SUMMER
OrangeLife
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Annemarie F. Sliby, Executive Director
Orange Economic Development Corporation
Ad Sales
Mary Bialy
Orange Economic Development Corporation
Contributing Writers
Cyndi Consoli, Alyssa Davanzo, Christina Levere, Dr. Lawrence Messina, Tasha Meisenheimer, Marianne Miller, Dr. Rob Rubino, Joseph Weathered
Contributing Photographers
Meghan Lucey-Brelsford, Father & Son CT, Dr. Lawrence Messina, Liam Ohlmann, Orange Players, Foggy Otis, Rana Tree Removal, Paula Severino, Annemarie Sliby
Design & Production
Paula Severino
OrangeLife Magazine is distributed semi-annually by the:
Orange Economic Development Corporation 605A Orange Center Road Orange, Connecticut 06477 203-891-1045
www.OrangeLife.net | OrangeEDC.com
To Advertise
Rates are listed on www.OrangeLife.net. Contact us at 203-891-1045 or email: mary@orangeEDC.com
Read Online
All editions of OrangeLife are online at www.OrangeLife.net/read-online.
Submit Photos and Ideas
To be considered for photographs for our cover (seasonal) and ideas for articles featuring the people and business community of Orange, submit to: asliby@OrangeEDC.com.
On the Cover
Located at the intersection of Mapledale Road and Route 34, the tunnel borders Orange Land Trust property. The site is known as The Ravine and has remnants of the foundation of the Alling Mill. Read about a new property the Orange Land Trust acquired on Page 37.
Photo: Dr. Lawrence Messina
for
PICKLE SPOT
50 Years of Theater and Counting
UTENSILS TO UKULELES Father and Son CT and Foggy Otis
or
in the publication or for failure to publish an advertisement. For more information, email: asliby@OrangeEDC.com
of Land Added to the Town’s Open Space
I am pleased to present the 28th issue of OrangeLife Magazine. This issue is packed with some fun stories of new businesses and community organizations.
We did a feature on a few artisans who moved to Orange in 2021. Luke and Sarah Holder began a wood crafting business upon moving to town, and Foggy Otis, a musician, brought his musical talents to Orange from upstate New York. The Holders offer beautifully carved cutlery pieces and other trinkets created out of sustainably sourced wood. Foggy plays ukulele and sings live at local establishments and fairs, as well as teaches ukulele.
Also in this issue, we highlight two community-based organizations—The Orange Players and the Orange Land Trust. The Orange Players has been offering community theater to the town for the past 50 years. This talented group of locals will be celebrating their milestone anniversary with a gala in November. The Orange Land Trust has been maintaining and preserving the town’s natural habitat since 1968 and recently added a 15-acre property to the town’s open space. This property is off Wheelers Farms Road and is an extension to the Housatonic Overlook/Tucker’s Ridge preserve.
I’d like to thank Dr. Lawrence Messina for our cover shot. Dr. Messina is the Orange Land Trust president and takes amazing pictures on his hikes throughout Orange. This area, known as The Ravine, comprises three acres of Orange Land Trust property at Mapledale Road and Route 34. The reservoir flows through the tunnel and passes under Route 34. Remnants of the Alling Mill foundation are present about 300 feet downstream from the tunnel. The water from the reservoir was used by the mill to power its wool carding machinery that supplied wool for Union soldiers’ uniforms during the Civil War. Enjoy this issue and have a wonderful summer.
ANNEMARIE F. SLIBY
Executive Director, OEDC
When visiting any of the businesses that have advertised or that are featured, please let them know you saw their ad or article in OrangeLife. As always, I want to thank our advertisers, and First Selectman James Zeoli, the Orange Economic Development Commission, and the Orange Economic Development Corporation for their support.
The Heart and Heritage of the Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy
WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
Few can say they have been to nearly all 50 states, auditioned on America’s Got Talent, and danced at one of New York City’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Meghan Lucey-Brelsford, Owner and Director of the Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy, has accomplished all three – and much more – fueled by her love of Irish dancing.
Growing up in Connecticut, Meghan was drawn to Irish dancing at the age of seven and captivated by the connection it forged with her family’s heritage. As her skills flourished over the years, Meghan’s
dedication was rewarded upon her high school graduation when she earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the cast of the world-renowned Riverdance
“We toured all over North America, Europe and Asia,” Meghan said. “Getting paid to dance with your best friends and travel the world every day was a dream. It never felt like work.”
“On my final tour, I began building a website and researching the business strategy,” Meghan said. “It was a tough transition because I had to build a studio from the ground up, but I was ready for that next chapter.”
Meghan stayed booked and busy during the off-season, dancing in other productions like Celtic Fire, performing on The Late Late Show with James Corden, teaching at the Riverdance Summer School in Boston and – the biggest pinch-me moment of all – dancing at Radio City Music Hall on Saint Patrick’s Day.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Once her nine-year experience with Riverdance ended, Meghan realized that she did not want Irish dancing to leave her life. With Stephen Brennan, one of her fellow Riverdance castmates and close friends, she opened the BrennanLucey Irish Dance Academy in 2016 with the goal of passing on her passion to the next generation of dancers.
The dance school originally opened locations in Hamden, Milford, and Fairfield, eventually blossoming into a vibrant community of over 110 dancers. The Milford site recently relocated to a premier space at 518 Boston Post Road in Orange, establishing it as the flagship studio.
CLASSES OFFERED
Brennan-Lucey classes run from August through June with rolling admission. The class structure is based on each person’s skill level, with students ranging from threeyear-old ‘tiny tots’ in the Intro to Irish Dance class to teenagers and adults in the Intermediate, Prizewinner, Advanced, and Championship classes. Meghan and Stephen are both registered teachers with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, the worldwide Irish dancing governing body based in Dublin, Ireland. Morgan Brown, Assistant Teacher and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, helps dancers optimize their
Photo: Paula Severino
Owner, Meghan Lucey-Brelsford.
physical performance, prevent injuries, and enhance their overall fitness.
“New dancers start by learning soft shoe dances, and once they reach the Intermediate level, they start learning hard shoe dances,” Meghan said. “My favorite to teach is the Ceili Performance class, which focuses on team bonding and group numbers. I’m currently teaching one of the routines from Riverdance that will be in the recital.”
What makes the Brennan-Lucey Academy unique is its heartwarming family-themed dances that honor the essence of Irish culture. At the recital each year, there is a routine where grandparents, mothers, siblings, nieces, and nephews share a special moment together on stage.
COMPETITIONS
For those interested in competing, the dance school offers classes that develop dancers’ technical skills and prepare them for local, national, and international events. Placing in the top five at every major
and school assemblies,” Meghan said. “We’ve even performed at the Bridgeport Islanders Game and a New York Mets game! Dancers have numerous opportunities to look forward to and get excited about.”
Meghan, who earned the Global Irish Dancing Teacher Award of Excellence in 2022, is delighted for the studio to be in Orange.
competition within An Coimisiún, including a silver medal at the World Championship in 2009, Meghan knows what it takes to help dancers get to the top of their game and reach their goals.
Meghan accompanied one of her younger students to Scotland in March for a competition. “He’s 11 and he took an incredible fourth place in the World Championships this year. Also, he earned second place in the North American National Championships in 2022. We are looking forward to a bright, competitive future for him as well as his fellow dancers as they continue to train and work together,” Meghan said.
PERFORMANCES
Each March is a particularly festive time at the academy, with dancers spreading the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day through performances at various venues.
“This past year, we had about 20 performances booked. We danced anywhere from restaurants and nursing homes to rehab centers
“This is a wonderful town, and the studio is conveniently next to Starbucks and Trader Joe’s, which parents love,” she said. “As a kid, my dance school was my second home and that’s what our studio in Orange feels like. Our walls are decorated with signed Riverdance posters and photos of dancers from recitals and competitions over the years. When dancers walk in, I want them to take a deep breath and think, ‘This is my Irish dance happy place.’”
For anyone looking to embark on their own Irish dance journey, visit the website, Brennanlucey.com or call 203-913-2930.
Photo: Paula Severino
The center’s lobby with awards and merchandise on display, as well as Meghan’s dance costume (made by her mother) when she competed at the Age of 20 (also seen worn in the picture below).
Meghan at 20 years old wins 2nd place in the world championship in Irish dance.
Photo: Meghan Lucy-Brelsford
The Pickle Spot Brings Emerging Sport to Orange
WRITTEN BY: JOSEPH WEATHERED
One of the country’s fastest growing sports now has a new indoor home in Orange with the opening of The Pickle Spot, a facility consisting of five padded courts, lockers, and a pro shop that looks to welcome all Pickleball players regardless of age and experience.
Located in the former Ocean State Job Lot building on the Boston Post Road, The Pickle Spot is a 12,000 square-foot space that shares the location with baseball training facility The Grind. Owner JoAnn Scillia is a former resident of Orange and is thrilled to bring the rising sport to town.
JoAnn says, “My husband Tony and I both grew up in Orange and still have family here, so it’s always been a second home to us.”
When the front part of the building at 401 Boston Post Road was available for lease, Scillia saw that as an opportunity. “Not only is it a prime location on Route 1 in Orange, but sharing the property with The Grind is a dynamic opportunity, as both businesses are sports-related,” said Scillia. Adding, “We will give great exposure to one another.”
Scillia was familiar with the Grind, as her son had been training there for the past 8 years. She saw this as a chance to get back into the workforce, as she left a career in advertising to be a stay-at-home mom.
“I am excited to be here in Orange and offer what the community is looking for by making a fun and welcoming environment for all levels of the sport,” Scillia says. “We don’t want people feeling uncomfortable about a lack of skill or knowledge about pickleball; we want to be the spot for everyone.”
A GROWING SPORT
Pickleball, a court-based sport that has been described as an inspirational mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton, began in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the summer home of Joel Pritchard, who later served in the United States Congress and as Washington’s lieutenant governor. Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, are credited with devising the game and establishing the rules.
The sport grew throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s spurned by a 1975 National Observer article about the sport and a declaration by Tennis Magazine in 1976 deeming Pickleball “America’s newest racquet sport.”
Tournaments were launched in the early 1980’s in Washington state, and in 1984 the United States Amateur Pickleball Association was formed to oversee the growth of the sport across the country. As the years continued, more tournaments and leagues were created, and Pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association in 2021, 2022 and 2023, where it was estimated to have over 4.8 million players.
FACILITY AMENITIES
Scillia explained that The Pickle Spot has five full-sized air-conditioned, state-of-the-art courts with a cushioned base, padding on the
Kneeling l to r: Teaching pros, Yvonne D’Aquino and Thane Schweyer. Back row l to r: Managing director Sarah Cormany, owner JoAnn Scillia, and teaching pro JP Favretto.
Photo: Paula Severino
front and back walls for safety and sound absorption, and the floors of their courts are a cushioned court application, which is much softer on the body for running and impact.
Scillia revealed The Pickle Spot has amenities such as packaged goods and snacks, healthy drinks and
offerings, and locker rooms with showers. In addition, she will bring in food trucks for special events and will also offer the opportunity for the public to use the space for private events.
Courts can be reserved online via their website at www.picklespot.club. Memberships will also be offered, which include perks such as having the advantage to access the calendar up to two weeks in advance, guest passes, early notifications for events, and discounts on instructional classes. Scillia stresses that you don’t need to be a member to play, and that information will be online to reserve a court, book a lesson, and open play.
ALL LEVELS WELCOME
As with every new sport, education is key. The Pickle Spot takes this to heart by offering an instructional series which includes multi-week classes for people of all ages and skill levels. A team of professionals will be available for beginners as well
as experienced players who want to improve their skills.
Scillia remarks, “We’ve got the spot for you; whether you are new to the sport, are a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between--we’ve got the spot for everyone.”
Happy with the wonderful response she received from the community, Scillia says, “It means a lot how nice everyone has been and how excited they are to come to The Pickle Spot— we plan on giving that energy back.”
For more information, view their website at picklespot.club, call 475-999-0137, or send an email to info@picklespot.club.
Photo: Paula Severino
Teaching pros Yvonne D’Aquino and JP Favretto showing a few Pickle Ball moves.
Photo: Paula Severino
The Orange Players – 50 Years of Theater and Counting
WRITTEN BY: CYNDI CONSOLI AND MARIANNE MILLER
For a half century, a dedicated group of talented individuals has been providing lively entertainment to the Orange community and will continue to expose the town to the enrichment, inspiration, and humor of the dramatic arts.
Who are The Orange Players? The Orange Players Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to theater performance in the greater Orange community. For the past fifty years it has been the resident theater of Orange.
Are The Orange Players still around? The answer is a resounding YES! In fact, the organization is the oldest continuously operating community theater in Connecticut. Since its inception, The Orange Players has brought its devotion to performing theater before live audiences in our community, and it continues to bring new shows every season.
IN THE BEGINNING
The Orange Players began in June 1974 in Mary L. Tracy School when the first organizing meeting was held. A number of town residents had been involved in an original PTA musical production at Peck Place School and also in the Sesquicentennial Spectacular. This sparked interest in forming an ongoing community theater.
Dr. Mark Kolligian approached then First Selectman Ralph Capecelatro with a plea for some seed money to fund the Players. The Town advanced $3,000 to finance its first show, The Pajama Game. With the show’s success, the organization was able to promptly repay the loan and has been self-supporting ever since. A scholarship named for a founding late member, Jerry Honig, is awarded to a graduating Amity High School senior each year.
As a community theater, the organization provides opportunities for many locals to get started in theater, expand their talents, learn new skills, and challenge themselves to become part of a supportive and interactive network of creativity. All of this while building lasting friendships and wonderful memories.
Over the years The Orange Players has produced many musicals such as Sound of Music, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, Music Man, Brigadoon, and Nunsense. Many dramas and comedies have also been produced by the Players such as Arsenic and Old Lace, Lend Me a Tenor, Neil Simons’ Plaza Suite, The Odd Couple, Rumors, and Broadway Bound to name just a few.
ACTING UP
Adding to the continued successes of dramatic plays, comedies, and
musicals, which the theater is best known for are the highly successful “Acting Up” shows: performances of a series of new and original oneact plays. Now in its eighth season, “Acting Up” is an opportunity for playwrights from all over the United States and beyond to collaborate with local directors and actors of all skill levels to bring their creations to life on stage. The next performance of “Acting Up” is on August 24th and 25th, 2024 at High Plains Community Center. Audiences will be entertained and pleasantly surprised with several original short plays.
For many years, The Orange Players called the old Amity High School auditorium its summer home, until the auditorium had to be rebuilt for environmental concerns. It has also performed shows at Mary L. Tracy School, Platt Technical High School, the University of New Haven, the
The cast of Almost Maine, which debuted in the fall of 2023 - the Players most recent show.
Photo:
Orange Players
OFFICERS
President - Cyndi Consoli
Treasurer - Ned Martin
Recording Secretary - Brittany Homa
Past Co-President - TJ Chila
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reading Committee Co-Chairs
Matt Griffiths, Peg Meisenhelder, Joan Stenner, and Hugh Tucker
Workshops - Jacqueline Koral
Program - Pat Miller
Hospitality - Raye MacLellan
Performance Coordinator
Marianne Miller
Publicity - Sara Messore
Membership - Bruce Spiewak
Assets - John Miller
Costume Room
Coordinator Co-Chairs
Pat Miller and Joan Stenner
American Legion Hall, Paugussett Club, and High Plains Community Center. Perhaps the most unique venue for an Orange Players show was the Orange Center Cemetery. During the Bicentennial, with group reenacted excerpts of lives of some former Orange residents buried there from biographies provided by the Orange Historical Society and Orange Players members.
UPCOMING APPEARANCES
In September The Orange Players will be at the Orange Country Fair displaying memorabilia from past shows, promoting new events, and offering games to play. In October, there will be a real trick or treat. In collaboration with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, the Players will again transform into ghouls, goblins and gory creatures in a Haunted House of Horrors. The sets assembled by the volunteer firemen are AMAZING and the Players is looking forward to joining in again this year.
On November 9th, The Orange Players expects to celebrate its 50th year as Orange’s community theater. There will be a gala celebration at the American Legion Hall on Grassy Hill Road. Please look for more information to be published soon.
The Players continues its mission to deliver live theater to our community, keeping its honored traditions alive. Throughout the years, many wonderfully talented individuals have performed or worked in some aspect of theater for this great organization. There are so many funny or inspiring stories that can be told about the Players from the shows done and friendships formed. Perhaps we can tell you about them. In the meantime, the Players asks for the community’s support to continue for another 50 years.
For more information, contact The Orange Players on Facebook at The Orange Players, the website at Orangeplayers.net, or 475-227-7547.
From Utensils to Ukuleles
WRITTEN BY: TASHA MEISENHEIMER
Orange is home to many craft artisans and musicians. Luke Holder, a talented wood craftsman, and Foggy Otis, a gifted music teacher and producer, both have much to offer the town in terms of artistic contributions.
Father & Son CT: Handcrafts Specialty Gifts
Over the years, the notion of a carpentry business took root as Luke Holder crafted special wooden Christmas gifts for family and friends. Luke and his wife, Sarah, often discussed the notion as a family, saying they’d be a “team of carpenters” helping Santa in his workshop. Over time, this holiday dream became a reality, and in February 2023, Father & Son CT was founded. The name seemed fitting since their two sons, although young, enjoy watching and assisting their dad in his workshop.
Luke is a full-time police officer and is a US Marine Corps Veteran who served one tour in Iraq and another in Afghanistan. Sarah, completes all behind-the-scenes work of their small carpentry business including photography, marketing, and communications. She is a full-time mother of four children, a part-time preschool teacher, and a fitness instructor. Presently, she teaches a Pilates Mat class, at High Plains Community Center. The Holders have lived in Orange since July 2021, moving from nearby Milford.
Luke is very skilled with his hands and has had a special affinity for woodworking since he was a child. At the age of five, his parents purchased him a saw and workbench which is still in use in his workshop today. Over the years, Luke learned through ‘doing’ and from simple techniques shared by knowledgeable family and friends.
PRODUCTS
Father & Son CT sells handcrafted
wooden gifts online, for local pick up, and custom order. Their signature items are pizza cutters, ice cream scoopers, bottle openers, Frenchstyle rolling pins, wine stoppers, pie servers, and salad server sets. Luke has even crafted a kitchen hutch! Coffee scoops will be their newest addition ready in time for the winter season. They enjoy making specialized orders and say it is something their customers regularly request from their shop.
Part of their one-year anniversary is the launching of a new website which better allows them to receive and create custom orders. Their tailored orders have included bridal sets, to personalized cutting boards, to wine stoppers ordered in bulk. They have created some of their favorite custom projects when someone has tree work done in their yard and entreats them to make a piece from their tree. Sarah said, “It provides a special keepsake!”
Most of their items are hand-turned using a lathe, but some are made using other power tools or even finetuned with Luke’s medley of antique hand tools. Every piece they craft is made from log to utensil.
LOCALLY SOURCED
Since wood is a natural element, every piece is truly unique and richly textured while also being functional. Father & Son CT sources their wood and are proud to say it is all grown locally right in the state of Connecticut. Their wood is sustainably-sourced, which means they never cut down a healthy tree for woodworking, rather, they locate dying trees, trees that have already been taken down, or trees that pose a hazard. Many of their neighbors, family and friends are appreciative that the Holders are willing to cart their unwanted wood away for them. They also receive a thoughtful, handcrafted gift of gratitude for their wood donation.
Luke and Sarah Holder in their yard where Luke cuts wood for future products.
Photo: Paula Severino
Sustainability refers to the repurposing of something that is unusable. Their timber comes from piles that would otherwise rot or be turned into firewood, but instead, they refashion it into something beautiful and practical. When you purchase an item from this local business, it is a ‘feel good’ experience knowing that you are procuring a locally sourced product that is sustainable and not harmful to the ecosystem of our town.
As a gesture of their appreciation and enjoyment of Orange, Father & Son CT have donated many of their creative items to fundraisers at local schools and organizations.
Father & Son CT participates in local fairs and plans to add more craft fair dates in the upcoming months. Sarah commented, “We would love for our Orange neighbors to connect with us!”
For more information check their website at fatherandsonct.square.site, email at FatherAndSonCT@pm.me, check their Youtube channel Father and son CT Wood Turned Gifts, or find on social media.
Foggy Otis: Spreads the Joyful Sounds of Ukulele
Foggy Otis and his wife, Barbara, joined the Orange community in February of 2021. Prior, they lived in the Hudson Valley area of upstate New York and decided to move to Orange for its proximity to healthcare facilities and New York City. They live in the Beecher Walk development where the couple has made lasting friendships with many of their neighbors.
Soon after arriving in town, Foggy gave an ukulele demonstration and performance at the first Orange Artisan Fest & Vendor Fair in 2021. That same year he performed at the Orange Community Farmers Market. When he returned to the Farmers Market this past year, he watched his student, Lainey Kidder, a 9-year old Orange resident, sing a set of her favorite Taylor Swift songs while playing guitar. He had helped Lainey perfect this performance. Foggy thought it was a special moment as a crowd gathered and sang along.
He recalls being a nine-year-old himself when he was first inspired to be a musician. His father brought him to a benefit concert for the Jersey City Police Department, held at the historic Stanley Theater close to where he grew up. It was 1975 and he reminisces seeing Jimmie “JJ” Walker, the Broadway cast of “Pippin,” and Tony Bennet and his orchestra to name a few of the performers. Foggy’s father was always supportive of his musical pursuits, provided guitar lessons, and chauffeured him and his band members to gigs all over New Jersey which continued through his college years.
THE SHIFT TO UKULELE
In the 1980’s, Foggy played original music and switched over from guitar to bass throughout the 1990’s. He shared, “In the early 2000’s I was bitten by the songwriting bug and switched back to guitar where I remained until 2008 when I had openheart surgery.”
Foggy was only 42 years old when he underwent a quadruple bypass and received an implanted pacemaker/ defibrillator for congestive heart failure. As a result, numbness impaired the dexterity in his fingers, and he could no longer play guitar. He soon realized that the ukulele,
Two of their popular products, the ice cream scoop on the left and a variety of wine stoppers on the right.
Photo: Father & Son CT
Foggy Otis with his ukulele.
Photo: Foggy Otis
with its smaller size and further spaced strings, would be a feasible alternative for making music. This calamitous incident turned out to be a fortunate opportunity for an alternate musical career.
TEACHING AND PRODUCING
In March, Foggy performed an ukulele demonstration, followed by a 10-week afternoon class at the Orange Senior Center. Foggy commented, “Besides being a fun instrument, even for those with no musical experience; it also has great health benefits.”
Currently, Foggy is dividing his time between teaching and producing content for his You Tube Channel (YouTube/@FoggyOtis). He writes lessons and produces video tutorials for Ukulele magazine, liveperformances and most recently, concert promotion.
Being a retired public-school teacher, Foggy enjoys teaching ukulele to students. His lessons are personalized to engage students’ musical interests. He encourages students to take their time learning and enjoy the journey since there is no pressure to meet weekly. Foggy reassures that his lessons are fun and stressless unlike big box ukulele lessons.
In 2022 Foggy was invited by the editor of Ukulele magazine to try his hand at writing lessons accompanied with videos for the magazine. To this date, Foggy has had three lessons published in the magazine which is available in print at Barnes and Noble.
In 2023 Foggy Otis’ You Tube channel was accepted into the You Tube Partner program which features tutorial videos on multiple ability levels from beginners to advanced
Lainey Kidder, one of Foggy’s students, performing at the Orange Community Farmers’ Market in September of 2023.
players, recording tips and insights, classic rock songs reimagined for ukulele, original music performed on uke, instrument reviews plus a whole bunch of live performance videos. Foggy produces all his videos right here in Orange in his home studio. He has been performing in Orange since he first moved here.
In addition to performing in Orange, Foggy plays in the local area, including Randall’s in West Haven, The Cellar in Hamden, and even the public library in New Haven— and frequents local open mic nights as well.
Musical events like this can foster a sense of community while bringing a boost to local businesses willing to take a chance on melodious performances. Foggy feels lucky to have remained in the music industry following what most likely would have been a career-ending catastrophe and reflects, “I’m very glad it worked out as well as it has!”
Find Foggy Otis on Facebook, Youtube, and his website, foggyotisuke.com.
Photo: Annmarie Sliby
Foggy’s personal collection of string instruments.
Photo: Foggy Otis
All Things Trees with Rana Tree Removal
WRITTEN BY: TASHA MEISENHEIMER
Rana Tree Removal, a minority and woman-owned tree service company, has been in business for the past five years. The owners, Bhupi and Trina Rana, and their three children moved to Orange in the summer of 2022, attracted to the close-knit community.
Bhupi has a background in outdoor adventure and wanted a profession that offered a sense of exhilaration while working outdoors. Climbing massive trees appeared to be the perfect fit, and it turns out he is very good at it!
Having a backdrop in the outdoor safety industry, part of Rana Tree Removal’s mission is to ensure that tree work is done safely. This pertains to their employees, their clients, and their clients’ properties. Taking down enormous trees is no easy task. Rana Tree Removal employs four full-time tree specialists. They work all over the state, with most of their jobs in New Haven and Fairfield counties. They have a variety of modern equipment such as a CMC spider lift that provides access to difficult spaces. The lift can reach over 90 feet high and access spaces as small as 3 feet. They also have a bucket truck, 18” chipper, and skid steers to name a few. Two of their employees are skilled tree climbers who receive ongoing safety training to stay abreast of industry regulations.
SERVICES
Bhupi completed the Arborist class 101 which informs how to treat and maintain trees versus removing them. Rana Tree Removal specializes in tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, tree maintenance, land clearing and much more. Through land clearing, they can help clients expand their yards in preparation for a pool, a new patio, a shed, or
an addition to their house. Due to unpredictable weather, tree removal can be a 24/7 business. Rana Tree Removal is always available at any hour. They have even been called to rescue a few cats trapped in trees!
THE RANA’S EARLY YEARS
Bhupi grew up on the River Ganges in Northern India and started his early career as a white-water raft guide. This job allowed him to travel all around the world and eventually brought him to the White Nile River in Uganda where he met his future wife, Trina. Together, they traveled and lived in developing countries for about three years. While Bhupi
was white-water rafting, Trina was volunteering at schools in East Africa and India. Bhupi also started the first international kayaking festival in India in 2013 named Ganga Kayak Festival. This procured local Indian and international kayakers a platform to showcase their skills on an international level. Ultimately, this secured much needed recognition, traveling opportunities, sponsorship, and donations.
GIVING BACK
In his later years, Bhupi wanted to give back to his childhood home, the remote village on the River Ganges. He began an education
Owner, Bhupi Rana with his family and three employees. From l to r: Trina Rana, Damian Bannafiel, Edgar Maren, Antonio Garcia, and Bhupi Rana. Children from l to r: Emma, Luke, and Lily (standing).
Photo:
Paula
Severino
project for children living in the small village which provides yearly scholarships for school supplies and tuition. Bhupi and Trina also started a women’s empowerment project where women in the village fashioned wallets and purses from recycled goods. The women were able to
earn salaries because they now had access to employment which they never had before. Bhupi has personally sponsored and coached young kayakers and since 2012, has been an ambassador for NRS, an outdoor company located in Idaho. Throughout this sponsorship, he has assisted six additional young kayakers, two who are women, gain their own NRS sponsorships.
The Ranas believe there is no substitute for passion, hard work, and education. These are all values they have focused on both abroad and as Orange residents and business owners. They regularly donate to local organizations like the Orange girls’ lacrosse league and the New Haven Animal Shelter.
The Rana Tree Removal motto is “one tree and one customer at a time.” They believe that it is important to truly listen to their customers and what their tree needs are. Trina reassured, “Rana Tree Removal truly sets out to help our customers make their property safe from dangerous trees and enjoyable by gaining more yard access.” They are fair, honest, reliable and will always complete the job in a timely manner. The team cleans up after the trees are removed and often leaves the yard in better shape than when they first arrived.
For more information, call 203-800-6898, or view their website at ranatreeservice.com.
Photo: Rana Tree Removal
Photo: Rana Tree Removal
The CMC spider lift that spans over 90 feet high.
Transcending the Traditional Salon Experience
WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
Since its inception at 500 Boston Post Road in February 2023, Elevate Style Lounge has stood as a beacon of hair artistry and premium service in Orange. Spearheaded by owner and barber Victor Lopez, the salon has set out to revolutionize the grooming and haircare experience.
Victor’s journey into the hairstyling world is as compelling as the styles he creates. Growing up as first generation in a Colombian family, Victor used to watch music videos on MTV with eyes wide open, dreaming of working in hair or fashion one day.
A PASSION FOR HAIR
“Hair intrigued me the most, and I was lucky to have friends that helped me explore barbering at a young age by letting me practice on them,” Victor said. “I started cutting hair in my garage when I was 13, and I never looked back.”
During a challenging time in his life, Victor’s unwavering passion for hairstyling propelled him forward. This timeframe became a period of profound personal growth and his desire to learn led him to completing his high school diploma, earning a college degree in carpentry, studying cosmetology, and developing business plans. This was the beginning of his rise in the hair industry.
“After securing my hairdresser license, I began working at a barber shop and a salon in Milford,” Victor said. “That’s when everything started changing for me. As an urban barber, I sharpened my skills while learning the ins and outs of the business and building a loyal clientele. At the salon, I had the chance to master hair coloring and perfect longer, more sophisticated shear cuts – skills often overlooked in traditional barbering.
This expanded my horizons, and eventually I became a social media influencer sponsored by American Crew® products.”
SERVICES
Elevate Style Lounge is the culmination of Victor’s diverse experiences and skills, focused on making each client look and feel their best. The salon offers a broad spectrum of services for men and women, including the revolutionary non-surgical hair replacement, which Victor describes as the best nonsurgical solution that currently exists in the market.
“People often think of wigs or toupees when they hear about hair replacement, but what we offer is
specifically tailored for men, and it’s a game changer,” Victor said. “In just an hour and a half, clients can go from bald to having natural-looking, styled hair. This process boosts not just appearance, but confidence too. We offer a discreet, personalized experience, with just a monthly visit for upkeep, all in the privacy of a specialized room. It’s about providing a service that truly changes how men feel about themselves.”
CAFÉ
The lounge’s ambiance reflects Victor’s vision for a holistic salon experience. Spanning 2,500 square feet, the space is designed to relax and pamper, offering a full bar and authentic Colombian empanadas in addition to the personalized beauty services.
Owner Victor Lopez (center) with his staff in front of the bar. From l to r in the front: Marcelo Urbina, Victor Lopez, and Karen Lopez. Back row: Cruz Rocha and Ronnie Laconto.
Photo: Paula Severino
“Our space is an oasis,” Victor said. “Upon arrival, clients are greeted with a choice of complimentary coffee or water. We use minty shampoos for a soothing wash, and for beard care we apply essential oils and provide hot towel shaves or facial steamers. It’s all designed to rejuvenate and uplift, removing the day’s stress.”
What sets Elevate apart is the philosophy that drives its operations. Victor’s commitment to positive client interactions is at the heart of the salon.
“We’re like therapists,” Victor said. “My team radiates positivity because we accept everyone for who they are and respect all identities and beliefs. Last week a client walked in here feeling low after a breakup. We talked for a while, and when I turned him around in the chair and saw the transformation in his eyes, I knew
I had played a part in restoring his confidence to start over.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Under Victor’s leadership, Elevate Style Lounge is a movement toward
elevated grooming standards, inclusivity, and community support. The salon’s fundraising efforts, including a donation to cancer research, emphasize a deep commitment to giving back.
Victor Lopez’s story of resilience and success is interwoven with every haircut, treatment, and conversation at Elevate. As Victor looks forward, his goal is to make the business a franchise that is managed and run by barbers.
For those in search of a haircut, a moment to unwind, or a one-of-a-kind grooming experience, Elevate Style Lounge welcomes all while setting a new standard, one client at a time.
For additional information visit their website at: ElevateStyleLounge. com, or call 203-298-0585 for an appointment.
Guests can play a round of pool after their appointment while enjoying a cold beverage.
Photo: Paula Severino
Owner, Victor Lopez cutting a client’s hair.
Photo: Paula Severino
Well-Loved Pizza Restaurant Returns to Former Location
WRITTEN BY: CHRISTINA LEVERE
Not many people would trade semi-retirement in the Sunshine State for a return to work in a state that doesn’t promise much in the way of beach days. But when a friend called Michael Avena to say that the former home of Abates, on the Boston Post Road, was vacant, Michael called the landlord.
“I told him I’d run the place,” Michael said. “I told him that me and my wife, Christine, had been the face of Abates for years. We put a deal together and I told Christine, ‘We’re back!’”
After Michael explained what he meant, she told him he was out of his mind. “I finally said, ‘If you really believe in it, let’s do it,’” Christine said.
Michael clearly believed in it, but it wasn’t just about the pizza. The Orange location mattered just as much. “It’s this spot,” he said. “I have a sentimental attachment to this location. This was my home for years. The best part of working here is working with my wife every day.”
Given their lifelong history with pizza, it shouldn’t be surprising that dough and sauce is what brought these two together.
MANY YEARS IN PIZZA
“I’ve been in the pizza business for 30 years,” Christine said. “My stepdad and mom owned and ran Abates on Wooster Street.” The couple met after Michael, who started working in New York pizzerias when he was just 15 years old, took a job at Abates on Wooster Street in 2011.
“After I got the job, Lou [Abate] sent me over here [to Orange],” Michael said. “He knew I was from New York City and had worked with finger foods and appetizers. He knew what I could do in Connecticut. He said, ‘Go do your thing.’”
Christine and Michael Avena.
Michael and Christine started running Abates in Orange that year. “I went back and forth between Wooster Street and Orange,” Christine said.
“We were a little bit New York and a little bit New Haven,” Michael said.
They amassed a loyal customer base, particularly with those who preferred “uncharred” pizza crust like you might find in New Haven. They crafted their signature Gramma pizza: extra thin crust and made in a pan with plum tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, garlic, and plenty of olive oil.
UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
According to Michael, “Everything was great until 2016, when the first fire happened.” Thankfully, the oven
fire was a quick process to recover from. They were up and running in about six months.
Then, in 2019, the business suffered a second oven fire. “We thought it would be the same — that we would be up and running, but this time, it wasn’t going as quickly,” Michael said. In the two-year interim, he and Christine opened a restaurant in Old Saybrook, closer to where they owned a home, but they decided it wasn’t the right fit. “I said to Christine, ‘Let’s sell our share and our house and semi-retire.’”
RETURN TO ORANGE
Just about a year into their stint in Florida, after tolerating a lot of really bad pizza, the infamous phone call happened.
Owners,
Photo: Paula Severino
They returned to Connecticut and opened We’re Back in Orange in May 2023, just 18 days after they got the key. Michael said the business’s name just flew out of his mouth, similar to his pronouncement to Christine.
“The name has turned into a thing,” he said. “People come in, a lot of old clientele, and see us and say, ‘It’s you! You’re back!’ and it has turned into a really good name. I even got some of my original crew back. Five of us came back.”
MENU
Customers will recognize popular favorites, like the Gramma, as well as some new items, like a We’re Back specialty pie with mozzarella, onion, meatballs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and pepperoni. The menu is stocked with thin crust pizza pies, a Sicilian pie, a bakery-style Sicilian pie, stuffed breads, wraps, brioche bun sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
for
years.
They also offer pizza by the slice, a full-service menu, catering for small and large parties, and a we’re-here-toplease attitude.
“If you don’t see something on the menu, tell us and we’ll make it,”
Michael said. “And every day, if you walk in to look at the menu, we give out a slice. We always give out extra.”
Speaking of giving, We’re Back donates its extra pizzas to Gateway Community Church, to feed the homeless, and has provided turkey dinners at Thanksgiving.
“Like the sign says, ‘We’re back!’” Michael said. “It’s been challenging but it’s been amazing. There’s overwhelming support for coming back. Now that word is spreading, we have our old clientele and now we have the new.”
He continued, “This has been my home for all of these years. We’re back and we’re here to stay.”
Dine in at 106 Boston Post Road or order by calling 203-298-4484. View their website at werebackpizza.com.
Adrian Alvarez taking a hot pizza from the oven. Alvarez has been with the establishment
25
Photo: Paula Severino
Stromboli fresh out of the oven! Bourbon chicken with bacon, onion, and bourbon sauce on the left with broccoli and ricotta on the right.
Photo: Paula Severino
Join Us and Grow Together with the Orange Chamber
WRITTEN BY: DR. ROB RUBINO
The Orange Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate 62 years of serving businesses in the Orange community and surrounding area.
New Executive Director, Liam Ohlmann, was hired in August of 2023. Since his tenure began, Chamber membership has grown, and new programs and events have been added.
“The entire Orange community, businesses and residents alike, are so fortunate to live and work in this amazing business friendly town,” explains Executive Director Liam Ohlmann. “We not only are the home to large businesses such as Avangrid, but we are also home to an abundant number of single member LLC’s. Our Chamber is proud to uphold the responsibility of serving businesses of every size in our community.”
Executive Director Ohlmann continues, “The greatest function our Chamber of Commerce can perform is to serve as a dot connector. We facilitate business to business connections, business to municipal connections, and also business to resident connections to serve everyone’s needs.” According to Executive Director Ohlmann, “The key to getting the most out of your experience with the Orange Chamber of Commerce is to participate. For example, we host a monthly networking event at the Homewood Suites on the second Thursday of every month at 8:30 am. This onehour event is always free of charge and is open to both members and non-members. We hope you take
ORANGE CHAMBER of COMMERCE
an hour and spend it with us at this monthly event.”
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Generous corporate partners support the Orange Chamber of Commerce mission of serving businesses in the Orange Community. “Simply put, our corporate partners’ generosity allows our one-town Chamber to function. We cannot thank Avangrid, Coldwell Banker, The Eagle Leasing Company, The Milford Bank, Roebic Laboratories, and TrinityPoint Wealth enough. We are grateful for their memberships and sponsorships of our Chamber,” Executive Director Ohlmann proclaims. For more information about becoming a corporate partner, please email Director@ orangectchamber.com.
Teamwork makes the dreams work, and nowhere is this statement more accurate than at 605A Orange Center Road. The Orange Economic Development Corporation and the Orange Chamber of Commerce share the upstairs office. “It is truly an honor to work alongside the OEDC. Our organizations share the mutual goal of growing Orange’s economy and serving the Town’s businesses. The mutual respect between the two organizations benefits everyone,” Executive Director Ohlmann explains.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Orange Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce they will be hosting their Community Awards Dinner and Annual Member Meeting at Grassy Hill Country Club on the night of Thursday, June 13th. This
dinner will not just be a celebration of the Orange Chamber of Commerce and its members, but also a salute to many important individuals in our community. “We’re thrilled to return to Grassy Hill Country Club for this important event. We hope you will choose to join us for both the happy hour and dinner on this night of celebration,” said Ohlmann.
Visit the Chamber’s Facebook Page for new events and programs scheduled throughout the year.
For more information about joining the Orange Chamber of Commerce, please visit OrangeCTChamber.com, email Director@orangectchamber or call 203-795-3328.
Dr. Rob Rubino is the current Vice President of the Orange Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Rubino Family Chiropractic. You can learn more about Rubino Family Chiropractic by visiting Rubinofamilychiropractic.com.
Photo: Liam Ohlmann
A New Parcel of Land Added to the Town’s Open Space
WRITTEN BY: DR. LAWRENCE MESSINA
Envision cathedral pine trees, babbling trout streams, and red-tailed hawks flying hundreds of feet above the ground. This is what peace and tranquility feels like, as nature provides the oxygen we breathe and the water we drink.
The Orange Land Trust is a private non-profit 501c(3) organization that dedicates its work to preserving open natural spaces. These conservation areas are home to various species of plants and animals and provide a peaceful space for people to enjoy.
PROPERTIES
The Orange Land Trust currently holds twenty-four properties throughout town, with a total of one hundred acres. These parcels of land are anywhere from just under an acre, with the largest being over twenty acres. The medium areas of land are anywhere from four to six acres. Along with the town’s properties, this brings over one thousand acres to be enjoyed by all. In combination with the Conservation Commission, the grounds have been developed for passive use with off-street parking and access to its hiking trails. The unique properties contain a wide variety of natural habitats such as rocky outcroppings (most notably Tucker’s Ridge), forests, meadows, and wetlands. The Racebrook Tract, Turkey Hill Preserve, Wrights Pond, Housatonic Overlook, and the Ewen Farm Preserve are a few of the protected areas.
The most recent addition of open space to the Orange Land Trust is a 15.83-acre purchase of the Lesniak property on Wheeler’s Farm Road. This scenic area makes for a wonderful extension to the
Housatonic Overlook/Tucker’s Ridge preserve and is accessible from the High Ridge Road cul-de-sac. The historic pond, located near Wheelers Farm Road, is available for catch and release fishing. The stone wall and meadow with its vista add to the beautiful ambiance of the area.
All properties are within easy reach of the town’s borders, providing the perfect setting for a stroll, hike, cross-country ski, or a place to sit, relax, watch, and enjoy nature. The beautiful locations are home to a variety of animals, including owls, frogs, deer, foxes, coyotes, and the occasional bald eagle, with many songbirds and thrushes also thriving in this habitat.
MISSION
The Orange Land Trust and the Town of Orange have been fortunate recipients of many properties throughout the years. Being proactive is the best solution for the Land Trust to maintain and keep these gems of nature and historic preserves. Along with dedicated volunteer residents of Orange and Land Trust members, these lands have been protected.
The Orange Land Trust sponsors educational events and hikes, and also maintains the trail system. They provide three $1,000 scholarships per year to students attending UNH pursuing a career in environmental studies.
Help preserve our natural beauty and character by donating land to the community. Your donation would potentially provide a tax benefit.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Orange Land Trust organizes events throughout the summer. Please join us for our very popular “Birds of Prey” demonstration presented by The Wing Master Julie Anne Collier, being held at the Orange Country Fair, September 21st and 22nd at High Plains field. Look for the Orange Land Trust tent for specific presentation times. Another popular event is “Walk with the Goats,” being held at Race Brook Tract in a few months. Check the Land Trust website for more information.
We are grateful to our existing Land Trust members and always welcome new members and volunteers.
Visit orangelandtrust.com for more information. Current Land Trust president Dr. Lawrence Messina can be reached at Lmess41793@aol.com.
Photo: Annmarie Sliby
A view of the pond available for catch and release fishing, which is part of the newly acquired property added to the town’s open space.
Calendar of Events
WRITTEN BY: MARY BIALY
May 24: Racebrook School Food Truck Festival
Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Multiple food trucks, live music, free and open to the public; free parking. For information, check the Facebook page RBSFoodTruckFest.
May 26: Memorial Day Parade
The Ceremony begins at 10:30 am at the Gazebo at 525 Orange Center Road. A Parade immediately follows at the corner of Pine Tree Drive and Orange Center Road and will conclude with a ceremony at the Orange Center Road Cemetery. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved inside at High Plains Community Center, and the parade will be cancelled.
June 8: Congregational Church Strawberry Festival
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 9 am to 5 pm. Food, live music, vendors, red car show and more. Free admission. For information, call 203-795-9749 or visit the website at orangecongregationalchurch.org. (Rain Date: 6/9)
June 13: Orange Chamber Awards Dinner
Grassy Hill Country Club, 441 Clark Lane, 6 pm. Networking social, dinner, speakers, and award ceremony. Visit OrangeCTchamber.com or call 203-795-3328 for more information.
June 20: 4th Annual Artisan Fest And Vendor Fair
Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Free and open to the public, free parking. Artisan and business vendors, food trucks, a live performance by the Sabb’s Brothers (band plays 6-8pm), and a new children’s activities area this year. For more information, visit: orangeedc.com/Events_Activities.
June 27: Orange Community Farmers’ Market
The pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 pm to 7 pm. Opening day and the market runs each Thursday from June 27th to September 26th. A variety of vendors, food trucks and live music. Visit the website FarmMarketOrange.com for a list of vendors each week or call 203-891-1045.
July 5: Concert & Fireworks Celebration
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 6:30 pm. Welcoming comments from First Selectman James Zeoli, followed by a concert, food vendors, and a Fireworks Spectacular. Free admission, parking donation of $5. (Rain Date: 7/7)
August 1-4: Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road. Rides, games, food, and activities. Proceeds go to the Volunteer Fire Association. For more information, visit the website: orangevfd.org.
August 23-24: The Orange Players
High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Matinee on Saturday at 3 pm. “Acting Up! 2023” an evening of one act plays. For more information visit the website: OrangePlayers.net.
August 30 – September 2: Odyssey ’24 A Greek Festival
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road. Greek food, dancing, live music. For more information, visit the website: saintbarbara.org.
September 7: The Rotary Club Of Orange Summerfest
Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road from 2 pm to 8 pm. Free Admission for all. Family fun, entertainment, and good food.
September 17: OEDC Annual Golf Tournament
Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue. Check in at 11 am, lunch reception at noon, shotgun start at 1 pm, and cocktail hour following the tournament. The OEDC is partnering with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. Registration is open on the website: orangeedc.com/ Events_Activities/ or call (203) 891-1045.
September 21-22: Orange Country Fair
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road. Agricultural fair with exhibits, contests, food vendors, tractor & truck pulls, classic car show, music and midway. For more information, visit the website OrangeCTFair.com.
November 1: The Owl Prowl
Ewen Farm Preserve, 7:30 pm. Venture into the darkness to spot these magnificent creatures. Check website for information at orangectconservationcommission.com.
November 9: The Orange Players 50th Anniversary Gala Orange VFW, 630 Grassy Hill Road, Orange at 6:00 pm. Appetizers and small bites will be included. The event is open to the public. For more details, visit the website OrangePlayers.net.
November 14: Holiday Farmer’s Market
The Pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 pm - 7 pm. A variety of farm, food and craft vendors, and food trucks. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact Orange Economic Development Corporation at 203-891-1045.
Photo: Paula Severino
