Loving Local Brings Light
February tends to get a bad rap: cold weather, gray afternoons, the occasional snowstorm – it’s admittedly difficult to find a silver lining. Even the promise of Valentine’s Day is fraught, as it can leave many feeling tense, pressured, or saddened by the expectations of the holiday. With our feet stuck firmly in winter, it’s no surprise that everything seems to be in hibernation this time of year.
This month, though, Milford City Lifestyle is hoping to brighten up the otherwise dreary month with our focus on “loving local.” Full of well-known and beloved Milford businesses, people, places, and experiences, this issue strives to highlight the things about our town that inspire pride in our residents and foster love for our community. In these pages, we have selected a handful of representatives that embody Milford living in a special and recognizable way, people and places that scream “Milford” to anyone who lives here – and even to those who don’t.
Those included in this issue are by no means an exhaustive representation of Milford’s finest, but we hope their familiarity can bring you some comfort, stir up some excitement, and remind you that our town is still a vibrant place to live, work, and play. While we all may be staying in a little more these days, perhaps you will feel inspired to venture out – snow or not – to revisit some of your favorite spots around town.
If you’re struggling to find motivation or simply feeling a little down this month, returning to community staples can be a great way to regain some energy and bring comfort into your daily life. Or, take a different approach and commit to exploring something new.
On my list for February is a “tour of Italy” as I sample the best Italian comfort foods that Milford has to offer. Between Fratelli’s, Strega, Strada, Gusto’s, and many more, I am sure I will come out of the month with a newfound appreciation for cold nights (and hot pasta).
See you in the spring!
CHELSEA SPATA, EDITOR @MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Amanda Schuld | amanda.schuld@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Staff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ed Belenski, Kurt Niquette, Shades Shutters Photography, Pat Furey Photography, Robert Creigh
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
— Maria Montessori
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mikayla Silva, Owner, The Giggling Pig Milford at Pop Shop Market on the Green 2: Milford Chamber of Commerce “Highly Recommended” Leads Group gathers at Barbara Zink's holiday pie giveaway 3: Families bundle up on the green for the 22nd Annual Lamplight Stroll 4: Business owners mingle at Milford City Lifestyle's Friends and Partners Event at Genesis of Milford 5: Patrons check out the selections at Milford Med Spa's Pink Friday party 6: (From left) CJ Bianco, Mayor Tony G., and Simon McDonald, MCL Friends and Partners Event 7: Residents come together for the Milford Arts Council's Annual Buoy Tree Lighting at Lisman Landing
MARK ARNOLD
MARK ARNOLD
MARK ARNOLD
ED BELENSKI
MARK ARNOLD
KURT NIQUETTE
KURT NIQUETTE
EXECUTIVE CLEANER
Art People Combines Artistic Expression with Community Building
In November, Art People moved to their new, expanded location at 318 New Haven Avenue. Art People is a creative arts center whose mission is to ensure that art is an inclusive experience for all. Focused on building community and fostering wellness through artistic expression, their offerings include art therapy, counseling, workshops, gallery exhibits, and adaptive art gatherings. Visit artpeople.com for more information.
by Robert Creigh
Photography
Milford | Hamden | New Haven
Thomas H. Calder, L.C.S.W. Accepting New Patients
Thomas Calder is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been proudly serving the Milford community for more than 25 years. He cultivates an atmosphere of empathy, humility and respect to best support his clients and meet their individual needs. Services are provided to adults, adolescents, and families related to stress, symptoms, substance, and more. Most insurances are accepted including Husky and Medicare. Call 203-4300193. Located at 236 Boston Post Rd.
Store
Meredith E. Lindsay started MELT Chocolatier in a shared space in New Haven before moving to her flagship store in Milford. Now expanded across Connecticut and into New York City, MELT uses high-quality ingredients to craft indulgent confections like truffles, caramels, fudge, and much more. Visit the Milford location to pick out the perfect treat for the perfect someone – or, treat yourself! Located at 181 Research Drive.
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PURPLE PANTRY BOXES
How a Colorful Milford Staple is Redefining and Combating Food Insecurity
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
ED BELENSKI
“I bet you’re looking for me.” I spun around. I had been meandering aimlessly around the warehouse on Naugatuck Avenue searching for the right entrance. It was a cold and windy October afternoon, and I
“Pay the court fees, or feed your family – that was the decision many people faced.”
had opted to leave my coat in the car. I couldn’t wait to get inside.
When I turned around, I saw a woman shuffling toward me from the back of the warehouse. She was carrying two extra large bags overflowing with groceries. As she approached, I noticed a single streak of hair dangling down in front of her glasses, dyed purple.
Susan Brown, the founder of Purple Pantry Boxes, was a public defender for most of her professional life. In this role, she learned how prominent food insecurity was among her clients and the broader community. “Pay the court fees, or feed your family – that was the decision many people faced,” she explained to me that afternoon. We were standing on opposite sides of a giant wooden table, surrounded
by wall-to-wall shelves of packaged food and the comforting smell of fresh bread. The space occupied a small enclave of a broader warehouse equipped with electricity, but no heating. I shivered. Sue stood in front of me in a purple sweatshirt, hands in the front pocket, unbothered by the cold.
“We began with plastic bins,” she told me. She had left large plastic storage bins full of food around town, equipped with signs asking people to kindly leave the bins behind so she could refill them. “But of course, the bins disappeared,” she laughed. She and her small team of like-minded good samaritans decided they needed a more permanent solution. A neighbor offered to construct a wooden box, one sturdy enough to withstand the elements and keep food safe.
“We had no permission, we just did it,” Sue recalled. “Someone on my street was a retired public works person, so he helped me brainstorm places to put the pantries. The day after we did it, I got an admonishing phone call from the authorities. They threatened to remove the pantries, but then they heard about how much people loved them.”
Now, there are 18 Purple Pantry Boxes in southern Connecticut, 13 of which can be found in Milford. The team is made up entirely of volunteers, some of whom have been with the organization for more than three years. While Sue is the primary organizer of the operation, volunteers fulfill roles like grocery shopping, grocery pickup (from partnering retailers that donate food regularly), organizing shelves in the warehouse, arranging delivery bags, and of course, filling the pantries.
“When someone reaches out to volunteer, I always meet them face to face. I want them to know what kind of space they’ll be working in. If you can handle this” – and here Sue gestured around, acknowledging the organized but scrappy workspace – “I would never say no to a volunteer.”
Why purple? The answer is simple: Sue’s favorite color. For every pantry, Sue has a checklist: each filling requires five different forms of protein. All food is shelf-stable and factory-sealed. Foods that lack nutritional value are decidedly limited, and nothing goes into a pantry if the ingredients are not clearly listed on the label.
As we walked around the warehouse, Sue led me into a larger, completely empty room. “This is going to be our new, additional space,” she explained. “We’re so excited. We’ll be able to bring in refrigerators and freezers to start storing perishables for home deliveries.” A few short weeks later, she was able to purchase a commercial refrigerator at an auction in New Haven.
"Food insecurity is hidden – you can live in a house, you can drive a car, and you can not have enough money for groceries."
When I asked if there was a message she would like to relay to the Milford community, Sue had two to share: “First, I’d like to say thank you. The community has been so incredibly supportive. And second, what people need to understand is that food insecurity is hidden – you can live in a house, you can drive a car, and you can not have enough money for groceries. Normal everyday things that happen in life can throw someone’s budget completely out of whack.”
Sue explained that the often-overlooked piece of food insecurity is that food must have nutritional value. Even those who can purchase
food regularly may experience food insecurity if the only food they can afford to buy fails to meet their family’s needs.
As we closed our conversation, I noted how unique Purple Pantry Boxes are for providing food to the community with no strings attached. Sue shrugged, but her expression turned severe as she said, “I’m not going to make anyone prove to me that they need food. I truly believe that food is a right, not a privilege. Take what you need.”
Learn more at purplepantryboxes.com.
Lauralton Hall: Empowering Women for Life
HOW DOES LAURALTON HALL APPROACH THE EDUCATION OF ITS STUDENTS?
A Lauralton Hall education empowers a young woman to excel in any endeavor, to find her own voice, and to be a bearer of Mercy to those in need. We offer students not only a holistic academic experience that develops the skills necessary for success in college and career, but also a supportive, caring, and fun-filled environment that nurtures a young woman’s understanding of herself and others.
WHAT IS THE ACADEMIC AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE LIKE AT LAURALTON?
At Lauralton Hall, we believe in the power of education to transform our girls’ lives and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every girl feels valued and heard. Our school’s size allows us to know our girls well and help them build strong relationships across our community.
Parents quickly discover that enrolling their daughter at Lauralton Hall is one of the best investments in her education. Their daughter can be engaged in sports, committed to community service initiatives, and fully supported in the classroom. Her classmates, coaches, administrators, and teachers all recognize her not just as a student, but as a remarkable individual.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS?
The application process includes a candidate supplement. Applicants can choose to write an essay or create a video or other type of visual representation describing why they are applying to Lauralton Hall. The High School Placement Test is given twice in the fall for candidates
Ed Belenski
applying for 9th grade, but we will also accept the SSAT or ISEE. In addition, our admissions committee reviews the student’s transcript and letters of recommendation from their current school.
IN WHAT WAYS DOES LAURALTON GIVE BACK TO THE MILFORD COMMUNITY?
Lauralton Hall students have many service opportunities from which to choose. Several of our service clubs choose local Milford organizations to partner with. For example, this past fall the Catherine McAuley Club organized a Thanksgiving canned food drive for the people at the Beth-El Center. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, dedicated her life to caring for the poor, particularly women.
This year, Lauralton hosted its first Concert on the Lawn event, featuring the vibrant sounds of The Alpaca Gnomes. This free concert invited our local Milford community onto campus to enjoy fantastic music and indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks. Plans are underway for summer 2025 – stay tuned!
On February 12, the Key Club will once again host a Valentine’s Day Dance for the senior citizens in our community. The dance is free of charge.
Finally, for more than 20 years, Lauralton has hosted Christmas in the Mansion, a holiday fundraising event where visitors are invited to tour the school’s decorated Victorian Gothic mansion built in 1864, shop for holiday gifts from among 70+ vendors, visit the crèche in Lauralton’s century-old chapel, and bring children to see Santa in his workshop.
“We believe in the power of education to transform our girls’ lives and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every girl feels valued and heard.”
Ed Belenski
“There is no better way to experience Lauralton than to visit our campus... Guests will have the opportunity to meet our dedicated faculty and administrators, sit in on a class, and tour our historic campus.”
Shades Shutters
WHAT UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES?
There is no better way to experience Lauralton than to visit our campus. Starting in March, 7th and 8th grade girls and their families are invited to join us for one of our Mornings in the Mansion. During this “mini open house,” guests will have the opportunity to meet our dedicated faculty and administrators, sit in on a class, and tour our historic campus. We will also host a spring after-school open house in April.
Last summer we launched a sports camp for girls and look forward to bringing that back this summer! Girls in grades 5 – 9 are invited to sign up. Camps will start in late June, and the registration should be live on our website beginning in March.
In October, we will once again host a Science Olympics competition for girls entering grades 5 –9 who are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and having some fun!
WHICH STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY?
Eighth-grade girls representing all backgrounds – racial, socio-economic, geographic, cultural, and faith – looking for a community focusing on academics, athletics, and the arts.
For more information about admissions, academic life, tuition/ financial aid, and important dates, visit lauraltonhall.org.
Photography
Shades Shutters Photography
Pat Furey Photography
THE MILFORD Arts Council
MEET THE ORGANIZATION BEHIND SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MILFORD EVENTS
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BELENSKI
You would be hard-pressed to find someone in Milford who isn’t at least peripherally familiar with the annual construction of the buoy tree that resides at Lisman Landing during the holiday season. Made entirely out of lobster traps and decked with buoys designed by Milford community members, the tree – still young in only its fourth year this past December – has become a recognizable Milford landmark and a testament to creativity and collaboration in town.
But you may be less familiar with the organization behind the buoy tree, the people who turn community effort into a literal work of art.
The Milford Arts Council (MAC), now in its fifty-second year, is located at 40 Railroad Avenue in downtown Milford. This location boasts a warm and inviting lobby, in which sits a bright red ticket booth that used to reside in the (now demolished) Milford movie theater. Just past the lobby is the main performance and event space, the walls of which have been transformed into a gallery to showcase community and member artwork. Downstairs is the Speakeasy, an intimate gathering place where patrons can purchase food and beverages during events.
Every now and then, a Metronorth train will speed past, reminding you of the history of the building – a civil-war-era train station restored nearly 30 years ago. Ray Oliver, warmly remembered as “Milford’s architect” by many locals, designed the renovated station specifically for the MAC.
Traveling across town to Walnut Beach, one will find the MAC’s second space, the Firehouse Gallery – a 1920 firehouse repurposed as an arts and culture center in 2000. Now, the space is home to a number of rotating exhibits, classes, and workshops, as well as an apartment for a regular artist-in-residence. With a bold and colorful muraled façade crafted by John Paul O’Grodnick and Miguel Estrada, the Firehouse Gallery is impossible to miss.
And yet, for many residents, the MAC remains a background player in the numerous events and programs for which their work is arguably center stage.
“Right before the pandemic, we were known,” says Executive Director Paige Miglio. “We were getting audiences from as far as Stamford and even New York City: people would take the train to Milford for dinner and a show…we’ve been working on building up that awareness again, regrouping that footing within the community.”
programming including their “Laugh Tracks” comedy series, open mics, benefit concerts (Pass the Guitar), dance and movement classes, tango lessons, business seminars, musician showcases, and private events.
All of this in addition to programming at the Firehouse Gallery, the annual Walnut Beach Sand Sculpture Competition (now in its 48th year), and of course, the famed buoy tree.
“Finding people who want to curate and create something unique and different – we’re here to support that,” Paige explains. “That’s partnership and that’s lifting with accessibility and support in mind.”
"Finding people who want to curate and create something unique and different –we’re here to support that."
And regroup they have: the MAC boasts nearly six months of wall-to-wall theatrical performances, shared between their own community theater, Eastbound Theatre, and Pantochino Productions, to whom they rent the space. The other half of the year is jam-packed with arts
Indeed, the MAC is dedicated to offering programs that are fundamentally accessible to the community, both physically and financially. While they rent their space to Pantochino, the majority of programming is run through their committees and made possible by donations, sponsorships, and community memberships that range anywhere from $35 to $1,000 annually.
As for the buoy tree, Paige celebrates how uniquely “Milford” the project is: “I love our gnarly little tree that’s authentic and genuine. And it’s different every single year.”
The MAC continues to support Milford through their arts programming, and encourages community members to take advantage of the opportunities in their backyard.
See our Events page for a small sampling of MAC-sponsored programs or visit milfordarts.org for more information.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with our 660 business members, is excited to welcome Milford City Lifestyle Magazine to our vibrant and growing community! We’re thrilled to see local voices and stories featured, further enriching what makes Milford such a special place to live and work.
If you’re not currently a member of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, now is the perfect time to join us! Connect with other businesses, enjoy exclusive resources, and make an impact in the community. For more information or to get started, email Simon at smcdonald@milfordct.com.
TO MY
Valentine
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Create timeless keepsakes for those you love with this easy DIY Valentine Stationary. There is something special and reminiscent of our earlier years of creating homemade valentines for those special in our lives. While stores are filled with Valentine candy, cards and gifts, the thoughtfulness and time put into to a handmade card holds a different meaning. Words are the things we treasure most, so let those you care about most know how you treasure them this Valentine’s Day.
What you will need
• Kitchen Knife
• Red or Russet Potato (for heart)
• Romaine lettuce (for rose)
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brush
• Blank Envelopes
• Blank Cards
• Heart Template (www.silvertoothhome.com/blog/diy-stationery)
• Hand Lettering Template (www.silvertoothhome.com/blog/diy-stationery)
• Light Box
Instructions for Heart Prints
1. Cut the potato in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve a heart shape onto the flat side of the potato. Carve freestyle or use the free template under “DIY Stationery” on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/diy-stationery. Even when using the template, each carving will come out as unique art like the ones you see here.
2. With a paint brush, apply paint to the heart shape on the potato.
3. Stamp the potato heart onto blank stationery.
4. Set aside until completely dry.
Instructions for Rose Prints
1. Cut the end off of romaine lettuce. Set leaves aside and use the stem.
2. Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the lettuce stem.
3. Stamp the lettuce “rose” onto blank stationery.
4. Set aside until completely dry.
Once your stationery is completely dry it is time to add beautiful Valentine’s Day lettering. If you have beautiful handwriting then draw free hand. If you’re not as confident use a light box and my hand lettering template (found on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/ diy-stationery) to transfer lettering onto the stationery. To do this, first lay the hand lettering template on a light box with the stationery on top. Then trace the hand lettering onto the stationery with a pen or marker of choice.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT OR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will compliment the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
Health
H o s t y o u r n e x t c e l e b r a t i o n s u r r o u n d e d b y t h e
b e a u t y o f o u r O r a n g e , C T , v i n e y a r d F r o m l i v e
m u s i c t o c r a f t m a r k e t s , w e ’ v e g o t s o m e t h i n g
f o r e v e r y o n e
C h e c k o u t o u r u p c o m i n g e v e n t s !
V i s t w w w s t a p p a v
R o s é O v e r R o s e s
F e b r u a r y 9 t h 2 0 2 5
G r a b t h e g i r l s & j o i n u s f o r s o m e G a l e n t i n e s D a y f u n !
M i n i M a r k e t | n o o n - 3 p m
t a C l a s s
D r i n k S p e c i a l s B o u t i q u e C l a s s F e b r u a r y 1 3 t h 2 0 2 5
T w i r l y o u r w a y i n t o r o m a n c e !
D a t e N i g h t : m i x , k n e a d a n d n o o d l e y o u r w a y t o t h e
STAPPA
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 12TH
Milford Elks Business
After Hours
Milford Elks Lodge | 5:00 PM
Enjoy the company of other members of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce at this gathering for local businesses and business owners. Share food, drinks, and stories while making new connections around town.
FEBRUARY 12TH
Open Mic Night at the MAC
Milford Arts Council | 7:00 PM
Open Mic Nights at the Milford Arts Council are an opportunity for local performers to showcase their talents through singing, spoken-word, standup comedy, and more. Performers register for free. Audience $5 at the door.
FEBRUARY 13TH
Valentine’s Day Dinner
The Fig Cooking School | 6:30 PM
Try something new this Valentine’s Day and cook your own romantic meal together with help from The Fig. This special menu includes decadent items like champagne fondue, beef tenderloin, and a lavender crème brûlée. Registration $165 per person.
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 15TH
Valentine’s Day
Public Skate
Milford Ice Pavilion | 7:00 PM
A special evening public skate event at the Milford Ice Pavilion! Open to the community, ages 1 year and up. Rental skates available for an additional fee.
FEBRUARY 21ST
Tara Repertory
Theater Presents:
Outside Mullingar
Irish Heritage Society of Milford |7:30 PM
Written by playwright John Patrick Shanley, Outside Mullingar dramatizes the relationship between two farmers in the Midlands of Ireland. The play briefly ran on Broadway in 2014, and was adapted into a film titled Wild Mountain Thyme in 2020. Performances will run on both Friday and Saturday evening from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
FEBRUARY 25TH
Locals Only
Concert Series
Milford Arts Council | 7:30 PM
This concert series is hosted by Frank Critelli and features local bands from around Connecticut. Proceeds will benefit the Beth El Center.
Milford’s
Orthodontist Since 1968
Our focus is always on you and your smile
Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.
