board of Education
: 7 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 7 p.m. : 5 p.m. : 6:30 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 6:45 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details.
DEEP RIVER TOWN MEETINGS
Board of Finance Budget Workshop Community Health Committee
Monday, March 31
Special Town Meeting: Appointment, Funds Transfer, and Finance Ordinance
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-526-6024 or visit the Deep River town website www.deepriverct.us to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1
: 7 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details.
Firehouse Building Committee Joint Boards of Education
Region #4 Board of Education
Region #4 Board of Education Public Meeting and Special Meeting (Proposed Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2025’26) : 7 p.m. : 7 p.m. : 6 p.m. : 6:30 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 6:45 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details.
Chester Elementary School Board of Education (Possible Vote on 2025-’26 Budget)
Workplace Safety and Health Committee
Affordable Housing Committee
Harbor Management Commission Planning and Zoning Commission
Thursday, March 27 Tuesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 2 Thursday, April 3 CHESTER TOWN MEETINGS
Conservation Commission Joint Boards of Education
Region #4 Board of Education Thursday, April 3
NOTE: Call the town clerk at 860-5260013, ext. 511, or visit the Chester town website www.chesterct.org to learn how to participate in the following meetings: : 6 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 9:30 a.m. : 7 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 7 p.m. : 7 p.m. : 7 p.m. : 5:30 p.m. : 6:30 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details. : 6:45 p.m. Visit www.reg4.k12.ct.us for login details.
Region #4 Board of Education Public Meeting and Special Meeting (Proposed Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2025’26)
Christian Maldonado Valley Courier
Chris Piccirillo Deputy Editor
Hyzak
Obituaries
Obituary
Emma Ellenore Rudewicz Chester
Emma Ellenore "Emmy" Rudewicz, born May 26, 1926, passed away peacefully at her Cedar Lake home in Chester on Jan. 19, 2025. She was under the compassionate care of Yale New Haven Health at Home Hospice and her children.
Born to Gustav Benjamin David and Dorothea Louise Nehb David in Chester, Emmy spent much of her youth in Jersey City, New Jersey, but cherished summers at the family homestead at Cedar Lake, a place that remained her true home throughout her life.
Albert Janschewitz III, Robin Conaway, and Patrick Golarz, as well as 10 greatgrandchildren.
In the early 1950s, Emmy worked as a long-distance operator for the Southern New England Telephone Company. Later, she obtained a home bakery license and specialized in birthday and wedding cakes. Once her children were school-age in the mid-1960s, she became an electronics assembler for Chester Electronics and Chestel before retiring from Whelen Engineering Company in 1992.
She found joy in doll collecting, bread baking, cake decorating, and word search puzzles. Emmy and Leo shared a love for camping, country music, and animals-especially dogs.
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She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Leon Paul "Leo" Rudewicz; her daughter, Deborah Lynn Nelson Robbins; her parents; and all of her siblings, Pauline Warren, Helen Olson, Dorothea Scharr, Augusta Mensching, Warren David, and Betty Ziobron.
Emmy is survived by two of her children, Christine Nelson with her fiancé Mark Kibbe of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and David C. Nelson of East Haddam. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Kerin Smollen, Heather Smollen, Tara Ellis, Alyssa Trettel,
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at Deep River Congregational Church, One Church Street. The service will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewing at DeepRiverCC.org/Livestream. Interment of ashes will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River. Memorial donations in Emmy's honor may be made to: Chester Hose Company, Post Office Box 214, 6 High Street, Chester, CT 06412-0214 -orYale New Haven Health at Home Hospice Wish Program, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437-2735.
See OBITUARIES page 12
Spectrum Gallery Workshops and Classes
Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, is holding virtual and in-person art classes and workshops that include watercolor for beginners and beyond on Fridays, March 28 through May 2; introduction to pastels on Saturdays, March 29 through May 3; creative writing for fabulous 50s and up on Sundays, March 30 through May 4; yoga and movement for ages 7 through 11 on Fridays, April 4 through Aril 25; tales and treasures, a creative writing class for storytellers ages 9 to 12 on Thursdays, April 10 through May 1; fashion camp for ages 10 to 12 from Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18; and fashion camp for ages 13 to 15 from Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25. For more information, including class schedules, material lists, and costs, call 860767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Wanted: Volunteers for Spectrum Gallery and Arts Center
Arts Center Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, and Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, are seeking volunteers to help at events and programs throughout the year. No experience is necessary. Teens can earn community service credit. For more information, contact 860-663-5593 or artscenterkillingworth @gmail.com, or visit the volunteer page at spectrumartgallery.org/volunteer.
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Linda Rigono: How Does Her Garden Grow?
Continued from page 2
“It is worthwhile program,” she says.
The hope is that the special housing and activities like gardening will lessen an ongoing problem in recidivism, which is when inmates who have served their sentences later reoffend.
From early spring to autumn, Linda volunteers at the garden once every two weeks. For the women with whom she works, it is all new.
“They never had contact with dirt, worms. They don’t know anything about gardening,” she says. “Out of 25, only one had gardening experience.”
Still, Linda says that the inmates have taken to the gardening project with great enthusiasm. She recalls an instance with one of the women who was about to leave the prison for a halfway house.
“She told me she was taking her green thumb with her,” Linda says.
Linda had to have a background check and go through an orientation program before she could begin volunteering at the prison. To work in the garden, she also had to join the Herb Society of America, which has a Connecticut unit.
According to Linda, many of the inmates have a history of abuse, be it from a spouse, a boyfriend, or family abuse as a child.
“They haven’t had any advantages, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to be productive members of society,” Linda says.
Linda also volunteers with United Action of Connecticut—an interfaith group which lobbies for immigrants’ civil rights, healthcare, protection for domestic workers, and mental health awareness.
At one time, Linda volunteered in a soup kitchen. However, she says that, “in the end, it made more sense to me to go to Hartford and lobby to change the laws.”
Still, Linda adds that she no longer has the energy to advocate the way she used to in the past.
For over a decade, Linda worked with
Food Drive for SSKP
Literacy Volunteers—an organization which provides one-on-one English instruction for adults learning the language. Though she no longer volunteers with the group, Linda still sees some of the clients to whom she taught English, mentioning a Chinese student with whom she maintains contact.
“Her son is now an architect, and her daughter works in the Connecticut state college system,” Linda says.
Linda was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Queens. She spent a year at Queens College, but then finished at Western Carolina University.
“My twin brother went away to college, and I really wanted to,” she says of her move to college in the South.
Linda had family in North Carolina, and that situation figured in her decision.
Linda worked as a computer programmer for the New York City Board of Education (BOE), retiring at 50 after some 25 years of work. Her late husband Anthony was also employed by the New York City BOE as a computer systems manager.
The family moved to Connecticut, where Linda’s mother lived while Linda’s son was still in junior high school. Linda felt that it would have been too stressful to move while he was a high school student. Now, her son lives in Middletown, and she has a five-year-old grandson.
Linda never did volunteer work during her professional life. However, the experience has enlivened and enriched her retirement.
Unmuting
“It makes me happy,” she says. , a performance of the Justice Dance Performance Project, will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek at 55 East Kings Highway in Chester. Admission is $20 via cash or check only. Register in advance at CBSRZ.org or by calling 860526-8920.
To find out about volunteering at York Correctional Institution, email: Adrienne.Kerwin@ct.gov.
Compass, an independent real estate brokerage, is hosting a food drive at the Compass Essex office, 55 Essex Square, to benefit The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. The food drive runs through Friday, March 28. Donations of nonperishable food will be accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the Compass Essex office at 860767-5390.
Clinton Pilot Perishes in Chester Crash
By Christian Maldonado
Staff Writer
Investigations are underway after a small aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Chester Airport on March 14.
According to reports from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Wild Sky GOAT aircraft crashed in the woods on Cedar Lake Road near the airport just after departure at the end of runway 17 at approximately 4:15 p.m. on March 14. The craft was piloted by Clinton resident Bradley Daar, who was transported via Life Star to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
According to Jeane Dow, a spokesperson and partner with Chester Charter Incorporated, Daar was a licensed pilot.
“He was not in cooperation with any company or shipping anything; this was just for leisure,” Dow said. “It was a beautiful day, and he just decided it would be a good day to fly.”
According to Dow, the craft Daar was piloting is known as an ultralight, a small, usually single-seat plane commonly used for recreational or sport flying. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and investigations are underway. Representatives from Chester Airport declined to speculate as to the crash. No others were injured or harmed in the accident.
Daar was known in the community as a dentist at Shoreline Modern Dental. According to his biography on the practice’s website, Daar had been associated with Shoreline Modern Dental since he started his practice when he moved to Connecticut in 1983. He was known for his work in dentistry, commitment to his patients, and going above and beyond, completing training in multiple areas
Little Learners at the Library
Essex Library continues its series of Little Learners story times with stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts around a designated theme. Children enjoy story time at 10 a.m. on Fridays, with a theme of colors March 28 and daffodils April 11. The program is best for children ages 2 to 5 to learn early literacy concepts of colors, shapes, opposites, the alphabet, and more. Little Learners story times take place at the library, 33 West Avenue. For more information or to register, contact the library at 860-767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.
including orthodontics and sleep apnea, among others.
In addition to piloting a number of aircraft, including hot air balloons and ultralights, Daar was known for his activity with the Police Activities League and as a board member for a nonprofit devoted to fibromuscular dysplasia.
via: Shoreline Modern Dental
Deep River Public Library Receives Grant from CFMC
Press Release from Deep River Public Library
Deep River Library has received a $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) in order to fund immersive chess instruction program for children, teens, and adults.
The Deep River Library is a not-forprofit organization which serves Middlesex County by providing library materials, cultural and enrichment events, as well as educational opportunities. The CFMC grant will be used to provide three sessions of intensive chess instruction to cover all phases of gameplay, develop strategy techniques, and foster good sportsmanship in an intergenerational program.
Susan Rooney, executive director of the Deep River Library, extended her thanks to the CFMC for its continued support of local libraries, stating that ”this has enabled us to extend our programming budget for our community.”
For more information on the Deep River
Library and how you can support its community outreach, visit its website at: deepriverlibrary.acountsupport.com.
The CFMC is a nonprofit organization which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County and to help ”good people do great things.” The mission of the CFMC is to improve the quality of life for the people of Middlesex County both now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants which have and impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. The CFMC’s interests are your interests, including animal welfare, arts and culture, health and social services, education, history, the environment, civic improvements, recreation, and economic security and opportunity. The CFMC welcomes conversations with good people who want to do great things. For more information, contact the CFMC at 860-347-0025 or info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.
Collection of Household Hazardous Waste
The Lower Connecticut River Council of Governments announces a satellite collection of household hazardous waste on Saturday, April 19, at the Clinton Public Works Garage, 117 Nod Road, and on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Deep River Town Garage, 206 Winthrop Road (Route 80). The collection runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to residents in the RiverCOG region towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. For more information, contact RiverCOG, 860-581-8554 or jehlemeyer@rivercog.org.
NOTICE OF DECISION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Essex Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Wetlands Enforcement Officer took the following actions:
- IWWC #25-4, 7 Lynn Road Ivoryton, construction of a 24’ X 24’ garage to be located within 100 feet of wetlands. AGENT APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted, Carey Duques, Wetlands Enforcement Officer and Land Use Official
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF CHESTER WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Legal notice is hereby given to all users liable to pay a usage fee to the Chester Water Pollution Control Authority that the second installment of the usage fee for the period October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 is hereby due and payable on April 1, 2025. Failure to make payment on or before May 1, 2025 will result in an interest charge of one and one half percent (1.5%) per month from the due date of April 1, 2025 with a minimum charge of $2.00 per bill.
Payments may be made online (fees apply), at the Office of the Tax Collector, Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Avenue, Chester or mailed to: Tax Collector, PO Box 314, Chester, CT 06412. Checks should be made payable to Town of Chester.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday 9-12 and 1-4. Closed Fridays.
Emily J. Vetter-Haupt Tax Collector 860-526-0013 Ext. 513
taxcollector@chesterct.org
Essex Savings Bank Donates $10,000 to Local Youth Charity
Press Release from Essex Savings Bank
Essex Savings Bank has donated $10,000 in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau (TTYSB).
TTYSB is a nonprofit organization which helps the youth of Chester, Deep River, and Essex by addressing juvenile justice, crisis intervention, child welfare, mental health, positive youth development, and recreation. With this donation, Essex Savings Banks is supporting TTYSB’s efforts to provide childcare assistance to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, which comprise over 20% of the area’s population.
Diane Arnold, president and CEO of Essex Savings Bank, expressed how the organization is eager to assist with TTYSB’s mission.
“It is no secret that to maintain a
healthy and connected community, we must always invest in the younger generation. That’s why the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau is so important to us,” Arnold said. ”We hope that this donation will help the bureau provide local families with the help they need.”
Essex Savings Bank is an FDICinsured, state-chartered, mutual savings bank which was established in 1851. The bank serves the Connecticut River Valley and the shoreline with two offices in Essex and one office apiece in Chester, Madison, Old Lyme, and Old Saybrook, providing a full complement of personal and business banking. Financial, estate, insurance, and retirement planning are offered throughout the state by the bank’s Trust Division, the Essex Trust, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Essex Financial Services, Inc., which is a registered investment advisor.
YMCA Offers Child Care
The Valley Shore YMCA School Age program offers before- and after-school childcare. Organized games and outside/gym times are planned, including homework time, arts and crafts, snacks, and special activities. Children may attend one to five days, with drop-in options available. Registration is required. For more information, call 860-3999622, ext. 118 or visit vsymca.org.
LEGAL NOTICE
DEEP RIVER
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Legal notice is hereby given to all users of Deep River’s municipal sewers that the second installment of all SEWER OPERATION & MAINTENANCE charges for the period April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 is hereby due and payable on April 1, 2025. The second installment becomes delinquent if not paid on or beforeMay 1, 2025. The interest rate on delinquent payments is one and one-half percent for each month or fraction thereof after April 1, 2025. Minimum interest is $2.00.
Mail your payment to the Tax Office, Town Hall, PO Box 13, Deep River, CT 06417 or at the Tax Office Tues, Wed 9-12 & 1-4, Thurs 9-12 & 1-6:00 860-526-6028
Katherine Cryder, CCMC Tax Collector
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF DEEP RIVER
Legal notice is hereby given to all owners whose properties are along the following streets: Bridge St, Burcam Cir, Elm St, High St, Lafayette Ave, Lords La, Pent Rd, Spring St, Union St, Village St, West Elm St, Kirtland St, Prospect St, Fairview Ave, Old River St. 1 & 2, Phelps La, Read St, River St. SEWER ASSESSMENT bills are due and payable on April 1, 2025. The sewer assessment payment is late and subject to interest if not paid on or before May 1, 2025. The interest rate on delinquent sewer assessments is one and one-half percent for each month or fraction thereof after April 1, 2025. Minimum interest is $5.00.
Mail your payment to the Tax Office, PO Box 13, Deep River, CT 06417
Or pay at the Tax Office, Tues, Wed 9-12 & 1-4, Thurs 9-12 & 1-6:00
Katherine Cryder, CCMC
Tax Collector
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Luscious Luca!
Story by Carol Andrecs
Luca, a flame point Siamese with piercing blue eyes, was rescued as a stray when he started hanging around someone’s property looking for food. When the homeowner believed that Luca had been hit by a car and couldn’t find anyone to help, Forgotten Felines immediately sprang into action and trapped him.
Although very playful, Luca is extremely shy as a result of having little interaction with humans before arriving at the shelter. There is no doubt that he will blossom in a quiet home, preferably with another cat as a playmate. Stop by our open house to meet Luca or apply to adopt him online at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.
2025 Forgotten Felines Mother’s Day Plant Sale
Forgotten Felines will hold its annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All plants must be preordered. To place an order, please fill out the form found on www.forgottenfelinesct.org and return with a check to Forgotten Felines, PO Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413 by Monday, April 21. Plants must be picked up on May 10 at 153 Horse Hill Road in Westbrook. For more information, please leave a message on the fundraising line at 860-669-1347.
Find Your Match at Forgotten Felines
Forgotten Felines holds an open house every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Horse Hill Road in Westbrook. No appointment is necessary.
The Valley Shore Toastmasters holds its meetings every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Road. The aim is to create a supportive environment so that participants improve their public speaking skills. For more information, email cathferg@yahoo.com or visit www.3940.toastmastersclubs.org.
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2025 Spring Concerts
In honor of the retirement of Dr. Stephen Bruce, Music Director, and Ms. Susan Saltus, Associate Music Director
Saturday, April 12, 8 PM • Sunday, April 13, 4 PM Christ the King Church, Old Lyme, CT
Puccini: Messa di Gloria
Guest soloists: Ransom Bruce and Bill Sorensen, tenors
Conducted by Dr. Stephen Bruce with the Con Brio Festival Orchestra Tickets $40. Call 860-526-5399, or visit conbrio.org
Photo courtesy of Tracye Mueller
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OBITUARIES Continued from page 5
Obituary
Michael Francis Creeron
Deep River
Michael Francis Creeron, age 66, of Deep River, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 12, 2025, after an unexpected illness. Michael proudly served his country for over 20 years in the United States Navy, including a tour of service in Desert Storm in 1990.
Michael is survived by his three daughters, Callieann Creeron, Michelle Creeron, and JoAnna Creeron of Florida; and his grandchildren, James and Kaley Bridges, Morgan DeGeyter, Damien Sapp, Whyatt Cummings, Riley Cummings, and Mylaa Creeron. Michael is survived by his twin sister, Patty Lyons, his best friend and partner-in-crime; his big brother, Edward W. Creeron and Edward’s wife, Margo Creeron; his sister, Elaine Russell and her husband
Kenneth; his other sister, Peggy Kinrade and her husband Judge Kinrade; his brother, William (Fuzzy) Creeron and his wife Trudy; his sister Chris Ann and Steve Flynn; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward Creeron and Grace Byrd; his longtime, loving partner, Wanda Bessette; and his brother, Lenny Creeron. A longtime member of the John III Sobieski Club in Deep River, donations in his honor may be made to the Club in lieu of flowers.
Interment will be privately held by the family at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Ln, Middletown. A celebration of life will be held for Michael at noon on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Sobieski Club, 10 Woodland Road, Deep River.
Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home. To share a memory of Michael or to leave a condolence for his family, please visit rwwfh.com.
Obituary Richard M. Strukus Deep River
Richard Michael Strukus, 91, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025.
The Estuary announces two curated trips for this spring for adults 50 and over. These all-inclusive day trips provide an opportunity to explore new destinations, try new food, and make lasting memories. The first trip is to Deerfield, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, April 16. The trip features a guided tour of the Smith College Arboretum, lunch at Champney’s Restaurant, a self-guided visit to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens, and a stop at the Yankee Candle Village. The cost for the trip is $185 per person. The second is a trip to Newport, Rhode Island, on Wednesday, June 18. This event features a narrated lighthouse and mimosa cruise aboard the Coastal Queen, lunch at the Brick Alley Pub, and a guided tour of Newport. The cost for the trip is $169 per person. The price for both trips includes a roundtrip motor coach, a tour director, all gratuities, and all listed activities. Spots are limited, so early reservation is advised. To sign up, stop by The Estuary, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook, with cash or check. For more information, call 860-388-1611, ext. 236.
Richard spent most of his life on the Connecticut shoreline, where he developed an early and enduring love for swimming, fishing, Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach, the Connecticut River, and the ocean. He was born in Branford on March 30, 1933, to the late Mary (Kasheta) Strukus and Michael Strukus and grew up in Essex, where he attended Pratt High School. At 17, he joined the Army and saw combat in the Korean War. After he was discharged, he embarked on many sea-and-soundgoing adventures, swordfishing off Montauk Point and Block Island with a close-knit group of fishing buddies, scuba diving, and working in undersea construction. He met his beloved wife, Frances, at a dance, and they married and raised their family in Deep River. Blessed with an early retirement from the State of Connecticut, he immersed himself in his favorite sport, soccer, and became a referee for middle school and high school soccer matches throughout the shoreline.
birds, and goldfish over the course of his life. There was a special place in his heart for wildlife, and he had a gift for nursing wounded, abandoned, and orphaned birds, squirrels, raccoons, and possums back to health and returning them to the wild.
When health issues impaired his speech and mobility, he developed new ways to contribute to his community at Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation in Moodus. He learned that a wave, a smile, and a well-timed joke could brighten the days of staff and fellow patients, and while he longed to do more, he had faith that these small acts of kindness could make a difference. Richard was extremely grateful for the spiritual support of Saint John Paul II Parish, Deacon Dan D’Amelio, and Saint Bridget’s Lady’s Guild, and for the care and affection of his Chestelm nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, recreational therapists, cooking staff, and laundry, cleaning, and facilities staff. He felt lucky to be surrounded by not just caregivers but people he considered friends.
He was an active member in his community, in his younger days as a member of the Essex Volunteer Fire Department, and then supporting the Deep River and Westbrook Fife and Drum Corps, assisting annually with the Deep River Muster, serving on the Deep River Ambulance Board, and volunteering as the town dog warden. He was a regular, active, and occasionally rabblerousing participant at Deep River Town Hall meetings, where he also provided tech support and video recording. He was a devout member of St. Joseph’s Church, volunteering in many capacities and also serving as church sexton. He counted the many priests who guided St. Joseph’s over the last 60 years among his closest friends. He liked to help people, and he did so without fuss or fanfare. He was, reliably, someone who would assist with any project, no matter its size or scope.
He was passionate about animals of all kinds and was a trusted companion to many cats, dogs, rabbits, skunks,
Richard was proud to be part of a loving and extensive family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances; his sister, Mary Ann Hotkowski; and his brother, Michael Strukus, Jr.; and is survived by his children, Christopher and Wanda (Rob Kilburn); his sister-inlaw Ann Satagaj; and brother-in-law Ron Restelli; and the many nieces and nephews whose lives and accomplishments he followed with interest and delight.
Visitation for Richard will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A Funeral Mass will follow immediately after at 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue in Chester. The rendering of Military Honors will follow the Mass on the grounds of the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, which provides local Veterans honorable recognition, community service, civic interest, and a venue for fellowship. Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, P.O. Box 142, Centerbrook, CT, 06409. To share a memory of Richard or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.
Lanterns
Continued from page 1
reflect you. If we bring all of our lanterns and lights together, we can all glow together.”
The event invites participants to come together and create and customize their own lanterns. Lanterns are created on ecofriendly paper and feature pictures, poems, and words of hope.
”Each year, the Lantern Illumination Celebration brings our community together in a heartwarming way,” said Furgueson. ”This event is more than just lanterns—it’s about shining a light on acceptance, inclusion, and the incredible talents within the neurodiverse community.”
The celebration t also features other activities, as well as food vendors, ensuring something for everyone and an experience also targeted at the whole family. During this event, there are opportunities to donate, with proceeds going towards ALC’s programs, including their Acceptance, Inclusion, and Outreach Program and internship programs.
This year’s event will be held at Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River, on Saturday, April 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information on the event, as well as information on the organization, its members, and the many programs and events that they put on, including their upcoming golf and tennis tournaments set for this spring, visit their website, alittlecompassion.org, or email Furgueson at bill@alittlecompassion.org.
The Chester Garden Club offers a scholarship of $500 for graduating high school students and current college students who are residents of Chester and are pursuing the study of horticulture and/or environment-related fields. The successful candidate must have plans to pursue a degree at an accredited two- or four-year institution with the intent on majoring in horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, agronomy, environmental science, botany, biology, plant pathology, or other related field. Interested students may send their completed applications to the Chester Garden Club, Attention: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 623, Chester, CT 06412. Applications are due Wednesday, April 30. Scholarship recipients will be notified by Saturday, May 31. For more information, email Chester Garden Club member Margo Novak at margonov@comcast.net.
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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Chester Garden Club Scholarship
Valley Shore Marlins Swimmers Make 2025 New England Swimming Championship
By Gabby Maljanian
The Valley Shore YMCA Marlins swim team sent 19 swimmers to compete in the 2025 YMCA New England Swimming Championship, which took place on March 15 and March 16 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute WPI) in Worcester, MA. The swimmers who qualified include Emily Albright (Ivoryton), Natalie Bezanson (Baltic), Caroline Ferretti (Deep River), Charlee Firth (Old Lyme), Ryder Firth (Old Lyme), Claire Johnson (Deep River), Riley Johnson (Deep River), Peyton Maynard (Niantic), Grace McDonald (Waterford), Lillian Miller (Madison), Ella
Morse (Old Saybrook), Leila Netravali (Old Saybrook), Anna Orphanides (Groton), Jackson Scheel (Lyme), Emma Scherber (Chester), Grace Valle (Old Saybrook), Gus Van Berkel (Ivoryton), Kate Van Berkel (Ivoryton), and Vicky van Berkel (Ivoryton).
“The spirit of the team was amazing!” said Marlins Head Coach Teddy Weeks, referring to the swimmers enthusiastically cheering each other on, donning silly hats, and dancing before their races. “Many of them achieved personal bests and finished in the top six in their events. We even broke a few team records!”
Additionally, six Marlins swimmers secured spots in three other swim champi-
onship events. Gus Van Berkel, Orphanides, Miller, and Bezanson qualified for the CT Senior Championship, which took place from March 6 to 9 at Wesleyan University in Middletown. McDonald and Vicky Van Berkel earned spots in the CT Age Group Championship, scheduled from March 13 to 17 at Wesleyan University. Orphanides will compete in the 2025 Sectionals from March 28 to 30 at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, while McDonald will swim at the Eastern Zone Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center in Webster, NY from April 2 to 5.
Congratulations to all the swimmers for a successful short-course swim season.
“What I love about this Valley Shore
Marlins program is the positive environment for all athletes,” said Weeks. “With four coaches who have competed at the college level, we give advanced training to athletes from over 10 different towns — many of whom become lifelong friends.”
For those interested in joining the Valley Shore Marlins swim team, please reach out to Weeks at marlins@vsymca.org.
Evaluations for the upcoming longcourse season will be conducted on Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA on 201 Spencer Plain Road, Westbrook. Evaluations are for individuals aged 6 to 18, regardless of ability level.
Photo courtesy of Jim Albright
Pictured are the swimmers from the Valley Shore YMCA swim team that competed in the 2025 YMCA New England Swimming Championship.
Sports Editor
It’s Official - We’ve Turned the Corner
Spring is here! The equinox took place on March 20, and it matters because changes in our internal clocks had to adjust to our digitals and actual daylightnot too many windups any longer. If one fishes (and is determined to be productive), an angler still needs to be in-sync with feeding cycles. That means paying as much attention to sunrise and sunset is as important as it was prior to transitioning to Daylight Saving time.
Simply put, on the second Saturday in April, when Catch and Keep season for most trout waters begins, sunrise arrives at 6:15 a.m., and sunset is 7:28 p.m. Out on the Sound, low tide is around 5:20 a.m. at 0.4 feet, depending on location. By that time, our body systems will have fully recovered from the time change. Setting aside water temperature, forage, and the like, focus will then be solely on the sun and moon phases when it comes to the time of day.
Most trout caught during this period will still be caught around actual sunrise and sunset in keeping with feeding habits. Lake and pond species of all fish react in a similar manner when anglers fish during those optimum times. The Sound and tidal rivers will be lagging a little behind primarily due to water temperatures. When the switch is flipped, it will not be only one or two fish caught in either environment.
The first of the three marine fish to gain attention (striped bass, blackfish, and winter flounder) are schooling species. While striped bass will be foraging for herring and primarily coaxed by artificials, blackfish and winter flounder will be on the hunt for natural bottom baits and can be effectively drawn in by chumming. The limit on blackfish (tautog) for the month of April is two fish at 16,” and winter flounder season extends from April 1 through Dec. 31 with a limit of two fish at 12.”
On The Water
High pressure remained in control before it shifted east ahead of the next cold front. A coastal low developed along that front and impacted the area with unsettled weather conditions. High pressure then briefly built prior to a weak area of low pressure that moved through the region before another high pressure system returned. Gusty winds, at times to 35 knots, notched the compass, accompanied by rough seas to three to five/six feet before settling down to much calmer one to twofooters. Long Island Sound water temperatures remained in the low 40s while daytime temperatures reached from the high 40s to the low 50s after early mornings wrestled with the 30s and 40s. Sun mixed
CAPTAIN MORGAN’S
Fishing report
with clouds and more rain worked its way in, while some early morning foggy conditions prevailed.
Those overcast and foggy mornings offered inland anglers opportunities for some serious lake, pond, and river fishing. Conditions also improved along the shoreline and in a few tidal rivers. Testing the waters for a holdover striped bass or two might not be out of the question, since we are on the cusp of seeing the beginning of a river herring run. But for now, the sweet water is seeing most all of the action and producing good results to back it up.
Trout stocking is continuing in earnest, as more rainbows, browns, brookies, and tigers are being stocked throughout the state. Heavy rains will deter or temporarily postpone the normal stocking of rivers and streams that experience high levels and fast flows in hopes of avoiding fish being washed downstream. However, those interruptions will be limited to locations where dams and natural barriers have limited control over hydrological effects.
During the warm season, there is an opposite effect whereby a shortage of water will cause trout and other river fish to seek cooler oxygenated water. Here, anglers will find fish congregated in small stressful pools that keep trout, for example, pinned. With extremely limited options, here they stack up to the point where management decisions force closures, like in the Farmington River, until conditions improve. At least then, angler pressure is reduced, leaving a fish’s fate up to Mother Nature and predation.
Of course, fishing has not been limited just to rivers and streams. The largemouth bass contingent has already been out testing the waters and catching fish. The same holds true for the smallie chasers, crappie crowd, toothy challengers, catfish baiters, and a slew of other fish, turning lakes, ponds, and some rivers into a much livelier habitat. Let’s not forget about the Atlantic salmon - even during these fluctuating water levels and flows.
Getting back to the marine environment for a moment, the spring blackfish (tautog) season is rapidly approaching. It opens on Tuesday, April 1. Fishers are beginning to work the shoreline to see what’s up. Those include anxious striped bass enthusiasts who are looking to hook up with action from smaller fish, as well as the few look-
all pre-season on light gear, power bait, and artificial lures.
ing to hook into a serious rod-bender that might be finding its way down a major tidal river. So far, we are still at a slot of 28-31”.
What will be the first recreational marine fish species you catch on Tuesday, April 1? Will it be a blackfish (tautog) or a winter flounder when both spring seasons open in 2025? Or will it be a holdover striped bass that jumps on a river herring imitation in a tidal river when conditions are right? Although many fishers have
See It's Official page 16
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan
Jonathan Dacunto of North Branford has been hooking up and releasing a variety of trout
It’s Official - We’ve Turned the Corner
Continued from page 15
their sights set on hooking into an early striped bass and fewer are looking to bite into freshly caught winter flounder fillets, togs have gotten the current nod for popularity.
This popular bottom fish can be counted on for a jarring bite to the uninitiated and good tussle, notwithstanding an excellent meal afterwards. These temperaturedriven bulldogs can be caught from shore, in and among the shoreline’s rock jetties and boulder fields, as well as in the nearby offshore reefs. From soft baits (like clams and worms that are ideal for this time of year) to crabs, they are best served using a simple hook rig or one of the custom tog jigs available at Captain Morgan’s in a variety of effective colors and sizes.
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 (203-245-8665), with abbreviated winter hours, located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, 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
It is hard to beat a tog jig and bait to lure hard-fighting cautious blackfish into a false sense of security. These custom ones above are offered at Captain Morgan’s in an array of colors and sizes.
Madison Hoop Dreams April Vacation Basketball Camp
By Gabby Maljanian
Sports Editor
Madison Hoop Dreams (MHD) is pleased to announce that it will hold an April vacation basketball camp from Tuesday, April 15 to Friday, April 18 at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School (451 Route 81 in Killingworth). If your son or daughter, in grades 3 to 8, loves basketball, this is a great opportunity for them to improve their skills and use them in daily competition. There are three leagues to create grade-appropriate competition, and the
Schedules
Baseball
Thursday, March 27: vs. East Haven at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Monday, March 31: vs. East Windsor/Comp Sci/International at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Softball
Friday, March 28: vs. Wheeler at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Monday, March 31: vs. Old Saybrook/Westbrook at 3:45 p.m. (scrimmage)
Wednesday, April 2: vs. Rocky Hill at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Boys’ Tennis
teams are balanced to keep the players excited. Last year, there were 69 campers that attended, and the capacity is 80. People are advised to register early to ensure they have a spot.
Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and the cost is $60 per day. However, the cost is $200 for the four-day week. If five or more players attend from one team, the cost is $175 each for the four days. If finances are too tight, please call or text Coach Bill Barker to request financial aid. Payment plans are also available.
Monday, March 31: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45 p.m. (scrimmage)
Boys’ Lacrosse
Friday, March 28: vs. NFA at 4 p.m. (scrimmage) Wednesday, April 2: vs. Berlin at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Girls’ Lacrosse
Thursday, March 27: vs. NFA at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Saturday, March 29: vs. Bacon Academy/East Hampton at 10 a.m. (scrimmage) Tuesday, April 1: vs. Waterford at 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Please go to www.madisonhoopdreams.com for more information and to register. While on the site, check out the School of Basketball clinics offered in March, April, and May on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In addition, check out the six weeks of summer camp as well, and register for one or more weeks.
If you have any questions, please call or text Barker at 203-494-6905, or email him at wab6933@gmail.com.
Chester Kindergarten Count
Chester Elementary School is looking to get an accurate kindergarten count for the 2025-’26 school year and predict the count for future years. For families with a child who will be entering kindergarten in August 2025 or for new families with a child aged 5 and under, call Gayle Capezzone, secretary at Chester Elementary School, at 860526-5797.
PhotocourtesyofCaptainMorgan
Fun By The Numbers
How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of March 27 - April 2
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, a burst of energy propels you to move forward. It feels like everything is clicking, and you are full of ideas and brimming with contagious enthusiasm.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
You are in the mood to get down to business this week, Taurus. It’s a great time to focus on your career or finances. Pay attention to all of the little details as you go along.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Curiosity takes control this week, Gemini. Opportunities for learning are all around you. You just need to look for them. It may be a new class or a trip that you take with friends.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this week you may have a lot of emotional processing going on, particularly regarding relationships or past experiences. Embrace these deeper feelings.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
Your social energy could be off the charts this week, Leo. Others will be drawn to your magnetism and self-confidence. It is a great time to network or collaborate.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
Efficiency and productivity are the name of the game right now, Virgo. When it comes to organizing and planning, you will be all about getting things done in a timely manner.
MARCH 27
Jessie J, Singer (37) MARCH 28
Reba McEntire, Singer (70) MARCH 29
Elle Macpherson, Model (61) MARCH 30
Céline Dion, Singer (57)
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, this week is a time for self-expression. You may find yourself pulled toward hobbies or artistic endeavors that enable you to showcase your talents.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
This is a time to dive deep into your home and family life, Scorpio. You want to create a sense of stability at home and address anything that might compromise that. Trust your gut with how to move forward.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Communication is the key this week, Sagittarius. Initiating important conversations and speaking directly with others is a great way to clear the air and get to the root of these issues.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, you are focused on your financial well-being this week, but other issues may fall by the wayside. You might have to bring in someone else to keep the balance.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Personal goals and ambitions are front and center this week, Aquarius. This could put you in the spotlight and showcase what you want to accomplish to those around you.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, this week invites you to slow down and recharge your batteries as much as possible. You might feel pulled to spend time alone or simply get away for a few days.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
MARCH 31
Christopher Walken, Actor (82) APRIL 1
Randy Orton, Wrestler (45) APRIL 2
Zach Bryan, Singer (29)
CLUES ACROSS
1. State in southwestern India
4. Pashto
10. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
11. Supervised release from prison
12. Greeting
14. Type of drug
15. __ Sagan, astronomer
16. Every year
18. Nasal cavities
22. Nova __, province
23. In an inactive way
24. Cream-colored root
26. Nervous system disease
27. Guitarist Clapton
28. Three came to see Baby Jesus
30. Lebowski’s nickname
31. Play a role
34. Not fresh
36. Where golfers begin
37. Negatives
39. Wild goat
40. Releasing hormone
41. Makes up
42. Fastens
48. Exists in large numbers
50. A connecting word
51. A phase of the heartbeat
52. Northern Ireland county
53. An independent ruler or chieftain
54. Pacific sea bream
55. Commercial
56. Azure
58. Doctor of Education
59. Protected oneself against loss
60. Car mechanics group
CLUES DOWN
1. Pastes for filling crevices
2. Acquire
3. Heralds
4. News group
5. Exact copies
6. Particles
7. Noted 20th C. performer Lena
8. Tempted
9. Midway between north and east
12. Slotted, hinged metal plate
13. South American hummingbird
17. Neither
19. Walk with confidence
20. Omit when speaking
21. Imperial Chinese currency
25. A bakery specializing in French pastry
29. Talk incessantly
31. Ethnic group of Nigeria
32. Longtime NY Times film critic
33. Beginners
35. Makes a trade
38. Sleep
41. Not moving
43. Popular drink: Pina __
44. Potential benefits
45. A place you can get stuck in
46. Ancient Greek City
47. Chalcedony
49. Rover
56. Digraph
57. Investment vehicle
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
FINANCIAL TIMES WORD SEARCH
PERCENTAGE
Word Scramble
Word Scramble solution for March 20, 2025: OFFICE
Word Search solution for March 20, 2025
Not as Lighthearted as Expected Laughs in Spanish
at Hartford Stage
By Karen Isaacs
Laughs in Spanish
, now at Hartford Stage through Sunday, March 30, should be lighthearted, perhaps even a romantic comedy.
However, the play by Alexis Sheer seems to aim for something very different. Although the program explains the author’s point, unfortunately, the play does not make it clear what that is.
The result is a 90-minute play that had me checking my watch after 30 minutes, wondering why it seemed to be dragging.
It just seems the play can’t decide if it wants to be realistic, a frantic farce, or a fantasy.
The play is set in an art gallery in Miami during the Basel Art Festival, a major cultural event. Mariana runs a small gallery and discovers that the paintings from the current exhibition have been stolen; later that day, she is hosting a reception with many affluent collectors attending.
She immediately blames her intern for failing to lock up the night before. The intern, Carolina
(played by Maria Victoria Martinez), emphatically denies it, but there is no sign of forced entry. Carolina’s boyfriend, Miami
there, supposedly investigating the case.
After this setup, you might
scenes, many of which are totally improbable.
Sheer says the play is about code-switching, or how people adjust their behavior and language to fit into a particular group. We see this early in the play when Mariana, who is having an emotional, loud conversation in Spanish, suddenly switches to a very calm, polite English to answer the phone.
As the day goes on, we have a series of incongruous interchanges as we learn more about the characters: Juan and Carolina, Mariana and her actress mother, and Mariana and Jenny, her mother’s personal assistant and a former college friend. Estella, Mariana’s mother, a movie actress, suddenly appears, although they are estranged.
suppose that we will learn more about the theft and how Mariana salvages the evening. Instead, we have a series of
The play seems more about people’s innate self-centeredness and opportunism than codeswitching. Estella only shows up because she needs Mariana to be a character witness for her; Juan
See Laughs page 28
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Maggie Bofill stars as Mariana in Laughs in Spanish
Maria Victoria Martinez portrays Carolina and Luis Vega stars as Juan in Hartford Stage's production of Laughs in Spanish
Special to Living
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Maria Victoria Martinez portrays Carolina and Luis Vega stars as Juan in Hartford Stage's production of Laughs in Spanish
Olivia Hebert portrays Jenny in Laughs in Spanish
Maggie Bofill stars as Mariana in Laughs in Spanish
Too Many Tantrums Reduce the Impact of Yale Rep’s The Inspector
By Karen Isaacs
Special to Living
Too much of something isn’t always a good thing.
The Inspector
The current production of at Yale Rep through Saturday, March 29, proves that.
The Inspector General
The play is a new adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s classic satire, , by Yura Kordonsky, who also directs. Gogol wrote the play in 1836.
In the play, Gogol satirizes the corruption and lack of qualifications of the leaders of a small village in Russia and their reaction when an inspector from St. Petersburg is expected. He portrays them as stupid and lacking in any morals or common sense. In reality, it could apply to any country.
This production begins with actors wearing a variety of animal and inanimate object masks (a lampshade) frantically running around the stage, which is designed by Silin Chen to show two decaying buildings and rubble. Each of the creatures will become a character in the play. We then learn of the town’s corruption – the mayor uses the funds to build government buildings to finance his life; the health director and the doctor don’t treat the patients but let them live or die on their own; and the judge accepts bribes. Then the postmaster (a fine Annelise Lawson)
Review THEATER
reads to them a letter she has opened: an inspector from St. Petersburg is expected; he will be incognito. It sends the various officials – mayor, judge, school superintendent, health director, and others into a tizzy. Their ineptitude and corruption will be discovered.
Soon, the officials learn of a young man from St. Petersburg who is a government employee and is staying at a local inn – and not paying his bill – Ivan Khiestakov. They jump to the conclusion that he is this mysterious inspector – in reality, he is a clerk – and rush to appease him.
Khiestakov is the wayward son of a minor aristocrat who has cut off his funds. Like any spoiled two-year-old, he responds to his difficulties with temper tantrums – screaming, crying, and pounding the floor. It is funny the first time but less so each time it is repeated.
The mayor pays his bill at the inn and invites him to move to the mayor’s house. Soon the others are flattering him and giving him money. Ivan is not going to turn this down; he is out of
funds due to gambling and other frivolous expenditures and has definite delusions of grandeur. He sets up a production line to collect the “loans” that each is eager to hand over.
Soon, he is regaling them with stories of the famous people he knows and his accomplishments. Each boast is more ludicrous than the one before, culminating with his story of knowing the Tsar. The officials believe all of them.
Late in the second act, Khiestakov woos the mayor’s daughter in a tender scene, but in the next moment, he is wooing the mayor’s wife.
The play ends with the news that the real inspector will soon arrive.
The inspector lends itself to physical humor. In fact, Hollywood made a musical loosely based on the original play starring Danny Kaye, who was known for his physical comedy.
Yet, it can be too much. Director Kordonsky lets each bit go on too long without creating any type of climax. How many times do we need to have Khiestakov roll around and pound the floor in a tantrum? How long does each episode need to go on?
Rather than the laughs building, after the first or second tantrum, the laughs petered out. The audience was “over it.”
This production has little real emotion in it. Each character is more of a caricature, though the actors do a fine job. Whitney Andrews, as the director of public health, brings the right degree of officiousness to the role, but Annelise Lawson, as the postmaster, steals the show. The judge (Darius Sakul), the school superintendent (John Evans Reese), and the doctor (Grayson Richmond) are one-note characters.
Brandon E. Burton plays the mayor as a typical small-town official, full of bombast and pretense.
While Nomè SiDone adds a touch of rectitude as Osip, Khiestakov’s servant, you keep waiting
for him to be involved in some way. Mainly, he just stands there silently.
To drive home the point of the play, Kordonsky borrows a Brechtian moment and has the actors tell us that we are laughing at ourselves.
One of the highlights of the production is the sound design by Minjae Kim and the original music by Arseny Gusev.
The primary difficulty with this production is because each “bit” is drawn out to its utmost, the play runs over two and a half hours. A tighter production would have had more effect.
Tickets are available at YaleRep.org.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Photo by Joan Marcus
Samuel Douglas and Nome SiDone.
Samuel Douglas, Brandon E. Burton, Malik James, and Grayson Richmond.
Photo by Joan Marcus
John Evans Reese, Annelise Lawson, Samuel Douglas, Brandon E. Burton, and Grayson Richmond.
A European Vacation: Cheese Tasting and Pairings
For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website, www.zip06.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
Afternoon Fusing Pick Your Project
: Noon to 2:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. No prior experience required. Cost: $64. Service fees apply. For info or to register, call 860864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
Into the Future
: 5:30 p.m. The Morgan School, 71 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Attendees will learn how to plan for post-secondary options including four-year universities, two-year colleges, trade schools, and military. Includes informational tables, a panel discussion, and breakout sessions. For info, contact 860-664-6544 or ngrasso@clintonpublic.net
Night Under the Stars
Author Event: Georgia Hunter in Conversation with Beatriz Williams
Calendar for the Week of March 27, 2025
church speakers. Second of five Fridays through April 18. Free and open to all. For info, call 203-245-2739, ext. 14, or visit fccmadison.org.
Author Event: Colum McCann
: 6 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Cost: $28, includes admission for one and a copy of the book; $5, includes admission for one and a $5 coupon toward purchase of a copy of the book at the event. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
: 6 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd. Hosted by Madison A Better Chance (ABC). Cocktail hour 6 to 7 p.m. Features dinner, live and silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, and more. Tickets: $100, includes dinner and wine. Cash bar. Sponsorship levels available. For info or tickets, visit madisonabc.org/events. : 6 to 6:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 301 Rte. 81. Decorate a file box with paper plates for wheels and bring it to the library for a “drivein” movie. Participants can sit in the “car” (or on the floor) in the children’s room for the film showing. Popcorn served. For info or to register (required), call 860-6632000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
: 6:30 p.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . Cost: $5, includes admission for one and a $5 coupon toward purchase of a copy of the book at the event. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
One Good Thing: A Novel I Must Go Down to the Sea Again: The Story of a Deep River Mariner
Author Event: Frank Santoro Concert by Altan
: 7 p.m. Deep River Historical Society, 245 Main St. Book: . Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. For info, visit deepriverhistoricalsociety.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.
FRIDAY,
MARCH 28
Five Fridays Lenten Concert Series
“Drive-in” Movie Night: Bluey : 6:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Presented by local cheese connoisseur Deana Simmons and sommelier Kathleen Smith. Participants will learn how cheese is made, how flavors and textures differ depending on geographical regions, and how to complement pairing flavors. Free and open to the public. To register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560. For info, visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Features a performance on the church’s 1929 Möller pipe organ by Joshua Ehlebracht, director of music at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk. Sponsored in part by the New London County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Attendees listen in the sanctuary or on the Town Green as the music is broadcast through the
Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Training for Suicide Prevention
: 6 p.m. United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main St. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration and the Connecticut Children's Hospital. For info, contact 860-526-2697 or TeachQPR@connecticutchildrens.org.
Trivia Night: Spring into March Madness
: 6 to 8 p.m.
The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Features a game of trivia, a raffle, silent auction, food, drinks and more. Tickets: $25. Proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore tutoring program. For tickets, visit lvvs.org or facebook.com/LVVS2. For info, call 860-399-0280.
Continued from page 26
has acted out of a desire to promote Carolina’s career. Only Mariana does not appear to act on these impulses; she desires to succeed at her job at the gallery. It is always a problem when the audience needs to read the program notes – in this case, conversations with the author and the director – to get the intent of the play. It means they haven’t made it clear. Two years ago, Hartford Stage used super captions above the stage for their production of , which was Espejos: Clean
half in English and half in Spanish. This play could have used that as well. In the opening dialogue, Marianna is yelling at Carolina about the missing paintings; we certainly get the emotion, but not what she is saying.
The cast tries to create three-dimensional characters; Stephanie Machado as Mariana and Maggie Bofill as Estella are the most successful, primarily because these are the most developed characters. Machado shows the conflicts within the character and the ways she resolves them. Bofill’s character also seems to change
Teen Open Mic Twist: A Novel
Concert by River of Dreams: A Billy Joel Tribute Band
: 7 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall Auditorium, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. Doors open 6 p.m. Cost: $35 suggested donation, general admission; $45 for limited VIP seats. Payment by Venmo, cash, check. For info or tickets, call Mary Ellen Ierardi at 860-395-8394.
: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Café, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Admission: $5 donation at the door. For info, visit musicnowfoundation.org.
See page 29
Laughs in Spanish at Hartford Stage Not as Lighthearted as Expected
during the play, though less than Mariana’s. Jenny (Olivia Hebert) is good in an underwritten role. It is harder to understand either Carolina or Juan, particularly the latter. His actions – even if motivated by love – seem so outrageous as to be unbelievable.
Bofill’s extended monologue in the second half of the play is a tour de force; unfortunately, I didn’t get parts because of her accent.
The scenic design for most of the play (by Brian Sidney Bembridge) is a bare white gallery wall with picture hooks
where the missing art should be and a desk that could easily tip over. Later, he creates a vividly colored mural and tiki bar.
Daniela Hart/Uptown Works created both the sound design and the original music — the Latin music blasts, as it should, during the final scene. I wanted to love , but I came away puzzled and disappointed. Tickets are available at Hartford Stage.org.
Laughs in Spanish
History and Nature Walk at McKinney Natl. Wildlife Refuge
Ranger Shaun Roche leads an hourlong nature walk at the Salt Meadow Unit of the McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Westbrook on Saturday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. The walk is free, and participants will learn about both history and wildlife. Highlights include three unique historic buildings on the property, discuss why Eleanor Roosevelt and her close friends so enjoyed it here, and look for early spring wildlife along the trails - such as plants, marsh birds and mammals. This is a fairly easy walk, but the trails do include hills and uneven surfaces.
The hike leaves from 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook.
For more information, email shaun_roche@fws.gov or call 860-3992513.
Continued from page 28
: 7:30 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by a trio of comedians from Comedy Craft Beer. Also features Liz Glazer and Friends. For attendees 21 and older. Tickets: $25 per person. Cash bar available. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.
Opening Night for
: 7:30 p.m. Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. The play runs through Sunday, April 6. Other showtimes available. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.
: 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.
: 9 p.m.
Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 30
tle Makes a Friend
: 7 p.m. John
Winthrop Middle School (JWMS), 1 Winthrop Rd., Deep River. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Presented by JWMS Drama. Tickets: $10. For info or tickets, call 860-526-9546.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
The Pirates of Penzance: A Musical Comedy Summer Camp Open House
: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Roger Tory
Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme St., Old Lyme. The weekly summer camps are nature-focused and run from Monday, June 16, to Friday, Aug. 15. Families interested in the summer camps are invited to the open house. For info or to register for the summer camp or the open house, ctaudubon.org/rtp-summer-camp.
Saturday Sleuths Book Club
Murder on the Orient Express
: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: by Agatha Christie. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
: 10:30 a.m. R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: . For info or to register (required), call 203-245-3959 or visit rjjulia.com.
Cupcake Decorating Workshop
: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Old Saybrook Recreation Center, 308 Main St. For grades 1 to 6. Led by The British Baker. Participants will leave with six cupcakes in a cupcake carrier. Supplies included. Cost: $50 for residents, $75 for nonresidents. For info or to register (required) visit the programs link at oldsaybrookct.myrec.com.
Frames in Film:
Dawn of impressionism: Paris 1874
: 1 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. Shown on The Kate’s big screen, in collaboration with the Florence Griswold Museum. Running time: 90 minutes. For info or tickets, call 860510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Daffodils in front of historic stone house at McKinney Natl. Wildlife Refuge, Westbrook.
Photo courtesy of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Comedy at the Edge
Concert by 1 Wild Night (Tribute to Bon Jovi)
Live Music at Seaview Bistro: JC/DC Duo Annapurna
Author Event: Bob Shea
Bearsuit Tur-
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DEEP RIVER
: Catherine L. Kehlenbach to Zf Spv LLC, $500,000 on March 4
ESSEX
: Wd Essex Properties LLC to Mel-Stel LLC, $799,900 on March 6
: Jean U. Johnson to Zachary M. and Lily G. Barbato, $450,000 on March 3
: Danny and Sandra P. Oneill to Kenneth F Green T and Kenneth F. Green, $425,000 on March 3
: Kathleen M. Collins to Keith and Ann Bassolino, $998,120 on March 3
: William & C Stanton RET and Catherine A. Stanton to 1a&m Realty LLC, $1,550,000 on March 6 : Suzio Real Estate LLC to Lucas Munson, $21,000 on March 5
: Clinton Prop General LLC to Kelsey Ruppel and James Ryder, $567,800 on March 3
: Three Eleven LLC to Robert and Marianne P. Paganucci, $875,000 on March 4
: Estate of Matthew Gianitsos and Anestis Glanitsos to Vassalia Gianitsos, $252,000 on March 5
45 Long Hill Road
: Gitsit Solutions LLC to Tracey L. Appleget, $465,000 on March 3
KILLINGWORTH
: David
J. and Patricia A. Miller to Empower Real Estate LLC, $319,856 on March 6
: Patrick and Kristen Kelly to Sara L. Dunlap, $700,000 on March 7
MADISON
: Suzanne Risley to Daniel A. and Erin Nadelman, $750,000 on March 4
Garnet Park Road
: Jim A.
Nicoletti and Claudine L. Mauri to Vincent J. Kalish and Shannon Brasky, $1,125,000 on March 3
32 Legend Hill Road Unit 32
:
Francis X. Oneill to Diane M. Hart, $545,000 on March 3
Opening Hill Road
: Craig D. and Valerie E. Zajac to Daniel M. Taylor, $380,000 on March 4
Pine Drive
: Elizabeth L
Hackbarth Ft and William C.
Hackbarth to Douglas O. and Cynthia W. Bredbury, $715,000 on March 3
Wellsweep Drive
: Estate of Alwyn Thorpe and Frederick P. Leaf to Earl W. Tucker, $501,750 on March 5
GUILFORD
Carter Drive
: K Two LLC to Vincent Realty Hldg LLC, $700,000 on March 5
Radocchia, $1,300,000 on March 3 :
40 Whispering Woods Road
Michael W. and Kathleen M. Pratt to Daniel B. Tucker, $651,700 on March 4
379 Whitfield Street Unit AN130
:
Anthony P. and Robin Gangemi to Narinesammy Ramsammy, $10,000 on March 5
BRANFORD
100 Beckett Avenue
: Kathy
Fairbanks to Amy E. Wilson, $420,000 on March 4
255 Blueberry Lane Unit 255
Estate of Kimberly A. Crumb and Marcy Goode to Amato and Noelia Bernardo, $340,000 on March 7
265 East Main Street
: Mordo LLC
to 265 East Main LLC, $1,100,000 on March 3
115 Florence Road Unit 1A
: Estate of Walter A. Powell III and Brynn M. Powell to Gayle Van Dyke, $230,000 on March 5
30 Harbour Village Unit D
:
Stephen E. Spence to Kathleen M. Collins, $392,500 on March 3 : Luciana Bonifacio to Daniel and Marisa M. Pomposello, $440,000 on March 5
43 Home Place
112 Island View Terrace Unit 112
:
Brittany Lizotte to Paul Crisci, $310,000 on March 5
45 Jefferson Road Unit 2-16
: Jason
P. Magnotti to Benjamin E. Paris, $217,500 on March 5
: Dominick P. Musso to Latasha Wright, $300,000 on March 5
: Silver
NORTH BRANFORD
229 Branford Road Unit 327
: Dominique Tineo to Lucas Guliuzza, $265,000 on March 3
59 Clear Lake Manor 45 Clear Lake Road
: Iain M. Lemaster to Linnea and Donald Hagstrom, $315,000 on March 6 : Estate of Barbara J. Madelung and Michael Madelung to Erik Golinowski, $445,000 on March 7
24 Cricket Lane
: Estate of Patricia Mann and Ethel F. Mann to Joseph M. and Michele Mone, $401,000 on March 3 : Bcw Morgan LLC to 199 Riverside Road LLC, $365,000 on March 3
140 Village Street 51 Bradley Street
NORTH HAVEN
: Thomas E. and Mary B. Doyle to Megan Doyle, $280,000 on March 6
5 Great Meadow Drive
: Estate of
John J. Sr Acampora and Vincenzo Gallo to Pacific Blue LLC, $458,000 on March 7
: Frank W. Siciliano and Deborah J. Berner-Sicilian to Jorge L. Jaramillo, $505,900 on March 3
EAST HAVEN
56 Maple Avenue 106 Burr Street
: Justin Gargiulo to Manuel A. Turpo-Espinoza, $225,000 on March 4
130 Coe Avenue Unit 82
42 Granite Road Unit 42 93 Little Meadow Road
: Mark
Donovan Irt and Michael Donovan to Mazen G. Bahri, $243,000 on March 3
: Jeffrey A.
Holway and Katherine Tsatsanis to Audra Etes and Michael R. Conrad, $460,000 on March 5
335 Mulberry Point Road
: Linda M. Kurlyo to Sharon N. Kawam, $335,000 on March 4
68 Norton Avenue
: Kia Cheleen to Kendra E. Richards, $435,000 on March 4
831 Nut Plains Road
: Vallerie A. and Gary Redman to Julie Gaughran and Stephen Etes, $450,000 on March 3
332 Stepstone Hill Road
: George
Henderson to Lauren E. Hill and James P. Heeren, $530,000 on March 4
20 Village Victoria Unit 20
: Estate of Ralph L. Abato and Ralph L. Abato to Pam Engingro, $550,000 on March 7
93 Water Street
: Douglas M. Hoon and Carole P. Ravoire to Samantha L.
Linings Dev LLC to 45 South Main St Assoc LLC, $1,365,000 on March 3
: Estate of June Brunelle and Denise Amendola to James and Elayna S. Kotsaftis, $180,000 on March 5
: Denise Amendola to James and Elayna S. Kotsaftis, $180,000 on March 5
: Jean Myers to Donald P. and Maria E. Schilder, $407,000 on March 3
: Kelly A. Martens to Destiny Garcia, $485,000 on March 5 : Steven
Beresner to Cecilia N. Boucher, $335,000 on March 5
: Leonard A. and Karen S. Kolstad to Tom R. Tyler and Doris A. Lambertz, $50,000 on March 3
: Estate of Frank W. Eastwood and Clifford D. Eastwood to Eron Investments LLC, $60,000 on March 4
39 Iver Avenue
: Instant Prop Soln LLC to Jose L. and Brenda S. Enriquez, $265,000 on March 5
364 Main Street Unit 17
: Judith A. Riccitelli to Play Action Prop LLC, $86,000 on March 5 : Christopher Conklin to Lorraine Lindberg, $105,000 on March 3
3 Roma Street Unit B
465 Silver Sands Road
: Enrico Silvestri to Dominick P. Musso, $410,000 on March 3
140 Thompson Street Unit 5F
: Christine Lesczczynski to Haydee Cartagena, $315,000 on March 5
Copyright material of Banker and Tradesman / the Commercial Record and The Warren Group. For past transactions, visit zip06.com/ realestate.
109 Witch Hazel Drive
On Occasion
The North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC), the ”Church at the Circle” hosts its Occasional Coffee House on Friday, April 11.
The Occasional Coffee House is “The Coffee House we hold whenever we feel like it.” Singer-songwriter Sam Robbins performs on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m.Robbins is a New England-based singer-songwriter known for his ”old soul” style, blending classic influences like James Taylor and Jackson Browne with a modern, upbeat touch. Heather Arcovitch and NMCC friend Milton Brasher-Cunningham cohost an evening of live music, local coffee, tea, homemade cookies, and community. Tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.northmadisoncc.org/ occasional-coffeehouse. North Madison Congregational Church is located at 1271 Durham Road, Madison.
from page 30
: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Presented by Gary Ribchinsky. Free and open to the public. To register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560. For info, visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 2 p.m. The RiverLane, 7 Main St., Essex. Features a STAUD trunk show and styling event with Clinton Kelly, a host on the TV show What Not to Wear and moderator on The Chew. Two ticket holders will be selected for a chance to be styled by Kelly. Tickets: $55. Proceeds benefit Dog Days Events, Inc. For info or tickets, visit theriverlane.com/blogs/events.
: 2 to 3:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. For adults. Participants will use die cuts, embossing folders, stamps, and inkblending to make three spring/Easter cards. No experience required. All materials provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
: 2 to 4:45 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to all. Limited seating. Registration is suggested. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Foosball
: 3 p.m.
Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Children will design and build their own DIY tabletop foosball game. The program combines crafting and play to allow participants to create a unique game they can take home and enjoy. Free and open to children ages 5 to 12. To register (required), call the library at 860-767-1560. For info, visit youressexlibrary.org.
A Tribute to Bon Jovi
: 5 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Performed by Don Jovi. Tickets: $90, includes cocktail hour at 5 p.m., dinner show at 6 p.m., taxes, and gratuities. For info or tickets, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.
Sweet Saturday Nights: Paddywhack
: 7 to 9 p.m. Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, 68 Lyme St., Old Lyme. Tickets: $10. Service fees apply. Refreshments are available for purchase. For info or tickets, visit musicnowfoundation.org/events.
Family Astronomy Night
: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meigs Point Nature Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by the Astronomical Society of New Haven, the Shoreline Astronomical Society, and the Thames Amateur Astronomical Society. Registration not required. Sponsored by the Friends of Hammonasset. For info, visit meigspointnaturecenter.org.
Concert by Roomful of Blues
: 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.
Live Music at Seaview Bistro: Nick Fradiani, Sr.
: 9 p.m. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. For info, visit watersedgeresortandspa.com/events.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
Animal Tracking Hike
: 1 p.m. Jefferson Park Trail, Madison. Meet at the cul-de-sac on Jefferson Park Road. Led by local naturalist and teacher Erik Becker. Open to all ages. Hikers will look for signs of whitetailed deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, red foxes, owls, bobcats, and more. Wear waterproof footwear. No dogs. For info, visit madisonlandtrust.org.
Young People’s Concert:
Peter and the Wolf
: 1 p.m. Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. Performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Features Perry So, music director. For info or tickets, call 203693-1486 or visit newhavensymphony.org.
Concert by the Coast Guard Band Chamber Players
: 2 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. The event is free but tickets are required. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Faure's Requiem in Lenten Vespers Service
: 4 p.m. Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Features singers from the choirs of Saint Ann’s, the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, St. John’s, Niantic, and The Anglican Singers. Conducted by Saint Ann Music Director Hector Migliacci with Simon Holt on organ. For info, call 860-434-1621 or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.
page 34
Photo courtesy of the North Madison Congregational Church
Sam Robbins performs at the Occasional Coffee House on April 11.
Live Funk Drumming Performance
Spring Style Fundraiser
Creative Crafts with Jesse: Spring Cards
Saturday Cinema
Kids Create: Tabletop
Diseases and Insects Affecting New England Trees
: 4 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Presented by Alex Amendola, forester at the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Co-hosted by the Chester Conservation Commission and Chester Land Trust. For info, email info@chesterlandtrust.org or visit chesterlandtrust.org.
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
: Noon to 2 p.m. Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast, 976 Boston Post Rd. Tea service features finger sandwiches, cookies, a warm scone with jam and crème fraîche, and more. Open to the public. Cost: $49.95 plus tax and gratuity. For info or to make a reservation (required), contact 860-399-4777 or info@westbrookinn.com, or visit westbrookinn.com/afternoon-tea.
: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a presentation by historian Mallory Howard. Part of the Shoreline Civil War Roundtable monthly meeting. Free and open to the public. For info, contact the group’s facilitator at 860-395-1124 or olivia.jean@sbcglobal.net, or visit facebook.com/shorelinecivilwarroundtable.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Analysis
: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Tanisha Baptiste, economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration, Connecticut District Office. Covers the importance of a business plan and a SWOT analysis. Free. Sponsored by SCORE Southeastern Connecticut Chapter and Guilford Savings Bank. For info or to register, visit score.org/easternct.
Afternoon Fusing Pick Your Project
: 1 to 3:30 p.m. RiverFire Glass Studio at SoMA, 500 Main St., Deep River. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses are required. Bring an N95 facemask in case glass powder is involved in the class. No prior experience required. Cost: $64. Service fees apply. For info or to register, call 860864-5004 or visit riverfireglass.com.
Lenten Soup Supper
: 6 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main St., Centerbrook. Features a light supper and fellowship, followed by a Lenten message. Takes place Wednesdays through April 9. All are welcome. For info, call 860-767-0228 or visit tlccenterbrook.org.
Wednesday Write-in and Open Mic
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Led by Old Saybrook Poet Laureate Sandra Yannone. Open to all regardless of writing experience. Bring a notebook or laptop or use the library supplies. Light snacks provided. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
How Connecticut Thumbed Its Nose at Prohibition
:
6 to 7 p.m. Killingworth Library, 31 Rte. 81. Presented by storyteller and podcaster Mike Allen. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Wordsmith and Wonder: An Author Talk with Jodi Picoult
: 7 p.m. Online event. Book:
. Hosted by the Chester Public Library through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. For info or to register (required), visit libraryc.org/chesterctlibrary.
Wordsmith and Wonder: An Author Talk with Jodi Picoult
: 7 p.m. Online event. Book:
By Any Other Name: A Novel By Any Other Name: A Novel
. 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.
Concert by Special EFX All Stars
: 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, APRIL 3
Opening Day for
Hank Williams: Lost Highway
: 2 p.m.
Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs through Sunday, April 27. Other showtimes available. For info, call 860767-7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
Small Business Sales Techniques
: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Online event. Participants will learn how to listen to the needs of their customers, establish trust, make their pitch, and more. Presented by SCORE mentor Eric Munro. Free. Hosted by SCORE Eastern Connecticut. For info or to register, visit score.org/easternct.
Wills vs. Trusts: Estate Planning Workshop
: 6 p.m. Via Zoom. Presented by Erin O. Duques, a partner at the law firm of Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri. Hosted by Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC), 96 Fair St., Guilford. For info, contact 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org, or visit womenandfamilylife.org.
Open Mic Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Led by Madison Poet Laurate Ed Lent. Sign-ups begin 5:45 p.m. The first 12 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. For info or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
Shoreline Sailing Club Meeting
: 7 p.m. Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook. For active singles 35 and over. New members are welcome and sailing experience is not necessary. Cost: free for members and first-time guests, $10 for others. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.
Concert by Donna the Bull
: 7:30 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
Five Fridays Lenten Concert Series
Continued from page 33 See page 35
: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Ln. Features a performance on the church’s 1929 Möller pipe organ by Walden Moore, former director of music at Trinity Church in New Haven. Sponsored in part by the New London County Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Attendees listen in the sanctuary or on the Town Green as the music is broadcast through the church speakers. Third of five Fridays through April 18. Free and open to all. For info, call 203-245-2739, ext. 14, or visit fccmadison.org.
Popcorn Palooza: Family Movie
: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Free and open to all. No registration needed. For info, including the movie title, or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
27th Annual Wine/Beer Tasting and Silent Auction
: 6 to 9 p.m. Saybrook Point Resort and Marina, 2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. Features wine and craft beer tasting, hors d’oeuvres, music, an auction, and a raffle. Guest hosts: meteorologist Scot Haney and television host Nicole Nalepa. Presented by Old Saybrook Rotary Club. Tickets: $50 per person, must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s projects, including scholarships to graduating seniors from Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook high schools. For info or tickets, visit osrotary.org.
Concert by Kathleen Edwards
: 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, APRIL 5
Goodwin Gallop 5K
: 9 a.m. Kathleen E. Goodwin Elementary School, 80 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Features a 5K at 9 a.m. and a kids' run at 8:30 a.m. Arrive early to check in and get a bib. Cost: $30 for the 5K, free for the kids run. Discount for early signup. Service fees apply. The race starts and ends at Goodwin Elementary School and features a fast and flat course through the Old Saybrook shoreline. Hosted by the Kathleen E. Goodwin School Parent Teacher Association. Presented by Whelen Engineering. For info or to sign up, visit runsignup.com/goodwingallop5k.
Letters to the Earth
: 10:30 a.m. Killingworth Library, 31 Rte. 81. For ages 3 and up. Participants will work in groups to make collages of earth-related images, then individually write a letter to share their thoughts to the Earth, and craft small globes for display in the case. The work will be on display for library visitors during the month of April. Space and supplies are limited. For info or to register (required), call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Sweet Spring Soirée Tea
The Lincoln Assassination
The ABCs of a Business Plan and SWOT
Keyes Gallery Hosts The Missing Pictures
The Missing Pictures
The Keyes Gallery at Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library hosts , photographs by Sean Kernan, from April 11 through May 26. The photos feature Kernan’s family home.
The large house sits unoccupied at the edge of a snowy field in far upstate New York. It has been in the family for 150 years, and it has housed full lives, languid summer visits, and a party has been held there on the 4th of July every year since 1875 except for one (COVID). While no one has lived in it for the past 20 years, it is preserved, furnished, and cared for meticulously. Sean Kernan spent three years visiting the old house and filming and photographing in all seasons, and although he finished the project over a year ago, he still makes short visits to see if he missed something.
“I want viewers to feel as though they have come across this graceful and somewhat melancholy house, found the door open, and just wandered through the rooms, gathering a sense of all the life lived there… and perhaps hearing a door slam in a distant room,” Kernan said.
Kernan began his working life at the
Continued from page 34
: 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 Barry Wittenstein. 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.
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Halfinger Farms and Dancing Daffodils, 489 Candlewood Hill Rd., Higganum Includes a selection of D'Amico's art pieces for sale. Refreshments will be served. Rain date: Sunday. April 6. For info, visit halfingerfarms.com.
: 1 p.m. Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St. Book: co-written by Jamie Pacton. Presented by the Montgomery & Taggert Bookshop and the Chester Public Library. Copies of the book are available for purchase in advance for signing at the event. For info or to register, contact 860-526-0018 or library@chesterct.org or visit chesterctlibrary.com.
: 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.
Tie Dye Drawstring Bags
: 2 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. For ages 5 and up. Supplies provided. Wear clothes that can get stained. Free and open to all. For info or to register (required), call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
We've Only Just Begun: A Celebration of The Carpenters
: 4 p.m. Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by the Madison Lyric Stage. Tickets: $45. Services fees apply. For info or tickets, call 203-215-6329 or visit madisonlyricstage.org.
: 6 p.m.
Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Features cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. The event honors Helen Bosch, CEO of Vista Innovations. Attire: floral-inspired outfit or accents to align with the theme of "Blossom and Bloom." Tickets: $150, sponsorship levels available. Proceeds benefit Vista Life Innovations. For info or tickets, visit https://bit.ly/Blossom-Bloom.
: 6 to 8 p.m. Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Features music, family activities, lantern decorating, sensory-friendly spaces, neurodiverse artists' showcase, and more. Free admission but donations are welcome. Hosted by A Little Compassion Inc. and its flagship program, The Nest Coffee House. For info or to register, call The Nest Coffee House at 860-322-8090 or visit alittlecompassion.org.
Long Wharf Theater, then morphed into a widely exhibited photographer, writer, and filmmaker. His photography has been exhibited and published in museums and galleries across the U.S. and in France, Mexico, Egypt, Greece, China, Italy, Switzerland, Iran, and Korea. He has produced and directed several award-winning documentaries: The Kampala Boxing Club, about boxing in Africa; Crow Stories, about the Crow Tribe of Montana; and A Mind of Winter, about cold. His film on the old house, The Visitor, will be screened at the Keyes Gallery at Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Island Road, Stony Creek, on Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m.
Kernan’s photographs of the home will be on display from Friday, April 11, through Saturday, May 26. An opening reception is on Sunday, April 13, from 4 to 6 p.m.
The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.wwml.org/gallery.
The Fishergirl Jeannie
: 7:30 p.m. United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main St. Features performances from musicals and . Admission: Freewill donations. For info, call 845-220-8239 or visit hilarieclarkmoore.com.
An Evening of Songs from Hilarie Clark Moore's New Musicals Concert by Beau Soleil avec Michael Doucet with Special Guest Richard Thompson
: 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, APRIL 5 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Con Brio Choral Society Spring Concert 2025
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Concert by the Sensational Soul Cruisers: Destination Soultown
: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m. Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Features the Con Brio Festival Orchestra and Con Brio Chorus conducted by Dr. Stephen Bruce. Includes guest soloist Ransom Bruce, tenor. For info or tickets, call 860-526-5399 or visit conbrio.org. : 2 and 7 p.m. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. For info or tickets, call 860-510-0453 or visit thekate.org.
Photo by Sean Kernan
River Tales
Artist Reception: Mary D'Amico
Author Event: Rebecca Podos in Conversation with Lenora Woods
Concert by Hot Peas 'N Butter: The Ultimate Family Music Experience
The Day
the River Caught Fire
Homegrown Magic
Vista Life Innovations Starlight Benefit 2025
Sixth Annual Lantern Illumination Celebration
Continued from page 35
ONGOING EVENTS
Art Exhibits
Andrews Memorial Town Hall:
54 E. Main St., Clinton: For info, visit clintonartsocietyct.org/exhibitions.
: Runs through April 24.
Chauncey Stillman Gallery
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:
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.
Board Game Club Books on Tap Book 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.
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.
: Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme St., South Lot, Old Lyme: For info, visit lymeacademy.edu.
Clinton Art Society 2025 Winter Juried Members Artists Show True to Form: Academic Figure Studies from the Late 19th to Early 20th Centuries
: Runs through April 27.
Connecticut River Museum
: 67 Main St., Essex: For info, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.
River Ballads: Artwork by Barbara Hocker
: Runs through May 18.
Essex Library Buel Room
: 33 West Ave.: For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
: Runs through March 27.
Spectrum Art Gallery
: 61 Main St., Centerbrook: For info, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Groups and Activities
A Journey Through America’s Past:
10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Via Zoom. Sponsored by the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Free. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. For info, contact 203-245-5695 or gillespiee@madisonct.org.
Acoustics Club:
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. On temporary break for winter. Resumes April 3. Bring your own acoustic instrument. No registration required. For info, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
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.
Chair Yoga with Martha:
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.
Chester Blood Pressure Clinic:
2 to 3 p.m. Third Tuesday. Chester Town Hall community room, 203 Middlesex Ave. Free for Chester seniors and community members. For info, contact Public Health Nurse Sherry Carlson at 860-661-3300 or Scarlson@crahd.net.
Coastal Camera Club Meeting:
7 p.m. First and third Wednesdays. Via Zoom. To register (required), contact wfrprs@att.net. For info, visit coastalcameraclub.org.
Coloring and Conversation:
Susan Powell Fine Art
Good Morning, Good Night Spring into Art
: Runs through May 3.
: 679 Boston Post Rd., Madison: For info, call 203-318-0616 or visit susanpowellfineart.com.
: Runs through April 26.
Village Herbery
: 14 Union St., Deep River: For info, visit rivervalleyartists.com.
8x8 Paintings by the River Valley Artists
Music
Bill’s Seafood Restaurant:
: Runs through May 11. 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.
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.
The Choo Choo Lounge at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina:
2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook. For info, call 860-3952000.
Thursdays and Sundays: 6 to 9 p.m. Live music.
The Highliner III:
139 Essex Rd., Westbrook. For info, call 860-399-5042 or visit thehighliner3.com.
Fridays and Saturdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Live music. Second and fourth Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m. Open mic.
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.
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.
2 to 3 p.m. First Monday. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Registration is suggested. For info or to register, contact Cindy Baklik at 860-395-3184 or cbaklik@actonlibrary.org, or visit actonlibrary.org.
Compassion Kits:
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.
Cookbook Club:
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.
Craft Night:
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.
Craft of the Month:
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.
Creative Craft Night
: 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.
Creative Writing Group:
6 p.m. Second Monday. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. For info, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.
See page 38
Patti Emanuel Art Exhibit
Continued from page 36
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 203-2457365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
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.
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 203-8007177 or visit BHcare.org.
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.
French Conversation Group:
3 to 4 p.m. Mondays. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Drop-ins welcome. For info, call 860-7671560.
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 or to register, call 203-245-7365 or visit scrantonlibrary.org.
Future Artists:
9:30 to 10 a.m. Fourth Monday. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. For children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560.
Celebrating 42 Years of Visual Artists
Shoreline Arts Alliance is proud to present Future Choices 2025, its 42nd annual celebration of high school visual artists. This juried exhibition showcases the work of talented emerging artists from Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 24-town region—don’t miss the opportunity to see the work of some of Connecticut’s most promising artists.
This year’s show will be at the Flat Rock Gallery at 314 Flat Rock Place in Westbrook. It will also include an exhibit that fea-
Genealogy Interest Group:
2:30 to 4 p.m. Second and fourth Tuesdays. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Drop-ins welcome. For info, call 860-767-1560.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group:
5:30 to 7 p.m. Fourth Monday. The Estuary, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook. Facilitated by the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services clinical staff. Hosted by The Estuary in collaboration with the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Registration is not required. For info, visit events.hchlibrary.org.
tures the work of art educators in SAA’s region. The gallery will be open Friday, March 28, through Thursday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 23, through Sunday, April 27. The hours are Wednesday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. An awards reception will be held for artists and their families and teachers on Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information, visit www.shorelinearts.org or contact office@shorelinearts.org or 203-421-6739.
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. : Drama Works Theatre Company, 323 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Runs March 28 through April 6. For info, contact 860-876-2020 or info@dramaworkstheatre.org, or visit dramaworkstheatre.org.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway:
Guitar Club: Theater Annapurna Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St. Runs April 3 through April 27. For info, call 860-7677318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
To submit an event to the Living Calendar, send an email to news@shorepublishing.com. For more events, both local and farther afield, or to enter your event online, visit our website zip06.com. The deadline for submissions is noon, eight days prior to the publication date.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Fisher
Isabelle Weissberg from Coginchaug Regional High School at Future Choices 2024
Press Release from Shoreline Arts Alliance
F3 Shoreline Men’s Bootcamp Workout:
Family Support Group:
Fiber Arts Club:
Woven Journeys on Display
Lyman Allyn Art Museum announces the opening of Woven Journeys: Handweavers Guild of Connecticut 2025 Biennial Exhibit. The biennial show, last hosted by the Lyman Allyn in 2015, provides an opportunity for the Handweaver’s Guild of Connecticut to exhibit its collective creativity, sharing with the public the depth and expanse of this artistry. The exhibition is on view through April 20. The Handweavers’ Guild of Connecticut was founded in 1948 to encourage handweavers, spinners, and other fiber artists from all levels of experience to exchange ideas and share knowledge, to inspire and educate, to stimulate creativity, and to challenge their abilities in fiber
art techniques. The entries in this juried show span the range of woven items, including innovative clothing, scarves, linens, rugs, wall hangings and home accessories.
Related programming includes a Handweaving Demonstration Day on Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4 p.m. Guild members will showcase various handweaving techniques, looms, yarns, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to try handweaving with different looms. This event is free and open to all ages. More information is available on lymanallyn.org. For more information, visit www.lymanallyn.org
You are invited to a Comprehensive Hearing Consultation
FREE
One of our Hearing Specialist will provide a professional examination of your ears and assess your hearing. Specialized testing will determine how well you understand speech, particularly in background noise. Professional Ear Examination
Lucky Day!
FREE Demonstration
In the event that you have a hearing loss, you will have the opportunity to evaluate hearing aids that have been accu- rately and professionally tuned specifically for your hearing loss. Your instrument will be chosen from several different brands based upon your specific needs, value, sound quality, and reliability.
6 Locations to Serve You
Call one of our convenient offices to schedule your appointment today.
help local firefighters collect donations of non-perishable food for the 13th Annual Fire House Food Drive
benefit The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP). Old Saybrook Fire Dept.; Essex VFD; Westbrook VFD; Chester VFD; Clinton VFD; Deep River VFD; and North Madison VFD Robert’s Food Center in North Madison; Stop & Shop in Old Saybrook and Clinton; Big Y in Old Saybrook and Clinton; and Walmart in Old Saybrook.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH, 9am - 1pm
Non-perishable food donations can be brought to Mirsina’s Restaurant in Old Saybrook; the Parthenon Diner in Old Saybrook; Sal’s Pizza & Pasta in Old Saybrook; Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex as well as the Essex Savings Bank in Old Saybrook and Little Pub in Old Saybrook. Please note that all these additional locations are accepting non-perishable food donations during their regular business hours through Saturday, April 12th.
Photo courtesy of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum
