Milford Living, Vol8 Is1 by Red Mat Publishing

2 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

3 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments All the

Livelong Day

Travels and travails on the Milford Railroad By Cindy Papish Gerber Photos By Bob Harrington

he westbound platform of the milford train station is packed with

commuters waiting for the 6:53 a.m. express to Grand Central Station: clutching coffee cups, newspapers and PDAs; sporting ear buds, sunglasses,

business suits, and denim; toting briefcases, backpacks, handbags; chewing gum, stubbing out cigarettes, and stifling yawns; perkily chatting on phones or glumly silent— their early morning expressions revealing their previous night’s sleep (or lack thereof). By the time the last passenger squeezes into the train’s closing doors, another herd of travelers bound up the station’s stairs to catch the 7:07. “When I started running trains as a brakeman in ’73, there was only a handful of people getting on to go to NYC in Milford,” says Brian McDonough, a locomotive engineer for the past thirty-eight years. “Now the trains are loaded. Many riders are second generation Fairfield County people who moved and are commuting from here.” His brother Bob, a conductor with twenty-five years worth of experience on the New Haven line, commented on structural changes made to Milford’s eastbound platform. “It used to fit only four train car lengths, meaning if a Milford passenger was sitting in the front or rear of an eight- or ten-car train, they would have to walk back or forward to exit. Inevitably, someone wouldn’t hear the conductor’s announcement, and they’d be carried by and end up swearing at the conductor in New Haven. Some years back, the platform was lengthened to ten car lengths, and now the only ‘carrybys’ are those passengers too glued to their phone or headphones.”

20 Milford Living • Spring

2011 • Milford Living 21

All The Livelong Day

Travels and travails on the Milford Railroad By Cindy Papish Gerber Photos By Bob Harrington

Windows of

Milford W Photos by Chris Carveth, text by Ann McGuire

hat is a window? It’s a frame on a landscape, an ever so tiny view of the world outside the walls that hold it in place. It’s a place to stand, to gaze, to ponder, to snoop; a pane from which to witness the change of seasons and the passing of time.. From the outside looking in, a window is a portal sharing tantalizing glimpses of another life—possessions and color in still life; the blue glow of a late night television, the comforting amber of kitchen lights. A window emits the sounds of life to those passing by—a teakettle whistling, music drifting—and brings birdsong indoors. (Noisy nature loves a good window.) It filters the scents of home cooking to the kids in the backyard ready for dinner. It ushers in the first scent of spring and guides summer breezes through its arms to brush across warm skin. It shares the warning of impending rain and cold and says, “Get ready to close me, at least for a while.” A window is to see—and to hear, smell, and feel—the world pass by.

26 Milford Living • Spring

2011 • Milford Living 27

Windows of Milford

A window is to see—and to hear, smell, and feel—the world pass by. Photos by Chris Carveth, text by Ann McGuire

4 5 6 8 10 12 16 18 34 38 42 44 48 50 54 55 56

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters At Home At Your Service Milford Spotlight Arts & Artisans This Season Shopping Milford Morsels Sunday Drive Education Notebook Money Matters Senior Corner Historical Perspective Expressions Where is It? Next Issue

About the cover: For the cover of our spring issue, photographer Mary Hegarty Neschke presents us with a glorious floral

menagerie. The photo is entitled “Spring Blooms on Merwin.” Her work is available for purchase at MHN Photo Gallery on New Haven Avenue and The Canvas Patch in downtown Milford. Vist Mary at the 49th Annual “Meet the Artists and Artisans Show” on the Milford Green May 7th and 8th. You may also view her work on display at the Milford Fine Arts, Milford Library, Gallery on the Green, Milford Photo, and the Milford Chamber of Commerce.

2011 • Milford Living 1

SPRING 2011 VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 1 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill-Manning Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Photographer

Mary Hegarty Neschke

Contributing Photographers

Kevin Boyd, Chris Carveth, S.M. Cooper, Bob Harrington

Contributing Editors

Gracemary Avitabile, McKenzie Granata, Greta Stifel

Contributing Writers

Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, McKenzie Granata, Kate Harrington, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Dick Platt, Lauren Yeargeau

Production Assistance

Zinelle, Lauren Anderson, Kevin Maher

Advertising & Communications Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com 203-283-5290

Web Design

Greyson Schwing/Antelope Networks Zinelle/Z1 Design

Interns

Ashley Avitabile, Jessica Avitabile, Ariel Lyon, Gina Rose Sirico

Milford Living Magazine 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford CT 06460 203-283-5290 http://www.milfordliving.com

Red Mat Media Directors

Laura Guthrie, Timothy L. Lyon, Scott Standerfer

Gallery

Stop in and browse–you might ﬁnd something you just can’t live without

On The Green

874-6047

162 New Haven Ave

Reasonable Custom Framing

Spring is almost here, really! Kristen and I realized we have a theme...wine glasses painted with grapes, wine plates, wine pictures, wine decanters, and wine books. I guess we really like wine. But, we still love the custom framing we do for all our loyal customers. Come in and visit. I think you'll like our prices. ~ Celebrating over 40 years of business in Milford ~

2 Milford Living • Spring

Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Media. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $19.80. Newsstand: $4.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2011 Red Mat Media. Opinions expressed in Milford Living Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Milford Living Magazine.

Printed in the USA. www.redmatmedia.com

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ince 1955 Stevens Auto Group has been a premier dealership in Milford, serving customers with an experienced and dedicated sales staff to help them find the perfect vehicle for their needs. Stevens has been a family operated business for fifty-five years and they treat their customers like one of the family. Stevens offers the latest models from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, and Dodge, as well as pre-owned vehicles from a variety of manufacturers. Not sure what you’re looking for? Browse their inventory online at www.stevensauto.com. It’s a great way to learn about different models and features from the comfort of your home or office. You can even arrange a test drive of any vehicle you are interested in, or find out about financing options. Still not sure? Stop in

and chat with an experienced member of the Stevens sales team. They can help you focus on the options that will best meet your needs . David Hart Stevens has been at the helm of Stevens Auto Group for fifteen years and was honored as Business Person of the Year 2010 for his outstanding contributions to the Milford business community. David helped turn Stevens into one of the most successful dealerships in the Northeast with numerous awards for exceptional customer service. He volunteers his time for many local organizations including the Milford Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Woodruff Family YMCA, Milford Senior Center, and Milford Rotary. Stevens’ sterling reputation as a dependable dealership is not only great for the community, but for the customers they

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publisher’s letter

Dear Friends & Neighbors, As the long snowy winter becomes a memory, we look forward to spring even more than usual this year. Isn’t it extraordinary to see the daffodils and hyacinth bloom where the deep snow once was? We are happy to be publishing again after taking the winter issue off. Due to the economic climate, our advertisers requested a respite after a difficult year; Milford Living depends on their support to publish each issue. Subscriptions will be advanced so subscribers will receive all issues paid for. Another great thing about springtime is the 4th Annual Milford Living Kite Fly! We look forward to this event more and more each year! On April 30th, the Connectikiters (whom we sincerely thank for their continued support of this community event) will once again amaze us with their dazzling kites. In addition to our kite flying festivities, we have partnered with the Milford Prevention Council and the Milford Police Department to help implement the national “Drug Take Back Program” at the Walnut Beach Pavilion during the event. So when you come down to the Kite Fly, clear your medicine cabinets of any old prescription drugs and bring them with you; the MPD will take them away for you, no strings attached (except those on the kites!)

You’ll notice we added a few new departments to this issue in order to better compliment our thoughts on the season. We hope you like them! Also please note that we thought it best to migrate our Calendar of Events over to our website in order to accommodate the number of submissions we get as well as ensure that this much-used resource remains as up-todate as possible. Check it out at www.milfordliving.com.

4 Milford Living • Spring

Wishing you the best of the spring!

Suzanne Cahill Manning

Publisher

readers’ letters If you ever need any old pictures of Milford

Ann, that is an interesting idea. We will bring

appreciation for the magazine and are truly

I have an album full of old postcards. I would

up the subject with our team and see how we can

grateful to be a part of such a wonderful

be glad to loan any of them to you.

pull this together for a future issue.

community.

—Catherine Springsteen I look forward to your magazine. I was born Thanks Catherine for offering your postcards

I really enjoyed the “What’s Cooking

and raised in Milford (79 years) and I am still

Milford?” piece in the autumn issue. It

for use in the magazine. We really appreciate

living here. I have every copy since it was first

included my favorite restaurants and helped

how readers like to jump in with their collections

published. Looking back in time is lots of fun!

me discover a couple of new ones. Thank you

and share with others. It’s really our readers that

—Patricia Taulty

for the culinary lesson Milford Living!

make this magazine so special!

—John Swan We so appreciate you taking the time

Maybe do a story about maps of different areas of Milford. —Ann Rossi

to write us and share your enthusiasm for

John we are so glad you had fun with the

Milford Living with us. We receive many

article and look forward to you bringing a dish

letters from readers like you expressing their

or two into our office!

Drop us a line… Please send your comments, contributions, suggestions, and questions to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460 or email us at info@milfordliving.com

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2011 • Milford Living 5

at home

Backyard Chickens I

off in

free bug control and, as an added plus, they

prettiest birds are generally roosters and they

prefer to eat the weeds rather than the grass.

aren’t good neighbors. Roosters start crowing

your hearing checked. Chickens are making

Chicken manure is thought to be one of the

when they see a little light very early in the

a comeback and small coops have begun to

best fertilizers for gardens and yields great

morning and some will keep at it right through

crop up in backyards around Milford. The

nutrients for vegetables and flowers. Most

the day,” says Macri. “For the backyard chicken

increasing desire for fresh eggs has fueled

chicken breeds are friendly and have a great

owner who wants eggs, Rhode Island Reds are

the popularity of small family flocks.

deal of personality.

a good choice. We’ve had good luck with Black

F YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD CLUCKING

the distance…there is no need to have

In the early 1900s, the average household

Star chickens, too. If you want blue or greenish

kept a small flock of hens to produce eggs

eggs, Aracauna or Ameraucana hens will

and poultry for the family. Prior to

produce them for you.”

World War I, small household coops

Chicks are cute but it is difficult to

were common. Large scale egg

determine their sex. If you have

production didn’t yet exist, but

a small flock (under 20 birds),

as the war progressed, demand

roosters are not allowed in

for eggs to feed the troops

Milford. They crow at sunrise

increased. The invention of

and create a nuisance. It is

the incubator enabled the

best to order chicks from a

development of huge poultry

hatchery; they offer a great

farms and the backyard flock

variety of breeds and you can

flew by the wayside as larger

order hens specifically. One highly

farms flooded the global markets

respected source is the McMurray

with industrial poultry products.

Hatchery (www.mcmurrayhatchery.com).

Chickens, surprisingly, are easy to care for

Chicks are delivered to your doorstep in a box

and inexpensive to maintain. Fresh eggs taste

and come complete with detailed instructions

far better than those from a store and contain

Maria Macri, owner of Rivercrest Farm,

on their care.

more nutrients. Chickens that spend time

offers great advice for the novice. “There are a

Chicks must be kept warm in a brooder

free ranging provide yards with chemical-

lot of beautiful exotic chicken breeds, but the

(which can be as simple as a cardboard box

6 Milford Living • Spring

or small animal cage). Pine shavings can be

“Hens will lay an egg a day for most of

“hen-pecked” and “pecking order” don’t come

used for litter and a 100-watt light bulb in

the year,” explains Macri. “If you are raising

the corner is usually sufficient to keep their

chickens for eggs, remember not to make them

temperatures between 90 - 100 degrees. The

into pets because they are not going to lay for

chicken feed is truly inexpensive. They love

temperature should decrease five degrees

their entire natural lifetime. After a couple of

eating vegetables that may be a little too

per week until they are feathered (around

years you’ll have to decide whether to continue

wilted for you to eat. The variety of breeds

5-8 weeks depending on the breed). Handling

to keep them into a long retirement (they’ll

and interesting personalities make them a

chicks regularly helps to socialize them.

live for eight or ten years) or use them for food

unique animal to keep, and raising chickens

Once your chicks are feathered, it’s time to

out of nowhere.” Raising chickens is relatively cost effective;

and replace them with new laying birds. Our

can be an enjoyable pastime. Feeding the

place them in the coop. The rule of thumb is

grandparents took this practice for granted, but

chickens and collecting eggs everyday can be

to allocate 2-3 square feet per chicken inside

nowadays it’s hard for most people to do.”

rewarding and fun…a simple pleasure for the

the coop and 4-5 square feet per chicken in

If I was living in a suburban home and

an outside run. Runs should be enclosed

wanted chickens, I would probably start

with wire fencing to ward off predators.

out with two or three hens,” continues

Coops can be very simple or embellished

Macri. “One chicken gets lonely. Too many

to be a unique feature in your yard. Coops

in a small space is no good either; they can

can be purchased or easily built from plans

have vicious rivalries, pulling feathers out of

available online.

whichever chicken is the weakest. The words

ROOFING

SIDING

WINDOWS

entire family. —Susan Carroll-Dwyer

For more information about ordinances regarding poultry in Milford visit http://www.ci.milford.ct.us

RAILINGS/ DECKING

Standing behind every job since 1992. www.berkeleyexteriors.com/living

203.877.4373 or service@berkeleyexteriors.com BE ML Ad Spring 2011.indd 1

3/15/11 11:14 AM 2011 • Milford Living 7

MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE (2)

at your service

More than Just a Roof A

N OLD IRISH PROVERB SAYS,

“It is in the shelter of each other that the

people live.” In the small city of Milford, nothing could be truer.

Thirty years ago, the Beth-El Center, meaning “house of God”

homelessness is a temporary circumstance—not a permanent condition.” It is in addressing this temporary circumstance, that the Center does some of its best work. It is what is called a transitional shelter which goes

was founded by fifteen local parishes. The shelter continues to

beyond providing “a hot and a cot” for one night. Instead, it acts as a

receive a great deal of support from a range of local businesses and

vital stepping stone for individuals and families by providing the tools

organizations, schools, regular volunteers, and

and resources they need through the guidance

every day people. Five years ago, Toni Dolan

and support of the center, its employees, and

came to the Beth-El Center as an interim

volunteers. The Center aims to enable all those

director—she only expected to stay six months.

who come in need—whether for food, counseling,

“The place grabs you,” she says, which is how

or residency—to attain self-sufficiency. To achieve

Dolan explains how she became the executive

its goal, the Beth-El Center works with other city

director of the Center.

and local organizations including the Milford

The mission of the Beth-El Center is to remain

Rape Crisis Center, Milford Family Resource

“the leader in caring for and meeting the needs

Center, Visiting Nurse Association of South

of the hungry and homeless and strives to prevent

Central CT, the Young Parent Program of Milford

and end homelessness.” Prevention is the key;

Hospital, and the VA of West Haven, to direct

many of the people who are helped (including

their clients toward a variety of additional services.

the elderly, veterans, and people working through

The Center provides several levels of assistance—

unemployment, illness, and catastrophe) are able

(Top) Each day, volunteers prepare and

ranging from a soup kitchen (which, in addition

to get the help they need to avoid homelessness by

serve hot meals to the hungry. (Above)

to daily hot meals, has added a new meals-to-go

utilizing the center’s resources. As confirmed by the

A quilt hanging in the Center represents

program, and also allows each person to take

National Coalition for The Homeless, “In most cases,

the fifteen founding parishes.

two additional grocery items from a designated

8 Milford Living • Spring

counter in the dining room)—to a 90-day temporary shelter program,

1-bedroom, two 2-bedroom, and one 3-bedroom unit) where residents

a family program, and supportive housing. It is the advent of this last

work with an on-staff case manager who helps guide them and prevent

program that helps the center address the unfortunate reality that not all

them from losing their housing.

homelessness is a temporary circumstance.

In order to foster continued success on the part of the program’s

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

residents, no time limits are set to determine the length of tenancy—

Development (HUD), the term “chronic homelessness” applies to

thus providing the potential for permanent housing and an incentive

“an unaccompanied disabled individual who has been continuously

for a life-long solution to homelessness on a case-by-case basis.

homeless for over one year.” The supportive housing program is

Supportive housing, Dolan emphasizes, is just the latest and one of

designed to help just such “a person or family whose head of household

many possible solutions to help clients achieve their goals in attaining

is homeless or at-risk of homelessness, and has multiple barriers to

permanent and stable housing. The Beth-El Center plans to continue

employment and housing stability, which might include mental illness,

implementing new programs and supporting current successful

chemical dependency, and/or other disabling or chronic health

solutions to further in their mission to feed the hungry, help those in

conditions.” According to the Center’s website, “Supportive housing

need, and end homelessness.

is a successful, cost-effective combination of affordable housing with

—McKenzie Granata

services that help people live more stable, productive lives.” Located across the street from the Beth-El Center on New Haven Avenue is Liberty Point, five supportive housing units (composed of two

For more information, please visit www.bethelmilford.org.

Law Offices of Christopher B. Carveth, LLC Christopher B. Carveth & Kristin Dorney Foley Attorneys & Counselors at Law

We offer extended hours, home consultations and weekend appointments to best serve you.

• personal injury • workers compensation

• family, probate & criminal • real estate and zoning law

Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460 2011 • Milford Living 9

milford spotlight

Simply Ballroom B

ALLROOM DANCING …it’s not just for black & white movies and TV

again to fill her intermediate and advanced classes. “It’s a bug some

celebrities anymore. While couples dancing has never complete-

people catch,” she says. And once they catch it, there’s no letting go.

ly gone out of fashion, the style and elegance of traditional ballroom

At the Fred Astaire Dance Studio (547 Boston Post Road, Orange),

is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance. From engaged couples

owners Martin Ramsauer and Chris Sabourin instill ballroom

choreographing their first dance, to older married couples spending

dancing with all the elegance and passion of their famous founder.

quality time together, dancing that involves specific steps and hand-

Couples of all ages (currently the youngest is eight and the oldest is

to-hand contact is making a much welcome comeback. The best part

in her seventies) learn to foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha, meringue, tango,

of all: ballroom dancing is fun, great exercise, and there are a number

swing, and mambo in an elegant, mirrored studio environment

of local schools where would-be students can learn everything under

staffed by a team of international professionals who speak no less

expert tutelage. Legendary Milford dance teacher Carol Farrell has been dancing for forty-five years and shows no sign of stopping. Ballroom dancing has long been part of the curriculum at the Carol Farrell School of Dance (246 New Haven Avenue, Milford), which also includes, tap, ballet, and jazz. These days Farrell offers three ballroom dancing classes ranging from beginner ANN MCGUIRE

to advanced. Teaching novice students the basic moves of dances including the cha-cha and waltz, Farrell and her daughter Carol, also a teacher, quickly calm nervous newcomers and patiently

Dancers at the Carol Farrell School of Dance practice the art of ballroom in a no-pressure atmosphere

walk intermediate students through

guided by a teacher with nearly a half-century of dance expertise.

more difficult steps. “Ballroom dancing is a good way for couples to spend more time together,” says the

than five languages! A native of Germany, Ramsauer has been

veteran teacher. She notes that more often than not it’s the women

dancing since he was fifteen. He met wife Sabourin through dance,

who “bring the men to the first class,” but by the time that first hour is

and together they decided to bring their love of “social dancing” to

over, the men leave more confident in their abilities and actually have

the Milford area. “I’m being serious when I say that our students

fun. In fact, many of Farrell’s beginner students return time and time

are better than the celebrities on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” boasts

10 Milford Living • Spring

Sabourin. “On the show they learn one dance that they perform in front of judges. It’s a performance. They wouldn’t be able to do what our students do, which is learn a mix of styles and take that ability into any social dancing situation, like a wedding.” The student dancers at the weekly Friday night practice party—whether single or part of a couple, beginners or more experienced—all seem to have embraced the enthusiasm of their instructors. “My husband and I look forward to this all week long,” says Milford resident Denise Loeb. “We are addicted!” —Ann McGuire

For information on lessons call the Carol Farrell School of Dance at 203.377.4617. Visit the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at www.fadsorange.com or call 203.795.5200 for more information.

For many of the students at the Fred Astaire studio, the Friday night practice party is the highlight of their week!

2011 • Milford Living 11

arts + artisans

Kicking Daisies S

OMEWHERE IN OUR YOUNGER YEARS, not long after the G.I. Joe’s and

Daisies, Rich Herzfeld, was so impressed with Ben’s ability that he

the Barbie’s lost their luster, around the time when having

contacted Murphy and Michael Mangini (the Grammy Award-winning

the right clothes, the right haircut, and listening to the right

producer of Joss Stone and The Jonas Brothers) with the idea of putting

music suddenly became important, we pretended to be someone

together a teenage rock band. With the help of YouTube, they soon

else. Amidst the excitement and confusion of these formative

found 15-year-old Duran Visek, who was singing and playing guitar in

years, when we thought no one was watching (and could be

Florida. Mangini called Visek. “I get this phone call about this shredder

assured of our privacy), we cranked the music to eleven, grabbed

guitar player up in Connecticut named Ben,” recalls Visek. “I came up

a hairbrush or a tennis racket, found a mirror, struck the proper

to meet him and we totally clicked immediately and we decided, yeah,

rock god pose, and morphed into our favorite singer, rock star, or

let’s start a band.”

guitar hero. (Personally, I moved seamlessly between Eddie Van

Without a rhythm section, Visek returned to Florida to wait. Next

Halen playing “Eruption” on the tennis racket to David Lee Roth

to join the band was Milford resident and the 2007 female winner of

singing “Running with the Devil” on the hairbrush. I was good.)

the Battle of the Feet, World’s Fastest Bass Drummer award, and world

Unfortunately for most of us, those halcyon days of Pete

record holder, 18-year-old Caitlin Kalafus. Visek explains how he and Ben

Townshend-esque windmills in our bedrooms were the closest we

Spremulli first found out about Kalafus’ amazing drumming, “We saw

would ever get to fulfilling our dreams as rock stars. But for four local

Caitlin on YouTube. She had like 2 million hits; it was ridiculous. So Rich

musicians, there is no need to pretend. For the teenagers that make

gave her a call and put it all together.” Kalafus remembers the call and

up Milford’s Kicking Daisies, their rock star dreams are right at their

was initially dubious, “He called and was like, ‘Hey you’re a drummer,

fingertips and a little closer to becoming reality every day.

come join this kid band,’ but I’m older than them and I didn’t know

“It really was a serendipitous thing,” is how band manager Brian

if it was a serious thing. Then I saw videos of them and they were so

Murphy describes the formation of Kicking Daisies. Two and a half

amazing.” With a full band almost in place, Visek, along with his father

years ago, a then 12-year old guitarist named Ben Spremulli, was

and brother, moved to Connecticut. The three teens began writing songs

playing with his heavy metal band at the Chef’s Table, a restaurant in

and practicing in Kalafus’ parents home in Milford. But they still needed

Fairfield. The owner of the restaurant, and now co-manager of Kicking

a bass player. Enter Caitlin’s 15-year-old sister Carly. Unlike Caitlin, Carly

12 Milford Living • Spring

Kalufus didn’t play an instrument. But her mother introduced the idea,

they began playing shows and honing their sound. The band that

the three band members kept asking her to give it a try, and finally she

emerged was no saccharine sweet ‘tween band, but a tight foursome

relented. The younger Kalufus picked up the bass very fast and the band

with chops and an aggressive pop rock/punk energy.

was finally together. They named themselves Kicking Daisies with the idea of two

While playing band showcases for music industry execs in L.A., Kicking Daisies caught the ear of Kelly Edwards, the executive

female and two lead male members creating a sort of Yin and Yang

director of programming and talent for Radio Disney. Edwards

equality—male and female, hard and soft, aggression and peace.

placed the band in the running for Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing

This idea is personified in how they write songs. Caitlin is the bands

competition, which allows listeners of Radio Disney and viewers

lyricist; she and sister Carly come up with the song ideas and basic

of The Disney Channel to vote for their favorite of five teen acts

chords. “Caitlin and Carly give us the bones of the song and Ben and

over the course of three months. As part of the contest the band

I add the muscle tissue and blood,” explains Visek. To give the band

recorded songs and filmed videos that received heavy rotation. In

members the time and freedom to pursue their goals, all four began

December 2010, Kicking Daisies won the Next Big Thing contest

home schooling. “It gives us a lot more time to rehearse and write

which awarded them a single on the “Disney Jams 13” compilation

songs,” says Visek. “We couldn’t do what we’ve done if we were all

CD and a spot playing before a huge crowd at Disney World for the

still in high school.” With a name and all their members on board,

Radio Disney Holiday Concert.

2011 • Milford Living 13

arts + artisans

Since the win the band’s popularity

drummer has put her plans to attend the

has begun to grow; they will appear in

Berklee College of Music on hold while the

commercials as the face of a new Bazooka

band pursues its goals. As to where they see

candy called Baby Bottle Pop Rattlerz and are

themselves in five years, she offers this: “I

currently in talks with Disney about a possible

hope we’re touring by then. But no matter

Kicking Daisies TV show. All this exposure

what, we’ll all always be part of music.”

hasn’t exactly led to being recognized. While

Duran Visek agrees and then adds, “We’ll

opening for Hanson in Pennsylvania, a

definitely be best friends.”

woman approached Visek. “I was warming up

Whatever the future may hold for Kicking

my voice outside before the show and she says, ‘Wow, I have to tell

Daisies their journey from practicing in a basement in Milford to playing

my daughter I met you, it’s been years since I’ve seen you.’ I was like

private shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, starring in commercials,

what? Then I realized she thought I was Taylor Hanson.”

and having their videos played on MTV and the Disney Channel is the

When asked on a scale of 1-10 how excited they are about what’s happening, Caitlin Kalafus is nothing if not honest. “I’m kind of

stuff that countless Guitar Hero-playing Wii addicts and hairbrush and tennis racket bedroom rock stars could only dream of. —Gerry McGuire

nervous but I’m really pumped. Like out of 10? Maybe 100.” The

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14 Milford Living • Spring

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this season

Garden Organically T

HE DEEP WINTER SNOW HAS MELTED AWAY

and spring has arrived!

Now is the time to prepare flower beds and vegetable plots

for planting.

are available to plants on a steady basis and that the soil structure enhances root growth. Organic fertilizers dole out the nutrients more slowly than chemical fertilizers, so plant roots are less likely to be

Building up the fertility of the soil is one of the most important aspects of gardening. Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured products, while organic fertilizers are derived from plants, animals, or naturally occurring

burned by getting too high a dose. The best way to use organic fertilizers is to apply a combination of raw materials high in organic matter, such as manure, along with

minerals. While both can go through a manufacturing process, there are advantages to using an organic fertilizer that’s in a form close to its natural source. The purest form of organic fertilizer is a plant-, animal-, or mineral-based fertilizer that is applied to the garden without any processing. Good examples of these are green manures, animal manures, and wood

specific organic fertilizers to

TYPES OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

ere are some examples of plant- and animal-based products you might use in your garden:

• Plant-based fertilizers • Alfalfa meal • Corn gluten • Cottonseed meal • Seaweed • Soybean meal

ashes. The advantage is that not only are main nutrients added to the soil, but organic matter and humus, as well. Organic matter improves soil structure, moisture retention, drainage, and the microbial life of the soil. An adequate amount of organic matter in the soil can help ensure that nutrients

16 Milford Living • Spring

• Animal-based fertilizers • Blood meal • Bone meal • Fish products • Animal manures • Compost

target crop needs. This is not to say there isn’t a place for synthetic fertilizers. They do have some advantages. They cost less and are easier to transport, and they are more uniform in nutrient content. With the exception of controlledrelease formulations, most synthetic fertilizers are more quickly available to plants than organic fertilizers.

Let’s take a closer look at two of the most readily available forms of organic fertilizers, animal manures and compost. The nutrient composition of animal manures varies based on the animal, the bedding, and method of manure storage. Aged manure

is better than fresh, and cow is better than horse (high in weed seeds). Cow manure is the manure most commonly found bagged in garden centers. While nutrient content is low, the plants can absorb them moderately quickly. Manure from sea birds, chickens, and bats are rich

is that no matter what material you start with, the end product is relatively similar. Finished compost has a low but good balance of nutrients, while being high in organic matter that helps feed the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s microorganisms. Composts are available

in nutrients, especially nitrogen.

commercially or you can make your

Highly soluble and quickly

own. They can be used along with

available nutrients are useful

other fertilizers. Making compost is

early in the season to stimulate

a way to deal with yard waste and

vegetative growth. However,

make fertilizer simultaneously, and

high-nitrogen chicken manures and

you always know what ingredients

guanos can burn tender plant roots.

went into the finished product.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to use them as a foliar feed,

Taking the time to ready your garden

diluted in water; or in a composted form. Compost is considered the Cadillac of organic fertilizers. The beauty of making compost

will be time well spent as you will reap the rewards all throughout spring and into the summer season.

2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 17

shopping

UR COUNTRY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING

MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE(2)

Salvaging the Past a

time of economic hardship that has

created an almost nostalgic desire to revert back to simpler times. Two men in particular who have weathered the financial crisis by

Vintage radios from the 1920s through the 1970s are restored at Urban Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi;

turning their hobbies into businesses, believe

(below) ornate clocks fill the walls and shelves at the Swinging Pendulum Clock Shop.

that we should treasure the past. The Swinging Pendulum Clock Shop and Urban Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi, are specialized repair and retail

Jenkins says. “We want to be different.” His favorite part of the job is working with

has been so successful that Jenkins hopes to expand to include more retail space. He says

stores that restore antique clocks, radios,

the customers because so many have personal

family members called him crazy when he

and stereos into working condition so future

connections to their clocks. He recalls one

opened, but now call him a genius. “I am very

generations can appreciate and understand

customer who left the store clutching the

happy we decided to do this,” Jenkins says. “It

quality manufacturing from the past.

repaired clock, crying tears of gratitude. “We love

has been tremendous.”

Craig Jenkins and Debra Graham opened the Swinging Pendulum Clock Shop at 365 New Haven Avenue in mid-2010. Craig, who

to laugh and joke with our customers,” Jenkins says, adding, “I can’t say enough about them.” After less than a year in business, the store

Mike Urban feels the same way. He has owned Urban Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi, located at 58 Naugatuck Ave in Milford for eight years.

has been repairing clocks all of his life, fell

Urban worked in the corporate world for more

victim to the economic downturn when he

than twenty years before getting fed up with

lost his job in construction. It was his wife Debra who suggested they turn his passion for repairing the “old stuff” into a business. The soothing sounds of clocks greet you when entering the Swinging Pendulum. “I think every clock is worth saving,” Jenkins says. The small storefront’s walls are covered in clocks from all eras, from modern pieces and vintage mechanical clocks, to a collection of cuckoo clocks imported from Germany. Although all of their clocks are for sale, Craig’s main income comes from repairing clocks brought in by customers. He will even come to your home to repair any floor clock. “We go the extra mile,

18 Milford Living • Spring

the corporate rat race. He met and married his wife Suzanne Ebeling, an artist who suggested

1980 isn’t worth repairing. With customers from all over the country,

Having always collected radios and vintage hi-fi’s, Urban admits it is tough to see some

he use his passion for audio equipment and

thanks to a large online presence, most of

pieces go. “I fall in love with the stuff,” he

radios to start a business. His hobby started

Urban’s repairs are shipped to Milford. Even

says. Urban would love to expand his store to

when he worked at a repair shop to earn money

if you do not have a radio needing repair,

include a larger workshop were he can store

for college. “I never thought that the experience

it’s worth a visit his storefront in Walnut

all of his equipment.

would sustain my business today,” Urban says.

Beach to see the dozens of wood-cased radios,

For the first few years of his business he would

microphones, records, turntables, and other

Jenkins and Urban, both have certainly

purchase antique radios off eBay, repair them,

audio paraphernalia lining the walls of the

enjoyed the journey. As Mike Urban says,

and sell them to collectors and radio enthusiasts.

one-room store. It’s like stepping into a radio

“This has been a passion. It’s been fun but

museum. (Please note that walk-ins are by

also hard work.”

Today most of Urban’s income comes from repairing audio equipment from the

Whatever the future holds for both

appointment only.)

—Lauren Yergeau

1930s-1980s, including antique car radios, record players and turntables, radios, vintage high-fidelity systems, and stereos. According to Urban, anything made after

Find out more about these unique Milford stores by visiting their websites: www.swingingpendulumclockshop.com and www.urban-antiqueradio.com.

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2010 • Milford Living 19

20 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

All the

Livelong Day

Travels and travails on the Milford Railroad By Cindy Papish Gerber Photos By Bob Harrington

HE WESTBOUND PLATFORM OF THE MILFORD TRAIN STATION is packed with

commuters waiting for the 6:53 a.m. express to Grand Central Station: clutching coffee cups, newspapers and PDAs; sporting ear buds, sunglasses,

2011 • Milford Living 21

JOSEPH BOGDAN

More wry observations can be found on Bob McDonough’s appropri-

Thousands of area residents regularly ride the rails between Milford

ately titled blog DERAILED: One Man’s Story of His Life On (And Off) The

and New York, taking essentially the same trip that began in 1846 with

Rails (http://bobbyderailed.blogspot.com). Summing up his extensive

wood-burning locomotives.

Metro-North career, he adds, “I still consider Milford my home station.” build, as it was necessary to construct many bridges over the estuaries

Early Days

and rivers that dot Long Island Sound,” writes photographer and

In 2011, a majority of those taking the 63.2 mile trip between New York

author Brian Solomon, who has penned more than fourty-four books

and Milford are returning home. They swiftly walk to their cars or grab a

on railroads here and abroad. Morgan, writes Solomon, “insured that

Milford Taxi with nary a thought to the station’s illustrious history.

New Haven provided one of the most advanced railway networks in

On December 29, 1848, the first scheduled train that left New Haven

the world. On the heavily traveled section between New Haven and

for New York was a wood-burning steam locomotive. The original

New York City, NHRR expanded to four main tracks. By 1893, it had

wooden station building was, “pretty much where the westbound

eliminated virtually all grade level public highway crossings. Early in

station is today, east of High St. and north of the track,” cites local

the 20th Century, NHRR made the bold decision to electrify its main

railroad historian Bob Belletzkie, in his painstakingly researched

lines. It did this years before high-voltage AC was established for

website, www.tylercitystation.info. “We do not yet have a picture of

commercial applications. This was no small feat and set important

this station,” the website notes, although evidence of its existence is

precedents worldwide.”

represented on a 1852 map of Milford. A map of east and westbound

But technological advances could not compensate for organiza-

freight houses that stood west of High St., along with countless other

tional setbacks. “New Haven entered a long period of financial decline

rail photos and documents, are currently part of the Thomas J. Dodd

from the World War I period,” continues Solomon. “By the 1960s, it

Research Center Libraries at UConn.

was insolvent and encouraged to join the newly formed Penn-Central.

As wood fuel gave way to coal in late 1800s, city folk planning to

Penn-Central was ill-founded and floundered in 1970, leading to the

enjoy Milford’s summer resorts could choose to disembark at three

creation of both Amtrak and Conrail in the 1970s. In 1983, the newly

local depots: Baldwins (by Oronoque Road.), Woodmont, and Nau-

created Metro-North assumed operation of Conrail’s Connecticut

gatuck Junction, which was an important transfer stop in its day.

commuter operations.”

It was none other than J.P. Morgan who helped finance the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. “It was an expensive line to

22 Milford Living • Spring

Touted by many as the “ultimate New Haven railroad historian,” retired lead trainmaster Jack Swanberg witnessed thirty-eight

years of management changes. “The best thing that happened to us

(2006) created the pedestrian underpass crossing at High Street along

[workers] was the formation of Metro-North,” he says. Along with

with ramps, canopies, and the extension of the eastbound platform.”

Solomon, Swanberg believes that Connecticut operates one of the best

The cost for these improvements totaled $5,298,200.79.

commuter rail networks in the United States. “The New Haven Line carries 60,000 people inbound each day (120,000 daily),” offers Kevin Ortiz, deputy press secretary of the MTA.

New Life for an Old Station The renovation of the brick station house on 40 Railroad Avenue

“The average M-2 car [most prevalent] has 116 seats.” Karen Coppola,

was a Milford milestone. Constructed in 1881,“The well-maintained,

a textile designer who reads, checks emails, and crochets to pass the

brick eastbound station…was built to a standard New York, New

time on her midweek rides between Milford and New York, finds

Haven & Hartford RR design, similar to those surviving elsewhere,”

those seats harder to come by. “Milford is only the second stop”, she

writes rail author John H. Roy, Jr., in his book A Field Guide to Southern

says. “I fear the addition of a station in West Haven.” Despite over-

New England Railroad Depots and Freight Houses. This building is now

crowding due to its aging fleet of cars and growing controversy over

known as the home of the Milford Center for the Arts. For $1.00 a year,

the delay in delivery of a fleet of new M-8 railcars, Coppola has grown

the Milford Fine Arts Council (MFAC) subleases it from the Milford

accustomed to commuting for the last eighteen years.

Transit District. “The District currently holds a fifty-year lease with

Over the last decade, the Milford station benefited from two capital

the State DOT on the two rail station buildings and the four parking

construction projects. Michele Sullivan, the director of legislation,

lots,” reported Henry Jadach in a comprehensive 2010 transit review

regulations & communications of Connecticut Department of Trans-

prepared for the Boards of Aldermen and Finance. As the district’s

portation (CDOT) elaborates: “The first, (2002) was the renovation of

Executive Director for the last twenty-six years, Jadach’s familiarity

the station building (westbound) that included restrooms, vendor

with Milford’s transportation services and schedules is unparalleled.

space, waiting area, and exterior improvements. The second project

He recounts the step-by-step process that the MFAC took in

An 1852 map of downtown Milford includes the original wooden train station located north of the tracks. Map courtesy of Bob Belletzkie.

2011 • Milford Living 23

order to relocate to the old station house. “The district first became

Since 1995 the brick station house built in 1881 has been the home of the

involved with the eastbound rail station in 1984 with the plans to

Milford Fine Arts Council, playing host to the Eastbound Theatre Com-

investigate the construction of a transportation center,” he recalls.

pany and countless art shows and concert performances.

“Those plans never came to fruition and the building lay vacant and deteriorating. Proposals were made, including a nightclub/

seven years, still enjoys serving up sustenance. “I love each and every

restaurant, but all came up against the same barrier—what to do

one of them,” she says about her Monday through Friday regulars.

about accommodating commuter parking combined with any kind

“Everybody looks out for everybody else, including the Milford Police

of reuse.”

officers who often patrol by bike.”

During the 1970s, Mark Einhorn appropriated the space for the Ra-

Back on the eastbound side, Biagio Barone’s latest food venture has

venswood Art Gallery, which morphed into an outlet center for his

been a huge success. An offshoot of his critically acclaimed Stratford

father, Joe Einhnorn’s, Indecor lamp business. Finally, Bill Meddick

restaurant Biagio’s Osteria, Chef Barone’s GotChef Gourmet Food

and a dedicated group of MFAC supporters set their sights on the

Truck, (www.gotchef.com) offers freshly prepared entrees from

station. “It was a dream of ours for five years,” recalls Meddick, the

4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. “I choose Milford, not only

current MFAC executive director. “And by September of 1995, it was

because it’s close to my restaurant, but it’s a food and people-friendly

completely restored.” He was thrilled to receive a federal gov-

town,” Chef Barone confirms.

ernment grant to help defray costs. The district was able to secure

Long-gone are the days when Milford locals looked upon train travel

a grant for 80 percent and the Arts Council raised the remaining 20

as a luxury. The waiting list for a parking permit is several hundred

percent. Local architect Ray Oliver remembers construction workers

names long; daily parking spaces are constantly in demand. Fares are

digging a lower level out of the crawlspace. “Originally the building

climbing, delays unavoidable, and our lives off and on the trains move

had only one story,” he reveals. “We took out the old coal bin, ap-

at a much faster pace. “Train time is my time,” says David Miller, a

proximately where the elevator is now. Fortunately, the foundation

project manager for a web development company. “Especially when

walls of the basement spanned the footprint of the building.” In

I’m busy, time seems to pass quickly.” Impressively, Miller was able to

1987, the building was designated a Connecticut Historical Landmark

use the stretches of time he spends on the rails to complete an online

by the State of Connecticut.

master’s degree. He’s formed friendships with his fellow commuters

And what became of the smaller wooden westbound building?

and shared experiences. “While each person has their own story to

Most weekday and Saturday mornings, one can seek shelter, a

tell,” he observes, “we seem to all have a common feeling that it’s much

restroom, or purchase breakfast from Patricia Kursman, who, after

better to let others do the driving while we sit back and relax.”

24 Milford Living • Spring

2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 25

Windows of

Milford W Photos by Chris Carveth, text by Ann McGuire

hat is a window? It’s a frame on a landscape, an ever so tiny view of the world outside the walls that hold it in place. It’s a place to stand, to gaze, to ponder, to snoop; a pane from which to witness the change of seasons and the passing of time. From the outside looking in, a window is a portal sharing tantalizing glimpses of another life—possessions and color in still life; the blue glow of a late night television, the comforting amber of kitchen lights. A window emits the sounds of life to those passing by—a teakettle whistling, music drifting—and brings birdsong indoors. (Noisy nature loves a good window.) It filters the scents of home cooking to the kids in the backyard ready for dinner. It ushers in the first scent of spring and guides summer breezes through its arms to brush across warm skin. It shares the warning of impending rain and cold and says, “Get ready to close me, at least for a while.” A window is to see—and to hear, smell, and feel—the world pass by.

26 Milford Living • Spring

2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 27

28 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

Let me go to the window, Watch there the day-shapes of dusk And wait and know the coming Of a little love.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Carl Sandburg

2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 29

30 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

milford morsels

Delivering Delish

OR MANY, IT’S A DAILY DILEMMA REVEALED

in the dreaded question:

“What’s for dinner?”

For Larry Landsberg, owner of The Shoreline Chef, this query is a call

to arms. For ten years, Larry has been rescuing area diners from their indecision, his encore career allowing him to please local palettes. “I love to cook,” he beams. “And it’s great to be able to make a living doing something you love.” Personal chefs, apparently, are not just for movie stars anymore. “People assume it’s very expensive,” says Landsberg. “Having a party in your own home can be more affordable then going out, and people feel more relaxed, not rushed.” Another reason for party hosts to rejoice: The Shoreline Chef can relieve any intimidated entertainer with their “Invisible Chef” service. Take all the credit in your home that remains redolent with a recently prepared meal. The occasions Landsberg caters are as varied as the menus he designs. “Many of our parties turn into cooking demonstrations,” he admits. Along with

THE SHORELINE CHEF 203-687-8794 www.theshorelinechef.com larry@theshorelinechef.com

GOTCHEF

www.gotchef.com Facebook: gotchef Twitter: @gotcheftruck 203-490-CHEF

sous chef Michael Munk, who doubles as sommelier, Landsberg attends to every need and has fun in the process. “I like working directly with people,” he explains. “It’s really special, making people smile.” Landsberg meets with all S.M. COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY

his clients to tailor menus to suit tastes, budgets, and dietary restrictions. While he can cook just about any cuisine, his current passion is country Italian. So enthused is he with this classic comfort food, he is bringing it to the masses at an alternative venue. Partnering with Chef Biagio Barone, Landsberg’s latest venture is GotChef, a gourmet food truck parked at the Milford train station. “People love it because it is like a high end restaurant at the fraction of the cost,” Landsberg explains. Fresh, local, organic,

34 Milford Living • Spring

Larry Landsberg, also known as The Shoreline Chef, brings his culinary talents into area homes for parties, romantic dinners, or just a “regular” everyday meals.

and free range, this is not your father’s

What kind of offerings can you find? The Ossobucco

truck food. Goat cheese, Filet Mignon, and

Milanese ($13.00) is a brilliantly braised lamb

parmigiano reggiano are the new staples.

shank with red wine and diced vegetables,

Tucked in next to the Milford Fine

pleasantly presented over a generous bed of

Arts building on the Northbound

warm, creamy polenta; fork-tender, bright

side of the tracks, the bright

and comforting gourmet-to-go.

yellow truck welcomes home

If food is life, then Crissy Biondi is

waves of hungry commuters

living large. The owner of Catering

with soft music and amazing

by Christine has been dazzling event

aromas. “They can email or

guests with her delicious cuisine since

Twitter their orders right

2003. Her specialty is, well, everything. RIS TIN

from the train,” says Larry,

pleased that business is brisk.

AT ER IN G

Non-commuters also find their way to the station, a short drive for a gourmet fix. With GotChef in town, everyone has time to eat well.

F AF

C AT

Her extensive menu offers dishes of every type, style, and flavor in

the known world, and yet a footnote

encourages special orders. “People come to

us with ‘outside-the- box’ ideas that they see

somewhere like on The Food Network and ask us to

2011 • Milford Living 35

THE STAFF AT CATERING BY CHRISTINE (4)

milford morsels

replicate,” explains Biondi’s husband and partner Pete Biondi, happy to

Catering by Christine brings a smorgasbord of culinary delights includ-

comply. “It’s amazing and our chefs love doing it.” Crissy Biondi agrees.

ing chicken satay, mini crabcakes, and Ahi tuna tartar on crispy wont-

“We are not a cookie cutter caterer,” she explains. “Every occasion is

ons to weddings, business events, and parties.

special and everyone should have exactly what they want.” Biondi is proud to offer all the latest trends in catering. Live action stations offer everything from paella to sushi; bars serve variations of mashed potatoes or martinis. Clearly, Biondi has the

36 Milford Living • Spring

tools to make sure there is something for everyone. Rave reviews keep Biondi busy. She and her professional staff cater over 150 weddings every year. No surprise there—her food is

freshly prepared and expertly presented. It may be the Tuna Tartare that keeps the clients calling, or the Lobster Themadore, or surely the Chateau Briand? Or maybe the Truffle and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese? “It’s very popular,” Biondi admits. The simple classic is updated, elevated, and presented in a cup as an appetizer, causing servers to develop a following during cocktail hour. The same is true for the Shrimp Shooters, tempting all the senses in a tall shot glass with purple cabbage and seagrass. Biondi believes in full service and watches closely over every detail at her events. “We coordinate and plan everything,” she explains. From venue selection to theme incorporation, Biondi can make it happen. If it’s dinner for two or 200, a boxed lunch or a sophisticated soiree, Catering by Christine can deliver. “The size and type of event is limited only by the imagination.” —Kate Harrington

CATERING BY CHRISTINE 1 Schooner Lane Milford, CT 203-331-2051 www.cateringbychristine.com

Crissy Biondi of Catering by Christine, with husband and partner Peter Biondi, has been delivering delish since 2003.

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667 Bridgeport Ave (Rt.1) •Milford, CT 06460 (203) 874-6509 • www.armellinos.com 2011 • Milford Living 37

sunday drive

A new department spotlighting scenic day trips for the whole family.

A Quiet Escape I

T IS JUST A SHORT DRIVE F rom Milford to

park, and the only national park in the coun-

opportunity to enjoy en plein air painting

the Weir Farm in Wilton, the scenic drive

try dedicated to American painting. “This is

and drawing (a French expression meaning

up and down winding roads leading to a

the perfect place for everyone in the sur-

“in the open air”). It is an artistic tradition

remarkable place. The grounds offer charming

rounding communities to come and celebrate

which is common practice at the farm. The

farmhouses, interesting outbuildings, and

our nation’s magnificent natural landscapes

National Park Service offers the “Take Part

bucolic rolling meadows. It is a quiet, peaceful

and diverse cultural heritage,” says Werne.

in Art” program, offering free art supplies to

place with a very special feel about it. Park Ranger Cassie Werne tells us, “Weir

As you look around, the landscape is dotted

be used by visitors. Running May-October,

with artists of all skill levels, painting and

Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00

Farm National Historic Site was home to

drawing the picturesque scenes around

p.m., simple canvas bags containing pastels,

three generations of American artists. Julian

the farm. Weir Farm offers visitors an

graphite, and colored pencils are available for

Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued by WEIR FARM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (3)

his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by New England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. Today, the 60-acre farm, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art.” Established in 1990, Weir Farm National Historic Site is Connecticut’s only national

38 Milford Living • Spring

Taking advantage of the beauty around them, a family lets their creativity flow while enjoying en plein air painting on the Weir Farm grounds.

all who want to try their hand at capturing the view. Watercolor supplies are available on Saturdays and Sundays. According to Ranger Werne, “Saturday, April 16 marks the beginning of National Park Week, our nation’s annual celebration of its magnificent natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage. Every spring, National Park Week encourages visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation and better appreciate our nation’s beauty and history at one of the most beautiful times of the year.” The Weir Farm visitor’s center offers information about the farm and displays artwork visitors have created. Guided

Built in 1882 by artist Julian Alden Weir, the Weir Farm house and art studios exude classic New

tours are available for free. Maps of the

England charm on picturesque grounds.

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2011 • Milford Living 39

sunday drive

grounds are available for self-guided tours

Ranger Letterboxing Program,” which,

hope you come and enjoy your visit here,”

of the farmhouses, studios, and curios

according to Ranger Werne, “directs

says Ranger Werne. “Visit Weir Farm and

barns. Trails also lead into the woods and

children to use guided clues to navigate

discover what Julian Alden Weir described

a scenic pond. Located next to the Visitor’s

the landscape and locate stamps in hidden

as, ‘that wonderful something that the

Center, the sunken garden is a popular

locations.Five containers, or letterboxes,

landscape in nature suggests.’”

subject with visiting artists, with many

have been hidden at various locations at

lovely vantage points to paint. Just a short

the farm. For those looking for a nature

walk from there is the truly enchanting

walk, we have the Art Ranger Pond Pack,

“secret garden.” Surrounded by a fence

a backpack containing art and nature-

with a curious gate, you enter and are

oriented activities to complete on a hike

greeted by the sound of water. A stately

around Weir Pond.” Be sure to visit when

fountain splashes about, surrounded by

the rangers are on duty to participate in the

beds of flowers and greens. Just be sure to

Art Ranger program.

close the gate to keep deer from feasting on the flora.

About a one hour ride from downtown Milford, the serene setting of Weir Farm is

For children, Weir Farm offers “The Art

sure to calm even the most frazzled nerve. “I

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

Weir Farm National Historic Site is located at 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton, CT. Admission is free and the grounds are open year round. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm or call 203.834.1896. Weir House, Studio, and Young Studio are in the process of restoration so tours of those buildings may be limited.

Celebrating 20 Years!

Kingdom Life Christian Cathedral • 1455 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford CT

Directions: 1-95 North or South, Exit 36. North take left, South take right. Cathedral is 1/2 mile on left.

Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11am Nursery & Children’s Church Provided 203-877-5464 kingdomlifecc.org 40 Milford Living • Spring

Milford Living’s 4th Annual

Kite Fly

April 30 • 11:00am to 2:00pm • Walnut Beach

Free and open to the public. Bring your family and friends!

The Milford Living Kite Fly has become a springtime tradition in Milford. It is a fun, family friendly day at the beach. The ConnectiKiters will be joining us again this year with their high flying, dazzling kites. Bring your favorite kite and a snack. Fly your own kite or just sit back and enjoy the show! This year we will be partnering with the Milford Prevention Council and the Milford Police Department for a drug take back day. If you have any old prescriptions

lingering in your medicine cabinet you can bring them for proper disposal by the MPD. The Milford Prevention Council is a great organization working to educate children and parents about avoiding the perils of drug abuse. The MPC and the MPD will be at the Rotary Pavilion from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The Milford Living 4th Annual Kite Fly is free and open to the public. Bring your family and tell your friends. We hope to see you there!

For more information call 203-283-5290 or visit www.milfordliving.com

Ahoy! Join the Sea Scouts

COUTING HAS LONG BEEN A POPULAR ACTIVITY

for youth of all ages. In

Milford, an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America’s Venturing

program, known as Sea Scouts, has seen a recent renaissance after

kids who want to get on the water and learn about sailing,” he says. Assisting Skipper Scukas are about twenty trained male and female adult leaders and three or four professional sailors. He is quick to point out

a six year hiatus. Boys and girls ages

how important safety is to the group. Adults

14 – 21 (or age thirteen having com-

working with the scouts must go through the

pleted 8 grade) who have an interest

BSA Youth Protection program plus special Sea

in sailing are invited to join the unit,

Scout Training. Leaders, as well as Scouts, must

Sea Scout Ship 721. No prior Scouting

study for, and obtain, their boating license. The

or sailing background is required.

Scouts then learn the skills necessary to safely

Sea Scouts involves the journey through

sail a boat, including navigation, charting,

four “ranks”: Apprentice, Ordinary, Able,

boat maintenance, first aid, and the art of knot

and Quartermaster. Each has its own set

tying, as well as skills that will increase the

of requirements that must be met in order

Scout’s citizenship and leadership abilities. As

to advance to the next level. The highest

committee member Anthony Piselli explains,

rank, Quartermaster, is the equivalent of

A perfect fit for a seafaring city, the Milford Sea

“advancement in rank is a measure of both the

an Eagle Scout. “Sea Scouting is based on

Scouts welcome boys and girls who want to learn to

Scout’s knowledge of the sea as well as his or

nautical naval traditions,” explains Skipper

safely sail a boat.

her performance as a leader.” The unit’s boat, a

Bob Scukas. “It is the second oldest branch

30-foot sailing vessel called the “Keelis II” was a

of scouting and will celebrate its 100 anniversary in 2012.” As Skipper of

personal vessel of Reverend James J. Cronin of Saint Mary’s Church, which

“the ship,” the term for a Sea Scout unit, Scukas oversees the activities of

he donated to the Sea Scouts.

the group. “Milford is a boating community. This is a great opportunity for

42 Milford Living • Spring

The ship participates in sails along the coast of Connecticut and across

KEVIN BOYD (3)

education notebook

the Sound to Port Jefferson that may last from a few hours to several days. “We have ten boys in our ship right now,” says Piselli, and the group would love to add some female members. “Girls add a whole new perspective to the ship and have a lot to offer,” he adds. Ideally Ship 712 would like a total of 24-30 scouts to comprise several crews of about five or six members each. Ship 721 is not only looking for new Scouts, it is also in need of sponsorship and financial support. During the off-season, meetings are held twice monthly, on Tuesdays, at St. Mary School. Early spring and summer meetings are held at the boat. Parents are not required to accompany their Sea Scout during sails and activities, but any adult willing to help would be welcomed. For more information contact Anthony Piselli at 203.874.5553. —Susan Glennon

Check Milford Living’s online calendar for specific information on the Sea Scout open house to be held in late spring of 2011. www.milfordliving.com.

Boat maintenance, navigation, charting, first aid, and the ancient art of knot tying are all part of the Sea Scout experience.

2011 • Milford Living 43

money matters

Smart & Savvy Tax Talk T

“It’s not how much

be taxable in the year it is received and you

will be paid on investments inside the account

you make that matters, it’s how

are taxed on that interest. There is a simple

but all withdrawals amounts are considered

much you keep of what you make that

formula that you can use to calculate a tax-

income. A Roth IRA, on the other hand, is a

matters more.” Spring is here, but so

equivalent yield so that you can compare the

non-taxable account and there are also no

is tax season. So when investing your

yields on an equal basis:

taxes paid on withdrawals. The Roth IRA is a

HERE IS A SAYING,

money it is essential to be fully aware of tax implications. Investments are taxed differently, and you need to do what you can to save as much money as possible. *With

very powerful tool to have in your investment

Tax-equivalent yield = tax-free interest rate ÷ (1 – tax rate) If you are trying to find or solve for a tax-

the right tax calculator you can compare

free yield, the calculation is just as simple.

investments to ensure that you are making

Since this yield is taxable, you won’t get to

all the right moves with your money.

keep it all. So, you will want to calculate how

You need to be smart and savvy when it

kit, especially for higher wage earners. You should try to maximize funding all your pre-tax accounts first in order to lower the final tax you pay on your income. Here are the basics of the types of accounts a saver or investor would typically have.

much of that yield is going to be (ital)left

comes to how you manage your investment

after taxes. You can perform the following

Taxable Accounts

and saving asset base for tax efficiencies. The

calculation, which is an alteration of the

• Usually bank related accounts, interest

taxable status of an investment account refers

formula used above:

account is taxable at the time of earning. For example, if you have a 401k (tax-deferred) and your investment earns an interest payment,

bearing checking, money market, certificate deposits, or other such account that you

to the whether any income earned in the

After tax yield = taxable interest rate × (1 – tax rate) One important thing to remember about

may purchase investments in an individual or joint registration (also brokerage accounts, credit union, accounts etc.).

dividend payment, or capital gains, there

tax-deferred accounts is that they are no taxes

will be no taxes paid on that payment until

paidpaid on any earnings as long as they

Tax-advantaged Accounts:

withdrawn. On the other hand if you have a

stay in the account. There will be taxes paid

• Roth IRA; the money earned in a Roth is

taxable account such as a brokerage account,

on the withdrawal and it will be taxed as

never taxed and withdrawals are tax-free.

then any earnings (such as a dividend, capital

ordinary income when that withdrawal comes

Contributions to Roth accounts do not

gains, interest earned on cash reserves) will

out. Going back to the 401k example, no taxes

reduce your taxable income however

44 Milford Living • Spring

(non-deductible). Withdrawals prior to

or state income taxes on the interest

bond fund, there should be no federal or

age 59½ may incur a penalty.

earned. These type of investments are

state tax on the interest earned.

not without risk however; for example,

Tax-Exempt Accounts

credit quality, the entity that is issuing

Tax-Deferred Accounts

• Any kind of investment that the

the bonds that are in the portfolio,

• Any kind of retirement account such

interest earned will be exempt from

maturity, duration, interest rate, and

as 401k or IRA. In most 401k’s you

federal or state taxes or both. Municipal

inflationary risks need consideration.

have numerous choices for your

bondmutual funds are a popular choice

You can use a financial calculator

investment dollars, ranging from

for many investors for a variety of

found on one of the websites listed at

usually a fixed account, money markets,

reasons, but the most appealing and

the end of this article to calculate the

to more aggressive choices, such as an

common reason is that the interest

tax-exempt efficiency versus a taxable

international emerging market equity

generated from these muni-bond funds

investment or the hand calculations

fund or maybe even a gold mutual fund.

do not get taxed on the federal level, and

referenced. Federal municipal bond

if you are fortunate to find a state-

funds are exempt from federal taxes, but

interest and capital gains to be

issued municipal bond fund, an investor

still can be taxed on the state level. If the

generated inside the investment

does not typically pay any federal

municipal bond fund is a state issued

and not be taxed by federal or state

• Any kind of investment that allows

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2011 • Milford Living 45

money matters

governments. This is the category

rate environment is at the time of

of what you make, without even really

where tax-deferred annuities and some

purchase and the renewal rates as well.

trying too hard. Work closely with your tax

cash-value life insurance policies fit in.

Variable annuities are market driven

professional and investment professional to

There are fixed and variable annuities

and the investment performance varies

maximize your financial situation to your

and hybrids. A tax deferred annuity is

depending upon your investment

advantage, not the IRS.

a contract with an insurance company

choices. They have more risk as well.

Greta Stifel offers securities through Ameritas

whereby an investor will invest a sum of money for what is usually a long

—Greta Stifel

The more efficient you can be with your

Investment Corp (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC.

investment horizon, and then receive

investments and savings vehicles while

Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or

a return of principal and interest and/

duly keeping a watchful eye on costs and

legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or

or growth associated with that specific

performance, the more you will keep

attorney regarding your situation.

type of contract. The fixed annuity contracts pay a fixed rate of interest and renews the interest rate on a schedule. Fixed annuities are interest rate driven and are tied to what the current interest

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46 Milford Living • Spring

Check out what’s new at www.milfordliving.com Looking for something interesting to do around town?

Our events calendar has something for everyone.

Sponsoring an event?

Submit it to our calendar.

What’s with the weather?

Check the local forecast, or watch the Doppler radar.

What’s happening around town? Local news feeds keep you up to date on the day to day stories that effect Milford.

How about a movie?

Check local movie listings – see what’s playing and when.

Attend a local event and want to share it with friends?

Submit your photos and share them with our readers.

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Click on the subscribe icon to get Milford Living delivered to your home.

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Send them a gift subscription! MILFORD LIVING WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Have an idea for a story? Want to advertise your business? Have a where is it for us? Send us an email at info@milfordliving.com or call our office 203-283-5290.

senior corner

Seniorcize

ITH AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY

continuing to grow, experts say

the population aged sixty-five and older in the United States will double over the next twenty-five years as the baby boomer generation heads into its later life stages. As we age, it’s important to stay fit, not just in body, but in mind as well. Multiple studies have shown that there is a strong link between the mind and body working together to keep people healthy. It helps greatly if people can feel fulfilled and stay as active as possible in the later stages of life. As the National Institute of Health points out, “Scientists have been rediscovering links between stress and health. Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral

in both the 50- and 100-meter dash and has

always active wherever she is. In addition

factors can directly affect our health.”

won numerous medals in other events over

to walking 3-5 times a week for three miles,

the years. In addition, he has been playing

once, sometimes twice a week, Chepow

Complex, a group of young men in older

over-50 senior softball for more than twenty

exercises with her hiking group walking

bodies are about to start another game of

years. Like Tremonti, Garnett and Anderson

5-8 miles each day. She continues her busy

competitive basketball. As Marvin Garnett,

participate in many other activities as well;

schedule with yoga classes at The Margaret

age 73, explains, “It’s for fun! We run around

during the warmer months Anderson rides a

Egan Center and the Milford Senior Center.

and get exercise. But some guys take it very

bicycle 5-10 miles at least three days a week

Chepow said she wasn’t as active when

seriously.” Every Monday, Wednesday, and

in addition to working out regularly on his

she was younger, but at about the age of

Friday for two hours, explains Garnett, “We

treadmill and with weights. Garnett works

forty, she began to get serious about exercise.

have about 12-14 guys fifty and over come to

out at Planet Fitness in Orange five times a

Certainly hers is not an unusual story. More

play here. Except for about six weeks during

week, rides his bicycle 40-50 miles per week

than a few women say they began exercising

the summer, the gym is open.”

during the spring and summer and, well, you

more frequently as they got older, stating

get the idea.

that women generally weren’t encouraged

One chilly Friday morning at the Parson’s

Dennis Anderson, 65, and Charles Tremonti, 78, were two others at Parson’s

Not to leave out half the population,

that day. Anderson tries to come all three

there are some very vigorous women in

thankfully, is no longer the case. In fact,

days during the week. Tremonti is also a

Milford who stay in great shape as well.

Chepow said she won a contest at work where

regular at the gym. He’s a former gold-medal

Holly Chepow is in her sixties and spends

the prize was a free membership to a local

winner at the Connecticut Senior Olympics

several months a year in Florida, but she’s

gym. She has not stopped exercising since.

48 Milford Living • Spring

to play sports and be athletic years ago. That,

Donna Nicholls is another Milford

also loves country-western dancing, an

woman who seems to live life at a non-

activity she does at least twice a week

stop pace. Since retiring from her job

in various locations. Like so many other active and fit

spry 73-year-old has not let retirement

Milford seniors, Nicholls has seized MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE

two years ago at Milford Hospital, this slow her down a bit. Three days a week, she does aerobic exercises in the pool at the Milford YMCA, where she also regularly uses the weight room and often runs two miles on the treadmill.

the mind-body connection that is so important. In fact, these five Milfordites, along with millions of others around the United States, are able to set off the endorphins in their bodies that make

Moreover, she combines her fun with

Aging is no reason to slow down, as these players on a

exercise pleasurable. Yes, these young

exercise as she dances all over town.

senior baskeball team can attest to.

seniors may have stumbled, or more

She attends a Zumba Gold dance session

accurately danced, lifted, ran, or rode, to

at least once a week at the Milford Senior

as thousands of people love to bop to the

Center. Zumba is now a nationwide obsession

Latin beat while burning calories. Nicholls

the Fountain of Youth. 窶年ick Olshansky

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Call 203.877.0371 today for more information.

2011 窶｢ Milford Living 49

historical perspective

What’s in a Name? B

ACK IN THE 1960S MY FATHER,

Dick Platt

Sr., noticed that the Connecticut State

Register and Manual said that Milford was named for Milford Haven in Wales. As a student of local history, this did not ring true to him, as it was hardly likely that a band of Puritans from the East Anglia section of England would name their new settlement for a place in Wales. My dad began looking into the question of where Milford got its name. He discovered that, while there is a large bay in southwestern Wales called Milford Haven, the town of that name was not founded until 1793, making it much younger than our Milford, which was founded more than 150 years before. So, where then did the followers of the Reverend Peter Prudden get the name Milford? We know that at a General Court held on November 25, 1640, it was voted to name the settlement Milford and to adopt as the official seal of the colony the letters M and F joined together. Nothing, however, was recorded as the reason for the name. My father persisted in trying to find the answer. He found that there are several hamlets and royal manors in England with the name Milford, but none seemed to have any connection with the settlers who came here, or with the Puritan movement. Eventually he gave up the search as “inconclusive,” but did succeed in getting the Secretary of the State’s office to amend the Register and Manual to read “named for Milford, in England.” That was changed again later. It now reads just that

The quest for the origin of how and why Milford got it’s name led one local historian to a theory

Milford was named in 1640.

that links our city to an area of London near the Thames.

50 Milford Living • Spring

There is a widely accepted belief that New

Similarly, the town of New Haven was

had a connection with the original settlers.

England towns tended to be named after

named for Newhaven, a small port city on

The late Raymond Cable, active in the Milford

places in England, not necessarily because

the English Channel. None of the New Haven

Historical Society and Historian of the First

their settlers had come from that place, but

settlers came from that English town. They

United Church of Christ, had seen an old

because the name was descriptive of their

were, for the most part, wealthy London

engraving of London entitled “London Viewed

location on this side of the Atlantic. At a prior

merchants who saw their new settlement

from Milford Stairs.” Raymond became

meeting of the General Court, in March 1640,

at the mouth of the Quinnipiac as a “new

obsessed with the thought that the Prudden

William Fowler had been commissioned to

haven” or port, which they hoped would

group had embarked on their ship from the

build a gristmill on the Wepawaug River and

rival or surpass Boston. But unfortunately,

Milford Stairs (literally a set of steps running

was given perpetual use of the stream. It

prosperity did not come to New Haven in the

down towards the river) in the spring of 1637

would be logical, therefore, to name the town

early years, and the struggling colony was

and arrived in Boston in late July.

Milford later that year, since there was a mill

absorbed into the Connecticut colony, against

at the ford (a place where a body of water is

its wishes, in the 1660s.

shallow enough to be crossed), just above the gorge where the river plunges into the harbor.

My wife and I visited London in the summer of 1997 and, while walking along

Still the idea persisted that Milford was named for a specific place in England that

the Strand near the point where it becomes Fleet Street, we discovered a small side

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www.mrheatingandcooling.net 2011 • Milford Living 51

historical perspective

street named Milford Lane. It led toward

Ardienne Damicis, present Historian of

the Thames, petered out into a footpath,

the First Church, in an article in the church

with one of the chaperones from England.

and emerged at the Victoria Embankment.

newsletter, quoted Raymond Cable more

She recently received the following message:

I attempted to find more information about

extensively. He had noticed, in looking

“I now have some information to support

the place, but was unsuccessful.

at old prints, that most of the villages

the theory of Ray Cable, your former Church

Upon our return home, I reported my

adjacent to London had stairs leading to the

Historian, on the naming of your town. He

find to Raymond Cable, who was ecstatic,

Thames so that one could easily row across

suggests that it may be named after a long

convinced that this had proved his theory.

the river. Over time, as the city of London

forgotten suburb of London. We found a

The engraving that he found shows the

expanded, it absorbed all these neighboring

picture of the “London View from Milford

Milford Stairs, which were just below

municipalities. Thus, there may have been a

Stairs” which is just off Essex Road by St.

Arundel House, a well-known 16 century

village called Milford across from the original

Clement Danes Church going down from

building on the Thames. The modern Arundel

city of London.

the Strand to the River. In the picture we

House is adjacent to the modern Milford

About ten years ago, the Southwark

Deanna Jacobs, maintained a correspondence

can see Southwark Cathedral, old London

Lane. (I remained skeptical, believing, as I still

Cathedral Boys’ Choir sang at the First

Bridge, and what is probably old St. Paul’s.

do, that more direct evidence must be found.)

Church. One of the local choir members,

[A building called] Milford House is named,

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or visit us online at

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essentialglass.com

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and is probably now the headquarters of the

She later replied that on old maps, Milford

a specific place that had some connection

ill-fated London News. Milford Lane and stairs

Lane was known as Milforth Lane before the

with the original settlers. It is possible, of

were so named because there was a windmill

late 1600s, so it would have been the latter

course, that the Prudden group was rowed

there beside St. Clement’s Church and a ford

name when the Prudden party sailed. The

out to their ship from the Milford Stairs. It

over the mill stream.”

steps were later called the Milford Steps (or

is also possible, as Ray Cable hypothesized,

Stairs) or the Essex Steps, or no name at all.

that the group hid out in a small village or

who is a researcher for the Milford on Sea

The area was where the Temple Church had

section near London named Milford until

Historical Society in England. Milford on Sea

been built by the Knights Templar. The whole

they were able to embark on their journey.

is a village of about 5,000 people on the south

area was known as The Temple and there

Still, lacking any real evidence of where the

coast of England near the Isle of Wight. She

was no Milford there. In fact, the stop on the

Milford settlers embarked—or any other

asked me a genealogy question, which I tried

London Underground (subway) in the area is

Milford connection in England—I hold to the

to answer, and I naturally told her of our

called “Temple.”

idea that the name Milford was given simply

Last summer I was contacted by a woman

search for the origin of our Milford’s name.

This is contradictory evidence, so now we

She replied that she often went to London for

are back to square one. I will not rule out

research and would look into it.

the possibility that Milford was named for

because it was descriptive of our location, the mill at the ford on the Wepawaug. —Richard N. Platt, Jr.

2011 • Milford Living 53

expressions

Wintery Fog Location: Lily Pond - Naugatuck Avenue Taken: December 2010 Photographer: Colette Lattanzi

It was a gloomy wintery day and I was in a

rush to get to work, but I felt compelled to stop and capture this image as I saw it happening. The fog seemed to rise out from the icy pond in a ghost-like fashion, almost as if the fallen dead tree’s soul was floating upwards and surrounding itself to look back on its life there beside the pond. It made me think that sometimes we need to stop and appreciate every day we have. One day we will all be like this tree, still in the earth, but our souls will live on and we will always remember.

54 Milford Living • Spring

where is it?

Answer to Last Issue’s Quiz:

The statue of Christopher Columbus at the Parson’s Complex.

Want your very own Milford Living t-shirt?

Send your answer to this issue’s Where is It? (along with your name) to: info@milfordliving.com. Five correct answers will be chosen at random.

Do you have a Where is It?

ALISON GOMER

Email a high resolution digital photo (no less than three megapixels) to: info@milfordliving.com.

Bring out your best smile

Philip A. Caporusso D.M.D. 874-5400 One Golden Hill Street, Milford Flexible Financial Plans Available

2011 • Milford Living 55

next issue • summer 2011

Sandcastles on the Shoreline

Classic Cars Are On A Roll! e W

T IN TOUCH Found ation ion at The GE www format .geti ial, in ntou dent onfi chfo e, c und saf atio ou n.o y rg/ for e r git he gir e r ls a

T IN TOUCH Found ion at The GE ation format www ial, in .geti dent ntou onfi chfo e, c und saf a t ion .or g/ git gir ls

The Get In Touch Foundation® is a grassroots non-profit organization committed to breast health awareness and education. The Get In Touch Girls’ Program & Daisy Wheel® educates girls in grades 5-12 on the importance of, and how to do a breast self exam. Our global initiative will place a Daisy Wheel® in the hands of every girl in the world! So, “GIT Your Pink On!®”…and join us as we “change the world one girl at a time!”

IN ion at The GET TOUCH Foundation format www ial, in .geti dent ntou onfi chfo e, c un saf d a tion .or g/ git gir ls

at The GET IN TOUCH Foundatio n ww rmation l, info w.ge tinto entia nfid uchf , co e oun f dat - sa u ion yo .or or f g/ git ere h gir re ls a e W

you for re he re ea W

Get In Touch Girls’ Program

Left: Founder Mary Ann Wasil Nilan and some of the Get In Touch Girls

you for re he re ea W

WHO WE ARE...

Get In Touch Founder, Mary Ann Wasil Nilan, has won The Oprah Magazine CoverGirl Giving Beautiful Back Award. Look for the story in the February 2010 issue of The Oprah Magazine.

www.GetInTouchFoundation.org/gitgirls

the get in touch foundation® P.O. Box 2144 Milford, CT 06460 203.283.5127 e-mail: info@getintouchfoundation.org

56 Milford Living • Spring

4 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

There’s More Than Flowers Popping Up This Spring!

Beginning this Spring, you will be able to do your banking at our newest office in the ShopRite Supermarket at Stratford Crossing, 250 Barnum Avenue. While you’re there, you can apply for a home equity loan for those spring projects or a competitive-rate mortgage for that new home. Once your loan is closed, we’ll give you a $50 gift card to ShopRite®, Home Depot® or Wal-Mart®, all located within feet of our newest office.

www.milfordbank.com Equal Housing Lender

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC