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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features
Departments
Raising theBarns Honoring these rural icons of southern New England
By Cindy Papish Gerber Photos courtesy of Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, City of Milford, & Sherry Johnson
The Carriage House, 44 Governor’s Ave.
26 Milford Living • Spring
28
Raising the Barns In Milford barns were once plentiful, but as our region’s rural lifestyle yielded to modern suburban development, things changed. In this issue we honor these standing rural icons of
4 5 6 8 12 16 20 24 34 38 40 44 48 54 53 56
Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters Milford Spotlight At Home Arts and Artisans Milford Wildlife Milford Morsels Family Time Historical Perspective Milford Fit Education Notebook Money Matters Senior Corner At Your Service Congratulations Where is it
southern New England. M i l f o r d L i v i n g Milford is for Living
About the cover: For the cover of our spring issue, photographer Cathy Leite presents a hfresh view of the upper duck pond. Spring 2014
You can view more of her photographs by visiting her website: www.cathyleitephotography.com
2014 • Milford Living 1
Lauralton Hall ENTRANCE
EXAM
SPRING 2014 VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 1 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com
Editorial Director Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com
Art Director Ryan Swanson
SATURDAY
Associate Publisher
Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com
MAY 3
Advertising Manager Joy Haines
8:00 AM
Account Executives Lisa Turner, Jeff Williams
Contributing Photographers
OPEN TO ALL 7TH GRADE
GIRLS
Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Robert Harrington, Sherry Lynn Johnson, Cathy Leite, Gerry McGuire, Phyllis Powers J.J. Richards
Contributing Editors
Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata
Contributing Writers
Angela Arpino, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Frank Farricker, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, Alex Greenberg, Reese Halter, Kate Harrington, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Makayla Silva, Greta Stifel
Production Assistance
Zinelle, Jackie Oster, Kevin Maher, Maryalice Manning, Mario Recupido
Web Design
Greyson Schwing/Antelope Networks Zinelle/Z1 Design
Interns
Connecticut’s first Catholic college-prep school for girls
Ashley Avitabile, Garrett DeCrosta, Maura Dolan, Todd Manning, Michaela Pounds, Gina Rose Sirico, Ashley Volkens
Milford Living Magazine 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford CT 06460 203-283-5290 http://www.milfordliving.com
our graduates succeed
Register at LauraltonHall.org 203.878.3333 Scholarships & financial aid available
Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $23.80. Newsstand: $5.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2014 Red Mat Publishing. Opinions expressed in Milford Living Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Milford Living Magazine. Printed in the USA.
www.milfordliving.com
2 Milford Living • Spring
We’ve transformed a hospital. and With it, the promise of health care.
At Bridgeport Hospital you can see the promise of a new day in health care. You can see it in completely redesigned facilities like our burn center and an emergency department that is now one of the most advanced anywhere. It all points to the fact that Bridgeport Hospital is part of a healthcare system at the forefront of advancing medical research and treatment – Yale New Haven Health. We welcome the opportunities this day brings. Opportunities to do more for you. So you can do more with your life.
Welcome to the neW Bridgeport hospital. bridgeporthospital.org
2014 • Milford Living 3
"Once you find us, you'll be floored!"
publisher’s letter
Dear Friends & Neighbors, After a very long winter it’s finally time to spring outdoors to enjoy
Flooring Milford for over 50 years!
Mother Nature’s touch of warm sunshine! Windows open, nature is in full bloom, and we are blessed to witness the annual reawakening of our good earth. This year marks a special anniversary for Milford—375 years! There will be many events happening throughout town to commemorate Milford’s founding, and we hope to see you at those celebrations. The Milford Living website and Facebook page will list all of the events, so check in often and make plans to join us. Additionally, we are preparing a commemorative 375th Anniversary magazine that we look forward to delivering to you soon. But in the meantime, pack a picnic lunch and join us for our 7th Annual Kite Fly, to be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 at beautiful Walnut Beach from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. It’s a fun-filled family event that gives us all the opportunity to visit with neighbors and friends as we attempt to get our kites aloft. The Connectikiters will be there again (as they have from the beginning), sharing their spectacular kites and techniques for high flying fun.
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4 Milford Living • Spring
We look forward to seeing everyone out and about during this wonderful warm season. As always, call, email, or stop in; we love to hear from you.
Wishing you a sweet spring,
Suzanne
readers’ letters You do great work! No other town has such
Thank you to all our faithful local readers!
did truly exist and that they were not just
a beautiful magazine, not even towns in
Without you, Milford Living would not have
an old man’s made up stories from the old
Fairfield County! It is something to be really
been able to celebrate eleven great years as a
neighborhood! Thanks to you and Brian for
proud of and I thank you for producing such
member of the community!
bringing them back to me.
great literature and information. —S. Bortelmann, Milford, CT
—Joe Zullo, Milford, CT Living all my life and growing up in the Pumpkin Delight area, last issue’s article
Joe we are so glad that we were able to help
Your book is really great! I enjoy it very
“N’ice Memories,” and Brian Smith’s
prove the point that your childhood was
much. I have lived in Milford a long time, I
description of the “infamous” Suicide Hill
everything you’ve claimed! We absolutely love
enjoy looking and reading about the past. I
was a thrill for me to read. So many fond
sharing memories of people who have grown
am 81-years old; brought back a lot of great
memories of taking on that ride came
up in Milford and continue to encourage
memories.
flooding back to me, but most of all, written
readers to share their thoughts, images, and
proof to my son’s that the tales of Suicide Hill
recollections with us on our Facebook page.
—Shirley York, Milford, CT
Drop us a line… Please send your comments, contributions, suggestions, and questions to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460 or email us at info@milfordliving.com
2014 • Milford Living 5
milford spotlight
Since laws in Milford prohibit owners from allowing their dogs off the leash in beach areas, Eisenhower Park is the ideal spot for family fun with their dogs. “The park is very popular,” confirms Hecker. The aforementioned amenities are all adequately utilized as well. Water bowls successfully quench the thirst of patrons’ pooches, while dog toys are popular ways to get the dogs to play with their owners when they aren’t focused on other dogs. That is the beauty of the park in a nutshell: owners can play, and so can dogs. Enjoyment is a mutual commodity at Eisenhower Park’s dog park. “The park improves our community by offering socialization for people who do have dogs. And it’s a great way for people to learn about dogs if they don’t have one,” says Hecker, bringing up an important point. Milford residents who are not current dog owners but might
Going to the Dogs
be looking to make evaluations of their own prospects for dog ownership can learn a lot by attending a gathering at the Eisenhower dog park. Current owners are happy to share information on breeds and tips on training. Welcom-
W
HAT DOES A DOG OWNER DO
on a
beautiful day? How about heading
to Milford’s dog park, located in Eisenhower Park? The park serves both the canine and
beaches, you don’t meet people, you don’t learn a whole lot. Here, it gives dogs a safe place to play off the leash.” The park gives both canines and their care-
human patrons of Milford nicely, with
takers a chance to meet each other in a friendly
amenities that include benches, dog toys,
setting. A typical gathering might include two
water bowls, and bags for picking up waste.
friendly beagles, a redbone coonhound mix,
Consisting of a high fenced-in area that
and a few other mixed breeds. The dogs romp
spans approximately 100-feet, the dog park
and stomp around the fenced-in area, playing
is isolated from the rest of Eisenhower Park,
with tennis balls, sticks, and the like; one
where dogs are free to roam off-leash. “It’s
golden retriever plays with a plastic bottle. The
a great socialization place,” says dog owner
owners are having a great time socializing and
Doug Hecker. “If you just go walk along the
watching the dogs play together.
6 Milford Living • Spring
Devon Dog Park
MILFORD RESIDENTS continue to
work on a plan to develop a Dog Park at Edgemont Park in the Devon Section of Milford. For more information and updates visit www.devonbarkpark.org
“
The park improves our community by offering socialization for people who do have dogs. And it’s a great way for people to learn about dogs if they don’t have one.” ing new owners into the pack is another important function of the park. The dog park at Eisenhower park functions as a microcosm of the greater Milford coma safe space for dogs and humans to play. The park is truly one of Milford’s hidden gems. —Alec Greenberg
DOUG HECKER
munity for dogs and their owners; providing
2014 • Milford Living 7
at home
Butterflies are Free A
SURE SIGN OF SPRING
is the first glimpse
of fluttering in your garden. Butterflies
garden. What do they need? The Beardsley Zoo is a
fascinate us with their dazzling colors and
tremendous resource and has
delicate wings. The metamorphosis from cat-
a butterfly garden next to their
erpillar to winged wonder is a curious trans-
Victorian era greenhouse. “Butterflies
formation, indicative of warm days to come.
like sunny places protected from the wind.
certainly attract attention. Back in ancient
The butterfly has been winging its way
They enjoy drinking from a damp, muddy
civilizations, nectar was thought to have
around our planet for tens of millions of
spot or very shallow pool. In order to keep
fallen directly from heaven; the wine of the
years. Currently, there are between 15,000-
warm, butterflies like to bask in the sun,
gods. Butterflies sip the nectar to nourish
20,000 species riding the winds across the
preferably on a large, flat stone you can set
themselves. Their eggs are laid under the
globe. Man’s fascination continues to grow
out for them. And of course, butterflies love
leaves of their favorite host plants and their
and many gardeners plant in earnest hope of
flowers! Flowers provide the insects with
young develop, chomping on the plant to
attracting these remarkable creatures.
nectar, their main source of nourishment.
grow and become extraordinary jewels of the
When it comes to flower preferences,
winds.
Providing an attractive habitat for butterflies will encourage visits to your
Flowers that Attract Butterflies
butterflies seem most attracted to purple,
There are quite a variety of flowers that
yellow, and orange colored flowers and the
will attract butterflies. Maria Macri, owner
more flowers, the better.”
of Milford’s Rivercrest Farm, grows countless
Providing a nectar source (flowers) will
varieties of flowers and has some hints for
ANNUALS Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Verbena
Verbena tenuisecta
Zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Aster
Aster sp.
Butterfly weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida
Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Joe Pye weed
Eupatorium purpureum
Bee balm
Monarda didyma
Phlox
Phlox pannuculata
Sedum
Sedum spectabile
Yarrow
Achillea filipendulina
Globe thistle
Echinop exaltatus
Mint
Mentha sp.
Liatris
Liatrus sp.
8 Milford Living • Spring
PHYLLIS POWERS
PERENNIALS
gardeners. “Everyone should plant asceplias (butterfly weed) in their yards to support the Monarch butterflies who are having a hard time due to habitat loss. And don’t use any PHYLLIS POWERS
pesticides; it defeats the purpose of attracting butterflies to your yard with flowers if you then poison them. Perennials butterflies like include asters, monarda, butterfly bush (of course), coreopsis, dianthus, lavender, mints,
she notes, “Cabbages, broccoli, and kale
refuge from the wind and encourage your
coneflower, salvia, shasta daisies, and yarrow.
attract white cabbage butterflies, which are
fluttery friends to stay awhile.
Good annuals include alyssum, marigolds,
an invasive species from Europe, and their
nasturtiums, snapdragons, and zinnias.”
little green caterpillars are very destructive.
to encourage the growth of their species. It
Don’t feel bad about squishing them.”
is also a great way to introduce children to
An edible garden will encourage visits as well. “Parsley and dill attract black
Creating a butterfly habitat is a terrific way
Another idea is to install a butterfly house.
nature. The fleeting warmth of spring and
swallowtails who will lay their eggs and you
Similar to a bird house, it has thin slits which
summer mimic the life of the butterfly. Enjoy
will be feeding their nice stripey caterpillars,”
allow butterflies in and keep the birds out.
it while it’s here, relax in your garden, and
says Macri. “Plant enough so that you don’t
You can buy one or build one yourself. Aside
take in all the colors nature provides.
mind sharing with them.” On the other hand,
from their charm, butterfly houses offer a
•
WINDOWS
DECKS
•
•
SIDING
SOLAR
•
•
ROOFING
—Susan Carroll-Dwyer
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Celebrating
375 Years!
Milford and Stratford are celebrating their 375th Anniversary and we are proud to be commemorating this very special year with a 375th Anniversary Edition.
The 375th guides will provide our readers with glimpses of Milford and Stratford’s past, present, and future. Make history with us and be a part of this momentous occasion.
space is limited! to reserve your space call our office at 203.283.5290 Produced by Red Mat Publishing. Publishers of Milford Living, Connecticut Living and Groove Magazine. 10 Milford Living • Spring
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arts + artisans
Curtain Up on Theatre Camp
G
OOD NEWS THEATRE KIDS!
For the third year in a row, Pantochino
Productions will run its wildly successful summer theatre
Ethel Mermaid,” and “Fee Fi Fo Fum.” For kids who love the stage, a week at camp gives young actors
camp at the Milford Center for the Arts. The award-winning,
an opportunity to learn from professional working actors, directors,
non-profit theatre company that styles itself as “ridiculously
writers, and composers. “We’re not teachers by profession,” Bernardi
entertaining,” specializes in theatre for family audiences.
explains, “we are theatre professionals who love to work with
Previous years of camp sessions were filled quickly, so in
young people.” That love, and some serious showbiz connections,
response to widespread interest, the group has added a fourth
enabled Broadway to come to Milford last year in the form of daily
week of camp this summer. Each one-week camp session is limited
camp guests from the Broadway casts of “Newsies,” “Wicked,” “Mary
to 30 children between the ages of 7-13. The cost per session is
Poppins,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Mama Mia.” Performers from
$250 per child per week, or $200 when enrolling with a sibling or friend. Registration is on a first-come basis. Bert Bernardi, one of the founders and co-producers of Pantochino Production, along with Jimmy Johansmeyer, is a published playwright, professional actor, and veteran of Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company where he served as artistic director for 28 years. Bernardi is proud to say that each of the minimusicals produced for each week of camp features an original musical score. Along with composer Justin Rugg, Bernardi writes his shows specifically for the summer camps. “We don’t find scripts online, we don’t use found music. We start from scratch and are very proud of our work,” Bernardi explains. A summer week at Pantochino is truly a boot camp for budding theater enthusiasts. an original musical comedy in just five days! The first day begins with a mini-audition where everyone reads the script and roles are handed out. “We write the shows to
↑ A week of summer camp with Pantochino
include lines for everyone in the play,” says
Productions is a dream come true for kids
Bernardi. “Some actors have more, some
interested in theatre and the arts. They learn,
less, but everyone gets a line,” he says. Past
rehearse, and perform an original musical
summer camp productions have included the
comedy in just five days with help from
Pantochino originals “The Wizard of Oz (Sort
seasoned professionals and the occasional
Of),” a 1960’s hippy version of “Aladdin,” “The
Broadway star!
12 Milford Living • Spring
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PANTOCHINO PRODUCTIONS
Camp kids will learn, rehearse, and perform
Theatre at the MAC SPENDING TIME MADE-UP as the Wicked
than two decades, given hundreds of chil-
Witch of the West or escaping into a
dren a chance stand in the spotlight.
world of magic carpets and genies is the
Year after year, the summer theatre
perfect summer vacation for many
camps have provided children invaluable,
drama-driven kids.
hands-on stage experience says MAC direc-
As the longtime local hub for children’s
tor Paige Miglio. “Offering a summer theater
theatre, the Milford Arts Council (MAC)
camp is a great opportunity for kids. We’ve
offers theatre opportunities for pas-
got the performance space and the profes-
sion-packed children through a reputable
sionals to teach them.” Find out more at
summer camp program that has, for more
http://milfordarts.org/childrens-programs
2014 • Milford Living 13
arts + artisans
each show brought their expertise and talent to town and lead the young actors in scenes, songs, and dances. According to Bernardi, kids at this summer camp “can expect to have a fun-filled week of song, dance, acting, theatre games, meeting new friends, gaining self confidence, and wanting to come back for another week.” Parents, he says, better be prepared. “Our Facebook page is filled with comments everyday from parents who are thrilled to hear their young children talking non-stop about the day at camp.” PANTOCHINO PRODUCTIONS
—Makayla Silva
This year’s Pantochino Theatre Camps are being held July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, and July 28-Aug 1. For more information visit www.pantochino.com.
Dance like
! r a t s a
While many schools offer afterschool theatre programs, Bernardi says the Pantochino summer camps differ from school situations entirely. “In most schools, a theatre program is spread over several months,” explains Bernardi. “We offer a five-day crash course; a super fun experience that kids won’t find in school unless…it’s one of Pantochino’s after school drama clubs that have been held in many area schools.”
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2014 • Milford Living 15
milford wildlife
Helping Injured Wildlife
S
PRING IS AN INCREDIBLE TIME OF YEAR.
wild animals. The best thing that you can
Trees and shrubs are flowering and
do is to take a few moments and familiarize
hurting themselves.) Before attempting to rescue a bird or any
leafing, bees are buzzing, butterflies
yourself with a basic plan of dealing with
wild creature, remember not to assume an
are flittering, and wildlife is returning,
injured wild animals.
injured animal will not bite, peck, or scratch
mating, and growing new families.
The first thing I suggest is to find out
if injured. Pain and fear make animals
It’s also the time of year
who your nearest wildlife rehabilitator
unpredictable and dangerous. Never lift a
when people encounter
is and where they are located. Keep their
wild animal unless you are 100 percent sure
injured or very young
phone number(s) in an accessible place or
you can do it without risk to yourself and the
program them directly into your mobile
injured creature. Always wear thick protective
handset. Connecticut has approximately 250 authorized wildlife rehabilitators trained to help sick, injured, or orphaned critters. They can be accessed through ct.gov/deep/wildlife or there is an excellent national registry at nwrawildlife.org.
“
animals away from your face.
Connecticut has approximately 250
authorized wildlife rehabilitators trained
to help sick, injured, or orphaned critters.
Each spring millions of
Rescue the stunned or injured bird by
migratory birds pass through
carefully picking it up and placing it into a
Connecticut. Some stop and
cardboard box with many ventilation holes,
make our state their home
lined with a towel. Keep the injured animal
while others venture to more
in a quiet, warm, dark place away from pets
northerly destinations. Large glass surfaces like windows and sliding doors reflect trees and the
and small children, and get it to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not give the animal any food or water;
sky. This confuses wild birds, often
it could cause death. Like people, hospitalized
resulting in them colliding head-on
animals need to be very gradually rehydrated
into glass surfaces. Some may be stunned, while others suffer a broken wing or worse, a broken neck. (Each spring I hang loose streamers in front of
16 Milford Living • Spring
gloves when handling wild animals, and keep
with special formulas. The one exception is hummingbirds. An injured hummingbird requires four parts water to one part white sugar solution immediately, and every thirty
our large windows and doors. It enables
minutes thereafter to avoid dehydration.
the wild birds to see their reflection and
Take the injured hummingbird in a well
avoid smashing into the glass and
ventilated cardboard box to your nearest
wildlife rehabilitator right away. By the way, if you leave a stunned bird that
to leave the nest but not yet proficient at flying. If you find a fully feathered
has crashed into a window outdoors, a hawk
young bird walking and unable to
or domesticated cat may prey upon it. After
lift-off the ground, leave it where
securing any wild birds safely in your rescue
you found it; adults are very likely
box, make sure to wash hands with soap for
still caring for it. It should be fully
at least twenty seconds.
capable of flying (with perfect
Since spring is when animals build their nests, dens, and burrows, it is also the time when they establish territories. Although
lift-offs) within a day or so. Please keep your pets away from it. I recommend that house cats
you may think a young animal is orphaned
remain inside always, but if they do
or injured, its parents may be close by or
go outdoors, place a bell on their collar
waiting as they often leave their young alone
to save wild birds from an unnecessary
while looking for food.
early demise.
In late spring you might encounter a young bird hopping around. Many are old enough
If you find a young bird without feathers on the ground, look for a nearby nest. If the bird is
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milford wildlife
“
Rescue the stunned or injured bird by carefully picking it up and placing it into a cardboard box with many ventilation holes, lined with a towel. warm to the touch, gently
Do not attempt to rescue owls, hawks,
place it back in the nest. If
water birds with pointed beaks, raccoons,
the nest has fallen onto the
foxes, coyotes, or deer. Rabies and other
ground, make a new one with
diseases are a reality when handling wild
a wicker basket and dry grasses.
creatures. Instead call Animal Control or a
Then hang the basket with the chick in it on a nearby tree or high shrub. Since most birds have a less developed sense of smell, the adults will
local wildlife rehabilitator without delay. This spring get outside, explore nature, and remember to always respect all wild creatures since you are visiting their habitat.
not reject the chick due to human scent.
—Dr. Reese Halter
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about a
BOB HARRINGTON(3)
It Takes a Bistro rustic, very organic.” One such rustic touch is the
bistro. Perhaps it’s the bistro’s origin that
decorative wood and metal door dividing the bar
reminisces the “at home” feel—locals extended
from the dining room. The back wall finishes the
their homes and opened their kitchens to hungry
down-to-earth theme, handcrafted from wooden
passersby for extra income. The cooking is famously
wine and cigar boxes, interesting inscriptions
rustic and home-style, offering moderately priced
telling stories.
meals in a modest setting. From its humble origins,
“Our menu is French, Spanish, Italian, and
the bistro has been elevated and celebrated as a
Mediterranean,” says Ghura over the low din of
source of great flavor profiles and cooking styles,
gentle jazz music reminding guests of Ipanema. In
and Village Bistro proudly continues this storied
short, Village Bistro offers what people love; tapas,
tradition.
Panini’s, and martinis—perfecto!
Diners, don’t let the unusual location daunt you.
“The Manchego cheese is to die for,” Ghura says
Though oddly wedged between two incongruous
with a wink and a promise of fig jam and olives
Post Road businesses, Village Bistro is no less a
accompaniments. Indeed, tapas are the main draw,
portal to a European getaway. All things imported
a popular way to eat light but not sacrifice flavor.
dominate the dark wood décor, like the long bar
“You don’t see these dishes around here,” he
beckoning newcomers to join the village. A 3-foot
adds, pointing out the Merguez Sausage, ($13.00) a
tower of Spanish olives, a leg of Jamón Iberico, both
nicely spiced link of quality lamb meat. “Normally
confirm the Milford to Madrid connection. Antique
you would have to go to New York City for this.”
chalkboards further entice, featuring tapas of the day—very auténtico. Visionary restaurateur Kay Ghura is the man behind the design, and his passion shines into every corner of the cozy space that he custom designed himself. “I like the idea of the village,” he says. “It is very
20 Milford Living • Spring
Popular among the tapas is La Ratatouille ($8.50);
VILLAGE BISTRO
1501 Boston Post Road Milford, CT 06460 203.882.0022 www.villagebistromilford.com
a classic French dish that is the perfect mélange of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers, served with an over-easy egg perched on top. The dispersion of the yolk is magical, cutting the acidity of the vegetables with its silky richness, making this dish smoothly satisfying.
Steak Tartar ($14.00) requires spot-on ingredients, which is why it is such a rare treat. Only the best beef is used for this raw preparation, nicely seasoned with a mustard dressing, tangy with capers and baby dills, Nigella seeds, and Marcona almonds; a luscious presentation of luxurious ingredients. The Flank Steak ($9.50) is perfectly cooked: charred on the outside, soft and pink on
Tuesday - Wednesday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm Thursday - Saturday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday: CLOSED
The Picada Espanola ($22.00) is an appetizer for two, an abundancia
the inside. A distinct red pepper
of grilled goodness with beef, hot chorizo, pork, and chicken served with
Romanesco flavor is seared into
grilled pita bread. This is one flavorful plate of protein.
the outer crust, tossed with grilled onion and raw tomato to further
Undoubtedly the best of the tapas is the Black Label Jamón Serrano &
layer on the flavor. And what bistro would be complete without French
Manchego Cheese ($18.00), showcasing Iberico ham. Very rare, supremely
fries, “Frites,” hand-cut, of course ($5.00).
expensive, and positively divine, this is the meat of the Iberian pig,
Two Dinners for $27.00 Seven Days 3-6 PM
Dine-in Only Reservations Recommended
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Menus / Info / Reservations / Directions Online www.stonebridgerestaurant.com 2014 • Milford Living 21
milford morsels arguably the best fed, coddled, and pedigreed
Desserts are not to be overlooked,
pork in the world. Each Iberico pig is left to
particularly the impossibly dense
wander on four acres of acorn-laden Spanish
Chocolate Lava Cake ($7.00). If the sweet
hills, resulting in a velvety, well-marbled meat
dulce de leche sauce doesn’t thrill, the
with a singular nutty flavor. Due to embargos,
warm molten center certainly will.
this delicacy was not found in the United
Thankfully, the churro twill can be used
States until recently, but thankfully, Iberico has
to scrape up every last bite. BOB HARRINGTON
arrived. Here it is treated with the reverence it deserves, served tableside by the chef with special cutlery and served on a board with traditional accompaniments. This is a rare, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Ghura is also creative behind the bar, dreaming up multiple
Breakfast is also served, in a very relaxed, European style. Bagels, pastries, and fresh omelets are offered to early rising villagers. Lunch rolls around with wraps, Panini’s, and lunch tapas. As the
lunch crowds ease in, the steady flow of food and fun lasts all day long.
martinis in flavors such as rosemary, caper, horseradish, cucumber,
“You don’t have to leave Milford to feel like you are in Manhattan
and “The Last Word,” his signature jalapeño martini. The extensive
or on a European vacation, we bring that vibe,” Ghura explains in his
wine list is nicely varied and includes great Rioja wines, a Spanish red
irresistibly exotic accent that further proves his point.
table wine. There are also some great beers on tap.
—Kate Harrington
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family time
Gadgets and the Great Outdoors
time with the importance of green time. Today’s connected world enables children to experience nature in ways never before imagined. The NWF report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors:
1
Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include
anything, from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts (geocaching).
2
Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos, or
an electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends.
3
When safe and practical, take handheld devices outdoors to combine the best of
both worlds (just remember to plan for some fully unplugged time outside, too).
4
Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the
park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games, and plenty of exercise.
A
DVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY over
the
last decade have resulted in children
spending a lot more time with gadgets and
serve as positive role models and teach
Adventuring
children to use technology in moderation.
There’s nothing like the prospect of a good
“Kids need to be outside all year long,
adventure to get a young imagination fired up.
gizmos and less time enjoying the great
especially in the winter when days are short
And by “good adventure” we mean things like
outdoors. In fact, kids today are indoors for an
and we’re all a little more cooped up than
speed, dirt, water—or any combination thereof.
average of up to ten hours each day according
usual,” says Maureen Smith, chief marketing
to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But the
officer for National Wildlife Federation. “In
next family adventure from the beginning—let
increasing use of technology by children, and
addition to developing a deeper appreciation
them weigh in on the kind of activities they’d
opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature,
for the outdoors and the wildlife around
like to be a part of—and then make it happen.
do not have to be mutually exclusive.
them no matter where they live, it helps
Let them do the research online to find a
them burn off energy, stay fit, and be
zipline adventure or river tubing trek they’d
mentally focused for school, homework, and
like to experience. Off-road biking, outdoor
all activities in their busy day.”
rope courses, eco-quests, and so many other
The Importance of Outside Play A report from the National Wildlife Federation
Get your kids involved in the planning of the
adventuring activities are available, especially
media habits of kids can both positively and
Screen Time Plus Green Time
negatively impact health. The report goes on
Technology can actually be a valuable tool in
generate greater enthusiasm and might even
to provide real-world advice to help parents
helping families to balance the lure of screen
spur a new hobby or two.
(NWF) shows that the technology and
24 Milford Living • Spring
during the summer months. Letting the kids participate in choosing these new activities will
Ten Apps for Taking Technology Outdoors TAKE THE TECH OUTDOORS with you. Here are ten mobile apps families can use to increase their time outdoors without sacrificing their connections.
Project Noah – Document local wildlife by uploading photos via mobile phone or tablet. Geocaching Intro – Search for hidden containers (geocaches) in your own neighborhood using a mobile device or GPS.
Journey North – Track wildlife migrations and seasonal
changes in the environment, report sightings from the field, view maps, and share pictures. Creek Watch – Snap photos of local waterways and report how much water or trash there is, then share it with local agencies to help track pollution. What’s Invasive – Help scientists locate invasive species by making geo-tagged observations and taking photos in their natural areas. Nature’s Notebook – Observe and record plant and animal lifecycle events such as flowering and bird migrations NatureFind – Find parks, zoos, botanical gardens, and nature centers near you. iNaturalist – Record nature observations and share them with naturalists all over the world. TideGraph – Plot the tides in your beach community. Night Sky – Identify the stars, planets, and galaxies right above you.
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2014 • Milford Living 25
Raising theBarns Honoring these rural icons of southern New England
By Cindy Papish Gerber Photos courtesy of Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, City of Milford, & Sherry Johnson
The Carriage House, 44 Governor’s Ave.
26 Milford Living • Spring
I
n Milford, barns were once plentiful, essential for sheltering livestock, storing crops, and housing equipment. But as our region’s rural lifestyle yielded to modern suburban development, many of these structures outlived their usefulness. “In a suburban town like Milford, its agricultural heritage is mostly lost. Only about a dozen barns remain,” says Helen Higgins, executive director of the non-profit Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Higgins and her staff, together with the support of more than 400 state-wide volunteers, scholars, farm owners, and self-described “barnsavers” have surveyed over 8,000 historic barns since 2004 as part of a comprehensive project to produce a survey of barns in Connecticut.
ceiling”. One original window remains intact. Furthermore, Zikaras has learned that “when the Kern family owned the property in the 1930s-40s, their great-grandfather was a friend of Igor Sikorsky. Components of the first helicopter may have been designed and manufactured inside the barn.”
204 Chapel Street Robert Treat Farm
S
everal of the original barns at the Chapel Street address were destroyed
by fire in the 1970s. “Now, a brand new, “These barns were once an integral
accessible. In 1995 Brian and Charlene Zikaras
New England-style post-and-beam barn
part of our historic landscape” Higgins
purchased the property that includes a
plus farm store is located at 1339 New
states. “If in active service and well
whopping 2,700 square foot red barn. “We
Haven Avenue. “It was built keeping to
maintained, they can remain a part of
were told it was built by Smith Livery,” says
historic building methods,” offers owner
that landscape for generations. That is our
Brian Zikaras. “It once housed four horses, and
Mary Treat. She hopes Milford’s “links to
goal at the Connecticut Trust for Historic
three of the horses’ names were whitewashed
our agricultural past will still have a place
Preservation.”
on a support beam now covered by a dropped
in our future.”
All but two of the barns mentioned here (designated *) are listed in the Trust’s “Historic Barns of Connecticut Survey”; however, Higgins explains that “Milford was never systematically surveyed for this database.” She welcomes residents to contact the Trust (www.cttrust.org) with any relevant information about their notable barns, past or present.
44 Governor’s Avenue 64 Governor’s Avenue
P
art of the River Park Historic District, these barns are listed on the National
and State Historic Registers. Not much information exists about number 44, which originally functioned as a nineteenth century carriage house. Information on number 64 is more
↑ Robert Treat Farm owner Mary Treat hopes Milford’s “links to our agricultural past will still have
a place in our future.”
2014 • Milford Living 27
203 Herbert Street Glendale Farms
A
running horse weathervane tops the cupola of this picturesque white and
grey English-style barn. In 1827, the Astriab family purchased this “truck farm” property. After establishing Glendale Farms in 1917, the Astriab family noticed “some wood in the barn’s ceiling was evidently taken from another structure,” according to owner Tim Astriab. “We don’t know where these boards come from, but they still have the original paint marks.” During the 1800s, the barn was used for grading tomatoes, and it is currently used for storing flowers and vegetables. “Other than painting it every four or five years, the barn is in great shape,” says Astriab.
358 West River Street Double English
T
his Double English barn with a gable roof was built in what was formerly
a farming area adjacent to wetlands along the Wepawaug River. Not much is known
From the top: Glendale Farms on Hebert Street; a double English barn on West River Street; the Platt Fruit Farm barn on North Street.
28 Milford Living • Spring
about the barn, which is situated in an area now scattered with suburban homes and equestrian properties, north of the urbanized areas of Milford.
701 North Street
George F. Platt Fruit Farm
“G
eorge Fowler Platt was the brother of Nathan Dwight Platt, my great
grandfather,” says Milford town historian Richard Platt. “We used to go to the farm when I was a kid to get apples.” Situated next to a windmill, the barn “contained a large refrigerated room where apples were stored. The W. F. Platt Fruit Farm continued until the early 1960s, when the orchards were sold for Eisenhower Park and The Orchards golf course. Ultimately, several renovations were made to this English/ New England “Hybrid” barn site, which was surveyed as part of a town-wide historic resource inventory in 2007. Multiple barns on the property have been converted into an art gallery, wagon sheds, and office space.
From the top: the Carriage House at Lauralton Hall; Fawn Meadow Or-
42 High Street
chards on Wheelers Farms Road; the
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall
I
old barn at Wolf Harbor.
n addition to its designation on the National and State Historic Registers,
this 1 1/2-story Second Empire brick carriage house was the recipient of a $5,000 CT Trust Barns Grant in 2009. Built in 1864 as part of Charles Hobby Pond’s grand estate, it originally housed dairy
193 Wheelers Farms Road Fawn Meadow Orchards
R
ecords indicate this circa 1890 property, still used for agricultural
purposes, belongs to The Siekierski Family.
cows and horses. Noted architectural
From July through Halloween, the family
features include a dual-pitched hipped
farm offers a full range of seasonal fruit and
Mansard roof, elliptical arched hay doors,
vegetable crops.
gambrel dormer, and set-back bays with six-over-six double-hung arched windows. (Additional architectural and historical details are found on the CT Trust’s website.) Plans are currently underway to transform this carriage house into
381 Wheelers Farms Road Filanowski’s Farm
“M
y grandparents came from Poland
mostly used for hay and corn seed grown
at the turn of the century and
for the Clark Seed Company.” About fifty
purchased the 40-acre property and 1886
years ago, the Filanowskis removed the old
Lauralton Hall’s new Center for the Visual
barn,” says present owner Mark Filanowski.
structure. The new barn houses flowers and
and Performing Arts.
“For three generations the shed barn was
shrubbery grown on their family farm.
2014 • Milford Living 29
350 Wolf Harbor Road
Silver Horseshoe Stables Inc.
T
wo barns previously existed here according to current owner Richard
Crandley. “The new pole barn, with an indoor horse arena and twenty box stalls, is forty-five years old, built from scratch by my dad, Jack Crandley. A much older stall barn is no longer in existence.” Crandley’s father
The WBA, along with the Milford Fine Arts Council, has been trying to obtain the barn to establish an Arts Center.
163 North Broad Street Milford* Grey Barn Antiques
S
haring this property with Village Vogue Boutique, this carriage house off the
Milford Green “dates back to the 1850s” says
↑ Top left: Silver Horseshoe Stables on Wolf
the Gillinghams specifically to found a riding
owner Kate Orrechio. “It was completely
Harbor Rd.; top right: Grey Barn Antiques
school and boarding barn. Silver Horseshoe
remodeled; the foundation lifted up and a
on Broad Street. Above: The Stowe Farm on
Stable still thrives, offering English and
new one installed underneath. The old barn
Stowe Avenue.
Western instruction to riders of all ages and
racks are presently used as stair railings up to
abilities.
the second floor, which also houses a B&B.”
bought this former Christmas tree farm from
66 Stow Avenue*
The One that Got Away:
A
T
Stowe Barn
ccording to Joseph Garbus, president of the Walnut Beach Association (WBA),
“The Stowe family obtained the property in
1375 Boston Post Road (Route 1)
feet) which was large enough for one family and could service about 100 acres. These multi-purpose barns had three distinct bays used for threshing wheat, stabling animals, and
his 1 1/2-story red gambrel-roof structure
storing hay. It was the last of the Boston Post
with a full-length mortared fieldstone
Road barns; demolished and replaced with a
basement was once used for curing and storing
Walmart in 2005.
the 1890s and had a ‘barn raising’ shortly
tobacco. Indentified as an “English Barn,” “side-
thereafter. In the 1900s the farm was well-
entry barn,” “eave entry,” or a “30 x 40” barn,
known for growing onion seeds and the barn
it was representative of the oldest barn style
For more information on the barns of Milford
held oxen, horses, and plows on the bottom and
found in Connecticut. The simple “rectangular
or Connecticut, or to add information about a
hay and grain on the top floor.” Shortly after
plan” was based on the same design as the
barn, please visit www.connecticutbarns.org.
being purchased by a real estate developer, the
grain warehouses used by the English colonists.
City of Milford acquired the Stowe Barn in 2002.
The “30 x 40” name originated from its size (in
30 Milford Living • Spring
*Not listed on the Historic Barns of Connecticut Survey
7 Annual th
KITE FLY MAY 3
rd •
12:00PM-3:00PM
AT BEAUTIFUL WALNUT BEACH The Milford Living Kite Fly has become a rite of spring with friends and families looking skyward as their kites go aloft. As is tradition, the Connectikiters will be attending with their spectacular kites and helpful hints for novice fliers The Milford Living annual Kite Fly is a fun filled event for people of all ages.
We hope to see you there!
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.MILFORDLIVING.COM OR GIVE US A CALL 203-283-5290
Downtown Get To Know
Back on the Rack ~ Milford Green A consignment boutique specializing in new & like-new women’s designer clothing and accessories! 26 S. Broad St. Milford, CT. | 203-877-1776 Visit our 2nd store location in Hamden: 2348 Whitney Ave.
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historical perspective
← Young archaeologists point out an exciting
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE (4)
find during a Milford excavation. in your garden? You are not alone. Literally tens of thousands of historic finds have been made here in Milford. Just as hobbyists prowl the beaches with metal detectors looking for lost items in the sand, you can dig just about anywhere with the possibility of discovering—just below the surface— something long left behind. Knowing where to look makes it easier. “The first thing is to think about where people would have camped. Higher ground near a water source is a good place to look,
Digging History T
HIS YEAR MILFORD CELEBRATES
its 375th
anniversary, but its history stretches
far further back in time—many millennia in fact. The territory known as Paugusett
which could possibly be any yard in Milford,” says Tim Chaucer, founder and director of the Milford Marine
once lived: pots, utensils, weapons, tools, and
Institute. “Your best bet is near fresh water. If
scraps of clothing.
there is fresh water near salt water you have
Find something unusual while digging
a great opportunity to find something.” As Chaucer explains, “The
is a trove of truly ancient artifacts left
first 12-inches of the soil in
thousands of years prior to its “official”
Connecticut is known as the
founding. Aside from the historic buildings
‘plow zone.’ Dig, but sift the
which remain in town, much of the land’s
soil in the plow zone. Use
history can be found underground.
a trowel below the plow
Native Americans moved into the area
zone in what is called the
around 13,000 years ago following the end of the ice age. The richness of fresh and salt
← Digging must be done slowly
water offered fertile grounds for planting,
and with a light touch so as not
an abundance of game, fish, and shellfish
to damage any artifacts that
made Milford a prime location for settlement.
might be just below the surface,
With settlement came the evidence of lives
ready to be unearthed.
34 Milford Living • Spring
situ [meaning in place]. Tools, pottery, and
unearthing ancient treasures. One of the
beads are found in situ. They are less likely
best finds ever made in Milford was a large
to be affected in the undisturbed earth. Use
axe head uncovered, nearly complete,
a mason’s trowel and go slowly, removing
several years ago. Many finds made by the
a bit of soil at a time. When you find
Marine Institute have been carbon-dated to
something, clean it free by using brushes. It
thousands of years old.
is recommended you photograph the artifact
The Marine Institute refers to most stone
where you found it in the ground. Record the
discoveries as “projectiles” unless Chaucer
area and depth at which it is found.”
and company are certain the object was
Not sure if you found something or
an arrowhead.“ The most common stone
not? “Anyone can give the Milford Marine
used in Milford was quartz; 90 percent
Institute a call,” says Chaucer. “We’re happy
of projectiles and tools were made from
to take a look and help identify a find.”
cobbles: cobaltite chips with conchoidal
↑ This nearly complete prehistoric axe head
It turns out they have a lot experience
[curved] fractures. The second most common
was found in Milford, a remarkable find.
Realty
Call for a Free Market Analysis Stacy Blake Broker / Owner 8 Daniel Street, Milford, CT 203-927-9689 realtorstacyblake@yahoo.com stacyblakerealty.com
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Breath taking panoramic waterviews w/no flood insurance required! Gormet custon kitchen feat marble countertops, open & spacious flr plan. Sunken great room w/ fpl, 4 french drs to deck. Expansive master suite feat jacuzzi tub w/views & custom shower. A masterpiece!
203-927-9689 | stacyblakerealty.com 2014 • Milford Living 35
historical perspective
is felsites, also known as rhyolite.” Still,
“Literally thousands of artifacts have been
other types of rock find its way to the
found by campers over the past thirty
surface one way or the other. The best
years,” confirms Chaucer. “All the finds
projectile I have ever found is one made of
are very well cared for. The archaeological
black flint. It was found in the Wheelers
discoveries belong to the citizens of
Farms Road area,” says Chaucer.
Milford; at the Milford Marine Institute we
Ever eager to pass on the passion for
are merely the custodians.”
unearthing local artifacts, the Milford
—Susan Carroll-Dwyer
Marine Institute offers an archaeology camp every summer for kids age 8-18. Campers learn how to operate a proper—
To find out more about the Milford Marine
and often successful—dig, carefully
Institute and their programs, visit their website
↑ One of the things summer campers learn is
unearth artifacts, properly catalog them,
http://milfordmarineinstitute.org or like them
that sifting soil can often reveal buried artifacts.
and learn the history behind their finds.
on facebook to keep abreast of their digs.
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Get In Touch Girls’ Program Breast Health Initiative The program is the cornerstone mission of The Get In Touch Foundation® and was developed specifically for girls in grades 5-12 to educate them on the importance of, and how to do a breast self exam – for life! In collaboration with a medical consulting board that includes a school nurse, a pediatrician, an oncologist, a breast surgeon and a radiologist, GIT has developed the Daisy Wheel®. This highly innovative tool is introduced by health educators to girls beginning in 5th grade, when introducing topics of hygiene and the girls’ changing bodies, and is taught annually through 12th grade. These “8 Tips” for “8-Straight” years of the Girls’ Program will give the girls the foundation they need to practice BSE – for life. Already being heralded in the medical community as a tool that will significantly alter the face of breast cancer, the Daisy Wheel® is now available to your school – at no cost! Ours is a global breast health initiative; we aim to put a Daisy Wheel® in the hands of every girl in the world! To date we have distributed wheels to schools in every state of the United States, as well as 25 other countries. Join us as we “change the world one girl at a time!” If you are interested in having the Get In Touch Girls’ Program at your school, please contact us at girls@getintouchfoundation.org.
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milford fit
That’s Cricket!
M
any residents of the area
may have seen a group of men
playing a ball game that seems to take all day long to
play, where they all wear the same white uniform. This game is
it is played in Connecticut, cricket is a great melting pot of cultures, each bringing distinctive ways of play onto the same teams. Cricket has some obvious similarities to baseball, especially in its
cricket, and while its legend of being a bastion of fair play and good
terminology, but the comparisons are slight when the game is played.
sportsmanship is altogether true, the reality is that it is a fascinat-
There are multiple variations currently played in the area, ranging from
ing game of endurance, strategy, and skill which, when you learn
“test matches” (all day or multiple day affairs), or games played with
to follow its play, can be more exciting than any of
“limited overs” (which limit the amount of time played.)
the traditional sports we generally follow.
In all games, each team has eleven players,
Cricket originated in England and followed
and almost every player must not only field
the colonizers around the world; it is
but “bowl” as well. Two batsmen stand
currently played in 120 countries
guarding a wicket, which is three
although the bulk of its players
wooden stumps supporting two
come from England as well as
pieces of wood called “bails”. The
the Caribbean, India, Pakistan,
bowler offers six “balls” or pitches
Australia, New Zealand, and South
during a period called an “over”.
Africa. Cricket first found its way
When the over is complete,
into Connecticut largely through
another bowler works from the
immigrants from Jamaica,
opposite direction. Each batsman
Guyana, and other Caribbean
plays with another batsman who
nations who came to work in the
stands on the opposite side of the
area. In the past ten years, however,
wicket and bats until he is out,
an explosion of arrivals from the
either by hitting a ball that is caught,
Indian subcontinent has vastly
having the wickets hit behind him, or
increased the amount of eager players,
purposely blocking a ball that would have
changing the game for the better in our state.
hit the wickets. A batsman can hit the ball,
Cricket playing fields (known as wickets) have
but if they don’t feel they will be safe, they don’t
sprung up in almost every town, including Milford. As
have to run at all although the batsmen must run—and
New Fields Planned Thanks to the cooperation of the
such as cricket, lacrosse, and field hockey to
postponements will also be reduced. Any
Parks, Recreation, and Beach Commission,
be expanded, along with current programs of
teams wishing to use athletic fields are
the Recreation Department, Mayor Ben
soccer, football, and softball. With the artificial
instructed to call the Recreation Department
Blake, and the Board of Aldermen, the City of
surface, maintenance of the fields is reduced
to secure permits for fields and times.
Milford will have new artificial and renewed
and combined with substantial savings over
athletic fields. This will enable programs
the lifespan of the field. Weather related
38 Milford Living • Spring
—Dan Worroll, chairman, Milford Parks, Beach, and Recreation Commission
be safe—as a team. This continues until either all the batsmen are out or they run out of overs. That score, which is often in the 200s, is challenged by the other team, who repeats the effort in order to win by just one run. There are many variations of the game and so many interesting skills involved that players can be competitive in friendly play well into their 70s. However, for the competitive cricketer, Connecticut offers leagues of great skill variances, from fast-paced, hard-bowling leagues for men in their 20s with great experience in their home countries, to social leagues revolving around fun and camaraderie. The game in Milford has been played intermittently at Simon Lake/Westshore fields, although exciting plans are afoot for a possible new ground. Some clubs are even beginning to offer youth programs to teach cricket to those with interest, but no experience. It may not look like much to the casual observer, but cricket is such a multi-faceted game, for some it is a way of life. Once you discover its charms, you may wonder what you missed. —Frank Farricker
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education notebook
Private School Primer N
O ONE WILL ARGUE
that education
must adhere to; private schools have more
↑ Elementary students at New England School
independence. Learning philosophies, faith,
of Montessori visit Dinosaur State Park in Rocky
influences in a child’s life. The debate
academic reputation, and social aspects are
Hill, CT as part of their study of life on earth.
begins when considering private vs.
other considerations.
is one of the most important
public school. There are many reasons
step in to offer assistance.
the other. For some parents the decision
The New England School of Montessori
can be a difficult one to make. There is
Fourteen years ago, owner Maria Zullo
or when a child is comfortably walking, to
certainly no “one size fits all” solution.
opened her school after she studied the
age 3. “Primary” includes children ages 3-6,
why a family may lean toward one over
So what factors enter into the decision
The school is grouped into three multi-age levels: “Toddlers” begin around 18 months
scientifically-based teaching methods of Dr.
including kindergarten. Ages 6-12 comprise
making process? Cost is the most obvious.
Maria Montessori and fell in love with the
the “Elementary” level where children are
Independent private schools can be pricey,
Montessori concepts. According to Zullo, the
encouraged to become independent learners
while public schools are free. Parochial
basic Montessori philosophy is “follow the
and work collaboratively with their peers.
schools can be more affordable. Most private
child.” Teachers are specially trained to “go
Dr. Montessori believed children this age
and parochial schools do offer scholarships.
against human nature” by taking a backseat,
should regularly leave the four walls of the
Another difference is the government
watching, and observing, allowing the child
school building. At New England School of
regulations and standards most public schools
to lead the experience, and knowing when to
Montessori, this means field trips twice a month, once to the public library and once to a venue that coincides with what the children are learning at the time.
Saint Mary School and Saint Gabriel School For parents interested in parochial education within the city boundaries, Saint Mary School and Saint Gabriel School are two options, both offering pre-kindergarten through grade eight instruction, as well as afterschool care and a full array of extracurricular activities. Both schools have a homey atmosphere where children stay in one place for the ↑ St. Mary’s School 4th graders pose during a break in the day’s activities. Small class sizes are
duration of their elementary and middle
one of the things that attract families to Catholic schools.
school years and where families form a
40 Milford Living • Spring
tight bond with the school community. As Saint Mary’s principal Frank Lacerenza notes, some parents want their basic faith integrated with the formal education of their children. Lacerenza also feels parents paying tuition are often more vested in the education of their child. “Research has shown if a preponderance of parents in a school buy into the philosophy of that school, all the students achieve so much more.” Enrollment at St Mary School is not limited to those of the Catholic faith. Lacerenza notes that there are many other Christian denominations, and → The “buddy system” at St. Gabriel School
pairs older students with children from the younger grades.
Great Beginnings Pre School CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS! Thank you to all of our friends, children and their families for becoming part of our Great Beginnings community. We are so proud and privileged to be part of your lives.
2014 • Milford Living 41
education notebook even non-Christians, who choose St. Mary’s
the academic program with the community
college-prep school for girls. With about
for their children.
and world at large. Every grade gets involved;
500 students in grades 9-12, the school may
projects have included the Red Scarf Project,
be small in size but offers thirty-seven
of St. Gabriel School for eighteen years.
where students knit scarves for college care
clubs and organizations, fifteen varsity
She views as a plus its “small school
packages given to foster children, a sleep
sports, and opportunities to study abroad.
environment, where a child can blossom and
out to raise money for the homeless, and the
President Antoinette Iadarola sums up
grow in a safe, caring place from 3-years old
collection of baby items for new mothers at
the Lauralton Hall experience by saying,
to 14-years old.”
Milford Hospital.
“Ultimately, a Lauralton Hall education
Cathleen Collins has been on the staff
As is often the case in a smaller school,
Both Collins and Lacerenza are proud
empowers women to live life in the 21st
the diverse ages of the students and
of the high academic standards found at
century. Here each student will learn to
the community environment allow the
their respective schools and note that their
take risks and forge friendships that will
emergence of a buddy system. This is true of
students typically score above the national
last forever. She will be equipped with
St. Gabriel’s, where middle school students are
average on standardized tests.
leadership skills and have an awareness
field trips, and other opportunities to enhance
Lauralton Hall
→ A group of Lauralton Hall students enjoy a
learning. Service learning is also an important
At the high school level, Milford is home
sunny day on the beautiful campus near down-
aspect of the school and is designed to connect
to Lauralton Hall, Connecticut’s oldest
town Milford.
paired with the younger grades for projects,
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of our global community. She will develop an intellect fit for 21st century learning and a concern, not only for her own well-being, but for the well-being of others. In essence, she will graduate a competent, confident and compassionate young woman empowered for life!” All schools mentioned here offer visits for families considering educational alternatives for their children. Whatever choice you make, be sure to stay involved in your child’s education. It is one of the most important things you can do to help your child succeed in school. —Susan Glennon
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money matters
All About Annuities
I
come in many shapes and sizes, and are not all
Fixed Annuities
created equal. There are two basic types: fixed
Fixed annuities are contracts which pay a
can be said of annuities; that is, if you “stay
and variable. Of those two types, they are either
fixed rate of interest. The principal invested
too long,” annuities can provide an income
considered to be deferred or immediate, meaning
and the interest payments are guaranteed by
stream you cannot outlive. (Disclaimer:
that the monies inside the contracts are either
the insurance company. They are considered
contract provisions and restrictions
deferred and will be taken out at some point in
tax deferred, meaning that the interest
apply by company and by product.)
the future or they are immediate, which means
grows at compounded rates (sometimes
that a payout would be taken within a short
simple interest depending upon contract/
window (usually within thirty days).
company) and are not taxed until the time
F LIFE INSURANCE CAN OR SHOULD PROTECT
your
family if you “leave too soon,” the opposite
Annuities, which are insurance contracts between the owner and the insurance company,
44 Milford Living • Spring
you are ready to withdraw those funds
composite index based on the ratings received
Indexed (or Enhanced Equity-Index) Annuity.
(taxed at ordinary income tax rates).
by a company from these rating services. It is
This is considered to be a hybrid or combination
the average percentile ranking of all ratings
annuity, where there is a fixed interest rate
options with fixed annuities, that the insurance
It is very important when reviewing your
received by a company. It is not considered
component tied to an “index” component
company’s financials are scrutinized carefully.
“another rating,” but an objective scale that
(usually the S&P500). This type of annuity
The fixed interest paid (and the money you
can be used to easily compare the ratings
would typically give the contract holder a
invest) is tied intrinsically to the insurance
of different companies. So for an example,
fixed guaranteed interest rate plus a piece
company’s profitability, the “general account,”
a COMDEX rating of 93 on a scale of 1-100 is
(participation percentage) of the market/index
and its financial stability. Ratings are from
great and considered in the 93 percentile.
action (usually the S&P500). Keep in mind
AM Best, Weiss, and Standard & Poors, third
Conversely, a COMDEX rating of 50 or below
that all annuity companies and their annuity
party independent reporting companies that
is not so great and would be considered a
contracts are not the same; there are many
rate insurance companies on their financial
sub-standard ranking. Staying in the top 25
moving parts involved and different methods
strength, operating performance, and ability to
percentile is the sweet spot.
of calculating the returns based upon the index.
meet its obligations to policyholders. Another rating, called the COMDEX, is a
rd
Traditional fixed annuities have evolved over the years. Enter its “cousin” the Equity
They are very complicated products, and expert advice is suggested.
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money matters
Variable Annuities
Variable annuities, however, can be
called “alternative style of investing.” In
Like their fixed and hybrid annuity cousins,
an important tool in helping to address
addition, some have strategic and tactical
the variable annuities (VAs) are long-term,
difficulties that may be faced in retirement,
asset modeling, portfolio optimization, and
tax-deferred investments designed for retire-
i.e. not having saved or invested enough,
rebalancing options; all are designed to
ment; earnings are taxable as ordinary income
perhaps maxed out on the qualified plan
enhance value to the bottom line.
when withdrawn and subject to a 10 percent
side (401K/Roth/IRAs). They also offer some
IRS penalty for early withdrawal before age
benefits other investment products (and
benefits to help build a lasting legacy. For
59 (hardship withdrawals and other such
other annuities) do not.
example, certain contracts provide locking
circumstances allow for IRS penalty waived). The difference with VAs is that they are
The tax deferred component is very
Some VAs provide guaranteed death
in the highest watermark or account
attractive, especially for those in high tax
value, so if the market drops, the highest
even more complicated than Equity Indexed
brackets. Some VAs offer an extremely
market value on a specific watermark
Annuities, involve investment risk, have a
diverse array of investment options,
(date) established becomes the guaranteed
multitude of investment options to chose
ranging from fixed-only interest buckets
death benefit value (this is by contract and
from, may lose value, and can be more
and the standard money market accounts,
varies from product to product, company to
expensive to own.
to more complicated investment themes
company).
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46 Milford Living • Spring
Many VA companies products provide Living Benefits (aka riders) which, for an additional
annuitant structure takes precedence over a will. Special licenses issued by FINRA and state
Suitability is key, and special rules are in place to protect the public from unscrupulous
charge, can provide a steady stream of income,
agencies and mandatory on-going continuing
increased income, or guaranteed income, and
education training are required in order for
Compare, read, understand, and ask
some can even provide income over the lives
insurance agents/investment professionals
questions—it will save you from making
of two people. Mutual funds, for example, do
to recommend these products to the public.
costly mistakes later on.
not have the ability to generate guaranteed
VA’s are considered securities products and
income, nor can they provide death benefit
require a full understanding by the potential
guarantees. VAs do, but it is not without
purchaser. It is imperative you thoroughly
cost. It’s all relative; you pay for what you
understand the features and benefits of
Securities are offered solely through Ameritas
get. Another added benefit to annuities in
the product you are opting to purchase,
Investment Corp. (AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC.
general is that they avoid probate and can pass
the associated risks, the costs, surrender
AIC and Cornerstone Financial are not affiliated.
to the beneficiaries outside of a will. Since it
charges (if imposed), and most importantly,
Additional products and services may be
is a contract between you and the insurance
assess why you may need it and, given your
available through Greta Stifel or Cornerstone
company, and the ownership/beneficiary/
unique situation, why it is the best choice.
Financial that are not offered through AIC.
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2014 • Milford Living 47
senior corner
Grab that Senior Discount! B
ENJAMIN FRANKLIN MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECT
when he said, “Necessity
but many will offer a bargain if asked. Senior
never made a good bargain.” Necessities
discounts are always changing and vary
sometimes come cheaper if you’re willing
depending on the time of year and where you
to admit your age…and prove it.
live, so ask away. And don’t forget how useful
Discounts for seniors in our world today can
the Internet can be in finding good discount information.
certainly make life easier
One good resource that offers bargains by
for the older sector of our
the thousands is www.SeniorDiscounts.com.
population. While the
Items such as airline travel, car rentals, state
age of 50 is sometimes
and national park admissions, local medical
considered “senior” in many
services, restaurant discounts, and many,
places, the magic number
many more are just some of the categories
is more often the age of 60
listed. At no cost, you can look for deals listed
or 65. There is a very large part of our population who might benefit if they keep their eyes peeled and are not
by city or state or by the kind of product or service you are looking for. For a small fee, you can become a “premium member” and have more options from which to choose. David Smidt, president of SeniorDiscounts.
shy about asking
com advises his website readers to be
for the “senior
assertive about finding hidden ways to save
discount.” Wherever
money. “Always ask,” is his advice, “that’s the
one lives, there
number one tip we try to get through.” www.
are various strategies
Sciddy.com is another site that allows usersto
to employ when looking for
search for many options in a particular area.
bargains; here are some to
Membership organizations such as AARP
follow, including suggestions
offer many benefits and discounts and costs
for our fair town.
just $16 per year. Other similar groups include
Jim T. Miller of The Savvy Senior (www.savvysenior.
The Seniors Coalition and the American Seniors Association. Federal employees also
org) has several good
have the option to join the National Active
suggestions to keep
and Retired Federal Employees Association.
in mind in regard to discounts. To begin with, never be shy about
48 Milford Living • Spring
asking; not all businesses advertise their deals,
When it comes to travel, Southwest Airlines offers the best senior fares in the country to passengers aged 65 or older.
Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount, while Greyhound will take five percent off the cost of a ticket to customers aged 62 and over.
1
“Never plunk your plastic down without asking about
the availability of a senior
Generally, most U.S. hotels offer discounts
discount first. Most vendors
between 10-30 percent. Dining out also offers
will not voluntarily disclose
a number of savings opportunities for senior
information about price breaks
citizens. Chains especially known for their
unless they’re prompted. So it
senior discounts are McDonald’s, Applebee’s,
always pays to inquire.”
Wendy’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Arby’s, and Friendly’s. Joan Heilman author of Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures that You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re over 50, says “50 is the new 65.” She advises that you follow three cardinal rules:
2 3
“Be sure to ask about the discounts before
There are plenty of specific businesses
you order or make a reservation, not when
in Milford that offer senior discounts. Next
you’ve arrived or are settling the bill,”
time you are out and about, be sure to
“Be sure to carry proof of your age,
ask your favorite business for your senior
whether it’s a membership card in an
discount. Milford businesses appreciate
over-50 organization, or an ID with your date of birth.”
your business.. —Nick Olshansky
2014 • Milford Living 49
at your service ← The Kiwanis Club of Milford’s annual Easter
flower sale helps raise funds to benefit area organizations and fund scholarships for local teens.
Kiwanis Club of Milford W
“
E HAVE A GOOD TIME”
and “we
make a noise” are two ap-
“Keeping Milford Warm” event in December
and a food concession at the Milford Oyster
2013. Funds raised from the annual holiday
Festival help fund annual commitments to
propriate Native American translations of
party totaled $4,400 and provided greatly
the summer program of the Boys & Girls
Nunc Kee-wanis, the expression that named
needed fuel assistance to Milford residents.
Club, as well as approximately $15,000 in
Kiwanis International. About fifty of their
“Kiwanis is about doing great things, and
scholarships to local high school students.
8,000 members worldwide comprise the
we raise and then donate almost $40,000 a
Kiwanis Club of Milford, which has been
year,” cheers Bob Joy, current president of
work and fundraising of local Kiwanis mem-
making noise here in Milford since 1950.
the Kiwanis Club of Milford. Flower sales at
bers include Yale-New Haven Children’s
Christmas and Eas- ter, a golf tournament,
Hospital, the United Way of Milford, Bridges,
Although the tagline of the organization states a goal of “serving the children of the world,” the Milford group has raised more than $115,000 for local kid-related organizations and individuals in only the last few years.
Other organizations benefiting from the
and Milford Hospital. But one of the most important budget items for the club is “undesignated.” According to Joy, that allows the group to respond to specific and urgent requests from organizations
The Club
and individu-
more than
als within the
doubled the annual budget for the Emergency Fuel Program of the Salvation Army Service Unit with their
50 Milford Living • Spring
community. For example, the group recently provided the funds for a handicapped ramp at a home for a resident who
couldn’t afford the cost of installation. Internationally, Kiwanis participates in the effort to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) with Project Eliminate. Although not an issue in the United States, MNT is responsible for the global death of more than 50,000 newborns annually. Joy says one of the Milford members is interested in this campaign and has taken it on and run with it,” said Joy, “They put time and effort into making it work.” Key Clubs at Law, Foran, and Lauralton Hall high schools are teen service organizations
↑ Kiwanis Club of Milford Club members can
based on the Kiwanis Club. “Membership at
be seen volunteering around town at many
Foran has grown and the Law club is one of the
local events.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS CARVETH (4)
locally. “Our members pick up on something
2014 • Milford Living 51
at your service
most recognized in New England,” says
the Milford community, and some of
Joy. The Lauralton group was started by
them have been serving our city for
a member with daughters at the school
more than thirty years,” says Joy. He
and continues to serve the community
notes that Dr. Tony Russo has been ac-
through their activities. Joy himself was
tive for fifty-seven years! For everyone
a Key Club member in high school and
involved, the experience of being a
his father was a member of Kiwanis
member of Kiwanis is rewarding.
for more than forty years. Kiwanis Club
“Everyone is welcome as long as they
of Milford also partners with college
have the desire to help out. Anything
students from Quinnipiac College dur-
anyone can do is appreciated.” —Angela Pietrowski Arpino
movement in the spring benefiting local communities. Members of the Milford
CHRIS CARVETH
ing “The Big Event,” a national service
club team up with the students to clean
The Kiwanis Club of Milford is open
Mondo Pond and other recreational
to men and women and meets every
areas of Milford.
Wednesday at Gusto’s Restaurant at
↑ High school Key Club members and Kiwanis Club of Milford
6:30 p.m.
members work together to service the community.
“Our members are a cross section of
Bring out your best smile
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52 Milford Living • Spring
congratulations
Give a Cheer! T
HE JONATHAN LAW CHEERLEADING SQUAD
and head coach Bonnie Etense
participated in The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford Annual Adopt-A-Grandparent Holiday Event. The cheerleaders donated wrapped gifts to the program as a community service project so that senior adults in Milford nursing homes would be remembered during the holiday season. The Junior Woman’s Club HEATHER CAROLAN
wishes to thank the cheerleading squad for their efforts to continue to make Milford a wonderful place to reside. Have good news you want to share? Send it our way: info@milfordliving.com
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