I‑Park’s annual Illuminations benefit returns on Sept. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., marking a milestone year: the organization’s 25th anniversary, celebrated through the shimmering theme “An Evening of Silver.” This once‑a‑year event culminates in a special residency session featuring eight Connecticut‑based artists, each selected for a fully funded residency at I‑Park. Featured artists include Jennifer Allen, D Derek, Karen Kratzer, Cynthia MacCollum, Vedran Mehinovic, Kaitl

Steven Fasano and Jennifer Dugan at the Rathbun Library. By David DeLucia Exciting things have been happening at St. Stephen's church in East Haddam. Two new employees have joined the ranks. Jennifer Dugan is the new director of children's ministries while Steven Fasano is the recently appointed director of music. Dugan originally attended the University of Connecticut to study nursing, then decided to switch gears. She became the Head Teacher at Young Horizon's D

The tee box for the former third hole at Black Birch Golf Course is overgrown. By Peter Marteka The town shouldn’t get into the business of driving ranges, fairways or greens. That was the recommendation from the Black Birch Golf Course Feasibility Study Committee. The seven-member committee was formed last winter to evaluate the potential purchase and restoration of the 18-hole course for use as a municipal or public golf course. They made a report to the board of selectmen

The 30th annual Venture Smith Day Connecticut Freedom Trail Celebration will be held on September 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the First Church Cemetery, 499 Town St. (Route 151) in East Haddam where Venture Smith (1729-1805) is buried. Son of an African king, Venture Smith (Broteer Furro) became the first Black man to document his capture from Africa and life as an enslaved person living in colonial Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut and as a successful Black freeman in

Charles Denler has won five Emmys and several gold medal awards for his compositions. By Nancy Thompson You may not have heard of Charles Denler, but chances are you have heard his music. One of the town’s newest residents, Denler has composed more than 200 film and television scores and his combination of classical and modern music can be heard throughout the world. He’s an accomplished carpenter, currently in the process of restoring his family’s home, the Oliver Green Hous

By Peter Marteka A $15 million proposal to build a new East Haddam Fire Company 2 building was reviewed during a public hearing before the board of finance Aug. 3. No decision was made on the proposal with the board of finance expected to vote on sending the proposal to the board of selectmen to schedule a public hearing and town meeting next month. Craig Mansfield, chairman of the East Haddam Company #2 Firehouse Building Committee and David Stein, an architect with Silver P

Josh Weissbach, coordinator of the Franklin Academy cinematic arts residency. By David DeLucia Franklin Academy has the right to be very proud lately. The institution was recently named “best private school” in the state by Connecticut Magazine. In addition, from July 11 to 24, the first ever cinematic arts residency was offered by the school, expertly coordinated by Josh Weissbach. Weissbach wears many hats at Franklin having been the Associate Dean of Students for eight yea

Submitted by the East Haddam Land Trust Small curiosities have always had a hold on Faith Kalisz. The 18-year-old, who was awarded this year’s $2,000 scholarship from East Haddam Land Trust, will begin her freshman year in September at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. She plans to major in environmental science and hopes to work one day with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, maybe as an analyst. She thinks her focus will be on the protection a

Submitted by Mike Toomey The July 4 Moodus Reservoir Preservation Group’s third annual boat parade had a patriotic theme with boats ranging in size from a repurposed sand box to ski boats to full-sized pontoon boats, all with flags aplenty. Judging was headed by Melisssa Ziobron, currently running to fill Ireine Haines position as our Representative in the Connecticut House. The winners receiving gift certificates were: First Prize, $100: Ira and Carol MacCollum with a pontoo

Alison Guinness, a.k.a. Major General Joseph Spencer at the East Haddam Historical Society Museum. By David DeLucia The East Haddam Historical Society Museum is planning a series of summer presentations on local historical figures. On June 28, speaker Alison Guinness expertly recreated the long life of Joseph Spencer (1714-1789) to an appreciative audience. Guinness, who wrote her master's thesis on the Moodus Noises, portrayed herself as Spencer and was both convincing and i

The modern acoustic band On The Trail opens the 2026 Music on the River Concert Series July 13. Submitted by the Parks and Recreation and Music on the River Committee The parks and recreation department and the Music on the River committee warmly invite you to our 19th annual Music on the River Concert Series. Featuring evenings filled with the incredible sounds of award-winning artists, MOTR is one of East Haddam’s most cherished traditions. These FREE concerts take place on

Students Isabella Laban, Jayden Posas, and Connor Kittelmann pose with their senior projects during the Hale-Ray Senior Expo. By Anthony Stone Nathan Hale-Ray High School recently welcomed families, staff, and community members to its annual Senior Capstone Expo where seniors proudly presented the culmination of months of research, job exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. The event highlighted the wide variety of interests and future career paths being explored by

Sarah Evans was awarded the $7,500 East Haddam Scholarship by Patti Stricker. Nathan Hale-Ray High School has officially released the complete list of recipients for its 2026 scholarship and senior awards. The annual honors celebrate the exceptional academic achievements, artistic talents, athletic excellence, and civic leadership of this year's graduating class. School administration and faculty extend their deepest gratitude to the local civic organizations, legacy foundati

Submitted by Kirstin Stewart, Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies Store Manager For 40 years, Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies has been more than just a local business. Since serving its first customer in 1986, Shagbark has been a place where relationships are built, neighbors can gather, and community has always come first. What started out as Uncle Bud’s small dairy farm turned farm supply business by Fred Hunt and his sister Joanna Hunt, has now grown into a cornerstone of Eas

Ribbon cutting from left to right: Mike Robidoux, East Haddam economic development commissioner, Bob Casner, Chairman of East Haddam economic development commission, Gretchen Teran, I-Park board of director, Ralph Crispino, Jr. I-Park board president and co-founder, Tamara Dimitri, Connecticut Office of the Arts. Photo by Frank DiNardi. Submitted by I-Park The nearly completed “Comfort Station” was unveiled during the Friends & Supporters Gathering and ribbon cutting ceremony

Under the solemn serenade of Taps played by bugler Aaron Bochman (U.S. Marine Corps veteran), First Selectman Todd Gelston cast a wreath into the Connecticut River in memory of those who died at sea, and the rifle team of the American Legion Post 156, led by Jaron Sweet Post 156 Commander, performed the three-volley salute. (Photo by Noreen Blaschik.) Submitted by Susan R. Waide East Haddam residents and friends gathered on a rainy Memorial Day even though the parade was canc

Submitted by I-Park I-Park, an international, multi-disciplinary artists’ colony set within a 450-acre nature preserve in East Haddam, will be participating in Connecticut Trails Day on June 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 428 Hopyard Rd. This will mark I-Park’s first Open Trails Day of our 25th anniversary season, featuring live music, a guided hike, crafting and a garden educational session. This is a free, family‑friendly event. Walk-in registration will be allowed, but

East Haddam Fire Department Engineer Rob Kolek stands outside the sign at Company 1. Submitted by the East Haddam Fire Department If you’ve driven past the East Haddam Fire Department in the last 10 months and found yourself laughing, smiling, or snapping a photo of the sign out front, you’re not alone. The witty, timely, and often hilarious messages are the work of EHFD Engineer Rob Kolek. What started as a fun way to engage the community has grown into something people now

Submitted by the East Haddam Land Trust A deep passion for birds and other native life of East Haddam has led to a gift of preservation that should protect and enrich our town’s natural spaces far into the future. The recent bequest of a small, privately accessed bird sanctuary — along with a generous monetary donation to care for this property and existing public preserves in town — will allow East Haddam Land Trust to uphold its highest tenet: to safeguard

Kimberly Kenna Submitted by Friends of Gillette Castle State Park At the visitor center of Gillette Castle on May 16, inventors and artists of all ages can try their hand at designing innovative doors like those inside the famous Castle. Local author Kimberly Kenna will be hosting a creative workshop inspired by William Gillette and the new middle-grade novel “Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances.” Attendees are invited to help re-imagine the castle’s famous 47 door