Milford Living Spring 2022

Spring 2022 Vol. 19 Issue 1 $5.99

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature

34

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Departments

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t n o r d fie s p a u v as hn o i t r e G . s d l fn o a k Pc u Di n o s ’ d r o f l i M yB Cindy aP pish eG rber

4 6 8 12 16 20 24 28 46 48 52 54 58 62 64

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Around Town Milford Spotlight At Home On The Water Destination Downtown Family Time Educcation Notebook At Your Service Senior Corner Historical Perspective Greetings from Milford Where is It?

About the cover: Colorful spring blooms can be found greeting harbor visitors on the banks of the Wepawaug River. This image was captured by Milford photographer Sherry Johnson. You can follow Sherry’s work at www.sherrylynnphotography.com

2022 • Milford Living 1

Need an agent who gets your small business?

SPRING 2022 VO L U M E 1 9 • I S S U E 1 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Carlson Insurance Agcy Inc Wanda Carlson, Agent 415 Boston Post Rd Milford, CT 06460 Bus: 203-877-9203

Editorial Director Ann McGuire

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Art Director Ryan Swanson

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Joy Haines

Contributing Photographers

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

Bill Canfield, Chris Carveth, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Steven Franko, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Sherry Lynn Johnson, Maryalice Manning, Alex Taylor, Gerry McGuire

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL

Contributing Editors Tracy Farricker

State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX

Contributing Writers

2101257

Angela Arpino, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Susan Glennon, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Marilyn May, Gerry McGuire, Cindy Papish Gerber, Michael Patrick, Daryn Reyman-Lock, Makayla Silva, Amanda Veccharelli

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Anna Downs, Bridget Dwyer, Maryalice Manning

Milford Living Magazine

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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. $23.96. Newsstand: $5.99. 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 2003-2022 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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publisher’s letter There’s something about spring that makes me happy, whether it’s the delightful fresh scent of nature’s first bloom, or the visual grandeur of nature painted like a carefully woven tapestry for our indulgence. When I think of spring, one word comes to mind, splendor. It’s the season of true beauty calling for admiration, beckoning us to step outside the four walls of our domiciles to greet the spring sunshine and bear witness to this season of perpetual astonishment.

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you didn’t know. Like, fun things to do all around town, how seniors can stay healthy, attracting hummingbirds to your backyard, how to discover the history of your own home, and so much more. The cornerstone of Milford Living is in the unique stories that bind our community.

We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with those you love…or those that love Milford. As we celebrate our 19th year of publication, we thank you for your continued support and offer a reminder to renew your subscription

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readers’ letters I’m looking for an advertisement for a good florist in Milford, printed in your magazine.

More easy recipes!

—Janet Mosher, West Haven, CT Thank you for wanting to support our sponsors! It’s incredibly important to keep our local businesses thriving. Florists who have advertised with us include Fleurescent, Beachwood, and Aster Florists. As for recipes, we promise we’ll continue to bring you favorites from both our contributors and Milford chefs throughout the year.

I have lived in Milford since before my two children were born. My beloved husband died almost 4 years ago, and my children are now

young adults. Your magazine truly brings back good memories to me, and I so enjoy reading it over my cup of morning coffee. Thank you so much!

—Jean M. Cabral, Milford, CT I have lived in Milford most of my life. I am 73-years old. My family came here in 1909. In high school I had an afternoon job with Del Freezer. So, I thought I knew Milford, but you always seem to show me some things that I did not know.

—Robert Lukas, Milford, CT It’s so gratifying to hear from readers that our magazine is doing exactly what we intended it

to do. Prior to its inception almost 20 years ago, we imagined a publication that would highlight the unique character of our community and celebrate its rich history, its people, and the places that make it special. Although an entire generation has grown since we began our endeavor, our mission remains the same: sharing what is good, beautiful, and special about Milford.

For “Where is it?”, please add a small photo with the answer to last issues quiz for reference.

—Margaret Galeano, Stratford, CT Thank you for the suggestion, Margaret. Look for the change beinning in our next 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

GERRY MCGUIRE

The Most Extreme Sport

W

hen we have small children or busy careers, there often isn’t much time to indulge in our favorite pursuits or try new things. As we age, and our time becomes more our own, however, we often take up new hobbies and delve deeper into our interests.

enemy…” In other words, one must become a hummingbird, to see how it sees, think how it thinks, and drink how it drinks. This guide will help anyone desirous of making their garden Stop Number One along the hum-

Some people take to painting, others pho-

bird. That of course is the physics defying,

mingbird’s never-ending nectar pub crawl so

tography, pickleball, needlepoint, crotchet,

nectar thirsting, no-bigger-than-your-thumb,

they can witness one of nature’s most unique

charity work, biking, hiking, or woodwork-

master of the sky: the hummingbird.

creatures carrying out their fascinating and

ing; the possibilities are endless. One hobby

Due to their incredibly small size and

beautiful, aeronautic feeding ballet.

that has been popular since the Victorian era

quickness, hummingbirds can be difficult to

The first step towards knowing a hum-

is birdwatching. Whether sitting by a bird

spot. In addition to their diminutive size and

mingbird is understanding what kind you’re

feeder or walking a park with a guidebook,

blink-and-it’s-gone speed, the hummingbird’s

trying to attract. For the most part, there is

notebook, camera, and binoculars, collecting

unique diet means that even if you have the

only one species that ventures north from Central America and Mexico to make Connecticut its summer home: the Ruby Throated hummingbird. The male has a red throat and dark head with green back and wings.

The female has a white chest and throat and green back and wings.

While hummingbirds feed on gnats, spiders, flies, and beetles, to keep their wings

GERRY MCGUIRE

moving at 53-beats per second, it takes a sugar high suitable only for tiny birds and Buddy the Elf. The nectar that flowers secrete contains a mix of fructose, glucose, and sucrose that can be up to 80 percent sugar.

All that sugar helps these geeked-up birds

sightings of common visitors as well as some

lushest of gardens, if it doesn’t see what it

reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour on their

of our rarer avian friends, is—for bird enthu-

likes, the hummingbird will pass you by like

endless search for food.

siasts—like treasure hunting. While sightings

a midtown cabbie on a rainy night.

Trying to lure hummingbirds to a garden or

of a very off-course Roseate Spoonbill or

To successfully lure hummingbirds, you

Snowy Owl can bring a murmuration of

must follow the words often attributed to

these minuscule, sugar-addicted fowl cannot

birdwatchers to a hot viewing location, there

famed general and philosopher Sun Tzu: “To

always be trusted to behave the way one

are others whose interests lie in only one

know your enemy, you must become your

expects. Hummingbirds have extraordinary

8 Milford Living • Spring

just a nectar feeder can be frustrating; it seems

eyesight that allows them to see colors

flowers that attract hummingbirds are GE R RY

in the ultraviolet spectrum, so they can

MC G UIR E

actually see colors that humans can’t.

This ability, along with their excellent sense of direction and memory, allows them to pinpoint possible feeding sources

wild columbine, azalea shrubs, foxglove, heuchera (coral bells), and Major Wheeler honeysuckle vine. If you’re starting with a feeder, you can entice hummingbirds

with a bright red feeder and to make sure

while zipping over them and, once found,

they see it, hang a red ribbon from it.

remember where they are and how to return

Once you’ve attracted hummingbirds to

to them, year after year. While hummingbirds

your feeder, it’s important to keep it full and

are attracted to flowers with colors across

clean. If hummingbirds have identified your

the spectrum, the one color that will most

yard as a place to feed, you might notice that

assuredly make a hummingbird hit the brakes

for, let the gardening begin. Because hum-

they don’t play nice. They’re highly territo-

and drop by to investigate your garden is the

mingbirds first arrive back in Connecticut

rial, and one hummingbully can intimidate

color red. Whether flowers or a hummingbird

in the spring and leave in early fall, it’s

and chase away many hungry humming-

feeder, red is the hue to shoot for.

good to have shrubs, annuals, baskets, and

birds. To keep these bullies from ruling your

perennials that bloom at different times

yard as their personal fiefdom, spread out

to keep them visiting your garden. Spring

your plants and put feeders far apart so

So now that everyone understands what a hummingbird wants and what it is looking

Silver Horseshoe Stables – English or Western riding lessons for all ages – Horse boarding – Summer camp – Host Girl Scout troops of Connecticut – Host Birthday parties

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We specialize in both English and Western riding and offer lessons for both disciplines, as well as boarding and summer camp. Additionally, we offer outings to Girl Scout troops of CT and host birthday parties.

“Catch the wind and saddle it”

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350 Wolf Harbor Rd, Milford, CT | 203.874.2168 2022 • Milford Living 9

this season the exhaustion of chasing off interlopers will make your bully give in and accept its neighbors.

Once the summer fully kicks in, the types of plants that hummingbirds love to visit increases. A yard with cardinal flower, red hot poker, bee balm, butterfly weed, and a trumpet vine on a pergola will surely have GERRY MCGUIRE

you seeing many Ruby Throated visits throughout the day. The one plant that seems to consistently stand out (in my yard at least) is the scarlet red Crocosmia Lucifer. Many of these summer flowers bloom into the fall keeping the tiny hummingbirds well fed for

era can become a hobby in itself. Although

of them, while feeding mid-hover, takes

their 2,000-mile trip back home.

hummingbirds can become quite used to

patience and timing. In a world filled with

Once a garden is established and drawing

homeowners and will sometimes even land

many hobbies, it is the most extreme sport.

in visitors, capturing their beauty with a cam-

on their hands, trying to snap a clean photo

10 Milford Living • Spring

—Gerry McGuire

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around town

Refurbishing an Iconic Steeple

J

ust say, “That big white church behind City Hall,” to any Milford resident and they will know exactly which landmark you mean: The First United Church of Christ Milford. Grandly sitting atop a hill at the juncture of West BILL CANFIELD

River and West Main Streets, the building and its iconic steeple are featured elements in tens of thousands of wedding pictures, tourist’s photos, and at least one Hallmark Channel romance film.

In late 2021, however, pieces of it were found on the ground.

“We all get old and fall apart,” says Bob

it’s time.” According to Rich, the steeple and

First United Church of Christ, a hometown

Rich, church treasurer and long-time member,

belfry are predominantly made of wood, and

landmark to many Milfordites.

referring to the steeple. “It’s been 22 years since

their exposure to various weather conditions

its last structural and ornamental repairs, so

is much more dramatic than ground-level

structures, requiring more frequent upkeep.

GNCB Consulting Engineers of Old Saybrook will work with a construction company to use historical as well as modern-day techniques and materials to refurbish the steeple, with the goal of keeping it safe and beautiful for the next 50 years. “It’s an extremely expensive venture for the church to take on every 20 years or so,” Rich says. The restoration is expected to cost about $450,000 and will be funded by private donations, matching grants, and other historical renovation grant sources.

The project has already begun, with temporary bracing installed in January to alleviate any further damage before the total renovation in 2023. It will take two years to explore and secure funding for the restoration, which Rich hopes will be completed before the church

The second Meetinghouse was constructed in 1727 and was used for about 100 years.

12 Milford Living • Spring

community celebrates the 200th anniversary

of this particular meetinghouse. It is the third

Rutheva Baldwin Brockett, church clerk in

since the church’s founding more than 380

1989. The second building was much larger; a

years ago on the same site.

three-story edifice built in 1727 which, at the

The church’s history is Milford’s history. It’s

time, was said to be the largest in Connecticut.

first pastor, Reverend Peter Prudden, came to

(“150th Anniversary Building Sketch, 1823-1973,”

“Wepawaug” with 54 families from New Haven

by Raymond D. Cable, church historian).

and Wethersfield to found their own worship-

The current church building was built in

ping community and colony (now named

1823 and designed by famed architect David

Milford). They purchased the land from the

Hoadley. It was featured in Robert H. Mutrux’s

Wepawaug Native Americans in 1639 and the

1981 book, Great New England Churches: 65

first of the meetinghouse—and steeple—was

House of Worship That Have Changed Our Lives.

built. The building was just “30 feet square

“It is basically a rectangular shell with

after such a manner as they shall judge most

a shallow gabled roof which traces its

convenient for the public good,” according

origin to the New England barn. It is

to historical church documents compiled by

heralded, however, by an imaginative

The anatomy of the steeple.

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GNCB CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF OLD SAYBROOK

around town spire that dates back to Sir Christopher Wren and his famous London churches…”

Although critically acclaimed and nationally recognized, the steeple is most happily remem-

The wear and tear of a steeple over time

bered by the brides and grooms who pose at

requires repairs.

the waterfall for their wedding portraits, and

and a creator of the current wooden “urns”

of course, the many church-goers who have

that adorn the steeple. “We went up the stairs

the tops of the trees, the Sound, and Long

memories there.

without railings and over the catwalks and

Island. I can close my eyes and still see that

“One of my most treasured childhood

stood outside at the railings,” she recalls. “It

incredible sight today.”

memories is when my father took me up to

was a beautiful, clear spring day and I saw

—Angela Arpino

the belfry through the steeple,” said Carol LaBrake, a lifelong church member whose fa-

DONATIONS FOR THE RESTORATION from residents and businesses are being accepted by First UCC Milford

ther, Peter Brockett, was a church moderator

on their website: FirstChurchofMilford.org.

14 Milford Living • Spring

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milford spotlight

Horsing Around for 50 Years

The Rainbow Pride flag is raised on the Milford City Hall flagpole in celebration of Pride Weekend 2019.

SILVER HORSESHOE STABLES

T

here’s a four-acre slice of pastoral paradise tucked away in the northern corner of Milford.

Silver Horseshoe Stables is a third-generation

equestrian facility owned and operated by the Crandley family for the last five decades.

Specializing in both English and Western riding and offering lessons for both disciplines as well as boarding, Silver Horseshoe Stables invites

Silver Horseshoe Stables has been offering

visitors to put their hectic schedules and to-do lists aside, and “catch the wind and saddle it”.

lessons, trail riding, and boarding for half a century.

It’s no secret that horses have long been

by approximately 47,000 horses in the state

an integral part of daily life throughout the

(according to UCONN), Connecticut is estimated

early history of Connecticut. Instrumental in

to have a higher population of horses (51,968)

transportation of provisions, the building of

than any other New England state. In fact,

the majority of which are quarter horses and

roads, and the clearing of land, horses continue

while the Nutmeg State may lack the sprawling

thoroughbreds. Tucked quietly away on Wolf

to play a pivotal role in the lives of Connecticut

open plains of Big Sky Country, it ranks third

Harbor Road, the stable was purchased by Jack

residents, though in a much different way.

in the density of horses nationwide (calculated

and Dolores Crandley 50 years ago. The “old

by dividing the estimated number of horses by

run-down farm house with a small barn” was

With hundreds of miles of trails trod upon

state area in square miles).

Silver Horseshoe Stables is home to 22 horses,

transformed into a beautiful farmhouse by Crandley for his wife and their six children, all while he worked two jobs. Before long, he purchased a few horses, eventually expanding his services and beginning to board other people’s horses.

SILVER HORSESHOE STABLES

Crandley’s daughter, Susan Crandley

16 Milford Living • Spring

Ambrose, began to ride competitively, and by the time she was sixteen, she was teaching other people about horsemanship. Susan’s From ages five though 75, Silver Horseshoe students share an unwavering passion for horses.

SILVER HORSESHOE STABLES

lesson plan and riding instruction program took off and she soon found herself with a thriving business that catered to many regular customers. Silver Horseshoe Stables was officially born.

“I’m a third generation for Silver Horseshoe,”

over to wave at the horses and the owner stopped to talk to them. He was so nice and friendly with the kids. He told us about the lessons at Silver Horseshoe Stables and we took the girls over the following weekend to register.” From day one, her daughters fell

says Rhiannon Crandley, the current barn

Silver Horseshoe Stables invites visitors to put

in love with the stables and their instructor,

manager and head riding instructor. “My

their hectic schedules and to-do lists aside and

Rhiannon. “I also think the kids really enjoy

father, Richard, purchased the business from

saddle up.

connecting with the horses and developing

his parents in 2008 and took it over when I was

relationships with them,” she says.

about 10. I’ve been helping him for as long as

our students to the atmosphere.” But, she adds,

I’ve been able.”

“We are definitely a family-oriented barn where

granddaughter, Peyton, began riding in

our main goals are to learn, love, and have fun.”

May 2021 at Silver Horseshoe and formed an

Offering trail riding, instruction, summer camp, birthday parties, and hosting Girl Scout

Milford resident Tami Washenko discovered

Tina Keating says her seven-year-old

immediate connection with Rhiannon and her

troops, Crandley says riding can be done either

Silver Horseshoe Stables while exploring

horse. “Rhiannon has the ability to read each

recreationally or competitively. “We enjoy

Eisenhower Park with her three children. “We

rider as an individual—she sees their strengths

participating in some competitions to expose

saw some people riding horses. The kids ran

and offers encouragement,” she says.

Experience matters when buying and selling a home.

Client focused | Results Driven Kathy Dattilo, Real Estate Agent 163 Broad St, Milford, CT 06460 203.494.9611 | kathy.keyrealtyct@gmail.com

2022 • Milford Living 17

milford spotlight With long days and sometimes even longer nights and continual upkeep of the facilities and horses themselves, the equestrian SILVER HORSESHOE STABLES

industry can be very difficult. “A lot of barns that started at the same time are no longer in business today or have been bought out by new management. It is certainly a difficult industry to maintain,” Crandley says.

“Your life revolves around caring for your horses and additionally managing

Rhiannon Crandley is the barn manager and head riding instructor at Silver Horseshoe Stables.

a business,” she says. “The industry is competitive. It can be difficult to learn if you

reason. “It comes down to the magic that is the

the same time wild and free. They inspire you

are new to it, and it can be hard to start out. If

animal,” she explains. “Horses are truly special

with their wild side and mesmerize you when

you do figure it out and find success, though,

creatures. The bonds you create with them are

you see one that has been trained at work.”

it is incredibly rewarding.”

unbreakable. They are kind and caring, but at

—Makayla Silva

Whether age five or 75, Crandley says all her students ultimately come for the same

ALSO IN MILFORD: check out Testo Farms for lessons and boarding and Glendale Farms for boarding options.

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at home

Discovering the Secret Life of Your Old Home

P

eople want to know the history of their home. Questions range from, “Who was the original owner?” and “What is the actual age of my home?” to statements of fact: “I had an experience here and I want to know who died in these walls.” While not everyone is enthusiastic to learn if someone passed in their house, almost everyone is curious about the lives lived, parties had, businesses and careers built, and the general biographies of those who once inhabited their space. While it is possible to identify style, construction techniques, original components and architectural elements by sight, the most sought-after information lies in documents.

documenting history and storing

may be good places to begin to

research on places of importance.

research, it is best to start from

Historical societies, local

the beginning, and that means

museums, and libraries may very

the Town Clerk’s Office.

well have plaque programs and files on old houses. While these

The land records should have all transactions—warranty

Whether it is a question of the person(s) responsible for the initial construction or simply a wish to determine age, the process of researching a historic place begins the same. Each

A map of Milford from 1855 illustrating a number of the town’s more prominent homes.

20 Milford Living • Spring

E.R LAMBERT

municipality has its own way of

MILFORD HISTORIC BUILDINGS CT STATE LIBRARY

deeds, mortgages, quit claims,

pay attention to the changing

19th century home, there are a

From left: Mark Merwin home

lis pendens, and sometimes,

boundaries of the parcel in

handful of maps that may record

(c.1750, Old Field Lane); Anthony

divisions of estate—associated

question. Many areas were

the name of a homeowner at

Stowe home (c.1790, Gulf Street);

with all property within the

plotted in the early 20th century,

a particular time, such as the

Jehiel Bryan home (c.1785, Cherry

limits of the town. There are

so if a home is thought to be

1856 H & C.T. Smith Map of New

Street)

a few instances where the

earlier than circa 1900, it is likely

Haven County and the 1867

situation is different, but for

to have been part of a larger piece

Beers Atlas. Other maps can

Maps, Bailey’s Birds-Eye Views (c.

the most part a backwards title

of land. Likewise, additional

be useful and can indicate the

1880s-1890s), and the Dolph and

search of the property should

information may be gleaned

shape of a house, its construction

Stewart maps of the 1930s and

be fairly straight forward and

from probate records, depending

methodology, and general

40s. These resources can be easily

provide a broad stroke history

on the age of the home itself.

development of the area, such

found online, but only provide

If the home is potentially a

as the Sanborn Fire Insurance

the barest information.

of ownership. It is important to

SELLING MILFORD’S MOST DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES 2 0 We s t m o o r Ro a d

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Commercial & Residential Real Estate

2 9 C a p t a i n s Wa l k

32 Snug Harbor

Frank D’Ostilio 203-641-7072

Ross Cotjanle 203-401-1993

Jennifer Orr 203-615-3004

SOLD / REPRESENTED SELLER

SOLD / REPRESENTED BUYER

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188 Point Beach Drive

6 Westland Avenue

20 Seaview Avenue

Rose Coppola 203-214-5955

Regina Sauer 203-494-3421

Frank D’Ostilio 203-641-7072

SOLD / REPRESENTED SELLER

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Claire Sullivan 203-605-1943

Jennifer Orr 203-615-3004

Regina Sauer 203-494-3421

SOLD / REPRESENTED SELLER

SOLD / REPRESENTED SELLER

SOLD / REPRESENTED BUYER

2022 • Milford Living 21

Once the title search is complete,

MILFORD HISTORIC BUILDINGS CT STATE LIBRARY

at home

however, anecdotes about the

city directories, census records,

Michael Peck home (c.1750, Maple

it is possible to begin collecting

person’s life or even genealogical

old photographs, obituaries, and

St.); Stephen Gunn home (c.1810

biographical information about

books may be found—all of which

more. While it takes a little time

once stood on Route 1); Gov. Robert

the previous owners. Depending

is helpful in piecing together not

to become adept at using all their

Treat home (c.1650, Governors Ave.)

on the fame/infamy of the person,

only the history of the owner, but

features, they are great sources.

a quick Google or Google Book

perhaps what life was like in the

From here, libraries with more

and tedious, especially if a person

search may reveal information.

house in question.

local newspapers and periodicals,

is new to the types of records

oral histories, and potentially

described above. It is, however,

At times, it is only cursory

Without fail, Ancestry.com and

information about business

Newspapers.com can provide

historic photograph collections can

infinitely rewarding to discover

ventures, automobile licenses in

much more information if they

be consulted.

the personality of a property and

the 1920s, or perhaps even a line

are used correctly. These sites are

about a marriage. Other times,

treasure troves of information:

22 Milford Living • Spring

The process of researching a historic home can be daunting

the experiences of a home.

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on the water

Keeping the Past Afloat

I

Owner Andrew Robb cannot recall a time

ALEXTAYLORPHOTO.COM

n keeping with Milford’s long tradition of boat builders and mariners, North Country Boatworks fulfills the unique need of restoring antique wooden boats back to their original splendor. Their skilled craftsmen can take a barn find or grandpa’s treasured runabout from faded and failing to steadfast and fabulous. Each vessel is a work of art, sleek lines created with beautiful wood and finished to perfection, bringing back its rich grain to a glossy luster. water. I always liked ‘old’ things; I guess my

Robb’s “barn find,” a rare 1948 F.S. Crate & Sons

when he was not on the water. “My parents

interest in old wooden boats was a natural

Runabout, became an award-winning beauty.

took me sailing when I was only a few months

progression,” says Robb. In fact, his fondness

old,” he says. “From that point on, so many

for the water continued to grow as he did.

It was fate. “I studied at IYRS for two

of my childhood memories revolved around

“After college I was hired as first mate on a

years,” recounts Robb. “During school and

boating.” Robb recalls that his very “first

private motor yacht. We docked in Newport,

after graduation I worked at a couple of

ride in a wooden boat was the same year we

Rhode Island for several weeks.” While there,

companies, learning all that I could from

moved to Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire. I

Robb made a life changing discovery. “The

accomplished restoration experts.” While

managed to hop into the third cockpit of a

docks were next to a very interesting facility

he was enjoying his work, he wanted to

family friend’s Chris Craft. It was a 1939 27-foot

that caught my eye: The International Yacht

do more. “I realized that I wanted to have

Special Racing Runabout, a very rare boat.”

Restoration School (IYRS), a boatbuilding and

the opportunity to touch every part of the

restoration school.”

restoration, not just bits and pieces.”

“I knew I wanted work on or around the

Robb says, “family, friends, and acquaintances started asking if I could work on their boats, which was difficult to do while having a full-time job.” Then fate stepped in again.

While driving along on his honeymoon, he saw something out of the corner of his eye.

“Like all wooden boat fanatics, I have a habit of scanning for a telltale sign of the fabled ALEXTAYLORPHOTO.COM

‘barn find’,” he laughs. The “find” changed

24 Milford Living • Spring

everything. It turned out his uncle was looking for a boat akin to his find. This project Nezzie is one of only three F.S Crate & Sons classic wooden boats known to exist today.

made it possible to begin his own business.

That boat found in a field under a faded green tarp took three years to fully restore.

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

Once completed, “Nezzie” won the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Lake Tahoe Concours D’Elegance competition—a remarkable feat for North Country Boatworks’ first full restoration project. The competition requires exacting restoration to the boat’s original manufactured condition.

The attention to detail brought to a restoration is in evidence at North Country’s Higgins Lane facility.

Robb and his crew have now been restoring classic wooden boats for ten years in their

bent into shape. The fragrance of freshly

in the Museum of Yachting as a live exhibit,”

facility on Higgins Lane. Watching the crafts-

sanded mahogany is present as you walk into

Felter recalls. Working in the Newport mu-

men at work is fascinating; hand tools are

the shop.

seum was inspirational and he tries to bring

Milford Yacht Club

wielded with finesse, creating perfect joinery

Brad Felter, a classmate of Robbs also

for the complex wood framing. Curved pieces

works at North Country. “After graduating

are created by soaking wood with water and

from IYRS I was hired to build a small boat

that same level of creativity to his work at

North Country.club” “Every day I try to achieve “Not your grandfather’s the same level of craftsmanship which

where friendship and memories he ilford lub are made achT Milford’s PreMier social club • You don’T need a boaT To Join

T

M

Y

c

Whether you’re a boater, a swimmer, or just looking for the next best spot on the water, the Milford Yacht Club is the new place for you. Membership benefits include:

• Uninterrupted vistas of vibrant Milford Harbor and serene Long Island Sound • Use of our marina located right at the mouth of the harbor • Our pool pavilion with Olympic-sized and kiddie pools, lounge chairs, snack bar, and views of the marina • Three seasons of waterfront dining, socializing, and relaxing • Sailing programs for adults and children, and children’s swimming programs • Memories for a lifetime with the MYC family

131 Trumbull Avenue

203-783-0060

Inquire today about how to spend your summer on the water.

www.milfordyachtclub.com

office@milfordyachtclub.com or (203)783-0060 for full details on joining MYC.

131 Trumbull Avenue 203-783-0060

www.milfordyachtclub.com 2022 • Milford Living 25

on the water was used when these boats were built.”

NORTH COUNTRY BOATWORKS

He creates a remarkably exacting puzzle of wood framing and finish details using hand chisels, saws, planers, and exceptional skill.

Two additional craftsmen work with Robb and Felter to restore these historic vessels: Adam Hiatt, also a graduate of IYRS, and Aime Fraser, trained in New Zealand, who

Classic wooden boats are an eye-catching sight when they have been brought back to their original state.

previously led the boat building workshop at the Maritime Center in Norwalk.

There are currently seven boats undergoing work in the shop. In addition to wooden boat restorations, North Country specializes in modern yacht woodworking, creating

structible product called Permateek that looks

loves. “We have a dedicated team of skilled

like teak flooring without the maintenance

craftsmen and artisans. It is very gratifying

into newer boats.

to see a project completed and returned to

Robb is exceptionally grateful for his team and for being able to do what he

its former glory.”

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

built-in cabinets, cockpits, and a variety of custom projects. Newer boats are also in their

YOU CAN FOLLOW the progress of their projects by searching North Country Boatworks on Facebook,

wheelhouse. They install a virtually inde-

Instagram, and YouTube.

26 Milford Living • Spring

Keeping Our Families Happy and Healthy

WE’RE MOVING! (ONLY THE POST ROAD LOCATION)

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destination downtown

Spring reminds us of the many ways Milford shines from season to season. importance of this place. About

h, springtime. In New England is always a highly anticipated time. As we head outside to savor the sweetsmelling cherry blossoms, the sounds of peeper frogs, and the long-awaited warmth of the sun, we’re reminded of the many ways Milford shines from season to season.

ensuring its survival for future generations.

The Care and Keeping of a Place Placekeeping is the idea that by actively caring for a place and

munity’s identity and character

its natural, cultural, and social

is not. We’ve learned that our

fabrics, you can keep a place alive.

city can continue to grow, even

Better yet, by utilizing the existing

in the ever-changing economic

community resources to grow its

landscape.

role and strength in the commu-

It got me thinking about the Spring is a time to celebrate

it. About honoring its past and

DINA CASHMAN

The Importance of Place A

treasuring it. About preserving

nity, you can not only keep a place

nothing quite says spring like the

daffodils and forsythias, the

start of baseball season.

opening of ice cream stands, and

I’ve been consciously taking

the boat launch gearing up for

in the sights, tastes, and sounds

another season on the water. And

of Milford that shift with the seasons, noticing the places that make up the fabric of our downtown. Those that have remained for decades, like Vincent’s Jewelers and the Seven recently made downtown their home, like Static Era Records and Micalizzi’s.

If we’ve learned anything over the last two years, it’s that

COURTESY OF DMBA

COURTESY OF MICALIZZI’S

Seas, and those who have just

Micalizzi’s is now part of Milford’s

change is inevitable. Lucky for us,

The DMBA’s first annual Easter Eggstravaganza was born out of the hope to

thriving downtown.

the destruction of our com-

return some normalcy to families during the pandemic.

28 Milford Living • Spring

UNITED WAY OF MILFORD (2)

DINA CASHMAN

alive, but you can make it thrive.

than one. We are continually bridging the gap between the

Looking Ahead to 2022 Downtown

The Duck Race brings families

Downtown Milford is everyone’s neighborhood, whether

existing history and culture of

There is a lot to look forward to

of rubber duckies travel from the

you live there or not. With

the community, creating new

and celebrate downtown in 2022,

waterfall into Milford Harbor.

cultural and civic significance

experiences that support bur-

traditions both big and small,

for those who live, work, and

geoning business opportunities,

that not only showcase our small

play here, downtown has

and fostering a sustainable and

city, but reinforce community

there is a celebrated community

become a place that defines

dynamic downtown district. We

pride while fostering economic

event nearly every weekend.

our community in more ways

are continually placekeeping.

and cultural development.

In May, the two-day Milford

downtown to watch thousands

From May through October,

RATE COMMU B E NIT L E C Y

Wishing you a joyous spring!

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more than fifty local artisans of handmade items on the green, from pottery and woodworking to glass and crochet. In June, the beloved Milford Duck Race returns, a community fundraiser benefitting Milford United Way.

COURTESY OF DMBA

Artisan Market will feature

COURTESY OF MILFORD LITTLE LEAGUE

destination downtown

Memorial Day Weekend will

From opening day of baseball to Pirate’s Day, downtown’s many traditions weave a tightly knit community

officially kick off the summer

committed to the keeping of a place.

season at Fowler Pavilion, with the downtown summer concert

We’ll play host to Pirate’s Day

Downtown Farmers’ Market at

they eagerly anticipate Captain

series and movie nights hosted

for the 20th consecutive year,

Wasson Field.

Kidd’s arrival. It’s the com-

by the Milford Regional Cham-

welcome boaters to the ma-

ber of Commerce and Downtown

rina, baseball players to Ralph

green lined with vendors and

Milford Business Association.

Clarkson, and shoppers to the

a community congregating as

But you see, it’s more than the

munity we are building. It’s the place we are keeping.

—Makayla Silva

Brunch at the ‘Bridge (Sundays Only) Call to place your Mother's Day reservations! www.stonebridgerestaurant.com 30 Milford Living • Spring

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2022 • Milford Living 31

Get To Know DOWNTOWN

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There’s plenty to keep you busy as the weather starts to warm

BY SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

opportunities for entertainment and recreation all year round, and many of those opportunities are free! If you’re looking for a few ideas on

how families and individuals can

find fun activities without spending a penny, look no further.

BEACHES

the sea life exposed at low tide. Parking is

The great outdoors calls to many of us, and

free for Milford residents. Silver Sands State

Milford has a variety of beaches and parks to

Park offers a similar experience, along with

visit and enjoy, free of charge. From Anchor

picnic areas and walking trails.

Beach and Woodmont Beach on the eastern side of Milford, Gulf Beach at the eastern mouth of the harbor, west to Fort Trumbull

CRAFT FAIRS ON THE GREEN

The Milford Green, being the second longest

and Walnut Beaches, visitors get the chance

in New England, is a perfect setting for craft

to experience the salt water, the sand, and

fairs. There are several scheduled each

Craft and art fairs are a staple on the Milford green, bringing visitors from all over.

34 Milford Living • Spring

CHRIS CARVETH

Milford has a multitude of

JJ RICHARDS (2)

The beaches in Milford offer something for everyone, whether you enjoy playing ball with friends, casting for the big catch, or just relaxing with a good book. the Housatonic River, and the rest of the shore where anglers can attempt to indulge their passion. Check out spots such as the year through spring, summer, and fall. The

Memorial United Methodist Church’s Fair on

Gulf Beach and Fort Trumbull breakwaters,

Milford Artisan market, boasting fine art

the Green.

Anchor Beach, Silver Sands State Park, and

and craft exhibitors, as well as food and music, will take place the weekend of May 7-8. About a month later, on June 3-4, plan on stopping by the annual Mary Taylor

FISHING

Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point.

Those preferring freshwater can cast a line

For saltwater enthusiasts, there are several

as well. Both duck ponds are popular locations,

popular locations along Milford Harbor,

and each May the annual Milford Fishing

2022 • Milford Living 35

is the unofficial start of summer. Milford honors those service members with a rousing parade, this year to be held on Monday, May 30th, beginning at the Parsons Complex and winding its way through downtown and along the Green.

MAC SUMMER POP UPS

All summer long, the Milford Arts Council (MAC) holds their Summer Pop Ups on COURTESY OF THE MILFORD STRIPED BASS CLUB

Saturdays at 11:00 am. Each week features a different venue and a different theme, from theater to music, spoken word to fine art. All are free to attend.

(Left) The Annual Fishing Derby is great fun for young anglers; (below) The Milford Living Kite Fly features the Connetikiters with their spectacular aerial colors.

Derby is held by the Milford Striped Bass club for kids aged 15 and under. Mondo Ponds, the pond at Eisenhower Park, and Beaver Brook ponds are also great places to fish. Children can fish without a license in Connecticut, however those 16 and older do need to obtain one before they fish.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Milford Public Library has a broad range of free activities and resources for adults and children. Programs range from story hour for youngsters to book discussion groups for adults, educational programming (both in-person and virtual) “take and make” craft kits, and more. Downloadable e-books, magazines, and audiobooks as well as a streaming video service are available to those with a library card. Visit milfordlibrary.org

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Memorial Day, commemorating the ultimate sacrifice that service members from the Revolutionary War to present day have made to protect the freedom of our great country,

36 Milford Living • Spring

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

for a calendar of events.

MILFORD LIVING ANNUAL KITE FLY

This annual event hosted by Milford Living is held at Walnut beach. This Springtime tradition draws people of all ages, who come together to send kites of all kinds aloft. The Connectikiters kite club attends with their spectacular kites and are happy to give tips to

The Milford Oyster Festival is the largest event in the city, bringing tens of thousands to our Small City with a Big Heart on the third Saturday of August (this year August 21) each Music is in the air on the land and sea beginning Memorial Day and continuing into the fall, including a wide variety of concerts to enjoy.

COURTESY OF THE WALNUT BEACH ASSOCIATION

MILFORD OYSTER FESTIVAL

COURTESY OF THE CHARLES ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

attendees.

summer. Live entertainment can be found in

the Fridays After 5 free downtown summer

multiple locations, including the main stage

concerts being held at Fowler Pavilion from

on Fowler Field. A large craft fair is held on

5:00 – 8:00 pm beginning Memorial Day

the Green as well.

through July 1st.

After that, the Walnut Beach Summer

MUSIC

Concert Series kicks in, held under the Rotary

Residents and visitors can take in a variety

Pavilion at Walnut Beach on Sundays from 4:00

of outdoor musical entertainment during

– 7:00 pm beginning July 3 and running through

the summer in Milford, beginning with

September 4.

2022 • Milford Living 37

JJ RICHARDS

PARKS

There are numerous parks to visit for free in

Stroll through one of Milford’s many parks or walk the plank with Captain Kidd and crew on Pirate’s Day!

Milford and each has a different feel. Some, like Mondo Ponds, Beaverbrook, Wilcox

Landing. Activities and entertainment abound

and folks of all ages dress like pirates and

Park, and Solomon Woods are geared toward

in downtown Milford for the rest of the day,

enjoy the day.

folks looking for a light hike. Others, like Fowler Field and Eisenhower Park, have many different activities to offer including a playground and basketball and tennis courts. At Eisenhower Park there are trails, Bodie’s Place (a playground for children of all abilities), a summertime splash pad, pickleball and tennis courts, and a fenced-in dog park for those looking for some off-leash fun with their pup. Neighborhood parks with playgrounds

PIRATE’S DAY

A favorite Milford event will be held this year on Sunday June 5th. Pirate’s Day begins with “Captain Kidd” coming ashore at Lisman

38 Milford Living • Spring

COURTESY OF DMBA

are scattered around Milford as well.

Milford residents, but a season pass must be obtained from the City’s Recreation Department to reserve a court. There is no cost for this pass, and it can be obtained by visiting milfordrecreation.com.

There are so many free and fun things PORCHFEST

to do all year round in our Small City with a Big Heart; head on out and enjoy as many

PORCHFEST

Above: Porchfest is a fun music event that is

This eclectic event takes place all over

held on porches all over Milford. Below: Tennis

Milford, with a large variety of music offered

offers a fun way to stay fit.

for free by bands and individual musicians.

Porches and front yards across the city are the venues, and past talent has included

TENNIS/PICKLEBALL

For tennis and pickleball enthusiasts

Milford’s own Jay Rowe, the Rum Runners,

Eisenhower Park, Fowler Field, and the

Emily Mager, and more. This year will be the

Anderson Avenue park provide locations

third annual Milford PorchFest. More info can

for residents to enjoy their favorite

be found at discovermilford.com.

sport. Playing on these courts is free to

MILFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT

as you can!

2022 • Milford Living 39

PHOTOS by the FALLS Generations have paused and posed in front of Milford’s iconic Duck Pond falls.

BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER

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40 Milford Living • Spring

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1. Sarah Brennan From Meg Brennan: “This is our daughter, Sarah Brennan, graduate of the Class of 2021 from Jonathan Law. The photo was taken

by Corey Brennan, my husband/her Dad, in June 2021. The iconic falls have always been a backdrop to photos for our special family occasions, and our daughter’s high school graduation was no exception!”

2. Jessica Pitaniello Laura Salerno Pitaniello’s candid of her daughter Jessica walking with her grandfather Richard captured a unique family tradition.

Richard Salerno, a past principal of Point Beach School and JFK Elementary, “took all 14 of his grandchildren on their first train ride (Milford to Stratford), followed by pancakes at a local diner and a walk to visit the waterfalls,” says Laura. “My dad truly would have loved to share this moment with others.”

3. Kristen Finnegan Kristen snapped this photo on December 4, 2015 of her children for the express purpose of using it as their annual family Christmas card. She recounts, “Jack was 14 and Molly was almost 12. They are now 20 and 18. Every year we take our Christmas card photo at a special location in Milford.”

5

4. Ani Kelly Family friend Jose Serrano photographed Ani Kelly, Shaun Kelly, and their two daughters Lucine and Lenna Kelly (ages 5 and 2) on a sunny November day. So pleased with the results, Ani printed and framed them and used two for their holiday cards. “They were taken downtown because it’s my favorite part of Milford. It is super charming and so picturesque.”

5. Edona Qetta and Lorenc Dedaj Justice of the Peace Bill Healey officiated at the wedding of Edona Qetta and Lorenc Dedaj on July 14th, 2018. Their photographer, Laura St. John, reports that “on that particular day [perhaps due to weather or maintenance] the falls were turned off. But when the mayor heard the couple was eloping there he made sure they were turned back on!”

6. Kim Robert “This is Baci, a mini golden doodle”, says Kim Roberts. As Baci’s dogsitter, she’s taken him, “to the duck pond falls, beach, harbor, gazebo” and more. “He is the sweetest!”

7. Pantochino When the pandemic forced Bert Bernardi and co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer to shift much of Pantochino Productions programming outdoors, Bert says, “we created a social media campaign featuring our mascot monkey Pantochino posing in various Milford locations. Here he is by the waterfall!”

2022 • Milford Living 41

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3

4

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1. John and Debbie Nutter John and Debbie Nutter’s wedding on October 24, 1970, taken by Art Chedister. Debbie recollects being “So very happy that day.

We met in the Milford high school in ‘66 and have been together ever since.”

2. Karla Hurd Carusone Karla Hurd Carusone posed in her full MHS 1979 Color Guard regalia for this photo. “Twirling rifles and flags was also a real workout experience,” she says. “We marched every parade and represented our school at every football game. It was a wonderful way to show our school spirit and make good friends for life.”

3. Rick D. and Candace A former resident of Milford, Rick D. describes his May 2016 selfie commemorating his Baton Rouge-native wife Candace’s longawaited first trip to Milford. “She immediately fell as in love with the falls as I’ve always been, and yes... we kissed on the bridge!”

4. Wendy Parent (MHS Baton Squad) “I am in the top row, far left,” said Wendy Parent. “Moe Knox took a lot of these around 1976,” perhaps for the Milford High School Yearbook.

42 Milford Living • Spring

3

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2

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1. Kathleen Pirro’s Collies Breeder Kathleen Pirro’s photo of her smooth collie, Abby, relaxing at the falls with her and son Ryder, a rough-coated collie.

2. Donna Hurd Drohan, 1954 Donna Hurd Drohan treasures this photo taken by her father Mel Hurd, Sr. on Easter Sunday, 1954. Pictured are her brother, author Melville Hurd (Milford: Postcard History Series), David Armour, Donna Hurd Drohan, and Shirley Armour, David’s sister. “We were on our way to, or from, the First Church,” says Donna. Her “lovely childhood memories” include “lots of Sundays behind the Town Hall at the waterfall and pond.”

3. Jack Glagowski wife Alicia Jack Glagowski took this distinctly retro image of his wife Alicia Donegal. Alicia remembers, “Rockin’ my shearling and bell bottoms” in 1973. “That coat was the thing! But so heavy and hot, it was like wearing the whole sheep!”

4. Chuck Rumford’s lab Bailey Bailey is a 4-year-old lab mix “who loves taking runs all around Milford” with her dad Chuck Rumford. Smitten by her image, Chuck, his wife Jaclyn, and their kids CJ (15) and Chase (13) rescued her from Arkansas after seeing her picture on Facebook. “Doesn’t matter if it’s waterfall, the river at Eisenhower Park, or Gulf beach,” Chuck shares. “She loves the water!”

5. Barbara & Andrew Averna Andrew Averna from Orange, CT, and Barbara Kern Averna, who were married October 20, 1990, at Saint Mary’s Church.

2022 • Milford Living 43

1

3

2

4

1. Sheila Howard Robert Howard remembers this day in the summer of 1962: “I gave Sheila an engagement ring on her 16th birthday. We saw a good opportunity to take pics by the park by the waterfall—just two young people in love.”

2. Penelope King Paul King and grandson Liam (age 4) enjoying the view.

3. Theresa Thrun Theresa Thrun took these in November 2006 for the family’s Christmas card.

“These are my children. Zachary was 9 and Isabelle was 4. The falls has always been a jewel of Milford and I love bringing visitors there to see the beauty of it.”

4&5. Schrader These two wedding photos, featuring two generations of Schrader women, were taken 34 years apart at the same location. Both couples were married at the First United Church of Christ, with traditional pictures taken afterwards at the falls. Photo 4 of Amy Schrader and Scott Delaney (March 20, 2003) was taken by Amy’s mom. Photo 5 of Marian Wagner and husband William Schrader III (August 20, 1960) was taken by Norman Wright, a former editor with the Milford Citizen.

44 Milford Living • Spring

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2. Kinal & Jay Kinal is a Milford native now transplanted to London, where she met Jay. Their engagement session, photographed by Ally Bowen, was taken moments after Jay’s proposal on the Green.

“On his first visit, he knew Kinal’s hometown was the perfect spot to propose,” offers Kinal’s sister Roshni Patel. Having the falls serve as their backdrop reinforced “this special moment.”

1. Christi Filanowski Christi Filanowski’s husband and entire wedding party grew up in Milford. “We were married on September 20, 1974, in St. Ann’s in Devon, at a candlelight ceremony,” she recalls. It was a very warm day, so after the ceremony we headed to the Duck Pond with our photographer, Jan Baumgartner, as our guests gathered at Mary Journey’s Inn (in Bridgeport) to celebrate our union.”

Pictured, L to R: KR Rainey, Joe Doehrer, Mike Filanowski, Jeff Doehrer, Jay Doehrer, Joe Filanowski, Bob Filanowski, Christi Doehrer, Nancy Doehrer, Chris Skarveles Wardwell, Carol Doehrer, June Wardwell, Donna Doehrer, Linda Filanowski. Front: John Supa

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family time Blue Crabs have adapted legs like paddles; they are swift swimmers.

Jadach happily shares advice on how to lure your catch. “The best bait for crabbing is fresh fish, whether it be bait such as bunker or squid,” he says. “You can also use a fish carcass from a previous fishing trip.” The best time to go crabbing can vary. “Timing isn’t as important as much as tides.

Some areas will be better with a higher tide, others better with low. I prefer low tides just for the

Be Crabby!

fact the crabs have less places to hide.”

ooking for an interesting family outing? Consider crabbing. Many Milfordites grew up crabbing and have fond memories of a stellar catch, the big one that got away, or the time one of you fell in the drink. Blue crabs are fascinating to watch, challenging to catch, and delicious to eat. Crabbing is fun for all.

for a hard shell, three-and-a-half inches for

L

The blue crab resides in the shallows, scuttling sideways along the bottom in search of sustenance. Their favorite fare being clams, mussels, and oysters—you are what you eat—make them sweet and delicious.

There are a few options for catching your dinner, including several types of traps,

Nets are an essential tool

scooping them up with a net, or using a throw

of the trade for kids when it

line with a hook. Jason Jadach, owner of Bobby

comes to catching crabs.

J’s Bait & Tackle has his preference for landing his quarry. “I prefer throw lines if going from the beach, marsh, or shoreline and traps for piers and bridges. Traps work much better being retrieved from above; throw lines are best when dragged in slowly,” Jadach says. “The best places for crabs are rivers and back marshes.

The more mud, the better the crabbing.”

46 Milford Living • Spring

There is no license required to crab as long as it is for personal use (yum). The state minimum width, spike to spike, is five inches a soft shell (when the crabs molt). They can grow to be nine inches across. The season runs from May 1st through November 30th.

baked, or steamed. “When it comes to the cook and prep time, I like to use a good ol’ seafood boil,” Jadach divulges. “We will mix in shrimp, potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, 12-18 blue crabs, and seasoning to your liking.”

You can also enjoy them simply with some melted butter or be ambitious and concoct some crab cakes. There are so many ways to enjoy your catch.

“The best part of crabbing is anyone can do it; whether they catch anything can be a test of patience and timing,” Jadach says. “I love that’s it’s fun for the whole family. Be sure to keep those young one’s fingers away

A crab boil is easy and delicious.

from those pinchers, they can bring a grown Warmer water temperatures mean crabs are

So, you landed your feast, now what?

more active and more likely to take your bait.

Break out your big pot—crabs can be boiled,

man to tears!”

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

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COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

education notebook

Parent University

T

“

he old adage rings true; it takes a village to raise a child,” says Sean Smyth and Christianne Golesky, instructional supervisors of Student Development and Wellness for Milford Public Schools. And so, the district’s Parent University was born to foster a successful partnership between parents and educators while supporting students in every aspect of their learning, as well as their physical and social-emotional wellbeing. The idea is to boost parent engagement in the space where children spend the better part of their waking day for almost half of every year. The end goal is to see healthy and happy young people reaching their full potential.

Dr. Alicia Farrell addresses a Parent University workshop on the impact of technology on the developing brain.

of Hope was the second movie screening, a documentary that explores Adverse Childhood

The 2018-2019 school year marked the inaugural run of the first set of Parent

important adult in their lives.

Building on these themes, the idea grew of

Experiences (ACES), childhood trauma, toxic stress, and the movement among health

University workshops, using the annual

pairing movie screenings and conversations to

professionals and educators to use “cutting

“Freshmen Forum,” as a launching pad.

connect with parents. A viewing of the movie

edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence,

Student participation in the forum is required,

Screenagers: Growing Up in The Digital Age

addiction, and disease.”

and parents and guardians are strongly

tackled the touchy topics of social media, video

encouraged to attend the event. Teen wellness,

games, and internet addictions and their effect

collaborated with cognitive psychologist

alcohol abuse, substance abuse, vaping, and

on academics, brain development, and the

Dr. Alicia Farrell on a Parent University

coping with and managing screen time are

relationships within a family. The conversation

entitled “Anxiety: The Monster Among Us”.

some of the topics addressed during the two-

that followed discussed solutions on setting

Following Dr. Farrell’s keynote address,

hour session. Following the forum, students

boundaries and empowering kids to find

parents were divided into breakout groups

prepare a reflective assignment based on

balance to a healthy amount of screen time.

facilitated by teachers and mental health

a conversation with their parents or other

Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science

professionals. Topics of discussion included

48 Milford Living • Spring

As a follow-up to these topics, the district

Captain Garon DelMonte of the Milford Police Department and Annalies Spaziano, former

intelligence, improving a child’s behavior

Milford Public Schools Supervisor of Student

COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

simple stress solutions, tools for emotional at home, and ways to promote decisionmaking with older students.

The first Parent University sessions were an enormous success and continued into the following year. Dr. Farrell returned for two keynote talks that built on the original themes. “We try to focus on parent

Development and Wellness.

The district pivoted to a virtual format for subsequent sessions. A casual conversation series, in the form of virtual coffee talks with Dr. Farrell, helped parents support their children as the pandemic progressed.

requests and the current needs of the time,”

workshop delved into the difficult topics of

“Dealing with Disappointment” was a hot

says Smyth in explaining how topics are

suicide, substance abuse, recovering from loss,

topic as students were faced with seeing

selected. Dr. Farrell’s discussion on the

and healthy relationships. These discussions

milestone events like end-of-year rituals,

impact of technology on developing brains

were almost prophetic.

senior sporting activities, proms, and

coincided with the roll out of the district’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative. A mental wellness

As 2020 unfolded, the pandemic began, and these topics would take on new meaning.

traditional graduation ceremonies curtailed.

The district also asked its community

2022 • Milford Living 49

education notebook partners to create a few slides detailing

emotional development of their children.

Teen Mental Health, Pre-Literacy Skills, College

the services they could provide for families

As 2021 ended, the district offered a

during this time. These were compiled and

15-minute video, created by two school

presented in a webinar that is archived on

counselors, to support parents on recognizing

the district website www.milforded.org/

stress in children, helping them cope,

sessions return soon, Smyth concedes a mixed

page/parent-university, along with other

and accessing community resources or

approach might be a good idea. “In-person

past sessions.

professional help if necessary.

allows more interaction, but virtual is

Another timely topic involved the

While the current virtual Parent University

Financing, Intentional Play, and Supporting Children Behaviorally and Academically.

And while everyone hopes to see in-person

accessible to more,” says Smyth.

“Distance Learning Playbook for Parents” in

series has largely focused on supporting

In the end, no one can disagree that a

collaboration with the Milford PTA Council.

students’ social and emotional needs and

positive parent-school relationship creates

The book was co-written by New York Times

sharing resources for families during the

a powerful force to support student well-

bestselling author Rosalind Wiseman, who

pandemic, Smyth and Golesky hope to widen

being and potential. Helping parents gain

presented sessions for parents on how to

the scope of offerings to further strengthen

self-confidence as full partners in their child’s

navigate the challenges of distance learning

the alliance between parents and the school

education is a win-win for all.

while supporting the academic, social, and

community. Topics being considered include

—Susan Glennon

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2022 • Milford Living 51

Making Wishes Come True

O

n August 21, 2021, after a pandemic-driven hiatus, thousands of people returned to downtown Milford to celebrate the annual Milford Oyster Festival. At the south end of the Green, in a tent adorned with gold and purple balloons, sat Christine Brown and Traci O’Brien, co-founders of a very special nonprofit organization.

It was the official launch of

Six months prior to the festival,

RODGER SMITH

at your service

Senior Wish CT’s mission is to enrich the lives of senior citizens through community engagement and the granting of senior wishes. citizens were not being met.

are 100% privately-funded, tax

When presented with a limited

deductible, and go to fulfilling the

budget, even after health benefits

needs of seniors.

have been applied, there were

One very special wish provided

still non-healthcare necessities

funds to Ruth, a woman in need

neglected. Their vision would

of new tires. She was one of the

Senior Wishes CT, which was,

Traci O’Brien, a Medicare/

help improve the lives of seniors

few members of her neighborhood

coincidentally, the same day

Medicaid insurance consultant,

and affect their daily activities.

who could still drive, but the

that President Ronald Reagan

shared her dream of starting a

declared National Senior

non-profit with her friend and

plans to fruition. They founded

that she could get into an accident

Citizens’ Day in 1988. It was a

colleague, Christine Brown. Too

a board made up of volunteers,

due to the condition of her bald

day designated to appreciate and

often, they would encounter

established their 501c(3), and began

tires. Upon meeting Ruth, Brown

recognize the achievements and

times when the needs of senior

granting wishes. All donations

recalls, “it was clear that she

Brown helped to propel O’Brien’s

mechanic she visited terrified her

accomplishments of American

did more than just drive friends

seniors.

around to the doctor or market.

The purpose of Senior Wishes CT

She was an integral part of the community who ran errands

citizens through community

and went to the food pantry and

engagement and the granting

brought back food to those who

of wishes that otherwise would

could not get out. Being able to

go unnoticed or unfulfilled.”

provide her with the peace of

According to the Senior Wishes

mind that she was safe in driving

mission statement, a “healthy

around meant more than just

senior population is an important

giving her tires, it meant that

ISABELLA O’BRIEN

is “to enrich the lives of our senior

part of a strong community and, to that end, the wishes we grant will serve to enrich not only the

she could continue serving the community in which she lived.”

On another occasion, Senior

beneficiary, but the community

Volunteers and donors help grant wishes by contributing their time and

Wishes CT showed up to present

they call home.”

treasure to Senior Wish CT.

an iPad to 87-year-old Jeanne,

52 Milford Living • Spring

need. They have also partnered

anonymously gifted her one

with the company Dabblesak,

the day before. Jeanne runs the

which has many products and

social activities in her assisted

purposeful activities, curated

living community, so she passed

by occupational therapists, for

her wish to her neighbor, Allie,

seniors who are living with

a throat cancer survivor with

dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

family in Scotland.

In addition, Senior Wishes CT has

Senior Wishes CT is making a difference in the lives of seniors by providing a

installed ramps to keep seniors

helping hand when needed.

Senior Wish CT was there to

RODGER SMITH

only to find that someone had

make sure that one woman’s

in their own homes, provided

health and wellness was

maintenance to damaged

Angel donor will match that

gmail.com. To review a list of

continued. Jean A. had been told

wheelchairs, and donated winter

contribution. If you can make a

qualifications, download or

by her doctor that she needed

clothing to those in need.

difference locally, please consider

share an application, or to obtain

supporting this cause.

information about in-person

compression stockings, which

Senior Wishes CT is always

can cost hundreds of dollars, but

looking for new donors. Upon

If you know of a senior who

they were not covered by her

completion of a $10,000

needs wish fulfillment, please

insurance. Senior Wish CT met her

donation goal, an anonymous

reach out to seniorwishesct@

and virtual fundraisers, visit SeniorWishCT.org.

—Amanda Veccharelli

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senior corner

Seniors Staying Healthy

G

ood health is something nearly everyone strives for. In fact, over 2,000 years ago the poet Virgil is said to have written, “The greatest wealth is health,” showing that taking measures to maintain health is not a new idea.

Since good health gains even more

better. The worst thing you can do

importance as a person ages, we asked a few

is be sedentary; everyone should

of our local healthcare professionals to share

remember that activity is crucial.”

easy recommendations on how seniors can optimize their health.

Dr. Sanjay Aggarwal of Milford Medical

One condition Dr. Esposito sees frequently is leg swelling, a Catch-22 for some since walking can be uncomfortable with the

Walk-In is committed to helping his patients

swelling. He encourages those with new leg

stay healthy. “Most importantly for seniors is

swelling to be checked by their physician

to have their annual well visit, which is a nonface-to-face conference with their doctor. You should also have a yearly face-to-face physical as well, to monitor vitals like blood pressure and weight and address any medical issues.”

“Another important thing is to keep

and, once cleared, to continue exercising.

“Often with leg swelling the veins don’t

immunizations up to date,” said Dr.

clear the blood out of the legs adequately.

Aggarwal. “In addition, anyone with a chronic

It’s usually easier to prevent than to cure but

condition should maintain their chronic care

staying active can help. Another thing that

management, seeing their physician every

can help is wearing compression socks.”

three months. And of course, healthy eating

Dr. Esposito also advises staying on

and exercise will help a senior stay healthy.”

top of the recommended regular medical

The simple advice from Dr. David Esposito

screenings. Milford Vascular Center offers

at Milford Vascular Center is, “Stay active.”

vascular screenings, aneurism screenings, as

Board certified in general surgery, vascular

well as screening for carotid artery disease.

surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, Esposito

“We have a great senior population in

encourages all seniors to exercise. “Walking

Milford and we’re here for them.”

for 20 minutes without stopping is great for

Dr. Charles Guglin of HyperFit MD Age

heart and circulatory health and can also

Management Center focuses on functional

help keep the bones strong. Three times per

medicine, which puts prevention at the top

week is good, but more frequently is even

of the list of priorities. “Most health issues

54 Milford Living • Spring

are lifestyle-related,” he shares. “Instead of only treating the symptoms of them, we address the underlying cause.”

“Once a woman reaches menopause or a man reaches its equivalent, which is andropause, there is a decline in health due to decreased hormone levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement can help by being cardioprotective and preventing osteoporosis and osteopenia,” shares Dr. Guglin. “Lifestyle

“Walking for 20 minutes without stopping is great for heart and circulatory health and can also help keep the bones strong. Three times per week is good, but more frequently is even better.

The worst thing you can do is be sedentary; everyone should remember that activity is crucial.” —Dr. David Esposito

changes are also important, including eating

curriculum-based, includes mentorship, and is

to stay healthy. “Eat less, exercise more,” was

quality food—mostly plants.”

focused on enhancing quality of life as well as

his response. “Move every day and it can help

physical health. He states his program can even

keep you happy, healthy, and keep a shine on

help with cognitive issues.

your skin.”

Since HyperFit MD is a full-service agemanagement practice, Dr. Guglin ensures that every patient gets a customized plan. Unlike regular office visits, Dr. Guglin’s practice is

Dr. Guglin didn’t hesitate to answer when asked the number one thing a senior can do

Many Medicare Advantage programs offer fitness opportunities for seniors as part of

2022 • Milford Living 55

senior corner their benefits. These group fitness classes, which are run under a variety of brands such as Silver Sneakers, Active & Fit, and more, offer seniors the opportunity to exercise at participating locations.

One such location is Center Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy. Owner and physical therapist Brian Williams extolls the benefits of exercise for the health of seniors. “Motion is lotion. The more movement a body gets the healthier it is,” he says.

The low-impact exercises offered through

Maintaining health throughout our lives

this program “offer cardio benefits, range of

is a gift we can give ourselves, and we are

motion, and stretching,” shares Williams.

balance to help prevent falls and fractures.

fortunate to have so many resources to turn to

“And since falling is one of the biggest

Anything to help reduce sedentary time is

here in Milford!

hazards to the health of a senior, we work on

going to be beneficial.”

A D U LT D A Y C E N T E R

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

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historical perspective

published in the late 1800s, Manning was appointed sheriff of New York, and de facto commander of Fort James whenever Governor

Courting History

T

here are a number of historic and curious legal cases associated with Milford. Some are notorious moments in history, while others are almost comical footnotes. All are preserved in texts such as the Milford Tercentenary Committee’s 1939 book History of Milford, Connecticut 1639-1939.

The Memorable Mister Manning Charles Island isn’t the only historic island with connections to Milford’s rich history.

Drive 90 minutes into New York City, take the skyway tram over to Roosevelt Island, and stand on the 17th century home grounds

Francis Lovelace was away.

On August 9, 1673, the Dutch attacked Fort James and Manning surrendered, restoring pre-Manhattan to Dutch control. It was a move that caused sensational scandal and ruined Manning’s career. He was compelled to sail to England to face charges of treachery and cowardice.

According to a biography of the Manning

He was acquitted of treachery but found guilty of cowardice and sentenced to have his sword broken over his head.

of Captain John Manning, who was arrested

the men abandoned the ship, and it was

family published by a relative in 1902,

in Milford in the 1600s for trading with the

brought back to Milford Harbor where, after

Manning argued he didn’t have enough men

enemy.

Manning was found guilty, his goods—beef,

to stave off the Dutch. He was acquitted of

pork, wheat, and more—were auctioned

treachery but found guilty of cowardice and

book, Manning was charged with trading

off. After the auction, according to the book,

sentenced to have his sword broken over his

with the Dutch, whose rival attempts to settle

“…twenty shillings was awarded to each

head (a humiliating punishment known as

the New World made them enemies of the

Milford man who had taken part in the

“cashiering”). He was also forbidden to hold

English. While he was on trial in New Haven

ship’s capture.”

office again.

In April 1654, according to the committee’s

for the charge, his men absconded from

That’s where Manning’s story ends in the

He spent his last days on what he had

Milford Harbor with his 10-gun trading ship,

History of Milford, but the trading captain

named Manning’s Island—now Roosevelt

apparently bound for the Dutch-controlled

would continue to make history.

Island—where according to the history books,

island that is now Manhattan.

Realizing they would soon be caught,

58 Milford Living • Spring

According to the fourth volume of Appleton’s Cyclopedia of American Biography,

he would entertain notable members of the community with rum punch.

Tomlinson’s Troubled Tavern Milford in the 1600s was a simple farming and seaside community. In 1652, according DAVID TENIERS

to the History of Milford, a weaver named Henry Tomlinson decided to settle there and open a weaver’s shop.

Two years later, he opened the community’s only “ordinary” type of tavern.

An illustrated depiction of early settlers gambling in a tavern.

The problem was, however skilled Tomlinson was as a weaver, he had few skills as a cook

the village to congregate there to dance and

Peter Pond’s Predicament

and bartender.

play cards.”

A century-and-a half or so later, a man who

His meals were considered “meager and

The town seized the property from the

unappetizing,” according to the book, which

hapless barkeep a year into his venture, but

goes on to say he not only “overcharged his

he refused to leave until a court order forced

customers,” but “allowed the young people of

his eviction.

got away with murder was buried in an unmarked grave in Milford Cemetery.

Peter Pond was born in Milford around 1740, and after serving with the Connecticut

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2022 • Milford Living 59

historical perspective Regiment in the French and Indian War,

Milford’s bold explorer Peter Pond.

followed in his father’s footsteps and became a fur trader in the Midwest. There, he gained

with another fur trader. “There was a duel

notoriety for his cartography, using his own

in Detroit early on where the guy insulted

explorations and interactions with the Native

him,” McDonald, a retired journalist, says,

Americans to create detailed maps.

referring to the Fort Detroit region of

President Thomas Jefferson to order the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, according to Bill

Michigan that later became the city. “That was enough for Pond to call him out.”

In Pond’s journal, McDonald notes, the

McDonald, president of the Milford-based

trapper admitted to killing his rival in the duel,

Peter Pond Society, which keeps Pond’s

but boasted while he “Declard the fact” (sic) to

memory alive via research, a website, and

others, “thare was none to Prosacute me” (sic).

newsletters.

McDonald described Pond as a surly man

Historical fiction author Nikki Rajala notes

UNKNOWN

It was Pond’s detailed maps that led

The third and final suspicious death, McDonald said, made Pond a marked man in

in a blog post on her website that Pond, or

Canada, leading him to return to Milford for

with a quick temper, who wasn’t in the

those loyal to him, may have been involved in

the rest of his life. He died in 1807.

Midwest very long before he got into a beef

two more murders, both in Canada.

60 Milford Living • Spring

—Mike Patrick

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greetings from milford

Warming Up! oug didn’t really care that the linen postcard was a generic print

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62 Milford Living • Spring

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