Milford Living Summer 2015

It’s good to know agents who know.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments

Clam Bake STORY AND IMAGES BY GRILL MASTER GERRY MCGUIRE

There are summertime milestones that each of us must pass before we can fully partake in the joys of

summer. Rights of passage if you will. In the old days if a child wanted a toasted marshmallow, he or she scrounged the adjacent area for a proper toasting stick (obviously this was before the days of specialty grocery stores selling perfectly symmetrical handwhittled beech wood artisanal marshmallow toasting skewers).

Finding a good stick on the ground was a simple job fit for a child and if you passed this stage you were on your way to toasting your own marshmallow.

conquer the two remaining stages, those that separate

igniting it, blackening it, or dropping it into the

the Bruce Lees from the Steven Seagals. It’s a harsh

hot coals, you moved up in the stages of mastering

reality but even Johnny the leg-sweeping Cobra Kai

summer: swimming, sandcastle building, firefly

bully from The Karate Kid knows you cannot achieve

catching, Frisbee throwing, Wiffle ball playing,

your black belt in summer mastery until you roast a

flotation inflating, cannonballing, diving, fishing,

whole pig and pull off a clambake.

and near the top rung, fireworks and demolitions

I achieved my Roasted Pig Black Belt a few years ago,

experimentation. If by chance you made it through

but only recently pulled off the five-finger death punch

this stage with all your digits more or less intact,

of all barbecuing when I kicked up a perfect clambake

then you were truly ready for the next step: barbecue

in a Weber Kettle. I am now a master of summer and

grilling.

you can be too if you follow my instructions.

You start off slow, learning how to make a fire and

Trust me, once you have cooked this feast and

keep the coals burning. Once proficient, you throw

impressed your friends, neighbors, and family

on a hot dog. When the wiener belt is achieved, you

you can sit in a lotus position with the smile of

are ready for the meat test. Sadly, cooking a good

enlightenment, confidant that you are a true master

hamburger or steak on a grill is a stage many people

of the grill, a kyoshi of the clambake, and a sensei of

simply never master. Their path toward summer

summertime. No one will dare challenge you, lest

dominance dies at this level. They stall out, left only

they desire a flying tiger roundhouse kick to the grill.

with the shameful remains of a brown belt and a

And the next time they come to your house, before

poorly cooked hamburger. But the truly bold move

the first sip of Pinot Grigio, before the first cheese

onward and upward, cooking steaks, grilling chicken,

and cracker canape, do not forget to remind them to

and smoking ribs. But to be truly great you must

humbly bow before their master.

26 Milford Living • Summer

CREDITS

Once you could toast a marshmallow without

A step-by-step guide to earning a black belt in BBQ

2015 • Milford Living 27

the 26 Mastering Backyard Clambake

A step-by-step guide to earning a black belt in BBQ. Story and images by Gerry McGuire

ays D h c a e B e l t r y M Fond Memories of Sun & Fun at The Shore

S

BY FLORENCE ZIELINSKI

Standing at the top of the hill at the corner of Maplewood Ave. and Monroe St., I can visualize the beach community of my youth—Myrtle Beach, now known as Walnut Beach. Gone are the many streets, homes, the amusement parks, and churches—all lost to hurricanes, the effects of WWII, and redevelopment more than 50 years ago.

34 Milford Living • Summer

34

2015 • Milford Living 35

Myrtle Beach Days

Fond memories of sun & fun at the shore. By Florence Zielinski

42 Sirens on the Sound MPD & MFD on the water.

By Cindy Papish Gerber

4 6 8 12 16 18 22 48 50 52 56 60 62 68 70 71 72

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters This Season Milford Fit Milford Green Milford Morsels Arts and Artisans At Your Service At Home Family Time Education Notebook Senior Corner Sunday Drive Expressions Congratulations Milford Meetups Where is it M i l f o r d

M i l f o r d

L i v i n g

L i v i n g Milford is for Living

About the cover: A summer view of Anchor Beach, the lifeguard stand, a guardian for swimmers. Back Cover: The lone tree at sunset, Anchor Beach. Cover photos by JJ Richards. His Summer

Summer

photography may be experienced at: www.singingwithlight.me

2015

2015

2015 • Milford Living 1

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director

Carlson Insurance Agcy Inc Wanda Carlson, Agent 465a Bridgeport Avenue Milford, CT 06460 Bus: 203-877-9203

Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com

J.D. Power has honored State Farm as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Life Insurance Providers.” ®

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher

Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com

Call me today to see how I can help with your life insurance needs.

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive David Frankel, Lisa Turner

Contributing Photographers

State Farm received the highest numerical score among life insurance providers in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Household Insurance and Bundling Study . Study based on 23,171 total responses measuring 21 providers and measures opinions of consumers with their life insurance provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed June-July 2014.

Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Peter Bogucki, Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Pat A. Collins, Steve Cooper, Tim Chaucer, Sherry Johnson, Tom Mackin, Gerry McGuire, Cindy Papish Gerber, Phyllis Powers, JJ Richards, Christine Rose, Brian Williams

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL

Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata

SM

1501054

Contributing Editors

Contributing Writers

Susan Carroll-Dwyer, Timothy Chaucer, Susan Glennon, Nancy Herman, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Gerry McGuire, Nick Olshansky, Cindy Papish Gerber, Christine Rose, Hayley Sanchez, Makayla Silva, Florence Zielinski

Production Manager Mario Recupido

Production Assistance

Ashley Avitabile, Maryalice Manning, Kevin Maher, Hayley Sanchez,Tamara Simpson, Zinelle

Web Design

What we write gets read.

Mario Recupido Zinelle/Z1 Design

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

Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $23.80. Newsstand: $5.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2015 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com Opinions expressed in Milford Living Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Milford Living Magazine. www.redmatpublishing.com

A distinctive voice in custom publishing

2 Milford Living • Summer

Printed in the USA. www.redmatpublishing.com

We’ve transformed a hospital. and With it, the promise of health care.

At Bridgeport Hospital you can see the promise of a new day in health care. You can see it in completely redesigned facilities like our burn center and an emergency department that is now one of the most advanced anywhere. It all points to the fact that Bridgeport Hospital is part of a healthcare system at the forefront of advancing medical research and treatment – Yale New Haven Health. We welcome the opportunities this day brings. Opportunities to do more for you. So you can do more with your life.

Welcome to the neW Bridgeport hospital. bridgeporthospital.org

sALon & bouTique

publisher’s letter Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Summer is one of the most wonderful seasons of the year here in Milford, with so much shoreline and so many lively events, the proverbial lazy days of summer are packed with friends and fun.

Milford has had a long love affair with the Sound, ever since the Free

1 Salon

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Planters purchased the land from Ansantawae. Our harbor was a lifeline to the outside world as supplies were ferried in for settlers. Locals fished and created an industry that flourished. These days there may be fewer commercial vessels, but the pleasure craft about our waters are abundant.

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sa Operating a aurant d rest Fine Seafoo years 2 4 for We are fortunate to have a vast, 14 miles of coastline—the longest in the state. Shore birds fly hundreds of miles to nest at Charles Island.

Parents teach their kids to fish on the piers. Sailors adeptly harness the wind. The beaches play host to family gatherings, picnics, and lazy days in the sun decorated with some of the finest sandcastles ever created.

For these reasons and so many others we decided to dedicate our summer issue to the great waters that envelop our community. Our

Scribners

COnSiStently reCOgnized aS the beSt SeaFOOd reStaurant in COnneCtiCut!

R E S TAU R A N T

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neighbor: sometimes disruptive, but always a companion and friend, and always there for us.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Milford Living as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. As always we look forward to hearing your story ideas and sharing your imagery of Milford, past and present, with the community.

Happy Summer Days,

SPeCial 1/2 PriCe bOttle OF wine! tuesdays and Fridays with any two entrees

Open 7 days a week for dinner only ~ 5 p.m. to close 4 Milford Living • Summer

Suzanne

2013 • Milford Living 5

readers’ letters Milford has made major changes over the past three decades. Could we get some issues of Milford yesterday, leading up to Milford today?

—Mary Ann Keckler, Valrico, FL Our Historical Perspective department is always a favorite of our readers. A Then & Now piece would be fun to do!

Absolutely love every issue, but especially the article by Andy Blair “Through the Lens.” That area was a part of the neighborhood my wife and I grew up in during the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Every photo brought back great memories. One clarification though: the “abandoned” Sauter Hotel, was clearly not abandoned in 1972. As the sign over the porch indicates it has been one of Milford’s two American Legion Posts since 1964

Drop us a line…

and still thrives today (albeit the top two floors have since been removed).

—Bob Murray, State Commander, The American Legion, Milford, CT Thank you for the clarification on the Sauter Hotel. Andy Blair was very generous in sharing his pictures and memories, and we thank him for it. We enjoyed working on this piece and wish we could have included more pictures.

Anyone else care to share?

Wish you would include more older pictures of Milford. Love the magazine!

—Linda Cronin, Milford, CT We try to include historical photos in each issue. Milford has had so many shutterbugs over the years we will never run out! If any

of our readers have some great old photos to share, we’d love to see them!

Just loved reading “Neighborhood Nostalgia”

by Alicia Donegan. Good job. I too grew up in Devon on Avon Street and remember every place she mentioned. It was a great place to live. One of my favorite times was Halloween when the merchants in Devon center let us paint the storefront windows in competition. I am so proud to say I grew up in Devon and still live in the beautiful city of Milford. Thanks for a great magazine, it’s so well done.

—Madeline DiBona Mattera, Milford, CT Thank you for mentioning the Halloween window competition. We will be talking with our business neighbors here in Devon, maybe we can revive that fun event!

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

6 Milford Living • Summer

Milford’s

#1Real Estate Office in Listings Sold

For More Than a Decade!* Bonnie Clark Barbara Zink

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Barbara Zink Barbara Oliver

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Branch Sales Manager

Debi McGInley

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The Porto Group

(203)878-7424  www.coldwellbankermoves.com  171 N. Broad Street *Based on CTMLS data for single family/condo listings closed in Milford 2001-2014

this season

S

etting out for a day on the waters of Long Island Sound is fun and exciting. Milford’s seagoing citizens can enjoy the day anchored by Charles Island, tubing along the shore, or harnessing the wind for a sail. But when your day of fun in the sun is over, where can you put your boat? At the Milford Lisman Landing Marina, residents and non-residents can dock their boats daily or seasonally. The marina is a short walk from downtown Milford and offers a safe haven for visitors and residents alike.

JJ RICHARDS (3)

Good Mooring transport to the ramp.

The boat ramp, located at the head of the harbor behind the Milford Public Library, and in short proximity to Long Island Sound, is made of concrete, is approximately 100-feet wide, and is divided into two 80-foot long guide floats. If there is a need for temporary The buildings at the landing were constructed in 1938 and served as a wastewater

and end sides of the ramp for easy loading

treatment facility for many decades until

and unloading. There is a time limit at the

the system was upgraded. The defunct

courtesy docks of a couple of hours. Time

buildings were transformed by a visionary

enough to walk to the Green for shopping or

group of locals into Lisman Landing, named

a bite to eat.

after long-serving Mayor Fred Lisman. The

Through the Harbor Management

facility was up and running in 1995, and it

Commission and Marina, boat operators

soon became a destination for boaters.

can also buy seasonal dinghy storage rack

Anyone looking to use the city’s boat ramps

8 Milford Living • Summer

tie-up, there are floats at the beginning

permits. The permits are offered to current

must have a permit sticker for the current

permit holders and unused spaces are then

year. Permit stickers can be obtained from

offered on a first-come first-serve basis. An

the City Tax Collector’s Office or at the Harbor

application for non-current holders can be

Management Business Office. They are

obtained from the Harbor Management

available to residents and non-residents alike

Commission. The dinghies being stored can-

after proof of current valid boat registration

not be longer than 9-feet and no wider than

and registration on the vehicle that is used to

4.5-feet. If the dinghy is an inflatable, it

will be assigned to the smaller racks in the

spaces are filled from a waiting list; those ap-

and watch the different types of boats go by.

back. Dingys and kayaks are a fun way to

plications are available upon request. Milford

Lisman Landing plays host to vessels from all

explore the harbor without the potentially

Harbor determines mooring space by the size

along the East Coast, as well as the occasional

significant cost and maintenance of a full

of the boat and the location from which the

international traveler. Visitors can enjoy

sized vessel.

dinghy will be launched. At the Housatonic

Milford’s rich marine history and visit the

River, the mooring slots are only determined

submarine Explorer located at the Marina,

a floating dock mooring permit, there are

by the size of the vessel. The Harbormaster

which was developed by inventor and

13 available in Milford Harbor. If residents

and Harbor Management Commission have

Milford resident Simon Lake. The Marina is

are looking for mushroom mooring permits,

the right to rearrange the mooring locations

also one of the main attractions at the annual

there are 70 available in the Housatonic

if they need to make more room for more

Milford Oyster Festival, hosting the popular

River. Floating docks and moorings are far

moorings.

antique car show that draws a wide range of

If a resident or non-resident is in need of

more affordable than traditional marinas. It

Not only does the Milford Lisman Landing

classics and their proud owners.

also affords boaters a quiet spot, away from

Marina offer great accommodations for

the hustle and bustle of a marina.

residents and non-residents for their boats,

Landing, the Marina has accommodations

the marina also offers a great place to sit and

for 35 vessels up to 65-feet with a minimum

the right of first refusal on their current spot

enjoy the day by the water. The Marina is a

depth of 7-feet of water. The amenities for

when renewal time rolls around. After that,

idyllic place to have lunch with your friends

those who stay the night include morning

Prior mooring permit holders are given

For those who stay overnight at Lisman

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coffee and newspaper, handicap accessible shower, and restroom facilities. There is 30- and 50-amp electrical service, and ice and water are also available. Reservations are a necessity for weekends during the season. If you’re looking to stay overnight call ahead for reservations.

There are only several other facilities like Lisman Landing on the Connecticut coastline.

Boaters flock from towns along the Sound to overnight there. The proximity to shops, a wide array of cuisine at local restaurants, and the variety of fairs, festivals, and events that happen nearly every weekend are quite a draw. Milford’s New England charm make it a preferred destination for seafaring folk.

—Hayley Sanchez

P l a n k S & r e c ta n g 10 Milford Living • Summer

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Sail Away

I

f you live along the Milford shoreline, or near enough to have a view of the water, you are sure to know that the best evening to invite your friends over for dinner or drinks is any Thursday night from May to September. Why? Because on Thursdays the Milford Windjammers Sailing Club provides you and your guests with a stunning and dynamic backdrop as its members enjoy their weekly Thursday Night Series sailboat race.

PVB PHOTO

milford fit

“No handicaps are taken and the races aren’t scored. It’s just for fun.”

Brian Williams, last season’s Commodore, concurs.

“It provides easy access to sailboat racing,” he agrees. “It’s inexpensive to join and there are very experienced sailors in the

Sometimes, as few as four and as many as 40 sailboats will be tacking back and forth between Milford Point and Charles Island,

sailboat races are certainly a unique bit of

club. This affords people who are interested

Milford local color.

in sailing—racing in particular—the

According to Bruce Kuryla, who served as

opportunity to come and learn from people

jockeying for position for the start of the race.

Windjammers’ Commodore in 1997 and again

who are friendly, willing to teach, and

Often the most exciting part to witness is the

in 2008, the Thursday Night Series is one of

competitive.”

start, which brings all the boats close together

the club’s most popular events.

as they try to be the first across the imaginary start line that runs between a buoy and a

“It’s a low-key way to enjoy sailing and racing with friends and family,” Kuryla says.

In addition to the Thursday Night Series, Windjammers also hosts three Eastern Connecticut Offshore Circuit Races

committee boat. Once the starting gun sounds, those watching from shore will have about an hour to enjoy the picturesque scene as the boats spread out and head along their course.

The Windjammers Thursday Night Series

12 Milford Living • Summer

‘‘

No handicaps are taken and the races aren’t scored. It’s just for fun.

’’

including the Pierce Invitational Regatta, The Overnight Invitational Regatta, and The Last Chance Regatta. It also hosts a members only Commodore’s Cup, co-hosts a Columbus Day Regatta with the Milford Yacht Club, New Haven Yacht Club, and Housatonic Boat Club, and offers members the opportunity BRIAN WILLIAMS

to participate in a number of invitational regattas hosted by other sailing clubs up and down the Connecticut coast.

The organization dates back to 1943 and, according to the group’s website

has “plenty of non-sailors” who just enjoy the

restaurants or on the grounds of Milford Boat

(www.windjammers.org), claims to offer

social aspect of the club. There is something

Works, Port Milford, or the Milford Yacht Club.

“more sailing events on and off the water

fun for just about anyone. Landlubber club

than any other organization in the Long Island

members can also enjoy Windjammers

is The Annual Port Jefferson Race and

Sound area.” In case someone is not a sailor

get-togethers, barbecues, and other social

Rendezvous, which involves a spirited race

but likes to be around the water, the group

gatherings which take place at local

Another favorite Windjammers event

Milford Yacht Club

from Milford to Port Jeff. The race is followed “Not your grandfather’ s club”

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

est. 1903

Where friendship and memories are made

Some of our member privileges

• Marina • Olympic size pool and kiddie pool • Adult sailing lessons • Children sailing and swimming lessons

Social events

Use our beautiful facility for wedding, showers, bar mitzvahs, 131 Trumbull Avenue 203-783-0060 www.milfordyachtclub.com bereavements or any other special event.

Join now and enjoy all that summer at MYC has to offer.

Sail the Sound. Enjoy the view & take a dip in the pool.

131 Trumbull Avenue 230-783-0060

www.milfordyachtclub.com 2015 • Milford Living 13

milford fit participated in this unique and popular

wives, parents and children, lifelong friends,

Windjammers tradition.

and even some who start out as strangers

“It’s a great time,” Kuryla says. “A really

but become friends. Brian Williams thinks

good race followed by a really great party!”

the membership should try to develop the

Everyone involved in Windjammers seems to agree that the best thing about the club is

BILWAZ

family friendly games and activities. Last year approximately 30 boats and 140 people

“We need more young folks in the club.

the people and the friendships that are made

Sailing is a great family sport, and we need to

around their common love of sailing.

recruit younger sailors,” Williams says.

“The club offers real camaraderie by

by a cookout on the beach, complete with

interest of the youth who sail.

Whether it is a weekend regatta, a “Women

allowing people to hook into this great

at the Helm” race, a beach barbecue, or just

network of sailors,” veteran member Candace

a friendly Thursday night competition, the

McGovern says.

Windjammers Club has something to offer

The club is what Kuryla calls “a paper club;

to anyone who loves to sail or who is eager

we have no clubhouse to maintain so we can

to give it a try. If you prefer to stay on shore,

be affordable to everyone.”

be sure to head to the beach some Thursday

There are myriad configurations of sailing

night; you are sure to love the view!

crews to be found in the club—husbands and

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milford green individuals work in the field (offshore) and in the various high level labs. Researchers come from all over the country and the world to conduct research in Milford.

“Our facility is equipped for a wide variety of research projects,” says Ronald Goldberg, supervisory research fishery biologist with the Chief Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch. “A sizeable water tank on the roof SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

feeds labs throughout the building. Water from the harbor is pumped up and distributed as needed. Research here has contributed to basic understanding of biology and reproduction of shell fish and finned fish.”

The Greenhouse for Research on Algal Mass Production

NOAA Way

Systems (GRAMPS) allows for the development of

A

s residents of a city graced with 14 miles of shoreline, we tend to favor seafood. Whether it’s a fish caught off our beaches, or a clam dug from the sand, we can enjoy the catch of the day and an ear of corn from the local farmer’s market. Fortunately, Milford is also home to one of the finest fisheries science centers in the world. In a collection of buildings along the harbor, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to insure the continued safety and sustainability of our favored fare.

algae—a key food for shellfish—to be researched at the genetic level. Insuring healthy algae insures healthy clams. Developing optimal algae growth with as little environmental impact as possible is a key component in helping shellfisheries to maintain healthy beds.

Another area of research being conducted will sound familiar as many Milford residents

Beginning as the Milford

NOAA was established in

have incorporated it into their own diets:

Laboratory in 1931, scientists

the 1970s, and enhancement

probiotics. In an effort to reduce the use of

have long been keenly

of technology, coupled with

antibiotics in hatcheries, experimentation

interested in the industries that

a federal budget, created an

with environmentally friendly probiotics to

helped found Milford. Feracious

attractive facility for scientists.

control pathogens is under way. Scientists and

fisheries along our coast were

Techniques developed over the

fishermen alike are excited by the potential of

a boon for research. Working

decades at the lab are used by

probiotics to increase production.

hand-in-hand with local fish

researchers around the globe.

and shell fishermen, the work

Studies abound within the

Though genetics may be Greek to most of us, the folks at the fisheries know their

of scientists to keep our waters

NOAA complex with 28-30

nucleotides from their deoxyribose. “Our

and its inhabitants healthy

researchers working on site

facility is fortunate to have a PCR sequencing

continues to this day.

at any given time. Teams and

machine,” explains Goldberg. “It stands for

16 Milford Living • Summer

Polymerase Chain Reaction which creates an opportunity for researchers to observe the functional analysis of genes. It allows for study of hereditary diseases, infectious diseases, and genetic tendencies.” This state of the art tool, according to Goldberg, enables scientists “to conduct next-level research. We are very fortunate to have one.”

From its humble beginnings in 1931, founding scientist Dr. Victor Loosanoff sought to

sound for research.” The NOAA lab maintains

tanks filled with wondrous creatures. Since

establish a home for research, and he certainly

two Boston Whalers for expeditions as well.

the researchers’ work is generally unknown

succeeded. Dr. Loosanoff remained director of

A dive team can monitor beds first hand in a

to the public, they enjoy the opportunity

the facility throughout the 1960s.

natural environment.

to meet the community and discuss their

One of the three vessels used for field work

Once a year, the NOAA labs open their

is named in his honor. “The Victor Loosanoff

doors to the public. In 2015 the date is set

is an old Coast Guard boat,” says Goldberg.

for October 17th. Visitors can view the labs,

“At 49-feet it allows us to venture out in the

speak with researchers, and get a peek at

important research. The Open House is free and open to the public.

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

Milford Living Butterfly Ad 2015_Milford LIving Butterfly Ad 2015 6/2/15 12:25 PM Page 1

Walk with Exotic Butterflies Now on exhibit through Labor Day. Getting close to our animals, brings you and yours closer together.

MaritimeAquarium.org

2015 • Milford Living 17

Bistro By The Sea F rom Gulf and Anchor’s name and decor, you could be fooled into believing it’s all about the seafood, but this bistro by the beach offers a far more diverse array than that. From steaks to raw bar, vegetarian, designer flatbreads, and a good sampling of gluten free items, there is a wide variety from starters to finish.

CHRISTINE ROSE (3)

milford morsels

GULF AND ANCHOR 141 Merwin Avenue Milford 203.977.9300 www.gulfandanchor.com Tuesday – Saturday: Opens 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday

The newly revamped eatery boasts a crisp nautical theme with navy blue, white, and

who are watching their pennies will be able

beige decor, bringing salt, sea, and sails

to indulge and walk away sated, while those

immediately to mind. Banquettes lined

willing to spend a little more will have a full

with plush pillows of various shades of blue

share of upscale fare.

promise a relaxed sophisticated evening of gastronomy.

Gulf and Anchor is located at the former

The menu is inspired and the magic is in the details. Chef Jeffrey Renkl, the owner of the award-winning Cafe Routier in

Beach House Restaurant on Merwin

Westbrook and previously of Les Halles in

Avenue. Most of the interior, and even the

Manhattan, is a joy to watch as he prepares

architecture has changed, but those who

dishes a la minute. His passion is in action as

fondly remember the beautiful bar area will

he sips a sauce, swoons, and offers a taste to

feel right at home as the antique bar has

anyone nearby.

been left intact.

The menu is priced for all to enjoy. Those

18 Milford Living • Summer

The menu boasts a Raw Bar that includes sashimi style Ahi Tuna Poke, served with

coast oyster or its briny cousin from the east.

A fragrant citrus granitas accompanies the roasted oysters, while fried oysters are served burger-style on soft small rolls.

Mussels are served in cast iron pans or tight-lidded pots, in three different styles: Marseille, Thai, and Belgium Ale. There is a Portuguese stew and a clam chowder to die for if you happen to like a buttery broth flavored with smoky pork and crisp, though fragile and dainty bits of vegetables.

The salads are sophisticated; one is called the Little Gem, aptly named, though the menu description does not do it justice. a light, fresh mango sauce. Light and fresh

served raw, some roasted, and both slide

Baby arugula in a light but flavorful tomato

comes to mind with many of the dishes, and

smoothly from their shells balanced atop a

vinaigrette is delicate and as lovely to look

there are oysters for every palate. Some are

bed of rock salt. Choose from the sweeter west

at as it is to eat. Also on the starter menu

Brunch at the ‘Bridge

Served 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Sundays

All egg dishes are served with toast and breakfast potatoes.

Egg Whites available

LobStEr DinnEr SpEciALS

EVErY WEDnESDAY! 4 pm – close includes Lobster, corn on cob, baked potato $15 Single / $25 twin

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Party at the Bridge / All Patios Now Open / Weekend Entertainment / Brick Oven Pizza

50 Daniel Street, Milford 203-874-7947 www.stonebridgerestaurant.com 2015 • Milford Living 19

milford morsels are pork bellies, marinated and cooked in their juices, served with rhubarb chutney. So mouth wateringly luscious, Sous Chef Mark Touranjo said, “It’s insane how good they are.”

There are pan fried and pan roasted cod and salmon dishes, served with a variety CHRISTINE ROSE (2)

of sides including Spring Pea and Morel Mushroom Risotto, Quinoa Pilaf with Spring Veggies, a few varieties of fingerling potatoes, pomme frites, and more.

The menu will chang weekly and seasonally.

restaurants Roomba, Bespoke, and several

are serious about our ingredients. We have a

others in the Branford/New Haven area.

little of everything.”

Suzette Franco-Camacho was hired to

“The best thing about Gulf and Anchor is

The restaurant is owned by Frank Perrotti

redesign the restaurant and its image. A

that people can come in everyday and find

Jr, who also owned 500 Blake Street, Colonial

veteran with 28 years in the industry, she and

something different for their moods,” she

Times, and The Beach House. Franco-

her husband Arturo owned and operated the

says.”We don’t want to seem fancy, but we

Camacho said that she feels right at home

Serving up slices since 1986 I & II

Classic Napolitana Apizza Baked in Fire Brick Ovens Original Family Recipe 203.874.0215

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20 Milford Living • Summer

working at the Gulf and Anchor and

white beans, artichokes, swiss chard,

that she appreciates Perrotti’s care

and roasted garlic. There is also the

in every detail—from the restaurant

pasta with clams and white wine

furnishings to the freshness of the

sauce, and a colorful faux pasta made

ingredients in the food.

by shredding squash and zucchini with

For those looking for an elegant

arugula pesto over grilled chicken.

seaside party atmosphere, the

For those who come in with a hefty

generous room upstairs has water

appetite, main dishes include the pan

views. The entire restaurant can

roasted seafoods and steak with a price

seat more than 200 guests, and

line from $21-29.

that number will increase once the

Desserts, like the breads, biscuits,

outdoor dining area is complete.

and everything else on the menu, are

Menu prices range from $8-12 for

homemade and will change regularly.

appetizers, $18 for mussel pots, and

However, you will almost certainly

$14-16 for medium plates which

find homemade ice cream, pies, or

includes a thick slab of Hearth Roasted

cobblers, and other sweet treats.

Eggplant piled high with a stuffing of

—Christine Rose

great banquet room for all your company or private parties with seating up to 80 Prix Fix menu

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www.milfordbridgehouse.com Hours: Lunch Monday to Saturday 11:30am to 4pm | Dinner Sunday thru Thursday 4pm to 9pm | Friday and Saturday 4pm to 10 pm | Bar Open Late | Outdoor Patio Open

2015 • Milford Living 21

arts + artisans with seniors; everyone petting the dogs out for a walk; the buses from assisted living facilities; mingling in line at the ice cream truck. Friday nights in Milford are a real slice of Americana— the way small towns used to be.”

The Summer Nights by Harbor Lights concert series is held at the Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion on Friday evenings from 7:00–9:00 p.m. This year, the series begins on Friday,

ome summer, the Sound will offer panoramic vistas of boaters anchoring at Charles Island on Saturday afternoons. The smell of suntan lotion and Goodies French fries will fill the salty air at Gulf Beach. And everything from The Beatles and Rolling Stones to R&B and Motown favorites will be rocking at any of the city’s free summer concerts.

PHYLLIS POWERS (3)

The Summer Wind C

June 12 and runs through August 7. The season opener featured the Milford Concert Band with a blend of pop and show tunes.

In the weeks following, Jay Rowe & Friends entertained with smooth jazz, and July will bring the ever-popular The Bernadettes, sharing their unique mix of R&B classics from James Brown, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye—sounds that have earned them titles like New Haven’s number one bar band and the New Haven Advocate’s Best Rhythm

For countless locals, one free summer

on the Green and

and Blues Band.

concerts series has become an annual

when crowds grew

tradition, with families of all sizes heading

too large for the

band What Up Funk,

downtown to enjoy musical entertainment on

venue, moved to

known for its high

Friday nights. Milford Harbor will once again

Fowler Field about

energy dance repertoire,

serve as the picturesque backdrop for eight

15 years ago.”

summer concerts set for 2015.

The concerts, which began in the mid-1970s and were originally held on the Green, are now known as “Summer Nights by Harbor

According to Otzel, his colleague, Bob

The seven-piece soul

will play July 24, followed on July 31 by That Band playing ‘80s

Kapusta played saxophone in bands during

party tracks. Milford’s very own Rumrunners

high school and college.

will close the 2015 season on August 7 with a

“He saw the concerts as a means to promote

performance guaranteed to have the crowd

Lights.” They are hosted by the Milford

music in town. He was also of the belief that we

Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with

make our living as attorneys in Milford so we

the downtown-based law firm Kapusta, Otzel

should bring something back to the community.

Chamber, says the 2015 season will really “get

& Averaimo.

The concerts are a great way for Milford

the pavilion rocking.”

“Our firm has been sponsoring concerts for 27 years,” says attorney Paul Otzel. “We started

22 Milford Living • Summer

residents to come together, all ages, in a sense of community: babies and toddlers interacting

singing and dancing up a summer storm!

Kathy Alagno, president of the Milford

“Twenty years ago there was a lot of big band, show tunes, and classical music with

maybe one to two rock n’ roll bands,” Alagno

Across town, the Walnut Beach Association

says. “Now you’ll see young families with

will offer its own free summer concerts for its

small children to middle aged and seniors that

fifth consecutive year. Milford resident Wendy

are up and dancing.”

Terenzio, has been the guiding force in the

The summer concert series is a way for the

series since she saw the Devon Rotary pavilion

Chamber to give back to the community and

and felt the need to fill it with music.

bring people to the downtown area.

“When I joined the Walnut Beach

“There’s nothing nicer than being on

Association and saw what they were doing

Milford Harbor on a warm summer night with

in the community, I knew it would be a

a breeze blowing and relaxing at a concert,”

good addition in a time when they were in

Alagno says. “Hopefully visitors will stop in for dinner at one of the local restaurants or

Friday nights at the concerts with her family.

“I go with my mother, my husband, and our

the midst of the beautification process and building up local businesses,” Terenzio says.

pop into one of the many shops downtown.”

toddler,” Soter says. “People bring blankets

This season will bring 11 concerts, the most

Milford resident Kelly Soter is one of those

and chairs and everyone dances. It’s a great

the Association has hosted, kicking off on July

way to unwind and start the weekend off.”

4 with The Paul Leonard Band. After that the

folks, and she looks forward to spending

NEBC_MilfordLiving_qtrpg_Layout 1 5/31/2015 12:36 PM Page 1

NEDA_MilfordLiving_qtrpg_Layout 1 5/31/2015 3:26 PM Page 1

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2015 • Milford Living 23

arts + artisans series moves to Sundays from 4:00 – 7:00

with covers of Motown favorites, and, on

p.m. through August 30 .

August 23, Le Mixx, a New Haven-based

th

band with 30 years of experience playing entertaining dance covers like “Uptown

seasons, as well as plenty of new faces offering

Funk” and “Tell Me Something Good.”

Afro-Cuban jazz, Motown, and R&B.

PHYLLIS POWERS

Terenzio says the season will bring back a number of repeat bands from previous

According to Terenzio, past concerts

Fan favorites include the Signature Band,

typically draw anywhere from 300-800 people

who will entertain with a blend of rock, dance,

each week, with the final concert of 2014

concerts have become a much-anticipated

and current hits on July 5, followed by the

drawing thousands. “It’s something in the

event by area locals.

well-seasoned Primetime on July 19, playing a

community that people can look forward to.

mixture of party tunes. The blues and funk of

They can go to the beach for the day and pack

good way to become more of a community,”

the Kathy Thompson Band takes center stage

a picnic, sit under the pavilion, and listen to

he says. “With the pavilion, pier, and

on July 26.

some music they’re familiar with,” she says.

boardwalk, we’ve got great bones for hosting

August 2 will bring newcomers like Tim

According to Walnut Beach Association

Currie’s Motown Review, a 13-member band

 

         

 



24 Milford Living • Summer



 

          









 









         

       





Family arts activities, games,  workshops, dance, artisans,  theater, music, food, and more... 

—Makayla Silva

 

         



concerts here.”

president Joe Garbus, the free summer

       

       

“Offering the free summer concerts was a

  “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for   its dead and I will measure with mathematical  exactness the tender mercies of its people,  their respect for the laws of the land and their  Ewart Gladstonr, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom loyalty to high ideals.” – William  



  

 



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Clam Bake A step-by-step guide to earning a black belt in BBQ STORY AND IMAGES BY GRILL MASTER GERRY MCGUIRE

There are summertime milestones that each of us must pass before we can fully partake in the joys of

summer. Rights of passage if you will. In the old days if a child wanted a toasted marshmallow, he or she scrounged the adjacent area for a proper toasting stick (obviously this was before the days of specialty grocery stores selling perfectly symmetrical handwhittled beech wood artisanal marshmallow toasting skewers).

Finding a good stick on the ground was a simple job fit for a child and if you passed this stage you were on your way to toasting your own marshmallow.

26 Milford Living • Summer

conquer the two remaining stages, those that separate

igniting it, blackening it, or dropping it into the

the Bruce Lees from the Steven Seagals. It’s a harsh

hot coals, you moved up in the stages of mastering

reality but even Johnny the leg-sweeping Cobra Kai

summer: swimming, sandcastle building, firefly

bully from The Karate Kid knows you cannot achieve

catching, Frisbee throwing, Wiffle ball playing,

your black belt in summer mastery until you roast a

flotation inflating, cannonballing, diving, fishing,

whole pig and pull off a clambake.

and near the top rung, fireworks and demolitions

I achieved my Roasted Pig Black Belt a few years ago,

experimentation. If by chance you made it through

but only recently pulled off the five-finger death punch

this stage with all your digits more or less intact,

of all barbecuing when I kicked up a perfect clambake

then you were truly ready for the next step: barbecue

in a Weber Kettle. I am now a master of summer and

grilling.

you can be too if you follow my instructions.

You start off slow, learning how to make a fire and

Trust me, once you have cooked this feast and

keep the coals burning. Once proficient, you throw

impressed your friends, neighbors, and family

on a hot dog. When the wiener belt is achieved, you

you can sit in a lotus position with the smile of

are ready for the meat test. Sadly, cooking a good

enlightenment, confidant that you are a true master

hamburger or steak on a grill is a stage many people

of the grill, a kyoshi of the clambake, and a sensei of

simply never master. Their path toward summer

summertime. No one will dare challenge you, lest

dominance dies at this level. They stall out, left only

they desire a flying tiger roundhouse kick to the grill.

with the shameful remains of a brown belt and a

And the next time they come to your house, before

poorly cooked hamburger. But the truly bold move

the first sip of Pinot Grigio, before the first cheese

onward and upward, cooking steaks, grilling chicken,

and cracker canape, do not forget to remind them to

and smoking ribs. But to be truly great you must

humbly bow before their master.

2015 • Milford Living 27

CREDITS

Once you could toast a marshmallow without

Step-by-Step

out paperwork. If you’re like me, the idea of

your sensei has specifically forbidden you

A classic New England clambake sounds great

attaining and filling out permits just to chomp

from filling out paperwork, the solution is to

in theory; you go to the beach, dig a hole and

on a lobster is about as un-American as it gets.

cook all those classic New England clam bake

cook your stuff. Simple…or maybe not. First

(It’s a well-known fact that black belt summer

ingredients inside the old summer work-

you have to lug all the ingredients to the

masters do not do paperwork. Nothing throws

horse known as the Weber Kettle barbecue

beach. That’s a lot of work, and unless you own

off a Kung Fu cooking master’s chi more than

grill. Just like a blue blazer and good pock-

beachfront property, it can be difficult to find a

waiting in line to beg a clerk to pretty please

etknife, no one should be without a Weber.

location for your clambake. Many places don’t

let me dig a hole in the sand. Summer masters

You can have the fanciest stainless steel,

allow fires on the beach. Worse yet, if they do

do not grovel).

rotisserie, griddle, waffle-making gas grill in

allow fires, you have to get permits and fill

So if you still want to have a clambake but

town, but you’re nothing but a yellow-belt unless you have a Weber somewhere in the

Gather Your Ingredients

back of your garage.

So you’ve got your Weber or another deep charcoal grill with a lid. Perfect. Here then

is your step-by-step guide to mastering the backyard clam bake.

You will need:

• 1 - 20 lb. bag of Kingsford original charcoal briquettes • 1 - 20 lb. bag of lump

Once you have gathered up the substantial • 4 – 1 lb. lobsters or two 2 lb. lobsters • 1 dozen little neck clams • 1 dozen blue mussels

• 1 dozen new potatoes

list of ingredients it’s time to get to work. It

• 1 dozen peeled garlic cloves

will take you a few hours to do this correctly

• Herbs: rosemary,

so plan accordingly.

thyme, sage

charcoal (I use Cowboy

• Crab legs

• Butter

Hardwood brand)

• Chorizo or other smoked

• Nut crackers for lobster

• 1 - 40 lb. bag of polished

sausage

beach pebbles (I got mine

• 4 lemons, quartered

at Home Depot)

• Shucked corn

• 10 lbs. or more of seaweed*

• 1 large onion cut into

claws • Salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning • 3 eggs

eighths

Step 1: LIGHT THE GRILL. Take out the grate of the BBQ and put it aside, it will not be needed. Make sure the air vents on the underside of the kettle are halfway open. Spread out enough charcoal briquettes

*Note: This is very important. You cannot recreate a proper clambake without briny, sea-

to cover the entire bottom

smelling, wet seaweed. You can get it from any good fish market, but call ahead and make sure

of the grill and light it up.

they have it. If not they can order you some. If none is available or it is out of season, you can

(I use a charcoal chimney

rehydrate dried seaweed you can order online (try www.vitaminseaseaweed.com).

to start my fires, but lighter

28 Milford Living • Summer

fluid is a fun, eyebrow-singing option).

Once the coals are white hot it’s time for the next step.

Step 2: ADD PEBBLES. Pour the bag of

rocks on top of the coals and spread them out with a shovel until they are evenly distributed and cover the charcoal. During this step if you have a charcoal chimney you can fill it with more charcoal briquettes and light it off to the side. Wait until the rocks begin to heat up. Some may fracture slightly, so don’t lean in too much.

Step 3: ADD MORE BRIQUETTES. After

the rocks are heated, cover them with a new layer of charcoal briquettes (those ones you’ve had on the side). Wait until this charcoal is burning thoroughly.

Step 4: ADD A LAYER OF LUMP CHARCOAL. This might seem redundant, but the

idea is to get the rocks super-hot, at least 400 degrees. The lump charcoal burns hotter and faster and will ensure the rocks are hot enough after the seaweed is added.

Step 5: WET YOUR SEAWEED. You’re go-

amount of seaweed over the lump charcoal

ing to want to have very moist seaweed to keep

until it’s completely covered. You want the

the steam coming. So make sure to soak it for 10

layer to be a good 4-5 inches deep. It is at this

minutes in a bucket if it has started to dry out.

stage where the beach comes directly into

Step 6: ADD THE SEAWEED. Once the

your backyard: the briny smell emanating off the seaweed is so amazing you could be

charcoal is all white and burning down it’s

on a ranch in Kansas and swear you’re on the

time to add the seaweed. Place a healthy

beach in Cape Cod.

2015 • Milford Living 29

steaming. Once covered with seaweed, place your eggs on top of the seaweed. These are quite literally, your egg timers. When all of the eggs are hard boiled, your food will be ready to eat. Put the lid on the BBQ and open the vents a crack to let some steam to escape.

Step 9: CHECK YOUR TIME. After 45 minutes check one egg.

If it’s fully cooked you can start to peel off the seaweed to check on your lobsters, clams, and mussels. If your mussels and clams are open and your lobsters are bright red, your food is done.

Step 10: PLATE IT UP. Use long

tongs, peel away the top layer of seaweed, and put it aside. Use your tongs to put all of your food on plates.

Step 7: LAYER YOUR FOOD. Put your corn, potatoes, and sausage onto the seaweed. Onto that, add the mussels, clams, crab legs, and lobsters. Toss the garlic, onion, herbs, and a few lemon wedges onto the pile and sprinkle with some salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.

Step 8: COVER YOUR FOOD WITH

ANOTHER MOUND OF SEAWEED. Cover all the food thoroughly to ensure a good even

30 Milford Living • Summer

Step 11: BUTTER, CRACK,

AND CHOW. Melt some butter, crack some claws, and dig in to your authentic-tasting New England clam bake.

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2015 • Milford Living 31

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D h c a e B e l t r My Fond Memories of Sun & Fun at The Shore

S

BY FLORENCE ZIELINSKI

Standing at the top of the hill at the corner of Maplewood Ave. and Monroe St., I can visualize the beach community of my youth—Myrtle Beach, now known as Walnut Beach. Gone are the many streets, homes, the amusement parks, and churches—all lost to hurricanes, the effects of WWII, and redevelopment more than 50 years ago.

34 Milford Living • Summer

s y Da

2015 • Milford Living 35

The beautiful sandy beach remains and

down to the beach at the start of the summer

orange jingle shells. I would sweep them up

brings back happy memories. Now I see

season was to Footes Ice Cream Parlor/Variety

by the handful. Even the seaweed was fun

condos, apartments, a pier, and a pavilion, but

Store, located where the Rotary Pavilion now

to play with. I would pop the little “bubbles”

in my mind I can hear the music of the merry-

stands. I had to get my rubber bathing shoes,

and squirt my friends with water.

go-round, skating rink, calliope, and motor

bathing cap, and if I was lucky, a swimming

boats. I can also smell the scents of hamburg-

tube. The shoes never lasted the season,

on pilings a few feet above the sand. This

ers, hot dogs, onions, pizza, and popcorn from

why we needed a bathing cap I could never

left a cool damp place to crawl under—

the many refreshment stands and restaurants,

understand, and who wanted the tube when

which was a perfect place to sit and cool

plus the fresh salty sea air. I live up the hill in

it was more fun to swim under water?

off from the hot sand and sun. Many of

this close knit beach community.

As a child in the late 1930s, my first walk

Cottages lined the shore and were built

The beach was covered with a variety

the houses had displays on their porches

of shells, especially my favorite yellow and

of handmade shell sculptures for sale as

(Left) Florence gets ready for a dip in the Sound; (lower right) years later, Florence and her friend, Dorothy Walker Sanders, soak up the sunshine. (Other photos on these two pages) Shops and snacks were on every block, amusements were a favorite of kids and grown-ups alike, and neighborhood get-togethers were fun for all.

Myrtle Beach Days

36 Milford Living • Summer

and even food were lined up along shelves, enticing people to play.

The Walnut Beach Amusement Park was neither large nor enclosed like the parks of today. We could stroll everywhere and pay souvenirs of Myrtle Beach.

for the rides of our choice; the rides and con-

Low tide brought out the clam and crab

cession stands were usually privately owned.

diggers. Bubbles dotting the sandbars showed

My favorites were the merry-go-round and

where to dig and the clammers’ buckets were

the bumper cars. On the merry-go-round,

filled quickly. Fishing was also a popular

I would try to reach for the brass ring; this

activity. There were two boat and bait

entitled you to a free ride! I never succeeded.

shops: Mickey’s and Williams’. Both rented

Other rides included the Greyhound

rowboats for fishing in Long Island Sound

Roller Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Dodge-em Cars,

or just for pleasure rowing around Charles

Twister, and several kiddie rides. In the upper

Island. Williams’ had an outboard motorboat

park area there was the popular Wonderland

used for towing the fishermen a mile or more

Roller Skating Rink.

from shore. After enough fishing for the day,

We were also fortunate to have two movie

the fishermen placed an oar in the air—this

theaters, one at the corner of Broadway and

signaled the towboat to return and bring

Naugatuck Ave. and the other at Colonial

them back to shore. Many other fishing boats

and the Tower, now St. Gabriel Church Hall.

could be seen off in the distance.

All the major movies of the day were shown

In the mid 1940s and 1950s, my frequent

along with newsreel, cartoon, and previews

summer evening activity was to walk down

of coming attractions. For a little more than a

the hill to join friends. Summer brought to

dime, this was good entertainment.

life all the stands: food, games of chance, and

To me, the beach was always there with

the Walnut Beach Amusement Park. One of

all it had to offer. I never considered it a

our stops would be the penny arcade. We

vacation destination, but when relatives

had to make certain that the laughing gypsy

pated in the many games of chance at the

visited throughout the summer to go to

fortune telling lady in a large glass case was

stands. I can recall the clack-clack sound

Myrtle Beach, they were arriving from the

still there. Boys crowded around the pinball

of the large spinning wheel. Other games

Bronx and towns in northern Connecticut,

machines. In back of the stands one could

included throwing darts at balloons, shooting

filling my home with fun. The whole beach

hear the noises from the bowling alley.

moving ducks, and ring-toss. Prizes of stuffed

area offered the numerous tourists rooms

animals, Depression glass dishes, cigarettes,

and cottages to rent, and even several hotels

It was usually the tourists who partici-

2015 • Milford Living 37

(Left) Two theaters showed Hollywood’s latest features to residents and vacationing beach goers alike; (below) likewise, the Photo Mart developed memories for locals and tourists. (Bottom) shop keepers kept their businesses in ship-shape.

Myrtle Beach Days were available here. The Sound View Hotel

and its Emerald Room was popular evening

first local mail-order service.

One of my favorite stands was Penuchies

spots for adults. Many of the same families

with their delicious hamburgers. The cook-

came year after year.

ing smells drew you to the place. Merwin’s

Visitors arrived with their small Brownie

Frozen Custard stand was often a must-stop

relaxing under our apple trees.

Box cameras to record their special time at

after the long walk along East Broadway, but

the beach. This was no problem since the

Kohr Brothers was the best. I can still taste

had an airplane ride from a Milford Beach

Photo Mart had a great reputation of develop-

the strawberry frozen custard. Many Sunday

Airfield? In the late 1940s, a friend and I rode

ing film. It took a few days to get your prints,

afternoons my mother would send me down

our bikes along East Broadway to the airfield,

but it was worth the wait. I still have small

the hill on my bike to purchase a quart of this

located at what is now Silver Sands State

black and white photos taken 70 years ago, as

special treat. It was a challenge to bike all the

Park. My friend’s father had a pilot’s license

good as new. The Photo Mart also offered the

way home before it melted to enjoy while

and offered to take us for a plane ride. With

38 Milford Living • Summer

How many people can claim that they

little hesitation, we agreed. What a thrill flying along the beautiful shoreline, over the park and even my home. Of course, when my mother heard about my adventure, she was horrified. For me, it was awesome!

Today I still enjoy my beach— a great place to stroll through the sand, find an occasional jingle shell, walk the boardwalk, and stand on the pier to look out over the water. I read the names of people and places on the bricks around the memorial monument and reminisce, or relax on a bench to enjoy a treat from Walnut Beach Creamery.

2015 • Milford Living 39

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SIRENS ON THE SOUND SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

by Cindy Papish Gerber

42 Milford Living • Summer

C

ome summertime in Milford, we live the life aquatic. Our sunfilled days are spent in and around the water—fishing, boating, surfing, swimming, or walking along the sandy shores. But like it or not, these activities can pose significant safety risks.

2015 • Milford Living 43

tion of life and property, whereas the

not one—but two resources that provide

police’s main goal is law enforcement,”

comprehensive emergency assistance

Capt. Carman says.

and Milford Police Department (MPD).

The MPD and MFD units benefit from “a

Oceans 14 Enforcing the law in what Sgt. Nielsen describes as “a non-traditional environ-

crucial partnership when responding to

ment” is all in day’s work for the 14 highly

different types of incidents,” says Sergeant

skilled officers of the MPD Marine Unit (12

Jeffrey Nielsen, a supervising member of

men and two women).

Milford’s Marine Unit and Dive Team.

“With the recent implementation of the

CINDY PAPISH GERBER

units of the Milford Fire Department (MFD)

“We deal with the same situations on water that we do on the land,” Sgt. Nielsen

police and fire dispatcher centers, we share

says. “Responding to boaters in distress,

information more effectively when receiv-

sinking vessels, vessel fires, missing boats or

ing calls for water-related services, train

persons around the shoreline, and medical

together in diving environments, and work

emergencies.”

each year on hurricane preparedness and response.” Sgt. Nielsen says.

The coordinated evacuation and rescue ef-

According to Sgt. Nielsen, “Unit members also monitor the security of critical infra-

the Influence) regulations and safe boating

structure, enforce state and local laws and

initiatives.

forts of the two teams during super storms

regulations, and perform inspections of

Irene and Sandy proved invaluable.

vessels in a proactive effort to make our lo-

Upon closer inspection, the Fire and Police Marine units “are apples and oranges, since we have two different job descriptions

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

within our waterways: the Marine and Dive

Ten members of the MPD Marine Unit

cal waterways and beaches more enjoyable and secure for everyone.”

They’re involved in several search

make up the Dive Team.

“These divers are involved in many operations involving evidence recovery for weapons, disposed safes, vehicles, and

and functions,” says Captain Greg Carman,

and rescue operations a year concerning

a training/public information officer with

unaccounted-for boaters or kayakers,

Milford Fire/Rescue.

respond to incidents of drowning, and are

incorporates classroom lessons, hands-on,

proactive in enforcing BUI (Boating Under

open water and shore dives, prepares them

“Our primary job on the water is protec-

bodies,” says Nielsen.

Their monthly training program, which

(Top) Patrol Sergeant & U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain Joseph DeStefano performs a systems check. (Middle) New infared cameras aid in finding heat signatures, making rescue operations more successful. (Bottom) The former police boat served Milford well since 1990.

44 Milford Living • Summer

COURTESY OF MILFORD POLICE DEPT.

T

The city of Milford is fortunate to have

for underwater missions and targets the interests of public and diver safety.

When first established in the summer Milford’s waters in a small inboard/outboard boat obtained by former Mayor Alan Jepson. One year later, the Dive Team was organized with four charter members—each of whom were responsible for purchasing their own diving equipment. Former Police Chief Thomas Flaherty was part of the group. In an MPD document he reported that “Within that first year of

COURTESY OF MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

of 1969, Marine unit officers would patrol

deployment for the Marine Unit and the SCUBA Team, the team was on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.”

By 1975, the MPD acquired its first boat, a 40-foot retired U.S.

ments not conducive

Coast Guard utility vessel previously used by the New Haven Police. This was subse-

to the larger vessel.

writing criteria in order to obtain the FEMA

Captain Marschner,

money.”

who is a supervisor of both

quently replaced in 1994 by a 32-foot

together, strictly following the grant-

teams, emphasizes that MPD secured

“Prior to obtaining this boat, we didn’t have the resources we needed,” says Sgt.

retired Ports and Waterways U.S. Coast

the new vessel and replacement dive team

Nielsen. “Now, the biggest thing we have—

Guard surplus vessel.

equipment “through three Federal Port

by far—is greater capabilities to provide

Security Grant Awards: 2012, 2013, and

public safety services on a local and regional

2014.” Marschner and Sgt Nielsen “worked

level.”

Today, the MPD utilizes a gleaming $375,000, 34-foot North River by Alamar “Valor” enclosed cabin vessel with twin 350-horsepower outboard engine and equipped with a state of the art SIMRAD Navigation System computer that integrates radar, GPS, thermal imaging, infrared camera, and side scan sonar which “In-season the boat is docked at Milford Boat works. Off-season it goes back to Lisman Landing,” says Captain Brandon Marschner, a 17-year veteran (15 spent on in the Marine Unit and on the Dive Team.)

A second 19-foot Zodiac Rigid Hull inflatable boat with a 115-horsepower outboard engine is used for operations and environ-

COURTESY OF U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

allows capture of underwater imagery.

2015 • Milford Living 45

Smoke on the Water

Marine 1 responds to an average of 12-20

MFD’s Marine 1 vessel may be two

emergency calls per year

decades old, but an entire refurbishment

Purchased through a combination of state

of every inch of the 27-foot, 25-horsepower

grant money and local fundraising, the

aluminum fire boat was completed in 2014.

vessel is usually docked at Port Milford. But when the harbor froze this winter, it was

the sole purpose of pumping water and/

dry-docked off of Wheelers Farm Rd. The

or foam at 1,500 gallons per minute,” says

vessel is fully equipped with radar, chart

Capt. Carman. “This was put to good use last

plotting, night vision sonar, and systems

spring and fall when we had two fires: a

able to deploy containment booms for

commercial fishing boat in the Housatonic

mitigating hazardous waste.

and a 20-foot sailboat right outside the

“Most importantly,” Carman states, “this

COURTESY OF MILFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Yacht Club.”

46 Milford Living • Summer

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER (2)

“It has a separate Chevy-built engine for

boat is also used for our Water Response

dangerous situations. They’re not familiar

Team, which covers diving operations.”

with area tides, don’t possess open water

Always at the ready is MFD’s second

skills, and don’t recognize they’ve made a

boat, Marine II, a 19-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable used primarily for search and rescue,

mistake until it’s too late.”

Milford’s 108 firefighters all receive

“which happens at least four times a year,”

varying degrees of marine training. They

says Carman. Throughout his 27-year tenure

learn operations, rescue, navigation, boat

with the MFD, Carman says he’s noticed

familiarization, fire extinguishing, and

that “it’s mostly visiting kayakers and

emergency medical techniques.

canoers—not locals—who wind up in these

“In rotating groups of three, firefighters

train on the larger boat every three days,” Carman explains. “This is to make sure every piece of equipment is working and gives the men opportunities to refresh their skills.”

On every shift there is a highly skilled coxswain who directs operations and can navigate by compass in severe weather COURTESY MILFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

conditions.

“Our response personnel will vary from 3-6 firefighters, depending upon the severity and complexity of the situation,” Carman says.

Details of every call are meticulously recorded in the ship’s log book.

The MFD’s SCUBA team was commissioned in 1974 under the watch of retired Battalion

ready to deal with boating accidents, river

Chief Bill Healey. He recalls “having a dive

rescues, and ice and cold water incidents.

team before we had a fire boat, but there

When the MFD Marine Unit needs to

were always lifesaving volunteer units.”

cover larger areas quickly, or venture out

During the heyday of Milford’s oyster indus-

further into the Sound, they work in tandem

try, volunteer firefighters reportedly had a

with the Milford Police Marine Unit, as well

gentleman’s agreement with boat captains

as with regional partners including the U.S.

to use the high pressure pumps to fight fires

Coast Guard, Sikorsky Aircraft, and first

in the vicinity of the old Town Dock.

responders in New Haven, New London, and

“Even back in the ‘20s and ‘30s at the Fort

Newspaper clippings from 1958 trumpet

Trumbull and Woodmont Companies, they

the debut of the Milford Fire Department’s

used rowboats with portable pumps. In the

“newly acquired amphibious ‘duck’ boat.”

1950s, we had small motor boats at some of the stations,” says Healey.

Bridgeport.

“When it comes to search and rescue, the more resources available, the better the

Today, the MFD Water Response

outcome,” says Carman.

Team are true first responders,

To further ensure the safety of the community, every Milford fire station is also equipped with an inflatable raft used to

(Top) This former fire boat was WWII surplus; (middle) diving exercises keep the fireboat team ready for action; (below) the nozzle on the fire boat can project water a good distance to help extinguish boat fires.

rescue people from flooded areas. The recent acquisition of a three-person Jet Ski will be used for quicker Charles Island rescues—an all too common occurrence at this time of year.

For a safe summer on the water in any kind of vessel, Carman advocates routinely checking safety equipment and fuel levels, perform-

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

ing regular maintenance, always wearing a life preserver, and having a float plan.

“Tell someone where you are going” Carman advises. “Milford’s water temperatures can fall within a wide range”.

Enjoy the summer. And be safe out there.

2015 • Milford Living 47

at your service teams. But he also looks for “someone who can stay focused.”

“Lifeguarding in Milford isn’t a solo activity,” Minnix explains. “It’s working with a team to keep things safe at the beach.”

In addition to responding to aquatic emergencies, lifeguards handle land emergencies including kids who get scraped on rocks or swimmers stung by jellyfish. They also tend to beach patrons who become dehydrated or children who become separated from a parent.

To make sure they are ready for action, lifeguards need to be totally alert at all times, which can be difficult but is essential to the job. They need to see things that are happening up close as well as events that are unfolding

Beachwatch W

ith 14 miles of coastline and four public city beaches, Milford undoubtedly needs a robust crew of lifeguards to protect the swimmers, boaters, and beachgoers who enjoy our shoreline every summer.

According to Rich Minnix, recreation supervisor in charge of Milford’s waterfront, that is exactly what Milford has.

farther off. For example, last season a team of Milford lifeguards noticed a boat on fire.

Although it was too far offshore for the guards to reach, they reported it to the fire department and Coast Guard, who were then able to respond appropriately.

Milford lifeguards are also on duty at more organized water activities such as Hydro Aerobic classes, Aqua Zumba classes, and a variety of Learn-To-Swim programs offered by the Milford Recreation Department in

training from the Milford Recreation Depart-

the Foran High School pool and the McAnn

in the state!” Minnix says with pride. “They

“I think we have the best group of lifeguards

ment that focuses on first aid, swimming and

Natatorium. Nevertheless, most lifeguarding

are driven, focused, and they truly care about

rescue maneuvers, and proper back-boarding

hours are spent outside on the city’s beaches.

their jobs.”

techniques. In addition, lifeguards participate

What exactly is that job?

in an on-going physical fitness and emergency

Not surprisingly, the primary job of a

response training session every Friday morning

lifeguard is to rescue potential drowning

with the Milford Fire Department during the

victims and help anyone in distress in the

lifeguarding season.

water. In preparation for these demands,

This summer a staff of about 30 Milford

Milford lifeguards must be at least 16 years of

lifeguards will patrol Walnut Beach, Anchor

age, are required to be trained and certified in

Beach, Hawley Beach, and Gulf Beach. When

First Aid and CPR, to have Red Cross Waterfront

he’s hiring, Minnix looks for “someone with

Lifeguard Certification, and to complete annual

strong swim experience.” Many of those that

blood-borne pathogen training given by the

he hires are current or former members of the

city. Lifeguards receive additional pre-season

Jonathan Law and Foran High School swim

48 Milford Living • Summer

Andrew Casey, a head lifeguard who will be serving his sixth summer this year, loves the job. As a lifeguard he has made many friends and has “learned a lot about time management and problem-solving.”

“Sometimes we wish the patrons would take us more seriously; just because a lifeguard is young or because we don’t have big waves T.MACKIN

in Milford, we are still trained to deal with emergencies and we want to keep the beaches safe,” Casey says.

According to another head lifeguard, Kim

people are very nice. Sometimes the locals

Panettiere, who is returning for her fifth year,

will bring us snacks or water. They see how

“Being a lifeguard has taught me how to pay

tough a job it is.”

attention all the time.”

Both Casey and Panettiere agree that

“It’s a great job.” Panettiere says. As for the people whose lives she guards, “Milford

sunburn is a lifeguarding hazard, but the plus

“we all have really nice tans.”

Lifeguard coverage on Milford beaches began on Memorial Day weekend and will continue weekends-only until June 28. Lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week beginning July 1.

side, according to Casey, is by summer’s end

—Nancy Herman

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at home

Bring the Beach Inside O ne of the best parts about Milford is our 14 miles of shoreline, from the Housatonic River in the west, along Smith’s Point, to Walnut Beach, the Harbor, Bayview, Point, and Anchor beaches, to the Oyster River in the east. Spending time at the shoreline provides a relaxed, mellow feel, one that we don’t necessarily want to disappear when we get back home from our excursions.

made from wicker or natural fibers such as banana leaf.

It’s a good idea to stay away from the

wall-to-wall carpeting for your beach-themed home; instead go with wood or tile floors with area rugs. For the rugs, keep them light

If you’re looking to tie the outside and inside together, there are quite a few things

For a coastal-themed room or home, choose furniture that is cozy but not too big. Large

you can do to give your home that beachy,

in color (think sand or sea grass) and opt for those woven from natural fibers such as jute or even cotton.

coastal vibe. It doesn’t take an interior design

To get as much light as possible and

degree to get the atmosphere you’re looking

keep an open feel to the home, window

for; you just need to know what you like.

treatments should be light in color and

Light, soothing colors on the walls

not too heavy; dense fabrics will add

can give a home a bright, airy

weight to the room. Instead, think of

feel, and provide a good start on

sheers blowing in the breeze. Another

the road to that coastal feel. Warm

popular trend is using white plantation-

grays, gray-greens, and blue-

type shutters on the inside of the windows, or

gray colors can make a room feel

even sliding glass doors, giving that home a

breezy and open; pale pastel peach,

true relaxed and informal Caribbean vibe.

yellow, and lavender are reminiscent

Picking out or making accessories for your

of sunsets; and of course the neutral

room or home can be the most fun; there are

off-whites, tans, and beiges bring the color

so many shops around Milford to browse so

of the sand itself into the home. Many people

pieces of furniture can overpower a room

you can find just the right pieces. Keep the

keep to this latter palette, adding a bold but

and take away from that relaxed, airy feel

accessories simple, uncluttered, and related

complimentary accent wall to keep things

that is such a part of the “life at the beach”

to the beach. Some of the most popular pieces

interesting. As for the trim, nothing beats

vibe. Light colored furniture works best, and

you’ll see these days are starfish, blue or green

bright white paint to accent the colors of the

pieces with the distressed look of aged teak

vases filled with dried reeds, lanterns with

walls very nicely.

can add to the coastal charm, as do pieces

light-colored candles, and of course, seashells.

50 Milford Living • Summer

For the DIYer who enjoys beachcombing, there are endless crafts ideas for creating your own unique accessories. One favorite is taking a shadowbox, lining it with white or very light colored fabric, and gluing shells you have collected on the inside, layering smaller shells over larger ones in a pattern that is pleasing.

The shadowbox frame can be distressed to look like it has lain on the beach with those shells for a while. When hung on the wall it can tie in nicely with any distressed furniture in the room. (Visit beachbumlivin.com for some great DIY beach ideas.)

Some other simple crafts that can bring

or vase. You can fill a clear jar or vase with

the shore, want to decorate the whole house

a room together include putting a length

sea glass you’ve found, or even take that sea

or just a room in a coastal theme, there are

of natural fiber rope in a clear glass vase, or

glass and glue it to a white board, then frame

just so many ways you can bring the beach

coiling the same type of rope on a table or

it and hang it on the wall.

inside and never lose that relaxed feeling!

mantle, perhaps using it as a mat for a lamp

Whether you’re living in the woods or on

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family time Whelks and slipper shells are two common shells that are found on all of Milford’s many beaches. gastropod. Milford’s annual Oyster Festival seed beds within our waters, as well as the TOM MACKIN

Shell Game A

is celebrated as an ode to the many natural

t the Milford Marine Institute’s annual Marine Biology Camp, I ask campers if they can name a beach in Milford. Gulf Beach, Anchor Beach, Bayview Beach, Laurel Beach, Hawley Beach, Tri-Beach, Wildemere Beach, Point Beach, Point Lookout Beach, Walnut Beach, Fort Trumbull Beach, Milford Point Beach, Oyster River Beach, Crescent Beach... the list seems endless as the campers list them one at a time. I remind them that not every town in Connecticut can claim a sandy beach habitat let alone so many different beaches in the same community. How fortunate we are to live in a community with such a unique habitat area.

state-leased commercial beds. The oyster, a pelecypod, or bi-valve, is a vegetarian animal without a foot to escape with like other carnivorous mollusks such as the moon snail (Naticoidea) or channeled whelk (Busycon caniculatum).

Years ago the larger knobbed whelk used to be more common in Milford waters; we would find many in the refuse pits explored at the archaeological digs conducted each summer at our Archaeological/Native Culture Camps.

We look for and find the columella or central spire chipped from the larger whelk shell and used to make wampum beads. Unfortunately

A sandy beach habitat is a specific environment where certain animals and plants can be

Gastropods and pelecypods can be found on

wampum beads are extremely scarce due

any of the Milford sandy beaches.

to their value as commodities to the ancient

found. A salt marsh, like Gulf Pond, or a rocky

Sometimes the larger mollusks are the

coastal habitat, like Woodmont, will not have

most innocent. The common quahog clam

people who fished these waters for thousands

the same animals or plants as a sandy beach.

(Mercenaria mercenaria) for example,

Each habitat is fauna and flora specific.

found on every Milford beach, is a harmless

inhabit beaches at one end of Milford more so

Mollusks, are animals found on every

vegetarian, while the tiny oyster drill (Uro-

than the other. The surf clam, for example, can

one of Milford’s sandy beach habitat areas.

salpinx cinerea) is a ferocious carnivorous

be found more commonly at western beaches

of years.

Interestingly, some gastropods seem to

We commonly refer to mollusks as shells,

such as Walnut, Wildemere, or Laurel, than at

but shells are only the remaining armor

Eastern beaches like Anchor, Hawley, or Oyster

discarded by the “soft bodied animal” once

River.

it has died. In fact, not all mollusks have this

What makes mollusk collecting interesting is that some animals are obviously common,

are cephalopod mollusks which eons ago

and others are more challenging to locate.

evolved out of their shell. The largest mollusk

This is due in part to rarity, but also the fragile

TIM CHAUCER (2)

armor. The squid and octopus, for example,

in the world, Architeuthis, commonly known as the giant squid, is found in the deep Pacific waters.

nature of some bi-valves compared to others with thicker calcium shells. The false angel wing (Petricolaria pholadiformis) is a beautiful

Holes left by oyster drills are made using a drill-

Milford mollusk resembling the wing of an

phylum Mollusca: gastropods, pelecypods,

like organ called the radula that secrets sulfuric

angel, yet due to its fragile and thin shell, can

cephalopods, chitons, and tusk shells.

acid to carve away the shell.

be easily broken by extreme wave action or

There are actually five classes found in the

52 Milford Living • Summer

human foot traffic. The larger true angel wing

washes onto the beaches from their sub

(Cyrtopieura costata) is found on Cape Cod but

tidal lair. They, like the oyster, must cement

not on Long Island Sound beaches.

to a clean substrate in order to grow.

Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) shells, come in a variety of colors from purple to red

not common on every beach, yet its “mother

to white, but are getting harder and harder

of pearl” iridescent shimmer makes it worth

to find. As the eel grass beds have declined,

the discovery. These tend to be found at the

so have the bay scallops with which they are

beaches on the west end or the east end of

associated. Interestingly, we have an ancient

town.

refuse pit on our digs proving that the

Jingle shells (Anomiidae) come in bright orange, yellow, silver, and black colors, are found on every Milford beach, and add color to anyone’s marine mollusk collection. The

Paugussett people certainly enjoyed a meal of scallops from time to time.

Razor clams are fun to find and of course, got their name in the 19th century when

bottom valve tends to be flat while the top valve is often convex or toenail like (hence

A rare find on our shores is the beautiful angel

the nickname “mermaid’s toenails,”) and

wing clam.

TIM CHAUCER

Finding Gould’s Pandora is always exciting.

Pandora gouldiana is a vegetarian bi-valve

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family time (Left) The false angel wing, a smaller version their valves

is common on Milford beaches. (Right) Bridget

resembled the

Dwyer holds a true angel wing, found in Mil-

straight edge

ford Harbor

razors men used shell (Crepidula fornicata) is flat and white

shelled clams

with an indentation where imaginary toes

or steamers can

would go. Mud dog whelks are usually found

be seen by the

crawling along the sandy shore; they are tiny

dozens spouting water from its

TIM CHAUCER

to shave. Soft

and dark algae eaters, while the beaded sub tidal gastropod Nassarius trivatatus is usually washed in by the waves having died some

when the light is right on the mudflats. The

time ago below the waves at sea.

animal’s fragile shell differentiates it from the quahog commonly called “hard shell.”

Boat shells that resemble old wooden sailing ships, are extremely common and always have a purple tone. A true slipper

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

exhalant siphon

Milford’s many beaches are cool places to be in the summer, and finding a Milford mollusk is a fun way to connect with the animals that make the salt water and sand their home.

—Tim Chaucer

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education notebook

Oh Buoy!

Safe Boating L

iving near the water can be fun and exciting. As a coastal community, water safety should be a priority for all residents. For those who literally enjoy be “on” the water, whether as an avid boater, a beginner, or an occasional passenger, knowledge of boating rules and restrictions are especially important, at any age. In fact, in the State of Connecticut, participation in a boating safety course is required to legally operate a boat with a motor, or a sailboat 19.5 feet in length or longer, with a few exceptions. There are many classes available, but residents need to look no further than One Helwig Street, near Lisman Landing, for convenient, comprehensive, and reasonably priced options.

of boating safety is so important that the organization began offering courses well before the State of Connecticut started its certification program some 12 years ago.

The Auxiliary’s About Boating Safety class satisfies Connecticut’s boating licensing requirements. The eight-hour course, given on one Saturday, includes classroom training with videos, slides, and discussion on topics such as the different types and uses of recreational boats, safe boat operation, boating law, equipment, basic navigation, and potential problems such as hypothermia, capsizing, and other emergencies. The class concludes with a written test.

Greg Gordon, the public affairs officer for

Milford’s United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 24-3 has been offering boating courses for many years. While the primary mission of the Auxiliary is to promote and improve recreational boating safety, the volunteer organization performs a variety of services for the community, including checking buoys and channel markers, conducting safety patrols, supporting search and rescue operations, and offering free vessel safety inspections.

Steve Perrone, a 26-year veteran of the Auxiliary and its assistant district staff officer for public education, recognizes the inherent “The Long Island Sound is home to all of us,” Perrone says. “Recreational boating, while enjoyable, is a very dangerous sport and one that is often not fully understood. Things can happen, and when they do, they can happen quickly.”

He has seen novices with the mindset, “Let’s buy a boat and go play.” Then there are the states, some nearby he notes, which require no training at all to operate a boat. For the Coast Guard Auxiliary, however, knowledge

56 Milford Living • Summer

COURTESY OF MILFORD U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY (4)

dangers of being on the water.

the Flotilla, has seen children as young as

navigation devices as well as using various

known as “personal watercraft,” they are fun

12 years old take the course and says family

other navigational tools.

to operate, less expensive than a boat, and

participation is encouraged. While not required for a boating license, Officer Gordon

Another recreational vessel growing in popularity is the Jet Ski or Sea-Doo. Generically

easier to transport and store. They are also subject to many of the same laws as motor

also recommends the Flotilla’s

boats and sailboats. In Connecticut,

Charts, Navigation, and GPS class,

a Certificate of Personal Watercraft

which explores paper and digital

Operation (CPWO) is necessary to

charts as well as GPS.

operate these vessels and, if under

“People tend to heavily rely on

the age of 16, onboard supervision

GPS today, but what happens if the

of a person who is at least 18 years

GPS goes down?” Gordon says.

of age and in possession of a CPWO

In his opinion, knowledge of

is required. The Flotilla About

traditional chart reading is an

Boating Safety course satisfies the

important skill for anyone who

Connecticut licensing requirements

will be navigating the open sea.

for both boats and Personal

This course discusses the pros

Watercraft.

and cons of relying on electronic

The increase of kayaks and

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2015 • Milford Living 57

COURTESY OF MILFORD U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY (2)

education notebook generate greater awareness

and a search must be conducted. In addition

between boaters and

it can place the personnel searching at risk,

paddlers, to promote the

especially if weather conditions are bad.

importance of the proper

With summer in full swing and the allure

use of a life jacket, and to

of the ocean right in our own backyard,

educate all on the dangers

we all bear the responsibility of following

of hypothermia, is another

the rules of water safety. Whether a motor

endeavor supported by

boat enthusiast, a sailor, or a paddler, take

the Flotilla. The program

advantage of what our Coast Guard Auxiliary

affixes to the vessel an

Flotilla has to offer. Put safety first and educate

orange, waterproof label

yourself on the rules of the waterways. And

which contains the owner’s

just because you may already have their

contact information. As

safe boating certificate doesn’t mean you

Officer Gordon explains,

can’t take the course again. Reviewing and

paddleboards on open waters also creates

if an empty kayak or canoe is found on a

updating your prior knowledge is never a bad

the need for an additional level of boating

body of water without identification, it is

thing!

safety. Operation Paddle Smart, designed to

assumed someone has fallen out of the vessel

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senior corner

The Smith Brothers T hroughout human history, there have been numerous articles written, films made, and homages paid to families during war time. The sacrifices made by those on the home front often matched those of the combatants themselves. It is undeniable that nothing can be more selfless than honoring one’s country by allowing his or her children to defend our nation.

was still in its early days. He had many interesting experiences in his four years of naval service, both good and bad. He was the only brother to serve on an aircraft carrier.

For Neal, the toughest moment took place in Hawaii with 4,600 men on the first nuclear

same time. The Smith family endured the

powered aircraft carrier, The USS Enterprise.

over the years who have suffered greatly

enlistment of all four of their sons, and though

A tragic accidental fire ensued when a

worrying about multiple sons serving in

they were mostly out of harm’s way, the

rocket attached to an aircraft on the carrier

the military together during wartime. The

sons were separated from their family and

exploded and 28 men lost their lives. Neal

Sullivan family of Waterloo, Iowa endured

home for a number of years. The four Smith

was one of the many sailors on board who

inhuman tragedy when all five sons were

brothers: Richard, Neal, and Tom all joined the

eventually extinguished the flames.

killed in action during WWII (the genesis of

navy between the ages of 18-22. Brother Peter

Saving Private Ryan.)

enlisted in the Air Force after college.

The city of Milford had a family that had four sons serving together at roughly the

Tom, Rich, and Neil Smith together in Milford.

60 Milford Living • Summer

Neal was the first Smith to enter the military in 1965 as The Vietnam War

Peter Smith

Rich, the oldest of the brothers, spent most of his three years in naval services (1966-69) in Texas working on aviation maintenance. His duties involved mostly working with logs and

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SMITH BROTHERS

There have been now-famous families

record and scheduling maintenance.

“I only have good memories of my time in the Navy,” Rich said.

Tom, the youngest of the brothers, served

whistle, and a night stick,” but didn’t

has been involved in the day-to-day

encounter any “major issues”.

life of Milford for over a century. Their

Peter, the third born, was the last of the four

grandmother arrived from Ireland in 1892.

to enter service, in 1970 after graduation from

Together Martha and Walter Maroney

from 1967-71. He admitted he “was glad he

the University of New Haven. He was an Air

owned the Willard Hotel on Seaside Avenue

wasn’t in Vietnam” during his tour of duty.

Force pilot stationed in upstate New York for

and the Pilgrim Sea Grill on East Broadway.

He spent his time in the service in Texas and

most of his six years in the service.

Their parents, Martha and Richard Smith

Maryland, stationed about 60 miles from

“I was a refueler” he says, describing his

Rich, so they would visit each other from

main duty as refueling other military aircraft

Downtown Milford in 1965, which just

time to time. His most significant military

including bombardiers while his plane was in

celebrated 50 years in business. Rich is the

moment came in 1968 when he was sent

the air as well. The bombardiers would then go

current owner.

to Memphis following the assassination

off on their shelling assignments afterwards.

of Martin Luther King. The military had

Today, three of the brothers and their

been called in to assist during rioting

sister Bonnie, live in Milford, while Peter

in Memphis. Tom “was given a helmet,

lives in Massachusetts. The Smith family

established the Seven Seas Restaurant in

The Smith family welcomes any veterans (or anyone else for that matter) to stop by Seven Seas and talk about old times.

—Nick Olshansky

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88 RYdeRS Landing, StRatfoRd, Ct

Exit 53 Merritt Parkway Next to People’s Bank 2015 • Milford Living 61

sunday drive In fact, the ferry offers more than just a relaxing ride.

“We offer services to our guests who are looking to set up destination plans, like tours of wineries in CT and NY, local festivals, and entertainment,” says Hall.

Of course he recommends that no matter what your ultimate destination, “If you’re planning to drive onto the ferry we recommend you make reservations; space is limited.”

The crossing takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. During the warmer months three ferries will make multiple runs during the day and into the late evening. The individual captains decide if the ship will sail upon accessing the weather and water conditions.

If winds are up, be sure to check the website to

f you’re in the mood for a boat ride all you need to do is hop in your car…yes, your car. Just a short drive away in nearby Bridgeport is the Port Jefferson Ferry. For more than 130 years, The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company has been making it easy for folks to cross Long Island Sound (with or without vehicle) via multiple crossings per day, every day of the year.

SUSAN CARROLL- DWYER

Fun on the Ferry I

confirm the schedule.

Your passage over to Long Island will be smooth with the experienced crew at the helm. A fourth generation captain, Paul Petersen has been crossing the Sound for more than two decades.

“Working on the water is in our DNA,” says Captain Peterson with a smile. “We have a great crew and it makes the ship run smoothly.”

Upon reaching Port Jeff, Peterson makes his way onto the fly bridge, adeptly docking the

Back in the day when the ferry first cruised

Company. “In addition to passengers, we

352-foot ship at its destination.

between Bridgeport and Port Jeff, cars weren’t

handle about 430,000 cars per year. There are

Peterson captains the P.T. Barnum, named

exactly a commonplace (okay, they didn’t

monthly commuters using our services, but

for the circus impresario who served as the

exist), and making the trip to Long Island was

the majority of our riders are looking to kick

first president of the ferry company. His

quite a journey. The introduction of the ferry

back and enjoy the trip.”

namesake vessel brings up to 1,000 passengers

was truly welcomed by area residents on both shores, reducing the journey from one side of the Sound to the other not by hours, but by days.

“About a million people per year cross the Sound on one of our three ferries,” says Fred Hall, vice president of operations for the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat

62 Milford Living • Summer

The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company will be creating a new terminal just opposite of their current dock in Bridgeport. Within the next 3-5 years the company plans to incorporate a variety of shops and restaurants in conjunction with the redevelopment of Steel Point.

and 120 vehicles across the sound with each crossing. Barnum surely would have enjoyed the families frolicking about on the deck, dining on burgers, dogs, and the famous, and truly delicious, Ferry Fries. Adult beverages are also available in the lounge, with a laid back atmosphere and spectacular views.

Port Jefferson is a charming village. Quaint shops offer visitors myriad curios, jewelry, art, and the obligatory t-shirts. Restaurants offer cuisine for every taste and budget. An easy walkabout, it oozes with all the charm of

Center offers plenty of places to rest and

across the Sound to a charming seaside village.

coastal New England.

picnic. If you are young, or young at heart,

Bring your car to venture further, or wear

the roller rink is open seasonally. All of this is

comfortable shoes and explore the shore.

Events abound at the town’s Village Center.

A versatile barn-like building right on the

only enhanced by the view of boats dotting

shore, it hosts antique shows, concerts, and

the port.

art exhibits. The park surrounding the Village

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

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

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

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

203.877.1478 409 Bridgeport Ave. Milford, CT 06460

2015 • Milford Living 63

★

GET TO KNOW OUR ★

Local Businesses

MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM

Milford’s Trusted Housecleaning Services since 2005

Hands On Science Summer Camps since 1983 • Marine Biology Camp June 22-June 26, 2015

• Marine Biology Art Camp June 29-July 1

• Archaeology/Native Culture Camp July 6-10 (A) and July 13-17 (B)

• Bird Identification Camp July 20-24

Contact Tim Chaucer, Director 203-874-4000 tchaucer@msn.com or milfordmarineinstitute.org

sCho l AvAIlArshIps ABle

Celebrating 44 Years

MOBILE ELECTRONICS CENTER

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203-877-4651

730 Boston Post Road – Rt. 1, Milford, Ct 06460 (Exit 39A From I-95)

(203) 647-0383 • www.bellehome.net

Lobster Hut

• LOBSTER ROLLS & PLATTERS • CLAMS STRIPS & ROLLS Hot Dogs • Fries Onion Rings

826 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

Located across from Stop & Shop • 203-631-2162

WE PUMP YOUR GAS FOR YOU Tony Russo

876 Boston Post Road 203-202-9533

AT SELF SERVICE PRICES

Hours of operation: Mon-fri 4am-6pm Sat 4am-4pm

FULL SERVICE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

6 masteR BaRBeRs

CARS - SUVS - TRUCkS

203-877-3556

684 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 (At junction of Merrit Parkway ramps)

64 Milford Living • Summer

Serving Milford for 46 years

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

Jay H. Jaser, Attorney at Law

LAUREL A. ELLSON

PrACtICInG In tHE FoLLowInG ArEAS:

Practice Limited to Family Law

ELdEr LAw AttornEy

Attorney at Law

• Assisted & Senior Living Solutions • Medicaid/Title XIX Long Term Care • Respite Care Options and Placement

771 Boston Post rd., Milford Ct 06460

(203) 799-8888

truSt, knowLEdGE & CoMPASSIon

203.283.5551

LAEllson@optonline.net

31 Cherry St., Milford, CT 06460

www.EllsonLaw.com

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

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

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

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

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

Over 30 Years!

quality consignments

Seasonal Clothing • Jewelry Housewares & Accessories Mon-Sat 10-5 60 Access Road, Merchant’s Walk Thurs till 8 Stratford, Ct. 06615 Call for consignment hours 203-377-5916

“Sound Computer ServiCeS” Your teCHnoLoGY SpeCiALiSt

Jeffrey r. neverson jrneverson@gmail.com

APPLE • LINUX • MICROSOFT • ORACLE • ANDROID • PEOPLESOFT Severe viruS / mALWAre removAL repairs • Networking • Video Surveillance • Remote Support • Sales Safe Browsing Setup for Children 427 Naugatuck Ave, Unit B

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

(Devon) Milford, CT 06064 www.SoundComputerCT.com

Specialty Woodworks and Design, LLC 1050 Bridgeport Ave. Milford, CT 06460 203-874-6464 p/f

specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork

BE SEEN! Find us on

David Bacchiocchi, Owner

203.283.5290

Call us to reserve your space for the next issue

2015 • Milford Living 65

Cheri’s Walk-Ins Only

Friendly Atmosphere • 23 Years Experience!

Unique Handmade Art, Jewelry, Glass, Sculpture & So much More

Barber Shop

• Men & Boys Haircuts $15 • Straight Razor Shaves

Gift Certificates Available.

203-301-4999

101 River St. Milford, CT

203-878-7007

Come and enjoy our gallery

Suzanne Cahill

Fax 203-375-1333

OPEN 7 DAYS A wEEk

Wedding Officiant, Connecticut

Deli and Cold Cuts • Dry Goods • Specialty Foods Smoked Fish and Caviar • Cakes and Sweets Russian Pancakes and Dumplings • Teas and Coffees • So Much More

203.650.9659

The finest CATERING for Banquets, Parties and Special events

Your special day...your special way!

slaviankastore@yahoo.com

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

100 Lansdale Ave. • Milford Mon - Thurs 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Fri - Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Across from Cone Zone

Justice of the Peace

203-375-3999

Open 7 Days A Week

401 Boston Post Rd Milford, CT 06460

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

New Location 100K Lansdale Ave. Milford, CT 06460

www.slaviankastore.com

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

PICK-UP SPECIAL Large Cheese Pizza

Minimum Delivery $9.00

$7.54

Topping $2.10 Mon-Wed

Order Online @ www.honeyspotpizzamilford.com

203.650.0383

Now We Deliver in Stratford East Main Street Area, Orange Line & Woodmont Area

www.sherrylynnphotography.com sherrylynnFoto@gmail.com

Allow more time for delivery $15 Minimum - Limited Area

America Slipcovers llc.

Quality Workmanship

since 1965

Commercial Design & Residential

Autos, Boats, Drapery & More

196 Bridgeport Avenue In Devon Village

66 Milford Living • Summer

203.386.9018

dealer TOWN A

U

T

O

W

H

O

L

E

S

A

L

E

R

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d e ad leea l re tr too wwn nC TC. cTo.mc o m Milford

Quality pre-owned cars sold at wholesale prices

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

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

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

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

Seasoned Firewood Available

Call and let us examine your property now.

Summer Specials Call

203-305-2584

Free Estimates!

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

Jeff Dalton, Owner maddbeavertree@yahoo.com

Est. 1978

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

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR

Auto Sales

QUality Used cars

for sale Foreign & Domestic All CARS Sold with Warranty

VieW inVentory ONLINE

free car faX!

www.cggulf.com

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

We offer eXtended Warranties

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

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

203-874-2893

Corner of High St across from Xpect

Download SERVICE Discount COUPONS @ www.cggulf.com

Foreign & Domestic

Gaetano & mary Vitti (owners)

SPRING IS HERE!!!

FREE Safety & Air Conditioning Checkups No Appointment Necessary Tires • Flush & Fill Cooling sysTems • Brakes sTruTs / shoCks • muCh more!

GaSoLInE - SnaCk SHoP - LottERy & moRE Quality Used Cars

Boston Post Rd & High St 203-874-2893

Since 1978

Download Coupons at www.cggulf.com 2015 • Milford Living 67

Splash!

expressions

Location: Gulf Beach

Photographer: Sherry Johnson

Notes: This photo was taken during a photo meet-up hosted by Milford Photo on Gulf Beach. Jesse Thompson of Milford Photo set up his camera and trigger release. His son stood on a small ladder and dropped rocks into the water, and I had to time the trigger release perfectly to capture that exact splash! Â

68 Milford Living • Summer

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

M i l f o r d L i v i n g Milford is for Living Spring 2014

2015 • Milford Living 69

congratulations

25

S.M. COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY

students from Milford received a Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust Scholarship at the 2015 Trust Scholarship Presentation and annual State of the City Event hosted by the Milford Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 29th.

Bring out your best smile

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

70 Milford Living • Summer

milford meetups

Our Favorite Upcoming Milford Meetups!

Tango & Salsa in Southern CT

The Connecticut Backgammon Club

Milford Photography Group

CT Jedi Open Meetup and Practice

A Tango show featuring Latin Grammy Winner bandoneonist Raul Jaurena, singer Marga Mitchell, pianist Emilio Solla, Argentine dancers Analia and Luis, Grupo Folkloric Rio de la Plata and Tango Sueño Performance Group.

LOCATION: Milford Fine Arts Council.

TIME: 8:00 PM

Quarterly Tournament Kick off.

Come join us at the beach for our inaugural quarterly kickoff and get prepared for the Oct. nationals.

We will have a round robin for beginners and double elimination for everyone else. First come first serve! Trophies, race points and more! Bring your board.

LOCATION: Walnut Beach, Casey Pavilion.

TIME: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Photo Shoot: Join a bunch of our meetup members for a fun time on Milford’s Gulf Beach and make some frames of one of nature’s true survivors. As in all those years past Jesse from Milford Photo will bring the Ritz crackers and, if the wind is right, we can entice the birds to hover close with the promise of a cracker while we make frames.

LOCATION: Gulf Beach.

TIME: 7:00 PM

Wednesday night in Milford.

Free to attend! Open practice for Lightsaber forms and choreography. Please feel free to join us - extra sabers available.

Come in comfortable clothing we generally do not practice in costume.

LOCATION: Gazebo, Downtown Milford.

TIME: 7:30 PM

DATE: July 17 EVENT: Tango Passion Show:

DATE: July 18 EVENT: CT Backgammon Club

DATE: August 6 EVENT: 7th Annual Seagull

DATE: August 12 EVENT: CT Jedi meets every

2015 • Milford Living 71

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz:

The bell is located at The United Church of Christ in Devon.

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

One lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive two ticket vouchers for a Bridgeport Bluefish game.

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

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Carveth & Foley

• �ers��al ����r� • ��r�ers ����e�sa����

Attorneys at Law

• �a��l�� �r��a�e � �r����al • real es�a�e a�� ������ la�

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

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

• personal injury • workers compensation • FACEBOOK AT CARVETH LAW

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

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