Winter 2024 Vol. 20 Issue 4 $5.99
Retirement Planning Investment Advisory Solutions Executive Wealth Management Financial Life Planning Health Savings Accounts IT'S
Estate & Tax Planning Insurance & Long-Term Care Divorce Financial Planning Charitable Giving Business succession BEEN A GREAT YEAR
James
Betzig
The Financial Advisor magazine ranking was given in 2023. TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate Financial Advisor magazine for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:
The Barron’s Advisor ranking was given in 2023. TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate Barron’s for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:
The Best of Milford award was given in 2023. TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature
32
Village of Devon
The true gateway of Milford
Departments 4 Publisher’s Letter 6 Readers’ Letters 8 Milford Spotlight 12 Around Town 16 This Season 20 Arts and Artisans 24 At Home 26 Milford Fit 28 Milford Morsels 38 At Your Service 40 Senior Corner 44 Historical Perspective 48 Milford Wildlife 50 Book Nook 53 Expressions 54 Milford’s Attic 55 Greetings From Milford 56 Where is It?
About the cover: Milford’s City Hall shines brightly in every season. Photo by Sherry Lynn Johnson.
2024 • Milford Living 1
McCabe, Wikstrom & Barney, LLC PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL LEGAL SERVICES IN CIVIL, CRIMINAL & FAMILY LITIGATION
WINTER 2024 VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 4 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com
Editorial Director Ann McGuire
Art Director Ryan Swanson
Associate Publisher Susan Carroll Dwyer
Advertising Director
We are proud to announce
Joy Haines
Attorney Melissa M. Nixon
Contributing Photographers
has joined the firm as associate counsel!
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Happy New Year, neighbor!
Contributing Editors Tracy Farricker
Contributing Writers
Susan Carroll Dwyer, Tim Chaucer, Ken Elkins, Tadhg Hannon, Jason Marchi, Marilyn May, Ann McGuire, Gerry McGuire, Haley NcNish, Cindy Papish Gerber, Mike Patrick
Production Assistance Kevin Maher, Wendy Macomber, Todd Manning, Tamara Simpson
Interns
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With the start of this new year, my team and I are wishing you a bright new year filled with prosperity!
Milford Living Magazine
What we write gets read.
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publisher’s letter Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2024 and hang up our new wall calendars,
we are thoughtful about the possibilities that 12 fresh months can bring to each of us. As birthdays, thoughtfully scheduled appointments, special events, and mundane tasks fill out the dates, we inventory how we feel about these engagements and how they will shape our future days. New year, new beginnings, it’s said. The time of year when we The Dworkin name is synonymous with the promise of great dental care. Dr. Olivia Dworkin, Dr. Jay Dworkin and Dr. Kristin Helms continue that promise to the community. Please stop by our Milford office and say hello!
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In the spirit of inspiration, this season’s issue of Milford Living invites you to participate fully in community living and try something new. Explore Milford’s local eateries and try a new one, catch a play (or audition for one) at the
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MAC, and visit the Milford Library to participate in the wide programming offered. We’ve got some indoor inspiration too: try your hand at hydroponics, and then curl up with a good book by one of our local authors. In looking back on time
SHOP LOCAL, SHOP OFTEN!
well spent with friends and family, one realizes how short the days seem. Don’t let time pass you by; make time for those you love and to turn strangers into friends.
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We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with your neighbors on a friendly visit. We welcome your comments, thoughts, and ideas for future issues. The new year is a fresh start, after all, so no complaints; we can leave those behind. From resolutions to bucket lists, we hope you check them all off this year.
Wishing you and yours health and happiness this New Year! Cheers,
Suzanne Click for Chamber Website
4 Milford Living • Winter
Click for I Love Local
readers’ letters
Henrietta, we’d love to hear your fond memories of Milford so we can share those wonderful times with future generations. Please write them down and send them our way. I love my Milford Living and look forward to receiving it; so many
interesting articles and wonderful pictures. Keep it up. —Rita Cataldi, Milford, CT Thank you Rita for being a dedicated subscriber for the last 20 years and sending us your notes of praise; we appreciate you and all our subscribers. I miss Milford three seasons of the year. I don’t miss the CT winters here in sunny Florida, but I look forward to every issue. —Philip J. Fulco, The Villages, FL
Milford will always be your home, Philip. You can take the boy out of Milford, but you can’t take Milford out of the boy. Send us some oranges and share the sunshine.
so much to all of us that you’ve been with us every season for the past 21 years.
From your first issue to the current one, your handsome magazine continues to inform and delight your many Milford readers! —Rhonda Myers, Milford, CT Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Rhonda, and for being an inaugural subscriber. It means
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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I am a “senior citizen” plus many years and lived in Milford all my life. I enjoy reading and reminiscing about the old times at Walnut Beach and Devon. —Henrietta Platt, Milford, CT
milford spotlight
Rooted in History
K
Known colloquially as the “Umbrella Tree,”
MIKE PATRICK
atherine Krauss Murphy spread a dozen or more postcards on the dining room table in her Woodmont home; some in full color, some with colors that faded with age into a dusty sepia. All, however, depicted the same subject—a knotted trunk coated with bumpy, gray bark, topped with a haphazard mane of prickly pine needles. suggest its special nature and significance to
Throughout the decades, the Umbrella Tree has
one of multiple versions of it has provided
Woodmont’s culture. That may be why, when
remained a strong presence in the community.
shade over a small patch of land extending into
it was learned that the beloved tree was
Long Island Sound for more than a century.
dying and in need of replacement, the news
first noticed that the tree was ill some five
rocked the borough, where the tree is a focal
years ago. He and the burgesses spent years
postcards,” Murphy says, holding one that
point for the many people who walk, jog, and
seeking to remedy it. “I was literally sitting
depicts a couple sitting under the Umbrella
bike along Beach Avenue every day.
on my porch, and I was looking over and I’m
“I’m obsessed with that. I’m always finding
Tree, a rowboat in the foreground. “I mean, nobody needs this many postcards of one tree.” That so many postcards have been produced featuring the charming tree may
A press release from Borough Warden Ed Bonessi, Jr., said the Umbrella Tree “…
noticing that some of the needles started to turn yellow,” he says.
has been given a terminal diagnosis by
The borough reached out to an arborist,
several licensed arborists.” In fact, Bonessi
who said that while the tree was dying, some steps could be taken to slow the process. They drilled small holes into the base of the tree, then installed eight “IV”-type bottles into it that fed the tree nutrients and fungicide, Bonessi said. “I don’t know if it really helped or not. But I just noticed it was getting progressively worse,” Bonessi recalls. An arborist he contacted for a second opinion told him one wasn’t necessary. And, that a replacement was.
COURTESY OF KATHERINE KRAUSS MURPHY
Murphy, a historian whose book
8 Milford Living • Winter
Woodmont (Past and Present) mentions the Umbrella Tree, said the origin of the first tree might have been lost to history. “The earliest postcards that I have of the tree are from 1905 or 1906,” she says. “It had a name and everything by the early 1900s.” That, plus a 1907 postcard depicting the tree as mature, led her to guess it might have been planted
sometime in the 1890s.
pine tree, and that’s the one that stood there
But why? Murphy’s research has turned up
for almost 70 years, well past the species’ life
nothing definitive.
expectancy of 25-30 years.
Pure conjecture, according to Murphy, is
Over time, the Umbrella Tree became
that it could have been installed as a tourist
an enduring symbol of Woodmont. It’s not
destination. Around the turn of the 20th
uncommon to see people reading, picnicking,
century, Woodmont was fast becoming a
or exercising underneath it, even in the
popular vacation spot and the two homes
colder weather. Couples often get engaged
that still stand across the street from the
there. Some said loved ones have even
Umbrella Tree served as inns. It’s possible,
scattered cremains into the waters of Long
she said, that one of those innkeepers
Island Sound from there.
installed the tree to beautify the area and
The Umbrella Tree was so revered that multiple
attract business.
postcards were printed over the years.
What’s known is that the first tree, known as a Cedar of Lebanon, lived in that spot along Beach Avenue until the summer of 1954,
Kelly Cummings, who has lived in Woodmont almost 25 years, said she’s glad the Umbrella Tree has been replaced. “It’s
when it was destroyed by Hurricane Edna. The borough soon replaced it with a black
one of those symbols of, for me, community,” she says. “I think just having something so
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milford spotlight recognizable and so familiar that you see on a
“We thought…maybe we can, you know,
daily basis seems like it makes it like home.”
sort of replicate that in a laboratory situation. Then we knew we would have to plant it somewhere and nurture it,” Bonessi explains.
says Cummings. “I’ve always found it very
“We had that idea for about a year-and-a-half
peaceful to just sit and look out at the water. It’s
or two years, and the seeds actually didn’t
kind of like a little meditation spot there.”
take the way we thought they were going to
As the Umbrella Tree neared the end of its life, Bonessi said he knew the residents of Woodmont would take the news hard. “We actually took some pinecones from it because
take.” That’s when it was decided to replace the tree. With the approval of city tree warden
MIKE PATRICK(2)
The tree is a common point of reference for the folks who pass by it on their shoreline strolls
we had this crazy notion of possibly doing like
Steve Johnson, the Umbrella Tree was
a cloning,” he says. It’s not that far-fetched
removed on October 31, 2023. On November
There was no hope of saving the Umbrella Tree and it
an idea, he adds, pointing out a similar, much
7th, crews from the Milford-based Northeast
was removed from the ground on October 31, 2023.
healthier black pine just up the road in front of
Horticultural Services installed in its place
108 Beach Avenue that’s an obvious spawn of
an Oregon Green Pine, which is similar
an errant pinecone from the Umbrella Tree.
aesthetically, but hardier.
10 Milford Living • Winter
According to Johnson, for several years the new Umbrella Tree will look more like a bush.
The death and replacement of the
planned mixed-use development. A couple of years later, the historic flagpole
Umbrella Tree is
on Signal Rock—which historians claim
one of several major
was made from the mast of a 19th-century
changes to historic
whaling ship—was found to be rotted
Woodmont that
beyond repair and replaced with one made of
Bonessi, as warden,
fiberglass.
has weathered in
“The shoreline, our coastal area in
recent years. In 2018,
Woodmont, is the reason why Woodmont
a fire decimated
became Woodmont back in the 1800s because
the popular seafood
it was so beautiful and iconic,” Bonessi
The new “Umbrella Tree” is an Oregon Green Pine, which will be carefully
restaurant Scribner’s,
says. “It’s been through so many different
nurtured over the next few years so it will grow for all to enjoy.
and this past summer,
generations. I’m just trying to preserve it. I
the remains were
don’t want to I wouldn’t say replace; I want
The borough is investigating measures to keep
demolished along with a small, brick
the curious public from hindering its growth.
former Post Office to make way for a
to say preserve.” —Mike Patrick
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2024 • Milford Living 11
around town
Library Happenings
COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
M
ilford’s library has evolved quite a bit since the establishment of the first town library in 1745 at the First Church. Aside from an extensive collection of books, the Milford Public Library also offers ebooks, audiobooks, and a local history reference room. You can borrow a telescope and artwork or obtain passes for cultural attractions. The library also offers a variety of free programs: live music, arts, movies, lectures, workshops, hands-on events, as well as a bit of theater. All of it is free of charge. “All of our programming is funded by the
Genealogy Workshops, 11:00 am
Harrison-Thomas. “It is such a privilege to
The first Monday of every month.
Friends of Milford Library,” says Suzanne
bring live music and performance to the li-
Harrison-Thomas, assistant director of the
brary and make it accessible for everyone. We
Milford Public Library. “We could not offer
have Celtic music, live jazz, and American
Wednesday, January 10, 2:00 pm Nature Art: Pinecone Art with Denise Smith
any of these opportunities to the community
roots music events coming up. What a terrific
Adults with all abilities will be inspired to
without their support. Friends book sales,
way to experience a new genre of music!”
create arts & crafts using materials found
membership dues…it all benefits the library. Anyone can become a member, but the corps of volunteers who put in the hard work of planning fundraisers and organizing the book sale are just invaluable.” “Our live music and arts programs are always among our best attended,” continues
Explore all the great programming (and
in nature. With a lifetime of experience
books) the library has to offer!
foraging and creating, Smith brings a variety of natural materials for fun and easy project
ADULT PROGRAMMING:
ideas. Space is limited. Registration will open
Tuesday Movie Matinees, 2:00 pm
January 1 at milfordlibrary.org.
Check the Events Calendar at milfordlibrary.
Saturday, January 13, 10:30 am Active Dreaming with Adelita Cherino
org for twice-monthly dates and film titles.
Cherino has been helping people tune in and turn on to their dream lives for more than 40 years. She has been a psychotherapist and a spiritual counselor for three decades and
PHOTO COURTESY OF MILFORD HORROR
is trained in Jungian and other dream therapies.
Milford Horror screening of The Haunting. Check the Milford Public Library calendar for upcoming films.
12 Milford Living • Winter
Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 pm Holocaust Remembrance Join retired Yale professor Kathleen Burton, author of The Nazi Religion and the Rise of the French Christian Resistance, as she shares the untold stories of how 75 percent of French Jews survived the war through the efforts of the French Christian Resistance.
COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Musical events at the Milford Library are always popular, no matter the genre.
Tuesdays in February, 9:00 am DMBA Small Business Seminars Join the Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA) and the Milford Chamber of Commerce for four seminars focusing on marketing, services, social media, and website development for your small business.
Saturday, February 10, 2:00 pm Hiding Anne Frank This one-woman theatrical event starring
Saturday, January 27, 2:00 pm LIVE MUSIC with the Shoreline Jazz Quintet
Meyers on vibraphone, Steve Roane on acoustic
Prudence Wright Holmes spotlights the Dutch
bass, and Steve Wood on electric guitar. They
heroine Miep Gies, who was a 32-year-old
The quintet features Mike Bimonte on drums,
play jazz standards plus the music of modern
secretary in Otto Frank’s office when he asked
Deepak Cyril D’Souza on saxophone, Rich
composers at venues along the shoreline.
her to help his family hide from the Nazis.
Experienced Trial Attorneys in All State and Federal Courts Attorney Joseph Tramuta
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around town American roots musician Marc Berger will be
MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
performing at Milford Public Library on March 2nd.
Saturday, March 2, 2:00 pm LIVE MUSIC with Marc Berger Marc Berger is an American roots musician inspired by his travels out West. He has performed at the Southwest by Southwest
nationally recognized expert on stress Dr. Wendy Hurwitz, Yale professor and former medical researcher for ABC News.
TO BE ANNOUNCED
(SXSW)Music Festival and opened shows
bodhran. The magical sounds from these
for Bob Dylan and other national acts. Learn
instruments, coupled with vocals and Jeff’s
the library. Please follow milfordhorror on
more at marcbergermusic.com.
love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage,
Facebook and Instagram for showings.
Sunday, March 17, 2:00 pm Celtic Music with Jeff Snow Jeff Snow is a talented multi-instrumentalist
create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes and songs. The library is open
All Milford Public Library programs are free
only for this special event.
and open to the public. Some programs have
behind the songs. He plays 6- and 12-string
Wednesday, March 20, 6:30pm Wellness Series: 10 Tips to Manage Stress
guitars, autoharp, Celtic bouzouki, and
The first in a series of programs with a
who plays the music and tells the stories
Milford Horror shows frightful films at
limited space and require advance registration. Please visit milfordlibrary.org or call 203-783-3290 for more information. —Susan Carroll Dwyer
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this season
A Very Milford Superbowl
M
ilford’s football fandom has traditionally been split between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. But as a long suffering Jets fan, my love of football has led me to watch many Superbowls and attend many Superbowl parties without much rooting interest. My Superbowl dreams and hopes always burst like Aaron Rogers’ achilleas, so all I want from a Superbowl party is good food, good drinks, and good company.
(Milford has three) or Party City (292 Boston Post Road). But to make this a really WOW party, I’ll call in the big boys, The Party People (46 Quirk Road). They are event planners extraordinaire who will build a Superbowl package that’ll put the halftime show to shame, bringing tables, chairs, all sorts of
This year for Superbowl LVIII—in honor of
run rabble of losers, I am a good sport who
games, photo booths, psychics, hypnotists,
our local teams being horrible—I will throw a
somehow still enjoys the game. I will start
magicians, tattoos, inflatables, and all-around
party and celebrate the town of Milford and all
with the usual football-shaped paper plates,
nonsense to my party.
the delicious foods and drinks it has to offer. It
balloons, tablecloths, and napkins, all the
Okay, I’ve decorated, I’ve got a hypnotist,
will be a Super Milford Bowl, and I will stock
things you can find at your local Dollar Tree
a fake tattoo, and an inflatable football toss
my well-decorated tables and house with meats, breads, pizzas, tacos, refreshing libations, and then some additional meats. We may have nothing to root for, but we can all root for overeating on the second Sunday in February. The first thing I must do is decorate my party space for a football game. This will be a festive display that will express that even though I am broken-hearted and embittered by the fact that my team is a cursed, poorly
16 Milford Living • Winter
booth crammed into my living room because
one is getting a hangover. To mix things up,
crispy. Keep ‘em in the fryer a couple minutes
it’s -10 degrees outside. Now I’ve got to
I’ll also grab two growlers of Milford Point
extra, I always say.
bring in some local beverages. It’s a Sunday
Brewery’s Settlers Stout; it’s got a low ABV,
game, and Monday is still not a national
yet it’s hearty for the winter.
holiday, so we’ll all agree to take it easy.
One cannot live on wings alone, so I’ll go to Napoli (982 Bridgeport Avenue), one of the
At this point, my stomach calls out loudly,
best delis in Milford, for meats and so much
For this, I will pick up some beer from our
“Let there be meats!” And I listen. Since it
more. From the tried-and-true cold cuts, plat-
finest local breweries. We’ll be steering clear
can’t be called a Superbowl party if there are
ters, and 6-foot subs to sausage and peppers,
of the stronger stuff and go for medium- to
no chicken wings, I go to the best place in the
beef brisket, eggplant rollatini, cavatelli with
low-alcohol. Since this is a day to celebrate
town, state, northeast region, Archie Moore’s
broccoli, garlic bread, and antipasto, their
our great American game, I’ll bring in cans of
(15 Factory Lane). I’m a traditionalist and
catering menu is deep and filled with mouth-
Tribus Brewery’s American Lager with the no-
usually go for the Buffalo wings, but for the
watering dishes. This is almost one-stop
nonsense American title—Beer—and throw
sake of diversity I will also order some Thai
shopping for any party.
some of their Loosey cream ale into the cooler
chili, garlic parmesan, peach chipotle, and
But there is still room for more.
because at 4.4% alcohol by volume (ABV) no
raspberry bourbon wings as well. All extra
Sticking with the Italian theme, pizza is a
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this season must-have for any Superbowl, and my go-to in Milford is Papa’s Pizza and Pasta (258 Naugatuck Avenue). I go with the Pizza DiLuigi covered with shrimp, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, bacon, and oregano. Delicious. Now to throw in a few wild card nontraditional football foods: an order of tacos from Don Rene Taqueria (50 Broad Street) or a sushi platter for two from Momo Sushi (17 Turnpike Square) can juice things up, but if you’re looking for a difference maker with the best bang for the buck, I’d go to The Dumpling
Now my party is all set, I have everything I
House (868 Boston Post Road). Whether you
need, my big eatin’ pants are on, my 8-foot TV
order their dumplings steamed or pan-fried,
is blaring, the hypnotist I hired has convinced
they are delicious and only cost about a dollar
me that I’m a chicken, and all the delicious
per dumpling.
foods and wonderful drinks that Milford
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2024 • Milford Living 19
arts + artisans Productions like (left) Moonlight and Magnolias and (below) Confessions of a Dirty Blonde have entertained Eastbound audiences for 29 years.
All Aboard the Eastbound Theater
T
he Milford Arts Council (MAC) has been around for just over 50 years, bringing the wonders of art and expression to people all around Milford. In 1970, Milford Mayor Ed Kozlowski polled residents on what they thought could better their city. Since Milford was already bustling with creativity, the townspeople voted for an organization that could help organize and enhance events and performances. This led to the birth of the Milford Arts Council, a group that welcomes and supports art of all kinds. The central vision of the MAC has always been to nurture creativity to support and present all disciplines of the arts. A resident theatre group became a part of their family in 1994, holding performances at the current Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Government Center. “The MAC was strengthened by a committed group of theater lovers who wanted to see the new space as a home to the passions of actors, directors, and set designers,” current MAC director Paige Miglio says. In 1995, a headquarters was established for the MAC as a way for the people to gather in one place to enjoy others’ creations. Henry Jadach, then Milford Transit Director, had suggested transforming the old eastbound Metro North train station into a permanent
20 Milford Living • Winter
MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC) (2)
home, a vision that was brought to life by late architect Ray Oliver. In 2017, several improvements were made to the space thanks to a “Good to Great” state grant, which included interior paint and carpeting, redone concessions, a new sound board, an upgrade in theatrical lighting, and more. Theater is a place where storytelling is brought to life. People attend plays to connect with a story and fully immerse themselves in an alternative reality, broaden their horizons, and push the boundaries of belief. The MAC’s Eastbound Theater offers Milford audiences the chance to see unique and captivating live theatre in its myriad forms, delivering laughter, pathos, nostalgia, joy, and more. Eastbound’s 29th season is now in production, with two plays running in the first half of 2024, one in February and the other in June. February’s production of Dead Man’s Cell Phone is an innovative adventure written by Sarah Ruhl
MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC) (2)
and directed by Rob Nichols. The lead character,
MAC’s Eastbound Theater offers Milford audiences a chance to experience live theatre in all its forms,
Jean, stumbles upon a cell phone, which sends
delivering laughter, pathos, nostalgia, joy, and more.
her on a journey to shocking places where she meets new people, all of whom are connected
There will be evening performances on Friday
milfordarts.org. Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson,
in some way to the “Dead Man.” The play will
and Saturday, as well as a matinee showing on
directed by Nancy A. Herman, will run June
run three weekends, from February 2 – 17th.
Sunday. Tickets are $33 and are available at www.
7 – 22nd and tell the true story of 19th-century
2024 • Milford Living 21
astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and her fellow
“partner in the arts.”
female researchers in the Harvard University
Pantochino’s original
observatory, whose work measuring space is still
musicals, teen theatre,
in use today.
and camp programs all
MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC)
arts + artisans
Eastbound has recently added another
take place on the MAC
opportunity for both playwrights ad their
stage and have become
audiences. The “Plays in Development” series is
a local institution in their
Eastbound received a “break a leg” call from co-author Carol Burnett prior to
an opportunity for playwrights to have a staged
own right. The more
the first performance of The Hollywood Arms in 2016.
reading of their work in front of a live audience.
theater, the better!
After each reading a dialogue takes place
There’s no excuse to miss out on live theatre!
to indulge in theatrical performance, it’s only one
between the cast, director, and playwright, and
Eastbound’s convenient location in the heart
small slice of everything the MAC has to offer.
audience members are encouraged to offer their
of downtown offers plenty of parking and, yes,
“We are so much more than just one program,”
feedback—both praise and criticism—to create a
can be reached by train! Seating up to 110 for the
says Miglio. “Our strength lies in the culmination
better production.
intimate venue offers every individual a perfect
of all the arts. We are small but mighty, the Heart
view of the stage.
of the Arts for Milford and beyond.”
The MAC also provides a home to Pantochino Productions, a separate 501c3 and the MAC’s
22 Milford Living • Winter
While Eastbound Theater is the perfect place
—Haley McNish
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at home
Home Grown
I
f you would like to enjoy some home-grown veggies this winter, go hydroponic! This method may seem a new twist on agriculture, but it has been used in different forms since 30 A.D. Emperor Tiberius of Rome had a constant craving for cucumbers. He had his gardeners cultivate cucumbers in transparent containers filled with water and nutrients allowing the plants to grow yearround. In the 6th century, the ancient Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) was created in the desert by diverting water from the Euphrates River. Growing crops without soil has been in the works for thousands of years in places like China, where the Chinese created rice fields (paddies) without soil.
There are two basic methods
portion of the produce you
you can use at home. Roots
purchase in supermarkets has
can be submerged directly
been grown hydroponically and
into nutrient rich water or a
is considered organic by the
soil-free medium of perlite,
USDA
sand, or coconut fiber. Plants
If you are handy, you can
can grow fifty percent faster in
create your own garden with
In the early 20th century, the
can be spaced closer together,
these systems and five times
items from a local home
University of California began
and with some methods can
faster if grow lights are used.
improvement store. Create a
experimenting to find practical
be stacked vertically, an ideal
For example, if you plant lettuce
water reservoir (think bucket
ways to grow crops on a large
growing environment in a small
in soil, it generally takes 60
or plastic bin) and fill it with
scale using the hydroponic
space. Hydroponic methods
days before you can harvest.
water. Add fertilizer that meets
method. Lead scientist Dr.
can be employed just about
Hydroponic lettuce can be
the needs of the crops you
William Gericke coined the
anywhere, including your home.
enjoyed in 30 days. A good
decide to plant. A key factor
term hydroponic from the Greek
is to aerate the water. An
words hydro (water) and ponos
inexpensive way to achieve that
(labor).
is with an air stone and pump
Hydroponically grown
you can get at any aquarium or
plants are exposed to light
pet store. Create a raft that will
so photosynthesis (using
float on the water made of food
sunlight, water, and carbon
safe polystyrene with holes to
dioxide to create oxygen and
place your seedlings. Set up a
energy) can occur. The plant
grow light above the “garden”.
roots are exposed to oxygen
If you are not handy or just
via the moving water, fed with
don’t have the time, a wide
nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen,
variety of systems are available
and calcium. This exposure to
for purchase. With a credit card
consistent food and oxygen
and the click of a mouse, you can
creates a better yield. Plants
have them delivered to your door
24 Milford Living • Winter
within days; they are easy to set
ordered online or you can grow
freshest produce. Get the kids
the vegetables, they might
up, so you can get farming fast.
what you like from seed.
involved; it’s fascinating to
actually want to eat them. Happy Farming!
One thing you will need are the
Hydroponic gardening is a
watch your garden grow…and
plants to get started. Sets can be
wonderful way to enjoy the
since they have helped grow
—Susan Carroll Dwyer
All you need is Peace, love & an experienced realtor.
I just feel this is a message that we need to repeat more of in the world right now.
Dawn Sullivan
236 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT
203.257.6289 - Cell
dawn.sullivan@cbmoves.com dawnsullivanrealestate.com 2024 • Milford Living 25
milford fit
Quite the Pickle Milford Indoor Tennis. The popularity of the sport here in town led to the creation of the Milford Pickleball Association (MPA) program in the spring of 2021. Milford Rec’s Mike Dooling shares that, “We currently
COURTESY OF MILFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT
have over 450 members. The pickleball courts
C
onsidering how popular pickleball is these days, it might seem like a new sport to some people. Truth be told it was actually created in 1965 by three dads looking to keep their kids busy. The first games were played on an old badminton court where Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, Barney McCallum, and their families were vacationing, adapting the court to accommodate their new game. Making do, they used ping pong paddles and a wiffleball, developing rules as they played and revising them so everyone was able to enjoy it. They continued to play at friends’ homes, and five years after its inception formed a corporation to make it official. The rest, as they say, is history.
in Eisenhower Park were built in 2018, and they just resurfaced this past spring.” There is even an indoor pickleball program “taking place at the West Shore Recreation Center in the mornings Tuesday-Friday,” says Dooling. The Milford Pickleball Association is open to anyone 18-99 years old. Milford residents can become members for $25 and non-residents for $100. The MPA offers organized play for its members and includes Daily Play on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Eisenhower Park courts,
legs. A banger is a hard-hit shot. How about a
with courts reserved during those times
Nasty Nelson? It means hitting a non-receiving
for its members. The Net Gains Pickleball
player with a serve (which is a fault for the
Tournament is also held each year to support
receiving team.) Terms of endearment to any
local charities. You can register to become
pickler.
an MPA member on the Milford Recreation
According to recent estimates, more than 36 million people have participated in pickleball
Department website, but member cards must be picked up at the office.
during the past year, making it the fastest-
“I think people enjoy pickleball because
growing sport in the United States. Here in
it has something to offer everyone,” says
Milford it has been around for quite a while
Dooling. “You can play to just get in some
(Milford Living first wrote about it way back in
exercise or have fun; you can play with friends
2007), and there are now 16 courts for picklers.
and family, or can challenge yourself and play
Because of its popularity (like tennis in the 70s
competitively. But the thing that people enjoy
tennis, badminton, and ping pong—but has
and 80s), players are encouraged to get permits
most about pickleball, at least here in Milford,
developed its own lingo. Who wouldn’t enjoy
through the Milford Recreation Department
is the community that has been built and new
playing a sport where players are referred to as
to use the courts. There are also two indoor
friendships that have been made.”
picklers? Hitting a tweener is a shot between the
options in town: Shoreline Pickleball and
Pickleball is based on other racquet sports—
26 Milford Living • Winter
—Susan Carroll Dwyer
GET TO KNOW
Downtown Milford www.DowntownMilfordCT.org
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2024 • Milford Living 27
milford morsels
Winterscape Dining
S
tep into the cold this winter and warm-up at one of Milford’s fine dining and drinking establishments. Dining al fresco during the warmer months is a given, but in the winter? Why not! One remnant of our lockdown days that most people agree was a winner was outdoor dining in ANY weather. Here are a few local favorites that offer an altered “outdoor” experience.
GUSTO TRATTORIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Whether dining inside or out, Chef Mavuli of Gusto’s always creates delicious dishes. our own pasta and our own pasta sauce;
renovated three-season patio. Construction
nothing is bought readymade,” he states.
did not proceed as planned, but hopefully
Gusto makes their own desserts from scratch,
255 Boston Post Road 203-876-7464 gustotrattoria.com
will have been completed as this issue goes
Tiramisu being one of the specialties.
months, and the patio has a new fireplace,”
decorated differently, with plenty of tables
Chef-owner Riccardo Mavuli has some menu
Muvali says.
and lots of ambiance to make guests feel
to print. “I’ve been remodeling for seven
The restaurant boasts five rooms, each
additions planned for the winter to enhance
The care and love that Mavuli puts into
like they’re dining in the heart of Northern
his already delectable Northern Italian dishes.
his restaurant is evident in the fresh Italian
Italy without having to travel farther than
For the new year, Muvali plans to unveil a
dishes he and his team serve up. “We make
a car ride. This winter, the Tuesday Night Cheese Wheel tradition will return. “I do it myself with two big, round cheeses,” says Mavuli. “I go to the table, light the cheese on fire to melt the cheese, and when the pasta comes, I put it right on the cheese and serve it tableside. People love it.”
DOCKSIDE BREWERY
Gusto’s has just updated its outdoor dining experience with a fireside setting.
28 Milford Living • Winter
MARYALICE MANNING
40 Bridgeport Avenue 203-693-3900 Docksidebrewery.com
The team at Dockside are true to their word when they claim, “We believe in keeping things exciting.” More than a beer bar, Dockside offers house-brewed beer, cocktails, New Haven Style pizza, and a variety of bites.
DOCKSIDE
Dockside offers a view of the Housatonic River in super cool, yet toasty igloos.
2024 • Milford Living 29
milford morsels And let’s not forget the fun igloo dining options! STONEBRIDGE
Dockside will once again have eight individually-themed dining igloos available for the winter season to enhance wintertime dining in a fun way. Accommodating 4-6 people per dining igloo, each has a theme
With extensive indoor and exterior space, Stonebridge has room for all of your friends and family.
attached to it: “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Taylor Swift,” “Neo Nights,” “Vegas,”
area and vibrant taproom, with a winterscape
“Christmas,” “Holidays,” and “In Da Club.”
view of the river and Long Island Sound. It
STONEBRIDGE
A pergola-type enclosure will also be
offers more than 40 draft beers, something to
available, with a “Ski Lodge” theme which
fit each taste and tickle each fancy. They also
50 Daniel Street 203-874-7947 Stonebridgerestaurant.com
accommodates 20-25 people.
serve an ever-rotating assortment of their
General manager Phil Conine says exciting
own freshly brewed beers, as well as guest
things are in store for Stonebridge for 2024.
beers from across the region.
A new menu was launched in November.
Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, Dockside provides an indoor gaming
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Visit bobettes.com for full menu & awesome variety 30 Milford Living • Winter
With the holiday season expanding into full winter at Stonebridge, “It’s a homerun STONEBRIDGE
to be dining and watch it snowing outside,” says Conine. What’s more, Stonebridge celebrated the start of its 35th year on January 1, 2024 (although the business itself goes back 75
Overlooking the Centennial Bridge, Stonebridge offers diners historic views.
years to the grandparents of the current “We’re introducing craft cocktails for the
existing wrap-around porch to enhance
family managing the establishment).
first time, which will make our drinks even
and expand winter dining. “Now we have
Conine plans a year-long celebration.
better,” states Conine. “They contain fresh-
the back deck and the wrap-around porch
“We made a bunch of awesome items
squeezed juices and elaborate background
heated and carpeted,” says Conine. “We call
celebrating 35 years, like enamel hat pins,
flavors.”
it the solarium, and you get to look out at
and we’re going to be celebrating 35 years
the Memorial Bridge, and we can tell stories
all the way.”
But the big change at Stonebridge is the addition of a glassed-in room on the
about Milford to out-of-town guests.”
—Jason J. Marchi
PRIME RIB EVERY FRI & SAT NIGHT SAT & SUN BRUNCH | SUN-FRI HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM Book Your Private Party | Milford’s Crossing Place | Newly Glassed in Wrap Around Porch
www.stonebridgerestaurant.com
50 Daniel Street - Milford, CT 06460
(203) 874-7947
2024 • Milford Living 31
of
Th e
Village Devon
S
Situated alongside the Housatonic River,
Sound. A century later, the Washington (aka
Walnut Beach has been the preferred des-
the Village of Devon is the true Gateway to
Devon) Bridge was built to span the river and
tination for locals to dip their toes, these
Milford. During the American Revolution,
has stood ever since.
days connected by a beloved boardwalk
minutemen stood on Liberty Rock to warn
Devon sports some of the finest coastline
to Silver Sands State Park. At the mouth
of the arrival of British ships in Long Island
in the entire state. For more than a century,
of the Housatonic, the Charles E. Wheeler
Devon dining with a water view at Dockside Brewery, one of many eating establishments lining Bridgeport Avenue.
32 Milford Living • Winter
MARYALICE MANNING
Wildlife Management Area, a state preserve
Point takes full advantage of this remarkable
accessible only by water, stands as one of
location, providing visitors access to all its
the most important stopovers for migratory
natural beauty.
birds along the Connecticut coastline. The CT
Back on land, the village once known
Harkening back to Devon’s storied past, the
Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford
as Naugatuck Junction has seen a major
clocktower greets visitors with a good time.
DITCHKUS REAL ESTATE CO. Shore and Residential Sales & Rentals Since 1965 555 NAUGATUCK AVE. MILFORD (Devon Section) CT
203-878-4674
www.DitchkusRealEstate.com 2024 • Milford Living 33
Boating in the Housatonic River down to Long Island Sound offers scenic views and great fishing!
The restaurants and shops have increased economic growth in the community and
rejuvenation in the 20 years since the
overhaul has paired beautifully with a
help to create a bustling neighborhood. The
Devon Revitalization Committee oversaw
resurgence in business, drawing in numer-
service industry also plays a crucial part in
nearly $5 million in grants to renovate brick
ous establishments and attractions, includ-
fulfilling the daily needs of the community.
sidewalks, lampposts, landscaping, lighting,
ing beloved local spots such as Dockside
Dulin Automotive on Bridgeport Avenue
traffic flow, and signage. The aesthetic
Brewery and the Bridge House Restaurant.
has been an advocate for Devon well before
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34 Milford Living • Winter
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MARYALICE MANNING
revitalization efforts began. Gary Dulin
of pride in the businesses and neighbors
The iconic Washington Bridge is the gateway to the
opened his shop to fit the automotive service
supporting each other; the Village of Devon
thriving Village of Devon.
needs of Devon and beyond. “We have been
is truly special because of them.”
helping Devon residents keep their cars in
Former state Speaker of the House James
He recently formed the Devon Merchants
tip-top shape for the last 31 years by provid-
Amann was vital to the previous revitalization
Association, whose stated aim is to further
ing them with a local auto repair shop they
and chartered the Devon Revitalization charge
the ongoing revitalization aimed at turning
can trust,” he says, “In Devon, there is a lot
that successfully helped to transform the area.
Devon into an economic hub and destination
Your local, family-owned, one-stop large format shop in business over 60 years www.milfordblueprint.com 470 Naugatuck Ave, Milford 203-874-2900 2024 • Milford Living 35
Left: Bridgeport Avenue, also known as Route 1, is bustling with businesses and restaurants. in Devon for over three decades has been an enriching experience for my family. As business owners, we’ve thrived in Devon’s supportive atmosphere and witnessed the remarkable collaboration among local businesses.” The Devon business community is actively engaged in ongoing efforts to share all that Devon has to offer, “showcasing our diverse businesses to the broader Milford community,” says Krouch, citing a block for food, entertainment, and business. These
improve on the success of the Devon Revial-
party that demonstrated “the kinship among
efforts will build upon the success of early
ization Committee through economic invest-
members of the community.” In short, she
revitalization and will continue the efforts of
ment which will continue to make the Devon
says, “Beyond just a place to live, Devon is
strengthening community impact. Amann
Village an inviting and thriving destination.”
a welcoming community that continues to
states, “We’re back! Our association wants to continue where we left off by continuing to
Devon resident and owner of the Bohemian High boutique Goria Krouch says, “Residing
�e ullmaa shopping dessnaaon for ose who dare dream, live auuenncaay, and embrace e unconvennonal.
36 Milford Living • Winter
grow and transform positively.” —Tadhg Hannon
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2024 • Milford Living 37
Puppy Power
W
innie takes her place in the center of the Ahrens Room at the Milford Senior Center. She confidently goes about her job, knowing exactly where to go, when to respond, who to interact with, and, most of all, how to obtain the best treats, pats, and belly rubs.
COURTESY OF MILFORD SENIOR CENTER
at your service
AaTs Director Chris Patella sits with therapy dog Winnie at the Milford Senior Center. Right: Winnie with Gloria and Bob at the Milford Senior Center’s Ahrens Room. emphasizes. “It takes training, time, effort, and visits to different sites. The Milford Senior Center and Apple Rehab in West
That’s because Winnie is a 10-year-old
“Our newest girls include Susie, a King
Haven are clients that we visit on a monthly
poodle-dachshund mix with the Connecticut
Charles cavalier spaniel, and Martha, a
basis. Referrals come from state agencies,
chapter of Animal Assisted Therapy Services
golden doodle, both two years old and just
schools, and word of mouth. “Our animals
(AaTs). Since 2015, she has worked as a
completing their training,” says Patella. The
provide socialization and an overall sense of
therapy dog with the elderly and private
girls began their visits in November 2023.
well-being…since many had cherished pets
clients. “At the Center today, Winnie’s
Since 2010, AaTs has offered canine, small
in their past and can no longer have that
working solo,” says AaTs founder and
animal, and equine therapy sessions to
director Chris Patella, but Winnie is “often
adults, teens, and children with learning
Patella explains how her previous
accompanied by a second dog-in-training.
and behavioral issues, anxiety, depression,
occupation as a music educator in the
We bring a variety of dogs and bunnies to
and in substance abuse recovery. “Most
Bridgeport school system led to her current
keep visits engaging.”
people do not realize that it takes 2-3 years
profession. “Gretyl, my miniature dachshund
to develop a true therapy dog,” Patella
and I initiated an afterschool reading
AaTs presently utilizes six therapy dogs.
38 Milford Living • Winter
companion.”
program in 2003. Many of our students came from difficult home situations and were disinterested in reading except for the day Gretyl came to school with me.” Consequently, the students’ morale, attention, and interest in learning improved. “The true miracle of Gretyl was how my tough students melted when she was with us.”
“
The true miracle of Gretyl was how my tough students melted when she was with us.” “retired in 2020 to tend to our upstate NY farm where our animals reside,” to retake the AaTs helm.
University and Notre Dame High School. “My mother has always been an inspiration,” says Beth Patella Little, who has
At present, Chris Patella lives part-time
high hopes for AaTs’s future. “The therapeutic
in West Haven, subleases space in Milford,
power of animals and their mysticism are
and is searching for someone to run the
incredible. To communicate, we must tap
CT program. The ideal candidate “should
into language beyond words that require
in Recreational Therapy, left the Bridgeport
have a therapeutic degree and/or licensure,
intuition, sensitivity, compassion, and
school system, and created AaTs in 2010. Her
experience training dogs, using animal-
understanding. These traits have certainly
daughter, Beth Patella Little, also became
assisted interventions, and have a registered
made me a better, more attuned practitioner
involved and became co-director of AaTs.
therapy animal.”
and human being.”
After receiving professional certification as a dog trainer in 2008, Patella obtained her MS
Although Beth still leads some sessions via
She also expressed the need for volunteers
Zoom, her current career as a clinical social
“to help handle multiple dogs” for their
worker has prompted her mom, who initially
spring courses at Southern CT State
EST. 2005
—Cindy Papish Gerber FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www.aatsct.org
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senior corner
Plan for the Future
F
fix this was by fostering an environment that would encourage students to return to school each day. “If we don’t provide safe schools, nothing else happens” says Cerino, who notes that before test scores and other metrics can be improved, the administration must create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable enough to learn. “We used yoga and mindful instruction as a way for students to learn to do deal with their emotions”, says Cerino,
MICHELE CERINO (3)
or many people retirement means a well-earned chance to rest on their laurels. After a lifetime’s worth of work, who could blame someone for wanting to relax? And what better place to enjoy one’s golden years than our charming city by the sea? However, for two lifelong Milford residents, retirement was just the intermission between the first and second acts of their careers. For Michele Cerino and Frank Zabski, retirement proved to be just the beginning.
a consistent problem. Michele felt the way to
LESSONS IN YOGA
and Bridgeport, where the students under her
Michele Cerino’s new career includes “searching
Trained as a dancer at Emerson College in
care faced a litany of challenges both in and
for balance in the studio, on the beach, and in
the 1980s, Michele Cerino, 59, learned at
out of the classroom. Michele considers her
the water.”
an early age how the relationship between
greatest achievement to be her time spent
mind, body, and spirit could impact every
as the principal at Luis Munoz Marin School
who credits the practices of mindfulness and
facet of her work. The foundation she laid
in Bridgeport. Charged with improving
meditation with creating a calm, safe space
as a performer would prove instrumental to
test scores and attendance at a school in an
where students could excel academically.
her success in her career as an educator in
underserved community, Michele turned
“Eventually we trained the entire staff in
Connecticut’s public schools. Michele spent
back to practices of yoga and spirituality that
mindful instruction, and we were able to
31 years in the educational system, first as an
she had learned as a performer.
achieve great things by focusing on the health
English teacher and later as an administrator
At Marin, a school where 34 percent of
and principal. Much of her career was spent
students spoke a language other than English
Given the success of the techniques she used
at inner city magnet schools in New Haven
at home, attendance rates and truancy were
in school, it was only natural that Cerino’s next
40 Milford Living • Winter
and well being of our students and staff.”
new career also affords Cerino the freedom to
a calmer, healthier life. Upon retirement she
enjoy some serenity, whether that’s atop her
completed a 200-hour course and became a
paddleboard in Long Island Sound or taking a
certified yoga instructor, teaching classes at
walk beside her home at Cedar Beach. Cerino
Bend Yoga Studio (245 Naugatuck Avenue).
says she is immensely proud of her new career
“Anyone who knows me would have told
and thinks that Bend Yoga and the Remind
you that I was going to stay busy after I
Boutique “have been such a wonderful addition
retired” says Cerino, who in her spare time
to Milford.” She leaves me with something to
teaches meditation classes at the Remind
think about, a quote from Aristotle: “Educating
Wellness Boutique (460 Naugatuck Avenue).
the mind without educating the heart is no
“I’ve never thought of this as retirement,
education at all!”
more like I’m moving on to my next career. Yoga and meditation were a great way for me to continue teaching, which I’ll always
PIZZA IMPRESARIO REBORN
While an Italian kitchen may seem a far cry
NEW HAVEN PIZZA SCHOOL
chapter would continue her journey towards
be passionate about, while also becoming a
from a yoga studio, for Frank Zabski, pizza
Frank Zabski tosses his dough and his culinary
calmer, more joyful, peaceful person.” Her
is most certainly a spiritual pursuit. After
ambitions as high as he can.
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senior corner tossing his first dough during the St. John
to share his love
Vianney Church Carnival in West Haven at
of New Haven-
the age of 12, Zabski, 55, has been making,
style pizza with
studying and perfecting New Haven-style
the world. Class
pizza for over four decades. After 30 years
offerings range
owning and operating a successful IT firm in
from Friends
Milford, Zabski a.k.a. “The Polish Pizzaiolo”
& Family and
struck out on the road in 2012 with a wood-
Date Nights
fired pizza truck. After taking a step back
to corporate
from the truck business during the Covid-19
team-building
outbreak, Zabski launched his next venture,
exercises, each
The New Haven Pizza School.
The newcomer embraces the stress of the sauce.
of which feature a selection of jokes and
the kitchen is an ingredient every bit as
Teaching classes on the road all over
music from “part time comedian” Zabski.
important as the sauce and the dough.
Connecticut and from a brick-and-mortar
“For the teambuilding and the classes, the
“You want people to have fun while they’re
location in New Haven, Zabski has
key is to make it an experience” he says.
learning something, so we make it as
developed a range of classes that allow him
Zabski contends that the atmosphere in
interactive as we can, from preparing the
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42 Milford Living • Winter
I’ve got more
New Haven Style pizza. And, if he can find
work than I know
the time, he’d like to start a regular podcast
what to do with,”
and interview guests from around the world
he says, not that
of pizza. In addition to this and several
he’s complaining.
other projects currently in the oven, Zabski
Zabski curates a
finds the time to review and promote local
Students listen carefully to their pizza maestro during one of his
Facebook group
pizzerias. He’s well on his way to creating
interactive classes.
(All About New
the “Frank Zabski Pizzamatic Universe.” And
Haven Style A’pizza)
he wouldn’t have it any other way. He views
ingredients to making the pizza, down to the
with 16,000 members. He is also working
his second career as a pizza impresario as
Italian music. For me the real joy is seeing
on a cookbook that will feature favored
a huge success and says it’s a privilege to
people take that first bite of their own pizza
recipes and techniques as well as a study
devote his time to something he loves. “I did
they’ve made from scratch.”
of the history of pizza itself. “I’m a serial
well in IT, I had three successful business
entrepreneur and a bit of a mad scientist,”
going. I went from making a lot of dough to
tip of the iceberg for Zabski’s ambitions.
he says. Zabski is also a music lover and
a little dough, but I am much happier.
“This has been an incredible success and
plans to record a song about, you guessed it,
The New Haven Pizza School is just the
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2024 • Milford Living 43
historical perspective [1]
Fowl Folk Art
D
uck and shorebird hunting was a popular sport throughout the 19th century and a good part of the 20th century as well. The lower Housatonic River was a major hunting area, so the
use of carved wooden decoy ducks and shorebirds to lure unsuspecting birds into firing range was common practice. One carver and sportsman was Charles “Shang” Wheeler (1872 - 1949), an oysterman, artist, and one-time state representative whose duck decoys can command high prices today because he was meticulous in carving and painting them.
[3] Today, bird lovers enjoy looking for decoys
[2]
[4]
[5]
Milford waters. The greater were found by
dives for crustaceans and mollusks. The
as works of American folk art. Several of
the thousands in Long Island Sound in the
old squaw (image 4), today known as the
Wheeler’s bird carvings depict waterfowl
1970s but now appear to have moved to the
long-tailed duck, is another diving duck and
that can still be found in Milford waterways
southern shore of Long Island. This is a classic
can be heard off Gulf Beach in the winter
long after his duck hunting days.
diving duck with its large mollusk-crushing
with its “owly-owly-owly” call. Diving ducks
bill. The lesser scaup is found in freshwater
generally have larger bills for crushing
places such as Mondo Ponds.
crustaceans and mollusks. Their feet tend to
[1] The canvasback duck, a drake or male, is a bird that used to appear on the Indian River
be near the rear of their bodies, which aids
in good numbers but is becoming scarce.
[4 & 5] The white-winged scoter can be seen
their deep-depth swimming. Carvers could
Though a diving duck, it is also a consumer of
off Charles Island in the winter, where it
ignore feet placement as they would set their
various plant life, making it a true omnivore.
decoys on the surface of the water, where live birds would be fooled into coming into
[2] Its reddish counterpart, a red head duck, is a beautiful bird. This one was crafted by
[6]
shotgun range.
William James Mason and is highly
[6] One of the all-time favorites is the smaller
collectible today as folk art.
diving duck called the bufflehead. These wonderful “chickadees of the waterfowl
[3] There are two species of scaup (or
world” come into the Gulf Pond estuary
“bluebill” as the hunters used to call it), the
as winter unfolds. Here are several as
greater and the lesser; both are found in
represented by folk artists.
44 Milford Living • Winter
[7]
[8]
[7 & 8] Carvers had to know the varying shapes and sizes of the mandibles of their birds. Mergansers, hooded, red-breasted, and common, are fish-eating ducks with very thin serrated bills, and are commonly found in differing
[9] Dabbling ducks, with
waters in Milford. While the red-breasted
thinner bills than diving
merganser is commonly seen off the coast,
ducks and feet placed
the hooded is more commonly seen in
centrally on their bodies, are
the pond at Eisenhower Park or up the
largely vegetarian, eating
Wepawaug. Bird #8 is a canvas-covered red-
seeds and other vegetation.
breasted merganser, while #7 is a wooden
The majestic pintail sometimes
piece of folk art.
appears off the coast of Woodmont
[9]
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historical perspective and or on the Gulf Pond
of Connecticut waterfowl, as
estuary. The pintail decoy is an
this decoy suggests.
[11]
exceptionally beautiful piece of [11] Unfortunately, shorebirds
folk art.
were often targeted by 19th[10] The wood duck gets its
century hunters. Our last piece
name from nesting high up
of folk art is a metal shorebird
in holes in sycamore trees or
decoy. Perhaps it was to lure
some other large deciduous
in plovers or dowitchers.
tree. From time to time, they
Fortunately, today,
appear on the Wepawaug,
these great works of folk
on Eisenhower Park’s pond,
art remain on our shelves to
or even on the upper duck
be enjoyed as art rather than
ponds downtown. The wood
find themselves luring our still
duck drake is a male and
beautiful avian water birds.
considered the most beautiful
—Tim Chaucer
[10]
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46 Milford Living • Winter
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Winter 2024 Vol. 20 Issue 4 $5.99
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2024 • Milford Living 47
milford wildlife
often found over any open water, places like
n our beloved city of Milford, Connecticut, a remarkable wildlife conservation success story has been unfolding, captivating the hearts of residents and nature enthusiasts alike. After years of dedicated efforts to restore their habitat and protect these iconic birds, the bald eagle has made a triumphant return to the region, symbolizing the resilience of both the species and the community.
also great spots to keep an eye on the skies. Everyone wants that photo of a bald eagle, especially that shot with eaglets in the nest. There are some precautions you can take to SUSAN LASELLA(2)
A Soaring History I
Mondo Ponds and the Milford Harbor area are
get a great bald eagle nest shot while staying on the right side of your conscience—and the law. The birds are most vulnerable during their nesting season, which happens as early as January and could last until June in our area. Each nesting pair has their own tolerance of human activity so keeping 300 yards or more from any individuals or nests is advised. If you notice the birds’ behavior changing, it is a sign to give them more space.
The road to recovery for the bald eagle
There’s a chance you’ve recently seen
The return of the bald eagle to the
was marked by concerted efforts. The
a bald eagle and not realized it. Bald
Housatonic River is more than just a
banning of DDT, the Endangered Species
eagles exhibit distinct differences in their
feel-good story. The presence of bald eagles
Act, and intensive conservation programs
appearance as they age. Young bald eagles,
also serves as an indicator of environmental
played pivotal roles in aiding these majestic
often referred to as juveniles, have dark
health. When these birds thrive, it is a sign
birds. One of the most remarkable success
brown feathers overall, including their
that their habitat is rich in food sources and
stories in their recovery is the removal of
head and tail, which can be easily mistaken
clean water. As apex predators, bald eagles
bald eagles from the endangered species
for golden eagles. As they mature, their
play a critical role in maintaining ecological
list in 2007. Despite their improved status,
plumage gradually transitions into the
balance. Since their diet primarily consists
bald eagles remain protected under the Bald
iconic white head and tail feathers that
of fish, their presence helps control fish
and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the
are emblematic of adult bald eagles. This
populations and prevent overpopulation
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
transformation usually takes around 4-5
For more than 50 years, the idea of seeing
years, during which time their beaks and
a bald eagle in this region was a distant
talons also change from dark to bright
dream. From the 1940s to the early 1990s,
yellow. Adult bald eagles have a striking
there were no successful bald eagle nests in
white head and tail, contrasting with their
the state of Connecticut. But as the nesting
dark brown body and wings, making them
population here started to rebuild, eagles
easily recognizable.
were even more successful to our north and
If you want to spot a bald eagle, there are
began to overwinter along the Housatonic
a few locations where you’re more likely to
River. There have been about 80 nests
encounter them. During the winter they can
and 100 young fledged across the state.
be spotted anywhere along the Housatonic
In Milford, we are lucky enough to host a
River, most often from the CT Audubon
couple of nesting pairs.
Coastal Center at Milford Point. Since they are
48 Milford Living • Winter
When these birds thrive, it is a sign that their habitat is rich in food sources and clean water. that can harm the river’s ecosystem. There are still threats to the long-term survival of bald eagles and other birds of prey. Almost all injured hawks, owls, and eagles that are treated at wildlife rodenticide poisoning, and nearly half the eagles have signs of chronic lead poisoning. There are safer alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides now available. Lead in
SUSAN LASELLA
rehabilitation clinics test positive for
ammunition and some fishing tackle is
bald eagle to Milford should be celebrated.
witnessing one of the world’s largest raptors
accidentally ingested when eagles eat other
Unlike their parents, grandparents, and even
soaring majestically in the skies above their
animals that contain those items.
great-grandparents, children growing up
own hometown.
Despite these issues, the return of the
in Milford today will have the privilege of
—Ken Elkins
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book nook
The Latest from Local Authors I
t’s time to get cozy with some great winter reading! A wide-ranging crop of new books has emerged on the scene—all written by local Milford authors.
unexpectedly passed away. “ONLY DARK EDGES is the first time I’ve written directly about a teenager mourning her sister’s death,” says the author. The plot (its title in ALL CAPS, like most of her previous works) is “a psychological thriller that is as heart-pounding as it is heart-wrenching… a modern-day Hamlet with a gender-swapped main character.” Carroll’s portfolio includes YA, middle
set her on a path to publication. For Murphy,
grade, nonfiction, and an upcoming picture
Woodmont remains “a great place to raise my
book. “ONLY DARK EDGES is my eighth self-
kids and to be retired. Once you live near the
published book, and I feel like I’m just getting
beach, the saltwater gets into your blood and
started,” she says.
you can’t imagine living anywhere else.” She acknowledges that most of her readers—current and former Woodmonters—share
upon her own life is ever-present. The setting
her concerns about over-development. “Look at
“takes place in a town with long stretches of
the pictures in my book,” she proposes. “Which
beach on Long Island Sound…one very much
ones are better? The old or the new?”
inspired by Milford.”
The book is available at The Canvas Patch in downtown Milford, and through Amazon,
Woodmont Past & Present
BY KATHERINE KRAUSS MURPHY
Although her stories are set in “many real and imagined places,” Milford’s influence
Barnes & Noble, and Target online.
ONLY DARK EDGES
To learn more visit www.katielcarroll.com
Apprentice Academy: Sorcerers: The Unofficial Guide To The Magical Arts BY HAL JOHNSON
BY KATIE L. CARROLL
ILLUSTRATED BY CATHRIN PETERSLUND
for her “very pretty, close-knit, fun, and a
Award-winning author Katie L. Carroll began
Johnson describes his newest release as “a
little eccentric” Woodmont neighborhood
writing after her 16-year-old sister Kylene
guidebook to a wizarding school as narrated
Katherine (Katie) Krauss Murphy’s love
served as her inspiration for both her books.
by an unscrupulous and frequently dishonest
While Woodmont on the Sound (2007) was a
reprobate. But it’s also a collection of tales
“postcard history,” Murphy’s latest book
about the great sorcerers of myth, legend,
compares Woodmont’s past with the pres-
and history. On one hand, readers will learn
ent. “Each page has an old black-and-white
all about Merlin, Circe, Faust, and a host of
image with a new color photo, so there is
others, and on the other hand, readers will
less writing and more of an emphasis on
learn how to cheat their way through wiz-
photography.”
arding school. I’ve always loved mythology
Throughout Murphy’s 30-year career with
and corralling all the great sorcerers of
Yale-New Haven Hospital’s marketing and
the ages into one book was irresistible to
communications team, she freelanced for area
someone like me.”
non-profits, businesses, and civic organizations. Ultimately, the adage “write what you know”
50 Milford Living • Winter
It comes as no surprise to learn that Johnson, who lives with his wife and kids near
unconventional writing process which includes “bad influences that are really
A Hasty Marriage BY JOAN WOLF
good,” Socrates, Game of Thrones, and
When Joan Wolf was growing up in the
finding time to write when “neither of my
Bronx, her parents traditionally took a
two kids are jumping on my head.”
summer house on Fort Trumbull Beach. So
While mostly “pitched at a middle-grade
when she and her husband were looking for a
audience,” Johnson tries to make his books
place to live, she had the answer. But before
“fun for ‘the olds’.” With luck, the end result is
settling down in Milford, she taught high
something everyone can enjoy.”
school English in her native Bronx, where one
“Buy my books so I don’t have to get a real
of her students was current Supreme Court
Fort Trumbull Beach, used to work in
job,” he pleads with readers. “I am so incompe-
a comic book store. A lucky connection there
tent at real jobs that it would be irresponsible
served as his sideways entrée into the publish-
for me to return to one! You’ll be doing the
the Milford Public Library after she became
ing industry. “I’ve kept hanging on with my
whole world a favor!”
a stay-at-home mom. She began by writing
desperate and terrified fingertips ever since,” he quips, offering a witty breakdown of his
Learn more at https://us.macmillan.com/ books/
Justice Sonia Sotomayor! Wolf wrote her first books in longhand at
Regency-era romances, and then progressed to historical and pre-historical novels, historical
Gregory F. Doyle
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book nook popularized by Netflix’s Bridgerton), Regency
here she was, walking down the aisle toward a
romances typically feature a dashing hero
man she scarcely knew and didn’t like.”
and fetching heroine falling in love against
“Romances are read by women and my
the excesses of high society during the British
historical novels are read by both sexes,” says
Regency period (1811-1820).
Wolf of her devoted readership. With 53 books
Case in point, the cover blurb for A Hasty Marriage: “The last thing Hugh, Earl of
day, only now it’s on a computer.” Her advice
Stanhope wanted to do was marry Lady Eileen
to other aspiring writers? “Get an agent!”
Fitzgerald. And the last thing Lady Eileen wanted to do was marry Lord Stanhope. Yet mysteries, contemporary romances, and biblical fiction. For her latest book, Wolf has “returned to my first love, Regency romance.” For those unfamiliar with this subgenre (recently
to her credit, she still “writes for two hours a
Discover more at www.joanwolf.com. —Cindy Papish Gerber
JUST RELEASED
Jamie Boss, a self-published author, shares stories of growing up in Milford in his memoir Short Stories of Growing up in Milford and Other Faraway Places. Available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback.
MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM
All programs are "hands on" with artifacts/objects being shown as the history is talked about. BIRD IDENTIFICATION: using bird charts, mounts, field guides
Woodbridge, CT 06525 jpfryer@gmail.com
Joe Fryer A.C.E. Entomologist / Owner
203.843.5083
Unmatched experience & expertise at every service.
NATIVE AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY, CULTURE: Milford focus/Milford artifacts/baskets/war clubs, etc. MARINE BIOLOGY: Focus on large marine mollusks American history artifact programs: farm tools, woodworking tools, Currier and Ives prints, early American lighting, stoneware, Revolutionary War, Civil War, old books, and much more. Birthday parties, club programs, and school groups are who we visit: we travel with artifacts call 203-874-4000 or 203-988-0918 for more information.
milfordmarineinstitute.org
Milford!
Solving life's challenges with energy healings 52 Milford Living • Winter
expressions
Ducks on Ice! A raft of hens and drakes “skate” about the ice along the Wepawaug River. An entertaining sight and a delight for anyone who sees them…it just makes you smile. By Cathy Liete
2024 • Milford Living 53
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milford’s attic
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[1]
A STITCH IN TIME
The chill of winter winds makes this a good time to wrap up with a quilt and enjoy time by a warm fireplace. If you made the quilt yourself, be sure to keep it. That’s just what your ancestors did. The Milford Historical Society is the grateful recipient of many quilts from the 1800s. [1] This quilt of multiple fabrics and stitches was made in 1890 by Mary Belle Clark, the great aunt of Sally Stowe Clemence and Joan Stowe. It’s 134 years old, and thanks to gentle use and proper storage over more than a century, it retains its rich colors. [2] The green quilt, also made by Mary Belle Clark, dates to 1910. [3] “Winston’s Folly” is a mosaic pattern quilt top from the late 1800s. It’s made up of 4,725 pieces over paper patterns. 54 Milford Living • Winter
[3]
This was pieced by Mrs. Robert Winston, who did not live to complete it. The claret fabric dates the quilt to the late 1800s. Many other fabrics used, however, date as far back as the 1830s. [4] This “Dresden Plate” patterned quilt was rendered in colorful, pastel calico fabrics to look like the elegantly decorative china that was made near Dresden, Germany starting in 1710. This quilt has a fine plain-weave white muslin background. (Stowe sisters) If you have a treasured family quilt, the best way to store it is in an acid-free box. Find a storage spot out of the sun and away from any dampness. —Marilyn May Photographer: Maryalice Manning
greetings from milford
A Restful Place
ne can’t help but wonder what sent Emma to seek treatment at The Peck Sanatorium that May of 1915. Advertisements of the time name the Woodmont facility “a quiet home for rest and recuperation and for the treatment of nervous and constitutional diseases.” Was Emma suffering—in the parlance of the day—from hysteria, a wildly broad catchall term concerning women’s health the encompassed everything from exhaustion to post-partem depression? The Sanitorium offered “elaborate equipment” and “expert operators for electrotherapeutic, hydrotherapeutic, phototherapeutic, and thermotherapeutic” treatments. Emma extended her stay for an additional week with the fervent hope that she would be “quiet herself” by the time she returned home. Here’s hoping she was. —Ann McGuire
CHANGE IS GOOD! I'VE JOINED LAMACCHIA REALTY a full-service value-based brokerage
KATHY DATTILO
REALTOR®
(203-494-9611 kdattilo@LAMACCHIAREALTY.COM 2024 • Milford Living 55
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where is it? Know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Enter for a chance to win a Milford Living subscription.
Want to win a Milford Living Subscription?
Send your answer (along with your name and address) to: suzanne@milfordliving.com Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.
Answer to last issue’s quiz: The facade at 9 River Street features a balcony with decorative stars.
56 Milford Living • Winter
Spring is just around the corner!
We are Officially open the end of April for our spring season! We are Open 9am-5pm seven days a week, we have a huge selection of Annuals, perennials, Veggie starter plants, Shrubbery and so much more!
Follow us @FilanowskiFarms
389 Wheelers Farm Rd, Milford CT | 203.874.5094 or 203-878-7746