Milford Living Autumn 2015

It’s good to know agents who know.

Danielle Blumner

Dave Brewster

Pam Burns

Mia DiStasi

Lisa English

Deborah Flinn

Karla Franzman

Valencia Goodridge

Marcia Ivers

Michael LaBella

Cheryl Lautz

Lydia Lucas

Annie Mecca

Aurelia Michelson

Dawn Murray

Peggy Sandor

Heike Severine

Schildgen Sisters

Robert Lamparski

Chuck Sienkiewicz

Gwen Thibault

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments T

he U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines “volunteers” as “persons who did unpaid work (except for expenses) through or for an organization.” BLS keeps track of nationwide volunteer statistics, which have unfortunately reached an all-time low.

Between September 2013 and September 2014, 25.3% of Americans volunteered at least once as compared to a 27% rate back in 2005.

Bucking this trend, Connecticut currently ranks 18th in the nation among volunteers. In Milford, many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers are committed to a life of volunteerism.

Why do they do what they do? What can we learn from their example? Below, local nonprofit leaders and their standout volunteers enlighten us.

encouraged to see clients “move from despair

BETH-EL CENTER

to volunteer. Their “generosity is often times

“Our volunteers are critical to the provision of

Wendy Dulin

Dulin feels “blessed” to spend her every Thurs-

and homelessness to self-sufficiency” as a result of the Center’s employment, education, training, housing, and counseling services. What’s kept her “coming back” since 2009, “is the outpouring of support the center receives.”

Dulin cites “the countless people who come to our door with money they raised from a lemonade stand, an anonymous cash donation ‘just because’, handmade mittens and scarves to warm the homeless, youth groups purchasing arts and craft items,” and other acts of kindness as some of her reasons for continuing overwhelming,” she says. “It reassures me that

the services that the Beth-El Center provides,”

day manning Beth-El’s front desk, “answering

there are people who care, help, and support

says executive director Toni Dolan. “Their

phones, directing calls, preparing bank deposits,

those who are in need.”

unselfish dedication is inspiring.” Acknowl-

inputting the donor database, and preparing

edging that it takes a team effort to “change

many thank you letters and cards for the mon-

in a person’s life,” Dolan recognizes how one

etary and in-kind donations we receive.” She’s

Find out how to volunteer: bethelmilford.securesites.com/index.php

“simple act of kindness can go a long way towards easing the dally struggles of those seeking shelter, food, and support services.”

Milford Giving

BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER

Fred Baldieri

Cooking, baking, and sautéing during Beth-El’s Friday lunch shift has been a constant for Badlieri. He arrives by 8:30 a.m., does the prep, and together with five or six other volunteers “serves a high-quality impressive restaurantstyle meal between 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to an average of 50-75 people a day.”

“People come in here with a real need,” says Baldieri. “They really appreciate it.”

Although his ten years of cooking in Beth-El’s kitchen have shown him that “Milford is a very caring community,” he’s gained a deeper appreciation for what we may take for granted. “One never knows when one will be in that same position.”

28 Milford Living • Autumn

28

2015 • Milford Living 29

Milford Giving

By Cindy Papish Gerber

16

Milford Wildlife

58

4 6 8 12 16 18 20 24 36 40 44 48 52 56 58 62 70 71 72

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season At Your Service Milford Wildlife Milford Fit Legends and Lore Milford Spotlight Arts and Artisans Milford Morsels Family Time Education Notebook At Home Senior Corner Election Connection Historical Perspective Expressions congratulations Where is it

Election Connection

About the cover: An autumn view of the lower duckpond greets visitors on River Street. Back Cover: The upper duckpond at peak season. Cover photos by Cathy Leite. Her photography may be experienced at: www.cathyleitephotography.com

2015 • Milford Living 1

Anytime.

Anywhere.

Any day...

AUTUMN 2015 VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 3 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director

Carlson Insurance Agcy Inc Wanda Carlson, Agent 465a Bridgeport Avenue wanda@wandacarlson.com Bus: 203-877-9203

Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com

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Art Director

®

Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher

Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive David Frankel, Lisa Turner

Contributing Photographers

Sherry Johnson, Cathy Leite, JJ Richards, Christine Rose, Louis Spero

Contributing Editors

Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata 1101198.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

Contributing Writers

Angela Petrowski Arpino, Jessica Avitable, Cynthia Wolf Boynton, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, Nancy Herman, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Jane & Richard Platt, Christine Rose, Hayley Sanchez, Makayla Silva, MacKenzie Stuart, Lisa Turner

Production Manager Mario Recupido

Production Assistance

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What we write gets read.

Milford Living Magazine 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford CT 06460 203-283-5290 http://www.milfordliving.com

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 2003-2015 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com 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. www.redmatpublishing.com

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2 Milford Living • Autumn

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IMAGINE FEELING BETTER JUST ENTERING A HOSPITAL.

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

2015 • Milford Living 3

publisher’s letter Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Summer’s warmth has waned and the crisp air now greets us each

morning. The daylight diminishes early as time falls back again. And as our days grow shorter, we appreciate the long and beautiful sunsets that only the most colorful of seasons could paint for us. As squirrels scramble for nuts to harvest, we too find ourselves running here and there, preparing for the colder months while simultaneously taking care of every busy day.

We know it’s time to adorn our porches with cornstalks, mums, and pumpkins; time to tailgate at a football game, build scarecrows, and ring doorbells on mischief night. Do yourself a favor: take a joy ride around town and become a leaf peeper. Bake that pumpkin pie made from a fresh sugar pumpkin from one of our local farms—no canned pie this year! Peel open a pomegranate and share its jewel-like seeds with someone you love.

The harvest has passed and very soon it will be the traditional time for giving thanks for our bounty; remember that we are blessed to live in a community where so many give of their time, talents, and treasures to those who need it most. We hope this issue’s feature spotlighting a few of Milford’s finest community helpers will inspire others to lend a hand to some of our local non-profit organizations.

As always, it’s a pleasure to hear from our readers. We receive so many great ideas for articles from you, so please feel free to drop us a line and share your thoughts. We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with those you love and those that love Milford.

Center StretCh

Wishing you all the colors of the season!

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We are pleased to offer a new and unique wellness program called Center Stretch. It’s a safe and easy way to feel more flexible. You tell us what’s feeling tight and your physical therapist will do the rest.

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www.CenterRehab.com 4 Milford Living • Autumn

Suzanne P.S. Share the gift of Milford Living with others, send a gift subscription for the holiday. Look for your enclosed gift subscription card inside this issue. Your gift subscription will be processed in time for the holiday season. You can also subscribe online at http://milfordliving.com/ subscribe

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readers’ letters I am a fisherman and really liked the summer issue. How about something about ice fishing or winter angling? I’ll submit some images.

—John Swan Thanks John! That is a great idea; we’ll see what we can do. Readers like yourself make our job easier!

Could you do an article about the Senior Center in Milford?

—Eda Trembicki, Milford, CT The Milford Senior Center is a bustling hub of activity, support, and camaraderie available

to all seniors within our community. We do try our best to tie in activities, events, and happenings at the Senior Center whenever we can. That being said, our last full feature on the center was many years ago so it’s time for an update. Look for your article request to be fulfilled in an upcoming issue.

Maybe you can do an article sometime about the British soldiers arriving at Fort Trumbull and the care of them and the caves!

—Mary Ann Griffin We like this idea! We will dig into that story and look to piece together an article for a future issue.

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 our publisher at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

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this season

N

ative to North and South America, corn has been part of people’s lives since humans began foraging for sustenance, although it did not quite look the same as it does today. The cultivation of corn began around 7,000 years ago. Seven millennia later Zea mays (maize or corn) has been crafted by gifted gardeners into the principal crop grown in the U.S. and an essential part of nourishment around the globe. Hearty and versatile, this remarkable plant offers far more than what meets the…ear.

TRAKTORENANDBUCH

Lovelorn for Corn most cooks—used as a thickening agent for gravy and sauces. It’s also an ingredient for confectioner’s sugar, helping to create sweet treats.

Corn syrup is also made from starch.

Sweeter than sugar, its uses are endless, Starting with the basics, an ear of corn is

the early 1940s, scientists discovered it to be a

though these days it is losing favor due to

easy to prepare, easy to eat, and tough to

perfect medium for large scale production of

its propensity to create love handles. Most

remove from between your teeth. Simple, fill-

penicillin. Prior to this discovery the antibi-

unusual is its use as a main ingredient for

ing, and fun to eat, it’s a staple of any picnic.

otic could only be produced in small batches.

biodegradable plastics.

Ground corn varies in its use as to how

This breakthrough initiated an era of simple,

finely it’s milled. Coarsely ground, it makes

effective treatments for often fatal infections.

breakfast better as it takes the form of

Corn starch is extracted from what is called

Industrial uses of the crop offer a replacement of fossil fuels in the form of Ethanol.

Most gas available these days is around 10%

cornflakes or grits served with butter and

the endosperm, part of the seed responsible

Ethanol. While it does make your car go, it

pepper. The next step down in size is corn-

for the nourishment of future plantings.

requires about the same amount of energy to

meal, yummy when baked into muffins like

Gluten separated out of the endosperm

produce as what it has to offer. The amount

mom used to make. The finest milled is corn

leaves only a simple carbohydrate—another

of corn required to produce an abundance of

flour for tortillas and tamales…OLE!

versatile component which is familiar to

the fuel would also make a substantial dent

Once an expendable byproduct of the process to separate the different parts of corn, steep liquor has proven to be invaluable. In

8 Milford Living • Autumn

in the food supply.

Need an industrial glue? Yep…corn germ byproducts provide a key component for

high-strength adhesives. As a

qualities, growers and distillers

supplement to resins, corn germ

also found barrels of whiskey

makes super glue more affordable.

were easier to transport than crops,

Corn oil, yet another wonder of

and far more profitable. As the

corn, is best known as a cooking

government realized its potential,

ingredient. But the oil is also used as

taxes were levied during the Civil

an ingredient in soap, makeup, and

War. Bourbons such as Wild Turkey,

medicine.

Makers Mark, and Old Grand Dad ULTURE

Corn cobs may be relegated to the

F AGRIC

trash barrel after a delicious meal, but they too have a litany of uses. Ground

DEPT. O

up for animal feed and bedding, it is also used to absorb oil and hazardous waste spills. At one time, some cultures deployed

Since corn was first cultivated it has

(bourbon containing a minimum of 51 percent corn mash) were sold in stores, and taxed. In the spirit of the American way, moonshiners began producing “the shine” under the cover of the night to

avoid the long arm of the law.

them as a toilet paper substitute (ouch). Its

been fermented…yes, liquor. As the United

Can you imagine going to the movies

most famed use would certainly be in the

States was settled, creative colonists invented

without popcorn? Like peanut butter and

form of the legendary corn cob pipe.

corn whiskey. Aside from its intoxicating

jelly or Lucy and Ethel, they go hand in hand.

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this season A salty buttery treat to munch

It is difficult to think of our

on as the plot on the big screen

lives without the multifaceted

unfolds, popcorn poppers were

corn plant. What Thanksgiving

once a must have for students

dinner would be complete with-

heading off to college. These days

out yummy yellow kernels next

it is easily popped to perfection

to the mashed potatoes? Most

in minutes with the help of a

everyone has some aspect of this

microwave.

crop touch their lives each day: a

When it comes to shucking

jug for milk, gasoline, penicillin, part of your morning makeup,

difficulty of the task. According to

watching a blockbuster film with

JONA THUNDER

your corn, take note of the ease or New England folklore, if it’s tough to shuck, be prepared for a long cold winter. Corn silk was rolled

a bucket of popcorn, or sipping an old fashioned after a hard day at work. This autumn, place your

and smoked, and had long been made into

stuffed into mattresses for extra padding, and

cornstalks prominently as they have truly

tea for home remedies, although it’s largely

little girls made dolls from their corn husks

earned their season in the spotlight.

considered bogus these days. Husks were

long before toy stores dotted Main Street.

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

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Forget Me Not

W

e see them at events and parades, holding flags and marching solemnly in their uniform of gray slacks, white shirts, and navy blue jackets and caps, heads held high in pride for their service to our country. We see them outside grocery stores and the Oyster Festival selling forget-me-nots. What we don’t see is all of the initiatives that our local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) undertakes.

COURTESY CHAPTER 15 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (2)

at your service

with him. Chapter 15 also owns its own van and offers transportation assistance to veterans who need a lift in order to travel to and from appointments.

Chapter 15 is very active; in addition to parades and forget-me-not fundraisers, there are monthly meetings held the first Thursday of every month at 12:30 p.m. at the Fowler Building, 45 New Haven Avenue. The chapter initiatives are relatively grassroots and personal, including looking in on homebound veterans and

Chapter 15 of the D.A.V. is a non-profit

from military service under honorable condi-

providing them with necessary company and

organization whose motto is “Fulfilling Our

tions.” Members range in age from their early

needed items. Last summer the group brought

Promises to the Men and Women Who Served.”

30s to their 90s and have served in wars from

air conditioners to 10 homebound veterans in

Begun in the years following WWI, the D.A.V.

World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, to Kosovo,

order to help prevent complications from medi-

was officially chartered by Congress in 1932, but

Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

cal conditions. They regularly donate items

is not maintained or regulated by the United States Government.

Chapter Commander Don Sweeney is

to patients at the VA, including art supplies,

passionate about the mission of the D.A.V.

clothing, toiletries, and most recently, organic

Covering Milford, Stratford, Shelton, Derby,

and how the group is “enhancing the lives of

food and tea to the cancer ward. In the past,

Ansonia, Seymour, and Monroe, D.A.V. Chapter

veterans and protecting their rights.” Chapter

Chapter 15 has provided music therapy to the ill

15 consists of almost 700 members, all veterans,

15 members are committed to advocating for all

at the VA, thrown pizza parties for the patients

who have “served in the Armed Forces during

veterans and Sweeney himself assists veterans

on different units, and donated its time to help

a period of war or under conditions simulating

in filing benefit claims at no cost, holding

with hospice programs.

war, and were wounded, disabled to any

“office hours” at the West Haven VA Hospital

Past Commander Elizabeth Walsh, currently

degree, or left with a long-term illness as a

on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to make

Jr. Vice Commander of the Connecticut Region

result of military service, and were discharged

it more convenient for the veterans to meet

of the D.A.V., is passionate about her role in

12 Milford Living • Autumn

the organization; she focuses primarily on

basement for years.” She’s excited that the

the needs of female veterans. One of those

clinic is finally being moved into an adequate,

programs is the Madaras home in Bridgeport,

nicely renovated space in an appropriate part of

a 15-bed transitional housing facility oper-

the hospital.

ated by the non-profit Homes for the Brave

According to Walsh, both male and female

charity, built specifically for female veterans

veterans are very receptive to anything done

struggling with homelessness. Supported by

for them. “Small gestures are so appreciated.

the D.A.V. and other Connecticut veterans

They love to be recognized; we see a lot of

groups, the home provides counseling and

depression and we do anything we can to

support services for its residents and is a

lighten their load. The veterans we serve

“sanctuary for those who have returned

can’t say thank you enough.” She describes

home bearing the physical, mental, and

a time when she and other D.A.V. members

emotional scars of combat.” Walsh and other

brought stress balls, toiletries, and bottles of

members of Chapter 15 lend support in a

Walsh is also an advocate on proper health-

nail polish to hospitalized veterans who lit

number of ways; recently they purchased

care services for female veterans, bemoaning

up by the small gifts and the attention they

books for two residents about to begin a new

the fact that “the women’s health clinic at

received. “Giving them someone to talk to

chapter in their lives by attending college.

the V.A. has been stuck in a tiny space in the

clearly brightened their day.”

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at your service ing The Milford Bank, Subway, the Fred DeLuca Foundation, and Pops Restaurant. The Chapter collects minimal dues from their members

COURTESY CHAPTER 15 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

and has donation canisters in several locations

The D.A.V. is a self-funded non-profit and their biggest fundraiser is the small blue forget-

me-nots they sell. In addition, the Chapter does receive support from local organizations includ-

a community support system

around town. They budget very carefully to maximize the services they can provide to the veterans around the state. Extra donations are always welcome, and can be sent to P.O. Box 3006 Milford, CT 06460.

D.A.V. Chapter 15 provides a needed lifeline to those who have served our country and are now potentially underserved. We are fortunate to have such an active chapter looking out for our loved ones, neighbors, and friends who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

To all of our DeDicaTeD VolunTeers, Generous Donors anD sponsors, enThusiasTic riDers, runners anD Walkers We are honored by your support for Bridges and our annual Folks on Spokes – Folks on Foot Ride, Run, Walk for Mental Health.

With your help, a September Sunday becomes an incredible day for raising awareness of mental health needs and services in our community, and a successful fundraising event each year!

On behalf of Bridges’ board, staff, and especially our clients, and all of our family, friends and neighbors who turn to Bridges for help in difficult times, thank you!

Michelle LeMere, Board Chair Barbara DiMauro, President & CEO

14 Milford Living • Autumn

WW W.B L A K EFO R M I L F O R D.C O M

Ben Blake for Milford, Benjamin Gettinger, Treasurer. Approved by Ben Blake.

VOTE ROW A N OVE MB ER 3R D, 2015

milford wildlife detrimental to the birds. Further, the United Illuminating Company had been working on clearing trees from power lines, but Hess said that the company was very cooperative and postponed tree clearing until the nest was inactive.

“The neighborhood was really

The Eagles Have Landed F

supportive and a huge help to us, as were the town and the utilities company. They did a great job of taking ownership and keeping those birds safe,” Hess said. “It’s been seventy years, so we’re excited the birds are back in Milford. It’s a

or local resident Lou Spero it all started one morning in early February when he was heading out in his van to start his day. “I saw the white head and white tail and was shocked,” he says. Spero spent the rest of his day going around town to try to find the bald eagle he saw and stumbled upon nearly a dozen immature eagles. After speaking to neighbors and being directed to the Laurel Beach area, he finally saw the nest. A pair of eagles had taken up residence in Milford for the first time in seven decades. A crowd of people had gathered around and, as Spero recalls, “Residents were thrilled, saying, ‘It’s a miracle,’ and they’re glad it’s happening.”

great thing.”

The conservation efforts of the community paid off and it soon appeared that the pair of eagles were protecting an egg. As Spero recalls, “Everybody would get together and we’d all go to the nest looking for an egg.

Everyone got excited because the female was staying in the nest while the male was going out, which is an indication that she

To ensure Milford was a welcoming

was sitting on the egg or eggs.” For a while no

home to our feathered friends, Spero

one knew for sure, but once they finally saw

contacted the state Department of Energy

the egg, “there was happiness throughout the

and Environmental Protection (DEEP) which

community.”

sent over wildlife biologist Brian Hess. Hess

Spero, an avid birdwatcher for fifteen years and volunteer for the Audubon Society, is

nest. While Hess said DEEP avoids disclosing

familiar with eagles in the area, including

the exact locations of eagle nests for their

part of an eagle watch in Southbury where

protection, he said this nest, being in an

eagles are known to nest near the Shepaug

urbanized residential location, was tough to

Dam. Because the dam circulates the water

keep secret. Luckily, it was on DEEP property,

preventing it from freezing, the area makes a

so the department was able to close the

suitable habitat for the eagles to live and fish.

area and put up signs with a phone number

Because of the colder-than-average winter

for anyone to report if they saw someone

last year, Spero speculates that the eagles

disturbing the nest.

may have migrated further south along the

The city was working on sidewalks in the area at the same time, so the DEEP worked with Milford city planners to ensure that none of the work being performed would be

16 Milford Living • Autumn

LEWIS A. SPERO (3)

told residents to keep a distance from the

Housatonic River to Milford.

The weather, however, was not the only factor determining where the eagles finally took up residence. Hess says that eagles will

always choose a location close to water, so

conservation efforts, Spero says,

generally nests are along rivers, ponds, and

“Quite a few people kept it going.

reservoirs. Clear takeoff and landing routes

There were a lot of friendships made

are also very important due to eagles’ large

protecting the area.”

size; the wingspan of a bald eagle can range

In terms of the future, can

from six to eight feet and it takes a lot of

Milford expect the birds to return?

energy and a clear route for them to get

Spero says yes, especially because

off the ground. For this reason, eagles will

they have already successfully

choose larger and taller trees for easy flight

fledged one chick. “Eagles mate

pathways. While the nest in Milford is not

for life and come back to the same

on a particularly tall tree, it’s not blocked by

nest every year as long as nothing

many other branches and provides a clear

happens to the male or female,” he

pathway.

explains. “Hopefully they’ll have

While hopefully the eagles have found a

another successful nesting for the

welcoming home in Milford, the community

next 25-30 years.”

has also enjoyed having them. Of the

—Jessica Avitabile

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milford fit difficulty. In fact, Milford hosts an annual Folks on Spokes charity ride for Bridges which helps to raise awareness and funds for people dealing with mental illnesses or addiction. The event has many mapped-out routes around the Connecticut shoreline that include a 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, or 66-mile rides. (Now you know what those FOS signs are for!) Each route used during the event can be ridden all year long.

COURTESY OF BRIDGES

As a city, Milford is becoming very progressive in the development of bike lanes around the town. The East Coast Greenway Alliance (an organization that plans on making a walkway from Calais, Maine to Key

Take a Ride

R

iding a bike is a simple but effective way to have fun with friends and is great for getting some exercise in a non-stressful way. From childhood to adulthood, people ride their bikes to get to places, exercise, or just have fun. Here in Milford, there are plenty of options for those interested in a leisure ride or a way to get from point A to point B. The exercise‌it comes with both.

Milford is well known for having 14 miles of coastal shoreline, but most people don’t

know that Milford is also home to 17 miles

West, Florida) coordinated with the Milford

of bikeable shoreline and trails that vary in

Public Works Department, Connecticut DOT, and Milford Planning to design a contraflow

As a city, Milford is becoming very progressive in the development of bike lanes around the town.

18 Milford Living • Autumn

bike lane designed to let bicyclists ride in the opposite direction of motor vehicles. The bike lane will be at Wilcox Park and will convert a one-way street into a two-way street: one of the directions will have motor vehicles and bikes, while the other will have bikes only.

COURTESY OF CITY OF MILFORD

The contraflow bike lane will be the first in

terrain that starts at Jonathan Law High

to work or a friend’s house, there are

Connecticut and will be a prime example

School, goes by the Connecticut Audubon

bike lanes along the Boston Post Road to

for other towns to follow suit. The trail from

Coastal Center, travels around Walnut Beach

encourage safe travel alongside motor

Maine to Florida will be 2,900 miles and

and Silver Sands State Park, and finishes back

vehicles. Bicyclists can also safely ride across

Milford will have 11 miles of the trail, including

at Jonathan Law. It’s a nice scenic ride for

the side of the Sikorsky Bridge over the

the 0.2 miles of the contraflow bike lane.

those who would like to take in a lot of the

Housatonic River to get to Stratford and other

scenery coastal Milford has to offer.

neighboring towns.

One well-known trail that is not too difficult is the Shoreline Short Ride, 10.3 miles of flat

If you are using your bike as transportation

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legends & lore

Spirits of Milford Y

ou may have seen groups of people walking near the Milford Green with a lantern.

Especially at this time of year, I spend my weekend nights guiding LED candle-lit Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks through the downtown area, weaving stories about the city’s 376-year history in with those of the dark and macabre.

The 90-minute walks start near where

Milford Harbor. Sitting among the pine trees,

Milford did, at the Hotchkiss Bridge on Helwig

her arms and legs crossed, the anguished

Street. There, where a rock marks the 1639

woman rocks and wails, mourning not just the

arrival of the Rev. Peter Prudden to found the

loss of her sons, but the Paugusset land Chief

Milford Colony, I tell the story of a Paugusset

Ansantawae sold to Prudden that she believed

Indian maiden who was so distressed over the

was the birthright of her sons.

settlers’ purchase of her beloved Wepawaug,

“I believe there are unsettled spirits,” said a

she strangled and killed her two young sons.

Milford native who participated in two Spirits

Legend says that on winter nights when the

of Milford Ghost Walks last year. During one

mist coming out of the top of the Memorial

moon is full you can see the native woman

walk she captured an amazing photo of what

Tower on New Haven Avenue––a puzzling

on the hill of Wilcox Park where it overlooks

looks like a stretching arc of white, ghostly

occurrence on an immaculately clear night.

20 Milford Living • Autumn

Other stops along the comfortably paced

Connecticut Colony governors and a man

particularly active area. “There are no visible

1.1-mile ghost walk include:

named Andrew Sanford, who in 1663

electricity sources there that would cause the

The bottom of High Street––just before

stood trial for witchcraft in Hartford.

EMF meters to spike, so I have to believe it’s

we lose sight of Milford Harbor––to learn

Sanford was exonerated but his wife

being caused by spirit energy,” said Adam

about the three curses cast on Charles

Mary was hanged.

Shefts, founder of the Northeast Paranormal

Island; The Milford Historical Society houses,

Investigations Society. “It’s unexplainable.”

Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks always

Shefts and other Northeast Paranormal

where 289-year-old Captain Stephen

have unexpected stops. When the orange

team members have joined us on several

Stow, along with at least three other

lights and buzzers on the four EMF detectors

Spirits of Milford walks, as well as helped

colonial spirits, are believed to still visit;

we carry go off––signaling a change in

co-host two public paranormal investigations

The Milford Green, where we talk about

electromagnetic energy and the possibility

at the Milford Historical Society’s Eells-Stow,

Victorian death rituals, places where

of spirit activity––we stop, explore, and take

Clark-Stockade, and Bryan-Downs houses.

the past is hidden in plain sight, and the

photographs. The hope is to digitally capture

Those investigation this summer led to

ghost of a little girl seen in buildings on

orbs, or other signs of ghostly energy that the

many additional unexplainable occurrences,

Broad Street;

naked eye can’t see.

including an audio recording––in a silent

Milford Cemetery, which among other

notables, is home to the bodies of three

The stretch of old houses near where High and Green Streets meet tends to be a

house––of an unknown voice whispering “I did it,” and video footage of a spinning wheel

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2015 • Milford Living 21

legends & lore that begins to spin on its own.

It’s also not uncommon for the unexplainable to occur when we stop near the Chamber of Commerce building and walkers attempt to make a pair of copper dowsing rods move and point to a specific object by using just their minds and energy.

Believe it or not, most can do it.

Dowsing rods are part of every tour.

Those who want to give them a try and take

Groups of 10 or more can also schedule a

a Spirits of Milford Ghost Walk can do so

private tour on Monday-Thursday nights.

at 7:00 p.m. most Fridays, Saturdays, and

Chatting as we walk, many participants

D’Avignon, who’s taken the walk several times. “There’s a fear and excitement in not knowing what you’re going to encounter

Sundays until early December. Visit www.

share that they decided to take a Spirits of

outside the dark. It’s also fun to hear about

spiritsofmilford.com for a list of upcoming

Milford Ghost Walk because they like history.

other people’s personal encounters with the

dates. Last year, almost all October and

But even more tell me they like to be scared.

paranormal and to see a skeptic become a

November walks sold out, so purchasing advance tickets is recommended.

“Hearing ghost stories and being scared

believer.”

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milford spotlight

Milford Hall of Fame W

ho are Charles Pond, Susan and Morris Abbott, Clark Wilcox, Andrew Law, and the Reverend Roger Newton, and what do they have in common? Answering the latter question first, these six individuals are the 2015 inductees into the Milford Hall of Fame.

Devoted to recognizing and honoring those who have brought distinction to Milford’s community through their service and accomplishments, the Milford Hall of Fame inducted its first group of honorees in 2008.

To date it has recognized 35 individuals with etched portraits and plaques that hang in the Parson’s Center Government Complex in downtown Milford.

participated in the Siege of Boston and later served in the same regiment as Nathan Hale. Because of his skills as a sailor, he

Milford Hall of Fame inductees are

colonists in Boston. Commissioned an

was given command of the sloop Schuyler,

chosen by a research committee, which

ensign in Captain Peter Perit’s company

which transported Hale to the shores of Long

this year included Richard Platt, Jerry

of Colonel Charles Webb’s regiment, he

Island where he was eventually captured

Ackerman, Marolyn Paulis, Bill McDonald,

and executed for espionage. Pond was

Helen and Dan Rusanowsky, and Ed and

with General George Washington when he

Dotty Kozlowski. Mrs. Kozlowski is also the

crossed the Delaware River on December 25,

portrait artist whose drawings are etched

1776, and was also present at the Battle of

onto the plaques. The Milford Hall of Fame organization is funded by corporate and private donors, and operates through the generous work of volunteers.

Here is a brief description of each of this year’s Milford Hall of Fame inductees.

White Plains and the Battle of Princeton in 1777. He received a commission as a captain in the army, which he resigned in 1779 in order to take command of the Defense, a war vessel built in Connecticut to protect its coastline. Captain Charles Pond continued this service until the end of the

CHARLES POND (1744-1832) is remembered

primarily for his active, and patriotic

Revolution and is known in Milford’s history as “Liberty’s Friend.”

participation in the American Revolution.

Born in Milford, he was a prosperous sailor

SUSAN ABBOTT (1901-1994) and

who, after hearing of the Battle of Bunker

MORRIS ABBOTT (1898-1978) were major

Hill, enlisted and went to the aid of the

contributors to the recording and archiving

24 Milford Living • Autumn

of Milford’s history. Born in Milford, Susan

history of the Milford Cemetery

CLARK WILCOX (1853- ?)

was a genealogist. Her book, Families of

and the Memorial Bridge and

has given Milford one of

Early Milford, Connecticut, contains the

authored two books on these

its most cherished pieces of

genealogical records of approximately 300

subjects. A map he created

families, including Milford’s first settlers,

which shows the location of the

known as Free Planters, and the After

headstones in the old section

Planters, who followed. She was an active

of the Milford Cemetery

member of the Freelove Baldwin Stowe

is available at a kiosk

Library and runs

chapter of the Daughters of the American

in the Cemetery near

between Gulf

Revolution, the Connecticut Society of

the Revolutionary War

Street and Milford

Genealogists, and the Milford Historical

monument. Morris was also

Society. Susan’s husband, Morris, was a

commissioned by the Milford

historian for the Milford Historical Society,

Medical Society to write Medical

a member of the Connecticut Society of

Men of Milford which contains

Genealogists, and the New Haven Colony

biographies of all the physicians who

Historical Society. He specialized in the

practiced in Milford up to 1900.

property, the appropriately named Wilcox Park. The tract of land is located behind the Milford Public

Harbor, serving as a recreational center for Milford residents

Milford Yacht Club

and for visitors who

arrive by boat. It is home

to the Wilcox Park baseball “Not your grandfather’s club”

The Milford YachT club where friendship and memories are made “NoT Your graNdfaThers club”

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milford spotlight diamonds, the John Scalici tennis courts, a

ANDREW LAW (1749-1821) was born in

public boat ramp, and a trail system through

Milford and was the grandson of Jonathan

some forested land that leads to a cantilevered

Law, the 27th governor of the Colony of

wooden platform overlooking Milford Harbor.

Connecticut. He was ordained as a religious

The park also houses the Rotary Pavilion

preacher in 1787, but is remembered

and Fowler Field, where local fairs, musical

primarily for his accomplishments as a

events, and other civic celebrations are held.

music arranger, composer, and musical

Clark Wilcox purchased the land more than

pioneer. Law was among the first American

100 years ago from Franklin H. Fowler, a

composers whose arrangements put a

descendant of William Fowler, one of Milford’s

song’s melody in the soprano voice instead

first settlers. He then donated it to the city

of in the tenor. He was one of the first

through the Village Improvement Association

singing teachers of sacred music, was

and assumed the expense of putting the

an early advocate of the FASOLA

park into usable condition. The Village

system of musical notation, and

Improvement Association unanimously voted

when his 1781 petition to the State

to call the land Wilcox Park.

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privileges for his Collection of Best Tunes and

Mary Hooker in 1644. In 1652, Rev. Newton

Anthems was passed, he received the first

founded and became the first minister

author copyright in America. Throughout

of a church in Farmington, Connecticut

his life Law wrote several books about

where he remained until his return

music, including Select Harmony, Christian

to Boston in 1657 with the intention

Harmony, and Essays on Music. He also

of sailing back to England. About that

composed original music and arranged the

time, however, Rev. Peter Prudden of

hymns and tunes of other composers.

Milford Colony’s First Congregational Society passed away. In 1660 Rev.

REV. ROGER NEWTON (1610 - 1685) was born

Newton accepted the position of

in England and educated at Kings College

pastor and moved to Milford with

(Cambridge) before moving to the Boston

his wife and six of their eight

Colony in 1638. He studied at Harvard and

children. Their two youngest children

moved to the Hartford Colony to study the

were born in Milford. Rev. Newton

ministry under Rev. Thomas Hooker, who

served as pastor for 22 years.

became his father-in-law when he married

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Milford Giving

BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER

28 Milford Living • Autumn

T

he U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines “volunteers” as “persons who did unpaid work (except for expenses) through or for an organization.” BLS keeps track of nationwide volunteer statistics, which have unfortunately reached an all-time low.

Between September 2013 and September 2014, 25 percent of Americans volunteered at least once as compared to a 27 percent rate back in 2005.

Bucking this trend, Connecticut currently ranks 18th in the nation among volunteers. In Milford, many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers are committed to a life of volunteerism.

Why do they do what they do? What can we learn from their example? Below, local nonprofit leaders and their standout volunteers enlighten us.

encouraged to see clients “move from despair

BETH-EL CENTER

Wendy Dulin

to volunteer. Their “generosity is often times

Dulin feels “blessed” to spend her every Thurs-

overwhelming,” she says. “It reassures me that

the services that the Beth-El Center provides,”

day manning Beth-El’s front desk, “answering

there are people who care, help, and support

says executive director Toni Dolan. “Their

phones, directing calls, preparing bank deposits,

those who are in need.”

unselfish dedication is inspiring.” Acknowl-

inputting the donor database, and preparing

edging that it takes a team effort to “change

many thank you letters and cards for the mon-

a person’s life,” Dolan recognizes how one

etary and in-kind donations we receive.” She’s

“Our volunteers are critical to the provision of

“simple act of kindness can go a long way

and homelessness to self-sufficiency” as a result of the Center’s employment, education, training, housing, and counseling services. What’s kept her “coming back” since 2009, “is the outpouring of support the center receives.”

Dulin cites “the countless people who come to our door with money they raised from a lemonade stand, an anonymous cash donation ‘just because’, handmade mittens and scarves to warm the homeless, youth groups purchasing arts and craft items,” and other acts of kindness as some of her reasons for continuing

Find out how to volunteer: bethelmilford.securesites.com/index.php

towards easing the daily struggles of those seeking shelter, food, and support services.”

Fred Baldieri

Cooking, baking, and sautéing during Beth-El’s Friday lunch shift has been a constant for Badlieri. He arrives by 8:30 a.m., does the prep, and together with five or six other volunteers “serves a high-quality impressive restaurantstyle meal between 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to an average of 50-75 people a day.”

“People come in here with a real need,” says Baldieri. “They really appreciate it.”

Although his ten years of cooking in Beth-El’s kitchen have shown him that “Milford is a very caring community,” he’s gained a deeper appreciation for what we may take for granted. “One never knows when one will be in that same position.”

2015 • Milford Living 29

ing of Bridges’ mission and our role in the community and takes

Anthony Candido

Candido and his wife Diane are serving their

every opportunity to tell others

third year as co-chairs of the United Way of

about the positive impact Bridges

Milford’s Fundraising Campaign. “I’ve learned

has had on so many lives.”

so much about what the United Way and

Kathy Anderson

their agencies do for our community,” he says.

“What keeps me motivated to continue are

Anderson’s enthusiasm for this

the people who join us in the commitment to

“amazing organization that has

helping others right here in Milford.” With a

changed so many lives for the

goal to raise $900,000 a year for the last two

better,” matches her tireless advo-

years, Candido can proudly claim “94 percent

cacy. In the face of pending state

achievement of that goal in 2013-14 and 96

and federal mental health budget

percent of that number in 2014-15.”

cuts, she affirms that “Bridges

Candido remains confident that no matter

needs support more than ever to sustain their services!”

Prompted to get involved with community service due to an

BRIDGES, A COMMUNITY SUPPORT SYSTEM

impending empty nest and by the memory

Since 1957, Bridges has provided mental

Anderson wants “to raise awareness of

health and addiction services for children,

the fear and confusion around mental health,

adults, young adults, and families through-

show support for the people on their road to

out Milford and its surrounding communi-

recovery, and convey to those suffering that

ties. Due to strict client-staff confidentially

recovery is possible!”

guidelines, “Bridges is not a volunteer-oriented organization with regard to assisting staff with clients,” explains Marcy Hotchkiss, Bridges director of fund development & communications. Instead, “we welcome volunteers for our annual signature fundraising event—Folks on Spokes: Folks on Foot Ride, Run, Walk for Mental Health.

“We are in great need of reliable, energetic,

of her own mother’s battle with depression,

Find out how to volunteer: bridgesmilford.org

UNITED WAY OF MILFORD

Milford Chapter president and CEO Gary Johnson refers to the 200+ volunteers that help out each year as “the life blood of our

what the goal, through Milford’s “residents,

enthusiastic volunteers to help keep our

organization.” With only three staffers on the

employees, small business and major firms,

cyclists, runners, and walkers safe, comfort-

payroll, Johnson admits, “we could not fulfill

we will once again work hard to get closer to

able, and feeling greatly appreciated through-

our mission and conduct our work if volun-

the goal.”

out the day!” Hotchkiss confirms that for

teers weren’t involved. He names Anthony

“more than two decades, we have had many

Candido, Bill Hoagland, and Kristin Huffman

members of the community help out, includ-

as three individuals “who exemplify what

ing local realtor Kathy Anderson, who brings

our United Way volunteer corps is like…all

to United Way “to 17 years ago with the

her sunny smile and warm personality to

three go above and beyond in terms of what

BIC campaign,” Hoagland admits to being

keep track of everything from registration to

they give back to our organization and to the

brought up in a family of volunteers. As

refreshments. She has a thorough understand-

Milford community at large.”

co-chair for the Agencies and Clubs Division,

30 Milford Living • Autumn

Bill Hoagland

Although he can pinpoint his first connection

her husband Andy Reimann were looking to

residents can take, share, or leave leave a book

“reach out beyond ourselves and find a way

to share, to working on an oral history project

to help those who really need it in Milford.”

with local artists whose work is displayed at

By combining her knowledge of theatrical

The Parsons Complex, “everything she does,

production, pooling the talents of her own

she does well,” says Bolin.

CT-based non-profit New Paradigm Theatre (NPT), and calling upon her “Broadway pals”

Lisa Thornell-Gargiulo

to perform in two benefits, Huffman raised

As both the senior curatorial assistant of

funds, provided invaluable performing

Prints & Drawings at the Yale Center for

experience to the young members of her NPT

British Art, and weekend reference librarian

Youth Board, and encouraged local businesses

at Fairfield University, Thornell-Gargiulo has

to become sponsors. A win-win all around.

been working in libraries since high school. “I

She identifies the United Way “as a trusted

moved to Milford a little over two years ago

he takes pride in his chapter’s committee

group that has collaboration—with the city,

and wanted to get involved, so I naturally

members who are “set up to listen to the

other non-profits, and those directly in need—

gravitated towards joining the Friends’ Little

organizations that need assistance, evaluate

as one of their agenda items. That inspires me.”

Libraries project. We hosted launch parties and

their requests, and then carefully allocate funding based upon need.”

“I stay involved because the United Way helps so many people in our community,” Hoagland says. “They have so many resources and the money raised here stays here.”

Kristin Huffman

Find out how to volunteer: unitedwayofmilford.org

MILFORD LIBRARY

Milford Library director Christine Angeli relies upon volunteers of all ages “to help keep

“While writing an article on the various non-

our shelves organized and carry out special

profits in Milford, Gary asked me if I would

projects.” One such project that morphed into

consider being on the United Way marketing

a full-fledged volunteer group is the Friends of

committee. He’s a hard guy to say no to,”

the Milford Library (FOML). “Their assistance is

Huffman quips. At the time, Huffman and

invaluable,” says Angeli. “Under the leadership of their new president Anne Bolin, the FOML “raise funds to support library programming and act as advocates for the library within the community.” In addition to developing and installing “Little Libraries” around town, the

cut a ribbon for each Little Library to introduce

FOML produces new resident information

them to the community. Families and neigh-

packets, run the annual book sale at the Oyster

bors came out to celebrate, as well as Mayor

Festival, instituted a high school book award

Blake and our friends at Parks and Recreation

program, and much more.

who helped get the proper permissions to start

Bolin considers volunteer Lisa Thornell-Gar-

the project. Seeing people get excited about

giulo “a tremendous asset…who is infectiously

reading and sharing conversations about the

enthusiastic and gets things done.” From

project, was very rewarding.”

initiating and chairing their Little Libraries

“I hope Milford Living readers will consider

program, involving the construction and in-

picking up some more information on the

stallation of three kiosks around town where

Friends during their next Library visit,” says

2015 • Milford Living 31

Thornell-Gargiulo. Taking this into account,

volunteering at the Shelter. For the last nine

she poses a question and makes an appeal.

years she has been “involved with walking

“Public Libraries are our biggest community

and socializing the dogs, as well as the cats

asset, don’t you think? Visit the Library! Join the

and kittens that come in through the feral cat

Friends! There are many volunteer opportuni-

program, and the pregnant strays that come

ties for residents-of all ages, whether you work

in.” She confirms of the latter that “they give

full time, are retired, or a student.”

birth at the shelter. When the cats and kittens

Find out how to volunteer: ci.milford.ct.us/milford-public-library

MILFORD ANIMAL SHELTER

are vaccinated, we can socialize them prior to being adopted out.”

With three cats and one dog (all rescues) of her own, Hiddlestone finds her time at the Shelter to be very rewarding, especially since she plays an important role in the animals’

Milford Animal Control Officer Scott Ellingson

lives. “For many of them, this is the first

firmly believes that “volunteers are the lifeline

time anyone has shown them kindness or

for shelter animals. They provide love and

attention on a regular basis,” she explains.

chose, which I am still doing, are the Informa-

comfort to pets, are key to socializing and help-

“Volunteers like me help prepare the animals

tion Desk (evening shift chairperson) and

for their real forever homes.”

Refreshment Cart (chairperson).

Find out how to volunteer: ci.milford.ct.us/animal-control

give more time during the day, becoming

MILFORD HOSPITAL

some office positions.” Other times, Roessle fills in at the desk in the Administration, Engineering, or Volunteer offices, or at various health fairs for the Education Department. “I

fortunate to have an active corps

am proud of being a volunteer,” she says, “and

of over 350 volunteers,” says Karen

that my dedication is appreciated by a ‘Thank

Kipfer, the director of community

you’ or a smile.”

give freely of their time and talent to provide services that significantly add

Rita Canas

A volunteer for a dozen years, including two

to the overall quality of care. Volun-

terms as president of the Milford Hospital

teers truly are a valuable and integral

Auxiliary, Canas is currently the organization’s

part of our team and our family. With

co-president. “When I retired, I needed some-

their longevity of service and dedi-

thing to fill my time. I saw an ad in our church

cated commitment to our hospital,

bulletin that Milford Hospital was in need of

ing animals come out of their shells, and are an

Rita Canas and Alba Roessle exemplify the

intrinsic part of shelter operations, doing tasks

nature of all our volunteers.”

Nancy Hiddlestone

active in the Hospital Auxiliary where I held

“At Milford Hospital we are extremely

relations. “These generous individuals

that staff may not have time to get to.”

When I retired 16 years ago, I was able to

Alba Roessle

volunteers and I guess that was my calling.”

“What has kept me stay motivated is my need to do as much as I can to help in any way I can,” says Canas. She’s enormously

“Who knew 45 years would pass after I decided

proud of the many fundraising ideas that

“The staff here is very, very knowledgeable,”

to volunteer ten hours a month at night in

have come to fruition, such as the hospitals’

says Hiddlestone, a longtime dog-person who

appreciation for the TLC my father got while in

Garden of Life and the first-ever gala to honor

knew nothing about cats when she first began

the hospital?” Roessle wonders. “The services I

Milford doctors. She is also grateful to have

32 Milford Living • Autumn

learned so much from her fellow volunteers

12 Connecticut, honored by the Milford

and admits to being constantly awed by the

Columbus Committee, and having received

caring healthcare professionals and hospital

a Certificate of Papal Blessing from Pope

staff. “They work so hard and sometimes it

Francis, these achievements have encouraged

goes unnoticed…we put our life in their hands

her to do more. She quotes Linda Ellis’s poem

and they do an amazing job.”

“The Dash” as a major source of inspiration

Canas’s dedication has not gone unnoticed.

Featured as a “Home Town Hero” on News

(the dash referring to the line between the dates of birth and death on a tombstone):

“For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.”

“I am living my dash,” says Canas.

“Volunteering is my passion.”

Find out how to volunteer: milfordhospital.org/volunteering

Your Health, Your Community... ...Your Hospital Why Choose MilfoRd hosPital?

• We were named a Top Performer in Key Quality Measures by the Joint Commission.

• We consistently rank among the top hospitals in Connecticut for providing a positive patient experience.

• We are designated a Blue Distinction Center+ for excellence in quality and efficiency in Knee and Hip Replacement.

• Our compassionate and experienced caregivers are dedicated to providing quality, safe and patient centered care.

Main Number: 203-876-4000 Physician Referral: 203-876-4500 Connecticut Joint Center: 203-876-4503 Urgent Care Center: 203-876-4101

300 Seaside Avenue • Milford • www.milfordhospital.org Excellence in CARE and CARING 2015 • Milford Living 33

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arts + artisans

The Art of the Doodle D You are not alone.

the author of Gamestorming and The Doodle

Historically, doodling has been considered

Revolution. Named one of the “100 Most

a distraction, a bad habit for students and

Creative People in Business,” by Fast Company

workers alike. But in recent years it’s gained

magazine, Brown founded the creative

some serious clout with research-based

consultancy Sunni Brown Ink to teaching

reports indicating that doodling helps with

“applied visual thinking,” or doodling, to

both memory retention and creativity.

coders, designers, and even journalists.

You can call it a doodling revolution of sorts.

Brown suggests that because humans

COURTESY OF LOUISE HEBERT (3)

id you spend the majority of your junior year chemistry class doodling in the margins of your college-rule notebook? Or has your boss caught you in mid-scribble during her whiteboard presentation?

business, Louise and her husband moved to

Einstein, JFK, and Thomas Edison were all

are so linguistic-focused when it comes to

Florida and began working as consultants

seasoned doodlers, knowing instinctively

brainstorming (for instance, reading, writing,

helping other jewelers with their retirement

that doodling is an innovative tool for

and talking), that visiting an unfamiliar

and liquidation sales. Because her job

problem solving.

medium—a visual medium in particular—can

requires a lot of hours, she has recently found

help break the mold.

herself doodling to help relieve stress.

Companies like Dell, Zappos, and Disney have jumped on the bandwagon and are

And to be clear, doodling isn’t just for

“I started to bring some paper and pencils

actually eager for employees to doodle on the

trained artists, says Brown. It’s about

to the jobs we are on and began doodling on a

job—even paying consultants to help them.

communicating and understanding ideas,

page to help to relax, unwind, and forget about

Leading this revolution is Sunni Brown,

de-stressing, and of course, having some fun.

her daughter a photograph of one of her

Louise Hebert, a longtime Milfordite and along with husband Joe, the former owner of the downtown landmark Hebert

doodles a few months ago, she discovered that doodling has resurfaced as a movement across the world.

“My daughter immediately sent me

Jewelers, says she has been a

information on Zentangling, the doodling art

doodler by nature for most of her

form,” she says. “I had no idea it’s become such

life. “When I was in school I would

a craze. It’s all over Pinterest and there is tons

doodle all over my books,” she says. “If I had any sort of free time with paper and pen, I would doodle.”

of information about it.”

Zentangling is a method of drawing deliberate, structured patterns through specified series of steps resulting in a creative

After closing

expression. Founders Rick Roberts and Maria

her Broad Street

Thomas intended for Zentangling to be a fun

jewelry store in 2011 after nearly 60 years of

36 Milford Living • Autumn

life for a little while,” she says. After sending

and lighthearted way to relax and intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective.

Taking her doodling to the next level, Hebert

back to an activity generally reserved for

Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or just a way to

says she researched some Zentangle patterns

childhood, Zentangling and adult coloring

unplug, but doodling has made a serious

and began creating more intricate designs and

books have become rampant. Ascending from

comeback. Inspired by words, songs, events,

developed greeting cards. She said many of her

Crayola and artist businesswoman Lisa Frank

and people, Milford artist Joy Haines says her

images are inspired by patterns found in nature,

to the bestseller lists of both Amazon and

doodles are a result, in a sense, of what could

whether in the form of leaves, trees, or feathers.

Publishers Weekly, adult coloring books have

be; thoughts and feelings have color that take

become an exploding trend.

shape on a blank page and become her art.

“I’m blessed to live on the water in Florida and my husband and I kayak into the bay

Dover, a longtime publisher of children’s

As a lifelong doodler, Haines says while she

and I’ll bring my sketchpad along with me

coloring books, launched its Creative Haven

took her first art class at age 11, she has rarely

and doodle. The doodle may not look like a

line about three years ago, offering adult-

stayed within the lines of traditional art. “I

piece of driftwood or a leaf per say, but if you

friendly coloring with highly detailed and

painted trees purple,” she laughs, “but lucky

look at even the waves there are patterns in

intricate illustrations printed on premium

for me, my father, a motivational speaker,

all of these things and it’s what I creatively

paper in categories that range from mosaics

never told me that trees were green.”

duplicate,” she says.

and mandalas and African designs to art deco,

With more grown-ups than ever reverting

owls, cats, and quilts.

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arts + artisans sphere. From just a few basic shapes, Haines has created a portfolio filled with doodles of fish and wizards, unicorns and guitars.

COURTESY OF JOY HAINES (3)

“I tend to always include spheres, eyes, and hearts in all of my work,” she says.

From her circus-inspired work “Cirque” to her Escher-esque “Seapak,” Haines shares the joy of color and shapes with both real and imaginary images and forms. Inspired by musician friends who played on the New Haven Green

transformed her sheet of watercolor paper into

preferring to inspire and encourage others to

in the early 70s, Haines’ work “We Played for

a medieval village and was awarded a “Best

create.

Peace,” portrays five guitars with peace signs.

in Show” at the Hamden Art League annual

Another work, “Wizardcity,” was inspired by a

Goldenbells Exhibit. Her work can be seen at

start with a line and then another one and

Harry Potter movie. Haines says she began by

Gilded Lily Gallery in downtown Milford.

another, and take it from there.”

doodling wizard hats on a page that eventually

“Anyone can do this,” she says. “Just

Haines shies away from self-promotion,

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milford morsels

Curry Leaves

Y

ou might say things are looking up, especially if you are looking for Indian food in Milford. And if you are looking for Curry Leaves, the new Indian/Eurasian restaurant tucked into the corner at the 157 Cherry Street, you’ll have to look up and locate the small overhead sign to find it.

Newly opened, the menu features typical Northern, and the somewhat harder to find Southern, Indian foods. You will find pekoras andsamosas, dals, curries, masalas, and tandoori dishes, as well as some surprises, like the Paneer Shashlik, a combination of homemade cheese and vegetables marinated then grilled in the tandoori oven. Your other favorite paneers are here, as well as biryanis and vindaloos.

Elegance was also evident in the light-

CURRY LEAVES

157 Cherry Street, Milford 203.301.5000 (delivery available) www.curryleavesct.com Lunch (including buffet): Sun. – Sat 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Sun. – Thurs. 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Delivery is available.

handedness of the kitchen. The combination of heavily spiced Indian foods and cleaner

desire. One surprise was the curried goat,

Eurasian fare made for a lighter meal than

somewhat comparable to a New England

will most likely be

expected with such an array of dishes

beef stew, and well worth trying. “People

found in the buffet Friday

available at the lunchtime buffet.

love this,” said Dhiraj Thapa, manager of

through Sunday, and is a wonderful

the restaurant. “The meat is cut from the

way to take on those cold afternoons to

noodles, you will find what you are

Still, even among spring rolls and

bone and cooked with lots of onion, gravy,

come.

looking for if Indian foods are your heart’s

ginger, garlic, and cilantro.” Goat curry

The variety in curried flavors was surprising. From the lush gravy of the goat curry to a lighter Sambar, a spicy hot Southern Indian vegetable soup served with a dosa, a rice crepe that can be ordered stuffed with potatoes or other vegetables, it’s hard to believe the two dishes are related, even by a spice.

CHRISTINE ROSE (4)

Other nice surprises include the

40 Milford Living • Autumn

dumplings, which look like any other small, fried, stuffed pillow of Asian descent.

However, the difference is in the details, and these dumplings took their ancestry

and traveled to India, picking up spices like the Marco Polo of its day. The diners in the restaurant all agreed they were terrific. Get there early for the buffet or they will surely be gone.

You will also find Indo-Chinese Haka noodles; thin, very tasty, and lightly seasoned with a kick. These and other dishes can be ordered on a heat scale from 1-5.

Seafood is on the menu primarily on weekends and there are vegetarian dishes galore.

With the rice crepes and other corn-and wheat-free options, Curry Leaves is an excellent spot for those who prefer to dine gluten free.

The buffet offers at least 10 options a

Brunch at the ‘Bridge

Served 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Sundays

All egg dishes are served with toast and breakfast potatoes.

Egg Whites available

Date Night Every Thursday – $25 Pre Fixe Menu 1/2 Price Appetizers – Monday – Friday 4pm – 7 pm (Bar only) Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Open Dailyand for Bloody Lunch Mary & Dinner Brunch Menu Offered Every Sunday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Bottomless Mimosa Bar

Party atBrunch the Bridge / AllEvery Patios Now / Weekend Entertainment / Brick Oven Pizza Menu Offered Sunday 11:00Open am – 1:00 pm • Bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar

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2015 • Milford Living 41

milford morsels day with different dishes presented daily,

Leaves really knows its way

enough to satisfy yourself with a very

around a mango.

decorative platter of appetizers, entrees,

The Milford location is

and desserts.

the third Curry Leaves,

Oh, yes, the desserts. There is regular ice

joining restaurants

cream and Ras Malai, homemade cream

in Hamden and West

cheese patties served in a sweet cream sauce,

Hartford. Restaurant

delicately flavored with cardamom and

manager Thapa said they

pistachios. But the creme de la creme was

chose Milford because

the Mango Kulfi, an amazing concoction that

of the lack of Indian

looks like squares of frozen mango but melts

restaurants in the area

in your mouth with flavors of cardamon and

and so guests can enjoy

cinnamon. Ice cream wishes it tasted this

the best of both Southern

decadent.

and Northern Indian food

Lest we forget, the velvety mango and yogurt

without ever having to

shake is a cool, delicious dessert-like drink that

leave Connecticut.

will take the edge off the spiciest foods. Curry

Serving up slices since 1986 7 days without Papa’s makes 1 weak!

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42 Milford Living • Autumn

—Christine Rose

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Celebrate the season with Connecticut Living’s Holiday Guide.

There is something very special about the holiday season in Connecticut. New England charm abounds as towns deck their halls to welcome visitors for holiday festivities. With so much to see and do- we want to share with you the best of the holiday season. Look for our holiday guide to help keep you up-to-date on what is going on in our hometown or discover a fun new event in a village nearby.

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family time

Walks and Talks

Graham.

Fortunately, Milford offers an abundance of free opportunities to encourage talking among families: the city’s walking paths, trails, and parks. Spending time walking and talking allows family members to share the day’s successes and struggles, building that safe haven Diamond-Graham mentioned.

“Milford’s Favorite Walks,” is a beautiful free publication from the Milford Recreation Dept. that includes more than 20 walk suggestions, maps, and commentary. The publication is available in limited print quantities and can readily be downloaded online at www.MilfordRecreation.com (click on the Documents Center on the left and then on Publication: Milford Favorite Walks).

“Walking is a good form of exercise for anyone, anywhere, anytime,” said Paul Piscitelli, director of recreation for the city.

“Thirty minutes of walking can help improve

T

echnological devices are the Jekyll and Hyde of our millennium. How wonderful they are for researching topics, sharing advances in professional fields, and keeping in touch with distant family members. But wow are they terrible for encouraging social interaction, playing outdoors, or face-to-face conversations!

amount of time children spend in front a

ing on in your family. Email and text messages don’t allow for that.”

Parents often spend time on their smart-

screen: be it a TV, a computer, tablet, or

phones while in the company of their children,

smartphone. However, the reality is that fam-

according to a limited study conducted by

ily therapists and pediatricians are beginning

Boston Medical Center published earlier this

to get concerned about the amount of time

year. Of the 55 families observed during a meal

parents spend in front of a screen instead of

in a fast food restaurant, 48 parents referred to

interacting with their children.

their phones instead of engaging in conversa-

“The most important thing you can do as a family is talk about what’s going on in your

tion.

“In this busy world, we lose touch with the

lives,” said Lisa Diamond-Graham, executive

importance of communication within the

director at the Department of Human Services

family. Our family needs to be our safe haven

and Milford Youth and Family Services. “It’s

and communicating with each other is the

the only way to know emotionally what is go-

way to create that safe haven,” said Diamond-

44 Milford Living • Autumn

walk.” Which walk is Piscitelli’s favorite? “I

SHERRY JOHYNSON (3)

Many parents and grandparents today would say they are concerned about the

your health and Milford has a lot of places to

like to walk from Fort Trumbull Beach to the Silver Sands boardwalk,” he said.

But what will you talk about with your

“It really doesn’t matter what you talk about as long as you’re

family? Diamond-Graham suggests the

talking,” said Diamond-

following:

Graham. “Sometimes parents think their kids

• Ask questions about their friends, favorite things to do, sports interests, or hobbies.

• Share about yourself. Tell your children

don’t care, but they do.”

She also recommends using the time to talk

and state, private owners, and land trusts

about your favorite place in your home-

about things that are worrying you as a

for recreation, protection of wildlife, and

town; what you did as a kid in your spare

parent, like what a teen might think about

potential future development. “What’s im-

time; your favorite Christmas memory or

drug use, suicide, or relationships.

portant is that people get out and enjoy this

your favorite childhood book.

Take those conversation starters and

city; that they break from the distractions of

explore! According to Steve Johnson, Mil-

electronics and explore their neighborhoods

answer. For example, what was your most

ford’s open space and natural resource agent,

or one of the parks or walking trails here,”

embarrassing moment?

there are more than 3,000 acres in Milford

said Johnson.

considered open space and used by the city

• Ask one question that everyone has to

To aid in that quest, Johnson has contrib-

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family time uted his list of the top 5 walking paths and trails in all parts of the city.

1

The Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at the mouth of the Housatonic River.

“This area deserves a larger appreciation and awareness among residents. You can walk out to the Sound or enjoy the viewing deck in the marshes among other things,” Johnson

“Milford Favorite Walks” brochure.

4

The trails in Eisenhower Park. “There are eight miles of trails here and special

events like ‘The Owl Prowl’ are offered throughout the year,” said Johnson.

5

The trails of Mondo Pond, located behind John F. Kennedy School, between West

and Naugatuck Avenues. “This is the top spot to see fall’s migratory birds,” said Johnson.

said. This site is listed as number one in the

2 3

Remember, whether you’re exploring the

The shoreline along the Walnut Beach/

shore or just taking a walk around the block,

Silver Sands Boardwalk. “This is now a

the point is to use the opportunity to recon-

destination point for many,” Johnson said.

The trails in Wilcox Park, located behind Milford Public Library, in the harbor

area. There are maps and trails shown in the

nect children (and parents) and get away from anything that needs to be plugged in.

Enjoy your time together.

—Angela Arpino

Bring out your best smile

Philip A. Caporusso D.M.D. 874-5400 One Golden Hill Street, Milford Flexible Financial Plans Available

46 Milford Living • Autumn

SHERRY JOHNSON

“Milford’s Favorite Walks” publication.

#

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is for Living Spring

Milford Living Magazine

2014

P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460 (203)283-5290 www.milfordliving.com

education notebook

Creating a Study Space

not options and you must rely on an area that serves multiple purposes, be prepared to clear away all the clutter at homework time so your student can spread out his materials. Portable storage, like a cart on wheels, works perfectly in situations such as this to keep supplies handy and all in one place.

Next, consider the environment. The notion of being able to multi-task is a myth. Eliminate distractions such as TV, mobile phones, and social media sites as much as possible. If your home is small and your child needs total silence to study, you may want to invest in a set of noise-cancelling headphones. Or consider using “white noise” such as rain or forest sounds or non-lyrical soft music to block the distractions. App stores on iTunes and Google Play offer plenty of ideas.

Many experts think color and scent can also play an important role in a child’s learning.

Studies have shown that younger children benefit from soft, warm colors such as oranges and yellows, while older children do better

T

he beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to re-evaluate the study areas available for the students living in your home.

Whether you have ample space or are in need of compact alternatives there are some basic things you will want to consider.

First, give some thought to where the study space should be. In some regards, this depends

family hub may be suitable.

If space in your home is at a

on the learning style of the student. If he needs

premium, be creative. An alcove, a

peace and quiet, find an area in your home that

cozy corner, or even a large closet are areas that

around calming, cool colors like blues and

is relatively free of noise and distractions. If he

can be modified into a study space. In an older

greens. Diffusing pure essential oils into

studies better with background noise or some

home, a pantry area adjacent to the kitchen

the air can boost mood, mental clarity, and

activity around him—or if he likes to involve

might be a perfect spot. Retrofit a tall cabinet

productivity. Consider scents such as lavender,

or consult with parents during homework

or closet door with a fold-down table that can

rosemary, sage, cinnamon, lemon, and

time—an area only slightly removed from the

be tucked away when not in use. If these are

peppermint.

48 Milford Living • Autumn

Proper lighting is crucial to avoid eye strain and to help your student stay alert. Make use of natural light when possible. A desk lamp that can focus directly on the workspace is helpful, supplemented by an overhead source that casts light broadly over the study area.

The goal is to ensure your child can clearly see what he is working on without squinting.

Now the fun starts. It’s time to outfit the study space! The need for some type of work surface and something to sit on is a given.

back against the chair back. Knees should be

while sitting on the chair. Elbows should

The relationship between your child, the

close to or at a ninety degree angle. The chair

rest easily on the surface without having to

height of the desk or table top, and the chair

should be comfortable, but not so comfy that

hunch the shoulders. If you’re using furniture

is important. If shopping for a new desk and

the student will become sleepy. Likewise,

you already have but may not be quite the

chair, experts suggest determining the proper

if your child is the antsy type, avoid a chair

right size, using a cushion to raise the seat or

chair size first. Feet should comfortably meet

with wheels! The height of the work surface

tucking a box under the student’s feet to help

the ground when the child is seated with their

should fall at the waist or slightly above

them reach the floor can work in a pinch. As

2015 • Milford Living 49

education notebook a last resort, a portable lap desk can offer an alternative to a traditional desk or tabletop.

They say accessories can make the outfit.

Well accessories can also make the desk!

Shopping for cute pens, pencils, paper clips, magnets, sticky notes, and notebooks was a much anticipated annual event in my house.

There is certainly no shortage of fun, creative tools on the market today, and this is the perfect time to find some good clearance deals.

Consider different ways to keep the clutter at bay: desk and drawer organizers, cups to

chalkboard and magnetic paints. We used

Whether you shop local or online, do it

store pencils, boxes, and small crates are fun

them on the back of a bed’s solid headboard,

together so your children have some input.

options. A bulletin board to hang notes, a

which served as the “back wall” of my

When the area becomes “theirs” you may

calendar, or a motivating photo or picture can

daughter’s desk.

just find they have a new-found love of

add to the allure of the study space. Two of my favorite discoveries many years ago were

Putting together a fun, age-appropriate

homework!

space for studying can be a family affair.

—Susan Glennon

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at home

Curb Appeal I

f you’ve ever bought a home, then you know how important curb appeal is. The more inviting the exterior of a home is, the more attractive it will be to buyers, and often, the higher the price it brings. Curb appeal is important whether you are a buyer, seller, or a homeowner. An attractive home exterior can make all the difference in liking your home and feeling at peace with it the moment you arrive. As a homeowner you know there are changes that need to be made to reach your perfect look, but sometimes it’s hard to decide exactly what you want to improve upon. Here are some ideas to help.

Study, Observe, Plan

autumn replace your blooms with pumpkins

Not only should you study your home, but

Simple Changes Make a Large Impact

study others for ideas. Start a Pinterest file

Start by studying the landscape. Gardens can

accented with lights.

and pull in any images or ideas you like.

dress up any home but if they are overgrown

Set a budget for any renovation. Will you

decide whether to weed, cut back plantings

the eye into your yard. Use hearty plants

use outside help or will it all be DYI? Set a

and trees, or replace everything and start

in areas closest to street to compensate for

timeframe and make it realistic. Large ticket

over. Sometimes it is better to start with a

potential abuse by road salt, plows, and

investments like replacement windows,

clean slate. Perennial plants, herbs, and rose

other debris kicked up by tires. Consider

exterior painting, siding, fancy gutters, or a

bushes offer visual appeal and a fragrant

adding a garden gate or an arbor to your

new roof don’t have to squash your dreams

welcome. Replace patchy grass with new

landscape, maybe something homemade or

or your budget. Think to complete your

seed in the spring or fall. Consider container

repurposed for a rustic look. Alternatively, a

upgrade over a span of a few years. You will

or window box gardens; they can deliver

metal or iron gate can be paired with stone

be pleasantly surprised what a 3-5 year plan

high impact with splashes of color from both

walls for an elegant touch (and those walls

can accomplish.

the vessels and the plants they hold. Come

can be designed to include seating.) Fencing

52 Milford Living • August

and gourds; in winter use festive twigs Plants used around fencing help draw

can help maximize appeal, as can

often an affordable, durable choice as

additional lighting or a free standing

well. A house near the beach screams

mailbox. And don’t forget to include

for paths of crushed shells, but tough

a whimsical sound element like a

winter weather makes them more

fountain, rain chain, or wind chimes to

appropriate for small paths or an accent

complete the look.

to the garden.

Exposed brick on a home can mean a lot of character, but make sure any

Dress up the Entryway

cracks or imperfections are taken care

When it comes to doors,there are so

of before the brick becomes damaged.

many ways to show your personal style.

If you’re not comfortable replacing

Choices include side window panels,

the brick yourself you may want to

colors galore, and beautiful wood tones.

hire a professional. The same goes

If a replacement door doesn’t work for

for damaged walks and driveways. A

your budget this year—or you have a

wide walk—or one that bends—can

good sturdy door with style you like—

substantially up the charm factor of

paint can work wonders! Accentuate

a home. Stone, pavers, and brick are

the entryway by adding molding and

attractive, and stamped concrete is

painting in colors that accent your home.

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2015 • Milford Living 53

at home If you have front steps, keep in mind that decoration comes second to durability. A popular trend is to update the look of staircases using slate tile on steps. Adding a new house number and investing in updated lighting fixtures can make a powerful improvement.

You might also want to think about adding seating to your front exterior to offer the ultimate welcome. Benches, rockers, and swings can be placed on the lawn or porch. Want to add a color

outdoor living space trend.

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Take

punch? Your seating areas are the

small steps and reclaim the front

perfect place for it. Fabrics, rugs,

area of your home and make it your

and curtains are readily available

own.

in weather-friendly fabrics for the

—Lisa Turner

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senior corner

Presents with Presence A s time passes, everyone accumulates more and more stuff. Once people hit their golden years and have a few decades of living life to the fullest to their credit, they generally have just about everything they need in life––and some things they don’t––including the singing, wiggling plastic Billy Bass plaque in the den. So when birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays roll around, what do you get Grandma? Does Grandpa really need another baseball cap? How about getting something that makes life a little easier? Or even more fun!

the house with a bag of groceries. Replacing door hardware requires a screwdriver and a bit of time, but the upgrade will be valued not only for ease of use, but for the time taken to make it happen.

Since living life on a budget can often make splurging on an evening out seem impractical, a gift card to a favorite restaurant makes for

Practical gifts are more appreciated than

clock, only including the days of the week––is

a fun night out without feeling guilty about

you might think. Just because a gift isn’t flashy

another idea. (Let’s face it, being retired and

indulging in a decadent feast. Gift cards for

doesn’t mean it doesn’t pass muster. Since

not punching a clock can make the days seem

supermarkets are great gifts and always

arms can’t get any longer and it’s always nice

to run together.) There are hundreds of online

appreciated since thrifty seniors often forgo

to get a quick read on things without fumbling

selections offering snazzy, yet practical décor.

culinary treats in an effort to keep their

for glasses, large, lit magnifiers are a great

Another idea is to offer your time, as well

checking accounts in the black. Gift certificates

idea. They are made for ease-of-use and really

as a helpful gift. Buying door levers to replace

to hairdressers and barbers are another

make text easier to read. Clocks and watches

round knobs may be very welcome for those

favorite. Kitchen gadgets with comfy grips are

with large numbers are also a good bet. A

with stiff joints. It updates and spiffs up the

handy as well, and odds are that can opener

day clock––same principal as the standard

same old door while making it easier to get in

from 1965 is due for an upgrade.

56 Milford Living • Autumn

Can’t settle on just one thing? Make a

keep in touch with family and friends and

cherished wedding pics. Milford Photo has a

custom gift basket. Include favorite items

most seniors, once shown the way, have no

website (www.milfordphoto.com) to easily

of the recipient like cosmetics, cushy

problem following your lead. Sharing images

upload and your print your pics and pick-up

new insoles, fancy chocolates, magazine

and the latest news of Mary’s soccer game

is simple. Select a frame to compliment

subscriptions, or new slippers. Personalizing

keeps them in the loop so they can cheer on

the image and the home décor and voila!

a present is a fun way to make anyone feel

the team. Online calendars make it easy to

Also, any picture can be printed on mugs,

extra special, so slip in a framed picture of

keep track of appointments, lunch dates,

calendars, and more. You can create a truly

you and your loved one and make sure they

birthdays, and anniversaries and share them

personal gift that offers a smile every day.

put it in a prominent place!

among the family.

Technology may not be the first thing you

A picture is worth a thousand words. In

Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Grandiose gifts may be fun to give, but

think of as a gift for a senior, but the evolution

this age of digital imagery, a photograph

often it’s the small things can make all

of the user interface has made using gadgets

that is actually printed out is becoming

the difference. As Charles Dudley Warner

a snap. Taking the time to share your abilities

somewhat of a rarity. A candid shot of Jimmy

said, “The excellence of a gift lies in its

to get them started is a gift in itself. Tablets,

in the sandbox can brighten anyone’s day

appropriateness rather than in its value.”

laptops and smartphones are great ways to

and be displayed on the mantle along with

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2015 • Milford Living 57

election connection held in even numbered years. Presidential elections occur in even numbered years that are divisible by 4, so the next one will take place in November 2016.

Where to Vote All registered voters are assigned to specific polling locations where they may cast their ballots. If you aren’t sure where your polling place is, the Secretary of State’s Office has provided Connecticut residents with the Voter Lookup System, an online tool for you to check your official polling location:

Navigating the Voting System V

oting season is upon us! No doubt you’ve already been bombarded with all the flyers, phone calls, newspaper articles, and TV advertisements that greet the odd numbered years when municipal elections take place. You may be a pro at wading through the vortex of red, white, and blue that envelops us each campaign season, but have you mastered the ins and outs of the voting system? Although readying yourself for the polling booth may slip your mind as you juggle the various pros and cons of choosing one candidate over another, exercising your right to vote can be a confusing task and you should ensure you’re adequately prepared for it well in advance. Hopefully this brief guide will clarify common questions for first-time voters or help more seasoned voters brush up on any details that may have slipped your mind since the last election.

When to Vote

(or city) election for positions including

First things first: when do elections take

mayor, city clerk, board of aldermen, board

place? Answering this question depends on

of education (each two-year terms) planning

the type of position being filled. Elections

and zoning (four-year term), and constable.

take place each year, but the types of elec-

These positions are elected in odd numbered

tions (municipal, state, federal) are staggered.

years. Municipal elections in even numbered

The upcoming Election Day takes place on

years include judge of probate (four-year

Tuesday, November 3, with voting open from

term), and registrars of voters (two-year

6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is a municipal

term). Certain state and federal elections are

58 Milford Living • Autumn

http://www.dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.

Please note that some individuals vote in a different polling location depending on whether the election is municipal or state/ federal, so you may not always vote in the same place. You should also be aware that your polling location is determined by district not proximity. The 2010 Census divided

Milford into districts and you are assigned a

for an absentee ballot through the City Clerk’s

polling location based on the district in which

Office and still exercise your right to vote.

you reside. So even if you live relatively

If you’d prefer the old-school paper process, you can obtain a voter registration card by calling the Registrar of Voters’

close to a polling location it may not be your

Registering to Vote

designated place to vote

Registering to vote is an occasionally over-

it back to 70 West River Street in Milford,

looked American rite of passage. If you’re 18

and you’re good to go! If you have changed

that the 2010 Census may have slightly

years or older and haven’t registered to vote

your name, would like to change your party

altered the districts, so double check that

yet, don’t worry: the process is very simple.

affiliation, have moved to another part of

your polling location remains the same as

There are two options for registering: online

Milford, or have moved to another part of

the last time you voted. The Voter Lookup

or on paper. If you’re environmentally

Connecticut, you can also use the afore-

System is very easy to use and can clear up

conscious and would prefer to go the paper-

mentioned website or voter registration

any confusion you may have about where

less route, you can visit voterregistration.

card to update this information. The last

to vote.

ct.gov and follow the instructions. This

day to register to vote before the election

option requires a signature on file with the

is October 27. You must appear in person at

election (valid excuses include absence from

CT Department of Motor Vehicles, a current

the Registrar of Voters between 9:00 a.m.

the town during the time of the election,

valid driver’s license/or learner’s permit or

and 8:00 p.m. If you wait until Election Day

illness, and physical disability), you can apply

non-driver photo ID card issued by the DMV.

you’ll have to go to the Registrar of Voters’

If you haven’t voted in a while, be aware

If you are unable to appear in person at the

office at 203-783-3240. Fill out the card, mail

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election connection office to register before visiting your poll-

have either an ID showing your name AND

203.783.3240. Remember that just because

ing location to cast your ballot. Although

address AND photograph or present a copy

municipal elections are local, doesn’t mean

Election Day registration is an option, for

of a current utility bill, bank statement,

they’re insignificant: the people you vote to

optimal ease of voting you should try to

government check, paycheck, or government

elect will be working to solve the day-to-day

register well in advance.

document that shows your name AND ad-

issues facing Milford. That means that they

dress. If for some reason you are unable to

can affect your life on a daily basis. Young or

produce either of these requirements as a

old, your vote is essential. According to Kerri

You cannot show up at the polling booths

first-time voter, you may be able to cast a

Rowland, a Registrar of Voters responsible

empty-handed; you must be prepared with

provisional ballot. This means that if you

for voter education, “Every vote counts. We

an approved form of identification on your

believe you can legally vote, you can cast

find that the closest races happen in mu-

person. If you are on the Active Registry List,

a ballot and it will be either rejected or

nicipal years. We’ve seen races determined

you can bring either your social security card

accepted at a later date after your eligibility

by just one vote.” Be a responsible citizen by

or a valid form of ID displaying your name

has been inspected.

exercising the right to vote and making an

In-Person Voter ID Requirements

in addition to your address OR signature OR

informed decision in what could very well

photograph. The process is a little different

Now Go Vote!

if you are a first-time voter who registered

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate

by mail after January 1, 2003: you must

to call the Milford Registrar of Voters at

be a tight race tipped by your vote alone.

You’ll make Uncle Sam proud!

—MacKenzie Stuart

203-433-0244

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historical perspective

Tracing Your Milford History

I

“

f you could bring back an ancestor to talk to, who would it be and what would you ask them?” That’s a popular game genealogists play at family reunions.

But if that ancestor could be transported

celebration. Connecting to these early Milford families might be the goal for some, but in truth, they are ancestors of all of us—blood ties or not—because they shaped the world we live in today.

Tracing your ancestors properly means starting with yourself and working back in time through documents, printed genealogies, diaries, land and probate

Cemetery was in 1642. At the time of the

records, and local histories. Check with your

to the here and now, what would it be like

250th anniversary of Milford, residents

family to see what is already known and with

for her or him? I imagine they would be

raised money to build the Memorial Bridge

any printed genealogies so you don’t have to

amazed and bewildered by what they would

and engrave the names and dates of the

reinvent the wheel. Often an aunt or cousin is

see. My 40-year-old self did not foresee a day

first settlers and their wives. More names

the family historian. There are also a number

when she would pump gas into her car and

were added on a monolith for the 350th

of good how-to books for beginners.

pay for it by sliding a piece of plastic into a machine. One has to think of the magnitude of the change that has happened since our ancestors lived and breathed in Milford in the 1700’s. We can’t exactly put ourselves in our ancestors’ mindset, but using historical context is important in serious research.

So, what’s it like to pursue the past through genealogy?

Our research goes in fits and starts. The “finds” are what keep us motivated. Once I found five generations of my family in one record. Another find was a man named Fowler Merwin Platt. We laughed at his having the three Milford surnames, but we were not at all surprised. A little over fifty families founded Milford in 1639. They were Puritans from Hertfordshire, England. Those who stayed in town intermarried, so this fellow is a Fowler, a Merwin, a Platt, and doubtless several more as well.

The settlers were buried in the garden of their minister Peter Prudden without permanent markers. In those days gravestones were thought to be a vanity. The earliest burial in Milford

62 Milford Living • Autumn

Here are some basic sources for Milford:

MILFORD CEMETERY is a great place to research.

detective work you do yourself, but if you hit a

A map with a key is in a kiosk in the old

brick wall, an experienced genealogist may be

MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY GENEALOGY ROOM

section. Look for Morris Abbott’s book Milford

able to help you.

has genealogies of Milford families, in

Tombstone Inscriptions. The cemetery office has

particular Susan Woodruff Abbott’s Families

most of the cemetery records computerized.

of Early Milford. Also available are local

Online resources like Ancestry.com have made much of the searching easier than ever before. Census records, birth and

histories, maps, high school yearbooks, and

THE MILFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY has some

death certificates, passenger manifests,

a surname index. You’ll also want to see

records that can be accessed by appointment,

and church records from across the globe

Donald Lines Jacobus’ Families of Ancient

but they also have many family artifacts and

are added regularly. It’s a great resource

New Haven and Families of Old Fairfield

other items that relate to the early settlers.

but does not replace good old-fashioned

because Milford families intermarried with those families.

detective work.

When building your family genealogy, the difficult part is knowing how much credence

Records can turn up in unexpected places.

We leave you with the “Dog Book” story.

THE LIBRARY also has city directories in print

to give a record. Even the U.S. Census was

Our friend Charles worked hard on his

or on microfilm and basic how-to genealogy

compiled by fallible humans, so there are

family tree. He read newspapers on microfilm

books.

mistakes. Much of the fun of genealogy is the

and made trips to towns where his ancestors

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2015 • Milford Living 63

historical perspective had lived. Once he was in a little town combing through vital records, land records, probate, and so forth. He was about to leave, when he saw a book down behind the safe. He asked the clerk if he could see it.

“Oh,” she said, “you don’t want to see that. That’s ??????????????????

the dog book.”

Charles said that if he had come all this way he wanted to be sure he had seen everything while he was there. So the clerk handed over the dog book. It was a record of which dogs had killed chickens and whether the fine had been paid. Charles’s ancestor’s name was there and the dog’s name was Elijah.

Genealogy is the hobby where every answer leads to more questions. As we say, keep looking up!

—Jane and Richard Platt

D’AmAto Bros BuilDers Largest Landlords in the City of Milford

Commercial, Industrial and Retail space - Reasonable rates D’Amato Brothers is a full service industrial and commercial builder and developer offering manufacturing leasing and commercial leasing services at reasonable rates throughout Connecticut.

Experienced professionals in commercial and industrial real estate.

Committed to providing you with the best leasing services around.

Call us 203-877-3276

EXIT PARTNERS REALTY INC. Kind, businesslike service for Connecticut homeowners who need an honest broker

We speCialize in solving problems Call for an absolutely no Commitment consultation

Frank Farricker

6 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich CT 06830

183 Quarry Road, Milford CT 64 Milford Living • Autumn

(203) 324-EXIT (3948) frankf@exitpartners.com Licensed in Connecticut and New York

“IF yOU Need IT qUICK CALL RiCk”

203-874-6629 Rick Jurzyk

1050 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

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WWW.RICKSPLUMBING.COM

Rick Jurzyk

1050 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

CT Lic # P1-204379 Fax: 203-877-0818

www.RAinMAkeRCT.CoM

203-876-2700

E Z I R E WINTOW N !

S L A I SPEC Be a confident driver with a safe car.

10

CUT OUT AND BRING THIS COUPON FOR

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QUALITY

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• General Services • Car and Truck Care • Undercar Services • Brake Service • Engine and Transmission • Engine Maintenance

Since 1993 you can rely on Autoworks Of Devon for all of your vehicle repairs and maintenance.

• Transmission Services • Heating and Cooling Services • Electrical Services • Electronic Services • Front End Services • Wheel Alignment and Tires

203.877.1478

autoworksofdevon.com

409 Bridgeport Ave. Milford, CT 06460 2015 • Milford Living 65

★

GET TO KNOW OUR ★

Local Businesses Cheri’s Walk-Ins Only

Friendly Atmosphere • 23 Years Experience!

Barber Shop

• Men & Boys Haircuts $15 • Straight Razor Shaves

203-301-4999

Cheri Bourdeau - Licensed Barber/Owner Giovanni Florio - Licensed Barber

at Law

10597291

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401 Boston Post Rd Milford, CT 06460 Across from Cone Zone

Continuations Lobster Hut quality consignments

Over 30 Years!

LAUREL A. ELLSON Celebrating 44 Years

Attorney MOBILE ELECTRONICS CENTER

Mon-Fri: 7am-5:30pm Weds: 7am-1pm Sat: 7am-4pm

• LOBSTER ROLLS & PLATTERS • CLAMSSeasonal STRIPS & ROLLS Clothing • Jewelry Housewares Accessories Hot&Dogs • Fries

LAEllson@optonline.net

203-877-4651 31 Cherry St., Milford, CT 06460

Rings Mon-Sat 10-5 60Onion Access Road, Merchant’s Walk Thurs till 8 Stratford, 06615 826 Bridgeport Ave.,Ct. Milford Call for consignment hoursLocated across from Stop & Shop 203-377-5916 • 203-631-2162

730 Boston Post Road – Rt. 1, Milford, Ct 06460

www.EllsonLaw.com

(Exit 39A From I-95)

Celebrating 40 Years

MOBILE ELECTRONICS CENTER

354 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460 203-874-6464 p/f

specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork

David Bacchiocchi, Owner 66 Milford Living • Autumn

Find us on

ALL MAJOR BRANDS • REMOTE STARTERS • ALL ACCESSORIES gIFT VIDEO • NAVIgATION • CELLuLAR • SATELLITE RADIO CER

10597291

Specialty Woodworks and Design, LLC

T

IFICATE S www.starlanderbeck.com • Knowledgeable Staff • Guaranteed Professional Installation •Committed To Quality, Service & Price • Most Of Our Customers Are Referrals

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Alterations

By Eugenia

WE TREaT YoU LikE FamiLY Call Us For a FREE Quote

CLOTHING & FURS

Christine Turiano - President

203.713.8668

www.barthinsurance.com

Phone (203) 878-3181 • Fax (203) 874-5608

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120 Boston Post Road, Milford CT 06460 One Stop Laundromat & Dry Cleaners

THE CLOTHESLINE COATS & COMFORTERS SPECIAL!

COIN-OP LAUNDRY DRY CLEANING WASH DRY & FOLD COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY

100P Lansdale Avenue • Milford, CT 06460 email: chris@barthinsurance.com

The Best TheinBest The Toys!Best in Toys! in Toys!

Voted “Best toy stores” - Ct Magazine!

203-799-1301 203-799-1301 203-799-

Bestys! in to

1647 Whitney 1647Ave Whitney 1647 Whi Av Hamden, CT Hamden, Hamden, CT

203-230-2840 203-230-2840 203-230

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Across from Costa Azzura Restaurant

theclotheslinelaundromat.com

203-877-9274

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Commercial Accounts Welcome!

185 Boston185 PostBoston Rd185 Post Boston Rd Orange, CTOrange,Orange, CT C

OPEN 7 DAYS OPEN 7OPEN DAYS 7 DAYS Follow us on Follow Facebook usFollow on Facebook us on Facebook

1100 Village 1100 Walk Village 1100 Villa Wal Guilford, CT Guilford, Guilford, CT

203-453-8560 203-453-8560 203-453

Prompt professional service

100 Lansdale Ave. • Milford Open 7 Days A Week

Mon - Thurs 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Fri - Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Minimum Delivery $9.00

PICK-UP SPECIAL Large Cheese Pizza

$7.54

Topping $2.10 Mon-Wed

Order Online @ www.honeyspotpizzamilford.com

Now We Deliver in Stratford East Main Street Area, Orange Line & Woodmont Area Allow more time for delivery $15 Minimum - Limited Area

WE PUMP YOUR GAS FOR YOU

AT SELF SERVICE PRICES Tony Russo

FULL SERVICE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE CARS - SUVS - TRUCkS

203-877-3556

684 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460

SB Painting LLC

Your Full Service Painting Company!

Quality • Neat • Dependable • Interiors • Exteriors

203-892-3379 or 203-301-4619

NO JOB TOO SMALL! Betty Ettinger, Owner Milford, CT

sbpaintingllcjobs@gmail.com

(At junction of Merrit Parkway ramps)

2015 • Milford Living 67

m o c h b c a e B Cafe er

est. 1929

Dart League • Pool

HOURS:

Saturday - Sunday: 11am - Closing Monday - Friday: 3pm - Closing

Band Every Friday Night

• Dance Floor • Amusements • Drink Specials!

92 Melba Street, Milford

203-877-2212

Milford’s Trusted Housecleaning Services since 2005

Wildemere Beach Congregational Church Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum Pastor

133 East Broadway Milford, CT 06460 203-874-9289 Sunday Worship 10:00am Wednesday Bible Study 7:15pm

Christmas Bazaar December 5th

Justice of the Peace Suzanne Cahill Wedding Officiant, Connecticut 203.650.9659 Your special day...your special way!

(203) 647-0383 • www.bellehome.net 876 Boston Post Road 203-202-9533 Hours of operation: Mon-fri 4am-6pm Sat 4am-4pm

Fa m i ly & p o r t r a i t photography

6 masteR BaRBeRs Serving Milford for 46 years

All kinds of haircuts from traditional to modern - Short to long hair Beard styling In business since 1969!

White Tail Contracting & Painting, LLC Commercial and Residential • Remodeling • Property Maintenance • Painting Interior/Exterior

Licensed & Insured #HIC 0635917

“Building Relationships One Home at a Time” whitetailcp@hotmail.com Lou: 203.278.3805 Mark: 203.802.9220 Office: 203.513.8339 68 Milford Living • Autumn

BE SEEN! 203.650.0383

www.sherrylynnphotography.com sherrylynnFoto@gmail.com

203.283.5290

Call us to reserve your space for the next issue

We are a professional full line tree service company with twenty years experience with Counties. We take pride in our expertise of tree quality services at a fair price and we stand behind our work 100%.

Tree Experts and Stump Grinding Specialists Commercial & Residential 20 Years Experience

We specialize in: Tree Removal, Land Clearing, Storm Damage, Tree Trimming, Bucket Truck Service, Tree Pruning, Chipper Service, Hazardous Tree Removal, Crane Removal Free delivery of organic material

We’ll beat any out of town tree quote up to 15% Must have comp and liability insurance

Seasoned Firewood Available

Call and let us examine your property now.

Autumn Specials Call

203-305-2584

Free Estimates!

1-877-90C-HOMP Located in Milford Oronoque Road

Jeff Dalton, Owner maddbeavertree@yahoo.com

Est. 1978

C&G GULF C&G GULF SERVICE Gaetano & mary Vitti (owners)

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR

Auto Sales

QUality Used cars

for sale

Foreign & Domestic All CARS Sold with Warranty

VieW inVentory ONLINE

free car faX!

Foreign & Domestic

Let us get your vehicle ready for the upcoming season!

Take advantage of our

10% OFF On Any REPAIR

www.cggulf.com

click used cars Or Call Guy at 203-874-2893

Foreign or Domestic

We offer eXtended Warranties

Full Service Center Foreign and Domestic Cars Experienced Mechanic Always on Duty

Gasoline • lottery • snacks ciGarettes and more 495 Boston Post Rd . Milford, CT.

203-874-2893

Gaetano & mary Vitti (owners)

Corner of High St across from Xpect

Download SERVICE Discount COUPONS @ www.cggulf.com

Tires • Flush & Fill Cooling sysTems • Brakes sTruTs / shoCks • muCh more!

GaSoLInE - SnaCk SHoP - LottERy & moRE Quality Used Cars

Boston Post Rd & High St 203-874-2893

Since 1978

Download Coupons at www.cggulf.com 2015 • Milford Living 69

expressions

Summer Memories

Four of our grandkids, Sarah, Jack, Sam, and Nick Russo, abandoning ship , our boat The Al dente, in the lee of Charles Island on a beautiful day.

By Al & Brenda Russo

70 Milford Living • Autumn

congratulations

C

ongratulations to all those who participated in the annual Kids’ Snapper Derby on September 12, at Lisman Landing Marina. The 2015 winning anglers are: 3rd Place (10.1 oz), Josephine Simon; 2nd Place (11.7 oz), Jack Friedman; and 1st Place (12.45 oz),Will Friedman.

2015 • Milford Living 71

?

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz: The lighthouse at the City of Milford Boat Launch.

Do you know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Send us your answer at: info@milfordliving.com

Want your very own Milford Living t-shirt?

Send your answer to this issue’s Where is It? (along with your name and address) to: info@milfordliving.com.

Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.

Law Offices of Christopher B. Carveth, LLC Christopher B. Carveth & Kristin Dorney Foley Attorneys & Counselors at Law

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Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460

Christopher B. Carveth & Kristin D. Foley Law Offices Of Christopher B. Carveth, LLC We offer extended hours, home consultations and weekend appointments to best serve you.

• personal injury • workers compensation • FACEBOOK AT CARVETH LAW

• family, probate & criminal • real estate and zoning law • WWW.CARVETH LAW.COM

Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460 72 Milford Living • Autumn

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