Hello, Milford
Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of Milford City Lifestyle! Our team is thrilled to showcase all the inspiring people, businesses, and stories that Milford has to offer. We hope this magazine can help you fall in love (and stay in love!) with the town you call home.
In these pages, you will find a wide range of profiles and stories that highlight what makes Milford special. From the carefully crafted food being served at local restaurants, to stunning examples of residential interior design, to upcoming events both big and small, we strive to celebrate the Milford landscape with a nod to its history, its future, and most important, its residents.
Each month, our publication will cast Milford in a new and refreshing light – from holiday-themed features to health and wellness profiles and beyond. For the month of November, our issue focuses on thanks and gratitude. I myself am grateful for the time I have been able to spend in and around Milford with my son, Joey, as well as the many friends I have met while preparing for the launch of this first issue.
While this is a time for us all to reflect on what we have, our team here at Milford City Lifestyle is especially grateful to the residents of this town for welcoming us into your homes, sharing your stories, and caring deeply about your community. Without passionate and community-oriented Milford residents, there would be no Milford City Lifestyle. For that, we are grateful.
While we will always strive to capture exciting and engaging stories for our magazine, we also appreciate the role that our diverse readership can play in the development of this publication. So we want to hear from you! We want to connect with you! We want to partner with you to produce the best possible portrait of Milford that we can. It is our goal to contribute meaningfully to this town and its future, but it is also our goal to be shaped by this community and ensure that your voices are heard.
We look forward to getting to know you and discovering Milford anew each month. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us. We can't wait to see you around town.
MARK ARNOLD, PUBLISHER
@MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ed Belenski
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
Small. Exquisite. Authentic.
Through Montessori’s scientific approach to human development and curating a carefully constructed environment deeply rooted in respect for our natural world, we guide children through their journey towards becoming the person they were always meant to be.
Recent Opening: Bright Eyes Milford
Dr. Samantha Rao, O.D., is a second-generation optometrist striving to bring personalized specialty eyecare to the residents of Milford. Opened in September, Bright Eyes of Milford treats both children and adults with focuses on dry eye management, advanced contact lens fittings, diagnosis of eye disease, corneal reshaping (CRT) lenses, and much more. They are conveniently located at 88 Noble Ave., Suite 105.
Recent Opening: Tyde at Walnut Beach
Tyde at Walnut Beach is a beachside venue specializing in upscale, elegant celebrations. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Walnut Beach, Tyde hosts a number of large events including weddings, cocktail parties, corporate gatherings, and more. They offer a variety of menus for your special day and partner with several other local businesses to ensure that your event is elevated, organized, and fun for all. Tyde is located at 72 Broadway in Walnut Beach.
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Recent Opening: Genesis of Milford
Opened in June of this year, Genesis of Milford specializes in the sale of luxury vehicles known for their innovative technology and comfort capability. They offer both new and pre-owned inventory, service appointments, and customer-focused amenities in their brand new, state-of-the-art location at 1052 Boston Post Rd.
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THE THERAPY MINIS
Victoria DeLuca with miniature horses Lollypop, Whisky, and Frazier
HOW MINIATURE HORSES ARE SHAPING MILFORD’S WELLNESS LANDSCAPE
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BELENSKI
AN UNEXPECTED REUNION
After suffering a severe concussion in October of 2021, lifelong equine enthusiast Victoria DeLuca could no longer safely care for the full-sized horses she loved. Instead, she began perusing local miniature horse auctions and stumbled upon a familiar-looking mini.
CONTINUED >
As a child, Victoria had cared for a miniature horse named Lollypop, but the family eventually had to re-home her. After seeing the ad, she and her family traveled to Middlesex, CT, where she came face to face with “Misty,” an apprehensive mini horse that wouldn’t respond to her name.
“Until we called her the name Lollypop,” Victoria explains. “She went from being nervous and scared to [feeling] safe. From that point, we knew it was Lollypop.”
But Lollypop came with a special surprise: her six-month-old baby, Whisky. Whisky was neglected and unkempt; her feet had not been trimmed since birth.
“That’s like walking in high heels for your entire life,” Victoria explains. Whisky quickly warmed to the family, attempting to jump in their laps during her first night home.
FROM PHOTOS TO THERAPY
To celebrate Lollypop’s first holiday season back with the family, Victoria took her and Whisky to Bass Pro Shop for Christmas photos. There, the horses received a deluge of loving attention from fellow patrons. Victoria remembers that among the horses’ admirers were several children and adults with disabilities: “These were
“We’re essentially looking for a horse with a puppy personality.”
the people Lollypop would stop for. She’d put her head down and hug them.”
For Victoria, this was the moment she knew that Lollypop had an inherent will to comfort, support, and heal.
THE WORKING MINIS
For their minis, Victoria says they look for one distinct quality. The horse must have a gregarious personality: they should be outgoing, love people, and want to spend time with others.
“We’re essentially looking for a horse with a puppy personality,” Victoria explains.
The Therapy Minis offer both scheduled farm sessions and external visits. After
receiving several inquiries from people wanting to meet the minis, Glendale Farms in Milford agreed to dedicate a portion of the property for these events. While they still travel for visits, folks can now schedule appointments with the minis at Glendale and meet Lollypop, Whisky, and Frazier – the newest addition to the team – on their home turf.
For external visits to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar events, Lollypop is their go-to mini representative. “When [Lollypop] sees her shoes,” Victoria says, “she’s the first to greet you at the gate. She loves doing her job.”
LOOKING AHEAD, LOOKING BACK
Victoria is excited by the prospect of serving the Milford community and beyond with the help of the Therapy Minis. “I would love to hold regular holiday events with the minis and to expand our reach,” she says.
Victoria recalls one specific instance in which an adult day center representative pulled her aside and noted what a profound difference they had seen in some of their members: “They said, there’s some people in here who never talk, never laugh, never show joy. But with Lollypop, they were dancing, laughing, and interacting with other members. Lollypop brought out a different side of them.”
Victoria notes that Lollypop is often similarly transformed by a visit, explaining that she can tell from Lollypop’s energy that she is proud of the services she has been able to provide. “We might not see it right in the moment, but when we leave an event, I can tell how it’s affected her. It is absolutely a healing journey for her as well.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Therapy Minis, visit their Facebook page or send an email to thetherapyminis@gmail.com.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in a n oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
thanksgiving
How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.
• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.
• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.
• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.
• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.
• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.
use vintage finds
Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.
Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.
deliciously edible
ON Fall Fun STALKING up
BY LEANN PARKER
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Cornhusk Centerpiece
When life gives you lemons, or cornstalks as it seems, make something beautiful! The holidays can be stressful. Your table centerpiece doesn’t need to be.
To create this cornhusk centerpiece, simply remove the dried tops of the cornstalks, arrange them in a vintage soup bowl adding a few ears of corn to give more stability and visual interest. Add preserved pinecones for guests’ place settings and you have the perfect touches for your table. Pinecone instructions can be found at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/pinecones-leaves
LeAnn’s Cornhusk Styling
• White Dishes & Platters
• Gold Charger Plates
• Woven Placemats
• Rust-Orange Napkins
• Thanksgiving Crackers
• Cornhusk Centerpiece
• Pinecone Guest Cards
• Real Pumpkins
LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create for your own fall table. Tag her on IG @SilvertoothHome and #SilvertoothHome so she can share.
Cooking With Fresh Herbs
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD| PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JANIE JONES
Garlic Herb Butter
This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• cracked pepper to taste
Process
Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!
Add a little kick to your traditional popcorn by incorporating herbs in with the butter. You won’t be disappointed with this buttery and savory combination.
Ingredients
• 13 tablespoons coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer)
• 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons parsley (dried)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
Process
Add oil to the bottom of a pot and melt over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on top of the pot and heat over medium heat until kernels are popped, shaking pan occasionally. Melt butter in a separate dish and add seasonings. Pour on top, and enjoy!
Herbed Popcorn
Herb Salt
“There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen.”
Herb salts are becoming so popular and can add flavor to a variety of dishes. There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen. Plus, these make great gifts for family and friends. All you need is a blender or food processor and minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
• 1 cup salt of your choice (I prefer Himalayan pink salt, but any salt will do
• 1/4- 1/2 cup parsley (add more if using fresh herbs)
• 2 Tablespoons dried basil (or 1/4 cup if using fresh)
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove minced
• Optional: Any additional herbs you prefer
Process
Add fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest and a little bit of salt to the blender or food processor. Mix for 10 seconds. Add additional ingredients and blend again. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and pour salt mixture on sheet and evening spread. Set in a cool oven overnight to dry. Pour salt into a container of choice and enjoy!
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
B E W E L L N E S S
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting those from sickness prevalent in the colder season. “Seasonal scents are cozy and warm” states Kecia Doll, who is an esthetician from Sweet Be Wellness, “the seasonal scents remind us about how a new time is coming: it’s a time of renewal.” Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts, Kills Bacteria; Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant and Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
Meet the Publisher: Mark Arnold
GET TO KNOW MARK AND SOME OF HIS FAVORITE THINGS
My Background
I worked in Corporate America for 20 years. I started out in advertising for The Yellow Pages, if you can believe it, and ended my corporate career as a Director leading a large team selling architectural modeling software to architects and designers.
Favorite Eats in Milford
Bin 100 and Crumbl. And the outdoor dining at Stonebridge is so nice!
Why Milford?
My main joy early in my career was working with small to medium-size businesses, helping them build their brands and grow revenue. I love working with creative, agile, driven, and passionate owners!
Favorite Activities in Milford
I love taking my son, Joey, to Silver Sands and Walnut Beach. I also enjoy drinking too much coffee at the Walnut Beach Coffee House.
Hobbies & Interests
I love golf, tennis, and gardening as well as art, architecture, and music. I am an avid fly fisher and love to cook French cuisine. Most important, I love spending time with my son and seeing the world freshly through his fiveyear-old eyes.
neurs in the area. Registration is free.
NOVEMBER 13TH
Open Mic Night at the MAC
Milford Arts Council | 7:00 PM
Open Mic Nights at the MAC bring together creative members of the community for performances including spoken word poetry, music, stand-up comedy, and more. Performers can register for free. Audience tickets $5 at the door.
NOVEMBER 20TH
French Bistro Cooking Class
The Fig Cooking School | 6:30 PM
Join The Fig Cooking School for a night of elevated, Parisian-inspired tastes. Learn to craft French bistro dishes like ribeye steak au poivre, roasted caramelized tomatoes, and lavender crème brûlée. Registration $145.
DECEMBER 6TH
22nd Annual Lamplight Stroll
Milford Green | 5:00 PM
Join members of the Milford community for the annual Lamplight Stroll. This year will feature more than 40 vendors, carolers, horse and carriage rides, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Free and open to the public.
DECEMBER 8TH
Walnut Beach Tree Lighting
Walnut Beach | 5:00 PM
Swing by the Arch at the corner of Naugatuck Avenue & Broadway to see the annual Walnut Beach Tree Lighting. Treats available and carolers will be singing. Free and open to the public.
Whether you're planning the wedding of your dreams, a corporate gathering, milestone celebration, or intimate get-together, our versatile CT event space is tailored to meet your needs
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Curated Menus
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THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
