Contents WINTER 2017 ISSUE #16
MAGAZINE
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Annemarie F. Sliby, Executive Director Orange Economic Development Corporation
Editor
Mary Bialy Orange Economic Development Corporation
Contributing Writers
Andrew Biondi, George Catalano, Alyssa Davanzo, Matt Gad, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Daina Larkin, Marion Rizzo, Bob Sigler, Karen Singer
Contributing Photographers
Cathy Bradley, Myla Chadwick, Chip’s Family Restaurant, Jen Manzione, Patric Marchitto, Dennis Marsh, Steve Mele, Terri Miles, Jason Nevis, Robert Olin Studios, Paula Severino, Robert Sigler, Tim Smith, Ellie Torello, Urban Air Adventure Park
Advertisement & Graphic Artist Paula Severino
Design & Production
Dale J Pavlik | DJP Design LLC | djpdesignllc.com
Printing
LSC Communications, Inc., Chicago, IL
OrangeLife Magazine
is distributed semi-annually by the:
Orange Economic Development Corporation 605A Orange Center Road Orange, CT 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
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
Cover picture provided by Terri Miles, owner of OrangeCTLive.com. The picture is of the Stone Otis House garden, which is well maintained by the Garden Club of Orange. See story on Page 30.
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. 4
| MEET THE ORANGELIFE TEAM
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URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK Orange’s New Indoor Amusement Park
ACTOR NIC NOVICKI Challenges Hollywood to Represent Those with Disabilities THE CHATZOPOULOS EMPIRE Chip’s Family Restaurant ATTORNEY VINCENT MARINO Multi-Tasker at Law
CATHY BRADLEY Pounding the Pavement for Charity
RUN 169 TOWNS SOCIETY Aiming to Run all of Connecticut’s 169 Towns BALANCED HEALTH FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractic Care for The Entire Family THE GARDEN CLUB OF ORANGE From Rubble to Beauty
J & J COMPLETE HOME Meet Orange’s Own “Fixer Upper” Team!
PIZAZZ SALON AND BEAUTY ACADEMY Pizazz Brings Hair Health, Education and Style to Orange BUSINESS MILESTONES Lucille’s Bridal Shop/Val’s Formalwear and Jesse’s Toys CAMP ARGO Making a Difference for all Kids
RACE BROOK SCHOOL Dancing with the Race Brook Stars
ODYSSEY FESTIVAL Food, Faith, Family: A Local Mediterranean Tradition for 38 Years
THE ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Ten Years of Strawberry Fun
OLD TAVERN ROAD SPORTS COMPLEX Fields Restoration in Time for Summer CALENDAR OF EVENTS Summer and Fall Calendar
FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE Fire Prevention with Drone Technology SUMMER 2018
Publisher’s Letter
We are pleased to present our 17th issue of Magazine and thrilled to bring you more exciting stories about the businesses and residents that make this town so special! To name a few interesting reads, Urban Air Adventure Park, Nic Novicki, Cathy Bradley, and make sure to check our event calendar, which is jammed packed with fun events for the summer and fall.
The new Urban Air Adventure Park, the first of its kind to land in Connecticut, will reside on Bull Hill Lane in Orange and is scheduled to open in June. Actor Nic Novicki, born and raised in Orange, made his way to Los Angeles and developed a successful acting career. But also, he is an advocate for people with disabilities in the entertainment field. Cathy Bradley raises money for charities while running in marathons. She also helps new runners and runners with disabilities achieve their first marathon.
Enjoy this issue and have a wonderful summer — it’s been a long winter! When you visit any of the businesses or see any of the residents we have featured, let them know you read their story in Magazine. ANNEMARIE F. SLIBY
Executive Director, OEDC
As always, we wish to thank First Selectman, James Zeoli; the Orange Economic Development Commission; and the Orange Economic Development Corporation board members; as well as our advertisers. Please support the advertisers and let them know you saw their ad in OrangeLife Magazine.
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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Urban Air Adventure Park Introduces High Energy Thrills to Orange WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
Orange will now be home to the state’s first franchise of Urban Air Adventure Park, a premier indoor amusement center offering exhilarating attractions for all ages. Spanning over 84,000 square feet at 260 Bull Hill Lane, Urban Air features a wide variety of physical activities, from wall-to-wall trampolines and laser tag to indoor Go-karts, Spin Zone Bumper Cars and a rock climbing wall.
“Urban Air boasts a retail location with a huge footprint, and its uniqueness will make Orange a
destination town,” said Lakshman Paidi, owner of Urban Air Orange.
SHAPE Magazine awarded Urban Air the label of “One of the coolest clubs in America” and Collin Child Magazine selected it as the “Best party venue for high energy” in its September 2017 issue.
VARIETY OF PARTY ROOMS
“Urban Air Orange has 12 party rooms and fourteen party zones perfect for birthdays, sweet sixteens and corporate events,” Lakshman said. “There are glow-in-the-dark parties, fitness classes and teen hangouts as well, making this a cool place for young adults. Birthday party packages will range from trampoline attractions to an As Seen on TV Ninja Warrior Course, and a jousting area called Battle Beam.”
Lakshman says that Urban Air is a safe, wholesome family entertainment complex unlike any available in the area.
“Urban Air Orange is not competing with any other businesses,” he said. “Instead, it is a stand-alone attraction for moms of toddlers during ‘bounce time’ during the day, for summer camps and after school camps and for sensory-friendly ‘jump times’ for children and adults with disabilities. We have a café that serves snacks, pizza and slushees, and there will be special events for the major school holidays and family events such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.”
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business off the ground would not have been possible without our landlords, the Richetelli and Kaplan families who take personal pride in having their space being used for such a destination attraction and who have been intimately involved every step of the way. A huge credit also goes to Annemarie Sliby for her excellent guidance and coordination.” EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to hire local students and town residents, Lakshman says that he and his family are thrilled to be opening such an extraordinary space.
ALL AGES WELCOME
Urban Air will cater to not only the young, but to the young at heart.
“My goal is to offer many options for all age groups in a trendy setting and give families the chance to enjoy fitness-based activities in a fun way,” Lakshman said. “Grandparents can bowl while their grandchildren jump on the trampolines. Since Urban Air is centrally located in town, snow days can now be active days. Even when the family is tired, there are a host of other more mellow things to do in the park, like arcade games and a playground. This is a great place to be other than home, where the family can stay until they are exhausted from having fun!”
Lakshman says that First Selectman James Zeoli and the entire Town Planning and Zoning Commission personally reviewed and discussed bringing Urban Air to Orange and described their enthusiasm about the project.
“This has been very energizing for us as a team, which has helped us propel the project forward at record speeds,” he said. “Getting this
“We will need about 100-120 employees for this operation, so we will host a job fair the first couple of weekends in June and encourage people to apply online on our website,” Lakshman said. “We look forward to very exciting times ahead here in the Town of Orange.” 쮿
The venue is scheduled to open the middle of June. For more information, view the Urban Air Orange website at: www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/ orange-ct/ and you can schedule parties by reaching out to parties@urbanairorange.com.
A LOVE FOR ORANGE
With a background in Pharmacy and a passion for entrepreneurship and customer service, Lakshman said “that choosing to bring Urban Air to Orange was a no-brainer.
“I love Orange because of its progressive community that believes in investing in business, its wholesome family values and the inclusiveness of the town,” he said. “We received incredible support to get this project off the ground. I also love fitness and working with kids, and my own children are at the age to both enjoy and participate in the family entertainment center business.” SUMMER 2018
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| THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Actor Nic Novicki Represents those with Disabilities WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
An eight-year-old student acting in his or her first play may say that they want to star in a Hollywood movie or a famous TV show one day. Nic Novicki proves that such a dream is possible. Growing up in Orange, Nic Novicki attended Turkey Hill Elementary School, where he first discovered that acting and comedy came naturally.
Standing at 3-foot-10-inches tall due to a rare form of dwarfism, Nic says that it came to a point where he was too short to play sports.
“I was funny in the classroom and my English teacher recommended that I sign up for the school play,” he said. “I signed up at the age of eight and continued to act in plays and in community theater all through my years at Amity High School.” ©Robert Olin Studios
THE ENTERTAINMENT BUG
Deciding to pursue a business degree from the Fox School of Business at Temple University, Nic knew in the back of his mind he eventually wanted to pursue entertainment.
“During my very first week of college, I went to a random open mic night and started talking with someone who told me to come back the next week to perform,” Nic said. “I decided to do it, and I ended up having a completely separate career as a comedian while being a student.” Nic graduated with a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Temple and started a production company based in Los Angeles, which he managed from New York City.
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Nic Novicki
TIME TO MOVE OUT WEST
“It came to the point where I was going back and forth to LA so often, that I ultimately decided to move out there,” Nic said. “There were more opportunities for both my company and for me as an actor, comedian, producer and writer. I started to produce my own web series and short films, playing multi-layered characters that were more interesting.”
Nic landed a role as a nightclub manager on the HBO smash hit, The Sopranos. “Being in The Sopranos was a great gateway into acting and into TV and film,” Nic said. “Throughout that experience, early on, I realized that I needed to pursue the types of roles that I truly wanted to play.”
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When auditioning for roles in LA, Nic says he searched hard for the right roles. His television and movie credits include Boardwalk Empire, Private Practice, Breaking Wind and Drop Dead Diva. “Growing up I always liked to watch old gangster movies, so getting to be in Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos — roles that didn’t focus on me being 3-foot-10 — was incredible. I am lucky to have been in over 40 TV shows and movies so far. My height is a part of who I am, so I don’t stray away from it.”
Five years ago, Nic looked at the entertainment industry and wondered ‘Why aren’t more people with disabilities producing their own content?’
“Twenty percent of the population has a form of disability, whether it be a physical disability or a cognitive disability,” Nic said. “I noticed that disabilities were underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera.” DISABILITY FILM CHALLENGE
In 2014, Nic launched the Disability Film Challenge, a weekend-long filmmaking contest, open to all, that provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. As someone with a disability, Nic created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work while providing them with meaningful exposure.
“Over the course of the weekend, participants write, shoot, edit and submit a film up to five minutes long that has someone with a disability in front of or behind the camera,”
Nic said. “These film-makers get amazing Hollywood mentorship opportunities, production grants and there are sometimes screenings of their pieces at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.”
Year after year, Nic says that he is impressed by the quality of films created in such a short period of time. Partnering with Easterseals Southern California in 2017 to expand the program, the challenge is now called the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge and gives filmmakers the opportunity to collaborate and tell stories that showcase disability in its many forms.
“It’s been nice to see
people from back
home who have been
following my career, and one day I even
received a note from my old principal at
Turkey Hill. It’s
always good to come home.”
“I’m just so proud of the great work people do in such a short period of time,” Nic said. “That’s really what we stress — We’re not expecting for people to dedicate months of their time. It’s just one weekend to inspire change, by working with and including people with disabilities in films.” A CAREER TO BE PROUD OF
Nic says that he has a hard time choosing one highlight of his career.
“I’ve had different highlights from different aspects of my career,” Nic said. “As a comedian, I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world performing for the troops. I’ve performed on six continents from Egypt to the Middle East. As an actor I’ve been able to work with Martin Scorsese at Boardwalk Empire. That was a big achievement and goal because he’s a filmmaker I’ve always looked up to. As far as the Disability Film Challenge, partnering with Easterseals has been such a milestone and I’m now on the Board of Directors of Easterseals Southern California.” REFLECTING ON MY JOURNEY
Living on the west coast with his wife, Teale, Nic reflects on his roots. “A lot of great memories come from growing up in Orange,” Nic said. “It’s been nice to see people from back home who have been following my career, and one day I even received a note from my old principal at Turkey Hill. It’s always good to come home.” 쮿
For more information regarding the Disability Film Challenge, view the website at: disabilityfilmchallenge.com
SAVE THE DATE! OEDC Golf Tournament Friday, September 7, 2018 Orange Hills Country Club For Info, Call: (203) 891-1045
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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The Chatzopoulos Empire
WRITTEN BY: KAREN SINGER
When George Chatzopoulos and his sister, Konstantina (Dina) Chatzopoulos Bajko, became co-owners of Chip’s Family Restaurant in 2003, they knew the beloved Post Road eatery had the ingredients for success. Open since the mid-1960s, Chip’s was widely known for its distinctive pancakes, all-day breakfast and quality service, drawing several generations of loyal customers.
TIME FOR EXPANSION
By 2009, Chip’s was thriving, and Chatzopoulos decided to replicate the concept in another town. “A lot of customers are from Fairfield County, and they kept asking us to come there for years,” he says. “So, I decided to take a chance.”
Over the last 15 years, the brother and sister team have grown the business, while retaining its essential flavor, and expanded to five other locations –– with more to come.
In the early days, the venture was a joint effort by Chatzopoulos, his sister and their parents, who returned to the United States from Greece to help out.
“Everybody loved Mama’s cooking,” Chatzopoulos says. The menu gradually expanded, with the addition of Greek items, more healthful options and a wider variety of pancakes. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.
As business improved, Chatzopoulos marveled at how far he had come since the late 1980s, when he arrived in the United States and started out as a dishwasher at the Copper Kitchen in New Haven. The more he learned about the notoriously difficult restaurant business, the more he wanted to own one. TIMING IS EVERYTHING
In 1996, Chatzopoulos and his family bought an Eats & Sweets in West Haven but sold it four years later. Then, while managing a Milford diner, he became a Chip’s customer, which 14
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On August 16, 2011, a second Chip’s opened in a former Blockbuster store in Fairfield. The formula worked, and Chatzopoulos took more chances.
Dina Chatzopoulos Bajko and George Chatzopoulos
led to an opportunity to buy the restaurant. “I was in the right place at the right time,” he recalls. “The business wasn’t listed yet, but a waitress told me it was available.”
From the outset, Bajko says, “We got very involved with the community,” from day-to-day interactions to supporting causes and sponsoring events. “We have a special relationship with our customers,” she adds. “Everyone is like family.” “We’re in the service business,” Chatzopoulos says. “So, if you have good food and good service, it’s a no-brainer.”
A third Chip’s opened in Trumbull in 2013, followed by a fourth in Wethersfield in 2015, a fifth in Southbury in 2016, and a sixth in Southington in 2017.
In 2015, Chatzopoulos also launched the Lil’ Chip’s Pancake Truck, which is available for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, charity functions and other events. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
All six restaurants are family owned and operated, in leased buildings situated in high traffic locations. Staff has swelled to around 300 employees.
Chatzopoulos is constantly on the road, visiting the restaurants to check quality and consistency, and maintaining the family connection with customers. “I’m the first guy to wake up, and the last to go to bed,” he says.
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based on fresh, wholesome ingredients. While discussing the concept with a cousin, they discovered a website for The Simple Greek, a franchise operation with a similar concept. Originally called My Big Fat Greek Gyro, the restaurant was started by a Pennsylvania couple, and revamped and renamed by investor, Marcus Lemonis, after appearing on an episode of his CNBC TV show, The Profit.
The Orange location.
“We try to incorporate a little local flavor at each of our restaurants, and we reach out to Rotary and Lions Clubs, making space available for meetings,” says Chatzopoulos. SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
To foster the restaurant’s fan base, they brought in a marketing expert to beef up the Chip’s website (http://chipsrestaurants.com/) and social media outlets, including Facebook and Twitter.
A January 2018 website blog post, for example, explains how to “do good” with a Chip’s “Breakfast for Dinner” fundraiser. The blog post states, “All six of our restaurants are committed to supporting local groups, neighborhood schools, youth team sports and non-profit organizations.”
As of press-time a seventh Chip’s restaurant was in the planning stages for Fairfield County. After that, Chatzopoulos says, “We may go a bit south, into New York and New Jersey.”
From time to time, Chatzopoulos has fielded inquiries from people interested in buying a Chip’s franchise. “We’re not ready for that yet,” he says, “Maybe in the next couple of years.” Meanwhile, he is learning the franchising business. THE SIMPLE GREEK
About two years ago, Chatzopoulos had an idea for a Greek restaurant
The Simple Greek provides a “fastcasual” environment where customers can build their own meal, based on pita bread or a bowl with rice, lentils or salad. Moving down a line, they can watch servers prepare their meal by adding sauce, protein and imported toppings. There are also sides, such as dolmades and spanakopita, and a yogurt bar.
After visiting The Simple Greek restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh, Chatzopoulos acquired the rights to open 20 franchises in Connecticut.
His first Simple Greek restaurant opened in West Hartford on June 7, 2017, and the second opened in Glastonbury in March, 2018.
“I like challenges,” Chatzopoulous says. “Every year we will do a couple more, if there is enough support. 쮿
The website also publicized and posted the results of a recent My Pancake Creation contest, noting the winning flavors –– Chocolate Cheese pancakes, Cannoli pancakes and Elvis Banana pancakes with Peanut Butter Sauce and Bacon –– would be added to the Chip’s’ pancake lineup. Several months ago, the website announced a forthcoming line of Chip’s merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, maple syrup and pancake batter. “The idea is to grow something big and something successful,” Chatzopoulos says. “People like it, and they like the product.”
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Chip’s famous Coconut Crunch Pancakes — chocolate chips, coconut and almonds, with added strawberries.
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| THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Vincent Marino: Multi-Tasker at Law WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
For Attorney Vincent Marino, who is co-chair of Cohen and Wolf’s Municipal Group, a Board member of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, the Governor's representative on the Policy Board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority and the Town Attorney for six towns including Orange; his primary office is his car. “I am always on the go,” Vincent said. “Yesterday I was in Derby, last night I was in Seymour for a Wetlands meeting, today I was in Orange, and tomorrow I’ll be in North Branford. My day tends to start at 7:30 a.m. and ends anywhere between 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., depending on which meeting I’m attending.”
“I had some experience in the municipal world but more as the support person as opposed to the front person,” Vincent said. “Jim took a gamble on me and I’ve been the Town Attorney in Orange since January of 2006.”
Originally from Long Island, Vincent received his J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law and began his career at a small firm in Westport, which focused on general litigation and debt resolution. He then joined Cohen and Wolf in 1997 and has been with the firm ever since. RUNS IN THE FAMILY
“My maternal grandfather was a lawyer and I would say that he peaked my interest in the law,” Vincent said. “I think for many lawyers, what practice areas you ultimately make a career out of, in a lot of ways, is an evolution. It’s rare to graduate from law school, open your own office and just start practicing. To be a competent lawyer, years of training and mentorship are necessary.”
Vincent says that Cohen and Wolf instilled in him the diligence that it takes to be a good lawyer. “During my second year of practice, one of my colleagues dropped 30 sewer appeals on my desk and told me to handle
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Attorney Vincent Marino
them,” Vincent said. “I had no prior knowledge, but I ended up learning all about the sewer and septic systems. That is how I first got involved in municipal law. I would say the philosophy that we have at the firm about educating and training associates, with which I am a benefactor, has turned me into the lawyer that I am today.” MOVED TO ORANGE
Vincent and his wife moved to Orange in 1999, and shortly around the time Vincent became a partner at the firm, Jim Zeoli was elected as First Selectman and gave Vincent the opportunity to be his Town Attorney.
“I couldn’t sleep well because I knew about the chore I had ahead of me, so it was easier to sit down, put my research together and start writing.” ATTORNEY FOR MANY TOWNS
Currently serving as the Town Attorney for Orange, Derby, Monroe, North Branford, Seymour, and Stratford; Vincent makes it a point to have a presence in each municipality by holding office hours at Town Halls.
“During office hours, I have the chance to talk with staff as issues come up,” Vincent said. “This approach addresses issues before they become problems and has avoided litigation in many instances, which then saves our clients money because then they don’t have to pay lawyers to go to court.”
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Vincent recently co-authored the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Connecticut Administrative Law, 2017 Edition. “LexisNexis contacted me looking for someone to write a book about Administrative Law in the State of Connecticut. Some of my partners and I decided to make it a group effort because of the undertaking it would require,” Vincent said.
JOB VS. CAREER
As a piece of advice to young lawyers, Vincent distinguishes the difference between a job and a career.
For nine months, Vincent would often come home from late meetings and work on the book from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
“I couldn’t sleep well because I knew about the chore I had ahead of me, so it was easier to sit down, put my research together and start writing,” Vincent said. “It’s fun to take an issue and write, but it’s not easy. You have to fact-check, and then you have to fact-check again.”
Vincent owes his passion and appreciation for both law and business to his grandfathers. “My maternal grandfather was an excellent lawyer, but he didn’t necessarily appreciate the business of law,” Vincent said.
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“Most of my family on my paternal side are all deli owners, grocery store owners and butchers. I grew up at the age of five working a cash register with my paternal grandfather. Learning how to make change and organize newspapers at an early age, I appreciated what it meant to own and operate a business.”
“A job is something you go to and when you leave, it’s done for the day,” Vincent said. “A career is something that doesn’t have a set time frame. It’s not a typical nine to five. What was instilled in me is that what it takes to be a good lawyer is to do “whatever it takes.” This means that you need to invest the time to become competent. Every day you are faced with different issues and different challenges, most of which you have never dealt with before. To be effective, you must invest the time required, but it’s a rewarding experience.” 쮿
Vincent has an office at Cohen and Wolf’s Orange location, at 657 Orange Center Road, as well as the Bridgeport location, at 1115 Broad Street.
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Pounding the Pavement for Charity WRITTEN BY: KAREN SINGER
Cathy Bradley spends her days on the road. The Prindle Hill Construction company owner runs at least 42 miles a week, and many more if she is in training. This year, marks her eighth Boston Marathon. “You have to have a passion for it,” she says. “You either love it, or you don’t.” have a training partner or a team,” Bradley says. “I did it all by myself.”
A GRADUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT
While growing up in Norwich, Connecticut, Bradley studied ballet and excelled in fencing, softball and gymnastics. She started running during the 1970s, when road races became fashionable.
“I ran around the block, then two blocks, then three,” Bradley says. The distance soon increased to several miles. “It just kind of evolved,” she adds. “I probably started racing about two years later. I did a 5K and got drawn into some corporate events.”
During two pregnancies, Bradley ran a mile and half, four or five days a week, until her eighth month. Along the way, Bradley spent two decades working for telecommunications companies. One being AT&T, where she was the first female Field Operations Officer; and another being Nextel, which sent her to Ground Zero in Manhattan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to distribute and monitor the two-way radios used by first responders to communicate with crane operators during recovery efforts.
A STRESS RELIEVER PLACE
In 2007, Bradley and her two sons founded Prindle Hill Construction, an excavation and site preparation company. While juggling a career and kids, running became a refuge for 20
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“I mentally said when I step over that start line, I’m going to leave that baggage behind, and when I’m done, that baggage will be gone, and I will know I’m OK.”
Cathy Bradley
Bradley, keeping her in shape and providing “a stress reliever place,” where no one could call her. “It was my quiet space,” she says.
Running became even more important in Bradley’s late 40s, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured two years of surgeries and recoveries. “I needed to get back to a space that wasn’t talking about my health issues,” she says. “I started by just walking, and a year after that, I felt strong enough to start jogging a little bit. I was still getting mammograms and ultrasounds every six months and going over that cliff again and again—and I kept thinking, I’ve got to get rid of all this baggage.” FIRST BOSTON MARATHON
Her solution was to register for the 2008 Boston Marathon. “Usually you
Running became even more important in Bradley’s late 40s, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured two years of surgeries and recoveries.
During the race, Bradley says, “I felt more free every step I took toward the finish line.” A year later she did a second Boston Marathon, to help a woman she found on-line complete the race. “Her first marathon was very painful,” Bradley says, adding, “We’ve been running together ever since.” Bradley also ran the Disney Marathon with a friend who has Parkinson’s disease. “We were in and out of medical tents,” she says. “It was an amazing accomplishment for me to help her get through that.” SUMMER 2018
Farber Cancer Institute. Other beneficiaries she has supported include Avon Breast Cancer and Susan Komen. “With this year’s Boston Marathon, I raised money for Last Call Foundation, which helps firefighters,” she says.
Cathy running the Boston Marathon
Also amazing was Bradley’s experience during the 2013 Boston Marathon, the year of the bombings. At mile 15, she saw a young girl struggling with muscle cramps and stopped to give her encouragement and a topical pain reliever. Because of that delay, Bradley was about a mile and a half from the finish line when the first responders stopped the race. “Angels got in my way,” she says.
Bradley’s nexus between running and fundraising for charities began with the 2008 Boston Marathon, when she raised about $8,000 for the Dana
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“I mentally said when I step over that start line, I’m going to leave that baggage behind, and when I’m done, that baggage will be gone, and I will know I’m OK.” WILL SHE RUN A NINTH?
Bradley turned 70 just before she ran her eighth Boston Marathon on April 16th. She hasn’t decided whether
she’ll do a ninth, but she is certain she will continue running shorter races, and aiming for other accomplishments, such as completing a race in every Connecticut town as a member of the Run 169 Towns Society (see related story).
“I’ve had many, many great experiences,” she says, “and met some wonderful people along the way.” 쮿
From left to right: Cathy, her brother Charles Bartnicki, and her son Frank at the Orange Chilly Chili 5K.
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Aiming to Run all of Connecticut’s 169 Towns WRITTEN BY: KAREN SINGER
Several years ago, a small group of dedicated runners formed an organization based on their collective quest to run a race in every Connecticut town. Founded on March 5, 2012, the Do Every Blessed Town in Connecticut (DEBTiConn) Society was later renamed the Run 169 Towns Society.
“Joining is free,” says former Orange resident Steve Mele, one of the eight founders of the group, which has more than 2,500 members. At least a dozen members live in Orange.
“I get to meet a lot of people and explore the state at the same time,” says Tom Fatone, a state Department of Transportation traffic coordinator. Fatone joined the Run 169 Tom Fatone Towns Society in 2013 and is the society’s town ambassador for Orange. “I let people know about all of our races; including Doc’s Race, Chilly Chili Run, Cinco K De Mayo, Rotary Turkey Trot, etc.” A marathon runner, Fatone spent 13 years researching and photographing the blue and white historic signs in all 169 Connecticut towns and selfpublished a book about them. Many 169 members take pictures in front of each town’s blue sign.
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Orange Senior Services Coordinator Dennis Marsh joined the Society in the summer of 2015 at the behest of a colleague, Denise Stein, Dennis and Emma an avid runner Marsh and Orange’s Elderly Outreach Service Worker. Marsh started running several months earlier, following his brother’s quadruple bypass surgery. In 2016, he and Stein ran in a 200-mile relay race to raise money for the Orange Fuel Bank.
Tax attorney Jerry Meshell’s race tally is 35 towns, but he ran them before becoming a member of the Run 169 Towns Society. He regards his status as “inactive,” saying he’s much more involved with Milford Road Runners.
Marsh enjoys “father-daughter time” running with his teenage daughter, Emma, also a Run 169 Towns Society member. MORE LOCAL PARTICIPANTS
Orange Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director, Annemarie Sliby and Hopkins School’s Field Hockey/Lacrosse Coach, Wendy Parente have both run races in 11 towns. The two joined the Run 169 Towns Society in 2016 because it inspires running outside of the local area. The Portland MOVEmber 5K, which crosses over the Arrigoni Bridge from Portland to Middletown has been a favorite so far.
From left to right: Dennis Marsh, Aubrey Monahan and Denise Stein in front of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown at the 2016 Ragnar Cape Relay Race. The Orange Community Services staff ran with a team as a fundraiser for the Orange Fuel Bank.
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RULES DO APPLY
To count towards the 169 town’s goal, a race must be an official, outdoor, timed event, that is open to the public, longer than one mile and has publicly posted results.
All the rules are on www.debticonn.org, along with a downloadable map of Connecticut. As members finish qualifying races, they submit results to the website. Also from the website, members can order society-sanctioned blue and gold t-shirts, jackets, hats, headbands and stickers. “The logoed apparel attracts attention –– and new members,” Mele says. Orange resident Cathy Bradley is among those who say they joined the society after questioning members wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the Run 169 Towns’ slogan.
The society’s Facebook page is filled with photos showing members with banners hailing various milestones. “Almost 200 people showed up for my final race in 2016,” Mele says. Society members also ran the last several
SUMMER 2018
races in honor of a friend who died of cancer. 23 RUNNERS AND COUNTING
As of December 2017, 23 members had run races in all 169 towns — and received a plaque to commemorate the occasion. A man finishing all requisite races becomes King and a woman becomes Queen, until someone else completes the mission. Mele says his reign lasted just several hours, because another fellow finished his final race on the same day.
Fatone is looking forward to running his 100th race in a tutu, a Run 169 Towns Society tradition that is optional. Marsh completed his 50th town in February in Windham. When asked when he plans on completing all 169 towns, he says smiling, “Well, someday, I’m in no rush. I’m just enjoying seeing all the towns and meeting people.” MEMBERSHIP IS SPIKING
Society membership has spiked from 26 new members in 2012, to 715 new members in 2016, and 643 new
Steve Mele
members in 2017. As of January 31, 2018, there were 54 new members.
Mele attributes the growth to an increased number of dedicated runners seeking new challenges. Running a race in every town in Connecticut certainly fills the bill. 쮿
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| THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
SUMMER 2018
Chiropractic Care for the Entire Family WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG
The team at Balanced Health Family Chiropractic, located at 501 Boston Post Road, Orange, is dedicated to the health and well-being of their patients. Owned by Chiropractor Dr. David Durso, D.C., the practice in the Liberty Square Plaza treats people of all ages, from men and women to expectant mothers, newborn babies, and children from infancy through adulthood.
Dr. Durso is a 2008 graduate of the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic. He started providing care shortly thereafter and began his private practice in 2012. HEALTHY SPINE = HEALTHY NERVOUS SYSTEM
“Many people are confused about chiropractic,” explains Dr. Durso. “A lot of people think that it’s just to treat pain, but in reality it focuses on the health of the spine.”
“You don’t need to be in pain to see a chiropractor; it can truly be preventative care. Having the spine aligned properly helps to ensure normal spinal development and may help manage symptoms associated with colic, ear infections, and newborn nursing/latching difficulties,” Durso said.
“I first started taking my son to Dr. Durso when he was almost a year old,” said Andrea LaSalle, a current patient. “He was getting recurring ear infections and we heard chiropractic care could help. It’s been two and a half years and my son has not had one since getting regular adjustments.”
THE WEBSTER TECHNIQUE
Dr. Durso is enthusiastic about the care he provides to expectant mothers. As a Webster-certified chiropractor, he performs the specialized Webster Technique to correct the abnormal rotation in the mother’s pelvis, allowing the baby more room and prepare for a better birth. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, this technique is a specific adjustment with the goal being “to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction“ (icpa4kids.com).
Dr. Durso explains how a healthy spine equals a healthy nervous system. If there is an issue with the spine, it can affect the neurological output to the body, not just triggering pain, but can create other health conditions as well. “Many people have subluxations, where the bones of the spine are not lining up and moving, and those cause a disconnect in the nerve signals. Maintaining the spine in optimal alignment allows proper nerve function in order for the body to work at 100% and can even help slow down spinal degeneration.” Chiropractic care of infants and children, as well as expectant mothers, is a special focus of Balanced Health Family Chiropractic. SUMMER 2018
The pediatric exam room.
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“The Webster Technique can help in so many ways,” explains Dr. Durso. “It makes more room in the mother’s pelvis, letting the baby move more easily. It’s shown to be effective in allowing the baby to get in a proper, healthy birth position. Other effects are that it can help reduce labor time, help with pregnancy pain, and allow for an easier delivery since the pelvis is positioned correctly.”
LaSalle also tried chiropractic care for herself and confirms the Webster Technique is effective. “Dr. Durso helped relieve my discomfort during my second pregnancy. My labor and delivery was short and smooth. It was a completely different experience from my first pregnancy, when I didn’t receive chiropractic, and the labor and delivery was very long and painful.”
Since the birth process is very physically intense on both mother and newborn, Dr. Durso recommends having an infant checked by a chiropractor shortly after birth. “The birth process itself can be the
TOO MUCH TIME ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Dr. David Durso
start of spinal issues, and sometimes an issue can even start in-utero, and may be the precursor for scoliosis.” Dr. Durso uses specialized cushions and pillows with newborns, infants, and small children to correct subluxations and misalignment.
“Tech Neck” is a term that Dr. Durso strives to make everyone aware of, especially parents. He points out that many Americans, children and adults alike, spend a great deal of time using electronic devices. The bentdown position of the head and neck, while looking at the screen of a handheld device, can reduce or eliminate the natural curve in the neck. This can cause the spine to degenerate at an earlier age and also lessen brain function. This, combined with prolonged sitting that is so common in workplaces, homes, and schools, may lead to chronic health conditions as well as conditions such as ADD and ADHD, according to Dr. Durso. “Chiropractic care can help allow the body to function optimally,” but Dr. Durso does not stop with adjustments. “I also educate my patients on other ways to be proactive about their health.” FRIENDLY AND COMFORTABLE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
The office at Balanced Health Family Chiropractic provides an invitingly friendly, comfortable environment, with a waiting room filled with educational materials on many aspects of wellness, as well as seating that includes stability balls to encourage movement. Dr. Durso exudes enthusiasm when discussing his profession and practice. It is clear he is dedicated to helping his patients obtain and maintain optimal health through chiropractic and has a focus on wellness. BUILDING FAMILY WELLNESS
“It is an awesome profession. Our goal is to build family wellness through chiropractic; I love helping people be proactive with their health and it’s gratifying to be a part of people’s lives,” said Durso. 쮿
Dr. Durso and his team at Balanced Health Family Chiropractic can be reached by calling 203-553-9300. They can be found on Facebook, and their website is www.staybalancedct.com
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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From Rubble to Beauty WRITTEN BY: MARION RIZZO
The Orange community works together to refurbish a tradition from a simpler time, bringing beauty and life to a forgotten practice on Orange Center Road. The Garden Club of Orange, the Conservation Commission, and residents join together to restore the herb garden at the Historic Stone Otis House.
To quote Nancy Becque Civic Committee Co-Chair, The Kitchen Herb Garden at the Historic Stone Otis House has gone from “rubble to beauty” this last year. The home was built in 1830 by Dennis and Sarah Stone. The area located behind the house was once a viable herb garden, providing the original residents with herbs which were used mainly for culinary purposes. However, many of the herbs did have medicinal values and as such were an important part of their everyday life.
“The Stone Otis
House Herb Garden
is the best kept
secret in the Town of
Orange. The Garden
brings you back to a
more peaceful time.” Last year, The Garden Club of Orange under the direction of Maryellen Bespuda made plans to recreate and restore the herb garden. Garden club
members did lots of research and began the physical work of restoration. They pulled weeds, brought in fresh compost and began planting. The area was divided into four quadrants. Two of the quadrants were planted with culinary herbs such as basil, rosemary, sage and dill. The third quadrant was planted with herbs that were used for medicinal purposes such horehound, yarrow and chamomile. Lastly, the fourth section contains herbs that were used to flavor beverages such as mint, lavender and spearmint. Ultimately twenty-six varieties of herbs were in full bloom by the summer of 2017. The project expanded to be one shared by the Orange community. Jay Ewen of the Conservation
Commission refurbished the old well and built a new gate and picket fence on the property. Maryellen Holden tended to the surrounding perennial gardens, and the Lions Club donated monies for the purchase of permanent markers, making it easier for visitors to identify the herbs.
The Garden Club
will host a reception
on the premises on
June 21st from 4 pm
The herb garden in full bloom under the care of garden club members. 30
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to 7 pm.
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Town of Orange. The Garden brings you back to a more peaceful time.”
The Garden Club will host a reception on the premises on June 21st from 4 pm to 7 pm. Light refreshments and information regarding the many kinds of herbs and how to grow them will
be available. The gardens are always open to visitors. 쮿
The Stone Otis House is located on Orange Center Road. For tours and more information, call (203) 795-3106 or check the website at: www.orangehistory.org/stone-otishouse.html
Blooming flowers of the Stone Otis House garden.
The herb garden is reminiscent of one you might see in Colonial Williamsburg. Very often docents from the Orange Historical Society in period dress are at the home and are eager to share its history. Bespuda notes, “The Stone Otis House Herb Garden is the best kept secret in the
SUMMER 2018
Garden Club members, left to right: Pat Nizen, Maryellen Bespuda and Nancy Becque give First Selectman Jim Zeoli a grand tour of the garden.
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Meet Orange’s own “Fixer Upper” Team!
John and Jennifer Manzione, owners of J&J Complete Home, are a husband and wife team committed to transforming old, outdated spaces into feel-good, welcoming spaces for family and friends to enjoy! colors and industry-leading craftsmanship. Clients can view an array of cabinet door styles and colors. John or Jennifer will help clients with design and will then produce a 3D version for them to easily visualize the transformed space.
With the increasing popularity of home design television shows such as, Flip or Flop, Property Brothers, and Fixer Upper, home design has become all the rage. That popularity proves true in Orange as well, as many homeowners are looking to transform their homes inside and out. John and Jennifer have become well known in their field and are often referred to by their clients as “Orange’s Fixer Upper” team.
John and Jennifer
really love working
with people and feel
CELEBRATING 20+ YEARS
Established in 1997, J&J Complete Home is a fully licensed and insured construction company. John handles the construction end, while Jennifer handles the business end, as well as assists with design.
While learning the trade John says he’s had many mentors. His interest in the construction field began when he was a teenager working for his cousin, who was a well-known builder at the time. “I watched him create, and learned so much from him. At that time, I knew this was the career I wanted,” he said.
Another influence in his life was his grandfather who would share stories with him about his co-workers coming to build his own house. John said, “My grandfather was never afraid to get his hands dirty. I get my work ethic from him; we were very close.”
As co-owner with a keen eye for design, Jennifer began officially working for J&J full time a few years ago after leaving her job as a fraud investigator at a health insurance 32
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blessed they are able
John and Jennifer Manzione
company. Jennifer said, “It was the perfect time for me to make that move and focus on J&J 100 percent.” She has various responsibilities such as scheduling appointments, obtaining permits, scheduling inspections, marketing, sales, advertising, social media, collaborating with sales representatives, and of course, working with clients in selecting colors and patterns and working at job sites. She is the face of the business.
This energetic and creative team is sought after for their complete kitchen and bathroom design and other transformative home remodeling projects. J&J Complete Home has partnered with two quality cabinet manufacturers — Merillat and Fabuwood for their variety, style,
to help create new,
improved spaces and
strive to make every
project an enjoyable,
stress-free experi-
ence for their clients. Three years ago they collaborated with Floor Décor, located at 555 Boston Post Road, by creating a showroom inside the store. Floor Décor is a full-service boutique flooring company offering many varieties of flooring options, as well as tile for walls and backsplash. In addition they sell counter tops for kitchens, wet bars and baths. This collaboration with Floor Décor, SUMMER 2018
Before allows J&J to offer their clients onestop shopping, helping families to create the space of their dreams, while receiving expert help for coordinating cabinets with the most beautiful tiles for floors and walls. MORE THAN JUST BATHS AND KITCHENS
Besides baths and kitchens J&J provides all types of remodeling and repairs that enhance the enjoyment and value of any home. Whether it is an addition, basement, deck, kitchen or bathroom remodel or an entire house makeover, they walk their clients through the entire process from start to finish. J&J knows that any work to a home is a big investment and they work closely with clients to give them the best quality at a fair price. They are committed to building quality spaces with attention to comfort, budget, and schedule. From concept to completion, their clients are their number one priority.
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After LICENSED AND EXPERIENCED SUBCONTRACTORS
J&J Complete Home has a loyal slate of reputable, licensed subcontractor's such as electricians, plumbers, framers, etc. that have been working with them for years. They believe in running a tight ship — which means that once a task is completed, the next subcontractor is already scheduled and ready to go without delay.
For more information, call them at (203) 553-9446 or view their website at: www.jandjcompletehome.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, HOUZZ, LinkedIn and Allignable, to view some of their renovations.
John and Jennifer really love working with people and feel blessed they are able to help create new, improved spaces and strive to make every project an enjoyable, stress-free experience for their clients. They are long-time residents of Orange and have two daughters in the Amity school system, who are both active in sports. John volunteers his time coaching girls little league softball and he can't wait to get his feet on the field! 쎿
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| THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
SUMMER 2018
Pizazz Brings Hair Health, Education and Style to Orange WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
Amanda Morriar knew early on that she had the innate ability to create artistically with hair. As the oldest of four, she grew up practicing techniques on her mother and siblings, and then initiated her professional career in high school, washing hair and sweeping floors at a local salon. “I always had a great work ethic because I grew up in a single-family home and my mom worked many jobs,” Amanda said. “She believed in education and sacrificed fancy meals for my siblings and I to go to private school. When I decided that I wanted to go into hair, she supported me but said I needed to go to college.”
Amanda never saw herself letting go of hair, so she enrolled in the Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in 2009. In addition, she received a full-ride scholarship to Southern Connecticut State University and studied chemistry and physics, with hopes of gaining the knowledge necessary to design her own hair products. While in school and working at a salon on the side, she landed an internship at Sikorsky Aircraft and became a fulltime employee working in Purchasing and Procurement at the Age of 19. “Everyone always saw how often I changed my look and I started getting clients at my work space at Sikorsky,” Amanda said. Meanwhile, she was promoted to the Safety Department and graduated from Southern in 2012. “After working at Sikorsky for over three years, I was laid off, and I realized that it was time to take a risk,” Amanda said.
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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND BIG ASPIRATIONS
Amanda opened a 500 square-foot boutique salon in New Haven and saved for three years until moving to a 1,300 square foot location in West Haven. Flash forward to 2018, and Amanda has embarked on a new journey in Orange by opening Pizazz Salon and Beauty Academy at 108 B Boston Post Road.
“I have always loved teaching, so I wanted to take my business up a notch and add another entity to the salon,” Amanda said. “I was never happy with the cosmetology education system — most schools are very commercial with large classes and students don’t often graduate with a wide range of experience. I want to create a new dynamic that places an emphasis on texture.”
While studying in cosmetology school, Amanda says that her class only learned how to cut one type of hair, but today, that is unrealistic.
“We live in a true melting pot where cultures are mixed and people have different types of hair,” Amanda said. “I think students of all ages will gravitate toward me because I’m young, I’m seasoned, and I love what I do.”
Amanda Morriar with one of her clients
A VARIETY OF SERVICES
Offering styling, hair coloring, weaving and braiding, Pizazz Salon operates with the theme that the most important accessory a person could have is healthy hair.
“What sets my salon apart from all the others is that we’re definitely in the know about what’s trending, but at the same time we emphasize healthy and thriving hair,” Amanda said. “A lot of people come into my salon when they’re transitioning from processed to natural hair or vice versa. In addition to my chemistry background I’m also a licensed trichologist, so I specialize in
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which is a combination of essential oils. The hydration system is a treatment combining protein and hydration, and the Aubrey Christine moisturizing conditioner can be used daily.” AMANDA’S DRIVING FORCE
scalp health and different types of alopecia, hair regrowth and hair regeneration. I believe in trying natural remedies and therapeutic approaches before experimenting with chemicals or highly toxic remedies. A lot of times, I notice that the natural route is most effective.”
On top of being a full-service salon with hair, nail and eyelash technicians, Pizazz offers customers laser treatments for hair loss in its trichology room.
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For those looking to boost their hair health outside of the salon, Amanda’s own line of Aubrey Christine hair products are for sale at Pizazz. Launching the line in 2016 at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show in Atlanta, Amanda has shared her products with celebrities and world-renowned cosmetologists.
“My natural hair product line is named after my daughter,” Amanda said. “The Aubrey Christine conditioning system is made of elixir,
Amanda’s 3-year-old daughter, Aubrey, is her driving force. “Coming from a home of so much love, I give my daughter my heart and it’s reciprocated,” Amanda said. “She tells me how she’s so proud of me, and she enjoys hair and makeup just as much as I do!”
As her goals are realized with the opening of Pizazz Salon and Beauty Academy, Amanda says that she loves being an inspiration to other young women who want to start their own business.
“Fear is one of the driving forces that prevents people from following their dreams,” Amanda said. “Once you overcome fear, believe me when I say that you can do anything you put your mind to.” 쮿
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Business Milestones
Owning your own business can be a challenge and maintaining a successful business can be an even bigger challenge. The following articles highlight the accomplishments and new developments of successful businesses who have reached a milestone anniversary. 50 Years of Serving Brides
of seamstresses is on hand to make alterations, which are done on site. She smiles when she speaks about Teresa Evancho, one of the seamstresses, “She has been here from the very start of the business; this is her home away from home, and she loves what she does.”
BY: SHAILEEN LANDSBERG
Lucille’s Bridal Shop/Val’s Formalwear, located at 236 Boston Post Road, Orange, has been serving the Orange and surrounding communities’ bridal needs for decades. Originally founded in 1968, the shop is now proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary!
We will always stay very detail-oriented and focus on providing excellent customer service.
Founded 50 years ago by Lucille Cassella, on the corner of Old Tavern Road and the Boston Post Road, the shop is a mainstay of the Orange community. Cassella proudly ran the business and provided fine quality bridal wear for many years, serving local brides and their bridal parties for dresses and accessories for the wedding day. She then sold the business to Tony Fontana, who owned Val’s Formalwear, another local business. Val’s Formalwear catered to grooms, groomsmen, and anyone needing to rent a tuxedo. Fontana merged the two companies, creating Lucille’s Bridal Shop/Val’s Formalwear. The business eventually moved to Hitchcock Plaza.
In 2012, Orange resident Antonietta Catania purchased Lucille’s Bridal 38
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WHERE THEY’RE HEADED
Antonietta Catania
Shop/Val’s Formalwear. With 25 years in banking prior to assuming ownership of the business, Catania was well-versed in customer service, sales, and operations, and her transition was seamless. The shop moved again, re-opening in its current location. Catania was committed to maintaining the culture and quality of the products and services of the shop from the start. “It was important to keep the name; everyone knew it and people are loyal.” She goes on to describe the attention to detail and customer service her customers benefit from, “We have the expertise and our biggest goal is to make their experience great.”
Catania warmly welcomes visitors to the shop before introducing her customers to her experienced consultants, who assist each bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaid, and flower girl to select the perfect dress and accessories. Consultants will also assist grooms, groomsmen, or anyone needing men’s formal attire for a special occasion. After a dress, tuxedo or suit is chosen, Catania’s expert team
Catania has a clear vision for the shop in the future. “We will always stay very detail-oriented and focus on providing excellent customer service. This is one of the most important days in a bride’s life, and we will always make the experience special. We will keep working with our customers, from brides to moms, dads to grooms, the whole family, and work to make them happy.”
“We have the expert-
ise and our biggest
goal is to make their
experience great.”
As far as any changes on the horizon, Catania explains, “It is the 21st Century, so we do have to change with the times. We are planning to have more of an online presence, including social media. The internet has changed how brides shop, and they often will search online for ideas and pricing and bring that information to me. We always share that each dress is custom made for each bride, and the real designers don’t sell online. We will make sure the dress is a perfect fit and the bride is happy with her selection.” SUMMER 2018
When asked if she had any advice for her customers, she was quick to share that they should make an appointment for ordering well in advance. “Brides should come in at least 7 or 8 months before the wedding. Mother of the bride and bridesmaids should come in 3-4 months ahead of time, and the gentlemen needing tuxedos, 3 months ahead.“ 쮿
Lucille’s Bridal Shop/Val’s Formalwear opens at 11 am and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Phone: 203-795-0546 and website: lucillesbridalshop.com.
Jesse’s Toys Toasts to 30 Years of Innovation and Service
“When we first opened, we were half of the size we are today. Several years in, we found the need to expand,” Mickey said. “Our neighbor had vacated the premises and so the landlord and I got together and talked about a plan to grow into that space. With all the products that stock our shelves today, I often wonder how we ever got by in such a small space back then.”
BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO
Jesse’s Toys, an Orange staple located at 185 Boston Post Road, celebrates a milestone this year.
“Thirty years ago my wife and I had a son named Jesse, and at that time, we felt there was a need in the area for a specialty type of educational toy store,” said Mickey Hershman, owner of Jesse’s Toys. “It was our intention to open a store based on customer service and our ‘hands-on’ approach.”
Mickey and his wife, Lori, own three toy stores named after their sons. Jesse’s opened first in Orange, followed by Evan’s Toy Shoppe in Hamden and Jordie’s Toy Shoppe in Guilford.
“Being a mom and pop shop, our thumb is always on the pulse of the store and we’re constantly listening to the needs of our customers,” Mickey said. “This allows us to always gauge trends in the business, including what is popular and what we need less of.”
While Monopoly, Clue and Candyland are widely popular to this day, Mickey says that a whole new world of games, activities and projects in both crafts and science have blossomed since the classics were created.
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REAL SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
Mickey Hershman
KEEPING UP WITH INNOVATION
“I think toy manufacturers realize that people can't be complacent. Something may have been a hit years ago, but that doesn't mean it will be successful now. For Jesse’s to be successful, we must stay fresh and keep up with innovation,” Mickey said. “We are seeing a lot of companies coming out with games that encourage spatial problem-solving skills and toys based on speed of response and collaboration. It is an interesting phenomenon, and we are loving it.” As Mickey reflects on what has changed most about Jesse’s over the past 30 years, he says that the size of the store is one of the most noticeable differences.
Observing the needs of customers who enter Jesse’s searching for the perfect thought-provoking gift, Mickey says he can tell that parents are trying to keep their children’s minds stimulated in ways that aren’t singular in nature like a tablet screen.
“I think more and more, kids who are surrounded by screens and phones could potentially get tuned out of the real social experience,” Mickey said. “It’s certainly easy to stick a child in front of a TV or an iPad, but everything has its limitations. You don't want to exclude a child from watching their favorite show, but you don't want that to be the primary source of stimulation either.”
Mickey feels it’s important for kids to acquire social facing skills and to be able to look at people eye to eye instead of constantly tweeting and texting. “A lot of parents who visit Jesse’s look for novel activities that will keep their kids from being too detached,” he said.
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Mickey says that Orange residents have come to know Jesse’s well and that he is now meeting a whole new generation of customers.
“Regardless of what we’ve accomplished yesterday, we still have to perform tomorrow and appeal to each individual coming through the door. We always strive to do our best.”
“Eventually we started to realize that we were selling to the grown up children of parents who first came into the store, and now we're selling to their grandchildren. We've seen families grow, and we've seen our employees who were once 16 come back in with their kids,” Mickey gleams.
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Toys may have come and gone on Jesse’s shelves over the past 30 years, but he says that the store’s customer service pledge has remained the same.
“Our service is critical, and people have come to expect that,” Mickey said. “We’re always looking to introduce customers to new things and explain the nuances to them. Since we are also known for our gift wrapping, customers often stop by on their way to a birthday party having the confidence that they can come in and pick up something unique, have it gift wrapped and then be on their way.”
The toys and games filling the shelves of Jesse’s are not just for children. Each section of the store covers different age ranges, from birth to adulthood. Compared to the big box toy industry, Jesse’s stands on its own with its eclectic mix of products and interactive staff.
“My wife attends buying meetings most weekday mornings, where she meets with companies and sales representatives looking for the latest
and most innovative things for our store,” Mickey said.
Looking forward, Mickey says Jesse’s Toys will continue to maintain the relationships its built over the years, while never becoming complacent.
“Regardless of what we’ve accomplished yesterday, we still have to perform tomorrow and appeal to each individual coming through the door. We always strive to do our best.”
Mickey says that he and Lori are lucky to be in the toy business. “There are people who go through their lives never feeling like they've enjoyed their careers,” he said. “They may wake up in the morning and it's a drudgery going off to the vocation they've chosen, and that's unfortunate. I can say that I haven’t experienced that because I've always looked forward to coming into our stores. Between the people, the customers and our folks who work with us, I am so glad we took this path over the past 30 years and we have no desire to stop.” 쮿
Phone: (203) 799-1301; website: jessestoysct.com
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Camp Argo: Making a Difference for all Kids WRITTEN BY: DAINA LARKIN
Love for family is a powerful force, and Jason and Courtney Nevis extend that love to children across Connecticut. What began as a side project in sunny California blossomed into a full-blown passion that traveled across the nation: Camp Argo, a nonprofit day camp bringing children closer to the outdoors and each other. The mission of Camp Argo is a simple one: show children of all kinds that there’s a hero within all of us.
“There weren’t many social summer camp opportunities for children on the spectrum,” Courtney recalled. “There was this gap, and we wanted to create a place for all children to play together.” The Nevis family has a neurotypical daughter, Maggie, who loves playing at Camp Argo with her brothers.
ALL KIDS ARE WELCOME
ORIGINATED OUT WEST
Camp Argo is a bona fide outdoor summer camp filled with games, sports, and plenty of fun. One of the things that makes it unique is the open-arms approach of its inclusive autism spectrum program. Children across the spectrum participate in the same sports, games and crafts as their “neurotypical” peers, learning and bonding in a safe and understanding environment. Jason and Courtney developed this program when their two sons, John and Beau, were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“We’ve seen lifelong friendships come out of Camp Argo,” Jason commented. “This is really a place for kids to be kids and get away from the stresses of scheduled life.” SUMMER 2018
Camp Argo began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Jason was a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director. In the Summer of 2013, the camp’s first season proved to be a wild success — so much so that Jason and his wife, Courtney, took it with them to Camp Cedarcrest in Orange when they moved their family to Connecticut.
Campers at Camp Argo are encouraged to display “hero-like” qualities, which range from generosity to kindness to determination. Each group of campers is visited by “local heroes,” members of the community who provide a service or fill an everyday need. Members of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, local businessowners, nonprofit leaders, entertainers and artists alike visit Camp Argo to plant the seeds of motivation and wonder. Even the camp’s name is pulled from a heroic Greek myth of Jason and The Argonauts. The Argonauts (lead, of course, by Jason) traveled on the ship Argo, conquering obstacles using their combined strengths to retrieve a fabled golden fleece and prove their
Campers traveling over a bridge on the property of Camp Argo
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From archery and go-karting to arts & crafts, the children at Camp Argo share in exciting outdoor adventures, custom-suited for each individual group of campers. Children of all ages and abilities play together and form incredible bonds not fostered in other parts of their lives.
“We’ve seen lifelong friendships come out of Camp Argo,” Jason commented. “This is really a place for kids to be kids and get away from the stresses of scheduled life.” OPEN DOOR POLICY
Jason (right) with his daughter, Maggie (left) and son, John (center)
worth to the gods. Plus, at Camp Argo they practice what they preach: every summer, the camp partners up with other local nonprofits to give back to the community. Past efforts have included blanket drives, food drives, animal shelter donations and more.
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Camp Argo had its first summer in Orange in 2017, welcoming children from all over the state to come to play and learn. There’s no extra fee for non-Orange residents: all are welcome. For the sometimes-hesitant parents of children with ASD, Courtney and Jason have an open-door policy. Concerned parents are invited to meet Jason & Courtney ahead of time to find out about the camp and see if it’s a good fit for their child.
The core of Camp Argo is made up of paraprofessionals with decades of experience working with children with ASD. Even more importantly, it’s run by parents who want nothing but the perfect experience for their own children, neurotypical or otherwise.
Campers at Camp Argo are encouraged to display “hero-like” qualities, which range from generosity to kindness to determination.
“This is a place you can send your kids no matter who they are,” Courtney said. “No matter their abilities, everyone participates in the same fun. Everyone belongs here!” 쮿
Camp Argo is located at 886 Mapledale Road, Orange; 203-799-2746, www.campargo.com
SUMMER 2018
Dancing with the Race Brook Stars WRITTEN BY: ANNEMARIE SLIBY
Each June, the gym at Race Brook School is filled with music and excitement as fifth grade students dance their hearts away in an event called ‘Dancing with the Race Brook Stars.’ The ten and eleven year olds perform Ballroom dance routines, while teachers, students and families watch with gleeful eyes. The students are taught by a professional Ballroom dance instructor the month leading up to the event, learning Cha Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Salsa, Swing and Tango, and showcase their skills at two performances. The first performance is a dress rehearsal that first, second and third grade students attend. Fourth and sixth grade students, families and friends attend the second performance.
Looking forward to this year’s event, Bronson said, “It’s a labor of love.” Adding, “It’s a lot of work at the end of the year, but is so very rewarding. It’s a great way to end their fifth-grade experience and is such a wonderful memory for them, as well as it is for me.” 46
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POSITIVE EFFECTS
The program was created nine years ago by Race Brook School’s fourth grade teacher, Jennifer Bronson. With a passion for Ballroom dance, she created the program after watching a documentary called Mad Hot Ballroom, where several public elementary schools in New York City compete in Ballroom dance. The students are taught dance routines by professional dance instructors and compete in city-wide finals.
Bronson said, “The documentary highlighted the positive effects the program had on the children participating. There was a difference in discipline, confidence, and camaraderie. I was so impressed by
this, I wanted to create a similar program with Race Brook School students.”
Bronson applied for her first grant in 2009 with the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation to cover dance lesson costs. She enlisted Kristie Entwistle, who was Bronson’s Ballroom dance instructor at the time, to teach children dance routines. Entwistle and the Foundation have been involved in the program ever since.
Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation President Judy Primavera said, “The Foundation will support this program for as long as Jennifer will run it. My daughter Jamie was a Race Brook student and loved to dance; everyone at the Foundation enjoys just how SUMMER 2018
much this program contributes to the students’ self-esteem when they take a chance and try something outside of their comfort zone and experience success. The arts level the playing field so every child can have that wonderful feeling of I can do it!” RECIPROCATION
To give back to the Foundation, Bronson and the students make gift baskets with donations they’ve collected and present the baskets to Primavera to be used in the Foundation’s ‘Evening for the Arts Gala’ in September. Bronson and Entwistle also attend the Gala each year.
Bronson said, “I’m very grateful to the Foundation for their support for the past nine years and thankful Kristie dedicates her time each year. ‘Dancing with the Race Brook Stars’ has truly become a Race Brook tradition.”
Race Brook’s event is slightly different than that of the New York City program. Bronson encompasses art and history, changes themes, and involves the kids in journaling. Bronson says she has the students create art pieces relating to dance
and music, as well as create a timeline of the history of a particular dance and genre of music. The art pieces and timeline adorn the walls of the gym.
In addition, students create poems and read them aloud at the start of the event, and the audience gathers in the center to learn the Merengue at the end.
As a tool to recognize their progress, the children keep journals and record their thoughts and feelings, as well as facts of their routines. At the event, Bronson reads a few journal entries, anonymously of course. Bronson said, “The journals show the students how they’ve evolved. One student recorded how nervous she was in the beginning, but how confident she became towards the end of the program.” YEARLY THEMES
The theme changes each year. Bronson says they’ve had themes such as 80s movies, where all dances are performed to that genre of music. One group did the Tango to the Ghostbusters song where the girls wore ‘ghost’ white and the boys dressed as Ghostbusters characters.”
THE JAMIE HULLEY ARTS FOUNDATION
The Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation provides educational and
career development opportunities in the arts. It was created
in memory of Jamie Alaine Hulley, who was pursuing a career in the arts, but her life ended too soon, just short of her
21st birthday. The Foundation sponsors arts programming
throughout the State of Connecticut, but especially within the Amity region. Their annual fundraiser, ‘An Evening for the
Arts Gala’ will be held on September 8, 2018 and will feature New York City performers, The Broadway Boys.
To donate or any information about the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, check the website at:
http://jamiehulleyartsfund.org/ SUMMER 2018
This year, ‘Dancing with the Race Brook Stars’ will be held on Friday, June 8th at 1:30. The theme will be based on different genres of today’s music, where the children perform to current rock, country, and pop music. The idea is that Ballroom dance can be performed to any genre of music. They need to recognize the beat of the song to coordinate with what type of Ballroom dance they will perform. The costumes include black skirts and colored tops for girls, and black pants and white polos for boys. They can modify their costume, such as adding bandanas and cowboy hats for a country song.
Bronson said, “The documentary highlighted the positive effects the program had on the children participating. There was a difference in discipline, confidence, and camaraderie. I was so impressed by this; I wanted to create a similar program with Race Brook School students.”
Bronson says many parents have said it’s their favorite program at the school and have been watching since their children entered the first grade. Looking forward to this year’s event, Bronson said, “It’s a labor of love.” Adding, “It’s a lot of work at the end of the year, but is so very rewarding. It’s a great way to end their fifthgrade experience and is such a wonderful memory for them, as well as for me.” 쮿
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Food, Faith, Family: A Local Mediterranean Tradition for 38 Years
WRITTEN BY: KAREN SINGER
When planning their first Odyssey Festival, Parish Council members of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church underestimated its popularity. Thousands flocked to the 1981 event, held over Labor Day weekend at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. “There was a line from Lighthouse Point to the highway at the Q-Bridge,” recalls Michael Wachter, who helped build booths and set up infrastructure. “And, we totally ran out of food, but we readily resolved that issue in future years and we build on keeping food ready and available each year.” Wachter has been a festival volunteer ever since, serving as chair or cochair in recent years. He, along with Paul Redding and Evan Mountzouris currently oversee the annual event.
Now in its 38th year, the Odyssey Festival was established as a fundraiser at a time when the parish was moving from New Haven to its new location in Orange, at 480 Racebrook Road.
Intermediate Odyssey Dance Troupe 48
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Community outreach was another goal. “A lot of our culture is food and dancing,” says Wachter’s wife, Helen, whose parents were among the festival founders. “They knew we could bring our culture out from behind the scenes to the public, and have people embrace it.” FESTIVAL BEGINNINGS
The original festival, featuring classic Greek cuisine and dancing, was held at Lighthouse Point Park for several years before moving to a Yale University field in 1986. A year later the festival relocated to Orange, where it has since expanded and flourished.
Food choices have grown over the years, and the scope has widened to encompass lectures on Greek culture and religion and a marketplace, among other features. The family friendly festival has no admission fee and no alcohol.
Three chairpersons left to right: Michael Wachter, Evan Mountzouris and Paul Redding.
PLANNING BEGINS IN SPRING
Wachter, Redding, Mountzouris and their wives, with the help of others from the church, begin planning in late March or April. The amount of care and concern that goes into planning each booth is meticulous. “We go over what we’re changing, adding or taking out and what we’re ordering and not ordering,” Wachter says. SUMMER 2018
By May, they have a blueprint, with detailed to-do lists and timelines for more than a dozen committees ranging from kitchen prep and festival setup to the marketplace, raffle booth, Gourmet Meze Grille and other locations.
“Then we put it together like a puzzle,” says Redding. “And that takes a lot of effort.”
Church membership comprises of approximately 800 families from 67 towns, according to Reverend Peter Orfanakos, who sees the festival as a focal point for the parish to “come together as the family we are.”
Now in its 38th year,
the Odyssey Festival
was established as a
fundraiser at a time
when the parish was
moving from New
Haven to its new
location in Orange,
at 480 Racebrook Rd. Most members pitch in, before and during the festival. “Some people volunteer for a couple of hours and some work all four days,” Redding says. PASSING THE TORCH
“I’m always awed how the generations of parishioners work together and teach each other,” adds Reverend Orfanakos.
Youngsters learn dancing from their elders, and grow up to become instructors. Pastry makers follow a similar path. “I started in the pastry booth with my mom at the first festival,” says Helen Wachter, who now supervises pastry production. “The generational component is very rewarding, especially when we’re SUMMER 2018
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baking; from those with older arthritic hands who will roll their dough no matter what, to the little ones who are given lumps of dough to make them feel as though they’re a part of it.”
By June, letters need to be sent to Town Hall, asking for permission to hold the festival. “Once we get that authorization, we can order the tents and seek state approval for the raffle,” Wachter says.
MANY PROGRAMS TO HELP THE COMMUNITY
Community outreach continues throughout the year, with events like “A Taste of Greece” and “Holiday Fantasy of Trees.” Reverend Orfanakos says the church has raised money for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, UNICEF and IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services), amongst others.
Redding believes the best part of the festival is how it unifies parishioners, young and old, with everyone striving toward a common goal. “There’s a joy being expressed in the way they work with each other and the way the generations work together,” Reverend Orfanakos says. “You don’t see that very often, and when you do, it’s as if you’re watching the work of a symphony, melded into one masterpiece. “When our work is lifted up to God as an offering, then it truly becomes a masterpiece.” 쮿
Preparations move into high gear a week and a half before the festival, when the tents arrive and everything must be set up and ready for final inspections. “If the focus of the event was just simply raising money, then it would have died off a long time ago,” says Reverend Orfanakos. “The festival itself always has been centered around food and faith. But it has a greater calling, which is taking the message of the gospel and going out and changing the world. “I would hope that when people experience the festival, they are engulfed in a feeling of appreciation and happiness and a feeling of joy, not only on the grounds of the parish, but to take it into their lives as well.” Jim Bitzonis and Dino Maniatis in the Gourmet Meze Grille
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Ten Years of Strawberry Fun! WRITTEN BY: BOB SIGLER AND GEORGE CATALANO
The Annual Strawberry Festival is celebrating its 10th year in June. The festival is scheduled on Saturday, June 9th, from 9 am to 5 pm with a rain date on June 10th. As always, the event is brought to you by the members of the Orange Congregational Church! When the festival began 10 years ago, it started on the green, in front of the Orange Congregational Church. As the years went by, the crowds grew, the attractions increased, and the need for a larger space was needed. More food and vendors were added, and even a car show, which was added five years ago and has become synonymous with the festival. The Orange Fairgrounds on Orange Center Road has been the prime location for the past seven years. This event has been a staple in Orange and has become one of the most wellattended events in town.
cream sundaes, and chocolate dipped strawberries as well!!
There will be many, many craft vendors of every kind and description dotting the fairgrounds with their tents, Shamrock Farm with beautiful flowers and plants, live bands to keep toes-a-tappin’ and children’s entertainment with rides, games, face painting, and other activities. A pie eating contest (strawberry, of course!) will be a highlight of the afternoon! Hay rides for young and
old will again be part of the festivities. So you see it’s a real family affair (emphasis on family!) with all proceeds going to support the good works of the Orange Congregational Church. 5TH ANNUAL RED CAR SHOW
In addition, (yes, there’s more!) the 5th annual RED Car show will be running from 10 am to 3 pm on the grand lawn of the fairgrounds, with trophies presented concourse style at the Gazebo to each of the Division winners sometime between 2:30pm and 3pm! The RED Car show was conceived as a way to fill the huge space of the fairgrounds with RED event that recognized the RED Strawberry celebration of the Festival, while attracting the demographic of car collectors as part of the attendees.
Last year, we attracted over 60 beautiful, gleaming, and perfectly detailed RED cars and trucks of every era and genre. There were classics, muscle cars, sports cars, custom cars, hot rods, European & modern era cars! All and all a great way to kick off your Summer! 쮿
If you have questions about the Festival, call the Orange Congregational Church at 203-795-9749 or visit their website at www.orangecongregationalchurch.org If you have a specific question about the RED Car show, call George Catalano at 203-799-6748.
Marie Gesler, longtime Festival chairperson, likes to say, “Festivalgoers know that when the Strawberry Festival happens, it’s the start of the summer season.” A wonderful array of foods will be offered, starting with breakfast at 9 am featuring Chip’s pancakes topped with strawberries. Lunch follows including hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches hot off the grill, French fries and more, and of course, strawberries in every kind of presentation you can dream up from shortcakes to pies, to jams, to ice
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SUMMER 2018
Fields Restoration in Time for Summer WRITTEN BY: MATT GAD
Construction of the Brinley and DeGennaro fields at the Old Tavern Baseball and Softball Complex was performed over the past few months. The fields were updated due to various factors since a major restoration project has not occurred in the past several years. “There was a desperate need for renovation and work,” Orange Parks and Recreation Director Dan Lynch said. “It was brought up at a Parks and Recreation meeting. I talked to the First Selectman to see if a project could be finalized, but there wasn’t any money to restore the fields in any of the planned budgets.”
Lynch credits the work of First Selectman Jim Zeoli and town Finance Director John Cifarelli for making it possible for securing the funds to allocate to the two baseball fields. Lynch said a majority of the work was done through the winter months, but cosmetic work, such as laying sod, was done during the warmer weather.
The complex was first constructed in the early 1970s, Walter Bespuda, one of the original construction workers, said. Bespuda recalled that three fields were created at the start — which did not include Brinley — and they had to construct the dugouts and the fields.
“It was an open corn field and we had to clear out quite a bit of brush,” SUMMER 2018
Bespuda said. “The major part was done in the late 1960s and early 1970s.” Bespuda said the area was home to Orange’s Sesquicentennial Celebrations in 1972.
“Because both the Brinley and DeGennaro fields were overused and there were a bunch of lips in the infield, they hired contractors to get the two fields in shape,” Orange Post 127 American Senior Legion General Manager Robert Mirto said. He notices the struggles of keeping the fields in good shape and says, “During the time I was president of the Little League, permits were required for using the field. You weren’t allowed to hit a few balls and leave without cleaning up.”
UTILIZE THE SNACK BAR
Another issue Mirto has noticed over the years is that food is not available at the complex as it once was.
“The snack bars are not open. There is a lot of money that could be made. It’s tough getting volunteers, and we may get a group that we can either hire or appoint to do things.”
Mirto mentions when he was president, he and Bill Nugent ran the snack bar at Brinley Field. “We sold pizza and had Mary DeVito make spaghetti and meatballs. We made good money during those days.”
During Legion there are 30 or 40 people from other towns who attend.
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“What I like about it is that it starts off by being run by veterans and the program is a Pennant Race Program. We’ve had 11 people who have been drafted professionally — the quality of baseball has been good.”
Mirto said he’s also excited about the 17 and under program this year. “We have a group of kids that really like and respect one another. There’s a lot of talent and if these kids remain playing together, they’ll be really good when they’re playing varsity at Amity. Not that other teams haven’t been good, but we’ll continue with that tradition.”
Renovation of DeGennaro Field in progress
Mirto says, “If there is a doubleheader, they’re going to want food and most people have been going to Dunkin’ Donuts. This is a great opportunity to use the snack bar,” he said
Mirto, who coaches the senior legion program along with his son, Nick and two other coaches, said he is looking forward to this upcoming season.
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The American Legion teams in Orange, consisting of one team for children ages 15-17 and another geared for ages 17-19, draw from those that are typically part of the Amity High School Junior Varsity and Varsity teams from the spring.
“I’ve been involved in Legion a little more than 20 years,” Mirto said.
His son, Nick, who serves as the senior team’s bench coach and records live statistics during games, said there will be someone in charge of field maintenance consistently, which will be a huge help in keeping the fields in top shape.
Mirto is excited about the season and pleased that the fields have been renovated. “I am looking forward to working with the teams and having a great season!” 쮿
SUMMER 2018
Calendar WRITTEN BY: MARY BIALY
Events to look forward to in the months ahead. JUNE 6: ORANGE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EXPO
High Plains Community Center, 11 am to 4 pm. Network with 56 business vendors, free & open to the public. Activities, food trucks, raffle, mammography van and more. Additional: Speed networking ($15) prior to opening and Business After Hours after Expo ($15). Call (203) 891-1045 or website at: http://www.orangeedc.com/Events_ Activities/ JUNE 9: ORANGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 10TH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
High Plains Community Center Fairgrounds, 9 am to 5 pm. Crafters, live entertainment, children’s games, rides, car show, hayrides. (Rain Date: 6/10), Call 795-9749 or www.orangecongregationalchurch.org JUNE 24: 5TH ANNUAL DOC WHITNEY 5K ROAD RACE & 2M WALK
High Plains Community Center at 10 am start (registration at 7:30 am). Register online at www.hitekracing.com, prices vary; Age 65+ is free. Wear your mismatched socks – a Doc’s tradition! For information, call (203) 481-7453. Proceeds go to the George “Doc” Whitney Memorial Scholarship Fund. JUNE 28: ORANGE COMMUNITY FARMERS’ MARKET OPENING DAY
Under the Pavilion, High Plains Community Center, 3:30 pm to 7 pm. Runs each Thursdays from June 28 to September 27 (No market on 8/2 or 9/13 due to fairs). Many vendors, food trucks, concerts: 6/28, 7/12, 8/9, 8/23. Check website for market and band information at: www.FarmMarketOrange.com SUMMER 2018
JULY 1: INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT AND FIREWORKS
Orange Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm, food vendors, music by “The British Invasion Years,” fireworks at 9:30 pm, free admission, parking $5, rain date - July 2. JULY 18: ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL PICNIC
SEPTEMBER 7: OEDC ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Orange Hills Country Club, 389 Racebrook Road, Shotgun start at noon, 18 holes, tournament gift, lunch, snacks, drinks, dinner at Orange Ale House, awards, $175 per golfer. Call (203) 891-1045. SEPTEMBER 15-16: ORANGE COUNTRY FAIR:
High Plains Community Center Fairgrounds, 8 am – 7 pm Sat; 8 am – 6 pm Sun; Tractor Pull 9/14 at 6 pm; Entrance fees vary with age. Agricultural fair include exhibits, contests, food. For information, www.orangectfair.com OCTOBER 7: TRAIN SHOW:
Under the Pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 5:30 pm, $25 per person, food, craft beer & wine tasting. Call (203) 795-3328 to purchase tickets or for more information.
Hosted by New Haven & Derby Model Railroad Club at High Plains Community Center, 9:30 am to 3 pm. There will be 100 dealer tables. Donations: $5 (18 & older), $1 (12-18), Free (under 12).
AUGUST 2-5: FIREMAN’S CARNIVAL
OCTOBER 27: TRUNK OR TREAT
High Plains Community Center Fairgrounds, food vendors, rides, activities. Proceeds go to the Volunteer Fire Association for purchase of equipment and training costs. For hours and information, check website at: www.orangevfd.com/carnival. AUGUST 11: ORANGE ROTARY LOBSTERFEST
Under the Pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 3:30 pm to 7 pm. Twin lobsters, raffles, family fun. For more information and order tickets, check website at: www.rotarycluboforange.org Proceeds will benefit our local community. AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 3: ODYSSEY GREEK FESTIVAL
St. Barbara’s Greek Church, 480 Racebrook Road, free admission, free parking, rain or shine. Greek food, dancing, marketplace, live music. For more information call (203) 795-1347 or www.saintbarbara.org
High Plains Community Center Fairgrounds, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Free and open to Orange residents only. Costume contest, games, and treats from beautifully decorated trunks. Call (203) 891-1045 for information. NOVEMBER 22: ORANGE ROTARY TURKEY TROT 5K
High Plains Community Center, 8 am start, $25 pre-registered or $30 raceday registration, Walkers welcome fees vary; USTAF Sanctioned event. Visit: www.rotarycluboforange.org for more information. TOWN CONCERT NIGHTS
At the Orange Country Fairgrounds at High Plains Community Center at 6:30 pm. Dates and bands are:
June 28: Lunch Box (rain date 7/5)
July 12: Cruise Machine (rain date 7/19)
August 9: Frantic City (rain date 8/16) August 23: Fools on the Hill (rain date 8/30)
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Fire Prevention with Drone Technology WRITTEN BY: ANDREW BIONDI
As many residents of the town know, the Orange Fire Marshal’s office, which employs the only full-time municipal fire employees in Orange, deals more with fire prevention than it does with suppression and active firefighting. AN EYE IN THE SKY
A drone’s view of Savers to the left and Eagle Leasing to the right, with Bedding Barn at the top right along the Boston Post Road.
DEPARTMENT MAKE-UP
The Marshal’s office consists of two full-time employees, the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal, as well as three part-time employees: two Fire Inspectors and an Administrative Assistant. On the other hand, the Orange Volunteer Fire Department is staffed by around 50 active volunteers, thus making them more equipped to serve on the frontlines of firefighting. CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Because of its focus on preventing potential fires before they occur, the Fire Marshal’s office is always 56
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searching for ways to get ahead. Approximately two years ago, Fire Marshal Timothy Smith began a campaign to give his office a technological advantage in protecting the citizens of Orange in the form of their very own camera-equipped drone. However, the process of acquiring a drone for his department proved to be a much more difficult task than Smith could have predicted. Smith says, “Introducing cutting edge technology into our operations I knew would be a daunting task initially; however the benefits have been quickly realized.”
The decision to purchase a drone for field usage was relatively simple. Most of Smith’s office work comes from building inspections, which they are required to perform on nearly every property in town. The idea behind the drone, as Smith explained, was to give investigators a much wider range of angles from which to observe properties. Angles which investigators themselves could never naturally observe: essentially, an eye in the sky. With this in mind, Smith applied for a drone grant from the FM Global Insurance Company in 2016, but was denied on the grounds a drone would help more in fire suppression than it would in prevention. This did not deter the marshal. Instead, he used funds from an arson restitution to purchase the office’s first drone, a DJI Phantom 4. Despite this difficulty in simply obtaining the drone, it turned out to be only the first in a series of obstacles facing Fire Marshal Smith in getting the project off the ground. PILOT’S NEEDED
Once the drone had been purchased, the next step was to get potential operators trained and licensed by the FAA before CIRMA, the town’s insurance company, would cover the drone. Smith was the first to be certified when he passed the FAA’s Part 107 exam, which must be retaken every 2 years; he noted that Part 107 was so extensive that upon passing it, he was only a few steps away from SUMMER 2018
get the drone in the air. Most recently, the drone has been brought out to assist Milford Police and State Police Fire and Explosion Unit.
The drone was used to gain documentation of the fire cause for reporting purposes. Note, if the drone was not used, it would have been time consuming and difficult to obtain detailed images, due to a tree canopy around the home.
earning a pilot’s license. Following the test, Smith was informed he still could not legally fly the drone, since the Town of Orange Class D restricted airspace (a result of proximity to both Sikorsky Airport and Tweed New Haven Airport). Of course, since the limitations associated with restricted airspace are not meant to obstruct drone usage in pursuit of the public good, qualified drone users can apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to operate even where they would normally be restricted. And while the Fire Marshal’s office was able to comply with these regulations by applying for and receiving a COA, this situation is indicative of a common problem that has been encountered by police and fire departments nationwide since the introduction of FAA drone regulations in 2015 and 2016.
function that would increase its usefulness in the fire service: an adjustable, changeable camera system, which would allow firefighters to utilize enhanced-zoom or thermal cameras, among others. With this in mind, Smith set up a deal with FM Global to purchase a new drone, the DJI Inspire (which does include an interchangeable camera). The Phantom will be transferred to the Orange Police Department for regular usage. In return for the grant, Smith was given a year to prove the drone’s usefulness in fieldwork. In an attempt to gather as much data as possible for his proof of concept, Fire Marshal Smith has offered his drone’s services to both state and local police and fire departments, giving his neighbors an extra hand in the field in exchange for more opportunities to
“The drone has proven itself in a very short period of time, and the possibilities of its expanded use in benefiting the safety of emergency responders and citizens alike will soon be realized,” TREMENDOUS POSSIBILITIES
“The drone has proven itself in a very short period of time, and the possibilities of its expanded use in benefiting the safety of emergency responders and citizens alike will soon be realized,” Smith said.
Smith’s initiative has caught the eye of his fellow fire servicemen, who have asked him to give a class on drone usage this June at an annual state conference for firefighters, where he will proudly represent the innovation and technological breakthroughs present in our public service departments. 쮿
THE PHANTOM DRONE
Many police and fire department drone programs have been hindered by the FAA’s recent regulations for one reason or another, leading to a lack of concrete evidence showing the benefit of drone usage. In light of this information, Orange’s drone program can be seen at the forefront of drone implementation, at least in Connecticut, since it is providing evidence that other departments can use to justify their own programs. Throughout early field tests it became clear to Fire Marshal Smith the Phantom drone, while extremely capable, lacked one particular SUMMER 2018
Tim Smith holding the drone.
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Orange Marketplace
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605A Orange Center Road Orange, CT 06477
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