Milford Living Spring 2024

Investment

Executive

Financial

TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature Departments

Publisher’s Letter

Readers’ Letters

Milford Spotlight

Milford Green

What’s New

Up and Comers

Arts and Artisans

Milford Morsels

Milford Wildlife

Family Time

At Home

Eye on Business

Senior Corner

Historical Perspective

A Piece of the Past

Legacy

Milford’s Attic

Greetings from Milford

Where is it?

About the cover: A vibrant spring reflection is seen at the upper duckpond. Photo by Sherry Lynn Johnson.

34 Preserving Milford’s Natural Beauty By Mike Patrick

SPRING 2024 VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 1

Publisher/President

Suzanne Cahill

Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director

Ann McGuire

Art Director

Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher

Susan Carroll Dwyer

Advertising Director

Joy Haines

Contributing Photographers

Suzanne Cahill, Tim Chaucer, Sherry Lynn Johnson, Steve Johnson, Maryalice Manning, Wendy Zimbardi

Contributing Editors

Tracy Farricker

Contributing Writers

Angela Arpino, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Frank Farricker, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Jason Marchi, Marilyn May, Ann McGuire, Gerry McGuire, Haley NcNish, Cindy Papish Gerber, Mike Patrick

Production Assistance

Kevin Maher, Wendy Macomber, Todd Manning, Tamara Simpson

Interns

Bridget Dwyer, Maryalice Manning

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. $23.96. 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 2003-2024 Red Mat Publishing.

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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.

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Dear Friends,

Suzanne publisher’s letter

In the warmth of the sun and the awakening of nature, we are greeted with the promise of renewal and rejuvenation.

With this edition, we celebrate the spirit of spring: the warming of the fresh air and the return of seasonal activities. For many of us, spring is marked by our well-traveled rotation around the Milford Green and delightful observation of flowering buds, tulips, and cherry blossoms. Like the spring growth, our community bursts with color and the sense of newness that comes from breaking from the cold and reaching towards the sun. Whether you’re embarking on a new project, pursuing a passion, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, let this season be a catalyst for personal transformation and self-discovery.

Hopefully you’ll find inspiration in these pages. Maybe you’d like to experience a new restaurant with friends, explore a new hobby, give back to the community, or start your own business; there’s always something new to discover! In spring, the simple joys are everywhere: spend time strolling around your block and exploring nature; head over to the beach for some salty breezes; listen to the sounds of spring coming alive. Welcome each day with gratitude and a sense of wonder as you witness our world burst into life once more.

Thanks for journeying through the seasons with us. May your spring be filled with brightness!

Warmest regards,

The Dworkin name is synonymous with the promise of great dental care. Dr. Olivia Dworkin, Dr. Jay Dworkin and Dr. Kristin Helms continue that promise to the community. Please stop by our Milford office and say hello!

readers’ letters

I am 92 years old and lived in Devon/Milford from 1935-1976 and am the fourth generation of the Healey, Carley, Arnold family to settle in Milford. If anyone remembers me, do say ‘Hello’ through this lovely publication.

—Mary Jane Arnold Johnson, MHS Class of 1949, Seattle, WA

Hello Mary Jane, we hope readers reach out with their fond memories of your class. We love to hear and share stories from MHS

alumni from around the country and beyond. Be sure to have a peek at Milford’s Attic on page 60 where we take a peek at the Milford Historical Society MHS collection.

I would like to send extra copies of Milford Living to family and friends. Where can I purchase them?

—Shelia Estelle, Milford, CT

You can purchase individual copies of Milford Living at The Canvas

Patch and Milford Pharmacy. For multiple copies, you can contact our office at 203-283-5290 to schedule a time to pop by and pick them up at our downtown office at 243 Broad Street.

Could you add a section of activities for the three months of the magazine? My town in Illinois has one and it really helps with the events to get more people to go. It’s great to have it in one place, and it makes it a go-

to in the magazine. Sometimes, they add local surrounding towns, too!

—Ruth Grunewald, Hinsdale, IL

We couldn’t agree more! In past issues, we provided a calendar of events but stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to your suggestion, we’ll pick it back up again. And remember, you can go to milfordliving.com for a list of upcoming events accessible any time.

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

100 Years of Service Above Self

The Rotary Club of Milford (aka Milford Rotary) is one of the city’s newest centenarians! This robust civic organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a golden gala event. Named “100 Years of Service,” the celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at Grassy Hill Country Club starting at 6:00 pm.

“My great-grandfather, George J. Smith, was a get-things-done kind of guy,” says current club president Tad Smith of his personal connection to the organization. “He founded the Rotary Club of Milford in 1924 and was the first club president.”

Smith’s family legacy stayed strong within the club, with multiple descendants becoming members, several of whom served as president of Milford Rotary. “Six of George J. Smith’s descendants have been club president, and now it’s my turn,” says Smith, who has spent his presidency honoring his great-grandfather and

the local Rotary legacy he left.

“I love the fellowship of our Rotary club and how we come together to leverage money and effort to accomplish things of magnitude,” says Smith when asked about his favorite part of being a Rotarian. “How else could one person get so many things done in the community?”

The club serves the local, national, and international community by raising funds to benefit charitable initiatives and spearheading and participating in important service projects. The largest yearly fundraiser is the well-known

Milford Rotary Lobster Bake, which will be held this year on July 27th. Over the years, Milford Rotary has donated a significant sum to scholarships for local students heading to college, provided “tool scholarships” for students graduating from Platt Tech, cooked and served thousands of meals at the Beth-El Center’s soup kitchen, and funded and participated in innumerable other projects.

The Rotary’s Don Wetmore presents a check to Boys and Girls Club of Milford’s Megan Altomare.

Milford Rotary supports the events of local nonprofits throughout the year.

Milford Rotarian and former Rotary district governor Paul Mangels elaborates, noting that some of those other projects have included “buying a van for the Milford Senior Center, hosting exchange students, helping to fund Bodie’s Place [the handicapped accessible park], building a hospital in the Philippines, and much more.”

One past president, Tracy O’Brien, shared just a few of the accomplishments from her presidential year. “We promoted an interest in reading by giving a dictionary to every 3rd grader in Milford. We also facilitated a love of reading through the Literacy Center’s Books for Babies and Books for Birthdays programs. We helped local Veterans in need with donations of goods and funds to No Vets

Left Behind.” And, she continues, “Through the Rotary district governor’s program, we have made a difference to someone who will now be able to live a more independent life with the help of a NEADS service dog.”

Rotary International has a long history, explains longtime member Joe Barnes. “It started with one club, founded by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1906.” Initially, the international organization’s vision was to have a way for professionals to meet, share ideas, and create friendships but evolved over time to focus on service and humanitarian efforts. In addition to each club’s

Milford Rotarian Gary Johnson joins fellow Rotarians for a diaper drive sponsored by the United Way of Milford.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

COURTESY OF MILFORD ROTARY

milford spotlight

local focus, Rotary International impacts global projects such as providing vaccines to aid in the eradication of polio, providing clean water, supporting education, and more.

Lorna Sura, who is currently serving as the vice president of Milford Rotary, has been a member for several years. “I joined knowing it is a solid organization that has stood the test of time,” she shares. “I love that I have been able to learn about and give back to the Milford community.” Sura notes that the “100-year mark came up as we were doing what we normally do, and now we’ll celebrate!”

Milford Rotary’s president-elect, Philip Ucci III, is an enthusiastic club member. “I’m

A bakers dozen of Milford Rotary’s past presidents gathered for a photo op to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

proud to have been a part of the first hundred years and look forward to starting the next,” he says. “I’m very excited to grow our club with members who truly want to live Rotary’s motto, ‘service above self.’ I look forward to helping the Milford community as well as

being a part of our global projects to make the world a better place for all.”

—Shaileen Kelly Lansberg

FOLLOW MILFORD ROTARY on Facebook or visit www.milfordrotary.org to learn more.

Founders House

Bridge House Restaurant

Reforesting Charles Island

Charles Island has always been a fixture off our shores. Aside from its landmark visage, many tales have been told about this small yet somewhat mysterious island, thrice cursed according to legend. While those make interesting yarns, the latest curse to befall the island has been fierce storms that left a lasting impact, toppling hundreds of trees. Milfordites’ view of our treasured isle has been sadly altered.

In 2013, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) formulated a plan to reforest the island. Pete Piccone, wildlife biologist and habitat manager for DEEP, began to formulate a project to help Charles Island and its inhabitants. “Our initial planting went well. We planted over 80 trees and cleared much of the fallen trees on the island,” says Piccone. “The goal is to reforest the island in order to improve the habitat for the species there.”

Fortunately, a small group of people reached out to Piccone at DEEP to help. Bill Purcell is one of the founders of the Charles Island Reforestation Project. “We have a cottage on East Broadway directly across from Charles Island. My brother and I were remarking how badly the island looked,” Purcell recalls. “At the same time, a neighbor, Dolores Hannon, was thinking the same thing. We both reached out to DEEP and were directed to Pete Piccone. A meeting was set up to discuss the project in more detail. Our first planting was in April of 2021. The Charles Island volunteers and folks from DEEP have been out each fall and spring since, totaling six plantings.”

The variety of trees had to be native, well-acclimatized to our region, and resistant to

Purcell continues. “Over 30 people have volunteered; around 6-8 of these folks have been out to the island multiple times.”

multiple threats. “Their resistance to a fungal disease (armillaria) which killed off the tree of heaven, which is an invasive species that had overtaken the island, is required,” says Piccone.

“This is a rare case where a native disease killed off an invasive species.”

Various trees were selected: black cherry, red maple, sassafras, sycamore, bitternut hickory, and basswood. “We have been fortunate to have over 300 people contribute to the cause,”

Larger than it looks from the shore, Charles Island is 14 acres. “An acre can support 100 trees. We have planted over 450 to date. Most of them have survived despite issues such as deer and rabbits and the ‘mile a minute’ weed,” Purcell explained, referencing the invasive persicaria perfoliata, a super fast-growing weed that overwhelms smaller saplings. “We have addressed those issues with deer fencing, tree guards, and a regulated spraying program that does not harm the native birds,” he says.

Piccone is grateful for the assistance of Milford’s volunteers. “I believe in citizen science; people learning to improve habitats benefits all,” he says. “The volunteers have been a tremendous help. Bill Purcell and Dolores Hannon coordinated the volunteer efforts, which helped facilitate the project. Donations allowed us to purchase more trees, and assistance with planting has helped the project. We will be back planting in April. The date will be determined by the tide and weather.”

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP, there are two ways to contribute: donate to Charles Island Reforestation via Venmo or PayPal or by check to Dolores Hannon 110 Beach Ave Milford, CT 06410. Volunteers to clear and plant are most welcome. Follow Charles Island Reforestation on Facebook or email charlesislandreforestation@gmail.com

Volunteers and DEEP habitant managers team up to reforest Charles Island.

Volunteers plant native trees on Charles Island.

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what’s new? Classy Catering

When it comes to classy catering event spaces, Milford’s got the banquet beat.

Planning the joy of a wedding? Scheduling a special meeting for your company? Celebrating a meaningful life event for family or friends? Milford has two excellent facilities to match your needs for whatever event you have in mind, for business or pleasure. One is brand new; the other has been operating for two years. Both event spaces have unique services and styles and are well worth a look.

Tyde at Walnut Beach

72 Broadway, Milford

203-651-9743

info@tyde-walnutbeach.com

www.tyde-walnutbeach.com

Tyde general manager

Rosamaria Ponte is no stranger

to fine catering and event space management. Her parents, Pietro and Antonietta Landino, started Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden in 2004. There, Ponte and her sisters joined their parents in learning to run the business from top to bottom. In 2020, the three sisters brought

life to their parents’ dream of operating a vineyard when they established Stappa Vineyard in Orange. It was a dream that found its roots in Italy, where the trio spent their summers submerged in all that’s involved in winery life.

Now, with the construction of a brand-new Walnut Beach facility, Milford residents (and indeed, the entire state) will benefit from the Landino family banquet business right here at home.

Located a stone’s throw from Long Island Sound, Tyde boasts

unparalleled beachside elegance. The main room can accommodate gatherings of 130 to 220 guests. There is also an outdoor courtyard and rooftop terrace. Guests will enjoy beautiful views of a sandy beach, the 14-acre Charles Island located just a half mile off the coast, and the ebb and flow of the tide and serene waves of Long Island Sound.

The wedding catering menu ranges from a choice of artisanal cheeses and crudité display served with cured meats and fresh fruits, 24 different hors d’oeuvres, and dinner courses that include salads, pasta, 14 main courses, and delectable desserts.

Tyde has a specialty menu

The main event room at Tyde boasts a modern, coastal design, with fetching views of Charles Island and Long Island Sound.

Tyde’s exterior Mediterranean architecture fits its vibrant seaside location.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSAMARIE PONTE(2)

for a number of different private events based on the occasion: brunches, cocktail parties, clam bakes, and plated meals akin to traditional restaurant dining.

“We will be running private events in our new Milford facility, but we will also be open to the public for Sunday brunches,” explains Ponte. In addition, “Tuesday nights will be a live music and taco night. We’re hoping to do that from Memorial Day to Columbus Day each year. But when we have events we can only do one event at a time, so we would be closed to the public during a special event.”

neighbors are great. We are really looking forward to being a part of the neighborhood. The kids love going to The Walnut Beach Creamery, and I love getting my coffee in the neighborhood.”

The Reign

240 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford 203-516-0552

Events@thereignvenue.info

https://www.thereignvenue.info/

“Milford is an inviting town,”

adds Ponte. “Walnut Beach has been wonderful. It’s a nice, inviting community, and the

The Reign event venue first opened in November of 2022.

Owner/operator Marcie

The timeless quality of The Reign’s event spaces offer both warmth and elegance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE DUNBAR

Dunbar—an accredited event designer—gave up a lucrative career as an accountant to follow her passion for designing and operating wedding banquets and other life-affirming events.

While working for 21 years as an accountant, Dunbar designed and decorated spaces for friends and family in her spare time. When it came time to choose between accounting and making marvelous moments for others, her love of gala affairs finally won out. “I wasn’t hungry to be an accountant anymore,” she admits.

Seven months later, Dunbar started her event design and décor business full-time, followed by the opportunity to build her own event space.

“Opening The Reign gave me the courage to change course and follow my passion,” states Dunbar.

Weddings—the most special

of events for families and friends—are Dunbar’s favorite event to plan and design. But others—both big and small, casual to exquisite—are also in

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE DUNBAR

Host Marcie Dunbar’s keen eye for detail is evident throughout The Reign banquet facility.

her wheelhouse. She lives by the credo that all events are special moments that create magical memories for clients.

Dunbar says that her husband, Franciso, is her biggest cheerleader. “Without him, I would not have been able to leave accounting,” says Dunbar, noting that Franciso has “been there all along behind the scenes.”

event décor, custom decorations, backdrops, centerpieces, and more for every special occasion.

The venue offers two rooms of different sizes, the Royal Court (seats 70) and the Majestic Ballroom (seats 200), for a total of 6,000 square feet of recently renovated space. The facility also contains a bridal suite for weddings, a gazebo, and an outdoor patio. Parties from 10 to 270 can be accommodated, and areas for food preparation are available, along with ample parking.

The Reign also offers luxury rental items to compliment

The Reign, according to Dunbar, is her calling. “I love seeing my client’s faces light up with excitement and joy after they see the results of turning a blank dull space into a ‘Wow! This is beautiful!’ space,” she says. “This motivates and challenges me to raise the bar each time. This type of pressure is what gives me fuel to execute elegant and memorable experiences.”

Jason J. Marchi

Weddings are a specialty at The Reign, where joyful memories are made.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE DUNBAR

Luke McDonald: Music Man up and comers

There’s so much to love about adulthood. With it comes a glorious freedom that was previously unfathomable in childhood. The ability to make your own decisions and choices is exhilarating and terrifying.

There are many paths to take after high school graduation, making it a challenge to decide which is right for you. It may seem like success is out of reach, especially

as you watch other people your age thrive in ways you cannot yet fathom. However, this should not be looked at as a hindrance but rather as a motivator. Regardless of

your field of choice, you can start finding success in your career at an early age.

Luke McDonald is proof of this. At just 21 years old, he is already successfully climbing the professional ladder as an event planner and promoter in the music industry. His career was inspired by a simple backyard show he coordinated with his best friend. “During a time that came directly after a period of isolation due to the pandemic, I wanted to foster a community,” McDonald explains. “Music was the best way to bring people together!” The concept of great music and a sense of community made McDonald realize this was what he wanted to do with his life.

Currently a junior board member of the Milford Arts Council (MAC), McDonald’s position allows him to book, curate, and execute three shows a year, performances which he gears toward more up-and-comers like himself. He connected with the MAC while searching for the perfect venue to display his Zane Birks’ fashion collection. McDonald organized the show, “The Garden Shed,” and a significant factor in its success were the connections he utilized to ensure the performance ran smoothly. He reached out to a peer to aid with the sound system, which led to gaining the assistance of his partner on the lights—two people who became willing to work with him again.

Luke McDonald is juggling several different positions within the music industry with the goal of not only doing what he loves, but doing it well.

This event at the Devil’s Gear Bike Shop in New Haven achieved one of McDonald’s main goals: to ensure everyone has fun.

COURTESY OF LUKE MCDONALD(2)

COURTESY OF LUKE MCDONALD

Attending UConn Stamford as a communications major, McDonald’s has learned the importance of building strong relationships. He ensures that whomever he works with—artists, sound engineers, graphic designers—gets compensated for their time and dedication, putting this above his financial gain to build trust and secure future collaboration. Networking always seems intimidating, but it’s the foundation of McDonald’s success story.

This is not to say there are no challenges. McDonald speaks of

equipment damage, noise control, scheduling, miscommunication, and experiencing “imposter syndrome,” where regardless of your performance, you feel lost, inept, and that you’re lagging everyone else. There is the additional struggle of juggling school with the early onset of a career. Rather than allowing these challenges to consume him, McDonald accepts them. “The number one thing I can

Securing performance time for up and coming artists is one of McDonald’s priorities.

COURTESY OF LUKE MCDONALD

up and comers

do is trust myself and my vision,” he says.

On top of his position at the MAC, McDonald serves as New Haven’s ambassador for “Crash the Decks,” a drummer-and-DJ partner competition, a team member for the Seeing Sounds Festival, a top indie music festival in Connecticut, and with his friends is in the process of developing his own DJ event series “On & On”.

Da Happi Hour art show and concert featured local acts including singer Shyla Monet.

Milford is a vibrant and artistic town, a natural environment to foster a burgeoning artist, promoter, and events coordinator in the music industry. McDonald attributes most of his success to the MAC, claiming he would not have made it to where he is today without their support and confidence. This is where he grew up, and the town continues to support him. Events like the Oyster Festival and July 4th celebrations helped inspire him to bring this type of joy to his community.

—Haley McNish

arts + artisans

Endless Possibilities

What is art? It’s a highly debated question, as no one agreed-upon answer exists. Art constantly grows and changes over time, making it difficult to define. Artists and non-artists alike argue over the response, with some claiming art is everything and others claiming art is nothing. Alanna Fagan defines art as “the expression of ideas through a physical medium such as music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, printmaking…”

Fagan has been an artist for most of her life. She creates a plethora of paintings, drawings, and prints for herself, her community, and every corner of the world that she can reach—from Milford to Paris. Her work is stunning, and her devotion to her craft is easily recognizable in her creations.

Fagan uses a variety of mediums to capture

what she visulalizes: oil paint, watercolors, pastels, graphite, charcoal, and printmaking. “My earliest serious medium was oil, which I began using when I was eight years old,” she recalls. “I have always loved working with its endless possibilities.” She’ll even combine mediums experimentally to create something entirely new, like how she utilized pastels for

detail over an acrylic paint base in her piece called “Decision”.

Fagan’s evident ability to play with light sources is astonishing; the glow she achieves on the paper can be felt. It’s very prominent in her piece “35, rue Vaneau, Paris,” in the way the chair reflects on the floor as the cool, blue light casts its shadow. Her observation of light extends beyond the lit-up area to include reflection around the room. It is also important to play with color, as hues can reveal themselves unexpectedly during observation. By juxtaposing certain colors, like blue and yellow, Fagan achieves a glittering effect and continues to adjust her painting technique to achieve the effect she desires.

She acknowledges that frustration is an integral part of her creative process. Although she often has an initial vision of what she wants to achieve in a piece, it naturally

(Left) Fagan combined mediums for the pastelover-acrylic piece “Decision.” (Above) The self portrait entitled “Alanna.”

deviates from what she had planned. Fagan feeds off this frustration, continuing to nurture the piece until it is completed to her satisfaction.

The artist attributes many of her inspirations to those who have come before including Edward Hopper, Fairfield Porter, Wilhelm Hammershøi, Henri Matisse, and Edgar Degas. Hopper and Hammershøi both play with spatial light brilliantly in the way Fagan does, and Degas seems to inspire her use of spaces.

Fagan enjoys the challenge of following a theme when displaying her artwork, tackling the complexities of one overarching idea, and creating pieces that fit into that mold. She observes how her pieces coincide—maybe even clash—with the works surrounding hers, whether her own or that of strangers. Fagan’s work is frequently displayed at Silvermine Arts Center, the Center for

Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, the Rowayton Arts Center, and The Artists Collective of Westport.

It was 45 years ago that Fagan and her husband, Leo, settled in a lovely cottage in Milford. The addition of a studio was all she needed to transform their house into her dream home. “The shoreline in Milford is a constant inspiration with its lovely beaches, salt marshes, inlets, harbor, marinas, and amazing seasonal birds and wildlife,” Fagan says. “I often sketch and paint in boatyards and along the shore.”

It is here, in the stunning city of Milford, the place she calls home, that she creates her masterpieces.

—Haley McNish

“35, rue Vaneau, Paris” effortlessly follows the artistic rule of thirds composition.

Brunch Bunch

This portmanteau (combo word) of breakfast and lunch first appeared in an 1895 London publication by Guy Beringer, who also had the foresight to suggest serving alcohol at this weekend meal.

100 years later, scenes of Carrie Bradshaw brunching around NYC with her gal pals in “Sex and the City” sparked a craze that’s become a cultural mainstay. “Best Brunch” lists can be found for any city and Milford is no exception. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, arranging a casual get-together, or looking for an excuse not to cook, many local restaurants offer brunch

plus specialty cocktails. Cosmos anyone?

TRADITIONAL WEEKEND BRUNCH THE CORNER

Saturday and Sunday

7:30 am – 1:00 pm (BYOB)

Ranked #19 in the USA for brunch by Travel & Leisure, owners Michelle and Amer Lebel

collaborate on almost every dish. “Our Malaysian Spiced Pulled Pork over medium eggs topped with crispy fried onions and shredded ginger is served in a rice wafer bowl with stone hearth bread and home fries [1],” says Michelle. “It’s probably our second most popular dish, after our South Indian Pulled Duck, which was featured on The Cooking Channel.”

BONFIRE GRILLE

Saturday and Sunday

11:30 am – 3:00 pm

Owner Frank Basile handles menus, food training, and development for all three of his restaurants: Bonfire Grille in Woodmont, Bridge House in Devon, and Founders House Pub & Patio on the Milford Green. Bonfire’s “not so ordinary” brunch

selections feature dishes like their Apple Pie French Toast [2]: thick-cut cinnamon brioche stuffed with baked spiced apples and vanilla, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, and crumbled bacon.

FOUNDERS HOUSE

Saturday and Sunday

11:30 am – 3:00 pm

Founders House Banana Fosters Belgian Waffles Bananas [3] is an exercise in decadence: crisp and fluffy, sautéed in butter, dark rum, banana liquor, brown sugar, and a touch of cream, accompanied with applewood smoked slab

bacon and fried potatoes. On weekends, customers also have the option to order off the full menu.

BRIDGE HOUSE

Saturday and Sunday

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Their Cordon Bleu Stuffed Crepes [4] “is a merger of two classic old school dishes made from scratch,” notes Basile, referencing the house-made crepes filled with slow-cooked pulled chicken, aged Swiss, and applewood smoked ham, topped with a rich, creamy mornay sauce. “All brunch items are served with a breakfast-style three cheese au gratin potatoes.”

milford morsels

MONTY’S RIVER GRILLE AT GREAT RIVER GOLF CLUB

Sundays, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

“A few years ago, we were awarded the best ‘Brunch with a View’,” says Monty’s food and beveredge director Daniel Piccolello. With a patio overlooking the golf course and Housatonic River, the place is known for its sell-out holiday brunch buffets. On other Sundays, the menu features “not so traditional” twists on classics prepared by executive chef Matthew Adkins, such as their Vegetarian Benedict [1]: two poached eggs on miniBelgium waffles with fried green tomatoes, red tomato, avocado, spinach, and spicy hollandaise.

STONEBRIDGE RESTAURANT

Saturday and Sunday

11:00 am – 2:30 pm

“We love our brunches here,” says general manager Phil Conine, who recommends making reservations. He raves about the “life-changing” Shaved Prime Rib Benedict [2]: “It’s cooked in a special oven and then we shave it down to serve as the perfect bedding for our poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.”

HAIR OF THE DOG

Saturday and Sunday

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sandra Briggs, who named her restaurant after their signature Bloody Mary cocktail, “takes brunch seriously”. She cleverly combines

[1] [2]

[3]

her love of food and music (offered live on Sundays) into the name of every menu item. Case in point is their Walkin’ on Sunshine [3]: cauliflower crust breakfast pizza with their signature cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs.

BRUNCH ANYTIME

THE PLATE

Monday through Sunday

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

“All our stuff is made fresh every day,” says chef and owner Ryan Trevethan, whose passion for

quality meals is evident in his “next level” breakfast, brunch, and lunch specials including his

chorizo bowl, open-faced avocado toast, and chicken-fried steak & eggs [4] served on toasted wheat

bread with lettuce, tomato, grilled maple turkey bacon, topped with pico de gallo.

milford morsels

OLD STREET DIM SUM AND HOT POT

Saturday and Sunday

10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Monday through Friday

11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Although Chinese dim sum [1] (small plates) is traditionally consumed during brunch hours, “We serve dim sum all day long, 7 days a week,” says manager Stephanie Wilson. She suggests ordering several items such as crab,

pork, or chicken soup dumplings, steamed pork buns, beef short ribs sauce, Chinese broccoli, and pan-fried rice noodles, plus the allyou-can-eat hot pot buffet which comes to your table. Assorted beer and wine are also available.

POP’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

Saturday and Sunday

6:00 am – 9:00 pm

Sisters Virginia, Eleni, and Ipakoi lead this popular spot, originated [1]

by their father, Kostantinos (Gus) Grigoriadis. “Pop’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day,” says Eleni. “We’re not necessarily a brunch place, but we offer weekend specials.”

Their Southwestern-inspired Breakfast Bowl [2] consists of “seasoned steak, chorizo sausage, potatoes, grilled onions, peppers, black beans, and scrambled eggs, topped with tortilla strips, queso fresco, sour cream, and guacamole.”

—Cindy Papish Gerber

Purple Martin Majesty

Before a single daffodil rises from the ground, birdsong is one of the first signs that spring is finally on its way. Birds have always been seen as a harbinger of hope, rebirth, and spring. Dating back to the bronze age, Minoan frescoes in the city of Akrotiri depicted swallows to represent the change of seasons and the beauty of nature.

While most people since the dawn of recorded history have looked positively at spring’s return, famed author/wit/satirist Dorothy Parker was not a fan. “Every year, back comes Spring, with nasty little birds yapping their fool heads off and the ground all mucked up with plants,” wrote Parker. One wonders if she disliked spring so much because she never saw the beautiful color and graceful motion or heard the sweet song of a purple martin.

This is the season when they, Connecticut’s most special and fragile visitors, liven the skies of Milford with their song, their beauty, and their companionship.

In early spring, purple martins make the long journey back from their winter homes in South America to grace us with their presence, and more importantly, to breed. They are the largest of the North American swallow family. The males have dark black mixed with glossy blue/purple feathers while the females are a soft brown with blue accents on their heads.

Purple martins are acrobatic flyers that eat aerial insects in droves and live almost entirely in homes made for them by humans. One of the reasons this charming bird is becoming a rarity is their particular housing needs. Before humans dominated the land, purple martins would nest in

colonies in the holes of large dead trees isolated in fields due to storms destroying the trees around them. That habitat has mostly vanished, so martins have learned to look for housing made by humans. There are anecdotal stories of purple martins moving into gourds that Native Americans hung out to dry. Seeing the benefit of living close to insect-eating songbirds, the indigenous people continued the practice.

Now purple martins live almost exclusively in housing made by humans, although not every purple martin house—or gourd—is equal. Purple martins like their houses in open spaces, near rivers, lakes, or beaches, and seem to thrive when situated within a hundred yards of human developments. Because of these requirements, along with pesticides diminishing their food supply and competition from sparrows and invasive European starlings for housing, purple martins have struggled to increase their numbers. That’s where people and the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point come in.

In 2015, one-time TV host Phil Donohue and his wife, actress and philanthropist Marlo Thomas, moved their purple martin colony from their beach home in Westport to Milford Point’s Coastal Center. Since then, the Audubon, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and local volunteers

JEFF HUTH

FRANKMANTLIK

have counted and tagged the martins and worked to clean, maintain, and replace the manufactured gourds to make them readily available to the martins when they return in early spring. They also lower the gourds during nesting season to count eggs, insure there are no pests attacking the nests, and to evict any starlings or sparrows squatting in the nests.

Coastal Center director Ken Elkins knows a lot about the difficulties that the martins face. “Climate change has made it harder on many species not just the martins,” he says. “The timing is being thrown off. If birds

FRANK MANTLIK

return early because of higher temperatures but before plants are blooming, there aren’t enough insects, so there’s no food. If there’s a warm spell in February or March and plants bloom early and a cold snap comes and kills the insects, when the birds return there are fewer insects. Even in the summer when the birds are nested and the eggs are

hatching, if there are torrential rainstorms every day, the birds won’t leave the nests to hunt for insects so the young don’t get fed.”

These type of events, says Elkins, “have an effect over time. It’s slow and incremental, hardly noticed, but then 30 years down the road, a third of the birds are gone.” Success, thankfully, can be just as incremental.

The Ultimate Waterfront Experience

milford wildlife

“We had 40 nests with 100 young last year,” recounts Elkins. “That’s why it’s important. Not every backyard is suitable for a purple martin birdhouse, but if people want to help, they should support Milford Land Trust nest sites and adopt a gourd on our website for Mother’s Day. If they come out to the Coastal

the way, they stop in large numbers near Houston, Texas, where evening watch parties gather to see thousands of martins forming murmurations in the evening sky. As they go, they take the summer with them. But if we keep helping them out, regardless of what Dorothy Parker thought,

Preserving Milford’s Natural Beauty

BY MIKE PATRICK

In the summertime, it’s lush with green sea grasses and lily pads, its water still enough to reflect the daytime clouds. In the winter, when those grasses have turned brown, it still serves as a striking entrance to the borough of Woodmont.

The Oyster River salt marsh, toward the end of Anderson Avenue just past Chaucer Court, was the first property to fall under the protection of the Milford Land Conservation Trust (MLCT) more than 50 years ago. Today, the nonprofit trust owns and manages dozens of Milford’s natural spaces, protecting them from development and

ensuring areas of natural beauty remain in a city booming with residential and business building projects.

“In many places like Milford, any land that can be developed is at risk of being sold,” says Joseph DeSisto Alling, president of the MLCT. “We want to make sure that there’s some spaces for wildlife that people

STEVE JOHNSON

can enjoy and to stay green.”

So far, the trust has obtained 33 properties— some 140 acres of land throughout Milford— all of them donated. “We definitely make an evaluation before we accept a piece of land,” Alling explains. “We prioritize properties that are at least an acre and must have public access. There can’t be any permanent structures like buildings or swimming pools and no huge environmental issues.”

Once it’s determined the land has conservation value and should be protected, the trust legally ensures it will remain undeveloped in perpetuity, Alling confirms.

“They’re deed restricted, so they can never be developed,” he says. “Even if the Land Trust went bankrupt tomorrow, the land would still be protected.” The properties don’t enjoy just legal protection. A team of volunteers, mostly members of the MLCT board of directors, keep them clean and natural. “The goal is to maintain the habitat more or less in its natural state. Because of pollution and invasive plants, we have to actually do some work,” says Alling. “You can’t just let it be because it will just fill

up with garbage.” Invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed, tend to out-compete native plant species, spreading quickly and creating a “food desert” for local animals

that would have fed on the native plants, but can’t eat the knotweed.

Recently, the trust took steps to benefit one particular species of bird.

Carol Dunn has been an osprey monitor for the Connecticut Audubon Society and the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for more than 20

Along with the one-acre Oyster River Salt Marsh, the trust’s properties include:

• A 2.6-acre tract adjacent to the Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Area called “Nancy’s Meadow” that includes a short walking trail and is home to wild senna, a yellow flower that is threatened in the state.

• More than seven acres of wetlands bordering Gulf Pond on New Haven Avenue, which is home

to Canadian geese, barn swallows, and more.

• Nearly nine acres of woodlands on Ford Street are home to an abundance of animals and plants.

• The 22-acre Pond Point tracts of wetland by Gulf Pond that is a popular bird-watching spot where numerous species can be found.

(Left) Nancy’s Meadow property on First Avenue and Milford Point Road. (Above) A map identifying the parcels owned and managed by the MLCT.

STEVE JOHNSON

years. When she joined the MLCT Board of Directors in 2020, she was asked whether she thought any of the trust’s properties might be an appropriate place to establish a nest for the migratory raptors.

“The fact that Joe (Alling) almost immediately asked me that question piqued my interest,” Dunn says. And she did, indeed, know of a perfect spot to erect the boxtopped pole that would serve as an artificial

osprey nest—that 22-acre Pond Pont salt marsh property.

She had been monitoring a natural osprey nest across the street, near the train trestle along New Haven Avenue. The female osprey, she said, was brooding (meaning it had at least one egg in the nest). But every time a train came by, it would spook the bird and it would fly away, so the egg never hatched.

On February 21, 2021, the trust erected an

osprey nest in the salt marsh behind Joe’s Carpet, and soon, a mating pair moved in.

“It hatched one female chick the first year. In 2022, two chicks fledged out of that nest, and in 2023, three chicks,” Dunn says. “You

(Above) Boy Scout Toop 196 removes invasive vegetation at the Governor’s Avenue parcel. (Below) The osprey platform at Gulf Pond; MLTC officer Carol Dunn speaking about the platform.

STEVE JOHNSON

WENDY ZIMBARDI(2)

never know when an osprey nest is put up whether or not it will be active.”

But Alling says that the salt marsh is protected for people too. While tromping through a muddy marsh may not be everyone’s first choice of outdoor recreation, all 33 MLCT properties—wooded areas, shoreline spots, and more—are open to the public.

“Don’t take anything home with you, and don’t leave anything there,” he reminds. “I really love our Pond Point Avenue property. I happen to live right next to it, so I’m constantly seeing animals from that property come into my yard.”

Alling and MLCT are not alone in their appreciation for Milford’s natural beauty. “Milford is a developed area for sure, but there is still quite a lot of wildlife. People like to see birds fly through their yards; they like to see deer going through their yards,” he says. “I’m always talking with neighbors so happy that property we own near their yard will never be developed.”

Take the Journey and Awaken the Spirit

For photos and a larger map of Milford Land Conservation Trust properties, visit milfordctlandtrust.org. Volunteering opportunities are also listed on the website.

(Above Left) A tree dedication ceremony at Nancy’s Meadow. (Above Right) Barn swallows are familiar birds to fields and marsh areas around Milford.

WENDY ZIMBARDI

Backyard Beauty

With winter finally thawed, the earth has begun its cycle of regrowth. The grass is greener, the air is warmer, and nature’s rainbow of color has returned. The onset of spring brings a new wave of inspiration and motivation, making it the perfect time to rediscover the artist that lives within us all, no matter what age. Because when the ice finally melts, the tools for creation are back in reach.

While taking a pencil to paper may be the classic way to create a work of art, why limit your kids or yourself to the traditional tools from the supply closet. A whole world of art can be discovered by young artists just by exploring their backyard.

That fallen pinecone is not just a former home of seeds but the body of a feathered owl. Search for the perfect specimen at a park or in your yard—any shape or size

works—and add googly eyes and a paper beak to “flesh out” the face. These creatures are fun, simple to make, and can easily grow into an owl family.

Dandelions are not just perky little weeds (what I prefer to call flowers in their yellow stage), they’re a fan brush for creating a portrait. Collect a bouquet of different heights and stages of growth, making sure to pull from the root to clear the yard more

permanently. Try stamping the open-faced yellow petals onto paper and dragging the green buds like a brushstroke. Don’t be afraid of petals sticking to your canvas; they remind you how nature made the masterpiece.

Play with what is available; ferns are a perfect stamp for textured painting. Collecting the leaves of different trees will add variety; the never-the-same spidery veins create patterns which, when coated with paint,

are revealed on the canvas. Experiment with different orientations to make an abstract piece or find something realistic in the design by using a marker or a pen to trace over the prints.

My favorite thing to do with nature is to collect many fallen items and combine them in any way that speaks to me, resulting in a stunning mixed-media-style project. Collect fallen sticks, leaves, seeds, petals, and scraps from mulch beds and patches of grass to make a pile of different shapes, colors, and textures before laying the treasures out on the pavement. Encourage the artist to observe the items and think about how they appear in nature. An oak leaf was attached to a tree branch, surrounded by other oak leaves and branches stemming from a single trunk. Or the petals used to fit harmoniously together to create a full rose. Try to arrange

ALINA BUZUNOVA

MARYALICE MANNING

these treasures to resemble how they once naturally occurred, even warping reality by replacing the true item with another (for instance, using grass blades as flower stems).

The beauty of this project

is that it can be arranged and rearranged as many ways as inspired minds can fathom, adding and taking away elements until little artist fingers need to rest. If an orientation turns into a masterpiece, let the grown-up

fire up the hot glue gun to ensure some permanence.

Never forget that nature is constantly evolving and changing, so it’s okay for the artwork to do the same. You’ll never see the same thing twice, even if the

same cherry blossom tree blooms every April in your front yard, or the same wild onion grass sprouts through the mulch bed. Let creativity flow and grow the way the Earth does.

—Haley McNish

KE HUGO

MONIKA SMIGLIELSKA

Realtor Advice at home

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Milford ? If you are like most people, it’s been a while since you found yourself in the market; prepare yourself. Mortgage rates are higher and the availability of homes is much lower than it has been for some time. According to the MLS, sale prices in Milford are up 5 percent yearly, and 98.9 percent of all homes sell for list price or above. If you want to buy and be comfortable in your home by the time the kids are in school this fall, or if circumstances in your life are having you sell, you need to pay attention to the little things that could pay big dividends.

We consulted real estate professionals across Milford to get their opinions on what you need to think about right now, and their recommendations on how to get an advantage are both enlightening and surprising.

For those who are selling a home, agents report that the market is quite positive, with record prices in places. The most important step is to get your house internet-ready. No longer is a buyer’s first encounter with your home something that happens in person—it’s online. As Kelly Hill from Coldwell Banker confirms, “In this market, not only are people from the area looking to purchase, but also from surrounding states.” To make the best first impression online, she says, “The best thing to do is to minimize personal items in the

home and have them cleaned and tidied before our professional photographer comes out.”

Dena Liberman from Weichert Realtors|On the Mark agrees. “In advance of putting your own home on the market, declutter and clear out tchotchkes, books and photographs, and excess furniture not needed so that the house feels spacious and open.” Currently, because prices are high and buyers will look for every advantage they can find, it’s important to know

your house as well as you can. Donna Tartagni from Coldwell Banker urges, “Before you put your house on the market, think about hiring a house inspector to do a preliminary inspection so there are no surprises.”

Buyers have a different hurdle to cross in this market. Kathy Dattilo of Lamacchia Realty in Milford suggests a simple strategy: “Stop waiting

for rates to go down. When this happens, we are going back to crazy bidding wars,” she says, which will make purchasing a home even harder. She advises that it is safer for a buyer to purchase now and wait to refinance later as a better economic choice. Advice to be pragmatic is common among local agents. As Peter Chapman from Coldwell Banker says, “I would advise buyers to prioritize a list of ten wants or needs they hope their next residence will fulfill and realize that in such a competitive

market, they may need to forgo a couple of these.”

Wendy Weir from RE/MAX

Right Choice advises early due diligence. “Begin your search with being pre-qualified for your purchase by a locally recommended and reliable mortgage broker. Compare various mortgage lenders and programs to see what is right for you.” Dawn Sullivan, also

with Coldwell Banker, adds, “Pre-qualification provides a competitive edge in negotiations and demonstrates to sellers that the buyer is a serious and qualified candidate. In a competitive market, where desirable properties may receive multiple offers, having preapproval can make a significant difference and increase the likelihood of a successful

purchase of the home of their dreams.”

Purchasing a home is the most important economic decision a family will ever make. Still, it is one that will undoubtedly result in the creation of beautiful memories for your family within this wonderful community.

So, to sellers, take the advice of local agents, organize the house, change your light bulbs, and put your best foot forward. Buyers, get pre-approved for your mortgage and prioritize what you can live with and can’t live without.

—Frank Farricker

eye on business Taking Care of Business

While reading this issue, you come upon ads highlighting many different types of area businesses. These advertisements capture your attention, provide information, and prompt you to schedule appointments, tackle home repairs, call for a consultation, make purchases, contact a realtor, review your finances, visit a trainer, order take-out, meet for lunch, make dinner reservations, or subscribe to this very magazine. What you may not realize is that the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce plays a major supporting role in all these instances. The chamber’s impact upon our businesses and community members is ever-present and growing.

“Our growth from 400 members in 2021 to 620 members in 2024 has made us one of the fastest growing chambers in the State,” says Michael Moses, president and CEO of the Milford Regional Chamber, who assumed his role after a long publishing career. “This achievement underscores the vibrant and thriving business landscape in the Milford region.

“Additionally, we have expanded programming by 30 percent since 2021 and added the City of West Haven to our membership in 2022,”

continues Moses. “We have also upgraded to ‘Best in Class’ with technology to our new real-time website to ensure a seamless, intuitive platform where members can easily access information, a calendar of events, online directory, newsletters… and stay informed. The site is fully integrated with our database and financial systems, so all chamber activity is updated in real-time.”

Moses credited that expansion “to the incredible efforts of our director of membership and marketing, Simon McDonald and our social

media director, Tiffany Whitaker.” He dubs McDonald “one of the best sales and event marketing professionals that I’ve ever worked with,” and credits Whitaker with providing “the secret sauce to our 20 percent growth two years running.” With an increase in the number of followers and membership, Moses noted that the Milford chamber “recently placed in the top five chambers nationally for digital engagement.”

To understand how Milford’s chamber accomplished this, it’s important to understand the basics. “The Milford Regional Chamber serves as a business organization that aims to promote and support the local business community across our region,” Moses explains. “The chamber provides a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate…by hosting networking events, business mixers, and meetings where local entrepreneurs and business owners can interact, share ideas, and form partnerships. We currently host over 200 such events during the year.”

Longtime chamber member Gloria Krouch, owner of Devon’s Bohemian High, praises the chamber’s after-hours events. “They’re such a great opportunity for building personal connections

Ribbon cuttings symbolize the culmination of hard work, planning, and dedication. The Chamber hosts more than 100 ribbon cuttings annually for businesses across Milford and West Haven.

MILFORD REGIONAL CHAMBER

with other local businesses. It’s not just about good reviews; it’s about saying, ‘Hey, I’ve met the owner … and they’re awesome. Check them out.’”

“We have been adding more in-person events and continue to do so,” says McDonald, referencing their new members-only Lunch ‘n Learn workshops that have featured topics on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and business retirement plans. “On Thursday, April 18th, the topic will be, ‘Marketing Your Business the Right Way’ to help businesses specifically tailor their marketing plans.”

The Milford Chamber of Commerce was first organized and incorporated in 1954. Over the next two decades it moved headquarters a few times before settling into the Taylor Memorial Library, built in 1894, and listed on the National

Register of Historic Places. But by 2020, the facility could no longer accommodate the chamber. “While the Taylor Building is in beautiful downtown,” Moses says, their new space at the Connecticut Post Mall “provides us 3,000 square feet, with a large conference room and advanced business technology.”

These upgrades allowed the chamber to broaden its influence, providing members under their regional umbrella with fundamental tools and connections:

ADVOCACY: The chamber advocates on behalf of local businesses, representing their interests to government bodies and policymakers. This may involve addressing regulatory issues, promoting a favorable

The Chamber’s Bridal Expo was a tremendous success with close to 50 vendors and over 300 attendees at Grassy Hill Country Club.

business environment, and supporting local economic policies.

BUSINESS SUPPORT AND RESOURCES: Various resources and support services are of-

MILFORD REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

eye on business

fered to businesses through the chamber, ranging from educational programs to access to market research. This helps businesses stay informed, improve operations, and navigate challenges.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The chamber is vital in fostering a sense of community. They organize and support events that unite residents and businesses, creating a strong local identity and promoting civic engagement.

PROMOTION AND MARKETING: Undertaking promotional activities to market the local business community is an important chamber role. This can include advertising campaigns, participation in trade shows, and other initiatives to attract customers and investors to the area.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The chamber contributes to the region’s economic development by encouraging business growth and investment. This can lead to job creation, increased tax revenues, and an overall improvement in the community’s economic well-being.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: The chamber provides educational programs and training sessions to help local businesses stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions. Examples include workshops on digital marketing, financial management, or other relevant topics.

M.J. Thomas Jewelers

“Helping Stratford Sparkle Since 1976”

Family owned since 1976, we offer a selection of fine jewelry, engagement rings, GIA certified diamonds, lab grown diamonds, estate jewelry and watches, fashionable silver designs and Citizen watches.

On site goldsmith, custom work, repair, appraisals.

The 2023 “State of the City” meeting, held at Dockside Brewery in Devon.

MILFORD

One factor distinguishing Milford’s Regional Chamber from others is its commitment to serving small- to medium-sized businesses through tailored programming and support, lobbying for tax incentives and regulatory changes, offering affordable membership options, and providing responsive and accessible leadership. Moses illustrates how smaller enterprises become empowered, saying, “We are unique in that we host three networking (Leads Groups) per week for our members. This is where mentorship comes in, with legacy members welcoming new members, helping them network, build their businesses, and identify key resources.”

Hala Urban, the West Haven branch manager of New Haven Savings Bank, speaks

highly of the community events and Friday Professional Leads Group, saying she’s “able to meet new contacts and cultivate leads by participating.”

To represent such a diverse range of businesses from various sectors, sizes, and backgrounds, Moses acknowledges that “maintaining high levels of member engagement” can

be daunting. Funding, which the chamber relies on to carry out programming, presents another challenge. Striking a balance “between resource allocation and demonstrating the value of chamber membership to businesses,” takes effort.

To help their 600-plus members transition from the old brick-and-mortar business models to ‘click and order,’ the chamber

The conference room at the Milford Chamber offices can hold over 30 people and is outfitted with advanced communication technology.

offers Digital Transformation Workshops that address various tech-related issues and topics related to e-commerce, social media, and digital marketing.

“As the social media director, I am thrilled to witness and contribute to the remarkable growth of our regional chamber,” says Tiffany Whitaker, expressing “gratitude to members and the wider community for their support, interaction, content sharing, and active participation. We are building a stronger and more connected regional business community.”

Unquestionably, the chamber’s focus on tourism creates a positive ripple effect. Through destination marketing, collaborating with local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and recreational facilities, and by publicizing local and historic

events, the chamber’s efforts to promote Milford as a tourist destination has been very successful.

Locally, chamber-sponsored community events provide exposure for sponsors and “add to the overall goodwill in the communities we serve,” says Moses. Last summer, 18 concerts held at Walnut Beach, Fowler Field, and West Haven drew record crowds. This year, the Milford Chamber Trust Golf Classic sponsored

by Colonial Toyota in support of local college students, will be held July 29th at Racebrook Country Club.

Under the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce logo is the slogan “Where Business Connects,” a three-word phrase that perfectly describes its mission. “The chamber exists to foster a thriving business environment, promote collaboration, advocate for the interests of local businesses, and contribute to the overall well-being and development of the greater Milford and West Haven communities,” says Moses. “It benefits businesses and residents by creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages economic growth, community engagement, and a vibrant local culture.”

—Cindy Papish Gerber

ANTHONY’S

Anthony Monaco, President monacofleet@gmail.com

ANTHONY’S HIGH TECH

142 Gando Dr, New Haven, CT 203.777.2260

ANTHONY’S

209 Pershing Drive, Ansonia, CT 203.718.5546

ANTHONY’S HIGH TECH

468 River Road, Shelton, CT 203.447.0585

ANTHONY’S HIGH TECH

156 Gando Dr, New Haven, CT 203.777.2260

DJ’S SERVICE CENTER INC

16 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT 203.877.2260

FOUNTAINS GARAGE LLC 117 Stiles St, New Haven, CT 203.469.6409

J&M AUTO BODY

915 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 203.874.7331

LOMBARD MOTORS LLC

140 Gando Dr, New Haven, CT 203.624.3256

LOMBARD MOTORS

61 Over Look, Hamden, CT 203.848.1788

LOMBARD MOTORS

2490 State Street, Hamden, CT 203.848.1788

MIKE’S AUTOMOTIVE

410 Clintonville Road, North Haven, CT - 203.239.2886

MILFORD COLLISION CENTER LLC

500 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT - 203.693.2828

MONACO ENTERPRISES TRUCKING

140 Gando Drive, New Haven, CT 203.624.3256

Milford Retirement Bucket List

For those who love all four seasons and not just year-round summer, Milford is full of activities to explore in retirement. Life on Long Island Sound offers an abundance of must-do opportunities to enjoy in those post-career days: living life on your own time and reporting only to yourself! Making an annual or multi-year Bucket List helps a retiree (or anyone) set goals, create milestones, and enjoy those things they haven’t had time for.

Here is a framework for your potential Retirement Bucket List, helping you fill your free time here in Milford with creative inspiration, good health, and new friends on the same journey.

1. COMMIT TO YOUR HEALTH Good mental and physical health will help you achieve and participate in the activities you put on your Bucket List, so it appears here as number one. Make a commitment to feel better in the ways that are appropriate and unique for you. Search for gyms, yoga studios, mental health professionals, or Milford nutritionists online.

2. DISCOVER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS People come from miles around to visit Silver Sands State Park and Milford’s other parks and trails. Get the brochure “Milford’s Favorite Walks” from the Milford Recreation Department and find more than 20 walks to explore. Also, have you toured the three historical homes maintained by the Milford Historical Society? Visit MilfordHistoricalSociety.org for hours of operation.

3. ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS With the longest shoreline in the state, Milford is home to many fundraising walks, runs, and other community events. Choose a specific number

in which to participate this year and make that your goal. Craft fairs, the Oyster Festival, free band concerts, farmer’s markets, and other activities can be found seasonally on www.ci.milford.ct.gov.

4. JOIN (OR START) A CLUB Think about your favorite way to spend a quiet evening at home; there’s probably a club for that, and if there isn’t, start one! Milford Library (ci. Milford.CT.us/Milford-Public-Library), Senior Center (MilfordCTSeniorCenter.com), and Adult Education (MilfordEd.org) are great places to start your search.

5. VOLUNTEER DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE Giving back to the Milford community as a volunteer can be fulfilling and fun. Visit VolunteerMatch.org or AARP.org/ volunteer and specify “Milford CT” to find opportunities near you. Alternatively, check with your place of worship or the Milford Arts Council (MilfordArts.org) for ongoing activities that meet your skills and talents.

JENNIFER MIRANDA

6. CREATE SOMETHING The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Kinship Glassworks its Annual Award of Distinction in Tourism. With guidance from their glass artists, blow molten glass into a vase,

and more. Grow your first vegetables at the BensonCrump Memorial Community Gardens on North Street. Contact the Milford Recreation Department for details. 7.

senior corner

Penny’s Bookshelf, and Little Free Library locations around town (LittleFreeLibrary.org).

8. TAKE UP BIRDWATCHING

Begin at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point (CTAudubon.org). A monthly calendar and list of programs will get you started.

9. GET A FUN PART-TIME JOB

Are you crafty? A side gig at JoAnn Fabric or Michael’s might be the perfect part-time job for you.

Think about your favorite retail, restaurant, or grocery hotspots. Which one is calling to you? Visit AARP.org/work for tips and ideas for reentering the workplace.

10. MAKE A BUCKET LIST

Use this list to create your own list that is unique to you and your interests. The important thing is to write the list and make an effort every week to check off an item. Having goals and things to look forward to make for an emotionally happy and fulfilling retirement. Enjoy it!

—Angela Arpino

The Arctic Engine

Milford citizens have been serving our city by battling fiery blazes for hundreds of years. Almost two centuries ago (186 years to be exact), fighting fire became an official service. “The Milford Fire Company was founded by a Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly on May 28, 1838,” says city historian and past Milford Historical Society president Art Stowe. “It was one of the first incorporated fire companies in Connecticut.” Twenty years after it was founded, says Stowe, “in the revised by-laws approved May 1, 1858, the company renamed itself Arctic Engine Company, No. 1.”

Now Milford’s oldest surviving fire pumper is under the wing of the Milford Historical Society (MHS). Stowe, along with former chief of the Milford Volunteer Fire Department Bob Scukas, current MHS president Chris Bishop, and retired firefighter Lou LaVecchia, led the drive to bring the Arctic Engine Company Museum and MHS together. “What better organization to be associated with than Milford Historical Society, where all Milford history can be united,

preserved, and protected together, hopefully forever, going forward,” says Scukas.

Scukas has worked with the Arctic Engine for years. “From 1838 through the present, there were hundreds of Milford citizens within the ranks Arctic Engine Company No.1, and hundreds involved with the other volunteer companies within the city,” he says, adding that Milford used “volunteer citizens to protect the town right up into the early 1980s where a full career fire department took over the ranks.”

The beloved Arctic Engine was purchased to replace old equipment that was no longer reliable. “On May 9, 1882, firemen were called to a fire at Buck’s Drug Store, but the old pumper was inoperable, and the men had to use a bucket brigade,” says Stowe. “At a meeting it was decided that the Company would purchase a new pumper from the Button Fire Engine Company in New York. On

(Left) Pumping the Arctic Engine at the annual Milford Fire Muster. (Above) A copper historical plaque marks the spot of the first Milford firehouse.

The pumper will continue to take center stage at the Milford Fire Company Museum.

May 21, 1883, the men named this new engine “ The Arctic.”

The Arctic Engine is in exceptional condition. Thousands have viewed it in action at the annual Milford Fire Muster. All of the gaskets for the pumper are made of leather and are regularly oiled to keep the leather supple, keeping the seals tight. It takes a team to operate it, working in unison. The volunteers who have kept the Arctic Engine in such remarkable condition for its age were involved in the decision to merge with the MHS.

“Every existing member voted to see this happen and will remain involved as best as possible to help this new association

grow by the forming of a new division of the Milford Historical Society,” says Scukas. Its

new name is The Milford Fire Company - A Division of the Milford Historical Society, harkening back to the department’s original pre-1858 name. The Milford Fire Company Museum, located at 55 Wheelers Farms Road next to Station No.7, is home to the Arctic Engine as well as a significant collection including fire equipment and memorabilia of the Milford Fire Service.

The MHS plans to open the museum to the public for the first time on a limited basis this summer. They also hope to offer demonstrations on occasion so Milfordites can enjoy the spectacle of its 100-foot-plus reach with a blast of water.

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

Teams of volunteers have worked for decades to preserve the Arctic Engine.

a piece of the past

Art of the Bill

Billheads, also known as invoice heads, have a rich history dating back centuries. As a formal record of transactions between buyers and sellers, these documents provide details like itemized lists of goods or services rendered, quantities, prices, and payment terms. The concept of billheads can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where trade and commerce flourished. In ancient Mesopotamia, merchants used clay tablets to record transactions that served as primitive invoices.

With the growth of trade and commerce in Europe during the Middle Ages, the need for formal documentation of transactions increased. Traders and merchants started using handwritten invoices or bills of

billheads typically included buyer and seller names, a description of the goods or services, quantity, price, and payment terms.

When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing

press in the 15th century, it revolutionized the way documents were produced. Throughout the years, printing technology has improved the standardization of billheads and increased their use in commercial transactions. As time went on, billhead designs and layouts evolved. Various decorative elements were incorporated in the 19th

century to make billheads more appealing and professional, much like early merchant trade cards, which were designed to catch the eye of consumers. The elements of billheads included intricate borders, typography, and company logos. A familiar visual component on billheads was steel-engraved vignettes of factories, shops, and products.

As technology advanced, the

(Left & Above) Billhead graphics ranged from the type of business conducted and where to product placement ala Tibbals Grocers.

creation and management of billheads changed, thanks to computers and accounting software. Electronic invoicing systems and digital billing platforms have largely replaced traditional paper invoices, which provide businesses with a more efficient and streamlined billing process. Some say that the standard business letterhead used by most companies today was inspired by billheads.

Even with technological

advancements, billheads remain an essential aspect of business transactions, serving as legal documents to record the details of commercial transactions. Businesses of all sizes continue to rely on them for accounting, record-keeping, and financial management.

—Suzanne Cahill

Bethany Holly German Funeral Director

Jessica

Apprentice

Renate

(Right) Billheads offer a glimpse into Milford’s business past.

Final Bow legacy

The Carol Farrell School of Dancing began inspiring little girls to tap and twirl in 1962. Mothers, aunts, and grandmothers—alums of the school—continued the tradition by bringing the next generation of performers through the dance studio doors for six decades. Lovely costumes and lively dances continue to delight little girls in Milford. Sadly, the matriarch Carol Farrell has left us, but the indelible impression she left upon her students will stay with them and be fondly remembered.

If you prepared to get married over the last number of decades, you may have been instructed by Carol Farrell, patiently working with stressed fiancés on their first

dance together. My personal experience attending that class was mirrored by other couples who inevitably bickered about who was moving the wrong way or who

was stepping on who’s foot. Miss Carol was always there to smooth the waters along with the dance moves.

The studio founded by Carol Farrell (right) will continue in the capable hands of her daughter.

Throwback pics from the 1970s & ‘80s show dance is always in “style” despite how styles change.

Carol Farrell’s students were family to her, and she wanted the lessons learned in her classes to help them grow. She didn’t just teach footwork; to her, dance was a way to learn much more: discipline takes fortitude, achieving goals means facing challenges,

and persistence pays off. The physicality of dance keeps bodies as well as minds sharp— lessons and techniques that can help with all the complexities of life.

Milford was very lucky to have Carol Farrell for so long…but there is another. Carol

Farrell’s daughter, also named Carol Farrell, taught with her mom for many years. She will carry on the family tradition of imparting not only dance lessons, but life lessons… and dancing with joy.

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

(Above) Young dancers perform at a dance recital. (Above right) Carol Farrell readies couples for their first dance as man and wife.

milford’s attic

MHS MEMORIES

Milford High School (MHS) closed in 1983, but for many former students the memories are as fresh as ever. Dedicated in 1951, the Class of 1955 was the first to graduate.

Athletes proudly wore their letter sweaters, like the one shown from 1963.

Girls who graduated in the Class of 1965 will remember the small cedar box (under the pennant) that each was given by the old Wayside Furniture Company on the Post Road. The Alma Mater was written by Fred W. Bayers in 1949. Yearbook styles changed with the times, while class rings maintained much of their iconic imagery.

Remember your old locker? Well, it’s still there. In 1987 when the building became the Parson’s Government Center, workers didn’t tear out hundreds of lockers. Instead, lockers were walled in so that if they are ever needed again the covering walls could be removed.

Marilyn May

Photographer: Maryalice Manning

Mae’s Diary

ugust

– I know a week by the shore is a well-deserved escape from the usual malodorous atmosphere at Van Iderstine’s. (A fat rendering industrial plant during the dog days of summer is not my favorite place to be.) Yet despite the cooling breezes and shady oasis of Harrison Park, I can’t get a certain someone out of my mind. I try not to show it, but I feel each breath is a lonesome sigh. I’ll drop Miss Hayes a postal and let her know that despite my attempts, I am not cured.

Ann McGuire

where is it?

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Answer to last issue’s quiz: The Milford inscription can be found on the Village of Devon Clock in Devon.

?

SUZANNE CAHILL

PAD