Milford's 8th Annual Lamp Light Stroll Tonight

The Downtown Milford Busness Association is launching its Eighth annual Lamp Light Stroll this Weekend. The event will commence tonight Friday December 4th from 5pm - 9pm and Saturday, December 5th, 10 - 5pm.

As part of this ongoing tradition participants will visit 30 participating stores. Each person who enlists in the program will recieve a passport that you will get stamped.

Once the passport is complete, fill out the back of the passport and leave it at any of the participating shops to be eligible to win one of four baskets filled with downtown Milford surprises, treats, treasures and gift cards!

The event will also have fun family activities including:

* Horse and Carriage rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:30 to 8:30pm around the green.

* The Yuletide Carolers will be strolling and caroling around downtown.

* Watch for the Town Crier who will be announcing store specials and events!

* Cornerstone Christian Church Choir will be performing on the steps of Milford Photo during the hours of 5:30 to 8:30pm

To visit the official event website CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL INVITATION

Fall Approaches In Milford

Hard to believe but the kids are back in school and summer is over. Time certainly appears to fly by, and as the coming months arrive so will the splendid beauty of all that fall brings to our great community.

Every fall Milford becomes a mecca of student activity, some from nearby ST. Mary's Catholic School, others from nearby public schools but none are more interesting than the the girls in uniform from Laurelton Hall.

These girls, often seen shopping downtown and dressed in their navy blue and white garb, add a very special relief to the backdrop of our community. Uniforms are special to me because when I was a boy, and in my early years of life, the Public schools of Italy required that I wear a uniform with an emblem patch of the city of Perugia on the front pocket. These uniforms were affectionately known as our "grembulino's"

Since that time I attended public schools in Middle school and High School, and also the New York Military Academy in Cornwall New York. Personally I can see that Milford has much of the same elements of Cornwall N.Y., such as great places to go hiking, lots of water based fun on the Long Island Sound, and some of the best open space in the county.

One special place Eisenhower Park, is not only an attraction for its splendid fall beauty in the coming months, but a unique location that attracts people from many other towns who do not have the blessing of such wonderful recreational and scenic landscapes and facilities.

Eisenhower Park is a nice place to go garden, fishing, horse back riding, walk your dog, exercise, play Golf or Tennis, pic-nic or fly a model airplane. Each year the town also puts on several outdoor events there such as the Fireman's muster. There is also an open air ampi-theater for public seating and entertainment during these events.

This fall is expected to be especially great, because of the on-going improvements to the Milford waterfront that will soon include the longest boardwalk in the state of Connecticut. This boardwalk will connect the local fledgling shopping district of Walnut Beach to the splendor of Silver Sands State Park.

Anyone wishing to enjoy a "Staycation" as our Governor has "dubbed it" should consider Milford this fall. The local Chamber of Commerce (and Milford's Many great water front restaurants) and the downtown business community has deployed a new program to make your future visit as comfortable, exciting, and enjoyable as possible.

Beatle Mania Comes To Milford

A group of New Haven musicians will perform the entire Beatles catalog in alphabetical order - from "A Day in the Life" to "You Really Got a Hold On Me" - for five nights next month at Daniel Street.

The band first took on this challenge last summer, and the crowd support has inspired them to do it all over again. For many fans young and old, this is the special event of the summer.

The success of last year's endeavor also gained the band a coveted spot at the BEAT Expo later this year, which is the massive Beatles convention that will be coming to Connecticut in November.

"It's really just celebrating everything that they've given us," said guitarist Tim Palmieri, of the band The Breakfast. "I absolutely feel all of these songs from the inside to the out."

The group – which features Palmieri on lead guitar, Breakfast drummer Adrian Tramontano, former Breakfast bassist Ron Spears and frequent collaborator Sean Miller on mandolin – will take over Daniel Street each Sunday in August to accomplish the feat. Special guests will join the band throughout the month.

Even Beatles tracks that never made it onto a Beatles album – such as "Not Guilty" by George Harrison and "Come and Get It" by Paul McCartney – will not be overlooked. "It's a challenge both musically and vocally," Miller says of the endeavor, "but we are fortunate that together we share a vast knowledge of the music."

Event Details:

The Beatles A-Z; performed by Tim Palmieri, Adrian Tramontano, Sean Miller and Ron Spears Every Sunday in August: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Daniel Street, located at 21 Daniel St., Milford, Conn., 203-877-4446
Tickets $7 in advance; $10 at the door; 21+, children allowed with guardian
Doors at 5 p.m., Beatles A to Z at 6 p.m.

Contact Tim Palmieri at 203-464-6320 or Sean Miller at 203-915-9916 for more information.

By Helen Bennett Harvey Original Post

Independents Day Meet And Greet On Lexington Green

The shot heard around the world, and the start of the American Revolution in 1775 began at Lexington Green in Massachusetts. In like manner, and to celebrate that monumental event, the Newly formed Independent Party will be at Lexington Green in Milford for a "Meet and Greet" and celebration of our Republics Independence from the aggression and tyranny imposed by foreign monarchs.

The meet and greet is set for July 18Th, 2009 and is open to all friendly voters, and their children, who live in Milford. Refreshments and appetisers will be served, and the event will commence promptly at 4:00P.M. and will conclude at 8:00 P.M. feel free to drop by at your leisure between those hours.

The address is 44 Lexington Way N. here in Milford. To RSVP or to request directions call (203) 247-4357, or (203) 247-7933.

Officially there is no charge for this event, but attendees are encouraged to support the Independent Party by making donations. Acceptable donations are between $5.00 and $100.00. If anyone wishes to donate more please let the MC at the event know and proper paperwork will be made available. Donations can be made by cash, or check only no credit or debit cards.

We look forward to seeing you there the Saturday of this event. To e-mail any questions you have do so at frank@mycomputerfox.com.

To see photos of the Mass. Original Lexington Green Click HERE

Milford's Boardwalk Project Suspended Indefinitely

The long-delayed boardwalk to connect Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach has been indefinitely suspended, state officials said Monday.

About $1.5 million for the roughly $2 million project had been approved by the state Bond Commission, according to city officials.

But the work never made it past the planning stage before being suspended by the state departments of Environmental Protection and Public Works in the latest round of cost-saving measures.

At this point, due to budgetary constraints on the two agencies, work on the proposed boardwalk has been indefinitely suspended,” DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said in an e-mail message.

The news was a shock to city officials Monday, who were last told construction would occur in autumn.

“This really comes as a surprise,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. “They gave us no clue that they were considering this. I have not heard anything more since months ago, when it was a go.”

The project has been mired in years of delays with repeated announcements that funding had been secured and work was about to begin, only to have a projected start date pushed back.

About a year ago, the project was delayed when piping plovers were found nesting where the boardwalk was proposed to be built.

Plans were altered to avoid the federally and state protected species of birds, but in the meantime the economy turned sour and the plans for the boardwalk were put on hold by the DPW and DEP.

“Money was approved for this project, but before any action was taken with regards with the funds that were allocated, a decision has been made to suspend the project,” said Kevin Kopetz, managing attorney for the DPW.

“We began, unfortunately, to experience the economic circumstance that everyone is aware of.”

The latest news was frustrating to Walnut Beach Association President Joe Garbus, who has long worked to revitalize the Walnut Beach area.

The boardwalk was expected to draw foot traffic to Walnut Beach to breathe new life into the businesses in the area.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” he said. “They made a plan, made a second plan for the piping plovers and each time we were told the money was in hand. It was OK then, but we wait a year and now we can’t continue with the project? I don’t think it’s fair.”

Kopetz said there is a chance the project will be revisited if the state’s fiscal situation improves.

By James Tinley, Register Staff

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED HERE

Walnut Beach Festival On Schedule

On Sunday August 2Nd. From 10A.M. to 5.00P.M the 2009 Walnut Beach Festival is set to kick off. The event will feature entertainment for all ages. Guests can expect to find Live Music, A Race for Runners, Lots of Vendors, Free Demonstrations and plenty of Food.

This year kids will also enjoy an expanded Area Featuring MURAL PAINTING, SAND SCULPTURE, BOOK READING, arts and Crafts, Story Telling and More!

To locate this event, take exit 34 off I-95 and follow the signs to to the approved parking areas. Event Center is at the Corner of Viscount and Broadway in Milford.

The photo above is from last years event at the beach. Photo depicts a competitor at the sand sculpting contest.

For More information visit the official Walnut Beach Festival Website at: http://www.walnutbeachfestival.com

Annual Milford Muster Is Set For June 27.

The Milford Volunteers Ancient Fife & Drum Corps will hold its Annual Milford Muster on June 27.

A short parade will start at 1 p.m. at the Milford Senior Center on Jepson Drive. Fife and drum corps from throughout New England and New York will march across High Street, down Darina Place onto River Street, and continue to the Green.

Units will muster immediately after the parade at Eisenhower Park on North Street and perform. Vendors and demonstrations will be included.

For more information, call Pattie Deer at 878-0360 or visit milford.fifdrum.org.

Milford Celebrates Captain Kid Day

June 13, 2009 10am to 5 pm rain or shine the event kicked off at Lisman Landing at Milford Harbor. Many youngsters were waiting for the arrival of the infamous Captain Kidd and his crew aboard the schooner, Quinnipiack at 10 AM this morning.

For over 300 years people of all ages have searched for Captain Kidd's treasure, some even believe it is buried right off Milford's coast on nearby Charles Island. On this day June 13Th, folks - young and old - from all over CT, came to discover that the treasure really is right here in Milford. That treasure, however metaphoric, is the smiles and joy this events brings to little pirate farers form all over.

The celebration of Captain Kidd and our local history is sponsored by the Downtown Milford Business Association of which boasts the state's best and largest scavenger hunt.

Participants were instructed to pick up a map and a booty bag and were directed to start following the clues. Those good at treasure hunting discovered the free treasure that has been "hidden" in local Milford businesses.

This event is Sponsored by The Milford Bank, Stonebridge Restaurant, 7 Seas Restaurant and participating DMBA member businesses.

For more information about future events email: lisacsb@gmail.com - 203-874-0115
The Official website is : http://www.downtownmilfordct.com/piratefestival.htm

Milford Irish Festival A Huge Success

The 2008 Irish festival was a huge success several thousand people attended from all over the state and there was plenty to do when they got there.

This years Irish festival held at the pavilion behind the town library boasted a very inexpensive $9.00 admission, but unlike Oktoberfest food and beverages were non inclusive of the admission fee. There were many vendors from different parts of the state each offering their own Irish flare. This was either green hats, shamrocks, music and costume entertainment, beer, or imported novelties.

The Irish festival was the third one thus far since the tradition stated in 2005 by the Irish Preservation Society. Proceeds from this event are used for several charitable events and to fund the operations of the group. This years festival was said to be much larger than last years and the leaders behind the organizing of it are looking forward to its continued growth into 2009.

This event will also be on Milford Government Access Television as the local cameraman was there to film the event. Anyone who is interested in exactly what goes on there but was unable to attend can tune into our local television channel and get a glimpse of all the action.

My Dog Loves Eisenhower Park

Eisenhower park has to be the most pet friendly place in Milford, my dog a Yellow Lab puppy absolutely loves Eisenhower Park. There are plenty of open fields, streams, and trails and no shortage of free parking spots. The park is also set back from the main road enough where there is little concern over pets wandering into the street.

When I had gone online I also found some great websites where people can make pet dates. These are people who have dogs that get along and enjoy each others company, the website allows people to connect so that they can arrange times pets and their owners can meet. The website is: www.pawspot.com

The park is also full of fun athletic activities including a strip for Radio controlled Airplanes and Cars, paddle ball, golf, tennis courts, exercise courses, public gardens, and an outdoor theater with bleachers. The park also had a public swimming hole now closed, that still bears the memory of a sandy beach and a pavilion.

There is quite a bit to do for anyone who loves the outdoors, or just wants to bring their pet out for some fun social activities. One thing that I must reveal however, is that I have a father and a brother both of which whom are Veterinarians, my brother is not in Connecticut but my father has owned and operated the Westport Animal Hospital for the last 20 years. This experience, I must confess makes me guilty of really loving animals and motivates me to share my interest in fun pet stuff.

My new puppy Bella, like the dog above, was born last August, she loves to play fetch, go hiking, swim in streams and puddles and never misses an opportunity to show her love to anyone that is willing to give her attention.

Always Look At The Bright Side Of Life

As the local economy unravels and our elected leaders struggle to find new ways to deal with the surging food and energy costs that are resulting in cutbacks all over town, I thought today I would spread a little cheer to distract us from our personal woes.

The sad news is that we may not have the Oyster festival this year, or some other creature comforts that once existed in town. The good news is that at least we have those priceless things that we often take for granted, like our friends and families.

Hopefully this Mothers day was a reminder of the importance of family and loved ones, the very things that I deem priceless and above any and all material stuff that can get us stressed out. For those parents who are fortunate enough to have extra time on their hands, you should take the opportunity this summer to connect with your children and family. Create those strong bonds and give many great heartfelt lessons to your kids, it will make them proud of themselves.

This mothers day I learned that if we take the time to teach our kids about caring for not only other family members, but themselves they will take more pride in who they are and consequentially feel more content with their lives. I learn as much from my kids growing as I do trying to teach them lifes little lessons. Never in my life could I imagine missing out on parenthood.

Maintaining strong family unity in the wake of terrible odds today, is what I found is the best thing we can do to make our town and people a happier place. Milford has a respect program, and that is a great start, but ultimately the love and devotion a parent gives their children and vice-versa is what makes our kids respectful. Programs and respect starts at home.

Loving our children, and acknowledging them with a kiss goodnight at bedtime, a night time story, and lots of hugs and good guidance about important issues is the surest way of helping them not repeat the mistakes us grownups have made. Today's post is about always looking at the bright side of life, and there is nothing brighter than putting your family first.