Milford Living Spring 2015 by Red Mat Publishing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments

Through theLens

4 6 8 12 16 20 22 24 38 42 46 48 50 54 60 62 64

(Opposite page) Mom and my grandfather stroll by a lonely pine during a walk in Woodmont (July 1973); (left) On the “Russian Corner” at Anchor Beach and (below) with my Mom and sister in her kewpie hat (1962); (top) Sperry Court consisted of eight identical cottages, home to lots of kids, cats, and dogs (1970).

A Young Photographer’s View of his Milford Neighborhood in the 60s and 70s PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ANDY BLAIR

EDITOR’S NOTE: We found Andy Blair’s photographs online on the photo site Flickr and fell in love with his images of Milford, taken primarily throughout the late 1960 and early 1970s. Seeing Milford through his lens offered an unexpected walk down memory lane, and we immediately reached out for permission to share his photos with our Milford Living readers. An avid amateur photographer from a very early age, Andy did a remarkable job of capturing the world around him at a time when Milford was undergoing significant change. Of course, he was just photographing life as he knew it. Here he shares some of his memories and recollections of that time, a perfect companion to his evocative photos.

was born at Yale-New Haven Hospital in December 1958. My parents and grandparents all came to America from the Soviet Union in the early 1950s and settled in Milford. At that time, there was a community of Russian émigrés centered around the Beach Avenue neighborhood in Milford and Woodmont. The “Russian Corner” at Anchor Beach was the nickname given to a portion of the beach where many of my parents’ friends and their families used to congregate and chat on hot summer days in between dips into the refreshing waters of Long Island Sound.

26 Milford Living • Spring

2015 • Milford Living 27

Through the Lens

A young photographer’s view of his Milford Neighborhood in the 60s and 70s. 1

Welcome Spring! F

rom the appearance of the first robin of the season found on a warm spring day, our photographers capture the many aspects of spring here in town. The devotion of our intrepid photographers to their craft makes it possible for us to present you the picturesque images of Milford they capture. We hope you enjoy nature’s reawakening.

1, 6 Chris Carveth 2 Derrick MacGregor 3 Sherry Johnson 4 Bill Canfield 5, 7 JJ Richards

34 Milford Living • Spring

Spring 2015 • Milford Living 35

Welcome Spring

Local photographers present their spring scenes.

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Milford Spotlight At Home Milford Green Outdoor Living At Your Service Milford Morsels Education Notebook Milford Wildlife Senior Corner Historical Perspective Improvements Expressions Congratulations Where is it

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

About the cover: Beautiful tulips welcome everyone to our historic green. Photograph by Cathy Leite. You can view more of her work at www.cathyleitephotography.com

Spring 2015

2015 • Milford Living 1

SPRING 2015 VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 1 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher

Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive Lisa Turner

Contributing Photographers

Andy Blair, Bill Canfield, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Christopher Carveth, John Ferku, Sherry Johnson, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Cathy Leite, Derrick MacGregor, Gerry McGuire, Melville Osborne, Christine Rose

Contributing Editors

Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata

Contributing Writers

Angela Petrowski Arpino, Penny Boland, Andy Blair, Joan Crimmons, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Alicia Glagowski, Susan Glennon, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Christine Rose, Makayla Silva

Production Manager Mario Recupido

Production Assistance

Ashley Avitabile, Kevin Maher, Wilfred Hernandez, Tamara Simpson, Zinelle

Web Design

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Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $23.80. Newsstand: $5.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2015 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com

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Together we say toodle-loo to Jack Frost’s nose nipping, toss our snow shovels to the back of the garage, and spring outside to enjoy nature’s first touch of warm sunshine. Blossom by blossom the spring has come. To help celebrate it’s return we invite you to join us at our 9th annual Milford Living Kite Fly, being held May 2, 2015 at beautiful Walnut Beach from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Milford Living Kite Fly has become a rite of spring with friends and families looking skyward as their kites go aloft. As is tradition, the Connectikiters will be on hand with their spectacular kites and helpful hints for novice fliers. The Milford Living Kite Fly is a fun-filled event for people of all ages. We hope to see you there. We also look forward to seeing everyone out and about this season, enjoying all the goodness Milford has to offer. As always we enjoy hearing from you, so drop us a line with story ideas or pictures you may want to share. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions.

Warm Spring Wishes,

Suzanne

4 Milford Living • Spring

IMAGINE FEELING BETTER JUST ENTERING A HOSPITAL.

At Bridgeport Hospital you can see the promise of a new day in health care. You can see it in completely redesigned facilities like our burn center and an emergency department that is now one of the most advanced anywhere. It all points to the fact that Bridgeport Hospital is part of a healthcare system at the forefront of advancing medical research and treatment – Yale New Haven Health. We welcome the opportunities this day brings. Opportunities to do more for you. So you can do more with your life.

WELCOME TO THE NEW BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL. bridgeporthospital.org

2013 • Milford Living 5

readers’ letters I love the photography! So great to see different perspectives of Milford. I am an amateur photographer, how could I get my pictures published in Milford Living? —Lucy John, Milford, CT Most of our photographers are local. Some submit their work for inclusion, others we discover via social media and the Internet. If you want us to check out your work, please contact our office or email a link to an online album to Suzanne@milfordliving.com. We’d love to see it. How about a story about the many food stands that used to be along the beach areas? I’ve seen pictures of clam shacks, hot dog stands, and all manner of snacks. It

Drop us a line…

must have been great to grab a dog and sit at the beach. —George Thomas, Milford, CT Feeling nostalgic. Everyone loved the Capital Theater downtown. Many of us had our first dates there. Casey’s Mini-Golf was another first date spot along with duckpin bowling, and the roller rink. It would be interesting to revisit those spots. —Gwen Rinaldi, Milford, CT History is a huge part of our city and we love trying to include all aspect of Milford’s past with the pages of Milford Living, I’m sure there are so many spots in town that make our readers feel nostalgic, and we’d love to revisit them with you. Readers, if you have

any pictures or memories you’d like to share of those places, send us your photos and thoughts. I’m fairly new to town (five years). I’ve heard people mention “The Chicken Lady” who lived at Silver Sands. Have you ever done an article on her? —Martin Blank, Milford CT “The Chicken Lady” was Doris Gagnon and although we’ve never done a story on her, she has been mentioned a time or two. In 1971, eminent domain was used to create Silver Sands Park, but Gagnon refused to leave her property. After her house was demolished, she lived in a makeshift compound on the property until her death in 1994. A determined woman, a hero to many in Milford, whose spirit lives on.

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

6 Milford Living • Spring

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this season

Sowing the Seeds of Spring S

pring has sprung, but summer is still quite a way off. While the newly blossomed daffodils bring a cheerful glimpse of warmer times to come, your garden—for the most part—is probably filled with last years withered plants. Though many seasoned gardeners began sprouting seeds months ago, there is still time to get a jump on your plantings to ensure that your garden will be full of fresh food and fragrant flowers once the warmer days arrive. All it takes is a little time and a bit of dirt under your nails.

or Home Depot-type store, as dirt from your garden has weed seeds and fungi and various unwelcome guests in it.” Take care when sowing seeds into the soil. Check the planting depth on the packet—it can make or break your project. Some seeds like to be on the surface, while

First things first, you need to decide what

garden once they’ve grown. Local expert

others enjoy being deeper in the dirt.

to grow. Believe it or not, reading the back

Maria Macri, owner of Rivercrest Farm, is

Keep what you’ve sewn warm and

of seed packets is incredibly helpful; they

always happy to help anyone looking to

humid. “People starting seeds at home will

offer specific information about climate

green up their space. “My advice is to get

need a heat source as most seeds like to be

zones where they will thrive. Next: size

some seed-starting mix at a garden center

around 70 degrees for sprouting. Check the

matters. Be mindful of where you will be planting. Seedlings may look teeny, but as they say, the acorn becomes the oak. Be sure your plants have plenty of elbow room in the space you have allotted for them. Also be sure the plot you have planned for require. Now it’s time to get planting, so gather your containers. (Saving trays from year to year is not only ecologically sound, frankly, it’s cheaper.) Trays with thin, tapered cells make it easier to move your seedlings to the

8 Milford Living • Spring

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER (4)

them offers the sunshine or shade they

instructions on the seed package, though,

nate. Thinning them will allow them to grow

because onions, lettuces, and some other

stronger. Some recommend “petting” them.

plants can grow at lower temperatures.

The tactile treatment is said to help them

You can buy a small electric heat mat for

strengthen their stalks.

sprouting seeds. Or, put them on top of

As the seedlings get a bit bigger they will

your refrigerator which is usually a warm

appreciate being a bit cooler. This will also

spot, only don’t forget about them there,”

strengthen them. The process of hardening

recommends Macri.

them off also helps when they are getting

“Once they’ve sprouted, seedlings need

ready for planting. The outside soil and air

more light than is generally available

temperature will certainly be cooler than in

in people’s houses, so you could set up a

your home.

fluorescent or LED lamp directly over the

Starting seeds is a remarkable process.

seedling trays,” advises Macri. “If they start

Children and parents alike can share Mother

to get spindly and thin, you don’t have

Nature’s miraculous method. From simple

enough light.”

sprouts to bountiful harvest it is a simple

more likely to eat their veggies if they have

Be sure the seedlings aren’t too crowded.

way to learn and grow as people have done

had a hand in growing them.

It’s easy to have more than you need germi-

for millennia. And parents: children are far

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2015 • Milford Living 9

The Irish Find a Home

n the old Irish song “Skibbereen,” a son asks his father to explain why they left their native land, “Oh father dear I oft times hear you talk of Erin’s Isle… they say it is a pretty place where in a prince might dwell, Oh why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell.” Since the Irish first started arriving on America’s shores en masse in the 1840s, their songs have been filled with the not-so-happy tales of their plight. Being mostly poor, uneducated, unskilled, and Catholic, the Irish who began emigrating to America following the great potato famine were not exactly welcomed to their new country with open arms.

country, these Irish organizations became a place for Irish Americans to celebrate the culture and customs of the land left behind. The Irish Heritage Society of Milford (IHSM) is one such club that has made it their mission to keep local residents of Irish descent connected to the music, art, and culture of their ancestors. And just as those first Irish immigrants had to navigate rough seas

Nativist elements viewed the Irish as a

Irish organizations used the strength of their

before finding a place to settle down, the

threat to American values, attacked Irish

increasing numbers to further their economic

IHSM has also finally found a home to call

neighborhoods and burned down Catholic

and political power. Within decades, the Irish

their own.

churches. To combat the attacks, leaders

had gained increasing political clout, and

within the Irish immigrant communities

with their hands on the levers of power, they

all the functions usually associated with a

formed organizations and societies like the

became the politicians, police, firefighters,

club: they’ve held meetings, organized the

Ancient Order of Hibernians with the goal of

and educators of the cities and towns they

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored trips

protecting their people.

now called home.

and golf outings, raised funds, held raffles,

While initially formed for security, these

12 Milford Living • Spring

After gaining a solid foothold in their new

Founded in 2006, the IHSM has performed

signed up new members, collected dues,

GERRY MCGUIRE

milford spotlight

and organized an annual Irish festival—all

the Star Café space and began creating the

with disability access. There will be a new

without EVER having a central location,

official Irish Heritage Society of Milford club

bar and a wall with stained glass windows to

office, or clubhouse to call their own. As the

house.

separate the bar area from the club’s seating

club’s membership grew (today at nearly

Of course, finding the space was only

section. What makes these renovations more

900), the group’s leadership was tasked

the beginning. For Marty Hardiman,

impressive is that most of the work is being

with finding a permanent home. Then the

founding member/past president, the task of

done on a volunteer basis by contractors who

building at 131 Bridgeport Avenue, then

renovating was quite daunting. “The whole

are members of the club.

home to the past-it’s-prime watering hole

heating and cooling system had to be torn

the Star Café (famous for hosting a scene

out and replaced, the oil tank had leaks, the

mechanic, and treasurer Mike McCabe, a

between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in the

air conditioning was supplied by three old

lawyer with his own practice, the time put

film Righteous Kill), came up for sale. In late

wall units, and the gas line was installed

into the club is a labor of love. “It’s definitely

July 2014, after nine years of using Italian

in 1913,” he says. “Now we have central

a lot of time and work trying to put this all

restaurant Costa Azzura, the pool room at the

air and all new ducts.” On top of the new

together, but it’s really going to improve the

Orange Ale House, and other locations to host

heating system, the club will have three new

neighborhood and it will be a nice place close

meetings and functions, the IHSM purchased

bathrooms including a separate bathroom

to home for members to come and stay local,”

For club president Ed Mead, a UPS

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2015 • Milford Living 13

milford spotlight says Mead. Costs have been kept down by

194 people in the past year.” McCabe believes

you’ll have a connection with each other.”

selling off some of the Star Café’s old pool

it’s the easy-going nature of the club that has

That bond has kept Irish Americans

tables and bar memorabilia and purchasing

led to their increasing membership while

coming together to celebrate their shared

some “used” Irish-themed signs and

other clubs have begun to close. “We’re not

heritage since they first arrived on American

knickknacks from the recently closed

shores. Now the Irish Heritage Society of Milford has a new home where

remains intact is the stage. In fact,

people can once again connect with

Mead says, “As soon as we bought this

that far off, rain swept home their

place we heard from twelve Irish bands

ancestors left long ago.

who want to play here.” But musicians aren’t the only people

political or religious—there’s no amount of Irish you have to be. We’re just an Irish club.

interested in the club, according to

There’s no other agenda, and when the club

Hardiman, who confirms that membership

opens it won’t be like going to some place

has dramatically increased since the new

where you don’t know anyone. Everybody

clubhouse was announced. “We signed up

in here will have something in common and

14 Milford Living • Spring

—Gerry McGuire

Anyone interested in joining the Irish Heritage Society of Milford can reach out through their website: www.milfordirish.org

GERRY MCGUIRE

McCoy’s Bar in Stratford. One area that

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Cottage Industry

or many entrepreneurs, the pros of running a cottage industry can infinitely outweigh the cons, be it a freelance writer juggling a career with small children or a graphic designer looking to eliminate a long commute. Here are a handful of Milford entrepreneurs who have opened shop in their homes to turn their much-loved passions into profit.

his grandmother’s basement with some new carpet, a fresh coat of paint, and some furniture to house Hello Me Films and their equipment. “We’re always ahead of the game with technology,” he says. “I go out and buy the newest stuff because

HELLO ME FILMS

honed his skills shooting documentaries

I love it. That’s what sets us apart.” The

John Deptulski has come a long way from

while pursuing a degree in communications

formula seems to be working. “Even with

using his family’s Panasonic camcorder. The

with a concentration in video production at

all the money we spent, we were actually

now 25-year-old filmmaker opened his own

Southern Connecticut State University.

profitable our first year.”

video production business two years ago

Largely self-taught, Deptulski’s partner J.J.

www.facebook.com/hellomefilms

with his partner, J.J. Durrand. Deptulski says

Durrand learned much from his time in video

he’s always been a tech-junkie, though he

production at West Haven High School and

SAILOR BEADS

didn’t necessarily have the latest equipment.

while working with Deptulski at the Orange

Spending the summers of her youth skipping

“I would shoot small fun things like skate

movie theatre as teens. They launched Hello

stones and collecting seashells, Sue Ratkiewich

videos with my parent’s camcorder and

Me Films as a way to turn their passion into

says the sea has undoubtedly shaped not only

would produce them on the family

a profitable reality. “It doesn’t feel like work,”

her lifestyle but also her bohemian-inspired

computer,” he says. Pursuing his love for video in high school, Deptulski says he moved up to filming music videos and skits for school projects. He later

says Deptulski. “It feels like you’re having fun. I love going to shoots—it’s like a dream.”

line of jewelry, Sailor Beads. Originally from Avon, CT, Ratkiewich spent her summers in “The Nicholson,” a

Specializing in wedding videography shot in a cinematic style, promotional videos, and short films, Deptulski renovated

17-bedroom boarding house from the 1800s that was converted into her family’s summer home in Wildemere Beach. “We were encouraged to go outside whenever possible at the beach. We would be out there from the moment you heard the seagulls calling on the sandbar in the morning until dark. And on rainy days, we were encouraged to get creative, so I crafted out of things found at the beach” she says. Ratkiewich says it was her father, a Yale swim team captain and Navy man, that helped to instill a love for sailing that earned her the nickname “Sailor Sue” in high school. But before spending her days beading and sailing, Ratkiewich worked for 35 years in the corporate world. She decided she needed to slow things down.

16 Milford Living • Spring

DANI’S DESIGNZ “I think I was born with a pencil,” Danielle Wade says jokingly. “I don’t remember ever not drawing.” She got her first commission at age 14 (a backdrop for a Christmas village on wood with acrylic paint), and at 17 was paid $300 to create a clay sculpture of a Shar-pei. When she was asked to paint a mural on the walls of Gold’s Gym in 1990, she realized that “I was really worn out,” Ratkiewich

2011, and slowly began to weave her intrinsic

admits, so she “decided to take a breather

love for the water and for its natural bounty

and started going to some jewelry classes

into her jewelry. Today, working from her

specializing in hand painted murals,

in Monroe to learn how to fix some broken

home studio, Ratkiewich handcrafts coastal

particularly in children’s rooms. She likes to

pieces I had.” It was during those lessons that

inspired pieces utilizing copper, sea glass,

work closely with the child to create a space

a love for making jewelry was born. “It was

silver, and semi-precious stones. Prices range

that’s both whimsical yet realistic. Recently,

therapeutic,” she says.

from $28 to $200 depending on the materials.

she designed a nursery rhyme-themed room

www.facebook.com/sailorbeads

with imaginative interpretations of “Humpty

Ratkiewich hosted her first jewelry party in

she could turn a passion into a career. Wade works in other people’s houses—

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2015 • Milford Living 17

a graphic design degree and learned the ropes in marketing and package design. Meanwhile, she began designing custom-made invitations for friends and family events and quickly found her niche. By 2004, she had started her own custom wedding invitation business, but wanted to do more. “I got on the road one Saturday morning and on a whim I headed down to Greenwich and pulled right up in front of Dumpty”, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” and “Hey

marker. “I’ve always had a love for animals—

The Papery on Greenwich Avenue,” she says.

Diddle Diddle.”

their innocence, their pure hearts. And it’s all

When the high-end stationer said there was

about their eyes,” she says.

a need for the type of work Kranz could offer,

“Painting is relaxing for me. It’s instant serotonin,” she says. “I can’t pre-plan, I let the room talk to me and what I visualize that day

SOCIAL ALCHEMY

is what I work on.”

“I wanted to be her,” Colleen Kranz says of

A lifelong animal lover, Wade also offers pet portraits working in colored pencil and

she rolled up her sleeves and eventually became partners at what became J. Papers. In 2011 at the age of 33, one month after

her Aunt Elaine, who designed cards for

marrying her husband, Kranz was diagnosed

American Greeting. So inspired, Kranz earned

with breast cancer. Through the surgery,

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18 Milford Living • Spring

chemo, and radiation, she continued working to keep her mind off the debilitating treatments and to keep focused on things in life worth celebrating. Last year, as a survivor, she realized, “It was time to slow down and re-evaluate my life. ‘I’m here, but where am I going? I need to simplify and take time to enjoy things.’” In order to create a better life/work balance, Kranz left her successful business and created Social Alchemy, her home-based studio.

Each invitation is a work of art and no detail

get distracted, I am always working. I feel

The high-end designer still works closely

is left behind. Kranz has shipped 120 snow

guilty not working. My laundry never gets

with her clients to develop amazingly creative

globes invitations, mailed bottles of wine

done,” she says jokingly. “But it’s important

stationary suites to perfectly represent

wrapped in custom label invitations for a 50th

to try and schedule time to not work and

their event: a lace-wrapped invitation for a

birthday in St. Bart’s, and even ironed birth

just be.”

wedding held at The Lace Factory in Essex

announcements on baby socks.

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or a Block Island wedding invitation with a hand-drawn map of the island etched in wood.

For Kranz, working from home, like her designs, is a perfect fit. “Where some people

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2015 • Milford Living 19

he idea of powering a home with the sun has energized residents of Milford; a standing-room-only public forum in December proved that. Now, the number of city homes using solar power is growing thanks to Solarize Milford, an 18-week program designed to double the number of solar-powered houses here by offering a simple, affordable way for residents to save on energy costs.

CITY OF MILFORD WEBSITE

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JJ RICHARDS

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how much you can save on energy costs after installation. “Technology has improved and the costs for paneling and installation have been reduced,” said Jay Chabot, a sales rep for Encon. Equipment can be purchased outright, financed through a lender, or leased over the long term.

“There were about 150 homes in the city

number of homes benefiting from the sun’s

It can also be passed on to new owners or

already using solar power when we started

energy to 2,000 in about 58 towns and cities.

removed if the home is sold at some point.

this,” said J. Alan Brewster, chair of the city’s

This increase is in line nationally: the U.S.

Energy Advisory Board (EAB). “We’re hoping to

Department of Energy states the number of

to end depends on many variables like the

reduce energy use, local air pollution, and the

homes with solar systems has increased from

processing of paperwork, inspections and

amount of carbon in the air by increasing that

30,000 in 2006 to 400 ,000 in 2013, with many

permits from the state, utility company and

number.” The city also benefits by earning

of those converting in the last few years.

city, and of course, the weather. “If you’ve

credits toward solar equipment for municipal

“Milford has taken a pledge to reduce energy

Chabot says the process from beginning

ever done construction on your home, you

buildings, thus cutting additional costs.

use by 20 percent by 2020,” said Brewster,

know how things come up, but we work with

Currently, Lisman Landing is powered by solar

“Solarize Milford is helping us to do that.”

you and have solar and master electricians on

thanks to this program, said Brewster.

The campaign makes it easy to decide if solar

staff,” he added.

The EAB recommended that Milford apply

power is right for your home. A representative

to become part of Solarize CT, a concentrated

from Encon Solar, the chosen vendor, provides

challenge has been trying to get the word

campaign for residential solar power created

a free assessment that looks at the structure

out quickly because the application deadline

by Connecticut Green Bank. In two years,

of your home, the direction it faces, sunlight

for Solarize Milford is April 9. That’s

this statewide program has doubled the

availability or restrictions, and an analysis of

where SmartPower comes in, says Bernie

20 Milford Living • Spring

According to Brewster, the biggest

Pelletier, Community Outreach Manager.

equipment and other than an energy audit,

Connecticut Green Bank hired SmartPower

had no other out-of-pocket expenses. Chabot

to help promote the program throughout

from Encon said there is a federal tax break

participating cities. “We find volunteers like

for residents installing solar, also.

Alan Brewster and the EAB, recruit “solar

Although Meeneghan’s home will not be counted in the city’s goal to double the

the city, host meetings with residents and

number of homes with solar power, there is

community groups and help with mailings

still a benefit. “Solarize Milford is a specific

and promotions,” said Pelletier. He noted that

program with specific targets, but in the end

most people will buy several cars and homes

everyone benefits from the environmental

ambassadors” already using solar power in

ILF O

in their lifetimes, but will probably buy only

F YO CIT

one solar system so outreach is important. Kim Meeneghan, a Milford resident

impact,” said Brewster. The future of solar power in Milford will continue to grow as the city earns credits

for 32 years, was looking forward to solar

from the grid,” he said. Although not part of

from the campaign. Watch for solar panels

installation in February. “All the power we

the Solarize Milford program—his installer is

coming soon to the Milford Arts Council

collect during the day goes into the [power]

Sungevity—he expects to save hundreds of

building at the railroad station.

grid, but when we use electricity, it pulls

dollars in energy costs this year. He leased his

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2015 • Milford Living 21

outdoor living

The Return of Porch Appeal F

ront porches are an American tradition dating back to the mid 19th century. The front porch became a place of refuge from the heat, where families could gather away from the work aspects of a backyard (and the unpleasant odor of the outhouse) and relax. Porches soared in popularity through decades of architectural change, but finally saw a decline in the post WWII years as television became a replacement past time, and air conditioning became main stream. Thankfully the porch is back in

prominence on the side and back

popularity, and not only in the

of homes as well. Strategically

front of a house; it has regained

placed, a porch can both accent Above: A screened-in porch offers that extra room while still being “outside.” Left: No matter what your age, porches are the perfect place to relax. and take advantage of

popularity. Composite decking

nature’s best features, such as

is a combination of plastics

flowerbeds or a grove of trees,

and wood chips or sawdust,

not to mention a good breeze.

generally containing more than

Until now, pressure-

22 Milford Living • Spring

50 percent recycled materials,

treated wood has been the

making it environmentally

standard for porches, but

friendly. It’s durable, resistant

advances in technology have

to warping, cracking, splitting,

led to a low-maintenance

and termites, doesn’t need

alternative that is gaining in

sealing, painting, or staining,

and doesn’t absorb moisture. Using composite decking can keep your porch looking new for years to come. So whether it’s brand new or an old favorite, in the front of the house or in the backyard, a porch brings life to your home. It is a great place for solitude, perfect for spending time with family and neighbors, and gives the kids a place to hang out with their friends. Plus, nothing beats dining outdoors. —Lisa Turner Right: There is no rule that says you have to use wood in construction. Porches can be made of stone and cement with metal rail accents.

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at your service to do things for other people and not just think about yourself,” he says proudly. The benefits of youth volunteering are many. According to U.S. News and World Report, young people who volunteer tend to have increased self-esteem, higher grades, and better social connectedness. It can also help the volunteers learn new skills and understanding. This is evident in the Milford Hospital youth volunteer program, run by Christine Brown. Brown enthusiastically leads 30-40 young women and men during the school year, and upwards of 75 during the summer, as volunteers at Milford Hospital. No longer the stereotypical “candy stripers” of old, these youths fill many roles and have the opportunity to positively impact the day-to-day functioning of the hospital. “It opens their eyes to there

Young at Heart M

Laurelton Hall Sophomore Amanda Slesinski (16) is one such person. Amanda has been

one person, it was worth it.” Henry Lucas (17) has embraced the

SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

ilford is known as the Small City with a Big Heart. But how did it get to be that way? So many adults—business owners, parents, community organizations, and local churches—donate time and money to the needs of the greater community. But the foundation of this spirit of service begins much earlier. We have a strong and vibrant current of volunteerism and philanthropy in the youth of our city, which continues as these boys and girls reach adulthood. being more than Facebook and friends,” says Brown. “They also have the chance to see if the

involved in volunteering and charity work with

volunteering spirit for years. He has worked

her mother for as long as she can remember.

alongside the Milford Rotary at their annual

She has helped organize and deliver meals for

Lobster Bake, volunteers with Saint Peter’s

teering at Milford Hospital for the past two

people in need, volunteers at the Beth-El Center

Church Youth Group, and has helped sell

years, states she does it for just that reason.

soup kitchen, and raised funds and participated

hotdogs at Milford Living’s annual Kite Fly.

“I do it because I do like to give back, but

in the first-ever Daisy Bowl benefitting the

He says, “The more I can volunteer, the better.

especially because it gives me the chance to

Get in Touch Foundation. “I don’t feel like it’s

It has helped me grow as a person.” Henry’s

learn about my future profession of nursing.”

a duty; I just like to help,” explains Amanda. “I

younger brother Gavin (14) is following in his

She advises any youths interested in volunteer-

like to see people smile, and if I can help even

brother’s footsteps as a volunteer. “It’s so good

ing at the hospital to, “Be prepared and come

24 Milford Living • Spring

healthcare field is right for them.” In fact, Mary Ball (18) who has been volun-

committed, dedicated, focused, and be ready to

list at www.greatnonprofits.org), hold events

work hard.”

throughout the year and are always looking for

Opportunities abound for Milford youth

volunteers, including youths. The best way to

interested in volunteering. Some, like Milford

learn more about those opportunities would be

Hospital, do have age limits and other criteria,

to contact the organization directly.

but there is something for almost everyone.

With so many youthful volunteers in

Jonathan Law and Foran High Schools both have

Milford, and with their enthusiasm, creativity,

chapters of the Interact Club, Rotary Interna-

and leadership skills growing alongside their

tional’s service club for young people. These

tional interaction benefits everyone involved,

minds and bodies, they are well on their way to

groups are active in the community and provide

with kids learning from seniors and the

becoming giving, caring young adults. At the

both service opportunities and leadership skills

seniors enjoying having a young person to

same time, they provide the community with

to the young people who get involved.

share their stories and experiences with.

much-needed service, energy, and optimism.

Nursing homes are always in search of

Many of the local churches have youth

With these young people continuing to give

volunteers, and any youngster looking to

groups that work on volunteer service initia-

their time and add their creativity to service

spend time helping the elderly can reach out

tives to benefit the community. In addition,

projects and events, Milford promises to remain

to Milford Healthcare, Golden Hill Healthcare,

many of the other charitable organizations

the Small City with the Big Heart.

and/or West River Healthcare. Intergenera-

that call Milford home (you can check out the

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

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Through theLens A Young Photographer’s View of his Milford Neighborhood in the 60s and 70s PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ANDY BLAIR

26 Milford Living • Spring

2015 • Milford Living 27

lived on Rock Street and attended Seabreeze School (now East Shore Middle School) and in 1972 began at Milford High. Sometime in 1973 my family received a mailing informing us that students in the eastern part of Milford would be attending the new Joseph A. Foran school instead of Milford High.

Way before the internet, studying for high school final exams meant LOTS of text books, taking notes, and an encyclopedia for research. My desk the night before exams began (June 1973); (inset) Yours truly with the camera that took many of these photos (1973).

(Top) Elvie, the school bus driver for 7th grade (1971); (above) The entrance road to Joseph A. Foran High School when it was only one year old. (1974); (right) Christmas 1967. I got my first camera! A Kodak Instamatic 104. Still have it...still works... no more 126 film, bummer. My sister, who appears in many of these photos, is now a concert violinist and classical music tutor. Back then, she was just a lovable but pesky kid sister.

28 Milford Living • Spring

was given my first camera in 1967, an inexpensive black plastic box which used 126 roll film. I remember thinking how cool it was to have my very own camera to capture shots of my friends, family, and pretty much anything that looked interesting at the time to an 8-year-old. The vast majority of my Milford photos were taken with a Kodak Pocket Instamatic 40 which I received for Christmas 1972.

(Top) The abandoned Sauter Hotel at the corner of Merwin Ave. and Sperry Street (1972); (center) What every 7th grade kid wanted in 1971, a Raleigh Chopper bike with a 3-speed chrome shifter; (right) Our neighbor stuck in a Chevy Nova in the BIG 1968 snowstorm; (below) The Goodyear Blimp to the right of Villa Rosa (1973).

o pay for all this film and processing, I had several jobs as a kid. The most lucrative was mowing lawns and shoveling snow, but there were others I tried as well. One was delivering the morning edition of the New Haven Register. In the 1970s, it was called the Journal Courier. Sometime in the early morning while our family slept, a guy would drop off dozens of papers in front of our house on Rock Street tied together with rough burlap rope. My job was to separate and load them into a basket attached to my Chopper bike in order to deliver them to paying (a key word!) customers along both sides of Merwin Avenue. The tricky part was collecting payment on Saturday mornings.

n the summer my friends and I would spend hours at Sandy Beach across Merwin Avenue building entire cities complete with high-rise towers, dozens of small houses (one scoop of wet sand) and highways slicing through everything. As the tide started turning, we would quickly construct walls and moats to keep the cities from being demolished, knowing full well that their demise was inevitable. It was all part of the fun! (Left) One of the summer parties my parents used to throw for us and our friends. I love that afternoon light, not to mention the glass soda bottles (August 1970); (right) Our beach in early October. I’m lying on the breakwater pulling on a fishing line (1964); (above right) One of our sand cities (July 1972).

2015 • Milford Living 29

My neighborhood: (Left) The Surf Club, across Merwin Avenue from our house (1970); (below) Sloppy Joe’s restaurant before it was Sloppy Jose’s (1970); Vinnies on Merwin Ave. Some of the BEST thin crust pizza I ever had came from here (1973); Charlie Baby, the Anchor Beach ice cream guy (1972).

irectly across Merwin Avenue from our house on Rock Street stood the Surf Club. Built in 1967, it was a beach club intended primarily for wealthy people from Orange, North Haven, and other suburbs of New Haven. I remember hearing that a summer membership cost around $5,000 per family. My parents wondered why people would pay so much money when the beach was just 30 feet away! The Surf Club pools became a prime target of sneaking into by my friends and I. As casually as we tried to act, the lifeguards would inevitably spot us and send us packing. It was a bit embarrassing when swimming in one of the pools and hearing a loud voice shouting “You. OUT!” My sister always had much better luck and was able to spend entire days there.

(Above center) My neighborhood, where Merwin Ave. meets Seabreeze Ave. (1974); (right) Hanging out at the Woodmont Laundromat with the Big Boy Machine behind me (1973). Unlike my father, who took mostly formal portraits, my photography shows the minutia of daily life as seen through the eyes of a child.

30 Milford Living • Spring

he aspect of the old Milford I miss the most is probably the ruralness of it. Compared to today, there were no large condo developments, beachside mansions, or an endless stream of new houses taking up every inch of free space. There were still a lot of leafy, wooded, swampy undeveloped places where you could explore with friends. I think it’s that town of old cottages and forgotten spaces that I miss most when I visit today.

s a teen, biking was my primary form of transportation. I used to buy 110 film at The H.B. Davis “catalog showroom” store at the Connecticut Post Mall. I really miss the old open-air version of the mall.

Days with my best friend (above) on the fire road between Seabreeze Ave. and the Surf Club; (left) checking out Cosmopolitan at Grand Union in the Baybrook Shopping Center (1972); with LOTS of cereal in Hills Supermarket at the Post Mall (1973).

Andy lives and works in New York. His childhood home was sold in 1989 and torn down in 1991.

2015 • Milford Living 31

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34 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

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milford morsels

Tex Mex Madness G

et your barbecue on at Joey C’s Roadhouse, 439 Boston Post Road, Milford, but don’t worry if Tex Mex is not your thing. Whether you prefer health conscious whole foods or southwest-style comfort food, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

framed by chicken wire and old southwest license plates. From the dusty clay colored walls with exposed brick and other western flavored décor, the tone is set to prepare the taste

If your mouth is watering for tangy

buds, the perfect backdrop for the reds and greens of homemade salsa.

and smoky brisket, pulled pork, or perhaps

Creative regional foods come as a

beef or turkey chili, come on down. The ribs

surprise, with Coconut Mussels ($10.99)

are prepared with Joey C’s homemade dry rub

and the Calimari El Diablo ($9.99) dusted

spices and served with your choice of three

with corn meal, a nod to Catalano’s Italian

barbeque sauce styles including Carolina, a

heritage with a Mexican twist, topping

spicy chipotle, and a classic zesty sauce. The

the list. There is the Joe-Shida Spring

burgers are all natural, but it’s the four pound

Roll ($9.50), an homage to the Yoshida

burrito that sets owner/chef Joe Catalano to

Japanese Restaurant that formerly

boasting about the fare. “Food is theater and

with the food, the ambience, and the drinks,”

occupied the space, and is one of many

people want to be entertained. We do that

he says, perched atop a high stool in an alcove

delicious appetizers. Made with pulled

38 Milford Living • Spring

CHRISTINE ROSE (3)

barbecue ribs that fall off the bone, or a sweet

pork, shredded cheddar, and lightly spiced,

Mac and Cheese ($3.99) made with three

the roll is then drizzled with chipotle and

kinds of cheese. The Spiced Fried Chickpeas

cilantro aioli. This savory flavor reappears

($3.99) are addictive while the Aztec Fire

on the menu, says Catalano, in the “dipping

Roasted Corn ($4.99), covered with a mild

sauce for the roadhouse fries, tossed in Joey

Mexican cheese and drizzled with cilantro

C’s spices.”

aioli, is one of the most popular items on the

JC’s Seafood Chowda ($5.99/$8.99) has a bit

menu. According to bartender Luke Lynch,

of a kick, compliments of Joey C’s homemade habenero sauce, and the Pulled Chicken Empanadas ($9.99) are warm pockets of succulent pulled chicken and vegetables with a hint of something sweet. Vegetarians won’t go hungry either. If you are watching your calories, you might want to share your order of the World’s Best Scalloped Potatoes ($3.99), swimming in a cloud of cheesy cream sauce, or the Crazy

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2015 • Milford Living 39

milford morsels “When people have the corn, they come back and have it again.” Beyond the extensive menu, the real difference in the food at Joey C’s originates behind the scenes. Virtually everything is homemade on the premises. Chefs/owners/ spouses Ania (natural foods chef) and Joe (traditional chef) let their talents shine in the extensive and surprising menu. “My wife and I wanted the place to be unique, so everything we have here, you have to come here to get. We do it with our CHRISTINE ROSE (2)

touch; everything is hand done which takes time, and it’s a lot more work, effort, and training.” Large glass jars on the bar hold fruity infusions for Joey C’s flavored margaritas,

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which at various times include mandarin

pump flavor enhancers and sodium into

oranges, local strawberries, hot peppers,

their meats,” he said, noting that commercial

mangoes, prickly pear, and other seasonal

barbecue often has a ketchup base, usually

fruits. Bartender Lynch serves up more

with corn syrup, which many people are

than a dozen craft beers on tap, a menu

striving to avoid. Instead, Joey C’s makes

of signature drinks, and more than 30

their own sauce with wholesome ingredients,

tequilas. With only 22 tables, the crowd

tomatoes instead of ketchup, and Agave

can be deep at the bar on the weekends

instead of corn syrup.

and there is often a 45 minute wait. If you

About the restaurant’s success, Catalano

can get there on a weekday, you’ll have

insists, “When you are unique and

a better chance of being seated quickly.

affordable and people feel you are going an

Reservations for five or more are accepted.

extra step, people are going to come to you.

Creating dishes that maintain the

People think this is just a roadhouse, but we

integrity of the food is important to the

serve a good demographic—families, all

chefs. According to Catalano, he took a long

ages, and groups—and we have become a

hard look at ingredients used in barbecue

destination spot.”

cuisine at many chain restaurants. “They

—Christine Rose

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education notebook

Oh the Drama

Lauralton Hall’s annual winter production is directed by a student, who is responsible for choosing the play, running auditions, and

FORAN DRAMA

ilford is lucky to have a bustling arts scene that includes Eastbound Theatre in the downtown Center for the Arts, the galleries in Walnut Beach, and the eclectic venues around the Green that feature music and more. It should be no surprise, therefore, that our high schools boast popular theatre clubs that provide fun, as well as numerous academic and social benefits, for those who participate. While each club is different—from Lauralton Hall’s student-led program to Foran’s strictly musical productions—they all offer students the opportunity to work cooperatively together as a team while experiencing the thrill of a live performance. style performance in the school’s Claven Auditorium. Susan Fracker, guidance counselor and

selecting the cast. Elizabeth Martinez, class

moderator of the winter program, sees

of 2015, took on the role this past winter and

firsthand the benefits of participation in a

selected If a Man Answers, a comedy about a

drama club. “Drama provides creative, artistic,

rich socialite who marries a photographer, and

and innovative opportunities to expound

her mother’s unorthodox advice on keeping the

on organizational abilities, build leadership

considered an extension of the music program

marriage happy. Miss Martinez worked with

skills, and enhance collaboration and

(this year’s production was Hairspray.) Three

20 students including an assistant director,

communication. Aside from learning the ins

faculty advisors oversee the 50 or so students

lighting and sound crews, and the actors

and outs of what is involved on stage and off

who participate in the program. Theresa Voss

themselves, to bring to fruition a cabaret-

stage, the students have great fun,” she says.

is the musical director, working with the actors

The 2013 Foran H.S. production of Grease. At Foran High School the Drama Club is

Scenes from Lauralton Hall’s recent production of the comedy If a Man Answers.

42 Milford Living • Spring

and conducting the musical. Emily Plude

Art honor students collaborate on the

serves as the artistic director and works

program design and Advance Placement

with the students on set design.

Photography students take the publicity

Jessica Shearer is the producer,

head shots. The advisors see the drama club

overseeing publicity, advertising,

as a “tremendous creative outlet for our

ticket sales, sound, and lighting.

students.” According to Jessica Shearer,

The students have an

“There is nothing quite like watching

opportunity to be involved in all

a student grow through our program

facets of the production. There

as they develop the confidence to

is the obvious need for actors,

command an audience’s attention.”

dancers, and singers, but there is

She also notes the drama club brings

important work behind the scenes

together a diverse group of students and FORAN DRAMA

as well, such as public relations, advertising, building and moving sets,

allows them all to contribute in their

own way.

assisting with costumes, and running

This is Christina Kalafut’s first year

the curtain. Other areas of Foran’s art

Ben Curry as Shrek and Natalia Amos as Donkey in the

as the drama advisor at Jonathan Law

department are called upon to help.

2014 Foran H.S. production of Shrek.

High School. Kalafut, who majored

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education notebook in theater at Western Connecticut State

management, explains Kalafut. Once

University, participated in her own high

auditions are over and the cast is selected,

school drama club and says it changed her

rehearsals run three times a week for a total of

life. As is the case for today’s students, the

nine hours for three to four months.

club provided her with a place to mingle

Aside from the numerous benefits a drama program provides the students, the

Law’s winter play was Steel Magnolias.

various high school productions also offer an

FORAN DRAMA

with her peers in a non-judgmental way. With only six roles and no scene changes, it was a simpler production than most, yet

inexpensive night out for Milford’s citizens. Tickets usually range from $5 for students and

just as challenging. Fifty students, all girls,

Mike Alderman, Noah Jonson, and Connor

senior citizens to $10 for general admission.

attended the audition. Many of those who

French run lights and sound for a Foran H.S.

While Lauralton’s and Foran’s productions

did not land an acting role participated

production.

are done for the year, the public is invited to

behind the scenes in many functions.

attend Jonathan Law’s spring play, Annie.

Kalafut runs a tech weekend when the

performances to lighting and sound cuesare

The curtain will rise in the Jonathan Law

sets are constructed with the help of a set

fine-tuned leading up to the big show!

auditorium on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. and

designer, students, and parents. This runs into tech week, when everything from

Working on a drama production requires

Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

a long term commitment and good time

—Susan Glennon

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99th Annual Annual thth

9 Annual

Kite KiteFly Fly

Kite Fly Kite Fly

May 2nd â&#x20AC;˘ 12 - 3pm At Beautiful Walnut Beach th 6 Annual The Milford Living Kite Fly has become

a rite of spring with friends and families looking skyward as their kites go aloft. The Connectikiters will be there flying their spectacular kites. Pack a picnic lunch and join us!! The Milford Living annual Kite Fly is a FREE funth filled event for people of all ages.

â&#x20AC;˘ 12:00pM-3:00pM MAy 4 We hope to see you there!

At BeAutiFul WAlnut BeAch milfordliving.com The Milford Living Kite Fly has

become a rite of spring with friends and families looking skyward as their kites go aloft. As is tradition the Connectikiters will be attending with their spectacular kites and helpful hints for novice fliers. This year we will also have the girls from Rock On offering rock painting for kids. The Milford Living annual Kite Fly is a fun filled event for people of all ages. We hope to see you there!

milford wildlife predators and nosey humans. Any small puddle or pond can be their nursery, with females laying 800-1,000 eggs at a time. It takes only days for them to hatch. Quickly maturing in a mere 6-8 weeks from tadpole to full-fledged frogs, they hop onto the land. Frogs are environmental indicators. Faced with pollutants, loss of habitat, and invasive predators, they have had a rough go of it. Hundreds of species have completely disappeared in the past 30 years…which is

Protecting the Peeper

not good for them, or us. Tadpoles filter our

s soon as it’s warm enough to enjoy an evening stroll or open the windows and let the breezes blow through, you’ll undoubtedly hear a familiar sound… their cheery chorus a sure sign of spring’s arrival. Peepers, their tranquil trilling a calling card of springtime, their chorus filling the air, a backdrop for a fine night’s rest.

make observations and report their findings.

drinking water, and most importantly in our neck of the woods, they eat mosquitoes. Fortunately there is a study underway to monitor the behaviors and population of the peepers and you can help. FrogWatch USA has been collecting data for more than 15 years with the help of citizen scientists who The commitment is small, 15 minutes once or twice a week, about half an hour after sunset. FrogWatch USA will train you to help. Steve Johnson, Milford’s resident open

These tiny frogs known asPseudacris Crucifer emerge from their burrows after a long winter nap. With the ability to

space and natural resource agent, is the go-to guy for the project in town.

survive being frozen solid, they Peepers hunt for bugs, snapping up their crunchy goodness with a quick whip of the tongue. Once awake and fed in early spring, they begin calling, looking for love. Native to the east coast, peepers love moist environments in fields and forests near residential areas. Ranging in size from less than an inch to an inch and a half, they are generally hard to spot, blessed with the ability to camouflage themselves by lightening or darkening their skin to avoid

46 Milford Living • Spring

MELVILLE OSBORNE(3)

thaw out and get back to business.

“These fragile but resilient wetlands are some

Milford residents who are listening to what

of the most productive ecosystems that life

frogs and toads are living in Milford. Where

depends on,” he says. “Milford’s open spaces

these amphibians are living and where they

have extensive wetland habitat areas. These

are not will provide some valuable insights

lands are important parts of our community

to our wetland’s health and biodiversity. Our

and our quality of life. By caring for these

local environment will be all the better

sensitive ecosystems with respect, future

as more people of all ages appreciate the

generations will continue to benefit from

wonder that nature has to offer.”

these special places and the biodiversity that

All of us have taken a moment during

depends on them.”

a warm evening to pause and listen to

The elusive nature of peepers makes

“Becoming a volunteer citizen scientist for

the peepers. With a little help from our

observing them tricky, but not impossible.

this program is something I have wanted to

neighbors, and us, they will continue to

Training for citizen scientists relies not just

do personally,” says Johnson. “I’m looking

serenade us.

on visual observations, but auditory ones as

forward to learning more about the frogs and

well. Identifying species by their sounds is an

toads that depend on these important areas.”

important part of training.

Plus he says, “It will be fun to join other

Visit FrogWatch USA online to get involved: www.aza.org/frogwatch —Susan Carroll-Dwyer

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senior corner vice-president of training and staff development for Senior Helpers, an in-home senior care agency with offices throughout the United States. Finding appropriate outdoor activities for seniors does not have to be challenging. Outdoor craft shows and flea markets are great options; seniors can casually stroll, browse and enjoy the show. Buying is never mandatory! Who knows, they may discover a new hobby that will interest them in. Milford is one of many local communities that offers outdoor plays, concerts, or movie nights—often free of charge—providing great entertainment AND a dose of fresh air at the same time.

Get Out!

atherine is a 96-year-old woman who lives in a nursing home in Milford. She has always loved gardening and the outdoors in general. She hates the winter and counts the days until spring arrives so she can return outside. She is unable to walk, but with the advent of the warm weather, will now spend several hours a day sitting in the backyard of the facility taking in the sunshine. As she says, “The flowers, the grass, the trees—everything is coming alive!” And even though she is wheelchair-bound, her daughter visits regularly and keeps a large garden outside at the facility with many different plants and flowers. Sometimes Catherine will even bring some into her room during the winter.

Picnics or barbeques are another popular pastime. Whether in your backyard or in a park, a cook-it-yourself or group potluck

Yes, spring is upon us and the outdoors is

receive from the outdoors, vitamin D is

can be a great way to share good times with

tempting all of us with many possibilities.

generated by the sunlight and is absolutely

friends and family of all ages. For the right

Enjoying a brisk spring day or the warmer

necessary for brain, bone, and muscle

group, yard games can be an enjoyable

summer weather does not have to be

function. Research also finds it can improve

activity: horseshoes or any other kind of a

foregone. Like Catherine, after being

cognitive function. Another key benefit

tossing game: bocce, badminton, and lawn

sheltered from the outdoors for many

of seniors being outdoors is that they are

darts are all good choices. Kite flying is a

months, we all need to breathe fresh air and

more likely to interact with other adults,

great idea because it may be done from a

soak up the lovely scenery that spring has to

children, and animals. “Those activities can

wheelchair. Shuffleboard and croquet are

offer, even if we have issues with mobility.

give people an extra spring in their step and

always reliable activities as well.

Besides the intangible pleasures one may

rejuvenate them,” says Christina Chartrand,

48 Milford Living • Spring

Those who are more interested in

socializing with less exertion have options:

plant rooting environment.” The method is

fishing is something many seniors have

shockingly simple (you need a bale of hay,

been doing for years. Additionally,

water, sunshine, and a few plants) and it

photography has become a great interest

works well for seniors. “Less bending, less

to seniors. Photos can be shared and

weeding, and more bragging about your

shown instantly. Bird-watching is another

early crop of ripe tomatoes,” says Karsten.

alternative, and it provides the chance to use

(Find out more at www.strawbalegardens.

those newly developed photography skills.

com).

For people like Catherine who are

So remember seniors, there are so many

life-long gardeners, straw bale gardening

gardening. The main difference is that

things to do outside no matter your agility,

is an innovative way to keep a hand in

the container is the straw bale itself and

gait, balance, posture, or even ability to

without bending, digging, or weeding.

is held together by two or three strings.

stand. The only important characteristic

According to horticulturist Joel Karsten,

Once the straw inside the bale begins to

you need is an attitude: one that won’t let

who has pioneered straw bale gardening,

decay, the straw becomes conditioned

you miss any fun.

it is “simply a different type of container

compost that creates an extraordinary

—Nick Olshansky

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historical perspective

Neighborhood Nostalgia I

grew up in Devon in the 1950s near the Washington Bridge. I would awake to the clinking of the amber-colored milk bottles dropping into our stainless steel milk carton on the back porch.

My house was across from the present day

office. In those days

Meineke Car Care at Woodland Drive. We

doctors came to your

had a beautiful big yard with cherry trees

house to care for you.

and pear trees and maples too. On the back

I remember his worn

porch my dad had jammed an old cigar box

black leather bag as

in the rafter for the family of sparrows who

he sat next to me on

set up house there every spring. There was a

my couch asking me

large garage with a loft where my brothers

to say aaaahhh. If we

and I would play for hours; they had yards

went over to his office,

and yards of trains and cardboard walls

I would be greeted

for pretend space stations with knobs and

warmly by his nurse

instruments crudely painted on them.

in her starched white

Across the street on Colonial Avenue was Dr. Lee’s home and

uniform and cap. I remember how very white

friend Susan to come out to play. We would

her hair was. It was so bright I used to believe

be out all day at Grove Circle playground or

she was an angel!

building forts on the small hill at the end of

I rode my purple bike with the pink

Intervale Parkway. We wouldn’t go home

raccoon tail no hands down the Intervale

until the six o’clock whistle blew from the

Parkway hill next to what is now the Bridge

Spring Street fire station or the street lights

House Restaurant and yelled for my best

came on. We all walked or rode our bikes to St. Ann’s School, Devon Grammar School, or Lenox Avenue School. At the corner of Bridgeport Avenue and Naugatuck there was the ever- present cop-on-the-beat, Carl. I remember his white gloves against the blue sky as he held up his hands to stop traffic. He would greet us each by name, cross us every morning and afternoon, discipline the rowdy boys, and ask us how school was. We would gather after school and pile

50 Milford Living • Spring

into Paul’s on the corner of Bridgeport and

Plumbing and Heating.

Naugatuck and have a soda at the fountain

My grandparents and

or buy some rock candy on a stick.

mother emigrated from

As a young girl I went everywhere with

England in the 1920s and

my mom. I walked throughout Devon on the

my grandfather started

avenue to the shoemaker’s (still there), Sears

the business in the early

Drug Store, Mr. Rogers’ market, Primavera’s

1930s. Eventually, my

Meat Market, Bruder’s Bakery, and Mrs.

dad married my mom and

Lewis’s antique shop where the furniture store

came into the business. I grew up amidst

is now. Corky, the butcher, would plop the

trucks and tools, oil and water heaters,

meat down on the butcher block right in front

pipes, stoves, refrigerators, and good

of me. I would watch from the wooden bench

people who worked for my parents and

as he expertly wielded the knife and wrapped

grandparents. I would play at the stores

the meat up in brown paper and string.

(we had four), in the garages, on the trucks,

My grandparents and parents owned a business in town called O’Neill & Donegan

in the offices, and chatter and scribble and stamp the pamphlets with a good firm bang

with the company stamp. We had the business until the mid-1960s. By then I was off to Lauralton Hall and we

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historical perspective moved away from Devon. I married and had

I had uncovered a sign from my parents’

three wonderful children. I taught school for

business! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Where

36 years and retired in 2014 at age 64.

had it been for 40 years? I laughed and cried. I

In 2005, our son was up for a job that he

told my mom that even though I had asked for

wanted very much. My mother had passed

a SIGN, she didn’t have to send me a REAL ONE

away, but I was in the habit of saying

and be so dramatic! (P.S., my son got the job.)

prayers to her and asking for signs that she

Many years have passed since I spent my

would help me in matters of the heart. I had

childhood in Devon. I am blessed to have

gone shopping at the Stratford Antiques

so many Milford memories. My older son

Center and spied about 15 large wooden

married in 2005 and bought a cute house on

signs stacked sideways like books on a shelf.

South Kerema Avenue above the Grove Circle

I spotted some letters on one sign that was

playground where I spent so many happy

sticking out slightly. Yanking the other

days with my friends, my purple bike, and

signs out of the way I exposed the sign that

my collie dog. I would say things have come

read: Plumbing & Heating BY O’NEILL &

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I NTR O DUCI NG

Improvements

A View from the Bridge Improvements is a new department periodically highlighting infrastructure changes affecting the City of Milford.

re you one of the 135,000 drivers who travel daily on I-95 between Stratford and Milford? Then you are certainly aware of the construction taking place on the Moses Wheeler Bridge (MWB). Lane closures, orange cones, and guide signs are everywhere. Sitting in traffic, you pass giant cranes, cement trucks, tangled piles of girders, and massive steel casings, hear the ear-splitting cacophony of whistles, motors, beeps, drills, and demolition blasts, and watch hard-hatted, tool-belted workers perched on scaffolds operating heavy machinery.

and livestock across the Housatonic River. Flash forward a few hundred years. Twentieth century problems, like heavy traffic and structural deterioration intensified by years of harsh New England weather, prompted ConnDOT to make emergency repairs. For safety reasons, it soon became clear that the bridge needed an overhaul. According to the comprehensive MWB ConnDOT website, the current $60.5M program consists of two major phases: the Foundations Contract and the

You may think this construction has been

Superstructure Project. The later would

going on forever. But the ConnDOT Moses

be subdivided into three stages towards

Wheeler Bridge Replacement Project officially

the goal of expanding “the existing bridge

began in 2009. This mammoth effort is, in

from 92-foot wide to 136-feet wide while

fact, a rebuilding project; the original bridge

maintaining the existing six-lane highway

opened on January 2, 1958—the very same

and adding four full-width shoulders.”

year the New England Turnpike opened to

During Stages 1 and 2, foundations and

motorists.

retaining walls were constructed for the

Exactly 300 years and three days earlier,

new bridge sections. During the final stage

on January 5, 1598, Moses Wheeler was

(currently taking place) the existing span

born in England. After settling in what is

will be demolished while all remaining

now known as Stratford, this enterprising

improvements will be finalized. Completion

carpenter, shipbuilder, and landowner (who

is slated for the end of 2017.

lived to the ripe age of 100) was the first to establish a ferry that shuttled passengers

54 Milford Living • Spring

The men and women actually doing the heavy lifting possess a wide range of skills

and experience. Many of them hail from Milford and surrounding towns. Some are state employees; others work for contractors, engineering, design, or consulting firms. Due to the extensive job commitment and long hours, some employees have temporarily JOHN FERKU (3)

relocated here. Peter and Mary Filippakis, owners of Pete’s Deli & News on Bridgeport Avenue, have enjoyed “getting to know the crane workers, iron workers, carpenters, and state inspectors

“Of course,” he adds, “the bridge helps our

Transportation onsite to oversee a staff of

who come in everyday for breakfast, lunch,

business!”

consultants responsible for the engineering

and coffee.” Noting that these folks are

Steven Hebert knows how every piece of

and inspection of construction activities.” He

“respectable, hardworking, family people,”

this bridge-building puzzle fits together. In

starts each day at the District 3 Construction

Mr. Filippakis appreciates the increased

his role as the State’s (ConnDOT) Project

office in New Haven and finishes up at his

foot traffic in the Devon neighborhood.

Engineer, he “represents the Department of

field office at 500 Bic Drive in Milford.

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Improvements “I organize and run various project meetings,” he says, “review correspondence, change orders and payment estimates and act as a liaison between the project and other DOT units and local municipalities.” When bridge construction was at its peak in 2013, Hebert notes “there was close to 250 people working

for the traveling public” and recognizes that,

our community. “When this project is

on the project, consisting of both contractors

“building a new section of highway and still

completed, our team will have provided

and owner-staff.”

maintaining the existing traffic was a major

the residents of Connecticut with a much

challenge. Not only did we have to maintain

improved highway system that will be safer

in its current alignment, and you will see the

three lanes of traffic in each direction, this

to the traveling public and will be utilized

final phase of the bridge being constructed

had to be done with the minimal land that is

for many years to come.”

between the northbound and the southbound

available between the railroad to our north

lanes,” says Hebert. He commends the

and the shopping plaza to the south.”

“For the upcoming year, traffic will stay

inspection team for going “above and beyond to maintain a safe project for all involved and

Hebert understands the positive impact that the new bridge will have upon

—Cindy Papish Gerber

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Phil LaFleur - 203-874-6121

39 River St - Milford

Spring Special 1 free footstool for every 2 Adirondack chairs purchased Free monogramming!

James F. McElroy Architectural Design & Project Management Commercial • Residential Interior Design 26 Hauser Street Milford, CT 06460

203-878-8766

Always a variety of used cars on lot!

105 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT

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WE PUMP YOUR GAS FOR YOU

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Mon - Thurs 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Fri - Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Minimum Delivery $9.00

Tony Russo

PICK-UP SPECIAL Large Cheese Pizza

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Now We Deliver in Stratford East Main Street Area, Orange Line & Woodmont Area Allow more time for delivery $15 Minimum - Limited Area

FULL SERVICE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE CARS - SUVS - TRUCkS

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684 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 (At junction of Merrit Parkway ramps)

Mazzella Auto Body Giuseppe Mazzella

• We Work with ALL Insurance Companies • Quick Turnaround • Car Rentals • Free Estimates with Fair & Best Pricing Around

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

203.650.0383

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LAUREL A. ELLSON Attorney at Law

Practice Limited to Family Law

203.283.5551

LAEllson@optonline.net

31 Cherry St., Milford, CT 06460

www.EllsonLaw.com

Patty Schein, M.Ed, LMFT, LPC

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This & That CONSIGNMENT

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specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork

Find us on

David Bacchiocchi, Owner

Celebrating 44 Years

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

MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM

1995 MAIN STrEET STrATfOrD

MArIE

thisandthatconsignmentstore@gmail.com

203-386-8149

Open MOnDAy - SAturDAy 10ish - 4ish

Continuations

quality consignments

Seasonal Clothing • Jewelry Housewares & Accessories Mon-Sat 10-5 60 Access Road, Merchant’s Walk Thurs till 8 Stratford, Ct. 06615 Call for consignment hours 203-377-5916

The Best TheinBest The Toys!Best in Toys! in Toys! Voted Best Toy The Best inStores! Toys!

1647 Whitney 1647Ave Whitney 1647 Whit Ave Hamden, CT Hamden, Hamden, CT C 1647 Whitney Ave 203-230-2840 203-230Hamden, 203-230-2840 CT

• Marine Biology Camp June 22-June 26, 2015

• Marine Biology Art Camp June 29-July 1

• Archaeology/Native Culture Camp July 6-10 (A) and July 13-17 (B) July 20-24

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

sCho l AvAIlArshIps ABle

185 Boston185 PostBoston Rd185 Post Boston Rd Orange, CTOrange,Orange, CT CT 185 Boston Post Rd 203-799-1301 203-799-1 Orange, CT203-799-1301

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Hands On Science Summer Camps since 1983

• Bird Identification Camp

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OPEN 7 DAYS OPEN 7OPEN DAYS 7 DAYS Follow us on Follow Facebook usFollow on Facebook us on Facebook OPEN 7 DAYS Follow us on Facebook

203-230-2840 1100 Village 1100 Walk Village 1100 Villag Walk Guilford, CT Guilford, Guilford, CT C 1100 Village Walk 203-453-8560 203-453-8560 203-453Guilford, CT 203-453-8560

2015 • Milford Living 59

expressions

Milford picks a flower

Like each of the 50 states,

A Connecticut native plant

awareness of this native plant

www.milfordctgardenclub.org.

Connecticut has an official

used by Native Americans, the

and the importance of plant-

flower, the Mountain Laurel

coneflower is easy to grow and

ing natives, the Milford Garden

flower, Milford Garden Club mem-

(Kalmia latifolia). Some

maintain, thrives in full sun, and

Club invited home gardeners

bers will plant Eastern Purple

American cities have chosen

grows in a variety of conditions.

to chronicle the growth of their

Coneflowers in the gardens they

an official flower as well:

Bright flowers attract bees and

coneflowers through photogra-

maintain at the Milford Public

San Francisco has the Dahlia,

butterflies, and the long bloom

phy. The juried exhibition, “A

Library and Milford Historical

Chicago the Chrysanthemum,

time—June through August—

Celebration of Coneflowers,” was

Society. They invite all home gar-

New York the Daffodil, and New

makes the coneflower an attrac-

on view at the Milford Public

deners in Milford to join in the

Orleans the Southern Magnolia.

tive addition to home gardens

Library in December and three

project by planting coneflowers

In 2014, in honor of the City’s

and public spaces. Deer resistant,

photographer-gardeners received

in their gardens. Echinacea pur-

375 anniversary, Milford

drought tolerant, and wind

certificates recognizing their out-

purea “Magnus” will be available

became a trailblazer as the first

resistant, the hardy coneflower

standing work: Frances Gallogly,

for purchase at the club’s May

Connecticut city to adopt an

fosters environmental health. A

Candace Davies, and Liz Kennard.

Market on Saturday, May 9 at

official flower: Echinacea pur-

final plus is that it is inexpensive

A slideshow of all photos submit-

Fowler Pavilion.

purea “Magnus,” the Eastern

and widely available.

ted by email is currently on the

—Joan M. Crimmins,

Milford Garden Club website

Milford Garden Club

Purple Coneflower.

60 Milford Living • Spring

To promote continuing public

To celebrate Milford’s official

Bring out your best smile

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2015 • Milford Living 61

congratulations

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Name that Roomâ&#x20AC;? Contest Winners

n celebration of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 375th Birthday, the City of Milford, the Anniversary Committee, and the Milford Public Schools held a contest entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Name that Roomâ&#x20AC;? for students in Grades 6-12.Â The successful entries will rename Conference Rooms A, B, and C in the Parsons Government Center.Â Mayor Ben Blake and Kathy Bonetti announced the winners at a recent Board of Aldermen meeting. The winners are, from right to left:

1 2 3

The Captain Kidd Room Anna Byers, East Shore Middle Grade 6 The Peter Prudden Room Kyra Grace Johnson, East Shore Middle Grade 6 The Ansantawae Room Nicholas Lynn, Foran High Grade 9

Congratulations to our winning students. Have good news you want to share? Send it our way: info@milfordliving.com

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62 Milford Living â&#x20AC;˘ Spring

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2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Milford Living 63

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz: The grand clock in Devon Center.

Congratulations to our winner: Madeline Dibona Mattera

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

One lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive two ticket vouchers for a Bridgeport Bluefish game.

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

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Carveth & Foley

• �ers��al ��r� • ��r�ers ��e�sa��

Attorneys at Law

• �a��l�� r��a�e � �r��al • real es�a�e a�� la�

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Christopher B. Carveth & Kristin D. Foley Law Offices Of Christopher B. Carveth, LLC We offer extended hours, home consultations and weekend appointments to best serve you.

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Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460 64 Milford Living • Spring

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