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
Michelle Bailey, Charlotte Del Vecchio, Spencer Harrington, Cristina Levere, Dr. Lawrence Messina, Tasha Meisenheimer, Marianne Miller, Joseph Weathered
Submitted Images
Big Y, Defining Image, Graphicways Design, Lions Club, Orange Community Women, Dr. Lawrence Messina, Kyle Norton, Rick Welsh, Pratibha Wisniewski
Design Photography & Production
Paula Severino
OrangeLife Magazine is distributed semi-annually by the:
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On the Cover
Pileated woodpeckers have made a significant comeback in New England. Photo taken in the backyard of Sheila Welsh’s residence on Longmeadow Road prior to her passing. Read Discovering Wildlife in Our Own Backyards on Page 28 about the abundance of wildlife in Orange.
Photo: Rick Welsh
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the OEDC. The OEDC shall not be held liable for typographical errors or errors in the publication or for failure to publish an advertisement. For more information, email: asliby@OrangeEDC.com
10 BIG Y SUP e RMARK e TS
Family-Owned Grocer Brings Local Flavor to Town
13
TH e SUZUKI MUSIC SCHOOL Music: A Shared Language
17 LIONS CLUB INT e RNATIONAL
Support Guide Dogs f or the Blind
21
COZY PLAC e L e ARNING C e NT e R
Orange Provides a Cozy Place for Learning
25 GRAPHICWAYS D e SIGN
Mother-Daughter Duo Blends e xperience and Innovation
28 ORANG e LAND TRUST
Discovering Wildlife in Our Own Backyards
31 ORANG e COMMUNITY WOM e N Striving to Grow, Care, Give and Share for 40 Years
35 CAL e NDAR OF e V e NTS
Summer and Fall
Our goal with every issue of OrangeLife is to present stories that inform, engage, and encourage you to see and appreciate your surroundings. What you’ll find in these pages is a snapshot of growth, creativity, and connection, told through places and experiences that might seem ordinary at first glance, but reveal something deeper upon closer look.
In this issue, we take you inside a grocery store that’s doing more than stocking shelves— it’s rethinking how neighbors gather, shop, and support local producers. I was so impressed with the owners of Big Y after hearing their story during one of my meetings discussing plans for their future store, that I had to include them in OrangeLife.
Just a few pages later, we highlight Suzuki Music School where passion and discipline come together, giving students of all ages the chance to discover their talent and build confidence through sound. We then turn our attention to the natural world, with features that explore the animals who share our environment—both familiar companions and those we rarely notice. These stories remind us of the quiet ways animals shape our lives, offering perspective, responsibility, and a sense of wonder.
While these topics may differ, they are united by a common thread: they reflect the rhythms of everyday life and the people and creatures in our community that give it meaning. Enjoy this 32nd issue and have a fantastic summer!
ANNeMARIe F. SLIBY Executive Director, OEDC
When visiting any of the businesses that have advertised or are featured, please let them know you saw them 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.
Family-Owned Grocer Brings Local Flavor to Town
WRITT
e N B Y: J OS e PH We ATH e R e D
Opening in summer of 2027, Big Y Supermarkets will occupy the former Christmas Tree Shops space at 220 Indian River Road. The chain, headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, looks to bring its unique, local and community-oriented mission to Orange.
Staff at OrangeLife met with Matt D’Amour, Vice President of Real Estate and Development; Nicole D’Amour Schneider, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Customer Experience; and their cousin Colin D’Amour, Senior Director of Asset Protection, who all represent the third generation of family ownership to discuss Big Y’s past, present, and future.
THe FIRST STORe
In 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, brothers Paul and Gerry D’Amour cashed in their life savings to purchase Y Cash Market, in Willimansett, a village of Chicopee, Massachusetts, for $2,500. The market was the first of many stores in what later became the Big Y brand of grocery stores. The Y in Y Cash Market represents the Y-shaped intersection of Meadow and Chicopee Streets in Chicopee.
“Our grandfather Paul was a salesman for Wonder Bread and found a store for sale on his route. He decided to come off the road and open his own store,” remarked Nicole.
LOCAL VeNDORS
In the 1940’s, the brothers took advantage of a post-depression America to expand and open more stores in Massachusetts. Their strategy of focusing on the local community and providing unique and fresh product by partnering with local vendors and farmers is a mission that continues to this day.
Colin explains, “How you define local in Orange is not how you define local in the South Shore of Boston. We really try to curate the product and have that product resonate. I think we have created a system where it’s not one size fits all for our vendors. We will
Submitted by BigY
definitely get into the community and find the right fit for Orange.”
“We are constantly searching for new local partners,” Matt replied. “During COVID, we built a large addition to our distribution center called the FLDC (Fresh Local Distribution Center).”
The FLDC hub, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, was created for local vendors to deliver their products to one location. Matt continues, “A lot of the local farmers and vendors do not have the resources to market in multiple stores, so we give them a single point of contact to deliver where we can distribute to the local area for them.”
GROWTH
In 1952, the brand officially became Big Y Supermarket, dropping the words Cash Market and adding the word Big, when they began opening larger supermarkets following the post-war trend of ‘one stop,’ almost big box grocery stores.
It was during an era of relative abundance with new choices and variety, and the D’Amour family responded by offering personalized service, along with fruits and vegetables from nearby local farms which are now considered the legacies of the D’Amour brothers.
“We started our kitchen departments around 30 years ago and like everything, the business has evolved over time,” remarked Nicole.
Big Y prides itself in offering healthy, fresh items and keeping in-store experiences special and unique.
Photo:
Nicole continues, “Fresh pizza, sushi, our sub shops, in-store butcher, or floral department; are all parts of the store that are unique to us, and we really put a lot of effort into maintaining that human connection.”
“I think one of the biggest points of pride for us is that the employees genuinely care about the business,” commented Matt. “It’s a reciprocal relationship; we continually re-invest in them and support their education and development. That in-store butcher wouldn’t be good if they didn’t want to learn their trade; as long as they want to learn, we want to support them in their endeavor and that makes a difference in the shopping experience.”
MULTI-GeNeRATIONAL
A rare element of Big Y is that it is one of the few companies to remain family owned for over three generations.
“We are the third generation of family leaders and not many companies get to that point; only about 10% last into the third generation. And now, we are in the process of having the fourth generation involved in the company,” commented Nicole.
The idea of the company’s beginnings in the Great Depression to the multigenerational history of ownership has led to each member of the family having their own story of entryway into the family business.
After college, Matt became a teacher for a private boarding school for quite a few years before eventually finding his way into the family business. He started stocking shelves and worked his way up the ladder.
“There’s certainly not a whole lot of nepotism in our family,” remarked Matt. “We have an onboarding process, so you start from the ground and work your way up. A general rule of practice for all family members.”
“I started as a service clerk; bagging groceries and shagging carts in the parking lot, similar to Matt and Colin and worked part time jobs through high school and college,” said Nicole about her career. “I went to school to be a teacher and taught prep school in New Milford, Connecticut for a few years before getting married and that’s what precipitated in getting me to move back to Massachusetts and coming back full time into the company.”
“At 14 I started as a service clerk, bagging groceries in our Longmeadow store and had various jobs as I went
through my teenage and college years,” remarked Colin. “After graduating college, I went into the United States Marine Corps where I was on active duty for about eight years, achieving the rank of Captain. I was at a crossroads, and one day Matt’s brother Michael took me out to lunch and said, ‘I really think we would like you to come back into the family business,’ so I made the decision to go into the store director training program. It has certainly been a great education over the last ten years in my career at Big Y.”
eVOLUTION
The supermarket model has evolved, and innovation is a major part of what Big Y does. Matt commented, “We used to have photo mats, DVD and video stores, laundromats, all sorts of in-store things. Right now, the key part for us will be the sheer volume and the effort of getting as many local vendors in the store as possible.”
With their move into Orange, Big Y looks to hire around 130 employees in a variety of positions and as Matt remarked, looks to create “a kind of ecosystem in place with local farmers and trades.”
“We are excited to be in Orange,” replied Matt. “It’s part of the natural growth pattern for us. We are happy to have found a spot that works and want to get in and open.”
Representing third generation owners from left to right: Colin D’Amour, Nicole D’Amour Schneider, and Matt D’Amour.
Photo: Submitted by BigY
Photo: Submitted by BigY
Big Y’s pizza case at the West Springfield store where customers can order pies to go or purchase a slice.
Music: A Shared Language at Suzuki Music Schools
WRITT e N B Y: TASHA Me IS e NH e IM e R
The Suzuki Music Schools of Orange and Westport are non-profit 501(c)(3) public charities. In serving the community, their primary mission is to promote lifelong learning.
Both schools are governed by a board that includes community members, parents and alumni. The board represents the needs of music lovers and those that understand the transformative power of music.
The Suzuki Method is named after its founder, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, and is based on a family-style process. The Suzuki Method resides in the power of parenting and how children pick up and retain important lessons from their parents. The students learn music similarly to how they learn a language— by listening and experimenting at home—motivated by the praise of their family and surrounding community.
The Suzuki Music School of Orange has two mottos: Every child can learn and Learn with love. These slogans showcase positivity while parents and teachers collaborate to offer immersive learning. In this regard, music becomes the primary language. All the instructors are trained in the Suzuki Method and many of them came to that route through their own experience as professional musicians. The faculty is comprised of music professors from local universities, international musical performers, and lifelong teachers who all desire to instruct in the most ideal setting, one that encompasses every age group and all skill sets.
eARLY LeARNING
Leslie Waddell, Director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Suzuki, is also currently Acting Head of School for the Orange branch. She brings 26 years of experience teaching
early childhood music. Throughout her career, she has been passionately helping families experience music as a shared language. The Suzuki philosophy resonates deeply with her because the method views ability as something that can be carefully nurtured in every child through listening, repetition, encouragement, and strong parental involvement. While the Early Childhood Education Program has long been a part of their overall school offerings, it was recently introduced to the Orange location in late 2024. Presently, Suzuki is offering one ECE Jump Start class (mixed ages birth-4 years) taught by Audie Szymanski.
Waddell states, “We are excited about building enrollment and expanding access for families in the area. The program focuses on nurturing musical sensitivity, steady beat and rhythmic patterning, listening skills, body awareness and meaningful parent-child connection during the critical years of development.”
Director, Andrew Smith, believes the Early Childhood Education Program “is the best way to start a child’s journey in music.” When children feel ready, they are introduced to instruments which can start as early as 4 years of age. A child can choose from one of many
Leslie Waddell, Director of the early Childhood education Program, working with student, Thiago Vargas.
Photo: Kyle Norton
musical instruments such as violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar or piano. Suzuki Music Schools also offer music theory, group classes, chamber music and a range of other music lessons.
BACKGROUND
Smith came to Suzuki Music Schools after being an international violinist. When he first arrived in the Unites States from London, he became a violin
professor in Indiana. Soon after, he realized that the most exciting age group to teach was the very young. He stated, “They are open and happy and so fun to work with!” When the prospect to lead the Suzuki Music Schools emerged, he jumped at the opportunity. Aside from being the director of Suzuki Music Schools of Orange and Westport, Smith also works internationally through remote means and collaborates with several famous composers to record music—mostly for film, television, and gaming platforms. He reflects, “It’s really satisfying staying close to home while being able to work on Grammy Winning Scores with some of the best musicians in the world. It’s a great balance to my teaching.”
LeARN AT ANY AGe
One impor tant aspect of the Orange branch is its potential for thoughtful growth. Suzuki Music Schools are intentionally developing programming that supports families from the earliest years forward, creating a strong foundation not only for musical development, but also for focus, confidence,
and connection. Having highly qualified instructors, Suzuki Music Schools also teach adults, many of whom enjoy the mixed community atmosphere. It’s never too late to learn and take advantage of the opportunity to introduce music into one’s life. Currently, the schools teach teens, young professionals and several retirees and seniors.
The Suzuki Music School of Orange’s main goal is to build a vibrant home where children can begin in early childhood classes and continue seamlessly into instrumental study. For the summer, they are in the process of scheduling SECE programming in Orange which includes a Family Camp for ages 1-4 and a Little Musicians Camp for ages 3-6. Looking ahead to the next academic year, they plan to introduce additional family-centered events such as Family Music Days and Grandparents’ Day to deepen community engagement.
The Orange Suzuki School is located in St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road. For more information call 203-227-9474 or visit suzukischools.org,
Director, Andrew Smith.
Photo: Defining Image
Lions Clubs Support Guide Dogs for the Blind
WRITT e N B Y: S P e NC e R H ARRINGTON AND M ARIANN e M ILL e R
Lions Clubs International has a longstanding relationship dating back to 1981 with the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Fidelco has been the only guide dog school in New England specializing exclusively in German Shepherd guide dogs and in community placements.
Fidelco’s first trainer was actively involved with the Lions, helping to build a partnership rooted in shared values of service and support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve,” and Helen Keller was a famous spokesperson for the Lions.
The Lions Club of Orange continues to work closely with Fidelco and its trainers. Orange Lions member Marianne Miller is District 23A’s chairperson for Fidelco Guide Dogs. She stated, “It takes a great deal of fundraising. From birth to training to placement with a blind individual, the cost is over $70,000 per dog, which is without charge to the client.”
BReeDING AND TRAINING
Fidelco breeds, raises, trains, and places its own German Shepherd guide dogs. The journey begins when puppies are placed into volunteer raiser homes at just eight weeks old. From eight weeks until approximately 16 months of age, puppy raisers play a critical role in shaping each dog’s foundation.
During this time, raisers teach essential house manners, social skills, and basic obedience. They attend Saturday puppy classes and work toward earning the coveted “red vest.” Once a puppy earns the red vest, they are granted access to public spaces such as stores, restaurants, and community events— critical exposure that prepares them for future guide work.
Volunteer puppy raisers are the heart of Fidelco’s program, and there is always
a need for dedicated individuals and families willing to open their homes to a future guide dog. Without these volunteers, the mission would not be possible. Raising a puppy for Fidelco is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in someone’s life while being supported every step of the way by professional staff and a strong community of fellow raisers.
At around 16 months of age, the young dog returns to campus for formal training. For six to eight months, the dog works closely with a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI). This period is intensive and highly structured, focusing on advanced obedience, intelligent disobedience, traffic work, obstacle navigation, and complex environmental challenges.
Throughout the training process, the dog and instructor complete multiple blindfold evaluations in various environments. These evaluations, supervised by the Director of Training, ensure that each team meets Fidelco’s rigorous standards before graduation. By approximately two years of age, the dog is ready to be matched with a client.
PLACeMeNT
One of Fidelco’s defining features is its in-community placement model. Rather than requiring clients to travel for extended residential training, Fidelco instructors travel to the client’s home. Over the course of 10 to 15 days, the instructor works directly with the client in their real-world environments— home, workplace, and social settings.
This approach allows for highly individualized instruction and smoother integration into daily life. Fidelco completes an average of 25–30 guide dog placements each year.
Fidelco’s commitment does not end at placement. Clients receive annual follow-up support, and a 24/7 hotline connects them directly to a trainer whenever questions arise.
Fidelco dogs typically work for 8 to 10 years, retiring around 10 to 12 years of age. At retirement, clients may choose to keep their guide as a pet, adopt the dog out, or return the dog to Fidelco, where the organization ensures each dog is placed in a loving home.
Guide dog Clark and puppy Hex, who is in training.
Photo: Submitted by Lions Club
A STRONG PARTNeRSHIP
In order to support Fidelco’s worthy activities, the Orange Lions Club raises funds from a variety of fundraisers in the community. The Lions introduced Fidelco’s guide dogs to locals at the Orange Country Fair. During the last few years, trainer Spencer Harrington and others have accompanied the guide dogs, answering questions, and acting as the dogs’ spokespersons. Over the years, Fidelco has worked closely with
Orange and other local Lions Clubs, attending events, speaking engagements, and community gatherings to promote awareness of guide dog services and the mission of the foundation. This partnership continues today, strengthening community connections and expanding outreach throughout New England.
SPeNCeR’S JOURNeY
Spencer Harrington’s unique journey with Fidelco began when she was about 11 years old. She attended an open house at Fidelco’s Bloomfield campus and instantly fell in love—not just with the dogs, but with the Fidelco mission.
After graduating high school, Spencer wasn’t allowed to get her own dog. Instead, it was suggested she raise a puppy for Fidelco. The first dog she raised, Nova, is still working successfully in Washington, D.C.
After Nova, Spencer continued raising puppies and was hired in the puppy department. For a year, she taught classes and supported the dedicated puppy
raisers. She later became a trainer apprentice, entering a rigorous threeyear apprenticeship program. Each year concluded with an eight-hour examination to ensure competency and growth.
In 2022, Spencer became a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. Today, she primarily conducts placements—a role she loves because it allows her to travel, work directly with clients, and see the life-changing impact of these dogs firsthand.
For more than six decades, Fidelco has remained committed to excellence, integrity, and partnership. Through careful breeding, comprehensive training, in-community placements, community involvement, and lifelong support, Fidelco continues to transform lives—one German Shepherd at a time.
Donations can be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation with checks in any amount mailed and payable to Orange Lions Charities, c/o Marianne Miller, P.O. Box 824, Orange, CT 06477.
The Feuerstein family with trainer, Spencer Harrington and guide dog Clark at the Orange Country Fair.
Photo: Submitted by Lions Club
Orange Provides a Cozy Place For Learning
WRITT e N B Y: C HARLOTT e De L Ve CCHIO
Maria Anthony is a long-time childcare provider with over 30 years in the daycare business as the former owner of Cuddle Time Daycare in Hamden. After a brief attempt at retirement, Maria decided she was not finished with providing excellent childcare and supporting local families.
Maria launched Cozy Place Learning Center, finding a new home for her childcare business among the families of Orange, where she believes her family-focused care and a concentration on “transparency and open communication” will be valued.
Cozy Place Learning Center opened in March 2025 at 109 Boston Post Road, Suite 9B, located in the back of the Orange Town Center Plaza.
eXPeRIeNCe
As the oldest of eight, Maria Anthony has been assisting in childcare and finding comfort in providing this service since she was young. Her education in business management as well as professional experience in managing several service-based businesses prepared her to start her own business. After starting her family in 1993, Maria received her license to begin a daycare out of her own home in Hamden to focus on spending time with her own two children, while acting on her passion for providing childcare for other local families.
After years of practical and professional experience, Maria received her director’s credential and opened her own daycare center in Hamden. Starting with only three classrooms underneath the Unitarian Society of Hamden, Maria developed relationships with local families and worked her way up to caring for up to 77 children in 10 classrooms with a team of 25 dedicated teachers.
A few years ago, Maria decided to sell her business and enter semiretirement, believing it may be time to slow down. However, after working with families in Milford and Orange, Maria realized she missed the childcare business and the connection to local families.
“That was a close-knit [community] and I missed everything about daycare. It was because of the families that I met [in this community] that made me look [to start my business again].”
Maria discovered the ideal space for her business in Orange, appreciating the open layout and capability to serve children and families in a warm environment. In her previous business, Maria valued the personal connection with families and loved being able to
regularly communicate with clients. As the business owner and Director of the center, Maria understands her need to be involved in the care process and she can always be found by the children, parents, and teachers that look to her for support. She strives to continue these practices and to bring a sense of trust to the families of Orange who come to Cozy Place Learning Center.
“I am hands-on, I talk to all of my parents. I always strive to go the extra mile for my business and my families and my children. I am always there for them and I am here, [at the center].”
HeART AND VISION
Based on her past business and childcare experience, Maria’s goal for Cozy Place is to offer personalized care for her clients by providing a safe and
Owner, Maria Anthony (front left) with teachers Karen Padilia (back left), Diane Weyel (back right), and Jackie Vizcarrondo (front right).
Photo: Paula Severino
loving environment for children, while building relationships with families that last a lifetime. She understands the needs of Orange’s young families and strives to provide all of the care and connections that a small business can offer.
“I haven’t even been here a year and I already have close bonds with my families and the children that come here. The day-to-day operation of the business is what I love: talking to the parents and what their needs are and what they are looking for, making
sure the teachers are supported and working side-by-side with them.”
Maria believes that parent communication is the key to developing these lasting relationships. As a parent, grandparent, and long-time childcare provider, she understands the need for families to have dependable care from someone they can trust.
SeRVICeS
Being a hands-on owner is crucial to Maria’s business practice. She takes care in selecting her teachers, all of
whom have experience in daycare centers and share a passion for working with children.
“I’m learning from my past experience to be more relaxed and understanding of my teachers’ needs as parents and people themselves. I want longevity from my teachers; to develop relationships with them within the community as well.”
Cozy Place provides care for children out of five classrooms, all separated by age: infant (6 weeks and up), older infant, two rooms for two-year-olds, and pre-school (5). Children follow a daily schedule and set curriculum, including cognitive, fine motor, and social/emotional skills. Cozy Place also offers after-school and drop-in services as well as a summer school program that is currently in development.
For more information about Maria and Cozy Place Learning Center go to cozyplacelearningcenter.com or find on Instagram and Facebook at cozyplacelearningcenter.
One of the many rooms where children learn and play.
Photo: Paula Severino
Mother-Daughter Duo Blends Experience and Innovation at Graphicways Design
WRITT e N B Y: C HRISTINA Le V e R e
For more than three decades, Graphicways Design has been a steady and successful presence in the world of graphic design — and in Orange. Today, the business is not only defined by its longevity, but by a unique partnership between founder Michele Kelly and her daughter, Samantha Pisano.
It’s a collaboration that bridges generations, skill sets, creative perspectives, and from the sounds of it, some much needed lattes.
Michele’s early days in design looked very different from today. “There was no Mac computer,” Michele recalled. “My [design] classes were all in doing the manual things. I was doing paste-ups and using Letraset the old-timey way, a pot of rubber cement and all that.”
She started her career at Southern Connecticut Gas [now part of Avangrid]. “I was there right out of college,” but after just five years, she decided to venture out on her own. That was 30 years ago; a few years later, daughter Sam was born.
Michele kept pace with the everchanging technology, learning new tools to grow Graphicways, a digital design studio, while at the same time raising her daughter. When Sam reached college-age, Sam initially decided the field was not for her.
“I didn’t even want to look at [design] programs when I was looking at colleges,” Sam said. “I’m like, I’m going to be a film editor. But you know what? I’m great at graphic design and I’ve grown up around it, and it’s what I was meant to do.”
Sam carved out her own path, studying visual media marketing and design. She gained experience in art direction and
corporate design roles. While living in North Carolina (her active-duty husband was stationed there), she decided to start her own agency, Pixel Paragon.
“I grew my client base with that business, doing a lot of design work, but also a lot of social media work,” she said.
FAMILY MeRGeR
When Sam returned to Connecticut in 2019, the idea to merge took place. The transition wasn’t immediate. Michele
admitted that in the beginning, “I was giving Samantha the easier jobs.” But the dynamic quickly shifted. “Sam is every bit as good as me, and if not better in some areas,” Michele said.
Today, the duo divides responsibilities based on their strengths: Michele focuses more on client relationships and sales, while Sam has become what Michele calls “the social media guru.” Sam’s film background is a great asset for video creation and editing. They are both strong website designers.
Owner, Michele Kelly (right) with daughter, Sam Pisano (left).
Photo: Submitted by Graphicyways
“We can offer full services like any design, marketing, or advertising agency,” Michele said. “We have that capability.”
One of the hallmarks of their partnership is their collaborative approach. “We’ll say… ‘Why don’t you work on it for an hour, and I’ll work on it for an hour,’” Michele explained. “Then we talk.” The result is often a powerful, unique blend of ideas. “I like this font that you did… and she’ll say, ‘I like this color that you did.’”
This process, they say, allows them to deliver more creative and refined work to their clients. If they get stuck or need inspiration, they intentionally step away from their desks, heading out for manicures, coffees, or a walk. “It’s good for creativity to get outside… in a different atmosphere,” Sam said.
As the design industry continues to evolve, Michele and Sam have also had to address the rise of do-it-yourself tools and artificial intelligence. While
they acknowledge the accessibility of template-based platforms, they caution against relying on them.
“When you’re looking at them, they all look the same,” Sam said of templatebased designs. “It’s not going to stand out… and it’s not done effectively.”
Despite these challenges, Graphicways continues to thrive, serving a wide range of clients, from local businesses, restaurants, and nonprofits to organizations in other states. Additional freelance talent rounds out their fullservice capabilities.
COMMUNITY INVOLVeMeNT
Beyond the business itself, the two retain close ties to the community. “I’ve lived in Orange for about 30 years and remain very active in the community,” Michele said. “I serve on the board of the Network of Executive Women in Milford, a group of about 75 women focused on supporting one another and raising scholarship funds for underprivileged women returning to school after hardship. It’s a unique
and meaningful mission, and I’ve been proud to be involved for years.” Recently, Sam joined as a member.
“I also just rejoined the Orange Chamber of Commerce, which offers great opportunities to connect,” Michele said. “As a solopreneur, it’s important to get out, meet people, and build relationships, and Orange has a strong chamber for doing just that.”
While Michele isn’t quite ready to step away just yet, she is thinking about the future. “I’m not ready to retire yet,” she said, “but in a couple of years, I expect Sam to take over. Really, I have no regrets. This is the best of the best for both of us. We’re in the midst of revamping everything, because of our collaboration. I mean, we’ve been collaborating for a few years, but now it’s definitely much more… it’s a true partnership now.”
For more information, go to their website at graphicwaysdesign.com or call 203-799-2723 to speak with Michele or Samantha.
Discovering Wildlife in Our Own Backyards
WRITT e N B Y: D R . L AWR e NC e Me SSINA
We have all experienced backyard wildlife. It may occur as a surprise encounter when a deer runs across the road while you are driving your vehicle or the least expected coyote cautiously looking for prey on your lawn.
The Town of Orange is exceptionally fortunate to have segments of open space through its conservation areas, thanks to the kindness of its residents. This allows for wildlife pathways and corridors which help to maintain the different species as vibrant and healthy.
ABUNDANCe IN ReSIDeNCe
The most active members of the group are the white-tailed deer, coyote, and wild turkey. Coyotes were not originally found in Connecticut but have extended their range during the last 100 years from the western plains and midAtlantic states into Connecticut. The
wild turkey over the past 30 years have increased, especially after their return in 1975. The reintroduction efforts began in 1950 but were not successful until the 1970s when 365 wild turkeys were released across the state. Today they can be found in all 169 Connecticut towns.
Also, present and visible to a lesser degree are red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, nine owl species, racoons, skunks, fisher cats, and bobcats. Add to that the ever-present squirrels, chipmunks, songbirds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
ON THe RISe
A beautiful animal often confused with mountain lions, the bobcat has a shor t, bobbed tail, cheek ruffs, and black-tufted ears, and are about three times the size of a domestic house cat. An estimated 1,500 to 3,000 bobcats live in all eight Connecticut counties, and sightings went from 1,000 in 2019 to over 4,000 in 2025. Bobcats are most active at dawn and dusk and prey on birds, mice, rabbits, squirrels, woodchucks, domestic animals, and small livestock.
MISCONCePTION
Wolves, while once prevalent prior to the arrival of settlers, are no longer found in Connecticut. They were hunted to extinction in the late 1700s presumably due to conflicts with farmers’ livestock. People still report wolf sightings in our state; however, this is a case of mistaken identity. There is a difference between wolves and coyotes and it’s not just about size. Yes, wolves
A bobcat relaxing in a resident’s backyard. Bottom: A better look at the bobcat’s coloring - black and white ears and short bobbed tail as he strolls through the yard.
are larger—75 to 175 pounds, while coyotes are 20 to 50 pounds, but wolves live and hunt in packs of 6 to 10, while coyote hunt alone, but live in a pack.
A Barred Owl in a tree at a resident’s yard.
Photo: Pratibha Wisniewski
Photo: Dr. Lawrence Messina
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Recently, a relatively new species known as a Coywolf, a genetic mix of Canadian Wolf and Coyote, was sighted in Fairfield in 2024. They are filling the gap in the food chain previously occupied by the original wolves.
MAKING A COMeBACK
Black bears, while once plentiful in Connecticut, were extirpated by the mid 1800’s, but have since returned due to the regrowth of forestland and Connecticut’s conservation efforts. There is now an estimated population of 1,000 to 1,200 bears in about 159 of our 169 towns. Male black bears can weigh between 139 to 500 pounds with a record weight of 800 pounds. Females are in the range of 90 to 350 pounds. Despite their weight and size, they can sprint up to 35-miles per hour and climb 100 feet up a tree within 30 seconds.
As black bears slowly move south from Massachusetts into our area, more encounters with people will occur. Caution is suggested while hiking. Black bears will do everything possible to avoid human contact. If one is encoun-
tered, do not run, stay calm, back away slowly, make yourself look bigger, and do not climb a tree. As an extra layer of protection, bring a can of bear spray and use it if all else fails.
My one bear encounter occurred several years ago in New York State’s 700,000-acre Catskill Park. A mama bear with three cubs were feasting on apples. I stopped advancing immediately as the mother bear rose up on her hind legs. I slowly walked backwards and I was not perceived as a threat. My lucky day.
SIGHTINGS
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division collects information from residents of wildlife sightings to help with research and tracking.
View the list and report your observations at portal.ct.gov/deep/ wildlife/report-a-wildlife-sighting. There are also fact sheets, activity ideas, and interesting information on the site.
Studies have shown the health benefits of seeing wildlife. It reduces stress and
anxiety, enhances mood and mental health, boosts immune function, improves focus and cognitive function, and supports cardiovascular health. So go out and enjoy the bounties of nature.
Dr. Messina is the president of the Orange Land Trust, and they will hold their annual meeting on May 27th, at 6 pm, in the cafeteria at High Plains Community Center. Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue will have an encore Opossum Presentation. The public is welcome to attend.
Photo:
Dr. Lawrence Messina
Striving to Grow, Care, Give and Share for 40 Years
WRITT e N B Y: M ICH e LL e B AIL e Y
A dedicated organization of Orange women with diverse talents donates their time and support for the betterment of local and state communities while providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership. This volunteer group’s ongoing commitment serves to make a meaningful and lasting impact and strengthen our community.
Orange Community Women, also known as OCW, is a local chapter of the state organization Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. (CJW). The CJW pledge begins with the promise, “I pledge to grow, share, give and care with each and every stride.” OCW president, Cheri McNabola, explains “We unite the women of Orange and surrounding areas by participating in community service and providing enrichment, leadership, and social interaction.”
CJW has more than 20 chapters all around the state, with over 300 individual members! Orange Community Women networks with these other groups by attending and supporting each other’s events and fundraisers. Members also attend statewide conferences in the fall and spring to listen to keynote speakers, share ideas, build leadership skills, contribute to charitable projects, and socialize.
A BIG MILeSTONe
Orange Community Women recently celebrated its 40th anniversary! In honor of this momentous occasion, an Open House was held in November for past, present, and potential members to meet and learn more about the organization and its members. Cheri says, “It was wonderful to re-connect with friends who were past members and exciting to welcome several new members to our group.”
ACTIVITIeS
Throughout the year, OCW does projects and activities that serve
Orange residents of all ages. The group has events with the seniors at Silverbrook, including a holiday party with refreshments, crafts, a cookie swap, a sing-along, and a grab bag.
The organization also holds get-togethers with the Tracy Bunch, a group of special needs adults sponsored by Orange Human Services. At Halloween and in the spring, OCW organizes parties for them with treats, crafts, games, bingo and prizes. In the summer, a trip to Buttermilk Lane Farm is arranged for them to learn about and pet the animals and go on a hayride.
Every January, OCW has a family friendly show in partnership with
The Orange Foundation. Shows have included Bubblemania, Mad Science, Li Liu Chinese Acrobat and Amazing Animal Ambassadors. In the spring, the group partners with the Case Memorial Library to bring a guest speaker to the library.
OCW has a booth at the Orange Country Fair every September where members have sold many different items over the years, most of which have had a Town of Orange theme. Stop by to check out their large variety of sportswear.
On the first Saturday in November, OCW has a craft fair at High Plains Community Center with over 60
Orange Community Women members at their 40th Anniversary Open House in November 2025.
Photo: Submitted by Orange Community Women
vendors and food trucks. Also in November, just prior to Thanksgiving, the group helps FISH (Food In Service to the Homebound) deliver turkey dinners.
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, OCW participates in the townwide recycling event, known as Shredding Day, by collecting clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, textiles, toys, household goods, and books.
SUPPORTING THe COMMUNITY
All funds raised from the organization’s activities benefit the local community. The group offers scholarships for Amity students, donates children’s books to the library, provides backpacks to Youth Services, and supports Orange Community Services with gift cards, holiday gifts, and holiday food baskets for families; and veterans are honored with periodic collections and cards on Valentine’s Day. Last year, the organization partnered with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department to support the celebration of their 100th anniversary, volunteering at many of their special events.
The support of the community and the success of this organization’s activities and fundraisers last year allowed them to make allocations to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, the Orange Police Department, Smilow Cancer Hospital (in memory of Orange Living Legend Judy Williams), Orange Human Services, Orange Fuel Bank, Food2Kids Orange, the CT Food Bank, Orange Live, Orange Historical Society, the Diaper Bank, the Rape Crisis Center, the American Cancer Society, Ronald MacDonald House, Midnight Run, FISH, Milford Animal Shelter, The Blanket
Fairy, Columbus House, Kenyan Healthcare Initiatives and Days for Girls Orange.
Cheri goes on to say, “We are also proud to sponsor the Orange Juniorettes, a group of young women who focus on volunteerism, leadership development and community service.” They meet regularly and do a variety of community projects of their own in addition to supporting the activities of OCW. They are our future leaders!
OCW meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at High Plains Community Center and always welcomes new members. In addition to many community activities, members also engage in social activities such as a summer barbecue, a winter holiday party, potluck dinners, attend Amity shows, etc.
For more information, go to their Facebook page or send an email to orangecommunityw@gmail.com.
Orange Community Women members at their annual clothing and household goods collection.
Photo: Submitted by Orange Community Women
Calendar of Events
W RITT e N B Y: MARY BIALY
MAY 22: 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 24: Memorial Day Parade
The Ceremony begins at 10:30 am at the Gazebo at 525 Orange Center Road. The 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 13: 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 check orangecongregationalchurch.org. (Rain Date: 6/14)
JUNe 18: 6th Annual Artisan Fest And Business expo
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Free and open to the public, free activities. Artisan, farm and business vendors, food trucks, live music by Gunn Street Revival (band plays 6-8 pm), activities, performances, and networking. New this year: Free one-hour children’s foam play event from 5-6 pm. For more information, check orangeedc.com/Events_Activities.
JUNe 25: Orange Community Farmers’ Market Opening
The pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 pm to 7 pm. The market runs each Thursday from June 25th to September 24th. A variety of vendors, food trucks and live music. Check FarmMarketOrange.com for a list of vendors each week or call 203-891-1045.
JULY 3: America 250 Concert & Fireworks
Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 6:00 pm. Welcoming comments from First Selectman James Zeoli, Fife & Drum Corps segment, student essay readings, followed by a concert by the Alex Shillo & Badlands – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen, several food vendors, and a Fireworks Spectacular. Free admission, parking donation of $5. (Rain Date: 7/5).
JULY 30-AUGUST 2: 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, check orangevfd.org.
AUGUST 21-22: The Orange Players
High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road. The Orange Players presents ACTING UP! 2026, an evening of original, unpublished one act plays. For tickets or for more information visit Orangeplayers.org, call 475-227-7547, or email Theorangeplayers@gmail.com.
SePTeMBeR 4-7: Odyssey ’26 A Greek Festival
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road. Greek food, dancing, live music. For more information, check saintbarbara.org.
SePTeMBeR 15: OeDC 20TH Annual Golf Tournament
Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue. Check in and breakfast at 8:30 am, shotgun start at 9:30 am, lunch immediately follows the tournament. The OEDC partners with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. Registration is open on the website at orangeedc.com/Events_Activities/ or call 203-891-1045.
SePTeMBeR 19-20: 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, check OrangeCTFair.com.
SePTeMBeR 25: Health & Safety Fair
High Plains Community Center gym, 525 Orange Center Road, 10 am – 12 pm. Over 30 Vendors in the healthcare field will be participating. For more information contact Orange Community Services, 203-891-2191.
NOVeMBeR 19: Holiday Farm Market
High Plains Community Center gym, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 – 7 pm. A variety of vendors including: artisans, farmers, crafters, and food trucks. Come shop, eat, and enjoy—there’s something for everyone. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact Orange Economic Development at 203-891-1045.
