Milford Living Winter 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

Departments

Quality Senior Living:

AVisit to Milford’s Senior Center

B

oasting an active membership of approximately 3,000 senior citizens and a full and part-time staff nearing 50, the Milford Senior Center is a rich resource for a large segment of our city’s population

The genuine warmth and spirit that

TEXT BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER PHOTOS BY SHERRY JOHNSON adults want to spend time here. This inviting facility positively hums with vibrancy. Rooms are filled with men and women taking classes, working out, lunching and chatting with their friends, listening to music; busily

exists within this three-story build-

headed from one activity to another.

ing at 9 Jepson Drive is remarkable.

There’s a lot going on!

Taking time to visit is something

My private tour of the Milford

all Milford residents—old, young or

Senior Center was expertly led by

in-between—should experience. After

Eleanore Myers Turkington. Through-

spending just an hour or two touring

out her eight years as the Center’s

the facilities, meeting with the caring

publicist she’s grown accustomed

staff members, chatting with dedi-

to personally hearing compliments

cated volunteers and being cheerfully

during her daily interactions with

welcomed by enthusiastic seniors,

members. Remarks such as, “This is

it’s easy to see why so many older

my second home,” and “I always feel

26 Milford Living • Winter

2016 • Milford Living 27

26

A Visit to Milford’s Senior Center

By Cindy Papish Gerber

Milfood Favorites Chase the winter chill with these favorite recipes from local residents.

T

he winter chill has descended upon us and Milfordites hunker down in their woolies and snuggies. One way to fight off Jack Frost is to warm your home by creating a hearty meal.

Cooking with or for family and friends is a great way to enjoy the season with flavor and flair. We hope you enjoy these recipes from some of our friends around town. Delicious and delectable, this varied fare will warm your tummy and tantalize your taste buds.

Milford Mayor Ben Blake loves the Oyster Festival. You may not have 100 people stopping in at your

In a large pot, steam clams in 1-2 inches of water until just open. Reserve broth; shuck clams and chop or grind.

home but any recipe can be adjusted for a smaller batch.

Melt butter in another large pot. Sauté onions and celery.

This delicious clam chowder is a sure fire hit, enjoyed by

When vegetables are soft, add chopped clams, flour, and

thousands every second Saturday in August.

seasonings. Stir well, then add broth, making sure there is at least 1½ gallons (or add some water.) Add chopped

Milford Oyster Festival Clam Chowder for 100

potatoes and simmer until potatoes are soft, at least 1 hour.

5 lbs. potatoes, peeled

1

/2 cup flour

or 1:4 milk to chowder. Do not boil, just heat through and

and diced

Broth

serve.

When ready to serve, add whole milk at ratio of about 1:3

3 lbs. onions, chopped

Seasoning: thyme, sage,

1 bunch celery, chopped

pepper, parsley, bay

without milk into a warming pot, add milk, heat, and

1-11/2 bushels clams

leaves

serve. Leftover chowder without milk lasts longer in the

1 lb. butter

Whole milk

refrigerator and can be frozen.”

Note from the Mayor, “I ‘decant’ batches of chowder

34 Milford Living • Winter

34

2015 • Milford Living 35

Milfood Favorites

Chase the winter chill with these favorite recipes from local residents.

4 6 8 10 12 14 18 22 40 42 46 48 50 54 55 56

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters At Your Service Milford Spotlight This Season Milford Fit At Home Family Time Milford After Dark Arts and Artisans Education Notebook Sunday Drive Historical Perspective Expressions Congratulations Where is it?

About the cover: The winding Wepawaug River is still in the clutch of winters snowy banks. Cover photo by Cathy Leite.

Her photography may be experienced at: www.cathyleitephotography.com

2016 • Milford Living 1

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WINTER 2016 VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 4 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire Ann@milfordliving.com

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Art Director

®

Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher

Susan Carroll-Dwyer scarrolldwyer@milfordliving.com

®

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive

David Frankel, Mary Jo Downs

Contributing Photographers

Jason Jadach, Sherry Johnson, Cathy Leite, JJ Richards, Christine Rose, Kristen Trembley

Contributing Editors

1203028

Jessica Avitabile, McKenzie Granata

Contributing Writers

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Joseph Barnes, Emily Carroll, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Cindy Papish Gerber, Susan Glennon, Nancy Herman, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Gerry McGuire, Angela Petrowski Arpino, Christine Rose

Production Manager Mario Recupido

Production Assistance

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

Web Design Mario Recupido Zinelle/Z1 Design

What we write gets read.

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

Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $23.80. Newsstand: $5.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2016 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com Opinions expressed in Milford Living Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Milford Living Magazine. www.redmatpublishing.com

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2 Milford Living • Winter

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publisher’s letter Greetings of the New Year to all of our friends, families, and the entire Milford community.

This issue of Milford Living is an invitation to experience the best of

the winter season right here at home. From family fun at the library to winter sports only enjoyed when the temperatures drop, the start of a New Year is a great reason to start spending quality time—either inside or out—exploring, learning, and sharing. Winter is rich in its ability to help us focus inward, thinking about our dreams, hopes, and goals for the coming year, and providing long nights in which to do it.

That doesn’t mean you should hide until the buds of spring arrive. Don’t wait for a special occasion to connect with longtime friends from your school days. Check out page 10 for information on reconnecting today. And that looming unofficial Super Bowl holiday is the perfect excuse for a party. On page 18 we show you how to throw the perfect party and even provide some favorite recipes (see page 34) you can take along for the ride. Hopefully this issue of Milford Living will keep you warm with memory-making all winter long.

We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with those you love. As

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always, we welcome your comments and story suggestions.

With thoughts of peace and happy wishes for a 2016 filled with health, love, and laughter, all of us at Red Mat Publishing wish you an extraordinary New Year!

All the Best—

155 Hill Street - Milford, CT 06460

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www.CenterRehab.com 4 Milford Living • Winter

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2016 • Milford Living 5

readers’ letters Here a just a few of the brief notes we’ve received recently recalling memories of the past and offering suggestions for future stories. We love to receive your ideas and memories and look forward to including your suggestions in a future issue.

A feature on the radio station WFIF would be good. Before religion, it was noted for country music and oldies.

—Lou Emery, Lorton, VA I look forward to every issue. I especially enjoyed the Walnut Beach story as I grew up during the time when it was the place to go. I

Drop us a line…

remember the tower and Colonial Theater and also the airfield.

—Henrietta H. Platt, Milford, CT

surrounding town and cities and my ‘routs’ and love are still there!

—Mary Jane Johnson, Milwaukie, OR

I am Mary Jane Arnold Johnson, class of Milford High School 1949! I relish your writing and photos in Milford Living. Five generations of my family lived in Milford and

I have been in Milford for 85 years. I miss the beach the way it was years ago with the road going all along the shore line.

—John Cammarano, Milford, CT

Please send your comments, contributions, suggestions, and questions to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387,

Milford, CT 06460 or email our publisher at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION???

We are the world's largest wartime veterans organization with 15,000 community-level Posts, two right here in MILFORD (one Downtown and one in Woodmont)!

THE AMERICAN LEGION is based on four principals (pillars): * The care of Active-Duty Personnel, Veterans and their Families * A strong National Defense, Law and Order, and Homeland Security * Instilling a sense of Patriotism and Americanism in our Communities * To care for and to provide for our Nation's Children and Youth ….. and we serve our Communities through programs such as American Legion Baseball, Boys and Girls State, High School Patriotic Oratorical Contests, Scholarships, Financial Aid for Veterans, Junior Shooting Sports and assistance with VA Benefits – just to name a few!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN???

Male and Female Veterans only need one day of Active Duty during Wartime, regardless of where you were stationed! And your Female relatives may be eligible to join the Ladies Auxiliary, too! Are you a Motorcycle enthusiast? We have the Legion Riders Program for you!

But remember that you're never obligated to be more involved than your own level of comfort!

For further information or to locate any other local Post near you please call: Bob Murray (Connecticut State Commander, 2013-2014) at (203) 804-1002 2016 • Milford Living 7

Keeping Milford Warm

N

ow in its third year, Keeping Milford Warm continues to give back to the Milford community. Founded by Kevin McGrath in 2012 with the assistance of the Milford Kiwanis Club and a host of local sponsors, this non-profit organization provides assistance to local inhabitants without the funds to pay for home heating during the cold winter months.

and 100% of all monies raised go towards fuel assistance. There are no administrative costs; all donations go back to the community.

The group’s annual Holiday Benefit Dinner was held on December 12 at the Grassy Hill Country Club, raising much needed funds

As it says on the Keeping Milford Warm website (www.keepingmilfordwarm.com), “No one should have to choose between heat-

made it possible for many Milford residents to

to support the organization’s goals. A large

stay warmer on the coldest days and nights.

number of local sponsors lend their support to

According to the organization’s director,

Keeping Milford Warm, and it is that support

ing their residence and affording everyday

Erin McGrath, Keeping Milford Warm is now

from local businesses, the Milford Family

necessities…such as food.” McGrath began

serving three times the number of individuals

Resource Center, the Milford Kiwanis Club,

the organization after he realized that many

and families in need of assistance by work-

and others, helping to raise much-needed

people were suffering from the lingering

ing closely with the City of Milford and the

funds, that makes it possible to keep Milford

effects of the economic downturn. While some

Milford Family Resource Center. When an

residents warm.

agencies, like The Salvation Army, had limited

individual or family is looking for assistance

funds to help with heating, there was not

through the program, they go through a

and neighbors a little warmer this winter, visit

enough to support the demand and need that

screening process to ensure that they qualify

www.keepingmilford warm.com to make a

the Milford community required through the

for assistance.

charitable contribution.

harsh winters. Creating this organization has

8 Milford Living • Winter

Fundraisers are held throughout the year

If you’d like to help keep your Milford friends

—Emily Carroll

COURTESY OF KEEPING MILFORD WARM

at your service

Some of our biggest achievements are measured in micrometers.

Bridgeport Hospital is helping transform women’s health care one minimally invasive surgery at a time. You’ll find top surgeons performing the most advanced laparoscopic surgery techniques to help dramatically reduce recovery times for women with gynecological cancers. With access to some of today’s most advanced clinical trials, you’ll also find treatment methods here that other hospitals can’t offer. And our personalized approach means more targeted treatment with the confidence that you’ll get back to your life quickly and fully. Nationally-recognized Gynecologic Oncology. Just another way Bridgeport Hospital is delivering on the promise of health care’s future.

Welcome to Bridgeport Hospital. bridgeporthospital.org

Pictured left to right: Dan-Arin Silasi, MD Masoud Azodi, MD

2016 • Milford Living 9

milford spotlight

The Often Reunion A fter high school it’s easy to lose touch with friends we shared so much with during our four years of secondary education. Many of us look forward to the traditional five, 10, and 20 year reunions. For a growing number of people, however, those infrequent gatherings of classmates are not enough. They are taking the initiative to get together as a group on a much more regular basis.

Unofficially dubbed “The Often Reunion,” these gatherings are catching on with adults

the East Broadway-based

of all ages who want to stay in face-to-face

restaurant, The Greek Spot, and

contact and socialize with peers from their

the gathering gained speed and popularity.

stepped up to organize events as well.

high school days. Rather than relying strictly

Each Wednesday evening over the summer,

There have been trips to breweries, dinner

on social media to keep in touch, these folks

the group, ranging in number from 6-12, came

gatherings, and even a trip to Costa Rica.

are setting up gatherings to come together as

together to share stories of their lives, enjoy a

They are considering a trip to Portugal as

a group and catch up with each other.

meal together, and socialize.

well as day trips to attractions closer to

One such group is a number of Jonathan

Daskalon’s motivation for starting the

Jonathan Law graduating class have

home.

Law High School graduates who began

event is that for many of her classmates,

meeting on a regular basis this past summer.

even though their children are growing or

also has a group of former classmates who

Organizer Catherine Daskalon started inviting

gone and friendships have grown stronger,

make it a point to get together at least on

her classmates to

life can be far busier than it was in

a monthly basis to reconnect. The venue

the past. They treasure the times

changes depending on what the group

they can gather as a group to keep

is interested in and what that month’s

the connections and friendships

organizer feels would be fun.

alive. Though the restaurant is now

Informal all-class or multi-graduating

closed for the winter, Daskalon

year reunions have sprung up each year

plans on resuming the Wednesday

around Milford. These are social media and

evening dinners in the spring. She

word-of-mouth driven events, sometimes

encourages people who would

created as a Meetup (http://www.meetup.

like more information to find and

com), that usually take place at a local

message her on Facebook.

restaurant. Milford High School, Jonathan

Other members of the same

10 Milford Living • Winter

Joseph A. Foran High School class of 1987

Law, and Foran High School alumni have

participated in these events, which usually feature a band and attendees responsible for their own food and drinks. These gatherings have been very well-attended and give everyone a chance to reconnect with friends from graduating years other than their own.

It’s interesting that in our hyper-connected world, with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, and texting all encouraging us to interact with others solely through electronic devices, that more and more people are opting to get together in person. The Often Reunion model allows for social media to be used for the planning phase of these events, but

connected and valued, and lets everyone

the real interactions are done face-to-face.

have more fun!

This lets the participants feel much more

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

Salvatore Korecki • Kristin Helms • Mitchell Quintner Alex Quintner • Lindsay Decker • Michael Wiener

55 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT • 203-878-6699 SensitiveCare.net 2016 • Milford Living 11

this season

Frozen Fish

W

hen winter approaches, a certain breed of fishermen gear up for a type of fishing that requires the hobbyist to pack a drill alongside their pole. Yep, ice fishing…the “sport” that brings a whole new meaning to the concept of frozen fish.

There are a number of different locations throughout Connecticut where ice fisherman congregate, including Bantam Lake in Litchfield, various spots throughout the Housatonic River system, and Candlewood Lake in Danbury. One Milford location that sees occasional ice fishing action is Beaver Brook Pond behind Jonathan Law High School.

Ice fishing requires as good a knowledge of how to find the fish as any spring or summer cast. In fact just getting to the right spot can be a challenge.

Since the middle of a river or lake freezes the thickest, it’s important to look around the edges to gauge ice thickness and make test holes in the ice until you are far enough out to ensure safety. It’s not unusual to find a patch of ice eight inches thick just a few yards from ice that is only two inches thick.

Timing is also very important when ice fishing, especially in areas that are considered tidal; those areas where you can walk out at low tide, but things can get dangerous at high tide.

Once you get to that point on the icewhere you want to fish, the first step is to drill a hole and set the “tip-ups” which are rods that have a flag attached. When the line on the rod moves,

12 Milford Living • Winter

JASON JADACH

pole. Some fisherman use

the flag goes up to show that there is a fish

pike by hand. Joe Massena tells of the time

on the line. Live bait and standard lures are

he caught a 30-inch striped bass—considered

often used, but ice fisherman Jason Jadach

a rare size for that time of year. There are a

says that what attracts the most fish are the

few local tournaments around ice fishing

flashing lures. “When the fish swim it sets

including the “Jig ‘n Pig” on Squantz Pond

off aflash and vibration that attracts the

in New Fairfield, but these particular

fish to the source of the light and sound,”

fishermen are in it for the love of it.

he explains. “The best times to try your

They are all year round fishermen

hand at ice fishing are in the morning

who throw most of their catch back to

at first light, or the afternoon. Usually

help sustain the local fish population.

the fish stop biting after dark.”

Encamped on the ice with their gear—

Perch, pickerel, northern pike, bass,

rods, ice cleats, camping stove, drill, warm

and sunfish are just a few favorites

clothes, cooler (of course)—most aficionados

that wind up in a local ice fisher-

echo the sentiments of Jadach, who says he

man’s catch. These hearty fishing

likes ice fishing because “It’s cool. You get to

folk also love a good fish story.

walk on water and it’s relaxing.”

Greyson Schwing recalls catching a

—Emily Carroll

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2016 • Milford Living 13 6/8/12 5:58 PM

milford fit

Racing Frostbite

K

nown as the Frostbiters and sponsored by the Milford Yacht Club, these winter sailors meet every Sunday from November through March, launch their 9-foot Dyer Dhows, and spend the next few hours testing their skills as racers by participating in 8-12

short “starts,” as the races are called. Some days you can see the Frostbiters racing in the cove inside Charles Island and other times, if it is too windy, they race in the harbor where it’s a bit more protected on a rough day.

When asked to talk about frostbiting,

Winter sailing offers some unique challenges of course…such as boats that are

fun! Some of the best sailors around ‘frostbite

covered or hemmed in by snow or a frozen

sail,’ and it’s a really great way to hone your

harbor. When that happens, the hardy

sailing skills.” A frostbite sailor for six years,

sailors do what they call a “brick test.” “We

Nolan explains that “the boat—basically a

throw a brick from near the hoist out onto

which is not all that unusual in these tiny,

glorified bathtub—is so reactive that you can’t

the water near the docks,” explains Nolan.

tippy boats. A number of safety precautions,

help but learn about trim and tactics. On a big

“If the brick goes through the ice, we’re

however, help ensure that nobody gets hurt. In

boat you can be just ‘rail-meat’ or ‘hospitality,’

sailing!” If the brick doesn’t sink, the group

addition to a committee boat that oversees the

but in the Dyer it’s just you and the boat.”

decides if, or how, to break the ice enough to

races, two safety boats (affectionately known

Jessica Kirchoff, who’s been frostbiting for 15

get to mid-harbor, where the water usually

as “crash” boats or sometimes as “bed pans”)

years, agrees. “You’re the skipper, you’re the

isn’t frozen.

circle nearby in order to assist any sailor who

crew, and you’re the tactician making all the choices. If you screw up, it’s your doing!”

14 Milford Living • Winter

KRISTEN TREMBLEY

Milford native Susie Nolan says, “It’s so much

Of course, there’s always the danger of

ends up in the water. One “bed pan” pulls the

capsizing and ending up in the icy water—

sailor out of the water while the other tends

to the flipped boat. Many winter sailors wear dry suits that literally keep the body dry even when submerged in the icy water.

Some winter sailors, like David Schrader, who has been frostbiting for 40 years, scoffs at the dry suits, saying they are too expensive.

“Besides, he never gets wet!” chimes Kirchoff.

“He’s that good.” Patrick Valleau doesn’t wear one, either. “I used to have one but it wore out and I just haven’t replaced it. I’ve been swimming a few times,” he laughs.

While many frostbiters own larger boats that they race during the summer, Fleet Captain Bob Colum, who has been frostbiting

Cats,” he explains. “In fact, when I got married

owners are often very competitive sailors

we bought a Hobie instead of a dining room

who make sure that the rigging is just right,

table!”

that the bottoms are clean, and that they are

Despite the fact that many of the small

in the best possible shape for racing and for

since 1980, says his Dyer Dhow is his only

Dyers in the fleet are older boats (circa 1950),

speed. While frostbite races are not PHRF (a

vessel. In the summer he crews for other

they should not be mistaken for plain old

handicapping system) rated, the sailors are

people on their boats. “I used to race Hobie

dinghies. They’re outfitted for racing and their

ranked by scores based upon their standings

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milford fit in the races. Often the best sailors in the fleet KRISTEN TREMBLEY

will race at other clubs or in regattas around Long Island Sound.

The biggest question non-sailors have for frostbiters is, “Why do you do it?” Gretchen McCarthy says, “There’s something about the intensity and the competitiveness that I

boat go fast but it’s also about knowing the

extend your sailing season and hone your

like. But also I get to spend the day with nice

rules, reading the wind, and competing with

racing skills, or just a hardy soul who’d like

people doing something I enjoy. Plus, it’s a

other boats.”

to give winter sailing a try, then show up at

good way to have the afternoon off from being

While they might be competitors on the

Milford Yacht Club around noon some Sunday.

a mom.” Sarah Lebov agrees. “In the summer

water, at the end of every race you can find the

The Frostbiters would love to add new sailors

my husband races on the weekends, but in the

sailors socializing at the Milford Yacht Club

to their ranks, so in all likelihood a one will

winter I get to go while he stays home with

or some other local gathering spot, doing a

allow you to borrow his or her boat for a start

the kids.”

post-mortem over a few beers, discussing the

or two. And who knows? You may just get

race, the mistakes they may have made, and

hooked. “What can I say,” laughs veteran

how they might do better next time.

frostbiter Schrader. “It’s addicting.”

Ed Becker, a veteran sailor in all seasons, thinks frostbiting is “definitely the best practice for racing sailing. Racing is about making the

16 Milford Living • Winter

If you’re a summer sailor who’d like to

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at home

Go Super or Go Home

F

ebruary 7, 2016 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first Super Bowl. That firstgame—played between the Green Bay Packers and The Kansas City Chiefs—kicked off what would become one of America’s most anticipated, unofficial holidays.

ribs. You can do the same thing with regional beers and cocktails. Tell your guests to bring a team-themed drink or food and see what people show up with.

As regards alcohol at your party, throw in extra incentives for designated drivers. For those who can relax and enjoy a few, try your hand at the Cliché Game, based on the trite and tired storylines sportscasters love to use. Pick out a few phrases you know the announcers will touch upon over and over again (i.e. “A come from behind

The Super Bowl’s humble beginnings

victory,” “pressure the quarterback”)

bear almost no resemblance to today’s

and drink every time they repeat

prime time, multimedia extravaganza.

Falling as it does during arguably the worst month of the year (can’t we just skip February?), the Super Bowl shows up just when America needs it…and is the perfect excuse for a party.

And party we do. According to the workforce management company Kronos, the day after the Super Bowl an estimated 1.5 million employees call in sick, 4.4 million come in late, and there is a 20 percent increase in antacid sales. Some people have even called for a “Super Monday” day after day off. Regardless, as long as there is a Super Bowl people will use the game as an excuse to get together to eat, drink, wager, and make merry. But not all parties are equal and the Super Bowl is a unique event that brings

The Line-Up

them. Another game is the Chevy, Ford,

rabid fandom into a party atmosphere and

The basics of a Super Bowl party are

or Budweiser drinking game. Before a

therefore requires special rules to ensure

universal: there should be betting of some

commercial break poll the room and ask

success. Planning a good party is just like

sort, cocktails, and lots of food. A good way

if the next commercial will be for a Ford,

putting a football team together. You start

to bring interesting food ideas to your Super

Chevy, or Bud. Whoever is wrong drinks.

with the fundamentals and when your team

Bowl party is to make snacks that are from

is set and you have a good game plan, add a

the regions of the two teams playing. Giants

The Picks

few wrinkles and gadget plays to keep the

vs. New England: rubens and lobster rolls.

Like it or not, a big part of any fun football

defense on their heels.

New Orleans vs. Kansas City: gumbo and

party is the ability to make a little bit of money.

18 Milford Living • Winter

Nothing makes a non-fan perk up their ears and pay attention to the game better than a few bucks riding on it. To keep things fun and not too intense it’s usually best to keep bets on the low end of the spectrum. Start with the classic Super Bowl Box .

An alternative is prop bets: make up a sheet of questions like the following: How many total points will a team score? Which team will score first? What player will score first? Your guests can fill out their prop bet cards and are charged a small fee for each question. As the game goes on, those with the correct answers take the pot. Just remind your guests to bring a little cash if they want to participate.

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at home Field Conditions The elephant in the room at every Super Bowl party is this: people who neither know, nor care, about football. They are there for

small party location or a conscience, politely ask the non-fans not to hog the good seats.

the commercials, half time show, and pigs

Flag on the Play

in a blanket. Since die-hard football fans can

People get up to all sorts of anti-social

find non-fans a bit of a distraction (okay,

behavior when you mix alcohol, gambling,

an annoyance), it’s optimal to have two

and sports. Emotions run high and a nice party

separate rooms showing the game. To help

can begin to sound like a riot at a soccer match

you decide who goes into which room make

in Glasgow. In keeping with the football

all of your guests take a football IQ test: ten

theme, give every guest a yellow flag. When a

simple questions to which most fans will

party goer breaks one of the agreed upon rules

know the answers. Hand out the tests, grade

another guest can throw their flag at them.

and return them. Those who fail might feel

(This can turn into a fun game in and of itself!)

bad, but a flunked test cocktail will ease

The offending guest is penalized a monetary

their bruised egos as you usher them into

amount that goes into the Super Bowl pool

the den of ignorance. Please note: if this

or gets donated to a charity (something good

scenario is impossible to achieve due to a

coming from people acting badly).

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you don’t want to dink and dunk it; you want to push the ball aggressively downfield (add those to your cliché list).

Remember in parties, as in football, fortune favors the bold.

But be smart, prepare well, and don’t throw on second and goal from the two yard line when you have Marshawn Lynch in your backfield. Follow this advice and just like Joe Willie Namath, waving his index finger high in the air as he exited the Orange Bowl after defeating the Colts in 1970, you too will be number

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family time

More than Words T he bright yellow skirts of the dancers skim the floor. Flower-filled straw hats sweep through the air. Hands clap and feet tap as the Filipino musicians play bandurrias—guitars with 14 strings and a short neck. “Where?” you may ask.

The library, of course!

and a 3D printer are available to explore by residents of all ages.

The silent, stern library of the past has grown into a place of exploration, technology, and fun. While quiet areas do still exist, you may witness kids building robots out of Legos in the Brain Station Technology Lab or enjoying a puppeteer in the Children’s Library. Adults may be knitting in one room while others are coloring in another. Beginning in February, Yale University scientists will be presenting, “Science in the News,” a new series of talks where the speaker takes scientific concepts and presents them in easy-to-understand language. In addition to audio and printed books, hundreds of movies can be checked out with a library card.

Museum and park passes (available at the main desk) offer discount admission to places like the Maritime or Mystic Aquariums, New Britain Museum of American Art, Wadsworth Athenaeum, and Mark Twain House and Museum. “These passes are a great money saver for families,” says Nancy Abbey, assistant director. All are available with your

COURTESY OF MILFORD LIBRARY

library card.

According to Abbey, ideas for groups, discussions, or special events are gathered by brainstorming with the library staff, attending roundtables with other librarians, observing societal trends, or receiving calls from professionals willing to share a skill “People come to the library to spend time in ways they would not normally,” says Christine Angeli, the director of the Milford

community,” Angeli adds, “a place families

or knowledge with others. “Our community

can come to be together.”

here in Milford is so involved and willing to

Angeli admits that it’s sometimes

help,” she says. None of the programs could

Public Library. Musical programs, book clubs,

hard to overcome peoples’ perception of

be presented without funding and help from

parents’ groups, computer and technology

the library—to dispel the old images of

Friends of the Milford Library, a group of 175

classes, gardening lectures, movies, crafts,

what the library is. But, she says, “We are

residents who are active and engaged in the

and small business education classes are all

getting ourselves out there and invite

library. “We don’t have a line item for any

offered regularly, always for free. “We like to

people to come in and see what we can

of these programs in the city budget,” says

think of ourselves as the living room of the

do.” In today’s library, a Space Lab, iPods,

Angeli. “They raise the funds for it all.”

22 Milford Living • Winter

The Children’s Corner of

their reading by having them share stories with therapy dogs.

dozen activities for kids and their

Ellen Taylor, a grandmother and

parents throughout the month.

lifelong Milford resident, says her

Suzanne Harrison-Thomas has

grandchildren love going to the

been the children’s librarian

library. “The staff are great with

for almost 15 years and says to

kids and the kids feel at home

watch for “Take Your Child to the

here. They’ve made lots of friends

Library” day coming up in Febru-

and we always grab a calendar

ary. “It’s a great day to see all the

and come to as many activities as

library has to offer to families.”

we can.”

Some recent programs for kids include Crazy 8s Math Club, Stay and Play Thursdays, Preschool Storytime, Toddler Time, a chess club, and PAWS to Read, a group that helps kids improve

COURTESY OF MILFORD LIBRARY

the library offers more than a

Ann Marie Benjamin brings her 2-year-old daughter to the library at least twice a month.

“She loves the sing-alongs and we always take home books. It’s great socialization and exposes her to

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family time early literacy,” says Benjamin.

The calendar of upcoming events is updated regularly on the Milford Public Library website (www. milfordlibrary.org) as well as on their Facebook page, Friends of the Milford Library. Printed calendars are available through your child’s school or in the library itself.

“We are striving to make the community,” says Angeli, “We are active members of the Chamber of Commerce and have a lot to offer residents as well as businesses here in Milford.”

—Angela Arpino

24 Milford Living • Winter

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26 Milford Living • Winter

Quality Senior Living:

AVisit to Milford’s Senior Center

B

oasting an active membership of approximately 3,000 senior citizens and a full and part-time staff nearing 50, the Milford Senior Center is a rich resource for a large segment of our city’s population

The genuine warmth and spirit that

TEXT BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER PHOTOS BY SHERRY JOHNSON adults want to spend time here. This inviting facility positively hums with vibrancy. Rooms are filled with men and women taking classes, working out, lunching and chatting with their friends, listening to music; busily

exists within this three-story build-

headed from one activity to another.

ing at 9 Jepson Drive is remarkable.

There’s a lot going on!

Taking time to visit is something

My private tour of the Milford

all Milford residents—old, young or

Senior Center was expertly led by

in-between—should experience. After

Eleanore Myers Turkington. Through-

spending just an hour or two touring

out her eight years as the Center’s

the facilities, meeting with the caring

publicist she’s grown accustomed

staff members, chatting with dedi-

to personally hearing compliments

cated volunteers and being cheerfully

during her daily interactions with

welcomed by enthusiastic seniors,

members. Remarks such as, “This is

it’s easy to see why so many older

my second home,” and “I always feel

2016 • Milford Living 27

welcome here,” are frequently

the times. In addition to more

in July 1978, has undergone

ment), a larger main office area,

dispensed. Member Lee Bosca-

diversified classes that reach out

several expansions. The new-

and additional offices.

rino is grateful for the chance

to a younger 55-60 demographic,

est wing, completed in 2004,

to connect with her peers. “I

there’s been an “increase in

features a computer lab, large

facility has increased to almost

have made so many friends,”

travel programs, ceramics, and

conference room, full size base-

33,000 square feet,” notes

she says, “and enjoy the many

innovative art classes” which

ment, a larger Ahrens Program

executive director Janice M.

activities available.” For Linda

have contributed to increased

room (designed for seniors with

Jackson. “An elevator will take

Van Arsdale, the opportunity

membership.

cognitive impairments who

our members to the second floor

require a supervised environ-

for computer classes, language

to enjoy all kinds of music and dance allows her to have fun. “I

Just Keep Growing

look forward to visiting as often

When first established in May

as I can.”

1970 by former Mayor Edward

Turkington’s attentiveness to

Koslowski, the Milford Senior

detail is evident in the in-house

Center occupied three rooms

Milford Senior Center News, the

in the Mary Taylor Methodist

monthly 12-page newsletter

Church on Broad Street. Accord-

she edits. She wants the Center

ing to MSC Archives, “The Church

membership to be able to keep

was our gracious host for eight

up with everything that is

years until we grew and were

going on. Through her tenure,

bursting at the seams!”

Turkington has witnessed the

The current Senior Center,

Center grow and change with

which was built and completed

28 Milford Living • Winter

“With two additions, the

classes, seminars, and presenta-

to grow and gain new knowledge

tions.” Jackson started her career

with each passing year.”

at the Center in August 1971 as the

An ongoing challenge for Jackson

administrative assistant to the late

and her staff is finding creative

Kathi McDonnell-Bissell. “Over

programs and activities that will

the years my responsibilities and

attract more individuals over the

job titles changed when I became

age of 55. “We also need to provide

the administrative coordinator,

services for our older adults such as

social services coordinator, interim

transportation, Meals-on-Wheels,

director, and executive director,”

and our Ahrens Program.”

says Jackson who also admits to being “grateful for the opportunity

In addition to featuring an onsite Milford Food Bank and

2016 • Milford Living 29

the aforementioned programs, the Center’s Mini-Lunch and

transportation service, which

a member’s individual interest,”

explains Berry. “The first

takes them to/from the Senior

says the Center’s program director

through the fourth week of the

Center as well as to medical ap-

Amanda Berry. Here is just a taste

month there is a different class

pointments in Milford. “Isolation

of some of the activities seniors

offered at 1:00 p.m. All of these

is reduced when seniors enjoy

can participate in: billiards, bingo,

classes have renewing properties

a meal and attend an activity

bridge, ceramics, choral group,

through creative expression

while in the company of other

computer classes, crafts, creative

and relaxation.” Special events

seniors,” Jackson points out. “Our

writing, dancing and exercise,

scheduled for this winter

members often tell me that there

gospel choir, knitting, MahJong,

through early spring will feature

is something for every senior at

model train group, movies, pickle

entertainment by performers

the Center.”

ball, ping pong, quilting, tai chi,

Bob Mele, Tim Lillis, and Mandy

travel, and yoga.

Dickson, a Valentine’s Day Party,

Continental Breakfast Program

So Much to Do!

is enjoyed by approximately 100

“We have such a variety of

to include new activities. “On

seniors each week day. Members

classes and activities they all

Friday afternoons we started a

who cannot drive appreciate the

have a following, depending on

series of Rejuvenation Fridays,”

The Center is always looking

a St. Patrick’s Day Dance, and an Awards Day Brunch.

For those yearning to get up, go, and explore beyond Milford’s borders, the Center’s travel coordinator Kathy Wachter provides opportunities. With walls decorated with photos from recent travels, her desk displays stacks of colorful brochures, flyers, and guidebooks describing shorter “no frills” outings, full day (coach bus) trips, weekend jaunts, and longer “big tours” that feature air/cruise options.

“Our cultural and historic tours are very popular, as are long tours are for the U.S. and Europe,” says Wachter. “Ninety percent our tours include lunch along with gratuities and are priced very reasonably.”

Regionally, the most popular excursions are day trips to theatre venues, “especially the musicals which might rank number one overall,” says Wachter. “Whether a small local theatre or a Broadway road show at the Bushnell or Palace, we fill the seats.” And although winter trips are less common,

30 Milford Living • Winter

Amanda Berry concurs. “Whether you are looking for an outlet for your creative ambitions, to maintain health and reduce stress, or for activities to maintain mental sharpness, you’ll find a class or group to join to meet your particular interests.”

Wachter confirms that “by mid-March,

Wachter and her colleagues are generous

spring is in the air and everyone is very

in their praise for the Center’s impact and

The Milford Senior Center is open Monday

ready to get out again. Come April we are in

achievements. “Not because I work here, but

through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and

full swing for all tours—long and short—and

we do have an incredible center offering so

Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To find

never a quiet moment in the Travel Office

much to our senior community! And we are

out more visit their user-friendly website at

once again!”

all very proud of it!”

www.milfordctseniorcenter.com.

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Milfood Favorites Chase the winter chill with these favorite recipes from local residents.

T

he winter chill has descended upon us and Milfordites hunker down in their woolies and snuggies. One way to fight off Jack Frost is to warm your home by creating a hearty meal.

Cooking with or for family and friends is a great way to enjoy the season with flavor and flair. We hope you enjoy these recipes from some of our friends around town. Delicious and delectable, this varied fare will warm your tummy and tantalize your taste buds.

Milford Mayor Ben Blake loves the Oyster

In a large pot, steam clams in 1-2 inches of water until

Festival. You may not have 100 people stopping in at your

just open. Reserve broth; shuck clams and chop or grind.

home but any recipe can be adjusted for a smaller batch.

Melt butter in another large pot. Sauté onions and celery.

This delicious clam chowder is a sure fire hit, enjoyed by

When vegetables are soft, add chopped clams, flour, and

thousands every second Saturday in August.

seasonings. Stir well, then add broth, making sure there is at least 1½ gallons (or add some water.) Add chopped

Milford Oyster Festival Clam Chowder for 100

potatoes and simmer until potatoes are soft, at least 1 hour.

5 lbs. potatoes, peeled

1

/2 cup flour

or 1:4 milk to chowder. Do not boil, just heat through and

and diced

Broth

serve.

3 lbs. onions, chopped

Seasoning: thyme, sage,

1 bunch celery, chopped

pepper, parsley, bay

without milk into a warming pot, add milk, heat, and

1-11/2 bushels clams

leaves

serve. Leftover chowder without milk lasts longer in the

1 lb. butter

Whole milk

refrigerator and can be frozen.”

34 Milford Living • Winter

When ready to serve, add whole milk at ratio of about 1:3

Note from the Mayor, “I ‘decant’ batches of chowder

2016 • Milford Living 35

Nell Moll & Dory Neilson cook

1 (15 oz.) can small white beans drained

up a storm year round, but this dish is a

1

favorite of theirs during the winter months.

1

/2 cup finely chopped cilantro

Tony Picarazzi, our neighbor and owner

/ cup finely chopped green onions

of Simply Kitchens, certainly knows his way

2

This tasty slow cook recipe is sure to stave off old man winters chill and add some spice to any gathering.

around a stove. His penchant for cooking has Crumble and brown ground pork in skillet (first sprinkle with a little baking soda to aid browning). Sauté with olive oil

crafted this seafood extravaganza which is as tasty as it is waistline friendly.

Sound Seafood Salad

Pork Milford

and garlic. Drain well. Drop pork into the

1 lb. ground pork

slow cooker. Next, brown the pork shoulder

1 lb. cleaned shrimp

2 lbs. pork shoulder pieces with bone in

pieces (again, sprinkle with baking soda

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

(about 2-inch pieces)

to aid browning) with olive oil and garlic,

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

3 cups sweet chopped Vidalia onion

bone in, until lightly browned about 5

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cut up small carrots

minutes then drop into slow cooker. In

1 large garlic clove minced

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

the same skillet add onion and peppers

3 garlic cloves, minced

and sauté to soft, stirring frequently. Add

1 lager-style beer

garlic; sauté 1 minute. Cook 1 minute, stir-

3 Tbsp. chili powder

ring constantly. Stir in beer; cook 1 minute.

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

Transfer onion mixture to slow cooker. Add

2 tsp. dried oregano

chili powder and other ingredients. Cover

3

/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

and cook on high 5 hours or until meat

2 bay leaves

is tender. Remove bones from pork and

1 (28 oz.) cans Pastene tomatoes

discard along with the bay leaves. Add fresh

crushed

cut green onions and chopped cilantro to

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans drained

taste, and your choice of cheese.

36 Milford Living • Winter

/2 tsp. of salt

1

/4 tsp. black pepper

1

1 small red onion, halved lengthwise, then thinly cross wise (1 cup) /3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved

1

lengthwise 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large 2 stalks celery 1/4 inch slices 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat parsley leaves 1 lb. fresh squid /2 lb. scallops

1

/2 lb. crabmeat

1

Rinse squid under cold water and lightly pat dry with paper towels. Halve tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies crosswise into 1/3 inch rings. Place squid into salted boiling water for 40 to 60 seconds. Drain in colander and transfer into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. When cool pat dry. Boil shrimp and scallops until cooked and drain.

Elena Fusco is the restauranteur behind

Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oil,

Bin 100. Her Bolognese sauce draws eager

heat add two tablespoons of olive oil,

garlic, salt, and pepper, then add onion and

diners from far and wide and she has kindly

onion, celery, and carrot; sautĂŠ for 3-4

let rest for 5 minutes. Combine seafood, olives

shared her secret recipe with us here. Try and

minutes. Next add the three types of

tomatoes, celery, and parsley in a bowl. Toss

see if you can match her culinary skill!

ground meats and raise the temperature

with dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Let

In a 6-8 quart sauce pot over medium

to high, stirring the ingredients constantly until the meat has thoroughly browned.

develop. Can be enjoyed right away, but chill-

Milford’s Favorite Bolognese Sauce

ing the salad covered for eight hours makes it

3 stalks celery finely chopped

parsley and reduce the heat to medium.

taste even better!

3 carrots peeled and finely chopped

Stir occasionally for 5 minutes. Add the

1 yellow onion finely chopped

pureed tomato and cook on medium heat

2 Tbsps. olive oil

for 10 minutes, then reduce to medium

1

/2 lb. ground beef

low heat and simmer for 1 hour stirring

/2 lb. ground pork

occasionally.

stand for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to

1

/2 lb. ground veal

1

Add the wine, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and

Separately, cook your favorite cut of

/ cup red wine

pasta; we suggest penne pasta or egg

1 tsp. salt

tagliatelle. Drain the pasta and return to

1

/2 tsp. black pepper

the pan and add a generous amount of

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

the Bolognese sauce to cover the pasta

1 bay leaf

and a handful of grated parmesan. Toss

32 oz. pureed canned tomatoes

and serve.

1

2

2016 • Milford Living 37

Suzanne Cahill, our illustrious publisher loves her crockpot. Always on deadline, the slow cooker makes mealtime easier.

Walnut Beach Bisque 2 cups frozen corn 1 can (14.5 oz.) cream-style corn 2 cups chicken broth 1 large onion, diced 1 stalk celery, diced 1 garlic clove, diced 2 carrots, chopped in rounds 2 tsp. thyme /8 tsp. black pepper

1

1 cup half & half or whole milk 2 cups seafood–crab meat, shrimp, calamari, etc. Whichever you prefer.

Grits: Bring the stock to a boil in a medium pot.

Add the grits and whisk constantly until they are fully mixed into the stock (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low and cover, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. After about 5 minutes the grits should be thick and creamy.

Slowly stir in the shredded Gouda cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mike Lofaro, owner of Berkeley Exteriors

1 tsp. salt

Shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels. Add all

can not only, improve the energy efficiency of

8 oz. shredded smoked Gouda

seasonings and shrimp to a large Ziploc bag

your home, but can heat it up in the kitchen as

and shake to evenly coat. Heat a large skillet

well. A devoted fan of the culinary arts, Mike’s

Grilled Shrimp

over medium-high heat and add butter. Once

neighbors were quick to ask for his shrimp and

2 lbs. raw shrimp peeled & deveined

it’s sizzling, add the shrimp and cook on both

grits recipe once they tasted it. Now he shares

2 oz. chili powder

sides until pink. The butter will brown as the

it with you.

Pinch of red pepper flakes

shrimp cooks. Keeping moving the shrimp

1 oz. freshly ground pepper

around the pan so the butter does not burn.

Rivercliff Shrimp & Grits

2 oz. garlic powder

Finally, add the garlic for the final 30 seconds

Make the grits

2 oz. seafood seasoning (Old Bay)

or so. Stir the shrimp to coat with flavor (and

1 cup old fashioned grits

2 oz. onion powder

not burn the garlic). Drain. Add a can of fire

2 cups boiling water

1 oz. ginger

roasted corn and stir to heat through. Plate the

2 cups chicken broth

1 oz. olive oil

grits in large soup bowls or dishes and ladle the

/4 lb. butter

1 can (14.75 oz.) fire roasted corn

shrimp and corn mixture on top. Serve hot.

1

38 Milford Living • Winter

In crock pot, combine both corns,

low about 6 hours. When ready, remove

smooth, return to crockpot. Add half & half

chicken broth, garlic, onion, celery, car-

about half of the chowder from the slow

and seafood, turn to high, and cook 10-15

rot, spices, stir to mix. Cover and cook on

cooker and pulse in the food processor until

minutes more.

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after dark “When I see my son performing guitar on stage, I am bursting with enthusiasm and pride for him,” says Paul’s mom Meladee, his biggest fan. “Paul has always loved performing. He has never been nervous to perform in front of people and is comfortable in the spotlight.”

Diana Walsh grew up performing. “I sang and played throughout high school and college but I stopped when life got busy. I started going to open mic nights about five years ago just to be in the audience and eventually got up to perform.

The MAC always has a respectful audience as well as a great sound system and acoustics. It’s always fun to see and hear wonderful acts.”

Walsh’s rendition of the Patsy Cline classic

Open Mic Nite at the MAC H

ave a talent you feel like displaying or just fancy an evening out? Then the Milford Arts Council (MAC) has something for you. Open Mic Nites at the MAC have been the place to be since they began last summer. They’ve been a big hit, with standing room-only crowds enjoying a wide variety of talented performers: singers, poets, stand-up comics, and musicians. Anyone can sign up to perform, but get there early to register as time slots fill up quickly.

summer sessions. “I have played

be a pro to perform; many who hit the

numerous open mic nights

stage are first-timers, and Open Mic is

in Connecticut as well as in

a perfect venue to try out a talent. The

Maine this past summer

range of entertainment differs every

while on vacation,” says

time: a little bit of Metallica, some

Ruzbarsky, who began

musical standards, and pinch of poetry

playing guitar at age nine.

creates an enclave of showbiz right

“When I was in third grade, for

downtown. The crowd is forgiving and

a biography project, I dressed up

supportive of any artist daring enough

as Paul McCartney and played for

to brave the stage.

my class. I enjoy the applause

40 Milford Living • Winter

wanted to do it for some time and this summer we started up. Every Wednesday for six weeks straight we had diverse talent perform. Judges rated their performances every week and the winner at the end of the run played on the mainstage at the Oyster Festival,” says co-founder Hannon. “We decided to bring it back over the winter but just once a month with no judges. This

performed during one of the

deal in town. And you don’t have to

Paul Ruzbarsky, a student at Foran,

The Open Mic Nites are the brainchild of Dolores Hannon and Sandy Morgan. “We’ve

after I finish playing.”

SHERRY JOHNSON

With a $5 cover charge, it’s the best

“Crazy” met with resounding applause.

summer we’ll be back to once a week.”

That’ll be music to the ears of musical duo Eye Digress. “We’ve been rehearsing for just about a year and started gigging in August. We have eclectic taste in music from heavy metal to show tunes,” says Denise Chandler. She and partner Paul Camp have been traveling to open mic nights around the state, and Milford is a favorite venue.

Why do the performers

Open Mic Nites at the MAC take place Wednesday nights, January 13, February 10, March 5, April 13, May 11 from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

like it? Aside from the venue, the organizers create

Grinders, pizza, cheese, crackers, or whatever

decided to check it out,” says Paul. “We will

an inviting atmosphere. Small café tables are

you wish!

definitely be back…but next time we’ll be

illuminated with candles for a casual and warm

First-time audience members Carmen and

feel. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available

Paul Hufcut enjoyed a recent show. “We were

for purchase and you can BYOB…and BYOF!

looking for something different to do and

prepared. Food, fun, and friends. It can’t get any better than that.”

—Susan Carroll-Dwyer

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2016 • Milford Living 41

arts + artisans

Mural of Memories

T

he WPA was a government program designed to put artists and artisans

to work during the desperate days of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Hundreds of artists competed to create murals for public properties, and in Connecticut more than 160 artists were employed with funding provided by the WPA. They created over 5,000 pieces of art, much of which can still be seen in post offices, schools, museums, hospitals, housing projects, and colleges throughout the state.

Frank Smith, city alderman and a member of Milford’s Permanent Art Collection committee, recalls Bill Maddox (then executive director of CHRISTINE ROSE

the Milford Arts Council) and Frank Vespy (art coordinator for the Board of Education) removing the panel.

“They peeled this thing off somehow, rolled it up, and put it behind a filing cabinet

estimates are between $20,000 and $30,000,”

significant today because it hung in the school

in the Board of Education. It’s a fairly large

says Morra.

for 40 years, and people today still remember

mural in the Depression-era style of Thomas

Although much of the mural is gone, the

it and that period of time,” she said.

Hart Benton, and has a lot of Milford

remaining fragment still has historic value.

In 1937, Frank Rutkoski, a Connecticut artist,

landmarks. Many people remember it.”

“The piece we have shows some of the male

was commissioned to paint the mural. He and

students and the old Congregational Church,

mural designer Louis Agostini had worked

mounted on fiberboard, needs extensive

which was demolished in the 1950s. It also

for the Public Works of Art Project and the

restoration before it can once again be

shows what we think is the Sanford Bristol

WPA Federal Arts Project, and both completed

displayed to the public. Although the colors

House, a c.1789 house that they just saved

several paintings for schools and other

are as vibrant as ever, flaked paint will need to

from demolitionon North Street,” Morra noted,

facilities throughout Connecticut.

be restored and the white substance removed.

adding that the building on the painting has a

“There are other WPA paintings hanging

The mural will also have to be remounted

different number of dormers, so it is assumed

in the Parsons Government Center, as well as

and prepared for hanging. “The restoration

some artistic license was taken. “The mural is

other murals that were painted at that time,”

The mural, painted on white canvas and

42 Milford Living • Winter

To benefit th Public Scho In 1937, when the Central Grammar School Departm mural was commissioned, Milford was

Jay Rowe presents

says Morra. As she goes on to explain, “This mural is among the eight pieces identified through the Connecticut WPA project

a thriving town with many small farms,

commissioned for Milford. This mural is one

Smooth Ja for Scholars

businesses, and two large seed manufacturing

40 t for one nigh $

and there were two easel paintings that we have found. One of those pieces is called “Ship” by Ralston Keeler, and is in the mayor’s

plants. Roads, schools, and churches were being built to accommodate the growing

70 for two

$

office. Another school mural was painted by a WPA artist, but was not listed in the material that was given to us by the state.”

population; and while the town as a whole was not heavily impacted by the Great

Depression, many Milford residents did indeed seek assistance through the WPA.

prese Friday, April 26 • Saturday, Jay RoweApri

Identifying WPA murals is a challenge.

The program, begun by President Franklin

Artist commissions were processed through

Delano Roosevelt in 1933, continued for close

to a decade and provided needed funds The Parsons Complex • 70 West River Street, Milf

three different parts of the program, each handled by a different agency, and records

40 t for one nigh $

were not kept in one place.

and conservative community. Historian

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arts + artisans Richard Platt remembered, “In my

Committee and The Milford Arts

neighborhood in the Burnt Plains area,

Council. Fundraisers have been

the road had a bump in it and my

held and businesses and civic

mother used to call it the WPA bump.”

organizations are requested to

“The History of Milford, 1639-1939”

participate. When complete,

reinforces the notion that residents

the mural will hang at the

resented the federal funding, but

Milford Public Library. Donors

there was at least one area where

contributing $500 or more

the funds were welcomed. When the

will be commemorated on an

WPA Educational Program opened

accompanying plaque.

a headquarters in the basement of

For more information visit

Milford’s Town Hall in 1936, the town

the Milford Arts Council website

happily accepted funding for the arts.

at www.milfordarts.org or call

Efforts to save the mural have begun through the Affirmative Arts

44 Milford Living • Winter

203.882.0969.

—Christina Rose

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Milford Living Magazine

2014

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education notebook

Productive Snow Days M anaging the family during a snow storm can be challenging for parents, especially when snow brings an unexpected day off from school. While the children are jumping for joy at the prospect of a day full of sleeping in, snow sledding, and hot chocolate, mom and dad are often scratching their heads over what to do. A little advance planning can help bring a sense of productivity to the “found time” a snow day often brings.

Having a “snow storm to-do list” ready and waiting, with age appropriate activities for your children, will provide you with an immediate bargaining chip to trade for the promise of free time once some tasks are accomplished.

School-aged children can engage in a number of jobs around the house such as cleaning their rooms or re-organizing their closets, drawers, and bookshelves. They can tackle the kitchen junk drawer or help with other mundane chores that never seem to get done. Activities for younger ones might include folding laundry and matching socks, sorting through the linen closet and turning tattered sheets and towels into rags (and then

For something more structured, consider

dusting with them), or organizing the pantry

a formal job that has flexible hours or can

while checking expiration dates on boxed and

help someone out who is in a pinch. Children

canned goods. If you have a home office, tasks like sorting, labeling, filing, and alphabetizing are things youngsters might like to help with.

between the ages of 12-17 can enroll in Milford’s Rent-A-Kid Program managed by the city’s Youth and Family Services, a part of the Human Services Department. It is one of

Teens can do laundry, clean

our community’s hidden gems. The program

the refrigerator, make meals

matches residents looking for part-time

for later in the week, or

help around their homes with children who

complete simple paint jobs.

are looking for a way to earn some extra

They can clean out the car or,

money. Christie Roche, interim director of

if you have a shredder, tackle

the Department of Human Services, has been

that pile of credit card offers and other items containing personal information, which shouldn’t go in the trash. An older child who is particularly tech

46 Milford Living • Winter

other online files.

overseeing the Rent-A-Kid Program for years.

There are a number of tasks residents typically seek help with, such as child care, yard work, gardening, lawn mowing, and other odd jobs.

This time of year, snow shoveling is high

savvy can help organize your digital

on the list of requests from residents who

photographs, archives, music, or

participate in the program. Child care is a

close second for parents who must go to work

matched with. Children are also exposed to

despite the weather.

the interview process, the art of negotiation,

The Rent-A-Kid process begins with a “mini

and how to place a value on their time and

interview” between Roche and the child who

talents. An added plus for parents is that

is interested in signing up for the program. A

children have an opportunity to appreciate

parent or guardian must accompany the child

the significance of earning and managing

and sign a permission slip before participation

their own money and can contribute towards

can begin. Roche then attempts to match

the cost of things they’ve been wanting to

the child’s interests with a nearby resident’s

purchase.

needs, trying as best she can to keep it all in

While snow days offer a great time to catch

the same neighborhood. The rate of pay for

up on much needed work around the house,

the work being done is negotiated between

a little planning can alleviate the panic that

the child and the resident. In the case of child care, the resident has a little more input as to

offered those jobs.

parents often feel when a snow day presents

From Roche’s perspective, the Rent-A-Kid

itself. But you know what they say about all

placement and, as Roche explains, children

Program has the additional benefit of teaching

work and no play. Don’t forget to have some

who have completed the Red Cross babysitter

children responsibility and commitment, as

fun too!

training course have a better chance of being

they are accountable to the resident they are

—Susan Glennon

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sunday drive

Winter Driving Guide W inter driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant. The roads are busy and snow, ice, poor visibility, and extreme cold can disable your vehicle or make roads impassable. Even on a relatively short trip you can find yourself stranded for several hours. It’s important to plan ahead for such a situation. Determine where you are going, when you are leaving and plan to return, and how you are getting there. Let someone else know your plan. Map out the best route to your destination and stay abreast of the weather and the road conditions. Traveling on winter roads can be tricky. Be prepared, drive smart, and get to your destination safely with these winter driving tips.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter The best time to get ready for winter is before

Follow Winter Driving Recommendations

the first storm of the season. Some items to

Winter driving has its own set of challenges

check to make sure your vehicle is in good

from the moment you start up your vehicle. Here

Stay Calm if Stranded

working order include:

are some useful winter driving suggestions:

If a winter storm strands you with your

• Hoses and fan belts • Spark plugs • Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels • Battery strength • Tire pressure and tread life

• Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage • Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up • Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow

• Air, fuel, and emissions filters

• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads

• Spare tire and jack

• Allow more time for braking in poor

Carry Emergency Supplies In addition to the just-in-case items you

visibility • Stay calm if you start to skid

vehicle, follow these tips: • Pull off the highway; if possible, turn on your hazard lights or light flares, and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window.

• Call 911 if you have a phone and describe your location as precisely as possible.

• Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.

• Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep

should always have in your vehicle such as

Pack a Survival Kit

jumper cables, tire changing tools, flashlight,

In case you’re ever marooned in your vehicle,

slightly for ventilation and clear snow

and first aid kit, be sure to include these

you might want to keep a small survival kit

from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon

winter essentials:

on hand in case of emergencies. Some useful

monoxide poisoning.

• Small folding shovel

items include:

warm. Open a downwind window

• Exercise a little to maintain body heat,

• Tow and tire chains

• Compass

• Basic tool kit

• Ice scraper and brush

• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Bag of road salt or cat litter

• Wooden matches

• Conserve your vehicle’s battery. Use

• Windshield wiper fluid

• High-energy, non-perishable food

• Antifreeze

• Cell phone charger

• Warning flares

• Blankets and warm clothing • Bottled water

48 Milford Living • Winter

but avoid overexertion and sweating.

lights, heat, and radio sparingly.

• At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.

—Wanda Carlson

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historical perspective

Got Ice? N

othing is as satisfying as a cold drink on a hot summer day. At the turn of the last century that was not a simple matter. Ice was a valuable commodity. Over two million Americans worked as ditch diggers and during the long, cold winters of New England many such strong of back lads could find off-season service on frozen ponds and rivers. Once the ice was a couple of feet thick, strong men with awls would drill holes for saws so great blocks of ice were cut free to be hauled ashore by teams of horses or oxen and placed in nearby ice houses.

did not want to appear to be just a nuisance gawker, when the fireman told him to grab the hose, he did. By the end of the evening he was exhausted and his best suit was covered in mud. The ice house burned to the ground.

As a business model, the ice business was a no-brainer. Since food was seldom stored for more than a few days, deliveries of ice costing

curious. He raced his 1939 Graham from

a few pennies per pound were made to every

very scenic structure. Built like an ordinary

An ice house was an interesting but not

Milford to the glow in the distance arriving

house every day or so; it was steady work and a

barn, it had an inner wall system, like a barn

just before the firemen and police. The

good income. Anything that had to last would

within a barn. The area between the inner

firetruck pulled in behind him, and, since he

be preserved by cooking and placing in cans or

and outer walls would be filled with straw, sawdust, or other chaff as insulation. One small such ice house stood on the corner of North and West Main Streets on the Mill Pond (today known as the City Hall Duck Pond), just north of the Old Mill and the blacksmith shop, now all part of a city park.

Ice was a great commercial activity before refrigeration. Bigger cities had the largest industries, and a huge ice house once sat at the foot of Bridgeport’s Bunnell Pond (also known as the Mill Pond) on the upper Pequannock River (now at the dam of Beardsley Park). Massive amounts of ice were stored there and every day during the spring, summer, and fall carts fanned out to sell blocks by the pound. On a hot PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOGER COLLECTION

summer day, it was a happy thing for a lad to grab a chip or two to suck on as the worker chipped great blocks apart to make smaller blocks for sale.

When the great Bridgeport ice house burned in January 1939, the glow of its fire could be seen for miles. Made of what was, by then, old dried wood and filled with straw, it erupted in a massive conflagration.

My dad, like many youths of the day, was

50 Milford Living • Winter

The rustic, barn-like ice house is a stark contrast in architecture to the old Congregational Church.

mason jars, or dried, salted,

of the insulated ice box

occurrence into the 1940s before giving

or smoked. Use of an “ice

and the unit kept sealed

way to manufactured ice. Ice in Milford

box” would extend the

so that as the ice melted

was harvested in much the same way as

useful life of consumables

it absorbed the heat

it was elsewhere, using saws, poles, and

for a few days.

from the food, keeping it

other equipment to score the ice, break it

relatively cold.

into large slabs, and cut it into subsequently

Beginning in the mid19th century and up until

Ice harvesting

the general availability

remained an annual

of the refrigerator in

smaller blocks for storage in the ice house.

(Visit http://bportlibrary.org and search “ice harvest” for a great video from the 1930s.)

the 1920s, almost every

This claw-footed lion head

Unfortunately, few remnants of the ice

home had an ice box. It

model icebox is a cherished

industry remain in Milford, or elsewhere in

was considered a piece

item even today. This particu-

Connecticut. One old ice house, which was

of furniture. The grander

lar model was listed recently

located in Devon across Bridgeport Avenue

the home, the grander

on Ebay for just under $8,000

from St. Andrews Church, was torn down

the ice box. Ice would be

(about the cost of 10 standard

more than a decade ago.

placed in a tray in part

refrigerators).

—Joseph B. Barnes, Esq

“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 loyalty to high ideals.” – William Ewart Gladstonr, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

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2016 • Milford Living 51

★

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52 Milford Living • Winter

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2016 • Milford Living 53

Frozen in Time

expressions

The entire city was covered in ice after a storm when I took this photo. The ice encapsulated every detail of the cannon.

Mother Nature is the most amazing artist and gives us photographers the ability to capture her beauty as it unfolds in a unique way each and every day.Â

By Sherry Johnson

54 Milford Living • Winter

congratulations

C

ongratulations to Letitia “Letty” Malone, the 2015 recipient of the Junior Women’s Club Living Treasure Award. Letty’s service to Milford is truly a gift for us all.

Her tireless work in helping to preserve our city’s open spaces makes each of our lives richer.

The environmental conservation programs she created means that numerous wetlands, gardens, and parks are still here for all of us to enjoy thanks to her efforts.

2016 • Milford Living 55

?

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz:

The fountain located at the intersection of River and Broad Streets.

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

Want your very own Milford Living t-shirt?

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

Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.

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Tel. 203-882-7244 | Fax. 203-877-3970 |P.O. Box 152 | 26 Cherry Street Milford CT 06460 56 Milford Living • Winter

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