OrangeLife Magazine - Summer 2023

OrangeLife

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OrangeLife

SUMMER 2023 ISSUE #26 MAGAZINE

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Annemarie F. Sliby, Executive Director

Orange Economic Development Corporation

Ad Sales

Mary Bialy

Orange Economic Development Corporation

Contributing Writers

Alyssa Davanzo, Nancy Kline, Sarah Kwon, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Christina Levere, Tasha Meisenheimer, Alissa Sauer

Contributing Photographers

Bright Horizons, IVX Health, Larry Lambert, Paula Severino, Annemarie Sliby

Design & Production

Paula Severino

OrangeLife Magazine

is distributed semi-annually by the:

Orange Economic Development Corporation 605A Orange Center Road Orange, Connecticut 06477

203-891-1045

www.OrangeLife.net | OrangeEDC.com

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Rates are listed on www.OrangeLife.net. Contact us at 203-891-1045 or email: mary@orangeEDC.com

Read Online

All editions of OrangeLife are online at www.OrangeLife.net/read-online.

Submit Photos and Ideas

To be considered for photographs for our cover (seasonal) and ideas for articles featuring the people and business community of Orange, submit to: asliby@OrangeEDC.com.

On the Cover

A local author’s flock of chickens grazing in the yard in front of a 1900s smokehouse.

10

JIMMY JOHN’S SANDWICHES

Freaky Fast and Freaky Fresh ® Addiction

13 28 COAST

A Fashion Hobby Evolves into a Clothing Boutique

17 GOOD CHILD TRANSITIONAL CENTER

Nurturing a Child’s Social and Emotional Development

20

LOCAL AUTHOR

A Flock of Chickens Inspires a Children’s Book

25 THE VERO AT ORANGE

Reimagining Retirement

29 IVX HEALTH

Customer-Focused Infusion Center

32 CHARMS LOCKSMITH

Longstanding Family-Run Locksmith

35 COMMUNITY

New Organization Supports the Community Through Faith

36 EDUCATION

Developing Literacy Begins with Infancy

38

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Summer and Fall

READ THIS ISSUE AND PAST ISSUES AT:

OrangeLife.net

Photo: Paula Severino

I am pleased to present the 26th issue of OrangeLife Magazine. It is exciting to be able to feature a great mix of business and community stories, and I am thankful I get to learn about new things and share them with you.

Chickens! How many of you know about the various chicken breeds (over 90) and how they live? I had the opportunity to learn about some of the chicken breeds and their antics because in this issue, we feature a young woman who wrote her first children’s book, which was inspired by her own flock of chickens. The article covers a bit about her beautiful 1902 farmhouse, the family who lived there in the 1930s, as well as how she came to write her book, Pia Pullet Comes to Chicken Little Farm.

In this issue, we also feature a new community organization that supports local action projects involving various faiths. More articles include a few new businesses, such as a beautiful retirement facility, a charming clothing boutique, a specialized daycare/preschool, and more.

Events in Orange are in full force, and it seems like there are more now than before the pandemic. Be sure to check our calendar on Page 38 and take some time to attend some of these fun activities.

Enjoy this issue and have a fantastic summer!

ANNEMARIE F. SLIBY Executive Director, OEDC

When visiting any of the businesses that have advertised or that are featured, please let them know you saw their ad or article in OrangeLife. As always, I want to thank our advertisers, and First Selectman James Zeoli, the Orange Economic Development Commission, and the Orange Economic Development Corporation for their support.

Freaky Fast and Freaky Fresh® Addiction of Jimmy John’s Sandwiches

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA DAVANZO

At 7 a.m., you might be hitting snooze on your alarm clock, brewing your first cup of coffee or firing up your laptop to begin a day of work. Meanwhile, the team at Jimmy John’s Sandwiches has been awake for hours baking bread, chopping fresh vegetables, and hand-slicing cheeses and meats.

At 550 Boston Post Road in Orange, Jimmy John’s opened in August 2022 as the second location in Connecticut and one of the first in the northeast.

“Ever since I visited my brother in college and tried their sandwiches for the first time, I’ve loved this place,” said Will Roth, who co-owns Jimmy John’s restaurants in Norwalk and Orange with his business partner Mike Manno. “It’s an adored brand across the country with over 2,800 restaurants in 48 states, so we’re excited to finally bring the concept here.”

FAST FRESH SERVICE

Notorious for Freaky Fast speed and Freaky Fresh® ingredients, the

restaurant does not serve bread that is more than four hours old. Customers walk through the door of Jimmy John’s, order a sandwich, and have it ready and in their hands in 30 seconds or less.

“Our brand standards make us stand out from our competitors,” said Nick LaForme, General Manager of Jimmy John’s of Orange. “We have three people working the sandwich line on a busy day, one being the ‘bread starter’ who cuts the bread and adds condiments and veggies. Simultaneously, we have a ‘meat puller’ who gathers the meats and cheeses necessary to assemble the sandwich. The last person on the

line is our ‘wrapper’ who greets each customer and rings them out.”

Nick has always been a part of the food industry, working as a cook for several years and then transitioning into management at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria in Waterbury and Fairfield, CT. When Will and Mike approached him with the chance to grow his career at Jimmy John’s, Nick jumped at the opportunity.

“I was their first hire,” Nick said. “When I was in Champagne, IL for Jimmy John’s corporate training, I saw the restaurant on every other road. In the Midwest, the west coast, and down south, they are as common as Dunkin Donuts. When Orange residents see a new sandwich shop, I understand that they might be skeptical, especially if they already have their favorite mom and pop deli. People don’t like to break their habits or routines. That’s why we’re reaching out to the community and showing them what we’re all about.”

A DELECTABLE MENU

Will’s go-to Jimmy John’s order is the #7 Spicy East Coast Italian sandwich, stuffed with double Genoa salami, double capocollo and provolone, hot peppers, onion, lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Orange General Manager, Nick LaForme.

Photo: Paula Severino

“I get it with a side of the Jimmy’s Kickin’ Ranch®, which is made by hand using buttermilk, Jimmy’s Peppers® and special seasoning,” Will said. “It’s addictive. As soon as someone tries Jimmy John’s, they keep coming back.”

The restaurant offers combo meals, cookies and their own kettle-cooked potato chips called Jimmy Chips® and lower-calorie Thinny Chips® For those looking to avoid highcarb foods, the Unwich® is a healthy alternative.

“Any sandwich on the menu could be turned into an Unwich®, which includes two iceberg lettuce shells that get wrapped into a sandwich burrito,” Nick said. “Compared to a regular sandwich on our French or wheat sandwich breads, an Un-wich® contains 10 grams or less of total carbs.”

Jimmy John’s prides itself on Freaky Fast delivery. Even a single sandwich could be at a customer’s door or

office quicker than through a thirdparty delivery app.

DELIVERY & CATERING

“We have our own drivers, and if you order delivery through us, our goal is to drop off your order in 10 minutes or less,” Will said. “You don’t have to worry anymore about playing the 45-minute waiting game.”

Because of the way that Jimmy John’s operations are set up, the team can fulfill same-day, last-minute catering orders.

“Our catering is huge, and we have options for different sized parties and events,” Nick said. “Our 30-piece and 18-piece boxes with subs cut into thirds and to-go lunch boxes are ideal for school field trips and corporate events. A lot of restaurants require at least 24 hours’ notice, but we’re baking bread all day and we’re Freaky Fast, so we are happy to get the orders done.”

Jimmy John’s of Orange is open every day from 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Nick

encourages customers to experience the best-in-class food and a clean, family-friendly environment for themselves.

“We’re a little louder at Jimmy John’s. We like playing funky music and screaming ‘Hot Door’ with the whole crew when we open the oven door,” Nick said. “I want everyone in Orange to get to know our fun, upbeat culture and come be a part of it.”

For more information, contact Jimmy John’s at 203-298-9824 or view the website at jimmyjohns.com. 

The #7 Spicy East Coast sandwich with a side of Jimmy’s Kickin’ Ranch ®, and Jimmy Chips ®

Photo: Paula Severino

A Fashion Hobby Evolves into a Clothing Boutique

WRITTEN BY: CHRISTINA LEVERE

ho-hum to delightfully well curated, look no further than 28 Coast, a stylish new women’s clothing boutique in Orange.

Owner Lauren Romano, a selfdescribed shopping hobbyist, brings years of fashion expertise to the storefront, and now that in-person shopping is returning to pre-pandemic levels, she is ready to help you assemble a polished look that is uniquely yours.

“I’ve always had a shopping hobby, and I kept thinking, let me share my problem,” Romano said.

BEGAN WITH A BLOG

The “problem” inspired her to start a fashion blog seven years ago at age 23 called Simply Lauren Rose, where she follows style trends, shares where she shops and finds sales, and seeks to bring her followers daily inspiration and confidence with their outfit and make-up choices. The blog is part retail, part personal diary. She shares tips on mixing affordable pieces with higher end pieces, photos of herself modeling a number of looks, personal news (like her engagement to fiancé, Nick), and product reviews.

The more she blogged at Simply Lauren Rose, the more fans she amassed. She branched out to other social media platforms. At press time, her following on Instagram was more than 235,000.

A BOUTIQUE EMERGES

When life went virtual in 2020 because of the pandemic, Romano seized the opportunity to turn what had been a hobby into a full-time career. She decided to leave her job

teaching kindergarten in Westport, where she had grown up, to pursue the next iteration of her “problem,” which was to have a curated fashion inventory.

“I loved teaching, but I always had a side hustle,” she said.

That year, she launched Styled by Lauren Rose Boutique, a Connecticutbased online clothing boutique. She chose items that were a reflection of her personal style, which she describes as “elevated casual style with pops of color and pattern.”

As satisfying as it was, Romano said it was always her dream to take an online store and eventually go brick and mortar. In January 2022, Romano found the vacant space at 501 Boston Post Road and felt it was meant to be. The storefront was ideal for shopping, storing inventory (she was previously storing all her inventory at home), and commuting from Milford. She opened that March, renaming the boutique 28 Coast.

“Twenty-eight is a special number to me, and I’ve always loved the coast,” she said. “It’s where I grew up. The name also sounded more official than Lauren Rose, and I was officially in business.”

CLOTHING LINE

Inside the boutique you will find everything from chunky knit sweaters to sweatshirts, jackets, jeans, and fun, hip pants. There are flowy, floral sheaths and kimonos, t-shirts,

tops, and a variety of footwear, from sandals and boots to sneakers and wedges. Romano gets new arrivals every week, which launch online, and while clothing leans more casual and comfortable than formal, she does carry a selection of maxi and mini dresses, both in-store and online.

She regularly attends big buying markets, choosing pieces that reflect her style but also appeal to her followers, who range in age from 18-60. She always aims to carry extended sizes, though vendors still offer limited inventory, which frustrates her.

If you are looking to take your personal style from

Lauren Romano, Owner of 28 Coast.

Photo: Paula Severino

“I try to keep everything under $100,” she said. “Sometimes I’m surprised by what sells and what doesn’t. But this year, I feel skinny jeans are in and I still wear them. Floral is going to be really big this year and matching sets like sweatshirts and sweatpants. They’re very on trend.”

She also exhibits at pop-up markets like those in Milford and Fairfield. “I’ve drawn a lot of customers that way.”

While 28 Coast’s location — tucked into the corner of the plaza — and size aren’t ideal for heavy foot traffic Romano said, “rent is reasonable and

I’m working on regular, consistent store hours, so people can come in and shop. We have space for trying clothes on, and I’m here to help you — but I’ll also leave you alone if you want to peruse.”

Additionally, customers can shop online and pick up their purchases in person or have them shipped.

If that sounds a lot like other retail outlets, Romano is quick to point out that her boutique’s offerings are not what everyone else will be wearing. They are also not simply pant and shirt combos: They are complete, accessorized looks curated from a number of on-trend designers and culled by her.

“I’m kind of like a personal shopper who wants to help you look like your best self,” she said.

28 Coast is located at 501 Boston Post Road, Suite 7, in Orange. Follow the boutique on Instagram @28COAST. Visit Simply Lauren Rose at simplylaurenrose.com/blog. 

The boutique stocked with their spring line, accessories and shoes.

Photo: Paula Severino

Nurturing a Child’s Social and Emotional Development

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Good Child Transitional Center has come to Orange! An offshoot of the longstanding daycare preschool Good Child Development Center in Milford, the 380 Boston Post Road, Orange location is a center with a specialized focus.

Executive Director Bill Okwuosa, MA, LADC, ATSA is a dynamic professional with a passion for mentoring and a vision to support individuals from birth throughout their lives through the identification of challenges and needs and early intervention to help them maximize potential. He came to Good Child Development Center in 2017 and has led the way to create a strong focus on helping to provide programming to help each child thrive socially and emotionally, as well as educationally.

A CERTIFIED STAFF

A full spectrum of services is available to children attending Good Child Development Center and Good Child Transitional Center. Each teacher is credentialled, with an Early Childhood Education background, and develops lesson plans for the children in their care. Classrooms are broken down by age and the teacher-to-student ratio reflects the needs of the age group of the children, who range from 6 weeks old to 6 years old. Knowing that physical activity is important for growing kids, there are also indoor and outdoor spaces to run and play.

“We also have educational consultants, nutritionists, a doctor who comes in once a week, and a dentist on call for our students. The building is locked, there are cameras in each classroom, and all our staff receive on-going training in things like CPR and First Aid, safe food handling for our kitchen staff, and more. We are committed to

providing for the health, safety, and security for the children who attend,” shared Okwuosa.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Okwousa’s perspective that a child’s social and emotional development comes first before academics, as well as his experience being the parent of a child with autism, inspired the vision of the Orange campus of Good Child Development Center.

“I live in Orange with my wife,” said Okwousa, and together with her has two grown children and three grown stepchildren. We found out early that my son had autism,” he continued, “and we were able to get the interventions to help him succeed. But what about the children on the spectrum without early intervention?

How can we help them?”

Okwousa set out to develop a novel program, based in Orange, that dovetails with the Milford campus of Good Child Development Center and called it Good Child Transitional Center. This center, focusing specifically on children with autism or behavioral challenges, will serve 25-28 students from 2 years to 5 years of age. He explained, “The center identifies children who will benefit from the program, which uses ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis therapy) and has a very small student-to-teacher ratio and small classrooms and groups. We have a strong focus giving the children the attention they need, and on social and emotional learning that helps each child progress. When we know

One of the larger classrooms that is divided into sections for varied learning.

Photo: Paula Severino

they are ready they transition to Good Child Development Center for a more academic setting.”

Site Director Jo-Ann Arena, who has been part of the Good Child team for 6 years, shared her enthusiasm for the program. “This is a spot where the children can feel less pressured

and in a more specialized school.” She echoed Okwousa in explaining that all staff are certified in the ABA approach, and that the certification benefits each child.

A SECURE SITE

Arena and Okwousa emphasized the security of both Good Child

locations, explaining that both are locked, and parents and visitors are buzzed in. There are cameras in each classroom, and Emek Security, which is a security company owned by Okwousa, visits each campus on a rotating basis.

“We provide security to almost all of the synagogues in Connecticut, including the ones in Orange,” said Okwousa of his company, which is based in town, “and Emek Security can be as available as we need for Good Child.”

Good Child Transitional Center is open from 6:45am-5:30pm Monday through Friday. Tuition of $500/week (at the time of printing) includes healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, small classes with studentteacher ratio of 2:1, and all other services. The center is exploring Care 4 Kids to assist with tuition. For information call 203-874-8232, email info@goodchilddevelopmentcenter.com or visit goodchilddevelopmentcenter. com. 

Site Director Jo-Ann Arena and Executive Director Bill Okwuosa, with the security system monitor behind them.

Photo: Paula Severino

A Flock of Chickens Inspires a Children’s Book

WRITTEN BY: TASHA MEISENHEIMER

Driving by the quaint stone farmhouse that sits at the top of Grassy Hill Road, I always admired the bulbous fieldstone, the sweeping front porch, and the stained-glass window shaped like a rhombus that adorns the front gable.

In January 2018, the 1902 farmhouse was listed, and immediately, I called my realtor. Later that day, we stepped through the front door, enchanted by the beautiful stone center fireplace and fieldstone walls in the breezeway and kitchen. Nestled in the backyard, a stone smoke house sat with a crooked wood door enveloped in a cloak of ivy. The house was certainly one of a kind, and before even venturing upstairs, I knew it was home. My husband, Dan, grew up in Orange and we wanted to return to his hometown to raise our son.

A BIT OF HISTORY

My parents and I reviewed records of the farmhouse at Orange Town Hall and discovered that in 1935, Joseph A. & Mary C. Little purchased the

farm from William P. McGrath. At that time the property was 36 acres. Records show that between the years 1943 and 1945, the Littles acquired three building permits to construct two poultry coops and a large shed to raise turkeys and chickens. Unfortunately, those structures are no longer standing on the property.

CHICKEN LITTLE FARM

I have always been fascinated by older homes and intrigued by the stories they hold within their walls and fences. These historical records, along with an intense love of animals, prompted me to construct my own backyard coop in 2021. In accolade to the Littles, I named my tiny coop Chicken Little Farm.

The rearing of chickens required a bit of farmer knowledge, and I gladly jumped into an intensive research assignment. I was an English teacher for the past twenty years, and an unexpected cancer diagnosis in 2019 deferred my teaching career, and the pandemic forced a quarantine. During my healing, I took this precious time to slow down, connect with nature, and mend my soul. It was then the idea of having chickens first surfaced. I thought it would be an educational and exciting experience for my fouryear-old son, Lachlan. I started small with eight chickens, and they soon became a fixture in the community as people spied red hens foraging in my front yard. As the eggs accumulated, I began gifting them to neighbors and friends in town. My flock has now grown to 16 and counting.

INSPIRATION TO WRITE

More than delivering fresh farm eggs, my flock inspired me to write my first children’s book, Pia Pullet Comes to Chicken Little Farm, the first book in the Chicken Little series. The story of Pia Pullet came to me as I prepared Lachlan for the certain aggressive encounter that would occur when introducing a Polish hen to an established flock of Red Cross chickens. The Polish’s extravagant appearance would provoke the other chickens. The Red Cross hens would pluck out her beautiful plume of head feathers to make the Polish look more like them. In the chicken world it is considered a courtesy. All I could discern was the irony, removing what made the Polish so remarkable and elegant, to look more pedestrian.

Author, Tasha Meisenheimer with her flock of chickens on her front porch aligned with fieldstone.

Photo: Paula Severino

Tasha feeding the flock in front of her Chicken Little Farm coop.

Photo: Paula Severino

A story emerged; I recalled thinking as I witnessed my Red Cross chickens interacting with the Polish pullet for the first time. There was a lesson about accepting differences, a moral I thought was imperative for my son to learn. Sometimes, the attributes that make us quirky and strange, really are what make us exceptional.

After the abrupt feather plucking, the chickens established a pecking order and then there was harmony. What a powerful message, to focus on what makes us alike, rather than on what makes us different, ultimately embracing individualism and celebrating beauty in all its forms. The diversity among chickens is astonishing. There are over 90 breeds and even though they all have varying sizes, colors, wattles, behavior, and personalities, they all have feathers. On occasion a chicken will get its feathers ruffled, just as we do, but they have something to teach us about empathy and acceptance.

The book is intended for children ages 4-10. I have outlined several other story lines for the series, created from the knowledge I have obtained from researching a myriad of breeds to raising my own backyard flock. My next story involves a misfit Malay rooster named Malaki. He goes on

a journey of self-discovery in an uncertain world. I have always believed that animals have much to teach us if we are willing to pause and listen.

Books are available for purchase at chickenlittlefarmct.com, as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

The book’s namesake Pia the Polish hen, left, with a friend getting some treats and the book cover, inset.

Photo: Paula Severino

Reimagining Retirement at The Vero at Orange

SUBMITTED BY: ALISSA SAUER

At 197 Indian River Road, The Vero at Orange has recently opened for older adults looking to redefine and reimagine the senior living experience. Here, residents can discover senior care services that include independent living, assisted living, and memory care, which allows them to embrace joy and purpose in a new age of senior living.

AMENITIES & PROGRAMS

While a brand-new building, The Vero at Orange brings nearly 50 years of experience to Orange senior living through their partnership with Leisure Care, a senior living management company known for providing exceptional retirement experiences. As a Leisure Care community, their residents enjoy

exclusive signature programming, including PrimeFit Wellness, a holistic approach to senior wellness encompassing emotional, physical, mental, and social health. Their dedication to holistic wellness flows into every aspect of community life, easily seen in their commitment to comprehensive senior nutrition, engaging social programming, and fun physical fitness opportunities.

“We get to socialize together and it’s a very comfortable place to live! The activities are well-planned and wellattended. Gary, the in-house chef, is very innovative and can prepare anything you request. The food is fabulous!” says, Marilyn, a new independent living resident.

Taking a whole-body approach to wellness, The Vero knows that movement is an essential part of aging well and staying young at heart. Although they have an abundance of onsite amenities and activities, the residents and staff plan to take every opportunity to explore the larger Orange community. Taking advantage of their prime location, they offer an active social calendar with something for everyone, giving residents a choice of engaging activities daily. In the community, residents have access to group fitness classes, personal training sessions, social events, games in the game room, and volunteer opportunities. Residents are encouraged to pursue lifelong passions and are given opportunities to seek new ones through experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit.

CARE SERVICES

Paving the way for whole-person care that meets the demands of today and gives peace of mind for the future, The Vero is a premier senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Care services are delivered a la carte in the privacy of residents’ apartments and in a fun and caring environment where living well is the top priority. Here, assisted living is about maximizing independence and meeting residents where they are to get them where they want to go. It’s about claiming the support older adults need to continue showing up as their best selves for the people and moments that matter most.

Exchanging the hassles of homeownership for a community lifestyle that offers high-end amenities and personalized care, residents can discover that living well and well-being come to life at The Vero at Orange.

The large, bright dining room where residents can order on or off the menu.

The game room stocked with game tables, comfortable seating, a pool table, books, and games available to all residents.

Photo: Paula Severino

Photo: Annemarie Sliby

“Every day I wake up looking forward to working my dream job in my dream community!” says Morgan, Activity Director at The Vero at Orange. Their signature memory care program, Opal by Leisure Care®, is only available in Leisure Care communities like The Vero. Through Opal, The Vero provides a positive approach to care that partners with residents and families. Residents in memory care enjoy a gentle and flexible schedule that provides structure and freedom, while dedicated caregivers provide compassionate care for residents

with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia. They understand that a dementia diagnosis affects the entire family. Through their holistic memory care services, families can reclaim balance in family relationships and find freedom and joy in everyday moments. The senior living community is conveniently located near five medical centers, including Yale New Haven Hospital.

APARTMENTS

Residents in independent living and assisted living choose from spacious studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom independent living and assisted living

apartments. All apartments come with fully-equipped modern kitchens, large closets, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, and built-in emergency communication systems. The community welcomes pets in independent living and assisted living.

The Vero at Orange is now providing tours for potential new residents. RSVP by calling 203-867-0123. See available apartments, meet residents and staff, and enjoy refreshments in your new home! 

One of the bedrooms in the two-bedroom unit of the independent section of the facility.

Photo: Paula Severino

The kitchen and dining area of the unit pictured above.

Photo: Paula Severino

Customer-Focused Infusion Center in Orange

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

For those receiving IV therapy, there is a new choice of infusion centers here in Orange! IVX Health, located at 263 Boston Post Road, Suite 7, opened in February and its comprehensive services are well-suited to meet the needs of the discerning client.

IVX Health in Orange is one of the newest locations of the Tennesseebased company, which was founded in 2018 and now has over 75 sites in 20 states. Their emphasis on redefining and elevating customer experience is clear from their website, which states “IVX Health redefines the care experience with unique amenities such as guaranteed private suites, weekend appointments, and more.”

“We are very customer-focused,” shared Melissa Rodhe, Regional Operations Director for IVX Health. “And our amenities help each client feel comfortable during their treatment.”

INFUSION SUITES

There are a few different styles of private suites. Each one includes large screen televisions and lounge chairs, and the “family rooms” also have couches for companions or children of the patient. The “office suites” have desks for those who need to work, do schoolwork, or surf the web on their laptop during their infusion.

Rodhe described some of the other amenities found at IVX Health, “There is no waiting room; the patient is greeted at the front desk and brought right to their treatment room. We have a coffee bar with snacks and drinks, and if the client wants something to eat or drink during their infusion, the nurse can bring it to the room. Since we are customer-focused, we have even

gone to the local ice cream shop for a patient.”

TREATMENTS OFFERED

A large variety of infusion and injection medications for a number of chronic medical conditions are given at IVX Health. Rodhe shared “We have a lot of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) patients who choose to come to us for their infusions of meds like Ocrevus, but we also see patients with other chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and more.” A listing can be found on the company’s website.

People of almost all ages can receive their infusion therapy at IVX Health, beginning at 6 years old, all the way

through adulthood. Staffing consists of RNs and a Nurse Practitioner, and all are trained in basic life support, as well as advanced cardiac life support. Each staff member has no more than three patients at any given time.

For those interested in receiving their infusion or injection therapy at IVX Health, Rodhe explained that “the patient’s doctor should make a referral using the provider order forms found on our company website. We take all major medical insurances, take care of all prior authorizations, can help set up assistance for co-pays, and help connect clients with foundations. We are huge on communication, and I reach out directly to the patient

The welcoming lobby at IVX Health.

Photo: Paula Severino

within 24 hours of a referral. A nurse educator will also speak with them about the infusion.”

IDEAL LOCATION

“The company is smart with the way locations are chosen,” shared Rodhe, “We assess where people live and work, and choose a spot where it is convenient for them without being too close to a major medical center. One of our senior vice

presidents is actually a patient and knows what clients want and makes sure the center is on the first floor of a building with easy parking and accessibility.”

Rodhe explained that the Town of Orange is in a perfect geographic setting, and the location on the Boston Post Road is easy for patients to get to and meets all the criteria

for the company’s values. Rodhe emphasized that the culture of the company is invested in the patient experience and outcomes, and that senior leadership is willing to pitch in to ensure the success of each center and its patients. In fact, when the cleaning service that had been hired prior to the opening of the Orange branch did not show up, the clinical staff, management, and CEO Doug Ghertner all pulled up their sleeves to do the work to prepare the site for its opening.

IVX Health is a wonderful option for people who receive infusions and injections for their medical conditions. Clients receive their treatment in a welcoming, private setting that caters to the individual’s needs by a team of customer-focused professionals, close to their home or work.

IVX Health is located at 263 Boston Post Road, Orange, and is open Monday-Saturday 7am-7pm. Call (860) 996-8226 or visit https://ivxhealth. com/locations/connecticut/orange/ 

The private family room suite where patients have their treatments while family members sit comfortably.

Photo: IVX Health

Longstanding Family-Run Locksmith Company Relocates to Orange

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

One of Connecticut’s oldest locksmiths has relocated to Orange! Charm’s Locksmith, also known as Charm’s Security Hardware, Inc., was founded over 60 years ago in New Haven. They moved to West Haven in 1995 but outgrew the space and recently moved to the Hitchcock Plaza in Orange.

Owners and brothers Joe and Andy Klatzkin, whose grandfather co-owned the business, took over Charm’s Locksmith in 2018 from their parents, who had owned it after their grandfather. Their parents are still an integral part of the business and are still involved, working for Joe and Andy. Their mother, Barbara, smiled and shared “I love working for them, and I love helping our customers.”

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Over the years, Papa has expanded A high level of customer service is evident as soon as one enters the company’s new storefront. An eye-catching sign outside over the doors beckon to customers as

they drive into the plaza. Inside is a large, well-organized showroom, with professional displays of many of the products they carry, such as decorative door and drawer hardware, locks, and cabinet hardware, locking mailboxes, thousands of key blanks of various styles, and more. Friendly staff members greet customers with smiles, and efficiently help each person with their needs.

“We have an immense scope of services.” shared Joe Klatzkin. “We duplicate keys of all types, as you can tell by the 3,500 blanks on the wall in the showroom, and can even cut and program automobile keys,

except for European models, and work with a lot of antique automobile restorers to fabricate keys. For example, we helped with the keys for a 1933 Packard, and have helped with restoration of muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. We can craft keys for antique locks and antique safes as well and have made keys for things like old steamer trunks, antique glass-topped gumball machines, old parking meters, and even an old carnival scale.”

Andy Klatzkin added, “We also sell and install residential door handles and knobs, deadbolt locks, keypad door locks, commercial products such as door handles, locks, closers, and panic bars. We provide keys for things like airplanes, cars, motorcycles, soda machines, and more, as well as duplicate keys for padlocks and safes. We can provide and install almost anything that goes on a door.”

REWARDING ROLES

The Klatzkin brothers shared that they love working together. They each have a different main focus, allowing them to give more attention to what they love best about the locksmithing industry. Joe is primarily store-based, giving him the opportunity to serve walk-in customers, repair and maintain locks brought in, and source and curate the products on being sold and

Owners and brothers, Joe and Andy Klatzkin.

Photo: Paula Severino

displayed. He shared, “I love working on old locks; it is rewarding to work on and repair antique door locks, and some of the ones I’ve worked on are 100 plus years old.”

Andy’s primary role takes him on the road, taking fleet vehicles to different sites to repair or install door or lock hardware. He shared “I love the problem-solving aspect of the business; for example, when I come across something unique and am able to get creative with what type of hardware I use for the job. I like to learn what will suit the customer’s needs and work to meet those needs, while maintaining fire code or ADA requirements. There is a lot of variety, and it can be exciting not always doing the same thing every day.”

CREDENTIALS

“Our company is licensed, bonded through the Associated Locksmiths of America, and insured,” continued Andy. “We have had federal background checks and are licensed locksmiths, and any new technicians can

work directly with us as an apprentice until they obtain their locksmith license. We also have our home improvement contractor license.”

The brothers decided to move to Orange when they realized their prior space was no longer serving the business. Joe shared, “We ran out of space, and the parking was not nearly enough. We decided to stay

close so, as to not lose customers, but also gain a new market, and after some research decided this was a great spot.”

Charm’s Locksmith, located at 185 Boston Post Road, Orange, is open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm, and walk-in customers are welcome. Their phone number is 203-795-1100 and their website is charmssecurity.com.

The expansive collection of keys line the wall of the showroom, and a SMART EMPowered™ Emtek keyless entry lock, inset.

Photo: Paula Severino

New Organization Supports the Community Through Faith

WRITTEN BY: NANCY KLINE

Getting

The new group, Congregations of Orange Collaborative, is a collaboration of eight houses of worship in Orange. The organization came together in June of 2021 to provide avenues to educate the community of the various religions in the area, as well as support local social action projects. Our mission is Together Helping Others, and our vision is grounded in the spirit of repairing the world by encouraging our participating congregations in social action projects.

Congregations of Orange Collaborative is committed to improving the quality of life of people in need, strengthening relationships with our fellow congregants, and creating opportunities for our congregations to work together on mutual community service projects.

FAITHS PARTICIPATING

The congregations involved are Church of the Good Shepard, Congregation Or Shalom, Holy Infant Roman Catholic Church, Orange Congregational Church, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, St. Joseph of Arimathea American National Catholic Church, Temple Emanuel, and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

EVENTS & PROJECTS

We had a very exciting event on May 6th, called Tour De Faith, in which the community was invited to visit and learn about two Orange Houses of Worship. The event is a way for residents to gain a greater

understanding of the diversity in the community and to learn about other faiths. Houses of Worship featured were the Orange Congregational Church and Saint Joseph of Arimathea American National Catholic Church. During each onehour tour, participants learned about the core beliefs of each church and their physical structure. The May 6th event was our second Tour de Faith and a third is being planned in the fall with two additional Houses of Worship. Future tours will be organized each year, as long as they continue to be successful.

Another project the group has organized is an Orange Food2Kids

No Touch Pop-the-Trunk, a one-day food collection of perishable and non-perishable healthy snacks for children in Orange who may be food insecure. The first collection took place on December 5, 2021, and the second was on December 11, 2022. We hope to have another event this December. We also continue to

campaign for residents to donate to the Orange Fuel Bank.

BOOKS OF INTERFAITH

The first Interfaith Book Club was held on March 28th via Zoom. The book chosen was Snow in August by Pete Hamill and was a very touching book about the relationship that developed between a Rabbi and an Irish teen after World War 2. The Book Club is held twice a year and all the books chosen will have an interfaith theme.

Congregations of Orange

Collaborative has been successful thus far and one reason is that we work together, and we support and promote each other’s social action projects. We are looking forward to gaining more members, serving the community, and much success in the future.

If any are interested in joining Congregations of Orange Collaborative, please contact nancykline@gmail.com 

involved in social action projects and bringing awareness of the many faiths in Orange are two of the goals of a newly formed group of dedicated individuals in town whose goal is to support the community.

Members of the Congregations of Orange Collaborative from l to r: Stephanie Larson (St. Joseph’s), Sue Esposito (St. Barbara), Susan von Rubenstein (Goid to Kids), Nancy Kline (Congregation Or Shalom), and Susan Clark (Orange Congregational Church).

Photo credit: Larry Lambert

Developing Literacy Begins with Infancy

SUBMITTED BY: SARAH KWON, BRIGHT HORIZONS AT ORANGE

Children’s early literacy starts with listening to the sounds in their world and experimenting with making sounds and words on their own. As a parent, you help your child develop literacy by creating opportunities for conversation and communication.

Talking, singing, playing, and reading books together all build brain connections for language, literacy, and learning. The process for gaining literacy unfolds in a predictable sequence – babies and toddlers hear words, then say words; older children hear and see the written word before they read and write.

INFANTS

Babies’ brains are wired for language and communication. Talk with your baby, using the back-and-forth technique called serve and return. Sing, play, and read stories. Respond to your baby’s gestures, grunts, and attempts to communicate. Teach your baby a few signs, which have been shown to accelerate language development.

TODDLERS

During their first two years, most children move from using single words and phrases to talking in short sentences. Talking and reading with your toddler every day has a lasting

impact on language, social, and cognitive development. When children are read to frequently, they often recite key phrases or words from favorite books, which in turn, builds confidence and an interest in reading.

PRESCHOOL

Three- and 4-year-old children make huge strides in literacy. They begin to “read” their favorite books, focusing mostly on retelling the story from the pictures. They listen intently to add words and phrases to their growing vocabulary, and to learn grammatical rules. By asking lots of questions and experimenting with language, they evolve into active talkers. Some preschoolers are ready to read very simple books or write a few words.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

By the age of 4 ½ to 5, a child’s speaking vocabulary grows from a few hundred words to more than a thousand, and they understand many more than that. They are able to comprehend the complicated rules of grammar and syntax. Prekindergarteners can now participate in more elaborate conversations, use words to solve problems, and make up stories and songs on their own.

KINDERGARTEN

Many children arrive at kindergarten with a rich vocabulary and an awareness of printed language. Most kindergartners are considered to be emergent readers. They thrive when exposed to literacy-rich environments and experiences.

IN OUR CLASSROOMS

As early educators at Bright Horizons, we recognize both our responsibility to model inclusion for our young learners and our profound opportunity to make a real difference for the next generation. We work hard to create “places of belonging” where every child and family feels welcome. In our classrooms, you’ll find pictures of the children and their families, beautiful gender-neutral/ culturally inclusive materials, and diverse picture books.

We’ve built our curriculum to create culturally authentic learning environments that celebrate and explore all cultures and experiences. We use a mirrors (exploring a child’s own identity) and windows (understanding and embracing others) approach to learning.

Our anti-racism and anti-bias curriculum and teacher training program are designed to support inclusive classrooms. We actively create a culture of acceptance and respect where we can ask questions and learn from each other.

Our educator trainings and resource library include guidance to help teachers support and honor children of all abilities and needs.

Bright Horizons at Orange offers highquality care and education for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. For information or to schedule a personalized tour email us at orng@brighthorizons.com or visit brighthorizons.com/orange.

Photo: Bright Horizons

Calendar of Events

WRITTEN BY: MARY BIALY

MAY 26: Racebrook School Food Truck Festival

Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Multiple food trucks, live music, free and open to the public; free parking. For information, check the Facebook page RBSFoodTruckFest.

MAY 28: Memorial Day Parade

The Ceremony begins at 10:30 am at the Gazebo at 525 Orange Center Road. A Parade immediately follows at the corner of Pine Tree Drive and Orange Center Road and will conclude with a ceremony at the Orange Center Road Cemetery. If it rains the ceremony will be at High Plains Community Center, and the parade will be cancelled.

JUNE 10: Congregational Church Strawberry Festival

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Food, live music, vendors, red car show and more. Free admission. For information, call 203-795-9749 or visit orangecongregationalchurch.org. (Rain Date: 6/11)

JUNE 22: 3rd Artisan Fest and Vendor fair

Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Artisan and business vendors, food trucks, a live performance by the Sabb’s Brothers, and new this year, a Job Fair will be under the pavilion. Free and open to the public, free parking. For more information, visit the website: orangeedc.com/Events_Activities.

JUNE 29: Community Farmers’ Market - Opening Day

The pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The market runs each Thursday from June 29th to September 28th. A variety of vendors, food trucks and live music. For a list of vendors visit FarmMarketOrange.com or call 203-891-1045.

JULY 2: Concert & Fireworks Celebration

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, 6:30 pm. Welcoming comments from First Selectman James Zeoli, followed by a concert, food vendors, and a Fireworks Spectacular. Free admission, parking donation of $5. (Rain Date: 7/9)

JULY 15: The Rotary Club of Orange Summerfest Orange Fairgrounds, at 525 Orange Center Road from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Free Admission for all. Family fun, entertainment, and good food.

AUGUST 3-6: Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road. Rides, games, food, and activities. Proceeds go to the Volunteer Fire Association. For info. visit the website: orangevfd.org.

AUGUST 18-19: The Orange Players

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 7:30 pm on Friday and Matinee on Saturday at 3 pm. “Acting Up! 2023” an evening of one act plays. For more information visit the website: OrangePlayers.net.

SEPTEMBER 1-4: Odyssey A Greek Festival

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road

Greek food, dancing, live music. For more information, visit the website: saintbarbara.org.

SEPTEMBER 12: OEDC Annual Golf Tournament

Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue. Check in at 11:00 am, lunch reception at noon, shotgun start at 1:00 pm, and cocktail hour following the tournament. The OEDC is partnering with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. Registration is open on the website: orangeedc.com/ Events_Activities/ or call (203) 891-1045.

SEPTEMBER 16-17: Orange Country Fair

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road. Agricultural fair with exhibits, contests, food vendors, tractor & truck pulls, classic car show, music and midway. For more information, visit the website: OrangeCTFair.com.

OCTOBER 13, 14, 20 & 21: The Orange Players

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 7:30 pm on Fridays, Matinees on Saturdays at 3:00 pm

“Clue: On Stage” by Sandy Rustin, Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn. For more information, visit the website: OrangePlayers.net.

NOVEMBER 16: Holiday Farm Market

The Pavilion at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, 3:30 – 7:00 pm. A variety of farm, food, craft vendors, and food trucks. Free admission and parking. For info., call Orange Economic Development at 203-891-1045.