Milford Living Autumn 2018

Autumn, 2018 Vol. 15 Issue 3 $5.99

It’s good to know agents who know.

Lydia Lucas

Aurelia Michelson

Lynne Schlosser

Mia DiStasi

Roman Gefter

Michael Nelson

Karla Franzman

Konstantinos Milas

Dawn Tutlis

Alicia Hale

Marcia Ivers

Dorothy and Elizabeth Schildgen

Shelly Ballestero

Robert Lamparski

Josh Young

David Wall

David Brewster

Nicole Talmadge

Towanna Randall

Dave Gottschalk

Jane Fiengo

Administrative Coordinator

Sue McNulty Office Leader

203-877-2704 54 Broad Street • Milford Residential | CommeRCial | ReloCation | new Homes & land | insuRanCe | moRtgage © 2013 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

bhhsNEproperties.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature

26

36

Downtown on the Go The community comes together to keep Downtown Milford growing.

By Cindy Papish Gerber

Milford on the Map In this day of Google maps and GPS coordinates, it’s easy to forget just how valuable a printed map was not too long ago.

By Ann McGuire

Departments 4 6 8 12 16 18 22 24 42 46 52 56 62 63 64

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Milford Spotlight At your Service Family Time Milford Kids At Home Milford Morsels Historical Perspective Legends & Lore Senior Corner Expressions Congratulations Where is It?

About the cover: A tranquil view of City Hall on a picture perfect autumn day. Cover photo by JJ Richards. His photography may be experienced at: www.singingwithlight.me

2018 • Milford Living 1

Get protection and live worry free

AUTUMN 2018 VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 3 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire

State Farm® provides life insurance policies to millions of people, and with more choices to protect you and your loved ones, I can help find the right policy for you.

Here to help life go right.™ Call me today.

Carlson Insurance Agcy Inc Wanda Carlson, Agent 415 Boston Post Rd, Suite 9 Milford, CT 06460 Bus: 203-877-9203

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher Susan Carroll-Dwyer

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive Mary Jo Downs

Contributing Photographers

Bill Canfield, Robert Creigh, Anna Downs, Steven Franko, Derek Jones, Ann McGuire, JJ Richards, Ed Steinerts

Contributing Editors

Jessica Avitabile, Tracy Farricker, McKenzie Granata State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 1605581 Bloomington, IL

Contributing Writers

Susan Carroll Dwyer, Megan Conway, Alyssa Davanzo, Susan Glennon, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Ann McGuire, Gerry McGuire, Cindy Papish Gerber, Makayala Silva, Patrick Torres, Charles Wetmore

Production Manager Mario Recupido

OF ORANGE

Production Assistance

Ashley Avitabile, Wendy Macomber, Kevin Maher, Todd Manning, Tamara Simpson

Web Design Mario Recupido

Interns

What we write gets read. ~ Fall Special ~

Introductory offer $30.00 for 3 lessons and an additional 10% off our starter program. New students only - offer ends November 15th CALL TO RESERVE YOUR CLASSES at :

203-795-5200

www. fredastaire.com/orange

A distinctive Get ready for the holiday season,voice winter cruises, weddings or having a fun hobby during the fall/winter season.

2 Milford Living • Autumn

Sophia Avitabile, Anna Downs

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. $23.96. Newsstand: $5.99. 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 2003-2018 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

in custom publishing

Printed in the USA. www.redmatpublishing.com

The outlook for your heart just keeps getting better.

Incredible breakthroughs are happening in cardiovascular medicine. At Bridgeport Hospital, the most innovative and minimally-invasive techniques like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation are giving hope to patients once considered inoperable. As part of one of the country’s leading health systems, Yale New Haven Health, we’re bringing advanced cardiovascular care closer to home. And that means a healthier future for everyone. bridgeporthospital.org

Edward Tuohy, MD

St. Mary School Growing in Faith & Knowledge

Come discover the difference a St. Mary School education can make in your child's future.

publisher’s letter Dear Friends & Neighbors, This year Milford Living celebrates its 15th anniversary! During this season of abundance and thanksgiving, we want to thank all our readers for their continued support of both Milford Living and the Milford community. To the many advertisers that continue to support our work and our readership, our heartfelt thanks. Thank you as well to our magazine staff and contributors, both current and former, for all the time and talent it takes to create each issue and

Call for a personal tour today!

St. Mary School has been educating the mind, body and souls of children for over 57 years.

72 Gulf Street • Milford, CT • 203.878.6539

www.saintmaryschoolmilford.org

bring you the best of Milford. Together we look forward to providing many future issues of Milford Living for years to come.

We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with your family, friends, and co-workers. We’re taking annual holiday gift subscription orders, and you’ll find the subscription card inside this issue to complete and send our way. Please be sure to get your holiday orders in early to ensure your gift recipient receives a gift card in time for the holiday. As always, we welcome your comments, stories, and suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you.

May the good things in life be yours in abundance this Thanksgiving season.

Best Wishes—

—James Maroney VOTE JAMES MARONEY FOR STATE SENATE

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH MARONEYFORUS.COM Paid for by Friends of James Maroney. Paul Davis, Treasurer. Approved by James Maroney.

4 Milford Living • Autumn

Suzanne

CREATED BY VALERIA_AKSAKOVA - FREEPIK.COM

“Connecticut needs thoughtful leadership, not heated rhetoric.

I’ll work to balance the budget responsibly, fight for a world class education, support the middle class, and stop the partisan bickering.”

#1 For More Than a Decade!

Anneliese Urpin

Barbara Oliver

Christine Shaw Cheryl Middleton Kathy Anderson Katie Anderson Jay Barone

John Messore Carl DeCarli

Judi DiFranco Sue DuBrow

Marilyn DeRosa

Leila Chaucer

Kelly Hill

Len Nicoletti

Donna Howe

Barbara Zink

Michael Birarelli

Scott Dana

Sharon Presner

Kathy Anderson

Sue Scheets

Ken Hawkins

Kelly Durrschmidt Judie DiFranco

Lisa English

Leonard Lambert Linda Wilson

Paige Jenney

Ruth Korpita

Noreen Daniels

Mike Pastir

Sophia Messore

Lorraine Luzietti Debi McGinley Cheryl Middleton Sophia Messore

NE Moves Mortgage Susan Cassidy Tommie Wehrle

Brenda Zandri

Sue Dubrow

Len Nicoletti

Kim Sekelsky

Cindy Lee Durner

Sarah Ferrante

Linda Gallick

Lorna Nichols

Amy LaFrance

Viktorija Pukinska Christy Ann Lindsay Jim Porto

Mary Licata

Phyllis Sochrin

Sue Scheets

Lorna Nichols Barbara Oliver

Ken Hawkins

Mary Anthony

Jade Levinson

Phil Kohan

Christine Shaw Phyllis Sochrin Victoria Stillings Donna Tartagni Tommie Wehrle Linda Wilson

(203) 878-7424 Branch Sales Manager

Charlie Cook

Jay Barone Gary Blumner JacopianSandy Burnell Janet Lengel Bonnie Clark Heather Heather Crabtree PeterCrabtree Chapman Leila Danielle Chaucer

Marilyn Hurteau Gary Jacopian

Mary Licata

Bonnie Clark

Tina DeConne

Iona Phillips

Lauri Ross

Luke Porto Colleen Zacarelli

Barbara Zink

• www.coldwellbankerhomes.com • N. Broad Street The171 Porto Group

*Based on CTMLS data for single family/condo listings closed in Milford 2001-2017

-

readers’ letters Please adopt payments by credit cards or online method! Love the magazine, HATE paying by check!

—Stephen Girard Thanks for subscribing to Milford Living and letting us know your feelings! We can now process new and renewal subscriptions online at www.milfordliving.com/subscribe MA IL

ED

BY FR EE P

IK

I wish you would do more “behind the stones” (tombstones) stories of people.

—Deborah Crofford

T EA CR

How about an article on innovative educational programs in the Milford school systems?

—Mrs. K. Abbott

Love all the photos. Please do more on Woodmont history. Check out the memorial bricks at the new borough hall (old Firehouse #5).

—Martha Melville How about an article on Seabreeze School?

My late wife was the first class to go all the way through it (K to 8)! I was the second.

—Robert Murray Thank you for all of these wonderful article suggestions. Our editorial staff will consider each of these topics and work with our writers over the course of the next few issues to see how many we can accommodate. Keep the great ideas coming!

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 our publisher at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

INDUSTRIAL ART | METAL DESIGN | JEWELRY | FURNITURE | MORE

craft Works

custom design available email us for more information

Under New Ownership

Ask About Our Holiday Packages

$20 Blowouts (All Day Mon & Fri)

10 YEAR CELEBRATION NOVEMBER 25TH PLEASE STOP IN AND VISIT! 203.874.2229 | 57 Bridgeport Ave, Milford www.TheHairHouseSalon.com Gift Certificates Available 6 Milford Living • Autumn

fine industrial art and sculpture wire, metal & wood designs furniture | tables | clocks hand crafted jewelry glass etching | gifts visit us favors | more hand made locally in milford, ct • visit our website to learn more

shadysidecraftworks.com email: info@shadysidecraftworks.com

ENJOY ALL YOUR

Fall Favorites!

Let ShopRite cater for you this fall, visit shoprite.com/catering

ShopRite of Stratford • ShopRite of Hamden • ShopRite of Milford ShopRite of Orange • ShopRite East Haven Proudly Owned & Operated by the Garafalo Family

this season

Rooting for Root Veggies

F

all is the perfect season to enjoy the sweet yet savory flavors of root vegetables. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, these tasty veggies perfectly accompany the transition of the steamy heat of summer into the mild chill of the autumn season. They serve as great comfort food, while supplying healthy vitamins and minerals to our bodies. Examples of these types of veggies include sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, radishes, leeks, and more.

Most of the vegetables in this food group

Susan’s Rosemary Roasted Beets INGREDIENTS: 4 fresh beets 3 fresh rosemary sprigs Dash of sea salt Olive oil spray

and other minerals, it is important to include

are root or root-like structures. They grow

them as a part of a healthy balanced diet as they

underground and absorb the nutrients in the soil

also are high in starches (hello potatoes!).

to supply to the above ground vegetation. This

Our Milford Living staff shares some of

biology is what makes them so full of nutrients

their favorite root vegetable recipes for you to

and thus extremely beneficial for us to eat. While

enjoy.

they contain antioxidants, vitamin A, calcium,

Trim ends off the beets. Peel if desired (I prefer the skin on). Cut the beets to desired size (smaller pieces will cook faster). Spray a glass baking dish with olive oil spray and place beet pieces into the dish. Strip two sprigs of fresh rosemary, chop, and drop needles over the beets. Add sea salt as desired. Spray with olive oil spray and stir. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. Garnish with a couple of cut up fresh sprigs of rosemary. Healthy, tasty, and easy!

Makes 4 servings.

—Megan Conway

Suzanne’s In-A-Jiffy Carrot Cake 11/2 3/4 3/4 1/4

cups sifted flour cup granulated sugar cup brown sugar tsp. salt

/ 2

3/4 14

tsp. cinnamon tsp. baking powder Dash of nutmeg cup of milk

1 1/4 2 3

tsp. vanilla cup of butter eggs well beaten cups grated carrots (5 peeled carrots)

Sift all dry ingredients together. Combine remaining ingredients and add to the dry mix. Beat with a mixer for two minutes or with a whisk for 4 minutes. Pour all ingredients into a greased 8 x 8 x 2 cake pan. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes. Cool pan for 15 minutes. Turn out onto serving plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. (Double up ingredients for a double delish cake!)

8 Milford Living • Autumn

Maryjo’s Candied Yams INGREDIENTS: 6 sweet potatoes 1 cup orange juice 3 tbsp. brown sugar 2 tbsp. white sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tbsp. butter

ANNA DOWNS

Slice sweet potatoes and place in baking dish. Sprinkle sugars over sweet potatoes, add cinnamon, add butter, and pour orange juice over the yams. Cover this dish with aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

We are Milford’s Little Secret...

• New, Vintage, & Hand-Made Jewelry • Gifts for You and Your Home • China & Crystal, New & Consigned (Gently Used) • Consigned Furniture, Mirrors, Lamps, & More • Artisan-Made Items (Too Many to List)

• Vintage & Antiques • Women, Men’s, and Children’s Accessories • Yard Accent Items • Free Beverages, Sweets, Laughs, Smiles and Friendship

There is never any pressure here. We want you to leave happy while you buy or not.

Your Local Gift Shop We Show Case Local Artisans New & Vintage Consignments See Us @ Lauralton Hall 12/2/2018

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AND ADDING YOU TO OUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 16 Higgins Drive, Milford CT | 203.882.5395 | www.MissDallasShop.com | Like us on Facebook Open: Monday through Saturday, 9AM-5PM 2018 • Milford Living 9

this season Ann’s Overstuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes INGREDIENTS: 5 large baking potatoes 1 tbsp. olive oil 11/2 tsp salt

/ 8

1 12

tsp. ground pepper slices cooked, chopped bacon cup sour cream

Rub your potatoes with olive oil and bake at 350 F for about an hour. Or if you’re lazy like me,

11/2

1/2 4

cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese cup milk tbsp. butter

microwave all five for 15 minutes (about 3 minutes each). Make sure you use a fork to poke a few holes in them first, so they don’t explode (messy!) Meanwhile cook and prep your bacon.

Cool spuds for about 10 minutes before peeling one potato (discard peel) and placing pulp in a mixing bowl. Cut the top quarter lengthwise off the remaining 4 potatoes and scoop the pulp out into the mixing bowl, making sure you leave about a 1/4 inch layer.

OPTIONAL: 1/4 cup green onion, chives, jalapeno

To the pulp add salt, pepper, sour cream, butter, optional ingredients, bacon, and cheese (reserve a bit of the last three for topping), and slowly mix with hand mixer.

Add milk until you reach your desired consistency (not too runny). Scoop pulp back into potato shells and place on baking sheet. Top with remaining cheese, bacon, and options. Bake for 15 minutes at 350.

Make 4 servings.

Dreaming of a shoreline home?

Let my expertise and love of the coastline help you.

The beach is calling and so should you!

Call today for a free confidential strategic market analysis of your home!

Dawn Sullivan REALTOR®

203-257-6289 Dawn.Sullivan@CBMoves.com RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

236 Boston Post Rd., Orange - www.dawnsullivan.cbintouch.com 10 Milford Living • Autumn

Selling the shoreline one dream at a time EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

M en f o wa r tion rd a s thi yo pe s p ur cia ro de l s mo nt avi tio al tre ngs n atm en t!

to

The patient care here is second to none. My entire family are patients of this practice, including my son.

I wholeheartedly recommend Brush & Floss Dental to anyone looking for a practice with a really hands-on, caring approach.

-Steve, Patient

Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos, DMD, FAGD

203.378.9500 | BetterSmile.com

HIGH-TECH FAMILY, COSMETIC AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY We want your family to be a part of our family. We are dedicated to providing patients with the best dental care available. Our office staff is friendly and welcoming, and our facilities are comfortable, creating a relaxing experience during your visits.

Dr. Johna Zitnay, DMD

Dr. Gemma Kwolek, DDS

Dr. Julia Latham, DDS

4949 Main Street, Stratford | P: 203.378.9500 | F: 203.386.9057 Mon–Thurs: 8am – 8pm | Fri: 8:30am – 5pm | Sat: 8:30am – 4pm All consultations are complimentary!

Call today to schedule yours!

milford spotlight The Milford home of Doris E. Gagnon, AKA “The Chicken Lady,” before it was demolished to make way for Silver Sands State Park. could need were available to rent. Area newspapers posted ads casting extras for $2.50 a day. On December 13th 1915, a film crew, actors, hundreds of extras, and a menagerie of circus animals hit the beach at Smith’s Point to film a desert battle scene.

Careful to avoid filming the Long Island sound, the director trained the cameras on the beach and called for action. A great battle

Strange but True

E

ensued and the beach was littered with bodies.

There was only one problem; it was freezing and most of the actors were wearing gloves.

After realizing the error, the director yelled,

very town has one or two tall tales or ghost stories that get passed down through the

“Who the hell ever wore gloves on a broiling

generations, tales of oddities told around campfires or whispered at slumber parties.

desert?” The whole scene had to be reshot.

There is always a haunted house, an odd occurrence, or strange happening that

After the battle scene the director also noted

becomes part of a town’s handed-down lore. As one of the original 13 American colonies, Con-

that the close ups of lead actor Robert Edison

necticut had a head start on most of the nation and is particularly rich in odd occurrences and

were being ruined by his frozen breath. “Mr.

local lore. And Milford, as one of the oldest towns in Connecticut and the country, is particularly

Edison you must hold your breath!” In fact,

rich in local legends and weird history. While we have our fair share of ghostly tales, there are

the entire cast was told to hold their breath

also many stories less phantasmal in nature—

whenever the camera was on them. Luckily,

stories that reside outside the mundane and

all filming was completed that day because a

get filed under the category: Strange But True.

major blizzard hit Milford that very night. The

The Milford Desert Imagine you’re looking to make a film based on a Rudyard Kipling novel set in the North

movie, The Light that Failed, was released in October 1916, but has been lost in the sands of time. No copies are known to exist.

African desert. You’re going to need camels,

Home by the Sea

Arabian horses, and of course, a desert. What

In 1971, the state of Connecticut initiated

better place to replicate the burning hot, arid

eminent domain to demolish over one hundred

Saharan wasteland than Milford, Connecticut?

houses to make way for Silver Sands State Park.

In its infancy, the film industry had yet to

All the residents took the compensation for their

move to Hollywood and budgets were low. To

homes and moved on…except for one. This is

replicate a desert, all you needed was sand,

where the legend of Doris E. Gagnon, AKA “The

and Smith’s Point had plenty of that. But

Chicken Lady” was born. Instead of finding a

where to find camels and Arabian horses?

new home with the $15,000 the state offered her,

Simple. With P.T. Barnum wintering his circus

the 4’11” widow refused the money and moved

in Bridgeport, all the exotic animals a director

onto the beach. For the next 23 years,

12 Milford Living • Autumn

through blizzards, hurricanes, and blistering

but called her, “The sanest

heat, she refused to leave, garnering national

person alive.” Eventually,

attention and becoming a folk hero. She was

disease did what the state

arrested more than once, and the state even

and town could not. In 1994,

tried having her institutionalized, but she was

after years of cancer, Gagnon

found to be sane and she returned to the beach.

was moved into hospice

Gagnon initially moved into a tin shack, but

care where she died at the

over time her homestead and her livestock

age of 77. A group of Milford

grew. When the New York Times visited in

residents have tried to have

1989, they described her living conditions:

the boardwalk at Silver

“…She sleeps in a dilapidated 18-foot trailer home

sands named after her but

alongside two others…nearby are two makeshift

the state has denied their

plastic tents, a tin shack, and a chicken coop. She

requests, committing only to dedicating a park

is without a doubt the 14-acre piece of land off

has no phone, no running water, no mailing

bench in her name.

Silver Sands State Park called Charles Island.

address…”. Gagnon shared her home with three

Milford Yacht Club According to local lore, the island has been

dogs, five cats, five ducks, a few geese, and 50

“Not Island your grandfather’s club” The Cursed cursed, is possibly haunted, and might be

chickens. Her friends admitted she was eccentric

The Big Kahuna of Milford’s weird and wacky

home to a bit of pirate treasure. The legend

where friendship and memories ilford are made achT

The M

Y

“The waTer awaiTs”

club

Whether you’re a boater, a swimmer, or just looking for the next best spot on the water, the Milford Yacht Club is the new place for you. Membership benefits include:

• Uninterrupted vistas of vibrant Milford Harbor and serene Long Island Sound • Use of our marina located right at the mouth of the harbor • Our pool pavilion with Olympic-sized and kiddie pools, lounge chairs, snack bar, and views of the marina • Three seasons of waterfront dining, socializing, and relaxing • Sailing programs for adults and children, and children’s swimming programs • Memories for a lifetime with the MYC family

131 Trumbull Avenue

203-783-0060

www.milfordyachtclub.com

With MYC open most of the year, it’s always a good time to join! Inquire today! office@milfordyachtclub.com (203) 783-0060.

131 Trumbull Avenue 203-783-0060

www.milfordyachtclub.com 2018 • Milford Living 13

Shuffleboard Tables

milford spotlight

Pool Tables & Game Room Furniture

states that Charles Island was first cursed in the early 1600s by a Paugussett chief proclaiming, “Any shelter will crumble to the earth and he shall be cursed.” Another

Indoor & Outdoor Ping Pong Tables

notorious pirate Captain Kidd to protect some

DEREK JONES

RELA X IN ST YLE

curse is rumored to have been placed by the

Foosball Tables

of the loot he allegedly buried on the island.

Kidd was eventually arrested and hanged, so

Only a mile offshore, Charles Island is still home to many secrets untold.

if he ever did hide treasure on Charles Island,

GET YOUR GAME ON

he took knowledge of its whereabouts with

or building on the island has either failed or

at their core, the stories show the richness

him to the grave. A last curse was supposedly

been destroyed. A tobacco farm, fish fertilizer

of Milford’s history. Rod Serling might have

placed on stolen Mexican treasure allegedly

plant, monastery, hotel, and restaurant have

narrated a journey to the town thusly: “You’re

Tales of witches, pirate treasure, curses,

mind…there’s a signpost up ahead, no it’s not

GET YOUR GAME ON

363 allBoston Post come and gone.

NothingRoad, stands thereOrange today traveling through another dimension, a all subsequently died. While tales203-799-2329 of curses but ruins. dimension not of sight and sound but of PorchandPatio.com spirited to the island by thieving sailors who and pirate treasure sound dubious—and no treasure has ever been found—for the past

and lost silent epics may come across as

350 years, every structure, business concern,

fantastical—and parts of the stories are—but

the twilight zone, it’s Milford, Connecticut.”

TAKE THE FUN INDOORS 363 Boston Post Road, Orange 203-799-2329 PorchandPatio.com

—Gerry McGuire

GET YOUR RELA X INGAME ST YLEON Shuffleboard Tables

Shuffleboard Tables

Indoor & Outdoor Ping Pong Indoor & Outdoor Ping PongTables Tables

Pool Tables & Game Room Furniture

Pool Tables & Game Room Furniture

Foosball Tables Foosball Tables

363 Boston Post Road, Orange 203-799-2329 PorchandPatio.com 363 Boston Post Road, Orange 363 Boston Post Road, Orange 203-799-2329 PorchandPatio.com

203-799-2329

PorchandPatio.com

GET YOUR GAME ON

TAKE THE FUN INDOORS

TAKE THE FUN INDOORS 14 Milford Living • Autumn

Indoor Wicker Furniture

Electric Fireplaces

Vented & Vent-Free Gas Logs

Enclosures, Screens & Tools

ISABELLE FARRINGTON COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Educate. Lead. Inspire. with advanced degrees & certifications in education from the Farrington College of Education.

Our programs include teaching certifications in elementary and secondary education with tuition-paid internships, remedial reading & language arts and administration. From educator preparation to literacy, intermediate administrator or superintendent of schools certification, Sacred Heart University has the programs you are seeking.

For more information visit: www.sacredheart.edu/eduprograms

at your service

Kisses from Katies provides a variety of much needed services for families.

Kisses from Katie

F

ew parents can imagine anything more devastating than losing a child. Taking that sorrow and turning it into action as a way of honoring the life of their child has been the driving force behind Kisses from Katie, a Milford-based non-

profit founded by Alan and Vickie Manning. The organization draws its name from their

critically ill children, but also hospital caregiv-

daughter, Katie Manning, a vibrant baby girl who was diagnosed with a congenital heart

ers. Each program was born out of first-hand

defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) when she was just 3 days old.

experience and designed to ease a specific stressor that should be avoided. They include

Though Katie’s life was mostly spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital, there was no lack of love, happiness, or joy from the family and community that sur-

ICU unit, and the strain it can put on a parent’s

“Roaming Resources” to ensure parents

well-being.

have access to laptop computers for research

The organization developed eight programs that focus on helping not only the parents of

while at their child’s side; flash drives loaded with crucial, portable, medical information; transilluminators that help nurses locate the

months in and out of the hospital, Katie lost

tiny veins in small limbs for IV insertions; free

her battle with HLHS. Her devastated parents

parking passes; and grants for CICU nurses to

decided the best way to honor her life was to

attend educational and motivational confer-

COURTESY OF KISSES FROM KATIE (5)

rounded her. On November 9, 2009, after seven

ease the pain of others suffering through similar circumstances.

Kisses from Katie does just that by providing “resources to critically ill children, their families, and the people who are dedicated to caring for them.” Dealing with an almost overwhelming amount of time spent at the hospital, the Man-

ences. By alleviating just a few of the burdens brought on by having a sick child, parents are able to shake-off a tiny bit of the overwhelming stress, and given the opportunity to focus solely on their child.

Since its inception in 2009, Kisses from Katie has grown to provide services for five

nings knew better than anyone the stress and

Alan and Vickie Manning founded Kisses

hospitals in four states: Yale New Haven

difficulties of dealing with a child in a pediatric

from Katie in memory of their daughter.

Children’s Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital

16 Milford Living • Autumn

The “Stuff a Cruiser “ Toy Drive is a great way for the community to get involved and make a kid’s day. here in Connecticut, Baystate Hospital in Mas-

tion’s numerous

sachusetts, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

programs. Tickets

in Pennsylvania, and Maria Fareri Children’s

are $60.00 each and

Hospital in New York. “Taking the edge off,”

sponsorship packages

as the Mannings like to say, might seem like

are available.

a small thing, but they know first-hand that it

Katie Manning would have turned 10 this year.

What better way to celebrate her life than to ease the suffering and anxiety of others. As Alan Man-

A few weeks later, on

ning says, “I know that I cannot prevent

can make a significant difference in both the

December 8-9, the 10th annual “Stuff a

pain and illness for other children, nor can I

lives of the child and the parents.

Cruiser” Toy Drive, held in conjunction with

change the feeling of isolation and ineptness

the Milford Police Department, will take place

that parents will invariably feel. However, I can

Katie celebrates it’s 10th annual “A Night to

at the CT Post Mall, inside the Target entrance.

do little things to make it easier…better…all the

Remember” fundraiser. The event will be held

New, unwrapped toys for children (infants

while honoring my hero, Katie.”

on November 10th from 6:00-11:00 p.m. at

through teens) are “stuffed” into the cruiser

Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven and will

and eventually delivered to kids spending the

include dinner, musical entertainment, and a

holidays at Yale New Haven Children’s and

TO DONATE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit

silent auction to raise funds for the organiza-

Bridgeport Hospitals.

www.kissesfromkatie.org.

This year marks a milestone as Kisses from

—Patrick Torres

Voted 2018

“Top Dentists” —Connecticut Magazine

Mitchell Quintner, MS, DMD • Alex Quintner, DMD, FAGD, FICOI

55 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT • 203-872-5911 • SensitiveCare.net 2018 • Milford Living 17

COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MILFORD (3)

family time

The pumpkin patch has pumpkins of all sizes.

Volunteers staff the patch to raise money for programs.

Spooktacular Adventures H

alloween comes around but once a year, and Milford knows how to celebrate! This year, October 31st is a Wednesday, but the frightfully fun season starts weeks before to maximize the proper mood. From a seaside Halloween parade to vibrant pumpkins displayed on the pier, Milford offers plenty of ways for the young and young at heart to fully embrace the thrills and chills of the Halloween season. So no matter what you’re in the market for, Milford has something spooktacular to offer for the whole family!

spend an autumn night under the stars.

On Saturday, Pumpkins on the Pier will fill Walnut Beach with the Halloween spirit and

Pumpkins on the Pier

Pumpkins Eve on Friday night. Featuring a

impressively decorated pumpkins from 10:00

Pumpkins Eve and the 8th Annual Pumpkins

wide variety of savory and sweet food trucks,

am – 5:00 p.m. People of all ages are welcome

on the Pier Festival will bring colorful fall

local craft beer from New England Brewing

to hop on a hay ride, dance to live music, or

fun to Walnut Beach on Friday and Saturday,

Company, and a stunningly lit Walnut Beach

mosey through a pumpkin patch filled with

October 5-6. Both signature events benefit the

pier, Pumpkins Eve begins at 6:00 p.m. and

thousands ready to be picked.

Boys & Girls Club of Milford by raising funds

provides beach lovers the opportunity to

for the organization’s after-school and summer programs.

“After years of success with

Trick-or-Treat BOOtacular With candy of all kinds on their

Pumpkins on the Pier, we decided

minds, children under 12 have the

to expand our event to include a

chance to fill their plastic pumpkins

fun evening for adults,” explains

and pillow cases on Halloween night

Megan Altomare, executive

at Milford’s Connecticut Post Mall.

director of the Boys & Girls Club of

During the Trick-or-Treat BOOtacu-

Milford. “Pumpkins Eve is a great

lar on Halloween, Wednesday October

time for families to relax and enjoy

31st, children and their parents can

old fashioned fun.”

stride from store to store while

The Rum Runners, one of

employees pass out goodies. Retailers

Connecticut’s most popular cover

The creation of elaborate pumpkin scenes offers a fun walk on

partaking in the event will have a sign

bands, will kick off the inaugural

the Walnut Beach pier.

at each door indicating their participa-

18 Milford Living • Autumn

tion, and additional candy and music will be provided in the center court.

“We’re happy to host an event that allows for children and families to stay safe while still having a great Halloween,” says Connecticut Post Mall marketing director Kelly Frantz. “The environment is safer than

we are planning to make the event even more engaging while also driving more businesses.”

C

traffic to the stores, restaurants, and other

T MALL

potential motorists or strangers. This year

CT POS

the cold, and away from the danger of

SY OF OURTE

because the children are inside, out of

(2)

traditional outdoor trick-or-treating

The Trick or Treat BOOtacular at the CT Post Mall has kids and parents in costume making for a spooktacular event.

Pediatric House Call Solutions Sick Children Seen In Your Home MOST INSURANCES, HUSKY A&B ACCEPTED

Tests • Exams • Prescriptions

(203) 893-5394 www.pediatrichousecallsolutions.com 2018 • Milford Living 19

N (4)

family time OCIATIO

The Mall will host a pumpkin decorating

EACH ASS

competition throughout October as well as a fall festival and pop-up shop market with

WALNU TB

face painting and the Hocus Pocus Sanderson

For trick-or-treaters craving a cold, sweet treat, Walnut Beach Creamery will throw its annual

COURTES

Walnut Beach Halloween Parade

Y OF THE

Sisters on Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14.

Walnut Beach Halloween Parade beginning at 5:00 p.m. Halloween night.

“Twelve years ago when I opened up the

ery throwing down candy to the crowd.”

creamery, I wanted to find a way to wrap up

All these years later, the parade has grown

“Every year the

the summer season, so I decided to have a

into a neighborhood Halloween staple,

Walnut Beach Witch

neighborhood parade,” says Susan Patrick,

with surrounding streets closing down and

arrives at 6:00 p.m.

owner of Walnut Beach Creamery. “Back then,

businesses in the area passing out candy to

to lead kids through the neighborhood while

we had people stationed on top of the cream-

hundreds of kids.

ringing a bell to ward off the ‘bad spirits’,”

s ’ n Catc i a t p h Ca seafood restaurant Fried Seafood

Burgers & Dogs

Try Our Famous Lobster Bisque!

Great Burgers and Dogs Too! Fall Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11am-8pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-9pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm

Sandwiches & Salads

OPEN YEAR ROUND! Gift Certificates Available!

Fresh Grilled Seafood options available

LOBSTER ROLLS Hot or Cold

$15.99

3/4lb portion served with fries Fish Bites - Chicken Tenders - Clam Strips Bay Scallops - Butterfly Shrimp

LUNCH SPECIALS

1366 New Haven Ave. Milford 203-876-7707 www.CaptainsCatchMilford.com Like us on Facebook!

$5.95

20 Milford Living • Autumn

11-4 Tuesday-Saturday

Fun for all ages, the Halloween parade has become a local tradition. around 7:00 p.m. so it’s early enough for everyone to stop by and then go trick-or-treating.”

The parade goes on rain or shine, and while supplies last, there is free homemade ice cream for those who show up in costume. “We even had the parade right after Hurricane Patrick explains.

doesn’t matter!”

Patrick insists that fall does not officially begin until the Walnut Beach Halloween

Sandy,” Patrick recalls. “I remember that Hal-

Parade. “Since we’ve started, it’s been a

“There is a DJ and a flash mob featuring

loween was postponed in Milford that year for

completely positive experience and we’ve

members of the Walnut Beach Association

a week or two, and we still ended up having

loved every minute of it.”

and local business owners. The parade ends

it. We’ve had it in the rain and in the snow—it

— Alyssa Davanzo

“If your car doesn’t say Napoli on it, you paid too much.”

WWW.Napolimotors.com

Over 700 New, Pre-Owned and Classics cars to choose from!

– A Trusted Name Since 1959 –

Napoli iNdoor auto/Kia 241 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT

Napoli NissaN Lenny Napoli 688 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT

toll Free: 1-888-776-8853 direct: 203-783-5850

toll Free: 1-800-336-2765 direct: 203-877-5141 2018 • Milford Living 21

milford kids

Screen Time in Schools

M

ost of our children’s screen time comes from school. They seem to always be doing something on a tablet. What is a parent supposed to do? We limit video games to weekends and play time, but they seem to be glued to their devices so often. It seems too much.

This is a question that I receive from

powered by the

parents all the time at my practice. The first

Connecticut

thing I would say is that screen time is not

Education Network (CEN), a system that

subject content and the use of the technology

all bad—it depends on how it is used and for

delivers reliable, high-speed internet access and

itself. Screen time for learning, which can

what purpose.

data access through a network of fiber optics.

promote discussion and collaboration between

The Milford Public School System boasts

The Milford school system is a Google district

parents, teachers, and students, often evokes

some of the most cutting-edge educational

that utilizes a variety of apps, such as Google

creativity and human interaction—very

technology available, from the elementary

Classroom, in which a vast amount of school

different from the more mindless screen time

schools through the high schools. All the school

work is conducted in a paperless manner. These

spent watching a show or playing a video

buildings have 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage. The

classes all exploit advanced technology in some

game. (Minecraft leaps to mind with my

classrooms utilize interactive whiteboards,

fashion, and they enable our students to be

children). It is that passive and non-interactive

Chromebooks, desktops, laptops, tablets, and

prepared for a connected and modern world.

screen time that seems to be less valuable

other digital devices. All this technology is

The use of technology in school teaches both

and—in excess—cause the most problems.

However, even screen time that is academically warranted can create problems.

Many of the health topics related to excessive electronic use are well documented. Issues such as obesity, eye strain, and sleep disturbances have been identified and are fairly well understood. Other matters, such as the connection between cognitive acquisition and brain development, are less established and still being explored.

To balance the conclusive strengths that technology brings to the learning environment with health risks that are both known and still being explored, a parent should consider the following points: •

Is the time my child is spending in front of screen engaging and purposeful?

22 Milford Living • Autumn

•

Are my children joining together

different than their own, and to

with other children in focused,

become monitors of their own

face-to-face conversations without

screen time and to know when

the interruptions of digital devices for

and how to disengage from

a significant amount of time during

technology?

each school day?

•

•

Of course, many of these

Do teachers play an instrumental role

questions will require a parent

in reviewing, monitoring, and guiding

to query their children’s teacher

my children’s technology use?

or at least discuss the matter

In the classroom, is technology

with their children’s school

viewed as “just one of the tools” my

websites or “fun” sites that have no

children can use to solve problems,

educational value?

not), there is a technological platform that

Are my children taught and

the Milford School District uses for that:

information?

encouraged to read deeply instead

PowerSchool. And, of course, email works, or

Does the school implement software

of simply skimming, to evaluate

even an old fashion phone call!

programs to block inappropriate

sources and consider viewpoints

answer questions, and present •

administrators. Ironically (or

•

—Charles Wetmore, APRN, CPRN

Braces are cool...but the results are cooler!

Philip A. Caporusso D.M.D • 1 Golden Hill Street, Milford • 203-874-5400 • DrCapOrtho.com

2018 • Milford Living 23

at home first thing to do is check with the Milford Fire Department. “We have records for many properties in Milford,” says Deputy Fire Marshall Tony Fino. “Homeowners can call and check to see if we have a record for their property.”

The next step is to find a local contractor to handle the abatement. You want to engage with COURTESY OF ABSOLUTE TANK REMOVAL (3)

someone familiar with local protocols on tank removal since they vary from town to town.

“A while back the state offered incentives for homeowners to switch over to gas,” recounts Ed Marin, owner of Absolute Tank Removal here in town. “It kept us pretty busy as many homeowners took advantage of the offer.

Below ground and above ground tanks were being removed—sometimes we were doing 40-50 per week,” he says. Once

Bubble, Bubble, Oil & Trouble

I

f your home is, shall we say, “of a certain age,” odds are that at one point in time it had (or has) an oil tank. In general, oil tanks, aside from commercial applications, are no longer installed underground. As above ground tanks are now the standard, many underground tanks lay abandoned and forgotten.

Proper removal of underground tanks helps to avoid soil contamination when holes develop. the incentives were gone, however, many homeowners stayed with oil.

“The one thing about oil is you can shop around for the best price,” says Marin. “Oil also has an advantage over gas: the BTU (British Thermal Unit) of oil is 138,500 per gallon; gas offers only

As natural gas service expanded street by

on your property, you may want to consider

1,037 BTU’s per cubic foot.”

street (but still not everywhere in Milford),

having it removed. “Most lenders and

inground oil tanks became dinosaurs, left in

insurance companies don’t want to be involved

installed after World War II. The average

the ground like fossils. It wasn’t uncommon for

with a property that has an underground tank,”

lifespan of a tank is 20-30 years.” The average

inground tanks to be abandoned. Generally,

says local Realtor Bill Parry Sr. “It’s a liability for

oil tank also holds about 550 gallons. These

tanks were drained (hopefully) and filled in

them and for the property owner. Even if you’re

tanks, he says, “don’t just blow out. Leaks are

with dirt or sand. However, the Clean Water

not looking to sell your home, removing the

usually pinholes in the metal. They can be

Act of 1992 prohibited tank abandonment since

underground tank is a good idea.”

plugged or slowed by sludge at the bottom of

leaching oil can infiltrate the water supply.

So now what do you do? If you are unsure

Today, if you have an underground tank

if your property has an abandoned tank, the

24 Milford Living • Autumn

According to Marin, “Most tanks were

the tank. Leaks develop gradually over time, so it isn’t always noticed on your oil bill.”

“Depending on the location of an underground tank, it takes about half a day to remove the tank,” says Marin. “We cut the top of the tank and drill through the bottom to obtain soil samples. The samples are sent to a state-certified lab. It generally takes 4-5 days for the results. On average, about three out of 10 tanks will have leaks. It’s pretty obvious if it’s in the soil—it turns a greenish grey; easy to tell

Removing underground tanks can prevent headaches when it comes time to sell your property.

if the tank leaked. The law allows a particulate amount of oil that can be left. Different values

yards of soil to fill the void left by the average

alternative. The Milford Building Inspector’s

of contamination are allowed depending on the

tank. A Closure Report is then issued—a

office can provide information on obtaining

location to ground water. Soil is excavated to

one-page letter of the 100% disclosure giving

permits for a new tank. Removal of an

remove any contamination.”

homeowners documented proof the tank is no

underground tank can save you money in

longer an issue.”

the long run, your insurance company will be

As for cost, “underground tank removal is between $1,200 to $1,500 providing it is accessible and not leaking. It takes about four

If it isn’t in your budget to change over to a gas furnace, above ground tanks are an

happy, and so will the environment!

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

Service Calls | Renovations | Generators | Wiring Repairs | Service Upgrades | New Construction | Landscape Lighting

RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL Milford, CT 06460 | Office: 203.878.0034 | www.chrismontanaroelectric.com | service@chrismontanaroelectric.com | CT. 190651-E1 2018 • Milford Living 25

26 Milford Living • Autumn

The community comes together to keep Downtown Milford growing

BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER

2018 • Milford Living 27

JJ RICHARDS

DOWNTOWN ON THE GO

I

Moll never tires of, “watching

as a pharmacy and a business,

the hustle and bustle of everyone

Milford continues to grow, with

converging on the restaurants

a younger demographic moving

and night spots or scurrying to

into all sections,” Panatela

their car,” after an event on the

observes.

Green. “As someone who has

Key to the continued growth

always lived within a half mile of

and success of the area is the

Downtown Milford, you couldn’t

Downtown Milford Business

ask for a more exciting, diverse,

Association (DMBA), an organiza-

and fun spot.”

tion dedicated to bringing atten-

“Milford is blessed with a

tion to “our beautiful downtown

fantastic downtown which

with all its unique amenities.”

acts as a hub for the judicial,

“Downtown Milford is

economic, transportation, and

fortunate to have a privileged

recreational needs of our entire

geographic location”, says

region,” says Mayor Ben Blake.

Tracy Bonesconi, president of

“Downtown is a place steeped

the DMBA. “We are insulated

In the fall, when the crispness

in history and charm while also

from the Post Road which keeps

in the air matches the taste of

thriving with amenities…where

“corporate retail shops” from

freshly picked apples sold at

visitors might shop our unique

populating the landscape.

farm stands, Downtown Milford

boutiques or sample fine cuisine

Located right on the harbor with

emerges from its drowsy sum-

at a local eatery. Our 55,000 resi-

beautiful beaches just nearby,

mertime slumber. Faster than

dents are proud to boast of our

it’s retained a quaint, seaside

you can say “back-to-school,” we

meticulously maintained town

New England charm that you

helps counteract that, and

recalibrate our schedules and

Green…where memorials salute

simply can’t fabricate.” With

reminds people what being part

quicken our pace. Streets fill with

those who proudly served, and

more than 100 members, the

of a community can be. More

residents and visitors arriving by

our flagpole stands as the tallest

DMBA helps area businesses

importantly, our work keeps the

car, train, boat, bike, and foot to

in the State.” (This past July, the

foster relationships and leverage

landscape vibrant, and that’s

eat, shop, play, tour, and experi-

Connecticut Preservation Council

expertise to ensure the long-

something to be proud of. As

ence Milford’s center.

listed the Milford Green to the

term success of all members.

we hear all the time, ‘There is

State Register of Historic Places.)

“As foot traffic increases to one

always something happening in

Our “Small City with a Big

business, others benefit simply

Downtown Milford.’ ”

“Not too many towns can boast that their harbor meets the downtown. Or has the

Heart” offers a cornucopia of

through increased exposure and

second longest green in New

year-round events, some of

word of mouth. The relationship

the DMBA, points to a “robust

England and a vibrant arts

which might be geared toward a

we build with our community

roster of events (entirely run

community at the train sta-

particular demographic. But most

elevates Downtown Milford

by volunteers) as a key tool for

tion,” says Nell Moll, director of

often, whether it’s a kids’ show,

as a destination, for locals and

engendering goodwill between

membership (and opportunities

car show, or craft show, everyone

tourists.”

community members, on top

and enthusiasm) at the Milford

shows up. “Milford Center

Chamber of Commerce. Moll’s

appeals to a great cross-section of

our local businesses simply

exposure. They draw and engage

affection for Milford extends

people and ages,” says Raymond

couldn’t survive,” Bonesconi

thousands of people every year.”

to both her professional and

Pantalena, pharmacist/manager

continues. “In an era of big box

personal life. “As far as the

of Howes Drug & Medical. “In

stores and online shopping,

arrive by boat. “Boating access is

Chamber goes, we are so lucky to

the same way that Howes has

small businesses face a lot of

integral to Downtown Milford’s

be located in a beautiful, historic

been around for over 100 years

obstacles. The DMBA’s effort

success,” says harbormaster Ray

building in Downtown Milford.”

and has continued to progress

to draw attention downtown

Swift. “Merchants know when

28 Milford Living • Autumn

“Without a vital downtown

Emily Swet, PR director of

of providing an opportunity for

Many of those people even

it’s a big weekend on the landing because it impacts their business in a positive way. And for boaters, because we’re a transient-only marina, a lot of our guests choose Milford Harbor, where they’re only one block from the downtown, with such a great assortment of restaurants, shops, and services,” he says. “They choose us, as opposed to docking at another marina where they need to use cabs or Uber to do anything. And that’s pretty unique.”

Downtown Milford’s easy accessibility is, in fact, the lifeblood of many locals, especially important to those who rely on mass transit. Eleanore the Milford Senior Center, recognizes how “important it is for seniors without transportation to enjoy

JJ RICHARDS

COURTESY OF MILFORD ROTARY

JJ RICHARDS

BILL CANFIELD

DOWNTOWN

Turkington, publicity specialist for

Downtown Milford offers something for everyone. At any time of the year you can grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, visit one of the many boutiques, stroll the picturesque Milford Green, or participate in dozens of events, from lobster bakes to craft shows, where everyone is invited.

2018 • Milford Living 29

the convenience of downtown shopping and dining.”

“I love being in the middle of it all,” says Marti Reed, owner of the Canvas Patch. After four decades, “Milford is still warm and welcoming,” she says, a sentiment echoed daily from both regular shoppers and “visitors from as far away as Australia and Japan. ” They typically purchase her top sellers—gift items that exclusively represent or say Milford—which include handmade afghans, pottery, windsocks, and clothing. “I appreciate Milford through their eyes,” says Reed, who also bestows kind words upon her fellow business owners.

COURTESY OF MAC

DOWNTOWN

30 Milford Living • Autumn

COURTESY OF MAC

“We are all unique and have something different to offer. It’s a very nice blend.”

Phillip Conine, general

manager of Stonebridge Restau-

the Milford Arts Council (MAC),

vision is for creativity to happen

rant feels much the same. He

feels strongly about fostering

everywhere, making Milford a

admits to getting “really excited

connections between local

thriving destination community

about interacting with everyone

artists and merchants. “MAC

of arts and culture.”

who comes to eat here and

co-exists and partners with

visit. Because we’re on a pivotal

businesses and services in

segments that contribute to

corner, Stonebridge anchors us

addition to hosting benefits,

Downtown Milford’s vitality to

to history while allowing us to

dinners, auctions, exhibits, and

a fine-tuned wheel: “By creating

move forward.” Despite Down-

lectures,” she says. “We expand,

an attractive community, we

town Milford’s growing number

enrich, and enlighten the

(along with other city groups

of restaurants, Conine isn’t

typical downtown experience

and associations) help encour-

concerned. “I would be first to

by offering programming to

age families to stay or move to

say that our competition is not

compliment dining and shop-

Milford, which then attracts

the other, newer restaurants in

ping options.”

more businesses and jobs,” says

he says.

With the introduction of the new MAC Experiences program,

The need to build relation-

Bonesconi. “And that helps our city thrive as a whole.”

patrons will be “literally

ships within the town extends

brought inside business and

beyond business owners. Paige

restaurant doors for discounts,

Miglio, executive director of

specials, and tastings. Our

Fresh grilled oysters are a tasty way to celebrate Milford’s heritage each year at the Milford Oyster Festival.

COURTESY OF OYSTER FESTIVAL

Milford, but other local towns,”

The DMBA likens the many

M I R R O R L E S S R E I N V E N T E D

Kit with NIKKOR® Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens $3996.95 Preorder yours today

COURTESY OF HOWES DRUG

45.7 MEGAPIXELS

F X F O R M AT

9 FRAMES PER SECOND

4K UHD

All Nikon products include Nikon Inc. USA limited warranty. ©2018 Nikon Inc.

1809-0131_MA_8.5x5.5_Milford_Z7_Oct.indd 1

2018 • Milford9/6/18 Living 31 3:04 PM

36 Milford Living • Autumn

MILFORD ON THE MAP

BY ANN MCGUIRE

In this day of Google maps and GPS coordinates, it’s easy to forget just how valuable a printed map was not too long ago. Though the paper variety may have seen its heyday, as artifacts of the past—and in some cases—works of art, they are treasures to view, study, and appreciate.

Old maps of Milford are plentiful and provide

right and tell your kids, “We’re passing the Great

a tremendous amount of historical information

Dreadful Swamp,” and see what kind of a reaction

on the town as it was at any given point in time.

you get.

You can practically trace the family migration patterns of all the Baldwins, Ponds, Smiths, Fowlers, Tibbels, Platts, and Buckinghams just by looking at maps drawn over the decades. You can follow the expansion of Milford beyond the 1646 palisades and into the wilderness of Stubby Plain (now Burnt Plains) and the relative No Man’s Land of Indian’s Neck and beyond.

Many of the maps themselves, a few of which we feature here, are as beautiful as they are functional, complete with intricate Victorian embellishments and elaborate printing. Others are true to the city’s Puritan roots—simple and to the point. And one remarkable map is the handdrawn confines of one local boy’s world circa 1973.

So dive into the history of Milford via these

F

ounded in 1970,

maps. You’ll see that once upon a time there

NOAA (the National

F.R. HONEY

was a place called “The Great Dreadful Swamp.”

Oceanographic and

Although it sounds like something out of “The

Atmospheric Administration)

Princess Bride,” the maps don’t lie. The swamp is

continues to create

navigational charts for boaters

still there, by the way; now it’s called the Baldwin

in the United States.

next time you drive up Fresh Meadows Lane or

Marsh Wildlife Area. Still, it might be fun the

in Milford and all other waters

in the book “The History of Milford 1639-1934,” this map can be purchased

at the Milford Historical Society.

NOAA

approach the Milford connector, to look to the

T

he History of Milford Plot Plan. Found

2018 • Milford Living 37

D

rawn

by F.R.

Honey

in 1880, this map (top left) depicts the properties

held by the first

free planters and indicates the

original stockade that surrounded Milford’s first settlement.

A

lso found in “The

History

of Milford 1639

– 1934,” another

representation of Milford’s original

plot plan (bottom left).

C

reated

by E.R.

Lambert

in 1855, this map (right)

includes beautiful illustrations of

significant homes, community

buildings, and

businesses around Milford. Prints of

this stunning map are available for purchase at the

Milford Historical

E.R. LAMBERT

Society.

38 Milford Living • Autumn

2018 • Milford Living 39

T

his map section

showing Milford

is part of a larger

map of New Haven County created by R. Whiteford in

1852. The New York and New Haven Railroad can be seen making its way through

R. WHITEFORD

town.

Eisenhower Park

0.05 mi)

Ln

)

i) (0.0 7m

mi) (0.12

i) 8m

(0.06

(0.07 mi)

(0.0 9m

mi)

0 .0

i) Koz lo

wsk i

Rd

5m i)

(0.

(0.17 m

mi)

(0.0

5m

(0.22

0.27 mi )

mi)

06

i)

(

g Rive Wepawau r

(0.0

Dr

mi)

W River

i) m

Girl Scout Pond (0.09

(0. 0 6 mi)

t S

Ca ll o w ay

m

(0.0 7

Bristols Ice Pond

mi

(0.09 mi) (0.0 5 i)

(

.07 (0

mi)

(0.0 8

16

(0.

Bolt

mi)

3 mi)

Mill Te r

State Hwy 121

(0.3

Flax

i)

(

O

(0 .0

ne of many trails available for trekking in Milford

5m i)

(0.12 mi)

121 wy te H Sta

acre park offers residents hiking trails, tennis courts, a

(0.1 4

(0 .23

mi

)

mi)

makes its way through Eisenhower Park. The 200-

( 0.

14

mi)

West Pond

new splash park, and pickleball courts. For more walking maps go

Legend Parking

to http://scrcog.org/regional-planning/regional-trails/

Trailhead

i 7m (0.2

Garden

)

S

P l a t t Ln

mi)

mi)

40 Milford Living • Autumn

E

05

W

Eisenhower Park Trails

(0.

(0.21

North

Pas cha l

Bridge

Town Property Land Trust Property Wetlands

Dr

CITY OF MILFORD

Dog Park

S

ince the internet was decades into the

future and gas station maps didn’t provide the kind of detail I wanted, I decided over

breakfast one summer morning to walk around

and create my own map of Woodmont in 1973! The map shows numerous landmarks which are now long gone and forgotten. For example, between

the end of our back yard and Seabreeze Avenue, a

development of tiny cottages used to exist. It was called “Sperry Court”. In the map, I labeled each

cottage according to its color. The map captures

other now forgotten elements of the neighborhood such as the Surf Club (and all its details), including the entrance to its parking lot. Today, the Surf

Village condos and Sandpiper Crescent occupy that handball courts, basketball courts, and playground are all documented. —Andy Blair

.ANDY BLAIR

same space. The old Surf Club shuffle board courts,

2018 • Milford Living 41

milford morsels

Blazing Bonfire

O

n Hillside Avenue in the Woodmont section of Milford, a stone’s throw from the beach, stands one of Milford’s newest restaurants. Professional restauranteurs Frank Basile and Robert Cyr have harnessed their passion for providing delicious, unique cuisine in an upscale but comfortable family friendly setting. They designed Bonfire Grille to please the area’s diners.

“We listened to what the neighborhood people wanted and were able to implement many of their suggestions,” says Cyr. Many longtime residents, who grew

grins spread as they take in all the

up frequenting Sloppy Jose’s in that very

changes and improvements Basile and Cyr

building, react the same when they first

have undertaken.

walk into Bonfire Grille. Their jaws drop and

The first impression is that of airiness; a more expansive space, created from the light,

BONFIRE GRILLE

186 Hillside Avenue, Milford, CT 203.693.2777 www.milfordbonfiregrille.com Kitchen open Monday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

beachy color theme, along with the many windows and walls that open to allow the

The large, square bar opens to the outdoor

fresh sea air to enter and bring the outside in.

patio on one side, allowing people to enjoy

Basile explained “We wanted to give an open

their food and drink al fresco if desired, and

air vibe; a beach cottage feel.” One big change

the patio is surrounded by attractive fencing

for the building: upstairs on the roof there

to provide guests with privacy. On the wall

is space being renovated for a rooftop beer

underneath the bar, there are outlets with

garden with water views.

regular and USB ports, perfect for charging cell phones or tablets. “We tried to think of everything our clients would want and include it in the design,” says Cyr. Televisions are conveniently located around the restaurant, perfect for watching a game, without being the primary focal point of the space. “We’ve subscribed to ‘NFL Sunday Ticket’ so our customers can enjoy the games,” Cyr explains, “but we really have something for

ANNA DOWNS (3)

everyone and every occasion.”

Frank Basile is the man behind the unique and delicious menu. Trained at Johnson & Wales, his creativity and

42 Milford Living • Autumn

attention to detail have combined to make for some tasty fare.

The summer menu is well-rounded with a seaside flare. A raw bar including oysters ($15/$30), littleneck clams, and shrimp cocktail with the signature Bonfire cocktail sauce ($4 each) is available, as well as appetizers that include clam chowder ($6), the Garden and Sea (fried calamari, zucchini, carrot sticks, and Jalapeños lightly breaded and fried golden brown, served with chipotle aioli and house made ANNA DOWNS

marinara - $13), potato encrusted blue crab cakes served with zesty Remoulade sauce ($14), fresh PEI mussels sautéed with white

Book Your Next Party in our Brand New Party Room

bin100

F O U R CO U R S E S: $27 LU N C H $38 D I N N E R

restaurant

— Milford —

100 Lansdale Ave. (Corner of Bridgeport Ave.)

203.882.1400

Accommodating private parties of 10-130 Visit Bin100.com for menus & pricing

2018 • Milford Living 43

milford morsels wine, garlic, Roma tomatoes, butter, and

Bonfire blaze sauce ($8/$16/$23). Also on the

mood for seafood have

fresh basil ($12) and more.

menu are grilled flatbreads and Trash Pan

much to choose from,

Nachos, house cut tortilla chips topped with

including the Meat and

tacos ($15) and a soft shell crab po’boy ($16) are

jalapeños, black olives, pico de gallo, and

Potatoes (grilled hanger

available, as well as “the Milford fan favorite,

Monterey jack cheddar blend, baked in the

steak and truffle parmesan

a classic lobster roll,” ($25) says Basile with a

oven and served with sour cream ($12).

fried potatoes served with

For the “handheld” portion of the menu, fish

smile. Seaside-themed entrees included fish

Delicious handheld fare include the

a portabella demiglaze and

& chips ($18) and oven-roasted Cajun salmon

California Chicken Sandwich (grilled

field green salad -$18), the

topped with a roasted pineapple salsa and

chicken breast topped with Monterey

mouth-watering Bam-Bam

served with rice pilaf ($22).

jack, Applewood smoked bacon, and sliced

Chicken and Waffles (Fruity

avocado -$12), pork tacos ($15), specialty

Pebbles-coated chicken

preferring the “turf” over the “surf” on

burgers like the Bonfire Burger, All American

breast served with confetti

the menu. Unique appetizers are on the

Burger, or Holy Guacamole Burger ($13-$14),

Belgian waffles topped

summer menu, including BFG Wings (which

and the delicious BFG Pork Belly Hot Dog, a

with purple slaw, hot

stands for brined, fried, and grilled) with a

slow-roasted maple bourbon glazed pork

honey glaze, and maple

choice of Buffalo gorgonzola, BBQ dry rub,

belly topped with apple fennel relish ($14).

aioli -$18), or the Huli

sweet chili, garlic parmesan, or habanero

For their main course, diners not in the

There are plenty of choices for those

䘀刀䔀䔀 䐀䔀䰀䤀嘀䔀刀夀

Huli Chicken (Hawaiian

䈀愀渀焀甀攀琀 刀漀漀洀

䌀愀琀攀爀椀渀最 䄀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀

戀甀猀椀渀攀猀猀 洀攀攀琀椀渀最猀Ⰰ 猀栀漀眀攀爀猀Ⰰ 戀椀爀琀栀搀愀礀猀Ⰰ

昀甀渀搀爀愀椀猀攀爀猀 愀渀搀 洀甀挀栀 洀漀爀攀 ⸀⸀⸀

䔀愀爀氀礀 䈀椀爀搀 匀瀀攀挀椀愀氀猀

㈀ ㌀⸀㠀㜀㘀⸀㄀㈀㄀

猀琀愀爀琀椀渀最 愀琀 ␀㄀㄀⸀㤀㔀 ∠ ㌀瀀洀 ⴀ 㜀瀀洀 圀椀琀栀 猀漀甀瀀 漀爀 猀愀氀愀搀Ⰰ 搀爀椀渀欀 ☀ 搀攀猀猀攀爀琀⸀ 匀攀攀 椀渀 猀琀漀爀攀 昀漀爀 搀攀琀愀椀氀猀

ᰠ圀栀攀爀攀 䘀爀椀攀渀搀猀 䴀攀攀琀 ⸀⸀⸀ 䄀渀搀 䘀爀椀攀渀搀猀 䄀爀攀 䴀愀搀攀ᴠ

吀甀攀猀搀愀礀

䴀漀渀搀愀礀 䬀椀搀猀 䔀愀琀 䘀刀䔀䔀 一椀最栀琀℀ 䌀䠀䤀䰀䐀刀䔀一 ㄀㈀ ☀ 唀一䐀䔀刀 圀椀琀栀 愀 瀀甀爀挀栀愀猀攀 漀昀 ␀㄀ ⸀ 漀爀 洀漀爀攀⸀ 伀渀攀 昀爀攀攀 欀椀搀猀 洀攀愀氀 瀀攀爀 愀搀甀氀琀⸀ 䌀栀椀氀搀 洀甀猀琀 戀攀 瀀爀攀猀攀渀琀⸀

䈀甀爀最攀爀 一椀最栀琀 ㄀⼀㈀ 氀戀⸀ 䈀甀爀最攀爀 搀攀氀甀砀攀⸀䤀渀挀氀甀搀攀猀 氀攀琀琀甀挀攀Ⰰ 琀漀洀愀琀漀 ☀ 挀栀漀椀挀攀 漀昀 ㌀ 琀漀瀀瀀椀渀最猀⸀ 匀攀爀瘀攀搀 眀椀琀栀 挀漀昀昀攀攀Ⰰ 琀攀愀 漀爀 猀漀昀琀 搀爀椀渀欀⸀

瘀椀攀眀 漀甀爀 昀甀氀氀 洀攀渀甀 愀琀

㄀㌀㐀 伀氀搀 䜀愀琀攀 䰀渀 䴀椀氀昀漀爀搀Ⰰ 䌀吀 㘀㐀㘀

圀攀搀渀攀猀搀愀礀

␀㤀⸀㤀㔀

眀眀眀⸀瀀漀瀀猀昀愀洀椀氀礀爀攀猀琀愀甀爀愀渀琀⸀挀漀洀

44 Milford Living • Autumn

倀愀猀琀愀 一椀最栀琀

匀攀爀瘀攀搀 眀椀琀栀 猀漀甀瀀 漀爀 猀愀氀愀搀 ☀ 挀栀漀椀挀攀 漀昀 挀漀昀昀攀攀Ⰰ 琀攀愀 漀爀 猀漀昀琀 搀爀椀渀欀⸀ ㄀⸀ 䌀栀漀椀挀攀 漀昀 瀀愀猀琀愀 ㈀⸀ 䌀栀漀椀挀攀 漀昀 猀愀甀挀攀 ㌀⸀ 䌀栀漀椀挀攀 漀昀 琀栀爀攀攀 琀漀瀀瀀椀渀最猀

␀㄀ ⸀㤀㔀

匀攀攀 椀渀 猀琀漀爀攀 昀漀爀 搀攀琀愀椀氀猀

BBQ chicken slow roasted

chili dipping sauce ($13). They have a house

and glazed with a zesty

made quinoa burger topped with cheddar

pineapple BBQ sauce served

cheese, sliced avocado, and chipotle aioli

with roasted pineapple

($14), and serve up their special Cauliflower

and a garden vegetable

Rice and Beans, enjoyed by vegetarians and

macaroni salad -$18).

omnivores alike ($16).

Basile and Cyr are committed to providing

each season, and has plans to move toward

meal options for just

heartier, heavier fare as the weather gets

about everyone, and they

cooler.

included many vegetarian

ANNA DOWNS

The pair intends on adapting the menu to

Bonfire Grille is a welcoming, fun

options on Bonfire

destination for anyone in the Milford area.

Grille’s menu, such as

From people who just want to unwind with

sautéed vegetables,

a drink with friends to those going out for a

water chestnuts, and

meal with the family, or just stopping by for a

mushrooms served in

quick appetizer, everyone is welcome.

lettuce cups with a sweet

—Shaileen Kelly Lansberg

@5roNE§l\lP.&J.;; £ 50 (J)anieCStreet- 9,1..iffora, C'I' ®) www.stone6ria9erestaurant.com © 203-874-7947

:

I

, '

f'

re foo�ng to spend your lJJi,ank§giving, _ ve, :New 'Year's 'Eve, or to 6oo{your 2018 vent, Stone6ritfge provides a perfect setting. �1!!modate Carge groups for every /i,ofufay.

'FeaturitlfJ Casuat)f.merican 'Fare witlifresli seafootf sucli as Live £o6sters, cCams antfoysters, antf our Si/Jnature Slirimp Coc�ait:'We offer appetizers, santfwiclies, satatfs antfliome-matfe soups as weff as succuCent stea�, tentfer moist poultry antfincreai6fe pasta specia{ties.

<Bruncli at tlie "<Bruf9e" - <Every Suntfay 11am-2:30pm ;li.• ¾a(f<Price Jlppetizers - :Montfay - Priaay (4:00pm - 7:00pm} ((])iscountea (])rin{<Piic°7sJ 2for $32 Compfete (])inner Speciafs (])ai{y (3:00pm- 6:00pm e�fuain9 liofiaays) 2018 • Milford Living 45

The House that History Built

W

hen you visit the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at their neat, mid-century colonial chapter house on Prospect Avenue, it doesn’t exactly scream HISTORY. Yet history is everywhere you look; it even lives in the ground on which the property is situated.

The chapter house, one of only two in the state, was built in 1953 on a site that was once the garden of the Rev. Peter Prudden, Milford’s founder and the spiritual leader of the city’s first settlers, part of the original land grant deeded to Prudden in 1639.

COURTESY FREELOVE BALDWIN STOW CHAPTER DAR

historical perspective

The original members of the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter of the DAR sold cakes and held dinners to build the first chapter house. an indignant Mary Lockwood wrote in the Washington Post. Only a few months later, the first organizational meeting of the new National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution was held. Like the SAR, membership in the DAR was (and still is) contingent on proving “lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence.”

Fast forward six years when, in the spring of 1896, Milford society doyenne Mary Hepburn

History, of course, is at the core of the DAR. It began in 1890 when the newly formed Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) refused to admit

Smith organized the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter of the DAR, filling it with women like herself who were the granddaughters and greatgranddaughters of revolutionary patriots.

According to an article by one Mary

women to their ranks. “Were there

Philotheta Root published in 1904, “The Milford

no Mothers of the Revolution?”

chapter did not need to deliberate long in the

ANN MCGUIRE

selection of a name. The name of Freelove

46 Milford Living • Autumn

A framed newspaper clipping

Baldwin Stow, wife of Captain Stephen Stow,

keeps company with vintage

appealed to them at once.” Not only did

volumes of lineage books on DAR

Freelove Baldwin Stow “give her four sons,

members.

Stephen, Samuel, John, and Jedediah to the

State Regent Marolyn Paulis.

husband as well. Milford

“By putting up trestle tables

hero Captain Stephen Stow

and holding dinners and

died in early 1777 after

baking cakes they raised

caring for a large group of

enough money to put up a

ANN MCGUIRE

cause of liberty,” but her

sick and dying American soldiers who had been abandoned on Milford’s

Handwritten military service records trace Milford’s ties to the Revolutionary War.

shore by a British warship.

chapter house!” Given that the cost was probably around $3,000, that’s a lot of cake.

The property was sold to the

Freelove’s remaining son and two daughters

one of the original rafters removed that the

Milford Bank in the early 1950s. “There was

carried on the Stow name and legacy.

charter of the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter

a family that lived next door to the current

might be framed with wood from the home of

chapter house named Nettleton who had

Stephen Stow.”

family that were members,” says Paulis. “They

In 1907 the DAR built its first chapter house downtown on land (now the Milford Bank parking lot) that was donated by Mary

“The original chapter house was built by

sold the acre of land our chapter house is on

Hepburn Smith. The then-owner of the Stow

our first Regent and the first members of the

to the DAR for $1.00. With the proceeds of the

house, according to Root’s article, “kindly had

chapter,” says 52-year member and one-time

sale of the original house we built the current

2018 • Milford Living 47

historical perspective house and had a little leftover to start an

furniture and china donated by members are

dating back to the first days of the chapter. It

endowment to maintain it.”

on display. Mary Hepburn Smith’s portrait

brings out the history geek in Davis, a 3-year

holds a place of honor, as do photographs

member in her first year as regent, who made

house rests under the bay window of the

of members who have served in various

her connection to the DAR through an online

current chapter house, where historical

branches of the military. The DAR’s mission

genealogical search. “I had one of those free

of historic preservation, education, and

Ancestry.com accounts and my tree just went

patriotism are clearly on display. The chapter’s

on, and on, and on,” she says. “One day I saw

history, much of it paper, has been preserved

the words SAR and I said, ‘Ooh, what’s this?’

in a large antique dresser.

I realized my great aunt happened to be a

The 1907 cornerstone from the original

Diving into the archives, Chapter Regent Kendra Davis and Honorary Regent Barbara Stewart unearth scrapbooks, photographs, ANN MCGUIRE

newspaper clippings, guestbooks, and journals

member, and so I joined. I jumped in with both feet.”

Davis was able to take advantage of today’s technology when making the historical connection to her Revolutionary War ancestor.

An early event program printed with many

For Barbara Stewart, like hundreds of members

names that are still familiar in Milford today.

who came before, the story began in the family

We are a professional full line tree service company with twenty years experience with Counties. We take pride in our expertise of tree

Tree Experts and Stump Grinding Specialists Commercial & Residential 20 Years Experience

10% OFF

Fully insured with workers comp and liability insurance

quality services at a fair price and we stand behind our work 100%.

We specialize in: Hazardous Tree Removal, Tree Removal, Land Clearing, Storm Damage, Tree Trimming, Bucket Truck Service, Tree Pruning, Chipper Service, Crane Removal Free delivery of organic material

Seasoned Firewood Available Arborist on Staff Arborist # B3292

Call and let us examine your property now.

Free Estimates!

48 Milford Living • Autumn

203-305-2584 Located in Milford, Oronoque Road

Jeff Dalton, Owner maddbeavertree@yahoo.com

bible. “Come to find out

people just don’t have the time.

that not everything was

I didn’t join until our kids were

correct in that bible,” she

grown,” she admits.

laughs. But while tracing

Paulis, whose 95-year old ANN MCGUIRE

your family back might not be easy, both agree it’s certainly worth the effort.

The popularity of Ancestry.

A treasure trove of DAR-related ephemera that goes back to the chapter’s founding.

com and DNA sites, as well as

mother Sarah Agro has been a member for more than 60 years, says joining the DAR is “a great thing for young professional women,” citing

programs like “Who Do You Think You Are,” has

Davis calls “white haired ladies sitting around

the connections, camaraderie, and civic

prompted a renewed interest in organizations

drinking tea.” Stewart, a 9-year member,

action. DAR members have long been at the

like the DAR. Plus, says Davis, “If you hit a brick

wholeheartedly agrees. “It’s not like when

forefront of issues that affect women she

wall and you just can’t find it, we have two

women didn’t work outside the home. Back

says. “Susan B. Anthony was a member of the

committees that will help you.”

in the day they’d have 150 members and a

DAR. A lot of suffragettes were in the DAR. It’s

meeting would be packed. Now you have two

always had a presence of very active women

income families with children and a lot of

fighting for advancement. I believe we’ve

Currently with about 60 members, the chapter is working to dispel the image of what

35

901 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460 (1/2 mile from the Milford green) 203.874.1900 info@traynorcollision.com Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm Opened in 2001 Community Supporter Follow us on Facebook

2018 • Milford Living 49

historical perspective always been great supporters of women and

Washington D.C., with its museum, library, and

women’s issues.”

performance buildings (“The largest group of

ANN MCGUIRE

The DAR’s commitment to the community has also remained constant. Each year the

by women, period,” says Paulis), they are

Baldwin chapter sponsors dozens of projects

equally as proud of their 56 x 40-foot chapter

including good citizenship and community

house. “It’s home,” says Barbara Stewart. And

service awards, scholarship programs, and

as a home, it’s nice to have visitors. “It’s always

essay contests. They provide support for

wonderful to welcome new people from the

veterans through the VA in West Haven and

community into our chapter house,” says

Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport. They also

Paulis. “And particularly lovely to welcome

sponsor a veteran’s luncheon that coincides

new members.”

with the annual laying of Christmas wreaths

—Ann McGuire

on graves of every veteran in local cemeteries (the Wreaths Across America program.)

And as proud as the Baldwin DAR members

A journal entry from the first meeting of the Freelove Baldwin DAR chapter in 1896.

buildings completely owned and maintained

are of the grand national headquarters in

PLEASE VISIT www.dar.org for more information on discovering your ancestors and applying for membership.

SUPERIOR MOTORS We Proudly Sell Quality Pre Owned Cars Every Car We Sell Comes With a Warranty The Friendly Dealership: • Quality Used Cars • General Auto Repair Service • Financing Available • Tax ID Welcome

Monday - Friday: 8am – 6pm | Saturday: 8am – 5pm | Sunday: By Appointment Only |

1080 Bridgeport Ave, Milford | Call us! 203.693.3004 (sales) superiormotorsllc@yahoo.com | www.SuperiorMotorsCT.com

50 Milford Living • Autumn

9/15/2018

9/15/2018

legends & lore

Close Encounters S ince the dawn of time we have looked toward the heavens in wonderment. Twinkling stars came to life when Greco-Roman astronomer Ptolemy presented constellations as mythological figures: Pegasus, Orion, Cassiopeia, Perseus, and the beautiful Andromeda. Ever since, star gazers have sought an answer to the question “are we alone in the universe?”

sightings were identified as aircraft or other earthly objects, but 10% could not be explained.

“Two percent of people believe they have been abducted. Thirty percent of people believe we have been visited by extraterrestrials. More than 60% believe there is life among the stars,” says Dr. Shostak.

Famed astronomer Carl Sagan created the

Soviet aircraft, but Project Blue Book was

“In general, the number of reported UFO’s is

SETI Institute in 1980 with the Search for Extra

cancelled because they were not producing

around 10,000 per year.”

Terrestrial Intelligence as the focus of the

any specific results. Ninety percent of

Milford has had its share of UFO sightings.

institute’s research. There, 130 astronomers

The MUFON (Mutual UFO Network)

and astrobiologists study stars and planets

Connecticut chapter keeps an eye on the

across the Milky Way galaxy searching for

skies and tracks sightings in our state.

signs of life.

“There are approximately 13 cases in the

SETI’s senior astronomer Seth Shostak,

MUFON database that have been reported

has conducting research for 25 years. “I

in the Milford area. The types of craft

get calls from people every day saying

reported include: triangle, orb, fireball,

they’ve seen ‘something’,” he says. In the

and oval,” says MUFON director Michael

mid-20th century, the United States Air Force

Panicello. “A craft usually moves slowly. For

commenced Project Blue Book, a concerted

example, the triangle craft. This craft is

effort to investigate Unidentified Flying

almost always reported moving slowly in

Objects (UFO’s). Initially the project was

one direction, stopped, or slowly turning in

created to identify potential experimental

another direction. Orbs are often described

There have been numerous UFO sightings in Milford over the years. This is an aristic rendering of

ED STEINERTS

one.

52 Milford Living • Autumn

MILFORD UFO SIGHTINGS 12/24/2016 12:18 a.m.

DURATION: 10 hours; TYPE: Diamond Four objects in a formation, diamond shaped craft. One craft seemed to be having difficulty maintaining altitude, as it would change color from the brilliant blue that lit up my entire backyard, to almost a blood red-type of color. Every time it shifted color, it dropped straight down out of formation. It got lower and lower.

12/13/2012 6:08 p.m.

DURATION: 15 minutes; TYPE: Lights Lights in random formation heading over Milford. Approx. 30-35 red/white, non-blinking light, no audible sound or doppler type sound at the trail. Lights came in a swarm like formation from the south east.

12/3/2012 8:00 p.m.

DURATION: 5 minutes; TYPE: Lights Three lights in triangle pattern over Long Island Sound. Jets traveling east bound were well beneath the lights which hovered before ascending abruptly out of view

DURATION: 2 hours; TYPE: Lights Gulf Beach. Low flying aerial light of unusual color traveling west to the east, altitude 700 feet, no sound.

Light passed over the water, between the shore and Charles Island. Light veered south, along the eastern edge of Charles Island and headed towards Long Island.

9/14/2013 8:00 p.m.

11/14/10 12:15 p.m.

10/16/15 6:30 p.m.

DURATION: 1 minute; TYPE: ?

A jellyfish-type object hovering. Pale blue in color and translucent. A bright light that looked like a small flame at the base.

Appeared to almost be “floating” above the houses. It was fairly low and vivid.

DURATION: 20 minutes; TYPE: Cylinder Object spotted overhead moving from east to west. Altitude was below clouds. It appeared to be silver-metallic in color, cylindrical-faceted, and rotating around horizontal axes; every

three seconds the flat side reflected sunlight producing a flash-flare of light; indication of rotation. No contrails. Moved west; lost sight on the western horizon.

7/15/2008 2:45 a.m.

DURATION: 10 minutes; TYPE: Triangle Witness saw a triangle move overhead of their house. Witness said the triangle was several hundred feet wide. The triangle had a green hue and flames—long flames—coming out the back.

11/1/1991 11:00 p.m.

DURATION: 15 minutes; TYPE: Saucer Walnut Beach. A very loud noise like a rocket blast. Soon after, witnesses heard a sound that was described as a sonic boom. As clouds began to form over the water a black saucer came out of it. Had square windows circling the craft; three lights: red, green, and white; 60’ wide and 30’ tall - 100’ feet from witnesses. White beam of light from bottom of the craft, scanned the

water below. Silent. Moved parallel to the shoreline. Craft observed till it was out of sight.

12/3/1976 3:30 p.m.

DURATION: 2 hours; TYPE: Cylinder White fluorescent cigar-shaped object 60 ft above. Object was approx. 20 ft long x 6 feet high. It moved into the southern sky about one mile away, stayed, and burst into a “gigantic sparkler,” moved in a straight line, and exploded two more objects from itself.

6/15/1963 3:00 a.m.

DURATION: 1 minute; TYPE: Cylinder A solid black cylinder shape moving across the ground then rising like a shadow. Police officer on duty, 11PM to 7AM shift; central business district.

Rose up from a street that ran along the Wepawaug River. Witnessed coming up the hill on the ground a deep black “patch” about 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. Moving slowly; less than two miles per hour.

COIN LAUNDRY NOW WITH 2 MILFORD LOCATIONS! • • • • •

Close, Clean & Convenient Family Friendly, Safe Environment Flat Screen TV’s & FREE WI-FI New Large Capacity Washers & Dryers Drop-Off Services Available; Center Store only CENTER

Next to Hospital 2015 Bridgeport Ave. 4am -12 Midnight

DEVON

Naugatuck Ave. & Rt 1 548 Naugatuck Ave 6am – 10pm

www.SockHopCoinLaundry.com 2018 • Milford Living 53

legends & lore or videotaped moving under intelligent

from a formation of orbs,” he says.

control. They speed up or slow down; move

MUFON investigates reports of sightings

into a formation with other orbs or break off

in the state and encourages those who think

Panicello. “As the sighting gets older it starts to get cold; data is lost. It becomes a best educated guess at that point, which we do

they have seen something

not like to do because it is not scientific.”

to speak up immediately

Field investigators find out everything

following a sighting. “We

they can about possible sightings. “MUFON

have the best chance of

investigates cases to be as accurate as

investigating recent sightings

possible and lets the evidence decide the

because data, witnesses, and

outcome,” says Panicello. “We do not bend

other research avenues we

the evidence to fit a preconceived outcome.”

have are still fresh,” says

So, Milford, keep your eyes on the skies. As

COURTESY OF SETI@HOME

artistic visionary David Bowie sang, “There’s SETI@home volunteers help with

a Starman waiting in the sky. He’d like to

UFO identification projects by

come and meet us, but he thinks he’d blow our

analyzing data on their personal

minds.”

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

computers.

“IF yOU Need IT qUICK CALL RiCk”

203-874-6629 Rick Jurzyk

1050 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

P1-204379 • S1-385776 • F1-40226 ST1-400482 • HIC-0611483 • Fax: 203-877-0818

WWW.RICKSPLUMBING.COM 54 Milford Living • Autumn

Rick Jurzyk

1050 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

CT Lic # P1-204379 Fax: 203-877-0818

www.RAinMAkeRCT.CoM

203-876-2700

senior corner Milford boasts a number of ways for seniors to comfortably get to their destinations without having to drive themselves. patrons must either be 65 or older, or qualify through the Americans with Disabilities Act. E&H rides must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, but three days lead time is recommended. For $6 round trip, riders can be taken anywhere in Milford to shop, visit family, go to the hairdresser, the doctor, etc.

Any transportation outside of Milford ($7.00 round trip) is generally provided only for a medical appointment. Cash or check payment is made to the driver of the initial leg of the trip. For more information call 203-874-4507.

Some home care companies offer community. This is beneficial to those who may need a person to accompany them to appointments, assist them in transferring ANNA DOWNS

Getting from Here to There

transportation services to seniors in the

M

any of Milford’s seniors choose to stop driving their own vehicles due to medical, vision, or other personal reasons. Some don’t have cars. Others may need to use a wheelchair for mobility, which can make it difficult to get in and out of a standard automobile. Sometimes a person just might not feel comfortable behind the wheel anymore. Luckily, there are several different options for those needing transportation to shop, go to doctor appointments, attend family gatherings, or just remain mobile.

203-877-5131 extension 2125. Please note that two

booked for rides. This convenient service is

or three days minimum lead time is preferred.

Another local transportation resource

them get to medical appointments in Milford.

available to area seniors is Elderly and

It’s a curb-to-curb service. While the driver is

Handicapped (E&H) Van Rides, provided by

unable to escort riders into the building, those

the Milford Transit District. Residents must

needing assistance can have an escort ride

submit an application to qualify for this

along to their destination. There is no cost to

service, although rides can be given while

members for this service. To schedule a ride,

the application is being reviewed. To qualify,

56 Milford Living • Autumn

One such company, Always Best Care, has a branch in Milford. According to owner Susan Oderwald, “It’s a full-service program.

Our caregivers can help the senior get ready, accompany them, and if it’s a doctor’s

call transportation supervisor Jim Convery at

and handicapped-accessible vans that can be available only to members of the Center to help

some assistance in preparing to go out.

CREATED BY FRIMUFILMS - FREEPIK.COM

The Milford Senior Center has wheelchair

into and out of a vehicle, or even providing

appointment that has medications prescribed, they can pick up the prescriptions.” The state average for this service is $22 per hour plus mileage. More information can be obtained by ANNA DOWNS

calling 203-693-4527 or visiting https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/ct/ fairfield/.

Ambulance and wheelchair van service transportation is available for those requiring

The Milford Senior Center and Milford Transit System offer free or low-cost hadicapped

more assistance, including those who can only

accessible van rides to locations within the city,

be transported on a stretcher. Connecticut Handivan (203-562-1760) and American

Response, their company has “provided

destination. For more information, call Kevin

Medical Response (203-781-1108) are two

rides to many different locations, from

Guptill at 203-410-2985.

companies providing such options locally.

medical appointments, to recreational trips,

According to Kevin Guptill, quality care coordinator for American Medical

Taxi service has been the go-to for many

to weddings.” Their drivers can generally

people needing rides throughout the years.

accompany riders into the lobby of the

This remains an option even for seniors

Costa

AZZURRA ~ Faustini Family, Since 1972 ~

Fine Waterfront Dining overlooking L.I. Sound Open for Lunch & Dinner Daily!

6 - $7.95 Lunch Specials

$ .00

11:45am-2pm Tues-Fri - Orders to Go!

Let Costa Azzurra host your next special event!!

• Weddings • Banquets • Receptions • Social Functions • Accommodations for 250+

Come Visit our New Bar! 72 Broadway, Milford, CT 06460

(203) 878-6688 www.costaazzurarestaurant.com

Call Us For a Tour and to Pre-Book Your Post-Surgery Care • The Area’s Premier Short-term Rehabilitation and Joint Replacement Program Led by Dr. Amit Lahav • Best Reputation for Care and Customer Service in Milford Area • Recognized in “Best Nursing Homes”

by U.S. News and World Report

195 Platt St, Milford CT | 203.878.5958 | MilfordRehab.com

2018 • Milford Living 57

senior corner requiring a bit more assistance getting

standards of the Americans with Disabilities

GoGoGrandparent, lets the rider use a landline

into and a vehicle or in wheelchairs. Metro

Act. For more information or to book a

or cellphone to book the transportation. Return

Taxi does not just use the traditional sedan

ride call 203-777-7777 or visit http://www.

trips can also be scheduled as long as the user

taxi cabs, but also has vehicles that can

metrotaxict.com.

has a cellphone or access to a landline at the

CREATED BY FRIMUFILMS - FREEPIK.COM

accommodate wheelchairs and meet the

Many residents have heard of the ride share services Uber and Lyft. As more and more

minute surcharge (approximately $2.00 per

seniors embrace technology, these services are

ride) to use the service, which is available in all

becoming more popular with those needing

50 states.

transportation to events, appointments,

With all these transportation options

and more. A convenient way to book a ride

available, it’s no wonder Milford has a

anywhere, Uber and Lyft generally require a

vibrant and active community of seniors out

smartphone and app. However, in 2017 a novel

and about on a daily basis. These companies

workaround was developed by a man whose

make just about every location reachable,

grandmother came up with the idea since

there is a service to cater to the needs of every

she was not comfortable using a smartphone,

senior, and best of all, they are easy to use!

but still needed transportation. This service,

“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.” – William Ewart Gladstone, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

ALL FAMILY BUDGETS ACCOMMODATED WITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR QUALITY OF SERVICES David J. DeRubeis – Managing Partner

Thomas J. Cody Jr. - Funeral Director Kyle Duke - Funeral Director Rachel Cimbak – Funeral Director Kevin W. Cody - Funeral Director Amanda Veccharelli - Funeral Director Carly Ericson – Funeral Director Renate Eastman - Office Manager

CODY-WHITE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE 107 Broad Street on the Green, Milford (203) 874-0268 • www.codywhitefuneralservice.com

58 Milford Living • Autumn

destination location. There is a 19 cent per

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 55 YEARS

Carpet • Tile • Linoleum • Hardwood • Laminates

Wood • Vinyl • Planks

WE BEAT OTHER PRICES!

Next Day Delivery on In Stock Only!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM!

NEW Carpet and Hardwood Selections Now In!

Cleaning & Repairs on Area Rugs Call today COMMERCIAL & for a FREE RESIDENTIAL Jaser ESTIMATE Next Day Delivery! Sue Owner 495 New Haven Ave - Milford 06460

HIGH QUALITY - LOW PRICES!

203-877-3040 Fax: 203-878-7282

Fully insured member of The Milford Chamber of Commerce

www.joescarpetmilford.com Hours M-F 9-6 SAT 10-5

★

GET TO KNOW OUR ★

Local Businesses Pet Tender

876 Boston Post Road 203-202-9533

Jane Schulhof

6 masteR BaRBeRs

Personalized, In-Home Pet Care

P: 203.221.3110 C: 203.521.3939 E: 1410JL@gmail.com Experienced | Insured | Serving Milford

Hours of operation: Mon-fri 4am-6pm Sat 4am-4pm

Serving Milford for 46 years

All kinds of haircuts from traditional to modern - Short to long hair Beard styling In business since 1969!

Mobile Wood Fired Pizza for Parties!

Heated – Vinyasa – Hatha Yoga – Pilates – All Levels 120 Boston Post Road, Milford – 203.257.2359 www.SunRoseYogaCT.com – Follow Us:

Like us

BE SEEN! 415 Boston Post Road, Milford CT, 203.882.0220

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

UNISEX HAIR SALON Jen Palmer•203.283.9899•Walk-Ins Welcome 232 Boston Post Road, Milford CT (Gloria’s Plaza) 60 Milford Living • Autumn

203.283.5290

Call us to reserve your space for the next issue

The Best TheinBest The Toys!Best in Toys! in Toys!

Recently voted best toy stores in Connecticut!

185 Boston185 PostBoston Rd185 Post Boston Rd Post Rd Orange, CTOrange,Orange, CT CT

MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE

203-799-1301 203-799-1301 203-799-1301

& GULF POND MUSEUM

Hands On Science Summer Camps since 1983

1647 Whitney 1647Ave Whitney 1647 Whitney Ave Ave Hamden, CT Hamden, Hamden, CT CT

203-230-2840 203-230-2840 203-230-2840 OPEN 7 DAYS OPEN 7OPEN DAYS 7 DAYS Follow us on Follow Facebook usFollow on Facebook us on Facebook

1100 Village 1100 Walk Village 1100 Village Walk Walk Guilford, CT Guilford, Guilford, CT CT

203-453-8560 203-453-8560 203-453-8560

• Hands on artifact programs for birthday parties/or speaker all year round

• Revolutionary War program featuring Milford's Joseph Plumb Martin, Continental soldier and/or John Downs, Minuteman from Milford

• Camps : Marine Biology, Marine Biology Art, Bird identification and Archaeology/ Native Culture in June and July

Contact Tim Chaucer, Director 203-874-4000 tchaucer@msn.com or milfordmarineinstitute.org

sCholArshIps AvAIlABle

Karz Driving Service When hOW yOu get there matters

Fa m i ly & p o r t r a i t photography

serVicing all tri-state area airpOrts and transpOrtatiOn centers Our car Or yOurs.

Very cOmpetitiVe rates.

We haVe nO bOrders. if it’s driVable, We dO it! call us fOr a quOte tOday!

203-605-8130 aaron Kerzner

203.650.0383

Owner/Operator karzdriving@gmail.com www.karzdrivingservice.com

www.sherrylynnphotography.com sherrylynnFoto@gmail.com

Yolani P. Edirisinghe, D.M.D.

|

Specialty Woodworks and Design, LLC 354 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460 203-874-6464 p/f

James E. Pucci, D.M.D.

Committed to Excellence in Dentistry 53 Cherry St. (Harmony Place), Milford, CT 06460 203-878-1766 www.familydentistrymilford.com

Suzanne Cahill Wedding Officiant, Connecticut 203.650.9659 Your special day...your special way!

Find us on

David Bacchiocchi, Owner

Celebrating 40 Years

MOBILE ELECTRONICS CENTER ALL MAJOR BRANDS • ALL ACCESSORIES REMOTE S VIDEO • NAVIgATION • CELLuLAR • SATELLITE RADIO C gIFT R STARTE ERTIFIC ATES www.starlanderbeck.com • Knowledgeable Staff • Guaranteed Professional Installation •Committed To Quality, Service & Price • Most Of Our Customers Are Referrals

10597291

Justice of the Peace

specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork

203-877-4651

730 Boston Post Road – Rt. 1, Milford, Ct 06460 (Exit 39A From I-95)

2018 • Milford Living 61

expressions

Aview summer

Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so beautiful you just have to take the pic with your eyes.

Steven Franko Taken at Silver Sands with Samsung Galaxy Edge 7

62 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Autumn

congratulations

C

ongratulations to Milford Living Magazine for serving the Milford community for 15 years.

We thank all our staff throughout the years for providing their time and talents towards the continuous publishing of our hometown magazine. We are grateful to all our subscribers and advertisers for their continuing support, and we look forward to many more years to come. See you next issue!

DULIN COLLISION CENTER

Best Automotive Collision and Refinishing Center SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Refinishing • Body Work • Scratch & Dent Repair • Paintless Dent Removal • Automotive Glass • Automotive Detailing Call anytime: 203.283.9495 11 Warfield St., Milford Hours M-F | 8am - 5pm www.DulinCollisionCenter.com

2018 • Milford Living 63

?

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz:

The Walnut Tree on the side of Walnut Beach Creamery on Broadway in Walnut Beach.

Do you know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Send us your answer at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

Want to win a Milford Living T-Shirt?

Get 4 issues

ANNA DOWNS

Send your answer to this issue’s Where is It? (along with your name and address) to: suzanne@milfordliving.com Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.

of Milford Living for only $17.80!

# M i l f o r d L i v i n g Milford is

Subscribe Today!

for Living Spring

Milford Living Magazine

2014

P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460 (203)283-5290 www.milfordliving.com

It’s all

at

BOSCOV’S DAVE & BUSTER’S KIDZ KLUB MUSE PAINTBAR More than your typical shopping center.

Movies, arcade games, paint bar, eateries, and a state of the art sports bar are now all under one roof with the best shopping in Connecticut.

With two levels of fun to explore, you’ll always find more at The Post.

1201 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 ShopConnecticutPostMall.com

Silent KillerS!!!

Carotid artery blockage increases your risk of stroke.

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) can be fatal if it ruptures.

Blockage in the arteries (PAD) in the legs can cause pain with walking and increase your risk for developing gangrene.

And these 3 diseases can be present without any outward signs, time bombs waiting to explode. They can only be diagnosed by a trained technician.

A 10 minute, simple, painless, radiation free ultrasound can save your life!

Call MVI to set up your screening today!!!

Visit us at:

20 Commerce Park, Milford, CT 06460

203-882-VEIN

or 203-876-9720 to request an appointment Follow us on Facebook and Instagram