Milford Living Autumn 2011 by Red Mat Publishing

TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments

Devon Delights By Cindy Papish Gerber

t was the little village that could not. And now, the village of Devon is proving them all wrong. Where there were once empty storefronts and broken sidewalks, one now sees freshly paved walkways, thriving businesses, stylish eateries, freshly painted signage, and a peaceful park overlooking the Housatonic. The roots of this transformation can be traced back to the 1990s, when a small group of Devonites gathered to pitch some ideas. Today, the Devon Revitalization Committee, reinforced by local business, citizens, and religious leaders, can be proud of their accomplishments. From grassroots to lush greenery, this new and improved “Gateway to Milford” offers residents and visitors a picture-perfect welcome mat. Here, in their own words, are the thoughts of some of the people who have dedicated themselves to improving Devon and continuing its vital legacy.

2011 Devon Revitalization Committee Members BoB GreGory

Director of Community Development for Milford Although the committee had been meeting throughout the ‘90s, the first grant for a Devon plan was received in 1999. The entranceway from the west into Milford has changed dramatically. The designer clock in Riverside Park welcomes all, and the sweeping new streetscape says something good is happening. Granite curbs, inlaid bricks and pavers with the four historic designs, lamplights, benches, trash receptacles, and landscaping has remade the image of the Village of Devon.

Jim AmAnn

Former Speaker of the House (D) I grew up in Devon and I’m a lifelong Milford resident. I was one of the initial drivers for putting together this committee. Every small step we made was through compromise and letting other people voice their opinions. Devon needed some TLC and attention. And from what things were like, to what things have become—it’s like night and day. What we see now are many new business owners who are investing and improving properties. That has been one of our main goals: new storefronts, new restaurants, and a new marina. We are looking for the same feeling in Devon as we currently have in Milford center. Families have been here for

Courtesy of Kingdom Life Christian ChurCh

generations. We want to make sure that those folks, along

24 Milford Living • Autumn

with new families moving in, will create jobs and opportunities for those who live here. When you start to revitalize an area, you can’t just leave it. You have to nurture it along. At this point the main foundation of the plan has been laid out. Of course, there is still room for improvement, and ambitious projects like these take time. I hope this effort will continue long after I am away from the project.

2011 • Milford Living 25

Devon Delights By Cindy Papish Gerber

Nothing Could be Finer hen you hear the words fine arts and council combined, do you picture a large room filled with stuffy men dressed like penguins sporting monocles watching prima ballerinas slowly pirouette past priceless Monet’s and Van Gogh’s saying things like “pip pip” and “indubitably?” Although Milford has a Fine Arts Council, none of those things actually happen…at the same time. The Milford Fine Arts Council (MFAC) has more to it than its name would suggest; is very well rounded, hip, and progressive. This is due in large part to the grassroots foundation upon which the council is based, and to the continuing efforts of the current council and its staff to gather community feedback about what really interests modern Milfordites. Derby Day, art exhibits, and Eastbound Theater productions offer entertainment for every taste.

Images Courtesy of the mIlford fIne arts CounCIl

By McKenzie Granata

30 Milford Living • Autumn

If you are interested in joining, or want to know more about MFAC’s programs and events, please visit www.milfordarts.org.

2011 • Milford Living 31

Nothing Could be Finer

4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 36 42 44 48 52 54 55 56

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

By McKenzie Granata

About the cover: For the cover of our autumn issue, photographer Mary Hegarty Neschke presents us with a colorful view of Milford’s duckpond. The photo is entitled “Autumnal Reflection”. Her work is available for purchase at MHN Photo Gallery on New Haven Avenue and The Canvas Patch in downtown Milford. 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

AUTUMN 2011 VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 3 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

Ashley Avitable, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Bob Harrington, Paige Miglio

Contributing Editors

Gracemary Avitabile, McKenzie Granata

Contributing Writers

Ashley Avitable, Jessica Avitable, Joseph Barnes, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, McKenzie Granata, Kate Harrington, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Gina Sirico, Greta Stifel, Ashley Volkens

Production Assistance

Zinelle, Jacquie Oster, 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, Margeaux Settineri, Gina Rose Sirico, Ashley Volkens

Milford Living Magazine

Westy Mover Concierge For twenty years, Westy Mover Concierge has recommended movers to thousands of customers in order to make their moving experience pleasant and at reasonable cost. Westy does not charge the mover for the service, but insists that they satisfy our customers.

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

Red Mat Media Directors

Laura Guthrie, Timothy L. Lyon, Scott Standerfer 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

2 Milford Living • Autumn

VOTE ROW A NOV. 8th

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publisher’s letter

Dear Friends & Neighbors, The time to adorn our porches with pumpkins

Flooring Milford for over 50 years!

and cornstalks has arrived! Autumn, in its entire glorious splendor, has descended on Milford. We’ve said goodbye to summer (and good riddance to Irene), and now partake of colorfully crisp days and the full bounty of nature’s autumn glory. The seasons pass by so quickly, so be sure to enjoy each and every moment! Take a break from your hectic schedules to enjoy our beautiful city at its most colorful: walk the boardwalk, stroll around the Green, or hike through Eisenhower Park. It’s a busy time of year, so remember to visit www.milfordliving.com regularly to check our online calendar and keep up on all the events happening around town. Our website also features more seasonal articles (which don’t appear in print), great photography, and of course, all the

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promote, please let us know so we can share it with our readers. Enjoy this issue of Milford Living and please share it with your family, friends, and co-workers. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you a season of gold—

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4 Milford Living • Autumn

Suzanne Cahill-Manning

Publisher

P.S. November 8, 2011 is Election Day. Remember to get out and vote!

readers’ letters Any interest in doing a story on a group of women who make pillowcases for the troops? Sam Evans, Milford, CT

I love the magazine and look forward

boardwalk at Walnut Beach. It is such a great

neighbors!

addition to our community, a wonderful place to —Shawn Reed, Milford, CT

That certainly sounds like it would be a fit for our At Your Service department,

meet up with friends and neighbors, and truly a unique place to enjoy the beauty of Milford.

Great idea Shawn! Gift subscriptions are

which highlights many of the great groups

the perfect way to give a bit of Milford to

doing volunteer work here in Milford. We

friends and neighbors. Anyone interested in

would be very interested in learning more

giving Milford Living as a gift, will find a gift

about the people involved in this initiative

subscription card inside this issue for your

to make the lives of the men and women of

convenience.

We are in Washington state and love the magazine. We miss Milford! —Hank Scrivines, Vancouver, WA Warm Milford Living greetings to you and

our armed forces more comfortable. Please contact our office with the details when you

So many people are enjoying the new

to reading it. I give it as a gift to new

to all of our friends from out of town. We are I enjoyed the pictures of the new boardwalk.

have a chance.

—Jeanette Ranucci, Milford, CT

so glad we can bring a bit of home to you in Washington state.

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

this season

Enjoy Your Garden All Year Round W

HETHER YOU GROW YOUR OWN

or visit

the local farmers market, fresh

fruits, herbs, and vegetables are delicious and nutritious. Wouldn’t it be great to have

bottles or jars had the added benefit of killing

you like it. Vegetables, fruits, pickles, jams,

micro-organisms and ensuring that the food

and jellies can all be prepared using your

would not spoil.

favorite recipes. FYI: canned foods generally

The basics of canning haven’t changed

fresh tasting fare during the cold winter

very much since the process was conceived.

months? You can! Canning, drying, and

The amount of time needed for processing is

last for about one year. Here are some of the basic things you will need to start canning:

freezing will give you a taste of freshly

• Jars with lids

harvested vegetables, fruits, and herbs

• Blancher

all year round. Aside from the nutritional

• Colander

value of freshly preserved produce, there is

• Jar funnel

the added benefit of stretching your food

• Jar lifter

budget. Plus, no artificial preservatives are

• Long-handled slotted spoon

used with any of the three processes, letting

• Ladle

you know exactly what you are consuming.

Freezing Canning The canning process was developed in

Freezing is a great way to preserve produce different for each food; for example, tomatoes

as close to fresh as possible. Fruits are generally

France after Napoleon Bonaparte offered

need less time than green beans; corn and

pretty easy to freeze. They can be picked, pitted,

a cash prize to anyone who could develop

pumpkins need more cooking. Because

peeled, and placed right into the freezer. Your

a reliable way to preserve food and keep

canned food is preserved at the peak of

frozen fruit can be easily thawed and ready for

his armies fed during campaigns. Nicholas

harvest, it is packed when the nutrients and

desserts or snacks. Here are a few tips:

Appert perfected a process by which bottles

flavors are at their peak. An added bonus is

were heated and sealed air tight. Heating the

that you can make and can the food the way

6 Milford Living • Autumn

• For best results, place one layer on a flat baking sheet so pieces freeze individually.

• All fruit is different and some may require

• Place your produce in one layer on a

special handling for best results.

baking sheet. Depending on the items you

• If you use containers instead of bags, be

are drying it should take around thirty

sure to allow room for expansion of the

minutes. Anything you dry will become

fruit.

smaller and lighter in weight. You can eat items dried or reconstitute them by

Drying

soaking them in water.

Drying freshly picked produce is the oldest method of preserving food. Drying

Herbs can easily be air dried by tying a string • Set your oven to 160 degrees. (Use an oven

at the cut end. Leave enough string to create a

removes moisture from food, which

thermometer to check the temperature.)

loop, and then hang them upside down in a dry

prevents the growth of mold and bacteria

If your oven doesn’t go that low, prop the

place. Dried herbs are a great way to add flavor

that can spoil food.

door ajar to reduce the temperature (or

to foods all year long.

No special tools are needed to dry food:

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

purchase a food dehydrator).

essentially anyone with an oven has a food dehydrator. The steps are simple: • Prepare your produce to be dried; wash, pit, or peel if you like, and dry with paper towels.

SIDING

For more details on canning procedures, drying, and freezing go to www.milfordliving.com. Recipes for a variety of fruits and vegetables will help you on your way. Register for a free account and get preserving!

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2011 • Milford Living 7

at home

Autumn Table Adornments I

f we look around our homes, we all have bric-a-brac waiting to be recycled and

Sirico always recommends “shopping

Cloth napkins, according to Sirico, are

at home” as the first place to start any

a must when hosting a dinner party with

decorating project. Take a good look through

twelve people or less. Cloth napkins make

things you already have before going out

the meal special, and they don’t have to be

“home stager” and a big fan of using old things

to buy new dishes or decorations for every

expensive, she insists. “Dishcloths make great

in a new way. Along with her lifelong friend,

occasion you host in your home.

napkins or placemats and can be bought for

repurposed into something beautiful. Sari Sirico is a retired art teacher, a self-made

Judy Coutts, Sirico prepared some autumnal

“Try to see things in a different way; use

“tablescapes” for Milford Living to share her

things that might not necessarily be used for

fabric also makes a great table cloth instead

knowledge of decorating and illustrate ways

that purpose. It could be anything, like a crock

of buying new. “I’ve found fabric for ten

you can beautify your home for autumn using

to hold silverware instead of a silverware

dollars,” Sirico says. “You can use iron-on tape

items you might already have on hand.

basket or caddy. Something you use every

to hem the edges.”

Friends since 1974, Sirico and Coutts met while taking a course at Southern Connecticut State University and both became art teachers.

day, like a tray, can be used to anchor the centerpiece on your table,” she says. When it comes to crafting the perfect

only 50 cents each. Inexpensive clearance

There is also no need to buy twigs, berries, pinecones or other “natural” decorations in the crafts store when you can go outside

Died in the wool junk lovers, they lovingly refer

holiday table, Sirico instructs that less is

and collect things for your table in the cooler

to themselves and their friendship as “Frick and

more. “Make sure there is room for food on

months. Twigs, holly, and greens can all be

Frack and bric-a-brac.”

the table, that’s important!” Whatever your

put in decorative glassware to make a table

table inspiration—nature, a color, a particular

stunning and unique.

item—she suggests mixing textures on the

8 Milford Living • Autumn

Place cards are a special addition to formal

table: use fabric for softness, silverware and

parties. Scrapbooking papers can be used

glasses for shine. Also, ground the various

and cut straight or with decorative scissors,

table items with something underneath—

put in a pinecone, a glass, or inside a napkin

like a board or fabric—to draw the eyes to the

ring. Candles are also typical in tablescapes,

middle of the table.

Using regular glasses and inserting votives is

a great way to add simple ambiance to

If you are having a big party, silverware

your table.

can be borrowed from friends or rented

Although the colors of the 1970s—

from companies like Taylor Rental.

oranges, golds, browns, and olives—are

For the upcoming holidays, Sirico

coming back this autumn season in

recommends preparing the table

dishware, Sirico recommends that every

the night before and covering it with

entertainer invest in a set of neutral dishes

plastic to relieve the stress of cooking

in white or off-white. They never go out of

and setting up all in one day. Also, “don’t

style, and with every table setting, you can

be afraid to use a room that’s not supposed

mix it up with different salad plates or napkins;

to be used in that way,” says Sirico. “Re-

not everything has to match as long as it’s in

purpose a room, like a living room, and put

the same color family. “Buying something

a table in it.”

that has longevity, like pottery, in a neutral

have everything work together; there should

color is a good base for other things,” explains

be repetition in color so that the eye pulls

experience. “If you see something you love,

Sirico. Also, don’t rule out grandma’s dishes

everything together. Sirico recommends warm

buy it. If you see something for Christmas

with the gold rim. You can buy salad plates

colors for fall and elegant colors for winter.

in the store months ahead, buy it instead of

that will complement the dishes and change the look of the table in an instant. The goal is to

Inexpensive dishes can be found in many of our local consignment and antique stores.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the

making yourself crazy looking last minute.” —Gina Rose Sirico

2011 • Milford Living 9

family time

How to Make a Scarecrow t’s that time of year again, when the leaves

scarecrow in your yard, you’ll want to make

the shirt and the bottom of the pants closed.

start to change colors and the stores are

sure there is enough room at the bottom

Next, tape the top of the pants and the bottom

filled with autumn decorations for your

of the post to push it into the ground. Dig

of the shirt together. If you don’t have duct

home. Decorations can become expensive,

a narrow hole in the spot you want your

tape, you can use rubber bands or string to

so why not make them yourself! One fun,

scarecrow to reside before you make it.

secure the openings. Tuck the shirt into the

easy, and inexpensive decoration you can

The first, and very crucial step to making

pants and “belt” it with string. You want to

make is a scarecrow. What was once used

your scarecrow, is to duct tape the sleeves of

make sure that there are no holes to let the

to scare the crows away from crops is now seen as a friendly decoration on front lawns and porches everywhere. It’s easy to turn this fun fall craft project into family time. You probably have everything you need to make a scarecrow lying around your house or yard. Gather up all

stuffing fall out.

YOU WILL NEED: • Stuffing: hay, newspaper, or leaves • Posts: sticks or pieces of wood • A head: a garbage bag,

the materials and take them outside; this craft

a pillow case, or pumpkin

can get very messy.

• Clothes: an old shirt and pants

Before you start on your scarecrow, make sure the post will be long enough to accommodate the length of its head and body. If you’re planning on “planting” the

10 Milford Living • Autumn

and anything else you want to add • Duct tape, rubber bands, or string

You can use the traditional hay to stuff your scarecrow, but anything soft (like newspapers or leaves) will work just as well. Stuff the body of your scarecrow as much as you’d like; you can always add or take away stuffing later. Once the stuffing is complete, it’s time to get your scarecrow ready for its stance. Securely tie the body of the scarecrow to the stick or wood you are using for the post. Make sure you leave room at the top for the scarecrow’s head. Word to the

wise: the thicker the post is, the easier it will

stuffed pillow case or garbage bag,

be to stand your scarecrow up. If you want

gather the bottom of the case or bag,

your scarecrow’s arms straight out in the

slip it over the top of the post, tie it in

traditional “T” fashion, use another post to tie

place, and tuck the bottom of the bag

its arms up. You can also position the second

inside the shirt collar.

piece of wood crooked if you want your

Take a step back from your

scarecrow to portray a scarier look.

scarecrow. Does it look like it’s

One of the last steps is adding the

missing anything? Feel free to

scarecrow’s head. You can use a pumpkin,

add gloves, socks, shoes, a hat, or

a stuffed pillow case, or anything you can

anything you’d like to make this

think of. If you use a pumpkin, be sure to

scarecrow yours. Be creative. Give it

carve or draw the face before you put it on top

props like a rake, or tie a fake bird to

of the body (it’s a lot easier!) If you’re using

its shoulder. Give your scarecrow the

a pumpkin head, remember to cut a hole in

personality you want. Then sit back

the bottom of the pumpkin so you can stick it

and enjoy.

through the top of the post. If you’re using a

—Ashley Volkens

Dr. Mitchell Quintner Dr. Karey Rainey-Maxwell

2011 • Milford Living 11

exploring milford

Hometown Hospitality A

BED AND BREAKFAST (OR B&B)

is much more than

simply a room to sleep in for the night; it’s an

invitation into another person’s home as a welcomed guest. While many travelers might presume that hotels are more convenient or offer more amenities, B&Bs are often more comfortable, with unique character and décor, hosts who pride themselves on their hospitality, and breakfasts to boot! In Milford, two Bed and Breakfasts, the Greenside Guest Room and The Lily Pad, sit within walking distance of all the restaurants and shops that the lively downtown area has to offer. The owners of both agree that interacting with their guests is one of the most enjoyable aspects of running a B&B. With such personal hospitality and homestyle comfort, Bed and Breakfasts provide an enjoyable and relaxing alternative to hotels.

GREENSIDE GUEST ROOM 165 North Broad Street • 203.878.4895 www.greensideguestroom.com Handpicked flowers from the front garden sit perched in an ocean blue vase on the mantle above the log fireplace. Several feet over rests an antique bureau dating back to the

ASHLEY AVITABILE(3)

1870s. Church bells chime in the distance as Kate Orrechio,

The Greenside Guest Room is the work of Kate and Thomas Orecchio, who poured their love of antiques and homestyle comforts in the cozy getaway.

12 Milford Living • Autumn

owner of the Greenside Guestroom, gives a brief tour of the dancing colors of her expansive garden. Plants and flowers are omnipresent, encircling the house and sitting in decorative pots up the stairs to the private entrance of the single guest room. More than a simple B&B, Greenside is a trip back in time, reminiscent of simpler days. Despite its warm old-fashioned feel and its location in

the 1850 Levi Langridge house, the Greenside

and decorations that outfit the room. She

Guestroom is relatively new. Orrechio, who

did her best to keep everything within the

resides with her husband on the second

original architecture and decor of the home

floor of the house, decided to expand the

by attending antique auctions. The beautiful

house several years ago in order to make

floorboards are original to the house, having

visiting easier for her daughter and family.

lain in the attic for more than 150 years.

She realized she had an opportunity to

And while the bathroom is just a few years

further capitalize on the historic house and

old, the washbasin-style sink and elevated

its convenient downtown location. The

bathtub, along with the quaint pictures that

Greenside was born.

adorn the walls, serve to enhance the tasteful

It would be three years before Kate’s vision

period feel. The white woven basket filled

finally came to fruition. Though technically

with complimentary toiletries well beyond

“retired,” she was still busy running The Grey

what one might find at a hotel is the only true

Barn antique shop with her husband and

anachronism to be found in this idyllic room.

working with the non-profit Milford Trees.

Orecchio’s favorite part of running the

However, she still found time to design and

bed and breakfast is meeting so many new

purchase nearly all of the furniture, carpets,

people and hearing all of their stories. She

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exploring milford

makes guests comfortable by being warm and hospitable while allowing privacy as well. The wall between the guest room and her own living space is made with double sheetrock to prevent sound from carrying over or creating a disruption. If you usually watch television before falling asleep, turn it off and immerse yourself in the comforts of Greenside. With the soft sheets and comforter wrapped around you, you’ll feel calm and peaceful before drifting into a relaxed slumber. The next morning, a breakfast of fresh fruit, bakery goods, juice, coffee, tea, and cereal provides energy to enjoy the city of Milford. Located in the center of the downtown area, right across from the Milford Green, Greenside is within walking distance of ten restaurants. (Kate has a number and menu for all of them.) Guests can

Innkeepers Steven and Ann Maher have made the Lily Pad a respite from the busy world, with plenty of room to relax and unwind while enjoying the best of Milford. perfect setting for a tray of complimentary ASHLEYAVITABILE (3)

iced tea and home baked chocolate chip cookies to taste before settling down in your room. The three bedrooms that comprise the Lily Pad can be found on the second floor, along

choose to walk all the way to Gulf Beach, or simply shop downstairs

with the shared bathroom. The bathroom has a full tub and shower, as

in Village Vogue. Milford is a vibrant city with so much to offer, and

well as an array of shampoos and conditioners. Steve buys homemade

Greenside offers a relaxing break that will allow for a wonderful visit.

soaps from the farmers’ market for his guests. All three rooms are

THE LILY PAD 44 Prospect Street • (203) 876-9996 • www.bbonline.com/ct/lilypad A simple, comfortable rocking chair is all that it takes to dissipate

impeccably furnished. Lace curtains allow sunlight to stream in and warm the rooms decorated with classic furnishings and comfortable beds to float away into sleep. After waking up, you can head downstairs where Steve is waiting

worries and fears. Acting as a portal, the padded chair offers a

with breakfast. Each guest has a glass bowl in which fruit is delicately

complete view of the Lily Pad’s sitting and dining rooms and the

arranged with fresh pineapple on the bottom and a sliced strawberry

classic French Colonial furnishings discovered at antique auctions

on top surrounded by sweet blueberries. Steve will ask for your pastry

by innkeepers Steven and Ann Maher. On the walls are hung two

preference before bringing it out with butter. Orange juice sits on a

paintings from local artists, and ornaments embellish the rooms. A

tray in the center of the table, along with freshly made coffee and tea.

stack of games including checkers and Scrabble sit awaiting play time.

After guests have begun enjoying their scrumptious breakfasts, Ann

In the dining room, an exquisite chandelier hangs above the table, the

and Steve like to sit down to engage in pleasant conversation.

14 Milford Living • Autumn

With three stories and a mansard roof,

interior decorating, but after having

the Lily Pad house, dating to 1820, is truly

owned the house for three years, the

beautiful. Leaving through the front door,

Maher’s are slowly integrating their

the walk around the house to the backyard

own style. While Steve is the primary

follows a stone-covered path the leads to

innkeeper, Ann still loves interacting

the vast expanses of the landscaped yard.

with the guests that come to stay. Most

The patio directly behind the house looks

of their guests come to visit family or just

downhill, the unfenced yard merging

to escape from New York for a weekend.

with those of the neighbors and creating

Located across the street from Milford

a panoramic view of the meandering

Cemetery, the Lily Pad is within easy

Wepawaug River and the gazebo that rests at the foot of the river. Former owner and next door neighbor Charlie Flannigan can often

walking distance of the Milford Green and all the popular downtown restaurants and shops, while still being secluded enough to provide

be found fishing in the river. Charlie and his wife Lily, for whom the

calm and privacy. According to the innkeepers, many guests like the

Lily Pad is named, operated the B&B from 2003-2008. Current owner

peace and quiet best, simply enjoying time in a porch rocker of sitting

Ann Maher describes them as the “visionaries” who decided to bring

in a wondrous backyard.

the first B&B to Milford. They were the ones who did most of the

—Jessica Avitabile

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arts + artisans

HEN DRIVING THROUGH MILFORD

there are many things to catch

PAIGE MIGLIO(3)

Murals of Milford together to promote the creation of public art works, the group’s mission

the eye: stately old houses, bridges, ponds, tall marsh grasses,

is to “enhance our community by promoting tourism and connecting

and of course, the blue water of Long Island sound. Now thanks to some

neighborhoods through the creation of public mural art as gateways,

local artists, many of these natural and man-made Milford beauties have

partnering sponsors, artists, and site owners for the celebration of the

been captured in the form of a mural. Created by local artists Paige Miglio

creative spirit and heritage of Milford.”

and Bill Meddick (director of the Milford Fine Arts Council), the large

Miglio explained the origins of the group. “The project itself started

mural painted on the Bridge House Restaurant at 49 Bridgeport Avenue, fittingly depicts the Washington Bridge just a stone’s throw away. The mural’s eye-catching

as a grass roots project through the Milford Fine Arts Council (MFAC) called Hidden Murals of Milford. A group of artists were basically doing murals on their own

location at the gateway to Milford, across the

private property that you would just happen

Housatonic River from Stratford, serves as

upon. They were catalogued and mapped

a warm welcome to town. As founders of

at the Arts Council, but [MFAC] wanted to

Murals of Milford, Miglio and Meddick

do something more public.” According to

hope that with the help of other local

Meddick, “These murals being hidden

artists, this will be just the first of many

never really made any sense.”

new murals adorning Milford walls.

When the artist who headed the group

The idea of the mural wasn’t born solely

moved away, the idea of public murals

out of the desire to create a work of art, but

floundered for a few years. Enter Miglio.

is collaboration between the artists, local

“I was looking for a way to create public

business owners, politicians, and community

arts. I’d been involved in the Open Doors of

leaders. Miglio and Meddick are co-chairs of

Milford exhibit for the first two years and

the group that includes a diverse membership,

was asked to do a mural inside of Arciuolo’s

including State Representative Kim Rose,

shoe store. Since then I’ve made a business of

Nancy Bennett from Milford Boat Works,

The Washington Bridges comes to life on the side

doing murals inside people’s homes.” Miglio

landscape architect Stephen Wing, as well as

of The Bridge House restaurant through the talents

recalled that she and friend Chris Saley,

fellow muralist Breck Morgan. Having come

of Bill Meddick and Paige Miglio.

owner of the Bridge House, had talked for

16 Milford Living • Autumn

a long time about doing public art. “I started

work as an illustrator helped in conceptualizing

talking to Bill Meddick and we found out that

the project, while Meddick’s previous work at

other people were interested in doing some

Atlas Scenic Studios and knowledge of large-

mural work as well. We had two sites in our

scale set design came in handy when dealing

hands so Bill and I decided it was time to form

with such a large painting. The actual work of

a committee.” That idea, said Miglio “grew into this being the kickoff of for an entire community effort. It went in a much bigger direction than what we had originally discussed.” When it came time to choose what would be painted on the

painting the mural under the blazing summer sun was split evenly between the two artists, but according to Meddick, “Paige was the boss.” The group already has their second location picked out at One New Haven Avenue, across from SBC Restaurant and next to

mural, the Washington Bridge was a natural. “It’s the whole idea of

the old Milford Diner, which is in the midst of being transformed into

the gateway,” Miglio explained. “That bridge is so recognizable, and

a Milford information center. The tentative plan is for Breck Morgan to

whether you’re coming from Milford or Stratford, it’s iconic and it really

organize a group of students from Yale to do a large mural this fall. The

hits the core of what we want these murals to do in our community.”

spot, said Miglio, “is, again, a great entrance to Milford. To have a big,

Both artists brought their individual expertise to the project. Miglio’s

huge mural on that site would be terrific.”

2011 • Milford Living 17

arts + artisans

One of the main issues that affect public works

owners realize that for not a lot of money, they can

especially during tough economic times is funding.

increase both the quality of life aspect to town and

For the mural on the Bridge House, Miglio and

bring attention to their business. Then the artists,

Meddick decided it was essential that if the work

the community, and the businesses all prosper.”

was ever going to get done they would have to

Miglio believes that art has a central role in the

forget about being paid and just start painting.

community. “I love the idea of murals and what

“Considering the economic times, it kind of seems

cut and I’m really hoping that through the production of the first mural we can show that this is what we want to share and hopefully it will spread throughout the city of Milford.” Meddick

IO IG L

Meddick. “But the arts are usually the first things to get

they bring to communities,” she said. “I think it’s E IG PA

like an odd time to be doing something like this,” said

time to say, ‘Milford is still vital! Milford still has a

lot to offer!’ and what better way to do that than to

find a way to embrace the arts. There’s so much here to see

and to celebrate.” By painting what is hopefully just the first of many murals in

also hopes that the mural helps solidify a marriage between artists and

Milford, Miglio and Meddick have assured that Milford has at least

local businesses. “Artists not getting paid is kind of an age old problem.

one brand new beautiful sight to see and to celebrate.

Hopefully, the Bridge House garners some excitement and building

18 Milford Living • Autumn

—Gerry McGuire

ctsmiles.com 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 19

COURTESY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT(4)

sunday drive

A Man’s Home is Our Castle A

WINDING SCENIC DRIVE along the Connecticut River is enjoy-

over the world. Gillette’s original plays are performed on the grounds of

able any time of year, but the colorful autumn leaves make

his castle during the summer months by a local repertory company.

this a spectacular time to explore. There is a bridge you can take to

Built on a natural rock formation, the castle (originally called

reach your destination, but for over 300 years travelers have taken

Seventh Sister) was built to mimic a medieval Rhennish fortress (like

the Hadlyme Ferry across. It’s a short ride, and at only $3.00, will

those seen along Germany’s Rhine River), replete with parapets, hand-

give you a waters-eye view of a masterpiece…Gillette Castle.

hewn doors, and a few secrets. Mr. Gillette designed every detail,

Nestled atop one of the Seven Sister Hills in the Connecticut River

from the window latches, insets in the stonework, and a tranquil

Valley, an inventive fellow named William Gillette built his humble

greenhouse overlooking the river. To save effort as well as wear and

home. Just about an hour’s drive from Milford, Gillette Castle offers

tear, his dining table was set on tracks; so was his office chair. The oak

visitors a view of a most unique state park. Mr. Gillette, a Hartford

bar, a favorite room in the house for most visitors, has a secret locking

native, looked all over the

mechanism. Once he opened the

country for the perfect site to

bar for his guests, Gillette would

build his dream house. Luckily

be able to monitor their consump-

for us, Haddam turned out to be

tion via a mirror strategically

the perfect spot.

placed on the second floor near

So who was William Gillette?

his bedroom.

He was a director, playwright,

Construction on Gillette Castle be-

and most notably, an actor. His

gan in 1914. The rugged terrain was

interpretation of Sherlock Hol-

carefully cleared, and it took five

mes set the standard for how

years to complete the structure, at

the character was portrayed

a cost of $1 million. William Gillette

until its most recent incarna-

oversaw every facet of construction

tion in film. Playing the role

and moved into his castle in 1919.

more than 1,300 times, he was

William Gilette’s bar has a secret locking mechanism, but once unlocked

He lived there for nineteen years,

renowned by theater-goers all

it stayed open for the weekend.

continuing to add unique features.

20 Milford Living • Autumn

One of his favorite amenities, as well his many guests, was a small-scale railroad. It wound around the grounds and reached speeds up to twenty miles per hour. The engine is now on display in the visitor’s center. The State of Connecticut purchased the castle in 1943 to preserve the unique structure and grounds. Mr. Gillette would certainly be pleased his castle is so well cared for. He added a particular codicil to his will that read, “see that the property does not fall into the hands of some blithering sophead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.” Despite upkeep, after years of exposure to the harsh Connecticut climate, the castle was rife with leaking roofs, windows, and electrical issues. A massive restoration began in 1998. “The castle was in rough shape,” said Phil Yuris, director of operations for Gillette Castle.

Gilette loved to drive his guests around the castle grounds by rail.

“The upper floors were damaged from water leaks and had to be completely restored.” In addition, explains Yuris, “the electrical work

unique construction. It was a four year project that cost $10 million.

was state of the art when it was built, but was long overdue for an

During the time we were closed for construction, we took the opportu-

upgrade. It was difficult for contractors to replace the wires due to the

nity to restore the grounds surrounding the castle.”

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2011 • Milford Living 21

sunday drive

The grounds are open year-round for

all over the world is collected in the wishing pond. There are many languages heard around

tours that follow the path of Mr. Gillette’s

the castle, but the one English word used is

railroad,” said Yuris. “It is a unique trail

internet. So many people find us online from

COURTESY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

hiking and picnicking. “We offer hiking

as far as the terrain and because of its special history.” Picnic tables abound, many with grills nearby. The Visitors Center has information and displays about William Gillette as well as a gift shop, snack bar, and restrooms. One of Connecticut’s more popular tourist attractions, Yuris confirms that “In

The stone arch bridge overlooks the pond.

the last ten years we’ve seen the number

all over the globe.” The grounds of Gillette Castle are all year from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. There is no admission charge to picnic or hike on the property. The Castle itself is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6.00 for anyone 13 years or older; $2.00 for ages 6-12; children under 5 are free. For more informa-

of visitors increase. They come from around the world to visit the castle.”

tion visit the official website: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.

There are so many international visitors, he says, that “we need to add

asp?A=2716&Q=325204 —Susan Carroll-Dwyer

a new fixture for our coin collection in the greenhouse. Currency from

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Dev

24 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Autumn

on Delights By Cindy Papish Gerber

2011 Devon Revitalization Committee Members BOB GREGORY

JIM AMANN

COURTESY OF KINGDOM LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

generations. We want to make sure that those folks, along with new families moving in, will create jobs and opportunities for those who live here. When you start to revitalize an area, you can’t just leave it. You have to nurture it along. At this point the main foundation of the plan has been laid out. Of course, there is still room for improvement, and ambitious projects like these take time. I hope this effort will continue long after I am away from the project.

2011 • Milford Living 25

VINCENT AVERAIMO

parking by virtue of a new municipal lot and

My wife and I moved to the Devon/

have developed numerous positive relation-

At 85 years old, I’m the senior member of the

Rivercliff area in 2005. When we first saw

ships with both Devon business owners and

committee. In addition, I have been a Devon

the neighborhood, we were amazed at its

residents who have a common goal—to keep

resident for over fifty years. I was at the very first

beauty and the great people that lived in

Devon attractive to both businesses and

meeting with Jim Amann. The main reason I

the area. It is truly a community within

individuals.

joined is to see to it that Devon would be devel-

Attorney

a community. When we moved to our home, the first phase of the revitalization

on-street parking that is now marked. We

ANDY CHARLAND

C. ROBERT VARGO

Retired foreman at Sikorsky Aircraft

oped. Now, things are being brought up to date. The neighborhood looks so much nicer! I really

tower and entry into Devon from Stratford

Retired Facilities Manager at Sikorsky Aircraft

via the Washington Bridge). I thought the

When I first moved to this area my address

work has been done. Since I live on Housatonic

work was magnificent and really brought

was in Devon; I’m a Milford resident of forty-

Drive, I often drive through Devon twice a day. I

something great to the area.

six years. I wanted to give something back to

hope some more people come to visit, enjoy, and

the city that I am proud of.

also move here. We have a really nice village!

project had just been completed (the clock

on that half-mile section where a majority of the

WILFRED HERNANDEZ

MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE

Through my participation with the

enjoy looking at the improvements, especially

Milford Chamber of Commerce, I found out

The Devon Revitalization Committee is

LIBBY DITCHKUS Realtor

that the Devon Revitalization Committee

working diligently to get new tenants to

was responsible for this work. I started

move to Devon and are encouraging the

I have lived in Rivercliff for forty years. I

attending the meetings to become more

landlords and tenants to maintain their store-

remember the very first meetings of the

familiar with the plans of the committee.

fronts. The Public Works Department under

committee in my office, when Jimmy Amann

In March 2009, I received a phone call from

the direction of Bruce Kolwicz and his staff

and Win Smith brought up the possibility of

Senator Gayle Slossberg, who asked if I

has in the past done work to enhance Devon.

getting some grant money from the state. And

would be interested in being appointed to

Now with the reduction of manpower, it is

that is exactly what we did! We started up at

serve on the Committee. I accepted with

difficult for them to accomplish what they

the bridge, put in the clock, and then the park,

much appreciation and was ready to serve.

have done in the past. In revitalizing Devon,

which is used all year round.

Since then we have been moving forward to

we hope to create an entrance to Milford that

complete the revitalization. There is added

we can all be proud of.

26 Milford Living • Autumn

We all became involved in order to improve the area. We set out to enhance the esthetics,

and I think we’ve done that. Through the

Devon, we have changed it into a beautiful

me and our church, because almost twenty

years, more and more people have become

new entrance to Milford.

years ago we inherited a number of Devon

interested in the project. It’s wonderful that we were able to achieve what we set out to do. New brick sidewalks, lampposts, landscaping,

properties that needed significant upgrad-

BISHOP JAY RAMIREZ

ing. Millions of dollars and man hours

Bishop, Kingdom Life Church

later we have honored our mission to be a

trees, lighting, and signage—it is all coming

We arrived here in 1992, and now our church

together. Improving the marina area will be

is proudly celebrating our twentieth year.

an even greater asset. What I hope to ac-

Back then, the economy was rough and the

complish is pride of ownership for the people

area was quite dilapidated. If I had to put my

of Devon.

finger on the one moment that took this to

rewarding experience to work with residents

a whole other level, it was the cooperation

and community leaders to oversee the

between Jim Amann and then-Senator Win

improvements in Devon. Much of what we

Smith. They reached across party lines,

were able to do is as a result of the state funds

At one time the neighborhood had a bad

working to bring in the dollars. My number

that were secured by former Speaker of the

name. Since I’m an office furniture dealer

one “hats off” goes to them.

House Jim Amann. The streetscape, complete

CAROL EATON

Owner Corp Decor

light for Christ in our local community.

MAYOR JAMES RICHETELLI

As Mayor, it has been a privilege and a

with decorative lampposts, benches, and brick sidewalks, is only a start on the great things that lie ahead for Devon.

Village of Devon Revitalization Business Owners DANIEL BAGLEY

Co-owner, manager, Al Dente Restaurant and partner, Village Marina We have done a great deal of work and have seen Al Dente come a long way since we first opened. Personally, I could always WILFRED HERNANDEZ

see so much potential. The same applies to

New sidewalks and plantings make Devon a great place to stroll.

the river, where I love to go boating. That is why my energies are now focused upon the Village Marina. My partners and I have a vision of a bustling place—a boater’s village filled with restaurants, specialty shops, and upscale housing units. When will this

and designer, I worked on finding custom-

We have seen a dramatic improvement,

designed hangers for the street light posts.

from the work the committee has done as

ownership, we have operated as full service

Our committee members are in the process

well as corresponding improvements made

marina. By next spring, the restaurant will

of trying to sell more bricks for the sidewalk,

by property owners. We hope to finish

be up and running. The Marina restaurant

which will hopefully raise additional funds

this work and to follow it up with more

will be a place where boaters can pull up; a

to dress up the light poles. These will be

village-style architectural standards, more

casual place where people can sit and enjoy

used to hang flowerpots, banners, and other

parking, and new businesses. We also

the water. It will be one of the focal points.

seasonal decorations. All in all, the area has

would like to establish the implementa-

We are trying to do the same thing here as

undergone a total turnaround. I think that

tion of more consistent architectural

they did at Milford Landing, and turn this

doing all the work that has been put into

standards. This is personally significant to

into a destination.

happen? Since March 1 when we took

2011 • Milford Living 27

GREG D’AGOSTINO

Since then we have tried hard to keep our office

project is a worthy investment, and by

attractive and an asset to the community. We

word of mouth will draw even more people

I’ve had this auto sales, service, and body

welcome the city’s civic improvements; the

to our area.

business in Devon for eleven years. The

people and businesses of Devon deserve it.

Owner, Bel Air Auto Sales

area has gone all the way up on a scale from a one to a ten. I’ve noticed an increase in walking plus car traffic and more businesses

DENNIS, KIKI, AND PERRY KOKENOS Owners, Bridgeport Flyer Diner

GARY DULIN

Owner, Dulin Automotive I bought my property in May 1993. In those

opening. Besides taking pride in our own

As owners of the Bridgeport Flyer, my family

days, it was a very deprived area. I saw

buildings, we notice others also doing that.

and I have been proud business owners in Devon

a diamond in the rough. It was a 1930s

People used to refer to Devon as the poor

for about forty years. Two years ago we decided

gas station with two small service bays

stepchild of Milford—which is no longer the

it was time to give back to our loyal customers

that were vacant. First, I cleaned up the

case. Our exciting development is that my

and the Devon community by remodeling

site, removed the three 10,000 gallon tanks

brother Steve and I have a brand new deli

the diner and making it more appealing and

and pumps, and had EPA test the soil. Then,

next door! We bought the piece of properly

accommodating to everyone, including the

seven-and-a-half years later, I put up a new

next to ours (the old Devon News) and it is

handicapped. It was a chance we took with the

modern facility.

open for business: Pete’s Deli and News. By

down economy, but we are very happy with the

investing in this property, the D’Agostino

outcome. As you drive on Bridgeport Avenue,

are looking to expand. The new sidewalks

brothers truly believe that Devon is a great

people can’t help but notice the diner with its

and curbs, street lights, and benches are great.

place for new businesses.

modern look and its colorful landscaping.

I do see a lot more people walking around.

MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE(5)

Currently, I have five employees and we

Bel-Air Auto Works sits directly across from the Milford Living Magazine office on

My customers, who come from Milford and

Bridgeport Avenue.

surrounding towns, have noticed the many

LYNN VIESTI

positive changes in Devon’s appearance. We have met wonderful new people from

CHRIS SALEY

Vice president, The Milford Bank

different parts of Connecticut and out of

The Milford Bank has been serving the city of

state travelers stop in and tell us what a

Milford since 1872, and has shared in the history

great area Devon is! Walnut Beach, with its

I was born and raised in Devon. My restau-

of our community all that time. Devon has a

new boardwalk, has also drawn people to

rant has been open for three-and-a-half years.

long and rich history of its own. The bank was

the area. I’ve had the privilege of meeting

I always loved the building and thought it

pleased to open our office in Devon in 1990 to

these beachgoers as they stop in with their

could be a great dining spot. Devon needed an

serve the businesses and residents of the area.

families for a quick bite. The revitalization

upscale restaurant with a casual atmosphere.

28 Milford Living • Autumn

Owner/manager, Bridge House Restaurant

Kingdom Life volunteers weed the gateway to Milford. Along the bridge and beyond. The

nered with the Milford Arts Council (MFAC) on

Bridgehouse Restaurant welcomes all.

a mural project. The end result is a scene of the Washington Bridge. The mural spans a huge

We refer to the Bridge House as a “gastropub”

we have. The changes I’ve seen and what the

wall on 49 Bridgeport Ave. You can’t miss it

(bar and restaurant serving high-end beer

committee has done has obviously made a

when you drive in from Stratford. [To read

and food), based on the English pub concept.

tremendous difference. The entire look of the

more about the mural, please turn to page

area is upgraded and it’s all positive.

14].I’m happy to play a small part in creating

We get diners who come from Fairfield and beyond, and they see what a great little village

Specifically, our restaurant recently part-

this new public gateway to our village.

Hey Mother Nature!

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2011 • Milford Living 29

Nothing Could be Finer

Derby Day, art exhibits, and Eastbound Theater productions offer entertainment for every taste.

30 Milford Living • Autumn

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE MILFORD FINE ARTS COUNCIL

hen you hear the words fine arts and council combined, do you picture a large room filled with stuffy men dressed like penguins sporting monocles watching prima ballerinas slowly pirouette past priceless Monet’s and Van Gogh’s saying things like “pip pip” and “indubitably?” Although Milford has a Fine Arts Council, none of those things actually happen…at the same time. The Milford Fine Arts Council (MFAC) has more to it than its name would suggest; is very well rounded, hip, and progressive. This is due in large part to the grassroots foundation upon which the council is based, and to the continuing efforts of the current council and its staff to gather community feedback about what really interests modern Milfordites.

By McKenzie Granata

If you are interested in joining, or want to know more about MFACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs and events, please visit www.milfordarts.org.

2011 31

Back in 1971, Charlene Peet began to assemble

Yes, there is dancing, but it’s more

well as a series of one-act plays that are pre-

council meetings in her parlor to discuss ways to

Tango than tutus; and there are art exhibits,

sented during the annual summer New England

bring cultural growth to the Milford community.

including the more than fifty works on

Arts & Crafts Festival. In addition, a summer

Initially, members took turns meeting in each

display at the Parsons Government Complex.

theater camp is offered as one of four youth

other’s homes and made cold calls to spread the

But there is so much more: photo expos, the

programs, which also include a guitar workshop,

word about the council and raise funds (the first

literary annual High Tide, an entire season

art classes, and an arts and crafts exhibit.

budget was $500) about the events and activities

of Eastbound Theater, summer youth music

they planned and ran. These events centered on

programs and art classes, classical guitar,

tive Railroad Avenue location alone; its

the fine arts—theatre, music, photography and

jazz and coffeehouse performances, and

influence is almost everywhere you look

the visual arts—with an emphasis on accessibil-

Studio Tuesday informal “paint-ins.” Let’s

in Milford—from the Firehouse Art Gal-

ity and involvement by the community rather

not forget the Kentucky Derby fundraiser,

lery at Walnut Beach to the annual Great

than exclusivity. In 1976 the first exhibit was

replete with big hats, big screens, mint

American Sand Castle and Chalk of Fame

held at the Milford Library.

juleps, and equine décor.

contests, the Open Doors and Windows Art

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE MILFORD FINE ARTS COUNCIL

The MFAC is even bigger than its attrac-

The Milford Fine Arts Council takes pride

What is now known as the Writers Group

Exhibit and Auction, and even the Murals

in bringing the arts to all residents through

was created by one of the Council’s founding

of Milford initiative, which resulted in the

programs that inspire as well as teach. From

members, Emma Blanche. The group held

mural of the Washington Bridge located on

music, dance, and theatre performances, to

its first meeting in the basement of former

the side of the Bridge House restaurant.

painting (on canvas and on sidewalks)and

MFAC president Carol Flynn’s home. Today,

All of this culture is affordable and easily

photography, MFAC embraces and fosters

the assembly of local writers meets on the

accessible throughout town. Moving forward,

local talent and invites all Milford residents

second Thursday of every month with partial

plans are underway to repurpose the Stowe

to find the artist inside.

or completed works to give and receive con-

Barn to potentially create more exhibit and

structive critiques from their fellow writers.

classroom space. Like their founders, the

Through the hard work and personal

Writers also participate in a national poetry

current MFAC staff would like to shake things

dedication of its members, the Council has

contest and make contributions to High Tide,

up a bit and expand beyond the Milford

persisted and flourished. In 1995 the MFAC

(the MFAC’s annual publication of poetry,

community to share audiences and resources

found its permanent home in the Milford

short stories, and pen/ink art work), to which

within our region. Always looking for new

Center for the Arts facility located at Milford

anyone, including non-Milford residents, can

ideas and new members to keep things fresh

train station. For those who have walked

contribute.

and interesting, the MFAC will continue

(or dashed) past the building on their way

Eastbound Theater, now in its eighteenth

it’s mandate to “bring a variety of cultural

to catch a train and wondered what was in

season, mounts three full productions each

experiences to the citizens of Milford and its

there? The answer is—plenty!

season (running from October through June), as

many visitors.”

32 Milford Living • Autumn

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34 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Autumn

2011 35

milford morsels

Veggie Baby ($5.95) feature a variety of satisfying combinations for a marvelous, meatless meal. For the meat lover, top quality roast beef is the star of the Roast Beef Supreme ($7.25), topped with provolone cheese, onions, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing—capturing the flavor profile of a classic deli sandwich. For diners hooked on Bobette’s award-winning soups, the Soup and 1/2 Sandwich ($6.00) is a great option.

CAFÉ ATLANTIQUE

Deli-cious!

33 River Street Milford, CT 06460 (203) 882-1602 www.cafeatlantique.com

ince its invention, the deli sandwich has been loved for its

Crepes, panini’s, and wraps are the specialties of this centrally located

convenience, easily eaten on-the-go; let’s call it hands-on

coffee house. One sure hit is the Chicken Pesto and Tomato Panini

hunger management. With its infinite variations, it has evolved

($7.95)—hot off the press and accompanied by a salad of mixed greens.

with style and relish, keeping pace with all the latest flavor trends.

Warm, crusty bread soaked with garlicy pesto and topped with tender

Hot or cold, rye or wrap, the possibilities are limited only by the

chicken fast-tracks membership in the clean plate club. Equally

imagination. Artisanal breads painted with creative condiments,

popular and savory is the Cajun Chicken and Cheddar Crepe ($9.75)—

piled high with salty, sweet meats and thinly sliced vegetables

the best Cajun chicken this side of the tracks, its spices mitigated by

elevate this workhorse of the midday meal. Carefully constructed

tomatoes and ranch dressing. Be sure to save room for an oversized

yet easy to eat, the sandwich remains the ultimate expression of portable good taste. Plus, you get to eat it with your hands. Is there anything better than a good sandwich?

BOBETTE’S TAKE-OUT BISTRO 93 Boston Post Road Milford, CT 06460 Phone: (203) 874-9414 Fax: (203) 876-1647 www.bobettes.com served fresh daily at this hometown gem. Best known for their awardwinning soups, Bobette’s also offers a full and well-varied deli menu. The sandwich to try here is the Turkey Bacon Dill ($6.50), loved by regulars for the tang of the luxurious dill sauce that dresses up this already dapper lunch. Daily vegetarian sandwich specials known as the

36 Milford Living • Autumn

ROBERT HARRINGTON(3)

Love is an important ingredient in homestyle cooking, which is what is

coffee and a freshly baked goodie or a dessert crepe likes the très

order some of the best chicken salad ever, be sure to get it smothered

Français Nutella Crepe ($5.25)—magnifiques! Vegan orders are also

in copious amounts of creamy brie cheese and studded with green

accommodated, popular among the hipster clientele. With outdoor

apples, as in the Cranberry Nut Chicken Salad Special Wrap ($8.25).

seating, evening hours, beer and wine service, and live entertainment,

Most importantly, listen to your stomach, not just your taste buds,

Café Atlantique is a “relax-with-good-food” headquarters.

DEE’S DELI 365 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460 Phone: (203) 876-2378 The “monster sandwich” is very much at home at this local gem. All roasting is done in-house daily and both quality and quantity are combined on the bread of your choice. Everything at Dee’s is as mouthwatering as it is massive, luring unwitting diners to take on more than they can chew. Much care must be taken before attempting to eat a sandwich of this magnitude. Small bites are the best tact, so as to not come unhinged at the jaw. Also, when you finally decide to

2011 • Milford Living

milford morsels lest you become as overstuffed as the outrageous creation on your plate. The Italian Veggie Wrap ($7.95) is equally wolf-downable, with its house-made eggplant, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic dressing. The regulars beg for recipes that they can’t seem to duplicate, but Dee’s secret ingredient is simple—quality. It is the finest ingredients that make everything here

LIQUID LUNCH 84 South Broad Street Milford, CT 06460 Phone: (203) 877-7687 Fax: (203) 783-0605 www.liquidlunchrestaurant.com

ROBERT HARRINGTON(2)

Dee-lightful.

Though the name points the diner instantly towards their fabulous soups,

finished with a sun-dried tomato aioli, and served on warm, pressed wheat

Liquid Lunch has an impressive sandwich (or “Sammich”) board, so large

bread. After one bite, a trip to its namesake seems completely reasonable.

it is impossible to overlook. Sandwiches named for exotic locals evoke

Travel south with The Charlotte ($6.49), a barbequed pulled-pork crowd

regional flavors, such as The San Diego ($6.49). Slice upon slice of turkey

pleaser, or get whisked away with The Tokyo ($6.49), featuring teriyaki

is topped with perfectly crisp bacon, provolone, and fresh baby spinach,

chicken with wasabi mayo and shoestring peppers.

Dinner Specials Lunch Specials $11.95

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203-713-8300

38 Milford Living • Autumn

Of course the “stay-cation” is always a smart choice with The Milford

lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard lend familiarity to this creation,

($6.49), an upscale seafood salad on a flakey croissant. Whatever your

but the combination remains unique. Although under the watchful

choice, all the sandwiches at Liquid Lunch are world class.

new management of Mark Katrick, Parklane has been in continuous

PARKLANE DELI

business since 1964, earning its top ranking, a deli among delis.

50 Broad St. Milford, CT 06460 Phone: (203) 878-1498 A deli where, “everyone knows your name” and subsequently uses it to name a sandwich, like The Regina (grilled turkey, melted Swiss cheese, craisins, and balsamic) or The Mr. James (chicken cutlet, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella.) A tight-knit crew turns out the hits in rapid succession, clearly devoted to their craft. At Parklane, all the soups, salads, and blue plate specials are made fresh in-house daily. One of more than twenty signature sandwiches here is the Chicken Vermont ($6.25), duly named for its healthy layer of melted Vermont cheddar that enrobes a house-made chicken cutlet. Piles of ham,

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2011 • Milford Living

milford morsels

THE WATER’S EDGE DELI 1546 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 0640 Phone: (203) 874-1546 Fax: (203) 876-2742 www.thewatersedgedeli.com This small, unassuming spot is big and brave with flavor, making it a great stop for hungry beachgoers headed into Woodmont for the day. A sandwich that is sure to satisfy is The Cuban Club ($6.50)—layered with turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, and bacon and complimented with mayo on the bottom and an unapologetic use of yellow (yes, yellow) mustard on the top, all on a seeded sub roll. The combination works, and this sandwich is built to satisfy big hunger. It’s just a good, solid sandwich. Daily specials include the Grilled Veggie Panini ($5.95) thick with fresh mozzarella, red peppers, onions, and a touch of balsamic. Or try the Boar’s Head Buffalo Chicken Melt ($5.95) with blue cheese and lettuce. Traditional deli style salads are made fresh in-house, as are trays of fabulous dishes from their tempting catering menu.

40 Milford Living • Autumn

ZACH’S DELI The Courtyard Plaza 554 Boston Post Road Milford, CT 06460 Phone: (203) 874-3853 Fax: (203) 878-4284 www.zachsdeli.com Reliable, renowned Zach’s Deli serves the city well as a classic go-to deli with its premium quality ingredients and combinations that make sense. Try the North Boston ($6.25), named for the Italian ROBERT HARRINGTON(2)

section of that city, with its mouthfuls of multiple meats—salami, pepperoni, and cappicola—topped with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers, and finished with a distinct balsamic flavor. Served on a fresh Portuguese roll, this Italian sandwich is as solid and American as a Chevy. Or swap out the meat for fresh mozzarella thick and dense enough to make a meal called The Sanibel ($6.25). Salads are

buttery bite of a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie is enough to

as generous as the staff is friendly, and soups and daily specials round

bring back legions of lunchers.

out the menu. House-made desserts are not to be overlooked—one

—Kate Harrington

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2011 • Milford Living

education notebook

Erasing Cursive Writing I

CAN’T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME a handwritten note arrived in my

a place for cursive writing in schools today and thinks it’s important

mail. Thank you notes I’ve received lately have been computer

for students to take a step back from the computer now and again to

generated. Not one word of handwriting on them. Even the envelopes

put pen to paper. He recalls how cursive writing carried forward into

were addressed with computer-produced labels. My older sister

spelling books in later grades. He watched it give way to keyboards

is the only person I can think of who still engages in the practice

as the use of technology increased and children spent more time

of sending handwritten notes, and they are special to me. Indeed,

with electronics. “The thought process involved with cursive writing,

cursive writing (what some of us old timers used to call “writing

the hand-eye coordination, and the discipline of the practice are so

in script”) seems to be going the

important to student learning,”

way of the dinosaurs, so much

says Vitali.

so it is no longer part of the

On the other end of the spectrum,

elementary curriculum in many

Julia Dunn, a 2009 graduate of

school districts, Milford included.

the Masters in Education program

Rose Harlow, a former

at the University of New Haven,

Meadowside School teacher is 80

says she can see both sides of the

years young and taught third grade

argument. Cursive writing was still

until her retirement eight years

prevalent when Dunn was in school

ago. She laments the demise of

and she enjoyed its use. In fact,

cursive writing in the classroom

she was required to write her SAT

today. “Children looked forward to

essay in cursive. “As much as I miss

learning it as a coming of age. One

cursive writing, I can see why it is

of the first questions asked when

becoming obsolete as computers

coming into my classroom would be when they would learn pretty

become commonplace. My own handwriting today is a blend of

writing.” Harlow views handwriting as a matter of personal pride; an

cursive and printing,” she explains, implying that you lose what you

area most children could find success in. “A child who did not excel

don’t use. As a substitute in the school system, she sees some teachers

in math or reading could do well in handwriting. It was something a

who still teach and use cursive and some who do not.

teacher could always compliment,” she recalls. Former teacher and principal Ray Vitali agrees. He believes there is

42 Milford Living • Autumn

Assistant superintendent Michael Cummings, does not disagree that cursive writing has value. From his perspective, however, its decline

from the public school curriculum is a matter of necessity and a shift in the nature of education today. “While I appreciate the art of great cursive writing, historical documents written in cursive [such as the Declaration of Independence] are easily available on the web in plain text,” he explains. “We

Cummings knows that some teachers still find a way to fit cursive writing into their day. Consistency in teacher and school practice is a concern, he says. “We are very clear with teachers about what should be included in literacy instruction,” he explains. “With the time needed

truly want students to know the meaning of the

to develop and enrich students’ literacy and math

words and the ideas behind them, not just the

skills, the active instruction of cursive becomes a

aesthetic beauty of great cursive styles.” He notes

far lower priority.”

the shift from using an abacus or slide rule to the use of calculators as another example of modernization. “Technology replaces for a reason, usually for speed and accuracy. I can sympathize with those who miss it, but cursive writing has fallen out of favor and need.”

Rose Harlow might chuckle at this if she were still in the classroom. “You don’t have to spend a lot of time; five minutes a day to teach a letter and send some paper home for practice!” —Susan Glennon

If you’d like to help your child practice cursive handwriting, you can do so at home with a cursive workbook or free web-based practice pages available online at sites including www.handwritingforkids.com and www.kidzone.ws/cursive.

Alan J Berkson, DDS Periodontics and Dental Implants

Periodontal Disease

Part of the Mouth-Body Connection Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease. Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss, but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office at 203-877-5106. We are located at 431 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT

www.duckponddaycare.com 2011 • Milford Living 43

money matters

Think Like an Institution T

HE MONIKER FOR THE 1987 MOVIE

Wall Street was that “Greed is

Good.” For a long time it seemed that the markets went up

every day and everyone was making great returns, no matter what

money, loose underwriting standards, and myriad other issues pushed us into the Great Recession of 2007. Peak to trough, many investors, both institutional and everyday folk, realized that greed was not good.

those investments were or who was doing the investing—the mom

Some financial experts purport that we are only half way through

and pop down the street, or the institutions of the investment world.

this secular bear market. So what is an investor to do during times like

It was truly the best of times, ten plus years of economic euphoria.

these? Bail, jump in, or do nothing? Here are some cardinal rules to

What the industry terms the secular bull market ended badly in

help you through this bear market.

Rule#1 - Invest Rationally Not Emotionally Investing can trigger all sorts of emotions. When returns and markets are rising, you may feel confident and secure, even happy. But just as markets move in cycles, so do emotions. When returns fall, investor’s emotions often do as well, and a mass exodus from the market ensues. Some of those investors never come back, and those that do usually wait too long on the sidelines and miss the subsequent upside that market downturns present at some point in time. Instead of trying to determine the perfect times to invest, history has shown that investors are better served by staying in the market through the ups and downs. One way to do this is to focus on your long-term goals rather than on the short-term fluctuations. February 2000 with the implosion of the technology/dot com bubble.

Rule #2 - Take an Institutional Approach

(As a frame of reference, the NASDAQ was close to 5,000 at its peak;

Institutional investors are banks, insurance companies, retirement/

more than ten years later it is currently at 2,450.) We then entered

pension funds, foundations, endowments, mutual funds, and

into a secular bear market in March 2000. Since then we’ve had many

other entities which manage large sums of money for companies,

obstacles to overcome: the horrific devastation of September 11, 2001 (the

philanthropic groups, municipalities, states, and wealthy individuals.

markets selling off within minutes of the attacks only to rebound a year

Institutional investors typically have a distinct advantage over

later); the red hot real estate market and its subsequent collapse. Easy

individual investors for a few reasons, one of which is pricing—they

44 Milford Living • Autumn

tend to have a much lower cost of doing business due to their sheer

is more likely to stay disciplined to their investment philosophy/

size and frequency of transactions. But what is key to the success

models, while the average investor will move in and out of the

of the institutional investors is they are not as susceptible to

market, frequently buying high and selling low. Create your own

emotional influences as are individuals. An institutional investor

Investment Policy Statement and create a system where you can track your success against peer benchmarks and market benchmarks.

Of Bulls and Bears

hat do secular bull and bear markets mean? Essentially secular bear and secular bull markets are in time bands of 10-20 years. A bear market is when a benchmark index, like the S&P 500, declines more than 20 percent over at least a two month period. Since 1950, there have been nine bear markets. They tend to be swift and merciless, averaging market losses of 33 percent and lasting approximately eighteen months. The most recent sell-off may not actually end up being a bear market, just a pretty nasty correction. Corrections are less violent but still sting; 10-15 percent is the typical downside of a correction and usually lasts only a few months. Bull markets are quite the opposite and are nice to experience and participate in. Good thing we have had more bull markets than bear markets. (Source: Morningstar)

Rule #3 - Invest in Investment Fundamentals By sticking to their plans, especially during rough and uncertain times, the institutional investor has a distinct advantage over individual investors. One way to close the gap between the success of an institutional investor and an individual investor is through systematic investing, also known as dollar cost averaging (DCA), a strategy whereby you invest a fixed amount of money on a regular basis. Most people who have 401k plans are essentially dollar cost averaging. DCA does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets, but this type of strategy can be productive.

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money matters

Employ a longer term perspective; don’t be

this too shall pass. As always, it is a good idea

an impatient investor. Optimal results do not

to seek the assistance of a qualified investment

happen overnight or by mistake or luck. It takes

professional to help guide you through the complex

time, extensive due diligence, knowledge, and

financial instruments and issues that face an

a keen understanding of investment instru-

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ments to make good investment decisions. It can be difficult for an individual investor to

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Milford Living Magazine. Additional products and

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46 Milford Living • Autumn

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

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Submit it to our calendar.

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Check the local forecast, or watch the Doppler radar.

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

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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. 2011 • Milford Living 47

The Ride of Milford’s Paul(a) Revere

The Merwin homestead still stands atop the hill on Pond Point Avenue.”

URING THE AMERICAN WAR

for inde-

pendence, the year 1777 brought

watch. A British officer on Long Island thought it would be a fine thing to capture

Milford its share of the miseries of war,

war veteran Captain Bryan. But Captain

although no real fighting had taken

Bryan was prepared for the attack, and

place. Milford martyr Stephen Stow had

gave the raiding party an “uncomfortable

died in February after nursing some

reception.” The British officer turned and

200 American soldiers suffering from

fled with his men, dropping his sword in

smallpox who were abandoned on the

his haste. Captain Bryan

Milford shore by their British captors.

kept the sword which

The British essentially controlled Long Island Sound from bases on loyalist Long Island. Seaborne raiders confiscated

was passed on to his descendants. On August 25, 1777,

cattle, pigs, and other farm animals,

the HMS Swan anchored

burned crops, property, homes, and even

about a mile off of Point

towns along the shore. Pond Point and

Beach and a raiding

Point Beach area farmers, fearing these

party rowed ashore.

raids, had removed their livestock to a

Abigail Merwin,

meadow sheltered by rising ground and

a young wife

overhanging trees where proper watch

and mother, was

and defense could be made. To this day the

hanging clothes

area is known as Calf Pen Meadow.

out to dry when

Raids were a constant threat. During the summer of 1777, Captain Jeheil Bryan and Orlando Beach were in charge of the coast

48 Milford Living • Autumn

she saw the raiders land. A descendant of Milford’s founding

Drawing of Abigail Beach Merwin by Dotty Kozlowski

MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE

historical perspective

families, Abigail Ann Beach Merwin was

That day Abigail became a Revolutionary

some cattle … At 7 the boats Returned … got

the daughter of Landa Beach, who had

War heroine by hitching her wagon and, with

fought in both the French and Indian War

her 21-month-old baby son Daniel under her

and the American Revolution. (It has long

arm, racing into town banging on a copper

it is likely neither side came into sight

been rumored that he may have crossed

pot to raise the alarm within the community.

of the other, at least not while on land.

no Cattle.” The alarm did not result in a battle and

the Delaware with George Washington.)

Milford legend has it that the swift

Abigail joined with another of Milford’s

response of the local militia caused the

one young mother, the militia of Milford

founding families when she married Miles

British to beat a hasty retreat. Diarist John

was alerted and prepared to defend their

Merwin on February 18, 1773 and settled at

Downs reported, “Cloudy & rain, I at the

homes. Milford never suffered devastation

the Merwin family farm at Point Beach. Her

farm, Alarm & Training at Town.” Similarly,

at the hands of the British, however

home, extensively rebuilt over the ensuing

the Captain’s log of the “Swan” reads: “At

that does not mean that Milford life was

centuries, still stands atop the hill on Pond

4 AM came too Sm. Br. in 7 fs. [fathoms]

relaxed or unprepared.

Point Avenue, and it was from this vantage

water, Milford Church NWBW 2 Miles off

After the British burned Fairfield in 1779,

point that she spied the British ship landing

shore 1 Mile. Sent boats on Shore Mand &

many Milford residents, especially women

raiders at Point Beach.

Armd [manned and armed] to bring off

and children, sought refuge with relatives

Nevertheless, because of the actions of

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historical perspective

or friends away from the coast. British

Legends have a way of being reinvented

beating upon the kettle with the rolling pin.

Major-General Tyron received orders on July

over the years, and George Hare Ford’s

So all through the principal streets she rode,

2, 1779: “Once in possession of the Black Rock

1914 history of Milford entitled Sketches,

giving her unique alarm. By the time relief

Battery near Bridgeport, at the head of the

attributes Abigail Beach Merwin’s fateful

could be summoned, the few British soldiers

harbor, all becomes easy and you can always

ride to this 1779 event. He reported a few

had left. One house was plundered, that of

retire by Fair Weather Island…You may

soldiers landed at Pond Point when:

Mr. Miles Merwin.”

likewise land at Stratford Point, drive the cattle of that district and embark them from

“A serving maid, seeing the red-coats

This was decidedly not the incident in

thence at your leisure from Charles Island,

coming in a small boat, gave the alarm.

which Abigail became a hero as the town

Milford. You may do the same with those

Consternation reigned, for the men were

as Milford was already on guard against

you find at Milford.” Stratford was raided

away. But a plucky young woman, a Mistress

the flotilla off shore. It does however, well

and, for a time, garrisoned. Milford was not.

Merwin, seized her copper kettle and rolling

describe the legendary actions taken by a

pin, took her baby, and drove with great

brave young woman on that fateful August

ships lay off Milford’s coast for a number

haste to Milford center. As soon as she

day in 1777.

of days, placing the town on constant alert.

reached the first house she gave the alarm by

But that same year, twenty transport

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  2011 • Milford Living 51

senior corner

The Reluctant Treasure

ONFUCIUS ONCE WROTE , “A superior man MARY HEGARTY NESCHKE(2)

is modest in his speech, but exceeds in

his actions.” He might as well have had Ann Berman in mind when he wrote it. As the sixteenth winner of the Milford Living Treasure Award, the 86-year-old Berman felt honored, yet at the same time very uncomfortable. “It doesn’t strike me as me,” she said when talking

Milford Living Treasure Ann Berman is a passionate advocate for the environment and has worked

about receiving this prestigious award, which

tirelessly to make Milford a green, healthy place to live and work.

is voted on annually by the Junior Woman’s Club of Milford. It’s not that she isn’t “flattered and honored” to receive the award. She’s aware

tions to Milford have been outstanding. As a longtime environmental activist,

her husband’s death, she worked for an architectural firm making models. She later

that many people in Milford hold her in high

Berman said, “I always preferred working

returned to her work in physical therapy, but

esteem; it’s just that she admittedly, “has a

behind-the-scenes,” a claim that illustrates

did not feel she had found her true calling

problem receiving compliments.” Whatever

how she sees herself, but does not accurately

until she met Betsey Wright, chairman of the

her feelings may be, there is no question that

reflect her work in Milford. In her years as

ECC, at a lecture on open space in 1999.

Berman’s environmental work and dedica-

the chairman of the Environmental Concerns

52 Milford Living • Autumn

Suddenly, Berman said, she had found her

Coalition (ECC), she gave regular talks on

niche in life. Shortly thereafter, Wright left

environmental topics, educated the public

the ECC and Berman took over as chairman.

(and politicians), wrote resolutions and papers

Despite her modest protestations to the

detailing specific initiatives, led the fight

contrary, Berman took the lead on many

against heavy polluters, and in general, relied

projects including the Freedom Lawn contest

on her own self-determination to keep Milford

(initiated by Wright in 1996) as a way to promote

as green as possible

healthy lawns, inviting Milford homeowners to

Originally from New Brunswick, a small

showcase their chemical free lawns in various

town in Canada on the St. Croix River, Ann

categories. In 2001, Berman wrote a resolution

moved to Connecticut in 1957 shortly after

later passed by the Board of Aldermen that

her graduation from Tufts University with

encouraged all residents of Milford to refrain

a degree in physical therapy. She worked at

from the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides

Yale New Haven Hospital, married, but sadly

in order to protect the health of Milford’s people

was widowed at a young age. Following

and environment.

Although Berman has worked side-by-side

coal-burning power plants throughout the state

in 2010, Berman still serves as the Freedom

with other state environmentalists, she

(including one in Devon), that were pumping

Lawn chairperson and “helps out” in other

has played a major role alone in making

thousands of tons of soot into the air. In 2002, the

ways. This includes finding time to mentor

Connecticut greener. She is proud of the law

state passed a law forcing these companies to, as

children and teach the next generation of

that became effective in 2010, that forbids all

Ann phrased it, “clean up their act.” According

environmentalists, something she has been

K-8 schools and daycare centers to use any

to the environmental group Clean Water Action,

passionate about for many years.

pesticides on their grounds. Her battle against

by 2008 there was an 86 percent drop in sulfur

the use of powerful lawn chemicals is really

dioxide emissions from the six plants.

Ann Berman may be modest, but this octogenarian is also a determined woman who

quite simple: according to Berman, “Everything

Over the years, Berman worked on

will always be ready to battle polluters. “It is so

you put into the ground comes back to you.” In

countless projects (including improving

infuriating when people treat the world like a

Milford’s case, lawn chemicals eventually make

town recycling efforts, open space protection,

garbage dump,” she says. Polluters beware! As

their way into Long Island Sound.

new tree planting, and pond conservation

long as Milford has the likes of Ann Berman to

efforts) and the positive effects reaped

treasure and teach, we will fight to keep our

championed, testifying before the state

by the city and state are immeasurable.

environment safe and clean.

legislature and leading protests against six

Although she stepped down as ECC chairman

“The Sooty Six” was another project Berman

—Nick Olshansky

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Call 203.877.0371 today for more information.

2011 • Milford Living 53

expressions

Atlantis Rising Location: Silver Sands Photographer: Tim Mannle Sculptor: Steve Warzel

54 Milford Living • Autumn

rock-stacking art start to appear

and Tim’s photo skills really

and figured I’d join the party.

captured and enhanced that. The

I have been a sand sculpting

whole point is to bring a little of

enthusiast for a long time now

the mystical make-believe world

“I’ve lived in the East Broadway/

and enjoy both the challenge

into ours. When people pause for

Silver Sands neighborhood for

and simplicity of these types of

a moment and smile, I think we

more than twenty years. I love

organic and environmentally

were able to tap into that just a

the new boardwalk and all the

friendly art forms. I was going

little, and this busy world can

vitality it has brought to the

for an Atlantis Rising-type

always use more of that.”

area. I started seeing some of the

theme when I built this,

—Steve Warzel

where is it?

Answer to Last Issue’s Quiz:

The wrought iron fence that extends behind City Hall and around the duck pond.

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the Milford Living office at 162 Bridgeport Avenue in Devon (look for the striped awning.) Call 203.283.5290

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SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

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Do you have a Where is It?

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Bring out your best smile

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2011 • Milford Living 55

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