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TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature
Brief History 26 Aof Very Charles Island By Michael Clark
34
Through the Lens
Local photographers share their images and ideas
Departments 4 6 8 10 14 18 20 40 44 46 50 54 62 64
Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Milford Spotlight On the Water Healthy Living Milford Morsels Family Time Milford Wildlife Education Notebook Historical Perspective Senior Corner Expressions Where is It?
About the cover: A kaleidoscope of colors as viewed from the rocks at the mouth of the harbor. Photo by JJ Richards. His photography may be experienced at: www.singingwithlight.me Summer, 2017 Vol. 14 Issue 2 $5.99
2017 • Milford Living 1
More policies. More savings.
SUMMER 2017 VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com
Editorial Director Ann McGuire
Art Director
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Contributing Photographers
Bill Canfield, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Anna Downs, Sherry Johnson, Jennifer Johnson-Saunders, Derek Jones, Cathy Leite, JJ RIchards
Contributing Editors
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Contributing Writers
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2017 • Milford Living 3
publisher’s letter Dear Friends & Neighbors Welcome summer and another issue of Milford Living! We hope you
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are enjoying this sunny season and are making the most of these summer days. Every issue our team gets together to collaborate and plan the next issue of Milford Living, often times finishing up one seasonal issue while working on the next. What we love most about creating the summer issue is the opportunity to step outside and look at our community with an exterior lens, so much so that we decided toinvite a few of our local contributing photographers to share some insight into the way they see Milford. And while our photographers share their images, our writers
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have wordsmithed this issue with stories of both the past and present that celebrate our summer scene. It is our hope that you and yours have a chance to get outside to play, explore, and connect with the community this summer. We hope our stories, images, and partners inspire you to enjoy some delightful detours to your normal routine and discover something new in the community we share. And if you are in the Devon area and looking for a beach read, stop outside our office and pick out a book or magazinein our Milford Living library, just steps from our door. We hope you enjoy this issue of Milford Living as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. As always we welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Happy Summer Days—
72 Gulf Street Milford, CT E 203-878-6539
www.saintmaryschoolmilford.org 4 Milford Living • Summer
Suzanne
Milford’s
#1Real Estate Office in Listings Sold
For More Than a Decade!* Anneliese Urpin
Cheryl Middleton Kathy Anderson
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Christine Shaw
Gary Jacopian
Jay Barone
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Sandy Burnell
Judi DiFranco
Lee Durner
Peter Chapman
Kathy Anderson
Judie DiFranco
Linda Gallick
Bonnie Clark
Heather Crabtree
Leila Chaucer
Ken Hawkins
Schuyler Goines
Leila Chaucer
Len Nicoletti
Leonard Lambert
Linda Wilson
Mary Licata
Michael Birarelli
Mike Pastir
Noreen Daniels
Marilyn Hurteau
Gary Jacopian
Scott Dana
Paige Jenney
Sharon Presner
Ruth Korpita
Sophia Messore
Christy Ann Lindsay
Sue Dubrow
Charlie Cook
Brenda Zandri
Jay Barone
Janet Lengel Bonnie Clark
Kim Sekelsky
Ken Hawkins
Cindy Lee Durner
Kelly Hill
Lorna Nichols
Phil Kohan Lorraine Luzietti
Carl DeCarli
Charlie Cook
Donna Howe
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Phyllis Sochrin
Debi McGinley
Sue Scheets
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Tina DeConne
NE Moves Mortgage Len Nicoletti Barbara Zink Barbara Oliver Sue Scheets Christine Shaw Phyllis Sochrin Donna Tartagni Brenda Zandri Viktorija Pukinska Tommie Wehrle Susan Cassidy Jim Porto Christy Ann Lindsay Luke Porto
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SMILE! You’re in
readers’ letters
Life Long De
area called Milford.
DESIGNED BY FREEPIK
We honor and respect every one Love of patients Love the magazine. Keep up the good work! your our magazine. Keep up the good work. Profile an article on all the great photographers I’m still waiting for a picture of the nuns ral who health. Our practice is devoted to comprehe have a good eye for our beautiful living walking down the beach near Trumbull Beach. —Anita Dougherty
Thank you Anita for recognizing our wonderful photographers. We thought it was a great idea to celebrate their creative talents and recognize some of our photographic contributors with an entire feature. Turn to page 34 to see more! Sorry you missed talking with my husband Les, when you did the lovely article on Morningside. He moved to Beaches Road when he was three years old in the early ‘30s (he played in the old Manor house). However, you did a great job and
we enjoyed your presentation. We always look forward to receiving our copies. —Les and Audrey Baston Missed opportunities can turn into new endeavors; maybe Les would be willing to share his memories of Milford for us in a future issue? We love to tell stories from longtime residents. Anyone interested, please drop me a note at suzanne@ milfordliving.com.
I guess in those days no one took pictures like they do now. —Linda Fielding Well that sounds like a challenge! If any of our readers have an old photo of perambulating Sisters on the beach at Fort Trumbull please share it by emailing us at info@milfordliving.com. We’d love to share it with Linda and the rest of our subscribers.
Keep improving with the photo captions. —Janice Purcell We hear and we obey!
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
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this season
The Care & Treatment of Summer
S
ummertime comes and Milfordites head outside to enjoy the warm weather, long days, and a world of wonderful outdoor opportunities. As those with children can attest to, summertime also brings many rashes, bug bites, and injuries—minor and sometimes major—for the kids in town.
sweating, weakness, pallor, weak and fast pulse, and nausea or vomiting. Move the child to a cooler spot, place wet, cool cloths on the skin, and give sips of water to rehydrate to treat them.
Sunshine on Your Shoulders
can get really hot in the summer.” In cases
While the easiest way to prevent sunburn is
of sunburn, keep the skin clean and free of
gency, with symptoms including a body
to stay out of the sun, it’s hardly practical on
bacteria. “Motrin or Tylenol can help with the
temperature over 104 degrees, hot skin but
a day-to-day basis. Charles Wetmore, APRN,
pain, and if the skin opens, use antibacterial
no perspiration, cramps, nausea, throbbing
CPNP, and local pediatric nurse practitioner,
ointment.”
headache, and sometimes unconsciousness.
recommends that “for children older than 6
Heat stroke, however, is a medical emer-
With these symptoms, call 911 and move
months of age, use sunscreen with an SPF of
Hot in the City
the child to a cooler spot and place wet, cool
30 or higher.” Reapply sunscreen, even the
Cases of overheating in children in the
cloths on the skin. Making sure children are
waterproof kind, every hour. “Floppy hats
summertime are not uncommon. Heat
well-hydrated can prevent heat exhaustion
and longs sleeves and pants can help too, but
exhaustion symptoms can include profuse
and heat stroke, says Wetmore, “so make sure the kids drink plenty of water throughout the day.”
Buggin’ Biting bugs are the scourge of summer. Using either DEET-(diethyltoluamide) free or low-DEET insect repellent can keep biting to a minimum. “DEET works, but it is not good for the developing brain of a child,” says Wetmore. Hydrocortisone cream will take away the itch (as will any number of non-chemical remedies you can find online.) Tick bites are unfortunately common in Milford. If one does bite, remove the tick by grasping it at the head with tweezers and pulling firmly. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, but “even if a tick bites someone it doesn’t mean the person will get Lyme,” says Wetmore.
8 Milford Living • Summer
clean and use antibiotic ointment to prevent
When these maladies occur, most are
bacteria from entering the skin and causing
easily treated. But when in doubt, call your
infection. Cover the site if possible. Do not use
physician.
any salves.” Putting butter on a burn is an old
—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg
wives’ tale and should not be used.
Scratch My Back “A tick must be embedded for three days for it
Rhus dermatitis is a fancy name for an itchy
to transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme.”
rash caused when the oils from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac come in contact
I’m on Fire
with the skin of someone allergic to the oils.
The sun’s not the only cause of burns in the
Once the oil is washed off the skin, there is no
summer. Touching a hot surface can cause
way to transmit the rash. Treatments include
significant burns, and of course fireworks
Benadryl and cortisone cream. Parents should
have the potential to cause burns or traumatic
keep a look out for any respiratory problems
injuries. Treating a burn begins with cooling
related to the rash which would be consid-
the site using water or ice. “Then keep the area
ered a medical emergency.
2017 • Milford Living 9
milford spotlight
JENNIFER JOHNSON-SANDERS(3)
The Outdoor Project
A
bout a year and a half ago, I was asked to consider my childhood and to think
master skills earlier; a decrease in free time
of a special place I spent as a kid, or a prominent positive memory of childhood.
and opportunities to explore, experiment,
For me, I found that a lot of those memories were made outside. They were in
and take risks; an ever-mounting dependence
completely ordinary places that were made extraordinary by the kids who were involved. There were forts. There was secrecy. There
No extracurricular or structured activities.
was magic. That’s what childhood was—
Outside of organized sports, kids really
magic.
drove their own play. Kids were
A lot of my memories might be considered
independent. They were resilient.
risky play today. Climbing trees; spending
Kids made their own memories
an entire Saturday getting lost off the trail
building forts, catching
of the Rails to Trails Conservancy; heading
bumblebees with an empty
out to Charles Island at low tide searching
peanut butter jar, and skating
for Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. These
on frozen ponds for the
are some of my best-kept memories. Time
entire winter.
spent idling is what weaved the fabric of my childhood together. Still, I have always longed for the childhood
The current generation of children seems profoundly disconnected from nature.
of my parent’s generation, when kids were
Why do kids spend an estimated
often sent out the backdoor in the morning
seven hours each day in front
and told not to return until supper. (They
of a screen and a mere 30 minutes
called dinner “supper.”) There were no camps.
outside? Blame increased pressure to
10 Milford Living • Summer
on technology; busy lives; nervous parents,
overstimulation…the list goes on and on. For one reason or another, kids just are not getting outside like they used to. My takeaway? We, as a community, have some work to do. Enter The Outdoor Project. A product of Milford’s Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), The Outdoor Project was born of the hope of providing deeply memorable learning moments for kids. By bringing likeminded families together in an outdoor family network, the hope is to bring back something that seemed to be lost for this new generation — free, unstructured time outside.
Health Department and coordinator of
network of families interested in providing
According to Lesley Darling, case manager
the Milford PLTI, “The Outdoor Project is a
their children with quality outdoor activities
in the environmental division at the Milford
wonderful example of a vision to create a
and learning experiences.”
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2017 • Milford Living 11
milford spotlight Tami Washenko, a birth doula and
including community health and wellness,
Milford mother of two, says outdoor play is a
education, out-of-school-time programming
crucial part of childhood.
and land use.
“It gives children the opportunity to let go
Paige Miglio, executive director of the
of the constant guidelines and perimeters
Milford Arts Council, says art has always
set for them. And instead, it gifts them the
been inextricably intertwined with nature.
opportunity to be the free, unhindered, wild
“So much art is inspired by nature—they
creatures they are at heart.”
have always gone hand-in-hand,” she
From an outdoor kid’s yoga class at
says. Though the motto of the Milford Arts
Silver Sands State Park to a guided group
Council is “Be a Part of Art,” Miglio says she
letterboxing trail at Eisenhower Park,
would gladly add nature.
The Outdoor Project will collaborate
“I would urge any and all parents to take
for someone else to find. Bring sketch books
with existing agencies to host monthly
the time to explore the beaches, woods, and
and colored pencils to draw what you see.
outdoor activities for families. The hope
even their backyards with your kids. Talk
Bring back something beautiful and paint it
is that a connection to nature becomes an
about the colors, shapes, and details you see.
together,” she says. “Programming like The
integral part of city priorities, planning,
Find interesting, colorful leaves, shells, and
Outdoor Project brings these two elements
and policymaking across a range of areas,
stones. Make patterns and pictures to leave
together. Its enriching to a child and adults
12 Milford Living • Summer
JENNIFER JOHNSON-SANDERS
Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that
to take the time to notice things. In this busy world where too many of us have our heads
responsibility to care for our soil, water, air,
any movement—any culture—will fail if it
and all living things with respect. Our future
cannot paint a picture of a world that people
generations will be grateful for all the good
will want to go to. That’s why, more than
choices we make today. Our future well-being
ever, we need a nature movement. One that
depends on it.”
goes beyond the good practices of traditional
Since parents and other family members
environmentalism and sustainability, and
are direct decision makers in the lives of
paints a compelling, inspiring portrait of a
children, they must be at the forefront of this
society that is better than the one in which
movement. So, I invite you to allow your kids
we presently live. Our kids deserve more
to teeter on logs. I entreat you to let them
than just a survivable world; we owe them a
make a holy mess in the mud. To climb trees.
nature-rich world in which they can thrive.
To build forts. To let them be little.
Steven Johnson, Milford’s Open Space and
It’s time to get back outside.
down in our phones, our kids are glued to
Natural Resource agent, says it’s inspiring
the computer and everyone’s overwhelming
when children experience a sense of wonder
schedules, take the time. Make Art. Be
with our natural world. “Their excitement
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit facebook.com/
inspired by nature.”
and enthusiasm reminds us of our
theoutdoorprojectmilford
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on the water Squalus Marine divers explore Long Island Sound to raise awareness of it’s
COURTESY OF SQUALUS MARINE (3)
beauty and diversity.
Beneath the Waves “ M ost of us who live along the shore only see what’s beneath the waves at low tide…snails, crabs, and clams in and on the sandbars. But the really interesting stuff happens just below the surface. Since 2011 Squalus Marine has made it their mission to show us that life abounds in the Sound. “I have always been fascinated with the
of years, I realized I wasn’t a very good
water and even more so after seeing Jaws
fisherman; so I started diving.” The idea
as a kid,” says Captain Denis Habza, the
for an online video channel broadcasting
owner of Squalus Marine. “I got my first
dives was born, he says, after “we started
boat around 13 years ago. After a couple
shooting underwater with a GoPro. There was more to see than most people think and we started posting our videos.”
There are 500 to 1,000 wrecks in the Long Island Sound. No one knows how many for sure.
”
Squalus is using the Internet to reach out to the public to generate attention and
“Our mission is to promote Long Island
interest in the waters of Long Island Sound
Sound and increase awareness of its
and all they have to offer. “We post short
environment and bring renewed
videos to encourage people to get out in the
interest in its long and storied
water,” says Habza, “We also offer programs
maritime history,” explains Habza.
for schools and other groups to educate the
“Most movies portray diving in a
public and promote our mission.”
dangerous light, so we want to
Many residents don’t know it, but off
promote local diving so more people
the Milford shore there are seven or eight
will realize the Sound is worth
shipwrecks. “Most are recreational boats
protecting.”
that sank intact, but there are a few that are slowly becoming part of the eco-system.
Puffer fish are native to our waters. Their unique self inflation works to scare off predators.
14 Milford Living • Summer
Within about 6-12 months, aquatic plant life begins to transform the wrecks,” Habza explains. Since Long Island Sound is a
This map created by Squalus Marine indicates the location of some of the known shipwrecks along the Milford coastline. naturally protected shipping channel, there are most likely plenty of wrecks that have yet to be discovered. “There are 500 to 1,000 wrecks in the Sound,” confirms Habza. “No one knows how many for sure. Some can be hundreds of years old, the hull may be long gone but the cargo remains. The maritime history of the Sound is long and we want to keep the stories alive.” Squalus Marine has an interactive map on its website (www. squalusmarine.com) where you can view some of the wrecks in the Sound. According to Captain Habza, Milford
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131 Trumbull Avenue 203-783-0060
www.milfordyachtclub.com 2017 • Milford Living 15
on the water Captain Denis Habza is on a mission to foster more scuba diving in the Long
own “backyard.” If you are interested in learning to dive, there are intro classes you can take to
Island Sound.
COURTESY OF SQUALUS MARINE
see if you’ve got what it takes. “Safety is which obscures visibility.
paramount and a certified diving program
The Squalus Marine YouTube
can teach you techniques to avoid trouble,”
channel offers many videos
says Habza. There are links to certified dive
to view and explore Milford’s
instructors on their website.
lengthy coastline, and other
Captain Habza’s quest is to give
coastal Connecticut areas. Each
everyone the opportunity to experience
video runs between 3-8 minutes
and appreciate the unseen beauty that
offers divers much to see. “Charles Island is
and the narration by Captain Habza offers
lies beneath the waves. “The visibility
a great place to dive. The water is very clear.
viewers information and a little bit of
and health of the Sound has improved so
Point Beach has more current in the water,
humor. It is fascinating to watch crabs
much in the past 10 years and we hope to
but there is a great variety of marine plant
scamper across the sand, starfish cling to
educate people so it continues to recover
life.” Rocky and sandy bottom locations offer
shellfish, and blackfish dart around the
and flourish.”
better visibility as less sediment kicks up
rocks knowing it is all happening in our
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healthy living
Stung with the Need to Keep Bees
A
re you enjoying your melons, apples, squash, and broccoli this summer? Thank
beekeeping, says the veteran apiary Harrison.
a honey bee and those who keep them. Without this tiny pollinator, one-third
“An inquiring mind is the most important
of the food we eat wouldn’t exist according to the U.S. Food and Drug Adminis-
thing. When you first start, you think you’re
tration (USDA). “We would have a very bland diet if it
the world’s best beekeeper. But you soon realize there are a thousand things to learn. beekeeping—or apiculture—a few years ago
After 30 years, I still feel like I know nothing
weren’t for the honey bee,” says Ralph
at his Woodmont home after seeing an article
about them!” A beginner beekeeper should
Harrison, a Devon resident for 70 years and
about a Kickstarter campaign encouraging
also have a strong back (it’s a physical
beekeeper since 1986. “That’s what makes it the most studied insect in the world,” he adds.
people to look into it. As an engineer by day, he finds it
natural surroundings. There are more than
Bees not only pollinate food we eat directly,
“amazing how the colony
500 beekeepers in the state that range from
but also crops that feed the livestock on
acts by instinct. Trying
students to research scientists, but they all have
which we also rely. Between 1976 and 2006, there was a dramatic decline in the feral bee population in the U. S. due to natural enemies
to tune into that is part of the art of beekeeping. I’m
at a few local fairs, but making a living from
it’s the huge importance of the little
in on the hobby. “Knowing that bee colonies are in decline is what
Very few beekeepers are in it for the money
to figure out
These numbers remain very low but
many beginner beekeepers to join
love our bees.” earned from honey. Harrison sells his honey
enemies like pesticides and pollution.
bee to our existence that motivates
one thing in common says Harrison, “We all
always trying
like mites and fungi and man-made
what is
it is impossible unless you are harvesting
going on in
500-600 hives, he says. Nationally in 2016,
the hive at
honey production totaled 162 million pounds
any given time.”
harvested from 2.78 million colonies, according
That curiosity
to the National Agricultural Statistics Service of
is the number
the USDA. “Most people get into beekeeping to
one trait for
pollinate their gardens. Several Milford farmers
anyone considering
have asked me to keep bees on their farms
interested me ANNA DOWNS
hobby) and an interest in flowers and our
solely for pollination of their crops,” he says.
at first,” says
Ralph Harrison checks
Jim Oravetz,
one of his many
and other supplies, Harrison recommends
who started
beehives.
attending a beekeepers meeting or “Bee
18 Milford Living • Summer
Before investing at least $300 in a hive, bees,
School” through the Connecticut Beekeepers
with the State Entomologist annually.
Association or Backyard Beekeepers. The CBA
There is no fee, but an inspector may come
is the oldest organization in the state, having
to check a hive for disease on occasion.
celebrated its 125th anniversary last year.
The city of Milford has no requirements,
The group meets quarterly. The Backyard
according to Harrison. Both Oravetz and
Beekeepers meet monthly and often have
Harrison recommend mentioning a hive to
special speakers. Oravetz also attended a
neighbors and telling them that there is no
5-week course through Milford Adult Education
danger involved. They may see the bees in
and got himself a mentor early on. Harrison
their gardens but they generally don’t bother
agrees that getting an experienced mentor is a
people. “Of course, a free jar of honey goes a
must, “Tag along with them to see if this hobby
long way, too,” says Harrison.
is for you.” Most seasoned beekeepers are
For more information about apiculture
happy to be mentors and doing this homework
or becoming an apiary, check out ctbees.org
prior to starting a hive will save money if the
and beeculture.com (both CBA websites) or
hobby isn’t for you. Every hive in the state must be registered
Fresh local honey is known for being helpful for seasonal allergies.
backyardbeekeepers.com. —Angela Arpino
Pediatric Dental Care You Can Trust
55 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT • 203-878-6699 • SensitiveCare.net 2017 • Milford Living 19
milford morsels
Summer Specials
A
ny time of the year is a good time to eat in Milford, but there is just something special about the summer. Maybe it’s the al fresco atmosphere, the availability of fresh local fare, or the variety of summer-inspired flavors that does the trick. Or maybe it’s just that after a cold, wet spring, everything tastes better. To feed your quest for great local food, we
opportunity to thank their customers and say a
asked Milford restaurants to share a “Summer
little bit about why Milford is such a great place
Special”, and tell us why it’s a favorite with
for their business.
their diners. Many of the restaurants took the
Oh, and if you’re a lobster lover, you’re in luck.
BIN 100
SPECIAL: The Summer Prix Fixe. WHEN: Available daily for dinner beginning July 1 through
August 31 PRICE: $29 COURTESY OF BIN 100
“Our Prix Fixe Summer Special is a 4-course dinner that includes appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert. It provides an opportunity for Milford residents and visitors to enjoy a gourmet dinner at an affordable price.”
20 Milford Living • Summer
BRIDGE HOUSE
SPECIAL: Mini Lobster Roll WHEN: Monday-Friday & Sunday, 3-6
p.m.; Saturday 12-3 p.m. All summer long! PRICE: $12
COURTESY OF BRIDGE HOUSE
“Cheers to ten years with lobster and beers! In honor of our 10 years of business we are offering Milford customers the New England staple lobster roll done the Bridge House Way! Served in the bar and patio area, the mini lobster roll is fresh Maine lobster meat poached in a garlic white wine butter with house made coleslaw. In addition, we have a list of $2.00 beer bottles available during this time. Much thanks to the greater Devon area and beyond for letting us serve you over the last 10 years and hopefully many more years down the road!”
LobSTeR nighT
every Wednesday night includes Lobster, Corn on Cob, baked Potato $18 Single Lobster or $32 Twin Lobsters
FROM CASUAL TO ELEGANT The Stonebridge Restaurant features casual American fare featuring fresh seafood such as live lobsters, fresh clams and oysters, and our Signature Shrimp Cocktail. We offer appetizers, sandwiches, salads and homemade soups as well as succulent steaks, tender moist poultry and incredible pasta specialties.
Brunch at the ‘Bridge
Served 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Sundays bottomless Mimosa & bloody Mary bar
HAPPY HOUR
Monday - Friday (4-7pm) $1 oFF ALL DRinKS!!!
SUNDAYS ON THE PATIO • LIVE BANDS 5-8PM FRIDAYS ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5-8PM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS LIVE DJ’S 10PM www.stonebridgerestaurant.com
50 Daniel Street - Milford, CT 06460
(203) 874-7947
2017 • Milford Living 21
milford morsels CAPTAIN’S CATCH
SPECIAL: Fish Tacos WHEN: May through August. PRICE: $9.99 for two tacos with rice and
black beans; $13.50 for three tacos with rice and black beans.
COURTESY OF CAPTAINS CATCH
“Cod served on a flour tortilla drizzled with a honey-lime cumin dressing and topped with a chipotle slaw. Fresh, delicious, available grilled or fried! Captain’s Catch is situated just a short walk from beautiful Anchor beach in Woodmont. Our fresh fish tacos are perfect for a day on the sand! Take them with you, or enjoy them in our friendly atmosphere.”
Patio Now Open! • ½ Price Lobster Rolls Every Monday Night! • Latest Kitchen in Town
Serving food until close every night of the week
21 Daniel Street, Milford
203-693-2555 | ElisTavern.com
EAT. DRINK. ENJOY. 22 Milford Living • Summer
ELI’S
SPECIAL: Monday Night Lobster Roll WHEN: Monday Nights 4pm-10pm Memorial
“There are fewer better places in Connecticut in the summer than downtown Milford. People walk the streets bouncing around from patio to patio, enjoying all the boutique shops and town-run events. We see our lobster roll as a contribution to this summer community. Our freshly picked Atlantic claw and tail lobster meat is bathed in melted butter, then poured into a hot corn foam and served on a brioche hot dog roll with hand cut French fries and our house-made cabbage slaw. There is no better way to spend a summer night than on our patio with a fresh warm lobster roll and cold summer cocktail.”
Patio view of Milford landing Marina!
COURTESY OF ELI’S
Day – Labor Day PRICE: $22
n a c i x Me isine cu
neW LY OPen
Serving Specialty DiSheS Seafood • Beef • Chicken • Pork Open since 1968 in CosCob, CT.
Saturday & Sunday 5:30 - 9 pm gUitar playerS tO enJOy
Dining room • lounge • patio now open! • Booking now for parties • catering available $6.00 house Wine or Margarita • lunch & Dinner Specials • happy hour: tuesday thru Friday, 3pm-6pm Hours: Closed Monday • Tuesday thru Thursday 12-9:45 • Friday & Saturday 12-10:30 • Sunday 12-9
please visit our website fondalapalomamilford.com 1 Schooner Lane Milford CT 06460 203 693 2924 2017 • Milford Living 23
milford morsels
STONEBRIDGE
SPECIAL: Stonebridge Lobster Bomb WHEN: Available 7-days a week for lunch and dinner
“This is an over the top way to indulge in lobster, the meat from two whole lobsters is picked from the shell, warmed in butter and served over our own house-made lobster bisque. We also serve the freshest Maryland soft shell crabs, Ipswich whole belly clams, our signature fresh shucked lobster rolls, and for dessert we will be featuring rotating flavors of Walnut Beach Creamery ice cream.”
24 Milford Living • Summer
COURTESY OF STONEBRIDGE
from Memorial Day - Labor Day PRICE: Price varies with the market price of lobster
WALNUT BEACH CREAMERY
COURTESY OF WALNUT BEACH CREAMERY
SPECIAL: Thai’d Up Sundae Cone WHEN: All summer PRICE: $6.00 “Our summer special consists of a homemade waffle cone filled with Thai Rice Pudding ice cream topped with a Rum Lime sauce and roasted pineapples. It’s an exotic vacation in a cone. We have an employee contest the first week in August where the staff invents new flavors, and customers vote on their favorites. Our ice cream selection is always changing and we work to source local ingredients like our honey from a bee guy in Milford and cream from New Britain.”
Summer Special
bin100
$29 PRIX FIXE
EVERYDAY
restaurant
100 Lansdale Avenue I Milford (I-95, Exit 34) I Bin100.com 2017 • Milford Living 25
A Brief History of Charles Island
COURTESY OF MICHAEL CLARK
By Michael Clark
Charles Island has always offered a safe anchorage for boaters.
26 Milford Living • Summer
I
If you were standing on the beach in Milford (then called Wepowage) on a summer day in the mid to late 1630s and looked toward the area of Charles Island, you might notice quite a bit of activity. There would be canoes coming to and from the harbor area and smoke billowing from different areas of the island from daily meals being cooked. Before the English settlers arrived, this island was known as Poquehaug by the local Native Americans known as the Paugussett Nation whose chief was Ansantawae. Ansantawae used this island as one of his multiple wigwams. One particular wigwam was on the island itself and used during the summer months. 2017 • Milford Living 27
W When the settlers arrived, they
times, in 1853 Elizur Prichard
den (aka bunker). The fertilizer
smashing windows and causing
purchased Poquehaug from the
opened the home as a summer
company had its ups and downs
mayhem. A train from New
Paugussett chief in 1639. Some
resort called the “Island House”
over the years. At one point,
Haven loaded with five militia
years later the island was ac-
which carried visitors to and
many of the town’s residents
companies under the command of
quired by George Hubbard who,
from by steamboat. After a series
were complaining of the strong
Colonel Bradley was dispatched to
after a short time, sold the island
of resort name changes—from
odor that constantly emanated
Milford. In addition, 22 members
to one Richard Byran. In the year
the Charles Island House, to the
from the island. Nonetheless the
of the New Haven Police joined
1657, the island was then sold
Ansantawae House (in 1857), and
factory ran successfully for more
with the militia, nearly 200
again to Mr. Charles Deal. Deal
then back to the Charles Island
than 10 years until a court battle
armed men in all. Governor Jewell
bought the island to try his luck
House again—the resort was
between the city and the fertilizer
ordered that every single violator
at starting a tobacco plantation,
well established and visited by
company finally closed the plant
be arrested in an effort to stamp
but the venture failed. Deal did
many. The Charles Island House
in 1886.
out prize fighting in Connecticut.
at least accomplish one thing: his
included a main hotel, dining hall,
first name stuck to what thereaf-
cook room, well for fresh water,
boxing match was expected to
1 /2 miles from the Milford train
ter was called Charles Island.
administrative office, barn, bar
take place on Charles Island.
depot and advanced at double
The island changed hands
area, dance pavilion, and even a
When only one of the fighters
time toward the scattering crowd.
bowling alley.
showed up, the promoters staged
After a flurry of combat, the
a contest with two lesser op-
crowd surrendered. 81 men were arrested and bail was set the next
many times over the years, basically used as farm land.
In 1868, Charles Island was
On April 12, 1870, a lightweight
The militia detrained about 1
In 1835, a wealthy New Yorker
leased to the George W. Miles
ponents. On the streets of Milford
named John Harris purchased the
Company, a producer of fertil-
on April 11 and 12, the terrified
island for his summer residence.
izer and fish oil derived from the
populace cowered as fight fans
The same hotel with different
After changing owners additional
abundant fish known as menha-
poured into Milford village
names hosted many visitors on
COURTESY OF MICHAEL CLARK
the Island over the years.
28 Milford Living • Summer
morning. The militia disbanded
most likely for financial reasons,
and Milford returned to normal.
and was significantly destroyed
In the late 1920s, a religious
by the Hurricane of 1938. Some
chests of treasure there, uttering
sanctuary named the Aquinas
stone remnants of the retreat can
the words “death to any man
(From upper left) Boxing matches
Retreat House was opened on the
still be seen to this day.on the
who unearths this spot before
in 1870 led to rioting in Milford;
island, led by Father Edmund A.
island.
I return.” The third curse was
remnants of the 1920s Aquinas
reportedly spoken during the
Retreat can still be seen; this
Baxter, a Dominican priest. The
It is said that Charles Island
retreat was not large due to the
holds three curses attached to
siege of Mexico City in the early
group visited in 1932; a 19th
size of the island but did have
it. The first was during the time
1500s when emperor Guatemozin
century view of the Island House.
a wooden chapel (later stone
the Paugussett Indians occupied
hid his treasure in a cave laying
chapel), bell tower, grotto, cabins
the island. One day an Indian
a curse on anyone who disturbed
for the retreatants, dining and
chief’s daughter was kidnapped
it. Some 200 years later, legend
recreation hall, stations of the
and taken to the island. The chief
says the treasure was found and
what makes Charles Island such
cross, shrine, and a statue of St.
cursed the island, swearing that
taken by a group of sailors who
an integral part of the story of
Christopher erected to memo-
nothing would ever stand on
died shortly thereafter, each by
Milford. Now part of the Silver
rialize five men and a boy who
it for long. The second curse is
tragic deaths. At some point the
Sands State Park and owned by the
drowned in 1929 traveling from
attributed to the pirate Captain
treasure was taken to Milford
state of Connecticut, the Island is
the island to the mainland. The
Kidd, who, legend has it, moored
and hidden at the Post Road Inn
designated a natural preserve area
retreat closed in the mid-1930s,
off Charles island and buried
before eventually being moved
for migrating local birds.
to Charles Island. It’s long, rich history is part of
2017 • Milford Living 29
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Through the Lens One of the hallmarks of Milford Living since our inception has been the photography that graces each issue. Over the years we’ve relied upon the talents of literally hundreds of local photographers— some professional, many amateur—to help bring our pages, and the lives of the residents of our city, to life. In many cases, the photos themselves have been the story; our annual pictorials of Milford life are a favorite with both our subscribers and our staff. Every photographer we’ve worked with has brought a unique talent and point of view to our pages. Through their eyes you see a Milford you might otherwise miss. By way of saluting their work (World Photo Day is August 19th), we asked a handful of current contributors to tell us a little about themselves, what led them to photography, and why Milford makes such an interesting subject.
Bill Canfield
DAY JOB: I’m retired now but when I did work I was a materials manager for a manufacturing company. Then I sold cars and trucks at Stevens Ford/Lincoln. INSPIRATION: My father’s camera inspired me when I was five years old. I was drawn to it and started taking pictures with it until he bought me my own Brownie. SHOOTING IN MILFORD: There are so many different places to find images in Milford. We have beaches, parks, farms, forests and numerous areas to walk and shoot pictures. FAVORITE SUBJECT: No real favorite subject matter but we do have an awful lot of birds around here! EQUIPMENT: I shoot with a Canon Rebel DSLR but ready to upgrade soon.
34 Milford Living • Summer
Anna Downs
DAY JOB: I’m a full-time student. INSPIRATION: When I would capture photos on my phone I would just imagine how much better it could be if I had a professional camera! That is one of the reasons that inspired me. SHOOTING IN MILFORD: What I like best about shooting images for Milford Living is being part of the community by contributing with my photography. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Shooting portraits of people. EQUIPMENT: Right now I shoot with is a Canon Rebel T5, but I’m hoping to upgrade in the near future.
2017 • Milford Living 35
Sherry Johnson
DAY JOB: I’ve been employed by Bridgeport Hospital since 2003 and work as a patient care technician in the Emergency Department. INSPIRATION: From the moment I had children, I’ve always wanted to capture the memories that I would never get back. From that point on, I was hooked on photography. Everything always changes. From a newborn smile to the perfect sunset...it’s never the same. SHOOTING MILFORD: Milford has grown so much. I grew up going to school in Devon and remember walking to Walnut Beach as a child. Even then, I saw so much beauty in our little city with a big heart. There’s no other place like it in the world—which is why I have chosen to spend my life here. Capturing beautiful images to pass along and share with our community is something that brings me so much joy and happiness. FAVORITE SUBJECT: My favorite subject would be anything that captures my eye immediately! Many times, I’ll have my husband stop and pull the car over so I can get out and “get that shot.” I love his patience with me and my camera! Oh, and a close second goes to my favorite musician, Keith Urban! EQUIPMENT: I’ve been a Nikon girl all my life. From my first point and shoot in the 8th grade to my current DSLR, the Nikon D750. I call her my fourth child and care for her like she’s the baby of the house.
36 Milford Living • Summer
Derek Jones
DAY JOB: I just finished my undergraduate at Clark University so I am currently looking for different jobs in the field of communications. I currently work part-time at the Wall Street Theater as communications manager and assistant to the artistic director as we establish the future go-to spot of Norwalk’s arts district. INSPIRATION: When I was 16 my grandmother took me to Africa where we enjoyed a few safaris in the wild lands and explored the historic neighborhoods of South Africa. The entire time I had my camera around my neck, capturing every single moment to relive later in life. My favorite part of photography is framing my favorite shots as I see them. SHOOTING IN MILFORD: Milford is the most beautiful town in Connecticut—and I’m not just saying that because I am biased. With the handful of beaches, serene coastal docks, and historic town presence, shooting in Milford is nothing short of a treat. FAVORITE SUBJECT: I love to shoot landscapes, buildings, etc.—anything that I can get the bright blue sky behind. I would love to transition into portrait shooting but find that I am very comfortable in building a frame and allowing the viewer to create their own image within. EQUIPMENT: I use a Nikon Coolpix 180—nothing serious. Although I just discovered a Sony Cybershot that I’ll start messing around with. I find that once I frame my picture I can touch it up in post-production to add the effects that aren’t set with the camera.
2017 • Milford Living 37
Cathy Leite
DAY JOB: Professional photographer INSPIRATION: My inspiration as a photographer first came when I was a child. I used to love to draw and paint animals and nature, and as I was looking through a book of wildlife, I took special notice of the photographs of the animals, especially the wild cats. I thought about the person behind the camera taking those photos and I knew then that photography was something I wanted to do when I grew up. I took a deeper interest in it about seven years ago, and my passion for photography has grown and expanded to scenic, portrait, and event photography. SHOOTING IN MILFORD: I love taking images in Milford because there is such a variety of scenic opportunities to photograph in all seasons. From the waterfall at the duck pond, to the marinas and beaches, historical buildings and bridges, and the charm of Milford center and Green. My favorite would have to be the beaches. I love the shore and the ocean and watching the boats at the docks. FAVORITE SUBJECT: I think I would have to say one of my favorites subjects to photograph would be barns. I love to travel around the state and photograph them as the seasons change. I especially love to photograph them in the snow. Connecticut has such beautiful country roads, and barn photos have such classic New England charm. I also love the sense of history that they give. EQUIPMENT: I shoot with a Canon EOS 70D and have a few different focal length lenses.
38 Milford Living • Summer
JJ Richards
DAY JOB: I work for an international organization and have been involved in various areas of telecommunications and information technology, now focusing on planning management and policy for our global infrastructure. INSPIRATION: I’m not sure what inspired me, other than being an avid book reader when I was young. I often looked at books of photos when visiting the library and a passion to take photos bloomed from that. When I started working I bought a fairly good film camera and started taking photos and found it a very relaxing hobby. SHOOTING MILFORD: I have travelled a lot and lived in many places and can say with experience that the natural beauty all around Milford is often breathtaking. With the scenic variety from beaches to the harbor, duck pond, and parks, there is always somewhere to shoot. FAVORITE SUBJECT: I do try and keep some variety in my photography, but I love being by the water especially for sunrise and sunset, so I am often at one of the many beaches at those times. EQUIPMENT: Currently I am shooting with a Sony Mirrorless camera, the A6500, and have a variety of lenses that I use with it.
2017 • Milford Living 39
family time For more than 30 years, Milford’s popular Rent-A-Kid program has been placing youths between the ages of 12-17 years old in temporary, part-time jobs. The program links teens up with nearby residents who have odd jobs that need doing. Childcare, lawn mowing, gardening, dog walking, computer and technology assistance are summer staples. And in the fall and winter kids can rake leaves or shovel walkways and driveways. Many of the clients are elderly citizens in need of a little extra help around the house and yard. The goal of the program is to teach the valuable lessons of responsibility, hard work, and the self-confidence that comes with earning your own money for a job well done. Program coordinator, Mindy Natale, says that, “We encourage the parents to meet
Summer Jobs “A
in’t no use in complaining, when you got a job to do. Spent my evenings down at the drive-in, and that’s when I met you!” That’s how Bryan Adams described his summer job in his song “The Summer of ‘69”. Never mind that he was only nine years old in the summer of ‘69. Canadian child labor laws are different I guess. Not everyone is lucky enough to work at
a teen; it’s the moment where parents are, in
a drive-in all summer, but no matter if you
fact, sending their children out into the real
had a cool job or not, everyone remembers
world. School might bring responsibilities
their first real summer job. I mowed lawns
and teach the ethics of hard work, but the
at 13 (awful), picked apples at 15 (terrible),
life lessons learned working that first job
but at 16 I got my first fulI-time summer job.
outside the house, making real money for a
I worked at a town pool flipping burgers at
boss they might not like…that’s priceless.
a concession stand from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00
For teens in Milford, finding a summer
p.m. I worked with my friends, met great
job can be as easy as going to City Hall or
people, learned how to cook, and how to be
the City of Milford website and signing
somewhat responsible.
up for one—or both—of the two programs
The first job is an important milestone for
40 Milford Living • Summer
designed to find a teenager a summer job.
with the prospective employers along with their children to help negotiate a fair price for the work that is going to be done.
Minimum wage is generally the agreed upon amount.” The program is usually split 50/50 between boys and girls. Program participants can choose from available assignments. Some of the jobs start as onetime tasks (like cleaning the garage); they often lead to more jobs and a lasting work relationship. According to Natale, “While the jobs are a great way for the teens to learn about responsibility, they are often paired with senior citizens who also offer the value of life experience which evolves into a mentoring situation.” Also available to Milford teenagers is the Summer Youth Employment Program. This six-week program is designed to help students between the ages of 14-21 find a
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2017 • Milford Living 41
family time
“
Some people are lucky enough to know from an early age what they want to be when they grow up.
”
work experience the program offers in
from an early age what they want to be
invaluable. The participants “learn the
when they grow up. The jobs they take on as
things that seem simple but are important
teenagers are just distractions to help them
to everyone no matter the age, like how to
make a few bucks on the way to their future.
take direction, how to be on-time, how to
For others, that first job sets them on the path
call out sick.”
to what might be, a glimpse into a career as a
The program receives about 75 ap-
boss, not a summer hire.
plications each year, but depending on the
—Gerry McGuire
amount of funding, and after interviewing the applicants, the program can only place between 25-50 applicants. Anyone not
PARENTAL CONSENT IS REQUIRED FOR THE
full-time summer job. Part of the training
chosen goes on a waiting list, which is often
RENT-A-KID PROGRAM and a parent or
within in the program is the real-world
used due to applicants quitting the program
guardian must accompany the child at sign-
aspect of interviewing each applicant to see
or going on vacation. So just because
up. For more information call Christie Roche at
what kind of the job fits best.
someone doesn’t initially get a placement it
203.783.3253 or email croche@cimilford.ct.us.
doesn’t mean they are out of the running.
For the Summer Youth Employment Program,
Lisa Streit, the director of Milford Employment and Training, says that the
Some people are lucky enough to know
call Lisa Streit at 203.783.3243.
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In the Shallows L
ive mud dogs are everywhere...on the sand flats and the mud flats. They are tiny little black vegetarian gastropods also known by their Latin International name nassarius obsoletus. Very seldom will you see a live lighter-colored, much higher spired nassarius trivatatus. At the Milford Marine Institute Marine Biology Camp we call these beautiful beaded gastropods “Nassa.” Why don’t we ever see a live one working the sand and mudflats the way the mud dogs do? Because these guys are subtidal rather than intertidal. They work the benthos—or the bottom—of Long Island Sound.
TIMOTHY CHAUCER
milford wildlife
A variety of colorful shells tells of many species along our shoreline “find the gold nuggets.” The campers do find them, but only after searching very carefully and with great attention to detail. Like so many of our marine species, there are certain beaches
several colors, just like the ubiquitous
where the populations are larger than
sand flats you ask? That would be Pandora
What’s the prettiest mollusk on the
jingle shell (anomia simplex.)The smooth
others. We have had good luck finding the
gouldiana. This is the bivalve with the mother
periwinkle can be found in various shades
smooth periwinkle in Woodmont, while the
of pearl shimmer to it. It’s also the one with
of browns and reds, but the most important
Bayview area is good for Pandora gouldiana.
the spout-like shape to it. Why do we seldom
shade is yellow. That’s precisely why we
The common jingles come in bright yellows,
see the live animal? Once again, this creature
tell the kids at the Marine Biology Camp to
oranges, and even silver and black.
too is subtidal and not intertidal. COURTESY OF THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
The most exciting gastropod
Are there some animals that seem to be in less abundance today than years
to search for would be the
before? As a kid summering in Woodmont
smooth periwinkle. You
in the 1950s, I could turn over almost any
might be wondering
rock and find an eel. Today you will not
why this animal is so
find them. Instead you’ll find the invasive
exciting to find; the
Asian crab that seems to enjoy eating the
answer is that
larvae of many of our native species such
it comes in
as the eel. It’s just a theory, but I’m sure that crab hitched a ride in the hold of a Japanese tanker and when the bilge was cleaned in New Haven, fell out and said, “Hallelujah…free at last!” It then began walking the Long Island Sound benthos until it made its way to Milford. It
Hermit Crabs are a common site at
also seems to enjoy eating the larvae
low tide
of the common periwinkle and blue
44 Milford Living • Summer
declining along the rocky coastal habitat areas such as Woodmont. Last summer I could not find many of the most common but highly defensive lady or calico crabs (ovalipes ocellatus). These are the pink to purple ones with the beautiful
TIMOTHY CHAUCER
mussel since these species appear to be
And of course there are angle wings on our
Jingle Shells shimmer on the sand. They are
patterned carapace. (They are also the ones
sand flats. These false angel wings (Petricola
that give quite a nip when a human foot
pholadiformis) look like what we picture an
comes too close.) Could these calicos also
angel’s wings to resemble. In truth, they are
be a victim of the now ubiquitous invasive
very brittle and so this pelecypod (which
sand or mud flats, the life there is constantly
crustacean with its black banded legs? I did
are no more than 2-inches in length) is hard
changing. But it’s always fun to discover
find numerous young moon snails, however,
to locate in perfect condition. The harder
which animals are strong enough to survive
and it is always interesting to place one on
and larger (up to 7-inches) true angel wing
the inevitable changes to our marine
your hand to see the large foot emerge and
(Cyrtopleura costata) tends to be found in
ecosystems.
try and walk to freedom.
deeper waters than our false angel wings.
bivalve molluscs related to scallops and oysters. So, whether you are searching the various
—Tim Chaucer
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education notebook
Summer Practice for Reading and Math
W
hile summer is considered a chance for children to kick back and relax, research shows that taking too much time off from school work can contribute to what some call “Summer Brain Drain.” For this reason, schools provide activities for summer practice to help students retain the skills acquired during the year and to give them a jump start on the next grade. Milford Public School provides both summer reading and math expectations for elementary, middle, and high school students.
assigning specific books, she explains that children are encouraged to explore the library to “discover their own reading adventures.” Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to count minutes spent reading rather than tracking the number of books read. Diana Preece, the Young Adult librarian, explains that this rewards a reader’s time and
Jennifer Sinal-Swingler, supervisor of English Language Arts for the Milford school
summer that tie into this theme. At the elementary level, “Bingo” cards
effort, even if he is only able to read 15 minutes a day. Last year, middle and high school
district, works with staff at the Milford Public
provide a fun incentive for students to
students met a challenge to read a collective
Library to put together a summer reading
read over the summer. Children’s librarian
40,000 minutes over the summer. While
program that everyone can enjoy. This year’s
Suzanne Harrison-Thomas likens the cards to
some middle and high school courses have a
theme is “Build a Better World,” and both the
a scavenger hunt with squares that contain
recommended reading lists with a required
Children and Young Adult departments of the
challenges like “read a book with a color in
title as one selection, there is also an element
library offer special events throughout the
the title” or “read a sports book.” Rather than
of choice in each course for other options.
46 Milford Living • Summer
Readers of all ages can keep track of their progress using the library’s free Wandoo Reader website, accessed at milfordlibrary.
collection of free ebooks and audiobooks,
Academy. Students in third through sixth
summer reading is easier than ever.
grade have the choice of using Khan or the
While opportunities to read occur more
traditional activity packet. Khan is required
org or milforded.org. Through the site,
naturally in a child’s home environment,
in grade seven and beyond and there are
students can participate in special online
summer math practice is sometimes more
certain benefits. Khan is an online program
challenges, such as “Origami Challenge” and
elusive and often met with more resistance.
used during the school year, so students are
“Take a Selfie with a Librarian!” Some are
This may be one reason researchers note a
familiar with it. When students return to
done at home, but many require a visit to the
greater loss of math skills over the summer
school, teachers can easily view the child’s
library. “Our hope is that every child in Milford
months, making math practice important.
progress. Lastly, Khan has an adaptive
spends time this summer eagerly flipping the
In Milford Public Schools, students in first
component that correlates to a student’s
pages of a book that they find enjoyable and
and second grade use a packet of summer
NWEA score, allowing for math practice that
exciting,” says Sinal-Swingler. “It should be
math activities that can be accessed online.
meets the child’s individual needs.
a positive experience and not feel like work,”
For older students, the traditional packet
adds Harrison-Thomas. And with today’s online
has been largely replaced by a more 21st
in June, but in case you’ve misplaced it,
options, including access to the public library’s
century approach in partnership with Khan
the link for the Summer Math Practice site
Information was sent home with students
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education notebook is posted on each school website as well
of school. The goal is to help students review
with their math packet at least two weeks
as milforded.org. If internet access is an
skills they have learned during the year so
before school starts. West Shore Middle
issue, the Milford Public Library offers use
they will be ready for the next grade.
School media specialist Lisa Vaccino steers
of computers with free internet access, or a
There are steps parents can take to ease
her students towards topics that interest
printed activity packet can be requested from
the stress some children face as they tackle
them. “No matter what their interest, there is
the school district.
summer school work. Teacher Merrianne
likely a magazine, newspaper, or book about
Vassalo suggests building the work into the
it,” says Vaccino. The important thing is to
are not off the hook when it comes to
daily routine, doing a little each day. “Maybe
keep it fun!
summer school work. According to Principal
right after breakfast while the kiddos are
Frank Lacerenza, the school uses the more
already sitting at the table, they can complete
traditional but individualized approach,
a few math problems and feel good about
WHILE THE LIBRARIANS AT THE MILFORD PUBLIC
where classroom teachers prepare Reading
being productive at the start of the day,”
LIBRARY ARE A GREAT RESOURCE to help find
and Math packets that are sent home with
she shares. Parent Megan Lawrie thinks it’s
a title that is both exciting and appropriate for
the students in June. In the older grades,
important to be realistic. She has her girls
your child, there is also an array of websites that
there are specific books and assignments that
read twenty minutes a day at least four days
can guide choices, for example whatshould-
are expected to be complete by the first day
a week. She tries to make sure they are done
ireadnext.com and goodreads.com.
Children who attend Saint Mary School
—Susan Glennon
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48 Milford Living • Summer
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Summer Along the Shore A
s Milfordites, we may sometimes take our long coastline for granted. The beach is always there awaiting our company, be it a walk along the boardwalk, taking a dip, or casting into Long Island Sound angling for the big catch. But way back when—before air conditioning—Milford was the destination every summer for tens of thousands of visitors looking to beat the summer heat.
COURTESY OF SAND IN OUR SHOES (3)
historical perspective
Bathing suits were specialized attire, and an expensive luxury for the time, so many bathers rented. As the seasonal influx of bathers increased, so did the cottages along the
In the late 1800s, the ability of tourists
months. What had once been a simple
beach, sprouting up as demand for rooms
from the likes of New York and Boston to
agricultural and shell fishing
with a view grew. Hotels, inns, and
travel along the Milford shore was greatly
hamlet soon become a
enhanced by the construction of the Milford
popular destination
railroad station and the installation of
for those seeking
the town’s system of electric trolleys. This
the quiet calm of
new-fangled mode of transportation made
cool, salt water
to Woodmont. The Sound
exploration easy, and so visitors found
breezes of the
View, Island View,
Milford quite inviting during the summer
Sound.
Pembroke, Idlewood,
rooming houses offering lodging for out of towners soon dominated the shoreline from Wildermere Beach
Franklin House, Harrison Park, and Atlas hotels hosted the swanky set while boarding houses offered rooms for rent to those on a budget. Milford’s entrepreneurial spirit was in full swing. Local merchants and business owners were quick to cater to the tens of thousands who flocked to Milford’s shore… keeping them migrating back year after year. Movie theaters, ice cream parlors, amusements, dance halls, bait & tackle shops, skating rinks, and bathing suitsto-let (yes, rented bathing suits) were all available to tourists with money to spend. General stores offered anything a visitor Above: Bathing beauties pose on the pier. Below: Cottages for visitors at Cedar Beach.
50 Milford Living • Summer
may have forgotten, as well as trinkets
The Idylwood Hotel may have played host to many of the swimmers seen in this Walnut Beach postcard of the past. to remember their time here. Postcards of
Local farms and fishermen prospered
but the concept is ancient, and more than
Milford were mailed far and wide, often
as well as their bountiful harvest kept
a century ago visitors to Milford took
expressing the tried and true sentiment
restaurants fully stocked. Pop-up farmer’s
advantage of the wagons, carts, and cars
“Wish you were here.”
markets may seem like a new phenomenon,
full of fresh foods sold to famished folks on
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SAND IN OUR SHOES
HENRY “BUSTER” WALSH COLLECTION
historical perspective
Above: Sweet treats at the Double Dip were always a hit with visitors. Right: Woodmont Beach has always been a tranquil beach community. corners along the shore. Anglers enjoyed the waters from a different perspective, renting boats and tackle and buying up bait in an annual
quest to catch a trophy fish, or, more than
could spring for an aerial view of town. A
likely, dinner.
small airport—a.k.a. a grass field—hosted
After the turn of the century, for a truly remarkable experience, visitors
enterprising pilots offering a true thrill ride over the beaches of Milford and the
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mysterious Charles Island.
Myrtle Beach bathers cool off in the waters of
Ladies sporting sunhats
Long Island Sound.
strolled along the piers (perhaps a straw hat made in town by
horizon, ready for a stroll in straw hats.
the Mitchell Manufacturing
And the beach…well, what’s better than
Company), while their kids
a cool refreshing dip in the water on a
clamored to ride the carousel
hot day? Perhaps a stiff summer breeze so
and grab the brass ring. Dad’s
you can fly a kite.
told tales of the one that got away,
Like the past where Milford played
and families feasted on fresh fish and
host to tens of thousands of travelers on
enjoyed countless amusements, maybe
summer trips, seasonal visitors still travel
even a movie at the Colonial Theater.
from across the country, and the globe, to can enjoy homemade cold treats from ice
enjoy the place we call home. Welcome
as in its heyday, Milford still welcomes
Though tourism isn’t as robust today
cream parlors around town, and dine al
them as Milfordites always have…and be
visitors in many of the ways it did in the
fresco at any number of great restaurants.
sure to enjoy the shoreline pleasures that
past. You can still rent a bicycle, a boat, or
Free outdoor concerts offer music for all to
tourists travel to our town to experience.
a kayak (but alas, not a bathing suit). You
hear, and the boardwalk stretches into the
—Susan Carroll Dwyer
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Milford, Ct. 06460
203-874-8998
Milford Cemetery
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King’s Highway Cemetery
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senior corner
Phishing: Don’t Take the Bait W hile many senior citizens pride themselves on independence and self-reliance, having raised their families, burned the mortgage deed, and settled into a (hopefully) comfortable retirement, those very traits can make them vulnerable to the rising tide of financial fraud directed to older Americans.
What makes the senior segment so
vulnerable? The answers vary but a common thread is trust, and the con artists and scammers know this. Raised in the 1930s through 1950s, today’s seniors were less likely to challenge authority and accept the
The latest statistics from the FBI, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging are alarming both
Confidence fraud, Non-existent government
premise that people were trustworthy. They
grants, Counterfeit checks, and Identity theft.
are also less likely to just say “no” or hang-up
Regrettably, these statistics are
on a caller (with a likely fraudulent caller
in the frequency of fraudulent activity
compiled just from the financial abuse
ID) whose pitch sounds plausible even if a
targeting seniors and the devastating
that is reported. The Senate Committee
feeling of skepticism develops. Couple this
economic impact resulting from outright
noted in its 2017 Fraud Book that “many
with current economic conditions where
criminal activity. The Senate, through its
of these crimes are not reported because
seniors feel nervous about shrinking benefits
Fraud Hotline program (855.303.9470) has
the victims are afraid that the perpetrator
and the rising cost of living and suddenly the
identified the Top 10 financial fraud/scams
may retaliate, are embarrassed that they
“get-rich-quick” scheme sounds as promising
for 2017: IRS impersonation, Sweepstakes,
have been scammed, or sometimes simply
as the drug company advertisement touting
Robocalls/Unwanted Phone Calls, Computer
because they are unsure about which
a cure for every ailment.
solicitations, Elder financial abuse,
law enforcement or consumer protection
Grandparent-targeted calls, Romance scams/
agency they should contact.”
54 Milford Living • Summer
As seniors have embraced social media to keep in touch with far away friends and
family, their naiveté with computers and
passwords and credit card numbers. It’s easy
online financial transactions enhances their
to take the bait because, on the surface, the
risk for fraud. The ingenuity of technological
emails look like they originate with the real
predators is apparent in the wide-ranging
company. Unfortunately, all too many seniors
modes of attack, be it by telephone (e.g. IRS
get caught in this phishing nets.
impersonation), mail (e.g. phishing, free
Another common scam that targets
travel offers), social media (e.g. free product
individuals unfamiliar with banking laws
trials), internet (e.g. check scams, and
and regulations is the so-called “Nigerian
identity theft) and through personal contact
check scam.” The tactics vary, but it generally
by persons in a family or caregiver position
employs official looking letterhead or a
of trust.
persuasive email that offers the target a
Phishing is a widespread fraudulent practice
“reward” for cashing a “certified” check and
of sending emails purporting to be from
immediately sending/transferring 90% of
reputable companies (banks, stores, credit
the funds to the originator. Of course, the
card lenders) in order to induce individuals
original check is fake but the funds going out
to reveal personal information, such as
are real. By the time the check reaches the
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2017 • Milford Living 55
senior corner bank it was drawn upon the fraud has been
for verification and to enhance the sense of
discovered. The entire deposit is charged
risk) and need bail money.” A telegraphic
back to the depositor, who is now out the full
remittance quickly follows, or the victim
amount. (The depositing bank may offset the
is instructed to purchase a pre-paid debit
loss by drawing against the depositor’s other
card at the local convenience store and relay
checking or savings accounts.) The Uniform
the card number and pin code. The thief
Commercial Code places the risk on the first
absconds with the money in a virtually
person to deal with the thief and that is the
untraceable manner and the scam is
unwitting target.
complete.
One frequently-seen scam targets the
For the “sandwich generation,” those
oldest segment of the senior population,
adults in their middle years facing care
often capitalizing on hearing impairment.
responsibilities for both their children and
A young caller places a call late at night and,
their aging parents, the demands on their
in a distressed voice, cries “Grandma, you
time may make it difficult to completely
have to help me, I’ve been arrested (overseas
monitor their parents’ finances but it is
generally so that they cannot be reached
crucial to do so. Nest eggs can evaporate
“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 Gladstonr, 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 Kevin W. Cody - Funeral Director Amanda Veccharelli - Funeral Director Renate Eastman - Office Manager
Rachel Webb – Funeral Director Carly Ericson – Apprentice
cody-WHite fuNeRAl & cRemAtioN seRVice 107 Broad Street on the Green, Milford (203) 874-0268 • www.codywhitefuneralservice.com
56 Milford Living • Summer
with the click of a mouse if basic financial
relatives. Though not a “one size fits all”
responsibility to minimize the risk of any
controls are not instituted and kept current.
approach, such steps include computer and
one person abusing the trust, and emotional
Banks do their part to limit customer fraud,
telephone use education and risk awareness,
support for those who have been victimized
but as more and more banking is done
monthly review of all financial transactions,
and may be ashamed to confess so that the
through the web and less through personal
including “charitable” solicitations both
cycle can be broken.
interaction where a trusted banker may
online and through brick and mortar
challenge large or serial withdrawals,
transactions, spending controls through
private organizations have taken the lead
it is incumbent on families to consider
pre-set limits without authorization,
in preventing elder abuse and fraud, but
multiple layers of protection for their aging
multiple family members with oversight
reminding your loved seniors to never
Many governmental agencies and
disclose a Social Security number or bank information in response to an online
“
Nest eggs can evaporate with the click of a mouse if basic financial controls are not instituted and kept current.
”
solicitation is only the first step. Education, awareness and proactive controls are essential to helping protect this vulnerable segment of our population. —Christopher B. Carveth, Esq.
DITCHKUS REAL ESTATE CO. Shore and Residential Sales & Rentals Since 1965 555 NAUGATUCK AVE. MILFORD (Devon Section) CT
203-878-4674
www.DitchkusRealEstate.com 2017 • Milford Living 57
★
GET TO KNOW OUR ★
Local Businesses 876 Boston Post Road 203-202-9533 Hours of operation: Mon-fri 4am-6pm Sat 4am-4pm
Fa m i ly & p o r t r a i t photography
6 masteR BaRBeRs All kinds of haircuts from traditional to modern - Short to long hair
Serving Milford for 46 years
203.650.0383
Beard styling
www.sherrylynnphotography.com sherrylynnFoto@gmail.com
In business since 1969!
NEW LOCATION
Walnut Beach Farm Stand Thursdays 4:00 to 7:00 At the Arch
Foreign and Domestic Car Care Jeff Branca Owner
105 Boston Post Rd Milford, CT 06460 (EXIT 36)
203.874.0206 WWW.BRANCAs.COM
Massaro Farms Organic Produce
Call 203.980.7008 For CSA Memberships
Karz Driving Service When hOW yOu get there matters
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
Owner/Operator karzdriving@gmail.com www.karzdrivingservice.com
58 Milford Living • Summer
Justice of the Peace Suzanne Cahill
41st annual
Milford Rotary Lobster Bake July 22, 2017 3:30 -7:30pm
at Milford Boats Works 1 High Street, Milford
Wedding Officiant, Connecticut
DOn’T MiSS OuT!
203.650.9659
Tickets available at eventbrite
Milfordrotary.org
Your special day...your special way!
OR any Milford Rotarian
MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM • Marine Biology Camp June 19-23
• Marine Biology Art Camp June 26-30
• Bird Identification Art Camp July 5-7
• Archaeology/Native Culture Camp July 10-14 (A) and July 17-21 (B)
Contact Tim Chaucer, Director 203-874-4000 tchaucer@msn.com or milfordmarineinstitute.org
sCholArshIps AvAIlABle
Celebrating 44 Years
MOBILE ELECTRONICS CENTER ALL MAJOR BRANDS • ALL ACCESSORIES MOtORCyCLES CER gIft CLASSIC CARS VIDEO • NAVIgAtION • CELLuLAR • SAtELLItE RADIO t AVA IfICAtE MARINE ILAB S www.starlanderbeck.com LE • Knowledgeable Staff • Guaranteed Professional Installation •Committed To Quality, Service & Price • Most Of Our Customers Are Referrals
10597291
Hands On Science Summer Camps since 1983
203-877-4651
730 Boston Post Road – Rt. 1, Milford, Ct 06460 (Exit 39A From I-95)
Lobster Hut
• LOBSTER ROLLS & PLATTERS • CLAMS STRIPS & ROLLS Hot Dogs • Fries Onion Rings
Open 7 days a week
826 Bridgeport ave., Milford
Located across from Stop & Shop • 203-631-2162
Specialty Woodworks and Design, LLC 354 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460 203-874-6464 p/f
specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork
Find us on
David Bacchiocchi, Owner 2017 • Milford Living 59
v i l l a g e of d e v o n July through october
EVERY SUNDAY 9am- 2pm
120 Bridgeport Ave (Route 1) Devon Center Milford, CT
Bohemian High, LLC Bridge House Restaurant Law Firm of Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo
The Milford Bank Milford Living Magazine Follow us on Village of Devon Farmer’s Market
ROOFINGSIDING • SIDING • WINDOWS ROOFING WINDOWS DECKS• DECKS SOLAR• GUTTERS INSULATION DECKS
•
•
WINDOWS
SOLAR
•
•
•
•
SIDING
•
•
ROOFING
INSULATION
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Standing Standing behind Standing behind behind every every job every job job since since 1992. 1992.since 1992. www.berkeleyexteriors.com/living www.berkeleyexteriors.com/living 121 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460 6 month no payments 121 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460 203.877.4373 or service@berkeleyexteriors.com no interest financing or service@berkeleyexteriors.com 203.877.4373 203.877.4373 BE ML Ad Summer 2012.indd 1
BE ML Ad Summer 2012.indd 1
60 Milford Living • Summer
6/8/12 5
6/8/12 5:58 PM
douglas cutler architects p.c.
modulararchitecture.com
25 years experience in custom coastal residential design • Knowledge of FEMA regulations and criteria. • Can design to any size home or style. • Experienced with modular building methods if requested.
Come in for a free consultation,
bring your lot plan and see our collection of homes. Whether new or modified custom we can fit your budget.
Call: Doug at 203 761 9561 email: dcutler.modulararchitecture.com 221 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT, 06897
2017 • Milford Living 61
expressions
A
As the sun was just setting over Silver Sands I wanted to capture the vibrant sun rays coming across the marsh. The rays illuminated the area, and showcased the beach during this golden hour. —Anna Downs
62 Milford Living • Summer
The summer concert series is a staple and annual Milford summer event. We hope you enjoy it! For more information: www.milfordct.com 203-878-0681
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where is it?
Answer to last issue’s quiz: A relief of Chief Ansantawae on the Centennial Tower.
Do you know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Send us your answer at: suzanne@milfordliving.com
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ANNA DOWNS
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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�
Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460
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.
• personal injury • workers compensation • FACEBOOK AT CARVETH LAW
• family, probate & criminal • real estate and zoning law • WWW.CARVETH LAW.COM
Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460 64 Milford Living • Summer
PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE OF MILFORD
IT’S ALL ABOUT RESULTS Summer iS here! Time for your Summer check up To make Sure all The joinTS are working well To enjoy The ouTdoorS ThiS SeaSon. • Dry Needling • Cupping • Orthopaedic injuries • Sports injuries • Orthotic fabrication • Arthritis pain • Neck and back injuries • Neurological pain • Functional movement and mobility assessments Dr. Steigbigel and his team are known throughout the region as the practitioner who can solve complicated cases from the acute to chronic, as well as those previously unresolved. His physician colleagues refer to him as the Doctor’s Doctor. The entire staff at Prolete Physical Therapy focus on identifying the root problem causing the symptoms, resulting in long term pain relief for the patient.
no referral needed for evaluaTion! PrOletePt.COm
prolete physical Therapy & Sports medicine of milford 247 Broad Street, On the Milford Green! (203)-693-3754
got veins? 203-882-VEIN www.milfordvascular.com