Milford Living Winter 2024

Winter 2024 Vol. 20 Issue 4 $5.99

Retirement Planning Investment Advisory Solutions Executive Wealth Management Financial Life Planning Health Savings Accounts IT'S

Estate & Tax Planning Insurance & Long-Term Care Divorce Financial Planning Charitable Giving Business succession BEEN A GREAT YEAR

James

Betzig

The Financial Advisor magazine ranking was given in 2023. TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate Financial Advisor magazine for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:

The Barron’s Advisor ranking was given in 2023.

TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate Barron’s for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:

The Best of Milford award was given in 2023.

TrinityPoint Wealth did not compensate The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce for this ranking. Additional criteria for the ranking can be found here:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature

32

Village of Devon

The true gateway of Milford

Departments 4 Publisher’s Letter 6 Readers’ Letters 8 Milford Spotlight 12 Around Town 16 This Season 20 Arts and Artisans 24 At Home 26 Milford Fit 28 Milford Morsels 38 At Your Service 40 Senior Corner 44 Historical Perspective 48 Milford Wildlife 50 Book Nook 53 Expressions 54 Milford’s Attic 55 Greetings From Milford 56 Where is It?

About the cover: Milford’s City Hall shines brightly in every season.

Photo by Sherry Lynn Johnson.

2024 • Milford Living 1

McCabe, Wikstrom & Barney, LLC PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL LEGAL SERVICES IN CIVIL, CRIMINAL & FAMILY LITIGATION

WINTER 2024 VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 4 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher Susan Carroll Dwyer

Advertising Director

We are proud to announce

Joy Haines

Attorney Melissa M. Nixon

Contributing Photographers

has joined the firm as associate counsel!

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Happy New Year, neighbor!

Contributing Editors Tracy Farricker

Contributing Writers

Susan Carroll Dwyer, Tim Chaucer, Ken Elkins, Tadhg Hannon, Jason Marchi, Marilyn May, Ann McGuire, Gerry McGuire, Haley NcNish, Cindy Papish Gerber, Mike Patrick

Production Assistance Kevin Maher, Wendy Macomber, Todd Manning, Tamara Simpson

Interns

Bridget Dwyer, Maryalice Manning

With the start of this new year, my team and I are wishing you a bright new year filled with prosperity!

Milford Living Magazine

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2 Milford Living • Winter

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Your Trusted Name in Outstanding Dental Care

publisher’s letter Happy New Year!

As we welcome 2024 and hang up our new wall calendars,

we are thoughtful about the possibilities that 12 fresh months can bring to each of us. As birthdays, thoughtfully scheduled appointments, special events, and mundane tasks fill out the dates, we inventory how we feel about these engagements and how they will shape our future days. New year, new beginnings, it’s said. The time of year when we The Dworkin name is synonymous with the promise of great dental care.

Dr. Olivia Dworkin, Dr. Jay Dworkin and Dr. Kristin Helms continue that promise to the community. Please stop by our Milford office and say hello!

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In the spirit of inspiration, this season’s issue of Milford Living invites you to participate fully in community living and try something new. Explore Milford’s local eateries and try a new one, catch a play (or audition for one) at the

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MAC, and visit the Milford Library to participate in the wide programming offered. We’ve got some indoor inspiration too: try your hand at hydroponics, and then curl up with a good book by one of our local authors. In looking back on time

SHOP LOCAL, SHOP OFTEN!

well spent with friends and family, one realizes how short the days seem. Don’t let time pass you by; make time for those you love and to turn strangers into friends.

The I Love Local Gift Card is Valid at Over 30 Local Retailers!

We hope you enjoy this issue and share it with your neighbors on a friendly visit. We welcome your comments, thoughts, and ideas for future issues. The new year is a fresh start, after all, so no complaints; we can leave those behind.

From resolutions to bucket lists, we hope you check them all off this year.

Wishing you and yours health and happiness this New Year!

Cheers,

Suzanne Click for Chamber Website

4 Milford Living • Winter

Click for I Love Local

readers’ letters

Henrietta, we’d love to hear your fond memories of Milford so we can share those wonderful times with future generations. Please write them down and send them our way.

I love my Milford Living and look forward to receiving it; so many

interesting articles and wonderful pictures. Keep it up.

—Rita Cataldi, Milford, CT Thank you Rita for being a dedicated subscriber for the last 20 years and sending us your notes of praise; we appreciate you and all our subscribers.

I miss Milford three seasons of the year. I don’t miss the CT winters here in sunny Florida, but I look forward to every issue.

—Philip J. Fulco, The Villages, FL

Milford will always be your home, Philip. You can take the boy out of Milford, but you can’t take Milford out of the boy. Send us some oranges and share the sunshine.

so much to all of us that you’ve been with us every season for the past 21 years.

From your first issue to the current one, your handsome magazine continues to inform and delight your many Milford readers!

—Rhonda Myers, Milford, CT Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Rhonda, and for being an inaugural subscriber. It means

Drop us a line… Please send your comments, contributions, suggestions, and questions to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460 or email our publisher at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

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I am a “senior citizen” plus many years and lived in Milford all my life. I enjoy reading and reminiscing about the old times at Walnut Beach and Devon.

—Henrietta Platt, Milford, CT

milford spotlight

Rooted in History

K

Known colloquially as the “Umbrella Tree,”

MIKE PATRICK

atherine Krauss Murphy spread a dozen or more postcards on the dining room table in her Woodmont home; some in full color, some with colors that faded with age into a dusty sepia. All, however, depicted the same subject—a knotted trunk coated with bumpy, gray bark, topped with a haphazard mane of prickly pine needles. suggest its special nature and significance to

Throughout the decades, the Umbrella Tree has

one of multiple versions of it has provided

Woodmont’s culture. That may be why, when

remained a strong presence in the community.

shade over a small patch of land extending into

it was learned that the beloved tree was

Long Island Sound for more than a century.

dying and in need of replacement, the news

first noticed that the tree was ill some five

rocked the borough, where the tree is a focal

years ago. He and the burgesses spent years

postcards,” Murphy says, holding one that

point for the many people who walk, jog, and

seeking to remedy it. “I was literally sitting

depicts a couple sitting under the Umbrella

bike along Beach Avenue every day.

on my porch, and I was looking over and I’m

“I’m obsessed with that. I’m always finding

Tree, a rowboat in the foreground. “I mean, nobody needs this many postcards of one tree.”

That so many postcards have been produced featuring the charming tree may

A press release from Borough Warden Ed Bonessi, Jr., said the Umbrella Tree “…

noticing that some of the needles started to turn yellow,” he says.

has been given a terminal diagnosis by

The borough reached out to an arborist,

several licensed arborists.” In fact, Bonessi

who said that while the tree was dying, some steps could be taken to slow the process. They drilled small holes into the base of the tree, then installed eight “IV”-type bottles into it that fed the tree nutrients and fungicide, Bonessi said. “I don’t know if it really helped or not. But I just noticed it was getting progressively worse,” Bonessi recalls.

An arborist he contacted for a second opinion told him one wasn’t necessary. And, that a replacement was.

COURTESY OF KATHERINE KRAUSS MURPHY

Murphy, a historian whose book

8 Milford Living • Winter

Woodmont (Past and Present) mentions the Umbrella Tree, said the origin of the first tree might have been lost to history. “The earliest postcards that I have of the tree are from 1905 or 1906,” she says. “It had a name and everything by the early 1900s.” That, plus a 1907 postcard depicting the tree as mature, led her to guess it might have been planted

sometime in the 1890s.

pine tree, and that’s the one that stood there

But why? Murphy’s research has turned up

for almost 70 years, well past the species’ life

nothing definitive.

expectancy of 25-30 years.

Pure conjecture, according to Murphy, is

Over time, the Umbrella Tree became

that it could have been installed as a tourist

an enduring symbol of Woodmont. It’s not

destination. Around the turn of the 20th

uncommon to see people reading, picnicking,

century, Woodmont was fast becoming a

or exercising underneath it, even in the

popular vacation spot and the two homes

colder weather. Couples often get engaged

that still stand across the street from the

there. Some said loved ones have even

Umbrella Tree served as inns. It’s possible,

scattered cremains into the waters of Long

she said, that one of those innkeepers

Island Sound from there.

installed the tree to beautify the area and

The Umbrella Tree was so revered that multiple

attract business.

postcards were printed over the years.

What’s known is that the first tree, known as a Cedar of Lebanon, lived in that spot along Beach Avenue until the summer of 1954,

Kelly Cummings, who has lived in Woodmont almost 25 years, said she’s glad the Umbrella Tree has been replaced. “It’s

when it was destroyed by Hurricane Edna.

The borough soon replaced it with a black

one of those symbols of, for me, community,” she says. “I think just having something so

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milford spotlight recognizable and so familiar that you see on a

“We thought…maybe we can, you know,

daily basis seems like it makes it like home.”

sort of replicate that in a laboratory situation.

Then we knew we would have to plant it somewhere and nurture it,” Bonessi explains.

says Cummings. “I’ve always found it very

“We had that idea for about a year-and-a-half

peaceful to just sit and look out at the water. It’s

or two years, and the seeds actually didn’t

kind of like a little meditation spot there.”

take the way we thought they were going to

As the Umbrella Tree neared the end of its life, Bonessi said he knew the residents of Woodmont would take the news hard. “We actually took some pinecones from it because

take.”

That’s when it was decided to replace the tree.

With the approval of city tree warden

MIKE PATRICK(2)

The tree is a common point of reference for the folks who pass by it on their shoreline strolls

we had this crazy notion of possibly doing like

Steve Johnson, the Umbrella Tree was

a cloning,” he says. It’s not that far-fetched

removed on October 31, 2023. On November

There was no hope of saving the Umbrella Tree and it

an idea, he adds, pointing out a similar, much

7th, crews from the Milford-based Northeast

was removed from the ground on October 31, 2023.

healthier black pine just up the road in front of

Horticultural Services installed in its place

108 Beach Avenue that’s an obvious spawn of

an Oregon Green Pine, which is similar

an errant pinecone from the Umbrella Tree.

aesthetically, but hardier.

10 Milford Living • Winter

According to Johnson, for several years the new Umbrella Tree will look more like a bush.

The death and replacement of the

planned mixed-use development.

A couple of years later, the historic flagpole

Umbrella Tree is

on Signal Rock—which historians claim

one of several major

was made from the mast of a 19th-century

changes to historic

whaling ship—was found to be rotted

Woodmont that

beyond repair and replaced with one made of

Bonessi, as warden,

fiberglass.

has weathered in

“The shoreline, our coastal area in

recent years. In 2018,

Woodmont, is the reason why Woodmont

a fire decimated

became Woodmont back in the 1800s because

the popular seafood

it was so beautiful and iconic,” Bonessi

The new “Umbrella Tree” is an Oregon Green Pine, which will be carefully

restaurant Scribner’s,

says. “It’s been through so many different

nurtured over the next few years so it will grow for all to enjoy.

and this past summer,

generations. I’m just trying to preserve it. I

the remains were

don’t want to I wouldn’t say replace; I want

The borough is investigating measures to keep

demolished along with a small, brick

the curious public from hindering its growth.

former Post Office to make way for a

to say preserve.”

—Mike Patrick

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2024 • Milford Living 11

around town

Library Happenings

COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

M

ilford’s library has evolved quite a bit since the establishment of the first town library in 1745 at the First Church. Aside from an extensive collection of books, the Milford Public Library also offers ebooks, audiobooks, and a local history reference room. You can borrow a telescope and artwork or obtain passes for cultural attractions. The library also offers a variety of free programs: live music, arts, movies, lectures, workshops, hands-on events, as well as a bit of theater. All of it is free of charge.

“All of our programming is funded by the

Genealogy Workshops, 11:00 am

Harrison-Thomas. “It is such a privilege to

The first Monday of every month.

Friends of Milford Library,” says Suzanne

bring live music and performance to the li-

Harrison-Thomas, assistant director of the

brary and make it accessible for everyone. We

Milford Public Library. “We could not offer

have Celtic music, live jazz, and American

Wednesday, January 10, 2:00 pm Nature Art: Pinecone Art with Denise Smith

any of these opportunities to the community

roots music events coming up. What a terrific

Adults with all abilities will be inspired to

without their support. Friends book sales,

way to experience a new genre of music!”

create arts & crafts using materials found

membership dues…it all benefits the library.

Anyone can become a member, but the corps of volunteers who put in the hard work of planning fundraisers and organizing the book sale are just invaluable.”

“Our live music and arts programs are always among our best attended,” continues

Explore all the great programming (and

in nature. With a lifetime of experience

books) the library has to offer!

foraging and creating, Smith brings a variety of natural materials for fun and easy project

ADULT PROGRAMMING:

ideas. Space is limited. Registration will open

Tuesday Movie Matinees, 2:00 pm

January 1 at milfordlibrary.org.

Check the Events Calendar at milfordlibrary.

Saturday, January 13, 10:30 am Active Dreaming with Adelita Cherino

org for twice-monthly dates and film titles.

Cherino has been helping people tune in and turn on to their dream lives for more than 40 years. She has been a psychotherapist and a spiritual counselor for three decades and

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILFORD HORROR

is trained in Jungian and other dream therapies.

Milford Horror screening of The Haunting. Check the Milford Public Library calendar for upcoming films.

12 Milford Living • Winter

Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 pm Holocaust Remembrance Join retired Yale professor Kathleen Burton, author of The Nazi Religion and the Rise of the French Christian Resistance, as she shares the untold stories of how 75 percent of French Jews survived the war through the efforts of the French Christian Resistance.

COURTESY OF MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Musical events at the Milford Library are always popular, no matter the genre.

Tuesdays in February, 9:00 am DMBA Small Business Seminars Join the Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA) and the Milford Chamber of Commerce for four seminars focusing on marketing, services, social media, and website development for your small business.

Saturday, February 10, 2:00 pm Hiding Anne Frank This one-woman theatrical event starring

Saturday, January 27, 2:00 pm LIVE MUSIC with the Shoreline Jazz Quintet

Meyers on vibraphone, Steve Roane on acoustic

Prudence Wright Holmes spotlights the Dutch

bass, and Steve Wood on electric guitar. They

heroine Miep Gies, who was a 32-year-old

The quintet features Mike Bimonte on drums,

play jazz standards plus the music of modern

secretary in Otto Frank’s office when he asked

Deepak Cyril D’Souza on saxophone, Rich

composers at venues along the shoreline.

her to help his family hide from the Nazis.

Experienced Trial Attorneys in All State and Federal Courts Attorney Joseph Tramuta

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Personal Injury • Real Estate • Probate and Wills • Business Law • Criminal Law • DUI • Family Law • Civil Litigation 2024 • Milford Living 13

around town American roots musician Marc Berger will be

MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

performing at Milford Public Library on March 2nd.

Saturday, March 2, 2:00 pm LIVE MUSIC with Marc Berger Marc Berger is an American roots musician inspired by his travels out West. He has performed at the Southwest by Southwest

nationally recognized expert on stress Dr. Wendy Hurwitz, Yale professor and former medical researcher for ABC News.

TO BE ANNOUNCED

(SXSW)Music Festival and opened shows

bodhran. The magical sounds from these

for Bob Dylan and other national acts. Learn

instruments, coupled with vocals and Jeff’s

the library. Please follow milfordhorror on

more at marcbergermusic.com.

love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage,

Facebook and Instagram for showings.

Sunday, March 17, 2:00 pm Celtic Music with Jeff Snow Jeff Snow is a talented multi-instrumentalist

create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes and songs. The library is open

All Milford Public Library programs are free

only for this special event.

and open to the public. Some programs have

behind the songs. He plays 6- and 12-string

Wednesday, March 20, 6:30pm Wellness Series: 10 Tips to Manage Stress

guitars, autoharp, Celtic bouzouki, and

The first in a series of programs with a

who plays the music and tells the stories

Milford Horror shows frightful films at

limited space and require advance registration. Please visit milfordlibrary.org or call 203-783-3290 for more information.

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

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this season

A Very Milford Superbowl

M

ilford’s football fandom has traditionally been split between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. But as a long suffering Jets fan, my love of football has led me to watch many Superbowls and attend many Superbowl parties without much rooting interest. My Superbowl dreams and hopes always burst like Aaron Rogers’ achilleas, so all I want from a Superbowl party is good food, good drinks, and good company.

(Milford has three) or Party City (292 Boston Post Road). But to make this a really WOW party, I’ll call in the big boys, The Party People (46 Quirk Road). They are event planners extraordinaire who will build a Superbowl package that’ll put the halftime show to shame, bringing tables, chairs, all sorts of

This year for Superbowl LVIII—in honor of

run rabble of losers, I am a good sport who

games, photo booths, psychics, hypnotists,

our local teams being horrible—I will throw a

somehow still enjoys the game. I will start

magicians, tattoos, inflatables, and all-around

party and celebrate the town of Milford and all

with the usual football-shaped paper plates,

nonsense to my party.

the delicious foods and drinks it has to offer. It

balloons, tablecloths, and napkins, all the

Okay, I’ve decorated, I’ve got a hypnotist,

will be a Super Milford Bowl, and I will stock

things you can find at your local Dollar Tree

a fake tattoo, and an inflatable football toss

my well-decorated tables and house with meats, breads, pizzas, tacos, refreshing libations, and then some additional meats. We may have nothing to root for, but we can all root for overeating on the second Sunday in February.

The first thing I must do is decorate my party space for a football game. This will be a festive display that will express that even though I am broken-hearted and embittered by the fact that my team is a cursed, poorly

16 Milford Living • Winter

booth crammed into my living room because

one is getting a hangover. To mix things up,

crispy. Keep ‘em in the fryer a couple minutes

it’s -10 degrees outside. Now I’ve got to

I’ll also grab two growlers of Milford Point

extra, I always say.

bring in some local beverages. It’s a Sunday

Brewery’s Settlers Stout; it’s got a low ABV,

game, and Monday is still not a national

yet it’s hearty for the winter.

holiday, so we’ll all agree to take it easy.

One cannot live on wings alone, so I’ll go to Napoli (982 Bridgeport Avenue), one of the

At this point, my stomach calls out loudly,

best delis in Milford, for meats and so much

For this, I will pick up some beer from our

“Let there be meats!” And I listen. Since it

more. From the tried-and-true cold cuts, plat-

finest local breweries. We’ll be steering clear

can’t be called a Superbowl party if there are

ters, and 6-foot subs to sausage and peppers,

of the stronger stuff and go for medium- to

no chicken wings, I go to the best place in the

beef brisket, eggplant rollatini, cavatelli with

low-alcohol. Since this is a day to celebrate

town, state, northeast region, Archie Moore’s

broccoli, garlic bread, and antipasto, their

our great American game, I’ll bring in cans of

(15 Factory Lane). I’m a traditionalist and

catering menu is deep and filled with mouth-

Tribus Brewery’s American Lager with the no-

usually go for the Buffalo wings, but for the

watering dishes. This is almost one-stop

nonsense American title—Beer—and throw

sake of diversity I will also order some Thai

shopping for any party.

some of their Loosey cream ale into the cooler

chili, garlic parmesan, peach chipotle, and

But there is still room for more.

because at 4.4% alcohol by volume (ABV) no

raspberry bourbon wings as well. All extra

Sticking with the Italian theme, pizza is a

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2024 • Milford Living 17

this season must-have for any Superbowl, and my go-to in Milford is Papa’s Pizza and Pasta (258 Naugatuck Avenue). I go with the Pizza DiLuigi covered with shrimp, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, bacon, and oregano. Delicious.

Now to throw in a few wild card nontraditional football foods: an order of tacos from Don Rene Taqueria (50 Broad Street) or a sushi platter for two from Momo Sushi (17 Turnpike Square) can juice things up, but if you’re looking for a difference maker with the best bang for the buck, I’d go to The Dumpling

Now my party is all set, I have everything I

House (868 Boston Post Road). Whether you

need, my big eatin’ pants are on, my 8-foot TV

order their dumplings steamed or pan-fried,

is blaring, the hypnotist I hired has convinced

they are delicious and only cost about a dollar

me that I’m a chicken, and all the delicious

per dumpling.

foods and wonderful drinks that Milford

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2024 • Milford Living 19

arts + artisans Productions like (left) Moonlight and Magnolias and (below) Confessions of a Dirty Blonde have entertained Eastbound audiences for 29 years.

All Aboard the Eastbound Theater

T

he Milford Arts Council (MAC) has been around for just over 50 years, bringing the wonders of art and expression to people all around Milford. In 1970, Milford Mayor Ed Kozlowski polled residents on what they thought could better their city. Since Milford was already bustling with creativity, the townspeople voted for an organization that could help organize and enhance events and performances. This led to the birth of the Milford Arts Council, a group that welcomes and supports art of all kinds.

The central vision of the MAC has always been to nurture creativity to support and present all disciplines of the arts. A resident theatre group became a part of their family in 1994, holding performances at the current Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Government Center.

“The MAC was strengthened by a committed group of theater lovers who wanted to see the new space as a home to the passions of actors, directors, and set designers,” current MAC director Paige Miglio says.

In 1995, a headquarters was established for the MAC as a way for the people to gather in one place to enjoy others’ creations. Henry Jadach, then Milford Transit Director, had suggested transforming the old eastbound Metro North train station into a permanent

20 Milford Living • Winter

MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC) (2)

home, a vision that was brought to life by late architect Ray Oliver. In 2017, several improvements were made to the space thanks to a “Good to Great” state grant, which included interior paint and carpeting, redone concessions, a new sound board, an upgrade in theatrical lighting, and more.

Theater is a place where storytelling is brought to life. People attend plays to connect with a story and fully immerse themselves in an alternative reality, broaden their horizons, and push the boundaries of belief. The MAC’s Eastbound Theater offers Milford audiences the chance to see unique and captivating live theatre in its myriad forms, delivering laughter, pathos, nostalgia, joy, and more.

Eastbound’s 29th season is now in production, with two plays running in the first half of 2024, one in February and the other in June.

February’s production of Dead Man’s Cell Phone is an innovative adventure written by Sarah Ruhl

MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC) (2)

and directed by Rob Nichols. The lead character,

MAC’s Eastbound Theater offers Milford audiences a chance to experience live theatre in all its forms,

Jean, stumbles upon a cell phone, which sends

delivering laughter, pathos, nostalgia, joy, and more.

her on a journey to shocking places where she meets new people, all of whom are connected

There will be evening performances on Friday

milfordarts.org. Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson,

in some way to the “Dead Man.” The play will

and Saturday, as well as a matinee showing on

directed by Nancy A. Herman, will run June

run three weekends, from February 2 – 17th.

Sunday. Tickets are $33 and are available at www.

7 – 22nd and tell the true story of 19th-century

2024 • Milford Living 21

astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and her fellow

“partner in the arts.”

female researchers in the Harvard University

Pantochino’s original

observatory, whose work measuring space is still

musicals, teen theatre,

in use today.

and camp programs all

MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL (MAC)

arts + artisans

Eastbound has recently added another

take place on the MAC

opportunity for both playwrights ad their

stage and have become

audiences. The “Plays in Development” series is

a local institution in their

Eastbound received a “break a leg” call from co-author Carol Burnett prior to

an opportunity for playwrights to have a staged

own right. The more

the first performance of The Hollywood Arms in 2016.

reading of their work in front of a live audience.

theater, the better!

After each reading a dialogue takes place

There’s no excuse to miss out on live theatre!

to indulge in theatrical performance, it’s only one

between the cast, director, and playwright, and

Eastbound’s convenient location in the heart

small slice of everything the MAC has to offer.

audience members are encouraged to offer their

of downtown offers plenty of parking and, yes,

“We are so much more than just one program,”

feedback—both praise and criticism—to create a

can be reached by train! Seating up to 110 for the

says Miglio. “Our strength lies in the culmination

better production.

intimate venue offers every individual a perfect

of all the arts. We are small but mighty, the Heart

view of the stage.

of the Arts for Milford and beyond.”

The MAC also provides a home to Pantochino Productions, a separate 501c3 and the MAC’s

22 Milford Living • Winter

While Eastbound Theater is the perfect place

—Haley McNish

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at home

Home Grown

I

f you would like to enjoy some home-grown veggies this winter, go hydroponic! This method may seem a new twist on agriculture, but it has been used in different forms since 30 A.D. Emperor Tiberius of Rome had a constant craving for cucumbers. He had his gardeners cultivate cucumbers in transparent containers filled with water and nutrients allowing the plants to grow yearround. In the 6th century, the ancient Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) was created in the desert by diverting water from the Euphrates River. Growing crops without soil has been in the works for thousands of years in places like China, where the Chinese created rice fields (paddies) without soil.

There are two basic methods

portion of the produce you

you can use at home. Roots

purchase in supermarkets has

can be submerged directly

been grown hydroponically and

into nutrient rich water or a

is considered organic by the

soil-free medium of perlite,

USDA

sand, or coconut fiber. Plants

If you are handy, you can

can grow fifty percent faster in

create your own garden with

In the early 20th century, the

can be spaced closer together,

these systems and five times

items from a local home

University of California began

and with some methods can

faster if grow lights are used.

improvement store. Create a

experimenting to find practical

be stacked vertically, an ideal

For example, if you plant lettuce

water reservoir (think bucket

ways to grow crops on a large

growing environment in a small

in soil, it generally takes 60

or plastic bin) and fill it with

scale using the hydroponic

space. Hydroponic methods

days before you can harvest.

water. Add fertilizer that meets

method. Lead scientist Dr.

can be employed just about

Hydroponic lettuce can be

the needs of the crops you

William Gericke coined the

anywhere, including your home.

enjoyed in 30 days. A good

decide to plant. A key factor

term hydroponic from the Greek

is to aerate the water. An

words hydro (water) and ponos

inexpensive way to achieve that

(labor).

is with an air stone and pump

Hydroponically grown

you can get at any aquarium or

plants are exposed to light

pet store. Create a raft that will

so photosynthesis (using

float on the water made of food

sunlight, water, and carbon

safe polystyrene with holes to

dioxide to create oxygen and

place your seedlings. Set up a

energy) can occur. The plant

grow light above the “garden”.

roots are exposed to oxygen

If you are not handy or just

via the moving water, fed with

don’t have the time, a wide

nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen,

variety of systems are available

and calcium. This exposure to

for purchase. With a credit card

consistent food and oxygen

and the click of a mouse, you can

creates a better yield. Plants

have them delivered to your door

24 Milford Living • Winter

within days; they are easy to set

ordered online or you can grow

freshest produce. Get the kids

the vegetables, they might

up, so you can get farming fast.

what you like from seed.

involved; it’s fascinating to

actually want to eat them. Happy Farming!

One thing you will need are the

Hydroponic gardening is a

watch your garden grow…and

plants to get started. Sets can be

wonderful way to enjoy the

since they have helped grow

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

All you need is Peace, love & an experienced realtor.

I just feel this is a message that we need to repeat more of in the world right now.

Dawn Sullivan

236 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT

203.257.6289 - Cell

dawn.sullivan@cbmoves.com dawnsullivanrealestate.com 2024 • Milford Living 25

milford fit

Quite the Pickle Milford Indoor Tennis.

The popularity of the sport here in town led to the creation of the Milford Pickleball Association (MPA) program in the spring of 2021. Milford Rec’s Mike Dooling shares that, “We currently

COURTESY OF MILFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT

have over 450 members. The pickleball courts

C

onsidering how popular pickleball is these days, it might seem like a new sport to some people.

Truth be told it was actually created in 1965 by three dads looking to keep their kids busy. The first games were played on an old badminton court where Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, Barney McCallum, and their families were vacationing, adapting the court to accommodate their new game.

Making do, they used ping pong paddles and a wiffleball, developing rules as they played and revising them so everyone was able to enjoy it. They continued to play at friends’ homes, and five years after its inception formed a corporation to make it official. The rest, as they say, is history.

in Eisenhower Park were built in 2018, and they just resurfaced this past spring.” There is even an indoor pickleball program “taking place at the West Shore Recreation Center in the mornings Tuesday-Friday,” says Dooling.

The Milford Pickleball Association is open to anyone 18-99 years old. Milford residents can become members for $25 and non-residents for $100. The MPA offers organized play for its members and includes Daily Play on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Eisenhower Park courts,

legs. A banger is a hard-hit shot. How about a

with courts reserved during those times

Nasty Nelson? It means hitting a non-receiving

for its members. The Net Gains Pickleball

player with a serve (which is a fault for the

Tournament is also held each year to support

receiving team.) Terms of endearment to any

local charities. You can register to become

pickler.

an MPA member on the Milford Recreation

According to recent estimates, more than 36 million people have participated in pickleball

Department website, but member cards must be picked up at the office.

during the past year, making it the fastest-

“I think people enjoy pickleball because

growing sport in the United States. Here in

it has something to offer everyone,” says

Milford it has been around for quite a while

Dooling. “You can play to just get in some

(Milford Living first wrote about it way back in

exercise or have fun; you can play with friends

2007), and there are now 16 courts for picklers.

and family, or can challenge yourself and play

Because of its popularity (like tennis in the 70s

competitively. But the thing that people enjoy

tennis, badminton, and ping pong—but has

and 80s), players are encouraged to get permits

most about pickleball, at least here in Milford,

developed its own lingo. Who wouldn’t enjoy

through the Milford Recreation Department

is the community that has been built and new

playing a sport where players are referred to as

to use the courts. There are also two indoor

friendships that have been made.”

picklers? Hitting a tweener is a shot between the

options in town: Shoreline Pickleball and

Pickleball is based on other racquet sports—

26 Milford Living • Winter

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

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2024 • Milford Living 27

milford morsels

Winterscape Dining

S

tep into the cold this winter and warm-up at one of Milford’s fine dining and drinking establishments. Dining al fresco during the warmer months is a given, but in the winter? Why not! One remnant of our lockdown days that most people agree was a winner was outdoor dining in ANY weather. Here are a few local favorites that offer an altered “outdoor” experience.

GUSTO TRATTORIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Whether dining inside or out, Chef Mavuli of Gusto’s always creates delicious dishes. our own pasta and our own pasta sauce;

renovated three-season patio. Construction

nothing is bought readymade,” he states.

did not proceed as planned, but hopefully

Gusto makes their own desserts from scratch,

255 Boston Post Road 203-876-7464 gustotrattoria.com

will have been completed as this issue goes

Tiramisu being one of the specialties.

months, and the patio has a new fireplace,”

decorated differently, with plenty of tables

Chef-owner Riccardo Mavuli has some menu

Muvali says.

and lots of ambiance to make guests feel

to print. “I’ve been remodeling for seven

The restaurant boasts five rooms, each

additions planned for the winter to enhance

The care and love that Mavuli puts into

like they’re dining in the heart of Northern

his already delectable Northern Italian dishes.

his restaurant is evident in the fresh Italian

Italy without having to travel farther than

For the new year, Muvali plans to unveil a

dishes he and his team serve up. “We make

a car ride.

This winter, the Tuesday Night Cheese Wheel tradition will return. “I do it myself with two big, round cheeses,” says Mavuli. “I go to the table, light the cheese on fire to melt the cheese, and when the pasta comes, I put it right on the cheese and serve it tableside.

People love it.”

DOCKSIDE BREWERY

Gusto’s has just updated its outdoor dining experience with a fireside setting.

28 Milford Living • Winter

MARYALICE MANNING

40 Bridgeport Avenue 203-693-3900 Docksidebrewery.com

The team at Dockside are true to their word when they claim, “We believe in keeping things exciting.” More than a beer bar, Dockside offers house-brewed beer, cocktails, New Haven Style pizza, and a variety of bites.

DOCKSIDE

Dockside offers a view of the Housatonic River in super cool, yet toasty igloos.

2024 • Milford Living 29

milford morsels And let’s not forget the fun igloo dining options!

STONEBRIDGE

Dockside will once again have eight individually-themed dining igloos available for the winter season to enhance wintertime dining in a fun way. Accommodating 4-6 people per dining igloo, each has a theme

With extensive indoor and exterior space, Stonebridge has room for all of your friends and family.

attached to it: “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Taylor Swift,” “Neo Nights,” “Vegas,”

area and vibrant taproom, with a winterscape

“Christmas,” “Holidays,” and “In Da Club.”

view of the river and Long Island Sound. It

STONEBRIDGE

A pergola-type enclosure will also be

offers more than 40 draft beers, something to

available, with a “Ski Lodge” theme which

fit each taste and tickle each fancy. They also

50 Daniel Street 203-874-7947 Stonebridgerestaurant.com

accommodates 20-25 people.

serve an ever-rotating assortment of their

General manager Phil Conine says exciting

own freshly brewed beers, as well as guest

things are in store for Stonebridge for 2024.

beers from across the region.

A new menu was launched in November.

Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, Dockside provides an indoor gaming

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With the holiday season expanding into full winter at Stonebridge, “It’s a homerun STONEBRIDGE

to be dining and watch it snowing outside,” says Conine.

What’s more, Stonebridge celebrated the start of its 35th year on January 1, 2024 (although the business itself goes back 75

Overlooking the Centennial Bridge, Stonebridge offers diners historic views.

years to the grandparents of the current “We’re introducing craft cocktails for the

existing wrap-around porch to enhance

family managing the establishment).

first time, which will make our drinks even

and expand winter dining. “Now we have

Conine plans a year-long celebration.

better,” states Conine. “They contain fresh-

the back deck and the wrap-around porch

“We made a bunch of awesome items

squeezed juices and elaborate background

heated and carpeted,” says Conine. “We call

celebrating 35 years, like enamel hat pins,

flavors.”

it the solarium, and you get to look out at

and we’re going to be celebrating 35 years

the Memorial Bridge, and we can tell stories

all the way.”

But the big change at Stonebridge is the addition of a glassed-in room on the

about Milford to out-of-town guests.”

—Jason J. Marchi

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(203) 874-7947

2024 • Milford Living 31

of

Th e

Village Devon

S

Situated alongside the Housatonic River,

Sound. A century later, the Washington (aka

Walnut Beach has been the preferred des-

the Village of Devon is the true Gateway to

Devon) Bridge was built to span the river and

tination for locals to dip their toes, these

Milford. During the American Revolution,

has stood ever since.

days connected by a beloved boardwalk

minutemen stood on Liberty Rock to warn

Devon sports some of the finest coastline

to Silver Sands State Park. At the mouth

of the arrival of British ships in Long Island

in the entire state. For more than a century,

of the Housatonic, the Charles E. Wheeler

Devon dining with a water view at Dockside Brewery, one of many eating establishments lining Bridgeport Avenue.

32 Milford Living • Winter

MARYALICE MANNING

Wildlife Management Area, a state preserve

Point takes full advantage of this remarkable

accessible only by water, stands as one of

location, providing visitors access to all its

the most important stopovers for migratory

natural beauty.

birds along the Connecticut coastline. The CT

Back on land, the village once known

Harkening back to Devon’s storied past, the

Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford

as Naugatuck Junction has seen a major

clocktower greets visitors with a good time.

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www.DitchkusRealEstate.com 2024 • Milford Living 33

Boating in the Housatonic River down to Long Island Sound offers scenic views and great fishing!

The restaurants and shops have increased economic growth in the community and

rejuvenation in the 20 years since the

overhaul has paired beautifully with a

help to create a bustling neighborhood. The

Devon Revitalization Committee oversaw

resurgence in business, drawing in numer-

service industry also plays a crucial part in

nearly $5 million in grants to renovate brick

ous establishments and attractions, includ-

fulfilling the daily needs of the community.

sidewalks, lampposts, landscaping, lighting,

ing beloved local spots such as Dockside

Dulin Automotive on Bridgeport Avenue

traffic flow, and signage. The aesthetic

Brewery and the Bridge House Restaurant.

has been an advocate for Devon well before

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Owner/Operator Owner/Operator Gary Gary Dulin Dulin has has over over 40 41 years years of of professional professional service service in in the the automotive automotive industry. industry. Our Our ASE ASE certified certified technicians technicians use use the the latest latest computer computer diagnostic diagnostic tools tools to to assess assess and and maintain maintain your your vehicle vehicle in in our our climate climate controlled controlled facility. facility. And And to to make make your your visit visit more more convenient, convenient, we we offer offer towing towing services services and and an an after-hours after-hours key-drop key-drop box. box.

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34 Milford Living • Winter

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MARYALICE MANNING

revitalization efforts began. Gary Dulin

of pride in the businesses and neighbors

The iconic Washington Bridge is the gateway to the

opened his shop to fit the automotive service

supporting each other; the Village of Devon

thriving Village of Devon.

needs of Devon and beyond. “We have been

is truly special because of them.”

helping Devon residents keep their cars in

Former state Speaker of the House James

He recently formed the Devon Merchants

tip-top shape for the last 31 years by provid-

Amann was vital to the previous revitalization

Association, whose stated aim is to further

ing them with a local auto repair shop they

and chartered the Devon Revitalization charge

the ongoing revitalization aimed at turning

can trust,” he says, “In Devon, there is a lot

that successfully helped to transform the area.

Devon into an economic hub and destination

Your local, family-owned, one-stop large format shop in business over 60 years www.milfordblueprint.com 470 Naugatuck Ave, Milford 203-874-2900 2024 • Milford Living 35

Left: Bridgeport Avenue, also known as Route 1, is bustling with businesses and restaurants. in Devon for over three decades has been an enriching experience for my family. As business owners, we’ve thrived in Devon’s supportive atmosphere and witnessed the remarkable collaboration among local businesses.” The Devon business community is actively engaged in ongoing efforts to share all that Devon has to offer, “showcasing our diverse businesses to the broader Milford community,” says Krouch, citing a block for food, entertainment, and business. These

improve on the success of the Devon Revial-

party that demonstrated “the kinship among

efforts will build upon the success of early

ization Committee through economic invest-

members of the community.” In short, she

revitalization and will continue the efforts of

ment which will continue to make the Devon

says, “Beyond just a place to live, Devon is

strengthening community impact. Amann

Village an inviting and thriving destination.”

a welcoming community that continues to

states, “We’re back! Our association wants to continue where we left off by continuing to

Devon resident and owner of the Bohemian High boutique Goria Krouch says, “Residing

�e ullmaa shopping dessnaaon for ose who dare dream, live auuenncaay, and embrace e unconvennonal.

36 Milford Living • Winter

grow and transform positively.”

—Tadhg Hannon

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2024 • Milford Living 37

Puppy Power

W

innie takes her place in the center of the Ahrens Room at the Milford Senior Center. She confidently goes about her job, knowing exactly where to go, when to respond, who to interact with, and, most of all, how to obtain the best treats, pats, and belly rubs.

COURTESY OF MILFORD SENIOR CENTER

at your service

AaTs Director Chris Patella sits with therapy dog Winnie at the Milford Senior Center. Right: Winnie with Gloria and Bob at the Milford Senior Center’s Ahrens Room. emphasizes. “It takes training, time, effort, and visits to different sites. The Milford Senior Center and Apple Rehab in West

That’s because Winnie is a 10-year-old

“Our newest girls include Susie, a King

Haven are clients that we visit on a monthly

poodle-dachshund mix with the Connecticut

Charles cavalier spaniel, and Martha, a

basis. Referrals come from state agencies,

chapter of Animal Assisted Therapy Services

golden doodle, both two years old and just

schools, and word of mouth. “Our animals

(AaTs). Since 2015, she has worked as a

completing their training,” says Patella. The

provide socialization and an overall sense of

therapy dog with the elderly and private

girls began their visits in November 2023.

well-being…since many had cherished pets

clients. “At the Center today, Winnie’s

Since 2010, AaTs has offered canine, small

in their past and can no longer have that

working solo,” says AaTs founder and

animal, and equine therapy sessions to

director Chris Patella, but Winnie is “often

adults, teens, and children with learning

Patella explains how her previous

accompanied by a second dog-in-training.

and behavioral issues, anxiety, depression,

occupation as a music educator in the

We bring a variety of dogs and bunnies to

and in substance abuse recovery. “Most

Bridgeport school system led to her current

keep visits engaging.”

people do not realize that it takes 2-3 years

profession. “Gretyl, my miniature dachshund

to develop a true therapy dog,” Patella

and I initiated an afterschool reading

AaTs presently utilizes six therapy dogs.

38 Milford Living • Winter

companion.”

program in 2003. Many of our students came from difficult home situations and were disinterested in reading except for the day Gretyl came to school with me.” Consequently, the students’ morale, attention, and interest in learning improved. “The true miracle of Gretyl was how my tough students melted when she was with us.”

“

The true miracle of Gretyl was how my tough students melted when she was with us.” “retired in 2020 to tend to our upstate NY farm where our animals reside,” to retake the AaTs helm.

University and Notre Dame High School.

“My mother has always been an inspiration,” says Beth Patella Little, who has

At present, Chris Patella lives part-time

high hopes for AaTs’s future. “The therapeutic

in West Haven, subleases space in Milford,

power of animals and their mysticism are

and is searching for someone to run the

incredible. To communicate, we must tap

CT program. The ideal candidate “should

into language beyond words that require

in Recreational Therapy, left the Bridgeport

have a therapeutic degree and/or licensure,

intuition, sensitivity, compassion, and

school system, and created AaTs in 2010. Her

experience training dogs, using animal-

understanding. These traits have certainly

daughter, Beth Patella Little, also became

assisted interventions, and have a registered

made me a better, more attuned practitioner

involved and became co-director of AaTs.

therapy animal.”

and human being.”

After receiving professional certification as a dog trainer in 2008, Patella obtained her MS

Although Beth still leads some sessions via

She also expressed the need for volunteers

Zoom, her current career as a clinical social

“to help handle multiple dogs” for their

worker has prompted her mom, who initially

spring courses at Southern CT State

EST. 2005

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senior corner

Plan for the Future

F

fix this was by fostering an environment that would encourage students to return to school each day. “If we don’t provide safe schools, nothing else happens” says Cerino, who notes that before test scores and other metrics can be improved, the administration must create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable enough to learn. “We used yoga and mindful instruction as a way for students to learn to do deal with their emotions”, says Cerino,

MICHELE CERINO (3)

or many people retirement means a well-earned chance to rest on their laurels. After a lifetime’s worth of work, who could blame someone for wanting to relax? And what better place to enjoy one’s golden years than our charming city by the sea? However, for two lifelong Milford residents, retirement was just the intermission between the first and second acts of their careers. For Michele Cerino and Frank Zabski, retirement proved to be just the beginning.

a consistent problem. Michele felt the way to

LESSONS IN YOGA

and Bridgeport, where the students under her

Michele Cerino’s new career includes “searching

Trained as a dancer at Emerson College in

care faced a litany of challenges both in and

for balance in the studio, on the beach, and in

the 1980s, Michele Cerino, 59, learned at

out of the classroom. Michele considers her

the water.”

an early age how the relationship between

greatest achievement to be her time spent

mind, body, and spirit could impact every

as the principal at Luis Munoz Marin School

who credits the practices of mindfulness and

facet of her work. The foundation she laid

in Bridgeport. Charged with improving

meditation with creating a calm, safe space

as a performer would prove instrumental to

test scores and attendance at a school in an

where students could excel academically.

her success in her career as an educator in

underserved community, Michele turned

“Eventually we trained the entire staff in

Connecticut’s public schools. Michele spent

back to practices of yoga and spirituality that

mindful instruction, and we were able to

31 years in the educational system, first as an

she had learned as a performer.

achieve great things by focusing on the health

English teacher and later as an administrator

At Marin, a school where 34 percent of

and principal. Much of her career was spent

students spoke a language other than English

Given the success of the techniques she used

at inner city magnet schools in New Haven

at home, attendance rates and truancy were

in school, it was only natural that Cerino’s next

40 Milford Living • Winter

and well being of our students and staff.”

new career also affords Cerino the freedom to

a calmer, healthier life. Upon retirement she

enjoy some serenity, whether that’s atop her

completed a 200-hour course and became a

paddleboard in Long Island Sound or taking a

certified yoga instructor, teaching classes at

walk beside her home at Cedar Beach. Cerino

Bend Yoga Studio (245 Naugatuck Avenue).

says she is immensely proud of her new career

“Anyone who knows me would have told

and thinks that Bend Yoga and the Remind

you that I was going to stay busy after I

Boutique “have been such a wonderful addition

retired” says Cerino, who in her spare time

to Milford.” She leaves me with something to

teaches meditation classes at the Remind

think about, a quote from Aristotle: “Educating

Wellness Boutique (460 Naugatuck Avenue).

the mind without educating the heart is no

“I’ve never thought of this as retirement,

education at all!”

more like I’m moving on to my next career.

Yoga and meditation were a great way for me to continue teaching, which I’ll always

PIZZA IMPRESARIO REBORN

While an Italian kitchen may seem a far cry

NEW HAVEN PIZZA SCHOOL

chapter would continue her journey towards

be passionate about, while also becoming a

from a yoga studio, for Frank Zabski, pizza

Frank Zabski tosses his dough and his culinary

calmer, more joyful, peaceful person.” Her

is most certainly a spiritual pursuit. After

ambitions as high as he can.

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senior corner tossing his first dough during the St. John

to share his love

Vianney Church Carnival in West Haven at

of New Haven-

the age of 12, Zabski, 55, has been making,

style pizza with

studying and perfecting New Haven-style

the world. Class

pizza for over four decades. After 30 years

offerings range

owning and operating a successful IT firm in

from Friends

Milford, Zabski a.k.a. “The Polish Pizzaiolo”

& Family and

struck out on the road in 2012 with a wood-

Date Nights

fired pizza truck. After taking a step back

to corporate

from the truck business during the Covid-19

team-building

outbreak, Zabski launched his next venture,

exercises, each

The New Haven Pizza School.

The newcomer embraces the stress of the sauce.

of which feature a selection of jokes and

the kitchen is an ingredient every bit as

Teaching classes on the road all over

music from “part time comedian” Zabski.

important as the sauce and the dough.

Connecticut and from a brick-and-mortar

“For the teambuilding and the classes, the

“You want people to have fun while they’re

location in New Haven, Zabski has

key is to make it an experience” he says.

learning something, so we make it as

developed a range of classes that allow him

Zabski contends that the atmosphere in

interactive as we can, from preparing the

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42 Milford Living • Winter

I’ve got more

New Haven Style pizza. And, if he can find

work than I know

the time, he’d like to start a regular podcast

what to do with,”

and interview guests from around the world

he says, not that

of pizza. In addition to this and several

he’s complaining.

other projects currently in the oven, Zabski

Zabski curates a

finds the time to review and promote local

Students listen carefully to their pizza maestro during one of his

Facebook group

pizzerias. He’s well on his way to creating

interactive classes.

(All About New

the “Frank Zabski Pizzamatic Universe.” And

Haven Style A’pizza)

he wouldn’t have it any other way. He views

ingredients to making the pizza, down to the

with 16,000 members. He is also working

his second career as a pizza impresario as

Italian music. For me the real joy is seeing

on a cookbook that will feature favored

a huge success and says it’s a privilege to

people take that first bite of their own pizza

recipes and techniques as well as a study

devote his time to something he loves. “I did

they’ve made from scratch.”

of the history of pizza itself. “I’m a serial

well in IT, I had three successful business

entrepreneur and a bit of a mad scientist,”

going. I went from making a lot of dough to

tip of the iceberg for Zabski’s ambitions.

he says. Zabski is also a music lover and

a little dough, but I am much happier.

“This has been an incredible success and

plans to record a song about, you guessed it,

The New Haven Pizza School is just the

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historical perspective [1]

Fowl Folk Art

D

uck and shorebird hunting was a popular sport throughout the 19th century and a good part of the 20th century as well.

The lower Housatonic River was a major hunting area, so the

use of carved wooden decoy ducks and shorebirds to lure unsuspecting birds into firing range was common practice. One carver and sportsman was Charles “Shang” Wheeler (1872 - 1949), an oysterman, artist, and one-time state representative whose duck decoys can command high prices today because he was meticulous in carving and painting them.

[3] Today, bird lovers enjoy looking for decoys

[2]

[4]

[5]

Milford waters. The greater were found by

dives for crustaceans and mollusks. The

as works of American folk art. Several of

the thousands in Long Island Sound in the

old squaw (image 4), today known as the

Wheeler’s bird carvings depict waterfowl

1970s but now appear to have moved to the

long-tailed duck, is another diving duck and

that can still be found in Milford waterways

southern shore of Long Island. This is a classic

can be heard off Gulf Beach in the winter

long after his duck hunting days.

diving duck with its large mollusk-crushing

with its “owly-owly-owly” call. Diving ducks

bill. The lesser scaup is found in freshwater

generally have larger bills for crushing

places such as Mondo Ponds.

crustaceans and mollusks. Their feet tend to

[1] The canvasback duck, a drake or male, is a bird that used to appear on the Indian River

be near the rear of their bodies, which aids

in good numbers but is becoming scarce.

[4 & 5] The white-winged scoter can be seen

their deep-depth swimming. Carvers could

Though a diving duck, it is also a consumer of

off Charles Island in the winter, where it

ignore feet placement as they would set their

various plant life, making it a true omnivore.

decoys on the surface of the water, where live birds would be fooled into coming into

[2] Its reddish counterpart, a red head duck, is a beautiful bird. This one was crafted by

[6]

shotgun range.

William James Mason and is highly

[6] One of the all-time favorites is the smaller

collectible today as folk art.

diving duck called the bufflehead. These wonderful “chickadees of the waterfowl

[3] There are two species of scaup (or

world” come into the Gulf Pond estuary

“bluebill” as the hunters used to call it), the

as winter unfolds. Here are several as

greater and the lesser; both are found in

represented by folk artists.

44 Milford Living • Winter

[7]

[8]

[7 & 8] Carvers had to know the varying shapes and sizes of the mandibles of their birds. Mergansers, hooded, red-breasted, and common, are fish-eating ducks with very thin serrated bills, and are commonly found in differing

[9] Dabbling ducks, with

waters in Milford. While the red-breasted

thinner bills than diving

merganser is commonly seen off the coast,

ducks and feet placed

the hooded is more commonly seen in

centrally on their bodies, are

the pond at Eisenhower Park or up the

largely vegetarian, eating

Wepawaug. Bird #8 is a canvas-covered red-

seeds and other vegetation.

breasted merganser, while #7 is a wooden

The majestic pintail sometimes

piece of folk art.

appears off the coast of Woodmont

[9]

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historical perspective and or on the Gulf Pond

of Connecticut waterfowl, as

estuary. The pintail decoy is an

this decoy suggests.

[11]

exceptionally beautiful piece of [11] Unfortunately, shorebirds

folk art.

were often targeted by 19th[10] The wood duck gets its

century hunters. Our last piece

name from nesting high up

of folk art is a metal shorebird

in holes in sycamore trees or

decoy. Perhaps it was to lure

some other large deciduous

in plovers or dowitchers.

tree. From time to time, they

Fortunately, today,

appear on the Wepawaug,

these great works of folk

on Eisenhower Park’s pond,

art remain on our shelves to

or even on the upper duck

be enjoyed as art rather than

ponds downtown. The wood

find themselves luring our still

duck drake is a male and

beautiful avian water birds.

considered the most beautiful

—Tim Chaucer

[10]

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46 Milford Living • Winter

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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

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Spring 2014

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Winter 2024 Vol. 20 Issue 4 $5.99

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2024 • Milford Living 47

milford wildlife

often found over any open water, places like

n our beloved city of Milford, Connecticut, a remarkable wildlife conservation success story has been unfolding, captivating the hearts of residents and nature enthusiasts alike. After years of dedicated efforts to restore their habitat and protect these iconic birds, the bald eagle has made a triumphant return to the region, symbolizing the resilience of both the species and the community.

also great spots to keep an eye on the skies.

Everyone wants that photo of a bald eagle, especially that shot with eaglets in the nest.

There are some precautions you can take to SUSAN LASELLA(2)

A Soaring History I

Mondo Ponds and the Milford Harbor area are

get a great bald eagle nest shot while staying on the right side of your conscience—and the law. The birds are most vulnerable during their nesting season, which happens as early as January and could last until June in our area. Each nesting pair has their own tolerance of human activity so keeping 300 yards or more from any individuals or nests is advised. If you notice the birds’ behavior changing, it is a sign to give them more space.

The road to recovery for the bald eagle

There’s a chance you’ve recently seen

The return of the bald eagle to the

was marked by concerted efforts. The

a bald eagle and not realized it. Bald

Housatonic River is more than just a

banning of DDT, the Endangered Species

eagles exhibit distinct differences in their

feel-good story. The presence of bald eagles

Act, and intensive conservation programs

appearance as they age. Young bald eagles,

also serves as an indicator of environmental

played pivotal roles in aiding these majestic

often referred to as juveniles, have dark

health. When these birds thrive, it is a sign

birds. One of the most remarkable success

brown feathers overall, including their

that their habitat is rich in food sources and

stories in their recovery is the removal of

head and tail, which can be easily mistaken

clean water. As apex predators, bald eagles

bald eagles from the endangered species

for golden eagles. As they mature, their

play a critical role in maintaining ecological

list in 2007. Despite their improved status,

plumage gradually transitions into the

balance. Since their diet primarily consists

bald eagles remain protected under the Bald

iconic white head and tail feathers that

of fish, their presence helps control fish

and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the

are emblematic of adult bald eagles. This

populations and prevent overpopulation

Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

transformation usually takes around 4-5

For more than 50 years, the idea of seeing

years, during which time their beaks and

a bald eagle in this region was a distant

talons also change from dark to bright

dream. From the 1940s to the early 1990s,

yellow. Adult bald eagles have a striking

there were no successful bald eagle nests in

white head and tail, contrasting with their

the state of Connecticut. But as the nesting

dark brown body and wings, making them

population here started to rebuild, eagles

easily recognizable.

were even more successful to our north and

If you want to spot a bald eagle, there are

began to overwinter along the Housatonic

a few locations where you’re more likely to

River. There have been about 80 nests

encounter them. During the winter they can

and 100 young fledged across the state.

be spotted anywhere along the Housatonic

In Milford, we are lucky enough to host a

River, most often from the CT Audubon

couple of nesting pairs.

Coastal Center at Milford Point. Since they are

48 Milford Living • Winter

When these birds thrive, it is a sign that their habitat is rich in food sources and clean water. that can harm the river’s ecosystem.

There are still threats to the long-term survival of bald eagles and other birds of prey. Almost all injured hawks, owls, and eagles that are treated at wildlife rodenticide poisoning, and nearly half the eagles have signs of chronic lead poisoning.

There are safer alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides now available. Lead in

SUSAN LASELLA

rehabilitation clinics test positive for

ammunition and some fishing tackle is

bald eagle to Milford should be celebrated.

witnessing one of the world’s largest raptors

accidentally ingested when eagles eat other

Unlike their parents, grandparents, and even

soaring majestically in the skies above their

animals that contain those items.

great-grandparents, children growing up

own hometown.

Despite these issues, the return of the

in Milford today will have the privilege of

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book nook

The Latest from Local Authors I

t’s time to get cozy with some great winter reading! A wide-ranging crop of new books has emerged on the scene—all written by local Milford authors.

unexpectedly passed away. “ONLY DARK EDGES is the first time I’ve written directly about a teenager mourning her sister’s death,” says the author. The plot (its title in ALL CAPS, like most of her previous works) is “a psychological thriller that is as heart-pounding as it is heart-wrenching… a modern-day Hamlet with a gender-swapped main character.”

Carroll’s portfolio includes YA, middle

set her on a path to publication. For Murphy,

grade, nonfiction, and an upcoming picture

Woodmont remains “a great place to raise my

book. “ONLY DARK EDGES is my eighth self-

kids and to be retired. Once you live near the

published book, and I feel like I’m just getting

beach, the saltwater gets into your blood and

started,” she says.

you can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

She acknowledges that most of her readers—current and former Woodmonters—share

upon her own life is ever-present. The setting

her concerns about over-development. “Look at

“takes place in a town with long stretches of

the pictures in my book,” she proposes. “Which

beach on Long Island Sound…one very much

ones are better? The old or the new?”

inspired by Milford.”

The book is available at The Canvas Patch in downtown Milford, and through Amazon,

Woodmont Past & Present

BY KATHERINE KRAUSS MURPHY

Although her stories are set in “many real and imagined places,” Milford’s influence

Barnes & Noble, and Target online.

ONLY DARK EDGES

To learn more visit www.katielcarroll.com

Apprentice Academy: Sorcerers: The Unofficial Guide To The Magical Arts

BY HAL JOHNSON

BY KATIE L. CARROLL

ILLUSTRATED BY CATHRIN PETERSLUND

for her “very pretty, close-knit, fun, and a

Award-winning author Katie L. Carroll began

Johnson describes his newest release as “a

little eccentric” Woodmont neighborhood

writing after her 16-year-old sister Kylene

guidebook to a wizarding school as narrated

Katherine (Katie) Krauss Murphy’s love

served as her inspiration for both her books.

by an unscrupulous and frequently dishonest

While Woodmont on the Sound (2007) was a

reprobate. But it’s also a collection of tales

“postcard history,” Murphy’s latest book

about the great sorcerers of myth, legend,

compares Woodmont’s past with the pres-

and history. On one hand, readers will learn

ent. “Each page has an old black-and-white

all about Merlin, Circe, Faust, and a host of

image with a new color photo, so there is

others, and on the other hand, readers will

less writing and more of an emphasis on

learn how to cheat their way through wiz-

photography.”

arding school. I’ve always loved mythology

Throughout Murphy’s 30-year career with

and corralling all the great sorcerers of

Yale-New Haven Hospital’s marketing and

the ages into one book was irresistible to

communications team, she freelanced for area

someone like me.”

non-profits, businesses, and civic organizations.

Ultimately, the adage “write what you know”

50 Milford Living • Winter

It comes as no surprise to learn that Johnson, who lives with his wife and kids near

unconventional writing process which includes “bad influences that are really

A Hasty Marriage

BY JOAN WOLF

good,” Socrates, Game of Thrones, and

When Joan Wolf was growing up in the

finding time to write when “neither of my

Bronx, her parents traditionally took a

two kids are jumping on my head.”

summer house on Fort Trumbull Beach. So

While mostly “pitched at a middle-grade

when she and her husband were looking for a

audience,” Johnson tries to make his books

place to live, she had the answer. But before

“fun for ‘the olds’.” With luck, the end result is

settling down in Milford, she taught high

something everyone can enjoy.”

school English in her native Bronx, where one

“Buy my books so I don’t have to get a real

of her students was current Supreme Court

Fort Trumbull Beach, used to work in

job,” he pleads with readers. “I am so incompe-

a comic book store. A lucky connection there

tent at real jobs that it would be irresponsible

served as his sideways entrée into the publish-

for me to return to one! You’ll be doing the

the Milford Public Library after she became

ing industry. “I’ve kept hanging on with my

whole world a favor!”

a stay-at-home mom. She began by writing

desperate and terrified fingertips ever since,” he quips, offering a witty breakdown of his

Learn more at https://us.macmillan.com/ books/

Justice Sonia Sotomayor!

Wolf wrote her first books in longhand at

Regency-era romances, and then progressed to historical and pre-historical novels, historical

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book nook popularized by Netflix’s Bridgerton), Regency

here she was, walking down the aisle toward a

romances typically feature a dashing hero

man she scarcely knew and didn’t like.”

and fetching heroine falling in love against

“Romances are read by women and my

the excesses of high society during the British

historical novels are read by both sexes,” says

Regency period (1811-1820).

Wolf of her devoted readership. With 53 books

Case in point, the cover blurb for A Hasty Marriage: “The last thing Hugh, Earl of

day, only now it’s on a computer.” Her advice

Stanhope wanted to do was marry Lady Eileen

to other aspiring writers? “Get an agent!”

Fitzgerald. And the last thing Lady Eileen wanted to do was marry Lord Stanhope. Yet mysteries, contemporary romances, and biblical fiction.

For her latest book, Wolf has “returned to my first love, Regency romance.” For those unfamiliar with this subgenre (recently

to her credit, she still “writes for two hours a

Discover more at www.joanwolf.com.

—Cindy Papish Gerber

JUST RELEASED

Jamie Boss, a self-published author, shares stories of growing up in Milford in his memoir Short Stories of Growing up in Milford and Other Faraway Places. Available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback.

MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM

All programs are "hands on" with artifacts/objects being shown as the history is talked about.

BIRD IDENTIFICATION: using bird charts, mounts, field guides

Woodbridge, CT 06525 jpfryer@gmail.com

Joe Fryer A.C.E. Entomologist / Owner

203.843.5083

Unmatched experience & expertise at every service.

NATIVE AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY, CULTURE: Milford focus/Milford artifacts/baskets/war clubs, etc.

MARINE BIOLOGY: Focus on large marine mollusks American history artifact programs: farm tools, woodworking tools, Currier and Ives prints, early American lighting, stoneware, Revolutionary War, Civil War, old books, and much more.

Birthday parties, club programs, and school groups are who we visit: we travel with artifacts call 203-874-4000 or 203-988-0918 for more information.

milfordmarineinstitute.org

Milford!

Solving life's challenges with energy healings 52 Milford Living • Winter

expressions

Ducks on Ice! A raft of hens and drakes “skate” about the ice along the Wepawaug River. An entertaining sight and a delight for anyone who sees them…it just makes you smile.

By Cathy Liete

2024 • Milford Living 53

[2]

milford’s attic

[4]

[1]

A STITCH IN TIME

The chill of winter winds makes this a good time to wrap up with a quilt and enjoy time by a warm fireplace. If you made the quilt yourself, be sure to keep it. That’s just what your ancestors did. The Milford Historical Society is the grateful recipient of many quilts from the 1800s.

[1] This quilt of multiple fabrics and stitches was made in 1890 by Mary Belle Clark, the great aunt of Sally Stowe Clemence and Joan Stowe. It’s 134 years old, and thanks to gentle use and proper storage over more than a century, it retains its rich colors.

[2] The green quilt, also made by Mary Belle Clark, dates to 1910.

[3] “Winston’s Folly” is a mosaic pattern quilt top from the late 1800s. It’s made up of 4,725 pieces over paper patterns.

54 Milford Living • Winter

[3]

This was pieced by Mrs. Robert Winston, who did not live to complete it. The claret fabric dates the quilt to the late 1800s. Many other fabrics used, however, date as far back as the 1830s.

[4] This “Dresden Plate” patterned quilt was rendered in colorful, pastel calico fabrics to look like the elegantly decorative china that was made near Dresden, Germany starting in 1710.

This quilt has a fine plain-weave white muslin background.

(Stowe sisters) If you have a treasured family quilt, the best way to store it is in an acid-free box. Find a storage spot out of the sun and away from any dampness.

—Marilyn May Photographer: Maryalice Manning

greetings from milford

A Restful Place

ne can’t help but wonder what sent Emma to seek treatment at The Peck Sanatorium that May of 1915. Advertisements of the time name the Woodmont facility “a quiet home for rest and recuperation and for the treatment of nervous and constitutional diseases.” Was Emma suffering—in the parlance of the day—from hysteria, a wildly broad catchall term concerning women’s health the encompassed everything from exhaustion to post-partem depression? The Sanitorium offered “elaborate equipment” and “expert operators for electrotherapeutic, hydrotherapeutic, phototherapeutic, and thermotherapeutic” treatments. Emma extended her stay for an additional week with the fervent hope that she would be “quiet herself” by the time she returned home. Here’s hoping she was.

—Ann McGuire

CHANGE IS GOOD! I'VE JOINED LAMACCHIA REALTY a full-service value-based brokerage

KATHY DATTILO

REALTOR®

(203-494-9611 kdattilo@LAMACCHIAREALTY.COM 2024 • Milford Living 55

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where is it?

Know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Enter for a chance to win a Milford Living subscription.

Want to win a Milford Living Subscription?

Send your answer (along with your name and address) to: suzanne@milfordliving.com Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.

Answer to last issue’s quiz: The facade at 9 River Street features a balcony with decorative stars.

56 Milford Living • Winter

Spring is just around the corner!

We are Officially open the end of April for our spring season! We are Open 9am-5pm seven days a week, we have a huge selection of Annuals, perennials, Veggie starter plants, Shrubbery and so much more!

Follow us @FilanowskiFarms

389 Wheelers Farm Rd, Milford CT | 203.874.5094 or 203-878-7746