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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features
Departments SAY IT WITH
MUSIC
Milford teachers inspire the next generation of music lovers
Making Music
East Shore Middle School’s band director
Eric Boccia was inspired to go into music at a young age, largely due to his own high
BY MAKAYLA SILVA PHOTOS BY SHERRY JOHNSON
school band director at Arlington High
M
School in New York.
usic is a fundamental piece of childhood education. Researchers have continually pointed to the benefits of learning the do-re-mi’s, teaching children to excel in
“I had an amazing band director in freshman year high school who was the driving influence behind me wanting to pursue music,” he says. Initially looking towards a degree in
math, physical education, and reading.
performance, Boccia was quickly drawn to education. “As I got into the education, it
“A music-rich experience for children of
felt right, because the performance aspect
singing, listening, and moving is really bringing
became too much, always pressuring myself to be perfect, which kind of took the love
a very serious benefit to children as they progress
out of the music,” he says. “Looking at the
into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen,
education side of it, I was putting music back
executive director of the National Association of
teaching students and the interaction with
into the center of what I was doing. I enjoyed the kids.”
Music Merchant Foundation, a non-profit that
Now in his fifth year at East Shore, Boccia has roughly 130 kids grades 6-8. He tries to
promotes the benefits of making music.
reach his students by being himself, which
Fortunately for Milford, educators in both
is often high energy, animated, and sometimes, he admits, just plain silly. “I’m a little
in the school system and in the community are
goofy,” he says, but he thinks his student
strongly committed to teaching music to both
appreciate it. “I try to have fun with them;
children and adults.
yelling. I’m very animated. And they see my
I’m jumping up and down, I’m singing, I’m
20 Milford Living • Winter
20
2015 • Milford Living 21
Say it with Music
Milford teachers inspire the next generation of music lovers By Makayla Silva, Photos by Sherry Johnson
SNOW DAY
3
4
1
1,2 Bill Canfield 3,7 JJ Richards 4 Sherry Johnson 5,9 Chris Carveth 6 Cathy Leite 8 Tom Mackin
Break out the rock salt Winter is here Visit the beach And stroll on the pier Enjoy a snuggle With loved ones so dear Though it may be chilly One thing is clear Time to be grateful After all. It’s a New Year! —Susan Carroll Dwyer
5
2
8
26 Milford Living • Winter
26
6
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9 2015 • Milford Living 27
Snow Day
An all about town winter pictorial
4 6 8 12 16 34 38 42 46 50 52 56 58 62 63 64
Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Milford Spotlight Milford Fit Milford Morsels After Dark Arts and Artisans Education Notebook At Your Service Milford Wildlife Senior Corner Historical Perspective Tribute Expressions Where is it
M i l f o r d L i v i n g Milford is for Living
About the cover: A bright, glistening winter day at the duck pond where the geese enjoy the falls - no matter the weather. Autumn 2014
Photograph by Sherry Johnson. You can view more of her work at www.sherrylynnphotography.com
2015 • Milford Living 1
More policies. More savings. Carlson Insurance Agcy Inc Wanda Carlson, Agent 465a Bridgeport Avenue Milford, CT 06460 Bus: 203-877-9203 Fax: 203-877-9273
WINTER 2015 VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com
Editorial Director Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com
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Art Director Ryan Swanson
®
Associate Publisher
Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com
Advertising Director
®
Joy Haines
Account Executives Lisa Turner, Jeff Williams
Contributing Photographers
Bill Canfield, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Christopher Carveth, Cathy Leite, Tom Mackin, Gerry McGuire, JJ Richards, Christine Rose, Jan Sexton
Contributing Editors
Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata
Contributing Writers
1203028
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Angela Petrowski Arpino, Penny Boland, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, Nancy Herman, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Christine Rose, Makayla Silva
Production Manager Mario Recupido
Production Assistance
Ashley Avitabile, Kevin Maher, Zinelle
Web Design
Greyson Schwing/Antelope Networks Zinelle/Z1 Design
Interns
What we write gets read.
Kaitlyn Cowden, Kirstyn Vitale
Milford Living Magazine 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford CT 06460 203-283-5290 http://www.milfordliving.com
Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. 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. $23.80. Newsstand: $5.95. 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 2003-2015 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com 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. www.redmatpublishing.com
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2015 • Milford Living 3
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
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Welcome to winter and another issue of Milford Living.
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input of readers and friends in its making. We begin 2015 with an issue dedicated to the gift that is winter in
places you love right here at home. This year we enter our 13th year of publishing Milford Living and look forward to delivering you the best of Milford each season. Time, as we know, does not stand still. And with our present becoming our history seemingly faster and faster each year, it’s a privilege for us to help chronicle Milford as it is today for the generations who are yet to come. We celebrate our neighbors and treasure our readers; without you we wouldn’t be able to share your stories in these pages. So, as always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions and sharing them with our community. We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with those you love and those that love Milford.
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4 Milford Living • Winter
Suzanne
IMAGINE FEELING BETTER JUST ENTERING A HOSPITAL.
At Bridgeport Hospital, you can see the promise of a new day in health care. You can see it in completely redesigned facilities like our burn center and an emergency department that is now one of the most advanced anywhere. It all points to the fact that Bridgeport Hospital is part of a healthcare system at the forefront of advancing medical research and treatment – Yale New Haven Health. We welcome the opportunities this day brings. Opportunities to do more for you. So you can do more with your life.
WELCOME TO THE NEW BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL. bridgeporthospital.org
2015 • Milford Living 5
readers’ letters Solar panels are popping up everywhere.
I have lived in Milford since 1930. Would love
beaches or Wheelers Farms Road area, please
How about an article about energy efficient
to see more of the beach memories before
drop us a line at Suzanne@milfordliving.com or
homes in Milford?
the state park took over. It was great to drive
call our office at 203.283.5290.
—Linda Brewster, Milford
along the shore for miles. —John Cammarano, Milford
Loved the Milford Cemetery history story. Can we have more about the story of the ornate
Thanks to all for those great suggestions. We
old stones?
are always interested in knowing which stories —Deborah Crofford, Landonia, TX
resonate with our readers. It might take us a while to get to each of your requests, but be
Love the Magazine! Would love to see more
assured that we will add them to our list. In
about the Wheelers Farms Rd. area.
the meantime, if anyone has references they
—Valerie Wagner, Milford
can pass on for people with old photos of the
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
New INNovatIve way New Way toyour Sell your HomeHome toInnovative Sell
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Contact Stacy Blake realty for a Presentation of this ultimate New way to Sell your Home Stacy Blake Realty is excited to be one of the first to offer an Interactive 3D showcase featuring a 360-degree online experience. Buyers will be able to view multiple layouts, virtually walking through your home and seeing it from every angle as if they were there.
Call for a Free Market Analysisof this Ultimate New Way to Sell Your Home Contact Stacy Blake Realty for a Presentation 6 Milford Living • Winter
Stacy Blake Broker / Owner 203-713-8090 8 Daniel Street, Milford, CT 203-927-9689
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this season
G
reek mythology tells us that winter is the result of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, being kidnapped by Hades and held in the underworld against her will. Fueled by grief and rage over her daughter’s abduction, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, refused to let crops grow. This led to the near destruction of all humanity. Fearing for mankind, a compromise was struck amongst the gods; Persephone would remain with Hades for a few months but would return to Demeter for the remainder of year. Now every fall when Persephone leaves her mother and returns to Hades, the earth becomes cold and lifeless and lies dormant until her return. And there you have it: grief, loss, anger, sadness, and no crops: the story of winter. It’s a brutal, cold, dark, and grey time; it’s no wonder bears hibernate. Maybe Yogi and Boo Boo have it right; just wake us up when it’s over. Wake us up when baseball is back, or for March madness, or Saint Patrick’s Day. Just let us sleep through this hopeless season of doom.
TO DO Shovel driveway Clear ice from roof Chop wood Play chess with death Ok, so maybe winter’s not that bleak for everyone, but the cold, short days can make
Sadly, modern life prevents us from
it hard to find ways to perk yourself up and
hibernating. Jobs, kids, families; they all
keep busy during these frigid times. Accord-
kind of expect us to be awake. So what to
ing to the Mayo Clinic, if you are one of the
do? We have to get up, we have to leave the
millions of Americans who feels a bit down
house, and we have to find the motivation to
during the winter months, it helps to have
sally forth, even when our winter-to-do lists
a plan of action to chase away the winter
appear to be from an Ingmar Bergman film:
blues; you need a roadmap to steer you away
8 Milford Living • Winter
PERCHONS
Winter Wonderland from the abominable snowman, past the Winter Warlock, through the joyless streets of Somber Town until your sleigh comes to a gentle stop, right at the heart of a winter wonderland. If planned correctly, winter can be fun. Princess Elsa from Frozen famously sang, “The cold never bothered me anyway…” Like Elsa, if you want to enjoy yourself during the winter, you have to say goodbye to the warmth, let it go, and embrace the winter weather. Living in the Northeast, there is no
shortage of activities to keep busy. There are
party, a night out with friends, or a weekend
many ski resorts within a few hours’ drive,
getaway, it’s important to see something
but if you want to ski or snowboard without
pleasant beyond the horizon. If your idea of
the extra travel, Connecticut has its own
a good time is more ski lodge than skiing,
slopes: Powder Ridge in Middlefield, Mount
winter festivals might be just the thing.
Southington in Plantsville, Mohawk Moun-
Want to get that European vibe without
tain in West Cornwall, and the Woodbury
the price of airfare? Pack your passport and
Ski Area in Woodbury all have multiple trails
head to the great white north’s world famous
and snowmaking ability. If you want to have
Carnaval de Québec (January 30 - February
that downhill thrill without the snowboard
15). There are ice canoe races, parades, horse
or ski’s, try tubing. The Woodbury Ski Area
drawn sleigh races, giant ice sculptures, and
and Powder Ridge both have downhill tubing
much more. Stay north of the border for the
courses that are fun for everyone. For some
warm, hit our own Milford Ice Pavilion on
Montreal High Lights Festival (February 19 -
old fashioned outdoor ice skating head to Old
Bic Drive.
March 1). Fine dining, outdoor concerts, light
Simsbury Farm in West Simsbury or the rink
Having something fun to look forward to
shows, parades, bonfires, and illuminated
at Parade Plaza on the waterfront in New
can make all the difference between feeling
luge runs will have you screaming oui, oui,
London. If you prefer to skate local and stay
glum or glorious. Whether it’s a Super Bowl
oui all the way home.
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2015 • Milford Living 9
this season Closer to home, there’s the wild Newport Winter Festival (February 13 -22). There’s a chili cook-off, a karaoke championship, concerts, and beach polo. Even closer, Chester, Connecticut will celebrate their 25th Annual Winter Carnivale on February 15. In addition, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has a winter festival every year with food, horse drawn sleigh rides, tubing, and snow dog races. In the film Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s SHAPIROS
unsavory weatherman is caught in a time loop and forced to spend February 2nd over and over and over again; an eternity spent in the frigid purgatory of February. Eventually,
around you and your own actions that deter-
horizon, and grab onto a little sunshine, this
after losing all hope, Murray’s character
mine how happy you can be. Winter can be
could be the warmest and fastest winter on
begins to enjoy life, realizing that despite
tough, but if you can spend some fun times
record.
his circumstances, in the end, it is the people
with friends and family, keep looking to the
Milford Yacht Club
—Gerry McGuire
“Not your grandfather’s club”
The Milford YachT club where friendship and memories “NoT Your graNdfaTher are made ’s club”
est. 1903
Where friendship and memories are made
Some of our member privileges
• Marina • Olympic size pool and kiddie pool • Adult sailing lessons • Children sailing and swimming lessons
Social events
Use our beautiful facility for wedding, showers, bar mitzvahs, 131 Trumbull Avenue 203-783-0060 www.milfordyachtclub.com bereavements or any other special event.
Come visit our recently renovated facility during our Open House in March. Special membership incentives will be offered during the Winter season. Look forward to meeting you. Reservation’s required.
131 Trumbull Avenue 230-783-0060 www.milfordyachtclub.com 10 Milford Living • Winter
Get ALL Your News in one pLAce! (Without getting ink on your fingers)
Milford Citizen News, Sports, Entertainment & More from Milford’s TOP news sources!
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milford spotlight
Lights! Camera! Milford! M
ovie magic in Milford is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and it looks as though this captivating industry is here to stay. According to the Internet Movie Database (IMBd.com), no less than eleven films have used our fair city to film in. The variety of locations, including shoreline, woods, suburbia, and downtown, make it a great place to shoot. In fact, former CT State Speaker of the
winner Cliff Robertson played a small town
House Jim Amann, now with LA Productions
police chief on the hunt for a killer. Fellow Oscar
says “Executive producers are very interested
winner Joel Grey offered to help the police with
in Milford for filming because of its versatile
his “psychic” abilities. But the devil is in the
landscape.”
details he offers them…making him a suspect.
The first film known to be shot in Milford
Jump to 1996 and the action-packed
was called The Light that Failed (1916). Based
adventure Daylight. Sylvester Stallone
on a novel by Rudyard Kipling, it tells the
and Viggo Mortensen starred alongside
story of a painter who goes blind. Though set
Connecticut native Amy Brenneman in this
primarily in London, the story makes forays
disaster flick wherein a New York tunnel
to the Sudan and India. The location on the
explodes due to trucks full of toxic waste
beach at Smith’s Point saw a group of camels
headed for illegal dumping. It was directed
making their way along the sand mimicking
by Academy Award nominated Rob Cohen
house. His plan: to raise money by becoming
the desert. It must have been quite a sight.
who hails from nearby Rhode Island.
a famous musician, filmmaker, and totally
The silent film also included a location shoot in Bridgeport. Some well-known talent made their way to town for Man on a Swing (1975). Oscar
A quote by Sir Lawrence Olivier famously states “Acting is easy, comedy is hard.”
“I grew up in Milford and was making a
Milford has a lighter side which was shown
film about a surfer so it made sense to take
in the goofball comedy, Save the Forest (2005).
advantage of the beaches in the city,” says
Local area actors starred in this romp about
the filmmaker himself. “Furious Fish is about
a group of friends who try to save the Forest
a teenager who doesn’t want to go to college
Theater in West Haven.
and instead emulates his hero, musician/
Sadly, their efforts were
surfer/filmmaker
not rewarded.
Jack Johnson. Much
Furious Fish was also
12 Milford Living • Winter
rad surfer all rolled into one.
like Johnson, he finds
filmed in 2005. Written
himself to be a jack of all
and directed by local
trades, master of none.
writer Ryan Sartor,
I think I was struggling
this comical short film
with my own career
follows a young man
path at the time and was
on the verge of being
interested in satirizing
evicted from his father’s
that struggle.”
“Everyone in Milford was really helpful
To date, the most famous film shot in
and accommodating. There are a lot of
Milford was Righteous Kill (2008), which
gorgeous vistas all over Milford from the
made for some great star watching in
beaches to downtown,” recalls Sartor. Still
Devon as Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and
in the game, (“I’ve been working on a few
Connecticut resident Curtis “50 Cent”
web series scripts,” he says), he encourages
Jackson came to town. Scenes from this
blossoming filmmakers to look local. “So
crime thriller were filmed in what was
many business owners are quite friendly and
then the Star Café, now the Irish Heritage
I’m sure people could secure some awesome
Society. Filming caused a minor sensation
locations by being friendly and enthusiastic.”
with residents turning into paparazzi to
Another short film, December Plans (2007) wasn’t quite as lighthearted. The film deals
get pictures of the famous stars. Sad Sack Sally (2009) has the feel of
with one man’s life as he looks back on
a totally 80s movie. It follows a young
hopes and dreams that turned sour due to
woman with social anxiety and a
circumstances.
penchant for fake choking who moves
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2015 • Milford Living 13
milford spotlight to New York for a fresh start. The one scene
and psychiatrist appointments
shot in Milford was at the Athenian Diner…
that prompt him to relive his
and yes, she fake choked there.
dicey past. The trailer touts
Also filmed at the Athenian, A Dance
a story about addiction,
for Grace (2010) tells the tale of a talented
OCD, alcoholism, nymphomania,
Jamaican dancer caught selling drugs. His
anxiety, depression and yes…Irritable
sentence is to teach a training center in a
Bowel Syndrome. You can see the trailer on
mentioned show, filmmakers of tomorrow
predominantly white community. When he
youtube.
will take advantage of the fact that, in Jim
learns that the mother of one of his students
Louder than Words (2013), was inspired
Perhaps, as many of the films
Amann’s words, “Milford scenery can change
needs an operation, he trains them to
by the true story of parents who experience
from historical to urban, from shoreline to
compete in a dance competition in order to
the death of their young daughter and
city in a snap.”
raise money for her surgery.
make it their mission to build a world class
It is only a matter of time before we see
This Wretched Life (2010) follows a main
children’s hospital. Well known actors David
Milford featured on the big screen yet again
character who survives a near fatal overdose
Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Timothy Hutton
in the near future.
and his journey through mandatory rehab
star in this sad but inspirational story.
—Penny Boland
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The mission of the Get In Touch Foundation is to provide breast health initiatives that educate gals and guys of all ages how to “get in touch” with their bodies, information, and each other in our crusade against breast cancer. Hope Lives!
Get In Touch Girls’ Program Breast Health Initiative The program is the cornerstone mission of The Get In Touch Foundation® and was developed specifically for girls in grades 5-12 to educate them on the importance of, and how to do a breast self exam – for life! In collaboration with a medical consulting board that includes a school nurse, a pediatrician, an oncologist, a breast surgeon and a radiologist, GIT has developed the Daisy Wheel®. This highly innovative tool is introduced by health educators to girls beginning in 5th grade, when introducing topics of hygiene and the girls’ changing bodies, and is taught annually through 12th grade. These “8 Tips” for “8-Straight” years of the Girls’ Program will give the girls the foundation they need to practice BSE – for life. Already being heralded in the medical community as a tool that will significantly alter the face of breast cancer, the Daisy Wheel® is now available to your school – at no cost! Ours is a global breast health initiative; we aim to put a Daisy Wheel® in the hands of every girl in the world! To date we have distributed wheels to schools in every state of the United States, as well as 25 other countries. Join us as we “change the world one girl at a time!” If you are interested in having the Get In Touch Girls’ Program at your school, please contact us at girls@getintouchfoundation.org.
Download the Daisy Wheel App...FREE! the get in touch foundation®
P.O. Box 2144 Milford, CT 06460 203.283.5127 e-mail: info@getintouchfoundation.org
The Get In Touch Foundation, GIT Your Pink On!, the Pink Ribbon With Gerber Daisy logos are registered service marks of The Get In Touch Foundation, Inc.. ©2013 The Get In Touch Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
JJ RICHARDS
milford fit
E
ven though it’s been ages since you’ve glided around the rink with your friends, your old blades (and hockey jerseys) are buried in the attic, your knees are failing, and you’re not entirely sure you can stand, move, glide, stop, turn, or fall without injuring or embarrassing yourself, you really should go ice skating this winter. If your kids’ constant begging to “Pul-eeez take us skating NOW” isn’t enough motivation, then consider this factoid from the U.S. Figure Skating Association: recreational skating is a low impact aerobic exercise that can burn between 250 to 810 calories an hour, reduce stress, and increase endurance. To channel your inner Wayne Gretsky or Dorothy Hamill, proceed to the Milford Ice Pavilion (MIP). Built in 1975, this 1,000-seat
skating sessions, birthday parties, and hockey camps. John Lashar, co-owner of
A recent inductee into the Fairfield Country Sports Hall of Fame for his recordsetting 536 career coaching victories, Roos considers his early morning rounds at the MIP part of his retirement. Whether driving the Zamboni, inventorying the snack bar, or checking in with family members—son Perry (general manager), wife Eileen (office manager), and daughter Debbie (Learn to Skate director)—Roos strives to maintain “a community-minded gathering place for local hockey players.” “A lot of skaters grew up here and now bring their kids,” says Roos. “From grassroots programs to get kids started to adult hockey clinics, skating, group and private lessons, we offer something to suit every age and skill level.”
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY Designed to introduce
skating rink is currently home to the Milford
the Milford Ice Pavilion
Indians, Notre Dame of Fairfield High School
remembers when he and
(boys and girls) and Staples High School
co-owner, hockey coach
hockey teams, Sacred Heart University
Marty Roos, “used to
Pioneers, Southern CT Youth Hockey, the
skate together in leagues.
CT Hockey League for adults, and the site of
We share a passion
frequent pick-up hockey games. Additional
for the sport and
certified through USA Hockey. Kids
programs include Learn to Skate, daily public
thought it would be
learn puck control, passing, and
16 Milford Living • Winter
beginners to the sport of hockey, this program runs in six year-round sessions and is open to boys and girls ages 3-12. Participants grouped according to age and ability are taught basic skills by instructors
COURTESY OF MILFORD ICE PAVILLION
SKATE AWAY Indoor or out, it’s a family sport
a good idea to build an ice rink in Milford.”
shooting. They have practice drills, scrimmages,
LEARN TO SKATE
director agrees. “It’s easier for kids than
gain confidence,and have fun.
These Saturday morning classes are geared
adults, but anyone can learn, even techniques
towards beginning ice skaters ages 3-adult.
like spins and jumps.”
Kids who advance beyond the Learn to Play level can move into one of the Ice
“Come winter time we average about 125
Pavilion’s house league teams, where they
kids,” says program director Debbie Roos.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
experience a greater level of competitive
“Our re-enrollment in Milford (the Roos
Outdoor skating is something everyone
team play. Or, they can elect to try out for
family also operates the Northford Ice
should try for the sheer joy of the experience.
a for a travel team run by the Southern
Pavilion) is very good.”
Yet it does entail risks. An ice safety brochure
Connecticut Youth Hockey Association.
Roos is pragmatic about the time it
“Youth Hockey is a big commitment from
reminds skaters that the City “does not check
takes burgeoning superstars to blossom.
or determine ice thickness and assumes no
both players and parents, as there are more
“Sometimes it’s frustrating because parents
liability” for anyone skating on City ponds.
practices. We focus on player development,”
think kids will just get up there and skate
says Dr. Steve Hetherman, the 2014 New
around,” she says. “They’re on this little
memories of skating on both the North Street
Haven Register HS Hockey Coach of the
blade, so some pick it up quicker than others.
and City Hall Duck Ponds. Paul Piscitelli,
Year (Notre Dame Fairfield High School). He
Adults can also do it, but it’s all up to your
Milford’s director of recreation, remembers
currently enjoys coaching his son Ryan and
attitude.”
when these areas “would be full of skating
his “Squirt A” teammates (ages 8-11).
Anne Buccino-Katz, the MIP skating
Still, longtime Milford residents have fond
activity, including hockey games, which
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FOR FOR were usually played on the North Street
AL AL
“Due to our mild winters outdoor ice
Duck Pond because it was larger. If the ponds
skating has been rare,” notes Piscitelli. “Last
were covered with snow, people would bring
winter was the first in recent memory that
shovels to clear them and the Public Works
people were back on the duck ponds enjoying
Department would put a small vehicle with a
this fun family activity.”
plow on the ponds.”
While no one wishes for a colder
Former community development director
winter, Milford recreation supervisor Bill
Bob Gregory fondly recalls that outside
Garfield, “hopes that this winter’s weather
skating in Milford included “a big 55-gallon
conditions will allow for more outdoor
drum behind City Hall with a fire to keep
skating.” To this former high school and
hands warm and toast marshmallows.”
college hockey player and current goalie
Others may recall skating at Reverend Walker
for a men’s travel team, “There is no better
Pond on a flooded (and frozen) Washington
feeling than being out there skating on
Field, or on the short-lived portable ice rink at
the ice”.
Fowler Field.
—Cindy Papish Gerber
For more information please visit www.milfordice.com or www.milfordrecreation.com/info/activities
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20 Milford Living • Winter
SAY IT WITH
MUSIC
Milford teachers inspire the next generation of music lovers BY MAKAYLA SILVA PHOTOS BY SHERRY JOHNSON
M
usic is a fundamental piece of childhood education. Researchers have continually pointed to the benefits of learning the do-re-mi’s, teaching children to excel in
math, physical education, and reading. “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening, and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress
Making Music
East Shore Middle School’s band director
Eric Boccia was inspired to go into music at a young age, largely due to his own high school band director at Arlington High School in New York. “I had an amazing band director in freshman year high school who was the driving influence behind me wanting to pursue music,” he says. Initially looking towards a degree in performance, Boccia was quickly drawn to education. “As I got into the education, it felt right, because the performance aspect became too much, always pressuring myself to be perfect, which kind of took the love out of the music,” he says. “Looking at the
into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen,
education side of it, I was putting music back
executive director of the National Association of
teaching students and the interaction with
Music Merchant Foundation, a non-profit that promotes the benefits of making music. Fortunately for Milford, educators in both in the school system and in the community are
into the center of what I was doing. I enjoyed the kids.” Now in his fifth year at East Shore, Boccia has roughly 130 kids grades 6-8. He tries to reach his students by being himself, which is often high energy, animated, and sometimes, he admits, just plain silly. “I’m a little goofy,” he says, but he thinks his student
strongly committed to teaching music to both
appreciate it. “I try to have fun with them;
children and adults.
yelling. I’m very animated. And they see my
I’m jumping up and down, I’m singing, I’m
2015 • Milford Living 21
Playing by Ear
Trapp says he has found that the key to
Lifelong Milford resident Ken Trapp has spent
teaching is being both reflective and collabora-
more than three decades in music education.
tive. “I can present an idea to my graduate
Teaching chorus to Stratford fifth and sixth
students at University of Bridgeport and they
graders, recorder to third graders, ukulele and
become involved and I can bring back what-
keyboard classes, a Methods course at the
ever it is we’re discussing to my K-6 graders.
University of Bridgeport, and summer term at
The collaborative model is powerful,” he says.
the University of Hartford’s art school, Trapp is devoted to music education.
Whether it’s an instrument or chorus, music education, in any capacity, is funda-
He began his life of music when he was seven listening to his older brother take piano lessons. After each lesson, he would head to the piano to try and figure out what his brother had learned; he quickly found he could play by ear. Though his brother no longer plays, Trapp spent the next three decades pursuing a career in music and music education. Receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Connecticut State University, he pursued a Master’s at The Harrt School at the University of Hartford in music pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching).
Eric Boccia
Thirty-two years later, Trapp says he has never been more excited about teaching. “Kids are developing their skills more than
interest and my passion and pride in the way
ever, and I’m growing as a teacher as they are
I run rehearsal every day.”
growing as young musicians, like a snow-
One of his main goals as a teacher is to instill a sense of pride in his students. “I try to help them see the correlation between hard work and success. I try to get them to practice as much as they are able to,” he says. “I want them to learn musical skills, but that really goes hand in hand in working really hard to achieve something.” Ultimately, Boccia wants to teach his students to appreciate music for life and watch his students grow in music. “I love those moments when everything clicks,” he says. “It happens at concerts when they’re all dressed up and they’re on stage and you’re just making music, and there’s nothing you have to worry about.”
22 Milford Living • Winter
ball,” he says.
Ken Trapp
mental for a child’s growth and development, Trapp says. “Children are wired for music. All they need is an opportunity to let it out.”
Banding Together
For more than a decade, Jessica Shearer has directed the Foran High School band. A second-generation band director (her father was her band director in high school), Shearer
Jessica Shearer takes pride in having create something
events, and this year we were at downtown’s
students are proud to be a part of.
Lamplight Stroll.” To Shearer, “it’s those con-
to have an understanding of society and culture.
nections that make a big difference to kids.
“As we become more and more technology-
I’ve seen is growth, and it’s a reflection of
It’s a nice thing on a Monday morning when
driven, it’s important to have something that’s
the community that you’re a part of,” says
a football player says, ‘Mrs. Shearer the band
hands on and personal,” she says.
Shearer who helped grow the Foran band
was really great at Friday night’s game.’”
“In the decade that I’ve been here, all
from 29 students in her first year to its
For high school students, band can be
The arts, she thinks, are essential for students
Hitting the Right Note
current 71 students. “Part of that also comes
an instrumental tool in development and
from being current and innovative so that
cognitive understanding. “A lot is happen-
the Milford school system and the current
it attracts students to your program.”
ing cognitively when you’re playing in an
band director at West Shore Middle School
ensemble and that experience lends itself to
says becoming a music teacher fulfilled a
being part of something bigger. “We are very
other parts of life,” says Shearer. “If you can
lifelong dream.
involved in the school and the community,”
get up on stage and play you can get up and
she affirms. “We play at the games and
do a presentation in a board room.”
Shearer and her players take pride in
Robert Nunno, a longtime music teacher in
Inspired by his own high school music teacher, Dante Bedini at Jonathan Law,
2015 • Milford Living 23
proving that learning an instrument makes you smarter. It’s a challenge. And it’s rewarding to teach a child their first whole note and have them go on to high school and become a part of the marching band and go on to have gigs, and then to come back and visit you.” But Nunno doesn’t only want his students to become good musicians, but also to become good citizens. “I want them to be kind to one another, and I want them to realize that when they joined the West Shore Middle School Band, they joined a team, a family,” he says. “There is a brand new push in education for teachers to collaborate. Band students and musicians have been in Nunno knew early on that he wanted to
Nunno believes music is an invaluable
teach music to children. “Like any young
part of a child’s education. “Music is unique
through this collaboration that you are able
music teacher, you want to get your foot in
because it embodies all of the subjects. It’s
to reach your students.”
the door, but you ultimately want to gravi-
science. It’s math. It’s art. It’s even physical,”
tate toward what inspires you, and for me
he says. “And there is so much research
that’s band,” he says.
this type of practice for centuries, and it is
Continuing Ed
A landmark Milford guitar instructor, Bob
After graduating from Western Con-
Shea has been teaching in the downtown
necticut State University with a degree in
area for more than 30 years. He actually
music education, Nunno landed his first job
started teaching at the Milford House of
in the Milford school system teaching K-6 ate
Guitars part time in the 1970s while working
Pumpkin Delight. From there, he taught for
as a postman.
six years at Harborside Middle School before
“I started with one student. And then the
joining the faculty at West Shore Middle
next year I had two students,” Shea recalls
School in 1997. He currently teaches music to
jokingly. “I decided to leave the post office,
about 130 students.
which was a brave decision, because no one
Nunno himself has played a variety of
just gave guitar lessons full time. You either
instruments, from the accordion and piano
belonged to a music store and taught or not.”
to the guitar, but says the saxophone is his
Today, Shea teaches about 60 people each
instrument of choice. “For any musician,
week, ranging in age from 12 to 76, out of Café
there is an instrument that really speaks
Atlantique. “People come to guitar for many
to them,” he explains. “What I enjoy most
different reasons. Some people have dis-
about playing the saxophone is developing
abilities, or play for a particular therapy for
a voice of my own. That’s what every musi-
the hands and fingers, or as a stress reliever,
cian strives for, to have their own identity.
to just relax and play,” he says.
If a musician combines their musical
Shea himself first learned guitar in gram-
training to their life experiences and to their soul, they can really touch people’s hearts.”
24 Milford Living • Winter
mar school when his parents bought him
Robert Nunno
formal guitar lessons. Trained in all styles of guitar from jazz improvisation to classical to
Jay Rowe presents
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MAKAYLA SILVA
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SNOW DAY 1
1,2 Bill Canfield 3,7 JJ Richards 4 Sherry Johnson 5,9 Chris Carveth 6 Cathy Leite 8 Tom Mackin 26 Milford Living • Winter
Break out the rock salt Winter is here Visit the beach And stroll on the pier Enjoy a snuggle With loved ones so dear Though it may be chilly One thing is clear Time to be grateful After all. It’s a New Year! —Susan Carroll-Dwyer 2
3
4
5
8
6
7
9 2015 • Milford Living 27
1
3 28 Milford Living • Winter
2
1,2 JJ Richards 3 Cathy Leite 4 Chris Carveth 5 Bill Canfield
3 4
SWIRL
From the water the winds of winter blow down across the hardened sands of summer. Snowflakes shake grains over boardwalk, scrub pines, roads, and rooftops as they trail inland. From the driveway the scrunching scrape of shovel on asphalt ceases. Eyes peer, upward and outward, hard breath blowing white mist that swirls… meeting the wind… becoming one… And moving on. —Ann McGuire 5 2015 • Milford Living 29
SNOWSHINE 1
2 30 Milford Living • Winter
The snow begins to fall Unfolding winter stirs still quiet life burrows A laugh into the light —Suzanne Cahill
3
4
5
6
1 Bill Canfield 2 JJ Richards 3 Chris Carveth 4,5 Sherry Johnson 6 Jan Sexton 7 Tom Mackin
7 2015 • Milford Living 31
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Milford Diners Serve Up Local Comfort
M
In terms of looks, today’s diners runs the
CHRISTINE ROSE (2)
ilford’s diners may change locations, vary their architectural styles, and even call themselves a “restaurant.” But at their best, by any other name, the diners of Milford still serve up the same down-home comfort foods they always did—with modern additions like paninis, smoothies, gluten-free breads, and more. You could say, as far as diners are concerned, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” lunch and early dinner menu, each of Milford’s
gamut from modern, family-style restaurants
diners have something unique to offer.
The Bridgeport Flyer’s menu hasn’t changed too
to the classic, gleaming silver bullets of the
Regardless of atmosphere, the classic diner food
much over the years, except to introduce some
past. Though the days of the “Blue Plate
traditions are sure to satisfy, and all three have
new specialty items that appeal to a modern
Special” are gone, the meatloaf with gravy and
earned loyal fans throughout the years.
crowd. Besides the usual diner offerings, a full
mashed potatoes are as soul satisfying today as they ever were. From the 24-hour joint with multi-ethnic entrees to the classic New England breakfast,
gluten-free menu page includes corn-free,
Bridgeport Flyer Diner Restaurant
2409 Bridgeport Avenue
gluten-free bread—a dream come true for people on restricted diets. But for those who love their starch and whole grained manna the old fashioned way, you can still get your sandwiches and Panini’s just the way you always have. In fact, Panini’s are popular these days and at the Bridgeport Flyer, thick slabs of richly buttered, grilled toast envelope a variety of meats and/or veggies for a substantial sandwich. While you’re there, don’t overlook the modern milkshake alternative: fresh fruit smoothies with a wide variety of fresh and unusual ingredients including coconut milk for a dairy alternative. The Bridgeport Flyer looks modern on the outside but feels like home inside. It’s the kind of place the locals come to meet, eat, and greet. Old friends and good food are a tough combination to beat.
34 Milford Living • Winter
The Athenian Restaurant Diner 1064 Post Road
When your daily tasks take you closer to the mall, The Athenian Restaurant and Diner lll offers a neon-laced, gleaming chrome and glass block exterior; a real blast from the past. The traditional, old school diner exterior surprises with a modern, brightly lit interior. Add the shamrock green banquettes and sparkling white walls and you’ll get a wake-up call the minute you walk in the door, no matter what time it is. The place is always
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50 daniel Street - milford, CT 06460 - (203) 874-7947 menus / Info / reservations / directions Online www.stonebridgerestaurant.com 2015 • Milford Living 35
milford morsels hopping and for the late night
If a cozier, even romantic, diner experience is
crowd, it is one of the few places
Pop’s Restaurant
in Milford where you could very
134 Old Gate Lane
possibly run into friends at 2:00 a.m. The prices run the gamut from a
your cup of tea, you may want to drive just a little further to visit Pop’s Restaurant. Pop’s loyal following accompanied them to the new location, and it is no wonder with the fresh,
few dollars for eggs, under $5 for
upscale, seaside look and downscaled diner
a burger, to pricier dinner plate
prices. Except for a handful of meat and chicken
entrees, but the food arrives
entrees, virtually everything on the menu is
fast, hot, and tasty. If you are
priced under $10.00. Between the homey fare
coming with a big party, this is
praised by self-appointed online food critics
the largest of the three diners, and
and the understated decor, you’ll get your
the extensive menu will please
money’s worth at Pop’s.
anyone. Maybe best of all, a vast
Best known for the breakfasts that
array of mouth-watering cakes, pies,
take up almost half the menu, the most
and other desserts, all made on
notable are the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict
the premises, are a welcome sight
and cranberry waffles. Don’t overlook
as soon as you come in the door.
their lunch specialties, though, especially
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the chicken salad with almonds, grapes, and cheese. Pop’s isn’t on the beaten path, but it is definitely worth the side trip. The waitresses still smile warmly and gather at the register to talk to new customers as if they are old friends. Plus the food is as good as it ever was. Pop’s closes at 9:30 p.m. so if you’re making the late night scene, the Bridgeport Flyer or Athenian are your 24-hour place to go after last call. No matter where you are in Milford, whether you have a hankering for home cooked flavors CHRISTINE ROSE (2)
and cozy ambience or the flashy feel of bright lights, big city with a neverending menu, there are plenty of good reasons to experience any and all of Milford’s three local diners. —Christine Rose
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after dark
I
f you’re over the age of 30, chances are you’re still listening to and purchasing the music you enjoyed in your youth. There’s a reason Bob Marley and the Beatles are still very popular in the digital download world—people crave good music. Thankfully, if you still love music, are tired of lifeless, digital downloads, and want to rock out with live bands, Milford’s nightlife has you covered. From local bands like The Total Hacks, The Elwoods, Beach Avenue, and Five Below Zero to bands from around the state, whether you like to bang your head 80’s hair metal style, sing along with 90’s alt rock chart toppers, or enjoy today’s hip hop and R&B influenced dance sound, there is a band playing somewhere in Milford that is right up your alley.
“Hell’s Bells” and then smoothly downshift to play hits from Coldplay and Journey to The Cars and the Beatles. You may be older and therefore unable to rock ‘n roll all night—and only party every other day—but the Mix will shake you all night long and take you back to days when Ozzy Osbourne was on a “Crazy Train,” not a reality show. The Mix are regulars at Stonebridge and the Orange Ale House. You can see their song list and find their 2015 schedule at www.themixct.com.
RUMRUNNING IT
Eurhythmics, and Depeche Mode, or dance
It was either Robert Frost or Ralph Macchio in
If you remember the 80s like I do, you might
pop like Madonna and Michael Jackson. But
The Outsiders that said, “Nothing gold can stay,”
remember the music scene being filled with
the 80s were also a great time for hard rock
(okay, it was both…) and so it goes that the metal
techno pop acts like the Thompson Twins,
and heavy metal. If you were rocking a mullet
and the mullets of the 80s died out and led to the
with a Judas Priest “Screaming for Vengeance”
grunge and alt rock of the 90s. Bringing those
patch on your denim jacket, then the local
flannel and work boot-bedecked days back are
band The Mix might just be your type of thing.
the Rum Runners, a band formed way back in
Calling themselves “powerhouse classic rock”
the grungetastic 90s when four fire fighters
with an emphasis on hard rock standards
from New Haven and Milford got together
from the 70s and 80s, The Mix features the
with singer Nancy Cylbrith and started playing
duel guitars of Franco Buzan and Chris Kalafus
music. The band later added kinetic singer John
fronted by singer Jorge Formigal. They easily
Mamone, whose energy exemplifies the type of
GERRY MCGUIRE
MIXIN’ IT UP
38 Milford Living • Winter
GERRY MCGUIRE
Milford Live
hit the throttle for barn burners Like ACDC’s
spirited music the Rum Runners play. With Mamone’s infective enthusiasm and the bands sturdy musicianship, even the coldest crowds warm up quickly. From 90s bands like Blink 182, Sublime, and The Strokes to current hits from Cee Lo Green, this popular band will have you partying like its 1999. Since their formation, the Rum Runners have also used their music to raise thousands for dozens of charities in Milford and around Connecticut
your uniform and go see Derik and the Funbags.
they blew through a set featuring songs from
and New York. To find out when the Rum
When you describe yourselves as, “The one
Justin Timberlake, Salt N Peppa, Run DMC, Limp
Runners will be playing next, check out their
and only, often imitated, never duplicated,
Bizkit, as well as Meghan Trainor’s “All about
website www.rumrunnersct.com.
creators of music, fun, and mayhem throughout
The Bass”. They were rapping, singing, running
the northeast since 1997,” you better bring it…
around in the crowd, switching instruments,
and Connecticut’s bad boy party band Derik
on the stage, off the stage, on the bar—it was
If your tastes are more Animal House than
and the Funbags definitely does. At a recent
choreographed chaos and a lot of fun. Hailing
Downton Abbey than put your pledge pin on
appearance at Crush Sports Bar in Milford,
from Seymour, Derik and the Funbags played
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after dark all over the Northeast, appeared in local car commercials, and even on VH1’s show “Cover Wars.” They would be an awesome prom band if they’re not already on double secret probation. You can find out where they’ll be playing on their website. http://dfunbags.com.
M&M One of the more prolific bands playing the local scene these days is West Haven’s Mike and
Whether it’s straight ahead rockers from Kings of
dance-infused teenybopper party anthems of
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arts + artisans class is the sense of accomplishment people get when they see the finished piece,” says Tirado. “It is also great for them to take a few hours and disconnect from everything else and relax. It is a great experience for me to teach these classes. It helps me grow as an artist, teacher, and researcher. I enjoy observing people at work and seeing them happy with the product.”
Art for Arts Sake
Classes are held at Café Atlantique, so the atmosphere is very social. Generally the classes have between 5 to 15 people.
CARE TO DANCE?
You may never have danced in your life but the convivial atmosphere at a local Nia
F
eel creative but think you have no talent? Think again. There is no reason not to explore your creative side—just have fun! There are so many ways to dabble in the arts right here in Milford. You can learn from experienced artists, find your inner Picasso, and you never know, maybe create your own masterpiece.
class will inspire you to whirl, move with the music, and soothe your soul. Instructor Nancy Hammett has been conducting Nia classes in Milford for years and has quite a following. Never heard of Nia? “It’s been around
The Milford arts scene is truly dynamic.
and sculpting parties,” says Tirado. “In the
for about 30 years,” Hammett explains.
Galleries abound and opportunities to enjoy
classes some people have some experience.
“It’s a discipline that consists of nine
viewing art are plentiful. This climate has
Generally they don’t. Most people are just
different components. There are three dance
fostered a slew of classes in many mediums
trying out something new just for fun.”
elements: Modern, Jazz, and Duncan; three
According to Tirado,
necessary to immerse yourself in creativity,
“The clay helps students
just a bit of zeal.
to understand the
PLAY WITH CLAY
consistency of other modeling material; it is
Ivan Tirado is a renowned sculptor with
self hardening clay so
works in museums and private collections
people can take it home
around the world. His sculpting class at
and not worry about
Café Atlantique is fun for all abilities…or no
firing it. People take the
abilities. If you enjoyed forming clay in art
finished work home,
class in school, give it a go.
wait until dry (3-5 days
“I’ve been teaching sculpting for a
in most cases), and then
while now. I began teaching children with
they can apply a glaze
disabilities several years ago and moved into
and display it.”
teaching private lessons, then group lessons
42 Milford Living • Winter
“The best part of the
SUSAN CARROLL-DWYER
you can delve into. No experience is
martial arts: Ikedo, Tae Kwondo, and Tai
changes focus on different parts of the body.
students find photos that inspire them and
Chi; and three health components: Yoga,
The Kata, or series of movements, focuses on
keep copies near their easel, referring to them
Alexander Tek, and Feldenkrais. Moves are
the fascia—the membrane that covers the
for color and scale.
designed to work in sequences, much the
muscles—which is responsible for muscle
like martial arts. There are belt levels; it is
memory,” she says.
one year of training per belt.” The unique series of movements to music
For many students, Nia is habit forming. “If
Borck-Hart moves from painter to painter, examining, and discussing their work. Her students are enthusiastic and their
we have a class cancelled, students are keen to
paintings are as varied as their experience.
helps students with strength, flexibility, and
make it up,” says Hammett. “Nia gives them
Myrna Sokol, a long time painter, was
agility. “What people like is the fact that it is
a release, a workout, and deep relaxation they
excited to find the class being offered.
low or no impact. It is a balance of form and
truly enjoy.”
“Barbara teaches us to paint with energy.
freedom,” Hammet says. “People can express themselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It helps you find balance.” According to Hammett, there are “60 routines with 52 different moves. The variety
STROKE A CANVAS
Barbara Borck-Hart teaches an oil painting
It motivates us to challenge ourselves with more difficult work.” Working on only the second oil painting
class at the Milford Arts Center that consists
she’s ever done, Tracy Purvis cites her
of first time painters and trained artists. All
enjoyment of the creative process. “I’m
2015 • Milford Living 43
arts + artisans inspired by darker works,
During warmer weather the class takes their easels outside
It’s helpful to have Barbara
the doors of the MAC or down to
give direction to achieve the
Milford Landing. The difference
final result.” Fellow student
in natural light and shadows is
Rachel Magun studied painting
something the whole class looks
in college and has been
forward to. Once their paintings
SUSAN CARROLL-DWYER
Andrew Wyeth in particular.
around the art scene for years. “I’m inspired by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso,” she says. She particularly is drawn to
are complete, they are exhibited at the MAC. Remember, enjoying the arts isn’t just for the classically
“Layering the paint to create an
always wanted to try it,” she says. Her subject
impression.”
for her first painting was familiar, her cat
eye of the beholder. So enjoy the fun and
Lucy. Her teacher was inspiring: “It was a fun
create your masterpiece.
Never having painted before, Barb Pico has thrown herself into the experience. “I’ve
trained. Art, after all, is in the
painting for her, and it looked great.”
—Susan Carroll-Dwyer
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education notebook
Experiential Learning
when the students walk into the chambers and realize where they are, actually sitting at a legislator’s desk, using his/her microphone— it’s amazing to see the look on their faces,” shares Tupka. Beyond the “wow” effect of the setting, he explains the benefits of program are numerous. “It’s a growth experience where
L
earning through experience is a concept that has gained much ground in recent years as schools seek to increase rigor and relevance amid the new Common Core State Standards, which discourages rote memorization and encourages the development of a student’s critical thinking skills on the path to becoming college and career ready. Through experiential learning, students become active participants in their education as they apply what they have learned in real-world situations.
they learn how to make a concept work for all, through debate, give and take, and working with others who might have opposing views.” He goes on to say that while students are learning through engagement with their peers, they hone their research and writing skills, practice public speaking, and learn how to negotiate and compromise. Jonathan Law High School teachers Kelsey Burns and Andrew Evanko run the Model United Nations (UN) Club, where students tackle complex international issues. In its second year, the club has doubled in size to about 50 students who COURTESY OF FORAN HIGH SCHOOL
devote their Friday afternoons to researching
There is an abundance of programs that
and writing papers in preparation for the four-day Model UN Conference, a gathering of over 3,000 students from across the globe, held in New York City. During the conference, delegations of students are assigned a country to represent, sitting on committees, debating and advocating for solutions to issues from the
school students to the organization and
perspective of their country. Last March, the
foster the concept of experiential learning and
function of the Connecticut General Assembly
delegation represented the West African nation
several have been implemented in Milford
by participating in a mock legislative session.
of Benin. This year they will represent Sweden.
schools. Since 1936 the YMCA has sponsored
Connecticut is one of only two states that
The conference ends with a closing ceremony
the Youth and Government initiative (YAG),
allows students to use its state capital building,
at the United Nations where the students
serving tens of thousands of students in the
including the House and Senate chambers, for
occupy the same General Assembly seats used
majority of states across the country. Both
the three-day event. Foran YAG co-advisors
by the international diplomats.
Foran High and Laurelton Hall participate
Frank Tupka and Beth Gilman say the impact
in YAG, which is designed to introduce high
of the experience is evident. “That moment
46 Milford Living • Winter
While many of the benefits of such programs have already been stated, Burns
to extend their learning
international perspective.
beyond the school while
“Last year one of our seniors,
offering an opportunity to
who is originally from Syria,
apply their knowledge and
COURTESY OF JONATHAN LAW MODEL UN
finds Model UN unique in its
was able to meet, network, and become friends with students from Jordan. Students gain a new perspective on global citizenship, enhanced debate and negotiation skills, and a new perspective on
skills to career exploration in an area of personal interest.” Seven students participated in the pilot program for three weeks last spring, reporting to their internship sites in lieu of school, for a total of
learning. The Model UN engages students
by pairing students with local businesses. The
90 hours. Upon completion of the program,
and encourages leadership for the future on
program philosophy states, in part, “Milford’s
the students shared their experience in
global issues,” she shares.
Community Internship will provide students
a capstone presentation for parents, site
Burns also leads the Jonathan Law
with the opportunity to become productive
sponsors, administrators, and faculty.
Community Internship program, which
and responsible citizens of the 21st century.
Last year’s internship locations included
epitomizes the term “experiential learning”
The internship program will enable students
the Mayor’s Office, Milford Chiropractic
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education notebook & Wellness Center, PrisCo Consulting, the
childhood learning. Under the guidance of
in careers in early childhood education,
Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at
teacher Susan Tummins, students participate
teaching, medicine, speech pathology,
Milford Point, and the Somerset Capital
in activities with young children in the Child
sociology, or psychology, and is also an
Group, Ltd. The program has been expanded
Learning Center and laboratory classroom,
excellent preparation for parenthood,” says
to both high schools this year and Burns is
applying textbook information they have
Tummins.
always looking for more site sponsors
There is no doubt experiential COURTESY OF FORAN MODEL UN CLUB
for internship opportunities. Other popular programs include the nursing assistant certification class (C.N.A.) and child development. The C.N.A. program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience at a Milford healthcare facility, which leads to actual certification for work
learning opportunities add great value to a student’s academic career while enriching the community as well. Hands-on experience enhances learning through civic engagement, career development, awareness of diversity, and leadership. It is a concept schools should be expected
after high school. Foran’s Child Development
learned while developing observation
to explore more fully as they progress into
coursework allows about 200 students
and management skills. “This program is
the 21st century.
each year to explore issues relative to early
especially valuable for students interested
—Susan Glennon
Bring out your best smile
Philip A. Caporusso D.M.D. 874-5400 One Golden Hill Street, Milford Flexible Financial Plans Available
48 Milford Living • Winter
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M i l f o r d M i l f o r d
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Milford is i s
Living
M i l f o r d
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Spring A u t u m n
2014
2 0 1 4
Support Your Local Food Pantry
I
n the United States, the issue of hunger has become more important due to an economy that is still struggling and many people still underemployed or without work.
The sad fact is that this country has more than enough food to feed everyone several times over, but there is often not enough
For more information, please contact: St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry – 203.783.1774 Storehouse Pantry – 203.877.1218 Milford Senior Center Pantry – 203.877.5131
money for people or families to purchase
SUSAN CARROLL-DWYER
at your service
of St. Gabriel’s Church. As it is with many other pantries, clients must call and make an appointment before visiting, and every client is limited to one visit per month. St. Gabriels’s receives donations from many sources including private donations, other churches, and the food bank in Fairfield. The Storehouse Pantry at the Cornerstone Christian Church at 192 Meadow Street is a bustling place, especially on Saturday mornings when clients come (by appointment only) to do their shopping. There is a good variety for clients to choose from, says pantry director Joan Peret. “We tell them what we have and they can choose what items they want.” She emphasized that no one is turned away. “We serve over 200 families each month plus emergency
sufficient amounts of food. According to the
the case in Milford where several thousand
requests. The number of people served has
organization Feeding America, 14 percent of
people every month partake of the food
grown significantly. In June 2004 we served
U.S. households—17.5 million households—
offered at local food pantries.
162 different people and in June 2014 we
were considered “food insecure” in 2013. In
St. Gabriel’s food pantry at 26 Broadway
served 760 different people.”
2011, 4.8 million seniors (over age 60), or 8
has been under the stewardship of program
percent of all seniors, were food insecure.
coordinators Joe and Barbara Johnson for
house Pantry, Peret is particularly grateful
For many, pantries are a blessing, and
Proud of the many successes of the Store-
16 years. The Johnson’s receive a good deal
for the “much needed freezer made possible
assisting the hungry has become the work of
of assistance from many other volunteers
by the generous donations of friends of
a mixture of public and private aid. Such is
in the area, most of whom are members
Cornerstone.” Emphasizing the importance of
50 Milford Living • Winter
treating every client with dignity and respect, Peret proudly shares that last Thanksgiving Storehouse gave away “565 bountiful turkey baskets and were able to bless everyone who requested one.” Another person dedicated to combating hunger in Milford is Sharon Brown, head of the Milford Food Pantry. Located at the Senior Center on Jepson Drive, services are geared toward older people (those under 55 must call the Department of Human Services at 203.783.3253 to receive a referral). Like other
household. Finally, there is some paperwork
and donations are always needed. Thank-
local pantries, this is accessible once a month
that needs to be filled out and clients are
fully, there are caring people like those here
except for emergencies. Brown explains that
advised to bring their own boxes and bags for
at home in Milford who are working hard
“everyone must also show a photo ID and
the food they select to take home.
every day to make life better for those in
proof of age and residency.” Quantities are determined by the number of people per
Countless people in our community still struggle to find food, so pantry volunteers
need. Please help in any way you can. —Nick Olshansky
Picture Your Perfect Retirement. We’ll Help You Plan For It. Call John Kuehnle at 203-783-5782 today and start working toward your ideal retirement.
located at Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Infinex and the bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.
2015 • Milford Living 51
milford wildlife
Pets at Work
downtown. “I started bringing Sandy to work out of necessity,” recounts Shea. “She hated being alone all day.” Sandy hangs out with coffee-sipping patrons at Café Atlantique, happy to be part of the scene. Her food and water bowl on the patio, she is free to amble, visiting with friends and making new ones. “I never trained her to be off-leash but she never wanders off,” Shea smiles. “Many people will bring their kids over to get over their fear of dogs. She is always happy to oblige.” Sandy has been a regular for over nine years. Clearly the 14-year old Border Collie/Lab mix loves her job. “There are people who work downtown that stop by every day on their way to work and on their way home just to pet her and get a smile. There are also people with dogs skiddish of other dogs that come by; Sandy is always welcoming and puts them at ease.” Bev Dennis, of Something of Bev’s, always
M
ost owners are familiar with the sad eyes of their precious pets every morning as they hurry out the door to work. Doomed to a dreary patch of boredom, the pet perceives their human having fun somewhere else. They wile the day away snoozing, snag a snack from the trash, and if of the canine variety, bark on cue as the mailman heads up the walk. While most humans feel the guilt of leaving their cherished friends, others are lucky enough to take them along for the daily grind. These special workmates bring a smile to both owner and pet, as well as those who visit the workplace.
“Petey brings a bit of song into every day.
two and a half years ago,” says Swift, and
office at Milford Landing is perpetually busy.
today boasts a tank with an amazing array
His work pets, or fishy friends, are a tip of
of anemones; everywhere you look there is
the cap to his workplace. “At first I wanted
something different, colorful, and charming.
to set up a tank that reflected the local
Visitors who sail the seas marvel at its lush
species in our waters,” Swift recounts. “As
habitat and happy fish.
they require being kept cool it would have
Bob Shea has been a music instructor in
been a challenge. Also, they can get a little
town for more than 30 years. As you drive
large—tough to keep a ten-pound bluefish
around the jug handle on Daniel Street you
in a tank.” Salt water was the way to go
can hear Shea and his students strum their
with more colorful fish. “I started the tank
guitars. His dog Sandy is a popular regular
52 Milford Living • Winter
singing canary, serenades her patrons.
SUSAN CARROLL-DWYER
As Milford harbor master, Ray Swift’s
has music in her chic shop. Petey 2, her
According to Dennis, “It is very pleasant while working and He loves carrots, red or yellow peppers, and fresh greens. It is just nice to say good morning and start our day with song.” Mike Picarazzi of Simply
My customers make a beeline to his cage to
Kitchens has brought Jeter, his four-footed
check up and say hello,” she says.
friend, to work every day for the last two
Dennis recounts that her first Petey was
years. “Jeter has been coming to work since
a beautiful singer but passed on when they
she was eight weeks old.” Jeter seems right
moved. “Our friend Mark raises birds and
at home in the kitchen settings in the shop.
he was kind enough to give me another
“Most customers love to pet and play with
one who sings. He is from the lineage of
her. We even get people that come in every
German birds, but to us just a nice canary.”
week not to look at our kitchens but to come
PHOTO COURTESY SIMPLY KITCHENS
SUSAN CARROLL-DWYER
he just seems to warble away.
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2015 • Milford Living 53
milford wildlife and visit Jeter.” And yes, Mike
guy. Our longest pet was
is certainly a Yankees fan and
Dora, a 12-year old red-eared
Jeter is named after Yankees
slider turtle who resided in our
great, Derek Jeter.
classroom for nine years.” Dora
Sheri Flanagan of Milford
outgrew Flanagan’s classroom
Preschool always has a pet
and is enjoying a well-earned
of some sort, but not just
retirement with other turtles in
for fun; they are a lesson
an in-store display pond for a
for her students. “I can go on and on about
preschool experience,” says Flanagan.
company that installs ponds.
the benefits of pets in the classroom and
“Caring for the pet is a coveted JOB,”
how many different ways animals can be
affirms Flanagan. “Everyone loves to feed
Farm at 534 Oronoque Road, has a variety of
used to enrich learning experiences and
the class pet. Caring for the class pet also
friends that work with her every day. “The
stimulate children’s interests in math,
fosters respect for animals and nature.” This
cats are responsible for mouse, vole, and rat
science, geography, and literacy. Pets also
year Flanagan introduced a new pet to her
control. Phoebe the dog chases woodchucks
help strengthen social skills and self-esteem,
students named Spike, a male crown-tailed
away, as well as rabbits, skunks, possums,
which are the building blocks of a quality
beta fish. “He is a very colorful active little
and squirrels. Noreen the cow, Smoochy the
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cairn terrier whom I inherited from my mother, guards the yard. “Our animals are faithful companions,” says Macri. “They hang about and never complain; although some of the cats will head-butt me when I’m busy planting because they want more attention. I would like to mention a few animals that aren’t pets but make a big contribution to our farm work: wild birds, praying mantises, lady beetles, and other beneficial insects, spiders, snakes, toads, box turtles, and dragonflies. miniature horse, and Fudge the donkey eat
They eat a lot of bugs that would otherwise
grass, so we don’t have to mow so much. Our
eat our plants, and we couldn’t get along
chickens and ducks produce eggs which we
without them.”
eat and sometimes sell. Harley, an ancient
—Susan Carroll-Dwyer
Est. 1978
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senior corner
Living Legend
T
his year’s winner of the Milford Living Treasure Award has proven his greatness in a variety of settings and in dozens of ways over the previous decades. Selected for his many years of outstanding public service, Bob Gregory, to paraphrase Shakespeare, thrust greatness upon himself. From his first job delivering newspapers to his last as the City’s director of community development, Bob Gregory was able to lead others, work with them, and learn from them.
director of the Southington Chamber of Commerce. As a foreshadowing to later accomplishments, he helped inaugurate the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, among several other important undertakings. By 1973, Gregory had returned to his hometown as the executive director of the Milford Chamber of Commerce. Long-time Milfordites will remember his many ideas and innovations that have made Milford “the small city with the
Gregory began his career rendering
follow for the rest of his working days:
big heart”—a term Gregory coined years
service to others at an early age: raised in
helping to enhance the economic and
ago. Even recently-arrived Milfordites
Milford, at the tender age of 8 he displayed
community quality of cities and towns.
recognize the Milford Oyster Festival,
his love for country and history by reciting
He began his last career as the executive
now 40 years old and known the state
the Gettysburg address at a Memorial Day
over. Milford Pride and Milford Progress, a
ceremony (he probably didn’t even need
non-profit development corporation and
notes; Gregory’s formidable memory has
a beautification organization, were also
become the stuff of legend.) Gregory helped
Gregory ideas. Other advances he piloted
take responsibility for his family at the
into existence were a UI program called UI
age of 10 following the death of his father, by having several paper routes and
“Taking Care of Business” and the annual “Festival of Lights.” It’s safe to say
doing other jobs around town to
that Gregory can be credited
help the family make ends meet.
for his contributions to a
He even rescued five people as a
significant and enviable list of
lifeguard at Silver Sands Beach.
community accomplishments
After graduating from UCONN with a BA in Speech
and downtown improvements. Leaving the Chamber after
and Drama, Gregory was
19 years to become the director
inducted into the U.S.
of economic and community
Army. Because of his
development, Gregory brought
background he was made
the first Milford website into
an entertainment and
existence, becoming the first
theatre director. After his
city official with an “official”
discharge, this indirectly
email address. Working with
led to his pursuing
the Devon Revitalization
another long-time love:
Committee, Gregory was
working in radio.
instrumental in the new
A radio career, graduate work, and “being a Fuller Brush man,” all led to the road he would
56 Milford Living • Winter
streetscape and gateway park. Gregory worked with many Milford citizens in Walnut
Beach and Wildemere Beach to make enhancements. Broadway saw a brand new sidewalk and small parks and affordable housing took the place of blighted houses. Gregory worked to secure the grants that led to these and other significant innovations, including the building of the longest boardwalk in Connecticut and further renovations in Walnut Beach and surrounding areas. Having served on more than 40 boards and committees over the years, Milford owes Bob Gregory if not a huge debt, then a huge thank you. —Nick Olshansky
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www.westriverct.com 2015 • Milford Living 57
historical perspective
FROZEN: Milford’s Big Blizzards
Second, falling or blowing snow must reduce visibility to a quarter mile for three hours or more. “Technically, it doesn’t have to be snowing during a blizzard. If already-fallen snow is being blown by gusting winds keeping visibility to a quarter mile or less for three hours, we have a blizzard,” he said.
THE BLIZZARD OF 1888 The biggest and worst blizzard in Milford’s recorded history is the blizzard of 1888, a three-day monster that dumped more than 44 inches of snow, making it the blizzard to which all others are compared. Beginning on March 11, hundreds of people along the East Coast died as they tried to care for livestock on their farms or get to work during the storm so they wouldn’t lose a day’s pay. Temperatures were in the single digits and snow drifts were up to 40-feet. Shovel brigades were hired by the railroad so tracks could be cleared and supplies brought to snowbound survivors. In the days of horses and carriages, local travel was stopped until a spring thaw melted the snow a few days later.
M
ost Milford residents understand that living along the shoreline is a blessing and a curse: colorful sunrises and cool summer breezes compete with nor’easters and raging water. In the summer we soak up the sun at local beaches and in the winter we brave icy winds sweeping in from the Sound. With February and March bearing down on us, it’s a good time to a remember some of the extreme winter weather we’ve had in the distant and not-so-distant past. Historically, there are three big blizzards on the books that have hit Milford hard: The “King” in March 1888, the blizzard of 1978, and
Cox Weather Services (Middletown) and a former Milford resident. Cox explains that there is specific criteria
the blizzard of 2013, both of which took place
that make a blizzard different than a heavy
in early February. “These are the three main
snowstorm. So what makes a blizzard?
blizzards we’ve had and each one had its own
First, sustained or gusting winds of 35 mph
character,” said Bob Cox, a meteorologist with
or more must be active during the storm.
58 Milford Living • Winter
THE BLIZZARD OF 1978
According to Cox, advances in weather
heels of Hurricane Sandy, which hit the city
Bob Cox was a freshman at Jonathan Law High
forecasting go hand-in-hand with advances in
at the end of October 2012. “Milford was hit
School when this blizzard hit on February 6.
computing power, so the traffic issues probably
with two storms of biblical proportions within
“This storm was characterized by its hurricane-
won’t happen again in our area. “We cancel
a matter of months, but in both situations
force winds. Only 24 inches of snow fell, but
school and work a lot earlier now, thanks to
the community came out and helped their
the blowing and gusting winds caused limited
more reliable forecasting,” he says.
neighbors.” Reminiscent of the shovel brigades
visibility and significant snow drifts.” The blizzard also came on the heels of two
THE BLIZZARD OF 2013
that cleared the railroad tracks in the Blizzard of 1888, Milford residents cleared city and
storms that never really formed, so residents
“Very few cars got stuck in this storm even
neighborhood sidewalks and driveways to help
did not take the forecast seriously. “It also
though Milford got 38 inches of snow and wind
public works crews move the snow.
arrived later than expected, and everyone went
was a big issue,” says Cox of the most recent
to work and school. Then it worsened quickly
big blizzard. The storm was well forecasted and
last 125 years which make the odds for another
and everyone was dismissed at the same time,”
most residents were prepared when it hit on
one to hit this winter pretty slim. Frozen
recalls Cox. Traffic added to the disaster; drivers
February 9.
we may be, but snowed in for several days,
were stuck in the snow, could not see, and had to abandon their cars.
What made this blizzard unique, according to Mayor Ben Blake, was that it came on the
Milford has survived three blizzards in the
probably not this year! —Angela Pietrowski Arpino
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2015 • Milford Living 59
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60 Milford Living • Winter
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2015 • Milford Living 61
tribute
Saluting Milford Resident Richard A. Herman I n November 2014, Richard A. Herman of Milford was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in Hartford. Those chosen for this award are veterans who honorably served their country through military service and who continued to serve their communities through deeds and accomplishments throughout their lives. Herman served during WWII as part of
moved to Milford with his wife Ruth-Ann,
Patton’s Third Army. He saw combat in both
whom he married while on leave in 1941. In
the European and Pacific theatres and was
1947 the Herman’s purchased and managed
awarded a Bronze Star “for meritorious
the Seabreeze Hotel in Fort Trumbull Beach.
achievement in connection with military
In 1949, Herman launched an extraordinary
operations against the enemy in Germany.”
career in education: he was a history teacher
Earning the rank of Captain before being
at Milford High School from 1949-1953; served
honorably discharged in 1946, Herman
as vice principal from 1953-58; was principal
from 1958-1969; and was the assistant superintendent of secondary education from 1969-1981, after which he retired. As an educator he was instrumental in implementing Title IX in the Milford schools, and worked closely with Milford Hospital’s Emergency Services Coordinator to incorporate CPR training into the school curriculum. Herman’s ongoing service, which was evident in his commitment to and active participation in local service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, Milford United Way, the Key Club, and the Red Cross, helped to strengthen and energize the Milford community. Herman and his family COURTESY OF NANCY HERMAN
continue to fund a small scholarship at both
62 Milford Living • Winter
of Milford’s two high schools. Clearly, Richard Herman has demonstrated in countless ways his dedication to the welfare of others, and has rightfully earned his place in the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. —Nancy Herman
expressions
Winter Warmth Location: Milford Harbor Photographer: Cathy Leite I’m always inspired by the beauty of the change of seasons throughout New England. This photo makes me think of the quiet stillness and tranquility of winter by the shore. The bare tree and lonely bench in the sunlight gives me a feeling of warmth even in the cold of winter. 2015 • Milford Living 63
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