In an effort to align local zoning regulations with new state statutes on zoning, the Chester Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) is holding a public hearing on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m., at Chester Town Hall on three proposed amendments. If approved, these new amendments would give more teeth to local zoning laws in order to establish certain housing standards and to prevent overdevelopment in the downtown area.
Effective July 1, all Connecticut municipalities are required to adopt new zoning laws in accordance with Public Act 25-1, which was adopted by the state government last year as a means to address the existing
See PZC to Update page 7
Pier Pressure
Visitors tour boats for sale during the 10th annual CT Spring Boat Show on April 25 at Safe Harbor Essex Island. The show runs April 24–26 and features new and brokerage boats, exhibits, live music, and food, with 50% of proceeds benefiting Sails Up 4 Cancer, which provides financial support to families during their fight against cancer.
Learning as They Go
A young Valley softball team is working toward consistency.........12
PhotobyWesleyBunnell/ ValleyCourier
Jill Peterson: Building Connections at the Chamber
By Eric O'Connell
Staff Writer
From running her own business to now leading the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, Jill Peterson is all about making connections in Old Saybrook.
Last month, Peterson was named executive director of the chamber. For her, the role is an opportunity to give back to an organization she has been a longtime member of and to further serve the town.
“I thought I could be a good fit because of my business connections and also my social connections I’ve made around town,” Peterson explains to the While she has only been director for a few weeks, she is not new to the chamber or the Old Saybrook community.
Harbor News
“I joined the chamber in 2012 right after I started with Pursuit of Pastry. For me, it was a way to get support with running a business and networking connections, which I didn’t know anything about before. The chamber offered that kind of support
Person of the Week
and resources,” Peterson says. “Two years ago, I joined the Board of Directors and I got to see the mechanisms of the chamber. When the director position opened up, my business was in a position where I could leave it in the hands of the girls there to run it now.”
Formed in 1939, the chamber “advances the economic vitality and quality of life in the Old Saybrook region through programs and services for its members and community,” according to the organization’s website. The chamber fulfills its mission through a variety of public and member-only events.
As executive director, Peterson says she serves as a “touch point” to various factions in the community. “My role is to be a liaison between community members, businesses in
Thank you to all the incredible residents and businesses in Old Saybrook and the Connecticut shoreline -- and beyond! You made this year’s Shoreline Fire Department Food Drive on Saturday, April 18th another huge success for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSK&P). The Old Saybrook Fire Department along with the Westbrook Fire Department, the Clinton Fire Department, and the Chester Hose Co. collected over 3,000 pounds of much needed non-perishable food during the food drive in addition to nearly $3,000 in cash donations to directly benefit the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries.
town, Town Hall, and other organizations around town,” she says. “I also have a team I work with on marketing events we have coming up.”
One event that Peterson and the chamber are focused on promoting is the 2026 chamber golf tournament. The event takes place at Fox Hopyard Golf Club on Monday, June 8. The $250 entry fee includes a golf cart, box lunch, and dinner. Beyond golf, the day will also feature a raffle and other prizes. Proceeds benefit chamber events. Registration is available on the chamber’s website along with sponsorship details. More information can be obtained by emailing jill@oldsaybrookchamber.com.
Peterson grew up in Massachusetts but has been part of the Old Saybrook community since she began working in town in 2010. Two years later, she became more well known in town after opening Pursuit of Pastry.
“The bakery I was working at was closing and I wanted to keep
See Jill Peterson page 8
Thank you to volunteers: Nadine “Deanie” Sabrin; Theresa Watford; OSFD Firefighters Ron Selines, Tony Cronin, and Charlie Vigorita, and Junior Firefighter Dustin Dussault; and the awesome volunteers from the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries who collected food and donations at the Old Saybrook Stop and Shop!
A big thank you goes to our sponsors and supporters: Our print sponsor Shore Publishing our radio sponsor Lee Elci of 94.9 News Now and Shawn Murphy of SoftRock 106.5 FM WBMW; The Pete Mezzetti Show; our very special volunteer Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons of NEWS8 WTNH; and John Harper, morning host, WLIS/ WMRD 1420/1150 AM.
And finally, thank you for the generous donations from the following organizations: Waters Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook; Walmart in Old Saybrook; Staples in Old Saybrook; the Parthenon Diner in Old Saybrook for an awesome breakfast for our volunteers; Dunkin’ in Old Saybrook for coffee and donuts; and Mirsina’s in Old Saybrook for the delicious lunch and amazing homemade rice pudding for the grateful volunteers at the OSFD. Thank you as well to the food drop-off locations in Old Saybrook, including Essex Bank, Little Pub, Parthenon Diner, and Mirsina’s, as well as the Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all! Your extreme generosity once again made this year’s Shoreline Fire Department Food Drive another big success for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and the many individuals that they help each day!
Max Sabrin
Food Drive Coordinator
Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, continues its series of Little Learners story times with stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts around a designated theme. Children and their caregivers can enjoy story time on Fridays at 10 a.m., with the theme of Mother Goose on May 1 and A Trip to the Doctor on May 8. 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 860-7671560, staff.essexlib@gmail.com, or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Workforce Alliance offers training, certificates, and job search assistance to youth and young adults living in south central Connecticut who are not currently enrolled in high school or college. Workforce Alliance also provides tuition assistance, academic help, internships, GED completion, and guidance toward higher education. For more information, visit www.workforcealliance.biz.
Photo courtesy of Jill Peteron
Jill Peterson, owner of Pursuit of Pastry, now serves as executive director of the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, strengthening connections within the Old Saybrook community.
The Largest Impediment
In 2009, the town of Essex concluded that the lack of sewage disposal facilities is “the largest impediment to economic development in Ivoryton.”
In 2011, the town commissioned an engineering firm to evaluate six properties for a community disposal system. Three were found to be good candidates.
But the town did not follow through on any of them, nor did the Board of Selectmen when it took over as the Water Pollution Control Authority in 2020.
In 2025, the director of health said “there have not been any new developments” since the 2011 study, and the Planning and Zoning Commission again stated that the lack of sewer lines or a wastewater disposal facility remains the most significant barrier to development in Ivoryton.
At a January 2026 groundbreaking for the proposed Ivoryton Playhouse
rehearsal and storage building, a project manager noted there has not been major construction on Main Street in a long time.
But the reason for the lack of new construction, as well as empty storefronts, is that businesses cannot get approval or support for needed septic systems.
Suddenly, however, the Playhouse appears to be an exception.
The Board of Selectmen, acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, has not objected, and the Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands commissions granted a special exception for a septic system within 100 feet of wetlands.
Yet the 2011 study found the proposed Playhouse site to be the least suitable of those considered.
Gary Comstock Essex
The Chester Historical Society is offering a $1,000 scholarship to Chester residents who are high school seniors or undergraduate or graduate college students. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in history, historic preservation, museums, or the environmental impact on historic sites through coursework, volunteer work, clubs, or other involvement. Students must be in good academic standing and show financial need. Applications are due Friday, May 1. Applicants must complete the Valley Regional High School Standard Scholarship Application. Those not attending Valley Regional High School may obtain the application at chesterhistoricalsociety.org. Completed applications should be emailed to chestercthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Essex Historical Society seeks sculptors for its 2026 Art on the Pratt House Lawn exhibition at 19 West Ave., Essex. Four artists will be selected to display up to three outdoor sculptures for two-month periods: June 1 through July 31; Aug. 1 through Sept. 30; and Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. (The April 1 through May 31 session is filled.) Participation is free. Works must be suitable for outdoor display and approved by the selection committee. Artists are responsible for installation and removal. Submit images to Kate Savage at membership@essexhistory.org. For more information, call 860-767-0681 or visit essexhistory.org.
The Essex Historical Society (EHS) is seeking volunteers to serve as guides and hosts for the summer season at the Pratt House, 19 West Ave., Essex. Volunteers will lead small group tours of the historic home or greet visitors, assist with exhibits, and help operate the gift shop. Training will be provided. The Pratt House will be open Saturdays and Sundays from June through September, with additional special events planned as part of the America 250 celebration. All new and returning volunteers are asked to attend a kickoff training session on Saturday, May 2, or Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, visit essexhistory.org or email membership@essexhistory.org.
Serenity Bishop Sports Editor Ext. 6141
Wesley Bunnell Chief of Photography
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O’Connell Staff Reporter
Obituaries
Obituary Gail Moorhouse
Chester
Gail Miller Moorhouse, 84, of Chester, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026. Born Oct. 30, 1941, in Hartford, to the late Justin and Eileen (Flaherty) Miller. She was the oldest of six children, raised in Glastonbury. She graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1959. She married Jonathan H. Moorhouse Oct. 8, 1960, and they spent the next 65 years together. They had two children, Jill and Jonathan A. Moorhouse. She worked as a real estate agent in the 1970s, then worked as a paralegal for Dzialo, Pickett, and Allen PC in Old Saybrook until she retired in 2008.
comforting, much like their owner. Some of her favorites included Zak, Katya, Esmerelda, and most recently, Ruby. And when college basketball season arrived, she was all in, cheering on the UConn women’s basketball team. She knew the teams, the players, the rivalries, and the rhythms of the game, and she loved nothing more than a good upset and a living-room full of cheering. She and her sister, Ginny, attended the women’s Final Four on many occasions to cheer their team on.
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She was many things at once: stubborn and tender, outspoken and quietly protective, restless and rooted. As the oldest of six children, she carried the responsibilities of birth order with a mixture of fierce guardianship and impatient humor. Those who loved her learned to accept — and sometimes admire — the contradictions that made her who she was.
She was a devoted wife, a mother who could be both the family's fiercest critic and its most reliable comfort, and a grandmother who delighted in small, private rituals with her grandchildren. As the eldest sibling, she guided, teased, and safeguarded her brothers and sisters in equal measure; as a matriarch, she held the family together through laughter, stubborn counsel, and the occasional scolding that somehow always came from love.
Her passions were simple and true. Travel opened her up: she collected passport stamps, stories, and experiences in cities here and abroad. Cats were her constant companions — independent, opinionated, and impossibly
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Those who knew her remember her quick laugh, her direct speech, her kitchen-table wisdom, and the way she made a room feel immediate. She did not suffer pretense gladly; she preferred honesty and a well-steeped cup of tea. She could be difficult at times, but many of the family’s best stories begin with some small clash that later softened into an affectionate memory.
She is survived by two of her sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Daversa (Frank) and Laurie Connelly (Richard, “Rick”). She was predeceased by her brother Justin “Jerry” Miller (Donna); sister Karen Schiavone (Fred); and brother David Miller. She leaves her husband, Jonathan “Jon” H. Moorhouse; her daughter, Jill Cassells, of Deep River; son, Jonathan A. Moorhouse, of Chester; and her beloved grandchildren, Alexander Cassells and his partner, Savannah, of Petaluma, CA, and Electra Cassells of Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-inlaw, Leila Saleheen; and many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the care she received.
The family plans a Celebration of her Life to follow; details to be announced to friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, or for those who wish to honor her love of animals, consider a donation to a local animal shelter or rescue organization.
See Obituaries page 9
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 860-399-9622, ext. 118 or visit vsymca.org.
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YMCA
The Perfect
Retirement
Essex Winter Series Awarded Endowment Grant
The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development announced the recipients of the 2026 Connecticut Arts Endowment Grant, given through the Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Essex Winter Series is one of the 140 recipients of grants totaling $946,398, which are provided with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts. For the upcoming year, the $1,177 received by EWS will help support its season programming, which each year touches the lives of many who attend its classical and jazz concerts.
This arts funding, which provides the grantee the flexibility to use the funds where most needed, is essential for Essex
Winter Series and other nonprofits. For EWS, the goal for nearly 50 years has been to bring the finest music to the community … not just a small sector, but the greater community. Susan Guernsey, president of the Essex Winter Series Board of Trustees, and new Artistic Director Tara Helen O’Connor said this funding helps the organization continue its mission of culturally enriching the local area.
Essex Winter Series is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the finest music, in live performance, during the winter months to the widest and most culturally, economically, and socially diverse audience possible in the Connecticut River Valley and shoreline region for purposes of cultivating appreciation through concerts and educational outreach. For more information, visit essexwinterseries.com.
Volunteers Needed to Tutor Valley Shore Residents in English
Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore (LVVS) is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Tutor Training Workshop to prepare volunteers to teach English to adult residents from around the world. No experience is required. The 12-hour training runs over eight sessions. Participants may attend morning sessions from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in person at the Westbrook Library or evening sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m., offered in a hybrid format with Zoom. Sessions are scheduled for May 7, 12, and 14. An online selffacilitated option is also available. A $40 donation is requested for materials. For more information, contact Joanne Argersinger at 860-399-0280 or jargersinger@lvvs.org, or visit www.lvvs.org.
Shoreline Arts Alliance is accepting submissions for IMAGES 2026, Connecticut’s oldest statewide photography competition. The jury-curated exhibition will be held Aug. 8–30 at Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Connecticut photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit digital entries through the Shoreline Arts Alliance website by Thursday, June 11, at noon. Submission guidelines and fees are available online. Founded in 1980, Shoreline Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization that supports professional arts development through mentorship, networking, education, and community engagement. For more information, call 203421-6739, email office@shorelinearts.org, or visit shorelinearts.org.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF DEEP RIVER
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:00pm, at the Richard H. Smith Town Hall Auditorium, 174 Main Street, to present the Annual Budget for Fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Town of Deep River as recommended by the Board of Finance.
Budget materials will be available on the town website: www.deepriverct.us/board-finance.
Dated at Deep River, CT, this 23rd day of April, 2026. Timothy Puglielli Jr., Chairperson, Board of Finance
Press Release from the Essex Winter Series
Shoreline Arts Alliance
PZC to Update Housing Zoning Rules
Continued from page 1
housing crisis in Connecticut and accelerate the development of new living spaces. Between now and then, town bodies such as Chester’s PZC — along with Deep River and Essex’s commissions — will be working on adopting new revisions to existing zoning regulations.
One of the amendments looking to be approved concerns middle housing — multifamily — developments that fit between two to nine tenants. The amendment, entitled “Section 119 Site Plan Application Procedure,” would allow for the PZC to approve a multifamily development in Chester solely through a site plan review and without need for a public hearing.
According to Chester Zoning Enforcement Officer Zoe Chatfield, Chester “does not currently have site plan approvals as a kind of an established form of approval,” in most zones. “Everything is either administrative or special permit, which requires a public hearing,” she said.
The adoption of a site plan application
VRHS Trades Award Fund Accepting Applications
The Valley Regional High School (VRHS) Trades Award Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) is accepting applications for its annual trades award through the VRHS School Counseling Office. Two awards of $2,000 each will be presented on VRHS Awards Night in the spring.
Established by members of the VRHS Class of 1982 to encourage careers in the trades, the award is open to VRHS seniors pursuing employment in the trades and/or entrepreneurship. Applicants must be in good academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to positive community involvement and service to others. Students may obtain applications and additional information through the VRHS School Counseling Office. The VRHS Trades Award is an educational award fund of CFMC. For more information about the fund or to support it, call 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.
procedure would apply to both middle housing developments and mixed-use developments in the town’s commercial and Village zones. Greater development in the latter has not been easy for towns like Chester, as public testimony on proposed projects within the zone can often surround concerns about them fitting into the historic character and aesthetic of the area. However, “that leaves a challenge” for small towns similar to Chester, said Chatfield, and often lead[s] to the eventual rejection of proposed developments.
Despite the absence of public hearing, site plan reviews are “a mechanism for the commission to still review middle housing projects, but within the kind of limitations of what the new statute allows,” added Chatfield. This leaves the commission with the ability to establish standards for new housing projects that are “a lot more prescriptive” in what they will require developers to do and not to do.
This kind of procedure — and the influence it gives zoning commissioners — is recognized by Chester Affordable Housing
Commission. Minutes from their March 3 meeting recognize that amendment “allows for Planning & Zoning oversight of proposed multi-family housing projects.”
While there will be a lack of a public hearing surrounding a proposed development — and public testimony submitted to the PZC is “not supposed to be a factor in decision-making,” acknowledged Chatfield — the permission for more prescriptive standards on future developments
“does compel” the commission to be more decisive in their application of standards.
“I think that is where you’ll see the more interesting deliberations occur, which will likely happen in June,” said Chatfield.
By that point, the commission will have started to consider, “what are the standards that we want to see for a development if it comes to the Village district,” she added. Or else, they will not have much influence over a future development.
“If they get a site plan application for something that they don’t like and they don’t have standards that they can use, then they’re very limited in what they can
do versus the special permit [procedure],” said Chatfield.
One of the other text amendments set for a public hearing is for the “Establishment of a Conservation and Traffic Mitigation Overlay Zone.” The intention of this amendment is to give the Planning and Zoning Commission oversight to limit the inflation of parking spaces within the Village area with an incoming development.
“Commissioners are already concerned about the fact that traffic patterns and finding parking is already a challenge for folks going to the village district, and so they want to make sure that [in] that area they’re able to have a little bit more control still about what that can look like,” said Chatfield. “If you do have a development where that small Main Street area has mostly residential parkers, then there are hindrances to the storefronts and the businesses that are right there that generally would depend on foot traffic or people or circulation of vehicles parking and leaving.”
Obituaries
Continued from page 5
Obituary Michael Furgueson Essex
George Michael Graham “Mike” Furgueson, of Essex, passed peacefully April 11, 2026, after a short illness. He was 88 years old. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who is remembered for his down-to-earth demeanor, humor, good cheer, warmth, and height.
Born in March 1938 in his grandfather’s hospital in Bayshore, N.Y., to the late Cornelius and Elinor King Furgueson, he was predeceased by his brother, Cornelius Furgueson IV. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 65 years, Sherley Thomas Furgueson; his children, Michael (Adeline), Scott (Anne), and Timothy (Mimi); and grandchildren, Kate, Isabelle, Reeve, Reagan, and Collin.
Mike graduated from the Choate School and St. Lawrence University before proudly serving in the U.S. Navy as an officer and diver, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., during summers while at college. His deployment was scheduled for his wedding day; fortunately, the Navy provided a two-week deferment before he and Sherley departed for Washington, D.C. In Washington, Mike reported to the Washington Navy Yard for Deep Sea Diving School. Following completion, Mike and Sherley departed for Hawaii, where he was an officer on the , a rescue and salvage ship. He went on several WestPac tours, calling at ports such as Tokyo, Subic Bay, Philippines, and Guam. Following his Naval service, he and Sherley moved back East, where he joined the Electric USS Grasp
Boat Company in Groton as an engineer; he worked with EB for 36 years. He was also employed with the Pratt Read Company in Ivoryton for several years. In 1964, he and Sherley built a house in Centerbrook, where they raised their children and enjoyed a special neighborhood experience with many families who became lifelong friends. In 1992, they moved to Lyme, after building a beloved home overlooking Uncas Pond; they lived and thrived in that house for 30 years before moving back to Essex, into the Essex Meadows community, meeting wonderful people, and enjoying the care and devotion from the staff there.
He generously gave his time to the community as a member of the Essex Elementary School Board of Education, a FISH volunteer, and director of the Lyme Public Hall. He was a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex, since 1964, and generously volunteered his time to serve the church.
He had a special affection for his family beach house in Lonelyville, Fire Island, N.Y., a place where he grew up surrounded by an extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and family patriarch, Dr. King. Over the years, he and Sherley crafted this house into a special summer place they enjoyed and shared with his sons and their families. Mike and Sherley also had many fun weekends there with friends.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations meaningful to Mike: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Cross St., Essex, CT; The Essex Foundation, PO Box 64, Essex, CT 06426; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF ESSEX By action of a Special Town Meeting held on April 22, 2026, the voters of the Town of Essex adopted the ordinance entitled “AMENDED AND RESTATED ORDINANCE REGULATING HAWKERS, PEDDLERS AND VENDORS”. A full copy of said Ordinance is on file in the Essex Town Clerk’s office. Dated at Essex, Connecticut, 23rd day of April 2026.
Caitlin Riley Essex Town Clerk
Obituary Geraldine Carini-Garcia Chester
Geraldine “Geri” Katherine CariniGarcia, 100, passed peacefully from this life on April 17, 2026, at her home in Chester.
She was born Aug. 27, 1925, at Hartford Hospital, the daughter of the late John F. and Katherine (Scallia) Carini. She grew up in Chester, graduating from Chester High School, Class of 1943, and Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1946. As a student nurse, she cared for victims of the Hartford Circus Fire before becoming a registered nurse at Hartford Hospital, her career for the next 43 years until retirement in 1987.
Geri was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 97, an active member of the Chester High School Alumni, Hartford Hospital School of Nursing Alumni, American Orthopedic Nurses Association, and the Chester Historical Society.
Caring and compassion were hallmarks of her century of life — for her younger sister and brother, for cousins and friends, for pets, groups of feral cats, and birds and animals of all kinds. Thanks to loving care from relatives and live-in companions, Geri was able to enjoy the peace and comfort of her own home until the last.
During her days at Chester High School, she and her cousin, Alma, volunteered with the Army Air Force Ground Observer Corps as plane spotters during World War II.
Geri specialized in orthopedics, becoming the first nurse clinician in orthopedics at Hartford Hospital, part of a nursing team that developed protocols in joint replacement. She coauthored the book, “Traction Made Manageable,” translated into several languages. André Garcia, the book’s illustrator, was Geri’s longtime ballroom dancing partner. Following her retirement in 1987, André became her husband and partner in life until his passing in 2008.
Daughter of an infantryman who served in France during World War I,
Geraldine will reunite with her parents; her husband, André; beloved sister Frances Ann; her devout brother, Monsignor James P. Carini, who provided weekly prayers, communion, and Mass for his sisters; and beloved cousin Alma Carini Doak; as well as many dear family members. Geraldine, a dearly loved relative, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her many cousins and friends — particularly the six Doak cousins and their families.
Funeral services began with visitation on April 25 at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue, Chester. Following the Mass, burial took place in St. Joseph Cemetery, adjacent to the church. Donations in Geraldine’s name may go to Pet Animal Welfare Society of CT (PAWS), 504 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, www.pawsct.org, or a charity of one’s choice.
Notice of Decision April 21, 2026 – Zoning Board of Appeals
The Essex Zoning Board of Appeals conducted its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Essex Town Hall. The following Decision was rendered: Application No. 26-3 on behalf of Brett Overacker, 83 North Main Street Essex, CT, Assessor’s Map 28 Lot 75, VR District, requesting variances of Sections 40C, 40D, 40E, 40I.1, and 60B for the replacement of a garage located within the rear yard setback and exceeding the coverage but will be a reduction from the existing setback encroachment and coverage. APPROVED
Respectfully submitted,
Ward Feirer, Vice Chairman
Horoscopes Crossword
For the week of April 30 - May 6
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, your energy is at an all-time high. If you’ve been sitting on a wild idea, Tuesday is the day to pitch it to someone. Your charisma is your superpower right now.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Expect a spotlight moment, Taurus. Whether it is a compliment from a stranger or a win at work, the universe will validate your hard work this week. Keep your chin up.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Adventure is calling you this week, Gemini. Even if it is a new coffee shop or a different route home, no voyage is too small. A spontaneous conversation midweek could lead to an opportunity.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Treat yourself, Cancer. The stars suggest that a little luxury could go a long way for your mental health right now. A small investment in your comfort will pay off in productivity.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
The mental or physical clutter in your life is finally clearing out, Leo. You will find a lost item or a solution to a nagging problem by the end of the week. The relief will feel good.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, your discipline is producing tangible results. Take a moment to look back at where you were three months ago. You have climbed higher than you realize. Celebrate the progress.
APRIL 30
Travis Scott, Rapper (35)
MAY 1
Tim McGraw, Singer (59)
MAY 2
Dwayne Johnson, Actor (54)
MAY 3
Ella Langley, Singer (27)
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
Your social calendar is buzzing right now, Libra. You are the main character in your friend group this week, and your ability to connect people will spark a brilliant new collaboration.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
A lingering tension with a loved one melts away this weekend, Scorpio. It will be replaced by laughter and mutual understanding. It’s a great time for a reset.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, your brain is a lightning bolt of innovation right now. Write down every thought you have, even if they seem weird. One of them will be a game changer.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, your intuition will be 100 percent accurate this week. Trust your gut on a new opportunity; it’s leading you toward something that feels like home. Comfort is coming your way.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, this week you are shedding an old skin and it feels amazing. A boost in your confidence makes you feel untouchable in the best way possible. Own your power this week.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, creativity is overflowing. Whether you are painting, cooking or solving problems, your flow state is easy to find. Expect a sweet message from someone you are missing.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
MAY 4
Kimora Lee Simmons, Fashion Designer (51)
MAY 5
Henry Cavill, Actor (43)
MAY 6
Angel Reese, Athlete (24)
CLUES ACROSS
1. Purchase
4. British news organization
7. Midway between northeast and east
8. Language specialist group
10. Fancy automobile
12. Small loop or series of loops
13. Exploiter
14. Don’t know when yet
16. Group of languages
17. One who’s finished
19. After B
20. Angled
21. A place to adopt pets
25. Swiss river
26. Young boy
27. Unexciting
29. American comedian Vidale
30. Peyton’s little brother
31. Corporate higher-up
32. “All in the Family” star
39. Strike something forcefully
41. Up in the air (abbr.)
42. Clay earth pigments
43. Means to record brain activity
44. Small constellation
45. Embraces
46. Brief description
48. Exclude
49. White (French)
50. Insect
51. A major division of geological time
52. Soviet Socialist Republic
CLUES DOWN
1. Type of whale
2. In tune
3. A citizen of Yemen
4. Actress Ling
5. One who supports
6. Circus performer
8. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
9. Quantitative fact
11. Utah city
14. Where a golfer begins
15. Attendant
18. The ancient Egyptian sun god
19. Book of Chronicles (abbr.)
20. Benedictine monk
22. Not turbulent
23. Car mechanics group
24. Buffer used in chemistry
27. Fall heavily
28. Pie _ __ mode
29. The Brits love it
31. Children’s TV channel (abbr.)
32. Jacksonville footballer
33. Helps little firms
34. __ and behold
35. A way to resemble
36. Fingers
37. Excessive indulgences
38. You might be an “empty” one
39. “How the West Was Won” writer
40. European river
44. They begin the alphabet
47. The body’s messenger
Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally throughout the puzzle.
The Valley Regional softball team has had one of its best starts in recent memory, but it is also still searching for consistency game in and game out.
The young Warriors squad, made up largely of freshmen and sophomores, has started 5-5. That stretch has included winning their first two games, losing the next two, then alternating wins and losses since.
Recently, Valley Regional went 1-1, with a 7-4 victory over Coginchaug on April 24, followed by a 2-1 loss to Somers on April 25. The up-and-down pattern has continued, with the team alternating wins and losses over its last six games.
Despite the inconsistency, sophomore pitcher Paige Williams was pleased to see the team earn a key conference win against Coginchaug. Williams said the team had been working to clean up several areas over the past few games and was able to put it all together in the win.
“We performed better than we have been over the last couple of games of the season,” Williams said. “We kept the energy up when we were hitting. Everybody made plays in the field, and every-
body made timely hits.”
Williams said the team needed to address some issues in the outfield, and she also wanted to improve her own performance in the circle. She said she had not been satisfied with her outings in recent games and entered the matchup focused on attacking hitters.
“I think I performed really well, pitching today between fielding ground balls and getting good strikeouts,” she said.
“Between knowing where the runners were and making good plays, I feel like I did a lot better than I have been.”
Williams’ performance was a key point that Valley Regional coach Olivia Whitehead highlighted after the Coginchaug game. Whitehead praised her ability to get batters out as well as her leadership in the circle.
Williams finished with seven strikeouts.
“She threw one of her better games today,” Whitehead said. “She stayed composed and fielded her position. She also hit a two-run home run when we got into that dicey situation, and it put us up 6-3, which was huge. That kept us in the lead.”
One area the Warriors have emphasized all season is maintaining the lead once they get it. To do that, they focus on
situational awareness, positioning, and playing sound defense.
Whitehead said the team executed that well against Coginchaug, especially after the Blue Devils cut the deficit to 4-3.
“We took the lead and kept the lead the whole time. I’m proud of them,” Whitehead said. “They stayed calm and dug a little deeper, knowing that we still had that lead, but knowing that we couldn’t give up much more…we knew there was a chance that Coginchaug would start putting the ball in play, and they did, but the most important part was that we kept our cool and worked together and got out of it.”
The results were not the same against Somers. The Warriors were unable to generate the same level of offense, but the team has shown an ability to respond after losses.
The young group has demonstrated a level of resilience that is uncommon for a roster made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores.
“Anytime you lose, the most you can get out of it is that you have to learn from it. A loss is not a loss. It’s a learning opportunity,” Whitehead said. “So we try every game to reflect and take three or four
See Valley Regional page 13
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/Valley Courier
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/Valley Courier
Paige Williams pitches for the Warriors during a 7-4 victory over Coginchaug on April 24. Juliana Spencer prepares to toss the ball to the pitcher after fielding a throw to second base.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/Valley Courier Alexandra Scrivo eyes her bat before settling into the batter's box.
Valley Regional-Westbrook Baseball Rolls Past Coginchaug
By Serenity J. Bishop
Sports Editor
The Valley Regional/Westbrook co-op baseball team has hit the ground running to start the season. The Warriors have jumped out to a 6-3 record and have won four straight games while continuing to build team chemistry and find a comfort level within the lineup.
On April 24, the Warriors made a statement with a dominant victory over Coginchaug. The Blue Devils had no answer for the Warriors’ batters, and the co-op program coasted to a 15-0 win in five innings.
Junior pitcher Jacob Knox led the way on the mound. He said the team played well in all phases, and personally, he was able to have a successful day because of the defense behind him.
“I really just tried to focus on filling up the zone because I know I have a defense behind me that can back me up. If I just fill up the zone and throw strikes, then I know I’m good,” Knox said. “This win definitely boosts the confidence for the team.”
After close wins against Lyme-Old Lyme and Portland, the Warriors defeated Hale Ray 9-1 to extend their winning streak to three games. With Coginchaug next on the schedule, the co-op program wanted to deliver an even stronger performance.
“We came out saying that we should make a statement here to prove what we have and what we can show,” Knox added. “The chemistry is clicking right now. The batting, defense, and pitching are all doing well. We’re rolling.”
Knox was one of the key players coach
Patrick Sirois highlighted after the Coginchaug game. Sirois also credited senior infielder Kyle Leandri, praising his ability to stay patient and wait for the right pitches, as many teams have pitched around him this season.
He also gave a nod to senior infielder Chase King, whom he moved to the eighth spot in the batting order, where King has been productive.
“Our best hitter today was Chase King. He’s a team guy. A leader. He’s going down there and working really hard in practice, and he found his swing,” Sirois said. “Knox is 4-0 on the year. He’s been pretty dominant. He’s that guy that we rely on to fill up the zone.”
Two areas that impressed Sirois were the team’s focus and its approach at the plate. He said the team’s energy was high, and while they typically play with confidence, he was concerned about a potential lapse with a game followed by an off day.
“I’m very happy with their focus from the time that I got here. They were already warmed up and in the batting cages,” Sirois said. “I told them after the game the number one thing they did was swing at strikes and take good hitters’ swings in hitters’ counts and not expand the zone. We made the pitchers grind every inning, and when you do that consistently through five innings, you’re able to find a couple of runs.”
The Warriors will return to the diamond for back-to-back home games against Parish Hill on April 30 and Morgan on May 1. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m.
Schedules
Friday, May 1: vs. Morgan at 4 p.m.
Monday, May 4: at Haddam Killingworth at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 6: at North Branford at 4 p.m.
Friday, May 1: vs. Morgan at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 4: at Haddam Killingworth at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 6: at North Branford at 4 p.m.
Monday, May 4: at Old Saybrook/ at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7: at East Hampton at 4 p.m.
Monday, May 4: vs. Old Saybrook/Portland at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: vs. East Hampton at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5: at Old Saybrook at 3:20 p.m.
Friday, May 1: vs. Lyme-Old Lyme at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5: at Morgan at 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: vs. Haddam Killingworth at
Friday, May 1: at Lyme-Old Lyme at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5: vs. Morgan at 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: at Haddam Killingworth at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6: at Coginchuag at 2:50 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: at Wheeler/Fitch at 3:10 p.m.
Valley Regional Softball Aims to Find Consistency
Continued from page 12
things that we can do better…We’ve played some of the better teams in our conference, so it just pushes us to be better, and they are really resilient in that aspect. They just want more, and that’s helping us grow and bounce back.”
As the Warriors head into the second
half of the season, the focus will be on developing their situational softball IQ. That includes limiting extra runs in the outfield and getting the lead runner out on the bases.
Valley Regional returns to the field Friday, May 1, for a home game against Morgan at 3:45 p.m.
Digital Services at the Deep River Library
The Deep River Library, 150 Main Street, Deep River, has added to its digital services with the new RBDigital Unlimited for audiobook users. This enhanced option will allow users to download their choice of more than 47,000 audio books. Patrons continue to have access to e-books through Hoopla, which has 37,000 titles. Patrons can access the apps for RBDigital and Hoopla on the Deep River Public Library website. For more information, call the library at 860-526-6039 or visit www.deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.
Baseball Softball
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Jacob Knox pitches during the Valley Regional High School/Westbrook co-op Warriors’ 15-0 victory over Coginchaug on April 24.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
The Numbers
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!
Your Next Audiobook? Narrated Next Door
By Kristina Dorsey
Special to Living
Consider Me The Country Club Murder South of Somewhere
If you’ve been listening to audiobooks like , one of series, or , you should know this: those narrators might be your neighbors.
Several southeastern Connecticut residents have developed full-time careers as audiobook narrators. The four narrators The Day interviewed all began recording at Tantor Studios, a major audiobook publisher in Old Saybrook, in 2015 or 2016.
The popularity of audiobooks has soared, propelled by two major factors. First was the advent of internet downloads. Before that, books were on tape or CDs; Alex Kydd, of New London, recalled that the first audiobook he narrated was a 10-disc compilation.
The second industry-changing event was the pandemic, when people stuck at home were looking for entertainment options.
These four narrators — all actors first — went into Tantor daily when they started. Callie Beaulieu, of Stonington, recalled regular 9-to-5 shifts at the Old Saybrook location.
“We used to call each other booth buddies. Tantor had a series of recording booths in their on-site facilities, and we would all go in for 9 o’clock, we’d all record our pages, and we’d all leave at 5 o’clock. We were a team,” she said.
When the 2020 shutdown happened, they shifted to working at home in makeshift recording booths. They have since upgraded to impressive setups, using materials like foam and moving blankets for soundproofing.
Having a booth at home comes with occasional challenges. Beaulieu recalled recording and hearing what sounded like snoring. She finally opened her booth door to find her 20-pound cat “dead asleep outside the door snoring,” she said.
Voice of Romance
When it comes to narrating audiobooks, some people are hired for a range of subjects, while others — like Kydd — find themselves selected for a specific genre.
“I’m circling in on about 300 books at this point, all romance. It’s aaall romance,” Kydd said. “For me, there’s a huge focus on sports romance. Specifically, hockey. It’s ironic because I’ve never even seen a hockey game.”
Heated Rivalry
He didn’t narrate , though he noted Tantor produced the 2019 audiobook of that now-buzzy release. Narrators are paid per finished hour,
with rates varying widely based on experience, Beaulieu said. Amy Bentley noted the standard negotiated rate for SAGAFTRA narrators is $200 to $300 per finished hour, along with contributions toward health and retirement, though each publisher negotiates its own rate. Nonunion narrators set their own prices.
Kydd was cast as a romance narrator early on because of where his voice sits.
When he narrates, he adapts his delivery to match the genre.
“I always imagine — because it’s romance — that I’m telling, like, my best friends a very sexy secret, you know what I mean?” he said. “I imagine I’m really talking to somebody and telling them a story, versus sitting here and reading, which is, I think, why I’ve worked a lot, because I think listeners really respond to that — especially with romance.”
Narrating a book is much more than reading. It is closer to acting, though, as Kydd put it, “honestly, it’s a lot more work because you’re playing everybody.”
There are two types of recordings. In one, Kydd plays all the men, a female narrator plays all the women, and an editor blends the recordings so it sounds like a real-time conversation.
In the other, “you’re playing everybody,” he said — “the female lead, the child, the grandmother, the sister, the best friend, the security guard — you’re literally playing everybody. So it’s mental and vocal gymnastics, really.”
Kydd works on four to six books a month, usually giving himself about a week per book. Sometimes, he works 12- to 16-hour days.
“You get into a flow. Sometimes you vibe with one author’s writing over another’s. Sometimes I’m able to go for two minutes without a mess-up. Sometimes I’m going sentence by sentence. It just depends on the day,” he said.
Casting directors and producers now know Kydd well and book him accordingly. Authors who have heard his work sometimes request him directly.
Kydd studied acting at the William Esper Studio in New York City. His favorite theater roles include Romeo in with Flock Theatre in New London, and Victor Frankenstein in at Capital Classics in Hartford.
He has recorded for Disney, Audible, and Simon & Schuster, among others. He still occasionally records at Tantor, and Audible brings him to its New Jersey headquarters.
Romeo and Juliet Frankenstein
Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day
Audiobook narrator Alex Kydd works April 1, 2026, from the studio he built with family in the basement of his home in New London.
Photo by Sarah Gordon/The Day
Audiobook narrator Amy Bentley records from her booth in the guest room at her home in Oakdale on April 2, 2026.
Your Next Audiobook? Narrated Next Door
Continued from page 20
He is often booked months in advance; in late March, he said he was scheduled through September.
Kydd enjoys the work.
“I get to act every single day, and that’s rare for a normal person to get to act every day, to really commodify the art in a full-time, sustainable way. ... I feel lucky in that sense,” he said.
He also appreciates the flexibility. While it’s full-time, the schedule is his own.
people are more suited to nonfiction. Within those, there are subcategories as well. It just depends on where your voice falls naturally,” she said.
tions, following a document that notes each issue, before editors finalize the track.
Beaulieu grew up in Stonington, where she performed with the Stonington Players, studied acting at the University of Connecticut, worked as an actress in Chicago, and later returned home after time abroad.
She still acts in film and television, recently appearing in episodes of on Fox and on NBC. She no longer performs onstage, finding that theater and audiobook work together took too much of a toll on her voice.
Audiobook narrators, she said, must remember “you’re in someone’s ear.”
“The intimacy level shifts, and I’m sure you can gather from this conversation, I’m basically Carol Channing just in general. I’m pretty big,” she said, laughing. “So it’s been learning to create an intimacy on the mic, and you don’t have to push so hard.”
During her busiest year, Beaulieu recorded 48 books. Her work spans genres, including 25 books in a single cozy mystery series.
She also records nonfiction, from self-help to science.
“I think what I love the most about doing nonfiction is I truly, honestly believe that I’ve become smarter and I’ve become a better human being, because I’ve read titles I never in a million years would have picked up, and they’ve made me better for the narrating,” she said.
For one seven-hour science book, she spent 23 hours on research.
“It takes longer because you have to stop and literally sometimes do a sentence a couple times in order to get the pronunciation right so it has a flow to it, so it sounds like you know what you’re saying,” she said.
From Amish Romances to Cozy Mysteries
Amy Bentley, who grew up in East Lyme and now lives in Oakdale, began narrating audiobooks after Beaulieu mentioned audition opportunities at Tantor while they were performing together with Flock Theatre. Now an independent contractor, Bentley worked with 13 companies last year.
She narrates across genres.
“Some people’s voices are more suited for fiction. Some
Bentley said she tried textbooks “a spin — not for me.”
“If you were to listen to an audiobook, you’ll know right away whether you’re going to like it because if the narrator is not interested and engaged in the topic, you probably won’t be interested and engaged in the topic,” she said.
Bentley often narrates cozy mysteries and small-town romances. She previously did more young adult titles.
“For a while, I was big in Amish romances. ... That’s exactly what you think, romance over the butter churning and so on,” she said.
Different genres require different tones. Cozy mysteries often feature a sassy, rough-around-the-edges protagonist, while Amish romances call for a more wholesome delivery.
A typical 200-page book takes about three days to record. She caps her daily workload at 60 to 70 pages.
Bentley graduated from East Lyme High School in 2008 and earned a theater degree from Western Connecticut State University. Her stage roles include Olga in Anton Chekhov’s at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Hysteria in by Hannah Simms at Hartbeat Ensemble, and Lady Macbeth in Flock Theatre’s
Three Sisters Fat and Blood Macbeth
“What is similar between acting and narrating is you really launch yourself into that character and start thinking of things as if you were that person,” she said. “But when you’re doing an audiobook, you have a million chances to get it exactly the way you like it. Whereas when you’re onstage ... what you get is what you get. You can’t erase and do another take.”
‘This
is a Marathon’
Vanessa Vradenburgh, whose professional name is Vanessa Daniels, was an actress in New York City before moving to Madison with her family. After stepping back from acting to raise her children, she auditioned at Tantor and has worked in audiobooks for a decade.
The transition wasn’t easy.
“I had some commercial voice-overs, which is quick, right? Quick clips. This is a marathon. It’s a marathon mentally and vocally, and I’ll be honest, I was terrible at it when I started,” she said. “I’m very grateful that they actually stuck with me and believed that I would get better. I’m sure that’s pretty normal ... because it’s a different sort of media. It takes a minute to get used to the nuances of something new.”
Maintaining focus for hours at a time was the biggest challenge.
Once recording is complete, a proofreader reviews the audio and flags errors. Vradenburgh then records correc-
Friends of Essex Library Hold May Book Sale
The Friends of the Essex Library will hold a book sale during the month of May in the foyer of the Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. The May sale will feature children’s, young adult, and self-help titles. Unless otherwise noted, hardcover books are priced at $3 each or two for $5, and paperbacks are $2 each. For more information, visit the Friends tab at youressexlibrary.org.
She primarily records detective novels and cozy mysteries, but has also narrated books on parenting and women in business.
“It’s cool because you work alone, but it’s a huge community. I’ve made a lot of friends,” she said.
She also enjoys building relationships with authors.
“I’ve made relationships with a couple of authors that I’ve done multiple books for in their series, and that’s really cool, especially if they really like what you’ve done and they start to request you for their titles. That feels really good,” she said.
Hearing from listeners is especially meaningful. Vradenburgh recalled a conversation with a man who told her he has dyslexia and can’t read.
“The only way I can enjoy books is through audio,” he said.
While he hadn’t heard her work specifically, she said the moment stuck with her.
“Even though I’m alone — you’re sort of like a lone ranger listening to the sound of your voice all day — the audio industry really does reach people,” she said. “To hear that he had this disability and it was the only way he could enjoy books really touched my heart.”
Listen to these Audiobooks
The narrators shared a few titles they recommend as favorites or good introductions:
Pucking Around Jacksonville Rays
Consider Me Playing for Keeps Caught Up
Alex Kydd ( series), by Emily Rath ( series), by Becka Mack , by Liz Tomford
The Country Club Murder A Devil Went Down to Georgia
In the Bones
Callie Beaulieu series, by Julie Mulhern , by Deb Miller Landau , by Tessa Wegert
South of Somewhere
The Mortician Murders
The Hanging City
The Boxcar Librarian
Amy Bentley , by T.I. Lowe series, by Greta Boris , by Charlie Holmberg , by Briana Labuskes
Riddle of Spirit and Bone
Secrets of Six Figure Women
Armed and Fabulous
Vanessa Vradenburgh , by Carolyn Korsmeyer , by Barbara Stanny , by Camilla Chafer
Calls for Artists: Essex Summer Arts Festival
Artists and craftspeople are invited to participate in the Essex Summer Arts Festival, scheduled for June 20 through June 21 on the Essex Green in Essex. The outdoor event features fine art and crafts displayed in the historic walkable town overlooking the Connecticut River. Essex is a popular tourist destination known for its restaurants, coffee shops, and marina, and the festival typically attracts strong visitor traffic. Space is limited and early reservations are encouraged. For more information or to reserve a spot, email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.
Acting and Narrating
Best Medicine Stumble
For more Life & Style stories, visit our website, www.zip06.com. To submit events for the calendar, email news@shorepublishing.com.
THURSDAY,
APRIL 30
Hearts, Minds, and Monkey Business: Engaging with a Visual, Social, and Stressful World
: 10 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Presented by Jonathan Pertile, Lihao Yan, Nisarg Shah, and Stephanie Reis of Yale Science in the News. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Virtual Author Talk with Jason Reynolds
: 2 p.m. Virtual. Hosted by Essex Library. Features a conversation with author Jason Reynolds on his latest work and writing process. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Mission: Ready
: 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Kathleen E. Goodwin Elementary School, 80 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hosted by Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services. Features an after-school program with activities focused on building confidence, problem-solving, and community engagement. For grade 4 students. Cost: $20 for four-week session. For info or to register (required), contact 860-510-5050 or jessica.wood@oldsaybrookct.gov.
Tri-Town Fortnite Tournament
: 3:30 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Fortnite tournament hosted by OneUp Games. Limited team spots available. For ages 12 to 18. For info or to register, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Junior Librarians: Plan the Fun
: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Program for ages 8 to 12 exploring how library programs are planned, with participants creating their own program ideas. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Art Reception: Sonya Gill and Students
: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Masonicare at Chester Village, 317 West Main St., Chester. Reception featuring artwork by Sonya Gill and mosaics by Gloria Nilsson’s students. Free. For info, call 860-531-1400.
Opening Reception: Clinton Art Society
Spring Members Exhibition
Spring Members Exhibition
: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 E. Main St., Clinton. Marks the opening of the , on view through June 25. Features works by members of the Clinton Art Society across a range of fine art media. Free and open to the public. For info, contact casclinton@gmail.com or visit clintonartsocietyct.org.
The Beatles! Author Talk and Musical Performance
:
6 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features a multimedia presentation with visuals and recordings by Charles Rosenay, along with readings and signing of
Celebrities, Actors, Athletes, Mods and Rockers: The Book of Top 10 Beatles Lists
. Includes an acoustic Beatles performance by a Paul McCartney soundalike. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Empowerment Through Preparedness Workshop
: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Women and Family Life Center, 96 Fair St., Guilford. Informational workshop on safety planning and the restraining order process. Registration required. For info, call 203-458-6699 or visit womenandfamilylife.org.
Evening of Guitar at the Blackstone
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guitarist and teacher Neal Fitzpatrick leads a program of performances, discussion, and instruction exploring connections between classical music and guitar. Registration required. For info or to register (required), call 203-4881441 ext. 318 or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Documentary Screening
: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St. Documentary on the role of caterpillars in ecosystems. Hosted by Guilford Land Conservation Trust and Guilford Free Library. Free. Registration requested. For info or to register, contact 203-453-8282 or 203-457-9253 or info@guilfordlandtrust.org or deadevito@guilfordfreelibrary.org, or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
Virtual Author Talk with Jason Reynolds
Coach
: 7 p.m. Virtual. Features a conversation with author Jason Reynolds on , the fifth book in the Track series, exploring the character’s backstory. For info or to register (required), call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
Tween Writing
: 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Killingworth Library, 188 Route 81. Writing program for ages 9 to 12; family invited to attend final session. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Calendar for the Week of April 30, 2026
Tween Time: Star Wars Party
: 4 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Program for ages 8 to 12 featuring a themed party with games and crafts. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Exhibit Reception:
A Town Named Madison: Celebrating 200 Years
: 4 to 7 p.m. Lee’s Academy, 14 Meetinghouse Ln., Madison. Hosted by the Madison Historical Society. Features a reception for the exhibit highlighting Captain Frederick Lee and Madison’s Revolutionary War history. Free. For info, call 203-245-4567, email office@madisonhistory.org, or visit madisonhistory.org.
Chester First Friday Night Art Stroll
: 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Chester. Shops, restaurants, and galleries open late. Live music and artist events throughout town, including Paddy Whack performing at Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery, 1 Spring St., and Mike and Rich Acoustic Duo performing at 6:30 p.m. at Little House Brewing Company, 16 Main St. For info, call 860-526-2077 or visit nilssonstudio.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 1 AND SATURDAY, MAY 2
Razzle Dazzle: Community Talent Show
: 6:30 p.m. Valley Regional High School Auditorium, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Presented by Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau. Features a community talent show. For info or tickets, visit ttysb.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
One Day Warehouse Book Sale
: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 20 Thompson Rd., Branford. Hosted by the Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library. Features adult fiction (hardcover, trade, and mass market paperback), history and Civil War titles, children’s books, and DVD movies. Prices: $3 hardcover, $2 softcover, $0.50 mass market paperback, $1 each DVD or $10 for 25 DVDs. Children’s books individually priced from $0.50 to $3. Cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay accepted. For info, contact 203-4881441 or friends@blackstonelibrary.org.
Plant and Bake Sale
: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton. Sale to benefit the library. Donations of plants and baked goods accepted Friday or Saturday morning; empty pots available at the library. For info, call 860-767-1252 or visit ivorytonlibrary.org.
See page 23
Choices Galore At Connecticut Theaters This Month; Bushnell Will Host Multiple Tony Winners Next Season
Inside notes and comments about Connecticut and New York professional theater
By Karen Isaacs
Returning to New Haven
: The new dean of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale and artistic director of Yale Rep is Evan Yionoulis, who served on the drama school faculty and directed numerous plays at Yale Rep. She will take over for James Bundy, who is retiring at the end of June. She is currently the dean and director of the drama division at the Juilliard School.
Two Adventuresome Choices
Aisle ON THE
of the popular game. For information and dates when subscriptions and tickets for individual productions will be available, visit mtcofct.com.
Next Year at the Shubert
Prior to that, the cast will complete final rehearsals at the theater. is an outrageous comedy that took Broadway by storm last year. Audiences seem to either adore it or dislike it intensely. Tickets are now on sale at bushnell.org.
Award Nominations
The Lost Boys Schmigadoon!
The
: MTC (Music Theatre of Connecticut) in Norwalk has announced two adventuresome choices for next year’s season. It will open with (Sept. 11 to 27), the musical written by Barry Manilow, based on the true story of the musical group Comedian Harmonists, who were popular in Germany in the 1920s and early 1930s until Hitler destroyed them. Next up, from Nov. 6 to 22, is . In the new year is (Feb. 5 to 21), based loosely on Shakespeare’s . The season will conclude with (April 16 to May 2), based on the film
: The Broadway series at New Haven’s Shubert Theatre will feature productions of (Oct. 1 to 4), (Nov. 18 to 22), (Feb. 26 to 28), (April 30 to May 2), and (June 1 to 6). For information about subscriptions and other ticket options, visit shubert.com.
Harmony Always… Patsy Cline Desperate Measures — A Musical Comedy Gone Wild Measure for Measure Clue
Continued from page 22
Babysitter Training
Tickets on Sale
: Cheyenne Jackson will perform his concert Cheyenne Jackson: That Guy from That Thing at the Bushnell on Oct. 17. Tickets are now on sale at bushnell.org. Jackson, who may be best known for his role on , has appeared on Broadway in , , , , and more.
Wiz Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Beetlejuice The Book of Mormon Heathers the Musical Glee Into the Woods Xanadu Once Upon a Mattress Finian’s Rainbow
It Starts in Hartford
Oh, Mary!
: The national tour of the Broadway hit will launch at the Bushnell from Sept. 19 to 23.
: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 56 High St., Deep River. Course covers child safety, emergency response, diapering, and care basics, and includes CPR, First Aid, and AED certification for adults, children, and infants through the American Heart Association. Hosted by A Second Chance and Tri-Town Youth Services. Cost: $85 per person. Registration required. For info, contact 860526-3600 or abby@ttysb.org.
Taking Care: Intentional Aging:
9:30 a.m., Women and Family Life Center, 96 Fair St., Guilford. Program focused on navigating healthcare and self-advocacy. Registration required. For info, call 203-458-6699 or visit womenandfamilylife.org.
Pratt House Volunteer Kick-Off
: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pratt House, 19 West Ave., Essex. Hosted by Essex Historical Society. Training session for volunteers interested in leading tours or serving as hosts during the summer season. Free. RSVP required. For info or to register, contact 860-767-0681 or membership@essexhistory.org, or visit essexhistory.org.
Ragtime Death of a Salesman Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York Fallen Angels Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Oedipus
Beaches Chess
Unsettling Giant
: is an unsettling play that raises questions about separating the artist from their work. The English Oh, Mary!
Proof Chess The Outsiders Beaches Dog Day Afternoon
: The New York City awards season is starting, with two groups — the Outer Critics Circle (of which I am a member) and the Drama League — announcing their nominations. The two have different criteria, so the nominations varied. The OCC gave the new musical 11 nominations, with the satire , based on the popular TV show, receiving eight. Other shows with multiple nominations were , , , , , and . Well-known performers receiving nominations include Rose Byrne, Nathan Lane, John Lithgow, Kelli O’Hara, Joshua Henry, and Laurie Metcalf. The category of best solo performance features Sean Hayes, Jean Smart, and Daniel Radcliffe. It was interesting that productions of , , , , and were basically shut out. One performer each from and did receive a nomination.
Shoreline Greenway Trail First Saturday Walk
: 10 a.m. to noon. Timberland Preserve, 319 Rte. 80, Guilford. Hosted by the Shoreline Greenway Trail. Features a guided two-mile walk to observe signs of spring. Not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Rain cancels. For info, visit shorelinegreenwaytrail.org.
New York Transportation Weekend
: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features rides on historic New York subway cars from the museum’s collection, including NY 6688, which appeared in the film Spider-Man II, and a Lo-V subway car featured in Megalopolis. Themed music and access to museum grounds throughout the day. Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for children; museum members receive 50% off. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
Spring Craft Fair
: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Features local artisans and handmade goods. Rain date May 3. Free. For info, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Currently Playing in Connecticut Circus Fire
Lifespan of a Fact
9 to 5 The Musical Native Gardens It’s a Grand Night for Singing Jesus Christ Superstar Nunsense Primary Trust
import, starring John Lithgow in a stunning performance, is about author Roald Dahl and his antisemitic beliefs. The events portrayed are fictional, but the show is based on an incident in 1983. An incendiary book review about the IsraelLebanon conflict leads to the finale — Dahl’s vehemently antisemitic rant to a newspaper reporter. For a full review, visit twoontheaisle.wordpress.com. Go see this limited run for the performances. : at TheaterWorks Hartford through Sunday, May 31; at Playhouse on Park through Sunday, May 3; at MTC in Norwalk through Sunday, May 3; at Hartford Stage through May 10; at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury through May 2; at Goodspeed Musicals through June 7; at Legacy Theatre through May 17; and at Westport Country Playhouse through May 2.
Karen Isaacs is an East Haven resident.
To read her reviews of New York and Connecticut shows, visit twoontheaisle.word press.com. She is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, New York’s Outer Critics Circle, Connecticut Theater Women’s Network, and the American Theatre Critics Association.
Connecticut River Valley Environmental Summit:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wesleyan University, Fayerweather–Beckham Hall, 45 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. Hosted by the Connecticut River Museum. Environmental leaders will present sessions on issues affecting the Connecticut River watershed, with discussions and networking opportunities for scientists, policymakers, academics, and community stakeholders. Theme: “Stewardship in Action.” For info or tickets, call 860-7678269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.
STEAM Saturdays: Build a Mini Lightsaber
: 10:30 a.m.
Essex Library, 33 West Ave., Essex. Science program for ages 5 to 12 exploring basic circuitry through a hands-on project. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Balloon Animals
: Noon to 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 West Main St., Chester. Free balloon animals in celebration of Chester’s Conn-Ducky Derby. For info, call 860526-0018 or visit chesterctlibrary.com.
See page 24
Columnist
Memorial Day Weekend Lawn Party At Madison Beach Hotel
Press Release from the Madison Beach Hotel
Madison Beach Hotel will kick off the summer season with a Memorial Day weekend lawn party Sunday, May 24, featuring live music, food, and oceanfront views.
The free event runs from 4 to 7 p.m., with live music by the Caribbean Vibes Steel Drum Band from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the hotel’s outdoor beach bar.
In case of rain, the event will move indoors to The Wharf Restaurant from 4 to 6 p.m.
Complimentary valet parking will be available on-site. Madison Beach Hotel is located at 94 W. Wharf Road, Madison. For more information, call 203-245-1404 or visit eventvesta.com/events/143153/t/tickets.
Caribbean Vibes
Continued from page 23
All About Invasive Plant Species
: 1 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Features a talk on identifying and managing invasive plants in Connecticut, presented with the Essex Land Trust. Free. Registration suggested. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
The Lucky Husky Storytime
: 1 to 2 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Storytime with author Bethany O’Brien followed by a visit from the UConn mascot. For grades K to 6. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Chats
:
1 to 2 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Author reading and discussion. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
: 1 to 3 p.m. Greater New Haven Cat Project Center, 1874 Middletown Ave., Northford. Features a talk by Donna Velardi on techniques of animal communication and practical guidance. Includes a brief one-onone photo reading of a current or past pet. Cost: $25. For info or tickets, visit gnhcp.org.
:
1 to 5:10 p.m. Madison Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Rd. Features a live broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s , followed by a 30-minute discussion led by Alan Mann. Co-sponsored by the Shoreline Opera Club and Shoreline Village Connecticut. Admission to the cinema applies. For info, email ShorelineOperaClub@gmail.com or visit shorelinevillagect.org.
: 5:30 p.m.
Tpke., Clinton. Kentucky
viewing event with raffles and a best hat contest. Cost: $75. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
New York Transportation Weekend Night Photography Session
: 6 to 10 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. After-hours photography session featuring historic New York transit equipment in a nighttime setting with extended access for photographers. Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for museum members. For info or tickets, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
Field Trip: Farm River Trolley Trail
: 8 to 10:30 a.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Guided walk along the trolley tracks through marsh and woodland habitats to observe resident and migrating birds. Led by DeWitt Allen. A trolley ride will return participants to the starting point at the end of the walk. Hosted by Friends of the Farm River Estuary and the New Haven Bird Club. Meet in the rear parking lot. For info or to register, contact DeWitt Allen at 860-949-0995 or allendatlow@gmail.com.
Griswold Forum: Connecticut River Museum
: 9:30 a.m.
Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme. Talk by Elizabeth Kaeser, executive director of the Connecticut River Museum, on the museum and its environmental summit. Free. For info, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org, or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.
Community Tag Sale
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Rd., Guilford. Features a tag sale with more than 20 vendors, plus food, music, and community activities. Rain date May 10. Vendor spaces available. For info or to reserve a spot, call 203-457-0047.
:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features rides on historic New York subway cars and family programming, including children’s activities and a costumed superhero appearance. Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for children; museum members receive 50% off. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
: 1 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester. Author talk and reading on World War II history and the events behind the novel. Free and open to the public. For info, contact 860-526-8920 or office@cbsrz.org, or visit cbsrz.org.
: 1 to 3 p.m. Bauer Park, 245 Copse Road, Madison. Activities include bike safety checks, races, obstacle courses, and giveaways. Participants should bring a bike and helmet. Free and open to ages 1 to 13. Rain date May 17. Hosted by Madison Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with community partners. For info, call 203927-6411 or visit madisonct.org.
Delving into the Art of Papercutting
: 1 to 4 p.m. Spectrum Art Gallery and Store, 61 Main St., Centerbrook. Workshop on the history and techniques of papercutting, including two-fold, single-fold, no-fold, and layered designs, with demonstrations by the instructor. No experience necessary. Cost: $50; $15 materials fee payable to the instructor. For info or to register, visit spectrumartgallery.org.
Tunes and Tales from Connecticut
: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Musical storytelling program featuring Connecticut history and folklore. Free. Registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit
See page 26
The
Steel Drum Band brings island rhythms to the lawn at Madison Beach Hotel.
Photo courtesy of the Madison Beach Hotel
Fireside
with Local Authors: Roberto Alfaro
Yes, You Can Talk to Animals: The Basics of Animal Communication Met Live Broadcast and Discussion: Eugene Onegin
Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth
Derby
Hats and Horses
New York Transportation Weekend: Family Day
Books and Bagels: by Loretta Goldberg
Bike Bash
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree
Page Turners
TheBeheadingGame byRebeccaLehmann
In this clever, feminist reimagining of the death of Anne Boleyn, the late queen awakens in her box, sews her head back on, and goes out into the world seeking revenge. This book is a winning combination of known facts blended with the author’s own magical realism. I loved it!
— Marilyn, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
Every other week, we invite local booksellers to submit suggestions for the best books on shelves now—it’s all part of our mission to keep our readers informed, up-to-date, and entertained. View previous Page Turners at www.zip06.com/pageturners.
SonofNobody byYannMartel
Yann Martel’s new novel is wholly inventive and unique. It takes the form of a lost Trojan epic and the footnotes of the Oxford scholar who reconstructed it. The prose alternates between academic and deeply personal, telling a story of war, family and duty. This book is a great work of fiction, but it’s also full of thoughtful commentary on Homer and his work.
— Marisa, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
DaughterofEgypt byMarieBenedict
Marie Benedict never disappoints. Her ability to unearth stories of meaningful and important women in history and bring them into the light through her masterful storytelling has made me a lifelong fan.
— Terri, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
TheAstralLibrary byKateQuinn
Are you looking for an escape from *gestures wildly*? Right this way for a trip through a magical library. Your journey includes visits with literary hotshots such as Sherlock Holmes and Jay Gatsby, period-appropriate costume changes, and dragons! Kate Quinn’s first foray into magical realism is a whimsical delight to read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves books.
— Julie, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison
: 4 p.m. Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church St. Concert celebrating America 250 under the direction of Jacob Wilson. Free and open to the public. For info, call 860-526-5045 or visit deeprivercc.org.
MONDAY, MAY 4
: 3 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Film screening in the Buel Room. Movie title available through the library. Free. For info, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
Hearing Loss: Challenges and Opportunities
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Program on communication strategies for hearing loss. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Getting Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Voice-Over Work
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Via Zoom or Google Meet. Cost: $30. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
What’s the World Made Of: From Quarks to the Cosmos
: 10 a.m. Nathanael B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St., Guilford. Presented by Charles Baltay, the Eugene Higgins professor emeritus of physics and astronomy at Yale University. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Library Renewal with Stephen Watson
:
2 to 3 p.m. Killingworth Library, 188 Route 81. Introductory Tai Chi class focused on balance and movement. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Mother’s Day Surprise
: 4 to 5 p.m. Killingworth Library, 188 Route 81. Craft program for ages 3 and up. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
Lego WeDo Coding
: 4:15 to 5 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Program combining Lego building and coding. For grades 2 to 6. Free.
Comes to Ivoryton Lady Day
Press Release from the Ivoryton Playhouse
Benefits programs providing care and support for cats in the Greater New Haven area. For info or to donate, visit thegreatgive.org or gnhcp.org.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Ivoryton Playhouse continues its 2026 season with , an intimate portrait of jazz legend Billie Holiday. Previews begin Thursday, May 7, opening night is Friday, May 8, and the production runs through Sunday, May 31.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Set in a small Philadelphia nightclub in 1959, captures one of Billie Holiday’s final performances. Through songs and storytelling, Holiday reflects on her life, her loves, and the struggles that shaped her artistry. The play features many of her most iconic songs, including “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” offering an evening that is both musically rich and emotionally compelling.
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
The production stars Christina Acosta Robinson ( ) as Billie Holiday. She is joined by actor-musician Manny Houston as Jimmy Powers, Holiday’s accompanist and confidant, who also serves as music director. The live band features Jocelyn Pleasant on drums and Eneji Alungbe on upright bass, creating an intimate jazz club atmosphere inside the Playhouse.
Todd L. Underwood directs, with scenic and lighting design by Marcus Abbott, sound design by Rhian Franchebois, props by Kat Schorn, and costumes by Sean Spina. The creative team also includes audio engineer Brian Salvia, stage manager James Joseph Clark, assistant stage manager Holly Price, wig associate Tinika Sadiku, and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, who in 2024 became the first hair and wig designer to receive a Special Tony Award
Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Bleeding Kansas, Chapter 1
: 6:15 to 7:30
p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Meeting starts 6:15 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. Features a presentation by Steve Chatlas. 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.
Trivia Night
: 6:30 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Evening trivia program. Free. Registration
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
Godfrey Memorial Library 75th Anniversary Open House
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown. Tour the facilities and learn about genealogy and family history research services. Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided. Contact: 860-346-4375. Visit: godfrey.org.
APL Poetry Writing Group:
6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Writing group led by Sandra Yannone. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Tabletop RPG Game Night
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Role-playing game night. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Adult Movie Night
: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Killingworth Library, 188 Route 81. Film screening. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-663-2000 or visit killingworthlibrary.org.
for her work on Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
This production contains mature themes and language consistent with the life and experiences of Billie Holiday.
Tickets and more information are available at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling 860-767-7318.
Ivoryton Playhouse is located at 103 Main St., Ivoryton.
required. For info or to register, call 860669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid Awareness Training
THURSDAY, MAY 7
The Chocolate Factory of Life: Cellular Machines and Transporters
: 10 a.m.
Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Rd. Presented by Sue Moon, Deepanshi, and Nghia Le of Yale Science in the News. Sponsored by the Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning (SSILL). Open to SSILL members (with an annual membership of $35). Cost: $3. For info or to join SSILL, call 203-453-8086 or visit ssill.org.
Blackstone Game Group
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 AND THURSDAY, MAY 7
The Great Give Fundraiser
: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Branford High School, 185 E. Main St. No certification is available with this class. Cost: $25. Sponsored by Shoreline Adult Education. For info or to register (required), call 203-4885693 or visit shorelineadulted.org. : Online.
Hosted by The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Part of a 36-hour online giving event supporting nonprofit organizations.
: 5 to 7:30 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Casual game group for adults. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Evening Tech Support and Exploration
: 6 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Technology help sessions. Free. No registration required. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Playhouse
Christina Acosta Robinson stars as Billie Holiday in the Ivoryton Playhouse production of at Emerson's Bar & Grill." Lady Day
CT River Valley Symphonic Band Spring Concert
Movie Matinee
Summer Art Classes Open For Registration at GAC
Guilford Art Center announces that registration opened April 26 for its Summer 2026 adult art program. The seasonal program offers a diverse array of classes and workshops designed for adults of all skill levels — from beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their practice.
The summer session features hands-on courses across a variety of mediums, including ceramics, painting, blacksmithing, drawing, fiber arts, leatherworking, metalsmithing, glass, collage, weaving, and more. Taught by professional artists and instructors, classes provide a welcoming and enriching environment for creativity and personal growth.
“We’re excited to offer such a wide range of classes that meet the creative interests of our community,” said Maureen Belden, executive director of Guilford Art Center. “Summer is a great time to explore something new or deepen your artistic skills, and our instructors are here to support every student’s journey.”
Classes begin the first week of
Military Whist Card Party
July, with both daytime and evening options available. Workshops will be held throughout the summer. Financial aid is available for those who need help covering tuition costs. Applications are due Friday, June 12; visit guilford artcenter.org for more information.
Early registration is encour-
aged, as class sizes are limited and tend to fill quickly. To view the full summer catalog or register, visit guilfordartcenter.org or call 203-453-5947.
Guilford Art Center is a nonprofit organization serving the shoreline community and beyond with classes, exhibitions, and events that foster a love and understanding of the visual arts.
Continued from page 26
: 6:30 p.m. Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Talk on local history during the American Revolution presented by the Essex Historical Society. Free. Registration suggested. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org.
: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 West Wharf Rd., Madison. Event featuring rosé tastings and floral arrangements. For info or tickets, visit eventvesta.com/events/143152/tickets.
Revolution Close to Home: Five Lives in Early Potapaug during America’s Turning Point Roses and Rosé On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love with Marjan Kamali
The Lion Women of Tehran
FRIDAY, MAY 8
: Doors open at 6 p.m.; games begin at 6:45 p.m. St. Monica Church Hall, 1321 Middletown Ave., Northford. Card games, raffles, and light refreshments. Cost: $12. Advance tickets required. For info or tickets, call 203-239-5378.
SATURDAY,
MAY 9
Killingworth Town-Wide Tag Sale:
Goodness Grows Plant Sale
: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd., Madison. Annual plant sale featuring member-grown perennials, annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, garden goods, and gardening demonstrations. Live music and baked goods available. Rain or shine. For info, contact 203-421-3241 or office@northmadisoncc.org, or visit northmadisoncc.org/goodnessgrows.
Friends of the Guilford Free Library Spring Book Sale
:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features a sale of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
: 7 p.m. Virtual. Author talk discussing . Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-767-1560 or visit youressexlibrary.org. :
8 a.m. Locations throughout Killingworth, with a central site at the Courtyard, 176 Rte. 81. Hosted by the Killingworth Women’s Organization. Features tag sales across town, plus a “Snag-A-Bag” sale and Juniorettes thrift shop fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the KWO Scholarship Fund and other charitable efforts. For info or to register, email tagsale@kwoct.org or visit kwoct.org.
Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club Plant Sale
:
Friends of the Guilford Free Library Spring Book Sale
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Features a sale of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. For info, call 203-453-8282 or visit guilfordfreelibrary.org.
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parmelee Farm, 465 Route 81, Killingworth. Annual plant sale featuring locally grown perennials, hanging baskets, houseplants, and planters for Mother’s Day. Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarship fund and town gardens. For info, call 203-988-1528.
Caregiver Support Group
: 10 to 11 a.m. Women and Family Life Center, Carriage House, 96 Fair St., Guilford. Ongoing support group for family and informal caregivers. Cost: Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 203-458-6699 or email programs@womenandfamilylife.org.
See page 29
Photo courtesy of the Guilford Art Center
Photo courtesy of the Guilford Art Center
Photo courtesy of the Guilford Art Center
Press Release from the Guilford Art Center
Anne Coffey At Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery
ness, shapes, and patterns.
In Love With Paper at the Loft Gallery through June 17 continues the Belle Vie Café tradition of supporting local artists. The show includes , , and Anne Coffey is a retired high school math teacher. She loves precision, neat-
The Gentleman Caller Come What May Garden Therapy
“There is a distinct connection between mathematics and art, so I am not surprised that, in retirement, I turned to creating art. The tools and materials I use in making my collages enable me to be precise and neat … and creative!”
She finds the relationships between marks, shapes, and colors intriguing.
“Those relationships have the power to evoke memories and feelings, a sense of a specific time or place. For me, art making is a kind of meditation — a way of slowing down, of escaping the obligations and business of everyday life.”
Coffey is an exhibiting member of several area art organizations, including Connecticut Women Artists, Essex Art Associ-
ation, Lyme Art Association, Guilford Art League, and Clinton Art Society. She is also a member of the Shoreline Arts Trail and exhibits her work at the BACA Gallery in Branford.
The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery, 20 Church St., Guilford, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
14 x 14
Scorpio Scuttling into the Night.
11 x 14
Summer Petals.
Press Release from Belle Vie Cafe Loft Gallery
12 x 12 Garden Therapy.
14 x 14
The Gentleman Caller.
Madison Marks 200 Years With Living History Event
The Deacon John Grave House will step back in time May 16 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Madison’s incorporation with a living history event, complete with a horseback messenger and a colonial-style toast. The program begins at 4 p.m. on the lawn with music and games. Admission is free.
At 5:45 p.m., a post rider on horseback — portrayed by North Madison resident Tom Hopkins — will arrive with a message from the General Assembly, re-creating the moment in 1826 when the parish of East Guilford was granted permission to incorporate as its own town.
The rider will deliver the resolution to “Curtis Wilcox,” portrayed by Henry Griggs, who will read it aloud to the crowd. The reenactment reflects the events leading up to
Continued from page 27
: 10 to 11 a.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Guided tour of the library. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
: 10 to 11:30 a.m. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Book: T by Lucy Burdette. Snacks will be provided. For info or to register (required), call 203-2457365 or visit scranton.librarycalendar.com.
he Key Lime Crime
: 10 a.m. to noon. E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Demonstration by Paul Loescher. Free and open to the public. For info, email Marianne@RTDTECH.com or visit madisonartsocietyct.org.
: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the King’s Horses Equine Rescue, 628 Forest Rd., Northford. Community event featuring local animal welfare organizations including All the King’s Horses Equine Rescue, Branford Compassion Club, Water N Webs, and The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Features vendors, educational materials, and animals. For info, contact 203-815-4013 or allthekingshorsesequinerescue@gmail.com.
: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chester. Self-guided walking tour of seven historically significant private homes hosted by the Chester Historical Society. Ticket holders will receive tour details and locations after purchase. Cost: $40 early bird; $35 for Chester Historical Society members; $50 day of tour. For info or tickets, visit chesterhistoricalsociety.org.
A Community Puzzling Group
: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Casual puzzle group; materials provided. Free. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
Madison’s first town meeting, held June 19, 1826, and the naming of the town after the nation’s fourth president, James Madison.
Following the reading, brief remarks and patriotic songs will round out the outdoor program.
At 6 p.m., adults 21 and older are invited inside the house for a toast to the occasion. Refreshments will include soft drinks and a rum punch known as the Gravedigger, along with light snacks served by costumed volunteers. The event continues until 7 p.m.
The Deacon John Grave House, which dates to 1685, is located at 581 Boston Post Road, Madison, at the corner of Academy Street.
For more information, contact Henry Griggs at henry.griggs@yahoo.com.
DIY Mug Workshop
: 1 p.m. Chester Public Library, 21 W. Main St. Participants will design a mug using infusible ink markers. Materials provided. Free and open to all. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Public Library. For info or to register (required), contact 860-526-0018 or chesterkidlib@gmail.com.
Patriotic Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
: 1 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Puzzle competition for all ages. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.org.
Photography 101: Composition
: 2 p.m. Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton. Workshop on light, white balance, and composition. Free. Registration required. For info or to register, call 860-669-2342 or visit hchlibrary.org.
Songs We All Know
: 3 p.m. Clinton Town Hall, 54 East Main St., Clinton. Spring concert by the Shoreline Chorale featuring guest artist Dylan Armstrong. For info or tickets, visit shorelinechorale.org.
Shoreline Sailing Club Spring Open House
: 7 p.m. Old
Elks Cottage, 142 Seaside Ave., Westbrook. For active singles age 35 and over. Features information on sailing, boating, and social activities. Free. For info, visit shorelinesailingclub.com.
Friends of the Farm River and Estuary Riverside Dance
: 7 to 10 p.m. Italian American Social Club, 40 Hamre Ln., Branford. Features music, dancing, refreshments, games, and a cash bar to benefit Friends of the Farm River and Estuary. Cost: $25; free for children under 15. For info or tickets, visit friendsoffarmriver.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 9 AND
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Mother’s Day Weekend: Scenic Trolley Rides and Craft Activity
: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven. Features scenic trolley rides along the Farm River. On Saturday, children can create a handmade Mother’s Day craft. Mothers and grandmothers receive free admission. General admission for other guests. For info, call 203-467-6927 or visit shorelinetrolley.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Madison Beach Hotel, 94 W. Wharf Rd., Madison. Features a Mother’s Day brunch buffet. For info or reservations, visit madisonbeachhotelevents.com/events/mothers-daybrunch.
Mother’s Day Grand Buffet Tango and Jazz Concert
: 2 to 3 p.m. James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford. Performance by The Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet. Free. Registration required. For info, call 203-488-1441, ext. 318, or visit events.blackstonelibrary.org.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Social Justice Book Discussion
: 6:30 p.m. Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. Hybrid discussion program. Free. Registration suggested. For info, call 860-395-3184 or visit actonlibrary.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.
Press Release from the Madison Historical Society
Photo courtesy of Henry Griggs
"Curtis Wilcox" c. 1826, portrayed by Henry Griggs.
Blackstone Library Tour
Saturday Sleuths Book Club
Madison Art Society: Framing Watercolors Without Glass
Animal Welfare Day
Historic Homes Walking Tour
Piece by Piece:
SEEKING SPONSORS FOR OUR 2026 EVENT
Every year, Shore Publishing/Zip06.com recognizes 15 volunteers in the communities we serve who help fulfill the Shoreline’s promise as a place of opportunity, wellbeing, and safety for all. The honorees will be celebrated at a special event at Woodwinds on June 24th surrounded by their peers and fellow community leaders.
Sponsorship packages provide excellent advertising opportunities - but most importantly, align your brand or business with the mission of The Beacon Awards.
For additional information about opportunities, contact your Sales Representative or Elle Rahilly (e.rahilly@theday.com) to learn more.
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Real Estate Transactions
Cs1632
: Elizabeth A. Hassan to Ethan and Rebecca Roberts, $15,000 on April 6
: Ronald V. Cimmino to Brushy Plain LLC, $204,000 on April 8
: Estate of Jane M. Carnaghan and Ellen Carnaghan to Michael and Debra Kieslich, $185,000 on April 6
: Manacchio Holdings LLC to Alyssa M. Marino, $570,000 on April 9
: Jjjg LLC to Mark Colelo, $76,000 on April 9
: Brian
Baker and Jason T. Forst to Mark and Linda F. Narbey, $950,000 on April 10
: Brian J. Marsh to William J. and Susan Manley, $235,000 on April 10
: Ellen RoseWood to Randi Lebar, $487,500 on April 6
: Edgardo A. and Colleen A. Mercadante to Gregory Canna, $65,250 on April 9
: Hxl
Incorporated to Stephen T. Giangrande, $550,000 on April 9
: Edgardo A. and Colleen A. Mercadante to Gregory Canna, $2,109,750 on April 9
: Kathleen E. Lynch to Nicholas Joseph and Elizabeth Jade Anderson, $1,020,000 on April 6
: Estate of Dorothy Milardo and Laurie Cawley to Martha F. Wolfe, $440,000 on April 9
: Kathy E. Breed to Lake Jessica LLC, $770,000 on April 10
: Rose M. Evangelista and Anthony Crisera to Akash R. and Mitalben R. Patel, $775,000 on April 8
: John M. and Karen E. Rankin to Callie Walter, $725,000 on April 9
: Estate of John C. Chapman and Jeffrey B. Chapman to Jose Espinosa, $695,000 on April 9
: Suzanne Kerr to Michelle St Onge, $510,000 on April 7
Mary C. Delaney to Kevin and Jennifer Rogers, $545,000 on April 6
: Real estate transactions are published using publicly available records and are matters of public record. Listings are not removed in response to general privacy requests. Removal will only be considered in cases involving a documented and credible personal safety concern. Requests may be submitted to zip06@shorepublishing.com
